My only problem with the Combine lately has been the prevalence of the Black Dragon. It turned into the Combine's one trick pony. I wanna see more of the cultural mixing, how the way of the samurai works when applied to non-Japanese.
Like back in the day when we had Swedenese and Rasalhaguian samurai. That doesn't come up very often anymore.
...stephen dirks, a scottish samurai...
(http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv326/Freelancer222/FI-L-012.jpg)http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=1850304&song=0226+kamikaze+highlander (http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=1850304&song=0226+kamikaze+highlander)
Baaaaaaad!
Also, anyone have any info on the BDS during the 3130s? Some have said that the Black Dragons are back again. And that's just the suck. Same old tired thing.
Pretty much. The only major difference is that they no longer operate under the 'Black Dragon' name. See the Warlord discussion above for details.
So, fellow samurai... Kanrei Minamoto: Black Dragon or just the next best thing to one?
Been reading up on the Council of Gems and it seemed most have been named. And there's still one out there that's unaccounted for, could be Jerrar (the new ISF Director) or it could be Minamoto. As apparently the records were purged of a single name.
That was enlightening. Wonderful, another internecine war. I can't believe they killed off Vincent Kurita.
Clinically crazy eldest son? Great, and that guy from the cartoons' grandson is the new Coordinator/puppet.
As I saw it, there was two Black Dragon factions during the Jihad: The ones that rebelled and the ones that stayed loyal to the council. Jerrar and Minamoto probably belongs to the second faction. Also, Sapphire can not be Jerrar, since the Sapphire refers to Jerrar in third person in a way that excludes the possibility. Minamoto is probably Sapphire.
Yeah, seems like. Anyone else bored by this conflict though?
Hmm, considering how willful Kurita women usually are I think the puppeteers may be underestimating this one.
Yeah, seems like. Anyone else bored by this conflict though?
Internal division in the Combine is like breathing. If it isn't ISF and O5P conspring it's the Black Dragons. The Combine has become the League in that it is largely a second class power and most of it's actual storyline is taking place inside it's borders. It has gotten a bit old to me, but that's just my opinion.
I dunno, the Feddies haven't really suffered any major setbacks. They just have a loon for a First Prince
that can't be invaded.
The Cappies seem to be the only power that hasn't collapsed in on itself, yet.
That was enlightening. Wonderful, another internecine war. I can't believe they killed off Vincent Kurita.
Clinically crazy eldest son? Great, and that guy from the cartoons' grandson is the new Coordinator/puppet.
Also does anyone know if the Legions of Vega survive into the dark age?
I wonder if the 2nd Legion of Vega survive to the dark age.
My opinion is that House Kurita is most fun to play in 3025 and grows progressively less fun with each iteration of the game.
My opinion is that House Kurita is most fun to play in 3025 and grows progressively less fun with each iteration of the game.
Hey!
I am new to the boards,and(as you can see from the icon) the Dragon is one of my factions.One question though,what made each of you like the Combine?(personally it was the cool Japanese cultural aspects......and Grand Dragons I like Grand Dragons!)
My opinion is that House Kurita is most fun to play in 3025 and grows progressively less fun with each iteration of the game.In Dark Age they only have two weapons: MRMs and the AC2. Enjoy. :D
In Dark Age they only have two weapons: MRMs and the AC2. Enjoy. :D
And we're probably still doing better than some factions like the Smoke Jaguars...
Then again with that kind of equipment... the poor Dracs will follow the Jags...
Good to see the Dragon has its own thread.
No one visits the Draconis Combine website anymore. :(
We have a website? :o
What is your favourite 'fluffy' but effective composition for the DC in the late Successor States for the DC when they were still gung-ho Samurai for:Panther, Panther, Jenner, Jenner. Make one or both Jenners -Fs and you're good to go.
- A light lance
- A medium lance (as rare as they were)Whitworth, PHawk-K, Hunchback, Wolverine-K. One 'mech each at 40,45,50,55, and a mix of capabilities.
- A Heavy LanceDragon, Dragon, Dragon, Dragon. Preferably Grand Dragons at that.
- An assault lanceWarhammer -K (now that it's retconned to Kuritan), Charger, Battlemaster, Atlas. Unfortunately, the Charger and Atlas are the only assaults that the Combine fields an above-average number of, and assault 'mechs that work well are rare babies in the SW era (hence including a heavy).
And are there weight differing mechs (say a light and heavy) that are likely to be combined in one lance?Panthers + Dragons can keep up with each other over mixed terrain (4/6/4 and 5/8/0) and would, by sheer frequency, often be found together.
Cool. Regretfully I can't seem to sign up. Wants me to put in a code but no such window has appeared. :(
What would be a good selection of mechs to make up a c3 company that averages out at medium weight?The Bishamon -4K is probably your best lance leader for a fast light lance. You want to pair it with 'mechs that can take advantage of having a lance that moves 7/11, i.e., Jenner (-C3 is better than -C, it's a lot like the JR7-F), Spider, Venom, Raptor, Owens. This is good if you need strategic mobility or a real recon unit (if you need a real recon unit, include an Owens in there).
Question: Are the No-Dachi and Akuma frequently present in the 5th Sword of Light? As I rarely see the Akuma used in such lances. And the No Dachi I only saw a single time used in a Sword of Light lance online.
Any reason for this?
the akuma is fairly new, so that could be the reason, though i'm not 100% sure, also it's a ticking time bomb
Also the factory ends up in Republic space so we probably don't have access to it anymore.
Thanks for the Medium Company (any more suggestions?) also would anyone be able to give me some ideas for Light, Heavy and Assault Companies?The No-Dachi is produced by Independence Weaponry on Quentin. The ROTS does wind up with Quentin, which makes it one of the 'mechs that is probably not being produced post-Jihad; however, I would like to point out these passage in TRO: 3055 Upgrades:
Not sure about the Akuma but the No-Dachi is probably avoided as its produced by the Legions of Vega (well it was until Vega was lost to the Combine)
Well going by the equipment used by Sorenson's Sabres in the starterbook the 5th SoL might be flexible enough to use c3.
So probably good for defensive missions and raids etc.
Or another way of looking at it, perfect for the DA timeline.
Well thats what i thought, but looking back through TRO3085 its close to a 50/50 split and TRO:Prototypes none of the DCMS mechs use it.
Thanks for the list MadCap, i didn't realise we had that many boosted C3 systems, what with them being a FedSuns design.
Our group is playing a 3020's campaign but it has mostly stalled. The players are playing Davion.... :(
New member here, just wanted to show that the Dragon is still around!Greetings!
Why the Draconis Combine you ask? Well, I figured the Inner Sphere factions were all dictatorships anyways, so might as well choose the one with the coolest name and logo. The Power of Proper Religion reporting for duty.At least you have chosen the regiment which survived the Jihad. O0
To add to the thread and discussion, I have a question. What were the Draconis Combine fleet assets circa 3025? and which book contains information on those shipsIf you are asking about capital Warships, then I doubt there were left any. The only preserved one was DCS Togura (in my opinion; and this ship was just orbital museum).
And as for where to look for 3025 era information on the Dragon? That'd be House Kurita, but that was printed in 1986 and I am not too sure how one can find it anymore.Well, you mentioned House Kurita Housebook which used to be available for a free download (and perhaps it will be again in the future).
<Nomer>: And, on the subject of HB how goes HB:K? will we see it by the end of the year?So perhaps in January or February ...
<Habeas2>: Nomer - Handbook: Kurita is running a bit behind schedule, and may not make it out before year's end, but we keep hoping.
So perhaps in January or February ...
Later.Thanks for answer.
(Expected publication date: mid-2013)
So can you guys recommend me a DCMS regiment. Some background here, I will be playing in a jihad era campaign and I am looking for a mid range DCMS unit. I.E. not an elite regiment like the Sword of Light or Genyosha but also not a sink hole unit like the Legions of Vega to play as. Preferably they should be one of the regiments that does not defect to the black dragons but I can play a black dragon regiment if need be, (It could be fun from an rp perspective to play a loyal splinter of a traitorous unit). So with that in mind suggest some units for me because my knowledge of the DCMS is sadly lacking.
That's pity since the 2nd Sword of Light would be good for this because one half of the regiment joined Black Dragons in December 3067, while the other half remained loyal to the DCMS. In mid-Jihad the surviving Loyalists were re-formed into the 9th Sword of Light. So you could go from the beginning of the Jihad all the way to the victory over the Word of Blake.
Something similar has happened to the 6th Benjamin Regulars.
Chosing regiment which is gonna be nuked from orbit or overrun by a Shadow Division or two promises no big fun.
What enemy would you like to fight? Black Dragons, Clan Diamond Shark, Davions or the Word of Blake?
Chances are our game will go non-canon fairly quickly so I would not be surprised to see any of the DC's neighbours on the other side of a battlefield. So it could be anything from the Raven Alliance to the Lyrans. That said from things the GM has let slip that the main opponent will likely be blakists but I should be ready for anything.
Of the units that survive the Jihad ...
Do note that while in other militaries an "average weight" in the Medium range is usually indicative of a fair concentration of Medium 'Mechs, whereas the DCMS has historically despised the Medium weight class and an average in that range is more likely to be a reflection of mixed Lights (mostly the Panther) and Heavies (mostly the (Grand) Dragon), though.
I think the "Medium Hate" went away after 3039.
The Crab really impressed the DCMS and they even tried a few homebrews and worked on stuff like the Tessen and Grim Reaper.
The Kuritan Wolverines are just excellent post 3050.
I think the old Jenner/Panther and Dragon mix has fallen by the wayside.
Greetings!Thanks!
At least you have chosen the regiment which survived the Jihad. O0
If you are asking about capital Warships, then I doubt there were left any. The only preserved one was DCS Togura (in my opinion; and this ship was just orbital museum).
And as for where to look for 3025 era information on the Dragon? That'd be House Kurita, but that was printed in 1986 and I am not too sure how one can find it anymore.Luck would have it that I found it at a games store for 5 bucks. Dropships and Jumpships too for 3. Now I know why they removed the pictures in the free PDF downloads...
So can you guys recommend me a DCMS regiment. Some background here, I will be playing in a jihad era campaign and I am looking for a mid range DCMS unit. I.E. not an elite regiment like the Sword of Light or Genyosha but also not a sink hole unit like the Legions of Vega to play as. Preferably they should be one of the regiments that does not defect to the black dragons but I can play a black dragon regiment if need be, (It could be fun from an rp perspective to play a loyal splinter of a traitorous unit). So with that in mind suggest some units for me because my knowledge of the DCMS is sadly lacking.Ended up going with the 4th Arkab Legion after a bit of reading, But thanks for the advice and suggestions guys. Now I just need to learn how to play with the dcms's toys. MRMs and C3 on everything here I come.
Here's to hoping we get to Falcon Punch somebody in the 3150 era.
Hey! Hey! There's no crying in the DCMS! "RARG, ME CONQUER UNIVERSE!" and all that! No sympathy allowed!
I never thought I'd be so sad after reading about House Kurita Falcon Punching someone. :'(
Ended up going with the 4th Arkab Legion after a bit of reading, But thanks for the advice and suggestions guys. Now I just need to learn how to play with the dcms's toys. MRMs and C3 on everything here I come.
I'm rather curious about the Combine's manufacturing capabilities at this point. With the Nova Cats around, there was some sort of collaboration going on between LAW and the Nova Cat's manufacturers. I'm sort of surprised we haven't heard more about this over the years, and it should be interesting to see how it turns out in the end.One of the rebellion-inducing sore points that the Combine inflicted upon the Cats was dismantling their production sites. One would presume you'd reassemble them elsewhere under your own control...
Huh. I completely missed that they dismantled the Cat's production sites. You got a source on that? That's quite a..wow.
Meh. Meet the new leadership, the same as the leadership we've had since the Jihad. Useless Coordinator manipulated by the Gunji-no-Kanrei (whether they actually held that title or not), who is either a Black Dragon or strongly sympathetic to them.
Whilst it's nice to see things working out in our favour for a change, I suspect the Combine's become rather over-extended and will be beaten back somewhat. I think we can expect to see the Bears and Ravens expanding at our expense in the not too distant future.
I admit I didn't bother reading the DA-era novels that dealt with the Combine. Worth reading?
Do you think there'll be a "Pan-Asian Alliance" that Max Liao was pushing for more than a century ago? The CapCon and Combine borders are getting real close.
I could see the Ravens working with Julian for a counter-attack. And I can't let go of the feeling that Yori will use that counter-attack to her advantage and remove the Kanrei.
How are you guys finding the Combine's RATs?
I also doubt that the Dragon would accept a Davion on the throne.
Is Kitsune Kurita still alive? I don't recall seeing him mentioned anywhere in ER 3145; wouldn't he be a contender to take over as Coordinator if Yori and Toranaga get murked?
Ask yourself this: With the possibility of a illegitimate male child later claiming inheritance right, something that would very likely be back by a malcontent third party, and launching the realm into a civil war costing millions, if not billions, of lives, is the cost of one infants life not worth eliminating that risk once and for all?
Cynical? yes. Harsh? Definitely. But look at things like the War of Davion Succession as to what can happen if you do not eliminate potential threats early.
She was the mother of Theodore Kurita's bastard son, who substituted another child when the ISF came a-callin' and therefore tricked Subhash Indrahar into thinking that little Franklin was dead and no threat to the legitimate children of Theodore and Tomoe.
Wait..did the ISF kill the substitute kid? Cuz that's a pretty ******-up move on Palmer's part if they did.
Whatever happened to Franklin Sakamoto? Last I heard he was captured by the Black Dragons, then nothing. Was he killed in the fighting or executed by the Black Dragons or did he survive the Jihad?
QuoteHow are you guys finding the Combine's RATs?
I think the biggest surprise on them is that the BNZ-X Banzai from XTR Kurita is on the RAT, and in quite a prominent position (a roll of 8 ). I don't know if this is because they made quite a few of them, or if it was simply included to give it a fluffy "Kurita" feel.
I think the biggest surprise on them is that the BNZ-X Banzai from XTR Kurita is on the RAT, and in quite a prominent position (a roll of 8 ). I don't know if this is because they made quite a few of them, or if it was simply included to give it a fluffy "Kurita" feel.
You know despite reading about their occasional use in the Jihad, I never actually bothered to look up the rules for Booby Traps.. until noticing it in the Banzai.
I giggled.
I'll echo the sentiment about not being sure what to make of their inclusion in the RAT, but I can certainly envision it becoming notoriously hated by players facing DCMS forces. It's awful expensive to be a dedicated kamikaze unit, but it doesn't have to be a kamikaze unit despite 'wasting' 9 tons on the bomb.
The psychology surrounding it makes it a great assault unit, in the traditional sense of the word. If I want to take that hill, things are gonna go and get OFF the hill if I send the Banzai to secure it.. There's little better choice to compel the other side to abandon a choke point.
Does the map in ER3145 feel like a high water mark? It does to me.. while yes we just saw the Nova Cats go down, I strongly doubt any of the 5 successor states are/were seriously considered for elimination from the story.
Same here. It seems really unlikely that FS is going to stay so firmly knocked down with 2 March capitols in enemy hands. That is borderline CapCon post 4th SW.
My biggest regret is that we all assume the DCMS is going to get bounced. There are FS fans screaming they are out of the game after what happened. I'd really like it if we could enjoy the DCMS's success without knowing a reversal of some sort is coming, while the FS fans could just accept that they are no longer the most powerful great house. In all, a little bittersweet.
And that's not to say the Suns didn't have it coming. How many years did they have the largest army, or the most planets, most tech, most sophisticated command structure, blah blah blah blah blah...?
Still, the Suns are (likely) so critically low on strength at this point that even with the Combine and Confederation occupied by a very angry Republic, it is hard to say how much progress the Feddies will make in winning back their Marches.True, but the idea of a Republic unit attacking a world at the same side the Davions, Kuritans, and Liaos are showing up could be a hilarious fourway...
So he phrase "Black Dragon" is thrown around alot with regards to Yori and Toranaga, but is there any proof that Toranaga is part of that organization, or is it just a convenient label for "the other side" that's applied to them?
On the other hand, we haven't seen any major changes to the DCMS, such as a reverting to older Samurai traditions where personal honor was put ahead of honor of the Dragon. We also haven't seen a change in the tactics used, or in recruitment policies (atleast none that have been mentioned).Well they did wipe the Cats out. I'm interested in seeing what happens to the Azami. Considering what happened the last time the Black Dragons had any semblance of power, they might be feeling a bit nervous ATM.
Might be interesting to see where FM3145 goes.
So far what I've seen of Toranaga's ideology is a desire for a strong, militaristic Coordinator. He perceived Vincent as weak, and decided to put a strong Coordinator in his place (or a Coordinator who would be made to appear strong). He seems to have personally disliked Vincent.
The irony is that Yuri was inititally not a strong Coordinator, but a puppet. She may hit her stride, however, now that there isn't any competition for the throne forthcoming.
Well they did wipe the Cats out. I'm interested in seeing what happens to the Azami. Considering what happened the last time the Black Dragons had any semblance of power, they might be feeling a bit nervous ATM.
The irony is that Yuri was inititally not a strong Coordinator, but a puppet. She may hit her stride, however, now that there isn't any competition for the throne forthcoming.
Pretty much. Thus far, the criteria the Black Dragons have presented for what they view as a preferred Coordinator is "one who does what we want them to do."
@ Maelwys: The Dark Age designs we've seen have heavily emphasised the neo-Samurai and single combat ideal. What direction Catalyst will go with that admittedly remains to be seen.
And while the recruitment policies of the DCMS under Theodore was something that left the Black Dragons unimpressed, it was not that high on their list of priorities; I would expect that with the Republic era and military demobilisation of the period that problem mostly sorted itself out, with the Samurai class the extremely dominant majority in the DCMS while the other social orders went back to doing their thing.
Right, but she appears stronger than Vincent did. Perceptions may not be everything, but they're something.
I just question if everyone that wants power for themselves/a different status quo is necessarily a Black Dragon.
It's strange. I didn't think Vincent was any weaker than late 3rd Succession War Takashi. He pretty much went along with the same storyline. Warlords itching to start fights, getting out of hand, defying his orders and such. The Coordinator comes off as mostly symbolic in that sense. The Warlords have the run of things and he just keeps them from tearing the whole Combine apart.I think Vincent's main problem was how people perveived him. At least according to what he explains to Katana, he seemed pretty adept at playing people and knowing what's going on in the shadows (so much that it even surprised that bastard ISF director) - yet it appears as if unlike Takashi he neglected his public appearance so much that almost no-one actually deemed him capable of ruling the Combine, which finally resulted in a lot of people thinking he should be replaced with someone more skilled.
I think Vincent's main problem was how people perveived him. At least according to what he explains to Katana, he seemed pretty adept at playing people and knowing what's going on in the shadows (so much that it even surprised that bastard ISF director) - yet it appears as if unlike Takashi he neglected his public appearance so much that almost no-one actually deemed him capable of ruling the Combine, which finally resulted in a lot of people thinking he should be replaced with someone more skilled.
Exactly. Vincent Kurita came across in the novels as a competent leader. But that's from a 3rd person omniscient view where I can see what he's thinking, doing, etc.
Unfortunately, to many of the Kuritans, he comes across as a Peacock. Its not really fair to him, but there you go.
I was thinking of a future with Yori as Coordinator, and Tormak as the Kanrei. Wouldn't that blow minds.
Also, am I just missing it, but who is the current Keeper?
I was thinking of a future with Yori as Coordinator, and Tormak as the Kanrei. Wouldn't that blow minds.Oh yes, somebody make that happen!
Vincent didn't take a stand on much, which is why the whole Sakamoto/Tormark thing happened. If he had just spoken up and did something... Which is sort of the Takashi thing. Yeah, he backed the wrong pony when he chose Samsanov, and he never backed down. I still wanted him to stand up and yell "I am the Coordinator! You listen to ME!"Hmm, it might just be my perception, but whilst Takashi also pulled a lot of strings in the background, he was still "loud enough", in his own way.
They do leave the door open for that. She could have just been executed, or forced into Seppeku. DCMS officers have died faster for less. Tormark is either getting out, being tortured or both.Yeah - it's almost strange that they didn't just dispose of her. Either this is Yori displaying a modicum of influence on what happens around her (and being aware of Tormark's accomplishments for her realm), or it is Katana's rivals being sadistic and drawing out her punishment. Out-of-universe, it just sounds like the classic plot hook for a return of this character. I can just picture her stepping out of that cell, taking the swords offered by some soldier, and drawing up a list of people to kill.
As for the Keeper, isn't that traditionally a member of the Kurita family?I believe so. And with Emi "out of the way" ...
I was thinking of a future with Yori as Coordinator, and Tormak as the Kanrei. Wouldn't that blow minds.
Yori as Coordinator and Tomark as Kanrei? Neat.
I don't know if the current one is a Kurita or not. I know during the Jihad, the Keeper didn't have a Kurita name, but was killed as a Black Dragon. (Though there's a conspiracy that she was merely framed.)
The problem is that Tormark was real traitor, first of the Republic and then of the Draconis Combine. Only traditionally weak and incompetent Coordinator would keep her alive, no to talk about giving her some important post. For what? So she can betray for the third time?I would say that there are loads of such people, but politics tend to mess with the selection. With the current setup of Warlords and the current ISF Director, there's just too much backstabbing and ambitious manipulation going on in the higher echelons of Combine leadership. A Coordinator would have to be smart and subtle to find someone from "outside", like Vincent did with Katana. It depends on how much of a puppet Yori really is - but if she doesn't trust her current council, Tormark might ironically be the first choice if she can secure her loyalty, which would not take as much as one might think on the first glance.
Surely there must be some general or admiral who is both competent and loyal. And if there is no such officer to be found in the DCMS, then it would seem that someone fouled something up.
You're confusing the Keeper of House Honor and the Abbess of O5P. Two different positions. Tomiro Yomade (or something like that; I can't be bothered to check) was the Abbess while Miyako Kurita was the Keeper.
True. But Toranaga also seems to be in it for himself/the Combine, rather than some nebulous group of Warriors/Industrial magnates, etc.
That's true, but its also a Wizkids thing that might predate the usurpation of the Throne. Not to mention the whole "Spikes are cool!" crowd. We'll see in the TROs I suppose, and hopefully the FM will answer a question about if those are just special designs, or a trend in their fighting style (after all, they've had the No-Dachi and Banzai before this).
I just question if everyone that wants power for themselves/a different status quo is necessarily a Black Dragon.
The problem is that Tormark was real traitor, first of the Republic and then of the Draconis Combine. Only traditionally weak and incompetent Coordinator would keep her alive, no to talk about giving her some important post. For what? So she can betray for the third time?
Surely there must be some general or admiral who is both competent and loyal. And if there is no such officer to be found in the DCMS, then it would seem that someone fouled something up.
The Black Dragons always claimed to be in rebellion for the good of the Combine, even (especially) when what they were doing made that a highly questionable claim. Ultimately their motivations come down to the same thing that motivates people of that sort; gaining additional power and prestige. I could understand if the sitting Coordinator was absolutely useless or whatever, but that hasn't been the case for some time- the last it was true was Takashi Kurita after his stroke, and in that case the Black Dragons were solidly on his side, so...
ER3145 mentioned some substantial O5P collusion with the Nova Cats.. prior to their rebellion anyhow. I wonder how much or how little there is to be read into that. I can see the Order being tainted by association in the current timeline, much to the ISF's enjoyment.
Ah, but she's also loyal to the Dragon...she was just loyal to the wrong Dragon. And if Toranaga winds up malfing up big time and is invited to the Garden, then Katana becomes someone who fought against Toranaga. Perhaps in a misguided way, but the perception might be able to be swung.
On the other hand, we've seen stranger pairs. A Kanrei/Warlord that hates you, but is loyal to the Dragon and thus you as long as you don't screw up?
On the other hand, we've seen stranger pairs. A Kanrei/Warlord that hates you, but is loyal to the Dragon and thus you as long as you don't screw up?
Sure, I just kind of question the term. Its getting to be as nebulous as "Yellow Bird." When Katana (what a really awkward name) and the Nova Cats rose up in Rebellion, did that make them Black Dragons?
A Kanrei/Warlord who hates you and rebelled against your rule because she believes you to be an illegitimate Coordinator.
Katana may be loyal to the Dragon, but she doesn't consider Yori to be the Dragon.
Something that was brought up in another thread...
Considering Minoru's involvement in the Mystic Caste's genetic makeup, that might be another reason the DC went all slash and burn and salt the earth on the Nova Cats. Minoru might have given up any claim to the throne, but if someone wanted to find a genetic survivor of the 'true' line...
Like that Nova Cat that escaped with a few 'warriors? Was he a mystic?Kisho Nova Cat? Oh my yes. :D
If I ;) were the Coordinator, I wouldn't trust Tormark at all. She reasoned her previous treasons for herself that her betrayals were for the good of the Dragon/Combine people, etc. So if someone attacks the DC or hatches some conspiracy against me as the Coordinator, she may turn against me with the same excuse: That her another betrayal is for the good of the Dragon, again ...To be fair, such an attitude would rule out the majority of known Warlords. Combine politics on this level have always been about X scheming against Y, and a clever Coordinator would play one Tai-shu against another - like Takashi did. Shogunate-style. It appears that loyalty is not the most important trait of a Warlord, although you could say that this also protects the Dragon from succumbing to a weak Coordinator by necessitating the heir to the throne to keep up with his underlings. If you don't manage to keep your house in order (by balancing the rivalries and power games), you're out. Takashi directly said as much, even justified killing his father that way.
"I" am the Dragon! I don't need generals and admirals with conditional loyalty, I need generals with 110% loyalty. As I said above, it's not the task of subordinates to judge the Coordinator's will and then decide if they are in the mood to obey.
Katana may be loyal to the Dragon, but she doesn't consider Yori to be the Dragon.But then who? The Dragon must live on, and the Combine needs a Coordinator. If Yori is the only obvious heir left, then there is no alternative other than to accept her.
One problem: Katana hates Yori, and the feeling is mutual.Really? Granted, that kinda throws a wedge into that idea. For shame. :(
I thought all the branches of the Theodore-Hohiro line have been trimmed?
Sure, she's from an illegitimate branch, but are there any other Kuritas out there? Or was Yori just the most convenient tool?
But then who? The Dragon must live on, and the Combine needs a Coordinator. If Yori is the only obvious heir left, then there is no alternative other than to accept her.
Unless both realize that Yori has been played by the power behind the Chrysanthemum Throne, that is. Or is there another source for this hatred besides having been on opposing sides during the civil war?
What book deals with their relationship, by the way? I'm still waiting for Dragon Rising to arrive, although I've heard that this one only goes as far as Vincent's death.
There are always other Kuritas. Yori was just a convenient tool with a blood relation to Theodore.
There are always more Kuritas. Cadet lines going back a century or more, for instance.Yes, but those would have an even lesser claim to the throne than Yori. There's no reason to sponsor them over her, unless one would be convinced that Yori is the mastermind behind the assassination.
They disliked each other even before Vincnt's assassination. Afterwards, it grew into hatred. [...] That's the one.I see... too bad.
How would you recommend the Draconis Combine to a player?Low tech Clanners that don't rely on genetics but still really love ceremony.
How would you recommend the Draconis Combine to a player?
I'm looking for a Great House and realized I'm perhaps not as knowledgeable on the Dragon as I could be.
Yes, but those would have an even lesser claim to the throne than Yori. There's no reason to sponsor them over her, unless one would be convinced that Yori is the mastermind behind the assassination.
To be fair, such an attitude would rule out the majority of known Warlords. ... It appears that loyalty is not the most important trait of a Warlord, although you could say that this also protects the Dragon from succumbing to a weak Coordinator by necessitating the heir to the throne to keep up with his underlings.That's one thing I dislike on the Combine - weak Coordinator. Because you can't be sure with the loyalty of your highest generals that should be (together with your family) your most trusted advisors, then you failed as a Coordinator ... plain and simply.
If you don't manage to keep your house in order (by balancing the rivalries and power games), you're out. Takashi directly said as much, even justified killing his father that way.The best way how to keep your house in order is that you simply make sure that there are no power games in the house, and there is one will which everyone obeys - yours!
How would you recommend the Draconis Combine to a player?
I'm looking for a Great House and realized I'm perhaps not as knowledgeable on the Dragon as I could be.
Plus, a few years of isolation/incarceration/torture should also make Katana positively loathe Yori. Still, it'd be neat.
Plus, a few years of isolation/incarceration/torture should also make Katana positively loathe Yori. Still, it'd be neat.Or it will make her positively love her :)
We'll see I guess.
So? Katana's objection to Yori isn't about how strong a claim to the throne she has. It's about personal animosity, the belief that she is a puppet for other interests, and that she gained her throne through the assassination of several people whom Katana was quite fond of (whether or not she was personally complicit in those deaths, she was a direct beneficiary).So nothing. I was not aware of this personal animosity until it was mentioned here. As I said, I did not yet read this novel, and I already pointed out how this would mess with that idea. What little I heard so far simply sounded like Yori being some clueless girl who had no idea about what was going on, and was simply used as an easily influencable tool by the true powers behind the throne.
The best way how to keep your house in order is that you simply make sure that there are no power games in the house, and there is one will which everyone obeys - yours!I believe Takashi sort of justified the Warlords' ambitions once by explaining that they must be this way to (a) guarantee that they will use the power granted to them to further the cause of the Combine by using advances and territorial expansion as a game of one-upsmanship about who will receive the Tono's favor, and (b) to make sure that they are able to stand up against one another. You could say it is in part also a pragmatic realization that in such levels of power you will have political rivalries anyways (even with your 110% loyal generals), so you can just as well try to balance them.
You, as the Coordinator, may stimulate such rivalry among generals, but it must be clear to everyone that such rivalry comes from your decision and your will - something similar as rivalry among French Marshalls during Napoleon's rule, or rivalry among Stalin's Marshalls (who will conquer Berlin, for example).I think this is the idea behind it, just that it's even more complicated in the Combine because the Warlords have even more autonomy (controlling not just armies but also production facilities, resources, and having a fortified home base to which they could retreat). Note also that Stalin did kill a number of his generals specifically because he feared they would betray him, so there is that. ;)
How would you recommend the Draconis Combine to a player?Space samurai, an elite and highly drilled military that oozes tradition, and giant BattleMechs in front of shoji-walled wooden castles. The cultural clash between high tech and feudal culture could not be more obvious than in the Draconis Combine.
I'm looking for a Great House and realized I'm perhaps not as knowledgeable on the Dragon as I could be.
I just found it odd that ER3145 made sure to tell us twice (I think) that Katana was alive.
I believe Takashi sort of justified the Warlords' ambitions once by explaining that they must be this way to (a) guarantee that they will use the power granted to them to further the cause of the Combine by using advances and territorial expansion as a game of one-upsmanship about who will receive the Tono's favor, and (b) to make sure that they are able to stand up against one another. You could say it is in part also a pragmatic realization that in such levels of power you will have political rivalries anyways (even with your 110% loyal generals), so you can just as well try to balance them.To say it directly, both aforementioned Coordinators seem to me more like two unsuccessfull men - those who wish to achieve something (absolute power in their case), but they are unable to do so - so they came with excuses, justifications and vindications, pretending they really do not want power.
Whilst it may on a glance appear this way, the position of Coordinator is not meant to simply mean "absolute ruler" but rather just one part of the larger whole, the symbolic embodiment and personification of the national spirit known as the Dragon. As such, the Coordinator should inspire and guide, but rarely exercise authority, as this would blunt the initiative of his generals. As mentioned before, this also shields the Coordinator from criticism in that the Combine citizen "knows" that the Coordinator cannot be responsible for a bad decision, because then it was made by his council (regardless of how much the Coordinator influenced it behind the scenes). It's an interesting little cultural quirk that protects the sanctity of this post.
In Vincent Kurita's words, the Coordinator is "the null space around which the wheel of the Combine turns".
Note also that Stalin did kill a number of his generals specifically because he feared they would betray him, so there is that. ;)
BTW, what happened to Victor's spawn, Kitsune Kurita?
We're assuming he's in Fortress Republic. Can you imagine if Julian and Yori both die and he lays a claim to both thrones?
We're assuming he's in Fortress Republic. Can you imagine if Julian and Yori both die and he lays a claim to both thrones?His claim gets paid by car-bomb. Bhatia accepts no BS like that.
Nothing happens. Daoshen is on New Avalon and Snow Ravens rule over the former Draconis Combine territory (now Greater Raven Alliance). ;)
His claim gets paid by car-bomb. Bhatia accepts no BS like that.
Well, if Yori dies there's still Toranaga. And another Kurita can be propped up quickly enough. Though the circumstances leading to Yori's death may preclude that.I get the feeling that Yori's gonna outlive him. She's striking me as someone who isn't quite the puppet that she seems to be; there's something about her that just says hidden depths to me. And Toranaga likely knows it, but there weren't too many tigers to grab onto at the time, so he's holding on to the best of the bunch. I think she'll certainly keep him around until he becomes unpopular, and then move to replace him. Not with Tormark, but someone.
This Bhatia guy's a more sinister Subhash Indrahar to me. Wanna read more about him.Me too. A good secret police needs a complete patriot jerkhole for a boss.
A good secret police needs a complete patriot jerkhole for a boss.
Serve the Dragon.
Well, okay.
But, only because the roast beef's a bit off.
Errrgh. Yet another dish that tastes like chicken...Hey, just because the Dragon is a lizard-creature...
That man is a disaster in waiting.
Have you actually read his bio?
Disloyal to the Coordinators, thinking that his personal whims are more important than orders issued by the Coordinator. Where have I seen it before? Oh yes, this has been the typical mindset of Black Dragons.
Openly despising his Coordinator. Does anyone really think that high officer or official can do this? In front of his subordinates?
How I see it, it's just another Black Dragon conspiracy or something similar behind the corner. :(
Of couse I know how unreliable are books written from in-universe view, but even the ... I have bad feeling from this.
I think he knows he's mostly untouchable. First, he's the ISF Director so he knows a lot of secrets. Second, he's a sick, sick malfer. Third, he's smart.
...
Here's hoping Bhatia becomes a true Varys....
I'm glad at the Combine's general stability. It seems it's not as crippled as we all feared it'd be post-Jihad.
But it seemed fairly obvious that the only reason the Combine and the Confederation are this successful is so that when Julian Davion finally makes it to New Avalon, he'll kick both evil nations in the teeth so hard they'll just run away.
It seems like we're just being set up to lose it all for some Davion drama.
Just curious if anyone else is feeling less than triumphant over the events of 3145? I would have thought i'd be elated that we're sticking it to the Fed Pigs, but i'm not.
I feel that the projected invincibility is really just a frustrated desire by folks to see them get kicked in the teeth for once.
Through the Dark Age you have a lot of things happening to a lot of nations because they took risks.
So, when is Wolf's Dragoons contract up, anyway? :D
True, though I don't think they were actually planning on returning by the time they signed on the with the Dragon.
They are interested in making a 'comeback' though, and what better way than to work for everyone? They're trying to shed the image of being Lyran lapdogs like the Kell Hounds by going to work for the Dragon. They've earned the reputation as a hardfighting unit again, so why tie yourself down to the Combine?
Work for the Suns. Be instrumental in their reconquista. Or for the Mariks, bury the hatchet there.
It's not best to get tied down to one employer. Though it looks like Tanaga is much smarter than Samsonov.
Yes, they did. The Draconis Combine was specifically the last house they planned on signing with. DC completed their clockwise cycle of the Inner Sphere that started with them fighting for the FedSuns. They stipulated in their contracts they would not fight their previous emplyers, thereby forcing the house lords to send them against every house by the time they had signed with the Combine. There's a specific conversation in which someone suggests they just go home, as planned during Wolves on The Border. Jaime Wolf himself says no.
Or work for the guys that are going to attack the house military with the best reputation: the AFFS. What better way to prove yourself than to be the decisive factor in reclaiming a stalemated territory?
What hatchet?
The one employer thing has worked out well for the Kell Hounds, The MAC and the other commands that went over to the CCAF. The Dragoons just have a chip on their shoulders ever since they heard about the ELH being company stored.
As for Samsanov... come on. Totally different characters.
Joshua Wolf. I don't think they've ever really forgiven the Mariks for that. Have the Dragoons ever worked for them since?
If the Davion's don't find a way of stopping the invasions where do you think the new Confederation - Combine boarder will be?
So... Having just read Redemption Rift, anyone else getting possible Black Dragon vibes...?
So... Having just read Redemption Rift, anyone else getting possible Black Dragon vibes...?
Dammit, can't we be rid of those troublesome bastards? >:(Nope, the Combine can't because that would be progress in the culture.
I saw the recent update from Cassini (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/whycassini/cassini20130429.html) about the giant storm on Saturn's north pole, and wondered if any Kurita fans might appreciate this false-colour image (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/multimedia/pia14944.html)...
That wasn't quite the comparison I was going for. (Although I suppose many different images could be evoked from the same scene.)
I know, I know. It's the picture of the DCMS flushed down the drain after being overrun in the Davion counter-offensive and Snow Raven and Ghost Bear offensive.
You forgot the resurgent Republic in your list. :D
When the Republic gets there, there will be no single DCMS soldier left. Those escapees still alive (by the way, approximately 70% of those survivors are probably Black Dragon Society members and sympathizers) are founding the Draconis-Combine-in-Exile, so the IlClan will have something to worry about ...
The Orochi is in desperate need of a C3 slave.
And more ammo.
I never had any luck with the Orochi. I'd either miss, or the few times I hit something, it'd be something with AMS. Not to mention I'm not too sold on only 9 rounds per main gun.
The Orochi makes me cry. First, did we really need another O-Bakemono? Second, did it have to suck?
If Davion does not pull back and invite Kurita and Liao to butt heads over the worlds separating them, I think Kurita/Liao conflict would really only likely happen in the unlikely event they both invade the same planet.
Since the Combine is likely to share some border with the Capellans and both realms are invading the FedSuns at the same time, do you all think it would be likely that we'll see some sort of (temporary) alliance? Or does the Dragon not associate with inferior cultures?
It certainly would be refreshing as hell to see a war between Houses play out without clan upstarts stealing any spotlight. In that case, I'm not so sure Kurita or Liao would end up having borders without the AFFS abandoning the former RotS worlds, leaving them a too-tempting-to-ignore prize for the two invaders to suddenly scramble for. It certainly could be an awesome move on Julian's part to bleed both his enemies' strengths.
If Davion does not pull back and invite Kurita and Liao to butt heads over the worlds separating them, I think Kurita/Liao conflict would really only likely happen in the unlikely event they both invade the same planet.
Do you think, that if Julian does pull back, a Combine-Confederation war is inevitable?
I don't think so. It may would become more likely, but even Daoshen and Toranaga do realize, they can't really afford another front. And they would gain much more by even just barely tolerating each other and acknowledging to not poach in foreign territory.
Yes to both. It is still an assault, and therefor must have glarring design flaws rendering it of questionable value. If you don't believe me, look at the Peacemaker and new Hatamoto Karu made in the same era. The only decent DC assault to come out lately was the Bonzai. And, let's face it, that's only because clantech was involved. The 3067u Akuma isn't too bad, but it is hardly the equal of the assaults coming out of the LA or FS.
Not inevitable, no. But it's certainly an angle that could be used to explain a Liao/Kurita war. Opportunistic field commanders eager for glory could easily find themselves dragging their realms into war. The 1st Dominion War started that exact way.
Assuming the devs do want to allow the FedSuns to rally, something has to happen to facilitate it. Clan invasion of the Combine is an obvious one, and I share some of Marwynn's cautious hope that the devs won't play that card AGAIN. Having Liao/Kurita get snarled on each other provides the devs a creative way to give some room for Davion to stage a comeback, as well as giving fans a new rivalry to salivate over. I'm not predicting it WILL happen, but oh yes it certainly COULD. I'd definitely prefer it to seeing the clans romp.
I see your point. Yes, it is a possibility.
However, I think the option that the Combine will keep what it already got or even more (did you realize that the Draconis March nearly ceased to exist?) is still a valid option. There are plenty of examples in BT history, where factions lost territory they had held for centuries. It's a part of the universe's charme.
Why do you all think it is inevitable that the Combine get's punched back? I am optimistic. }:)
It's more than a little sad that the best Assault design we've had recently is built around a 9-ton self-destruct.
The newer Akuma's actually quite a beast though. And the Kaeru... has anyone actually used underwater 'Mechs?
The Tenshi is coming.
The Tenshi is nigh...
O0
... Either this is an enormous dose of cosmic karma, or a set up for another glorious Davion cavalry charge...
The Tenshi is coming.
The Tenshi is nigh...
O0
Oh yeah. Not really sure where it would come from except for maybe the second ton of SRM4 ammo, but it desperately needs more ammo for the Thunderbolts (a common problem among many of the Thunderbolt `Mechs, IMO).
In the 'living history' era since 3025, we've seen only two kinds of storylines for Kurita military fortunes: Stunning Losses and Narrow Draws. The few local victories (other than Wolcott) had all been courtesy of the cooperation of the rest of the Inner Sphere. (Luthien, Bulldog, Lyons Thumb) If this is actually going to be a "Kurita finally wins one!" storyline, we have a lot of track record to overcome before we can believe it :)
I've long assumed there was a conscious design decision made about faction flavor to not allow (m)any good assaults to Kurita.
The Tenshi is coming.
The Tenshi is nigh...
O0
But the Orochi? Come on.... can't even get a good substitute for all the Gauss rifles we aren't using?
Or Cerebus or Wolf Traps. They exist, just not well represented in the DCMS.
In the 'living history' era since 3025, we've seen only two kinds of storylines for Kurita military fortunes: Stunning Losses and Narrow Draws.
Ah, that old escape clause. There's a Thunderhawk in every Lyran regiment. But, in my mind there's 3 Cerebus in every DCMS lance. Problem solved.
I'm sorry, are you claiming the Kurita-Davion fighting during the Fed-Com civil war was a stunning loss or narrow draw for House Kurita?
Hmm, in general though, could you say that the Kuritans won during that whole period? Sure, there was the Lyons' Thumb in the early 3060s. But the Bear-Dragon War was rather brutal for the Combine (and Nova Cats).
I'm sorry, are you claiming the Kurita-Davion fighting during the Fed-Com civil war was a stunning loss or narrow draw for House Kurita?
Considering that both nations have signed the Kapteyn Accords one century ago ... I think that the Dragon can associate with foreign cultures.
The Tenshi is coming.Stop teasing the poor players, vile developer!
The Tenshi is nigh...
O0
Speaking of the Concord of Kapteyn, are those accords still in effect? I mean, even if we never heard anything about them being revoked, they weren't used for many decades then.
I still have yet to get my first Davion war lost in living history without some sort of asterix on the end.
...
Compared to the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth/alliance? Heck YES they won.
Speaking of the Concord of Kapteyn, are those accords still in effect?
I mean, even if we never heard anything about them being revoked, they weren't used for many decades then.
The Tenshi is coming.Oh goodie. More targets to burn. :D
The Tenshi is nigh...
Compared to the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth/alliance? Heck YES they won.
Your comparison is to two of the main participants in a deadly Civil War versus a third party that got invaded and had rebellious troops prompt another invasion. It's not like the leadership sought out these wars.
Not as showy as Hasek's execution, but 13 regiments and a warship in one engagement isn't bad either.
And I hate to bring up FM:U but after that, the DCMS was mauled. The FedSuns... not so much. The Lyrans were smacked around as well.
| 3060 | 3067 | losses | |
| AFFS | 86 | 43 | 43 |
| LCAF | 77 | 35 | 42 |
| DCMS | 73 | 50 | 23 |
In the 'living history' era since 3025, we've seen only two kinds of storylines for Kurita military fortunes: Stunning Losses and Narrow Draws.
The Dragon has no need for those show trials like the Capellans. If there's an enemy to the Dragon, he or she get's eradicated or the forces trying to do so fail in dishonor.
Public display of death is for honorable samurai and warriors who failed but gained or retained the right for seppuku. Caleb Davion or one of the Sandoval's really did not deserve this kind attention. If you have no other orders, just eliminate them and advance your troops. 8)
Incorrect.
If you look at the forces at the closest measurable point (FM:DCMS for DCMS and Shattered Sphere for LCAF/AFFC), the AFFS and LAAF both suffered almost twice as many casualties from 3060 to 3067 than the DCMS.
Battlemech Strengths (regiments)
3060 3067 losses AFFS 86 43 43 LCAF 77 35 42 DCMS 73 50 23
(3060 strengths are assuming all are more or less full strength, since strength %s aren't listed)
(3067 strengths are done by summing all the strength % from FM:U)
With regards,
Øystein
Strategic Assistant
Remember, though, that orders on Palmyra were to take Caleb alive. So obviously they had something planned for him.
If Caleb would have been alive and deep down in Luthien's dungeon, Erik may would have stayed Regent. But imagine his troubles: If he looses the war, he's incompetent. If he wins the war, his success may threaten Caleb's life and he'd may be painted as a roughless careerist, trying to supplant Caleb on the throne before Julian could do so. Loose-loose for Erik as current leader of the Suns.
(Yes, I know that no one who served as Regent on New Avalon is legally allowed to become First Prince. But he may have tried despite this. Additionally, was he already Regent? Or did he name himself Regent, when Caleb died. He was only Prince's Champion, wasn't he? Oh may, even more trouble for him, if Caleb would have been caught alive!)
I think Erik was named regent after they decided on Julian becoming the next Prince. Might have to re-read that myself later.
Actually, there would have been other possibilities open.
In history, there were some moments when the ruling monarch was taken prisoner by the enemy. And although it may seem surprising, his people effectively renounced him and then elected a new ruler (his relative by the way). The Dracs would have possibly executed Caleb as he would have been useless for them.
So if Erik got the right PR, he could have shown himself as The Liberator of the Federated Suns, leader of the national resistance, and not a careerist.
In the moment of the grave crisis, legal niceties are often disregarded. It wouldn'd have been easy for Julian to depose Erik, if the Erik could have present some undisputable war successes. (I mean against Kurita or Liao)
You know, even as a Davion fan I agree here to an extent. Two things stick out for me.
1. Big picture, the Federated Suns border with the DC has slowly but steadily eroded since 3025, which was the high water mark since before the 1st Succession War. In the original House Davion Sourcebook (my first BT product back when I was 12), it says that Hanse Davion made it known that he intends to win back the remaining FedSuns worlds taken by the DC during the 1SW. Later in the sourcebook, this number reads as about 20 systems.
So, even though when you look at DC vs. FS encounters from 3025 to 3145, and you see a series of narrow draws, I still see territory being lost by the FedSuns to Combine forces. Especially when you consider what a schalacking the war of 3039 could have been, but wasn't. (More on this below
2. Small picture, On that whole border between the FS and the DC, only two worlds have significant strategic importance: Quentin and Marduk. Why, might you ask? Both worlds had fully functional mech production facilities.
Note that Marduk fell during the 4SW. Norse Mechworks was a nearly self reliant mech facility that made Griffins and Wolverines. Captured intact by the DC.
Note that Quentin fell during the War of '39. Independence Weaponry was "the core of the Davion military's heavy 'Mech production." JagerMechs, Marauders, Victors, and Atlases were made here. Without this plant, the heaviest mechs in production in the FS are the JagerMech and Rifleman. Big, Big ouch.
Isn't it possible Toranaga just wanted him as a prize?
Of course, it is possible.
But it just strikes me, that the cold and calculating Kanrei had more planned for Caleb then just parade him through the streets of Imperial City. But yes, it is possible.
The Suns lost a handful of worlds to the Combine in exchange for pinning the DCMS in place due to Takashi's grudge against the Wolf Dragoons while the LCAF took nearly 60 worlds from them and the AFFS smashed the Capellan Confederation. This was all in accordance with Hanse's plan for prosecuting the War.
At the end of the War of 3039, the Combine's infrastructure was still worse than prior to the 4th Succession War, and still much worse than the Suns or Lyrans.
Actually no, the DCMS was not "pinned in place" by the AFFS.
The majority of DCMS non-District regiments were engaged on the Lyran front.
Arguably false. The Combine lost a single production facility between 3028 and 3039, that being the one now belonging to the FRR, building the Archer, Phoenix Hawk, and Panther.
In return they captured both Marduk and Quentin.
Just like in the feudal era, we could have gotten a literal King's Ransom for him.
Unlike the feudal era, the neo-feudal era has high tech stuff. Like Access Codes to AFFS defense systems. The ISF could have pried any number of priceless secrets from a House Lord's mind. Even one like Caleb's.
Even otherwise mundane facts about the ruling class of a Great House like personal relations, preferences or character are useful bits of information for a competent intelligence service. And the ISF surely is competent.
Ah, that is something I haven't thought of before. Our new ISF director got a reputation of being very... effective. ^-^
But wouldn't the Suns instantly change all the codes and plans as soon as the authorities got wind of Calebs capture? Except we would fake Caleb's death and keep him alive in secret. But I guess the Suns would change codes anyway. Just to play it safe.
Thinking about last century and half of Draconis Combine's history ... I have some doubts about it.
The ISF isn't uneffective or disloyal... they're pretty consistently effective and loyal.. to the Combine and not necessarily House Kurita. The ISF's history of undermining or outright removing 'unworthy' Kuritas goes way back. That is one heck of a fertile field for the Kokoryu-kai to sow.
They actually lost at least three factories mentioned as conquered by the Wolves or Bears later on to the Free Rasalhague Republic.
Not to nitpick, but the O5P is actually in charge of vetting military officers. That the ISF/Black Dragons actually pulled off the Alshain debacle was more of an example of the ISF's prowess.. they managed to sneak their plot past the O5P.
It seems mighty murky. The only thing I remember reading about the O5P in ER3145 was how cozy they were with the Nova Cats prior to the falcon punch :}
The Field Manual: Draconis Combine says that the ISF has its informants in military schools who search for persons attempting to infiltrate the DCMS.
Candidates approved by the ISF are invited to study on military academies.
It's the ISF who assigns loyalty rating for each regiment.
It's the ISF who watches political views of officers.
For a long time it has been a standard procedure to have the ISF informants in all 'Mech units.
Which is not what I said in the quote. During the Warrior trilogy, Hanse specifically notes that he is using the Wolf Dragoons to keep the DCMS forces on his border entirely occupied while routing forces to the Capellan front.
With the Ryuken dissolved and the Ghosts yet to form, it's not like the Combine had many non-District forces to assign any way. The units that were dispatched either faced defeat from the LCAF or made what ground Hanse was willing to surrender against the DCMS. They were handily outmaneuvered by the Suns.
They actually lost at least three factories mentioned as conquered by the Wolves or Bears later on to the Free Rasalhague Republic.
In return for Marduk, the Suns captured half of the CapCon and allowed the LCAF to have a field day with the DCMS.
In return for Quentin, the Suns had the Combine millimetres from outright destruction and won the War of 3039.
These are trades that favour the Combine?
Ouch...
Indeed, you're right. I remember this ISF officer assigned to the 1st Genyosha in the Warrior Trilogy.
Wasn't the O5P some kind of civil counterpart to the ISF?
Guys, we really need this Handbook! :D
Wasn't the O5P some kind of civil counterpart to the ISF?
The Field Manual: Draconis Combine says that the ISF has its informants in military schools who search for persons attempting to infiltrate the DCMS.
Candidates approved by the ISF are invited to study on military academies.
It's the ISF who assigns loyalty rating for each regiment.
It's the ISF who watches political views of officers.
For a long time it has been a standard procedure to have the ISF informants in all 'Mech units.
Do you know how ended Yezhov when he managed to control both the NKVD and the GRU at one time?
Right, the ISF has vetting power over who joins the military and naturally spies on it. But the original House Kurita atlas says how officers must receive their martial arts instruction from the O5P, which in turn gives the order vetting power over whos careers are cut short and whos are allowed to progress. This is a deliberate check against the ISF being the sole line of defense against treason in the ranks.
Granted, it hasn't been reinforced in real-world decades of new Kurita sourcebooks, but then again not much at all has been published about the Order.
Perhaps you may re-read the first sentence of the paragraph: "During the time of Siriwan McAllister, ..." The whole paragraph uses the past tense. Siriwan McAllister-Kurita lived in the 26th Century, so let's say the book describes the situation as it was around 2550.
Now we are in the 32nd Century, in 3145.
| CODE NAME | TRUE IDENTITY | SOURCE |
| Diamond | Qan Hagatomi Sipher Communications | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Emerald | Tai-sa Li Sak To CO 2nd Sword of Light | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Jade | [Name missing] Son of Duke Hassid Ricol (Ruby) | JHS:3072, p. 53 |
| Jasper | unknown possible O5P mole / double agent | JHS:3072, p.53 / JS:BD, p.43 |
| Obsidian | Erik Nekatagu Mangon Aeronautical Shipping | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Onyx | Tai-sho Paul Omishita head of DEST | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Opal | Hoek Botterfield CEO Luthien Armor Works | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Pearl | Regis Ferward Minister of Communications | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Ruby | Duke Hassid Ricol | JS:BD, p. 43 |
| Sapphire | unknown | |
| Tiger's Eye | Tomade Yamiro Abbess of O5P | JS:BD, p. 43 |
Heck, I'd counter with the possibility that the Black Dragons have WON and those who oppose them are the traitors to the throne/realm now.
That was his plan, yes. But the Dragoons weren't on Northwind, or Breed, or Klathandu or several other worlds.
Yes, the Federated Suns handily outmaneuvered forces that DIDN'T EXIST! You want to know why the LCAF and AFFS were able to pull what they did? The FWLM sat on its collective posterior during the 4th SW. Not any brilliant strategy from the AFFS, not any incompetence from the DCMS.
you are wrong.
First off, how exactly did the Federated Suns capturing half the CapCon hurt House Kurita? Did it make the FS stronger? Yes. Does that hurt Kurita? No. Unless you're claiming that the Capellan Confederation is nothing more than a thinly disguised District of the Combine.
As for 3039...."almost only counts in nukes and hand grenades". The Federated Suns didn't destroy the Combine, did it? They pulled back behind the border and abandoned an important factory to the Combine, didn't they?
Haven´t they won?
No, unfortunately not. Please, elaborate. :)
Seems, we need the O5P more then ever...
I repeat my question: Do we already know who Sapphire, Jade and Jasper are? Or will we at least get infos on them in one of the announced future products?
Toranaga? Really? Was he already old enough to be a member of the council of gems?
By the way, do we have any news on the missing gems of the kokuryu-kai? Long time ago (nearly one year) I opened this thread about it: Black Dragon Society: council of gems (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=21820.0)
For the sake of discussion, I repost my table here. (Please note, that the abbess of O5P was a member of the kokuryu-kai!)
Though we certainly have at least one likely candidate in Toranaga.
Why? What has Toranaga done to suggest he's anything more than exactly what he appears to be: a very ambitious, very ruthless man. Specifically, what evidence–or even hints–is there for him being a Black Dragon?
Being extremely cozy with the head of the ISF who looks like your prototypical Black Dragon, the same way the last Black Dragon Gunji-no-Kanrei with an ineffective Coordinator was?
Why? What has Toranaga done to suggest he's anything more than exactly what he appears to be: a very ambitious, very ruthless man. Specifically, what evidence–or even hints–is there for him being a Black Dragon?
Oh, there's one thing I recall lively. Toranaga and Bathia are definitely not members in the same organization, if they're at all members in any organization. They just colaborated to get rid of "that peacock", but were extremly distrustful of each other. IIRC, the bomb which killed Vincent Kurita was planted by Toranaga and was meant to kill Bathia as well. No, they're definitely not Black Dragons. maybe one of them. But not both.
Neither does it say that situation as described in 2550 ever came to an end. Semantically, sure they didn't use the words 'Beginning with the time of Siriwan McAllister", but it DOES go on to say what a failure the ISF had in trying to kick the O5P out of the business of training the officer corps. Whether or not the O5P is still the SOLE provider of martial arts training is arguable, but the argument isn't winnable (barring something coming out in HB:HK addressing this). So let's just agree to disagree.
So what exactly is your point?
Are you saying that ISF is not more loyal to the Combine than it is to the Coordinator?
Are you saying that the O5P does not spy on the military?
Are you saying that the O5P does not spy on the ISF either?
Are you saying that the ISF is of dubious effectiveness simply because they keep getting infiltrated by the Black Dragons?
Heck, I'd counter with the possibility that the Black Dragons have WON and those who oppose them are the traitors to the throne/realm now.
As I said above, my point is that the ISF is either incompetent because it hasn't been able to root out the Black Dragons,
or it was able to root them out, but decided not to do so - in which case the ISF is not loyal to the state and the Coordinator (although it may be loyal to the Black Dragons).
The Combine made extremely limited gains against the Suns, while suffering massive losses to the Lyrans, because Hanse knew Takashi was myopically focused on the Wolf Dragoons and so he was able to reassign units from the Draconis March to the Capellan offensive. In Chess terms, Hanse sacrificed some pawns to put his opponent into check.
In sum, the 4th Succession War's plot line was "everything works for the Federated Commonwealth, nothing works for anyone else."
The WCSB, Invading Clans, Objective Raids (corroborated by prior and later sources), Masters and Minions and others all indicate otherwise.
Conversely, how did the loss of Marduk actually harm the Federated Suns?
As for how it hurt the Combine? Again, Hanse's ploy allowed the Lyrans to ride roughshod over the Combine, taking a number of worlds similar to that which the Capellans lost.
The Suns had it in its power to destroy the Combine three times- The War of 3039, Teniente, and Luthien. The Combine exists solely because of the good-will of the Federated Suns; as a Combine fan, that rankles more than a little.
Bumping off the legitimate Coordinator so he could install a puppet in their place and run the Combine the way it should be run?
Being extremely cozy with the head of the ISF who looks like your prototypical Black Dragon, the same way the last Black Dragon Gunji-no-Kanrei with an ineffective Coordinator was?
Even the book says on the same page that the ISF set up their own dojos training DCMS officers in martial arts. So as I understand it, the O5P monopoly on martial arts training obviously didn't hold for long. My personal estimate is that the O5P's monopoly was lost after Siriwan's death. Because with the monopoly still in place, the ISF martial arts dojos would have been hardly allowed to exist.
That the (back)history of the Combine is rife with the assassinations of Coordinators is one of the reasons the Combine has TWO intelligence agencies. And they both spy on the military. That the ISF/Black Dragons actually pulled off the Alshain debacle was more of an example of the ISF's prowess.. they managed to sneak their plot past the O5P.
As I said above, my point is that the ISF is either incompetent because it hasn't been able to root out the Black Dragons,
or it was able to root them out, but decided not to do so - in which case the ISF is not loyal to the state and the Coordinator (although it may be loyal to the Black Dragons).
One could always postulate that the coordinator betrayed the dragon and the ISF stayed true.
One could always postulate that the coordinator betrayed the dragon and the ISF stayed true.
Loyal to the state is a matter of perspective. If one believes that the Kuritas have strayed from leading the Combine to its rightful destiny of conquering all of humanity, replacing those Coordinators with a Kurita willing to kick ass and take names IS ultimately serving the Combine, if not those 'meek' Coordinators you replace.
That's what the Black Dragons believe, and with the ISF's track record of being willing to remove unfit Coordinators makes it (as I put it before) a fertile field for the Black Dragons to sow.
If this is the case, then the Draconis Combine doesn't need the Coordinator at all. The Black Dragon Society in cooperation with the ISF can handle both foreign and internal politics. ;)
Let's take the rebellion of Alshain Avengers.
If the ISF didn't know that four regiments with numerous important assets such as DropShips, JumpShips and one Warship are are ready to rebel (or already did so), then at least for me it's clear case of incompetence.
And if the ISF knew that and did nothing - well, it means that the ISF surely betrayed the Coordinator.
And did that rebellion help the Combine? Considering that it resulted in the start of war with the Ghost Bear Dominion, which at that time the Combine could hardly afford and only with luck the disaster was averted because the Ghost Bears agreed on honorable combat on Courchevel instead of crushing the Combine - I don't think that it helped the state. Because the state just lost a half dozen regiments and planets for nothing.
If this is the case, then the Draconis Combine doesn't need the Coordinator at all. The Black Dragon Society in cooperation with the ISF can handle both foreign and internal politics. ;)
Let's take the rebellion of Alshain Avengers.
If the ISF didn't know that four regiments with numerous important assets such as DropShips, JumpShips and one Warship are are ready to rebel (or already did so), then at least for me it's clear case of incompetence.
And if the ISF knew that and did nothing - well, it means that the ISF surely betrayed the Coordinator.
And did that rebellion help the Combine? Considering that it resulted in the start of war with the Ghost Bear Dominion, which at that time the Combine could hardly afford and only with luck the disaster was averted because the Ghost Bears agreed on honorable combat on Courchevel instead of crushing the Combine - I don't think that it helped the state. Because the state just lost a half dozen regiments and planets for nothing.
Well, the Black Dragons' (and any ISF helpers) goal wasn't to provoke and then LOSE the war, they assumed that they'd win after provoking the war. In their minds, giving the Ghost Bears what the Smoke Jaguars got would have been good for the Combine.
The ISF is quite competently defending the ISFs´ interests.
Incorrect. Hanse pulled troops from the Draconis border because he knew the LYRAN ARMY was pouring over the border. He knew House Kurita could not afford a major invasion because most of their troops were occupied. Only the Galedon and Pesht Districts were not involved in fighting the LCAF, and Pesht did send some District Regular troops to aid Galedon, which was suffering from a change of command after Takashi ordered Samsonov executed.
And nothing has worked for the Fed-Com since.
Marduk netted them the Wolverine and Griffin, while Quentin netted them the Atlas, Victor, Marauder, JagerMech....
Irrelevant. As much as it might shock you, not EVERY gain the Combine makes requires a loss on behalf of the Federated Suns. Specifically, Marduk's capture increased the Combine's access to the Griffin and Wolverine. The Federated Suns took Nanking, preserving access. Thus the Capellan Confederation suffered.
Hanse's ploy only "allowed" the Lyrans to go nuts because the FWL sat on its hind end. You want to complain, complain about Janos Marik deciding your precious treaty was worth bupkiss.
And I'm sure the Fedrat fans are all exceedingly happy that their nation helped someone who turned around and shoved the border closer to New Avalon.
You're looking at one action (killing off Vincent and his line) and attributing motives that are not evident in the actual sources because it fits your notions of the kind of person who would do that. While at the same time ignoring a simpler explanation.
Well, the Black Dragons' (and any ISF helpers) goal wasn't to provoke and then LOSE the war, they assumed that they'd win after provoking the war. In their minds, giving the Ghost Bears what the Smoke Jaguars got would have been good for the Combine.
The Draconis Combine suffered numerous losses against forces of the Draconis March, and keep in mind that the incentive for the FedSuns attack was the fact that the Draconis Combine was engaged in the conflict with the Ghost Bears and seriously weakened. Otherwise, they would have thought twice before attacking the Combine.
Unless that was a precursor to making a move on the Coordinator. The Black Dragons spent a few years stacking the Otomo with adherents before making their first attempt on Theodore, and patiently infiltrated the ISF, DCMS regiments, and DCN crews. As already mentioned, the O5P has been more loyal to the Combine and Coordinator than the Black Dragons, and Toranaga didn't waste much time in making sure Vincent's line was extinct and that the O5P had their power diminished either.
As for Bhatia, "Like a spider in his web, he sits on Luthien or New Samarkandand manipulates events to suit his goals of protecting the
Combine, even against its own rulers." (ER 3145, p. 92)... with his service history and personality sounding suspiciously similar to Shakir Jerrar.
Minamoto and Jerrar talked a big game about opposing the Black Dragons. What they were actually doing was wiping out the Sons of the Dragon and anyone loyal to the Combine or Coordinator over the Black Dragons and/or their ideologies.
Bhatia's service history is really nothing like Jerrar's. Nor does his personality bear any resemblance.
The Misogi War says otherwise.
By the way, please can anyone elaborate on the "Sons of the Dragon"? On whom's side are they now?
The Misogi War says otherwise.
Which worked so well that both Minamoto and Jerrar were Black Dragons and the organisation as a whole didn't seem to be all that effected by it. PP, the Misogi War is in the Jihad sourcebooks, and had the ISF and O5P trying to counter-infiltrate the Black Dragons. As can be imagined, with two of the three most powerful and important leaders in the Combine being Black Dragons themselves, actual successes were limited.
AFAIK, it was never stated that either Minamoto or Jerrar were Black Dragons.
AFAIK, it was never stated that either Minamoto or Jerrar were Black Dragons.
Traditionalist + Eliminating those loyal to the Coordinator and Combine/undoing or otherwise working against Theodore's reforms + Advancing the interests of the Black Dragons + Being said to be a Black Dragon are all pretty strong indicators, however.
Guys, we really need this Handbook! :D
Traditionalist =/= Black Dragon.
So, no, I don't think Toranaga's a Black Dragon by virtue of how he's handled the Dragoons. Weird, I know.
And Bhatia? He sounds like a loon.
While there's no new news on that front, this might help (http://benhrome.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/secret-police-and-colored-dragons/).
I like that. I miss a stricter Dragon.
The current head of the Order and Keeper of the House Honor is Miyako Kurita, daughter of Isoroku Kurita, the Warlord of the Dieron Military District. The Abbess is Tomade Yamiro, who was recently under rigorous investigation by the ISF for possible links to the Black Dragons. Ultimately proven innocent, the Abbess has since cut the Order’s ties with the agency, forming a crack in the already tattered alliance that neither group can afford at this time.
While there's no new news on that front, this might help (http://benhrome.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/secret-police-and-colored-dragons/).
Oooohhhhh... plenty of neat stuff in that preview.
Inside the secret police is an even more secret society. Called the “Sons of the Dragon,” the society is a group of agents who are more loyal to the Director of the ISF and the Coordinator.
Although some parts of it are from the old House Kurita sourcebook, I like those parts describing 3050s and 3060s. Thank you. O0
But when you mention "six" grievances, I can see five points only?
I've got a question about the following:
They are more loyal to the ISF Director and the Coordinator? Does this mean, these are the very elite of the ISF?
Or should it read: Inside the secret police is an even more secret society. Called the “Sons of the Dragon,” the society is a group of agents who are more loyal to the Director of the ISFandthan the Coordinator.
Although some parts of it are from the old House Kurita sourcebook,
Nope. Reads as stands. They are the elite of the ISF; their loyalty is first and foremost to the personages of the Director (Ninyu) and the Coordinator (Theodore). Both of whom are also members.
....because I forgot to change it back to five after I realized #6 blew a massive plot hole down the road?
Well yeah. I cleaned up a lot of its language and grammar, but the stuff was still relevant. Only confusing/conflicting material was rewritten. (And I took that approach because, at the time, I had a time crunch to deal with.)
Oooohhhhh... plenty of neat stuff in that preview.
By the way, what do we know about the Sons of the Dragon in the Dark Age and now in 3145?
IIRC, Wahab Fusili was a member of them, wasn't he?
They died off during or shortly after the Jihad but were later resurrected by Bhatia.
He's actually O5P.
Jonathan, aka Kappa aka the Bounty Hunter aka Katana Tormark's psychotic and obsessed older brother, is a former Son.
While there's no new news on that front, this might help (http://benhrome.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/secret-police-and-colored-dragons/).
Bad news fellas... HBHK has been pushed back to Spring 2014 according to Ben Rome's twitter: twitter.com/bhrome
I'll console myself with TR3145 DC. But still. :'(
Bad news fellas... HBHK has been pushed back to Spring 2014 according to Ben Rome's twitter: twitter.com/bhromeI just saw that as well. But on the bright side, at least two of the upcoming TRO 3145 units are good enough that Ben's teasing fans with 'em.
I'll console myself with TR3145 DC. But still. :'(
Bad news fellas... HBHK has been pushed back to Spring 2014 according to Ben Rome's twitter: twitter.com/bhrome
I'll console myself with TR3145 DC. But still. :'(
Are there any reasons given why it is further delayed?
Personally, I blame the Davions.
[...]
Black Dragons sabotage? Word of Blake ROM made the manuscript "disappear"?
Personally, I blame the Davions.
Personally, I blame the Davions.
Ohh, House Davion Handbook 3145 Update pushed back HBHK?
*runs for cover*
that just doesn't seem fair about HBHK :(
Bad news fellas... HBHK has been pushed back to Spring 2014 according to Ben Rome's twitter: twitter.com/bhromemikoshi borne proudly
I'll console myself with TR3145 DC. But still. :'(
Yeah, I'm still pretty bummed.
I'd pay for a text only version, to be honest. I don't need the pretties.
Have you all seen this marvellous cover for the new TRO:3145 Draconis Combine? O0
Have you all seen this marvellous cover for the new TRO:3145 Draconis Combine? O0
i agree, we've seen in a lot of the books and on DA pilot cards that the combine is actually as multicultural as the other successor states, whether they acknowledge it or not. i particularly like the picture of stephen dirks, a scottish samurai, what's more badass than that
I want this as a wallpaper! [drool] [drool] [drool]
Won't they do all the TRO 3145 covers as wallpaper?
I'm sooo longing for the Marik cover. [drool]
The book should be out in August so we should get a sneak peek in July after the FedSuns TRO comes out.
I'm sooo longing for the Marik cover. [drool]
*drools all over the board*
So which designs are you guys anticipating the most in our 3145 TRO next month?
Kamakiri.
And the Shi Kamakiri.
^-^
So which designs are you guys anticipating the most in our 3145 TRO next month?
And yes, I hope we get updated BA. Wouldn't mind seeing an updated Kanazuchi as well.
Updated? No. Replacements? OH YES.
Can we haz it yet? NOW I'm excited.
Updated? No. Replacements? OH YES.I'm scared, curious, and excited all in one with this line.
Updated? No. Replacements? OH YES.
Maybe duelling with katanas outside the Mechs but probably not with Mechs. Combine warriors are no Clanners. :)
Maybe in the Sword of Light or District Regulars, in the Legion of Vega it'd be a stiletto in the back.
The 2nd Dieron Regulars soldiers would have solved it with a hand grenade under the pillow ...
Is the Legion still around in 3145? Not complaining if so. I always liked the DCMS to have some kind of dumping ground.
;D
Hey Ben, can you answer this question at least - will there be enough in the DC TRO to come up with fully stocked combined arms units? Not just "sure there's tanks and mechs and BA" but are there enough designs in the book that you could put together a battalion with just what's in the book and fill out the usual roles?
I'm looking forward to seeing the stuff I need to kill, yes. O0
You and what Clan? ;) Too soon?Some of us cope by laughing through the pain.
Too soon.
I'd imagine there'll be as many Nova Cats units in the TRO as there are Canopian ones in the Capellan TRO.
How many Nova Cat units still need a TRO entry? The Cave Lion, Wendigo, Avalanche, Cizin and maybe the Sekhmet Assault Vehicle are all that I can remember.
Here's (http://benhrome.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/a-dragons-death-angel-with-a-gun/) an awesome littl' post by Ben for anyone curious about the Tenshi.
Edit: D'oh! Bested by Marwynn. O0
I thought the Galedon Regulars had been re-named to the New Samarkand Regulars by then. Unless some of them had the name switched back in honour of the now-fallen world?
Pretty much; it was never clear of the Sekhmet was a Falcon or Cat vee, especially as it had design elements from both. Otherwise, the only one that might warrant an entry is the redesigned Shadow Cat.
Given that the Clan TRO is allready pretty full, I wouldn't be surprised to find them in the Kurita one
I wonder what's going to have happened to all the Nova Cat factories. If they weren't destroyed, maybe the DCMS will start fielding a lot more Clantech.
I thought the Galedon Regulars had been re-named to the New Samarkand Regulars by then. Unless some of them had the name switched back in honour of the now-fallen world?
The Galedon Regulars are still around. It's the Dieron Regulars who were re-named the New Samarkand Regulars.
There seems to be something of note for House Kurita on DTRPG and the BattleShop just now...
I only have two questions I have with the new TRO
First: We now have Dieron Regulars, New Samarkand Regulars, and Galedon Regulars. Did some of the NSR become DR or were the DR raised whole cloth as new formations? If so, what happened to the 2nd NSR/2nd DR (Since they are my 2nd unit in my DCMS forces)
The new TRO talks about an "unofficial cultural rebirth" taking place in the DC, hence the appearance of the "samurai" `Mechs in the universe.
But...hasn't that been part of the DC for centuries? I've never really seen anything to show that such a culture has ever really disappeared. Did I miss something, or perhaps is this just...a hyper expression of their culture? Not really a revival but a extreme observance of their culture?
Second: When did Procurement becomes all arms dealerly? It seems that some units are still struggling to equip with SOTA and we are selling to mercs at tiered pricing. Sure, I understand somethings below market value to trusted mercs (Gamma Regiment of the goons) for testing but it seems like we are becoming almost Sea Foxy. Are we that hard up for hard currency?
HBHK explains more of the Procurement Department and its unofficial power. Unfortunately...
Dumb question, what are the odds of a Shiro showing up amongst the Amphigeans? I've always had the impression that they weren't particularly well regarded but I haven't really read up on the DC in years. Thanks ahead of time.
Since the Amphigeans were dispatched against the Nova Cats, I'd say they have some quality. So perhaps one of their officers could pilot the Shiro. Or perhaps he could have brought the 'Mech from the service with other, better regarded regiment. So it's not impossible.
Sounds good, thanks martian. I get the idea that the Amphigeans occupy a strange place in the DCMS; better regarded than the Ghosts but nowhere near as well thought of as Ryuken.
Speaking about Ryuken, I noticed that there is a brand new Ryuken regiment in the TRO.
So they have rebuilt those regiments destroyed during the Jihad and added additional one?
2nd Amphigean gets a couple mentions in the new TRO as well.
Good to see them back, I wonder if the 5th has been reformed as well.
Also I thought the Ghost regiments had been disbanded? I see several of them have resurfaced too.
Maybe they were just officially 'disbanded' while still existing.
It is mentioned in one of the Ilsa Bick novels that they had been disbanded "decades ago".
With regards,
Øystein
... and the book in question includes a whole plot arc about a couple of Dragon's Fury agents attempting to prompt some of the Yak clans into pulling their old mothballed weapons out of storage and releasing the warriors they'd secretly been training since the Ghosts were disbanded
I'm still holding out hope that the Proserpina Hussars make a comeback. They've been with the Combine when it was still the Alliance of Galedon.
With the reconstitution of the Dieron Regulars brigade from scratch, I can hold some hope for the 18th being reconstituted.
New Samarkand Regulars?
Although they did spring from the Dieron Regulars.
Question for the DC lovers out there.
Has there been any new DC "Combat Organizations/Units" formed since the 3020's with the Ryuken & Genyosha ?
(I don't mean things like the new SoL regiment, I mean new "Organizations")
Hmm, Shin & Alshain are both older in theory.
Hmm, Ghost Regiments, I hadn't thought of that, that might work for what I'm looking for.
Izangi is IIRC retired troops isnt it ? (Wait, I think that is Dragon's Claws)No. Otomo are elite veteran MechWarriors, but it doesn't mean they are retired. They are just hand-picked from the DCMS. They use OmniMechs.
What is the origin of the Izangi's ?
Edit, nvm, I googled it & it is the Dragons' claws renamed.
Question for the DC lovers out there.
Has there been any new DC "Combat Organizations/Units" formed since the 3020's with the Ryuken & Genyosha ?
(I don't mean things like the new SoL regiment, I mean new "Organizations")
Whoever is responsible for the upload of the cover of TRO 3145 DC as a wallpaper:
Thank you very much!!!! O0 O0 O0
I really appreciate this. :)
I'm still holding out hope that the Proserpina Hussars make a comeback. They've been with the Combine when it was still the Alliance of Galedon.
This but since I saw a mention of the 3rd Pesht Reg, prolly not :-[
Yeah, that is sad.
But hey, at least we have the new Davion Black Knights to cheer us up!
Some worlds of probable importance near the current lines:
Worlds on the axis of a potential thrust towards New Avalon from Robinson:
Kestrel: It's 2 jumps from the current border (at occupied Robinson) and is a world of extreme political and military signifigance. It's also right between New Avalon and Robinson, so if our drive is to continue deeper into the FS Kestrel is a world that is bound to figure prominently as an AFFS strongpoint. In addition to that, its agricultural riches were heavily exported to the Draconis March, worlds that are probably under DCMS dominion now. We'd likely want to seize the world just so that we could go on feeding our current conquered populations.
However, my guess is that this is where we'll see Julian make his heroic stand and turn the tide. Even if he doesn't, its the planet where the ancestral estates of McKinnon's Raiders are located. How much fun is THAT place going to be to keep under control, if it even falls in the first place.
New Valencia: A bit more out of the way to New Avalon, but still within 2 jumps of Robinson. And home to rather impressive factories, last known to be producing Avatar and Blackjack Omnis, Victors, Pendragons, and several vehicles. Even if we don't invade the planet, the AFFS must spread their resources to defend it.
Saunemin: Located between Kestrel and New Valencia, it's mostly unknown in canon but potentially critical as being just within a 2 jump radius of New Avalon.
Worlds of importance on a thrust towards New Avalon from the Palmyra Thumb:
The planets spinward of New Avalon are very thinly described. There isn't much to speculate about other than by purely their location. The Palmyra thumb may well be an opportunity to bring attention to this region and start giving planets some fluff as battles rage on or above them.
Tsamma: A world rich in food and water exports. Possibly the gem of the occupied salient. Definately going to be a high priority target for AFFS forces to raid or liberate.. defending it will likely sap strength from what could have otherwise gone towards New Avalon or expanding the salient.
Protection & Linneus: Not much is known canonically, but look at the map. If we lose either system we face having to jump at least once in hostile space to maintain supply into the salient. A natural place for the AFFS to counterattack, and potentially a natural place for the Dragon to widen the thumb from.
Worlds of note on the Davion side of the current lines:
Dahar IV: It's long been a major AFFS base. It's probably no coincidence at all that the 3145 lines show this planet holding a bulwark against the invasion. It's not important enough to go after if New Avalon is a target, but if it's not taken it's a natural strongpoint for the AFFS to reinforce and cause headaches all throughout the occupied Draconis March.
Johnsondale: Every defense industry is critical to the FedRats at this point, and Johnsondale's tank output is going to draw a good defense. A heavy presence there likewise offers the AFFS a great location to launch raids or a counterattack into the anti-spinward portion of the occupied territory.
Worlds of note in the occupied Draconis March:
The importance of worlds like Robinson and Marduk need no explanation to the casual Kurita fan, but here are some more gems that we took and will likely have to fight to keep:
New Ivaarsen: The loss of this world makes Davion fans squeal almost as much as Robinson itself. It's a major, wealthy world and has long been the gatekeeper to guarantee against Kuritan successes of the 1st SW from being repeated. It's also fluffed as being a world noteworthy (even for the Draconis March) as being virulently anti-Combine. Couple that with it being the homeworld of the AFFS's New Ivaarsen Chausseurs brigade (and therefore home to a plethora of retired AFFS soldiers..) and you've got what I say is the most likely tinderbox of insurrection we have. I assume the writers will have the AFFS roll us back, and New Ivaarsen is likely to go back to Davion hands once the war is over.
Sakhara V: A deserty world of moderate wealth. However, it is the homeworld of the renowned Sakhara Mechwarrior Academy. Considered by many (including myself, and I say this as a Kurita fan..) to produce the FINEST mechwarriors in the Inner Sphere. There are going to be quite a few mechwarriors out there whos pride is injured at their alma mater being subjected to Draconian occupation. And most of them are in the AFFS. This is another world I just don't see the devs allowing to remain in Kuritan hands. However, if we do end up keeping the planet, it is MOST curious to think about what would become of the Academy. Assuming they didn't restart the academy elsewhere, the Draconian flavor of training (well, indoctrination) being imposed would likely end the academy's sterling successes.
Tishomingo: Like Dahar IV, long a lynchpin of the defense of the Draconis March. However now that infrastructure is in our hands and VERY conveniently located. If the AFFS launches a broad campaign to liberate the occupied territories, this planet should prove to be an early key battleground.
Tancredi IV: Technically not in the same category as it's been in Kuritan hands since before 3130, but I'm including it anyway as it's typically been a Davion planet up till the Dark Age. It was a major world of the Draconis March and not that dissimilar to Marduk in its production importance. In fact, when I saw the 3130 map for the first time, I thought of Tancredi IV as 'our compensation' for Marduk falling back into FedRat hands. Should we suffer a complete collapse of the Palmyra Thumb (or perfidy from the Ravens...) this system would be a gem of a prize to take back.
More worlds of importance on a thrust towards New Avalon from the Palmyra Thumb:
Augusta: Still a few jumps from the Palmyra Thumb, but should that thrust continue anti-spinward towards New Avalon this world should be one of the must-hold worlds for the AFFS. I'm not sure if it's one of the 'Golden Five' worlds (or even if all 5 have ever been canonically named) but Corean's major mech plant on-world makes it a crucial world just on that basis.
*Snip of awesome stuff*
...If I were a Kurita fan I would actually -fear- that level of banzai.
The difference between a resurgence of Davion pride and indignation at having New Avalon occupied versus the Kentares Massacre is that Kuritan morale would be at astronomical levels. Can you imagine the sheer banzai-level of madness DCMS soldiers would have after hearing news the DCMS is now occupying the hated Davion's own capital?
...
@Tai Dai CultistThanks :)
Great job.
@All
Query: Do you think the DCMS is actually planning for taking New Avalon?
Valid points, but...
If I were a Kurita fan I would actually -fear- that level of banzai.
But that might just be one of the reasons I staked my claim at the other end of the Inner Sphere, happily petting my Tiger Hill stock and shake my fist towards Oriente in defiance.
Looks like we Ravens are poised in the perfect spot to watch the eventual fireworks you cheeky monkeys are preparing for...
Come on..Polish off the Fed Suns and then you can start the real work..Disassembling the Cappies. Mind you that will never happen as the CC seems destined to beat everyone they fight..even when they lose.
Don't you just hate the CC fanboy tendency in the writing.
I agree, as of late the CC seems like it can only be beaten by the even more fiat driven RotS. But meh, whatevs.
Just re-reading the original House Kurita book to reset my head-canon to actual canon. Can't believe I forgot about the Bureau of Bureaucracy!Now that is something I would expect to find in the German-based Lyran Commonwealth
Now that is something I would expect to find in the German-based Lyran Commonwealth
The Germans may not have invented bureaucracy, but they seemed to have perfected it (or as close as humanity will ever get to it)
Hope it's in FM:3145.
Have you guys had any chance to play around with the TR3145 DC stuff again?
I've been looking at it and I'm not finding my "groove" with the 'Mechs.
I'm still not getting the hang of making a Shiro make an impact on a game.
I do really like the Hitotsume Kozo, however. It's not so hard to work the heat scale. Jumping for the heat and shooting the ground early game is key! Then the F.I.B. and heat dissipation work well to keep the heat relatively level, enjoying those very punchy TSMhatchetkama strikes.
Same.
In all honest? I've mentally written off most of the 'Mechs in TR3145 DC. Those, and the Scarborough II-series hover tanks.
The Hito is the one highlight of the bunch, and the Roku with the ER PPC is alright. But the BV on both make it very difficult to use in BV-balanced games. It's 2k for the Hito with a 4/5 pilot.
I dunno, am I the only one having trouble using the others?
my one game (*sigh* :( ) so far had me with a Shiro, Rokurokubi, Hitostume-Kozo, and a Kamakiri, vs a Zibbler?, Centurion-0, Templar, and Atlas III. My hardened armor was not enough to overcome thier assault class armor. My force just did not have enough guns, especially since that damn Kamakiri never hit anything once with the iHeavy Gauss... Don't misunderstand I like that flying iHGR but if it does not hit...
I'm guessing it was BV balanced. Still the default method for most games.
Also, all the designs are undergunned.
The Dragon II feels like a Catapult to me. I can make use of it, but man, it feels like a waste. I dunno.
You know, when I first saw the Dragon II, I felt that I saw this 'Mech before. Just a experience of déjà vu. I knew that this TRO is new, but at the same moment I knew I met this 'Mech before and that it wasn't so long ago.
And then I got it. ☼ → PKM-2C Patriot.
Dragon II - ER PPC
Patriot - Heavy PPC
Dragon II - Arrow IV and 15 reloads
Patriot - Arrow IV and 20 reloads
Dragon II - Medium X-Pulse laser as back-up
Patriot - TAG and AMS
Dragon II - CASE II in the RT
Patriot - CASE in the RT
Dragon II - 12.5 tons of armor
Patriot - 12 tons of armor
The same 4/6 speed, the same number of double heat sinks 10(20).
The difference in BV is mere 100 points.
The IWM doesn't have to produce the mini of Dragon II. After all, they already manufacture the mini of Patriot. It even looks alike.
catalyst and IWM are two separate companies, I don't think there's a connection at all. I actually think it's been said by people who do stuff for catalyst (whoever that was and how important their words I can't remember) that design and art is not affected by mini production. So I'm not really sure this is a connection at all, except that perhaps the patriot had influence over the design of the dragon II. (and I don't know that it did)
The more I play with the S-series hovers, the more I like them.
They're not terrible, but they're not especially good. Someone is still going to have to explain to me why the Scimitar has one ERSL and 4 standard SLs. And why it's a good idea to put short-ranged weapons on the front of a high-speed hovercraft instead of on the turret.
There's 2 tons on the turret, which can accommodate 5 tons. 5 small lasers are 2.5 tons.
They had to adhere to the Wizkids stats perhaps, but I don't have to like it or pretend it was a good design decision. Just because it can actually kill something sometimes isn't good enough.
What's the point of having 10/15 movement if I have to be both right next to something and/or pointed directly at it?
I'm glad you guys are putting them to good use.
If the Draconis Combine has a shortage of ER Small Lasers I'll eat hardened armour. ;)
It would be nice to have the choice between maintaining high-speed and exposing myself to potential side hits or pointing my tank straight a something (more or less). It is limiting for a high speed tank, unnecessarily so.
The Scimitar is outdone by the Saracen in my eyes. The crit-seeking is a very niche thing, but the MML/7 an substitute for that in a pinch. You're risking most of it in one shot of course, but that's still 7 potential SRMs. Coupled with the two ER Medium Lasers, and you're hitting at short range when the SLs are still at long.
Damage-wise, the Saracen actually beats it out too. Yeah, you're rolling a lot more to-hits which will lead to more crits for sure. But that's such a niche thing and it requires the flimsy hovercraft to be near point-blank.
Does the Combine not make any Magshots? They weigh the same as a machine gun or small laser but have thrice the range. Each one's like an SRM1.
I know, I sound real petty niggling over the design. I'm not saying they can't be used, or even operate effectively, it's just that it's just so unnecessary. Contrived. I don't get why the DCMS is supposedly happy about these hovercraft. The Saracen's the only somewhat decent one out of the blend.
I don't follow the logic. When would you be able to get into point blank range side-to-side but not nose-to-side? Why would you want to?
I can see what you're saying, but I'm not buying what you're selling.
Way I like to use the Scimitar is slashing 'kamikaze' runs at the sides of either an extra big-bootie'd tank or some fast harasser/ECM carrier.
In the case of the former, the 10/15 speed is such that which way I'm pointing is moot.. assuming I wasn't immobilized on the attack run next turn I've got such speed it doesn't matter that I'm pointing right at him.
It's much the same in the case of the latter. After a good raking on the side chart, that enemy hover won't be going nearly as fast as my Scim, if it's even able to move at all. Any of my units can dispatch the little nuisance from there.
I can see what you're saying, but I'm not buying what you're selling.
Way I like to use the Scimitar is slashing 'kamikaze' runs at the sides of either an extra big-bootie'd tank or some fast harasser/ECM carrier.
In the case of the former, the 10/15 speed is such that which way I'm pointing is moot.. assuming I wasn't immobilized on the attack run next turn I've got such speed it doesn't matter that I'm pointing right at him.
It's much the same in the case of the latter. After a good raking on the side chart, that enemy hover won't be going nearly as fast as my Scim, if it's even able to move at all. Any of my units can dispatch the little nuisance from there.
Edit: You know, for all the talk about how the Saracen is better in general terms than the Scimitar.. you know what's perfect for killing a Saracen? A Scimitar :)
I guess it's a matter of playstyles and gaming experiences.
I understand the criticism. The original Saladins at least had the 3/6/9 range of the AC20 to play with some arcs and range. Front mounted SLs require you to drive right up to the enemy, which is far less forgiving.
Yes, but the role the original Saladin occupied is now held by the SM1 Tank Destroyer.
As for the scimitar... there was the original AC5 model and the later RAC2 model. Neither really made an impression on me. Not the same way the TAG version had. I'm not overly thrilled by the Scimitar II, but for different reasons. I'd rather have the old TAG version.
I think it also got canonically renamed to Bob.
Ahh, Planet boB. No place quite like it.
In other, more Dragon-relevant, musings... Which District Regularss do you guys like? I mean, we always hear about the Genyosha, the Ghosts, the Ryuken, etc. But it's the Regulars that make up the DCMS.
Share which regiment, why, and what era if applicable.
Which District Regularss do you guys like? I mean, we always hear about the Genyosha, the Ghosts, the Ryuken, etc. But it's the Regulars that make up the DCMS.
Share which regiment, why, and what era if applicable.
Ahh, Planet boB. No place quite like it.I really like all the Dieron Regulars, I am really quite found of the 3rd. Yet my favorite Regulars has to be the 3rd Benjamin and the 8th along with the 17th Galedon Regulars. I was never found of elite units and these units have great SW history and action, plus in the "future" clan invasion the 3rd on asgard is very satisfying.
In other, more Dragon-relevant, musings... Which District Regularss do you guys like? I mean, we always hear about the Genyosha, the Ghosts, the Ryuken, etc. But it's the Regulars that make up the DCMS.
Share which regiment, why, and what era if applicable.
I forgot to mention that I would love the Rasalhague Regulars and the old Alshain Regulars but info is scattered and there is a lack of it. Talking about info when is our long over due house book going to be released?
Handbook: House Kurita will be published in 2014 (perhaps).
2012 then 2013 now 2014.... well I shall be patient. I do pray that is in the same time frame as the others with NO advancements into the newer eras.
Yes, it will be set in 3067 or so.
There are a good few that i like but the first one that comes to mind in the 3rd Benjamin. They surprised everyone on asgard and embarased the jags with old equipment to the point that they didn't even want to continue pursuit. And also as Kojak said their armour is the coolest part of the unit, and are seriously badass!Agreed! They fought like true warriors >:D
I was a fan of both the 3rd Benjamin Regulars and the 22nd Dieron Regulars22nd Dieron is a cute bunch, and knows how to use its assets. I imagine they're heavily specced in close-range work.
46th Dieron Regulars - and although they are non-canon, they figured in three canon publications, two of those products have been CGL-branded ;)Okay, I'm curious. Do tell?
Okay, I'm curious. Do tell?Which District Regularss do you guys like? I mean, we always hear about the Genyosha, the Ghosts, the Ryuken, etc. But it's the Regulars that make up the DCMS.46th Dieron Regulars
Share which regiment, why, and what era if applicable.
- the Clan Invasion era.
- and although they are non-canon, they figured in three canon publications, two of those products have been CGL-branded ;)
Hey there. Long time listener, first time caller here on The Dragon's Lair Coast to Coast! ...Actually, I'm a first time listener too.
The last time I followed the Combine in any detail, it was 3055-ish; they were shown as a very stern, authoritarian society that was nonetheless effective at protecting their people from numerous threats and were busy getting victor steiner-davion addicted to anime (or whatever it is they did to make him start acting like an otaku), hampered by some internal troubles and problems with their military industry being unable to make things like Double Heatsinks or CASE. They were basically "Previously Evil, but reforming into Effective Neutral with some harshness still present" back then.
In very quick summary, what are they like in 3145? What is their society basically like, what are the faction's goals and who are their enemies? Any neat 'Mechs they have acquired recently? How do they feel about mercenaries now?
It makes you wonder if the Combine would be interested in still honoring the Kapyten accords and letting us import a few companies.
I consider it mostly a pen pal relationship. With the occasional bank transfer.
Which suits both sides best, I guess. I like the Dracs at the other end of the Inner Sphere.
In very quick summary, what are they like in 3145? What is their society basically like, what are the faction's goals and who are their enemies? Any neat 'Mechs they have acquired recently? How do they feel about mercenaries now?Definitively fascist with a focus on the military. Note that that's the classical definition of fascism, rather than the perjorative; a unified monoculture (with a slim few exceptions that are more or less on their own at this point) with a very strong ideology of conquest and a re-formed Star League with a dragon for a banner. Still based very heavily on Edo-period Japan as far as society, with obvious exceptions allowing for more modern technology. Samurai ethos, honor above a lot, and an acceptance of Theodore's reforms to reflect the honor of the Dragon prime above all.
"We like you. We'll oppress you last."
Interesting. So basically "glory to the Dragon!", but not plainly cruel to their citizenry... just very rigid? Would something like comparing them to 1940s militaristic Japan, with some aspects of modern Japan's general society, be about right?
That's cool. So, to backtrack a bit... mercenaries in the Combine in 3145? Does this even happen? I know traditionally they have worked with very few, sometimes no, merc units. How about now?
Right now, i think the Wolf's Dragoons are half the reason for the successes of the DCMS against the Sandovals.
Interesting. So basically "glory to the Dragon!", but not plainly cruel to their citizenry... just very rigid? Would something like comparing them to 1940s militaristic Japan, with some aspects of modern Japan's general society, be about right?There are similarities to Imperial Japan, in the pro-military "all glory to the samurai" mindset. But it's also a thousand years divorced from that time period, so just like the romanticised vew we have of the medieval era and the Knights In Armor and whatnot, there's going to be a similarly inaccurate view of the Edo period for the Kuritans.
Any sort of interesting regiments like that in 3145?Right now we only have data on four regiments. Ryuken-go's big thing is leading the assault into the AFFS alongside Wolf's Dragoons; they were about the only unit that went bro-fist with the Dragoons when they were hired and welcomed their former originators, later bagging Duke Sandoval on Robinson. The 5th SoL kicked Bear butt for a while in the Second Dom-Com war, then turned out the lights on the Nova Cats, so they're probably rolling in Clan tech; it might be why they were instrumental in beating the pants off the FedSuns later at Palmyra. 7th New Sam Regulars is a new unit, formed after a big putsch against Black Dragons (again) after the aforementioned 2nd Dominion-Combine war; they mostly did pirate duty until the new invasion of the Fedsuns and are currently in R&R at Kesai IV. And the 1st Genyosha went gonzo during the Republic invasion, then were pretty much instrumental in ending the Nova Cat rebellion and conquered Irece and putting it to an end. No real other info about the 7th NSR unfortunately, a little bit more than a quick battle history is what I'm hoping for in FM:3145.
Vega hasn't been a Combine planet now in the lifetimes of most people by 3145.They did make a few attempts at it, but the Seventh Legion is directly referenced in the text of ER3145.
I'm actually kind of hoping the Legions of Vega have been retired/succeeded.
The Combine has used the idea of penal regiments many, many times prior Takashi's iteration of the old idea. I'd like to see something 'new' take their place, especially since Vega hasn't been a Combine planet now in the lifetimes of most people by 3145.
The ****** Rokurokubi 4T model replaced the 4K model on the RAT. (for those who place value on RATs..)The -4K is just a variant, the -4T is the standard. I expect that'll be the case; it's not like it's a difficult swap.
Weren't there supposed to be maps? I didn't see any maps..
And well lastly...re: the size of the DCMS, not counting the mercs or Arkabs there were 36 regiments in various states of disrepair in the post-Jihad Field Report. That's not a terribly big increase overall. How many new units are there that weren't in the FR, and do they get anything more than a name and a planet? I like regimental fluff.
We know from the Shillelagh entry that new units were being formed in secret. We also know from Daughter of the Dragon that the Ghost Regiments may have disbanded, but retained their equipment and some level of training. The DCMS might be far larger in reality than the analysts in the RAF thought.
Take-aways from cursory speed-reading of FM3145:Glad to see that, with all the fighting the Combine is doing lately, the count sounds reasonably accurate. Unlike Liao.
Hate and fear anything equipped with a re-engineered laser.
We've got 39 'Mech regiments. More than Davion in the post-Palymra era, but (a lot) less than Liao.
Glad to see that, with all the fighting the Combine is doing lately, the count sounds reasonably accurate. Unlike Liao.The cappies have been quietly ignoring every treaty they signed to reduce forces, it's hardly inaccurate or surprising. There were 42 regiments in 3067, and considering how generally "quiet" the whole Inner Sphere was for 50-odd years after the Jihad, I'm more surprised everyone ELSE didn't bulk up like that. But it all depends on how much you go along with Stone's reforms.
Kamose
The cappies have been quietly ignoring every treaty they signed to reduce forces, it's hardly inaccurate or surprising. There were 42 regiments in 3067, and considering how generally "quiet" the whole Inner Sphere was for 50-odd years after the Jihad, I'm more surprised everyone ELSE didn't bulk up like that. But it all depends on how much you go along with Stone's reforms.
Given how much opportunity everyone had to rebuild, I can only conclude TPTB simply prefer a paradigm of 30-40 regiments per faction rather than numbers twice that size under FASA's reign. Stone's Kool-Aid is just the handwavium to get us to where their vision for the game is.
Being a Combine fan has taught me to wait for the other shoe to drop.
I'm expecting a combination of the Ghost Bears and Snow Ravens cutting loose while Toranaga and Yori face off to give Julian a chance to go on a rampage.
But only time will tell.
The cappies have been quietly ignoring every treaty they signed to reduce forces, it's hardly inaccurate or surprising. There were 42 regiments in 3067, and considering how generally "quiet" the whole Inner Sphere was for 50-odd years after the Jihad, I'm more surprised everyone ELSE didn't bulk up like that. But it all depends on how much you go along with Stone's reforms.I will respectfully disagree with you. I could buy it if they had not been doing so much fighting, but double invasions and this is what they have left? Just doesn't ring true. Of course, this is all fictional, so it doesn't matter much anyway. BTW, I love your avatar.
The cappies have been quietly ignoring every treaty they signed to reduce forces, it's hardly inaccurate or surprising. There were 42 regiments in 3067, and considering how generally "quiet" the whole Inner Sphere was for 50-odd years after the Jihad, I'm more surprised everyone ELSE didn't bulk up like that. But it all depends on how much you go along with Stone's reforms.
I am pleasantly surprised that we apparently caused some damage to the Ghost Bears in the 2nd Dominion War.Ya know, sometimes there can be problems when your two favorite factions share a border.... #P
Ya know, sometimes there can be problems when your two favorite factions share a border.... #P
I'm not quite sure if its just that I was reading the FedSuns section, but that part of the book gave me the impression that many of the DC's victories where Pyrrhic or "we won, but we took alot of damage." I can't help but wonder if Palyrma is the exception rather than the rule.
Its probably too early, but it might be interesting to see whose forces are actually coming off better in the conflict.
Yes, the new Panther, Grand Dragon and Maelstrom are all quite nice. And the Raiden II is downright delightful.
Did you notice that our only new Boosted C3M carrier was a Strider? With two of them?
I'm not a fan of the ABA-equipped stuff either. Am I missing something with that armour?
It doesn't have them in my copy? In fact I don't see any new BC3M carriers at all.
But I agree with you on the ABA armor. I can't see it being preferable to Ballistic-Reinforced in any reasonable situation.
Page 109, the Strider SR1-OM... two BC3Ms. That's it.
Too bad it's not a straight swap to get Ballistic instead of ABA: need room for 4 more slots.
I'd say 2nd with the 4th being a floater regiment.
There used to be 12 SoL regiments so I think the link to the five pillars was a recent addition (post 2nd War) after those other regiments were stuck due to unit destruction/absorption. Maybe there are twelve virtues that we aren't aware of that Ben is going to spring on us in 3014 when the DC Handbook is released. Yes, I meant 3014. Then each regiment gets be be a virtue. Duty, Honor, Honesty, etc.
The SOL brigade being larger than 5 regiments is a bigger deal than 'Cool, there's 6 regiments now!'. The link to the 5 pillars has gone for so long that it's pretty much integral to the identity of the brigade.
So if it does still maintain that identity, one regiment is left out. Probably the 4th, but I do like the idea of the 4th remaining the 'new' Pillar of Steel and the reconstituted 2nd being the bearer of a new 6th title in the brigade, "The Coordinator's Own".
If the 2nd gets the Pillar of Steel title back, what title (if any) do you think the 4th should have?
I think there might be a clue in the old Amaterasu dossier that came with the first MechWarrior: Dark Age starter box. I remember there being something about there being a rivalry between the Amaterasu and a Sword of Light Regiment associated with the Japanese god Susanoo. Sadly, I can't find those dossiers anywhere online, so the trail might be cold.
Not exactly. The dossier mentions that the goddess Amaterasu traditionally had a rivalry with Susa-No-Wo and that there is a DCMS unit dedicated to that particular god. It goes on to suggest that if the Amaterasu are really into their namesake, they might someday clash with the unnamed DCMS unit. It's mentioned as a future possibility, not a fact.
It's in either Era Report 3145 or field Report 3145. But you are correct, the Dieron Regulars was reformed when the Combine took the district from the Republic of the Sphere. The surviving old regiments are still named New Samarkand Regulars and has settled into that identify after 60 years.That's what I thought I remembered.
You're making a problem where there is none.
But, I can't see how having identically named but separate regiments is "never going to be a problem". Especially if the 3145 era at some point becomes 'historical' rather than 'current' and the distinction between the regiments being 'then' and 'now' both become 'then'.
But they're not identically named. One is called the "2nd New Samarkand Regulars" and the other is called the "2nd Dieron Regulars".
...
Maybe in a metaview, knowledge of when the scenario or context of the historical reference takes place is enough. For a scenario set in 3145, it's obvious it'd be the 'new' 2nd, since the original is now the 2nd New Samarkand. And since the two regiments are never coterminous, that might be enough in-universe as well?
...
Consider these two sentences talking about completely different units in different periods of time:You mention it's two different points in time, but then you only look at it in the 3145 era - in which case any mention of "2nd Dieron Regulars" would refer to the unit in 3145 known as the 2nd Dieron Regulars. Not the 2nd New Samarkand Regulars, or else the sentence would have said "2nd New Samarkand Regulars." And if you're arguing as to which timeframe you're in, I daresay that such things are quite well established elsewhere in fluff.
He fought for the 2nd Dieron Regulars.
He fought for the 2nd Dieron Regulars.
If you can point out which is a reference to the 2nd Dieron Regiment of the 3145 era, and which is talking about the regiment known as 2nd New Samarkand in 3145, then I'm wrong.
Since both sentences can plausibly be said by (or written in-universe by) someone in the 3145 era, I'm rather convinced I *do* have a point.
You mention it's two different points in time, but then you only look at it in the 3145 era - in which case any mention of "2nd Dieron Regulars" would refer to the unit in 3145 known as the 2nd Dieron Regulars. Not the 2nd New Samarkand Regulars, or else the sentence would have said "2nd New Samarkand Regulars." And if you're arguing as to which timeframe you're in, I daresay that such things are quite well established elsewhere in fluff.
Okay sure. You're policing the area as well as defending it, so you probably want more troops there. But why not more Dieron Regulars or something? Are you really recruiting that many more people from the Rasalhague District compared to other districts (I'll have to check the size of the districts again tomorrow)
The Rasalhague Regulars sort of confuses me when I sit down and think about it.
The Regulars are the 2nd largest brigade, if I remember right.
Why?
Okay sure. You're policing the area as well as defending it, so you probably want more troops there. But why not more Dieron Regulars or something? Are you really recruiting that many more people from the Rasalhague District compared to other districts (I'll have to check the size of the districts again tomorrow)
Because there isn't a Dieron Military District in 2765, and Dieron has not been a full Combine world for about 400 years?
Also, the Galedon Regulars has the most units by far. 10 more than the Rassies. Both districts are charged with guarding the long hostile borders, and as such are the most numerous with native troops.
With regards,
Øystein
Back in the day, the Steiner border was split between 2 districts while the Davion border had 3 districts.
Plus, the Steiner border would be the one that constantly fell back to Kurita advances thru the Succession Wars.
A bunch of good Mech factories were in the Rasalhague District, to boot.
A large Rasalhague Legion makes sense to me :)
I was impressed with the number of infantry and armor units assigned to most of the `Mech regiments in order to make them Brigades. Kurita may not like their conventional forces, but atleast they're willing to assign them to most units.
So what's everyone's opinions on the new Hatamotos (Suna and Godai)?
So what's everyone's opinions on the new Hatamotos (Suna and Godai)?►Suna
I'm trying to wrap my mind around the information about Dieron in the FM2765.
Was that book the first instance of Kurita considering Dieron a 'rightfully' Draconis world prior to its conquest in the Succession Wars? Well, EVERY world was 'rightfully Kurita' in a it's our destiny to rule all of mankind kind of way. But the Dieron District existing during the Star League? What insanity is this? It seems to fly in the face of 30 years of canon, but then again maybe I just am stuck in the 80s canon.
Star League, pg 172, Dieron atlas entry:
".. Legend has it that Minoru Kurita chose Dieron to be a provincial capital just so he could boast of having one of the crowning glories of the Star League so prominent a part of his own realm. ..."
Quick question: When the COmbine annihilated Clan Nova Cat, were the factories on Irece kept intact? Or are they shut down (razed out of spite, damaged in fighting, or whatnot)? Just wondering how likely it is we'll see clan designs like the Clan medium battlearmor or Nobori-Nin showing up as regular parts of the DCMS.
Just can't seem to find the answer myself in all the stuff we've gotten so far.
Quick question: When the COmbine annihilated Clan Nova Cat, were the factories on Irece kept intact? Or are they shut down (razed out of spite, damaged in fighting, or whatnot)? Just wondering how likely it is we'll see clan designs like the Clan medium battlearmor or Nobori-Nin showing up as regular parts of the DCMS.
Just can't seem to find the answer myself in all the stuff we've gotten so far.
Quick question: When the COmbine annihilated Clan Nova Cat, were the factories on Irece kept intact? Or are they shut down (razed out of spite, damaged in fighting, or whatnot)? Just wondering how likely it is we'll see clan designs like the Clan medium battlearmor or Nobori-Nin showing up as regular parts of the DCMS.
Just can't seem to find the answer myself in all the stuff we've gotten so far.
Is there anything describing the actual formation of the Second Genyosha? They just sort of showed up sometime between 3028 and 3039, and there's plenty of information about their post-Clan-Invasion rebuilding but nothing saying how they were first created. Was a battalion or some other chunk of the 1st Genyosha spun off as cadre to form the new regiment around, or were they headhunted from other elite forces and formed fresh? And WHEN were they created?
If it's not actually specified anywhere I'll go ask the writers, but I'm assuming I'm missing something first.
I don't know why, but there's something in the back of my mind saying that the creation of the 2nd was rumored to be because they wanted to keep the Genyosha equal to the Kell Hounds.
So I'm looking to put together a light battalion, modern era, 6/9 being a minimum speed. I'll take any kinds of suggestions you guys want for mechs; preferably I'd like to know about what designs you like, what work, and what are paper tigers that die horribly as soon as someone with an AC/5 looks at them funny. I know there's a few Dragons in this range, and a decent supply of mediums and lights...but I want to avoid the more generic and stick with the iconic Kuritan machines.
I ran across a thing on tantojutsu, the fighting art of the knife, and it's all about speed and getting into position with the blade before the larger, heavier sword can come into play. A bare hand is used to help defend, primarily blocking at the attacking hand while the knife blade makes its move in the other. There's some youtube videos that highlight the concept, specifically the Ogawa Ryu style of tantojutsu, but it occurred to me. The parallel concept works for light 'Mech units, the whole idea of moving rapidly and getting inside your enemy's action-segment of the OODA loop as well as rapid movement on the field to gain a firing position before your enemy can react and bring firepower to bear.
So what 'Mechs would you prefer for a 'tanto' style of fighting - able to take on heavy and even assault units by means of rapid advance and firepower? Obviously things like the Venoms, the Phoenix Hawk-L (namely the SNPPC+cap variant), or the Exhumers work, but I'd like to get folks' thoughts on this.
I will always profess my love for the Rokurokubi -4K. This mech is the new Panther.Suddenly this 'Mech has passed from 'okay not bad' to 'AH HAH' in my head. I do love me some Punts, and the longneck (which is even funnier as it's so damn stumpy) is a perfect followon.
Happy to help. It's a very cool concept for a unit. Please do post the completed roster up when it's finished, I'm curious to see how it turns out.http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,37412.msg865699.html (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,37412.msg865699.html)
Tormark got Dieron because the Republic put up pretty much no fight for it.
Mostly in the form of a guilt trip.
Her being imprisoned does leave some storytelling possibilities open. I wonder if/when Katana gets out she'll be as lovestruck with the Combine as she was before.
I'm figuring that in the event there is a Yori/Toranaga power struggle, I give a 1 in 3 chance one of them busts Katana out to use against the other.Reading through her entry on Sarna, I'm curious how that might play out. She seems to be more skilled in underhanded deals and information/bribery/other means than direct battle, though Tormark did end up doing very well in her battle drills and other such things. I dunno, maybe she Littlefingered her way to the top, rather than was any sort of Mighty Warrioress. That would explain why she's given such a suspicious notdeath and implications of being a tortured prisoner. Who wouldn't want to know all her secrets at that point?
Reading through her entry on Sarna, I'm curious how that might play out. She seems to be more skilled in underhanded deals and information/bribery/other means than direct battle, though Tormark did end up doing very well in her battle drills and other such things. I dunno, maybe she Littlefingered her way to the top, rather than was any sort of Mighty Warrioress. That would explain why she's given such a suspicious notdeath and implications of being a tortured prisoner. Who wouldn't want to know all her secrets at that point?
I find it interesting, though, that Vincent appointed her to the post. I find it much more interesting that she sent a note to a Nova Cat and got a galaxy at her back in return. It certainly shows why she'd have backed Emi Kurita, since she's the only direct relation. A little too much loyalty at the wrong time, but...
12 MAR 3143 Katana Tormark imprisoned on Luthien, ultimately to rot and be forgotten until the day the Dragon decides to execute her.
Mr. Chekhov, your firearm is ready. (Then again I believe in red herrings and such, and disagree with the second half of his concept)
You forgot the option where the director of the ISF releases her. She is (or at least was), after all, in their custody.
I think the more likely 2 in 3 odds is that TPTB just removed Katana summarily from the storyline as a small part of the bigger picture of cleaning house from moving he focus of the BTU from Pirate Bands back to the states and Houses of the Inner Sphere.Sad but true, but such is the wheel of time.
Toranaga lets her out, mk II: He springs Katana out to use her AS a new puppet in place of Yori after she slips his control. I suppose he'd have to play her up as a misguided but true patriot while he martyrs Emi Kurita. (easy enough to do at this point, now that she's long dead). Rather than putting Katana on the throne, he'd be using Katana as a lightning rod while he Oliver Cromwels HIMSELF on the throne.Considering that's damn near what the Kanrei's namesake did in Shogun, I'm backing this one with a donut.
Wasn't so much as 'forgot' as wasn't attempting to list all conceivable scenarios. True, the security apparatus might release her for its own ends rather than being directed to by Yori or Toranaga.
There's not yet any foreshadowing that the ISF might open a new front on the domestic intrigue of the Combine, but within the fluff we've yet seen the ISF might take it upon itself to play kingmaker and pick a side between Yori and Toranaga. Could be particularly interesting if they choose to act before those two come to a decision to act against the other...
Historically the ISF have repeatedly been involved in the replacement of a Coordinator they deemed unworthy...
Kinda nice to get back to the fundamentals in 3145, isn't it? :)Amen. Hardass types who like their samurai ways, I can go for that.
Eh. Teddy K's military reforms allowed the Combine to survive. Stepping away from them is a pretty bad idea. Especially with the emphasis on combined arms that we see more and more of.
This was one of the major problems with the Black Dragon Society in the 3050's and 60's. You could almost agree with them returning to a more "traditional" society. But their attempts to undermine the military reforms of Teddy K and return to the "traditional" DCMS would've destroyed the DC.
Sure, it might be one thing to emphasize a traditional "Samurai" outlook for MechWarriors, and maybe even set up some dueling rules/dojos for them and their `Mechs, but that warrior needs to realize that when it comes to actual combat, he'd better be fighting as a team with the rest of the DCMS.
All I remember about them is reading their plotline and thinking 'Oh my god you guys are barking idiots.'Arf arf arf!
Granted; I should say less 'duelists' and more a case of 'pulling away from teddy's reforms' - not going outright Clan gonzo, but giving more of a nod to the samurai ideal.
The prevailance of the mechwarrior over other forms of combat. Notice how the DCA quickly lost favor after the Jihad and aerospace hasn't rebounded
The Good: We knew Ursa Major and most of the DCA's warship fleet died in the war. I'm glad the Admiralty smashed the Ursa Major in a straight up-fight rather than the ISF destroying it via covert action or some such. Pretty pleasantly surprised to see that the DCA's battle plan pretty nearly worked perfectly; the warships we lost in that naval battle were nearly not lost.
The Bad: I was unsurprised but still disappointed to see that what kept the Bears from winning the war was the indig Rasalhagian discontent rather than the Pillar of Steel. I was hoping to finally see the Bears finally lose a conflict militarily, and we'll have to go on waiting for that day to come. Likewise, I was hoping to see more carnage inflicted upon the Bears' touman and industry than we did.
The Ugly: I'm kind of torn about the torture porn depicting the Nova Cats. Rather than a grudging toleration for their inclusion into my beloved Kurita faction, I actually have some empathy for them. Not a good time to be empathic for the Cats. Not at all. For those that haven't read it yet, it does indeed make the 3145 books merciful in comparison.
The Black Dragon treatment is kind of puzzling. They go from omnipotence to oblivion without much of an explanation. The book, to me, seems to be deliberately setting up a kind of Kurita-specific WoB-parallel "do they still exist in or don't they?" scenario for 3145.
This may sound somewhat cruel...but how cool is it that the mainline DC comes across as the sane one in the fight? No state sponsored genocide programs, no mass executions of prisoners as far as I can tell. Compared to the Ghost Bears, the DC comes off as the voice of Reason.
Failing to destroy the Black Dragons just makes them flawed, not skewed on a moral scale.Yeah, having the Draconis Combine having their crap together is... a rare thing. ;D
What? Reasonable commands in my DCMS? More likely then you think! :o
Speaking of reasonable commands, was anyone else surprised that enough members of the Genyosha were Black Dragon to go raiding into the Republic to try to trigger a war? Sure, they're Samurai, but the Genyosha are hardly what one would consider "traditional."
I'm not sure he is a Black Dragon, either. But some of his ideas seem influenced by Black Dragon thought, like the supremacy of the samurai class, mechwarriors and a general disdain for combined arms and eta. His attack against the Nova Cats is also mentioned before he has Chomie, Vincent or Emi (supposedly) killed, which indicates he had plans to put the boot to them prior to Khan Nostra offered refuge to Emi. That could be a cooincidence, sprung from a general dislike of the Nova Cats, or it could be a continuation of Black Dragon policy of Nova Cat extermination.
I don't know. The ISF Director thought he was one and after the Director/Coordinator morning meeting (7 hours long) ole Mini was invited onward. I'm thinking there was enough evidence to convince Hohirto that his best buddy was a Black Dragon.
False Son is talking about Toranaga, Kanrei in 3145, not Minamoto, Kanrei in the late 3000s.
It doesn't talk much about who Toranaga's co-conspirators are. But the dude certainly has a huge dark secret trait.
Ok I have a stupid question. What would be a normal medium ASF for a combine pilot in the late 3050's?
Ok I have a stupid question. What would be a normal medium ASF for a combine pilot in the late 3050's?Shilone
I assume his Toranaga's dark secret is that he killed of the majority of the Kurita line that was ruling the DC at the time and put Yori on the throne.
He doesn't really come across as a Black Dragon however. He seems to want a strong DC and not necessarily a return to the "Traditional" that will kill the DC.
That's the correct answer pretty much irrespective of a specific timeframe. It's so important it was one of the first things to ever get double heat sinks.
And it seems a priority to keep the spaceframe updated as tech continues to advance.
The SL-18 is about as all-round good as an ASF gets without a XL engine.
And that's all they did to a design that didn't actually need DHS to stay cool unless someone was throwing Infernos around. This may be one of the least inspired upgrades the Combine has ever issued for field service. It's definitely among the most pointless. Then they turned around and did it again with the Slayer.
It has an XL engine. It says that right in the TRO entry. The 7 tons difference between the launcher and ammo tonnages (15 tons on the SL-17/17R, 22 tons on the SL-18) was paid for with an XL engine and the change over to ferro-aluminum.
Where does conservative end and Black Dragon begin? We know Toranaga abuses the Ghost regiments, isn't replacing aerospace or conventional forces as quickly as he should, put an illegitimate puppet on the throne and killed off the Nova Cats. Every one of those sounds like Black Dragon material to me. Other than getting rid of C3 and battle armor it sounds like a page out of the Black Dragon handbook.
And there were some references to the gemwork in the Kuritan Dragon tapestry in the Combine novels. I'm not sure if that is an indirect reference to how Black Dragons went by gemstone names, and that one of them is now literally in the throne room.
I agree. Its tough to call the line between a Black Dragon and a simple conservative. (if there even is one). But he's not as bad as the Black Dragons. After all, he's employing mercs, something which would probably be anathema to the Black Dragon society, especially the Dragoons. He's competent, which seems to be a departure from the Black Dragons as well, whose meddling usually causes the DC to get into fights it can't afford (See First Combine/Bears War, Second Combine/Bears War, Invasion of Towne, etc).
Yes, `Mechs are getting put back into the forefront of DC society, but that isn't too surprising. And FM3145 states that its a lack of trained pilots that's holding the DC back, not necessarily because they're dragging on replacing the forces.
Wat!?!Frankly that's how I thought it worked the whole time. It makes sense; think of it as ECM-vulnerable C3 and ECM-invulnerable C3. If your Master's vulnerable, and caught in an ECM field, then the invulnerable slave doesn't have anything to talk to.
Did y'all see this erratum? (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,33732.msg849525.html)
So given the question and answer here :- http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,37867.0.html
What designs do you expect LAW to have resurrected.
So given the question and answer here :- http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,37867.0.html
What designs do you expect LAW to have resurrected.
Well, I'd like to see more Daimyos. I've always had a soft spot for those little guys. Seems like a pretty appropriate candidate for the "such as Komodos" language. Since it's all intentionally left to the GM's playground, I suppose virtually anything could be fit in. I'd consider any of the classes formerly produced on Luthien as being perfectly plausible. (especially Chargers.. I'm pessimistically convinced we'll never away from those being the DCMS standard assault class) A 'new' line of some old DCMS favorite like Wolverines or Panthers could fit within the bounds of reasonable doubt as well, perhaps.
The fanboi in me would also love to see the 1st generation IS omnis getting new production lines on Luthien, too.
DCMS Chargers are fine machines. They don't ONLY produce the 1A1 you know.
These are some of the most interesting and entertaining units I've seen! I'm sad I didn't get this Field Manual earlier!
Obviously, I prefer the pre-existing lore and unit insignia (sourced from the Galtor campaign) to the FM:DCMS lore and robo-shark insignia.
The robot-shark insignia dates back to the FM:DC actually (p95) so it's nothing new as far as I can tell. :)
My point is the Roboshark insignia and lore as being descendants of Chain gangs are 'newfangled' as of FM:DC. Prior to that, they were established as having a bugle insignia (http://www.fightingpirannhagraphics.com/decals/KuritaAmphigeanLAGold.htm) and the lore of being the armed force of a Combine agricultural corporation. (One of Amphigean's big money makers was renting out their regiments to debt collectors) Being 'domestic' Combine troops they were not considered truly 'mercenary', but still operated on behalf of the DCMS on a for-profit basis.
Since none of this was mentioned in FM:DC, I can only presume the writers wrongly assumed the Amphigean brigade had no previous fluff (since they didn't get their original lore in the House Kurita book) and ignorantly made up 'new' lore.
Does anyone know if they revisit the original lore for the Amphigeans in the modern .pdf?
It has the bugle logo, but there's no mention of any lore prior to Galtor.
Was there anything that described the composition of a chain gang?
When were the 3rd Proserpina Hussars ever the Grey Panthers? THey were always Warriors of the Night.
The 2nd New Samarkand Regulars was the 2nd DR. Before the name change they were The Pride of Shionoha. as the 2nd NSR they are Pride left Weisau. Maybe the new 2nd DR should rename themselves the Pride of Shionaha.
Since doing regimental nicknames doesn't seem to be in vogue for TPTB anymore, I didn't bother asking for them in the ask the
Never, but the 3rd Pesht Regulars of the 3025 era were called the Gray Panthers. When the 3rd Proserpina became the new 3rd Pesht, did the Ministry of War retire the colors of the 3rd Prosperpina or the colors of the (orginal) 3rd Pesht? Or, maybe, both, and starting anew akin the New Samarkand Regiment situation. Speaking of...
There was a whole to do about the ex-Dieron regiments being reborn as new entities.. the 2nd Dieron did not retain its battle honors or traditions once it became the 2nd New Samarkand. Although, if there's a source that says they've since become the Pride of Weisau, that'd be cool to know.
I'm dubious about the new 2nd Dieron assuming that old nickname. Not only is the 7th Vega currently showing the flag for Kurita on that world, it's probably too tentatively-held to have an entire regiment bearing its name yet. Way too much loss of face should Shionoha fall to the Dominion or a resurgent Republic. And besides, it defeats the purpose of insisting the 2nd Dieron Regulars of 3145 is a completely different regiment than the pre-Jihad 2nd Dieron.
The 3rd still sees itself as the Proserpina Hussar. There was some grumbling when Proserpina came back to the Dragon that the Hussar brigade wasn't reconstituted. They also have a majority of the University of Proserpina taking place in an Overlord (weird but hey). I'd say they have kept the Warriors of the Night rather than the Grey Panthers from a P. Regulars unit that was wiped out by the Clans.
The new Dieron Regulars confuse me. I for one would try to connect to the past and would take the Pride of Shionoha to establish a link to the past and to one of the best of the DCMS units. Hell the 7th Vega don't belong to Vega either. Just because they are not posted there doesn't change a link. Shionahans might want to re-establish their links to a Regulars unit. Another option would be the Golden Scorpions as a link to the old 2nd DR.
Can someone explain to be the Pillars of ___ philosophy behind Swords of Light Formation. For example, if gold is government and jade is economy then ... what is ivory?The Five Pillars:
Does that mean there are only five SoL regiments in active duty at any given time?Negative. At this moment there are six SoL regiments active.
Numbering twelve regiments until 2740 when the number of regiments in the Sword of Light was reduced to five, with each regiment representing one of the five Pillars of Combine society, to compensate for the smaller brigade the regiments themselves reorganised to consist of four battalions instead of three.So, I guess, what do you mean by "at this moment"? What is the sixth SoL regiment?
But only five have "pillar status"?
Sarna cites FM:DC (which I do not yet own so cannot check) saying:So, I guess, what do you mean by "at this moment"? What is the sixth SoL regiment?
We don't know names of the 4th SoL and the 2ndSurely the Second is the Steel Dragon, right?
Surely the Second is the Steel Dragon, right?We don't know. The regiment disgraced itself pretty deeply ...
I don't plan on doing a Dark Ages SoL force any time soon so no need for me to speculate one way or the other. I was more just wondering about these pillars, what they're all about, why the SoL regiments are associated with them, that sort of thing.1) These Five Pillars are the basis around the Draconis Combine exists. Each Pillar symbolizes one necessary aspect of the Draconis Combine culture.
The eponymous "sword of light" that the brigade is named after are the flaming swords of the Myoo, which are angelic beings that drag the unrepentant, undeserving souls to enlightenment. Kind of like Buddhist Furies.
I think that's actually quite a badass background ideal for the Swords of Light: "We'll make you accept Kurita domination and you have no say in the matter!"
Well I managed to procure a copy of FM:DC. When five of the SoL regiments had been raised, Takiro Kurita had them desiganted per pillar. It doesn't clarify why the pillar regiments are not simply the First through Fifth.
Yeah, it's a nice book in a seemingly good series.2765 shows that there were indeed a lot more - those five were just the ones that survived.
As for the question or re-organization, FM:DC appears to indicate that the pillar-named regiments were the only ones that had been raised so far at that point (i.e, in the course of the original formation). So maybe the pillar-designated regiments were originally the first through the fifth but that changed over time.
2765 shows that there were indeed a lot more - those five were just the ones that survived.
The new 2nd should take the name of the 2nd during the Reunification War: Bloody Snakes
Who called them "Bloody Snakes" to begin with? Fedsuns generals, sounds like.
Who called them "Bloody Snakes" to begin with? Fedsuns generals, sounds like.
It depends on the era. In 3145 I can hardly sell you on the Rasalhague or Alshain Military Districts. Even the Dieron Military District has been reclaimed recently.
Hah, too true. For now, let's just say generally what is your favorite District, and we can worry about era specifics later.
You can check this thread:
questionnaire for the Draconis Combine fandom (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,21790.0.html)
The fifth question asks everybody to name their favorite Military District.
How about the Draconis District.Draconis District?
I'm a big rasalhague district fan myself
Draconis District?The former Draconis March. I was kidding.
The former Draconis March. I was kidding.
Draconis District?
Robinson District has a little more brag about it.I like that one better.
The former Draconis March. I was kidding.Oh, yes!
Robinson District has a little more brag about it.
Oddly timed question:
Despite them having a noted preference for them (to the point of having relatively recent variants of them), I can find no info on the DC producing Warhammers. Likewise, I can find no info on them producing the bug Mechs (aside from the Stinger LAM back when Lexatech of Irece wasn't a smoking hole in the ground). Do they just purchase these from the FWL, or am I missing something?
I think they were all just inheritances and salvage. The Unseen were, once upon a time, all so common that you didn't have to produce warhammers to have warhammers; you just salvaged enemy warhammers to keep your own supplied with parts.
Gotcha. I remember in some of the novels it felt like every other mech was a Warhammer, Marauder or Archer, regardless of faction (because, let's face it, despite their ubiquity, the bug Mechs just don't make for flashy major character rides).
Still, something about House Kurita not making Warhammers makes me feel slightly unclean. Ah well, no biggie, that's what the Hatamoto series is for, I suppose.
One can fairly enough assume they had factories(s) producing warhammers (via license or knock-off clone 'copies' that for game purposes are identical).. but those factories (like so many others) were destroyed early on in the Succession Wars.
Oddly timed question:
Despite them having a noted preference for them (to the point of having relatively recent variants of them), I can find no info on the DC producing Warhammers.
Still, something about House Kurita not making Warhammers makes me feel slightly unclean.
Likewise, I can find no info on them producing the bug Mechs (aside from the Stinger LAM back when Lexatech of Irece wasn't a smoking hole in the ground). Do they just purchase these from the FWL, or am I missing something?
Also, only Primary production facilities are listed, there could very well be secondary facilities that make 1 mech every 3 years or something.
Still, something about House Kurita not making Warhammers makes me feel slightly unclean. Ah well, no biggie, that's what the Hatamoto series is for, I suppose.
Any Assault 'mechs in production in 2765? Is there anything other than Chargers?The Zeus came out in 2407...
The Zeus came out in 2407...
Based on the timeframes then I'd imagine their production facility may have been in the Smoke Jaguars zone. That would explain the production up to a certain point, the loss of the factory, and the production of some endo-steel skeletons that went into machines that were later upgraded.
I'm curious why they chose to give it TAG instead of a C3 slave. ???
Or Copperheads.
I'm curious why they chose to give it TAG instead of a C3 slave. ???
At the time (3054), nothing carried c3 systems as a standard production model? The DCMS wasn't sold on c3 yet to order production runs of them. They were still all field refits of the 'mech after assigned to a c3 network?
RTX1-OD Raptor wasn't a field refit and it had C3 two years earlier (3052).
Actually, Copperheads have been reintroduced by the Capellans (who lacked sufficient number of CPLT-C3 Catapult), not by the Dracs.
May the eternal Kurita-Davion rivalry (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/84427609391/battletech-alpha-strike-companion-cover-final) last BattleTech's entire run :)
I cant quite tell what that red mech in the right side background is. With that huge head antenna, I want to say Black Knight.
I cant quite tell what that red mech in the right side background is. With that huge head antenna, I want to say Black Knight.
A Quickdraw taking on a Victor, now that's a pretty sight indeed! Pretty cool over.
Honestly, I am not sure if that the 'Mech in the background is the Black Knight. Its arm-mounted PPC should be mounted higher on the upper arm. And it seems to me that its head has got a small "ear" on the right side.
I would say that's the Panther and that supposed "antenna" is actually a tree trunk or some pole behind it.
We'll compromise by all agreeing to be very wrong. It's clearly a Catapult. >:D
So of all the units that the glorious Dragon decided that it needed, I have to wonder, why did it feel the need to appropriate the Quickdraw? Couldn't we have let the FWL keep that one?
I say this as an avowed fan of the Charger.
So of all the units that the glorious Dragon decided that it needed, I have to wonder, why did it feel the need to appropriate the Quickdraw? Couldn't we have let the FWL keep that one?
I say this as an avowed fan of the Charger.
The first note saying that the Quickdraw is manufactured in the Draconis Combine was in the original House Kurita housebook.
It partners well with a Dragon?
QKDs have been Kuritan as long as there've been QKDs. They do match well with the Dragon, providing jump mobility at the same fast-cav ground speed, and the LRM10 commonality means ammo is easy to come by. I'd personally like to see an updated one, LPPCs over LRMs, and give it a sword and call it the Iaido.
Give it a Banjo instead and call it "El Ka-bong".Hell no, those things are dangerous, didn't you see that episode of Harvey Birdman?
I swear, I cant read Quickdraw without hearing Quick-straw in my head. :D
Give it a Banjo instead and call it "El Ka-bong".
I swear, I cant read Quickdraw without hearing Quick-straw in my head. :D
Try the QKD-9M; it's a Quickdraw that actually manages not to suck.
It's a good 'Mech. But its designation seems to suggest that it's from the Free Worlds League (perhaps Savannah or Shiro III) than from the Draconis Combine.
Good point, that...though by 3150 I imagine they've got other mechs they'd rather be making anyway.
I think it's a long shot but maybe a Mongoose?i think it is.. it has the right torso and the backwards canted legs.. the aerial might be part of a surviving lostech active probe?
Lance completion time!
Okay I have two lances that need finishing and I am taking suggestions. Both are 3145 Lances and these are getting painted, so they need to have Minis.
Lance 1: Sword of Light - Shiro, Rokurokubi, Rokurokubi, _________
Lance 2: Ryuken Roku - Shiro, Mad Dog IV,___________, _____________
So any good suggestions to fill in the blanks? Aside from the mechs listed above I am unsure about the new tech, and even the Mad Dog IV is kinda foggy.
Lance completion time!
Lance 1: Sword of Light - Shiro, Rokurokubi, Rokurokubi, _________
Lance completion time!
Lance 2: Ryuken Roku - Shiro, Mad Dog IV,___________, _____________
For lance 2 I like the idea of the Dragon II, I'll just use the 5/8 version. But now I need a TAGer for the lance. Any good TAG mechs that don't waste tonnage on C3? (if only one mech has C3, its a waste)
Thanks guys
For lance 1 I like the suggestion for the Hitostume Kozo.
For lance 2 I like the idea of the Dragon II, I'll just use the 5/8 version. But now I need a TAGer for the lance. Any good TAG mechs that don't waste tonnage on C3? (if only one mech has C3, its a waste)
I think I mentioned it in another thread; the majority of my minis seem to have disappeared recently.
I'd like to put together a company of 'Mechs to represent the 1st Amphigean Light Assault Group in 3145. So, what would work for an A rated DCMS unit with a focus on lighter faster units? Let's keep it to units that have minis or will have minis sometime soon.
Another one for the list would be the Wraith; the DCMS are a user of the design, and it's definitely on the "Fast" side
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! O0
Kind of an odd question; in TRO:3145 DC in the deployment section of the Cizin there's a reference to Clan Nova Cat fielding two Shadow Cat II 'Mechs. What are the odds that that this unit has proliferated to the Draconis Combine? I assume CNC received them from the Sea Foxes but I wonder if just one would be out of place in the Amphigean LAG.
Okay another one; it's 3145 and I need to move some jump capable BA. Hiryo or Cardinal?
We have art!
http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/98313576101/battletech-handbook-house-kurita-some-art
Very nice, what's the class of the jumpship on the middle right?
And even more art! http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/98814392146/battletech-handbook-house-kurita-some-more-art
Looks like Akumas being built.
And even more art! http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/98814392146/battletech-handbook-house-kurita-some-more-art
Looks like Akumas being built.
Question for you all/Opinions sought, I have to design a Company to take on a Ghost Bear Star, the Company must use 3025 tech to represent the original Clan invasion, his Star will weigh at most 50% of my Company.
I was thinking of something along the lines of this:-
Command Lance - 4 x Dragon-1N
Fire Lance - Catapult-K2/Whitworth-1/2 x Panther-9R
Strike Lance - Wolverine-6K/Phoenix Hawk-1K/2 x Jenner-7D
So is the above good enough to give a decent account of itself? And if not what would you change?
Game is 6 weeks away so plenty of time for fine tuning.
Handbook: House Kurita…some more art… (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/100176620756/battletech-handbook-house-kurita-some-more-art)
What a nice pair of Von Rohrs BattleMechs.
I figured this would be the only acceptable place to make my first post.Greetings!
I'm pretty excited for the new HB. I am curious though - how much history will the new book cover?1) It serves as the partial replacement for the old Draconis Combine Housebook from 1987.
Question for you all/Opinions sought, I have to design a Company to take on a Ghost Bear Star, the Company must use 3025 tech to represent the original Clan invasion, his Star will weigh at most 50% of my Company.
I was thinking of something along the lines of this:-
Command Lance - 4 x Dragon-1N
Fire Lance - Catapult-K2/Whitworth-1/2 x Panther-9R
Strike Lance - Wolverine-6K/Phoenix Hawk-1K/2 x Jenner-7D
So is the above good enough to give a decent account of itself? And if not what would you change?
Game is 6 weeks away so plenty of time for fine tuning.
That roster could easily be an Arkab company.
Use the 2nd or 4th Arkab Legion; their pilots with gunnery skills of 3 or less can fire (and resolve damage) during the movement phase. Clan weapons can't hurt you if they've been shot off. ;)
Yep. I hope there is an explaination as to why a society devoted so strongly to conquest hasn't won against the criminal incompetance of the Lyrans and the rain puddle economy of the FedSuns.
Yep. I hope there is an explaination as to why a society devoted so strongly to conquest hasn't won against the criminal incompetance of the Lyrans and the rain puddle economy of the FedSuns.
Yep. I hope there is an explaination as to why a society devoted so strongly to conquest hasn't won against the criminal incompetance of the Lyrans and the rain puddle economy of the FedSuns.
Easy. Fiat.
Being devoted to conquest and being able to conquest are two different things :D
This should even the odds somewhat out, shouldn't it? ;)
Easy. Fiat.
No.
Now, maybe this is me and my post French Revolution mindset, but heads roll when that kind of situation persists.Compare the DC with its most direct parallel, the pre-1945 Japanese Empire. And well, there wasn't much of a revolution after they lost that war despite being a culture built around military ability. The French Revolution came about from a number of factors, many of which simply don't exist in the Combine...
I gotta say, I LOVE Field Manual: House Kurita from the FASA days. It was the last one I picked up (I only got it off eBay THIS YEAR, compared to, like, 2007 at the latest for the others), but therearewere SO many interesting units in House Kurita.
Corrected. ;)
"And that's when Joey learned that the Daboku was the only 'Mech that ejected like that."
Handbook House Kurita Developer's Blog 3: http://bg.battletech.com/news/battleblog/handbook-house-kurita-developers-blog-3/I'm excited for it, I've been dying to learn more about the Combine.
These previews hurt me. I need this in my hands.
I'm excited for it, I've been dying to learn more about the Combine.
How would you Dragons sell your faction to a new player?
The DC has a surprising range of medium 'Mechs. Don't read too much into the stereotype that they don't use them much, especially from the 3050s on.
BattleTech: Handbook House Kurita (Prefinal Cover) (http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/105880504051/battletech-handbook-house-kurita-prefinal-cover)
So perhaps in a few weeks ...
Nope.Nice Christmas 2015 gift, then? All right.
Depends. Do you want both barrels on here, or over headset?
I'm really curious as to how everyone receives it; I've been waiting 4 years for reactions to what's in the book....Petrhaps the next week. There are more pressing things to do this weekend: ;)
I haven't actually downloaded it. In the meantime i'll simply say you suck to cover my bases until then. I'm sure it is a good read.
There's a note on there that says what it is - a faster Panther for the Amphigean Light Assault Group. There are no official stats or we'd have listed a record sheet on the unit. My off-the-cuff guess would start with the old PTR-8Z's basic specs on a PTR-10K's frame, only with DHS and maybe throw a little hot rod red in there.
EDIT: I could've sworn the PNT-8Z was 5/8/5 but apparently not. Anyway, that's generally what I had in mind.
Still perusing the new book; I like what I see thus far.
On a different topic; what is a PNT-10LAG Panther (http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5865/panther-pnt-10lag)?
I'm hoping we find out at some point, got a soft spot for the LAG.
Were i a coordinator, i would avoid the Following, Horses,Shovels,Stairs. All while wearing a neck brace.
The book seems to be taking a more "Pro-Combine" tone than some of the other Handbooks, though, IIRC, the House Liao Handbook seemed to be the same way compared to some of the earlier Handbooks. Its sort of hard to tell how much. Its also been a while since I read the original Housebooks, so its hard to make any comparison to find any differences.
Part of the problem with the non-Neutral tone, its sort of hard to figure out if its factual, or lots of face saving is going on (its surprising how many Coordinators end rather abruptly with little in the way of details).
I'm more amazed that we got confirmation of the conspiracy theory suggestion for who Snow Fire was working for from Handbook: House Marik.
I'm gonna just start calling the DCMS the praetorian guard
There's some odd little bits in it, related to the tone that I mentioned before. Some tongue in cheek comments on the courts and their objectivity, IIRC. Something I'd sort of expect from a neutral observer rather than the Pro-Combine tone the rest of it takes. Nothing really big, just sort of weird at times.Some of the text is taken verbatim from the original HKSB, which is putatively a ComStar document. Its portrayal of the Combine is also a bit campier than the modern conception.
And I'm sort of confused on uniforms. It states that Senior Officers wear black versions of the standard uniform for their branch (so a senior officer in infantry goes ahead and wears a black infantry uniform), but then it goes on describing a Senior officer uniform that's completely different from anything anyone wears (high collared tunic and pants). Later on, you get told about a dress uniform that all members of the DCMS wear.
So its a little confusing. Unless I'm missing something.
Some of the text is taken verbatim from the original HKSB, which is putatively a ComStar document. Its portrayal of the Combine is also a bit campier than the modern conception.
OK if I'm going to do up a Hitosume Kozo and a Rokurokubi in ALAG colors I think I want to ditch the nobori. Should I just fill in the hole or are the ALAG crazy enough to sport bosozoku style "pipes" off of their samurai 'Mechs?You just gave me the perfect inspiration for a Ghost company. :D
Yes, I'm considering bosozoku space samurai...
You just gave me the perfect inspiration for a Ghost company. :D
*shuffles uneasily* It might just be me, and the fact I've been re-reading the original House Kurita book heavily this year (why Sarna got a proper Taragi entry), but does Handbook: House Kurita seem to have a higher volume of verbatim text compared to the other Handbooks?
Alright, sons and daughters of the Dragon, I need some advice. I recently painted a lance for the 6th Ryuken, circa 3145. I Just grabbed some mechs that I liked for the DCMS: Shiro, Hitostume-Kozo, Mad Dog MK.IV, and Dragon II. After painting that lance I realized, "this is a command Lance" The Shiro and the Dragon II are command and support mechs while the Mad Dog MK.IV and Hitostume-Kozo are general combatants/body guards. So I have a conundrum, what should the rest of the company be? I want a 3145 feel, and I will need some TAG to put that Dragon II to work. Any suggestions for the other 2 lances?
P.S. I love Rokurokubi's (-4K model) so any suggestions with one or two of those lovely little mechs will look better. ;D
The first full-scale interstellar military operation ever run in the inner sphere had begun.
If the idea is that he is the first to think in terms of interstellar "fronts" rather than single-world flash points, then I am inclined to agree.
I'm really curious as to how everyone receives it; I've been waiting 4 years for reactions to what's in the book....
Surprised no one is commenting on Ben's twitter teaser posts for TRO3150 it's full of little nuggets like this:-
Tai-i Nejem’s company of the Second Arkab Legion defended a Dominion raid by the Second Drakøn Cluster in 3146.
And this:-
Sao-wei Nilyavich worked beside DCMS counterparts during part of the recent Capellan-Combine joint invasion of Republic space
Assuming these aren't trollish/april fools type tweets, when the Combine attacks Remagen in 3148 it means one of two things:Probably a very deep raid, possibly a part of a larger effort, to pin down Davion defenders away from the Front-lines.
The invasion is going fantastically well for House Kurita
or
They've taken their eye waaaaaay off the prize.
Yes.
There's a product page linked on the front page of this very website:
http://bg.battletech.com/test/handbooks/handbook-house-kurita/
It, in turn, links here:
http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3435
Besides the First Sword of Light, does anyone know which DCMS units involved in the final assault on Irece at the end of the failed Nova Cat rebellion?The First Genyosha.
The First Genyosha.
Any chance you have a source for that? Not that I don't believe you, I just prefer to have citations when I can get them.
I buy it, actually. At the very least, New Avalon has become open for an invasion which the AFFS cannot/could not stop. New Syrtis is considered safer than New Avalon after all...
I buy it, actually. At the very least, New Avalon has become open for an invasion which the AFFS cannot/could not stop. New Syrtis is considered safer than New Avalon after all...
Safer because the Capellans already captured it and won't invade again?
Most notably, the 1st DG hit Franklin in an apparent repeat of the Whirling Dervishes of New Rhodes event in the 1st SW in a strike on the 5th Ghost Regiment's supply depots.
Interestingly, the 1st DG are also retaking New Syrtis in this apparently eventful year. It's probable that the Davion Guards operating with PERCEVAL are only elements of the regiment, or a psyop conducted by the AFFS to make the regiment look to be in two places at the same time (or by the TPTB to confuse people like me who like to delve into the weeds).
Let's talk about Operation PERCEVAL.
I'm actually feeling pretty good about what's presented in TRO: 3150. It is the mandatory other shoe dropping to the events of 3145, and I don't think it's really harming the invasion that much. And given the outcome of the Raid on Remagen, I think whether or not New Avalon has already fallen the AFFS may actually have a fork put in them by the DCMS. (and thus the situation is set up for someone else to come into the war to save Davion.)
I still think that if New Avalon had fallen that'd have been an event of such magnitude it'd have been said explicitly.
Perhaps it uses DWPs to fit more ammo?
I think it's the latter. The Black Dragons were apparently willing to back Kitsune Kurita for the throne right up until he revealed himself as Victor's son. Prior to that, they believed him to be Isoroku Kurita's grandson, and thus a direct descendant of Hohiro I (Takashi's father).
Does anyone else think it's odd that the Combine didn't invade the Outworlds Alliance at any point during the succession wars?
True, mind you I am of the opinion that if the Combine invaded the Alliance the Suns would have done the same to protect their flank.
Away from my books and needed an answer: What is the DCMS's equivalent rank of a company commander as well as a lance commander?Tai-i (Captain)
Yes. They use the Panther PNT-13K, all three variants of the Peacekeeper, the Raptor RTX1-OG, and the Wight WGT-3SC
There's also the SL-27 Samurai and MIK-OE Tatsu on the aerospace fighter side of things.
They get clan spec plamsa cannons, too. Off the top of my head I know the Rifleman IIC 7 is a Kurita-available mech as of the Dark Age.
Question if I may. I'm doing the prep-work for building a battalion of minis for one of the Ryuken regiments. The regiment is set during the Clan invasion period, and - from the bit of research I've done so far - it looks like the Ryuken largely sat out the initial phases of the Invasion, with only Ryoken-Roku playing a (significant) role in Operation Bulldog.
Now that's no problems - I'm comfortable with the idea of doing the Roku variation paintjob. It just seems odd that the other Ryoken regiments sat this period out. Can anyone shed any canon light on what they were up to? Is this related to their poor perception by other elements of the DCMS?
Thanks in advance,
W.
Just giving TRO:3150 a proper read for the first time. Anybody know what the Hikage is?
Page 10 of The Dragon Roars gives their deployment. Some did indeed basically sit out the war as reinforcements on Wolcott that proved unnecessary.
EDIT: I didn't notice that you were asking about the entire era, not just Bird Dog/Bulldog. Up until that point, they were basically living on Wolcott and playing Inglorious Basterds behind the front lines. Whatever suffering the Jags endured from the Wolcott-based raids was largely courtesy of the Ryuken. Their expertise in these raids paid off for Bird Dog, where the Ryuken company was one of only two recovered intact. (The 1st FS Armored Cavalry's company was the other).
So, if I'm reading this correctly I could field a reinforced company of nothing but PNT-9ALAGs in order lances. With all units at veteran skill level and lance commanders at elite that comes to 100PV per lance.
So, if I'm reading this correctly I could field a reinforced company of nothing but PNT-9ALAGs in order lances. With all units at veteran skill level and lance commanders at elite that comes to 100PV per lance.
So, if I'm reading this correctly I could field a reinforced company of nothing but PNT-9ALAGs in order lances. With all units at veteran skill level and lance commanders at elite that comes to 100PV per lance.Mercer Ravannion would love it.
Mercer Ravannion would love it.
I would think the Late Succession War would be pre-Clan Invasion :)
I would think the Late Succession War would be pre-Clan Invasion :)
Very true, here's the MUL list of available mechs http://www.masterunitlist.info/Era/FactionEraDetails?FactionId=27&EraId=256
Thanks for the ideas so far though, making for interesting reading.
Since you are interested in LosTech, I'll have to second the suggestion of including a Wolverine-7K. I agree with those who consider that mech the gold standard for the Inner Sphere in the 3050 era. Here's another lance built around "What else goes with a 3050 Wolverine?"
Wolverine WVR-7K (pilot 3/5) 1597BV
Charger CGR-3K (4/5) 1656BV
Grand Dragon DRG-5K (4/5) 1358BV
Phoenix Hawk PXH-3K (4/5) 1359BV
You've got a very fast lance where the 5/8/5 are your slowpokes. You've got some decent LRM and ER Large Laser coverage for long range skirmishing, and oodles of potential when the fight gets close and personal.
Hi all, has anyone got a list handy for the mechs we are building in the 3025-3040 period?
Cheers, er isn't the Atlas built on Al Na'ir? Along with the Catapult.
Hi all, has anyone got a list handy for the mechs we are building in the 3025-3040 period?
Hello all, brand new player here looking to get started with the Combine. Any recommendations for up-to-date sourcebooks and where I can find them? Anything with the Ryuken and/or Legion of Vega and what they use.
I really like Theodore Kurita and his story, his intrigues are what drew me to the Combine in the first place.
Hello all, brand new player here looking to get started with the Combine. Any recommendations for up-to-date sourcebooks and where I can find them? Anything with the Ryuken and/or Legion of Vega and what they use.
I really like Theodore Kurita and his story, his intrigues are what drew me to the Combine in the first place.
How widespread is C3 master/slave network usage within the DCMS by 3150?
I always wondered if they were still using it at all or just using Boosted C3, if there are enough variants that use the newer system.
Why did the people of the rasalhague planets dislike the Combine so much when the coordinator was Rasalhague nobility? Rasalhague nobility ruled the Combine for 500 years
My Drac unit is Ryuken-roku also.
Why did the people of the rasalhague planets dislike the Combine so much when the coordinator was Rasalhague nobility? Rasalhague nobility ruled the Combine for 500 years
Because the Combine ruthlessly repressed them like they do damn near everyone they conquer? Is this a trick question?!
Makes you wonder if they should have treated Rasalhague like the Azami, might have led to a better outcome.
Because the Combine ruthlessly repressed them like they do damn near everyone they conquer? Is this a trick question?!
If you think you're oppressed thats all that matters, Rassalhuage would hardly be the first large minority region that recrived arguably preferential treatment, that decides they;re oppressed.
Heck, does the Japanese Royal Family still exist at all after the Exodus era?
All these can make for an intriguing RPG adventure. Throw in Nova Cats, Goliath Scorpions, Comstar, Word of Blake, and it can be a rollicking saga for the ages!
According to Vol 2 of the Battle for Terra book the 19 year old daughter of the then current head was killed but the rest of the family was saved by the SLDF.