✦ Guild Diplomatic Protocol & Etiquette Guidelines

Version 1.0 – Authored 26th of June, 2025

“He who controls the spice controls diplomacy.”
— Guild Doctrine, House Spice Girls

❂ Introduction

The Spice Girls Guild represents not only a formidable presence on Arrakis but also a diplomatic force driven by poise, style, and strategic acumen. This protocol outlines how members should conduct themselves in diplomatic affairs with other factions, Houses, and guilds within the world of Dune: Awakening.

❂ I. Diplomatic Pillars

1. Grace Under Pressure

We operate under the assumption that every word may echo across dunes and camps. Members must maintain calm, charismatic composure even during hostile negotiations.

2. Clarity is Power

All diplomatic engagements must be clear, respectful, and intentional. Ambiguity leads to misinterpretation and unnecessary bloodshed—or worse, bad PR.

3. Spice Above All

Every decision, alliance, or neutrality pact must further the Guild’s influence over spice trade, territory stability, or intelligence networks.

❂ II. Guild Diplomatic Structure

✦ The Diplomatic Circle

Note: All formal communications must be logged in the Guild Archives.

❂ III. Etiquette in Inter-Guild Relations

A. Greeting and Address

• Always begin interactions with a formal salute: “By the Spice, we speak.”
• Address guild leaders by their formal titles unless invited otherwise.
• Use clear and polite language, even when declining an offer or issuing a warning.

B. Spice Diplomacy Channels

• All diplomatic overtures must be conducted via in-game communication channels or designated Discord channels.
• Personal messages (PMs) are reserved for soft diplomacy or initial feelers, and must be copied to a Spice Emissary when escalated.

C. Gifts and Tribute

• Offering spice or resources is encouraged as a token of goodwill.
• Never accept tribute that compromises Guild neutrality unless formally cleared by the High Envoy.

❂ IV. Treaties & Alliances

A. Treaty Classifications

1. Spice Accord – Mutual trade and safe passage agreement.
2. Desert Compact – Non-aggression pact.
3. Sisterhood Pact – Formal alliance, with military support clause.
4. Crimson Clause – Temporary war alliance for specific operations.

All treaties must be recorded in the Treaty Ledger with timestamp, terms, and review date.

❂ V. Conflict & War Protocol

A. Declarations of War

• War must be declared by the High Envoy only.
• A formal notice must be delivered with 12-hour notice unless in response to an unprovoked attack.

B. Conduct During War

• No personal attacks or slurs.
• Prisoners of war must be treated with dignity; mock executions are for cutscenes only.
• Propaganda is permitted, but must remain in character and avoid OOC toxicity.

❂ VI. Public Image & Events

A. Representation

• When attending neutral events, members must wear Guild-approved attire and refrain from initiating violence.
• Members shall represent the Guild’s values of empowerment, elegance, and spice-savvy negotiation.

B. Ceremonies

• All alliances, major victories, or peace summits must be followed by an in-character gathering or Spice Gala.
• Toasts must be made “to the Spice, the Sand, and the Sisterhood.”

❂ VII. Breaches and Sanctions

• Minor breaches (improper greeting, chat slip-ups) will be met with etiquette training.
• Major breaches (unauthorized war declarations, diplomatic sabotage) may result in demotion or exile to the Deep Desert.

❂ Final Notes

Let it be known: The Spice Girls are not merely warriors or traders. We are icons of influence, weavers of politics, and curators of culture in the shifting sands of Arrakis. Every move, every alliance, and every word we speak must reflect our style, our purpose, and our power.

By the Spice, we stand.