History
The Guardians of the True Path origins stretch back to the time of the first Star League. The exact date of this dissident group’s founding is unknown but the event that spawned it is. In 2696, Mary Davion traveled to the Draconis Combine on a diplomatic mission typical of Humanity’s Golden Age. It’s purpose was to promote good relations between the House Davion and the House Kurita. During the mission Mary met and instantly became enamored with Soto Kurita, the Coordinator’s youngest son. It was Soto’s chief bodyguard and close personal friend, Tanaka Nakamora, who founded the True Path almost immediately after the couple’s first encounter. Nakamora was certain that the union of Soto and Mary would be the dawn of a new era. The pair enjoyed few supporters from either of their families, who on more than one occasion tried to end the relationship, so Nakamora and his growing cadre of followers were readily accepted by both Mary and Soto. The couples wedding and subsequent child births were joyous events celebrated by all the Guardians. It was during this time that the True Path expanded not only in the Draconis Combine but also in the Federated Suns. Although the groups support within the Federated Suns evaporated after consequent events. The Guardians grew especially powerful within the House Kurita. When Mary Davion died in 2715, Nakamora and his followers pressed for her son Vincent to be proclaimed heir of the Federated Suns. Although we still do not know for sure who forged the papers in which Mary supposedly announced her wish that her son become the First Prince if the Federated Suns it could very well have been Nakamora. Over the next eight years when a Star League commission was attempting to decide the issue the True Path reached it’s peak membership. During the War of Davion Succession many volunteered to help Vincent Kurita-Davion achieve his rightful place. However, victory was not to be as the Star League launched Operation Smother to halt the four year conflict. The League ruled in favor of the House Davion and blamed Kurita for the entire war. As a result in coordination with Star League authorities the Internal Security Force (ISF) cracked down on the Guardians. The True Path’s founder, Tanaka Nakamora, accepted responsibility for his lord’s failure and committed seppuku. The Guardians did not completely disappear however as many within the Order of the Five Pillars (O5P) were sympathetic to the group’s plight. As a result the True Path managed to survive this purge. In fact, Guardians who survived this dark time became even more devoted to the Kurita-Davion union. Many spread word that the House Cameron feared the potential alliance of the Star League’s greatest two Houses. The group remained underground until the events of the Amaris Coup. Drago, Vincent’s son, had worked hard using his name to promote the unity of the Star League. He eventually became the Combine’s ambassador to the Star League living mainly on Earth. When Amaris struck the Usurper captured Drago and his family using them as hostages. This together with the execution of the Cameron line galvanized support for the True Path once again. Some Guardians even joined Kerensky’s effort to liberate Terra and save the Star League. These zealots believed that when the Usurper was defeated the League would be restored under a new First Lord, Drago Kurita-Davion. This was not to be as Amaris killed Drago in the coups final days earning the Usurper the eternal hatred of the Guardians. Talks to restore the League failed even though a Kurita-Davion was mentioned as a possible candidate for the First Lordship. When the Succession Wars broke out the Combine launched a tremendous offensive against the Federated Suns. For a time it looked as though the House Davion might fall before the might of the Dragon. First Prince John Davion was determined to stop this at all costs. Fearing that a Kurita-Davion could be installed on the throne of the Federated Suns and provide some sort of legitimacy to a Draconis occupation Prince Davion authorized MI6 (the Rabid Foxes) to hunt down and kill every member of the Kurita-Davion line. While the Guardians did their best to thwart the Davion Special Forces they apparently failed. Vincent Kurita-Davion was killed during combat by a Davion death squad in 2788 and Quentin Kurita-Davion was assassinated by MI6 in a dropship explosion in 2800. Only Chandra Kurita-Davion died of old age on Luthien but this Order of the Five Pillars (O5P) disciple left no heirs. There was a rumor that a lone Kurita-Davion did escape but what happened to him (or her) is completely unknown. It appeared as though the True Path was finished. For almost two hundred and fifty years nothing. Then like a phoenix from the ashes the movement suddenly reappeared during the Clan Invasion. Just after the Outreach Summit of 3051 the Guardians once again sprang to life with a new message. A new Kurita-Davion alliance would ultimately defeat the Clan juggernaut and herald in a new Golden Age. Many along the Clans invasion route suddenly embraced the True Path. The Guardianship grew strong once again apparently with the support of the Coordinator. The death of Takashi Kurita and the reactionary zeal developed by some Combine citizens following his passing led to an ISF backed crackdown in 3057. The Guardians leader, Jon Kurita, was arrested and imprisoned. Other events and some assistance from other groups in the Combine helped the True Path survive once again. Recently, Jon Takiro managed to escape from prison and is currently leading the Guardians against their hated enemy, the Black Dragon Society.
Membership
The True Path has many Guardians spread throughout the entire Draconis Combine and beyond. Led by the Takiro family of Hachiman the group is strongest along the Clan border. The Great Refusal did little to slow the True Path’s expansion there especially in light of the Ghost Bear War. However, compared to Black Dragon Society the Guardians remain a small but determined group. Only a handful of nobles, one yakuza obunyan, and no DCMS line regiment commander or major ISF agent have declared their support for the True Path. The two largest supporters of the True Path are Draconis merchants and Civilian Guidance Corps (CGP) personnel. The merchants of the Combine follow the True Path because of the significant profits they have made through expanded foreign commerce seen following the Clan invasion. Organizations like the Black Dragon Society want to reverse this policy and enforce new trade restrictions. Keeping markets open with the House Davion opened is appealing to these traders hence their support of the True Path. Members of the Civilian Guidance Corps (CGP) have also joined the True Path due mainly to the Kokurya-kai close association with several yakuza gangs. The Guardians draw strength from unconventional areas that the Black Dragons simply cannot match. Some Nova Cats and even a few ex-Smoke Jaguars have whole heartily embraced the True Path. The Guardians even have some followers left within the Federated Suns. Although most are former Combine citizens trapped on Davion occupied worlds there are more than a few who are fanatic followers of former Prince Victor Ian Steiner-Davion.
Allies & Enemies
The True Path’s greatest ally just maybe the Order of the Five Pillars or O5P. The omnipresent Keepers of the Honor of the House Kurita could have been aiding the Guardians as early as the 1st Succession War. Although Chada Kurita-Davion was a member of O5P there has never been a proven direct link to the Guardians from the Order. It is more than coincidence that the Pillarians suddenly appear when the Guardians are in need of assistance. The Guardians clearly are aware of O5Ps tacit support and attempt to “return the favor†whenever possible. This secret alliance remains completely unsubstantiated but the ISF continues their efforts to uncover any clandestine links.
The largest overt sponsor that the True Path seems to have would Hachiman Taro Electronics (HTE) led by Chandrasekhar Kurita. Of course this support seems to stem from Uncle Chandy’s intense dislike of the Black Dragon Society. Links between the Guardians and HTE were only recently established sometime during the mid-3060s. Financial support from Kurita’s ever growing corporation has enhanced the True Paths operational capabilities. With the ISFs current preoccupation with the Kokurya-kai has either distracted them enough from dealing with this new alliance or perhaps certain Metsuke believe they can use it to their advantage.
The only true military force that the True Path can possibly call upon is a mercenary group named the Samurai’s Wrath. The Guardians appear only to maintain a tenuous relationship with the mercenaries. This is mainly because the Wrath’s commanding officer, Colonel Robert Takiro, is Overseer Jon Takiro eldest son. Colonel Takiro only seems vaguely aware of the True Path’s existence and purpose. So it appears that mercenaries would not intervene in the Combine’s affairs unless Takiro’s family was directly threatened by military force. Even so this questionable link has led to some concern within the ISF that the battle hardened mercenary regiment now stationed deep in the Lyran Alliance could present a large threat to the security of the Draconis Combine.
Easily the True Path’s largest and most deadly enemy is the reactionary Black Dragon Society or the Kokurya-kai. Their feud appears to have begun immediately after the Black Dragons birth following the death of Coordinator Takashi Kurita. Ideologically polar opposites the two groups instantly clashed. Initially the two dissident groups grew at nearly the same rate until the ISFs crackdown on the True Path. Since then even with their set backs the Black Dragons have managed to stay ahead of the True Path. Until recently the Guardians assumed that the Kokurya-kai old school message was simply easier for many people to understand. However, recent developments have suggested to the Sun Dragons (a nickname bestowed upon the Guardians by the Black Dragons and since adopted by the True Path) that the Word of Blake (WOB) has been supporting the Society’s efforts. Why the Blakist would support a more traditional Combine is beyond the Guardians but they have begun to regard WOB as a threat to the True Path.
Organization
Unlike their rival, the infamous Black Dragon Society, the True Path is highly organized with a clearly defined rank structure (see below). This system based on the Kurita five point principle is relatively simplistic and easy to follow. The Overseer of the True Path is the movement’s unquestioned leader. Since the Guardians reappearance they have been led by Jon Takiro and his youngest son Thomas appears to be his successor. Despite being the founders of the True Path the Nakamora family continues to wholly support the Takiro family’s leadership of the Guardians. This has led to some speculation both within the Guardians and by outsiders that the Takiro family is in fact the surviving remnant of the Kurita-Davion family. However, there is no proof of any link between this minor Draconis noble family and the apparently long dead Kurita-Davions. Only one claimant has ever turned up to assert his long forgotten heritage during the late 3040s on Solaris VII just prior to the Clan invasion. His disappearance shortly thereafter and the fact that no proof was ever produced (or discovered) to support this Ronin’s claim quickly ended any historical debate that the Kurita-Davion line survived. Whatever the case maybe it appears that the Takiro family will continue to oversee the True Path for the immediate future.
The Guardians highly regimented order helps make up for their small numbers. Using superior coordination this apparently minor faction has recently become a major player in Kurita politics. This strictly defined hierarchy can have its drawbacks. As shown by the capture of Overseer Takiro the detection of any Guardians (especially higher ranked ones) can have a profound impact on the True Path. Despite this the Guardians have historical shown an impressive ability to bounce back from almost any crackdown. Currently this resiliency can be attributed to the large amount of jumpships the True Path seems to have at its disposal. Draconis merchants (who are either Guardians themselves or sympathetic to the True Path) can ferry Guardians all around the Combine adding to the True Path’s strength.
The Guardians of the True Path view themselves as a benevolent political movement not a malevolent terrorist group like the Black Dragon Society. So while the Guardians will not hesitate to use violence in their cause of advancing the True Path common Draconis citizens have nothing to fear from random acts of barbarity. Those disloyal to the Coordinator (like the Black Dragons), criminal organizations (such as Yakuza), or other evil individuals bare the brunt of the Guardians ferocity. The True Path has done much to help those displaced by the Clan Invasion and reintegrate citizens following Operation Bulldog. These generous acts have helped the Sun Dragons overall image with the Draconis people and the Kurita government as well. Recruitment from these public assistance efforts has also paid handsome dividends for the True Path.
Position Role
Overseer Leader of the True Path
Caretaker District Leader of the Guardians
Advocate Prefecture Leader
Adherent Planetary Leader
Guardian Member of the True Path
Notable People
Jon Takiro
Overseer of the True Path
The High Guardian of the True Path was born on August 29, 2998 in the city of Masamori on the planet of Hachiman. His father, Michael Takiro, was the baron of a small industrial landhold just outside the planetary capital named Kenmizu (Bladewater). Apparently he was raised by his father, who was also the Overseer, from an early age to embrace the True Path. When he came of age he applied and was accepted to the Sun Zhang Mechwarrior Academy. We know that while there he met and became friendly with the Combine’s Heir-Designate, Theodore Kurita. The exact nature of the friendship is not known but could have been one of the reasons that the Coordinator choose to keep a careful eye on his son. Jon went onto graduate with honors from the Sun Zhang and served with the DCMS in three different wars (the 3rd Succession War, 4th Succession War, and the War of 3039). Jon became the Baron of Kenmizu after his father was killed by FedCom forces during the War of 3039. Following the Outreach Summit of 3051
He led the Guardians rebirth and began to spread their new message. Unfortunately political expediency led to Jon’s imprisonment after an ISF backed crackdown in 3057. Originally Kenmizu was confiscated, the Takiro’s were dishonored, and Jon was sentenced to die. However, some Draconis high official commuted his death sentence and the Overseer was imprisoned. Recently he escaped and although his current whereabouts are unknown Jon has resumed his leadership role of the True Path.
Kuno Nakamora
Caretaker of Dieron District
We suspect that the leader of the True Path within the Dieron District is the eldest member of the Nakamora clan, Kuno. Nearly ninety years of age the Prefecture Chief of the Vegan Civilian Guidance Corps carries out her job with an iron hand. She is a quiet servant of the Dragon who tirelessly and methodically performs her duties. Her word is law and she is respected by all even her fiercest opponents. Although many within the Nakamora family have vocally endorsed the True Path the matriarch of her family has never done so. Yet it is hard to believe that they would do so without at least her tacit permission.
Dr. Takea Suju
Caretaker of Benjamin District
Suju is a graduate of the Dover Institute for Higher Learning and the so-called brains of the True Path. It said that the Overseer doesn’t make a move without consulting him first. Takea is also a very secretive individual and little is actually known about him. Supposedly born on the planet of Benjamin he is apparently in his late forties. However, the ISF or ROM has been unable to turn up any information on his family or close friends. He managed to keep his support of the True Path a secret from nearly everyone until the mid-3060s. He is famous for discovering the plans for the Yamato class Battleship and presenting them to the Coordinator. It was hoped that this mighty design would duplicate the fearsome capabilities of the Clans McKenna class Battleship. Cost overruns and constant ISF interference prevented the vessels completion. With the ISF closing in he fled New Samarkand with the help of a previously unknown group who possibly may have been working on the behalf of O5P. His current whereabouts are unknown but he is believed to be in the Benjamin District trying to drum up support for the True Path. It has been a tough sell however as it is the district of least support for the Guardians.
Thomas Takiro
Caretaker of the Galedon District
The younger of Jon Takiro’s two sons, Thomas followed in his fathers footsteps. After the 4th Succession War his dad began instructing him in the ways of the True Path. Unlike his father and older brother he didn’t apply to the Sun Zhang Mechwarrior Academy but rather the Sun Tzu School of Combat. He served honorably with the DCMS until early 3057 when the ISF cracked down on the Guardians. With his family’s disgrace he was transferred to the 3rd Night Stalkers a military unit composed of older warriors. Despite this posting Thomas still saw action during Operation Bulldog on Schwartz against the Smoke Jaguars. Later Sho-sa Takiro commanded the successful defense of Yorii against mercenaries masquerading as Lyran troops. For his heroic actions during both of these battles Thomas was named the Shugo of Kenmizu by the Coordinator, hence restoring his family’s honor. Officially retired from the DCMS following the FedCom Civil War he is currently busy governing Kenmizu. The Overseer’s heir is currently fortifying his stronghold on Hachiman (the True Path’s suspected headquarters) against any attack. The Shugo’s forces are anchored by four BattleMechs (his Dragon Fire, his father’s Warhammer, an Assassin, and a Spider) and two other lances of conventional forces.
Jamie Devlan
Caretaker of the Pesht District
The youngest Caretaker of the True Path this free merchant has engaged in several high risk ventures. Her company, Devlan Shipping, was actually involved with the New Belt Pirates in some kind of arms deal. Although the details of the Star’s End affair are unknown the company’s profits skyrocketed and Devlan became a very rich woman. This native of Rockland is known to have links (business wise) to Clan Nova Cat and Diamond Shark. Primarily operating out of Brocchi’s Cluster she not only runs her company and controls the Guardians operations in the Pesht District but also coordinates all of the True Path’s shipping activity. We assume she can be found in the Brocchi’s Cluster but Jamie has also been spotted on Schuyler and Avon.
Recent Events
During the FedCom Civil War many Guardians felt honor bound to help Victor Ian Steiner-Davion in his quest to rid his homeland of his tyrannical sister, Katherine. He had risked much during the original Clan Invasion to help save the Dragon’s heir, Hohiro Kurita. Again during Operation Bulldog Victor helped to rid the Combine of one of its greatest enemies of all time (Clan Smoke Jaguar) and proved the righteousness of the True Path beyond all doubt. Several Guardians joined the former Prince’s Outland Legion and were instrumental in his eventual triumph. This success was tempered with great sadness as during the great conflict Omi Kurita was assassinated. The Guardians mourned the apparent loss of another Davion-Kurita union. However, rumors of a new infant Steiner-Davion-Kurita (a child born to Omi Kurita and Victor Davion) that began prior to Omi’s assassination now spread like wildfire. The child is reportedly in the care of O5P but all Guardians have taken an oath to protect this new Sun Dragon. Fortunately during opening phases of the FedCom Civil War (Sandoval strikes into Combine space) Jon Takiro, the High Guardian of the True Path, escaped from prison with the help of some new allies. Apparently several Combine businesses (led by Uncle Chandy and now including Isesaki Shipping) have banded together with the Guardians of the True Path to defeat the Black Dragon Society. There has also been a huge upswing in public support for the True Path within the Combine especially after the Kokurya-kai disastrously sponsored attack on Alshain that led to the Ghost Bear War. This backing seems to be centered around Hachiman within the Oshika Prefecture on the worlds of Midway, Togura, Isesaki, and Hun Ho. The True Path has also seen its influence rise within the Draconis Combine Admiralty (DCA). Word has it that the Guardians may have been directly or indirectly responsible for the Covenant deal with the Federated Suns. The Coordinator may soon appoint Admiral Noriko Satsuma, protégé of famous Captain Ilse Morrow of the Red Eagle and a fellow Guardian (although that remains hidden from the ISF), Chief of the DCA.
