Star League - Third Time's a Charm

[Jellico]

As I keep telling people, don't think 50/50 mixture. Think Normans or Qing. Consider English and all the French words. German forms the base and French provides more nuanced alternatives. The Clan cannot even be equal, but because they and their system formed the elite for so long they have a continuing outsized influence.

[tassa_kay]

It occurs to me that BLP really missed a good opportunity to segue Anastasia Kerensky into her new role as Commanding General of the SLDF by not having her plan and execute the invasion of Terra, especially the Trial against the Falcons given Anantasia's personal experiences with them while leading the Steel Wolves. Given that she was such an unorthodox leader, I feel like it would've made more sense to have some of Clan Wolf's more outside-of-the-box tactics originate from her. I mean, were Ramiel Bekker's Tactical Response Units really that different than, say, Anastasia's Wolf Hunters?

[Church14]

I mean, were Ramiel Bekker's Tactical Response Units really that different than, say, Anastasia's Wolf Hunters?

There’s nothing described about it that makes it unique or extraordinary save the sheer size of the Tactical Reapomse Cluster. 8 trinaries. It’s a huge light/medium cluster. The “Tactical Response Units” are just… stars. Or a 6 mech sized star sometimes. There’s nothing about the TRC that’s unique or extra capable. And its only cited deployment was a really, really stupid sequence.

I’m not a fan of Anastasia, but I agree that she would have made more sense as a “TRC” commander instead of shoehorning a new character we don’t know and never care about into a theoretically critical role so he can get fridged to try and make us feel bad (or angry (or feel anything at all about him)). Anastasia’s role in HotW was… basically nothing. She “defeated” Malvina to get revenge(?) by putting down an already damaged mech with probably no or barely ammo left.

[Wrangler]

Wolf Hunters were Clans version of the Kell Hounds. Like the Hounds before them,  the Steel Wolves were broken up and sent to learn new skills and to be brought back.

The Hunters were if you read the novel itself, to demonstrate equality between all the military/ Warriors of the mercenary unit. Where everyone worked in teams, versus having to worry about personal honor. The Clans never really learned that sort of thinking except for perhaps the Hell's Horses.  But as far as the Tactical game we called a regular board game, it's supposed to be like a special skill abilities that a unit implies a command abilities I think would be what it would be. And those are in the rule Annex but I'm not sure without my books in front of me give the hunters ability such as like an initiative bonus for them or they're able to focus fire on one target no matter what kind of unit it is.

TRC was supposed to be similar, with unique command abilities only they can employ like going outside the map and reappearing somewhere else or being able to Ambush someone or have bonus to do something or a maneuver.

One of the limitations for the game itself is that a lot of things like that aren't added to enhance military commands to make them more unique. It depends on the individual. And frankly pick up games don't necessarily reflect these unique qualities of it.

Hunters were specialists,  Which Anastasia retrieve for final Trial for Terra.

Personal,  I wish CGL would be able to add additional Command Abilities to help give military commands more unique qualities to them.

It does not effect normal game. It's optional rule and stats to apply.

[Geg]

With the IKEO ToC having been posted on reddit.  Here is my guess at what the 3152ish ilClan State around Terra is going to look like.  Based on some of the section titling the Rimward boarder could possible reach down as far as Liao.  If the ilClan is able link up with the Empire proper and the Clan Protectorate in the near future it could wind up being substantially larger.

Edit: Empire Alone had  Daoshen based on Liao, so it might make sense for an attempted decapitation strike at that planet.



It does feel like the 3rd League advance is more CapCon abandoning their Republic Conquests than a unconquerable Clan force erupting from Terra.

[Church14]

With the IKEO ToC having been posted on reddit.  Here is my guess at what the 3152ish ilClan State around Terra is going to look like.  Based on some of the section titling the Rimward boarder could possible reach down as far as Liao.  If the ilClan is able link up with the Empire proper and the Clan Protectorate in the near future it could wind up being substantially larger.

Edit: Empire Alone had  Daoshen based on Liao, so it might make sense for an attempted decapitation strike at that planet.



It does feel like the 3rd League advance is more CapCon abandoning their Republic Conquests than a unconquerable Clan force erupting from Terra.

We already know they don’t take Summer, Zollikofen, Menkent, Muphrid, Lyon, Nusakan, Skondia, Alkalurops, Yorii, Altair, and Fomalhaut by June 3152 because of DD’s map. So they make no major inroads into old Falcon OZ. Also, EA has fighting on Oliver using Empire’s forces, not Alaric’s. So I don’t think Alaric exercises much control to the left. Though your border seems reasonable for the Capellan side.

By 3153, no idea

[Metallgewitter]

I wonmder though what they actually want with Outreach as it was specifically mentioned in the ToC (Outreach should be more or less a declined world considering what the Blakists did to it during the Jihad). Perhaps some hidden gene labs or weapon caches? Also it seems they might get as far as Thorin. Does Thorin still have a functioning HPG? I think in one novel (when Tucker reactivated the Wyatt HPG) the working HPG makes contact with Thorin.

[Geg]

We already know they don’t take Summer, Zollikofen, Menkent, Muphrid, Lyon, Nusakan, Skondia, Alkalurops, Yorii, Altair, and Fomalhaut by June 3152 because of DD’s map. So they make no major inroads into old Falcon OZ. Also, EA has fighting on Oliver using Empire’s forces, not Alaric’s. So I don’t think Alaric exercises much control to the left. Though your border seems reasonable for the Capellan side.

By 3153, no idea

As soon as the fighting against CapCon stops, given the insane amount of jump capacity around terra, it will be trivial to reoccupy the semi-abandoned Empire and OZ worlds...  as long as someone else isn't actively trying to claim them.  I gave the Wolf Empire slice to the ilClan only because Oliver wasn't taken, and most of the fighting against the Empire has been away from Terra.  There is no way that the unaligned worlds rim ward of the Tamar Pact of the old Falcon OZ stay unaligned for any length of time.  With the Bears and Combine busy, and the Skye blocking the Lyran's I made a guess how far the Wolves could hold before running into another power.   I feel freely admit that it's at the point mostly speculation on my part.

I wonmder though what they actually want with Outreach as it was specifically mentioned in the ToC (Outreach should be more or less a declined world considering what the Blakists did to it during the Jihad). Perhaps some hidden gene labs or weapon caches? Also it seems they might get as far as Thorin. Does Thorin still have a functioning HPG? I think in one novel (when Tucker reactivated the Wyatt HPG) the working HPG makes contact with Thorin.

The ilClan is going to want to claim any world within two jumps of Sol, in order to protect Terra from raids and decapitation strikes.  As long as Outreach and fix a Helium seal they are on the list.

[BrianDavion]

So we know that Liao is hit hard in IKEO, chances are the wolves focus will initally be on the capcon (understandable, focus on the belligerant and then sweep up the small scattered worlds later) assuming Sian is the climax of the book, and is where the wolves stop (at least for now as IKEO ends) we can proably make a guess as to potential conquests. theoreticlly it's possiable they get every capellan world to the galatic north of Sian but... I doubt they'd do that, this would include Nanking and Tikonov both potent production worlds,  IMHO Nanking is likely to fall to the wolves, and well it's theoreticly possiable Tikonov could I feel it's not likely

[Metallgewitter]

Sian? IKEO sounds more like the push of the Wolves (or in this case the Snow Ravens) ends at Liao, probably as a decapacitation strike (not a full conquest) considering that Daoshen is currently sitting on Liao to coordinate the war. Also that would be way too unrealistic (ok this IS the Mary sue clan here) that they can waltz all the way from Terra to Sian ignoring the dense cluster of worlds that is the Capellan Confederation.

Given the ToC I will assume though that the Wolves somehow managed to rope in Terrans into their army (didn't the Republic have actual problems manning all their machines???) considering one chapter is named "The Common enemy". I mean there is only one common enemy for the former Republic citizens: the Capellan Confederation. The main question (for a book or books next year) will then be: can the Ilkhan safe his Empire? As it currently stands: hell no! I still believe that at the end of the day Clan Wolf will be no more and will look more like a new Republic-esque nation with certain Clan features. Just to consider that the Wolves have currently no way to replace combat losses among their trueborns and with Othar throwing every cadet into the way of the Free Worlds League you might think Wolf's Dragoons will have more Wolf warriors in their ranks then Clan wolf will have among their touman

[Gaiiten]

The new SLDF could be made of ex-soldiers from the RAF und Terran volunteers.

Two units are mentioned in the ToC:

1st Unity Dragoons
1st Star Guards

[Church14]

As soon as the fighting against CapCon stops, given the insane amount of jump capacity around terra, it will be trivial to reoccupy the semi-abandoned Empire and OZ worlds...  as long as someone else isn't actively trying to claim them.  I gave the Wolf Empire slice to the ilClan only because Oliver wasn't taken, and most of the fighting against the Empire has been away from Terra.  There is no way that the unaligned worlds rim ward of the Tamar Pact of the old Falcon OZ stay unaligned for any length of time.  With the Bears and Combine busy, and the Skye blocking the Lyran's I made a guess how far the Wolves could hold before running into another power.   I feel freely admit that it's at the point mostly speculation on my part.

In general, I agree with you here over the long term. I’m just looking at end of iKEO, since there’s going to be enough there to  change any predictions I have further out.

Sian? IKEO sounds more like the push of the Wolves (or in this case the Snow Ravens) ends at Liao, probably as a decapacitation strike (not a full conquest) considering that Daoshen is currently sitting on Liao to coordinate the war. Also that would be way too unrealistic (ok this IS the Mary sue clan here) that they can waltz all the way from Terra to Sian ignoring the dense cluster of worlds that is the Capellan Confederation.

Yeah, my guess is “the unfamiliar feeling of retreat” isn’t just the Capellans. Something big happens, and the Liao strike is lashing out in anger, but not a territory grab.

Given the ToC I will assume though that the Wolves somehow managed to rope in Terrans into their army (didn't the Republic have actual problems manning all their machines???) considering one chapter is named "The Common enemy". I mean there is only one common enemy for the former Republic citizens: the Capellan Confederation. The main question (for a book or books next year) will then be: can the Ilkhan safe his Empire? As it currently stands: hell no! I still believe that at the end of the day Clan Wolf will be no more and will look more like a new Republic-esque nation with certain Clan features. Just to consider that the Wolves have currently no way to replace combat losses among their trueborns and with Othar throwing every cadet into the way of the Free Worlds League you might think Wolf's Dragoons will have more Wolf warriors in their ranks then Clan wolf will have among their touman

There’s a lot of RAF soldiers that survived. I tried to take a swing at that number and maybe ten regiments of mechjocks? I’m waiting to see what the conditions are for them to lift a finger for the wolves.

Also, on a basic level, wolves lack the numbers to put the required giant garrison on Terra and also take so much of Capcon.

[Metallgewitter]

The main question will be how many ex RAF soldiers are still on Terra once the counter attack kicks in? It seemed as if a lot left Terra for Galatea right after the trial's end. And considering we also have chapters that sound like battles on Terra (Shores of Tripoli for example) the foundation of a Terran garrison might be quiet shaky. Not to mention a  clear "Belter resistance" mention. The thing is probably that Alaric expected more reinforcements from other Clans but at the moment the Bears are in their own civil war (and by the end of IKEO in a war with the Combine) The Horses told him to shove it, the Foxes are too dispersed to offer "meaningful" reinforcements and the Ravens can only offer Warships lest they expose their own home to attacks (though to be fair that is one big contribution).

I would expect that "Starguard Cluster" means something more akin to a new bodyguard unit just like the original Star Guard corps of the first Star League. Basically filled with the best warriors the nation has to offer. If it is the same role would you really offer RAF troopers a place in it? Though Unity Dragoons might be more like it. Equipmentwise it should be no problem considering Alaric had no problems selling of huge amounts of salvage to the Foxes. But I would still expect manpower problems especially if the most veteran soldiers have decided to leave or simply quit. Not sure if Tara might make an appeal for cooperation or m,aybe even Levin who was unaccounted for so far.

[tassa_kay]

the Ravens can only offer Warships

Leaked IKEO art shows the Ravens fielding ground forces as well.

[Church14]

The main question will be how many ex RAF soldiers are still on Terra once the counter attack kicks in? It seemed as if a lot left Terra for Galatea right after the trial's end. And considering we also have chapters that sound like battles on Terra (Shores of Tripoli for example) the foundation of a Terran garrison might be quiet shaky. Not to mention a  clear "Belter resistance" mention. The thing is probably that Alaric expected more reinforcements from other Clans but at the moment the Bears are in their own civil war (and by the end of IKEO in a war with the Combine) The Horses told him to shove it, the Foxes are too dispersed to offer "meaningful" reinforcements and the Ravens can only offer Warships lest they expose their own home to attacks (though to be fair that is one big contribution).

Yeah. I think Alaric expected more clans to bend the knee submissively and instead got what we've seen. I also think he's keeping his whole two allies out of Sol.

Regarding the resistance stuff, the iKEO table of contents has surprised me. I would think whatever remaining Terran resistance exists could probably get stomped by Foxes and Ravens dropping clusters in numbers on Terra, but Alaric cannot admit he needs that help. So exhausted Wolves are coping with [TOTALLY-NOT-A-RESISTANCE-GROUP] and struggling.

I would expect that "Starguard Cluster" means something more akin to a new bodyguard unit just like the original Star Guard corps of the first Star League. Basically filled with the best warriors the nation has to offer. If it is the same role would you really offer RAF troopers a place in it? Though Unity Dragoons might be more like it. Equipmentwise it should be no problem considering Alaric had no problems selling of huge amounts of salvage to the Foxes. But I would still expect manpower problems especially if the most veteran soldiers have decided to leave or simply quit. Not sure if Tara might make an appeal for cooperation or m,aybe even Levin who was unaccounted for so far.

I'm not sure if Wolves are voluntarily selling hardware or if Foxes and taking their due from contracts hammered out before Wolves left for Terra. Wolves could possibly be short on hardware. That said, I expect they supplemented a lot of RAF hardware to get their numbers up fast.

I'm not sure on the First Star Guards. If I had to spitball, they're the head of the SLDF Terran Garrison, but they don't get near Alaric. That's a clanner job. Unity City Dragoons actually seem to have a really clear reference to who they used to be in the nickname.

And yeah, ToC doesn't reference the couple of remaining RAF notables, but they all had legends or Legends II entries, so i think iKEO saved page space not doing another (same with Anastasia and Chance). I'm curious what Levin is up to. Or any of the Paladins given a lot aren't accounted for. Lakewood is alive. Ergen might be, though not likely.

[Metallgewitter]

Leaked IKEO art shows the Ravens fielding ground forces as well.

Can't be much though considering they only have 3 Galaxies of ground forces. Or do you think they would send the old AMC to the frontlines? Heck imagine the Suns find out just how weak the Raven ground forces are. Because this might be something the Clans with permanent homes have to cope with: support the Ilclan and you might loose your home. Imagine if the Ravens send their entire fleet to Terra and the suns notice that and decide to now take back their worlds they lost to the Ravens. Or even do some heavy raiding themselves. "The bird has left it's roost. Now let's burn the nest down!"

[Geg]

Sian? IKEO sounds more like the push of the Wolves (or in this case the Snow Ravens) ends at Liao, probably as a decapacitation strike (not a full conquest) considering that Daoshen is currently sitting on Liao to coordinate the war. Also that would be way too unrealistic (ok this IS the Mary sue clan here) that they can waltz all the way from Terra to Sian ignoring the dense cluster of worlds that is the Capellan Confederation.

There is the largest concentration of warships humanity has seen since the 1st Succession War (maybe the 2nd..  Anyway).   Alaric could easily use them, and then lose them as a desperation strike.

[Church14]

Can't be much though considering they only have 3 Galaxies of ground forces. Or do you think they would send the old AMC to the frontlines? Heck imagine the Suns find out just how weak the Raven ground forces are. Because this might be something the Clans with permanent homes have to cope with: support the Ilclan and you might loose your home. Imagine if the Ravens send their entire fleet to Terra and the suns notice that and decide to now take back their worlds they lost to the Ravens. Or even do some heavy raiding themselves. "The bird has left it's roost. Now let's burn the nest down!"

Well, HotW has both Khan McKenna and saKhan Lankenau heading to Terra. Between that and the Ice Storm Naval Star spotting in ilClan, I think the entireity of Alpha Galaxy came right away. With the art leak months back showing Conqueror Naval Star, my guess would be Beta Galaxy came after.

If I understand raven cluster naming, that's a Keshik, five clusters of ground troops, and three ASF clusters. That leave 9 clusters (mech and ASF) behind in the Alliance.

[Metallgewitter]

Well, HotW has both Khan McKenna and saKhan Lankenau heading to Terra. Between that and the Ice Storm Naval Star spotting in ilClan, I think the entireity of Alpha Galaxy came right away. With the art leak months back showing Conqueror Naval Star, my guess would be Beta Galaxy came after.

If I understand raven cluster naming, that's a Keshik, five clusters of ground troops, and three ASF clusters. That leave 9 clusters (mech and ASF) behind in the Alliance.

9 clusters plus whatever the Alliance milita can contribute. But as I said if the Federated Suns notice that they could easily rip their lost planets from the Ravens clutches. Eric Sandoval has enough forces in the Marc Draconis to let loose. Plus the AFFs is now battle hardened (unlike the Raven forces). Though I suspect Eric is busy enough organizing the defenses of his part of the Suns again.

[tassa_kay]

I'm excited to see how Anastasia Kerensky does in her new role of Commanding General of the SLDF, and I hope IKEO shows us what she can do. I was a little surprised when she pulled out of the Wolf Khanship vote in ilClan/HotW, but I think this role is a much better fit for her because between the Exiled Wolves, the Steel Wolves, the Wolf Hunters and the Crusader Wolves, she's had years (if not decades) of experience fighting both against and alongside all kinds of factions and forces.

Well, HotW has both Khan McKenna and saKhan Lankenau heading to Terra. Between that and the Ice Storm Naval Star spotting in ilClan, I think the entireity of Alpha Galaxy came right away.

I wouldn't necessarily assume that. They could've just come with Corvus Keshik. The Ravens were already on their way to Terra before the ilClan Trial was settled, and since we know they weren't planning to throw their hat into the ilClan ring, we can't assume the Ravens would take off with a whole Galaxy of their ground forces... especially when they're in the midst of a land grab in the FedSuns.

With the art leak months back showing Conqueror Naval Star, my guess would be Beta Galaxy came after.

The colors of both the Raven ground forces and I think one of the ASFs looked like Beta Galaxy colors to me. Also the same colors on the Raven units that fought against the Capellans in the GenCon 2023 diorama.

If I understand raven cluster naming, that's a Keshik, five clusters of ground troops, and three ASF clusters. That leave 9 clusters (mech and ASF) behind in the Alliance.

Assuming the Raven touman numbers are exactly what they were circa FM3145.

[Church14]

All fair points. I'm pretty iffy on what Ravens were up to beyond the couple hard data points we have in HotW/ilClan.

I'm excited to see how Anastasia Kerensky does in her new role of Commanding General of the SLDF, and I hope IKEO shows us what she can do. I was a little surprised when she pulled out of the Wolf Khanship vote in ilClan/HotW, but I think this role is a much better fit for her because between the Exiled Wolves, the Steel Wolves, the Wolf Hunters and the Crusader Wolves, she's had years (if not decades) of experience fighting both against and alongside all kinds of factions and forces.

I have no traction with her as a character. I just don't get engaged with her story or what she does. So iKEO is a pretty good opportunity for me to see her do something I can actually latch on to.

[BrianDavion]

All fair points. I'm pretty iffy on what Ravens were up to beyond the couple hard data points we have in HotW/ilClan.
 

I have no traction with her as a character. I just don't get engaged with her story or what she does. So iKEO is a pretty good opportunity for me to see her do something I can actually latch on to.

Well the beauty about Anastasia Kerensky is if you don't like her character chances are it'll be completely differant in the next novel and maybe you'll like it then? :)

[Church14]

TBF, I'm curious about every returning character in iKEO save basically Tara JadeCampbellWolfFalcon. Gimme Levin, Harwell, Alaric, Chance, McKenna, Danai.

Then gimme new characters. I want a new cast ready to pick up the torch of novel focus.

[Metallgewitter]

So any bets if Daoshen will survive ILKEO? From some of the chapter descriptions I get the feeling it is finally his time to "ascend" and give the reigns to Danai. Unless she kicks the bucket too though I seriously doubt that.

[tassa_kay]

I feel like with the art leak that we all saw of Danai in the Chancellor's robes, that scenario wouldn't happen without Daoshen's death. Like it's safe to assume that much, I'd think.

It's also the development I'm most excited about. Danai is damn near at the top of my favorite characters list, and I think she'll make a fantastic Chancellor if there's any sort of consistency to her character development to date.