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FALL FROM GRACE

   While as detailed as possible, the Charter suffered from several of Khan Luxe’s blind spots – in particular, the selection process of Leopard Khans.  Although the threat of Absorption was sufficient to cow a generation of politicians into working together for the common good, the retirement of Khan Luxe from office prompted a debate over the right of the President of the Clan Council to choose his successor.  Able to exert enough influence within the Warrior Caste, President Friedrich (Burns) ordered the promotion of Star Colonel Montgomery (Ward) to the rank of Khan in September, 2898.
   The act provoked the hardliners of the Trueborn faction, prompting saKhan Ivan Arthur to declare a Trial of Refusal.  Facing a Panzer Trinary at 4:1 odds, the saKhan was quickly defeated by the Council supporters, his death in the Trial prompting a resurgence of the adversarial relationship between the Trueborn faction and the Clan Council.  Desperate to retain representation to the ruling President and the Council, the Blood Houses elected Star Colonel Emmet Graff to the position of Loremaster.
   The Council, however, refused to consider the right of the Caste to elect their own representatives according to Clan custom, quoting the rights of the President and Council contained in the Charter.  A second challenge of the Council’s authority resulted in the same one-sided slaughter of Trueborn MechWarriors by supporters within the Clan’s Panzer Clusters.  Relations within the Caste continued to worsen, as Armor Warriors flouted Zellbrigen to engage in melee with their opponents and frustrated MechWarriors began deliberately killing and injuring their opponents.
   That relationship eventually ended in 2905 with Montgomery’s successor.  Khan Quentin (Stanley)’s proposal to permanently restrict the Trueborn genetics program, citing statistics that confirmed Freeborn Pilots and MechWarriors tested equally well in training exercises.  With the support of the Clan Council, Quentin ‘retired’ several Blood Houses with below-average performance, ostensibly to concentrate on the proven Legacies already in production.  The embittered Trueborn faction, unable to overcome the advantages of the Council and the Panzer Clusters, found its size sharply reduced and its members transferred among the more numerous Panzer Clusters to serve as ‘Sturmtruppen’ (Assault) Trinaries.

   [Analyst’s Note:  As expected, such claims were fabricated by Khan Quentin for the Council’s political agenda, which refused to support the New Clan genetics programs.  The statistics failed to address training and equipment issues that severely restricted the abilities of the nine Blood Houses affected by the decision, leading Senior Analysts to speculate the plan to reduce the effectiveness of several of the Clan’s best Bloodlines began with President Friedrich (Burns).]
 
   The release of the War Ant Abthactors from the sibko program ended the strained relationship between our Clans, as the War Ants began raiding our holdings for prominent Warriors and to capture poorly-defended facilities.  The raiding and incessant casualties among the Freeborns of the Armor Branch soon prompted a strong backlash against both the Trueborn faction and the War Ants, marking the beginning of our ongoing feud.

Innovation

   The following decades saw the continuation of attempts to strengthen the Armored Branch of the Touman, bringing technology such as the Armor Rescue Pods (ARP) and fire-resistant armor into service to reduce casualties.  Greater accents on more mobile VTOL, WIGE, and ELM designs also improved the performance of the Touman.  Even Omni technology was adapted for use on vehicles, although the high costs of these designs limited production.  The OmniMech, however, saw few attempts to increase the already lethal advantages of the BattleMech.
   Recognized as necessary for the Touman to engage on equal terms with our sibClans, the Warrior Caste successfully advocated production for several of the Caste’s most popular designs and encouraged the Merchant Caste to trade for supplies to sustain the remainder of the Touman.  Standard BattleMechs continued to exist in the Touman as second line and Reserve units, but Primitives were phased out of the Touman as new equipment reached the Touman.
In the AeroSpace Branch, however, Star League and Primitive designs remained in service far longer than advisable due to the scarcity of AeroSpace production, leading to numerous embarrassments for both the Touman and the AeroSpace Branch.  The final blow to the resistance of the Clan Council came in 2845, as opposing AeroSpace Stars from Clan Kraken’s Alpha Galaxy and Beta Galaxy’s 9th Panzer Cluster clashed over Inheritance.
   Taking advantage of the modular nature of their equipment and elite Pilots, our Fighters were engaged at long range and forced to close through heavy fire to bring their shorter-ranged weapons to bear.  Eventually running low on fuel, Star Captain Brian (Latrace) was granted Hegira and made a bondsman after surrendering the Merchant Caste JumpShip Revenue and its cargo.
Forced to admit the need for new technology to modernize the Clan’s weak AeroSpace Branch, the Council found itself coping with the repeated demands of the Piranha Khans.  Claiming the lack of their newly-purchased tanks cost them several pieces of their holdings on Inheritance, Khan Ricardo (Name) of Clan Piranha demanded the assistance of our Touman to win them back.  Claiming the shipment was accepted on Barrens by the Piranha Merchants before being shipped on the Leopard DropShip, the Leopard Council demanded payment and noted the lack of an escort supplied for their goods.
   Several confrontations between the Piranha Castes and the Council led to punitive raids and Trials against Piranha assets, resulting in rising casualty lists and creating the second of our long-standing feuds.  Embracing the Infantry Branch, developments by Clan Piranha such as the missile, mortar, and mine trailers and portable turrets made Trails between our two Clans expensive in terms of losses and equipment, prompting new research and development to defend our Warriors.

The Good Years

   Beginning in the mid-29th century, the Clan and Touman began to experience an age of peaceful growth, having assimilated the dezClan military technology and developed stra-tacs that allowed the Touman to defend our possessions.  Although the discontent of the Trueborn faction remained a problem, as a whole the Castes settled down to peaceful co-existence.
Our continued industrial expansion and the development of Barrens combined to give our Castes a sense of purpose and accomplishment, although the nature of the Leopard system of governance prompted several of our sibClans to declare embargos and sanctions.  Although irritating, the dissenting Clans only served to strengthen our independence, as less than fourteen percent of our holdings were isolated from our capital system.

THE DEZCLAN TRIALS

   As the Clan continued to grow, we saw no reason to leave our self-imposed isolation on Barrens until news of the dezClan Dragoon Compromise arrived in late 3004.  Eager to prove the worthiness of the Leopard Touman, we claimed the right to oppose dezClan Hell’s Horses in the Trial of Annihilation.  Using the massive Armor Branch, spearheaded by elite Sturmtruppen and Legion Trinaries to defend our claim, we rediscovered the wisdom of Founding Khan Wayne Polo as our Pilots were eliminated by the AeroSpace forces of several Clans.
   Forced to emphasize the AA role, the remaining Trials were acceptable in terms of outcome, but we suffered increased casualties and damage to OmniMech units and our overall flexibility was badly degraded as they were forced to depend on the slower Armor forces for coverage.  Eventually winning the right to oppose dezClan Hell’s Horses, we turned to improving the size and quality of our AeroSpace Branch with the addition of Ghost Shrike Abthactors to the Pilot training program.
   Hotly debated by the Council, the proposed alliance with Clan Ghost Shrike was deeply opposed by representatives of the Castes who wanted nothing more than to ignore the rest of the Legacy Cluster.  By the end of the dezClan Trials in Oct, 3006, the Shrikes were already deeply involved in the Carnoraptor feud that would culminate in the Heartforge assault, providing increased incentive on their part for allies to share the burden of the assault.
Enticed by the prospect of combat, the final vote fell to the President, who voted in favor of the alliance.  Leopard participation in the assault was limited, but confirmed the strength and abilities of the Armor Branch and the doctrine of the Leopard Touman in an all-out conflict between Clan opponents.  Even Warriors of Clan Zombie Python found the strength of Leopard Armor a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, as our troops repulsed raids on the Shrike airfields and took to the field supporting the ‘Raptor OmniMechs.
   Eventually declaring an end to our association with the Mammoth alliance and the entangling web of Ghost Shrike alliances and feuds, we suffered a few minor Trials of Grievance and Possession from the offended Shrikes.  Lasting almost a decade, the attempt to improve the training of the AeroSpace Branch proved to be insufficient, as Freeborn Pilots failed to match the performance of the Roth and Eldren Bloodnames.
   Proposed by the Loremaster and opposed in principle by the High Council, the prospect of further diluting the Freeborn majority in the Touman prompted the most bitter political battle since the political freedom vote of October, 2872.  The issue, however, was never put to a vote – the IlKhan, citing adequate supplies and the political motivations of the lesser Castes, ordered the activation of the dormant Blood Heritages to be introduced to the Clan’s breeding program immediately.  Despite silent opposition by the Castes, the dormant Blood Houses were surrendered by the Scientist Caste to the Technicians in May of 3046.

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.

THE CASTES

Warrior
   For most of our history, the Warrior Caste has been the least influential.  Politically, the Khan and saKhan are being forced to walk a fine line – the resurgent Caste has convinced the most militant of the New Clans to relax sanctions, but the domestic politicians of the other Castes are watching closely to ensure their rights and precedents are not endangered.  Khan Graff has done well so far, putting domestic issues before external concerns, allowing the Warrior Caste to continue concentrating on guarding our growing economic strength.

Laborer
   The single largest voting block in the Clan, the Laborers have the most to loose among the Castes to the renewed Warriors.  Contributing the largest number of trainees after the Maroon bombing, the Caste quickly became the most influential by creating a network of individuals dedicated to improving upon conditions in their Caste.  The current political situation finds the influence of the Laborer Caste waning as the final dormant Legacies of the Clan enter service, leading to a great deal of concern and unrest among our most populous Caste.
Despite this, the Clan continues to be one of the most preferred choices for new immigrants, fueling our economic growth.  Reassured by the domestic policies of the Khan, the leadership of the Caste is attempting to pacify their citizens with a “wait and see”-attitude towards the preservation of their rights under Clan law.

Technician
   One of the most influential Castes, the Technicians continue to expand the services and industries provided by the Clan.  Recent initiatives to expand the Caste by the Khan have been met with cautious approval by the Council, wary of providing any single Caste with a majority in the Council.  Immigrants to the Cluster liken the Caste to trade unions from ancient Terra, with complex negotiations between trades determining prestige and influence within the Caste.
   Politically, the internal debates and power struggles within the Caste have resulted in a high turnover of representatives in the Clan Council.  The difficulty in finding a consensus between them has resulted in a conservative attitude that provides an effective brake to the ambitions of the other Castes.

Merchant
   Influential to all levels of the Tundra Leopard society, Merchants influence trade both within and outside the Clan.  Unlike traditional Clans, membership in the Caste is offered for purchase by interested members of the Clan and immigrants looking to continue lifestyles interrupted by their move to the Cluster.
Granted apprentice status for a time before being granted credit from the Caste to purchase a business license, most of the smaller Merchants offer private services to individuals and members of the Civil Government on Barrens.  Politically, the Caste is most concerned with the balance of trade between the Clan and the remainder of the Legacy Cluster, and sharp negotiators from the Caste can control most of the voting issues before the Council by influencing its members.
 
Scientist
   Most influential immediately after the Founding and Maroon bombing, membership in the Scientist Caste is largely restricted to immigrants and the upper echelons of the Technician Caste able to pass the stringent entrance exams in their fields.  Their influence on the Council is largely a matter of self-interest, as the outcome of Council votes influence the direction of research and development funding.
   Riding the influence of a resurgent Warrior Caste, members of the Scientist Caste have begun to press for an increased effort towards education and research, in an effort to improve the political standing of the Caste. 
 
THE TOUMAN

   Dominated by a strong Armor Branch until 3064, the Touman has continued to use the elite Trueborn Warriors as support.  Such practices are slowly coming to an end, however, as superior training and OmniMech versatility begins to provide supporters of the Trueborn genetics programs with further proofs of the benefits of a combined-arms approach used to such advantage by ComStar at Tukyyid.
   Despite the success of the new Elemental and ELM Bloodlines, continued interest in the Touman by citizens outside the Warrior Caste has resulted in the continued growth of the Caste and the establishment of several Clusters dominated by the Infantry Branch, leading to the creation of the new Grenadier formations.

TO&E

Legions
   Renamed by Khan Polo in 2863 to inspire Freeborn enthusiasm for military service, the Legions are the elite of the Leopard Touman, equipped primarily with OmniMechs.  On average these Clusters contain 3 Trinaries of front-line OmniMechs, one of Armor, and one of mixed Aerospace and Infantry.
   In most cases, the Infantry are paired with AFVs to allow them to accompany and protect the Armored vehicles, but some Stars are equipped with FighterShips and VTOLs to provide air-mobile support.

Panzer
   Panzer Clusters are the primary offensive unit, combining 3-4 Trinaries of Heavy Armor with a mix of OmniMechs and Infantry in support.  Normally, Panzer Clusters outnumber Legions by 2.5-to-1, who use slower Panzer Trinaries as either reinforcements or a slow-moving hammer to break up stronger enemy formations.
   With the increased numbers of Trueborn MechWarriors and OmniMechs available to the Touman, Panzer Clusters are receiving more front-line equipment, and several Trinaries have been reassigned to Legion Clusters in recognition of their elite status.

Provisional Garrison
   Provisional Garrison Clusters are the occupation forces assigned to Leopard possessions outside of the Barrens system.  Comprised of the slowest and heaviest Armored vehicles and BattleMechs available, they are also the busiest, seldom seeing more than a week go by without a Trial for the facilities under their protection.
   Garrison Clusters are also the most common first deployment for new Warriors, putting them in veteran and elite garrison units before rotating crews to the Panzer Clusters

Grenadier
   The expansion of the Touman with the new Infantry Bloodnames and the remaining Blood Legacies of the Founders has resulted in unique circumstances that have allowed the Clan to establish almost four Clusters of Grenadiers – Armor and Infantry units dedicated to close or urban terrain and high profile garrisons.
   The Grenadier Trinaries prefer to declare smaller Trials from major battles, where MechWarriors regularly underestimate the level of firepower put out by the Infantry support vehicles and equipment designed by Clan Piranha.  The large Infantry contingent swarm or kneecap their targets.

Wing
   Wing Clusters are another formation developed after the poor performance of the AeroSpace Branch in the dezClan Trials.  Dominated by AeroSpace concerns, no new Wing Clusters are being considered, as current production is paced to replace losses, and surplus equipment and personnel are simply assigned to the Naval Reserve.

Abthactor
   The Clan’s serving Abthactor forces were reassigned to Psi Galaxy, after the formation of the 22nd Wing Cluster proved the concept reduced the administrative load.  Currently the 100th Abthactor Cluster is still in its trial period before being judged worthy of a permanent spot in the Touman.
   Assigned all types of missions and equipment, the Abthactor Cluster is unique in both the Touman and the Legacy Cluster. 

BRANCHES OF THE TOUMAN

Armor
   The Armor Clusters have been the focus of the Clan Touman since the Maroon bombings that gutted the Trueborn birthing centers, receiving attention from the Scientist and Technician Castes to correct their weaknesses.  In particular, the ARPs have allowed Leopard Armor crews the chance to gain elite status with regularity, making Panzer Clusters deadly opponents.

MechWarriors
   The elite of the Leopard Touman, for most of our history the majority of MechWarriors have been Freeborn, as politics has restricted the number of Blood Houses and Legacies available to the Touman.  With the resurgence of the Trueborn faction, Trueborn Warriors are beginning to dominate the MechWarrior Branch with their superior training and genetics.

Infantry
   Composed of a mix of True- and Freeborn Warriors, the Branch has traditionally kept conflicts between Warriors off the battlefield.  This attitude has led the Branch to be one of the most politically reliable to the Clan Council, and helped keep the Armor and MechWarrior Branches in line.  The Founding of dedicated battlearmor and ELM Blood Houses has put that reliability in jeopardy, but the build-up and training of new Warriors has emphasized the need for Warriors to put aside their differences and work together to benefit the Clan.
Armor units and crews assigned to motorized units serve for long-term tours, to build trust between Branches assigned to the same unit.

AeroSpace
   Traditionally, the Clan has had few AeroSpace assets.  The split between True- and Freeborn has become more violent within the last decade, as more effort has gone into expansion and training of Trueborn Pilots graduating from their sibkos.
   One of the few New Clans to produce the dezClan Pilot phenotype, Scientists reason the genetically superior Pilots will be able to keep the Branch from being overwhelmed by their more numerous opponents from other Clans.

CHAIN OF COMMAND

   The chain of command has been a point of contention between Trueborns and the Clan Council for over a century; while the Charter guarantees the rights of the Castes, precedent placed the President of the Clan Council second in command of the Touman, allowing him to select Khans after consulting Warrior Caste ‘advisors’.
After the Trueborn resurgence, the Khan controls the Warrior Caste, determining policy and strategic objectives; despite precedent, the President of the Clan Council has no right to contradict his orders and is not in the chain of command.  As the Khan’s deputies, the saKhan commands the Touman in the field and ensures the readiness of the Caste to defend the Clan, while the Loremaster sees to the needs of the Castes, from training and logistics to research of new weapons and equipment for the Tundra Leopard Touman as a whole.
Galaxy Commanders in order of commands follow the Loremaster, and Star Colonels in order of unit precedence complete the chain.  Lesser ranks within Clusters follow date of rank and unit precedence, depending on the circumstances.

UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA

   Redesigned in the wake of the Maroon Bombing, the uniforms of the Leopard Touman do not reflect the expected influence of Clan Kraken, removed by order of the Khan after the lack of support from our parent Clan forced us to appeal to the IlKhan for aid in _____.  Besides the specialized uniforms issued to each Branch, the Clan issues the standard Field and Dress uniforms, as well as the unique panzer wrap and resurrected Ceremonial headdress.
   The standard uniform of the Touman, the Field uniform is a reinforced jumpsuit, constructed from ballistic- and fire-resistant material printed with appropriate camouflage patterns.  Optional ablative- and ballistic-resistant reinforcements offer additional protection from shoulder to mid-thigh, with a heavy equipment belt and tactical vest supporting paired SMGs, assorted pouches, and tools.
The optional, unadorned black ‘coal scuttle’ helmet comes standard with radio, supporting modular binocular light-intensifying or infra-red attachments.  A simple piece of waterproof hip-length material with a reseal-able edge prevents the panzer wrap from snagging and is acceptable outside ‘Mechs and vehicles in the field.
   The Dress uniform consists of white shirt or blouse and half-tie, with black uniform jacket and trousers or skirt, and tall patent leather boots or dress shoes and 1” heels.  New Clan-standard ranks are displayed on the collar of the dress shirt, and a colored armband worn on the left arm, displaying the Tundra Leopard logo with Caste and Branch insignia.  A black-visored, grey peaked cap adorned with the Tundra Leopard insignia centered on the front completes the Dress uniform.
   The Ceremonial headdress is the sole remaining portion of the original uniform; worn in secrecy by Trueborn members of the Touman until the Trueborn resurgence, the simplicity of the Ceremonial uniform serves as a reminder of the patience and strength of previous generations of Trueborn Warriors.  Once manufactured and purchased from Silver Condor Merchants in secret, the Clan has begun producing a more detailed and lifelike version for the Warrior Caste.  Only Trueborn Warriors are allowed to don the Ceremonial headdress.

MILITARY DECORATIONS

The Remembrance Bar
Granted the privilege of being named in the New Clans epic poem, The Remembrance, every member of the Touman qualifies for this award.  The award is a single gold bar with the chapter and verse of the lines in question.  Members of the Warrior Caste are awarded the bar with colors signifying branch of service.

Iron Cross
   Awarded for bravery to members of the civilian Castes assisting the Touman under dangerous circumstances, the Iron Cross is regarded as proof of the courage and individual competence on the part of the wearer, and holders are extended the same courtesies as members of the Warrior Caste.
   The Iron Cross is most commonly awarded to the Technicians and Laborers attached to military units.

Medal of Honor
   Created by the Clan Council, the Medal of Honor was awarded to members of the Warrior Caste for exceptional skill and bravery to replace the Ehrendolch of the Warrior Caste.  The award is a golden medallion worn around the neck on a ribbon of red silk on the dress uniform.
   The award is considered tainted by politics, as it was conceived of and awarded by Tundra Leopard politicians to reward both noteworthy Warriors and political supporters among the Warrior Caste.  With the recent resurgence of the Trueborn faction, no new Medals of Honor have been approved as it is no longer considered appropriate to accept a politically-motivated award.

The Ehrendolch
   The “Honor Dagger” of the Tundra Leopard Warrior Caste, the Ehrendolch is awarded to Warriors for extreme acts of skill and courage.  Warriors awarded the Ehrendolch are expected to carry it at all times, and may use the Dagger any time they are required to fight unarmed.
The Ehrendolch is forged of the finest steel possible by the Scientist Caste, balanced and honed by Technicians, and fitted to a hand-carved and polished wooden hilt with silver filigree provided by the Laborer and Merchant castes.  Representing the effort of the Clan to honor exceptional Warriors, it is awarded by the Khan in the Hall of Warriors on Barrens.
   After being replaced by the Council’s Medal of Honor, the Loremaster continued to award deserving Trueborn Warriors with Ehrendolch of lesser quality.  With its return in 3052, serving Warriors have had their daggers replaced with examples of the finest quality.  Daggers reclaimed after the deaths of their holders are placed on display in the Hall of Warriors.

 
[** - Analyst’s Note:  Also included here is the Leopard ‘social club’, the ten thousand.

The Ten Thousand
Although not an official award, membership in the ten thousand is strictly limited to Freeborn members of the Warrior Caste with the approval of Trueborn Warriors.  No official membership criteria exists, but serving members have been observed to display outstanding courage and dedication to the principles of the Warrior Caste, while eschewing political influences.
Members wear a silver chain and medallion embossed with a crested Greek helmet, welded around the neck of the owner.]

NOTABLE WARRIORS

Khan Leon Graff
   Commander-in-chief of all Tundra Leopard military forces, Graff served as Loremaster to previous Khan Walther (Trafford), before initiating the Trueborn Revival and forcing a constitutional crisis within the Clan.  Politically-motivated reprisals and Trials of Grievance helped to motivate him to challenge for the rank of Khan in _____, returning the Warrior Caste to a merit-based system and prompting the IlKhan to rule in favor of the right of the Caste to self-government under the Tundra Leopard Charter.

President William (Braun)
   A life-long politician from the Technician Caste, William is the inheritor of nearly a hundred years of political mismanagement of the Warrior Caste.  Replacing ousted President Ran (Singh) in 3068, William has been forced to publicly denounce the attempt to control and manipulate the Warrior Caste by his predecessors, and disregard precedent to favor an interpretation of the Leopard Charter supported by the IlKhan.
   A petty, vindictive, and bitter politician in a culture remembering its martial roots, William is fighting for his political survival.

SaKhan Uhura Banda
   A thin martinet formerly serving with the 31st Grenadier Cluster, saKhan Banda is a fanatical Trueborn supremacist.  One of the Founding Warriors to the Clan’s new ELM Blood Houses, Banda is on probation for harassment of Freeborn Warriors assigned to the Silver Keshik.  So far she has managed to maintain a façade of icy politeness towards the Warriors and politicians her new rank forces her into contact with, but recent absences approved by the Khan show that control to be slipping.

Clandet Commander Han
   A former member of the Leopard Touman, Han considers it his duty to train the Clandets as well as possible given the budgetary and equipment restraints faced by the organization.  Assisted by the Loremaster, Han has gone so far as to request permission for Clandets to observe Trials with members of the Armor and MechWarrior Branches.

Loremaster Tennessee McCaig
   An unassuming woman of indeterminate middle age, Tennessee has become the face of the Trueborn faction’s attempts to regain the authority of the Founding Khans.  Able to work with and reassure the citizens of the civilian Castes that Trueborns are simply people working for the good of the Clan, observers have noted her increase in personal popularity has accompanied the rising approval of the Khan and his domestic policies.


THE BLOOD HERITAGES

MechWarrior      Pilot      Elemental #      ELM #

Buchner      Roth      Bishop       Banda
McCaig      Eldren      Gaudet      Keller
Fuchs       Douglas *   Rayner      Schmid
Graff         Turchin *   Banks         Kirk
Polo         Berg *      Kostiuk      Gulka
Hargrave
Mueller
Farley
Arthur
Fong *
Novakovski *
Vawter *
Peace *
Kraft *
Laplante *
   * - Dormant Blood Houses
   # - Infantry Blood Houses created, (date)

Jesus, last real entry was April!  4 freakin' months.  That's the last time I try to set a deadline.  Here's the last of the Leopard entry, their Touman.

THE KESHIKS

   Like similar command units across the New Clans, the Clan Keshiks contain some of the most elite Warriors in the Touman.  Unfortunately, the number of factions among the Warrior Caste and the Clan Council has kept the Keshiks (seen by some as personal retainers) from achieving elite status for most of our history.  Unlike our fellow Clans, however, the Clan maintained four distinct command and bodyguard units until the Warrior Caste’s right to self-rule was supported by the IlKhan.
   Traditionally, the Khan and saKhan are escorted by the Golden and Silver Keshiks.  Despite the importance of safeguarding the chain of command, these units have been kept from direct combat for most of their existence, rotating Warriors into front-line units for combat experience and restricting them to simulators and training exercises.  The recent political upheavals have forced unqualified Warriors from the Keshik and merged them with the Trueborn Commando, creating cohesive, elite units.  With the removal of the remaining command units, plans are underway to expand the Keshiks to a full Cluster each.
The Trueborn Commando, dissolved with the IlKhan’s decision to support the right of the Warrior Caste to rule itself, represented the most elite of the Clan’s Blood Legacies under the command of the Loremaster in his role as Trueborn representative to the Clan Council.  Restricted to a single Trinary, the Commando incorporated equipment from all Branches and saw frequent action leading our forces in offensive Trials against our sibClans.
The poor status of Trueborns within the Leopard Touman frequently left the Commando without adequate maintenance and support, but this concern has been removed with the merger of the Commando and the Clan Keshiks.  The Commando has been replaced by the new Bronze Keshik, drawn from garrison Clusters and the Reserve, to escort the Loremaster on the rare occasions he travels off-world.
   The final bodyguard unit, the Swiss Trinaries, served as security and bodyguards to the representatives of the Clan Council.  A combined-arms force, the Trinaries served to protect the Council from ambitious Loremasters seeking to reclaim the authority of the Warrior Caste, violating the Leopard Charter of Rights.  With the decision favoring the right of the Warrior Caste to self-rule, the Trinaries have been disbanded and replaced with solhama from regular units of the Touman.

Officers

   Star Colonel Ramses Graff, now in command of the Golden Keshik, was formerly in command of the 8th Legion.  An experienced commander, Ramses has ensured the Keshik has maintained elite status since the merger with the Commando, and is expected to be selected by the Loremaster for a Trial of Position to command Epsilon Galaxy.
Star Colonel Pat McCaig had a more difficult time merging the obstinate Warriors of the Silver Keshik, eventually dismissing the majority of the unit from the Keshik and the Warrior Caste.  Rebuilding the Keshik around the hardcore Commandos, the unit has accompanied the saKhan in several major Trials since the Warrior Caste resurgence.
   Star Colonel Linus Mueller has assembled a slightly smaller force as commander of the Bronze Keshik, providing both transport and security for the Loremaster and his staff.  With the expectation the Loremaster would be kept from combat except for circumstances like the dezClan Trials, fewer Warriors have been assigned to the unit.

Units
 
The Golden Keshik
  CO:  Star Colonel Ramses Graff
  3 Trinaries/Elite/Reliable
     Personnel called to serve the Clan in the Keshik are carefully screened by the Loremaster before being offered a Trial of Position, as loyalties to Branches and Castes other than the Warriors still exist.  Unofficial qualifications for Freeborn Warriors assigned to the Keshik include membership in the Ten Thousand, or the support of a Trueborn sponsor.

The Silver Keshik
  CO:  Star Colonel Pat   McCaig
  3 Trinaries/Elite/Reliable
   The Keshik maintains an emphasis on the bodyguard role of the unit, keeping the saKhan alive in the field and maintaining the chain of command.  Like the Golden Keshik, the unofficial requirements limit the number of prospective Warriors.

The Bronze Keshik
  CO:  Star Colonel Linus Mueller
  2 Trinaries/Regular/Reliable
   Recruiting from the solhama forces of the Leopard Touman has allowed individual Branches within the Keshik to achieve elite status, but long-standing convictions and grievances between them have limited the cooperation between them, resulting in Regular status for the unit.
 
ALPHA GALAXY

   The Founding Galaxy of the Leopard Touman, Alpha has endured the Clan’s turbulent history to remain our primary offensive Galaxy, traveling across the Legacy Cluster on raids to show the Clan’s skill and determination.  The Armor Branch has dominated the Galaxy for most of our history, and this has led to the complete re-organization of Alpha several times as Panzer Clusters have replaced Legions in Alpha’s TO&E.  The Clusters currently assigned to Alpha have undergone rigorous combined-arms training, leading to transfers of Star- and Binary-sized units between Clusters to break old allegiances within units and promote teamwork.
Alpha also contains the first of the Wing Clusters, created in 3009 as part of the attempts to improve the Leopard AeroSpace Branch.

Officers

   With the resurgence of the Trueborn faction, Galaxy Commander Kevin Buchner is the first Trueborn officer to command the prestigious Alpha Galaxy in more than a century.  His promotion caused considerable friction between Branches and Trueborn and Freeborn Warriors, but having balanced the requirements of command admirably for nearly a decade, Kevin is a favored candidate for the rank of saKhan if Uhura Banda is deemed unsuitable for the post.
One of the most respected Freebirths in the Leopard Touman, Star Colonel Evan (Turchin) is expected to announce his retirement from the command of the 3rd Leopard Panzer sometime within the next year.
   Star Colonel Meg Eldren of the 22nd Wing commands the most elite of the Clan’s Wing Clusters, dedicated to escort and ground support.  Despite the efforts of the Khan to improve their training and equipment, the 22nd remains unable to attain air superiority over most opponents without an advantage in numbers or equipment.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Kevin Buchner
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Warriors of the Galaxy Command Trinary are rotated in for 10-12 month terms, or as priorities shift according to the locations the Trinary is posted.

4th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Linda Mueller
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   The Founding unit of the Touman, the 4th has repeatedly suffered internal re-organization since the Maroon Bombing, as the MechWarrior and Armor Branches compete for dominance.

8th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Tamman Polo
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Assigned to Alpha Galaxy for the first time since 2910, the Warriors of the 8th have been cautioned to avoid being over-aggressive after falling into repeated ambushes.

3rd Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Evan (Turchin)
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   The 3rd has become an even more dangerous foe with the retirement of its Star Colonel, as its officers try to prove their worthiness for promotion.  The unit’s strong artillery assets are parceled out to raiding parties on a regular basis.

6th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Leonard (Ransom)
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   The 6th has surpassed the 3rd Panzer in several recent tests, but observers expect the 3rd to regain their fighting edge after a new Star Colonel is promoted.  The 6th specializes in anti-vehicle stra-tacs, armed primarily with Medium tanks and strong Infantry detachments.

22nd Leopard Wing
  CO:  Star Colonel Meg Eldren
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Enthusiastic supporters of the Khan’s decision to convert at least two of the Touman’s Wing Clusters to the air superiority role, the 22nd is expected to be the first to receive new trainers and equipment.
 
BETA GALAXY

   Remaining true to the Leopard tradition of using heavy Armor and Infantry forces in offensive Galaxies, Beta is now the personal command of saKhan Uhura Banda.  Postings to Beta have become undesirable for many Warriors, True- and Freeborn alike, as word of her beliefs in Trueborn superiority have spread.  Despite her undeniable skill, Banda has alienated most of the Warriors from her Panzer Clusters, leaving Beta’s Trueborns to suffer the fallout.
   Record numbers of Freeborns have tested down in this year’s Performance Trials, contributing to a slight loss in skill and experience as their replacements adjust to their new units.

Officers
   
   A grizzled and barrel-chested Armor commander, Galaxy Commander Isaac (Jackson) is the most senior Armor commander in the Touman, and is expected to resolve the situation with Banda soon.  Gamblers are speculating whether Banda will see reason, or find herself snapped like a twig in a Circle of Equals.
   Star Colonel Eve Tundra Leopard has ordered 12-hour days for the Pilots of the 23rd Wing; a former Warrior of Clan Cave Frog, Eve easily won a Trial of Position for her command against her former Bondholder.  Determined to correct the deficiency of concentrating on the escort and air support roles in her adopted Clan, Eve has attracted notice from her superiors for placing the needs of the Clan over concern for maintaining her position, prompting rumors of the possibility of naming her the first Pilot considered for Galaxy command.
   In comparison, Star Captain Jason of the 12th Legion represents the future to many of the Warrior and Scientist Castes.  The highest-ranked of the new Leopard AeroSpace phenotype, “Zip” stands out from the rest of his Cluster.  A particular favorite of the saKhan, he has disarmed the remainder of the Legion by adopting a caricature of himself as an alien in a flying saucer as his insignia.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Isaac (Jackson)
  1 Trinary/Elite/Questionable
   Despite concerns about durability on the battlefield, Isaac’s Command Star is composed of fast hovercraft, Light ‘Mechs, and VTOL-equipped Infantry, ensuring rapid movement over the battlefield.

9th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Irwin (Blake)
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Questionable
   Specializing in attacking defensive lines, the 9th has maintained a high number of trailers as reinforcements, using ELRM trailers as highly mobile artillery when attacking and preferring vehicle turrets mounting Thunderbolt-TOW missile launchers to hold ground.

15th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Mackenzie (Cross)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Tapped to provide scouts for the remainder of the Galaxy, nearly a quarter of the 15th is capable of 90 km/hr, and half of those can travel at speeds up to 140 kph.  The Cluster prefers to sight for Pilots of the 23rd Wing, who strafe and bomb their targets.  Unusual for a Panzer Cluster, the 15th maintains a Star of H-ACs.

18th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Eric (Zindel)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/ Fanatical
   The 18th specializes in open field battles, pitting their Heavy tanks and long-range weapons against enemy ‘Mechs.  Mine-laying trailers are a favorite to defend against an enemy counter-attack.

12th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Gina Arthur
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Reinforcing the Galaxy’s Armor Branch, the 12th maintains a balance of all weight classes, competent in all manner of stra-tacs, but preferring close-quarters combat.

23rd Leopard Wing
  CO:  Star Colonel Eve Tundra Leopard
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Reliable
   Along with the 22nd, the 23rd has been chosen to provide greater emphasis on the air superiority role, and has begun preparing for Honor Trials with the Cave Frogs on Ford.
 
GAMMA GALAXY

   Watching and listening to the rhetoric of saKhan Banda, Gamma was pleasantly surprised to have Star Colonel Hermann Farley of the 21st Panzer Cluster promoted to the rank of Galaxy Commander.  That show of respect has eased the fears of replacement for many Freeborn Warriors, allowing Hermann to successfully integrate the Branches of the Touman in Gamma.
Gamma has also received many of Beta’s best Armor Stars in the last six months, testing down from Beta in the last performance Trials; given the number and skills of the recent transfers, Hermann has been granted the authority to detach forces at his own discretion for raids.

Officers

   Star Colonel Duke McCaig of the 27th Panzer has accepted the majority of these new arrivals, matching incoming Armor Stars with supporting Infantry and ‘Mechs from the Cluster for raiding parties.  The newcomers have eagerly embraced the expectations of leading the 27th to victory in Trials across the Cluster, and observers expect the first raids to be dispatched soon.
   Star Colonel Brooke (Willis) of the 25th Wing has taken an intense dislike to her newest Warriors, Trueborn Pilots of the AeroSpace phenotype.  Rather than dismiss them out of hand, Brooke has ordered them spit individually across the Cluster, where the more numerous Freeborn Pilots are gaining the benefits of their advanced training.
   Point Commander Titus Banda, the Freebirth son of saKhan Banda, has already embraced his mother’s distaste of Freeborns.  Already an egotist, the frequent requests from the saKhan for his ‘assistance’ in Trials has done nothing but alienate his fellow Warriors.  Titus and his Point can normally be found on training exercises, hoping the greater expertise will allow them to earn a transfer to Beta Galaxy in the next Performance Trials.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Hermann Farley
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Dedicated to the Warriors under his command and the combined-arms stra-tacs of the Clan, Hermann is considered a second potential candidate for saKhan with Galaxy Commander Kevin Buchner of Alpha Galaxy.

21st Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Michele (Nakamura)
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Nakamura’s Panzer Cluster is a mixed unit with tactical transports allowing her to move units quickly across secured airspace, specializing in providing blocking forces to hinder enemy advances

27th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Duke McCaig
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   As a reward for achieving ‘elite’ unit status the 27th has been assigned DropShips and priority for Tundra Leopard shipping to raid isolated New Clan detachments across the Cluster.

30th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Harry (Gunderson)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Infuriated that the 27th has received the majority of the Armor transfers from Beta, Star Colonel Harry (Gunderson) has encouraged individual Stars to declare Trials of Position to join the 27th and participate in the raids.  As a side benefit, those elite Stars would become members of the 30th.

16th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Patrick Graff
  5 Trinaries/Elite/Fanatical
   Frustrated at the lack of offensive opportunities acting as the Panzer Cluster’s reinforcements, Patrick has begun an aggressive campaign aimed at capturing new ‘Mechs and Bondsmen to transfer to the Panzer Clusters to increase their independence.

25th Leopard Wing
  CO:  Star Colonel Brooke (Willis)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Reliable
   Believing the Khan is planning to usher Freeborn Warriors from the AeroSpace Branch in favor of the Trueborn Pilot phenotype, Brooke has taken steps to ensure the 25th is next in line to receive upgrades through allies in the Technician Caste.  However, her control of the 25th may be slipping, as offended Trueborn Pilots begin to declare Trials of Position within the unit.
 
DELTA GALAXY

   Once a defensive Galaxy, the addition of the 24th Legion and 31st Grenadiers has thrown Delta’s role in the Touman into doubt.  Maintaining the majority of the 33rd and 39th’s defensive-oriented Armor, the 20th Legion has joined the 24th to create a fast Medium and Heavy force dedicated to cavalry stra-tacs.
   The Grenadier Cluster would seem to herald a return to a defensive stance for Delta, but its Galaxy Commander has seized the chance for offensive operations on Lever.  Forcing its component Stars to complete intense training cycles before clearing them for offensive action, Delta lures their opponents into range of their Armor forces while the Legions attack the rear and flanks of enemy formations, with Infantry and artillery in support.

Officers

   Formerly a stoic, undistinguished member of the Muellar Blood House, Galaxy Commander Rhone has attracted the attention of Warriors across the Touman.  Formerly miserly with opportunities for offensive action, Rhone has allowed garrisons on the faction world to fall to unprecedented levels as Delta goes on the offensive.  So far, Delta has been successful, but the reinforced garrisons of our sibClans have forced Delta to become more cautious.
   Star Colonel Francis (Merriman) of the 31st Grenadiers has come under scrutiny by the Office of the Loremaster in recent months, following a spate of accusations by rival Clans who claim the Grenadiers are storing equipment and supplies in one of the areas set aside for Trials on Lever.  Francis insists the charges are baseless, but an investigation to clear Delta of the charges has begun.
   Star Commander Cooper (Mayes) of the 39th Panzer has enjoyed watching the best Warriors of the Clans assembled on Lever fail to breach the lines of his Cluster.  Injured early in his career by Carnoraptor ELMs, the Commander is famous for his cunning use of mine-laying trailers and vehicle turrets to defend his flanks and deny terrain to his opponents.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Rhone Mueller
  1 Trinary/Elite/Fanatical
   Uncharacteristically angry and moody to Warriors in the Command Trinary, observers have noted the recent death of his Freeborn daughter from cancer.  The Loremaster has been seen in private conversations with Mueller, and it is believed the attacks will begin to taper off shortly as he attends counseling with his Freeborn wife.
 
33rd Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Grant (Talbot)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Having taken the brunt of the casualties in recent offensives, the 33rd has lost their ‘Elite’ rating.  The unit remains rabidly in favor of continuing the offensive, however, taking the opportunity to pursue feuds with their rivals on Lever.

39th Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Cooper (Mayes)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   With nearly two-thirds of the defensive armor assigned to the Galaxy, the 39th has been able to secure the garrisons under their control and still contribute to the Galaxy’s offensives at a high cost in munitions and mines.

20th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Auston Polo
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Assigned to terrain difficult for vehicles to travel and seeing offensive operations for the first time in nearly a decade, the 20th has become the unit of choice for ristars equipped with Light and Medium Mechs.

24th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Kate Farley
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Fanatical
   Experiencing the same spotlight as the 20th, Star Colonel Kate Farley has accepted pre-emptive batchalls from across the Touman, recovering from the loss of nearly a Binary of Mechs with several new Assault and H-AC units.

31st Leopard Grenadier
  CO:  Star Colonel Francis (Merriman)
  5 Trinaries/Regular/Fanatical
   Thrown into the no-man’s land between opposing lines, the 31st has shown a flair for combat drops from the FighterShips assigned to the Cluster, accounting for nearly a Trinary of salvaged Mechs and several enemy facilities after overwhelming their defenders.
 
EPSILON GALAXY

   Watching the Warriors of Delta Galaxy reclaim the status of an offensive Galaxy has pushed the Warriors of Epsilon firmly into the Khan’s political camp, as a shuffling of Epsilon’s Clusters has brought the Veteran 1st PGC into Epsilon and the Galaxy becomes the primary training unit of the Leopard Touman.
   As the veteran Warriors of Epsilon train newcomers in new small-unit combined-arms stra-tacs, they accompany raids assigned to develop the abilities of potential ristars and work to create training exercises for the remainder of the Clan’s defensive Galaxies.  The stra-tacs of the 16th Legion, assigned to Gamma, have attracted considerable interest as they concentrate on capturing enemy ‘Mechs for the Panzer Clusters
   Graduates of Epsilon have shown an increasing skill to read the battlefield and utilize the varied abilities of their units to achieve victory in Trials, bringing Epsilon’s senior Warriors to the attention of the Civil Government.

Officers

Nearing retirement age, Galaxy Commander Kristen McCaig is favored to be chosen as senior officer of Psi’s Abthactor Cluster, where she is expected to receive a Civil Government commission and serve as an advisor to their Ministry of Defense for her experience in small-unit, combined-arms training.  Kristen has admitted interest in the possibility, hoping to avoid a transfer to the Clan’s solhama or Reserve.
   Star Colonel Brandon (Carrol) of the 1st PGC has found himself elevated several times in stature – as the commander of the Clan’s most elite Garrison Cluster, Brandon’s Heavy- and Assault Components combined with its heavy artillery are commonly found as the backbone of the intensive field exercises preparing new graduates for transfer to front-line units.
   Responsible for keeping the hundreds of units that make up Epsilon operational, Chief Technician Willy (Andreyich) has adopted the fatalistic Russian attitude while waiting for Epsilon’s reassignment to garrison production centers closer to Barrens, where the bewildering array of equipment can be updated and standardized.  Until then, ‘Wiley’ Willy and his men struggle to keep Epsilon in the field.

Units

Galaxy Command Trinary
  CO:  Galaxy Commander Kristen McCaig
  3 Stars/Elite/Fanatical
   Breaking into component Stars, the Galaxy Command Trinary accompanies Epsilon’s ground units.  Rumors of a romantic attachment between Kristen and Star Colonel Brandon (Carrol) of the 1st PGC are being circulated by Warriors assigned to the unit.

42nd Leopard Panzer
  CO:  Star Colonel Engleburt (Johnson)
  5 Trinaries/Regular/Fanatical
   The Technicians of the 42nd have found themselves pressed to keep up with repairs as Warriors of declare Trials for positions in the 42nd and graduates of the Cluster move into new positions. 

34th Leopard Grenadier
  CO:  Star Colonel Pavel (Chekov)
  5 Trinaries/Regular/Fanatical
   Taking advantage of the Clan’s rapid production of Battlearmor, ELMs, and conventional vehicles, the Clusters most severe losses has been personnel as graduates leave for reassignment.

28th Leopard Legion
  CO:  Star Colonel Victor Buchner
  6 Trinaries/Regular/Fanatical
   Placed under increasing strain to train new MechWarriors as the Branch expands, the 16th is reinforced with a Command Trinary of senior Warriors.  Observers expect the Legion’s training function to be eliminated in favor of advanced sibko training, increasing the difficulty of Freeborns to claim a spot in Epsilon.

1st Provisional Garrison Cluster
  CO:  Star Colonel Brandon (Carrol)
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/Reliable
   Many of the Clan’s oldest Warriors serve in the 1st, where their experience and skill provide a steadying influence for many of the Warriors on their first deployment.  The growing prestige of the unit has made many of those new Warriors more willing to learn from experience before transferring from Epsilon.

26th Leopard Wing
  CO:  Star Colonel Helen Roth
  5 Trinaries/Veteran/ Fanatical
   Tasked with exposing new Warriors and Pilots to the realities of the Leopard AeroSpace Branch, the Cluster maintains a wide variety of aircraft in service with the Touman.  Naughty Nellie, the oldest FighterShip still in active service with the Clan, is brought out only for special occasions to frighten arrogant young Pilots into learning the essentials of flight crew maintenance.

Jesus -  this one was tough, it took DAYS.  I had to start completely over and keep trying.

Limb Extensions
   Developed from the stilts worn by Laborers in construction sites, New Clan engineers at the JDP pioneered the use of structural extensions between the joints of ‘Mechs as a purely mechanical means of increasing their ground speed.  Further development has created three categories of limb extensions;
·   Upper-Leg Extensions – The first and only leg extensions for ELMs, PAMs, and bipedal ‘Mechs, U-L extensions are placed between the upper-leg actuator and the lower-leg actuator.  Quad BattleMechs and H-ACs must have U-L extensions before L-L extensions can be added.
·   Lower-Leg Extensions – The second type of leg extension, L-L extensions may only be used on Quad BattleMechs and H-ACs, taking advantage of their greater stability.
·   Forearm Extensions – Usable only by bipedal BattleMechs, Forearm extensions increase the range and damage of physical attacks.

Construction Rules
   Limb extensions require 5% of the unit’s mass and a single critical space from either arms or legs.  Only bipedal BattleMechs, Quad BattleMechs, and H-ACs are allowed to use two sets of extensions in exchange for 10% of their mass and 4 critical spaces in either arms, legs, or both, depending on the type of extension.
Ex.  I)  A 50 ton BattleMech wants a set of Upper-Leg Extensions for (50 tons x 5%=) 2.5 tons, and one critical slot (between ‘Upper-Leg Actuator’ and ‘Lower-Leg Actuator’.) in each leg.
II)  A 50 ton bipedal BattleMech wants both Forearm and Leg Extensions.  The Upper-Leg Extensions weigh 2.5 tons and require one critical slot (between ‘Upper-Leg Actuator’ and ‘Lower-Leg Actuator’) in each leg.  The Forearm Extensions weigh (50 tons x 5%=) 2.5 tons and one critical slot (between ‘Lower-Arm Actuator’ and ‘Hand’).
       III)  A 200 ton H-AC takes advantage of its stability to use two sets of Leg Extensions.  Each Extension weighs (200 tons x 5%=) 10 tons, so the total is 20 tons and two critical slots per leg (Upper-Leg Extension on the critical chart as above; ‘Lower-Leg Extension’ between ‘Lower-Leg Actuator’ and ‘Foot’).

Game Rules
   The addition of Limb Extensions places a greater strain on man and machine.  Besides being inherently unstable, Limb Extensions suffer several penalties during play;
·   All units with Leg Extensions require 3 MP to stand after a fall or going Prone.
·   ELMs, PAMs, bipedal BattleMechs, and Quad BattleMechs with two Leg Extensions suffer a +1 to all Piloting Skill Rolls.
·   Quad BattleMechs and H-ACs with two sets of Leg Extensions are considered Level 3 when determining LOS.

Units with Leg Extensions receive the following benefits;
·   A set of Upper-Leg Extensions provide a +1 MP increase, while Quad BattleMechs and H-ACs with both Upper- and Lower-Leg Extensions receive a +2 MP increase.
·   Bipedal BattleMechs with Forearm Extensions negate the +1 Piloting Skill Roll of having Leg Extensions.
·   Leg or Forearm Extensions provide greater damage due to longer limbs;
o   Upper-Leg and Forearm Extensions increase damage from Punching or Kicking by 25%.
Ex.  A 50 ton bipedal BattleMech does 5 Punch or 10 Kick damage.  With both Forearm and Leg Extensions, the ‘Mech does 6 Punch (5 damage x 1.25, rounded down) and 12 Kick damage (10 x 1.25, rounded down).
o   Units with Upper- and Lower-Leg Extensions increase damage from Kicking by 50%.
Ex.  A 200 ton H-AC Kicks for 20 damage.  With Upper-Leg Extensions, it does 25 in Kick damage (200 x 1.25).  With both Upper- and Lower-Leg Extensions, it does 30 Kick damage (200 x 1.5).

Ouch, feel better RP!

Heavy- and Assault Components are done!  Permanent AirMechs was easy, its done too!

Now, its time to break out the big guns for FighterShips!  I haven't played Aerotech for a long time now, so this is going to be tough.  I may have to play a couple solitare games to get enough of a handle on their rules to come up with something realistic.

On a side note, according to my Table of Contents, I'm almost done the section!  FighterShips, ELMs, an improved JumpShip battery (that may require me buying a .PDF of StratOps), and a final read-through of the section for spelling, grammar, and meaning and its DONE!  The end is in sight!  As a reward, I'm going to begin writing the introduction, done from the viewpoint of the NC Loremaster Council.  Ah, fluff.  I've missed you so!