In 3146, the Republic of the Sphere hangs by a tenuous thread. The last fragments of Devlin Stone’s dream to shepherd humankind toward a more prosperous future hide behind the impenetrable defenses of Fortress Republic. As the interstellar communications blackout rages, the ambitious Great Houses vie for military dominance, and the bloodthirsty Clans strive to find a weakness in the Fortress’s armor on their path to conquering Terra and claiming the coveted title of ilClan. When the Wall comes down, will the Inner Sphere plunge even further into the abyss of interstellar war, or will this herald the dawning of a new age?
Shattered Fortress chronicles the twilight of BattleTech’s Dark Age, as nations are thrown into turmoil and predators circle the broken remnants of the Republic of the Sphere. This volume provides a year-by-year look at pivotal turning points in the history of the Inner Sphere, offers a peek behind the curtain of Fortress Republic, and reveals the fateful decisions that will ultimately decide the future of mankind.
page 106We will finally know who caused the blackout or only what caused it? Either way, I'm glad to see things happening again :drool:
FORTRESS REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGY
HPG Blackout
The Wall
We will finally know who caused the blackout or only what caused it?
when can we expect this beautiful product if we aren't attending GC?
Must have now!! if just to see what the Marians are up to. :excited:
Must have now!! if just to see what the Marains are up to. :excited:
PDF should be out the first week of August. Print will be a bit later this fall.
We get a Record Sheet(s), yet there is only the HPG blackout and The Wall in the chapters that could include new units... interesting, a mistake or just a new or old unit put in for reasons
Suggestion: Put "Undisguised Spoilers" in the thread title and then let people not click on it if they don't want those.
Also: New units! Please tell me they will have colour schemes
Typically there is a section called a, "Rules Annex"
So there is a chance we aren't seeing everything here. On the other hand, the page numbers are linear.
We get a Record Sheet(s), yet there is only the HPG blackout and The Wall in the chapters that could include new units... interesting, a mistake or just a new or old unit put in for reasonsThose are separate chapters. No correlation.
To get us started--here's the Table of Contents and Credits! (Click on each image for a larger version.)
(https://preview.ibb.co/bKv7ZT/toc_2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hizZET)
Cubby, the Unexpected Help is the remnants of the Word of Blake, isn't it? The Master has realized his best chance of a Third Transfer working is to partner with The Republic of the Sphere and restoring the HPG network, right?
No, the Wolverines are back. They joined forces with William Cameron, the Storm Riders and a dead-shot in a RGU-133Eb to form an elite force.
Let me guess. If I have a problem and no one else can help and *if* I can find them, then maybe I can hire them.
Nope, dig deeper. ^-^
but the wait is finally over.
Cubby, the Unexpected Help is the remnants of the Word of Blake, isn't it? The Master has realized his best chance of a Third Transfer working is to partner with The Republic of the Sphere and restoring the HPG network, right?
I think we had to wait in real time since FM
3145 for this book.
And apparently the Wolves are wasting time in Skye maybe? Why, I cannot yet fathom.
Not gonna lie, I am extremely excited to read this, but, I am also biting my nails wondering how the Lyrans fare. *laughs*
The Assault of Skye? Shouldn't that be the Assault on Skye?
The Assault of Skye? Shouldn't that be the Assault on Skye?
I could see a planet full of William Wallaces perpetrating the "Assault of Skye" on the Falcons, Commonwealth, Republic, or whoever.
I could see Malvina draw and quartering a planet full of William Wallaces and sending their parts to the four great houses. >.>
Cant wait to see the fidelis go out with a bang. Also, Alaric vs. Stone. >:D Gotta see how my beloved republic comes falling down.
I'm happy for everyone who have been waiting for so long. For me, it looks like this IlClan era will be my formal introduction into franchise. Currently trying to catch up on the storyline before SF releases.
Welcome to the fun!Naw, not the whole BattleTech storyline. That would be extremely daunting. I’m just trying to catch up on what’s gone down in the Dark Age plot.
All the story before it releases? You're aware of just how much story there is? 90-something novels in English, and then some sourcebooks.
Naw, not the whole BattleTech storyline. That would be extremely daunting. I’m just trying to catch up on what’s gone down in the Dark Age plot.
Naw, not the whole BattleTech storyline. That would be extremely daunting. I’m just trying to catch up on what’s gone down in the Dark Age plot.
Honestly, the first section of Era Report: 3145 will probably get you there. The Personalities section in that book may help as well, so you know some of the players.
FM:3145 is chock-full of great stuff, but it's denser, so probably not necessary until a second read-through. For now, trust us that Phil tracked the deployment and movements of every unit in mind-shattering detail.
Is there an actual date for the PDF release announced?
PDF should be out the first week of August. Print will be a bit later this fall.
Cubby may have a black BattleMaster but he isn't as sexy as me. ^-^
PDF should be out the first week of August. Print will be a bit later this fall.
You won't be disappointed!
So that’s next week, not this week, since tomorrow is August 1, but that’s midweek, right?
I'm glad we are getting this finally.
The beamer jealousy jokes or Shattered Fortress?
Psst..guys..its August here in Europe. *eyes store* :p Not that i'm waiting with baited breath but...yeah I am...gimmegimmegimme! :p
Im guessing August 2nd at 10am eastern standard time...right after the doors open at the Gencon. Not that Im waiting....but I am.
So that’s next week, not this week, since tomorrow is August 1, but that’s midweek, right?
Serves me right for striving to provide a better time estimate than “soon”—I should have known people would try to parse exactly what “first week of August” meant.
Don't be too hard on yourself...had you told us the exact day, then we would have been asking at what hour should we expect this to be available! LOL
Serves me right for striving to provide a better time estimate than “soon”—I should have known people would try to parse exactly what “first week of August” meant.
Read it as “first couple days of August.” We’re still wrapping up a few last things to get the PDF ready for release. So, “soon.”
It's okay Cubby stuff happens and we're just excited to get something new.
Serves me right for striving to provide a better time estimate than “soon”—I should have known people would try to parse exactly what “first week of August” meant.it means a nanosecond before 0001 hours Quebec time zone on August 8th. If it shows up before, then happy birthday.
Read it as “first couple days of August.” We’re still wrapping up a few last things to get the PDF ready for release. So, “soon.”
The beamer jealousy jokes or Shattered Fortress?Maybe both.
it means a nanosecond before 0001 hours Quebec time zone on August 8th. If it shows up before, then happy birthday.
it means a nanosecond before 0001 hours Quebec time zone on August 8th. If it shows up before, then happy birthday.
Anyone got what time is it in quebec?
Depends if you're talking mainland Quebec or at Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Whichever's later.
Man....
Some people probably have shattered fortress right now. Gencon is happening.
...
The book ends in a cliffhanger
Nah s'good. I'll make popcorn and get a betting pool going.
Still, though, finish up your fight in the next few posts so we can get back on topic (hint hint).
Niops can you do me a favor and remove the spoiler from your quotation. It is not so difficult to read against that blue background.
The Table of Contents mention of Marian rampages has me understandably nervous. Hopefully my good Canopian neighbors will have our back if things get too crazy. :p
Done.
By the by, what ever happened to the spoiler tag? Victim of a board update?
Kitsune, your spoiler text isn't working so well for those of us using the dark republic theme.
White on dark gray really stands out.
Since noone else has made one...
I created (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=62409.0) a thread just for Shattered Fortress spoilers.
Suddenly I'm reminded of the time Bosch threw down a circle of equals at me, and declared he'd fight augmented and with an Abrams. I said okay, then as the challenged declared our battle would be at 30,000 feet and my weapon is a parachute.
Think creatively, RotS! You can whip that foxboy easy!
Fzbxr Wnthnef
Gurer'f ab erfbyhgvba gb gur dhrfgvba bs Jub'f vyPyna.
Gur Snypbaf naq gur Jbyirf ner ng Green'f qbbefgrc, fbzrubj cnfg gur jnyy (gur grpu frpgvba vf whfg fcrphyngvba, ab nafjref ba jung ERNYYL pnhfrf gur Oynpxbhg naq Sbegerff) naq fbzrubj, qrfcvgr univat yrnearq ubj gb olcnff gur sbegerff jnyy, gur sbegerff jnyy vf fgbccvat gurz ng gur ynfg frpbaq.
Jryy abg fgbccvat fbzrbar ragveryl, n syrrg bs irffryf anzrq bayl nf Pyna, abg vqragvsvrq nf n cnegvphyne pyna, unf neevirq vafvqr GUNG jnyy gbb.
Encrypted Spoilers Follow Use ROT13 to decode (http://www.rot13.com).
(gur grpu frpgvba vf whfg fcrphyngvba
Interesting. Thanks for confirming that.
I would love for it to be Oybbq Fcvevg
Fall of New Avalon confirmed in the novellas. Any more word of it in the book?
That is insane.
Fall of New Avalon confirmed in the novellas. Any more word of it in the book?
Fall of New Avalon confirmed in the novellas. Any more word of it in the book?
My thought was that without the industrial output of New Avalon, which is staggeringly massive in terms of mechs, tanks, and especially BattleArmor, I have some doubts that the AFFS will be able to hold out even as a rump state. Without Robinson and New Avalon, you are relying on Kathil, Crofton, and New Syrtis. Wow. Just wow!
And isn't New Syrtis in Capellan hands?
http://benhrome.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/00-ilclan-outline-final.pdf
Now is a good time to remember Ben Rome's joke from 4 years ago and see what was really true after all
I'm so glad that didn't actually happen. Joke/April fool's release is enough.
I'm still assuming the Joke is that the outline was actually completely sincere but we were just supposed to think it wasn't. I won't be convinced until I see some thing else actually published.
It's out...
https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-shattered-fortress
Great news.
Unfortunately not on drivethrurpg yet :(
Downloaded. Now to select reading music. Hmm...
Seems like the Jon Everist-created BattleTech OST is an appropriate option. ;)
A haunting, searching harmony. You could almost say it searches like a... scout?
(https://media.giphy.com/media/SUeUCn53naadO/giphy.gif)
[CTRL-F] [CTRL-F] [CTRL-F] [CTRL-F] [CTRL-F] [CTRL-F]
Huh. No sign of the Free Worlds Guards except two mentions of the 8th? What'd the First do, sit one jump from the Wolves AND the Regulans for five years with no activity? Let alone the rest; I didn't see anything about them being renamed or whatever. Anyone else got something I missed?
And that answers who the ilClan is.
And that answers who the ilClan is.
re: ilClan, I'm waiting to hear back from someone whether it was deliberate or just an oversight. But there is indeed something stating the answer in the book.
There is not. Without giving anything away, no definitive answer was intended in the method you suggested.
So there was a definitive answer given in a method other than what was suggested?There was no definitive answer to begin with, there was an art mistake that resembled one. It's not what I thought it was. Simple enough.
Or there was a definitive answer unintended in the method suggested?
Unbeknownst to SAFE agents at the time...
I'm glad some things never change.
I’m not playing this game. The book is what it is. ANS found what appears to be an unintended visual. I’ve informed those who need to know.
Now stop, you’re causing Cubby to run amok throwing firecrackers into school buses.
IlClan:That's been confirmed, actually; FM3145 shows that Stone went into deep freeze in 3130 and had only planned the idea of the Fortress. Jonah Levin was the one who activated it, and Stone implies he wasn't even the one responsible for it being built. "'If I design a gun and somebody else builds it and shoots someone, am I at fault? A plan is a tool, nothing more.'" So the mechanism of the Fortress was built post-3130, and used pretty soon thereafter; the question now is who does Levin know? Since it wasn't built while Stone was Alive Part One, someone under Levin (or Redburn) had to approve of building and oversee it all, then report to the exarch that "hey we got this thing that does a thing, y'want it to do the thing?" and get a yes.
-Those same conversations imply that the Fortress was at least initially not Stone's doing, again implying some outside actor.
IlClan:The Snow Ravens weren't even mentioned in the book. "Fleet of ships" sounds very Raven-like to me.
I think it'll be a third party.
-Stone and Harwell's conversations imply that Stone is waiting/counting on outside help.
-Those same conversations imply that the Fortress was at least initially not Stone's doing, again implying some outside actor.
-With ComStar gone and WoB double-tapped, the most plausible source for both reinforcements and crazy HPG tech is the Homeworld Clans, however they've reorganized in the intervening decades.
-The last snippet says the Clan fleet knew how to get through the shield, but we had no other indications that either Alaric or Malvina knew how to do that.
It's possible that the fleet belongs to one of the IS Clans, and they were simply invited, but I don't think that's as neat an answer. None of the IS Clans are powerful enough to ensure the Republic's existence (even in a modified form), and it still doesn't answer who the hell broke the HPGs and put up the Fortress.
The Snow Ravens weren't even mentioned in the book. "Fleet of ships" sounds very Raven-like to me.
Do quote the spoiler tags of you could.I thought that wasn't particularly a spoiler since it goes back to FM3145. Fixed.
It's a shame that noone told the writers that a Gauss Slug won't crack a Shiro's face armor.I’m sure there’s an optional rule somewhere.
I’m sure there’s an optional rule somewhere.
Seems like the Jon Everist-created BattleTech OST is an appropriate option. ;)
Unlike HPGs, which transmit a burst message instantaneously to a target fifty light-years away, a black box radiates a signal that propagates outward from the transmitter at a steady rate as “ripples” in the fabric of hyperspace (a phenomenon that Star League technicians believed might interfere with KF drives or HPG transmitters, which prompted the SLDF to abandon the technology). Messages sent by the original black boxes discovered by Katrina Steiner, Arthur Luvon and Morgan Kell (referred to as the K-0 series) traveled roughly ten light-years per day and had a maximum range of approximately a hundred light-years
I’m sure there’s an optional rule somewhere.
A floating crit would do it.
I just hope whatever happens is worth all of the setup.
Quite few blunderings there really. Some of them really, really baffling IMO.
There are no new hints. We know nothing major new past what we knew a week ago. I mean, I'm not the only one bothered by that, right? Did I miss something important?
But the final result is just lacking, and while I fully understand the fallacy of customer entitlement, this did not feel like it was worth waiting so long for.
This is always my fear with anything delayed significantly. The weight of expectation becomes too great for nearly any resulting product to bear.
Speaking for myself I mostly got what I wanted - a fleshing out of events hinted at in tro 3150. That we have to wait yet another year for the full picture is really annoying but it can’t be helped.
If I'm gonna express doubts, my doubt is TPTB can come up with a setting defined by an ilClan that involves neither a time jump nor the ilClan ending "BattleTech".
Like what?Julian breaking cease-fire for no good reasons (voluntary two-front war makes little sense). Jessica Marik wanting a three-front war (fortunately she got talked down, still not sure embargo vs Cappies is smart). Liao and Kurita making an alliance and trashing it the first time it is tested. The Republic Remnants acting pretty stupidly. Steiner kinda ignoring things happening in their realm, ending up wasting resources overall. Stone just dropping the whole Fortress Wall instead of opening and closing it as necessary or just leaving it partially closed to guard other areas (his claim why he had to drop it didn't really feel believable).
We've gone round on this exact topic before. It's not owning Terra that makes it Game Over. Hell, not just ComStar but more lately the RotS owned Terra.
It's the existence of an ilClan that means the Game is Over because the ilClan rules the whole Inner Sphere, not just Terra. Unless the "ilClan" somehow doesn't end up ruling the Inner Sphere, and therefore isn't really an ilClan anyway. More of a Terran Hegemony 3.0 than actual ilClan.
No realm will last forever, despite how strong it is.
An IlClan will end sooner or later, depending on lots of factors. Politics, rebellion, power struggle, reavings, annihilations, inbreeding, author fiat, and so forth.
Something odd is going on with the Arthur.Non-Omni custom variant. There are one or two examples in BT before, i think, at least there are Omnis with non-Omni variants though this might be the first custom non-Omni variant.
That command console... did he break the omni system on purpose?
No realm will last forever, despite how strong it is.
An IlClan will end sooner or later, depending on lots of factors. Politics, rebellion, power struggle, reavings, annihilations, inbreeding, author fiat, and so forth.
*nods* If a Clan takes Terra, they're going to declare themselves the ilClan. Fine. But is the rest of the Inner Sphere, let alone the other Clans, going to just let them have it? Even if they don't assault Terra itself, they're going to make the ilClan pay in blood for every world that Clan tries to take for their new Star League. And there's still the Word of Blake and Homeworld Clans out there, somewhere.
Nobody said that they want a conclusion, and having a Clan sitting on Terra in no way limits the ways the story can go.
The ilClan doesn't automatically get the entire Republic any more than they automatically get the entire Inner Sphere. Hell, look at the 3150 map: the Republic IS just Terra. If they want to build a new Star League, it's going to be through conquest. It could be kind of like the Jihad, but no coalition, and everyone will be gunning for Terra. It could go anywhere; just because the initial conditions are similar doesn't mean that events will play out the same way, and the conclusion is far from certain.
Rigil Kentarus is part of the Falcons OZ. Not Terra
This is getting well into "add up the values of the letters as numbers in Stone's name" levels of desperately wanting there to be clever hints.
Please come enjoy my new theme park: 12 flags over ingress
Curious about this whole map thing, I:So you're saying someone blew up Terra? :D
1. extracted p104 from the PDF
2. opened it in Affinity Designer (a vector graphics application that has proved very useful for such things as this)
3. removed Terra
Here's what's underneath Terra. (https://www.dropbox.com/s/8f3c2bzwksz2e5g/weird_border.png?dl=0)
So, it's nothing. Øystein just drew the border a little wonky is all. Need to tighten up those curves!
I'm happy now. My favorite planet added another flag
Ingress. I don't think any other planet has had more flags of nations.
1: part of the Terran alliance
2: Independent flag after participating in the outer reaches rebellion
3: Terran hegemony
4: Amaris star empire
5: grabbed by the confederation
6: joined the Tikonov free republic
7: absorbed into FedCom
8: part of chaos March and duchy of small
9: word of Blake protectorate
10: republic of the sphere
11: absorbed by fedsuns and that flag for the first time
12: taken by draconis Combine
Please come enjoy my new theme park: 12 flags over ingress
The were
It’s not an art issue. There’s nothing to fix. Rigel Kentarus is held by the Falcons. Terra is not. That’s what the map shows.
Rigil Kentarus is part of the Falcons OZ. Not Terra
...which is exactly the response I got when I advanced this issue to management.
Page 67, after reading all this stuff going on; I had to laugh at the prospect of them being scared over a 5th Succession war.
Really? So, what is this just a tea social setting we're experiencing lately?! :P
Page 67, after reading all this stuff going on; I had to laugh at the prospect of them being scared over a 5th Succession war.
Really? So, what is this just a tea social setting we're experiencing lately?! :P
Clan Invasion: Fifth Succession War
Jihad: Sixth Succession War
Fight me, BattleTech fanbois. :D
Clan Invasion: Fifth Succession War
Jihad: Sixth Succession War
Fight me, BattleTech fanbois. :D
Clan Invasion: Fifth Succession War
Jihad: Sixth Succession War
Fight me, BattleTech fanbois. :D
Clan Invasion: Fifth Succession War
Jihad: Sixth Succession War
Fight me, BattleTech fanbois. :D
I mean...you know what they called the seventeenth battle for Hesperus?
I mean...you know what they called the seventeenth battle for Hesperus?Johnny and Robert fighting over the last donuts in the break room?
I mean...you know what they called the seventeenth battle for Hesperus?
Still holding onto my theory from years ago about the Star Adders being the ones. Longshot, but still....
ilClan happens and we retire forward progress of the storyline, and BattleTech lives on by revisiting the retro/pre-ilClan eras.*
I can't imagine a quicker way to kill the game other than printing ilClan, then closing up shop.
Since there seems to be some confusion: what myself and others mean by "no climax" is that nothing particularly exciting happens before the cliffhanger. Nobody is saying that they wanted the actual end to the story; even if the book did end with the battle between the Clan fleet and the Republic forces on Terra I fully would want the story to continue moving forward.
So hey let's segue to a new topic that isn't beaten to death!
Speaking of crazy border lines, how about New Avalon and Coloma?
It might be better to ask in the "Ask the Writers" thread, but what the hell the iron here is hot.
Why are those worlds tied to the rest of the realm by crazy long and thin tendrils consisting of no habitable systems rather than being surrounded by little bubbles, like those Marian-occupied worlds over in the FWL?
I'm just waiting for it to come out on PDF :D
2. Why in the world does Stone keep Tucker Harwell around? I mean, Tucker isn’t quite the hyper-genius he used to be, and it doesn’t seem like he has been able to fix the HPG network inside the wall...so why does Stone keep him around and share his most secret plans with the guy? It just felt odd to me that Stone felt compelled to share so much with the Tucker.He doesn't have a David Lear anymore. That's at least my assessment.
Pretty sure it is out in PDF now:
https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-shattered-fortress
He doesn't have a David Lear anymore. That's at least my assessment.
Tucker is probably filling that role for the old man.
Nope. 1 year, minimum.
Nope. 1 year, minimum.
I mean...you know what they called the seventeenth battle for Hesperus?Clean up on Aisle 4 :)
Nope. 1 year,Fixed that for youminimummaximum.
So you're saying someone blew up Terra? :D
I've spoilered this because I have a question about the Jade Falcon logo and it's one of those things that once you see it you can't unsee it. If you don't care about the Falcons skip this post.
I'm re-reading this and is it me or is the Jade Falcon logo odd? As you look down at it the right wing (would actually be the falcon's left wing) looks like someone took a paint program and filled in the wing on the right side. (See p. 24, 47, 84, 91) The left wing doesn't have that gray field in the middle, it has some marbling or texture. Just struck me as odd.
Alas, I worked in some Phantom Mech but the character was discovered to be a politician instead of a warrior and I had to rewrite it....Are we playing MadLibs?
Are we playing MadLibs?
All of the logo's are pretty significantly battle damaged.
I think it just looks odd because it's not damaged but the rest of the logo is so battered. It looks the same in Era Report 3145.
It's probably just catching your eye because the rest of the logo is so battered. The other wing is the same color where it isn't hurt.
Ooh! the left wing is undamaged but the rest is battered. Left wing... left hand? The SaKhan is traditionally the "right hand" of the Khan, so who would be the left? A "left handed compliment" is a sarcastic comment. And who was sarcastic about her Khan? Stephani Chistu! IlKhan Stephani Chistu confirmed!
No really. Stop. haha
Was that a "they're coming to take me away" style "haha"? Just umm. Just checking. For no reason.
Nooo reason at all. <runs for the phone>
Like was mentioned earlier, all the notable pilot entries in TRO 3150 should have their full context now (I can't remember any that were past this point). Those should provide more discussion avenues now that we know the rest of the story.
Not sure about the Falcons, but I certainly did notice what was in the background of the unit insignia for the Fides Defenders ^-^
Where's Kisho Nova Cat (mentioned in Wendigo entry)
I actually presumed that was the Kell Hounds. But I suppose they hadn't left for another 5 days.
I may have missed it, but when does the sequel come out?
Another possibility is that several clans might put aside their differences just to make sure the "other guys" don't get Terra and send a multi-clan taskforce to secure Terra. Once this force has won, rather than bickering over which of the clans gets to be ilclan, the entire task force breaks away from their parent clans and becomes the Ilclan.
Or it's Stephani Chistu.To quote Kit, Precentor of Lies, that's only 15-20% likely.
I was pleasantly surprised that the Leviathan III was not used in a false flag to get the Bears to go AARAGABLBLBLBLBLB and attack the Combine 'cause I really did think that was gonna happen to do a last minute save.
I find it interesting that the Dominion going onto an offensive footing is something Stone doesn't want and the RotS got a bit nervous when the Bears attacked the three Combine worlds
One thing that confuses me: What the heck did Stone think the Republic was going to do with only 19* regiments? I mean Fortress Republic had ~32 systems in it and they built new units but they don't have a huge base for recruiting.
Sending units through the Wall on raids is apparently possible, and is mentioned in the 3145-3150 TROs. And with a military that small it makes sense to do that to give your forces some experience.
But unless the RAF units are the Immortal Warrior incarnate 19 regiments to protect 32 systems seems a bit thin, particularly given the RAF's habit of breaking up units into battalion sized detachments. Add in the fact that the RAF would be facing multiple foes that outnumbered them at least 2 to 1 and it seems even stranger to me that they didn't build up their forces in some other way. (They made a good start with the drones; Maybe seeing a lot more of those would explain why there were comparatively few regiments.)
*According to FM: 3145
To quote Kit, Precentor of Lies, that's only 15-20% likely.
One thing that confuses me: What the heck did Stone think the Republic was going to do with only 19* regiments? I mean Fortress Republic had ~32 systems in it and they built new units but they don't have a huge base for recruiting.
Sending units through the Wall on raids is apparently possible, and is mentioned in the 3145-3150 TROs. And with a military that small it makes sense to do that to give your forces some experience.
But unless the RAF units are the Immortal Warrior incarnate 19 regiments to protect 32 systems seems a bit thin, particularly given the RAF's habit of breaking up units into battalion sized detachments. Add in the fact that the RAF would be facing multiple foes that outnumbered them at least 2 to 1 and it seems even stranger to me that they didn't build up their forces in some other way. (They made a good start with the drones; Maybe seeing a lot more of those would explain why there were comparatively few regiments.)
*According to FM: 3145
One thing that confuses me: What the heck did Stone think the Republic was going to do with only 19* regiments?
Add in the fact that the RAF would be facing multiple foes that outnumbered them at least 2 to 1 and it seems even stranger to me that they didn't build up their forces in some other way.
The book spent so long delving into how the RAF wasn't hiding its forces that I wouldn't be surprised if the next book spent a lot of time on how they were.
Industry-wise, holding Terra is practically a cheat code.
The book spent so long delving into how the RAF wasn't hiding its forces that I wouldn't be surprised if the next book spent a lot of time on how they were.
Industry-wise, holding Terra is practically a cheat code.
One thing that confuses me: What the heck did Stone think the Republic was going to do with only 19* regiments? I mean Fortress Republic had ~32 systems in it and they built new units but they don't have a huge base for recruiting.
Terra is always shown as being a huge base for recruiting though.
Unless I just didn't do a good job of keeping track, I don't think Shattered Fortress even comes close to addressing where all of the Republic units that were behind the wall are. I'm pretty sure there are many regiments that didn't really show up anywhere. Sure they could just be on Terra, but that would be a LOT of troops to keep bottled up. It definitely feels like Stone is up to something sneaky here, and those missing forces are going to make someone very unhappy in the next book.
Anyway, looking back on it, I find it a bit odd that we heard precisely nothing about the Raven Alliance. I mean, this book threw a paragraph or two at darn near everyone out in the periphery with more than two or three planets, except for the Ravens and I guess the Escorpion Imperio. The Scorpions, I can sort of understand, but it seems odd that the Ravens spent five years sitting in their borders singing songs with the Outworlders. In the previous few years they kept nibbling away at the Federated Suns, and some of their units were actually having decent success. Why did they stop? Maybe they were NOT just sitting there. Maybe they were doing something, but it didn't affect their Great House neighbors so it wasn't mentioned. Or maybe there was only so much room for Periphery powers, and the Ravens had enough attention already thanks to the whole Caleb Davion thing. What do you folks think?
True but it makes sense. Of pretty much everyone else left, the Dominion is the power least affected by the shenanigans and turmoil affecting the Inner Sphere, they've got a fairly intact industrial base, a happy, loyal populace and a largely untouched military as well as the two remaining Battleships in the Inner Sphere which so massively outclass anything else out there its like putting a tug-boat up against a Super Star Destroyer. Yet they grabbed three worlds and then returned to slumber.
Kek you thought the clans would get some action. I felt like the falcon and wolf's got as much as they did because they were forced to put them in there.
As a clan fan this book was a let down.
FM3145 was supposed to be a full and truthful accounting of the forces of all the powers in the Inner Sphere.
Part of the MWDA setting was to remove all the "Magic warehouses" and "hidden forces" of previous eras, where you'd pull multi-regimental forces out of your rear when needed. There was a dictate on how much each nation would be able to grow each year, which was adherred to through 3130 to 3145.
Question for TPTB:
On page 83 of the PDF there's a line in the DMI report on the Dominion attacks that goes: "Dyev: The 357th Assault Cluster easily claimed Dyev by slaughtering the local militia, who refused to surrender. This resulted in" and then just cuts off. What was the remaining text supposed to be?
FM3145 was supposed to be a full and truthful accounting of the forces of all the powers in the Inner Sphere.
Part of the MWDA setting was to remove all the "Magic warehouses" and "hidden forces" of previous eras, where you'd pull multi-regimental forces out of your rear when needed. There was a dictate on how much each nation would be able to grow each year, which was adherred to through 3130 to 3145.
I think the text addresses this in a few ways.
First, as he says in one of the sidebars, the Fortress Wall wouldn't hold forever. It was going to start failing on its own at some point. So the number of regiments you cite may not have been "this is all we need," it may have been "this is the best we're going to get."
Even if the Wall would last forever, FM:3145 illustrates that the natives inside the Fortress were getting very restless. Keeping the Wall up to pop out a couple more regiments might not have been worth it if Stone ended up with a possibly-not-figurative pitchfork in his gut as Exarch.
As you say, the Republic faces multiple enemy powers who have significant forces at hand. Stone is very aware that the dogpile is coming, as it has come for anyone who has tried and failed to hold Terra for the previous 700 years. He has an answer; in editing the book, I specifically challenged the developers and writers to answer exactly the question you're asking. IF that's really all the Republic has, Stone must know he's gonna get creamed, so why would he drop the Wall?
What's the answer? Stay tuned.
Asked, but not yet answered (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=62456.0).
Anyway, looking back on it, I find it a bit odd that we heard precisely nothing about the Raven Alliance. I mean, this book threw a paragraph or two at darn near everyone out in the periphery with more than two or three planets, except for the Ravens and I guess the Escorpion Imperio. The Scorpions, I can sort of understand, but it seems odd that the Ravens spent five years sitting in their borders singing songs with the Outworlders. In the previous few years they kept nibbling away at the Federated Suns, and some of their units were actually having decent success. Why did they stop? Maybe they were NOT just sitting there. Maybe they were doing something, but it didn't affect their Great House neighbors so it wasn't mentioned. Or maybe there was only so much room for Periphery powers, and the Ravens had enough attention already thanks to the whole Caleb Davion thing. What do you folks think?They may have been mentioned in one line, but not by name. :P
They may have been mentioned in one line, but not by name. :P
But yeah. Also, Stone needs a smart guy to talk to. So like Atlas said. As far as the writing goes there has to be a character willing to argue with Stone. Evereybody else worships the guy.Also from a writing perspective, Tucker gives us a "common guy" insert for Stone to explain things out for the reader via someone.
My thoughts...
I can see where the developers were going with this book, and it is highly enjoyable. I do, however, share the criticism that the story did not move forward very much.
Now that impression may be a result of the TRO:3150 information, which revealed many plot points, and the fact that I read the new novellas before I read Shattered Fortress. Still there is too much mystery and too little explanation. For example, we knew the Kell Hounds took heavy losses and departed. Sure we got a new information but that was just another mystery (Where It All Began [...] site of the First Encounter). Any information regarding their mission or destination that is not a mystery in and of itself would have been appreciated. I don't even know if they are acting on the Archon's orders, or even just in the interest of the Commonwealth, or if they abandon the Lyrans for good. I also don't see why they could not tell us what exactly Where It All Began means, unless the Kell Hound story ends here.
IlClan:
I think it'll be a third party.
No realm will last forever, despite how strong it is.
An IlClan will end sooner or later, depending on lots of factors. Politics, rebellion, power struggle, reavings, annihilations, inbreeding, author fiat, and so forth.
Re: lack of WoB
No, I don't need any grandiose reappearance, and I don't want the WoB to become a major player again. I just want to know what happened, even if the survivors with their five WarShips and eleven divisions merely decided to decommission all their equipment and died calmly in bed. There is no need to restore the WoB in any shape or form, the mere thought of so many surviving Blakists hiding in the deep periphery is worth exploring somehow. Some insignificant, remote colony worshipping Blake or something. A small sidebar would be enough.
my money on where the Hounds are headed is The Barrens.Only Morgan Kell went with Katrina (and her future husband Arthur Luvon). Patrick Kell didn't. And their Red Corsair adventure where they discovered the black boxes took place in the spinward (Steiner/Marik) periphery. So this part of your argument doesn't work. I do like the rest though.
Reasoning:
[...]
Shattered Fortress: Where it all began could mean somewhere in Barrens region. Its where the Kell brothers alongside Katrina got their start prior to formation of Kell Hounds, given they discovery of the black box was in the modern day Barrens.
Shattered Fortress: First Encounter... if so is probably The Rock, where the Hounds first encountered the clans at the start of the clan invasion.
Only Morgan Kell went with Katrina (and her future husband Arthur Luvon). Patrick Kell didn't. And their Red Corsair adventure where they discovered the black boxes took place in the spinward (Steiner/Marik) periphery. So this part of your argument doesn't work. I do like the rest though.
Only Morgan Kell went with Katrina (and her future husband Arthur Luvon). Patrick Kell didn't. And their Red Corsair adventure where they discovered the black boxes took place in the spinward (Steiner/Marik) periphery. So this part of your argument doesn't work. I do like the rest though.
Sir, I fully expect no fewer than five manic conspiracy theories on my desk (the forums are my desk) within two months. Think you can handle that? And at least one needs to involve the freeborth and sentient malevolent hyperspace.
edit: with a capital ship captain who bears no resemblance in any way at all to Laurence Fishburne.
So the Federated Suns:
Anyone else surprised that both March capitals are back in the hands of the AFFS? Where did these Davion Irregulars come from? I had kind of resigned myself to the Draconis March just being....Draconis for some time.
Any surprises for you all? I'm hoping for some more AFFS vs. DCMS goodness in ilClan. Honestly? Leave the Capellans alone. The Combine is ascendant, but spread way too thin between the Dominion, the Republic, and the Dragon's Tongue.
My vote is to lop off that tongue and focus on those worlds. But then again, I've never successfully predicted events in the BattleTech Universe. So I can pretty much guarantee that won't happen.
Cheers,
Mad
I'm confused by your post. Did you miss where it discussed what forces did that?
Doing a quick search in the Era Report, Field Manual and Shattered Fortress all I can find is that there are apparently seven such units. The only other mention of these units is in the write up of the Liao Guards in Field Manual 3145.
This isn't surprising since technically they're, "Irregular" Forces. Probably more surprising is that they're regular enough to be seven commands.
But they are only a battalion of mixed troops each. Dragooned militia?
Throw in noble guard units or militias with a home to get back. The Sandovals, Davions, and Haseks aren't the only nobles in the Federated Suns.....even if it seems that way lately.
Throw in noble guard units or militias with a home to get back. The Sandovals, Davions, and Haseks aren't the only nobles in the Federated Suns.....even if it seems that way lately.An irregular unit can consist of anything and anybody, those ordinary citizens who grab guns to defend their homelands when someone attacks? Their irregulars.
Not on my copy, the one released for sale. No idea.
Not so irregular that they aren't being numbered now though, apparently.
I goofed. The *back* cover is the final page. I didn’t even notice until I got to the end.Still don't follow. On my copy, the one released for sale, the first two pages are the front and back cover.
Still don't follow. On my copy, the one released for sale, the first two pages are the front and back cover.
Then mine is weird for some reason. Ill post a screen tomorrow when I have access to my laptop
Then mine is weird for some reason. Ill post a screen tomorrow when I have access to my laptopSame -- mine has the front cover page "A" at the beginning, and back cover page "B" at the end after page 120. From Catalyst online store. Below is Preview.app on a mac; same on acrobat reader on the mac (no windows here).
Did anyone else notice the teleportation job the 5th Crucis Lancers did? The Lancers and Fortune Baker are fighting Lockhardt's Ironsides on Jaipur toward the end of 3147, and the Ironsides manage to cripple a significant chunk of their DropShips. "This stalemate would continue well into December; Task Force Orthus would be unable to offer Operation CERBERUS further support." And yet on the very next page, the Lancers are leading the landings on New Syrtis, on 4 December.
The 5th Lancers are a full RCT in a time when combined arms regiments seem to be the norm. They could have been broken up to cover multiple operations. Field manual 3145 even mentions the fifth have organized a separate combined arms regiment out of one of their mech battalions and several conventional units
Still don't follow. On my copy, the one released for sale, the first two pages are the front and back cover.I'm another one. The cover was the first page and the back cover was the last page. I bought it at DriveThru RPG.
Same -- mine has the front cover page "A" at the beginning, and back cover page "B" at the end after page 120. From Catalyst online store. Below is Preview.app on a mac; same on acrobat reader on the mac (no windows here).
(http://i.imgur.com/Cf7VpRom.png) (https://i.imgur.com/Cf7VpRoh.png) (https://i.imgur.com/0Ow6zmwm.png) (https://i.imgur.com/0Ow6zmwh.png)
The Problem with 5th Crucis could be simple case of needing a errant if it's not really them.
So, the Fides Defenders...
Suddenly the Fidelis aren't just a comparatively few hyper-elite dudes running around anymore, they have a brigade now that evidently all but worships them and wants to *be* them. Do the Smoke Jaguars now possess a decent Touman again, if they ever so chose?
Also, their description confuses a wee bit: "Each Fides lance is composed of two ’Mechs each of different weight classes, and MechWarriors are extensively drilled in rapidly shifting and recombining lances to leverage the best pairings."
That's saying each Lance is only two 'Mechs total, right? Or is it two pairs of 'Mechs of the same weight class (2x Lights and 2x Heavies, for instance). Asking for a friend. [/spoiler]
Finally the storyline is moving.
One thing that surprised me is the fact that there was no mention of operation DAMNATIO in the book.
Whats with the map at the back? Where did all the other Sea Fox worlds go? Twycross, Itabaiana and co?
Whats with the map at the back? Where did all the other Sea Fox worlds go? Twycross, Itabaiana and co?
They gave them up at some point during the Pax Republica or early on in the subsequent Dark Age. Aside from holdings in the Clan Protectorate (and perhaps some enclaves in the Republic) they've transitioned into being Clan Trading Gypsies.
Whats with the map at the back? Where did all the other Sea Fox worlds go? Twycross, Itabaiana and co?
I hope not. We build alot of mechs there. ;D
I gotta break out the 3145 books again. I could swear Twycross and Itabaiana are already Fox-less as of 3145.
At this point the Se Foxes are starting to feel like each Aimag is almost its own clan, and they are all working out their own deals wherever their major trade routes are. That's not 100% accurate, but they do seem to be operating VERY independently these days.
I gotta break out the 3145 books again. I could swear Twycross and Itabaiana are already Fox-less as of 3145.
Pgs 151-152 of FM3145 covers it. Itabaiana, Twycross, and Tukayyid are specifically still said to be worlds with Sea Fox enclaves remaining. The unsaid implication is at some point prior to 3145 control of the system as a whole (less the remaining enclaves) reverted back to the relevant empires. The passage also goes on to elaborate that there are dozens of additional worlds across the Inner Sphere with smaller enclaves, but given the state of things in the Dark Age it's impossible to have a full accounting of where they may be as new ones get established and old ones get abandoned or assimilated up into Space Gypsy Aimags.
but dont they still have their yards in the deep periphery somewhere?
Anyone have any theories on why the CSF chose the 3 planets from House Davion? Hean I think, and some other two?
I had never heard of them up until this point.
Just so you guys know the spoiler button is operational again. You don't have to spell out the spoiler tags.
Just so you guys know the spoiler button is operational again. You don't have to spell out the spoiler tags.You've also changed how they behave somehow, before you could click on a spoiler and the text would stay relieved, now you have to leave the mouse over them.
At this point the Se Foxes are starting to feel like each Aimag is almost its own clan, and they are all working out their own deals wherever their major trade routes are. That's not 100% accurate, but they do seem to be operating VERY independently these days.
Anyone have any theories on why the CSF chose the 3 planets from House Davion? Hean I think, and some other two?
I had never heard of them up until this point.
It was supposed to be the start of a new PDF series, "Milestones."I hope they do get into production, the original one they had interview the person who was the author of it, had made it sound good on that blog recording. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
I have no idea what the status of that line is, but it'll be part of an audit/review of all the mini-PDF products soon.
I love how when Jessica Halas-Hughes-Marik says, "We could kill everyone!" and Petr Kalasa says, "I am strangely ok with it."
I love how when Jessica Halas-Hughes-Marik says, "We could kill everyone!" and Petr Kalasa says, "I am strangely ok with it."
It was supposed to be the start of a new PDF series, "Milestones."
I have no idea what the status of that line is, but it'll be part of an audit/review of all the mini-PDF products soon.
Kit landed the reference. ;D
We have a funny guy who works with us.I suspect this person is you!
I'm somewhat less than excited to see the Rim Collection toss away its identity so quickly; I can't help but feel that forming the "Timbuktu Collective" with a bunch of ex-Lyran planets - albeit ones which had once been part of the old Rim Worlds Republic - is the kind of thing which may bode ill for the old Collection worlds in the not too distant future.
It might be a matter of practicality. Timbuktu by itself has a population of nearly half a billion. There might simply be too many lyrans and not enough collection... collector... collectionists? to justify keeping the old name.:thumbsup:
The 3250 snippets are canon as confirmed by cubby in another thread months backIIRC, i mentioned that epilogue once and answer was "it doesn't contradict anything". After all, the Republic was always gonna fall as i understand it.
Fairly certain the surrender your dreams epilogue has been officially not canon for a while now
It might be a matter of practicality. Timbuktu by itself has a population of nearly half a billion. There might simply be too many lyrans and not enough collection... collector... collectionists? to justify keeping the old name.
Interesting compared to the overlay map for EA, Timbuktu is part of the Rim Federation.Federation? You mean Collective or defunct Rim World League, right?
Federation? You mean Collective or defunct Rim World League, right?
I did miss them yes, especially for units not mentioned in the text. Did they move? Are the Ravens up to something? Did no less than fifty combat commands pull the ole Slipped in the Shower™️ disappearing act?
If anyone has any errata on this book, please report it today. Thanks.
In the errata thread.
The deployment tables in FM 3145 apply. The SW books do not have corresponding Field Manuals, so the tables were included there.
If anyone has any errata on this book, please report it today. Thanks.You've got one. What happens if it is reported tomorrow?
You've got one. What happens if it is reported tomorrow?i will go to print without it.
If anyone has any errata on this book, please report it today. Thanks.
I always pictured the Regulan Hussars or at least the First Regulans as tough bunch of soldiers. Maybe i'm lookin at this with rose-colored glasses , via Rolling Thunder. Who were like the McKinnon Raiders/Fox's Teeth who were rough and tumble and shade of CRAZY :D that got Wolf's Dragoons respect back in the day. I hope they survived, to least get another band of Rolling Thunder for another swing.I feel the same. I thought most of the "original" Regulan Hussars seem pretty colorful/badass.
Personally, i'd be happys see independent product with them dealing with new big problem the League is facing. Ever expanding Audurian/MoC border which i think will lead into a enlarged Confederation.
Does anyone;
A) Have a complete list of units from 3145 FM that got destroyed in this book? I'd like to see a list of how many regiments each force lost according to these battles. shame the Republic lost so much, but I noticed it was mostly Triarii and Principes Regiments, no Hastati or Stone's
B)have a nicer looking map from this book for 3151, preferably colored? I know some people out there are really good at doing that sort of thing.
Is there a full map of 3150, or only the split vesion?Split
TBH, I thought the Combine would turn the "Dragon's Tongue" into a big scoop back towards the Kuritan border, yet the Fed Suns would still have New Avalon. Also, my reading of New Syrtis would have the Fed Suns loosing it. *shrugs*It's certainly not warm and fuzzy situation. I guess were more used to having the entire story arch of stuff happening one swoop in a book verse being stringed along.
I'm not always keeping up to date, so no time jump anymore then? :o
A pity really, because personally I think that a bit of a new start would do BT good.
Does it say anywhere that the "fleet" at the end of the book is definitely a Clan "fleet". Could it be Blakists?
Yes, it's in the very last paragraph "an entire fleet of Clan vessels", which then broadcasts a challenge.
Soooooo, not Blakists.
Unless they stole a bunch of Clan ships. ^-^
Clan Word of Blake? *cough* Wolverine?
Are we talking about a real fleet, or just a bunch of JumpShips and DropShips? If so, we know which Clan it is, since only one of them can ever use the word fleet without excessive sobbing.
No, I'm not talking about the Ravens. They're pretentious, but it's still not enough to be called a fleet. I'm talking about the Blood Spirits, because their tear ducts were sealed shut by spite centuries ago.
Unless they stole a bunch of Clan ships. ^-^Don't give ammo to the tinfoil hats. :P
talk about long play revenge
Where did all those Wolverine ships go to? Who said the Blakists havent been to the Home Worlds and taken over?
Baseless Speculation mode active
* The surviving Kell Hounds headed into the Periphery. They're going to the place where Katrina Steiner, Arthur Luvon, and Morgan Kell found the first Black Boxes. They find that this is actually a Ruins of Gabriel style hidden HPG research center. They recover the technology and invest heavily in bringing it back to the Inner Sphere, replacing ComStar with HoundCom. In the Free Worlds League, HoundCom competes directly with FoxNet (former ComStar holdings taken by Clan Sea Fox). Eventually the two interstellar phone companies come to blows, leading to the Communications Wars.
Baseless Speculation mode inactive
I have a fan theory for all of you... its a Trap!
With the Jade Falcons, Kurita, and Liao all pushing to Terrra. What if the fortress system was activated trapping these agreessors in the core systems. No one gets in and no one gets out.
I would feel bad for the planets inside, but hey we "saved" the rest of the Inner Shpere
Thanks
Unless they band together and then kick your butts from here to next Christmas.
Wouldn't that be something. I think no-one thought of that possibility. Trap all the bad guys in one place and thrash them. What a battle of the ages that would be. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I have a fan theory for all of you... its a Trap!:o
From what I read on forum and elsewhere there was big upheaval from some fans when news of previously intended time jump (I don't know how big) leaked. That forced CGL back to drawing board. At least that is how I interpreted it. Maybe someone from CGL stuff or someone who was here at that time could bring a light into this.Thank a million for the info.
Thank a million for the info.
A pity really, but things are as they are.
I like Shattered Fortress and I am quite pleased with what it is now. They did a great job (and I like how FWL reformation is bitter-sweet). Now I am eager for next year release of the second half (ilClan) and to see what happens with Terra and my favorite faction.
EDIT: I had finished reading the whole sourcebook. Now I think that Kell Hounds (not Clan Wolf-in-Exile as I mixed them up; it's pretty late here and after reading 50 pages at row I am still processing information gained) fleet is that one that arrived at Terra first. Kell Hounds disappearance and cryptic way of telling where they should meet up lead me to believe this. But I am still puzzled by what they meant their meeting point is. I am still new to BTU and previous events are mostly unknown to me.
Most likely the planet where Katrina Steiner, Morgan and Patrick Kell and Arthur Luvon had their "adventures"' that led to the founding of the Kell Hounds and Katrina ascending to the throne.
Based on the message being attached to "all HPG transmissions leaving Jade Falcon space", that suggests the message is being sent from within the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone. With the references to "Where It All Began" and the "First Encounter", I'm pretty sure they're headed to The Rock.
Related to the Kell Hounds conversation - I was always under the impression that the adventures of the Red Corsair was in the Periphery off the borders of the League sort area vs north the Inner Sphere so to speak. (shrugs). There isn't terrible amount information, frankly I had always hoped that Mr. Stackpole would have wrote a focus story on their adventures as he hinted in the 2nd Warrior book when he meet Katrina Steiner on Tharkad for the holiday celebrations. His early novels had so many potential threads dropped of possible other stories such as Red Corsair and first encounter of Justin Allard and his future bride Candace Liao.
Wasn't the first Red Corsair events centered around Poulsbo?
For some reason I'm remembering that name as part of those Adventures.
Wasn't the first Red Corsair events centered around Poulsbo?Melissa Steiner's body double father saved Katrina when she was passing through like Roosterboy mentioned. He was a Heimdall agent.
For some reason I'm remembering that name as part of those Adventures.
Poulsbo was the jumpoff point for Katrina et al. to head into the Periphery.Not like there's very much there after 3081...
One thing upon re-reading Shattered Fortress that bothered me is Damien Redburn's about face with the Remnant and the ROTS. I understand that he seemed to be under a lot of mental stress, but the reason he gives in SF for rejecting the return of the ROTS just doesn't jive at all with his persona in Surrender Your Dreams, specifically his complaint about the ROTS abandoning the prefectures to its neighbors in Fortress Republic. Damien in SYD was well-aware of the plan and knew his role in staying outside the Fortress was critical. Yet in SF he seems to be embittered by the Fortress plan, which he knew all along wasn't going to be short-term.I felt the same way, i didn't like how Redburn's story was handled or how thing in the Remnants. i think it was not good way resolve it.
I dunno, I'm sure people will say "15 years is a long time, people can change", but that just doesn't seem to be a good enough justification for the about-face.
Also, and this is wonky, I just re-read the battle between Levin and Redburn, and the Custos, Paul is there, when he never left New Earth according to SYD.
I guess I'm talking about more grand-scale roleplaying? I always enjoyed games where the players are very politically powerful: where they're march lords or the like. In one of my most memorable BattleTech roleplays, I was from a Steiner-Davion cadet branch and became the First Prince, though that's an extreme example.
Those big picture dynastic politics are fun, aren't they? Player characters are people like Ardan Sortek or Kai Allard-Liao or Phelan Kell or Shin Yodama or Tucker Harwell or the like: people near the height of power, who are in a position to have tremendous influence on events.
But to effectively run a game like that, you need a pretty detailed picture of who all the major players are, what the resources at their disposal are, and what they're trying to achieve. If I want to throw the players into a game starting in 3062 or so, it's actually very helpful that I know exactly where Katherine is and what she wants, where Victor is and what he's likely to do if he's not interfered with, where the Jade Falcons are lurking on the border and how they intend to take advantage of the chaos, and so on. It's genuinely important that the GM know who all the major players, what they've got to work with, and what they're trying to achieve, because you need all that in order to convincingly model what they might do in response to the players changing things.
In that light the issue with Shattered Fortress is that it's too careful to avoid spoilers for future books. If the player characters go and start mucking up things in Republic space after the Wall comes down, how does Devlin Stone respond? I have no idea, because I don't know what Stone is planning. How does he modify his plans to account for player action? I can't answer that if I don't know what he wants or how he expects to get it.
Perhaps my situation is not a common one, but I feel like I have all the resources I need to run a pretty convincing 3025 campaign, or a Clan Invasion game, or a Jihad game, or whatever. The original 3025 house books, for instance, don't map out an endgame, but they present a period of relative stability and explain in some detail who all the major players are, what they want, and what they're planning. But I don't have that for the Dark Age.
It seems like the intention here is that the sorts of games you will play with Shattered Fortress and other Dark Age material are quite small-scale: you'll replay example battles, or you'll play small military or mercenary units on fronts that are unlikely to change the Inner Sphere. It's just that that's not what I got into BattleTech for. I don't want to play - either in the wargame or in an RPG - some podunk mercenaries trying to make a buck in the midst of the chaos. I want to do the sorts of things that characters in BattleTech novels do, i.e. change the future of the Inner Sphere.
Anyway. Thanks for bearing with me. Just wanted to get that off my chest, I suppose. :)
The book was a return to the old problems of Battletech and a reminder why it is dying. Very sad.
Quick question, and this has been bothering me for months now. Did Clan Jade Falcon just pull stakes and every galaxy make a beeline for Terra, ravaging everything along the way? Or did they leaver garrisons behind in the OZ?
Kind of neither... they did leave troops behind not going for Terra... but they're invading the Lyran Commonwealth instead. Tharkad, Coventry, and Hesperus II suffered narrow escapes from Falcon conquest, but Arc Royal fell.
He's asking specifically for Mad Malvina's Mad Dash for Terra in the last few pages of Shattered Fortress.
The answer is "there's probably something left for garrison but not much".
Which opens the door for a possible LCAF counterinvasion.That would require for Rod to manage to pull together a fragmenting LCAF into working together verses splitting off and doing their own thing. Thus HPG thing keeps haunting everyone.
I think any faction has a good chance at taking terra, but Wolves have the best chance at holding it. Lyrans and Marik both have too much going on within their current boarders to have time to extend(or reclaim) them. The falcons don't have any potential allies and a whole pot of trouble brewing within their own ranks. Everyone else is too busy fighting each other to the point that even trying for Terra is a stupid idea to begin with.
Wouldn't that leave them in the same position as the Republic in the 3130s, i.e. surrounded by powerful, numerically superior enemies?
<analysis removed for brevity>
If not for the fact that their entire culture demands it, I would be inclined to suggest that trying to conquer and hold Terra is a strategically terrible move for any Clan to make.
To be honest, if I were a House Lord, I wouldn't give two whits over who holds Terra anymore.
The Clans seem to be all about poor strategic moves in the face of numerically superior enemies in service to their single minded, and very skewed, culture. I think it fits perfectly.
To be honest, if I were a House Lord, I wouldn't give two whits over who holds Terra anymore.
I'm not sure how the store side does it, so I couldn't say.
Just to be clear: there's been no announcement that there was a new PDF. I just wanted to know if there was and I simply didn't hear of it.
Bought the PDF with its nice discount I only read the first bit but five things jumped at no so far
3) Rikkard Nova Cat is going to get himself killed piloting a firestarter
I don't know if it has already been mentioned, but I just realized that the Wolves in Exile went missing in 3148. I wonder if it is their fleet that shows up in the final sentence of this book.There was definitely a point to their refusal to re-join the Wolves. Though their becoming ilClan a total let-down after the epic history of the Clans. WiE is such a meaningless faction compared to Clans like Steel Viper, Jade Falcon, Wolf, Smoke Jaguar, etc.
There was definitely a point to their refusal to re-join the Wolves. Though their becoming ilClan a total let-down after the epic history of the Clans. WiE is such a meaningless faction compared to Clans like Steel Viper, Jade Falcon, Wolf, Smoke Jaguar, etc.