House Ordos

Crest: Or two bones white per saltire,
in dexter chief entwined with ivy vert.


Planet: Novara (npc planet): Tallinovo
Capital: Inari Capital: Vedesava
City : Ivalo Population: 2.4 billion

Population: 3.1 billion
Distribution: Urban: 53%
Transhumanent: 26%
Rural: 21%
Size:
Equatorial diameter: 8,001 mi
Equatorial circumference: 24,989 mi
Polar diameter: 7,950 mi
Polar circumference: 24,910 mi

Shape: Triaxial ellipsoid

Mass: 6.2 x 10(21) tons

Surface:
Area: 232,000,000 mi(2)
Oceans: 76.2%
Continents: 23.8% (most locked in polar ice)
Highest Pt: Talsi Ridge 27,060' (est)
Lowest Pt: Dvinskaya Trench 37,002'

Distance from Sun: 93,022,600 mi

Rotation time: 27 hours

Revolution time: 382 days

Age: unknown

Land/Terrain:
Primary continent: NW coast - Tiagaous and rocky coast line
Northern Plain - Ice-locked and tundra
NE coast/E coast - Tiagaous and rocky coast line
Central Plains, N - Tiagaous forest
Central Plains, C (1-3) - High mountain range
Central Plains, S - Deep coniferous forest/river valleys
W coast - Rocky/intermidant bays and river deltas
S coast (NSC) - Rolling highlands and river valleys
S coast (OSE) - Rocky coast line and river bays
Secondary continent: Southern polar ice-cap
Tertiary land masses: E hemisphere - Southern scattering of islands and atols

Society...

The Novaran society is the result of seven centuries of focussed cultural
developement. The central idea behind this undertaking is the theory that
a society can be developed, towards specific ends, through the management
and manipulation of the factors in the cultural determinism theory. In
specific, the original ideal of the Novaran settlers was to develop
themselves, through the use of selected axioms and tenets of law ingrained in
education and societal functions, into a culture focussed on a peaceful
existance. This was to be achieved by ingraining the need to survive as a
conglomerate cultural unit without disrupting (but rather harnessing) varying
cultural heritages, and through impressing a desire to resolve conflicts
through negotiation. It is unfortunate to say that the originators of this grand
scheme would be grossly disappointed with the result. The Novarans as a
whole are very pessimistic about the idea of peace, and are far from being
a peaceful culture.

Novarans as a whole (and House Ordos in specific) have, after a manner,
achieved at least part of the original ideals set.

-As a whole Novarans are united in their desire to survive as a planetary
culture and economic unity. This is achieved through the effort of harnessing
each of the four predominate sub-societies' strengths and the effort to
counter-balance each of these four sub-societies' weaknesses. This has caused
the differences between each separate society to become more pronounced, but
has also catered to a natural form of interdependance.

-Novarans have as a whole tended to treat negotiational skill as a very
desireable trait, and have nurtured this skill to extremely high levels (it has
become an art as well as a competitive recreation). Unfortunatly the Novarans
do not see diplomacy or negotiation as an alternative to conflict, but merely
as a resource.

A.Novaran merchants have been generally categorized as excruciatingly
resourceful salesmen, and wickedly efficient hagglers and are usually
welcomed in most market-type economic environments due to their skill
and standard of unwarranted honesty(?) (and are still able to make
outrageous deals inspite (or because?) of this characteristic).

B.Novaran diplomats have tended to be the most efficient in their field.
It has been said of the House Ordos' diplomatic corps that, "They by
nature, twist unacceptable truth into acceptable duplicity."

-Novarans have, in finality, become highly attached as a society to four
axioms which have, without any shadow of a doubt, been ingrained in all
forms of education, societal functions and morays, and have almost become
tenets of law in themselves. (As a supplemenatary note, the general Novaran
tenets of law also incorporate these axioms, and these Axioms and Tenets of
Law have almost (and probably would if not for Bene Gesserit intervention)
taken on religious proportions). These axioms stand as thus:

A. Fidelity
B. Efficiency
C. Decisiveness
D. Initiative

A Novaran can (and does) measure him or herself against these axioms, and
believe that the manifestation of these characteristics in their lives will
lead them to the Novaran version of success.

As a result of the adaptable 'rigidity' of the Novaran society it is best
comparable to a mixture of the ancient Roman and 18th century Mercantilism as
societies.

Education: Beginning at early ages, children on Novara are taught, mainly from
necessity, survival skills and mastery of the Ice. Economics, history, and
debate/communication are the three most focused areas of study. As well as
education in the academia, children of higher status are introduced into the
Novaran School of Assassination and Explosives (NSAE). The NSAE provides
training in all areas of assassination and has a separate school for the make,
manipulation, recognition, and use of explosives of all natures--from
recreational fireworks to larger scale military explosives.

Recreation: Novaran's engage in athletic events with a passion. The Hunt, is
the most distinguished of Novaran sport, for it includes a rigorous exhibition
of strength, stamina, patience, and inner character. One must endure the harsh
cold and ice, over mountains, and whatever else may lie between him/her and that
which is sought. Other sports include sledding, hockey (variation, but same
principle), and sailing to offer examples. Artistic expression is highly
noted, yet only in the two main cities and especially around the royal palace.
Sculptures, frescoes, paintings, and statues highlight the artistry. Song and
dance flourish, when time and date accommodate, around the capital. Outside the
main cities exist very little in recreation, for survival is the concern.

Economic Life...

The planetary restrictions necessitate the expertise of merchantilism. With
strategic metals, natural nitrates, coal, petroleum, and lumber the only main
raw materials found on Novara, trading is obvious. The primary resource Novara
has to offer is the massive amounts of hydro-electric power produced by the
damming of the primary continents southern rivers. This power is harnessed to
power the abundant factories, production plants, and refineries located in the
cities along the southern coast.

It must be noted that many other houses bring their raw materials
for preliminary processing and final production of parts to Novara. Also,
there exists very limited amounts of food, noting much starvation in the bad
seasons if it weren't for the merchantilistic mentality and the planet of
Tallinovo's food production capability. As for production level, the Novarans
are well adapted to the domestic botany; ointments, ritual drugs, perfumes, and
herbs being the main interest.

Markets are explosives, finished components for the products of other Houses,
refined chemicals, strategic metals, coal, petrolium products, and lumber
products. Also, less in nature, are perfumes, herbs, and ointments and the
mining intricate stones. Added to this is a fairly limited drug market. But all
in all, trade and manipulative business ways are the chief supporters of the
people.

Natural Resouces: Novara has many fur-bearing animals (much like marmots,
squirrels, and foxes of Earth) and the fur industry is an important
source of income in some areas. Fishing in the southern lakes and rivers
has undergone considerable development.

Despite rich mineral deposits, mining is still limited in most areas
except that of strategic metals. Mining for metals plays an important
role on Novara. Coal and petroleum fair pretty well. Oil production
ended in 10104 AG. Novara is a major producer of flourspar, used in
steelmaking and in making industrial acid. Production of flourspar is
widespread, most all of which is exported off planet. There exists an
abundance of copper and molybdenum, as well as raw materials for the
construction industy. Mining of precious stones is with utmost effort,
but for sacred meanings versus economic ones (They are used
economically, but very rarely). Some of these stones we have learned
to manufacture, or grow their crystals, but items such as amber are
very rare and very expensive. The expertise of shrewd businessmen
allows the economy high prosperity in an otherwise dim economy.

Botany plays an economic roll for Novarans as well. Used mainly as
ritualistic and spiritual guides, the native plants are also exported
as another source of income.

Industry: Novaran industry was originally based almost exclusively on the
country's livestock. The main products were felt, leather products,
and various cloth. Many new factories were built after 6970 AG.
Following this, industry contributed about one third of the national
product, as compared with only 17 percent prior. Heavy industry's
share of industrial output increased as well, yet remains almost
unnoticed.

Large hydro-electric powered factories allow for the rapid cheap
production of many consumer goods. 'Protective fabrics', vehicle parts
(not necessarily vehicles), weapon parts (not necessarily full
weapons), etc.

Commerce: About 72 percent of Novara's economic activity is in trade. Being
such, Novarans are excellent merchantilists. The planet's main exports
are explosives, refined goods, live animals, hides, animal byproducts,
and metal ores. Also, many plant products (oitments, perfumes, herbs,
ritual drugs) and a hint of precious stones and gems. Imports consist
chiefly of machinery and consumer goods. With the necessity of, thus
consequently expertise of, merchanitilism, Novara's imports regularly
cost less than its exports earn.

Herding: Nomadism and animal herding have been central facts in Novaran life,
and while nomadism has progressively diminished since the days prior
the industrial revolution, herding is still a Novaran important economic
activity. After intermediate steps (including formation of herdsmen's
cooperatives), a form of collectivization was evolved, in that the
territory of each collective is also an administrative region.
Collectivization is accepted, but with families often owning privately
20 to 30 heard of stock.

The livestock population includes mainly animals resembling sheep,
goats, cariboo, and cattle.

Agriculture: Agriculture plays a minor role in Novaran economic life. Due
to the icy, cold, and wet environment of the planet, Novara actually
has a deficiency in agricultural needs, again contributing to the trade
nature of the people. Most cultivated land is in large state farms
employing machinery. The rest is farmed by private herdsmen. An
important part of Novaran agriculture is the production of hay and
fodder for livestock feed.

Transportation: Transportation long has depended on sleds, sleighs, and
feet. Graduallly automobile routes, mostly unpaved, were built
to provincial centers. One rail is in operation, very new to the
planet. Even with the technological advanced rail and autos, the most
prestigous way to travel is via sleigh. (Ornithopters are present for
the very rich - only the house head and family, along with a very
select few.)

Government...

The Novaran government can be classified under the standard category of an
oligarchy, manifested in the form of the Landsraad House of Ordos. This Novaran
government, due to the nature of the society it exists in, is very concerned
with/and in involved in the welfare of its people (almost a nobilesse
obligette, except with people existing as tools to be maintained instead of
people to be cared for). Through political and economic manipulation,
espionage, and secretive military operations, House Ordos controls the people
effectively with the Novaran people's perception of security and prosperity.

Three classes of citizen exist on Novara.

Viorykka (or patrician)= This class of citizen includes the members of House
Ordos, those directly in House service, the Council
of Ministers, and the Council of Regents.

De Trossa (or Middle class)= This includes the wealthy of Novara, the Title
Land owners, and those in the military.

Et Trosse (or Plebians)= This includes all those not included above.

minor issues), and the election of representation.

The De Trossa and Viorykka can vote on economic, legal, and political issues.

The De Trossa have the sole right to elect the Viorykka, and the Viorykka vote
the Council of Regents into or out of Power.

A. The Council of Regents has the purpose of standing as the representational
government body reflecting each regions needs and desires.
(ie. see 20th Century United States of America Congressional Body)

B. The Council of House Ministers has the purpose of standing as the advisory
and decisions enabling body to the House leadership. Chosen by the House
Head. (ie. see 20th Century Soviet Secretariatships)

Breakdown of power:
House Head
Chief of Staff (in matters of war, falls to number 3)
Warmaster (in matters of war, becomes number 2)
other ranked House members
Council of Regents

A system of checks and balances are implemented in all positions. Yet this
system comprises of an intricate design of secrecy and spying. A bit of
understood and accepted fear reside in the ranks. "Image" is important
to the House, thus the continuous manipulations to present an image of complete
stability is a primary concern (ie. an action that might threaten or damage
the image of complete stability would incure punishment).

Military...

The Ordos military has two parts.
I. The Regular Standing Army
A. This is the Landsraad soldiers and elite alotted to House Ordos

i.Two active elite units (TOADS)
a. The WeissWeg Hussars (Northern Wastes)
b. The White Guard (E'Shahi palace-Novara)
ii.One inactive elite unit (TOADS)
c. The Graenlaess Dragoons (Dvinaska Plains)
II. The Novaran militia
B. Semi-trained para-military groups based in each enclave and
supplied by each enclave. They fall under the command of the
Chief Maennersgaol (often not willingly)

Maennersgaol...
(Gaol=Teacher/Protector, Maenner= Of the people)

Maennergaol is a bondsguard.
Definition= A maennersgaol fills the role of the Knight in the middle-ages.
They are essentially Warrior/assasin/monks focussed on the
continued viability of the Novaran people--(thru the protection of
assets) They often act as 'intercessors' to protect the Novarans.
<>
A. All Maennergaol swear an oath to protect the Novaran people
i. The oath usually entails assignment to certain assets
(ie. a specific enclave or set of enclaves, an area or point
(ie. a building or dam), or a person or set of people)
ii. As a maennersgaol progresses in rank so does his responsibility
for Novaran assets (until the top---where the Maennersgaol-Teshaan
or Chief Maennersgaol/Maennersgaol of the people is RESPONSIBLE
for ALL Novaran assets)
B. Maennersgaol swear fealty to senior maennersgaol who swear fealty to
High Maennersgaol who swear fealty to the Chief maennersgaol who
swears fealty to BOTH the Heptel E'mosh(cultural leader) and
Heptel E'shahi (political leader)
I.There are three Ranks of Maennergaol:
1.Maennersgaol-da-Viroykka (High Maennersgaol(nobles)-around 20 in number)
2.Maennersgaol-eshan (or Senior Maennergaol-15 in number.)
(Can be of common birth)
3.Maennersgaol (200 in number)(usually young nobles or
promising warriors of common birth)
i. All Maennersgaol take yearly pilgrimages to the
Northern wastes, to sit amongst the Elders and meditate.
(The Elders being dead Maennersgaol. Maennersgaol aren't
buried. Their bodies are left to freeze solid in the open
on high carved platforms of stone -prevents scavengers-)
II. There are three classes (or jobs) of Maennersgaol
A. Negon (the hand ) =Assasin
B. Deshtal(the will )=Warrior
C. Sheshan (protector=Warrior+Assasin
III. History of the Maennersgaol
*Tushan the Gaols-The First Maennersgaol
(Tushan was a holy man who taught the people of the cracking ice how to make
war upon those that would attack them. Tushan returned from the ice to lead
his people to Novara to make a new Home (Tushan led the mercenaries who were
sent to subjugate the original settlers---instead they took the planet for
themselves.)
IV. Maennersgaol act as leaders in the military
A. Junior Maennersgaol act as junior leaders in Elite units
(ie. NCO's, etc.)
B. Senior Maennersgaol Act as Brigade commanders in time of War,
and inspector/instructors in time of peace.
-This has not been the historical position of maennergaol,
in the past maennersgaol kept Novara out of war...
... mostly due to an agreement in 9132 w/Emporer Fredhrick the
XVII--Delineated as: The Maennergaol would keep Novara peaceful
in the future if the Emporer let the MG subdue the present (and
in truth MG manufactured) rebellion instead of raizing the
planet with Sarduakar.
V. Special Weapons and tactics
A. Maennersgaol Sheshan and Negon have historically proven to be
snipers of great repute and due to the nature of hunting conditions
on Novara, they receive much practice (ie. RL Eskimo's)

History...

The history of House Ordos is clouted with mystery and superstition. If fact,
the house can be traced back to the dissolution of the Pan-Islamic League and
the settlement of Novara by a Persian successionist enclave. This group made
an effort to settle on Novara under the pretense of starting a corporate
colony. This was facilitated by the sponsorship of the colonization effort
by the major manufacturing group, Rossannan Enterprises. This unstable
marriage of religious idealism seeking freedom and rampant capitolism seeking
cheap labor eventually failed. Many Novarans wished to return to their
ancestrial lands while others simply sought to settle the warmer climates on
Novara. Rossannan group desired most settlements to be on the more polar
regions where the richer geology provided greater mining opportunities.
Novarans presented a plan the provided temporary settlements on the warmer
lands and provided adequate infrastructure offering transportation to and
from polar mining facilities. Rossannan rejected the plan, for it infringed
on their profit margin. Upon receipt of this rejection, the Novarans rebelled
and seized, by force, all Rossannan assits and infrastructure on Novara. The
Rossannan group responded by hiring a Nordic mercenary unit to occupy and
recapture their previously controlled assets. This group, after a prolonged
battle, achieved its mission but did not return Rossannan assets to
Rossannan control. Instead this mercenary group decided to form an
independant state on Novara...eventually leading to the establishment of
House Ordos.

Outline form of history:
I. First rebellion
A. From labor camp to colony world
B. Facilitated by Mercenaries sent originally to supress
II. Second Rebellion
A. Against outside political influence
B. Maennersgaol intercession
C. Beginning of present House Ordos
III. First Invasion
A. Pardee and allies (raid)
IV. Pardee WOA w/Harkonnen
Performed by Mercenaries of which a few were Novaran
A. Harkonnen (ties)
IV. Third Rebellion
(Over right of self-rule and separation from Empire)
A. Emporer (Fredhrick XVII)almost sends Sarduakar
B. Maennersgaol solution- 'Let us handle it'
V. Re-surfacing of the Heptel E'mosh as a position of power
(Rooted historically to the Old Earth Catholic Pope, The E'Mosh
is more of a God-Father like figure. He owns at least one third
of all of the Ordos distrubution system assets and an unumerable
amount of frigate-lander transport ships (usually rented at
minimal charge to 'men-of-skill' (Smugglers)))
A. Heptel E'mosh- Keshordothor changes the contract
in order to defend the assets of the Novaran's
VI. Ginaz-Moritani participation
A. Passive participants on Moritani's behalf with assistance in
assassination training, tactics, and assassinations themselves.
(level of 'help' is very secret and unknown)