OBT Forum

Ok...  I need some readers to look at the FM entries for the NC.  Posted here are the Tundra leopards.

CLAN TUNDRA LEOPARD

Sir;
   Responsible for maintaining and updating information pertaining to future trends and possible concerns to the Office, Clan Silver Condor has provided additional information from behind the scenes of Tundra Leopard internal politics.  Due to the nature of their political system, military intelligence is the most straightforward and reliable area of our responsibilities, assisted by Loremaster Tennessee McCaig.
   The intricacies of the Leopard political scene remain confused, and while every effort has been made by senior Analysts to clarify their concerns within this report, it remains difficult to predict where the future will lead them.  It remains advisable to consult with senior Intelligence officials before communicating with their High Council, given the unpredictable political scene. 
   This briefing is Security Rated SECRET EYES ONLY, as the information within provides detailed information on the inner workings of the Clan.

StCol Gordon Lyons
Office of the IlKhan
Clan Silver Condor, Military Intelligence

TO:  IlKhan,
      Office of the IlKhan

FROM:  High Council,
               Clan Tundra Leopard

Greetings, IlKhan

We, Warriors and citizens of Clan Tundra Leopard, would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your belief that our Clan can offer a worthwhile contribution in our conflict with the dezClans and your support for our chosen way of life against the more militant Clans in the Grand Council.
Included with this report is a standard refresher on our history and cultural development, with the required status report on the Clan Touman and members of the Officer sub-Caste who may come into contact with the Office.  In case further assistance is required, do not hesitate to contact Khan Leon Graff with your concerns.
   Until the victory over the dezClans is assured, we remain your humble servants.

For the High Council of Clan Tundra Leopard:


Khan Leon Graff,         President William (Braun),
     Warrior Caste           Clan Council
 
THE FOUNDER

   The right of Khanship was granted by the leadership of Clan Kraken to Star Colonel Wayne Polo, a life-long garrison commander.  His proposal, to glean the second-line armor and BattleMech forces of the Kraken Touman to create an allied 2nd Clan, was approved in late 2861 to widespread surprise.  Such an event was no surprise to those within the Touman familiar with our new Khan, however.
Born in 2827 as the only son of a successful Merchant, Wayne was exposed to inter-Caste politics at an early age by his father, and trading became second nature to the young man.  His interest in the Merchant Caste was overcome, however, after a chance encounter with a young girl enrolled in the Clan sibko system named Jade.
Bargaining for permission to enter the sibkos, Wayne convinced his father to accept his request on the condition he would fail his Trial of Position and rejoin the Merchant Caste.  Becoming adept at manipulating the Instructors and his fellow students, Wayne eventually approached Jade socially.  They become close friends, but the social gap between them left Wayne fuming as he sought new ways to gain what he desired most; Jade.  Rebuffed a final time just before their Trial of Position, Wayne reported to his Trial of Position bitter and angry.
   Taunting and baiting his opponent, Wayne took advantage of the eventual alpha-strike that left his opponent fighting shutdown to earn the rank of MechWarrior in a reflexive clench of his controls.  After the shock of joining the Warrior Caste subsided, Wayne soon came to realize that failure on the battlefield cost more than a bribe to the sibko training officer.  Injured from feedback in his neurohelmet after his LRM ammunition detonated in his first battle, Wayne began a strict program of study, dedicating himself as never before to his training in the belief that success and survival went hand-in-hand.
   That new determination to succeed brought him to the attention of senior members of the Kraken Touman after his second Trial, where he advised his Star Commander to bid Points of Armor and FighterShip support in defense of a minor Kraken manufacturing facility.  Assisting the Armor units harassing the larger opposing force from Clan Mammoth, Wayne took command of the remainder of the Star after his commander’s defeat and used the FighterShip’s weapons and bomb load to win the Trial without further losses.
Encouraging rumors of his skills in bidding and steadily improving on his training scores, Wayne found himself offered a chance to participate in a Trial for the rank of Star Captain.  Knowingly outclassed by his opponent, Wayne decided on a risky strategy; retreat.  Taking advantage of his Merchant skills, Wayne negotiated for a supply of Thunder LRMs to increase the likelihood of crippling his opponent at long range despite his skill.  The successful stra-tac and Wayne’s choice of ammunition won the Trial, earning him the rank of Star Captain.
   Consulted now for his insights into bidding for the right to participate in Trials and the stra-tacs to win them, Wayne soon became valuable to his Trinary and Cluster commanders who used his abilities to further their military careers.  The eventual opportunity to fight for Binary command only whet his appetite for more, and Wayne was offered a chance to fight for promotion to Star Colonel and the rank of Star Colonel in 2860, winning the Trial decisively and using his new position and political skills to submit the winning proposal for command of the newly named Clan Tundra Leopard.

Rebirth of the Caste

   With the birthing facilities destroyed and demand outstripping the supply and production of iron wombs for the next decade, the Warrior Caste turned to the remaining Castes for assistance.  By mid-March, temporary shelters housed the first of our new genetics facilities, and children as young as five were assembled in training camps taught by veteran Warriors to learn their new roles in the Clan.
   The resulting political fallout nearly destroyed the Clan; as testing identified the most promising of the Freebirth population, Khan Polo relented and returned most of the potential recruits to their families.  On the anniversary of the bombing, however, the announcement of the Clandets organization, a program to promote membership in the Warrior Caste, allowed the first in a series of family benefits to members of the lesser Castes who allowed their children the option of requesting a Clandets Trial of Position.

   [** - Analyst’s Note:  Ordered to provide assistance in the continuing counter-terrorism effort of the Leopards, Khan Polo’s initial concept of the Clandets proposal was improved slightly by Operatives.  Using the children of convicted Maroons to identify common habits and traits of Maroon families, questioning while interviewing prospective Clandet candidates led to the identification of several hundred Maroon extremists and sympathizers, increasing the effectiveness of the Leopard counter-terrorism efforts without revealing the existence of a New Clan Intelligence organization.
Over time, the contribution of Condor Operatives to the operation has been erased, but the Clan has continued to refine the techniques involved.]

   Rewards such as better accommodation, allowance, and greater independence for Clandets and their families helped the sibkos quickly replace the lost personnel, making up the numbers of lost MechWarrior trainees by enlarging the pool of candidates suitable for Trials of Position in the Armor Branch.
In the wake of the Bombing, however, relations with Clan Kraken deteriorated to the point of open conflict in the Grand Council, as demands to learn how the cult had survived indoctrination into Kraken society and requests for assistance alike were ignored.  A final plea for assistance to the IlKhan brought the Clan a token number of Iron Wombs from across the New Clans and instructors from the War Ants to train the Freebirth trainees assigned to the MechWarrior Branch.  The resulting conflicts between the elite Warriors and Freebirths only served to aggravate the distaste for Trueborn Warriors.
   Finally, citing the results of the bombing and the lack of assistance from
Clan Kraken, the Warrior Caste chose to abandon the Kraken facilities we were formed to garrison, and offered our services to the civilians of the Civil Government.
Still struggling to build a competent military in the face of New Clan recruitment and the lack of military manufacturing, the Civil Government was propped up by the IlKhan and IlClan Wolverine.  Offering to garrison several of the most vital facilities with Leopard Warriors, Khan Polo offered an array of military vehicles for sale and advisors, called ‘Abthactors’ (a combination of ‘Abtakha’ and ‘Contractor’).  Providing mechanized Infantry and Armored vehicles to their most important facilities, the brisk sales of firearms and equipment allowed the Clan to finance expansions to our industrial base.

A New Beginning

   Beginning production of the Primitive BattleMechs common among the Second Clans, we began enlarging our Armored vehicle production facilities.  Cheaper per Point than Mechs, and using commonly available parts and weapons, we were able to produce enough of the Star League equipment to provide sturdy, well-equipped, heavy tanks capable of defeating even the remaining Star League BattleMechs we could not reproduce with the resources of the New Clans.
   The arrival of a new unit on the battlefield drew the attention of Khan Polo, and in 2868, the first production run of the Novice ELM was brought to the IlKhan’s Joint Development Program for testing.  Despite impressing the Warrior Caste and being put into production on a limited basis, members of the Clan Council refused to support the expansion of the Warrior Caste Blood Houses, preferring to allow washouts from the intensive training MechWarrior training the opportunity for a second Trial of Position.  The fact that the War Ants continued to denigrate its effectiveness as a weapon did not endear them to either the Warrior Caste or Clan Council.
   With the continuing emphasis on the development of our industrial base, Khan Polo allowed several concessions from the Warrior Caste to encourage production – in hindsight, those agreements reached by the Clan Council was perhaps the greatest mistake of the Founding Khan.  As Trueborn War Ants continued to antagonize our lesser Castes, the arguments against allowing our own Trueborn Warriors to control the Clan Council gathered strength, until October 18th, 2872, when the Council pressured the Warrior Caste to allow a vote for the Castes to retain their political independence.
   It is likely, with the end of the Truce imminent, that Khan Polo felt he required the entirety of the Clan united under his leadership – an unfortunately accurate assessment.  However, fate was kind to the Clan, as news of the newly-fielded dezClan Elementals prompted us to negotiate an increase in the production of the Novice ELM and agreements to further develop it alongside Clan Surf Dragon.
Accepted into the ranks of the New Clans with the official Founding of the Second Clans January 1st, 2873, we stood united, ready for the Trials to come.


RISE OF THE CASTES

   With the end of the Truce, many new problems and concerns erupted, not the least of which was the sudden number of Trials declared against vital production facilities.  Garrisons found themselves doubled, then doubled again, as our sibClans considered our emphasis on Armor and Primitive BattleMechs and the shortage of Star League equipment a sign of weakness.  The wisdom of Khan Polo was evident once again, however, as a Trinary of Primitive Mechs and modern Armor lured a Binary of mixed Star League and Primitive Mechs from Clan Cave Frog into engagement range and caught them in a crossfire, killing their commanding officer and defending their position with few losses.
The growing intensity of the Trials declared against us prompted the Council to approve moving the Clan to a new colony, but the lack of time and AeroSpace assets of the Clan forced us to reach an agreement with the Devil Wasps to choose an appropriate planet from their catalogue of the Legacy Cluster.  Choosing to become allies after the eventual colonization of Barrens, Khan Polo and Jules Hubbard of the Devil Wasps found themselves summoned before the High Council to present their arguments for an alliance between our Clans.
Obviously taken aback by the political strength of the Council, Hubbard chose to emphasize the natural inclination of his Clan to concentrate on the AeroSpace Branch of the Devil Wasp Touman – a Pilot himself, the Wasps found themselves frequently outmatched on the ground.  An alliance between our Clans, he reasoned, would strengthen the ties between 2nd Clans and provide valuable allies in the Trials ahead.  The Council, however, found Khan Hubbard too strident on the benefits to his Clan – In a narrow defeat, Khan Polo found himself humbled for the first time before another Warrior.
   Surprised and dismayed at the outcome, the Khan worked for the next several years to counter the influences of the lesser Castes, to no avail.  With the privileges and influence of the Clandets organization, more and more of the lesser Castes had been accepted into the Warrior Caste and now monopolized the command structure.  Forced by circumstance to emphasize the production of modern Armor over complex and expensive OmniMechs and promote the Freeborn volunteers to high rank, they now forced the issue of the Trueborn recruits now preparing to enter the sibko program in large numbers.
   In an effort to reconcile the two groups, a forced policy of fostering placed Trueborn recruits among Freebirth families of the lesser Castes.  That policy was widely regarded as a failure by both sides; the foster families found themselves expected to provide transport, food, and lodging, while most of the Trueborn recruits had difficulties adapting to the concepts of unsupervised play and the deliberate defiance of leopard military regulations and New Clan law.  Violent confrontation was inevitable, and soon occurred in our capital city, as a massive brawl between sports teams forced freebirth members of the Warrior Caste to intervene and prevent the crowd from storming the field.

The Trueborn Resurgence

   Encouraged by the orders to begin enlarging the Trueborn faction, Loremaster Randy Buchner petitioned the Council for amendments to the Leopard Charter, pointing out the lack of control of the Warrior Caste to choose the Khans they followed into battle.  Refused in June of 3051 by a decision of the Clan Council, the cavalier assumption of the willingness of the Warrior Caste to follow a political appointee prompted widespread support for the notion of Warrior independence.
   The arrival of intelligence indicating the intentions of the dezClans to begin Operation: Revival at Totem on March 7, 3052, prompted the mass revolt of the Warrior Caste as the President and Council fumbled the attempts to organize the Clan to meet the 3-month deadline to assemble with our sibClans on Totem.  Faced with the breakdown of social order, IlKhan (Name) McEvedy declared martial law on Barrens, giving command of the Leopard Touman to the Loremaster and ordering the first independent election of a Leopard Khan in over (time).
   Operating on an emergency footing with the cooperation of IlClan Wolverine, Buchner assembled the Touman in time for the deadline and won the election to the post of Khan of Clan Tundra Leopard for his performance.  With the failure of the New Clans to respond to the dezClan invasion in 3052, several of our sibClans have begun to loose the traditional strict martial focus of the early 31st century, wavering between Warrior fanaticism and the allure of freedoms promised by the laws of the Civil Government for the lesser Castes.
We of Clan Tundra Leopard, however, have only begun to hone the skills of a resurgent Warrior Caste with the Founding of dedicated Elemental and ELM Bloodlines and the return of the dormant Trueborn Legacies.  The recent reclamation of the ranks of Khan and saKhan for merit has also encouraged several of the most militant Clans to relax their boycotts and sanctions against our Merchants, allowing the Clan access to new markets.
Such activity came with a high price, as the upheaval of domestic politics has prompted major unrest in the Clan.  With the Charter abolished by IlKhan McEvedy, political concerns have forced the leadership of the Warrior Caste to walk a careful line, ensuring the future of the Clan while respecting the privileges of the lesser Castes.


CURRENT EVENTS

The return of traditional Clan organization and government provided a great deal of upheaval, now settled with the Amendment to the Clan Charter.  The Charter was a major reason for the high level of immigration, assuring new arrivals of the respect of the Warrior Caste, and its importance to the Clan could not be overstated.  Continuing to safeguard the rights of Leopard citizens, the amended document enshrines the right of the Warrior Caste to rule, and removed much of the political influence of the Castes on the Clan Council.
   Since 3058, the continuing reports filed by Guide Teams describing the benefits of Spheroid stealth armor technology have intrigued the Infantry and Armor Branches, encouraging the development of a New Clan equivalent.  With the goal of securing information and samples of the Capellan innovation, we allied ourselves with our rivals from Clan Piranha to petition the IlKhan to prioritize capturing a sample of this technology, creating the first New Clan Stealth armor in November, 3064.
It seems clear to the senior leadership of the Clan we are experiencing the first years of another golden age, as further developments have continued to be absorbed and turned to our advantage.

Thanks.  Oh, this is just half of it.  There's still the background fluff - training, branches, favorite stra-tacs, bloodnames, and (depending on what Clan) about 6-10 galaxies and their Cluster details.

I think I need a reader for the five Clans to tell me if it follows the "Rule of Cool".

And now, Clan Carnoraptor!

CLAN CARNORAPTOR


Sir;

   While it is the responsibility of Clan Silver Condor to compile and verify information for the IlKhan’s Intelligence Briefing, it is customary to accept Carnoraptor internal documents forwarded by the Loremaster at face value.  As the basic package of A/V recordings and public documents are easily confirmed, few risks are taken with the bulk of the document.  Confirmation of current information presents a far more difficult challenge.
   Tight-knit and suspicious, outsiders are rarely adopted into the Clan and never accepted into the political and military circles known to have access to the information we desire.  Even bondsmen are unwilling to assist our efforts, sharing a common bond with their Clan beyond the restrictions of their bondcords.  While observation has proven effective under most circumstances, care must be taken when determining current military and political trends.
   This briefing is Security Rated SECRET EYES ONLY, as the information within provides detailed information on the inner workings of the Clan.

StCol Gordon Lyons
Office of the IlKhan
Clan Silver Condor, Military Intelligence


To:  The Office of the IlKhan

Re:  Status and Fitness Report

IlKhan;

   As requested by your Office the following report contains a section detailing our background and history, to provide an understanding of the character of our Clan, as well as identifying members of the Warrior Caste in contact with your Office and others of interest in the Touman.
   Also included is a description of favored stra-tacs at the Cluster level and a current military fitness report; Operational status is not included, but a request for information may be requested from the Khan.

Jamie Siemens
Loremaster, Clan Carnoraptor
 
THE BEGINNING

[**  Begin Recording…(Historical Record, 2862-2871)]
Those of you in the rear, stand.  Those in front, kneel.
Packmates…   The origins of our Clan and Packs are clear – our Warrior Caste was assembled from the finest Warriors of Clan Dingo, as the pinnacle of the Warrior Caste.  Selected for ferocity and tenacity, our Clan was built as a cavalry and attack unit under the command of our Founders, Khan Rachel Sanders and saKhan Dennis Fouchet.
After establishing the Pack and Clan Councils, our Khan began modifying Clan stra-tacs to more closely follow the ways of our Totem and establishing the rituals and traditions of the Clan, including the Hazing Ritual of the Warrior Caste.
As we began to grow, we needed access to greater resources, and our needs grew until our sibClans turned our Merchants away, jealously guarding their share of scarce resources from us.  In desperate need of several basic goods, we turned to saKhan Fouchet and the Merchant Caste to secure our future growth and expansion.
Entering negotiations with the Surf Dragons in good faith, we traded part of our industrial strength in exchange for the territory and natural resources we needed.  All seemed ready for the coming of our first anniversary as a Clan, when the errors of the Merchant Caste started to become plain.  More and more of our industrial capacity became idle, as the loss of essential basic manufactur-ing and support services forced the Laborer Caste to concentrate on immediate needs.  Nearly three Clusters in size, our Touman became increasingly crippled by shortages.
Eventually, the failure of saKhan Fouchet had to be dealt with, and the Khan executed him in a Trial of Grievance.  He was replaced by Star Colonel Wayne Harkness, a choice forced on the Clan by political pressure from the Dingo Khans.  Familiar with the logistics needed by the Clan, he was accepted as saKhan despite the politics played behind the scenes. 
Struggling to find support for the growing needs of our Touman, our Merchants reported requests from Clan Mammoth for bids to contract garrison troops.  Offering support and maintenance for our troops in return, the Mammoths had refused to parcel out a majority of their industrial base when spawning their 2nd Clans, making them the largest industrial base of the New Clans next to IlClan Wolverine, supplying the needs of the IlKhan’s Guard Galaxy and their own.
After a formal bid, Khan Sanders offered elite units of our Touman to relieve their overwhelmed garrisons in exchange for a minor amount, including supplies and maintenance, and an alliance to assist rebuilding and exploiting our new territories.  Accepting our terms and offering a ‘Lend/Lease’ agreement to recoup our industrial losses, our Khan approved the Mammoth terms.
However, we had not considered the grasping clutches of the Mammoth Merchant Caste.  The saKhan and senior Merchants took their concerns over the terms of the agreement to the Khan, who was unable to censor the saKhan because of his political connections.  Rachel chose to believe the protests of the Mammoth Khans that the contract was honorable and would benefit both Clans, but as time passed we found ourselves becoming more and more dependant on the resources of our allies, and further in debt for supplies and equipment to repair damage to our machines not covered by our contract.
Finally involving the Khans of the Dingoes, Mammoths, Wolverines, and the IlKhan herself, secret negotiations for dealing with the debt assumed by our Clan resulted in a ‘mortgage’ of all Carnoraptor assets along with a portion of Clan Wolverine’s industrial base as collateral.  It was not until the eventual Trial and victory of the young Star Colonel Ben Alexander that our Clan was redeemed.  But that is tomorrow’s lesson.

[**Analyst’s Note:
In the historical records of Clan Wolverine, the original Khan was actually Gene Robbins, who selected a highly aggressive Nova Captain, Rachel Sanders, as SaKhan.  Consensus among analysts researching the circumstances of Robbins’ death conclude the Khan was overmatched in training exercises that eventually crossed a line into an undeclared Circle of Equals in late April of 2862.
Erasing all mention of Gene Robbins as Founding Khan from Carnoraptor records, Rachel assigned the position of saKhan to Dennis Fouchet, a fellow veteran of the March on Legacy.  Dennis began to organize the lesser Castes to fully develop the Clan’s resources with the assistance of the Merchant Caste, although the inexperience of the Warrior Caste in logistics led to some disastrous implications for future development.
The Carnoraptors became heavily in debt after Fouchet and the Merchant Caste made a rash decision to bid for possession of the offered Surf Dragon territory.  The undeveloped deposits and resources offered to enrich the Clan substantially, but the bid required a large portion of the industrial base needed to exploit them, and their competitors bid the cost of ownership up significantly.  The resulting debt crippled the Clan’s development for years, and only the fact they received the majority of the Dingo Touman left them even with the Toumans of their sibClans after the Truce.
The Mammoth alliance again took advantage of their inexperience by offering maintenance and supplies common to all Mammoth garrison facilities while refusing to provide expensive spare parts, equipment, and material to units defending the facilities from Trials, saving themselves the cost of doing so.  The ‘goodwill’ generated by the contract was nonexistent, as the Ilkhan eventually became involved as arbiter between the Mammoths, Dingoes, and Carnoraptors.  The eventual settlement placed the Carnoraptor Touman under a “mortgage” guaranteed by nearly a half of the facilities dedicated to the IlKhan’s Guard.]

[**  Begin recording…(Historical Record, 2871-2890)]
Gather around me, sibkin.
Today, we learn of the greatest of our Khans – we learn of Ben Alexander, forever known to the Warrior Caste as ‘the Brightfang’, whose story inspires the trothkin of every sibko in the New Clans.  The son of Founding MechWarrior Miles Alexander, Ben was exposed to his father’s lifestyle from birth with stories of the greatest generals in history, especially his hero – Alexander the Great.
Raised in the Dingo Warrior Caste crèches, Ben began Dingo Warrior training only to go with his father to the Carnoraptors during the Founding.  Attending the first lectures of the new Brightfang training facility, Ben attracted attention from the Warrior Caste after graduating first in his class and winning the rank of Star Captain in his Trial of Position – the first of his generation to have done so.
However, assigned to the Clan’s 102nd Stiker Cluster, Ben found the attitudes of his superiors insulting and dismissive.  With only weeks of command experience and the bruises of his Hazing Ritual still fading, Ben challenged an elite Warrior of the Cluster command Trinary for one of the rare OmniMechs in the Carnoraptor Touman before the stunned Star Colonel and his Pack.
Winning the Trial after charging and crushing the weakened chest of the Omni with his crippled ‘Mech, Ben secured his ristar status after winning the Alexander Bloodright of his father in a Trial of Bloodright under a year later, just after his 18th birthday.
Posted to a front-line Trinary, Ben continued his rise in the Clan by winning the rank of Star Colonel of his old Cluster, the 102nd Claw, and accepted a position in the Pack Council to become the first senior command officer of his generation.  His promise was confirmed in 2872, when he became Khan at the age of 24, defeating Founding Khan Rachel Sanders in a Trial of Position and becoming the youngest Khan in the history of the New Clans.
With the dawn of the Brightfang, our Clan began a Golden Age after the cancellation of the degrading garrison contract with the Mammoths.  Despite the focus on preparing and training for the end of the Truce, our lower Castes were able to begin producing the needed materials to replenish our weakened industry and we began to achieve more than sustinance-level self-sufficiency.
After the refusal of the Dingoes and Piranhas to consider bids for new garrison troops, the Brightfang used the heavy raiding on Mammoth assets as a lever to demand the suikreede owed us as the cost to open new talks.  The talks put us further on the road to independence, and soon turned to secret discussions between Khans as our troops returned to garrison Mammoth facilities until the end of the Truce.
Unknown to outsiders, our Khans and Pack Council began to plan an assault on the sibClans who denied us their support, embodying the ferocity of our totem.  Contracting the Mammoths to garrison our holdings, the Brightfang withdrew our garrisons to reinforce our assaults, and force our sibClans to pull back, sacrificing valuable Isorla.  While leading the defenses to blunt our assault, we captured the Khan of Clan Steel Python, who became our bondsman.
Despite his defiance, intensive questioning under chemical interrogation provided the information we needed to turn from a general assault to a more focused plan.  Using our sibClan’s inferior garrison troops and captured equipment, our assault grew even more fearsome, until it threatened to become a Trial of Absorption for the weakened Pythons.  Finally, our sibClans recovered their courage and used the respite to regroup and defend the remains of the Pythons.
With our Warrior Caste sated with glory and Isorla, we began to garrison our new holdings, but the Brightfang used our movements to commit our returning Clusters to further our industrial recovery by taking them from the Clan we knew best – our allies.  Using information gathered from years of garrison duties, we captured several facilities from the Mammoths dedicated to vital steps of their manufacturing ability and repaying their Merchants for their looting of our economy.
Eventually, the IlKhan intervened and ordered the Steel Pythons reabsorbed.  When prompted for a percentage of our Isorla to establish the new Clan, the Brightfang refused, unwilling to contribute so much of the industry that completed our industrial recovery.  During the negotiations, tempers ran high, and our beloved Khan declared a Trial of Grievance against the IlKhan.
Their Trial took place in the midst of the Wolverine capital, where the IlKhan took the life of our Khan, and the soul of our Clan was shattered.
As saKhan Harkness ascended to the senior rank, the IlKhan ruled equal percentages from each Clan would be used to establish the new Clan – the Zombie Pythons.  In a move to show our sibClans our repentance, besides our industrial contribution we included as our surkai nearly 50 captured Blood Heritages and Founding Warriors.  To our shock, our surkai was accepted but our gift was refused, as the new Clan chose to accept only Bloodrights and Heritages either still controlled by their former Clan, or establish new ones.
That is enough for today; unarmed combat in 15 minutes outside.

[** Analyst’s Note:
   Entering the crèche on night release until age 5, Ben began Warrior training with the Dingo Touman until the age of 14.  He was transferred with his father to the newly-formed Clan Carnoraptor, where his father was named one of that Clan’s Founding Warriors.  Ben graduated from the Brightfang Training Facility, winning the rank of Star Captain and a Trial of Possession for a Heavy OmniMech at 17 in 2865, and won the Alexander Bloodright of his father the following year.  Continuing his rise in the Clan, he won the Trial of Possession for the rank of Star Colonel at 19 in 2867, and became Khan of Clan Carnoraptor in 2872, at the age of 24.  Ben led the Steel Python Trials of Possession a year later, in 2873 at the age of 25.
   The importance of Ben Alexander, called ‘the Brightfang’ or ‘Ben Brightfang’ by his Pack and close associates, cannot be overestimated.  Ben realized the standard contract provisions allowed an incoming Khan to discontinue agreements negotiated by the outgoing Khan, ending it and forcing a more favorable agreement with the assistance of saKhan Harkness and experienced Merchant Caste negotiators.  The new contract provisions paved the way for the Carnoraptor Touman to rout the forces of the Dingo Clans until the respite of the Steel Python assault gave them enough time to redeploy and defend the remaining Python assets from Absorption.
In a masterstroke of planning, the returning garrison forces staged Trials of Possession for the complexes they normally guarded.  The assault on the Mammoth industrial base took crucial facilities for the Carnoraptors to achieve self-sufficiency in most fields and left them able to dictate terms to the Mammoth Warrior and Merchant Castes.
Records of the Zombie Python negotiations reveal the ambitious Khan Alexander harbored hopes to become IlKhan, and although the relevant sections have been sealed under the IlKhan’s Seal of the New Clans it is generally agreed the IlKhan led him to mistakenly challenge her at a fatal disadvantage by placing him on an unfamiliar battlefield.  Recordings of the Trial also show a 90-second pause between the crippling of Alexander’s gyro and the final shot to his cockpit, ending both the Trial and the life of the Carnoraptor Khan.
Surkai has not always involved tribute between the Clans, but it has rarely been refused.  It is believed the Zombie Pythons refused the offer because their Khan chose to start from scratch with stra-tacs Trueborn Warriors would refuse.  Using the stra-tacs of the SLDF that embraced victory at any cost, the Pythons toed the line between acceptable stra-tacs and a Trial of Annihilation.  Further details are explored in the Zombie Python report.]

[**  Begin recording…(Historical Record, 2890-2940)]
Welcome, sibkin.  Settle yourselves, and we will begin.
With the unexpected strength of our Warrior Caste came Trials from Clans looking to improve their own genetic stock at our expense, prompting Khan Harkness to begin isolating as much of our strength as possible before it was lost to jealous Clans.  From the Legacy Cluster we began to search for a capital world of our own, only to receive a preemptive bid for the stellar cartography of Clan Devil Wasp, looking to recoup the cost of their own survey.
As we had little time and few aerospace assets to spare as a result of our concentration on ground warfare, we traded mineral rights and a small amount of our growing trade surplus for access to their database to quickly choose a new home, retaining most of our hard-earned industrial strength in the bargain.
The settlement of our new home, Alexander, was more difficult than first appeared; the difficulties in moving our population were exasperated by the movements of many of the 2nd Clans.  Eventually, we staged a trial for use of the Bifrost, a Mammoth-class DropShip converted for troop transport and temporary housing by the Devil Wasps, who like the Mammoths anticipated our needs and took advantage of us by providing them at a stiff penalty.
The arrival of our first transport was delayed by the unfortunate Trial of possession declared by the Krakens, who were aware of the generally poor quality of our aerospace assets and pilots.  Launched from the pirate point serving the planet, the Kraken heavy fighters defeated the escort of the Bifrost far from support.  Taking nearly a thousand Labor and Technician Caste workers as Isorla, our suspicions named the Devil Wasps as enriching themselves several times by selling the information to other Clans before offering to supply the Bifrost with a suitable escort, explaining our ongoing Merchant feud.
However, as time remained short before the next shuttle-run of colonists, we contacted Clan Ghost Shrike for escorts to defend our transports, rather than the Devil Wasps.  Our past returned to haunt us, as the Ghost Shrikes were initially unwilling to overlook our willingness to take advantage of our Mammoth allies at the closing of our blitz, but our contract bid eventually convinced them of our sincerity.  We successfully avoided most of the trials for our transport convoys, having made the price for success higher than most cared to pay.  Eventually becoming allies, we joined the IlKhan’s Joint Development Program to pool resources and develop industry supporting AeroSpace technology and general research.
Our final need became not the resources we could exploit, but the numbers of colonists we could attract from sources outside the Clan.  Our strict Warrior bias made new immigrants hesitate, choosing those with less emphasis on the right of the Warrior Caste to rule, or joining the growing Civilian government.  Despite the high birthrate encouraged by the New Clans, we began to fall behind in population growth, and the problem would grow worse, as the IlKhan presented reports of increasing pressure to explain the destination and disappearance of thousands from the periphery and Successor States to the Grand Council.
Although we had thus far hidden from the dezClans and Inner Sphere alike, the Freedom Trains could not continue forever, and guide teams expected to discontinue them soon in favor of smaller, more easily explained and hidden recruitment.  As always, our Khans and Pack Council soon determined a path to victory over our sibClans.
Using the skills of our Scientist and Technician Castes in Iron Womb technology and manufacturing to form sibkos dedicated to the Lower Castes, we began creating loyal members of the Clan from birth.  Projected numbers of the program grew, until sibbats (sibling battalions) of nearly 1,000 individuals were contemplated.  Beginning with the Labor caste facilities as they provided the basis of growth for the other Castes, our need for educational material, trades training, housing, and options for advanced schooling contributed their share of attraction for newcomers, further increasing the number of immigrants choosing to settle on Alexander.
The final success ended 19 months after the project began, as the first group were removed from the Iron Wombs, but Clan morale and productivity was boosted almost immediately as the project become widely known in the upper echelons of our lower Castes.  Observing the internal Caste debates, our Khan instituted a testing program dedicated to rewarding actual skills and aptitudes in science, technology, or other fields by the applicants.  An effect similar to the importance of a Bloodname to the Warrior Caste seized the lower Castes and resulted in sudden improvements in poorly developed areas that lagged behind the development of our sibClans.
All seemed well, as procedures were worked out and our Clan began development of the facilities dedicated to the Technician Caste, but our allies noticed the build-up of educational and technical facilities had begun to strain what our Clan could provide without outside support as we began to prepare.
Unwilling to do more than explain our Clan saw no need to manufacture what our allies could provide, the matter began to disrupt relations with our allies until other Clans discovered the growing scarcity of technical training materials across the Legacy Cluster.  Deciding it was time to end the deceit, our Merchants drove stiff bargains for the process.  The Devil Wasps paid dearly for the information, as we sold information on the Devil Wasp unit that won the Trial of Possession to our Mammoth and Ghost Shrike allies, who faced a much less daunting foe to win the information from.  The Merchants also gloated of the profits to be had, supplying components, chemicals, and Abthactors of the Labor Caste to early childhood development.

[**  Analyst’s Note:
The subsequent move to Alexander was delayed too long for the Clan, as many others were already moving or finished isolating their core industries and wealth.  Prompt bidding by the Devil Wasps gave them a surplus of trade goods and equipment needed by other Clans and in short supply, ensuring further needs would be contracted through them and selling intelligence on the locations and transport of other Clans to interested parties.  That the Krakens responded is immaterial, as they simply made the first attempt using the purchased Wasp information and forced the ‘Raptors to tighten security before it could happen again.
The birthing facilities were not a new idea to the Clans, but the revolutionary idea they could be used to expand the size of the lower Castes resulted in a huge amount of turmoil at the time.  Located on Alexander, the facilities had time to churn out a huge number of sibbatts before their allies could begin crash programs to imitate them.  Even a year later, the ‘Raptors had a substantial lead in all disciplines needed to take advantage of their technology and experience.  Within ten years the Laborer Caste alone grew by almost 13,000, and the Technician Caste by almost 12,000.  As immigration was restricted the ‘Raptors continued increasing their birthing programs, resulting in an increasingly high birthrate as the sibbatts reached adulthood, starting in 2920 and continuing until 2940.
The growing expertise of their Merchant Caste was obvious as each step of the process to begin production and education of such vast numbers required almost every Clan to deal with them, while the ‘Raptors had lost none of their military strength, cowing less militant Clans to submit to deals that made the technology and education process possible for most but resulting in several settlements mediated by the IlKhan after the cutthroat Merchants forced the bidders to overextend their credit badly later for supplies in a market monopolized by the ‘Raptors, and to some extent their allies.]

[**  Begin Recording…   (Historical record, 2945-3004)]
Cease your mindless prattle!  ‘Raptors are not so undisciplined!  Return to your seats.
Today we learn of our feud with the Cave Frog/Razor Bat alliance.  In the beginning, our Clans knew little of each other.  Our complete opposites, the Frogs were nearly absorbed in the years following the Truce.  As their Clan became more and more threatened, they retreated to a group of 11 major industrial sites that contained their core industrial base and began crash attempts at fortifications.  Defensive terrain, bandit tactics, and artillery became their only strategies to prevent absorption.
Eventually they crossed the line of appropriate behavior in the Grand Council and bragged of their ‘impenetrable’ defenses.  Our Khan, insulted by the idea such strategies could be considered honorable, ordered a strike against the outer colonies of the Cave Frogs.  Relying on our Ghost Shrike allies to counter the Razor Bat presence on their bases, we took several colonies, but as the campaign continued we went to the Grand Council to demand a censure for their dezgra stra-tacs, particularly of minefields, massed fire, and ambushes.
As anger of the dezgra stra-tacs built, determination to extract a measure of revenge and shame the Frog Warrior Caste with a resounding defeat grew, but our Khans ordered us to slow our offensive operations in favor of bitter arguments and opposition to the Cave Frogs in the Grand Council.  Silencing angry Warriors with the admonition to allow time to give the Frogs a false sense of security and develop counter stra-tacs of our own, our Khan began preparations to take the pride of their Clan in honest battle worthy of Trueborn New Clan Warriors; the Heartforge Mining Facility.
Housing the IlKhan’s Joint Development Program and turnkey operations for other Clans interested in keeping their installations secret and protected by the massive fortifications and Cave Frog garrison, Heartforge had become the Clan’s command center.  Striking with a force of two Galaxies and Ghost Shrike support, we fought a massive battle in the surrounding swamps and lowlands as Cave Frog Technicians opened the locks at Grey Lake, flooding the swamps and forcing a months-long running battle as hovercraft, artillery, ELMs, AeroSpace, and mechanized BA decimated the leading Clusters.  Many of our Warriors felt the Cave Frogs lowered themselves to the level of Spheroids, and refused to take Bondsmen or observe zellbringen.
As our counter-attacks ran into massive ambushes and casualties continued to climb, eventually our assault stalled in the face of sullen resistance from the defenders.  Although the Frogs could not match the skills of our Warriors, they contracted Clusters of Clan Zombie Python, whose hatred of our Clan and disregard for New Clan rules of warfare made them deadly opponents.  Utilizing the hidden routes out of the facility, their Warriors successfully kept us from devoting sufficient forces to cracking the fortifications, although Mobile Assault units had successfully infiltrated to attack massed Reserve and artillery units.
The anger and distrust on both sides was deep-seated, but the decision to declare a temporary peace came from an unexpected source; the news of the dezClan Dragoon Compromise.  With the news came orders from the IlKhan to end the expensive feud in preparations for the dezClan Trials, and although relations with the Frogs and Pythons have remained cool, the military buildup remained a priority.

[**  Analyst’s Note:
   Prompting the beginnings of the ‘Raptor political decades, the rise of Star Colonel Ed Alexander to Khan began the Grand Council debates over the re-absorption of Clan Dingo and the promotion of their strongest 2nd Clan, the Carnoraptors, to the ranks of the First Clans.
   Protected from a Trial of Absorption by a vote of the Grand Council, the Dingoes began a subtle manipulation of both the ‘Raptors and Cave Frogs, aimed at exhausting two of the strongest Second Clans.  Their efforts eventually paid off in the Grand Council as the Frogs were provoked into openly boasting of their fortification programs.  As the Dingoes continued to scorn the ‘Raptor Touman, it came as no surprise they would look for ways to prove the skill and effectiveness of their Warriors.
   Their attention centered on the Cave Frog Colonies, the ‘Raptors efforts in the Grand Council slowed, but eventually regained momentum as the assaults on Cave Frog colonies and outposts slowed.  During the two year peace, they once again began to slowly win over their sibClans and narrowing the margin of a successful Trial, prompting several changes in the Dingo Touman, although these changes would take years to take effect.
   When it came, the ‘Raptor assault on the Heartforge facility was everything their sibClans had come to expect; multiple Mobile Assault Clusters consisting of air-mobile ELM, Armor, and Elementals attacked the Cave Frog and Razor Bat garrison, leaving the incoming ‘Mech transports from the pirate point unmolested.
   However, the strike against the control bunkers at Grey Lake failed after a desperate battle, and the Frogs successfully flooded the swamps surrounding the facility.  Their attack a failure, the Mobile Assault forces retreated, and Cave Frog reinforcements destroyed the dam for the duration of the assault.
   Unknown to the ‘Raptors, the Heartforge facility had been upgraded through the decades of the Frog occupation until the facility resembled a Star League-era Castle Brian.  Allowing only the surface and first levels of the buried facility to be seen by the JDP and resident Clans, the Frogs continued excavating, providing multiple levels, tunnels, and exits.
   Although the Frogs and their Razor Bat allies were unable to prevent the ‘Raptor assault from breaching the walls, the Zombie Python bid for the Heartforge defense relieved the shattered garrison and defeated the larger ‘Raptor force with artillery and air support from the Cave Frog and Razor Bat allies.
   After 12 years of skirmishing, the ‘Raptor-Frog feud defined a generation of Warriors, and prompted the addition of dedicated Heavy Assault Binaries to the Command Packs of each Cluster.]
 
[**   Analyst’s Note:
Sir;

The following information is the only confirmed intelligence we have gathered from trusted sources across the last sixty years.  Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, only the broad outline of ‘Raptor activities during this period is available.
   Finally, this report is Security Rated SECRET EYES ONLY, as the information within provides detailed information on the inner workings of the Clan, and care must be taken to prevent details of the report from revealing the extent of our network in the Clan.

StCol Gordon Lyons
Office of the Ilkhan
Clan Silver Condor, Military Intelligence

Clan Carnoraptor Intelligence Report (3004-3060)

   No further note-worthy actions have occurred during the last 30 years by the ‘Raptors, following the near collapse of Alpha and Beta Galaxies and the rebuilding of the ‘Raptor offensive Clusters, as the Clan moved whole Packs into decimated Galaxies to replace casualties.  Although losing many elite Warriors to the process, the survivors were accepted into new Packs or declared Trials for command positions outside the three Galaxies that fought in the assault.
   We believe that as the rebuilding process continued, the Khans and Pack Council found themselves dealing with the political fallout of the Heartforge Assault.  Their basic need, relief for the overcrowded Warrior Caste, remained unsatisfied, and the future Absorption of the Dingoes remained uncertain.  Extensive research and analysis of ‘Raptor activities over the next decade suggested that the ‘Raptors Spawned as many as three “3rd Clans”.
   Coinciding with the rebuilding process, two of the Clan’s JumpShips left their normal routes in the Cluster to search for ‘resource colonies’.  They returned six months later, finding three suitable worlds, although we believe they were hunting for suitable future Capitals, since at least one planet with a tainted atmosphere and several asteroid belts were neglected in the search.
   Despite a revival of the Frog/Bat feud, the ‘Raptors restrained from major assaults in the last two decades after the Heartforge Assault, as the Clan continued to rebuild and increase the size of the Touman for the predicted dezClan Trials.  During this time the ‘Raptors adopted their policy of denying bondsmen permission to enter the Touman above the rank of Pack Commander, preferring to ransom senior officers instead of adopting them into the ‘Raptor Warrior Caste.
   Despite the continued attempts to infiltrate the ‘Raptor Touman, no further confirmation of ‘Raptor activities has been reported, leaving their current status unknown.
 
Clan Carnoraptor Threat Assessment (Current)

   At this time, our assessment of Clan Carnoraptor reveals an extremely dangerous situation, as the ‘Raptors traditional ‘shock tactics’ rely on surprise assaults with overwhelming force, similar to the Heartforge Assault.  Combined with the relative quiet of the ‘Raptor Warrior Caste, it is the consensus of senior analysts the ‘Raptors will choose another Clan as a target, although they are divided in their choice of preferred foes, which include their sibClans, and Clans Mammoth, Devil Wasp, Kraken, Tundra Leopard, Cave Frog, and Razor Bat.
   Without further resources, no new information of the mysterious 3rd Clans is expected to come to light soon, as Bondsmen are no longer accepted on Alexander, and the system and orbitals are completely controlled by the ‘Raptors and their allies.  Intelligence efforts have brought names such as Clans Spirit Mantis, Chi Serpent, and Soul Rhino to analysts, but details of their existence have remained unconfirmed over six decades later.
   Speculation and inference have suggested the Mantis’ might be designated a Heavy combined-arms force, emphasizing vehicles, the Rhinos to complement the ‘Raptor Touman by supplying a slower Assault and garrison force, and the Serpents for a possible Light-to-Medium combined-arms force focusing on AeroSpace operations.
   Current Toumans for these groups is unknown, but based on ‘Raptor manufacturing capacity and transport requirements is estimated at 3-5 Galaxies of various standards and compositions, using New Clan standard organization.  Current population estimates of these groups vary far wider, as analysts agree only 70-75 percent of the ‘Raptor population base is visible to Condor analysts, but is estimated at 7 million and growing.  Census results have proven unreliable, however, as the ‘Raptors are self-sufficient in Iron Womb technology and unknown numbers of these birthing facilities have been concealed from our operatives on Alexander.
   It is also unknown whether these groups will have created specialized military equipment, vehicles, or OmniMechs, although visitors to Alexander and the possible Capital planets have reported mysterious radar contacts on a regular basis.  It is suspected the New Clan C-cubed system has been modified for vehicle use in groups larger than the ‘Raptor Packs, and that some sort of drone warfare system has been created to compensate for the lack of manpower these groups can muster.
   Further information is required before the ‘Raptor’s Threat Level can be lowered, but the ‘Raptors seem determined to maintain secrecy in this matter.  Whatever the chosen course of action, caution is required to prevent the Clan from choosing an aggressive course of action, as their current official strength alone is enough to Absorb several of the weaker New Clans, although at a heavy price in men and material.

The Brightfang Keshik

   Composed exclusively of MechWarriors, the Keshik refuses to accept lesser Branches of the Touman into the unit.  A reward for older serving holders of the Brightfang Award, the Keshik recruits from Alpha Galaxy to fill the remaining positions in the Keshik.

Officers

   Young Star Colonel Kevin Chen is an unwilling member of the Keshik, serving a term as commanding officer.  A ristar of the Warrior Caste, Kevin views the time spent as commander of the Keshik as a waste of his time while in the prime of his career as a Warrior.


The Brightclaw Keshik

   Recruited from Beta Galaxy, most MechWarriors refuse to remain in the Keshik longer than the 6-month term required by tradition.  Embracing combined-arms stra-tacs, the unit compensates by providing the lesser Branches an opportunity to become the centerpiece of the Keshik.

Officers

   Pack Commander Ezekial Doherty is the sole volunteer in the Keshik, seeing the opportunity to forward a politically-motivated agenda.  Supporting the adoption of the combined-arms philosophy, Ezekial provides a veneer of accept-ance for the lesser Warriors of his Pack.

Units

The Brightfang Keshik
  2 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
  CO:  Star Colonel Kevin Chen
   Although over the average age for the Warrior Caste, Warriors of the Keshik bring the experience and skills of generations of Award recipients to the battlefield, escorting and supporting the Khan’s personal Pack in combat.


The Brightclaw Keshik
  3 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
  CO:  Star Colonel Mandy Puckett
   The Elite Armor and lesser Branches of the Touman provide the needed stability for the unit, while the Heavy Assault Trinary provides the Keshik with the necessary knock-down power in combat.  The Keshik escorts and supports the SaKhan and his personal Pack in combat.
 
ALPHA GALAXY

   The pride of the Warrior Caste, Alpha is the most desired posting in the Touman, surpassing even the Clan Keshiks.  While the Keshiks escort the Khans and Loremaster into battle, they are not the pure offensive units of the remainder of the ‘Raptor Touman.  As the Clan’s Founding unit, the 1rst Carnoraptor Strike upholds the reputation of the Clan, with the remainder of Alpha’s Clusters reinforcing the 1st against larger opponents.  As a consequence, Alpha’s Packs either operate alone, or with minimal interference until supporting Packs are required.

OFFICERS

   Admired as the first commander of Alpha in nearly two decades not to abuse his position as Commander to participate in every Trial, Galaxy Commander Del Harkness has been granted dispensation from the Khan to remain in command of Alpha although past the normal retirement age of ‘Raptor Warriors.  Focused on keeping promising junior officers in the field, Del has influenced the habits, stra-tacs, and promotions of most of the ristars passing through Alpha for command slots in the rest of the Touman.
   Star Colonel Sven Olsen and Pack Captain Lena Olsen are not just members of the same Blood House, but are one of the few Trueborn couples willing to dedicate themselves to conceiving and raising their freeborn children during their career as Warriors.  Ben and Linda are doing well in the Caste crèche on night release, and expected to join Sibkos within the year.

UNITS

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO: Galaxy Commander Del Harkness
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   An exclusive bodyguard unit composed of long-time friends and allies of the Galaxy Commander, members of the Trinary have all previously served with Del.  To honor the original members of the Carnoraptor Touman, the Pack allows only ‘Mechs, Elementals, and Pilots.

1st Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Kerwin Robbins
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   The Founding unit of the ‘Raptor Touman, Warriors assigned to the unit are the finest in the Clan.  Attacking without needless deception or complex maneuvers, the 1st is dedicated to the concept of Zellbrigen, but if broken by an opponent will attack without mercy
 
102nd Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Roman Stushnoff
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Considered the feeder unit for the 1st, the 102nd follows the 1st like a ‘Raptor to carrion.  The 102nd is comprised of Medium and Heavy units, ready to perform Trials for transfer to the 1st.  The 102nd, however, is an extremely able unit able to perform any stra-tac used by the Touman with precision.

104th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Agatha Yuan
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Split between fast Heavy and Assault units, the 104th either delivers the killing blow to most opponents too large for the 1st to defeat alone, or attacks targets of secondary importance.  Another feeder unit for the 1st, opponents realize the lower average speed of the 104th simply means they have longer to wait until defeated

111th Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Ken Trent
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   As the ‘poor relation’ of Alpha, the 111th specializes in areas the rest of the Galaxy feels beneath them, such as scouting in hostile AeroSpace-controlled environments, fast-drop harassment missions, or the bane of Mobile Assault Clusters – security detachments.  Considering themselves the Elite of the Armor Branch, only constant combat losses prevents the Cluster from claiming Elite status.

403rd Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Sven Olsen
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Alpha’s heaviest Cluster, the Components of the 403rd are escorted by Armor, ELMs, Elementals, and dedicated ground-attack FighterShips.  Warriors of the 403rd fight to the death or request Bondsref, and all opponents unable to escape the 403rd are killed.
 
BETA GALAXY

   The Clan’s second offensive Galaxy, Beta concentrates on a style of warfare that uses its Whip and Strike Clusters to make offensive landings against enemy territories.  The Mobile Assault Cluster is designed to hold territory for landing fields needed to move the Whip Clusters closer to the enemy while freeing the remainder of the unit for the ground assault.

Officers

   In the prime of his career, Galaxy Commander Levin Ciseki sees Alpha Galaxy as his rightful command and is pressing the Khan for permission to challenge Del Harkness for command of Alpha Galaxy.  Scorning the Loremaster, who he feels is sympathetic with Del, Levin is the leader of a movement calling for earlier retirement of Warriors in the Post-Trial decades, to allow the Warrior Caste to thin its ranks and allow younger generations the chance to distinguish themselves.
Commander of the sole Mobile Assault unit in Beta, Star Colonel Gavin Acton is hard pressed to keep the entire Cluster from declaring a Trial of Grievance with the remainder of Beta.  Individual Stars have already begun bidding for the privilege of representing the 222nd in any Trials.
   Now a Pack Commander, Point Commander Larry won the sole Trial of Grievance declared by a member of the Cluster.  Using a combination of LRM and SRM carriers supported by Elementals, Larry rendered the three Light OmniMechs of his opponent unrecognizable scrap.  The execution of his opponents in their cockpits by the Elementals under his control prompted the Galaxy Commander to forbid future Trials.

Units

Galaxy Command Keshik
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Levin Ciseki
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Only favorites of the Galaxy Commander reach the Command Pack, as his supporters push for the promotion in rank that would follow.  Bid into almost all of Beta’s Trials in some form, most Warriors of the Keshik are too eager for the fame and glory involved to notice the attitudes of the rest of the Galaxy.

107th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO: Star Colonel Ren Lu
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Shamed by the outcome of the sole Trial of Grievance with the 222nd, the remainder of the Cluster are now even more vehement about the Mobile Assault’s lack of personal Honor and dezgra stra-tacs.  A feud between the two Clusters seems inevitable at this point.

108th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO: Star Colonel Ernest Sanders
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Ignoring the fighting between the 107th and 222nd, Ernest has declared the next offender to attempt declaring a Trial of Grievance with the 222nd will face him in a Circle of Equals before being transferred out of Beta.

50th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Ivan Fouchet
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Veteran/Fanatical
   A ground support Cluster, the Elite Air Superiority Pilots and Heavy OmniFighters on loan from the Ghost Shrikes are training the 50th in air-to-air stra-tacs with their heavy FighterShips.  The Shrikes also make their own strafing runs after escorting the ‘Raptor Pilots to their targets.

100th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Azure Wright
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Veteran/Fanatical
   Taking advantage of her Binary of Ghost Shrike Pilots, Azure has grounded half her AeroSpace Cluster for intensive classroom training cycles and requested at least one Pack of AeroSpace fighters as Air Superiority escorts.

222nd Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Gavin Acton
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Uncertain
   Warriors of the 222nd are adamant surkai is owed them by the Beta Strike Clusters, but are under Gavin’s control for now.  Recent exercises have centered on Zombie Python stra-tacs and air defense drills, leading observers to expect rude surprises for future challengers of the unit.
 
GAMMA GALAXY

   Further from the glory of Alpha Galaxy and unlikely to see combat larger than raiding Packs, Gamma is a hotbed of Warriors demanding Trials of Position for Star- and Pack-sized units.  With the overabundance of Warrior Trainees flooding the Touman, Galaxy Commander Alan Fouchet has announced limits on the number of live-fire Trials allowed, to prevent excessive equipment damage and a decrease in Gamma’s experience level.  Currently, Alan has allowed a single challenge from each of Gamma’s Star Colonels per month, two per month from Pack Commanders, and one per month from Pack members.  Gamma is currently spoiling for a fight, as challenges by Delta Galaxy have decreased in the past three months and neighboring Clans have been visibly increasing garrison forces in preparation.

Officers

   With no challenges to his authority by his Star Colonels, Galaxy Commander Alan Fouchet has successfully defended his rank for the next three months.  Under review for his policies, Alan points to the successful defenses of the ‘Raptor assets under his care and the excellent training scores in the live-fire exercises by the Clusters under his control.
   Star Colonel Tam Lu, however, has been defeated in the latest Trial period, and has declared a Trial of Position for a posting to the Reserves.  Star Colonel Rand Evans of the 214th Carnoraptor Strike is currently beginning an intensive training cycle, with a 3-month grace period before being judged by the Galaxy Commander to ensure his ability to command his Cluster.
   Pack Commander Gretchen has just returned from a raid on _____ with her new _____ OmniFighter.  Her skills at dogfighting with the ground-support configurations of her Fighter are impressive, and Warriors of the 213th have noted the increased number of air defense drills of her Pack Commander.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Alan Fouchet
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Galaxy Commander Alan is currently under scrutiny by the Loremaster for restricting the number of augmented Trials under his command.  Although reluctant to agree with his decision, observers believe it justified for now.

211th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Henry Robbins
  1Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   With some of the most anxious officers for promotion, the 211th has begun field exercises focusing on Trials of Possession in difficult terrain, such as underwater and vacuum.
213th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Zach Yuan
  1 Trinary, 6 Brinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Accompanying the 211th, Zach is cooperating in planning for future Trials for his Warriors.

214th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Rand Evans
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   With his new rank, Rand is experimenting with Cluster-sized stra-tacs and beginning an intensive training cycle.  Observers expect the Galaxy Commander to confirm his rank in time for him to defend any challengers in three months.

216th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Quentin Olaf
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Currently focused on the ‘Raptor/Cave Frog feud, the 216th is waiting impatiently for permission from Galaxy Commander Alan to declare a Trial for some unknown Frog asset.

406th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Kyle
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   The 406th is currently participating in exercises against other Galaxies as a planetary assault Cluster.  Observers expect the Galaxy Commander to approve a live-fire planetary assault exercise for Gamma, although the exercise is being held up by the choice of Whip Cluster to participate in the exercise.
 
DELTA GALAXY

   Not allowed to raid neighboring Clans, Delta has begun Honor Trials with Clan Tundra Leopard.  As Warriors run through competitions with the Leopards, they are placed at the bottom of the list for the next Trial.  Refusing to participate with the two Clans, the nearby detachments of Clan Dire Boar have chosen to remain aloof for now, although several garrisons have been expanded as activity in the region increases.  The Galaxy has also offered contract bids to Leopard commanders interested in using ‘Raptor Packs as scouts and harassers.  The Khan has chosen to ignore this activity, or is unaware of the Galaxy Commander’s initiatives.

Officers

   The holder of an undistinguished Blood Heritage, Galaxy Commander Cal
Black has interested the Scientist Caste for nearly twenty years.  An exceptional strategist, Cal acknowledges he is only an average MechWarrior.  He is often found with the Assault Pack of his Command Trinary, where his stra-tactical contribution is more important than his gunnery skills.
   A freeborn of Asian descent, EWarrior Elisa has been chosen to provide select genetics to future ELM sibkos.  Barely 5’ tall, Elisa seems to be becoming the mascot of the 444th Mobile Assault Cluster.  With hair dyed the color of a carnoraptor and tattoos of fine scales around her eyes and mouth, she pilots a 12-ton Striker ELM nicknamed “Jugger-not” by her Pack with reckless abandon.
The Star Colonel of the 226th Carnoraptor Strike, Jennifer Alexander has been seen at Civil Government functions with the Galaxy Commander.  Rumors link the two romantically, and there is speculation the two will apply to supply an embryo for the next Warrior sibko.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Cal Black
  1 Trinary (Reinforced)/Elite/Fanatical
   One of the few standard combined-arms Trinaries in the Touman, the Trinary occasionally accompanies raiding parties expecting strong opposition.  Armor units assigned to the unit typically mount Arrow V artillery.

223rd Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Wendy Harkness
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Wendy has been unable to convince the Galaxy Commander to focus on the MechWarriors of Delta, and relations with the 223rd have become strained.  Rumors in the rest of the Galaxy say the Galaxy Commander is grooming a challenger for the command from the 228th.

226th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Jennifer Alexander
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Warriors assigned to the unit have begun to contribute to the betting pool on the Cluster Commander started by Warriors of the 444th, making jokes about ‘covering’ the dates nine months after each of their informal meetings.

228th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Milo Trent
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   The loser of two Honor Trials with the Tundra Leopards, Milo has turned to the Galaxy Commander for advice.  Accepting a Binary of mixed Armor and ELMs, observers expect victory will prompt Milo to call a Trial of Position for a Pack to be transferred out of the 228th to make room for it.

229th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Paige Olsen
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Disgusted by the possibility of dezgra Armor being pivotal in a Trial between Clans, Warriors of the 229th have earned the enmity of a Tundra Leopard Armor unit, whose crews were injured in a recent Honor Trial with the 229th.

444th Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Luke
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   One of the few Galaxies Armor crews prefer to serve in, approval for the Galaxy Commander is high.  Inveterate gamblers, speculation is high for the birthdate of any child and the identity of the Binary to participate in an Honor Trial with the 228th.
EPSILON GALAXY

   Conceived as an Assault Galaxy, Epsilon uses the heaviest designs available to crush opponents.  Composed of three Assault with a single Strike and Whip Cluster, Epsilon was the first “Ready Offensive” Galaxy, able to provide support for other Clusters of the Touman on short notice.
Observers note Galaxy Commander Cassius Wright has used the lesser Castes assigned to Epsilon to finish assembling a production complex dedicated to new Component and AeroSpace production, including at least one line for Armored vehicles.  The first new production site established since 3041 while preparing for the dezClan Trials, observers note the facility is also the first established outside a New Clan Homeworld in over 120 Standard years
   Visiting Defensive and Reserve Galaxy Commanders are known to have contacted Epsilon regarding the site, and observers believe units produced at the facility will be used to expand and modernize the Defensive and second-line units of the Reserves, replacing machines in service since the Founding of Totem and the New Clans.

Officers

   Galaxy Commander Cassius Wright, a borderline manic/depressive, has led his Command Pack to several victories against Devil Wasp Merchants to support his operation.  A vocal ‘Raptor supremacist, Cassius has advocated declaring a Trial of Absorption against a lesser Clan to fuel their continued growth and the political debates to Absorb the Dingo Clan.
   A recent addition to the Warrior Caste, ristar Warrior David and has already set Gunnery records in the 518th and been offered sponsors for the Purdy Bloodname.  Earning his ‘Elite’ status and attracting attention from Devil Wasp Warriors and Merchants interested in selected genetic material, there is speculation David will be transferred to the 403rd of Alpha Galaxy.
   Chief Technician Larry is the highest-ranking Technician working on the new production facility; a structural engineer, Larry has worked on other major structures for the Touman including one alongside contracted Cave Frog Scientists and Technicians on military fortifications.

Units

Epsilon Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO: Galaxy Commander Cassius Wright
  1 Trinary (Reinforced)/Elite/Fanatical
   Composed of a Supernova Binary of Component OmniMechs supported by ELM and Elemental Points, the remaining Star of Armor and AeroSpace FighterShips provide artillery and ground support.  An Elite unit, the Trinary supports recent efforts to assemble Frost Ape Pulsar units in the Reserves.

230th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Errol Ciseki
  3 Binary, 3 Supernova Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Founding Cluster of Epsilon, the 230th is the heaviest Strike Cluster in the Touman, as three of its Trinaries are Assault Components arranged in Pulsar formations.  Opponents expecting typical ‘Raptor stra-tacs are commonly decimated for only light damage to the Components’ heavy armor.

518th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Hamilton
  5 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Supported by Armor, ELM, and Elementals, the Trinaries of the 518th have proven the benefit of combined-arms, although they are without integral ground or artillery support.  Morale is high, and discussion of reinforced Trinaries is a popular topic.

521st Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Hope
  4 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Short of supporting elements, observers expect the 521st to remain in garrison while awaiting new Armor and ELM Packs to bring the unit back up to strength after sending a Trinary to support Beta Galaxy.

524th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Charles
  5Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
The 524th is currently in garrison on Alexander, working to demonstrate the benefits of the combined-arms approach of the Assault Clusters.  A Trinary from the Cluster was the first unit to encounter a Frost Ape Pulsar during a failed Trial of Possession for supplies from a nearby Frost Ape Reserve garrison.

200th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Belinda Hamm
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Veteran/Fanatical
   One of the only Air Superiority Clusters of the Touman, the majority of Pilots assigned the 200th fly Heavy Omnifighters.  The remaining FighterShips are adept at either ground support or using their massive firepower to destroy defending DropShips of Clans who refuse Safcon to ‘Raptor Packs.


 
ZETA GALAXY

   Raised with Eta Galaxy for the dezClan Trials, Zeta was an empty shell for nearly a year as the Clan scrambled for Warriors and equipment.  Currently garrisoning several planets within easy distance of feuding Clans, Zeta is one of the “Ready Offensive” Galaxies suitable for rapid deployment anywhere in the Legacy Cluster.  Demonstrating no preferred stra-tacs, Zeta Star Colonels have been granted independent Drop- and JumpShips with broad discretionary orders from the Khan to transport Zeta on a priority basis anywhere in the Cluster to declare Trials without contacting higher authority.  .

Officers

   Violently pro-Warrior, Galaxy Commander Autumn Olaf has recently offered a pre-emptive bid for command of Beta Galaxy.  Disliked outside of the Strike Clusters, Autumn considers the Elite Pilots of the Whip Cluster her only true rivals in the Galaxy, as the Assault components do battle as crews, similar to Armor, and thus are without personal honor.
   Star Captain Mara Hammond of the 450th was adopted into the Clan from the Frost Apes, following her bondholder until her death in a recent Trial.  Allowing her to challenge for a place in his Cluster, Mara is using her training as an Air Superiority Pilot to benefit of her new Clan, overseeing training drills for the ground support Pilots of the Cluster.

Units

Zeta Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Autumn Olaf
  1 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Sure of the superiority of her Warriors and OmniMechs, Autumn prefers a Pack rather than the Trinary ‘Raptor doctrine recommends.  So far, the Galaxy Commander has successfully defeated all opponents without resorting to adding a Heavy Assault Binary, due to the Elite MechWarriors of her Pack.

232nd Carnoraptor Strike
  CO: Star Colonel Jesus Sanders
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Eager to participate in Trials that would fuel his rise in rank, Jesus and his command Trinary remain on Ready status, with OmniMechs loaded into DropShips.  Abusing his status as Star Colonel, he and his Trinary commonly use OmniMechs belonging to the other Packs to train with.
 
234th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Len Doherty
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   The 234th is currently undergoing an intense training cycle focusing on unusual terrain.  The Cluster is currently in orbit above their garrison, culminating in a combat-style drop from DropShips.

235th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Garry Black
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Finished their own training cycle, the 235th will operate as a training force against the combat drop from the 234th.  Observers expect several injuries and disabled OmniMechs as the rival Strike Clusters met on the training ground.

633rd Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Lincoln Alexander
  5 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Disdainful of the political behavior of the Strike Clusters, Lincoln is confident the Galaxy Commander will be forced to come calling for the services of his Assault Cluster soon, and is holding back a Heavy Assault Binary reserved for the Galaxy Commander.

450th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Edmond King
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Jokingly referred to as “The White King” for his disdain of camouflage, Edmond chooses to leave his FighterShip a gleaming white.  Members of the 450th approve of both Star Captain Mara Hammond and his decision to equip and train at least one Air Superiority Pack.

ETA GALAXY

   Founded as a companion unit to Zeta Galaxy, Eta is an identical unit.  Although the virtual twin of Zeta, Warriors have rallied around EWarrior Star Colonel Grayson Spur of the 237th Strike.  The highest ranking Elemental of the Touman, Graham was a Pack Commander when he first organized joint exercises with the 636th Strike and 500th Whip.
Cementing a close personal and working relationship between Warriors, the 237th has offered pre-emptive bids for members of the three Clusters to move freely among Packs, although the Command Trinaries are selected by the Cluster Commanders.
   Of particular concern to Galaxy Commander Rudolph Stushnoff is the type of Points being used to bring the 500th Whip up to strength, as inferior conventional aircraft and Armor are being used, strengthening the arguments of Star Colonel Grayson for combined-arms stra-tacs to dominate in his Galaxy.

Officers

   Galaxy Commander Rudolph Stushnoff has become irritated in the past few months with the behavior of his Galaxy, who openly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ‘Mechs with their inferiors of the Armor and Infantry.  Seeking to return the focus of his Galaxy to the OmniMech as befits a Front-Line Offensive Galaxy, Rudolph has denied permission for Trials designed to bring what he considers dezgra combined-arms tactics into Eta.
   A believer in the superiority of OmniMechs and Warriors, Pack Leader Bennett has been pushed into the spotlight by the Galaxy Commander, hoping his belief in the ‘Raptor doctrine of combat will attract the Warriors of the Galaxy and ends the fascination with the Frost Ape training methods and stra-tacs.
   Star Colonel Grayson Spur knows the effective use of combined-arms wins battles and glory for the Warrior that uses them in combat.  Rumor identifies him as blacklisted from future Trials of Position for Front-Line Offensive Galaxies.

Units

Eta Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Rudolph Stushnoff
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   With a single mixed star of Heavy Assault Components, AeroSpace, and Armor, Rudolph has been forced to call for ELM and Elemental reinforcements from the 636th in recent Trials.
236th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Ken Harkness
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Indifferent to the debate of doctrine or combined-arms, Ken is ignoring the posturing of the Galaxy Commander in hopes of being selected for a Trial of Possession for a more prominent Galaxy.

237th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Grayson Spur
  3 Trinary, 3 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Dedicated to the combined-arms philosophy, the 237th contains a mixed AeroSpace/Elemental/Elm Supernova and Assault Binary with supporting Armor and conventional aircraft.

238th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Linus Olsen
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   Linus is a relatively new Warrior who is quickly rising through the ranks of Eta and has already declared a Trial of Position with the support of the saKhan for the228th in Delta Galaxy if Star Colonel Milo is unable to reverse his losing streak.

636th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Jeffrey
  5 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Supporting Star Colonel Grayson in his attempt to unify the branches of the Touman in his Cluster, Star Colonel Jeffrey has converted one Trinary to a mix of artillery, Armor, and ELMs.

500th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Raj Jansen
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Elite/Fanatical
   With barely 4 Trinaries of older AeroSpace Fighters and FighterShips, the 500th is too low on the list of AeroSpace Clusters to be sure of resupply in case of losses.  Raj has taken advantage of working with Star Colonel Grayson Spur to train his Cluster in combined-arms, making the most of the haphazard replacement Points assigned to the Cluster.
 
THETA GALAXY

   Another dedicated Offensive Galaxy, Theta has been denied the opportunity for action in favor of bolstering the Defensive Galaxies.  Festering in place since 3052 and the ComStar Truce, postings to Theta have lost any appeal for the Warrior Caste and the Galaxy is considered the first of the Defensive Galaxies to maintain ‘Raptor assets.
   Repeated requests for Trials and movement of Theta’s Clusters have either been ignored or rerouted, and observers predict Theta will begin to abandon their garrison postings to declare Trials without the approval of Galaxy Commander Arthur Wright in the hopes of being taken as Bondsmen.
Aware of Theta’s place in the supply chain and with no resupply of ammo or other expendables forthcoming, Theta has configured their OmniMechs and Fighters with heavy energy armaments.

Officers

   Angry at the Khans for leaving his command on the sidelines and nearing retirement age, Galaxy Commander Arthur Wright has declared the Galaxy will be given a new assignment worthy of the Warriors under his command or he will grant a series of raids and Trials to Packs showing themselves worthy of transfers to more prestigious Galaxies.  Despite the arrival of the Clan Loremaster to reinforce his orders, Arthur has refused to return to garrison.
   Pack Commander Azten is the newest Warrior assigned to Theta, in his first posting from the ‘Raptor training program.  Determined not to spend any longer in Theta than necessary, he has stated he will declare a Trial of Possession for a place in the 232nd of Zeta Galaxy.

Units

Theta Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Arthur Wright
  1 Trinary/Veteran/Fanatical
   Aware Arthur’s refusal to return to garrison may be accompanied by a Trial, the Trinary is feverishly completing preparations for combat.

217th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Adrian Sanders
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Elite/Reliable
   The Founding unit of Theta, the 217th is the only Cluster in Theta other than the 333rd Mobile Assault to hold an ‘Elite’ rating.  Observers believe the 217th may be removed from Theta if the Galaxy loses its Front-Line Offensive status.
 
219th Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Eve Trent
  1 Trinary, 5 Binary/Veteran/Reliable
   Enraged at the loss of an entire Pack to fill Points in the 217th, Eve has begun an intensive training cycle aimed at removing Warriors unable to meet ‘Elite’ requirements and force them into the Reserves in the hope of being saved from Defensive status.

409th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Allen
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Reliable
   Allen holds his rank through skill and tenacity as well as distaste by Trueborn Warriors for the post.  Calm and imperturbable in the face of Galaxy politics, he is unconcerned by the possibility of assignment to a Defensive Galaxy, expecting to see more action safeguarding vital facilities than the Cluster did on Offensive status.

150th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Zelda King
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Veteran/Reliable
   The only Cluster guaranteed not to be assigned to a Defensive Galaxy and with a role in any Trial Declared by the Galaxy Commander from the outset, Zelda is concentrating on training for the Air Superiority role, as a shortage of qualified Pilots would allow the 150th to remain on Front-Line Offensive status.

333rd Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Archie Buchanon
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Shut out of the raids by order of the Galaxy Commander, the Cluster has spent their time on intensive training cycles and is spoiling for a fight.  Observers believe Archie will declare a Trial of Grievance with the chosen unit.
 
IOTA GALAXY

   The primary Defensive Galaxy, Iota is currently in the Alexander System, using the proximity to major Technician Caste training facilities to provide needed refits and upgrades to their equipment as part of the final upgrades for the dezClan Trials.  Morale has soared, and several Freeborn ristars and adopted Warriors have used the opportunity to challenge their way out of Iota.
With only a few OmniMechs available to senior officers, the BattleMechs of Iota have been heavily modified to suit the role and temperament of each Warrior.  Iota commonly finds itself outclassed by opposing Clans with Front-Line equipment, but the next opponent expecting a poorly-maintained unit will find themselves in trouble.

Officers

   Recently promoted to Galaxy Commander, Terrance Black is finding it difficult to organize and command the Mobile Assault and Whip Clusters under his command.  With only a brief time to earn the respect of the Warriors of the Galaxy, Iota is expected to relocate to the edge of Cluster space and take up the burden of garrison from Kappa Galaxy, whose Mobile Assault and Whip Clusters are the weakest Clusters in the Touman.
   Technician Rufus, the senior Caste member assigned to Iota, has been run ragged by eager Technicians and Technician Apprentices looking to gain hands-on experience with Iota’s equipment.  Formal classes, tours, and base security have all been abandoned as serving Technicians struggle to coordinate the influx of personnel and equipment.  Several high-ranking Technicians and Scientists have also co-opted amused Warriors, installing advanced or experimental equipment for testing.

Units

Iota Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Terrance Black
  1 Trinary(Reinforced)/Veteran/Reliable
   The Command Trinary is slightly over-strength as members of the Galaxy Commander’s Pack are still declaring Trials for places in the Trinary, to the amusement of the Heavy Assault Binary.

231st Carnoraptor Strike
  CO:  Star Colonel Dan Chen
  1 Trinary, 6 Binary/Veteran/Reliable
   One of the few Defensive Strike Clusters, a sense of dread is always hanging over the unit, whose Warriors expect this to be their last posting outside of the Reserve.  The sudden influx of new equipment has allowed several Warriors to win Trials for places in other Galaxies.

527th Carnoraptor Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Ulysses (“U.S.”)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Reliable
   Born Ulysses Solomon Archer, “U.S.” is the senior Freeborn in the ‘Raptor Touman.  The 527th is also the weakest Assault unit in the Touman, with fewer than a Binary worth of Component BattleMechs, and the remainder of the Cluster standard Heavy and Assault BattleMechs.

555th Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Zebidia Ciseki
  5 Trinaries/Regular/Reliable
   Recently absorbing a pair of Reserve Trinaries, the 555th is still adjusting, although the last riot in the Warrior Barracks has earned the Cluster a 25 kilo-meter march in the tropical jungles of Alexander.  Several troublesome Warriors are no longer problems for the unit, after Alexander’s wildlife caught them isolated on the march.  No further problems are expected.

350th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Kevin Puckett
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Veteran/Reliable
   Previously able to field barely a Trinary of operational Fighters and FighterShips, an extended stay at the production facilities has allowed the 350th to add another two Binaries of new OmniFighters and FighterShips.  The remainder of the Cluster are VTOLs and conventional fighters, with air-mobile Elemental and ELM units.

400th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Cindy Hamm
  1 Star, 7 Binary/Veteran/Reliable
   A final posting for AeroSpace Pilots before retirement to the Reserve, the 400th rarely sees action.  Observers expect the Cluster to be upgraded with new AeroSpace Fighters and FighterShips before being reassigned to a new Front-Line Offensive Galaxy in an effort to enlarge the Clan’s traditionally weak AeroSpace branch.


 
KAPPA GALAXY

   The final Galaxy of the ‘Raptor Touman, Kappa is the second Defensive Galaxy , and contains four of the Clan’s Mobile Assault Clusters with a single Whip Cluster as support.  Founded by the 666th Mobile Assault Cluster, Kappa is predominantly Freeborn Warriors.  Receiving only rare shipments of parts and personnel, Kappa has maintained a death-grip on the assets entrusted to it despite declaring most of the Galaxy non-operational.
   Equipped with Armor, Battle Armor, and ELMs, several Points in each Trinary are composed of conventional Infantry, making Kappa the sole Galaxy in the Clan to use them.  Equipped exclusively with conventional aircraft and VTOLs, the combined-arms stra-tacs of the 550th Whip Cluster accentuates the speed and striking power of their air-mobile Battle Armor and ELMs with several unique Armored vehicles found only in Kappa.
   Using local resources to maintain or repair their Clusters, Technicians assigned to Kappa have a reputation Clan-wide as scavengers and tinkers able to convert scrap and raw materials to usable equipment.

Officers

   The final command for Galaxy Commander Wayne Alexander, the Trueborn Warrior commands the loyalty and respect of his Galaxy.  Understanding the unique needs and culture of Kappa, Wayne established several irregular traditions dedicated to maintaining the efficient workings of its Clusters, such as allowing Trinary Patches, Mascots, and Slogans, and establishing Trinaries as cover for Freeborn dependants accompanying Clusters to many of their isolated Garrison posts.
   Laborer Angie is the leader of the camp followers, pressed into the Kappa Galaxy maintenance support staff.  With long brown hair and a stunning figure, Angie spends her days assisting Technicians repairing electronic equipment and nights as an exotic dancer to massive crowds wherever the 666th is posted.  Despite being offered a position in the Galaxy Command Trinary, Angie refuses to be tied down to a single Trinary, preferring to “play the field”.
   An Elemental, Point Commander Gan coordinates the military police.  Experienced in the Kappa honor code, Gan and other members of Kappa provide guidance to new Warriors and ensure Trials and other conflicts are handled fairly.

Units

Kappa Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Wayne Alexander
  1 Trinary/Veteran/Questionable
   The Trinary is composed of the few BattleMechs and artillery pieces available, with Points of Armor, Infantry, Battle Armor, and ELMs in support.
 

666th Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel “Jumpin’” Jack
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Questionable
   Founding Cluster of Kappa, the 666th is truly hell for the Trueborn Warriors from the Offensive Galaxies.  Predominantly Freebirths, the Cluster does not consider abbreviations impolite and familiarity between Warriors and members of the lesser Castes is expected, as most Warriors are promoted Laborers and their families accompany them.

777th Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Amos
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Questionable
   Suffering nearly 38% of Warriors killed in action over the past year, the 777th has made it their business to return the favor to every opponent since their founding.  Almost a legend on Alexander, the 5th Point of Epsilon Trinary’s Gamma Star prefers to infiltrate and fight Trials within enemy compounds, killing or disabling MechWarriors outside of their machines.

888th Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel William “Tell”
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Questionable
   Preferring to include the field fortifications surrounding each of their garrisons, the 888th cripples most unwary MechWarriors before they become a danger to the Armor of the 888th.  The unit has previously fought Trials with the Warriors of Clan Zombie Python, fighting them to a draw and exchanging Bondsmen as a show of respect, taking 6 OmniMechs traded to Iota in exchange for a Star of Armored vehicles and ELMs along with their families.

999th Carnoraptor Mobile Assault
  CO:  Star Colonel Wing “Wingnut”
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Questionable
   Specializing in guerrilla and harassment missions, the 999th employs stra-tacs considered insane even by the Zombie Pythons.  Insisting their unique abilities reduce the risk to acceptable levels, the final Mobile Assault Cluster in the Touman prefers to fight low-intensity warfare, where the impact of their Elite Infantry Points are deadly to unsuspecting opponents.

550th Carnoraptor Whip
  CO:  Star Colonel Shauna “Nike”
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Questionable
   Almost exclusively conventional aircraft, most of the Elite freebirth Pilots of the 300th have refused to accept newer AeroSpace fighters and move to new Whip Clusters.  Split into Trinaries to support the Mobile Assault Clusters, the 300th controls the sole JumpShip assigned to Kappa, to move the Galaxy Command and 300th Alpha Trinary as the Galaxy’s fast response force.
THE RESERVES AND MILITIA

   Acknowledging the need for a strategic Reserve, the Reserve contains the Clan’s sibkos and their trainers, allowing them to support the Touman while ensuring a safe environment for the future Warriors of our Clan.  Equipped with front-line and experimental equipment, the Reserve is administrated by the Loremaster but commanded by their sibko training officers.
The size of the Reserve has decreased in the years following the Refusal War, as the number of sibkos has been decreased and older equipment been handed-down to the Militia Clusters, which are beginning to update their equipment. Their disdain for the Militia and the lack of coordination between sibkos are not seen as problems, since sibkos generally serve as reinforced Trinaries and are segregated from the internal security forces of the Militia.

Units

The Reserves
  CO:  Loremaster Paul Robbins
  Roughly 18 Clusters/Regular/Fanatical
   Composed of 18 Clusters, the Reserve is concentrated on Alexander, providing an emergency supply of Front-Line equipment for the Offensive
Galaxies and a central location for ‘Raptor JumpShip traffic.  The Reserves use a phonetic letter code to identify Galaxy/Cluster/Trinary for administrative purposes.


   The Militia, composed of Wash-Outs, volunteers, and Warriors unwilling to honorably retire, offers the dregs of our society the opportunity to serve our Clan under arms.  Equipped with cast-off equipment, the Militia serves as a security force commanded by the Loremaster to ensure the behavior of the lesser Castes should the remainder of the Touman be summoned by the IlKhan.
     Composed of 5 Clusters, the Militia is stationed on ‘Raptor possessions scattered across the Legacy Cluster in Star- and Trinary-sized formations.  The Militia also uses the phonetic letter code to identify Cluster/Trinary/Star, prefixed by the Greek letter Omega to signify Militia units.

Units

The Militia
  CO:  None
  Roughly 5 Clusters/Green/Fanatical
   Considered part of the lesser Castes, their duties consist largely of weekend parades and monthly exercises.  The bulk of the Militia is Mechanized Infantry, with a growing force of light Armor and transport VTOLs.  Their yearly exercises focus on coordination between branches, or other Militia duties such as riot duty, crowd control, or building security.

...Reposted in its entirety, "Unique Technology"!

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

   Isolated for nearly ____ years, the military technologies of the Legacy Cluster developed as a result of differing priorities and requirements than either the Inner Sphere or the dezClans, although the developments of both societies have been adapted by the New Clans.  This section deals with the newest and most significant of the technologies created

ASSAULT AND HEAVY-ASSAULT COMPONENTS

   Assault Components are the masterpiece of the New Clan Scientist and Technician Castes, designed to provide the Warrior Caste the military edge they would require to defeat the dezClans.  The creation of Clan Mammoth, their development began almost immediately after the end of the Legacy civil war.
Unsuccessful for nearly 20 years, the project became the running joke of the Cluster before successfully creating a prototype over the 100-ton limit imposed by current materials and technology.  Originally claiming some of the best Scientists and Technicians of the Clan, a dismal failure rate and lack of motivation eventually turned the project into a purgatory for the undesirables of the two Castes.
   Finally embarrassed enough to end the useless program, the Mammoth Khans chose to close down the program with the end of the fiscal year on January 1, 2863.  As the deadline approached and equipment and supplies ran out, the final meeting of the development group broke down into drunken arguments and complaints with Senior Technician Jimmy (Murphy) offering a final observation before collapsing; “Why not just weld two ‘Mechs together and call it a prototype?”
Whether the result of desperation or a close brush with alcohol poisoning, after recovering from their hangovers work began the next day on a prototype.  As Scientists began researching the fastest way to accomplish their goal, Technicians and Laborers began beating the bushes for equipment and materials.  Eventually bringing the Merchant Caste into the project to secure a pair of salvaged ‘Mechs, one of them a rare Goliath, work on the prototype began.
Left with less than 28 days to present a finished prototype, the team struggled to begin bringing the project to a successful conclusion, brushing aside niceties such as safety regulations.  The prototype Freak, barely able to move across the ‘Mech bay at its unveiling without destroying its extensively re-worked internal structure, became the first Hexipedal BattleMech of its kind anywhere in human space.
   Aware of the lashed-together nature of the project, the team also presented the falsified specifications for a new, improved version of the design, utilizing a pair of dedicated ‘components’ to refine the basic concept.  Able to carry the full mass of an Assault ‘Mech as its expected weapons load, the Warrior Caste agreed to continue the project.  Ironically, the revitalized project failed to save them from being Abjured, as once again the Clan Council saw fit to assign their finest Scientists and Technicians to the project.
   Eventually making sense of the muddled reports and plans, a second prototype using the maligned quad-based BattleMech produced the even larger, 8-legged, 200-ton design before concluding the available technology could not support further developments.

Construction Rules
To simplify construction, the points below assume you have copies of the Battletech TechManual and Tactical Operations by Catalyst.

Step 1:
In this Step, the only options available are the choice to build an Assault Component (AC), or Heavy Assault Component (HAC).  Because they are exclusive to the New Clans, a ‘Mixed’ tech base must be chosen.  The two options are 150- and 200 tons, with internal structure given in the table below.

Tonnage   Standard IS   Endo-Steel IS     Head     CT (CT #2)   Torso 1   Torso 2   Torso 3     Legs (ea)     Max Armor

  150     19            8.5     5         47 (---)      33          33      (---)        18           598

  200     23           11.5     5         31 (31)       21        21       21         21           712

Notes:
·   Components can use any type of Clan or Inner Sphere internal structure, but all slots must be assigned, and Omni-equipped Components may not move them from their assigned slots in the Primary or alternate versions.

Step 2:
   In this Step, install the engine, gyro, jump jets, cockpits, and special physical enhancements.  Components have a variety of options available, and several requirements.
·   Components may use any kind of fusion engine in TechManual or Tactical Operations, but may not use alternate types of power sources.
·   Components may use both Clan (standard) or IS gyro technology.
·   Components may mount only I-JJ, and they are permanent equipment.
·   Components need two operators; a Pilot in a standard 3-ton cockpit, who controls and steers the Component, and a Gunner/Commander, who must use the ‘Torso-Mounted Cockpit’ option from TO. 
·   Components may use only three types of physical enhancement; the IS Triple-Strength Myomer, Stilts, and Hardpoints.  All rules for TSM are followed, and all slots for TSM and stilts must be assigned.  Hardpoints may be permanently mounted, or assigned as pod space.  Omni-equipped Components may not move them from their assigned slots in the Prime or alternate versions.  Stilts and Hardpoints are covered  in ‘New Construction Equipment’.

Notes:
·   Not all Clan fusion engines are produced in the Legacy Cluster.  Large engines, L-XL, and L-XXL use IS technology only.
·   Gyro mass is calculated the standard way; ER/100, rounded up to the nearest ton.
·   Designers use the normal rules for I-JJ, but they produce only a single hex of movement due to the size of the AC.  They must be included in the base version of OmniMechs, and may not be relocated or removed.
·   Both a head-mounted cockpit (standard or small) and a torso-mounted cockpit must be used; the TMC is given (rather than moving the sensors and life support) additional sensors and life support, available only to the Gunner/Commander.  The Gunner/Commander may target weapons with the sensors located in the head, but the Pilot may not use the sensor from the TMC to drive the AC.  The Gunner/Commander may pilot the AC if the primary pilot is incapacitated or killed, but suffers a +2 Piloting Skill Roll.  All other rules of the TMC are used.
·   An AC must permanently assign slots for the TSM and stilts in the base version; it may not move them in the Primary or alternate versions.

Step 3:
Heatsinks (Clan or IS technology) are assigned normally.  Heatsinks may be used in Omnitech pod space or permanently mounted.

Notes:  None

Step 4:
Components may use any kind of Clan or IS armor, following their standard rules.  All slots must be permanently assigned, and may not be moved in the Prime or alternate versions.

Notes:
·   An AC’s front L/R torsos are protected by the rear L/R torsos, leaving only the CT to have rear armor.
·   A HAC does not have rear armor; each torso protects the others.

Step 5:
Due to the special nature of Components, the designer may choose to use sponson and/or quad –mounted turrets from TacOps.

Notes:
·   All items on the Weapons and Equipment chart use their standard rules in the appropriate book.  Some may be introduced earlier or later than in the canon timeline, and others may not be available or have a higher availability code.

Step 6:
Complete the record sheet.  (A record sheet may be provided.)

Notes:
·   An AC may use the standard blank quad sheet from the back of TM or RoW, with the addition of another pair of legs and torsos.  A HAC may use two blank quad sheets, with a third pair of L/R torsos attaching them.

Game Rules
Components benefit and suffer from rules that help define their unique attributes, broken down into sections below.  Rules not specifically mentioned still apply, because it is impossible to account for every rule interaction and players are encouraged to find their own solutions.

Size
The most basic change is the size of the Component.  Due to the nature of the HAC, it fills two hexes.

Movement
·   Components may only climb or descend one level at a time, although because of their stability they are able to walk in reverse down a level.
·   Components have a unique movement option, ‘Tuck’.  Because of their design, an Assault Component may move its legs closer to the torso to protect its body while Prone for 2 MP and a PSR at +1, before damage modifiers.  A HAC may Tuck while Prone for 3 MP and a PSR at +2, before damage modifiers.  Before preparing to stand, they must first stretch their legs out at stabilize themselves for the same MP cost, with no PSR.
·   Components that fall (due to damage or missed Piloting roll) may not select their hex facing after a fall.  They are limited to one of the 3 hex facings of the original frontal arc.  If they fall attempting to stand, they return to their previous facing, with damage assigned normally.
·   Heavy Assault Components require forward movement to turn.  After a change of one hex facing, their next move must be straight ahead.  Because they fit into a single hex, an AC may change hex facing in the normal manner.

   Changes to the Movement Table

   Rough - +0 MP (Both)
   Heavy Woods – N/A (Both no entry)
   Water – Depth 1 – 2 MP (Both)
         Depth 2 – 4 MP (Both)
   Level Change – 2 Levels – N/A (/Both no entry)
   Rubble - +0 MP ( Both)
   Buildings – Light – 2 MP
              Medium – 3 MP
              Heavy – N/A (Both no entry)
              Hardened – N/A (Both no entry)

Stacking
·   Due to the number of legs, treat an AC as having a Mech and a tank already in the hex.
·   Due to the length of the HAC, treat it as a quad battleMech in both hexes.

Pilot Skill Rolls
·   Both types of Components receive a –4 modifier due to the stability of their designs before damage modifiers.
·   Because of their size and mass, Components must take 40+ points of damage from the same arc before requiring a PSR.
·   Opposing players attempting to topple a Component (motionless or with Pilot and Gunner/Commander unconscious or killed) require a PSR +2.

Combat
·   Regular Gunnery and Piloting skill on a Component is 3 / 4, reflecting their intense training and specialization.
·   Opponents firing on a Heavy Assault Component must specify the first or second Quad as their target before rolling on the Hit Location Table.

Making Physical Attacks
Because of the unique nature of the legs on a Component, they have several different physical options; standard kicks, Side kicks, and Mule kicks.
·   Kick – If the Component has suffered critical damage or lost limbs, it may still kick if a leg is in arc and a minimum of 3 others form a triangle to support the Component.
Standard Kicks attack units in directions 6, 1, and 2 as normal.
·   Side Kicks – The Component may use a Side Kick from the middle pair of legs, assuming there is no critical damage or destroyed limbs.  Side Kicks are calculated normally.  Side Kicks may attack units in directions 2 and 3, or 5 and 6.  Components may use both standard Kicks and Side Kicks, as long as the conditions above are met.
·   Mule Kicks – Components may kick with both front and rear legs, assuming there is no critical damage or destroyed limbs.  The target Mech must be in the arc immediately in front or behind the Component.  Calculate two standard kicks and roll on the kick table.

Receiving Physical Attacks
All types of physical attacks against Components can be used, subject to some unique rules.  Find the hex facing of an attacker by using the same method as determining facing after a fall, counting from the hex directly in front of the Component and moving to the right.
·   Enemy kicks attack the two legs closest to the attacker.
·   Enemy punches roll on the modified ‘Mech Punch Location Table’
·   Push attacks against Components are not possible due to their mass and stability.
·   Charge attacks against a HAC must identify their target Quad in the Movement  Phase.  They are resolved normally.
·   DFA attacks against a HAC must attack the nearest hex containing a Quad.  They are resolved normally.
·   Physical weapon attacks against a Component must identify their target Quad before attacking.  Physical weapon attacks are resolved normally.

ASSAULT COMPONENT TABLES
 
   Assault Component Hit Location Table
Die Roll
  (2d6)    Left Side   Front(Rear)  Right Side
     2 *        LFT         CT (CT-R)       RFT
     3          FLL         RRL (RFL)       FRL
     4          MLL        RML                 MRL
     5          MLL        RFL (RRL)       MRL
     6          RLL         RFT (RRT)       RRL
     7          LFT         CT (CT-R)       RFT
     8          CT           LFT (LRT)       CT
     9          LRT         LFL (LRL)       RRT
    10         RFL         LML                 LFL
    11         RML        LRL (LFL)        LML
    12         RRL        H (RCT)           LRL
Assault Component Punch Location Table
Die Roll
  (2d6) Left Side Front(Rear) Right Side
     1      LFL         LFL (LRL)       RFL
     2      LML        LFT (LRT)      RML
     3      LFT         CT                 RFT
     4      CT          RFT (RRT)     CT
     5      LRT        RFL (RRL)     RRT
     6      LRL         H (CT)           RRL
Assault Component Kick Table
   Hex      Component     Enemy
Facing         Option*         Kick**
    1              K or MK       LFL/RFL
    2          SK            RFL/RML
    3                 SK            RML/RRL
    4              K or MK       RRL/LRL
    5                 SK             LRL/LML
    6                 SK             LML/LFL
*-A ‘2’ on the AC Hit Location Table provides the attacker with a chance to roll on the Critical Hits Table from TW.

*-Components roll for the location of their kicks against other units on the appropriate tables.
**- To determine kick location against an AC, count hex facings clock-wise, then roll 1d6 on this column to determine hit location.  For example, a kick from the right side (hex facing 3) may hit a Component in the Right Middle Leg or Right Rear Leg.  Roll 1d6 to determine which location is hit; 1-3 for the RML, and 4-6 for the RRL.



HEAVY ASSAULT COMPONENT TABLES
Heavy Assault Component Kick Table
    Component   Component     Enemy
      Hex Side         Option*         Kick**
             1                K or MK       LFL/RFL
             2                   SK           RFL/RM1L
                       (FACING QUAD 1)             3A                 SK           RFL/RM1L                       (FACING QUAD 2)             3B                 SK           RM2L/RRL
             4                K or MK      RM2L/RRL
             5                   SK             RRL/LRL
             6                   SK            LRL/LM2L
                         (FACING QUAD 2)             7A                 SK            LRL/LM2L                          (FACING QUAD 1)             7B                 SK            LM1L/LFL
             8                    SK            LM1L/LFL

Heavy Assault Component Hit Location Table
  Die Roll
    (2d6) Left Side    Front(Rear)     Right Side
       2*    LMT*          FCT (RCT)*         RMT*
       3     CFT          RM2L (RM1L)        CFT
       4     RFL          RM1L (RM2L)        LFL
       5     LM1T          RFL (RRL)           RM1L
       6     LFT             RFT (RRT)           RFT
       7     LMT            FCT (RCT)           RMT
       8     LRT             LFT (LRT)            RRT
       9     LM2L           LFL (LRL)           RM2L
      10    LRL            LM1L (LM2L)        RRL
      11    RRL            LM2L (LM1L)        LRL
      12    RCT               H (RCT)             RCT















*-A ‘2’ on the HAC Hit Location Table provides the
attacker  with a chance to roll on the Critical Hits
table from TW.                                                           *-HACs roll for the location of their kicks against other units on the
                                                                                   appropriate tables.
        HAC Punch Location Table
Die Roll
  (2d6) Left Side Front(Rear) Right Side
     1      LM1L      LFL (LRL)      RM1L
     2      LFT         LFT (LRT)      RFT
     3      CT              CT               CT
     4      LMT        RFT (RRT)     RMT
     5      LRT        RFL (RRL)     RRT
     6      LM2L         H (CT)         RM2L
 **-To determine kick location against a HAC, count hex facings clock-
     wise, then roll 1d6 on this column to determine hit location.  For
     example, a kick from the right side (Quad 1, hex facing 3A) will hit
     either the Right Front Leg or first Right Middle Leg.  Roll 1d6 to
     determine which location is hit; 1-3 for the RFL, 4-6 for the RM1L.
   


              1

  8                      2


7B                      3A

7A                      3B


 6                        4

              5

PERMANENT AIRMECHS

   The lineage of the PAMs in the Legacy Cluster can be traced back to the original Star League LAM brought to the Cluster with the survivors of the Wolverine Annihilation.  Refurbished and used during the 3rd Exodus for its superb reconnaissance abilities, repair and maintenance problems eventually left it permanently in AirMech mode.
   Rather than a problem, the damage to its conversion gear actually extended its working lifetime, while other machines were scrapped to maintain its remaining systems during the Exodus.  Finally retired after the settlement of the Totem system, it was stored with the remainder of the 331st’s surplus equipment in the Haven Castle Brian.
   Eventually, the discarded LAM technology became the subject of an intense scrutiny by the Frost Apes looking for technology and equipment to adapt for use in their Touman.  Supplied with the abandoned chassis, Frost Ape technicians quickly realized the technology of its conversion gear was too advanced for the New Clans to duplicate.  A technician noted, however, the LAM was repairable with commonly available tools if parts could be found or made.
   As the list of repairs and upgrades were categorized, engineers found most of the advanced technology needed for the conversion process could be ignored if the team was willing to settle for returning the AirMech to service.  With that in mind, Scientists prepared detailed blueprints for the first New Clan PAM design, it was discovered the materials strength of the design exceeded what was necessary for a 55-ton unit.
   Today, PAMs are still primarily scouts and harassers, but Heavy PAMs have emerged as the preferred raiding unit.  Despite their relative scarcity, PAMs seem likely to experience yet another boost in popularity as blueprints and samples of the Inner Sphere’s Improved Jump Jets make their way through Guide Teams to the Cluster’s Scientist and Technician Castes.

Construction Rules
To simplify construction, the points below assume you have copies of the Battletech TechManual and Tactical Operations by Catalyst.

Step 1:
In this Step, the only options available are the choice to build a standard or Heavy PAM.  Because they are exclusive to the New Clans, a ‘Mixed’ tech base must be chosen, but the flight characteristics of PAMs require both torsos of the ‘Mech to remain balanced and Omni technology is not allowed.  All types of Clan and Inner Sphere Internal Structure from TM and TO may be chosen, and is calculated normally.

Notes:
·   PAMs do not have arms, so no arm critical slots can be used.
·   PAMs may use any type of Clan or Inner Sphere internal structure.
·   Standard PAMs are 55 tons and under, while Heavy PAMs are 60-75 tons.

Step 2:
In this Step, install the engine, gyro, jump jets, cockpit, and special physical enhancements.  PAMs have a variety of options available, and several requirements.
·   PAMs may use both Clan and IS engine technology.
·   PAMs may use both Clan and Inner Sphere gyro technology.
·   Heavy PAMs may use both standard or Improved-Jump Jets (subject to their introduction date).  Standard PAMs may only use standard Jump Jets.
·   Due to the nature of PAMs, no special physical enhancements may be used.

Notes:
·   Engines, gyro, and the maximum number of jump jets are calculated normally.
·   Because of their structural requirements, PAMs obey the 1/3 Walk movement for LAMs from the Tactical Handbook.  Multiply the Walk speed by.33 and round down, then multiply by 1.5 for its Run speed.  This is the unit’s new Walk/Run speed; it does not affect its Jump ability in any way.
·   Due to the need for added space to accommodate the added avionics an controls, only standard cockpits may be used.
 
Step 3:
   In this Step, choose the number of heatsinks.  The engine has the standard 10 free heatsinks, using the standard (Engine Rating / 25) formula to determine the number of heatsinks will fit in the engine

Notes:
·   Remember, PAMs do not have arms.

Step 4:
   In this Step, assign armor to each location. 
·   Only Standard armor may be used due to the bulk required for Ferro-Fibrous and other special armors.

Notes:
·   Remember, PAMs do not have arms.

Step 5:
   In this Step, add weapons and equipment.  Due to the nature of PAMs, Light and Medium must assign 5% of their total weight and 2 critical slots to “PAM Equipment”, specialized equipment and fuel, to operate.  Heavy PAMs must assign 10% of their total weight and 4 critical slots to “PAM Equipment”, specialized equipment and fuel, to operate.
   PAMs may not carry several weapon systems.  Heavy lasers, large Autocannons, and HAGs are not allowed on PAMs.

Notes:
·   Remember, PAMs do not have arms.
·   Because of their design, PAMs may not carry turrets.

Game Rules
   PAMs operate in a manner similar to VTOLs, using MP to take off, land, and gain or loose elevation.  PAMs also have the added risk of PSRs to land and complete turns at high speed.

Movement
   Because of the confusion over LAM movement, there is also the detailed construction and movement examples at the end of this section.
·   Light and Medium PAMs have only 1/3rd the Walk speed of a normal ‘Mech and x3 the Jump capability.  Heavy PAMs have 1/3rd the Walk speed of a normal ‘Mech and x2 the Jump capability. 
·   PAMs Jump at no cost in heat.
·   A PAM may not mix movement modes; It may Walk/Run (according to the rules for ‘Mechs) or Jump, but may not attempt to Stand and Launch.
·   At the beginning of each Movement Phase, a PAM must Launch itself into the air at a cost of 2 MP.  If a PAM chooses to Land, it must make a PSR at –4 and pay 2 MP.  If a PAM has suffered actuator damage to its legs, it adds the normal modifiers and loses its –4 modifier.
·   PAMs are unable to remain in the air at the end of the Movement Phase as LAMs do.  They are incapable of true flight.
·   While airborne, Light and Medium PAMs moving over x2 their Jump are considered at Flank speed for the purpose of the sideslipping rules on page 67 of TW.
·   PAMs have a unique movement option; Nape of the Earth flight.  Light and Medium PAMs may use x2 their Jump MP to travel at ground level.  Note they must still pay the MP cost for Launching and Landing.
o   Because of the risks involved, PAMs are required to make a PSR at every turn.  The target modifier for a successful turn increases by +3 every time it changes hex facings.

Ex.  A Light PAM chooses to attempt NotE flight.  After Launching and moving 5 hexes, it must turn a single hex face to the left.  Its base Pilot skill is a 4, so for its first PSR must roll 4+ on 2d6.  After continuing onward for 2 hexes, it must turn right two hex facings.  Its second PSR is now a 7 (base 4 + 3 for its first turn) and its third turn is a 10 (base 4 + 3 (for its first turn) + 3 (for its second turn)).  Afraid of crashing, the pilot decides not to attempt a fourth turn.

o   A failed PSR during NotE movement causes a crash, in which the PAM takes 1 pt. of damage for every 5 tons, multiplied by the number of hexes moved in the last straight line before its turn.  Because the Pilot is trying to turn, he assigns damage to the opposite-Side (left turn, right side arc) arc.  Note the Pilot follows all rules for falling, including a PSR to avoid injury.

Ex.  A 35-ton PAM with Walk 2/ Run 3/ Jump 18 chooses to use NotE to cross the open ground in front of it, Launching and moving 9 hexes in a straight line.  Choosing to turn two hex faces left at the end of his movement, the Pilot misses his second PSR (base 4 + 3 (first turn)), and looses control.  Because his last straight-line movement was the nine hexes, he must assign 63 points of damage (35 tons / 5 = 7 pts x 9 hexes) in 5-point groups to the Right side arc.

Combat Sample
Jane and her 35-ton Gryphon PAM is racing across the battlefield; Launching for 2 MP, she climbs 2 elevations to avoid crashing into the trees in her path, moves 13 hexes (one hex over her x2 Jump of 16), then turns to the left 1 hex facing (her 18th MP), and must roll a PSR to prevent sideslipping.  Successful, she moves 2 more hexes before dropping 2 levels and Landing, using her maximum Jump movement of 24.  Rolling a PSR at –4, she finds she has Landed safely.
Entering the map, Jane chooses to use NotE movement.  Launching for 2 MP, she moves along the open hexes along the side of the map.  Turning left after 3 hexes, she fails her PSR (base 4 + 0 (first turn)) by rolling 2 and crashes for 21 damage (35 tons / 5 = 7 pts of damage x3 hexes traveled = 21 damage), assigned in 5-pt groups to her Right side on the Hit Location Table.  Rolling a second PSR, she finds she has avoided injury.  Determining facing after the fall, she finds she has come to a stop facing hex side #4.
   Seeing the opportunity to cripple the elusive PAM, her opponents rush to gain line-of-sight on her machine.  Since she has fallen, she must attempt to Stand.  Her PAM, with a 280 XL engine, has only a 2/3 movement (35 tons x 8 movement = 280 Engine Rating.  Since she is a PAM, she must calculate her 1/3rd ground movement penalty; 8 x .33 = 2.64, rounded down to 2.  With a 2 Walk MP, her Run becomes 2 x 1.5 = 3 MP.) and she decides to Run.  Standing on her first attempt, she moves further from her attackers and remains out of line-of-sight (remember, she can’t walk backwards at a run.
   Breathing a sigh of relief, she Launches in the next Turn, climbs 2 elevations to avoid the Light Woods in her path, and travels 9 hexes before dropping 2 levels and Landing behind an enemy Thor (for 17 MP).  Rolling a PSR at -4, she finds she has Landed safely.  In order to hit with her Medium Lasers, she needs an 8 (base 3 + 0 (short range) + 3 (attacker Jumped) + 2 (target movement)).  Unfortunately, Jane is struck by another ‘Mech with a Targeting Computer and a Large Pulse laser; her attacker needs a 6 (base 3 + 0 (short range) + 1 (attacker Walked) + 1 (target Jumped) + 3 (target movement) +1 (Light Woods) – 2 (Pulse weapon) – 1 (targeting computer)), and rolls a 9, piercing the armor on her right leg and destroying her Upper Leg actuator.
Jane has lost the-4 modifier to Landing in her PAM, and now has to roll a 5 (base 4 + 1Upper Leg Actuator destroyed) to remain standing. Landing successfully and avoiding doing further damage to her ‘Mech will now require a PSR of 5, rather than her previous target number of 0 (base 4 – 4 (no leg damage bonus)).


(Writer’s Note:
   LAMs are one of, probably the, most controversial subjects in the game.   Players are nearly always vehemently for or against these units, and forum topics at CLASSICBATTLETECH.COM are regularly filled with complaints over the abuse by players of their unique “superjump” ability.
   I’ve always held the only things wrong with LAMs are the players using them; unfamiliarity with the movement rules for AirMechs on both sides of the argument, in my opinion, is to blame.  So to prevent this, I have included a small movement example at the end of this section, going into detail what is allowed and required to use these units.
   The unique Extra-Light ‘Mech PAM is covered in the ELM section, since its size causes several unique problems in addition to what is covered here.  As a final note, I hope players try these units and rules before declaring, “I DO NOT LIKE green eggs and ham!”

FIGHTERSHIPS

   Developed in the years during the 3rd Exodus from the Kerensky Cluster from commonly available small craft, they were used as stand-ins for more potent AeroSpace fighters.  Further development by the IlKhan’s Joint Development Program has resulted in the creation of a “Super-Heavy” fighter/bomber, termed a FighterShip.  Weighing 110- to 200 tons, Aerodyne FighterShips are the preferred type.

Construction Rules
   To simplify construction, the points below assume you have copies of the Battletech TechManual and Tactical Operations by Catalyst.

Step 1:
   Step one determines the unit type and internal space of an AeroSpace unit, as well as its Tech Base and total mass.  The unit type is ‘FighterShip’.
·   Its space is as a small craft, 12 weapons per arc.
·   Because FighterShips are exclusive to the new Clans, a ‘Mixed’ tech base must be chosen.
·   Fighters are built in 10-ton increments between 110- and 200-Tons.
·   FighterShips must be Aerodynes

Notes:

Step 2:
   In Step two, we find the mass of its engines, control systems, fuel supply, and armor.  Special Physical Enhancements are not used when constructing FighterShips.
·   A FighterShip’s engines are divided into two equally-rated engines, supported by the wings. FighterShips may use any type of Clan or IS engine technology.  Because of their size, it is recommended to carry 4 tons of fuel.
·   FighterShips use the rules for AeroSpace fighters when determining SI.
·   FighterShips require a larger cockpit than AeroSpace fighters; unlike small craft, however, their mission duration doesn’t require crew quarters.

Notes:
·   Engine Ratings for FighterShips are calculated by taking FighterShip tonnage x , similar to the calculation for small craft.  This Engine Rating is divided by 2, giving the size of the FighterShip’s twin engines.
·   Since the FighterShip uses ASF-type fuel systems, it does not use the 2% cost of small craft for tanks and pumps.
·   FighterShips use the rules of ASF to determine SI; normally, 10% of their total tonnage rather than their Safe Thrust value.
·   FighterShips require dual cockpits; use the ASF rules to assign 6 tons of total mass to the FighterShip.

Step 3:
   In this Step, armor is added normally to the FighterShip to a maximum of (FS total tonnage) x 8.
·   FighterShips may use all dezClan and Inner Sphere armor technologies.

Notes:
·   Equipment slots taken up by the use of armor on FighterShips follow the table below.

      FighterShip Armor Critical Slots Table
Armor         Slots       Slots
Type          (IS)                 (Clan)
Light F-A         0                     0
F-A (IS)        2 (1/Wing)                N/A
F-A (C)              N/A                3 (1/Aft, 1/Wing)
Heavy F-A  6 (2 Aft, 2/Wing)           N/A

Step 4:
   Similar to small craft, FighterShips operate on a ‘zero heat’ principle forcing them to carry enough heat sinks to dissipate their accumulated heat in the Heat Phase of every Turn.
·   FighterShips may use all Clan and Inner Sphere heatsink technologies.

Notes:
·   Each engine is capable of carrying 10 heatsinks.  However, under certain circumstances (such as damage to both engines) a FighterShip may find itself without enough heat sinks to dissipate its accumulated heat.  Under those circumstances, the FighterShip is considered destroyed for game purposes.  Heat sinks in other locations may keep it in action.

Step 5:
   In this Step, add the FighterShip’s weapons and/or bomb load using the Heavy Weapons Chart.
·   FighterShips use the rules for small craft requiring ammo-fed weapons carry a minimum of 10 Turns of ammunition, including multiple ammunition types.

Notes:
·   FighterShips make use of a single Cargo Bay Door for a variety of uses; most notably bombs (which can’t be carried externally), fuel, and a variety of ELM and Light Armor bays.
·   FighterShps have several unique rules to handle possible roles.  Among these are Assault Superiority Fighter (standard), DropFighter (ELM and Light Armor transport), Bomber (with internal bomb-bay), Tanker (with internal fuel tanks), and Torpedo Bomber (with single Cap-missile in the internal bay).

Game Rules
   FighterShips represent the technology of AeroSpace fighters carried to its ultimate extreme, a design straddling the boundaries of both classes capable of carrying both a large bomb load and weapons payload.  Because of this, they suffer the inherent benefits and penalties of both in construction and Play.  Despite their potential FighterShips remain relatively fragile and are best kept in the rear until necessary.
   Game rules are divided into 2 sections; AeroSpace Movement and AeroSpace Units from TW.

AeroSpace Movement
·   FighterShips move as small craft.
·   FighterShips use the Evasive Action modifier as small craft.
·   FighterShips have a two-man crew, Pilot and Co-Pilot.
·   FighterShips may be built with bomb bay doors or unit doors; maximum thrust in atmosphere without damaging an open door is cruise speed.
·   FighterShips use the Fighter hit location table in TW.
·   FighterShips use the Turn mode table to determine how quickly they may turn at different velocities.
·   FighterShips may be configured to carry smaller units such as ELMs and Light Armor, using the rules for small craft.
·   FighterShips use the small craft column of the Straight Movement on Ground Maps Table, on page 92 of TW.

AeroSpace Units












   FighterShip Turn Modes
Effective Velocity   FS
1-3   1
4-6   2
7-9   2
10-12   3
13-15   4
           16+       5

   Special Maneuvers Table
     Min/Max   Thrust       Control
Maneuver        Velocity    Cost       Modifier
Loop             Min 4       5           +2
Immelmann          Min 4       5           +2
Split-S              Any       2           +2
Hammerhead        Any      Velocity        +2
Half-Roll           Any       1            -1
Barrel Roll          Min 2       1            0
Sideslip           Any       1           +1
VIFF              Any     Velocity+3    +3
 




EXTRA-LIGHT ‘MECH (ELM)

NEW CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Hardpoints

Stilts
   Stilts are a purely mechanical system to increase the ground speed of ‘Mechs.  Originally invented to take advantage of the stability of Components, the technology was later used to improve the mobility of Primitive units and ELMs.
 
Construction Rules
   Because of their relative simplicity, Stilts require only 5% of a unit’s mass, regardless of whether it is a Biped, Quad, or Component.  Stilts are chosen in the ‘Special Physical Enhancement’ section of Step 2 of the BattleMech construction rules, page 51 of TechManual.
·   â€˜Mechs may use a maximum of two Stilts, but require 10% of a unit’s total mass.

Game Rules
   The addition of Stilts places a greater strain on man and machine; besides being inherently unstable, Stilts provide additional benefits and penalties during play.
·   A single pair of Stilts adds a +1 to a unit’s Walking speed and a +1 to all Pilot Skill Rolls.  Components are immune to the +1 penalty to their PSRs due to their stability.  A unit equipped with a single pair of Stilts remains at a height of Level 2.
·   Two pairs of Stilts add a +2 to a unit’s Walking speed and a +2 to all Pilot Skill Rolls.  Components are immune to the +2 penalty to their PSRs due to their stability.  A unit equipped with two pairs of Stilts reaches Level 3 in height, visible over most types of terrain, such as Woods.
·   A Stilt is destroyed if a leg takes damage equal to one-half the total number of armor points during the Firing Phase.  Bipedal units with Stilts automatically fall if a Stilt is destroyed.  Quad units with a Stilt destroyed roll a PSR with a penalty of +2.

(Ex.  A Quad BattleMech with one Stilt must roll a PSR (Base of 5 + 1 (one pair of Stilts) + 2 (Stilt destroyed)) of 8 to remain standing or fall.)

·   A bipedal unit with a broken Stilt is unable to stand.  Destruction of the other Stilt allows it to try to stand normally. A friendly unit may use careful aim (or roll on the Hit Location Table) to inflict the required amount of damage to destroy the other Stilt in which case it may try to stand
·   Units with Stilts find it more difficult to stand after a fall or going Prone, requiring 3 MP per attempt to stand.


Armor Rescue Units

NEW WEAPONS

ER-TAG
   Never further developed by the dezClans or Inner Sphere, the New Clans have not ignored the value of laser-guided artillery, choosing to expend considerable effort to make the system more effective.  Increased range has increased the effectiveness of this vital force multiplier, making the light ‘Mechs and vehicles of the New Clan Touman a more dangerous foe.

Game Rules
   The ER-TAG follows all rules for the standard TAG.

              Heat     Dam      Range      Ammo     Wt  M  P  CV  SV  F  SC  DS    Tech
Weapon          Std(Aero)      Std (Aero)    Min/Sht/Med/Lng (Aero)               Rating
ER-TAG     1(1)            **             0/7/14/21(**)     NA     1  1 1  1  1  1  1  1     E
**-Special weapon rules (Consult TW)

Heat-Seeking Missile
   Heat-Seeking guidance systems have been well-known and understood for centuries, but their use has been uncommon among the Successor States and ignored by the dezClans.  These weapons have been developed and refined by Clan Devil Wasp for use against AeroSpace fighters, using a single large missile launcher similar in size and weight to the Thunderbolt system of the Inner Sphere.

Game Rules
   Use the Heat Seeking Missile rules from TO, mated to the Thunderbolt missile launcher (also from TO).

Cassette Missile System
   After the conclusion of the Legacy Civil War, Clan Piranha, the most numberous of the New Clans, began to turn their attention towards improving the equipment issued to their Infantry garrisons.  After identifying the issues facing the Touman, research began into a cheaper, more flexible method of fire support.
   The eventual design of the Piranha’s missile trailers was optimized from the beginning to preserve flexibility; selecting the unpowered trailer as its base, Technicians chose the 5-ton chassis as the smallest possible base to mount a viable weapon system.  With the prevailance of small armored vehicles to move its Infantry garrisons, most APCs would be able to tow several of the new weapon, dramatically increasing the odds of holding their positions.
   The actual design of the missile trailer, however, is extremely simple.  Little more than a hydraulic post controlled by its tow vehicle, the design features minimal armor protection.  Storing its missile ammunition in ‘cassettes’, the trailer only carries three to minimize damage from ammo explosions.  Designed to offer massive salvos of Short- and Long-Ranged Missiles, the trailer has supplanted the SRM and LRM carriers still found in the Inner Sphere.  Due to its limited utility, there are no plans to extend the concept to other missile systems such as the Arrow artillery missiles.

Construction Rules
   The cassette system is very much a one-trick pony; because of the lack of armor and chances of an ammo explosion, they are generally relegated to trailers to prevent damage to more expensive equipment.
   The simple system requires a ton of ammunition, and a single ton of equipment.  Armor and ammunition is separate from the cassette system, saving weight and space to fit on the small trailer.

Game Rules
At its most basic, the system consists of racks of pre-loaded launch tubes covered by a paper seal, providing a multiple-launch capability by offering the operator a choice of munitions and numbers in standard 2- and 5-missile groupings or a single launch of the complete cassette.  The interaction of the CMS and its tow vehicle comprise the bulk of these rules.
·   Cassettes are loaded with 1/3 of a ton of any missile type; they may contain any style of missile which does not require supporting electronics, such as Streak or Artemis.  Trailers may carry a mix of cassettes, but each cassette may contain only a single type of missile.
·   Each missile type retains its standard rules; for example, Inner Sphere LRMs require a minimum range of 6 hexes, while Clan LRMs do not.
·   To determine the number of missiles per cassette, determine the total number of missiles per ton of ammunition and divide by three.  One cassette will contain the extra missiles that will not fit into the other cassettes.
Ex.  A single ton of SRM-2 ammunition consists of 50 missiles; (2 missiles x 50 shots) 100 missiles / 3 gives you two cassettes of 32, and a single cassette of 34.
·   In order to deploy the CMS, it must be deployed with power and control cables connecting it to the tow vehicle.  A Infantry squad is also required to reload and maintain the system.  A trailer in motion or without a crew is considered inoperative.  When in motion, it uses standard rules and the appropriate hit location table.
·   When fighting from Improved Positions (pgs. 198-199 of TO), the trailer is placed side out, allowing the clamshell armor to provide a second layer of protection.
·   To fire missiles from a CMS, declare the number of missiles fired, in appropriate increments.  Once a cassette is emptied, it requires a full turn spent removing the frame and mounting its replacement.  When replaced, the cassette is aligned with the side of the trailer, facing outward.
Ex. A cassette containing SRM ammo may fire any number of missiles in increments of two, up to the full number of missiles in the cassette (32 or 34, depending on the cassette.  Normally the largest cassette will be used first, given the fragile nature of the trailer.
·   Each trailer is connected by power and data cables to a control vehicle; this is commonly, but not always, the tow vehicle.  Cables are normally buried by crews and are immune to damage, but depending on the scenario may be vulnerable.  If the cables are left without protection, 20 points of damage from artillery, large autocannon, or missile fire forces a cable check on the table below.  With buried cables, projectile fire may damage the cables, but require 40 points of damage from artillery, large autocannon, or missile fire.

Cable Check Table
   1  Cable Check; roll 2d6.  Data cable is severed on a 2.
   2  No effect
   3  No effect
   4  No effect
   5  No effect
   6  Cable Check; roll 2d6.  Power cable is severed on a 12.

NEW EQUIPMENT

Point C3 System (PC3)
   Developed by Clan Tundra Leopard to share targeting information between members of a Point, the computers of the PC3 system work to establish triangulation and prediction data using the locations of their emitters and the returns from their target.
   Designed to be used by up to five units, the benefits of the system begin to lapse in the face of the growing number of calculations.

Game Terms
·   The PC3 system weighs two tons and a single equipment space.
·   Because it is designed to be used by a pair of units in a Point, the system will not function by a single unit.
·   Each PC3 system offers a +2 To Hit to both units of the Point, provided movement and weapon ranges are identical between units at the beginning of the game.
·   All types of units may use the PC3 system, including ‘Mechs.  However, if one of its ‘sensor’ critical slots have been destroyed, that pair of units loses the benefits of the PC3 system.
·   If one of the linked PC3 systems is lost, the other is unable to function as part of a network until technicians have the opportunity to establish another linked pair.
·   Larger networks up to five units are possible, using multiple sets of PC3 computers, as long as movement and weapon ranges are identical at the beginning of the game.
Ex.  Point 1 à  Point 2  à  Point 3  ß  Point 4  ß  Point 5
         PC3----- PC3/PC3----PC3/PC3---PC3/PC3-----PC3