Straidokh

## Overview

**Straidokh**, the fourth house, began as a scattering of military commanders and warlords who, through much intermarrying, just adopted a tribal, and subsequent House name. Straidokh is the largest House, and generally less concerned with "blood purity" than the other 8 houses despite their origins. As a result, they have impressive military might especially in numbers and foot soldiers, but few of the older families will marry their firstborns into this House. All intelligent life living in Straidokh ruled territories must complete five mandatory years in service to their local militias. The crest is two long blades crossed facing downwards and encircled in a red thread around the middle.

### **Head of House**

Bwen Da djuu Straidokh, older male originally from a farming town northeast of Shaun. He has a work history of being lead accountant of his corporate far, and he bought a position into the House as soon as he saved enough funds. With security from Straidokh, he was able to pour more funds into his business and become a partner. Now, as Head of House, he performs most business negotiations and has the final say in large purchases.

### **Economy**

#### Primary Exports

Most of Straidokh exports agricultural and livestock, and they own a vast amount of land on Fos and land just outside of Shaun. They also ship out raw materials for textiles, and even have a couple bases for growing wood on Mauth which is also profitable.

#### Other Exports

Straidokh is a transient House for those looking to grow their careers and empires, and as such exports many mid-tier professionals who enjoy the financial assistance of this merchant and military house. Due to their required military service, it's not uncommon for them to export mercenaries and private guards to celebrities and high profile political figures. The House has investments in a few asteroid mining companies, but not enough for it to be considered substantial.

### **Politics**

#### House Alliances

Straidokh has a long history with Daelek, and often supports most of their economic moves publicly. Daelek actively contracts out Straidokh to protect its assets, significantly more than any other House. House Lonshir will occasionally purchase slaves or prisoners from them. There is some rivalry between Straidokh and Kaknon over some land borders occasionally, but Kaknon is the second largest "customer" of Straidokh soldiers. Dronshaun is the only House with any blatant dislike of Straidokh, and that is mostly due to their acceptance of any citizen into the Straidokh House.

#### Current Conflicts

There are some minor disagreements on a few asteroids for mining, and there's always a few contract based arguments with other businesses, but the most recent expedition House Straidokh has taken part in is the Second Expansion Wars. They've exported many trained grunts to the front lines who excel in guerrilla warfare versus pirates. They also develop intelligent and experienced officers to contract under other Houses fighting for properly policed airspace. Or normal space.

#### Religious Incorporation

All members of this house must adopt a patron saint of war and visit an approved shrine or temple on a "monthly" basis. Devout worship isn't required, and there isn't a strict moral code per se, but there are definitely some devout officers amongst the ranks. Worship of a saint of war - usually past legendary heroes of battles - can include war chants, songs and hymns, ceremonial garb, or rarely some nutritional sacrifice. Saint of War Pli d'Ju'd is the most popular amongst Straidokh. He is alleged to have lived during the early third era - the era of the warring clans - where he conquered the deserts and crumbled the mountains in his desire for unity and power.

### **Governance**

#### Law and Enforcement

Major Laws:

1. No unprovoked murder.
2. Theft and robbery can be punished on-site.
3. All advanced weapons must be registered in the Straidokh database.
4. Off-world imports must be processed through an approved customs port.
5. All Kurian offspring must be registered to their House or under House protection.
6. Children are entitled to basic education provided by the House-owned State.
7. Taxes are collected bi-annually.
8. Land belongs the House. It is not privately owned.
9. Housing is an innate right. Housing is provided to those on Straidokh owned property.
10. A patron saint of war must be adopted by every adult under House protection.

The House of Straidokh does not have a police task force or a third-party, unbiased detective force. There are specially trained civilian guards for everyday necessities, such as patrolling heavy streets for law-breaking, and guarding government buildings. Guards have House authority to execute punishment on site. For example, if a guard witnesses a kidnapping or robbery, they have full authority to kill the perpetrator on site. Should the offender survive, they may either be imprisoned indefinitely, executed then and there, or receive a military trial at a later date. A trial is expensive, and not common. Prison is also expensive, and oftentimes, inmates are used in gladiator games or slave labor in the fields.

This also means that there are not government provided morticians or judges. Being a judge in Straidokh controlled states is a business, and the justice system is quite corrupt and easy to bribe.

Public executions are a particular favorite of the State for high-profile criminals as the only acceptation to bribery, with the culture being that those capable of the most influence must receive the harshest punishment.

#### Civil Systems

Straidokh does provide housing and public education up to a certain level for all its citizens. It has strong inner-city infrastructure, but the rural areas do struggle quite a bit. In terms of quality of city planning, cities under this House are the most organized and provide some of the most reliable basic utilities out of any of the other major Houses. The utility companies themselves are privately owned companies, but they are required to meet House expectations or risk public execution.

Educators are procured by a House organized committee and employed in schoolhouses. In rural areas, traveling instructors are not uncommon. There are state exams to meet a certain threshold, and those that score well enough are encouraged to continue more education in the larger cities and towns.

Businesses can be privately owned on rented House/State land. The price is heavily regulated and standardized to prevent rampant inflation and encourage up and coming entrepreneurs. Land cannot be purchased by an individual from the House, but another House may be leased the land. This is a common issue for disputes on Ha.

House Straidokh does have a few natural parks that they maintain and fund.