Chapterhouse: Dune

The core conflict of Chapterhouse: Dune is between the Honored Matres and the Bene Gesserit. These two groups share a common root and desire to accrue power, but their methods diverge radically. The starkest is how they wield power: The Honored Matres use raw strength to conquer their territory, while the Bene Gesserit use suggestion and careful planning to shape their society. This is exemplified by the Bene Gesserit’s connection with nature. The Chapterhouse keep has a large orchard on its grounds. This is maintained by the Sisterhood, who even go as far as to bury their dead there so their bodies can nourish the trees. This is a metaphor for how the Sisterhood approach power. They take great care in seeing that it is well-organized, in balance, and gives back what they take from it. This approach symbolizes their belief in long-term investment—power that grows slowly, is tended carefully, and is meant to endure. Their reverence for cycles of death and rebirth reflects their commitment to a structured and purposeful legacy, rather than conquest for its own sake.

Nonetheless, as the weather control satellites change the climate of the planet,