Thumpers & Dumpers
Purpose / Ethos
The Thumpers and Dumpers operate in the gray zones of the desert, handling tasks too dirty, loud, or suicidal for Atreides regulars. They are masters of distraction, sabotage, spice run ambushes, and… body removal.
They place thumpers not just to summon worms—but to summon chaos.
Feared by enemies, tolerated by allies, and rarely invited to strategy meetings, the Thumpers and Dumpers have become a desert legend:
If you hear rhythmic pounding in the dunes… it’s not just the worm.
If a spice field suddenly goes silent… they’ve been there.
And if you wake up in your stillsuit surrounded by dumped Harkonnen bodies… thank them later.
Recruitment Process
Phase 1: The Desert Gut Check (Initial Screening) Requirement:
Must pledge loyalty to House Atreides.
Must know what a thumper is (or pretend convincingly).
Must not be a Harkonnen alt (we will check).
Process:
Answer 3 important questions:
Can you handle spice without licking it first?
Have you ever outrun a worm?
Would you die for the dump?
Phase 2: The Spice Trial (Skill Assessment)
Requirement:
Join a trial raid or convoy escort.
Bonus points for creativity with worm bait or grenades.
What We Look For:
Reckless courage.
Tactical -ish thinking.
The ability to thump, dump, revive squadmates, and make it all look intentional.
Phase 3: The Mental Conditioning (Initiation Interview)
You’ll Be Asked:
What's your preferred body disposal method?
Favorite Atreides quote (wrong answers encouraged).
Worm size preference (purely philosophical).
Optional:
Impress the recruiter with a haiku about spice or explosions.
Phase 4: Oath of the Dump (Final Initiation)
Swear the Oath of the Dump:
“By spice and sand, by worm and hand, I thump with pride, I dump with wrath. For House Atreides, I shall act dumb—strategically.”
Receive rank assignment (typically start as “Spice Maggot” or “Thumperling”).
Disqualifiers:
Simping for the Baron.
Poor desert fashion.
Bringing ornithopters into worm territory and acting surprised.
Ranks/Hierarchy
Spice Daddy: Top leaders of the guild. Has the final say and the spiciest takes.
High Thumper: Master tactician and recruiter. Keeps the worm dancing and the raids thumping.
Sand Slinger: Field commander in charge of PvP or operations. Probably covered in spice and blood.
Dumper Prime: The logistics and morale officer. Manages gear, spice runs, and keeps things dumb (in the best way).
Thumperling: Fresh meat. You barely know which end of the worm eats. You’re here because you clicked “Join Guild” while high on spice. You’ll die in the tutorial. That’s fine.
Leadership
TBC
Guild Lore
Born from the dusty chaos of Arrakis, Thumpers and Dumpers began as a ragtag band of spice smugglers, ex-mercenaries, and failed ornithopter pilots. They were known more for accidental explosions and worm baiting than tactical finesse—until they caught the attention of House Atreides during their early operations on Arrakis.
After “accidentally” leading a sandworm straight through a Harkonnen spice convoy, they were unofficially adopted as an expendable-but-effective strike unit. Duke Leto, impressed by their unorthodox success (and lack of regard for their own safety), granted them Atreides colors—on the condition they never attend formal events.
Known Allegiances or Rivalries
TBC
Other Activities
Code of Conduct:
The spice must flow—but only into Atreides hands.
Leave no ally behind (unless they’re too heavy, then mark them with a flag).
Always thump before you dump.
Never trust a quiet sandworm.
If it's shiny, it's probably Harkonnen—and probably explodes.