Warriors of Kerensky Supplemental

[Batman]

Victor,

I think it is safe to say that the nature of the Clans has changed. It always had to, whether they themselves knew it or not. If the Crusaders have any desire left to continue the Invasion, they've lost their biggest advantage: the Inner Sphere isn't afraid any more. They've already demonstrated that they can annihilated a Clan if they put aside their differences. The Crusaders are counting on a divided Inner Sphere. Frankly, I'm inclined to agree with them. A united Inner Sphere can't lose to the Clans. But a divided Inner Sphere can't win.

Take time to read through this. My contacts in the Watch and with Vlad's Wolves have been able to verify the findings contained within. There's been a new development with the discovery of a diary that the Wolves believe belonged to Nicholas Kerensky. I think it checks out. I haven't actually read it, much of it is very heavily censored. The Founder of the Clans revealed some very harsh realities to his descendants that they're only now starting to understand.

I can't yet say for sure how the Clans will react to new information from the Founder. For a bunch of hidebound traditionalists, they sure don't behave in any predictable way. One thing is for sure. The Clans have made a home for themselves in the Inner Sphere. Things are only going to get more complicated in the days to come.

Phelan


INTRODUCTION

As far as man has travelled, one thing is constant. The BattleMech is king of the battlefield. It has been for 600 years. While BattleMechs can certainly turn the tide of the battle, it is soldiers that win wars. For everything a warring state needs on or off the battle, there are soldiers that fulfill those needs. Without a doubt, the Clans of Kerensky have produced the greatest soldiers ever known to the history of man. Owing their success to their rigorous training and eugenics program, the Clans brought with them marvels of technology not seen since the last days of the Star League.

Violently, they struck a number of worlds in the Inner Sphere hard and fast, leaving a trail of broken 'Mechs and defeated soldiers in their wake. Though little is still known of the Invaders, they certainly left a profound impact on the Inner Sphere with their arrival. The very thought of Clan Invaders still elicits fear in grown men around the Inner Sphere. It would probably strike most people in the Inner Sphere as odd that less than one percent of Clanners are warriors. Front-line soldiers are even smaller in number.

Previous publications have sought to document the military strength of the Clans as accurately as possible. For very obvious reasons, this task is nearly impossible to accomplish. It would take multiple volumes to document every Solahmah unit, training sibko, bondsman garrison, and paramilitary unit in service with each of the Clans. An analysis of the Dark Caste would take an entire series itself. This document does attempt to be a complete resource. Rather, this resource is to be used as a guide to determine what - if any - Clan forces could be encountered for operations near the Inner Sphere or in the Periphery that have not been mentioned in previous writings.

GHOSTS OF TUKAYYID

The Great Refusal may have ended the Clan Invasion as we know it, but the Clans are far from defeated. Neither the Wolf nor the Jade Falcon Clans agree that the results of the Great Refusal are binding on them, as neither Clan had been defeated. Similarly, Clan Star Adder has emerged to take its place as the most powerful of Clans, declaring it their destiny to take their rightful place in the Smoke Jaguar's stead. Also of concern is the new Clan Ice Hellion leadership. Unsatisfied with neither Asa Taney's leadership, nor recognizing a Nova Cat victory as an Inner Sphere one, there is growing discontent among the Ice Hellion warriors agitating for a renewed Invasion. Also troubling are the Steel Vipers adopting more traditionally Crusader ideals. As the Steel Vipers did not participate in the Great Refusal it in unknown how they may react to a renewed Invasion by the other Clans.

With the expiration of the Tukayyid Truce in May, it is troubling that the Clans have not behaved as expected. While the FedCom Civil War lingered on for several more months, no one noticed as the Truce quietly expired. Several months are unaccounted for, while the Clans have stealthily been moving troops into position. A new generation of Clan warriors are joining the battlefield now. These new soldiers are less gullible and have a more flexible sense of honor than previous generations. Their technologies and tactics have changed to match their new doctrines. Information regarding these units will be provided.

HELL'S GATES

The elimination of Clan Smoke Jaguar did not end the Clan Wars. Rather, it opened a new front. The Inner Sphere gave a clear message to the Clans that they were now prepared to militarize the Deep Periphery. One of the theaters of this conflict took place on a world called Cermak. Here, elements of the First Davion Guards engaged forces loyal to Smoke Jaguar Star Colonel Marcus Kotare. Cermak was once used by the Star League as a depot for resting WMDs. Kotare underestimated the time required to excavate these weapons and was forced to convert his DropShip engines into drills. Ultimately this gave the Davions an advantage over the Jaguars, which they used to maximum effect.

The Davion Guards were relieved by a ComGuard unit with instructions to dispose of all WMDs on Cermak. This effort has proven to be tedious and taken more time than expected. The discovery of a second, larger vault in 3064 further complicated matters. The following year, a force of Hell's Horses dropped onto the planet without warning. The ComGuard defenders were initially unprepared for such a determined attack. The Horses forced the ComGuards from several key Star League bases. The ComGuard forces found themselves trapped with no hope of reinforcements on the way.

For nearly three months, the ComGuard forces battled the Horses, using the tactics that proved effective on Tukayyid, forcing the Horses to expend their ammo reserves quicker than they wanted. The Horses were not expected a long and protracted campaign. Ultimately, they succumbed to attrition and were forced to abandon the planet. ComStar's campaign demonstrated that the Inner Sphere was still capable of fighting back a determined Clan assault if the situation arose.

This operation was not a complete success, however. During the fighting several WMD sites were disturbed. An internal field report revealed that many of the WMDs had been taken and are still unaccounted for. It is quite possible these were taken offworld, however the Hell's Horses never gave any indication they had any interest in obtaining any of these weapons. Still, the disappearance of these weapons and the arrival of Clan forces on Cermak is almost certainly not coincidence.

[Coincidence? No. Opportunity? Yes. No one could have known that the Clans had the intention of taking back Cermak. Never-the-less, they did keep our former brothers occupied long enough. ComStar is far more compromised than they realize. The involvement of the Horses was necessary, but not desired. It was a risky gambit, but one that paid off. This stockpile is exactly what we needed to realize our goal of a Clan-free future. The best part is that ComStar doesn't suspect a thing. - C]

ATLAS SHRUGGED

The decision ilKhan Nicholas Kerensky made when he chose to join Clan Wolf is still a sore subject to the other Clans. Clan Jade Falcon and Blood Spirit both believed their warriors were the equal of Clan Wolf, if not better. Kerensky died in the cockpit of his BattleMech, the way only a Clan MechWarrior could hope for. For centuries, his Atlas was proudly displayed at the Clan Wolf Museum on Strana Mechty for all to see in the heart of Katyusha City. Shortly following the Great Refusal, the 'Mech was suddenly removed and the exhibit was closed forever.

The command 'Mech of Aaron DeChavilier and Nicholas Kerensky was known for being the BattleMech Aleksandr Kerensky himself personally had made. The Atlas holds sentimental value to Clan Wolf in the same way the Orion does. Although it was not known at the time, Kerensky's Atlas was simply reallocated to the Scientist Caste for a secret military project. The results of this project are still highly classified, although more than likely, it involves the development of a new BattleMech prototype. After over three years without reinstating the exhibit, Khan Karianna Schmitt finally decided to take matters into her own hands.

On the morning of 22 March 3064, Clan Blood Spirit's 278th Crimson Vanguard marched right up to Clan Wolf's enclave on Strana Mechty and demanded a Trial of Position for the Founder's Atlas. Naturally, Clan Wolf refused, arguing that Clan Blood Spirit had no grounds to claim Kerensky's BattleMech. Enraged, the Blood Spirits attacked the Wolf defenders, laying waste to everything in their path. Forgoing the rules of honor, the Blood Spirits were able to push through an outnumbered Wolf defense with relative ease. However, the efforts of Star Captain Nika prevented the Blood Spirits from reaching Technology Center, where Kerensky's Atlas was being held, unbeknownst to all. By fading after every attack, she was able to make her unit look much larger than it was, forcing the Spirits to fight more conservatively.

Her strategy worked. By delaying the Blood Spirit advance well into the afternoon, Wolf reinforcements under Star Colonel under Jin Ch'in were able to finally push back the Blood Spirits, but not before Blood Spirit Star Colonel Eloise Keller was able to break into Wolf Auxiliary Site #2 and steal an Orion IIC hot off the assembly line. By the time the rest of the Fourth Striker Cluster arrived, Keller and her forces had made off with their prize.

Clan Wolf brought the issue before the Grand Council, however the Council was not particularly interested in ruling in favor of the Clan that had so jealously guarded their prized totem for so long. Indicating they had no intention of intervening in what the Council viewed as an inter-Clan dispute, the Council instead chose to force the issue of Nicholas Kerensky's Atlas and demanded action on Clan Wolf to reopen the exhibit or surrender the 'Mech to the Grand Council. Angry with the Grand Council's decision Clan Wolf resigned themselves to give in to the Grand Council. Unfortunately, Kerensky's Atlas had been cannibalized almost completely to build their new prototype 'Mech - particularly Kerensky's cockpit which was a rare Star League Command Console.

While dismantling the cockpit, a secret panel containing an old book had been preserved inside. Upon further analysis, the book was identified as the lost diary of ilKhan Nicholas Kerensky. Some of the passages of its text revealed information so shocking that the diary had to be seized by the Khans to prevent anyone else from learning the most important secrets kept within. The Wolves eventually shared the diary with the Goliath Scorpions, but with some portions redacted. In exchange for sharing Kerensky's diary, the Wolves would have permission to harvest a number of Goliath Scorpion forces.

The added benefit of this move was that sharing historical information with the Goliath Scorpions gave the Wolves an air of legitimacy when they finally reopened the Nicholas Kerensky exhibit. However, there was still the matter of Kerensky's Atlas. Unable to provide the 'Mech promised to the Grand Council, the Clan simply chose an alternative solution. They lied. What went on display instead was a venerable Star League Royal Atlas II mocked up to look like Kerensky's Atlas. The cosmetic differences were only minor, except for replacing the LBX Autocannon, LRM launcher, and the paired large lasers for the PPC housings and the Autocannon gun mount that was the signature armament of the Founder's 'Mech. With command consoles in short supply, the cockpit was the only part that could not be replicated. This was acceptable as no visitor had ever been inside of Kerensky's cockpit after its restoration during the Golden Century. While this deception was not fool proof, it would hold up under basic scrutiny.

DAMNED BANDITS

The movement of Clan Hell's Horses and Blood Spirits into the periphery is unprecedented among the Home Clans. Perhaps more concerning is the arrival of the Snow Ravens to the Outer Sphere. In 3063 Clan Snow Raven's Alpha Galaxy appeared over Rezak's Hole and fought off a company of Rezak's 'Mech forces as well as two companies under the command of Word of Blake Agent Smith. Both Rezak and Smith were at Rezak's estates on Antallos at the time of the Snow Raven assault. The following year, the Ravens made contact with the Outworlds Alliance. It is unclear what their intentions are. Thus far they have conducted mostly cordial relations and trade with the Alliance. It seems the two have formed an anti-piracy pact, eliminating bandit hideouts and exterminating groups of the mysterious Dark.

A joint task force of Snow Ravens and Outworld pilots with the express purpose of pirate mopping was forged from the fires of those events. This joint strike team is being monitored closely by Snow Raven and Alliance military commands. Should this experiment in mutual cooperation work it may lead to future joint venture between the two. The cooperation between Snow Raven and Outworlder has disturbed the delicate balance of power in the region as the Draconis Combine and Federated Suns now scramble to shift aerospace and capital ship assets to reinforce the area.

Two companies lost in a random encounter with the Clans. Our involvement in the periphery is becoming costly. It's lucky that none of destroyed equipment could be traced back to us. Our chance meeting with the Snow Ravens was unexpected but ultimately inevitable. The Snow Raven fleet has always been the primary roadblock in achieving our goals. We'll need to move up our timetable. But we can't tip our hand just yet. If the various bandit bandit groups in the area were to cooperate, it could buy us valuable time to mount a response. - CSJ

THE NEW TESTAMENT OF THE CLANS

Kerensky's diary has become the hot topic with the Clans. While the most astonishing parts were redacted by the Wolves, the entire read reveals much more about Clan history that is not even recorded. Instructions for performing previously unknown rituals and the enactment of previously unknown protocols make up the better part of the text. Perhaps the most shocking revelation to come from its pages was the true story of the Not-Named-Clan's ultimate genesis and the death of Andrey Kerensky.

While much of the information regarding the Not-Named-Clan's first Khan has been lost to the ravages of time, Kerensky's diary mentions that Sarah McEvedy - the soldier destined to become the first Khan of Clan Wolverine - was a college-educated noble from a wealthy Terran family earlier in life. In his diary, the Kerensky mentions that McEvedy's father was also a respected Star League General that accompanied Aleksandr Kerensky on the Exodus. However, Sarah grew disillusioned with the cause and joined up with a resistance group. She would later redeem herself by saving the life of Nicholas Kerensky's younger brother, Andrey. Ultimately, she threw in with the Kerenskys and accompanied them on the Second Exodus.

Even before she had saved Andrey from certain death, she had become friends with the young MechWarrior on the Exodus Road, yet she desired more than just friendship. It was not to be, however. Andrey met and fell in love with Dana Kufahl, whom would later become the Khan of Clan Coyote. The stress of leaving one home and another so suddenly, while dealing with feelings of rejection had more than likely caused McEvedy to experience a total psychotic break. A classified psychological examination of Sarah McEvedy from before the Exodus revealed her to harbor sociopathic tendendcies and a complete lack of empathy.

McEvedy sought out her old ties on Eden. While maintaining a facade on friendship with Nicholas and Andrey, she was secretly feeding information to the rebels on Eden during the duration of Operation Klondike. Although offered the opportunity to attack the rebels on Eden, McEvedy refused and instead chose to take part in the Circe campaign. The diary explains that McEvedy was aware of the presence of a Brian Cache on Circe where her father had warehoused a great number of 'Mechs and weapons from the 331st BattleMech Regiment. McEvedy plotted with the rebels to take Andrey Kerensky hostage. With the resources provided by the Circe Brian Cache, she believed she would have the strength to destroy the rebels on Eden and rescue Andrey, uniting them together at last.

Through their intelligence within the Wolverines, the rebels on Eden learned of her double cross. They chose to ambush and kill Andrey instead. Outraged, McEvedy projected her guilt onto the ilKhan for not being able to save Andrey. If not for the capture of several high-ranking rebels, the truth may never have been revealed. Without hard evidence it was still the word of a few rebel commanders against a sitting Clan Khan. While McEvedy had likely gone insane, she was still very cunning. With as much political and military power as she had amassed, Kerensky would require the aid of the Clan Watch agencies to deliver the proof he needed.

Formed with the intention of ascertaining intelligence on the Pentagon rebels, the Watch was as impotant a function of the Clan military arm as the Warrior Caste. In his diary Kerensky divulges the need for the Clan Watch as well as its importance to the Clans. Intended to be selected from the most elite of their trade, the Watch was to be selected based on their merits, rather than their Caste. Indeed, many of the earliest agents of the Watch were selected from the Laborer and Technician Castes due to their ability to easily blend in and also the types of skills required in the world of clandestine operations. 

The efforts of the Watch uncovered a Wolverine plot to overthrow the ilKhan. At the time, only the highest levels of Wolverine leadership was aware of this plot. To preserve the fragile unity of the Clans, the Rites of Ablution were created. Kerensky extended the offer of Ablution to the Wolverines, on the condition that all involved conspirators step down from their positions and Clan Wolverine would offer the battered Snow Raven Clan access to their Brian Cache as surkairede. McEvedy, of course refused. She made a clever play to frame her disagreement with Kerensky as a philosophical one. By invoking Aleksandr Kerensky and the ideals of democracy, McEvedy made the issue all about the ilKhan. Forcing Clan Wolf to win the bid to fight her Clan regardless of the counterbid. McEvedy gambled on having the advantage.

The Wolves emerged victorious. Albeit, at a very high cost. Furthermore, Sarah McEvedy and a number of her forces were unaccounted for. Also missing was the contents of the Circe Brian Cache. The Brian Cache may have contained nearly a regiment of unused 'Mechs with armor, air, transport, and other equipment. A Wolverine flotilla escaped into the Periphery with at least one WarShip. This much was confirmed by the Ghost Bears later on. Her last legacy is a work of fiction called Betrayal of Ideals, based on McEvedy's version of the events that transpired. In retrospect, the book was a tortured cry for help. Kerensky had retained the only existing copy of the book in the cockpit of his Atlas.   

WATCH THIS

Contrary to popular rumor, the Clans have a very sophisticated intelligence agency. What is true is that Clan Warriors are unable to properly grasp the concept of deception and subterfuge. But Clan civilians have little trouble with fudging the details. Intelligence work is not as glamorous as depicted in the Immortal Warrior movies and often involves much paperwork and hours of observation. The Clan Watch agencies are no different. Watch agents tend to come from the various lower Castes of Clan society. Occasionally a warrior might be selected for Watch duty if the Clan deems the skills of the warrior better suited to the Watch. Clan Elementals are almost never chosen for Watch duty.

The Clan Watch programs were formed using the Star League Intelligence Corps and the elite Seventh Kommando as their basis. It is easy to forget that components of the Watch formed Wolf's Dragoons and went on to form WolfNet - perhaps the most formidable intelligence agency in the Inner Sphere. [With the exception of our own ROM, obviously. - AK] As formidable as the Watch may be, their success varies by Clan. Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon relied on intelligence provide by their respective Watch agencies and have been able to acheive great success in their military operations. On the other hand, the Smoke Jaguars were unwilling to give their Watch any credibility and were unable to detect a massive counterattack by Inner Sphere forces until it was too late.

RITUAL OF ABLUTION

Kerensky's Hidden Diary makes mention of the Ritual of Ablution. This Ritual has no other mention save for Kerensky's lost diary. The ritual is taken by one who seeks to purify or cleanse themself of any perceived taint. Ablution may be taken by an individual or individuals as a way to atone for serious transgressions. Unlike a Trial of Refusal, Ablution is the acknowledgement of guilt and allows the guilty party to bargain for a lesser punishment in exchange for a token of good faith. Nicholas Kerensky extended the Rite of Ablution to the Not-Named-Clan as a path to return to the Clan fold. Their Kans flatly rejected.

Additionally, an Ablution can only be granted once, and requires notification by the appropriate council. Ablution requires a token of good faith by the guilty party as a form of surkai. The value of this surkai may depend on the overseeing authority. The most heinous of crimes in the Warrior Caste may only be pleaded by a Trial of Ablution. Once the guilty parties have declared their defending forces the opposition must bid amongst themselves for the honor of upholding the judgement in place. Opponents may revert to their last bid if they find they have underbid, but the resulting loss of honor may often be greater than the cost of losing to the dfender seeking Ablution and it is simply more prudent accept the defender's surkai.

DECHAVILIERS

"If I have gotten this far, it is only because I have had help. Help from my brother, Andrey, who supported me from the beginning. He followed me without question. Against the judgement of others, we forged a new destiny. He was ever humble and loyal. If not for the cowardly ambush that took his life, he would have been a Khan one day. As my father had his General, Andrey was my DeChavilier."

-Nicholas Kerensky, Hidden Diary, 09 June 2822   

DeChavilier was the name of Aleksandr Kerensky's best friend. The name "DeChavilier" is one synonymous with characteristics of chivalry. Kerensky often referred to Andrey as his DeChavilier. This trend continued with Jerome Winson referring to Jal Ward as his DeChavilier. DeChaviliers were appointed by Khans from trustworthy warriors of great skill, if they exhibted the characteristics of chivalry and upheld themselves with honor. These warriors often served the Khan in an advisory role and were included in tactical planning sessions at the highest levels of the Clan.

To be selected to serve as a DeChavilier is a great honor. Primarily the custom has only been followed in Clan Wolf, but the practice is recognized as a Clan custom. This practice fell out of use after the death of Jerome Winson and would not be used agin Khan Vlad Ward reinstated the custom with the discovery of Nicholas Kerensky's Hidden Diary. The Clan may not deny a DeChavilier any specified chassis as their preferred weapon and will spend every expense make any custom arrangements desired by the DeChavilier.

[Batman]

CLAN BLOOD SPIRIT

With righteous might and true blood,
Eloise Keller strikes at the heart of the Wolf.
Despite the gnashing teeth and raging howls,
Undeterred, she sought her foe.
With shattered armor and twisted steel,
Her BattleMech's presence menacing the field.
Her prize in hand and her enemy confused,
Return with honor - leave the Wolf in disgrace.

-The Remembrance (Clan Blood Spirit), Passage 52, Verse 1, Lines 1-8

SPIRIT'S VANGUARD

Originally from Clan Blood Spirit's Upsilon Provision Galaxy, the 273rd Crimson Vanguard Cluster was serving ceremonial duty on Strana Mechty when the Founder's Atlas was removed from its exhibit. Seeing an opportunity to gain honor for her Clan, the unit's CO - Star Colonel Eloise Keller - attacked Clan Wolf's holdings demanding a Trial of Possession for the Founder's 'Mech. With her request for  a Trial denied, an enraged Eloise attacked the Wolf holdings. Although the battle was a complete rout for her forces, she was able to make it inside the Orion IIC production facility and kill a number of tech staff. In the end she was able to make it inside the cockpit of a brand new Orion IIC and pilot it back to safety. For her success in recovering the most valued 'Mech in the Wolf arsenal, Eloise was awarded a refit of her Orion IIC, and her Cluster was upgraded to front-line status and attached to Omega Galaxy.

Realizing her Clan needed new resources to continue their survival, Khan Schmitt devised a plan to obtain more resources from the resource-rich Hanseatic League. With their low standard of military technology, it would be easy for a small force of Blood Spirits to overwhelm the Hanseatic Security Forces with ease. Luckily, Khan Schmitt had just such a unit in mind. Recognizing the 273rd for the elite force that it was, Khan Schmitt ordered the 273rd to invade the Hanseatic League with only required transport assets. Lacking a sophisticated defense, Khan Schmitt estimated that the League would fall within weeks. As predicted, the primitive forces of the Hanseatic Security Forces were no match for the elite 273rd Vanguard. However, the Hanseatic Forces were able to get off a distress call before succumbing to the Blood Spirit onslaught. Within months, the distress signal was answered by no less than an Explorer Corps unit and a Wolf Cluster. Star Colonel Keller's theft of the Orion IIC earned her forces a Trial of Annihilation in the eyes of all Wolves, leading to a dramatic 3-way showdown in the Deep Periphery. The outcome of this fight has not yet been determined.

DEATHBLOW THE EXTERMINATOR

Few men in the Clan Homeworlds or the Deep Periphery are known to inspire as much fear as the Clan super soldier known as the Deathblow the Exterminator. Skilled and ruthless, he is known for descending on targets from low orbit and surrounding the opposition. An infamous bandit hunter, Deathblow is a challenging adversary for even most veteran Clan forces in the Homeworlds. He attacks like lightning and then disappears as quickly as he he strikes. Little is known of The Exterminator, other than rumors and unverified sources. What is known is that he was once a warrior of Clan Blood Spirit. He was considered a ristar at one point during his career before he fell into a downward spiral. It is here that the story varies, depending on the account.   

UNTOLD ORIGINS

Blade was born sometime in August 3029 to the less prominent Cluff-Wilson bloodline. Despite his background, he rose to the top of his sibko and tested out as a Star Captain before the start of the Clan Invasion. Although the Blood Spirits did not participate in the Invasion, Star Captain Blade was considered an invaluable resource to his Clan and participated in many actions against the Burrocks and the Coyotes in his youth. Ultimately, he was positioned at a deep space outpost to observe Clan Burrocks dealings in the periphery. His role was vital in raiding Burrock outposts and supply convoys, bringing much need material for the Clan. But for a Clan warrior, the battlefield is life. His Clan's isolation left him with a general sense of boredom. And there were only so many convoys to raid. Following a Dark Caste convoy to their destination, he wound up on a bandit outpost where MechWarriors pitted themselves against one another in arenas for sport. At first the very idea of sport fighting triggered a gag reflex. But his inner warrior was intrigued and fascinated. Hiding his true identity, he joined the arena and relished in the spotlight. The chance to fight from a cockpit was his again.   

Over the next several months, Blade won materials and resources for his Clan, as well as intercepting Burrock convoys and defeating some of their finest warriors. His continued service to his Clan earned him his bloodname, as well as a Cluster Command of his own made up of warriors selected by his own performance standards. Blade Wilson and his Assassin Keshik were destined for greatness among the Clans. Through their own dealings with the Dark Caste, Wilson came to know of a conspiracy between the Burrocks and members of the Dark Caste. This gave them the opportunity to raid bandit colonies and engage Burrock forces directly with impunity. So long as the Burrocks could not air their grievances publicly their adventures would remain a shared secret.

By February of 3059 however, the secret was out before the Grand Council. Before long the Assassins would be implicated upon further investigation. Rather than face annihilation, Blade took the most loyal of his Assassins with him and mounted a rogue campaign against the Blood Spirit leadership, taking 'Mechs, DropShips, warriors, and personnel as isorla. This rogue campaign was short-lived, however. The According to Blood Spirit records, the Assassins were finally surrounded by three Clusters and hunted down to the last man. Wilson was shot through the eye and left for dead. The names of all their members were stricken from the record, and the appropriate genetic legacies were ordered destroyed.

This did not suffice, however. In mid-3064 that the Assassin Keshik made a grand reappearance. Armed with a mix of Star League and mothballed early Clan BattleMechs, the Assassins appeared at a pirate point above the Blood Spirit capital world of York. As quickly as they appeared, the Assassins descended on the planet and struck hard at Star Adder positions on the ground before quickly scavenging the battlefield for salvage and then returning to their DropShips. The Assassins disappeared as quickly as they arrived. The lead 'Mech was even identified as Wilson's Blood Kite in the same configuration he was known to use.

Evidently reports of their deaths were greatly exaggerated, if ever true at all. For their part the Blood Spirits maintain that the rogue elements of the Assassin Keshik were put down violently. They are able to even produce the bullet that penetrated Wilson's eye with his matching DNA. Stories of immortal Clan warriors are as old as the Clans themselves, but this is the only one that has ever been a recurring event.

The next time they were seen, nearly six months later, appearing at another pirate point above York. Once again, the Assassins struck hard and fast against the Star Adders, taking salvage before receding again. Over the next several months the Assassins would ruthlessly strike numerous Clans in the Kerensky Cluster and the Pentagon Worlds (primarily against enemies of the Blood Spirits), taking only a few moments to salvage what they can and then pulling back quickly. This has led to the suggestion that the Blood Spirits are at least talking to the Assassins, if not directly coordinating their actions with them.   

ASSASSINS' CREED

The Assassin Keshik operates much like a mercenary outfit. Although they will not admit it themselves, the Assassin Keshik's reputation has travelled through out the Clan Homeworlds. The Keshik has opted to work with other Clan factions in exchange for resources, BattleMechs, and exclusive salvage opportunities. The Assassin's are particularly picky with their choice of targets, only taking action against enemies of the Blood Spirits and occasionally lending a hand to their former compatriots pro bono.

The Assassins are notable in the fact that they select their replacements from among their subjugated Dark Caste servants. Although this means that the occasional freebirth will have the honor of serving as an Assassin, every Assassin is subjected to a very rigorous training process - virtually unheard of outside the Blood Spirit training programs. Assassins are bound by blood to protect their own above all others, regardless of origin. Grievances and other Clan Trials are usually held in the combat arenas of their home base, called Mercy by her natives.

Also of interest, is a practice the Assassins adopted from their parent Clan of employing a delegate to represent themselves to other foreign interests. Borrowing from the concept of the ilChi, the Assassins represent their interests to other Clans through their saChi. The saChi holds a position similar in the Inner Sphere to a mercenary liaison. The saChi's responsibilities include contract negotiation, public relations, and quality assurance. 

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES

Eloise Keller was trueborn in 3038 to a noble line of Kellers. She quickly rose to the top of her sibko and attained her bloodname and Star Colonel very quickly. As far as elite Clan warriors go, Eloise is one of the best. A devout Crusader, Eloise had her enhanced imaging implants grafted as soon as they became available. The leader of the 273rd Crimson Vanguard Cluster is prone to fits of rage, Eloise is also known to be surprisingly patient on the battlefield and crafty. She keeps a surat as a pet and feeds it primarily star adder eggs and meat. She pilots a modified Orion IIC that she confiscated from Clan Wolf. This 'Mech downgrades the LRM 20 for a 15-tube launcher, and replaces the Gauss rifle with another ER large laser and two ER mediums. Twenty two double heat sinks compensates for the heat buildup (Gunnery: 1, Piloting: 3). 

Deathblow the Exterminator is undoubtedly one the sharpest military minds in history. A skilled warrior and accomplished tactician, Watching him dismember opponents at range with his lasers is akin to watching a master swordsman at work. Little is known of the time between his days as Star Colonel Blade Wilson to the day he appeared in a mask with a modified Blood Kite over the skies of York. Little is known of his sibko, or the experiments conducted on the warriors to come from it. All of Wilson's sibmates were killed in the frenzied attack on Star Adder and Burrock forces in 3059. Blade is the only remaining member and all records of the sibko's existence were destroyed, having been deemed an abject failure of the Clan's breeding program. Carrying a katana forged from the York Y1 OmniMech facility, he prefers to face his foes up close and personal. His Blood Kite has been modified removing one LRM and SRM launcher, as well as all jump jets. This is to make room for sixteen and a half tons of armor, and the addition of a large pulse laser. Both SRM launchers are housed in the right arm, alongside the pulse laser and the SRMs draw from a single ton of ammo in the center torso, but this does make room for additional heat sinks (Gunnery: 0, Piloting: 0). 

Equally as mysterious as the Assassin Keshik's leader is their XO, Wilson Greenwinter. Although a much older MechWarrior, Greenwinter kept himself away from serving in the solahmah for many years only by the grace of his less than stellar bloodname. Having participated in trials against the Burrocks and the Nova Cats in the lead up to Operation Revival, the Star Captain has a wealth of experience that makes him invaluable to the Star Colonel. Greenwinter serves as Wilson's mentor and is his closest supporter. His SLDF Royal THG-11Eb Thug removes uses Clan spec ER PPCs, and upgrades the SRM launchers with Clan Streak technology, allowing for two additional double heat sinks (Gunnery: 1, Piloting: 1). 

Serving as the Assassin Keshik's saChi, Diana Campbell has represented the interests of her people to their parent Clan, as well as the Fire Mandrills, Snow Ravens, and Diamond Sharks. A MechWarrior at heart, Campbell is also an accomplished diplomat. The survival of the Assassins is a testament to her ability to deter hostile interaction with other Clans. Thanks mostly to her effort Clan Blood Spirit allows the Assassins to act freely of the Clan, so long as their hostility is directed at the Clan's enemies. Campbell uses a Woodsman OmniMech in its primary configuration (Gunnery: 1, Piloting: 2).   

CLAN BLOOD SPIRIT SUPPLEMENTAL ASSETS

Assassin Keshik
Cluster/Elite/Questionable

CO: Star Colonel Blade "Deathblow" Wilson (The Exterminator)
XO: Star Captain Wilson Greenwinter

The unit is unattached to any Galaxy formations in the Clan. The Assassins operate freely without supervision. The main force consists of three 'Mech trinaries. Their 'Mechs are older and made primarily from the findings of various Brian Cache's and salvaged Dark Caste equipment. Nearly a dozen of the unit's 'Mech forces are OmniMechs, and at least three Woodsman OmniMechs are known to be part of the Assassin Keshik. The majority of 'Mech units are in the heavy and medium class. The unit has one Elemental trinary and an armor trinary equipped with fast light and medium SLDF era vehicles. The Assassins also have one air trinary with a mix of older and newer aircraft.

278th Crimson Vanguard Cluster
Cluster/Elite/Fanatical

CO: Star Colonel Eloise Keller
XO: Star Captain Phineas Grant

The 278th Crimson Vanguard was originally attached to Upsilon Provisional Galaxy but transferred to be part of Omega Galaxy following their attack on Clan Wolf's Orion IIC center. Eloise Keller pilots a modified Orion IIC herself, that she absconded from Clan Wolf's assembly line. Clan Wolf has declared an ongoing Trial of Annihilation against the 278th, but thus far they have managed to elude the Wolves.


NAVAL RESERVE

Exterminator Aegis-class battlecruiser (Assassin Flagship)

[Batman]

CLAN BURROCK

I apologize that this message must be short. There is much information to divulge. Our efforts to establish a foothold close to Clan Space have met with delays. Clan activity in the periphery has picked up significantly. Our fleets have remained mostly undetected but have been chased off by Clan patrols at the most inopportune times. Even with the Snow Ravens distracted on two fronts, there are a lot more Clan ships than initially believed to have fled with Kerensky on the Exodus. Our Explorers have managed to uncover a bit of news. It seems reports of Clan Burrock's death has been greatly exaggerated.

From what little we have been able to determine from them, they are at least nominally self-sufficient and they have no desire to ever return to the Clans. Although they claim Clan origin, they are very much different from the spawn of Kerensky that terrorize the universe today. Obviously, the Clan experience has left them with a bad taste in their mouth. It is worth noting that most Burrocks are not truly of Clan origin - at least not recently. Their alliance with outcasts makes them less likely to ever trust the Clans again. They practice neither Crusader nor Warden teachings. Their nature, however is one of guarded trust.

Their technology is behind par for the Clans, but at least militarily they are ahead of our best scientists. I doubt they will be in a position to trust us far enough to open trade relations any time soon. - AK

There is an old saying, "the enemy of my enemy is a friend". Our new friends can use help with upgrading their production facilities. But to be on the safe side we should ready an invasion force. We can't be too careful. -TM 

HIDING IN THE SHADOWS

Nearly a century before the events of the Clan Invasion, a number of disillusioned Burrocks turned their back on the Clan and fled for the darkness of space. These deserters joined with the Dark Caste, preying upon other Clans for badly needed resources. A joint force of Cloud Cobras and Burrocks were sent to track them down. Khan Tabari Danforth was able to turn the situation to his advantage, working with the deserters rather than hunting them down. He declared before the Grand Council, the last of the bandits to have been destroyed. By the time the truth had been revealed in 3059, the Dark Caste had begun forming their own society far away from Clan space. For their part in the cover up, the Burrocks were forcibly absorbed by Clan Star Adder. Even as the Clan found itself being ripped apart at the seams, the Burrock Khans had developed a contingency. Nearly the same time the Burrock-Dark Caste alliance began, the Clan would gradually trade supplies and equipment to the Dark Caste for labor and black market goods. Over the years, the Dark Caste bandits have developed some semblance of an order. The largest of these societies have come together in a fashion similar to the structure oriented by the Clans. Most Burrocks looked for an opportunity to redeem their honor by joining with the Star Adders. There was a small minority that did not desire Absorption. Four Galaxies of Burrock forces were reported destroyed in the fighting with the Blood Spirits. The reality is that much of these lost were actually missing in action. The fleeing remnants of the Clan joined up with their Dark Caste allies. Raiding Brian Caches and old Star League depots, the Burrocks have created a society, though a shadow of their former selves.

NEW DAGDA

Though many systems in deep space surrounding the Kerensky Cluster are uninhabitable, there was a small group of life-supporting worlds surrounding by a Star League supply cache on a very fertile world. The soil here was black and ashy from repeated rupturing of the planet's dormant western hemisphere volcanoes. It made for rich agricultural land. The earliest members of the Dark Caste took live Burrock specimens with them to help them with pest control and terraforming efforts. These burrock specimens took an immediate liking to the planet's rich soil. The planet's settlers gave their newfound home a fitting name: New Dagda. The largest population center sprung up around the remains of an old Star League cache. The city was called New Manzikert by the inhabitants. New Manzikert began as an agricultural society. As the secrets of the Star League cache became more apparent, the city became more industrialized. The city center is built around the remains of an old Lee-Class DropShip. The DropShip had been dismantled, leaving only the 'Mech repair bays intact. These bays would support the Dark Caste's forces during their century of raiding and pirating. The arrival of Clan Burrock's fleeing forces from the Clan Homeworlds brought new life to the city. While lacking the industrial output they once commanded, the Burrock scientists retooled the New Manzikert repair bays to support limited BattleMech and armor production capabilities.

As the Burrock survivors all found their way to New Dagda, it became apparent that they would need to rally behind a strong personality, much as the Star League-in Exile rallied around Kerensky. A similar cult of personality developed around Star Colonel Cyrus Polczyk. One of the first commanders to find his way to New Dagda, Cyrus seized the remaining military assets on New Dagda as isorla and put them to use in his Cluster. Cyrus offered to use his equipment to help with part-time farming and construction duties, increasing productivity and winning the support of the locals. Even as the stragglers came in, Cyrus would offer his hospitality to all newcomers and swiftly punish all challengers. A gathering of all senior surviving bloodnamed members of the Clan voted on 19 February 3062 to elevate Cyrus Polczyk to the post of Khan. There were no other challengers.

A native New Dagdan - Star Commander Olga Danforth - was Polczyk's selection for saKhan. Herself a freeborn, and a descendant of the first Burrock deserters to flee Clan space, Olga was a seasoned MechWarrior with many successful operations under her belt. Together the new Khans made many reforms most other Clans would find to be an anathema to their way of life. One of these reforms was the Civilian Volunteer Program. This program made it possible for civilians to have an opportunity to serve their new Clan's military. The highest scoring recruits were assigned to the Clan's Militia Clusters. The Militia Clusters offer flexibility to civilians engaged in their craft or trade, but serve the military arm part-time or in times of crisis.   

CULTURE & TECHNOLOGY

The reborn Clan Burrock was founded as an alliance between bandits, civilians, and former Clansmen. As such, the Burrock culture is very much a fusion. The Clan does not obey the typical rigidity of the caste system. While the Warrior Caste does indeed hold much power, the fragility of their new society has placed the Scientist and Merchant Caste at a slight advantage as well. As such, there is more inter-Caste cooperation within the Clan. Rather than a family, every Burrock - regardless of Caste - recognizes their importance in society. Castes are not decided upon birth, but decided by individuals. Movement between Castes is not unheard of. The Warrior and Scientist Castes are still the most difficult to enter due to the rigorous standards set by those professions. Thanks to reforms made by the Clan hierarchy, it is not impossible.

The duties performed by the Clan's castes highlight the problems faced within the Clan. For the Laborers, agriculture is as important as industrial work. The Clan works hard to ensure a proper food supply chain is not only maintained but has numerous redundancies. While the Scientists work on perfecting agricultural technology, they must also maintain a priority to continue to develop the equipment needed by the Warriors. The Warrior Caste has a love of technology, especially since the standard of technology dropped considerably since the Absorption. The Clan has the capability of producing Star League-era technology and Golden Century Clan technology at a much more limited rate. The Clan recognized the need to produce home-grown BattleMech and armor designs and as such, modified the New Manzikert Fabrication & Assembly Plant to support such a venture. The Clan puts all technology to use. As raiding has become a primary function of the Warrior Caste, salvage has become an art form to many MechWarriors. The Burrocks deploy many 'Mechs equipped with hand actuators as often as they can.

INTER-CLAN RELATIONS

Clan Burrock maintains no relationships with any outside organizations, save for a few Dark Caste societies. Although the Burrocks occasionally engage in low-level raiding with other Clans, it is never significant enough to arouse the suspicions of the other Clans, for fear of inciting a larger retaliation. The Burrocks offer no batchalls nor do they engage in zellbrigen.

Currently the greatest threat to the Clan's survival is in the form of Deathblow's Assassins. Constant raids and strikes from the Assassins have kept New Dagda's population on edge. The Assassins have thus far not shown any interest in a long engagement with the Burrocks. Perhaps they mean to test the Burrock's response time for a future battle. Or more likely, they simply enjoy fighting for the sport.

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES

Khan Cyrus Polczyk (born 3038) took over command of his Cluster after the death of its previous Star Colonel during the fighting with the Blood Spirits. Promoted in the field of battle, Cyrus chose to save the remains of his forces and leave the field to the Blood Spirits. In the ensuing chaos between the Star Adders and the Blood Spirits, Cyrus was able to take his forces to the safety of the remaining Burrock fleet assets. While Cyrus was not the only commander who surrendered the field and fled to the safety of space, he was the first commander to locate the Dark Caste outpost on New Dagda. Raiding old Star League outposts to rebuild his battered Clan, he found something even better on the world of New Dagda. With experience, kindness, and a little brutality, he became exactly what his Clan needed him to be when it mattered most. He is a competent MechWarrior and a superb tactician. Cyrus is a short, bald man with blue eyes and a thick build. His most defining features are his enhanced imaging implants, which cover him from head-to-toe. He carries a needler pistol, allegedly loaded with burrock spines, which he uses to decapitate others in fits of rage. He has perfected the Highlander Burial, which he delivers from his Highlander IIC as his signature finishing move (Gunnery: 2, Piloting: 3).

Olga Danforth (born 3041) is the Clan's saKhan. She is a freeborn descendant of one of the original MechWarriors that fled from Clan Burrock to become part of the Dark Caste. Olga grew up on New Dagda and grew to be a fine MechWarrior like her ancestors before. Tall and lanky, Olga has green eyes and auburn hair kept in a ponytail. Olga is very much the opposite of Cyrus Polczyk. She is an excellent complement to the abilities of the Khan. Together with her Khan, Olga was able to change the fortunes of her people and institute productive reforms to the benefit of the Clan. Her protective instincts are a product of her upbringing as a warrior. She carries a machine pistol on her holster and her hand ready to draw at any moment to defend her Khan. She pilots an older SLDF GHR-5J Grasshopper found from the New Dagda Star League cache, although nearly all of its components have been upgraded with Clan-spec equipment and more than 12 tons of ferro-fibrous armoring (Gunnery: 2, Piloting: 4).

CLAN BURROCK LEADERSHIP

Khan: Cyrus Polczyk
saKhan: Olga Danforth
Loremaster: Ira Polczyk
Scientist-General: Graham (Carnot)
Merchant Factor: Stenson
Master Technician: Joyce
Senior Laborer: Goodwin

CLAN BURROCK TOUMAN

ALPHA GALAXY (THE UNDERMINERS)
Alpha Galaxy Command (Shadow Keshik)
Cluster/Elite/Fanatical

CO: Khan Cyrus Polczyk
XO: Star Colonel Jarvis Gastopiv

The Khan's personal unit keeps the best weapons and technology for itself. These are the most elite and most loyal of Polczyk's forces. In addition to being better equipped, the Shadow Keshik is also the largest unit formation. The unit is a reinforced cluster with heavy and assault 'Mechs, supporting fighter, infantry, and armor forces. The unit favors large amounts of Gauss rifle and PPC bombardment before closing to use heavy cannons and missiles to finish off the enemy. Alpha Command uses predictable siege tactics on the attack and turtle tactics for defense. Hellbringers and Mad Dogs are the unit's typical scout forces, which are used to pin down the enemy until heavier forces arrive. Additionally, the heavier 'Mechs will lay down effective suppressing fire to allow the mobile forces a chance to advance.

Second Burrock Dragoons (The Subterranean Saboteurs)
Cluster/Elite/Fanatical

CO: Star Colonel Cal Lamongue
XO: Star Captain Tram Nga

The Second Dragoons are likewise also built around a top-heavy unit mix of primarily heavy and assault 'Mechs. While the Shadow Keshik gets first pick of the latest available equipment, the Second Dragoons also make use of very high-end designs, including a fair amount of Clan OmniMechs. Although considered on the heaviest units in the touman, the Second Dragoons are able to respond quickly and most 'Mechs in the unit can reach top speeds of nearly 80 kph, and nearly none of the unit's 'Mechs travels slower than 60 kph.

1016th Burrock Guards (The Silent Trappers)
Cluster/Veteran/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Kord Opriq
XO: Star Captain Norton Linn

Like its sister unit - the 1015th - The Silent Trappers began their service to Clan Burrock as a bandit disposal force. The 1016th Guards are more mobile than the other unit formations of Alpha Galaxy, thanks in part to their use of medium to heavy cavalry 'Mechs. The 1016th's armor and infantry forces are likewise also trained in mobile warfare tactics. The 1016th's CO is adept at coordinating battle armor swarms with cavalry 'Mech charges into the center of enemy formations to cause maximum panic.

18th Rapier Cluster (Spreading Death)
Cluster/Veteran/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Raymond Lamongue
XO: Star Captain Ayush

The Eighteenth Rapier Cluster is made from primarily light and medium assets, with the occasional quick heavy 'Mech. They favor quick ambush tactics and are often paired with the 1015th Guards for larger scale actions due to the similarity of their fighting styles. The Eighteenth makes good use of the latest sensor equipment available to the Clans and some Star League technologies, including Null Signature and electronic countermeasures. When possible, the Eighteenth will spot for indirect fire support and artillery strikes.

BETA GALAXY (THE CREEPERS)
Beta Galaxy Command (Dread Keshik)
Cluster/Elite/Reliable

CO: saKhan Olga Danforth
XO: Star Colonel Marvin Linn

The Dread Keshik, commanded by Olga Danforth, is a dedicated heavy brawling force. Individual units make use of short-range missiles, lasers, autocannons, and see frequent time in the repair bay. Interestingly enough, the unit is formed primarily from former Dark Caste members around a core of soldiers specializing in anti-Clan tactics. The backbone of the Keshik is formed from second-line Clan and Star League equipment with some first generation OmniMechs in the mix as well. 

Sixth Burrock Dragoons (The Excavators)
Cluster/Veteran/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Warren Gastopiv
XO: Star Captain Bryce Danforth

A medium-heavy formation, the Sixth Dragoons emphasize mobile warfare, especially hit and run tactics. The Sixth uses many older designs in its inventory. It is common to see Shadow Hawks and Griffins serving with Vultures or Lokis in the same Stars. Unit commanders even make use of older 'Mechs themselves, including Star Colonel Warren Gastropiv who has become quite fond of his Lupus since its discovery in a Brian Cache deep in Clan space.

127th Burrock Avengers (Dark Reckoning)
Cluster/Regular/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Chance Columbo
XO: Star Captain Cassidy Van Houten

The 127th Avengers were built as a symbol of the delicate relationship between the Burrocks and their Dark Caste allies. The Avengers are primarily recruited from the best of the local soldiers among a minority of Burrock's Warrior Caste members. Nearly all of the 127th's 'Mechs and fighters are Star League Royal variants.

4th Burrock Assault (Earth Shakers)
Cluster/Regular/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Toya Marghar
XO: Star Captain Albrecht

Appropriately nicknamed the Earth Shakers, the Fourth Assault is the heaviest unit in Clan Burrock. This weight advantage is offset by the Fourth's lack of OmniMechs and abundance of Star League-era technologies. The Earth Shakers don't specialize in any particular tactics, preferring to overwhelm their opponents through sheer mass.

KAPPA GALAXY (THE CREEPERS)
Kappa Galaxy Command (Ash Keshik)
Cluster/Veteran/Reliable

CO: Loremaster Ira Polczyk
XO: Star Colonel Wilbur Hutchinson

Kappa Command is an even mix of Clan and New Dagdan warriors. As the personal unit of Loremaster Ira Polcyzk, the Keshik has many stories to tell - some Clan and some not. Both sides are equally important as the reformed Burrocks embark on their journey together. Only the Command Trinary is equipped with Clan OmniMechs. The remainder of the Keshiks's forces are older designs, mostly bandit 'Mechs and vehicles.

29th Provisional Garrison Cluster
Cluster/Regular/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Rosen
XO: Star Captain Drake

The 129th PGC defends Burrock's only other major populated world, New Eden. The situation on New Eden is much different from New Dagda, as the world longer winters and there are fewer major population centers. As a result, New Eden is much more rural and is less inviting a target for raiding.

First Militia Cluster
Cluster/Green/Reliable

CO: Star Colonel Jensen
XO: Star Captain Helmut

Nearly the entirety of the First Militia is formed from natives of New Dagda and New Eden. The Militia Clusters are formed from a permanent core of three 'Mech Binaries, one infantry Binary, and one armor or air Binary. In times of need, the Militia Clusters can call upon an additional Binary of each type.

Second Militia Cluster
Cluster/Green/Questionable

CO: Star Colonel Deyja
XO: Star Captain Eli

Second Militia Cluster is most recent addition to the Burrock touman. Their members accepted Clan control by necessity, rather than by choice. Although there is strength in numbers, most members would rather not participate in military exercises. The threat of opportunistic bandits keeps Second Militia on its guard, however.

NAVAL RESERVE

Cyrus Polczyk Cameron-class battlecruiser (Flagship)
New Dagda Samarkand II-class carrier
Centipede Lola III-class destroyer
Millipede Lola III-class destroyer
New Manzikert Davion II-class destroyer
Cataclysm Riga-class frigate

CLAN BURROCK WATCH

Under Loremaster Ira Polczyk, the Burrock Watch is a more formidable intelligence network than at any point during their association with the Clans. The Burrock Watch employs many Dark Caste agents and informants. Tactful and deceptive, several agents have been placed carefully within the Clan Homeworlds keeping their ears close to the ground. These agents have thus far been able to stay under the radar of the various Clan Watch programs.