OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Canon Inspired => Topic started by: masterarminas on October 28, 2018, 12:50:23 AM
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Handbook: Clan Goliath Scorpion
Clan Goliath Scorpion Military Organization
Based upon the concept of mixed Trinaries, Clan Goliath Scorpion’s military Touman is extremely regimented. There are four basic types of Trinary assigned to the Clusters of the Touman; each contains a mixture of OmniMech, OmniFighter, and/or Elemental forces, designed around a specific tactical function. There are a few specialized Trinary formations as well that differ from this organization; each will be addressed in turn.
Clan Goliath Scorpion Cluster formations consist of five Trinary. Each Cluster is assigned a Command Trinary, two Assault Trinary, one Battle Trinary, and one Striker Trinary.
The Command Trinary acts as a stable command element for Scorpion Clusters, while also retaining a reserve of the heaviest OmniMechs within the Cluster to reinforce operations where needed. The lead Star is a Composite Command Star of 2 OmniMechs, 10 Elemental Warriors, and 2 OmniFighters. The remaining two Stars of the Trinary contain 5 OmniMechs each. Transport is provided by a Scorpion I-class Troop Carrier DropShip.
The two Assault Trinary are the primary ground assault elements of the Cluster. Each consists of two Stars with 5 OmniMechs each and one Star with 25 Elemental Warriors. Transport is provided by a Scorpion II-class Troop Carrier DropShip.
The Battle Trinary is a multi-role unit containing a mixture of all three elements: OmniMechs, OmniFighters, and Elementals. This unit is capable of undertaking independent operations when necessary. This formation contains one Star of 5 OmniMechs, one Star of 25 Elemental Warriors, and one Star of 10 OmniFighters. Transport is provided by a Scorpion III-class Troop Carrier DropShip.
The Striker Trinary serves as the reconnaissance and skirmish force of the Cluster. Each such unit is comprised of two Stars of 5 OmniMechs each and one Star of 10 OmniFighters. Transport is provided by a Scorpion IV-class Troop Carrier DropShip.
The Reserve Artillery Trinary is a specialized formation dedicated to supplying the Touman with on-call artillery fire support. Each consists of three Stars of 5 OmniMechs each. Two of the Stars are outfitted with Desert Tiger E artillery OmniMechs, while the third star consists of Hooded Eagle C-TAG OmniMechs that serve as forward observers and spotters for remainder of the Trinary. Transport is provided by a Scorpion V-class Troop Carrier DropShip.
Each Cluster in the Scorpion Touman (at full strength) is comprised of 47 OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, and 22 OmniFighters, along with five Troop Carrier DropShips. Transport is provided by a Voyager-class JumpShip with the sixth docking collar occupied by a Warden-class Assault DropShip.
There are five types of Cluster formations found within the Scorpion Touman.
The single Scorpion Shock Cluster is the heaviest weight unit within the Clan. Consisting solely of assault-weight OmniMechs and medium-weight OmniFighters, it is the unyielding anvil on which foes of the Scorpion are crushed. This formation contains 47 Dune Stalker OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, and 22 Sarmatian OmniFighters.
There are twelve Scorpion Cuirassier Clusters in the Touman. These are the mobile assault units, with all of their OmniMechs being classified as heavy-weight. Each Cluster is assigned 29 Goliath Scorpion OmniMechs, 18 Desert Tiger OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, 14 Sarmatian OmniFighters, and 8 Comanche OmniFighters.
There are ten Scorpion Dragoon Clusters in the Touman. These balanced formations blend firepower and mobility with a division of heavy-weight and medium-weight OmniMechs. Each Cluster is assigned 29 Desert Tiger OmniMechs, 18 Sand Devil OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, 12 Sarmatian OmniFighters, and 10 Comanche OmniFighters.
Next, there are eight Scorpion Hussar Clusters in the Touman. Comprised of medium-weight OmniMechs and OmniFighters, these formations are the fast-moving recon and striker elements of the Scorpion Touman. Each Cluster is assigned 29 Sand Devil OmniMechs, 18 Hooded Eagle OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, 10 Sarmatian OmniFighters, and 12 Comanche OmniFighters.
Finally, the 19th Scorpion Light Horse Cluster is the lightest (and swiftest) element of the Clan. Organized identically to the remaining Clusters, this Cluster contains 47 Hooded Eagle OmniMechs, 85 Elemental Warriors, and 22 Comanche OmniFighters. Specializing in fast strike and reconnaissance operations, this formation serves as the eyes of the Scorpion Touman.
These Cluster formations are organized into eight Galaxy level formations. Each Galaxy (with the exception of Chi Galaxy) consists of four Clusters. Chi Galaxy was formed just before the Scorpion Exodus and at the time of this report contains just two Cluster formations. The 13th Scorpion Shock Cluster and 19th Scorpion Light Horse Cluster are independent organizations outside of the normal Galaxy hierarchy.
Unlike the majority of other Clans, the Scorpions have deliberately chosen not to have a separate Galaxy level command element. Instead, the Galaxy Commander also commands one of the four (or two) Clusters assigned to that specific Galaxy.
The Touman also includes four Reserve Artillery Trinary. These formations provide the Clan with a (limited) ability to provide on-call artillery fire support . . . although they are often bid away and seldom see battle. Each Reserve Artillery Trinary is assigned an Aggressor-class JumpShip with the second docking collar occupied by a Warden-class Assault DropShip.
Finally, the Goliath Scorpion military Touman includes three Command Keshiks assigned to the Khan, saKhan, and Loremaster. The Deathstalker Keshik and Eternal Quest Keshik (assigned to the saKhan and Loremaster, respectively) consist of a single Command Trinary (8 Goliath Scorpion OmniMechs, 4 Desert Tiger OmniMechs, 10 Elemental Warriors, and 2 Sarmatian OmniFighters) transported by a Scorpion I-class Troop Carrier DropShip aboard an Aggressor-class JumpShip. The second docking collar is occupied by a Warden-class Assault DropShip.
The Knife Dance Keshik (the Khan’s personal Keshik) is not assigned a JumpShip as organic transport. Instead, the Knife Dance Keshik is provided with the Sovetskii Soyuz-class Cruiser Serket (the Clan’s Flagship). 50 Elemental Warriors, 10 Sarmatian OmniFighters, and 10 Comanche OmniFighters are assigned to the Cruiser as well, and can be used to augment the Knife Dance Keshik as needed. In addition, the Knife Dance Keshik is assigned two more Trinary (for a total of three). Both of these are standard Assault Trinary (10 OmniMechs and 25 Elementals each) transported by a pair of Scorpion II-class Troop Carrier DropShips. Knife Dance Trinary Beta and Gamma have a mix of every OmniMech manufactured by Clan Goliath Scorpion, fielding 3 Dune Stalkers, 5 Goliath Scorpions, 5 Desert Tigers, 5 Sand Devils, and 2 Hooded Eagles. A Warden-class Assault DropShip occupies the fourth docking collar.
The Clan Goliath Scorpion Naval Reserve is organized into two Naval Stars, each consisting of six WarShips.
The Einheriar Naval Star is assigned the McKenna-class Battleship Lei Kung, the Riga-class Frigate Scorpio, the Lola IV-class Destroyers Auriga and Sagitta, and the Essex-class Destroyers Orpheus and Persephone. Sixteen Warden-class Assault DropShips are assigned, as well as 300 Elemental Marines and 120 OmniFighters (60 Sarmatian and 60 Comanche).
The Wild Hunt Naval Star is assigned the Potemkin-class Troop Cruisers Enceladus, Epimetheus, Kartikeya, and Prometheus, with the Congress-class Frigates Bernlad and Garlon providing escort. Twenty Warden-class Assault DropShips are assigned, as well as 500 Elemental Marines and 20 OmniFighters (10 Sarmatian and 10 Comanche). The remaining eighty-four docking collars are typically assigned to 42 Auroch-class Cargo DropShips and 42 Dromedary-class Cargo DropShips.
The Yard Ship Hephaestus (converted from the former Cameron-class Battle Cruiser) is not assigned to any Naval Star and seldom participates in naval actions. 100 Elemental Marines are assigned to the Yard Ship, along with a pair of Mastodon-class Cargo DropShips.
The Scorpions transported three disassembled Space Stations to Circinus: two Oasis-class Recharge Stations (based upon the venerable and highly effective Olympus-class) and a Haven-class Orbital Transfer Station. 300 Elemental Warriors are stationed aboard these three Stations (100 Elementals apiece). These Warriors remained part of the Clan’s military Touman while the Stations were being assembled (one Oasis each at the Zenith and Nadir Jump Points, and the Haven in geosynchronous orbit over Circinus itself). The Haven-class Orbital Transfer Station also serves the Clan as an orbital foundry with twenty factory units, as well as the location for the Circinus System Flight Operations Control Center. The CSFOCC coordinates all in-system traffic, gives clearances for approach and departures to and from the inner system and conducts customs and boarding inspections of incoming and outgoing cargo and passengers. The Haven is also the last orbital line of defense for Circinus and is heavily armed with capital grade weaponry (in addition to the standard weapon systems employed for defense against fighters and small craft) and possesses greater levels of armor protection than most Battle Cruisers!
Total Order of Battle Strength of the Clan Goliath Scorpion Military Touman is 1620 OmniMechs (50 Dune Stalker, 377 Goliath Scorpion, 563 Desert Tiger, 417 Sand Devil, 213 Hooded Eagle), 4050 Elemental Warriors, and 870 OmniFighters (476 Sarmatian and 394 Comanche). Transport consists of 330 DropShips (75 Warden-class Assault DropShips, 35 Scorpion I-class Troop Carrier DropShips, 66 Scorpion II-class Troop Carrier DropShips, 32 Scorpion III-class Troop Carrier DropShips, 32 Scorpion IV-class Troop Carrier DropShips, 4 Scorpion V-class Troop Carrier DropShips, 42 Auroch-class Cargo DropShips, 42 Dromedary-class Cargo DropShips, and 2 Mastodon-class DropShips) and 38 JumpShips (6 Aggressor-class JumpShips and 32 Voyager-class JumpShips). WarShip support consists of 14 WarShips (1 McKenna-class Battleship, 4 Potemkin-class Troop Cruisers, 1 Hephaestus-class Yard Ship, 1 Sovetskii Soyuz-class Cruiser, 2 Congress-class Frigates, 1 Riga-class Frigate, 2 Lola IV-class Destroyers, and 2 Essex-class Destroyers), plus 2 Oasis-class Recharge Stations and 1 Haven-class Orbital Transfer Station dissembled for transport.
The average mass of a Clan Goliath Scorpion OmniMech is 58.706 tons, which places the Clan’s Touman solidly in the heavy-weight range. Although not to the same degree of the Toumans of Clans Blood Spirit, Coyote, Star Adder, and Smoke Jaguar, this compares well with such Clans as Ghost Bear, Jade Falcon, Nova Cat and Wolf, and exceeds the average mass of the majority of the remaining Clans.
Furthermore, although a heavy-weight formation (overall), the Goliath Scorpion insistence on mobility and speed gives their average OmniMech a walking speed of 6.225. While this is not as high as some Clans (such as Clan Ice Hellion, for example), it does give the Scorpions a distinct advantage in mobility and maneuver against Clans such as Blood Spirit, Coyote, Jade Falcon, Nova Cat, Smoke Jaguar, Star Adder, and Steel Viper.
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Clan Goliath Scorpion Order of Battle (1 January, 3073)
Clan Goliath Scorpion Command
Knife Dance Keshik
Knife Dance Command Keshik (3 Trinary) [Elite/Fanatical]
Sovetskii Soyuz-class Cruiser Serket
Deathstalker Keshik
Deathstalker Command Keshik (1 Trinary) [Elite/Fanatical]
Eternal Quest Keshik
Eternal Quest Command Keshik (1 Trinary) [Elite/Fanatical]
Independent Formations
13th Scorpion Shock Cluster (Harbingers of Misfortune) [Elite/Fanatical]
19th Scorpion Light Horse Cluster (Scorpion Lancers) [Veteran/Reliable]
Reserve Artillery Trinary Alpha [Veteran/Reliable]
Reserve Artillery Trinary Beta [Regular/Reliable]
Reserve Artillery Trinary Gamma [Regular/Reliable]
Reserve Artillery Trinary Delta [Regular/Reliable]
Hephaestus-class Yard Ship Hephaestus
Alpha Galaxy (Rock Minders)
24th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (The Khan’s Own) [Elite/Fanatical]
35th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (Scorpions of the Veil) [Elite/Fanatical]
8th Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Whip-Tail Brigade) [Elite/Fanatical]
14th Scorpion Hussar Cluster (Swift Retribution) [Veteran/Fanatical]
Beta Galaxy (Sand Runners)
1st Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Heartvenom) [Elite/Reliable]
23rd Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Ironshell Irregulars) [Elite/Fanatical]
6th Scorpion Hussar Cluster (Desert Wind) [Elite/Fanatical]
22nd Scorpion Hussar Cluster (Eye of the Storm) [Veteran/Fanatical]
Gamma Galaxy (Cave Dwellers)
3rd Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (Kerensky’s Covenant) [Veteran/Fanatical]
34th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (Dark Sting) [Veteran/Fanatical]
16th Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Gate Crashers) [Veteran/Fanatical]
18th Scorpion Hussar Cluster (Crimson Legion) [Veteran/Fanatical]
Delta Galaxy (Night Hunters)
20th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (Scorpio Ascendant) [Veteran/Reliable]
28th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (The Khan’s Castle) [Veteran/Fanatical]
21st Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Black Sun) [Veteran/Reliable]
25th Scorpion Dragoon Cluster (Obsidian Claws) [Veteran/Reliable]
Rho Galaxy (Storm Lords)
5th Scorpion Cuirassiers (Forked Ambition) [Regular/Reliable]
33rd Scorpion Cuirassiers (Sharman's Boxers) [Regular/Reliable]
27th Scorpion (Solahma) Dragoons (Last Chance Cavaliers) [Veteran/Fanatical]
15th Scorpion Hussars (Scorpion Seekers) [Green/Reliable]
Tau Galaxy (Swift Strikers)
4th Scorpion Cuirassiers (Adamantine Hearts) [Regular/Fanatical]
17th Scorpion Cuirassiers (The Golden Horde) [Regular/Fanatical]
10th Scorpion Dragoons (Poisoned Gambit) [Green/Questionable]
2nd Scorpion Hussars (Blinding Stare) [Regular/Fanatical]
Mu Galaxy (Thunderbolt)
7th Scorpion Cuirassiers (The Din of Battle) [Regular/Fanatical]
12th Scorpion Cuirassiers (The Highwaymen) [Regular/Questionable]
11th Scorpion Dragoons (The Devil's Tail) [Green/Reliable]
44th Scorpion Hussars (Untamed Will) [Regular/Reliable]
Chi Galaxy (Nova Scorpions)
9th Scorpion Dragoons (The Fire Scorpions) [Regular/Questionable]
31st Scorpion Hussars (Dream Walkers) [Regular/Questionable]
Clan Goliath Scorpion Naval Reserve
Einheriar Naval Star
McKenna-class Battleship Lei Kung
Riga-class Frigate Scorpio
Lola IV-class Destroyer Auriga
Lola IV-class Destroyer Sagitta
Essex-class Destroyer Orpheus
Essex-class Destroyer Persephone
Wild Hunt Naval Star
Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser Enceladus
Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser Epimetheus
Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser Kartikeya
Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser Prometheus
Congress-class Frigate Bernlad
Congress-class Frigate Garlon
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I tried to keep to the canon strength of Clan Goliath Scorpion . . . but then I made the decision for these Scorpions to absorb a handful of Provisional Garrison Clusters (three, to be precise) from Clan Nova Cat. In canon, the Scorpions have 24 Clusters . . . all but one of these are five trinary strong. Sharman's Boxers is listed as 4 trinary.
And, in canon, the Scorpions added 4 Clusters of Seekers (in some sources; others say three) and two Clusters of the Eridani Lancers. Plus Wars of Reaving references a Scorpion Solahma Cluster . . . for a Clan that has NO Solahma Clusters!
That gave me the ability to add up to 10 Clusters. Which I did. Taken together, the Scorpion Command is five trinary strong (1 Cluster). I brought each canon Galaxy up to a strength of 4 Clusters (4 Clusters), and added a half-strength Chi Galaxy (2 Clusters). Then I added the Shock Cluster and Light Horse Cluster as independent units (2 Clusters). Which left me with another 5 trinary (or 1 Cluster). Well, I brought Sharman's Boxers up to full strength and used the last four for the Reserve Artillery Trinary.
Anyway, this is the military Touman of the Clan. If you have any questions or comments, let me know. And, attached you will find a picture of the Scorpion Expanses. Including Galaxy deployments. Alpha, Beta, and the Independent units are stationed on Circinus itself.
Enjoy.
MA
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Blood Heritages and Houses
Clan Goliath Scorpion differs from the other Clans in how they treat their Blood Heritages. In this Clan, it is viewed as a challenge to 'rehabilitate' a poorly performing Blood Heritage. The failure of one Warrior, after all, does not mean that all who follow will likewise fail. Doing so confers great honor on the Warrior who manages to 'redeem' a Blood Heritage in decline.
Because of this, the Scorpions do not Reave Blood Heritages from existence. Indeed, the Clan attempts to maintain the full one thousand Blood Named Warriors that Nicholas Kerensky decreed was the limit of any Clan. Although not always successful in this, the Scorpions tend to come closer than the other Clans, despite their small Touman size. Recently, the Scorpions have added one additional Bloodname to their Blood Heritages. The Barclay Bloodname was established after the Absorption of the Eridani Light Horse on Huntress to honor their commanding officer (Sandra Barclay) and the history of service by the ELH to the Star League. All former ELH members are considered members of this Bloodhouse and to date, seven (including now Star Colonel Sandra Barclay) have earned their Bloodname.
Below is a list of all Bloodnames currently possessed by the Scorpions, along with the number of Blood Heritages each name possesses. Exclusive Bloodnames have a full twenty-five Blood Heritages attached to them (with the exception of Barclay).
Exclusive Scorpion Bloodnames
Arbuthnot, Baba, Barclay (7), Dinour, Ben-Shimon, Djerassi, Elam, Kirov, Myers, Posavatz, Schaffer, Scott, Suvorov, Yeh
Non-Exclusive Scorpion Bloodnames
ar-Rashid (21), Brinker (17), Bungei (19), Collesano (22), Cranstonolv (18), Demos (15), Gorga (16), Hardo (18), Henriquez (22), Ismaila (20), Kreek (19), LeClair (20), Linghui (23), Lunde (17), Madsen (18), Mortelette (23), Nagy (16), Naidu (21), Omid (20), Pakhalina (20), Sang (19), Snell (16), Solheim (22), Sword (21), Tazegul (20), Wagner (23), Zuric (19)
Shared Bloodnames Originating in Other Clans
Blood Spirit: Blackburn (2), Carmichael (5), Sanchez (3)
Burrock: Danforth (5)
Cloud Cobra: Grey (4), McCloud (6), Morales (3), Sheridan (2)
Coyote: Hollifield (3), Parker (2)
Diamond Shark: Jackson (5), Marsh (3), Sutherland (6), Vandenberg (4)
Fire Mandrill: Grant (5), Malone (4)
Ghost Bear: Cook (3), Forrester (4), Hawkins (2), MacKenzie (4), Wayne (1)
Hell's Horses: Mendoza (3), Thompson (2)
Ice Hellion: Bragg (6), Drake (3), Wallace (4)
Jade Falcon: NONE
Mongoose: Henriquez (2), Knox (2)
Nova Cat: Devereaux (5)
Smoke Jaguar: Bowen (3), Weaver (2)
Snow Raven: Hakimi (2), Merrel (3), Yang (1)
Star Adder: Graves (5), Irons (3), Jamal (4)
Steel Viper: Callaghan (3), Kearny (3), Monet (4)
Widowmaker: Isaac (3), Meredith (4), Tomas (2), Wells (2)
Wolf: Hall (3)
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Clan Goliath Scorpion Strategic Reserve Depot
Differing from many of the other Clans of Kerensky, the leadership of Clan Goliath Scorpion has—almost since the formation of the Clan—strove to maintain a strategic reserve of BattleMechs, OmniMechs, Aerospace Fighters, OmniFighters, and Battle Armor. The size of this reserve has waxed and waned across the years as new technologies has come into play (forcing the Scorpions to remove some obsolete designs from the Depot). In addition, some Khans and high-ranking members of the Scorpion leadership have often neglected the Depot.
Currently, however, Khan Nelson Elam has placed a high priority on building up and maintaining the Clan’s Strategic Reserve Depot, as did both Mikhail Kirov and Nicolai Djerassi before him (Ariel Suvorov, on the other hand, did little to contribute to the Depot). At the time of the Scorpion Exodus from the Homeworlds and Pentagon, the SRD was stockpiled with modern OmniMechs, OmniFighters, and Elemental Battle Armor . . . enough to fully outfight an entire Galaxy.
These pristine war machines are available as replacement chassis for units lost in combat when production does not meet requirements, but also allow the Clan the option of being able to organize and field four new Clusters with barely any advance notice. Provided, of course, that sufficient Warriors are on hand and available to fill the slots in such an expansion!
At this time, the SRD contains 188 OmniMechs (58 Goliath Scorpion, 65 Desert Tiger, 47 Sand Devil, 18 Hooded Eagle), 340 suits of Elemental Battle Armor, and 88 OmniFighters (50 Sarmatian and 38 Comanche).
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Clan Goliath Scorpion Gendarme
The Scorpion Gendarme is technically part of the military Touman . . . but while the Clan leadership espouses that view, few actual Warriors perceive it as such. The Gendarme includes the Scorpion Watch as well as providing for civilian law enforcement. In addition, it acts as a tertiary reserve to Scorpion Garrisons, providing un-armored infantry to support military operations during a crisis when needed.
Seldom is it needed to operate in such a fashion, but members of the Gendarme continue to train for that role (often at the expense of their normal day-to-day operations).
Since the tenure of Nicolas Djerassi as Khan, significant efforts have been made to improve the overall effectiveness of the Gendarme. Djerassi recognized that the Gendarme needed to viewed more than as a “dumping ground†for sub-par Warriors. And to that goal, he applied much energy and effort. Incorporating the Clan Watch was the first step in that process, along with the active recruiting of personnel with the correct “mind-set†for criminal investigations, peace-keeping, and intelligence operations.
While much of the rank-and-file of the Gendarme still consists of those who just barely managed to qualify as Warriors, a good portion of their leadership has been transformed. Veteran Warriors—including many Blood-named—past their prime for combat operations have been “encouraged†to transfer to the Gendarme . . . and sibkin with the raw talent have been identified in training and told that within the ranks of the Gendarme they can make a real difference in the Clan.
While slow, such efforts have produced a noticeable improvement in the performance of the Gendarme.
Currently, the Scorpion Gendarme fields one Detachement for every active duty Cluster in the Clan (32 total). Each Gendarme Detachement includes a Binary of Peace Enforcers (250 unarmored infantry) and a Binary of Special Weapons, Armor, and Tactical-responders (50 infantry in light power armor). In addition, each Detachment includes a Support Section of 300 personnel (non-warriors) who provide intelligence, technical, forensic, and other support to the Gendarme (including mundane tasks such as record-keeping and making sure that both prisoners and Gendarme personnel actually eat!).
In the Scorpion Expanse, each system has been assigned two Detachments . . . Circinus, however, has been assigned twelve.
At the present time, the total strength of the Scorpion Gendarme consists of 19,200 personnel . . . half of whom are considered members of the Warrior caste and carry live weapons.
While the Gendarme peace-keepers routinely operate with only light arms (including non-lethal weapons) and un-powered armor, they are trained in the use of--and have been provided with--PA(L) suits should situations arise that they are required to support the military Touman. These suits are basically direct copies of the SLDF Nighthawk suits, but newly built using Clan technology. Gendarme troopers using such suits are normally assigned a Mauser IIC as their primary weapon, although heavier weapons are available should they be required.
Field operators routinely deploy in two-man teams utilizing an array of light vehicles (primarily wheeled, but also some hover and VTOL). More akin to civilian than military in nature, these vehicles are unarmed, but are lightly armored. Heavier APC-type vehicles are also available for serious criminal threats.
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A lot to take in but your knife dancer keshik made me think of Samoan fire knife dancers should incorporate something like that into them if you think it might add some flair to them
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A lot to take in but your knife dancer keshik made me think of Samoan fire knife dancers should incorporate something like that into them if you think it might add some flair to them
"Knife Dance" refers to the "Dance of the Scars" which is canon for the Scorpions. From Sarna.net:
This ritualized form of combat traces its lineage directly back to the infamous knife fight between
saKhan Scott and Loremaster Kirov for control of the Seekers. A modified Circle of Equals, the dance of the
scars requires the combatants to strike each other in a precisely-defined series of cuts. The first two cuts
must be made across each shoulder, followed by cuts across each wrist, and a final cut across the center of
the chest. The warrior to make the fifth and final cut on his opponent is declared the winner. While normally
conducted unarmored, a number of Scorpion warriors began challenging others to "dance the scars" while
piloting 'Mechs in the years following the Clan invasion, considering these fights to be the ultimate show of
honor.
On the Black Seam they dance,
moonlit steel gleaming in the twilight.
Black and gold, red and silver,
their clothes stir the still night air.
Five steps taken, five cuts drawn,
the Scars of Moreau's tribulation.
These pay heed to our debt, to our past,
reborn with the death of our Mother.
-The Remembrance (Clan Goliath Scorpion), Passage 316, Verse 12, Lines 1-8
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Circus Honorae
Instituted in 2870 by Khan Shandra Dinour in response to the poor showing of Scorpion Warriors in obtaining the rights for Clan Coyote’s OmniMech technology, the “Circle of Honor†is based in large part upon the SLDF’s Martial Olympiad.
The Circus Honorae occurs every five years and is a celebration of the Warrior and serves the Clan as a means of proving both individual and unit prowess on the battlefield. Warriors throughout the Clan compete fiercely to win a slot in the next Circle of Honor. Such Honor Warriors compete against each other in a series of gladiatorial competitions during the Circus; these bouts include not only martial prowess (unarmed, unarmored melee, and augmented), but also “traditional†martial skills such as timed land navigation, traversing obstacles courses, and marksmanship.
But while many Warriors aspire to win an individual slot as an Honor Warrior, the competition also includes unit events. These competitions pit Star and Trinary formations—as well as WarShips!—against one another in combat simulations that rival (or exceed!) many of the finest Solaris competitions. Not least because of the danger and risk involved in these live-fire exercises. Many Scorpions who participate are wounded while more than a few have died during the Circus Honorae.
Scorpion Warriors earn respect and honor just by winning entry into the Circus Honorae . . . but those who excel during the month-long Games of Honor are often considered ristars of the Clan.
The Games of Honor are broadcast throughout Scorpion enclaves and are widely viewed by both Military and Civilian castes alike.
The next scheduled Circus Honorae will occur in the spring of 3075. Khan Nelson Elam has taken the unprecedented step of opening the upcoming Circle of Honor to Warriors and select units of the Inner Sphere (both House and Mercenary) and the Council of Seven. Although some within the Clan were taken aback by his decision to do so, the Khan has refused to be deterred. He believes that by opening the Games of Honor to all willing to participate—not just Warriors of Clan Goliath Scorpion—it will foster a competitiveness that will hone his Warrior’s edge even finer.
While few units or individual Warriors of the Inner Sphere have so far expressed an interest in traveling to Circinus for the 41st Circus Honorae, the remaining six Clans of the Council of Seven have already confirmed their intention of competing. In addition, several Inner Sphere broadcast institutions have inquired as to obtaining the broadcast rights for the events.
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Clan Goliath Scorpion Merchant Fleet
The Scorpion Merchant Fleet is fairly robust, with one hundred and thirty-eight JumpShips available for operations. The Merchant Fleet consists of 18 Aggressor-class with two docking collars each, 24 Seeker-class with three docking collars each, 24 Dauntless-class with four docking collars each, 24 Voyager-class with six docking collars each, 24 Endeavor-class with eight docking collars each, and 24 Intrepid-class with nine docking collars each. Seven hundred and fifty-six docking collars are available in total, divided between 274 Auroch-class DropShips, 40 Onager-class Tugs, 280 Dromedary-class DropShips, and 162 Mastodon-class DropShips. These vessels are in addition to those JumpShips and DropShips directly assigned to the Military Touman of Clan Goliath Scorpion.
As with the Military Touman, none of the Scorpion Merchant Fleet mounts Lithium-Fusion Batteries; however, every JumpShip is equipped with a Hyper Pulse Generator.
Factoring in both the Merchant and Military Fleets, the Scorpions have a grand total of 1,086 DropShips (75 Warden-class, 169 Scorpion-class (of all models), 316 Auroch-class, 40 Onager-class, 322 Dromedary-class, and 164 Mastodon-class), 176 JumpShips (24 Aggressor class, 24 Seeker-class, 24 Dauntless-class, 56 Voyager-class, 24 Endeavor-class, and 24 Intrepid-class), and 14 WarShips (2 Essex-class, 2 Lola IV-class, 1 Riga-class, 2 Congress-class, 1 Sovetskii Soyuz-class, 1 Hephaestus-class, 4 Potemkin-class, and 1 McKenna-class).
Fuel for the Scorpion Exodus was a major concern, with Clan leadership planning for a journey of up to two years in length. Although even a cautious astrogation plot to avoid contact with the Lyran Commonwealth and other regional powers indicated that the voyage would require approximately 90 jumps (roughly 630 days, or 21 months), the Khans required that planners provide sufficient fuel, food, water, and life support supplies for a full 720 days. Giving the Scorpion Fleet a roughly 90 day supply in excess of what was (projected) as the minimum requirements.
Furthermore, the Clan leadership recognized and accepted the fact that no plan ever comes to fruition under ideal conditions. Consequently, the Khans demanded an additional strategic reserve to consist of—at a minimum—10% of the totality of fuel (both initial and reserve) carried among the vessels of the Fleet. This strategic reserve would be available for fighters and small craft on patrol and routine transfers between vessels during the voyage, as well as for any unexpected and unplanned combat operations that the Fleet might have to undertake (either offensive or defensive) en route.
Taken altogether, the Scorpion Exodus Fleet would require 946,670 tons of fuel to provide full bunkers for all vessels at their departure, plus an additional 1,325,134 tons to allow for all ships to operate for up to 720 days. A further 227,181 tons of fuel would have to be held in reserve to meet the Khans minimum requirements for a strategic fuel reserve.
Plans were drafted and then implemented to convert 100 Auroch-class, 100 Dromedary-class, and 45 Mastodon-class DropShips into fuel tankers, with one-third of their cargo bays modified for the storage of liquid fuel for the Fleet. This provided the Scorpion Exodus Fleet with a total reserve (both standard and strategic) of 1,562,500 tons of fuel—in addition to full fuel bunkers at their departure.
This left the Scorpion Exodus Fleet with 15,643,952 tons of cargo space—exclusive of the spare parts storage aboard every DropShip, JumpShip, and WarShip in the Fleet. 1,522,787 tons was required for additional provisions, water, and life support for the personnel of the Scorpion Exodus, leaving 14,121,165 tons of cargo available for colonization supplies, pre-fabricated factory modules, tools, and other sundry equipment (including the three dissembled Stations being transported that require a total 2.5 million tons of cargo space) that the Scorpions would require in their new home.
The Scorpion Fleet is able to transport a total of 829,275 personnel simultaneously. This includes 53,228 members of the Military and Civilian castes assigned to the Military Touman and to provide crew for all Small Craft, DropShips, JumpShips, and WarShips, both Military and Merchant alike. The vast majority of the remaining 776,047 personnel are civilian, although Scorpion Sibling Training Companies and their instructors (3,150), as well as the quasi-Warriors of the Scorpion Gendarme (19,200) and the personnel assigned to the Clan’s three Space Stations (6,300), are included in their number, leaving 747,397 civilians not directly associated with the Clan Military or Merchant Touman.
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Lots of views, but no thoughts? Suggestions? Critiques?
MA
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Moare!
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The Gendarme is a realistic Clan police force which I am working on for my setting as well. I've always thought they belong with the Watch in third line forces. 'Shadow Warriors' who presence is required but overlooked by real Warriors of 1st and even 2nd line units.
Like the public Circus Honorae thing going on and your organization seems solid enough.
In terms of comparisons between where the Scorpions ended up I like this a hell of a lot better than canon.
However I have to ask where is all of this going? Focusing on the Scorpions as a Periphery Warden Clan while cool seems a bit limited. I'd like to see you team up with another developer such as marauder648 with his My Little Tankies creation for a whole other alternate setting.
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However I have to ask where is all of this going? Focusing on the Scorpions as a Periphery Warden Clan while cool seems a bit limited. I'd like to see you team up with another developer such as marauder648 with his My Little Tankies creation for a whole other alternate setting.
I've actually given that some thought. And while the title is--and remains--Handbook: Clan Goliath Scorpion, rest assured that I will be paying attention to at least one other Clan that decides to get out of Dodge (i.e., the Homeworlds) when Brett Andrews starts to lose it and kick off the Wars of Reaving. As to a collaboration . . . I'm open. I always thought that the Horse/Hellion invasion of the Invading Clans corridors was a little . . . weak. And that rather than that, how about "liberating" the former worlds of the Lothian League and Illyrian Protectorate from the Marian Hegemony instead? The Hellions in particular would absolutely LOVE the Lothian worlds, all filled with snow and ice and ski bunnies. Heh.
And the Sharks need to have a place to settle down rather than being semi-nomadic merchants. I could see them getting along with the people of the Illyrian worlds rather nicely . . . especially if they kick the Marians hard in the process.
After all, the Ravens didn't set up shop in the Invasion Corridors, so why should that be the only game in town, right?
MA
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"Duncan Fisher here and boy do we have some exciting matches coming up. Although the Arenas on Solaris are closed due to the Word of Blake occupation, we have traveled to Circinus, the capital of the newly formed Scorpion Expanses here at the very edge of the Inner Sphere."
"You are asking, what can these Clanners offer that Solaris watchers can possibly enjoy? I asked that myself, but we are here for the opening ceremonies of the 41st Circus Honorae of Clan Goliath Scorpion."
"Circus Whatis?" Duncan chuckled.
"Yes. The "Games of Honor" are a celebration of the Warrior among this enigmatic Clan that we know so little about. Twenty-five days of live combat including 'Mech mayhem, bare-knuckles brawling, marksmanship, and many other competitions."
"Including live footage of WarShip and DropShip engagements in deep space and close orbit," chimed in a second voice.
"You are correct, Ervin," Duncan added smoothly. "My co-host for these events, Ervin Rebelke, two time Solaris Grand Champion from 3065 to 3066. You may remember his days as an unstoppable force of nature in his infamous Atlas that ruled the Coliseum and was feared in the Black Mountain."
"Thank you for the kind words, Duncan, but we are here for the fighting! After the past few years, watching Clanner beat up on Clanner is going to be pretty damn good, if I do say so myself!"
"Yes, Ervin, but the Games of Honor are not restricted to just Clan this year. Khan Nelson Elam of the Scorpion Expanses has opened the Games to Inner Sphere participation and we have a wild ride ahead of this over the course of the next month."
A fanfare of trumpets played, and Duncan smiled on camera. "Entering the Scorpion Coliseum is the contingent from Clan Ghost Bear. One of the favorites in this year's events, they are out for blood. Blakist or Clanner, I don't think they care!"
"No, they do not, Duncan. Can't wait to see both the individual and team events from those motivated Warriors!"
Ervin shook his head, and he sighed. "But I will never understand the Clans. 'Mech competitions, I get. Unarmed and melee combat, fine . . . I'll watch it! Live-fire unit tactical exercises? I love it! But some of these events?"
He snorted. "Who wants to watch Timed Land Navigation, Duncan?"
Duncan laughed. "And if it was just timed land navigation that any junior officer could screw up, you'd be right, Ervin! But the actual name of that event here is the Timed Land Navigation, Escape, and Evasion in Hostile Territory under Combat Conditions. And like all events of the Cicus Honorae, this one is live-fire, with opponents selected from the Scorpion Touman and Gendarme seeking to stop the competitors from finishing!"
"That sounds more like it," laughed Ervin.
"Competitors will be ejected from an aerospace fighter flying super-sonic at low atltitudes and the competition begins they moment they punch out! They will have to traverse 17 kilometers of rugged terrain to reach an extraction point, all the while evading armed patrols of Scorpion infantry with live weapons and avoiding booby-traps--including minefields!--placed throughout the area. Competitors will be scored not just on the the time to complete the course, but their ability to evade and escape capture . . . or death!"
"Yes, Solaris fans," Ervin added, "death. The Games of Honor are no-holds barred events that often result in injuries and fatalities. Look, Duncan, the Kell Hounds team has just entered the Arena!"
"And rumor has it that the Hounds include several Warriors of Clan Wolf-in-Exile in their number . . . be interesting to see how Clan Wolf's team reacts to that!"
"I know I'd pay a C-bill or two to watch!" Ervin exclaimed.
Duncan smiled to the camera, "And we will return to the opening ceremonies, live from Circinus after these messages from our sponsors. Coming up, a live interview with saKhan Jason Scott of Clan Goliath Scorpion as the 41st Circus Honorae continues! Stay tuned, sports fans."
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Very nice story from the last Circus!
Just what parameters are you proposing for this collaboration masterarminas? My Little Tankies seems to be set pre-invasion but it could be Jihad centric at least in my opinion. Plus a host of events I didn't care for from the Wars of Reaving. It was interesting certainly but how did the Coyotes survive their collaboration with the Society? Are we focusing only on the Clan aspect of this alternate Jihad? I have a few threads I could certainly add to this.
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Very nice story from the last Circus!
Just what parameters are you proposing for this collaboration masterarminas? My Little Tankies seems to be set pre-invasion but it could be Jihad centric at least in my opinion. Plus a host of events I didn't care for from the Wars of Reaving. It was interesting certainly but how did the Coyotes survive their collaboration with the Society? Are we focusing only on the Clan aspect of this alternate Jihad? I have a few threads I could certainly add to this.
Basically, in my head canon, the Scorpions have always "had a plan". A contingency ever since the Wolverine Annihilation that they kept close to the vest. An option for bugging out from the Clan Homeworlds if they felt their own survival was in doubt.
This plan was upgraded and added to by nearly all Khans of the Clan over the long years of the Clans existence . . . never spoken about openly, never implemented. But always there. And a lot of the reasons that the Scorpions stayed "stagnant" was because of the diversion of resources to stockpiles of equipment and materials and supplies hidden away against this contingency.
Fast forward to the Great Refusal and the aftermath. The call for the Annihilation (and subsequent Abjurement) of the Nova Cats, with the other Clans failing to heed the "grace period" that the Grand Council had given that Clan. It became obvious to the Scorpion leadership that the "social compact" of the Clans was failing and they began to give serious thought to Operation Xenophon.
It all came to a head when Brett Andrews was elected ilKhan . . . and he engineered the attack on Clan Wolf's Kerensky Blood Chapel. That was the final straw that made the Scorpions decide to get the Hell out of dodge before it all came crashing down.
But even though the Grand Council had voted to void the Great Refusal, they still considered themselves bound by it, and decided not to enter the Inner Sphere, per se, but to instead take over one of the Periphery Realms--the Circinus Federation. After all, General Kerensky had headquartered the SLDF on Circinus during the leadup to the Liberation of Terra. It served as a base and a training center.
Now, I've already decided that the Scorpions will be working with the Nova Cats in the wake of the Great Refusal to offer a home to Cat Warriors left behind in the Homeworlds . . . and that they will wind up absorbing two-to-three Clusters (Garrison troops, sure) before the Adders and Hellions and Horses and Vipers can wipe them out.
What if . . . they Scorpions also decide to absorb the younger sibkos of the Jaguars as well? They are six to twelve years away from becoming Warriors, but having those few hundred extra sibkin in the pipeline might just allow the Scorpions to expand (or sustain losses) in the years 3066-3072.
The Scorpions have as their own example of how this can be done the Bears Exodus to the Inner Sphere . . . and it once again showcased how the Clans are changing. How the remaining Clans fought (in a fashion far from honorable) for what little the Bears left behind.
I can see the Scorpions being soured by this change in attitude and by the fanaticism of Andrews to the point where they decide to leave behind the Homeworlds in order to save their Clan.
Would they cooperate with any other Clan (or portion thereof)? Well, that is where collaboration could come into play. Certainly, they would coordinate with Clan Wolf, except that Clan Wolf is (if I read Wars of Reaving correctly) no longer present in the Homeworlds after the assault on the their Blood Chapel on Strana Mechty.
Of course, if--when--the Scorpions decide to implement Xenophon, it is going to have to be via sealed orders and hope--pray--that nothing leaks to the other Clans. Can the Scorpions play a misdirection by abandoning one or more enclaves (Tokasha, Marshall, and Huntress) to provoke the other Clans into a fight over the resources of those systems, while they concentrate their entire Touman on Dagda and Roche (and Strana Mechty)?
If the Scorpion leadership learns that the Horse's (and Hellions) are about to conduct their own Invasion of the Invasion Corridors, does the Khan dare confide in either and other another option? If they do, it could change the outcome of Operation Ice Storm dramatically . . . but if the Hellions or Horses leak rumors that the Scorpions are jumping ship, it could precipitate a calamity before the Scorpions are ready to depart.
I do see the Scorpions as members of the Inner Sphere Clans . . . the Council of Six in canon (Wolf, Jade Falcon, Ghost Bear, Snow Raven, Hell's Horses, and Diamond Shark). It becomes the Council of Seven and I can see the Scorpions staying on decent (if not great) terms with the former Clan Nova Cat. Perhaps even moving that the Cats Abjurement be voided and the Clan permitted to rejoin their brother Clans in a Council of Eight.
As I said earlier, the Sharks need a place--a home--to base themselves out of. Can the Scorpions aid them by pointing them at the former Lothian League or Illyrian Palatinate? Having the Sharks between them and the Marian Hegemony can only strengthen the Scorpions position, and having two Clans on the border of the Free Worlds League would certainly make that Great House less . . . opportunistic and adventurous. Plus, the Sharks might just try to absorb Niops--wouldn't that be fun!
What of the remains of the Hellions? In canon, they were absorbed by the Scorpions and a Hellion eventually became saKhan. Would that be possible here if the Hellions got hammered as badly in this AU as in canon?
There are many possibilities to explore.
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There are many possibilities to explore for certain.
The Scorpions actually strike me as all over the place or scatter brained. This is epitomized by the Seekers who have a boat load of loose ends like saKhan Ren Posavatz on Tukayyid with the Steel Vipers.
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Ren_Posavatz
I always thought his journey could have played out in the Jihad as he was in search of some crazy Star League Cache.
Then you have the Circus Honorae, Dance of Scars, Necrosia, and a bunch of other things which give the Scorpions a bunch of hooks but little real direction.
I sent you my story notes on my Children of Moreau idea for the Clan which has them maintain the finest Freeborn Sibkos perhaps the reason behind their excellent training of the Wolf Dragoons.
You know my feelings on the Scorpion Fleet as well as a tangible link to the past. From the Exodus till today they are the powerful symbols of the Clans heritage.
Always fitzgerald's Combat Engineer take on the Scorpions as well.
https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/index.php?topic=2785.0
Warden Clans like the Scorpions may finally see their goal of protecting the InnerSphere come into focus thanks to the Word of Blake Jihad. Much like the end of your Scorpion Ascendant story. Why not have the Wardens get up and go once they get word of the Blakist assaults for a Second Liberation? Who is part of this Liberation Taskforce is up to you. Perhaps some Clans split in two driven by different Crusader and Warden philosophies.
For the absorption of the Jaguars I always had the Mandrills in mind as their Kindraa can't work together. This act inspired by the rebirth of the Wolves would see new Clans arise giving bloodnames from Mongoose and the Jaguars a new chance. This would give the Blood Spirits a second chance to guide these new Clans. Others in need of rebirth could also join this effort.
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Its a shame the Cateran Cluster got removed.
The idea of Elemental Commando's being airdropped from Khirgiz's was always a cool vision
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Its a shame the Cateran Cluster got removed.
The idea of Elemental Commando's being airdropped from Khirgiz's was always a cool vision
You are not the only one who missed the Cateran. Which is why I posted a poll here asking if I should go ahead and add another unit to the Scorpion Touman that recreates that "Special Operating Forces" vibe of the Cateran Cluster. But--hopefully!!--done in a way that makes a bit more sense!
Feel free to comment, Fitz.
MA
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Ice Scorpions
In July of 3072, the Scorpion Exodus Fleet jumped into an uncharted system. The advance pickets detected two WarShips, which were identified as the CIH Coterie and the CSJ Osis' Pride!
Communications were established with the Coterie, but even as they explained that the comms aboard the Pride were not functional, the advance pickets of the Scorpion Fleet came under attack by the single remaining Jaguar Aerospace Fighter Star.
The results of this attack were preordained as the Jaguar aerospace assets were barely functional and outnumbered by a substantial margin. Star Admiral Jessica Ben-Shimon ordered a boarding action of the Pride sending a force of Elementals from the Einheriar Naval Star to take the vessel before it could escape.
The confrontation was swift and relatively bloodless, as saKhan Conner Rood of the Hellions negotiated for a cease-fire, citing the Pride's communication difficulties as the cause of the attack.
When the remainder of the Scorpion Exodus Fleet arrived, Khan Elam found himself with a tempting proposition: two WarShips, both Potemkin-class, both undercrewed, and with less than a Cluster of Hellion and Jaguar Warriors to defend them. However, rather than simply taking the vessels and their assets, he sat down to begin negotiations with saKhan Rood and Star Colonel Raymond Bowen.
Upon learning of what had transpired in the Homeworlds and the beleaguered nature of what little was left of his Clan, Rood came to the realization that his remaining three Trinary and single (crippled) WarShip would not be the salvation of his fellow Hellion Warriors.
And the Jaguars were disgraced Warriors of an Annihilated Clan . . . certain to be regarded as bandits if they were to return.
Khan Elam proposed a Trial of Absorption, offering to Absorb both groups into Clan Goliath Scorpion. While both Rood and Bowen were initially reluctant to agree, eventually the two realized that were literally no remaining options available to them.
The Trial was not a formality . . . although it remained mostly unlethal (mostly), it was ferociously fought. But, in the end, despite the skill and courage of the last Jaguar and Hellion Warriors, the Scorpions managed to prevail.
For three weeks, the Scorpions remained in the system they had designated GS-1714 while the YardShip Hephaestus worked to restore and repair the damage suffered to Coterie's K/F Drive. During this time, supplies from the Scorpion Fleet were transferred to the two vessels, along with additional Scorpion crewmen to aid in the repair efforts aboard both Coterie and Pride.
After three weeks of hard work, the Scorpion Exodus was ready to resume having gained nearly five Trinary of Warriors and two damaged WarShips.
During the voyage, the Warriors of the Hellions and Jaguars were organized (along with a handful of Scorpion sibkin newly tested as Warriors) into a new Cluster . . . the 30th Scorpion Dragoons (The Ice Scorpions). OmniMechs, OmniFighters, and Elemental Battle Armor were removed from the Strategic Reserve Depot to outfit this Cluster. Neither as light and fast as the Hellions desired, nor as heavy and ponderous as the Jaguars wished, the resulting Cluster was added to the Scorpion Touman as part of Chi Galaxy (The Nova Scorpions) under the command of Star Colonel Conner Rood. A fact which the remaining two Chi Galaxy Clusters--predominately comprised of former Clan Nova Cat Warriors--protested! But Khan Elam held firm and despite grumbling from the ranks, no Trials of Refusal (official Trials, at least!) were fought over the issue.
The Scorpions did lack extra Scorpion-class Troop Carriers and Warden-class Assault DropShips, and could not spare any JumpShips for transport, so the Ice Scorpions remained embarked on Coterie using a motley collection of DropShips in various states of disrepair.
Star Colonel Bowen remained in command of the Pride.
Khan Elam promised both men that upon arrival at Circinus and the establishment of the Scorpion factories that full repairs (and overhauls!) of both WarShips would be a priority, along with producing enough new Scorpions and Wardens for all three commands (the Ice Scorpions, the Coterie, and the Pride).
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You have quite a menagerie going on masterarminas. Nova Cats, Ice Hellions, Smoke Jaguars, oh my!
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Let's see if he can add members from other dead/dying Clans in his AU.
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You have quite a menagerie going on masterarminas. Nova Cats, Ice Hellions, Smoke Jaguars, oh my!
We are not a menagerie! OR at least, no more than the other Clans.
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You have quite a menagerie going on masterarminas. Nova Cats, Ice Hellions, Smoke Jaguars, oh my!
The Scorpions are collectors, after all! Now we just need a Binary of Burrocks, a Trinary of Blood Spirits, and few Stars of Fire Mandrills . . . on second thought, no Mandrills. Not even the Scorpions are that crazy! ;)
MA
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Mixing the Blood Spirits with Burrocks is super nuts bud! Good luck with that combo!!
Blood Spirit I could actually see as a part of this Exodus though because of their Star League heritage which is even a good match with Eridani Light Horse.
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Mixing the Blood Spirits with Burrocks is super nuts bud! Good luck with that combo!!
Blood Spirit I could actually see as a part of this Exodus though because of their Star League heritage which is even a good match with Eridani Light Horse.
Actually, that was a joke. But looking at the source material, I think I am going to change that section and instead have the Scorpions intervene at the Battle of DS-322. The Hellions had Coterie and five JumpShips carrying the remnants of two Clusters from Beta Galaxy (minus their war material which was given to Clan Jade Falcon as isorla for their granting of hegira from the Dark Nebula). They were ambushed there by the Burrock Zeta Galaxy . . . what would happen if the Scorpion Exodus Fleet jumped in just before the battle began?
I don't know where DS-322 is located, but it is closer to the Inner Sphere than where Coterie encountered Osis' Pride and takes place a month sooner. Which puts it right about where the Scorpion Fleet would be passing in the time line. The time, anyway. Since I don't have a location. But since the Hellions were heading back to the Homeworlds from the Dark Nebula, I think they would have probably plotted as much of a straight line course as they could.
I don't know if the Scorps would take any of the Burrocks as abtakha, since they were in active rebellion against the Clan that absorbed them (Star Adder) and pretty much everyone else acting in concert with the Society and bandit caste. If, that is, the Burrocks even stay to fight. One Galaxy (without WarShips, I do believe, though I could be mistaken) against the combined Scorpion Touman? I'd bug out from that fight citing discretion as the better part of valor!
Would that work better, you think?
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Would you trust the Burrocks especially at this point and time? Not me, no way in hell. The Scorpions would and should wipe them out.
I'd like to see some Blood Spirit and Cloud Cobras along with the Scorpion Exodus. The Spirits for the Star League heritage aspect (brotherhood, ilChis, etc.) and Cloud Cobra for a special Cloister modeled after the unique beliefs of the Scorpions (mysticism link).
Also hardcore Wardens from other Clans too committed to the defense of the InnerSphere might be a fine match as well.
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Would you trust the Burrocks especially at this point and time? Not me, no way in hell. The Scorpions would and should wipe them out.
I'd like to see some Blood Spirit and Cloud Cobras along with the Scorpion Exodus. The Spirits for the Star League heritage aspect (brotherhood, ilChis, etc.) and Cloud Cobra for a special Cloister modeled after the unique beliefs of the Scorpions (mysticism link).
Also hardcore Wardens from other Clans too committed to the defense of the InnerSphere might be a fine match as well.
Perhaps some Blood Spirits units might have launched themselves in a campaign to wipe the rebellious Burrock and found them at the same time the Ice Hellion fleet was ambushed?
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Perhaps some Blood Spirits units might have launched themselves in a campaign to wipe the rebellious Burrock and found them at the same time the Ice Hellion fleet was ambushed?
I love the idea of a Blood Spirit unit roving around to kill every last Burrock. How big can I make this unit?
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Would you trust the Burrocks especially at this point and time? Not me, no way in hell. The Scorpions would and should wipe them out.
I'm leaning in that direction with any prisoners (if there are any, that is!) taken being executed instead of absorbed.
I'd like to see some Blood Spirit and Cloud Cobras along with the Scorpion Exodus. The Spirits for the Star League heritage aspect (brotherhood, ilChis, etc.) and Cloud Cobra for a special Cloister modeled after the unique beliefs of the Scorpions (mysticism link).
Also hardcore Wardens from other Clans too committed to the defense of the InnerSphere might be a fine match as well.
Let me see what I can do. There are a few options that I have thought about for possibly absorbing a Cobra or Spirit (or perhaps even a Coyote or Shark) unit prior to the Scorpions leaving the Homeworlds for good.
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Something like this, maybe?
The Spirit of the Scorpions Wakes
In 3061, in the wake of the Burrock Absorption, Clan Blood Spirit was reeling from the immense casualties it had suffered when it engaged both Burrock and Star Adder forces in an unilateral attempt to bypass the decision by the Grand Council to award the honor of Absorption to the Clan Star Adder.
The Blood Spirit Fleet, already drawn down to the bare minimum required to support the clan, had lost two WarShips, including the Clan's Flagship, the battleship Carmine Justice. As the tattered Spirits began to rebuild the other losses to their Touman, Khan Karianna Schmitt relunctently accepted that little could be done to restore their Fleet.
Until Clan Goliath Scorpion stepped in with a proposal that took the isolationist Spirits aback.
Concerned for the future of his Clan, former Khan Nikolai Djerassi (now Master of Instruction for Clan Goliath Scorpion) had managed to persuade Khan Ariel Suvorov to offer the Spirits a trade: the two Aegis-class Cruisers that Clan Goliath Scorpion had deactivated and placed in the Clan's deep space Naval Cache in the Roche system almost four decades earlier.
In exchange for these two Cruisers, Djerassi requested that the Spirits provide the Scorpions with 210 Blood Spirit Warriors. These Warriors would need to be acceptable to Clan Goliath Scorpion, but the opportunity this presented to Khan Schmitt--ridding her Clan of those with Warden views as well as those true-born and free-birth unable (or unwilling) to comply with the Spirit's strict traditionalism--was extremely tempting. While Schmitt needed every Warrior she had, the offer that the Scorpions had presented would she go far in restoring her Fleet strength, she also had the opportunity to eliminate the irritating voice of the Wardens within her own Clan, as well as Warriors who created internal dissension for the Spirits.
Djerassi sweetened the deal further by vowing that the commanding officer of the Spirit Warriors, all of whom would be inducted into Clan Goliath Scorpion as abtakha, would serve as the de facto ilChi to the Scorpions. And that they would retain their Spirit organization and serve to promote better relations between the two Clans.
In 3061, Khan Schmitt met with Khan Suvorov on Strana Mechty and the two reached an agreement.
And thus was born the 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster--the Blood Scorpions.
The Blood Scorpions
Unique among the Scorpion Clusters, the 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster follows Blood Spirit organization: three Trinary of OmniMechs, one Trinary of Combat Vehicles, and one Trinary of Elemental Infantry. While the unit organization lacked integral aerospace support (like all Spirit formations), the Scorpion Fleet could (and does) provide on-call ground support for the Blood Scorpions when required.
Due to the differences in organizational structure between the 30th Scorpion Cavalry and the remainder of the Touman, the Blood Scorpions are not assigned to any Galaxy, but are considered an independent unit. Used extensively to hunt bandits--especially those with connections to the former Clan Burrock!--the Blood Scorpions also see duty as a training "Opposition Force" for Scorpion Clusters to hone their skills against.
Each OmniMech Trinary consists of heavy- and medium-weight OmniMechs with 6 Goliath Scorpions, 6 Desert Tigers, and 3 Sand Devils. The Combat Vehicle Trinary contains thirty medium-weight OmniVehicles, the Nike Strike Tank. Massing 40 tons, this vehicle is able to match the movement profile of the 60-ton Desert Tiger on a tracked vehicle chassis, with decent armor protection, a one-ton Turret, and 10.5 tons of available pod-space.
Inexpensive to manufacture and maintain due to the 240-rate standard fusion engine that powers the vehicle, the Nikes are one of Djerassi's pet projects that failed to win Clan-wide acceptance. But since the Blood Scorpions became active in 3062, the Clan and its Warriors have come to realize the potential and capabilities of these medium-weight tanks as a force multiplier. While no other formation within the Clan has yet to field these vehicles within their own ranks, Khan Elam has plans to produce the design on Circinus and to use them to outfit free-birth Garrison Clusters for defense of each of the worlds within the Scorpion Expanses.
One departure from Clan Blood Spirit doctrine has been made with the 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster. While the unit remains technically organized into five Trinary formations, in the field under combat conditions, the Scorpions have adopted a new deployment structure. Trinary Delta (the Combat Vehicle Trinary) and Trinary Epsilon (the Elemental Trinary) are broken up into their component Stars, with one Star each assigned to the OmniMech Trinarys Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Known as the Cavalry Combat Commands, these units contain 15 OmniMechs, 10 Combat OmniVehicles, and 25 Elementals each making them formidable opponents with a great deal of firepower on the battlefield. Three Martial Spirit-class Troop Carrier DropShips (name is a place holder until I think of something better!) massing 7,400 tons apiece provide transport for these Cavalry Combat Commands and their supplies, while a Warden-class Assault DropShip takes up the fourth docking collar on their assigned Dauntless-class JumpShip.
As it seldom sees high-intensity combat operations, well over 90% of the Blood Scorpions remain Warriors who were raised in Clan Blood Spirit. The return of Clan Goliath Scorpion to the edge of the Inner Sphere has been a joyous time for them, but they are also saddened at the violence and intra-Clan squabbling that drove the Scorpions from the Homeworlds. They fear for what remains of their old Clan, but realize that they are now Scorpions. And it is their duty--as ilChi--to remind the remainder of their brother Scorpions of their duty as Heirs of the Star League Defense Force and the Children of the Blood of Kerensky.
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A wee bit different than the one that won the Quicksilver contest. A bit heavier and a bit more armament.
Nike
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 1,408,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 346
Power Plant: 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 64.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
10.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 20 points 4.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 240 17.50
Cruise MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 1.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 96 5.00
Armor
Factor
Front 20
Left/Right 20/20
Turret 20
Rear 16
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 2,179,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 916
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser T 10 1 6.00
LRM-5 T 2 1 1.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 1.00
Anti-Missile System T 1 1 0.50
@LRM-5 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 1.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 2 2 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 2,367,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 1,141
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
LRM-15 T 5 1 3.50
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 1.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 3.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 11
6 3 3 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 2,253,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 928
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Pulse Lasers T 8 2 4.00
Streak SRM-6 T 4 1 3.00
AP Gauss Rifle T 1 1 0.50
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 4 4 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 2,029,937
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 730
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC T 1 1 7.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
ER Small Laser T 2 1 0.50
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20) BD - 0 1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 7
6 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 1,936,437
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 782
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/5 T 1 1 7.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
ER Small Laser T 2 1 0.50
@Ultra AC/5 (40) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 8
6 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 2,503,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 940
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser T 12 1 4.00
AP Gauss Rifle T 1 1 0.50
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
ECM Suite T 0 1 1.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 2 2 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ECM
================================================================================
Loadout Name: F Cost: 2,282,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 946
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
LRM-10 T 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 1.00
Streak SRM-6 T 4 1 3.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 2.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 3 3 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 1
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Something like this, maybe?
I like it a lot except for three things.
Furthermore, he insisted that these Warriors be Wardens.
Not sure you are going to be able to get 210 Wardens from the Blood Spirits. There maybe some but you are likely going to get Crusaders. You could ask the Spirit Khan for volunteers or those who love history or are just willing to work with other Clans. There are a lot of isolationists bordering on xenophobia or hardcore Crusaders you'd like to screen out certainly.
Djerassi sweetened the deal further by vowing that the Spirit Warriors, inducted into Clan Goliath Scorpion as abtakha would serve as de facto ilChi to the Scorpions. And that they would retain their Spirit organization and serve to promote better relations between the two Clans.
Usually there is just one ilChi who would probably be the commander of this cluster and if you want that tradition to carry on that is not a problem.
Lacking in aerospace support, the 30th Scorpion Cavalry is often used as an "Opposition Force" (or OpFor) such as Clan Star Adder routinely uses in training operations.
Here is my biggest objection to the unit. I am sure the Blood Spirits will throw in a Naval OmniFighter Trinary as part of the deal which the Scorpions can assign to support the ground cluster as needed but will keep them seperate to honor their orthodox observance of Nicholas Kerensky's organizational doctrine.
I don't see them as an OpFor like the Star Adders feature but rather become fervent Bandit Hunters after the Scorpion Exdous finds Burrocks along the way. Engaging them in battle with zeal they find their niche in rooting out and exterminating these scum. Probably serving as vanguard after this incident and then acting in this capacity once they reach their destination.
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Not sure you are going to be able to get 210 Wardens from the Blood Spirits. There maybe some but you are likely going to get Crusaders. You could ask the Spirit Khan for volunteers or those who love history or are just willing to work with other Clans. There are a lot of isolationists bordering on xenophobia or hardcore Crusaders you'd like to screen out certainly.
Does this work better?
"In exchange for these two Cruisers, Djerassi requested that the Spirits provide the Scorpions with 210 Blood Spirit Warriors. These Warriors would need to be acceptable to Clan Goliath Scorpion, but the opportunity this presented to Khan Schmitt--ridding her Clan of those with Warden views as well as those true-born and free-birth unable (or unwilling) to comply with the Spirit's strict traditionalism--was extremely tempting. While Schmitt needed every Warrior she had, the offer that the Scorpions had presented would she go far in restoring her Fleet strength, she also had the opportunity to eliminate the irritating voice of the Wardens within her own Clan, as well as Warriors who created internal dissension for the Spirits."
Usually there is just one ilChi who would probably be the commander of this cluster and if you want that tradition to carry on that is not a problem.
Fixed.
"Djerassi sweetened the deal further by vowing that the commanding officer of the Spirit Warriors, all of whom would be inducted into Clan Goliath Scorpion as abtakha, would serve as the de facto ilChi to the Scorpions. And that they would retain their Spirit organization and serve to promote better relations between the two Clans."
Here is my biggest objection to the unit. I am sure the Blood Spirits will throw in a Naval OmniFighter Trinary as part of the deal which the Scorpions can assign to support the ground cluster as needed but will keep them seperate to honor their orthodox observance of Nicholas Kerensky's organizational doctrine.
I don't see them as an OpFor like the Star Adders feature but rather become fervent Bandit Hunters after the Scorpion Exdous finds Burrocks along the way. Engaging them in battle with zeal they find their niche in rooting out and exterminating these scum. Probably serving as vanguard after this incident and then acting in this capacity once they reach their destination.
How about this?
"One departure from Clan Blood Spirit doctrine has been made with the 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster. While the unit remains technically organized into five Trinary formations, in the field under combat conditions, the Scorpions have adopted a new deployment structure. Trinary Delta (the Combat Vehicle Trinary) and Trinary Epsilon (the Elemental Trinary) are broken up into their component Stars, with one Star each assigned to the OmniMech Trinarys Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Known as the Cavalry Combat Commands, these units contain 15 OmniMechs, 10 Combat OmniVehicles, and 25 Elementals each making them formidable opponents with a great deal of firepower on the battlefield. Three Martial Spirit-class Troop Carrier DropShips (name is a place holder until I think of something better!) massing 7,400 tons apiece provide transport for these Cavalry Combat Commands and their supplies, while a Warden-class Assault DropShip takes up the fourth docking collar on their assigned Dauntless-class JumpShip."
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210 warriors for two Cruisers sign me up for that highway robbery. Thats barely over the amount of crew needed for one ship. Would civilian population be something scorpions interested in as Ice recently pointed out in another thread they have a large pool.
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The first two are fantastic fixes to me. There I have no further objections.
While some future Cluster could be formed out of this Spirit-Scorpion mix I don't like this structure for the dogmatic Spirits. Six trinaries from the Spirits organized and operating how they operate with the aerospace trinary being attached to their Jumpship perhaps is the way I would go. In the future as these groups amalgamize together then I see another unit being cobbled together in the fashion you suggest.
210 warriors for two Cruisers sign me up for that highway robbery. Thats barely over the amount of crew needed for one ship. Would civilian population be something scorpions interested in as Ice recently pointed out in another thread they have a large pool.
If you include equipment then perhaps not Bradshaw. Those Cruisers might be in rough shape. But sweeting the deal with civilian populace isn't a bad idea.
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The first two are fantastic fixes to me. There I have no further objections.
While some future Cluster could be formed out of this Spirit-Scorpion mix I don't like this structure for the dogmatic Spirits. Six trinaries from the Spirits organized and operating how they operate with the aerospace trinary being attached to their Jumpship perhaps is the way I would go. In the future as these groups amalgamize together then I see another unit being cobbled together in the fashion you suggest.
210 warriors for two Cruisers sign me up for that highway robbery. Thats barely over the amount of crew needed for one ship. Would civilian population be something scorpions interested in as Ice recently pointed out in another thread they have a large pool.
If you include equipment then perhaps not Bradshaw. Those Cruisers might be in rough shape. But sweeting the deal with civilian populace isn't a bad idea.
Didn't quite deal with your third point, Takiro. I changed the text above, but didn't post it to let you know.
"Unique among the Scorpion Clusters, the 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster follows Blood Spirit organization: three Trinary of OmniMechs, one Trinary of Combat Vehicles, and one Trinary of Elemental Infantry. While the unit organization lacked integral aerospace support (like all Spirit formations), the Scorpion Fleet could (and does) provide on-call ground support for the Blood Scorpions when required.
Due to the differences in organizational structure between the 30th Scorpion Cavalry and the remainder of the Touman, the Blood Scorpions are not assigned to any Galaxy, but are considered an independent unit. Used extensively to hunt bandits--especially those with connections to the former Clan Burrock!--the Blood Scorpions also see duty as a training "Opposition Force" for Scorpion Clusters to hone their skills against."
And yes, 210 Warriors for 2 Cruisers is pretty much highway robbery. But those are stock Clan Aegis-class that have been sitting in the Naval Cache for almost 50 years. They need a lot of work to get operational. And the Scorpions have plenty of civilians . . . plus, restoring good relations with a Crusader Clan is easily worth two Cruisers the Scorps aren't using anyway. At least in my opinion.
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Organizational fix is quite fine but independent unit is not what I was thinking. Try this out;
The Scorpions are collectors of the past undoubtedly and when things go sideways in the Wars of Reaving they decide as a Clan perhaps the last true Clan to get the hell out of dodge. With this in mind Project Noah is begun to gather as much as they can for the long journey ahead. What the scope of this program is I leave to you but imagine getting a unit of each Clan who stubbornly refuses to depart and head for Circinus.
You've made arrangements for Smoke Jaguar, Ice Hellion, and now Blood Spirit. Are there room for more alongside of Blood Spirit in a Legacy Galaxy?
And yes it may not be possible to get every Clan here but maybe just maybe think of a Scorpion Exodus during the Reavings.
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Organizational fix is quite fine but independent unit is not what I was thinking. Try this out;
The Scorpions are collectors of the past undoubtedly and when things go sideways in the Wars of Reaving they decide as a Clan perhaps the last true Clan to get the hell out of dodge. With this in mind Project Noah is begun to gather as much as they can for the long journey ahead. What the scope of this program is I leave to you but imagine getting a unit of each Clan who stubbornly refuses to depart and head for Circinus.
You've made arrangements for Smoke Jaguar, Ice Hellion, and now Blood Spirit. Are there room for more alongside of Blood Spirit in a Legacy Galaxy?
And yes it may not be possible to get every Clan here but maybe just maybe think of a Scorpion Exodus during the Reavings.
Legacy Galaxy? I like that idea. I was thinking along the lines of trying to figure out a way to get perhaps a Binary of Cobra aerospace pilots (maybe dedicated to ground support for the Blood Scorpions? Hmmm?), but there could be others out there as well.
Burrock, we don't want.
That leaves Coyote, Fire Mandrill, Steel Viper, and Star Adder. Since the Sharks, Horses, Wolves, Falcons, Bears, and Ravens are already heading in the direction of the Inner Sphere and near Periphery. Nova Cats are abjured (and we have some already). Hellions and Spirits (maybe Cobras) taken care of. Jaguars are dead (or nearly so), but we have a generation of Jaguar sibkin rapidly approaching the age where they can join the Scorpion Touman.
I'm willing to listen to ideas on how to gain a Trinary/Binary or two or three from the four remaining for a composite Cluster (or two).
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Perhaps instead of gaining two Clusters from the Nova Cats, we only get one (designated as the Nova Scorpions). And we use Chi Galaxy as the "legacy Galaxy" that Takiro suggested. Something like this:
Chi Galaxy (Kerensky's Legacy)
30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster (Blood Scorpions) [??/??]
29th Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (??) [??/??]
42nd Scorpion Cuirassier Cluster (??) [??/??}
9th Scorpion Dragoons (Nova Scorpions) [Regular/Questionable]
31st Scorpion Hussars (Ice Scorpions) [Veteran/Questionable]
201st Scorpion Fighter Binary (??) [??/??]
The 30th Scorpion Cavalry Cluster and 9th Scorpion Dragoons are pretty much set. I'm gonna go with them. Along with the 201st Scorpion Fighter Binary (from Cloud Cobra).
The 31st Scorpion Hussars will be the remnants of the Hellion Beta Galaxy consolidated into a single Cluster (was going to do two, but the sourcebooks said that Rood had only Coterie and three Trinary left after the battle against Clan Burrock.
I made the Ice Scorpions veteran because they just came off the campaign against Jade Falcon and Hell's Horses. Same reason I made the Nova Scorpions regular (could be green!) because they were Nova Cat garrison troops.
I need, however, some input on what the other Clusters (and Fighter Binary) should be. And Cluster names. I need Cluster names.
Thoughts?
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The Cloud Cobras would be some sort of Cloister probably minor in nature that heads off with the Scorpions. Perhaps as I previously suggested something based on Scorpion beliefs and rituals.
Coyote would be another one I would go with as the Cobras, Cats, and Scorpions are all gifted with mystical foresight in some way. Now yes the Yotes and the Cobras don't get along so that has to be dealt with however the excuse to get rid of them is easy enough. These Yotes were probably chased by the Society in some fashion or those deemed most likely to oppose them based on available data.
I'd love to suggest a Steel Viper Cluster as a Warden one who wants to cooperate with the InnerSphere. I feel this aspect of the Clan was completely abandoned after their loss to Jade Falcon but received no attention. Here again these bad apples could be cast out for their Taint.
Obviously this leaves Fire Mandrill (Warden Kindraa from Payne or Beyl-Grant) and Star Adder (no idea here??) out. I figure the Scorpions would want to concentrate on Homeworld Clans to join their Exodus as those in the InnerSphere are still viable.
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Interestingly enough Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga was absorbed by the Blood Spirits after doing a little more research on the whole Wars of Reaving which is circa 3074.
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Kindraa_Faraday-Tanaga_(Clan_Fire_Mandrill)
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Totally extenuating circumstances though for their absorption
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The Scorpions will leave the Homeworlds in 3071 after the election of Brett Andrews as ilKhan and the destruction of the Kerensky Blood Chapel. So any events after that will not be influenced by the Scorpions.
Prior to 3071, there are a number of events that I view with skepticism that the Scorpions engaged in in the canon timeline:
3069: The attack on Lum. A Trial of Possession for the entire ShipYards. Why? Why would the Scorpions go after the Ravens, especially on the heels of an attack by Clan Star Adder? It makes no sense to me, other than the writers wanted to Scorps to get off the sidelines. In my timeline, the Scorpion attack on Lum does not occur. Which keeps the Ravens from seeking revenge and requesting a Trial of Annihilation against the Scorpions in the Grand Council.
3071: Why did the Scorpions--of all Clans--issue a Trial of Refusal over the election of Garret Sainze as ilKhan? The Scorpions are famous in canon for keeping to themselves and even when they disagree with the Grand Council, they show their disdain like in the vote for Operation Revival: flipping a coin to show their vote really didn't matter. Why now, do the Scorpions commit troops in a Trial of Refusal that guts (destroys actually) two Scorpion Clusters? They aren't a part of the Snake Alliance, so why did they act? In my timeline, they don't. It is the Vipers, Adders, or Cobras who fight the Trial of Refusal (probably the Vipers) and kill Garret Sainze.
3071: The Scorpions defend the Grand Council decision to abjure the Wolves? Fighting the Coyotes--alongside the Vipers--to abjure the Clan that they owe their surkairede to? Their closest (and probably only real) ally? Then the Scorpions move to take Grant's Station from the Wolves (fighting the Vipers first to drive them off) and win. But at least they fight in single duels, because the Scorpions honored the Way of the Wolves. WHAT? They honor them, yet they seize and take an enclave they don't need and will be over extended to defend?
3071: The election of Brett Andrews as ilKhan and the declaration of all Inner Sphere Clans as tainted is the catalyst in my timeline for the Scorpion Exodus. The past two years have seen the Clan Homeworlds begin a downward spiral of violence and intolerance as petty feuds devolve into outright massacres. Then comes the Wolves destruction of their own Kerensky Blood Chapel and Hell comes to Strana Mechty. This is the spark that makes Nelson Elam decide that if the Scorpions are leaving, they have to leave now. Before it is too late.
So any events happening in the Homeworlds after 3071 aren't really relevant to my project. Which has been delayed because of real life but is getting very close to completion.
I do hope to have it posted here (in PDF) soon for all ya'll to enjoy. Or at least read. ;)
MA
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There are a number of events that don't make sense to me in BattleTech and Wars of Reaving are no different. My alternate histories are rooted in contradictions like you site here masterarminas but I am afraid your focus is too narrow. I am going to go by Clan for my objections.
1. Steel Viper. Okay I get the development of Brett Andrews and his 'Tainted philosophy' as it is a crazy swing from a Clan known for their crazy swings. What I disliked was the lack of any Viper opposition in accordance with the Mercer Doctrine which called for greater cooperation with the InnerSphere. Now the treachery of saKhan Christopher Ahmed during the Refusal War does somewhat pour cold water on this but then you have Khan Perigard Zalman. Less extreme than Andrews he was defeated by Diana Pryde and allowed freeborns to actually serve in the Viper Touman defeating several challenges to his leadership. Yes he was bitter about the Viper ejection from the InnerSphere and did endorse a view of the "Invading Clans being tainted by their contact with the InnerSphere" but he seems much more moderate in his approach then Andrews. I see his vision for the Vipers may be one of cooperation among the Home Clans but where is the orthodoxy? Then you have the Great Refusal that is again sited by the Vipers as a fulfillment of Mercer's vision for the Clan!! Certainly advocates of the Mercer Doctrine would still exist even though he defeated challenges upon returning home. He can incorporate freeborns I suppose but shouldn't the Vipers have a culling or civil war between these two divergent philosophies? I have no objection to their alliance with the Snake Clans or their attack on Lum which results in Zalman's death but the Wardens and those in the Clan who would likely go the whole other direction perhaps even saying that their Clan never truly embraced Sanra Mercer's call to cooperate with the InnerSphere (a Tainted ideal or the Tainted ideal if I ever heard one) were never heard from. Plus there are story seeds never addressed here from big characters; the unknown fate of from Khan Natalie Breen after her defeat by the Jade Falcons, Star Captain Dawn Moffat of Star Lord fame did return to the Homeworlds and win some fame in fighting the Snow Ravens in 3062 but then she disappears, and finally one of the biggest mysteries to me involving the Goliath Scorpions and Steel Vipers the disappearance of saKhan Ren Postavaz on Tukayyid. A lot of unresolved here and big opportunities to make changes.
2. Fire Mandrill. Yes I know why the hell am I talking about this mess folks, well quite simply the election of Garret Sainze as ilKhan. Many things don't make sense to me here what so ever!!! Yes ok the election of an ilKhan is very political and we've seen that before but this event is just plain old mishandled in almost ever single way. It lacks any real vision or plan and lets say it did happen and then was challenged wouldn't the Mandrills come together in defense of their ilKhan? ??? What I liked about their development previously was the formation of ilKindraa which should have been more powerful then the seven Kindraa we first saw in FM Crusader Clans. However there wasn't much story building based around this Clan except that it was a mess destined to get splatted. A lot of potential here for alternate stuff.
3. Cloud Cobra. Their growing ties to the Blood Spirits which get an ilChi confuses the ever loving hell right out of me folks. A close friend of the Burrocks and Star Adders forever would never be someone the Blood Spirits would ever want to associate with. Someone makes their intelligence roll here please!!! And what about Tanis and the Society - surely this Clan and its powerful scientist Clan would also be involved as well.
4. Star Adder. My solution to the ilKhan problem here is to see one of my canon favorites survive a bit longer and take up the mantle of supreme leadership. I would have liked to see what Cassius N'Buta would have done when informed about the Word of Blake Jihad. Perhaps propose an Operation Liberation II to join in on the curb stomping of the Blakists and get the Homeworld Clans into the InnerSphere.