Author Topic: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch - Future Sourcebooks Announced  (Read 15026 times)

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Yes, you read that right.

The KU is coming back!

Starting from March 11th, 2018, the story of the KU will be told again, with the original fiction to come first, followed by new source books, and new fiction, all of which tell the story of the KU up to the end of 3032.

After that, the KU moves into uncharted territory, as 3034 dawns and the Inner Sphere enters a new era of war and changes...

The team have been talking over the last few weeks about how we can get the KU going again in a manageable way, and the plan is to tell all the story there is to tell before even considering running the game again. What that means is completing the Field Reports and other KU Sourcebooks, whilst re-releasing the story chapter by chapter, and writing the fiction that got left behind.

That gives us a pretty big pot of releases to start with, 50+ chapters and 4 sourcebooks, once we start the full relaunch on the 11th of March, so that should keep the fans happy as new material is developed.

What we want to do is recruit a crew to work with us in pulling together the KU story from early 3025, through the 4th Succession War to late 3026, the time jump, and the events of 3032. The best thing about the KU is working with a great team and having a great time doing it, so being able to do that again is what we really want to do.

We want to put together a team of people who like to write, have an eye for detail and like working in a collaborative team, where we all feed of each other's ideas. We have set things up to make life easy on everyone and though there is a framework, as ever in the KU, good ideas from everyone will get used.

So if you would like to be part of this, help us tell the story of the KU through fiction and sourcebooks for a while, and bash around in the KU with us again, please let me know.

You can email me at mattacma@gmail.com where I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in tearing the Inner Sphere apart
« Last Edit: 10 May 2018, 21:16:21 by Blacknova »
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Iron Grenadier

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 784
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #1 on: 24 February 2018, 18:28:15 »
Awesome!!

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #2 on: 24 February 2018, 18:37:45 »
Sounds interesting... where can I read some of the background material?

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #3 on: 24 February 2018, 18:55:50 »
Daryk,

The old material has all been taken down, so new reader, and old for that matter, will go from the start.

All of this began one day back in 2010, when I was reading the sidebar on page 57 of the original House Marik Sourcebook, and had an epiphany that started with the question “What if…”

What if  Marik, Kurita, and Liao had struck first, before  Davion and Steiner were ready, all manipulated by ComStar. The 4th War was a very different beast, and what came after completely changed the balance of power in the Inner Sphere.

That slight change, and 26 players thinking their own way produced a dynamic universe that by 3033 is drastically changed from canon.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #4 on: 24 February 2018, 20:46:49 »
Ah, thanks!  Sounds like Third Succession War, Part II... :)

Red Pins

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3970
  • Inspiration+Creativity=Insanity
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #5 on: 24 February 2018, 20:48:18 »
So glad to hear this!  The KU book on the Clans is one of my favorites.
...Visit the Legacy Cluster...
The New Clans:Volume One
Clan Devil Wasp * Clan Carnoraptor * Clan Frost Ape * Clan Surf Dragon * Clan Tundra Leopard
Work-in-progress; The Blake Threat File
Now with MORE GROGNARD!  ...I think I'm done.  I've played long enough to earn a pension, fer cryin' out loud!  IlClan and out in <REDACTED>!
TRO: 3176 Hegemony Refits - the 30-day wonder

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #6 on: 24 February 2018, 20:51:03 »
Ah, thanks!  Sounds like Third Succession War, Part II... :)

Yes, and no. The tempo of this war is far more like the canon 4th War, it gets rather intense for 18 months from 3025 to mid-3026.

So glad to hear this!  The KU book on the Clans is one of my favorites.

There will be more of those to come down the track...
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #7 on: 24 February 2018, 20:55:19 »
It’s a great universe
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #8 on: 24 February 2018, 20:57:31 »
Does it split off before or after the Dragoons switch to working for the Combine?

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #9 on: 24 February 2018, 21:07:27 »
Dragoons are working with the Combine and cut lose against the Draconis March. They pull a truly sweet move and then an epic series of battles against the Davion Guards.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #10 on: 24 February 2018, 21:15:24 »
Outreach by another means, perhaps?  O:-)

Kwic

  • Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 196
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #11 on: 24 February 2018, 21:30:29 »
The restart is just so the OCAF didn’t take total advantage of the DCMS being flat footed and make a complete fool of those “ noble samurai “

I’m in for whatever faction need wrecking Kwic


Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #12 on: 24 February 2018, 21:37:51 »
Question: did anyone take the Lothian League the first time around?

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #13 on: 24 February 2018, 21:39:45 »
That was the centerpiece of another big change in that part of space.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37059
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #14 on: 24 February 2018, 21:48:09 »
Cool... I suppose I'll be reading that as it comes out then...

drakensis

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1460
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #15 on: 25 February 2018, 03:01:25 »
Welcome back, KU!

I'm a little busy in the 28th century, as you know Blacknova, but I have all my old notes still on file if you need anything from back then.
"It's national writing month, not national writing week and a half you jerk" - Consequences, 9th November 2018

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #16 on: 25 February 2018, 03:22:21 »
Thank you sir, we await your return from the 28th Century.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

mikecj

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3254
  • Veteran of Galahad 3028
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #17 on: 25 February 2018, 15:30:01 »
TAG!
There are no fish in my pond.
"First, one brief announcement. I just want to mention, for those who have asked, that absolutely nothing what so ever happened today in sector 83x9x12. I repeat, nothing happened. Please remain calm." Susan Ivanova
"Solve a man's problems with violence, help him for a day. Teach a man to solve his problems with violence, help him for a lifetime." - Belkar Bitterleaf
Romo Lampkin could have gotten Stefan Amaris off with a warning.

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #18 on: 26 February 2018, 04:31:06 »
The initial response has been fantastic and we have a good sized team put together already, so everything looks to be on track. Less than two weeks until we get this beast off the ground again.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #19 on: 26 February 2018, 05:02:18 »
And to wet your appetites, the Inner Sphere at the opening of the story.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qnhh4ymsa5ax7ye/3022_KU_Start.pdf?dl=0
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

panzerfaust150

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 276
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #20 on: 26 February 2018, 22:54:16 »
I am a little busy with my own AU, but I wish those involved the best of luck.

     
Clover Spear author and cat wrangler!
FedCom Fan!

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #21 on: 26 February 2018, 23:06:12 »
Thanks, we have some epic thought for the Lyrans.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

panzerfaust150

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 276
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #22 on: 27 February 2018, 00:41:30 »
Look forward to seeing it then.
Clover Spear author and cat wrangler!
FedCom Fan!

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #23 on: 03 March 2018, 18:04:32 »
It will take the story until the end of Book 2 to get here, this is the force listing of the Inner Sphere before the 4th Succession War.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

snakespinner

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2688
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #24 on: 04 March 2018, 01:41:37 »
Already have destroyed units and you have not started yet.
I suppose you like to put the boot in early. O0
I wish I could get a good grip on reality, then I would choke it.
Growing old is inevitable,
Growing up is optional.
Watching TrueToaster create evil genius, priceless...everything else is just sub-par.

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #25 on: 04 March 2018, 02:06:40 »
For some strange reason, the earliest force listing I have is for October 3024, and the story starts in late 3022. There is a bit of fighting about the place over that period, hence the lost units, but it generally matches up pretty well.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Sharpnel

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 13414
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #26 on: 04 March 2018, 04:55:32 »
It will take the story until the end of Book 2 to get here, this is the force listing of the Inner Sphere before the 4th Succession War.
There doesn't seem to be a military force for Outworlds Alliance listed
Consigliere Trygg Bender, CRD-3BL Crusader, The Blazer Mafia
Takehiro 'Taco' Uchimiya, SHD-2H Shadow Hawk 'Taco', Crimson Oasis Trading Company

"Of what use is a dream, if not a blueprint for courageous action" -Adam West
As I get older, I realize that I'm not as good as I once was.
"Life is too short to be living someone else's dream" - Hugh Hefner

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #27 on: 04 March 2018, 04:56:41 »
AMF - Avellar Guards, Alliance Borderers, Alliance Grenadiers, and a Periphery Guards battalion.
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #28 on: 05 March 2018, 04:34:39 »
Less than a week to go before we relaunch, we have a team of 12, the first fiction is ready, we nearly have a production schedule laid down, and the first Field Reports ready to re-publish.

Can't wait!
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.

Blacknova

  • Bullet Magnet
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1740
  • I am Thomas Hogarth's Love Child
    • The Kapteyn Universe
Re: Kapteyn Universe (KU) Relaunch
« Reply #29 on: 21 April 2018, 20:50:54 »
Just worked out that next year is the 10th anniversary of the KU. No wonder I have no life...
Dedicated to committing viciously gratuitous bastardy of the first order.

Unofficial LD for 2 seconds - It was a glorious moment!

"They can bring it. We fought off an army of guys who wore 20 pound decorative brass shoulder pauldrons. I'm not afraid of the Disney Land mascot brigade" - MadCapellan, in reference to the Confederation possibly facing the Clans.