OBT Forum

Interlude

I have reworked the initial target locations with the help of some good BattleTech guys (primarily Takiro from the Our BattleTech website).  I think these Target Zones (and Occupation Zones) are a little better fit than my original ideas.  Anyway, if someone else has a suggestion, just let me know, either in the original post or via PM.

MA

1. Alpha Target Zone – Oliver (Wolf) – The Hegemony Worlds have value beyond the imagination of the Clans, this zones proximity to Terra, and the obvious fact that it is the deepest strike by the Clans during this Operation make it the greatest honor by far. While Oliver is home to 2 Mech factories as well as 2 Vehicle factories there are other worlds with industrial significance. New Earth as a secondary target has 3 Vehicle factories and orbital facilities plus the fact it was Kerensky’s command post at one time. Originally I had envisioned Wolf here to link up with the Dragoons rather than the Scorpions. You might change this Zone to the Jaguars than as they could win it based on touman strength, martial prowess, and bidding aggressiveness. Although Wolf remains a good choice IMO for their cunning and skill. Up to you!
2. Beta Target Zone – Tharkad (Ghost Bear) – The Steiner House Capital deep in the center of the Commonwealth with two Royal Guard units on station at all time. Never before conquered or even attacked in a major way it’s a close second to the Oliver Zone. Additionally the planet manufactures two Mechs, two Aerospace Fighters, and three DropShips. If that isn’t enough Gibbs is another industrial prize within this region’s secondary targets. It produces 2 Aerospace Fighters, 3 DropShips, and a JumpShip. Ghost Bear is a good pick here fighting in the cold Tharkad environment and their strength could accomplish such a placing.
3. Gamma Target Zone – Hesperus (Smoke Jaguar) – Eclipsed only by the former Hegemony Worlds and the Lyran Capital the Hesperus Zone provides a special challenge to the Clans. Not only is it home to a Star League Facility that was sacred Hegemony ground which mass produced some of the first BattleMechs – it has never before been conquered. Think of the honor of being the first to achieve that goal. The third deepest zone at the very heart of the Inner Sphere it contains other interesting worlds like Clinton which is home to Snord’s Irregulars and their museum. Additionally the same facility produces 6 different types of Mechs, 4 Vehicles, and 1 DropShip. As  one of the most powerful Clans at the time, the Jaguars should be either here or Oliver IMO.
4. Delta Target Zone – Skye (Jade Falcon) – The heart of the Federation of Skye and Regional Lyran Capital offers a powerful symbolic prize to the Clans. Deep in the Inner Sphere it boosts impressive industries which include 3 Aerospace Fighter plants, 3 Vehicle factories, and 1 DropShip yard. The importance of some of the secondary targets can’t be underestimated either as some worlds are former Hegemony holdings. Aside from the Oliver Zone this is the only other area to offer such importance. Skye also holds a special place in the minds of the Falcons who in my estimation would be one of the four top Clans. The planet was the homeworld of Carl Icaza one of the Clan’s founders and as such holds special value to the Jade Falcons.
5. Epsilon Target Zone – Coventry (Steel Viper) – This Provincial Capital is the second largest Lyran Mech producer in the Commonwealth. Five different designs are produced at the Metal Works which trails only Hesperus in the amount of war manufacturing. The system itself is deep in Commonwealth space which could be perceived as a challenge but it is sort of out of the way from the main drive to Terra. Opposition is similarly spotty with a chance to either a solid garrison or just a militia. It makes a nice conciliation prize for warriors of the Steel Viper Clan.
6. Zeta Target Zone – Twycross (Diamond Shark) – The third largest Mech producer in the Lyran state is located on Twycross. While it is the second shortest trip for any invader to make its three Mech factories are a valuable prize. Its proximity to the Periphery - Rasalhague border makes Inner Sphere front line opposition likely. The Sharks are an excellent choice here for a couple of reasons. This area of space is well positioned for logistics that the Clans are sure to need hence merchants could turn a nice profit operating here. Additionally Bug-Eye surveillance of the planet could have indicated potential for yet undiscovered Harjel which would be another windfall for the Clan. [WE’LL HAVE TO SEE; PERHAPS THERE WILL BE HARJEL PRESENT; PERHAPS NOT:  MA]
7. Eta Target Zone – Pandora (Hell's Horses) – With two Mech and seven military vehicle facilities on planet Pandora becomes a valuable industrial prize. While not as deep as some other targets opposition could be strong. With Arc Royal and Morges falling within this zone possible resistance from the Kell Hounds could make things interesting. Although it is questionable how much value the Clans would put on these “hired guns”. Initial defense, counterattacks, and the fact that Pandora is flanked by several invasion corridors minimize the threat somewhat. All those vehicle factories might make Pandora an irresistible target for the Hell’s Horses.
8. Theta Target Zone – Sudeten (Nova Cat) – Two Mech factories and four military vehicle manufacturers are a good target for an invader even though it isn’t all that deep into the invasion drive. Along the Rasalhague border the planet is usually well defended by the Lyrans. It is hard to see what else the Nova Cats could valuable as secondary worlds aren’t all that notable. Perhaps its position near the Rasalhague – Combine frontier is a plus.
9. Iota Target Zone – Alarion (Snow Raven) – The Provincial Capital of Alarion presents a special target to the Clans as it is the shipbuilding hub of the Lyran military. It produces a BattleMech, an Aerospace Fighter, three DropShips, three JumpShips and perhaps is nearing warship production. While it is undoubtedly a deep target zone Alarion is sort of out of the way minimizing effective counter attacks and the quality of opposition. Duran, a Steiner world, is likely the most notable target of the second wave which is mostly backwater systems. The area is an obvious match for the Snow Raven naval agenda.
10. Kappa Target Zone – Furillo (Cloud Cobra) – Home to two BattleMech factories and a Vehicle plant Furillo presents some value to the Clans as it is also the fifth deepest zone of invasion. A couple of secondary targets also hold some value in this zone but combat opportunities could be somewhat suspect as the area is removed from the border and only Furillo is likely to be garrisoned initially. Aur produces components for the Lyran military infrastructure while the primary target world and Porrima have a special connection to House Steiner. With a blood link to the Steiners this area has special importance to the Cloud Cobras.
11. Lambda Target Zone – Donegal (Goliath Scorpion) – As a Regional Capital of the Lyran Commonwealth and home of the Protectorate of Donegal holds great symbolic value. More importantly it produces three different kinds of aerospace fighters. The ninth deepest invasion zone it is a keystone link between the Tharkad and Terran drives. The Ruins of Gabriel, which are hidden in the Odessa system, which the Scorpions may very well suspect because of their visions and historical records, holds special value. As the jumping off point for Kerensky’s Hegemony Campaign and Operation Liberation its discovery would be important especially for the ilKhan to make.
12. Mu Target Zone – Tamar (Star Adder) – A Regional Capital and still vibrant trade center the world of Tamar holds some value to the Clans. However it is only the fourteenth deepest invasion and has no vital military production. Its location along the weak Rasalhague border limits the chances for worthy opposition. The only secondary target I’d comment on is Dell. We’ve found evidence that it was a key naval yard for the Lyrans who moved any remaining vital equipment to Alarion during the initial phases of the Succession War. I put the Adders here because of their conservative bidding practices and the face saving fact that they would take a regional capital. Also be interesting if the Adders rebuilt the Dell facilities as part of the Clan supply line. Not sure what kind of a long game their up to but the Adders strike me as slow to participate at first.
13. Nu Target Zone – Izar (Ice Hellion) – Yes this zone is the fourth deepest drive into the Human Sphere but the initial target provides little attraction. It has no important industry which is a key component of this plan which hopes to draw a counter attack. These makes the possibility that Izar will be bypassed by such an assault and who is guarding Izar in the first place really? Not to say it is all bad as there are other important worlds to take in the second wave. Edasich produces Fusion Engines, Glengarry is home to the Gray Death Legion, and Freedom is an important world in the Federation of Skye. Given the low estimate, the fact that a rapid reaction force could be perfect to guard your flank, and raiders based here could break up any staging areas this might be a job for the Ice Hellions.
14. Xi Target Zone – Arcturus (Coyote) – The fact that this world is the former capital of the Lyran Commonwealth provides some historical attraction. That plus the likelihood of taking on the venerable Arcturan Guard who call the planet home is a little tempting. However there is no true military industry on world and its true importance is now bygone and largely symbolic. Arcturus isn’t very far in the overall plan – my estimate has it as the 10th deepest zone. Also it sits along the weak Free Rasalhague border which isn’t likely to provide much of a challenge. Some secondary worlds are somewhat notable but also lack industry. The Coyotes and the area provide a good match as both are past their prime. Who knows maybe together they could regain a portion of their lost glory.
15. Omicron Target Zone – Port Mosbey (Fire Mandrill) – While deep in the Inner Sphere this zone has no significant industry. Some redeeming value was given to its location along the Lyran-Draconis border which could indicate greater opposition. Mercantile activity is economically notable but the region was devastated during the Succession Wars. The Clans likely attach little historical or strategic meaning to this area making it undesirable to all but the Fire Mandrills. Kindraa Sainze ancient ties to House Kurita give this smaller Clan a reason to be here. 
16. Pi Target Zone – Wotan (Blood Spirit) – Its location far from the center of the Human Sphere with no significant factories makes it a poor glory assignment. As the infamous home of Amaris and ancient center of the hated Rim Worlds it is historically important but not in a good way. Opposition is not all that well thought of but several units with ties to the past may provide good links to the past. Camelot Command in the Dark Nebula may provide an item of hidden value for the Clans. This assignment might be viewed by the Clans as a slap in the face to the reclusive Spirits who most recently lashed out during the Burrock Absorption.




I agree with most of what Takiro said, but will be making one change.  I intend to switch the Adders and Cobras between Zones Kappa and Mu (Furillo and Tamar).  This will put the four of the five strongest Clans close to Terra (the only exception being the Bears at Tharkad), concentrating more of the Clans fighting strength nearer to the expected reinforcements arriving from the Federated Suns.  Sure, there is not as much honor to be gained taking Furillo as there would be taking Tamar, but the Adders have always been fluffed as being willing to set aside honor for strategic and tactical advantage.  (Or, at least, that is how I have always seen them).  Anyway, that is the new invasion/target/occupation zone deployment.

MA

Hmm It always seems to come back to him. He seems like a focal point or nexus for events. So given the time between Clan Wolverine's arrival in the Inner Sphere and now how big a force have they developed.

Fixed.  Thanks KM.


MA

The servers took away the plates, leaving the three men alone, with the exception of two armed guards that stood watch at the entryway.  The corner of Thomas Marik’s lip twitched in a misshapen smile as he nodded at Focht.  “You have many questions, Precentor Martial.  Ask them.”

Focht gathered his thoughts for a moment, as he sipped from the frosted glass of Timbiqui Dark that he still held.  “What can you tell me of these Clans?”

“They are the descendents of the Star League Defense Force; perverted into a nightmare of fascist rules and regulations by Kerensky’s son, Nicolas.  He engineered their entire society after the death of his father—and an attempt by various Generals to exert their own claims to rule.  The Clans speak of honor and tradition, but they condemn those under their sway to living in a caste system, structured to prevent the rise of any internal threat.  They preach conformity and shared sacrifice, but only the lesser castes make that sacrifice—their entire society is geared to provide for the Warriors at its peak.”

Thomas paused.  “The Blood left after seeing the direction that Nicolas was taking; but Nicolas declared them as traitors and ordered them annihilated—down to the lowest civilian castes.  Once known as Clan Wolverine, my mother’s people fought to give a small number the chance to flee, and they mostly died in doing so.  They have abandoned the ideals of the Star League and forged a monstrous creation that wants nothing less than to bring all humanity under its rule.”

“You left more than two centuries ago, sir, could they have changed their . . .” Focht began.

“NO.  They are fanatics and although there must have been changes, if they still venerate Nicky they follow his vision.  Terra is their ultimate goal; it has never been anything else.  From here, they will established their corrupt rule and enslave all of humanity, condemning everyone into their strict caste structure.”

Thomas shook his head.  “You do not understand them, Focht.  They are raised from birth to revere Nicolas Kerensky and his father as veritable gods.  And should they discover the Blood is here, they will attempt to finish the task their forefathers began so long ago, by exterminating all those who bear a trace of our DNA.”

“And their organization, their military strength, their technology?”

“That you will discover, for you are quite correct.  They have had two centuries to develop it; I doubt that any information the Blood possessed when it fled remains accurate.  However, I do know that they had the facilities to produce Star League BattleMechs—Royal BattleMechs—when the Wolverines left their Homeworlds.  Use that as your starting point.”

Focht nodded.  “And the Blood can aid ComStar how, exactly?”

“I think that you will find that our Clusters—the Clan equivalent of a Regiment—are more than able to assist your Divisions, Precentor Martial.  However, we have devoted much of our resources over these past two centuries to other tasks, and we can offer you just sixteen of these combined arms formations:  each with forty-five BattleMechs, thirty armored vehicles, twenty aerospace fighters, and a reinforced company of Infantry equipped with the Nighthawk power armor.  In space, our numbers are even more sparse; the Blood have just five ships:  two battleships, a frigate, a destroyer, and a light carrier.  However, I have already ordered that all of them report to Terra immediately—using one of the close pirate points to avoid our visitors.”

“So eight Divisions—two Armies.  That is not insignificant, Thomas.”

“No, not by far.  But I think that you will find our other contributions to be even more valuable.  Are you familiar with the Terran SDS system, Precentor Martial?”

Focht warily nodded.  “The basics, yes, but that system is inoperable—it has been ever since the Exodus when Kerensky disabled key components.”

“Components that the Blood has slowly managed to replace over these two centuries,” Thomas answered with a terrifying grin, as Focht’s eyes went wide.  “The entire system is not up to Star League standards, of course; the SLDF did an extremely thorough job in smashing installations in Central Europe and Central America—but the rest of the system was untouched.  We have reactivated all of the remaining ninety-two installations and can provide roughly 71% of the entire planet.”

“They will still be aware of those gaps, however, won’t they?” Focht asked.

“Indeed,” Thomas answered with a smile.  “I am planning on that.”

April 14, 3051
The Triad, Tharkad
Ghost Bear Occupation Zone
(Lyran Commonwealth, Federated Commonwealth)

“By yon bonnie banks, and by yon bonnie braes, where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,” the brilliant tenor voice of Ghost Bear Warrior sang out as eight more Warriors in full ceremonial regalia slow-marched the litter holding the remains of Khan Jorgensson into the packed square.  Serried ranks of Ghost Bears stood silent at attention, each slowly lowering their heads as the litter passed by them.

“Where me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”

Sandra Tseng wait on the raised dais in the center of the square, surrounded by her Galaxy Commanders, and all of the Jorgensson Blood-named on Tharkad. 

“O, ye’ll take the high road, an I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye; for me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”

A single sibkin—no more than twelve years old stood before the dais, slowly beating a staccato rhythm on his drum in time with the steps of the pall-bearers.

 â€œT’was there that we parted in yon shady glen, on the steep, steep sides of Ben Lomond; where in soft purple hue, the highland hills we view, and the moon coming out in the gloaming.”

Five Visigoths streaked by above, one of the mighty fighters peeling away and up, leaving the open slot in their formation.

“O, ye’ll take the high road, an I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye; for me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”

One by one, the ranks of Warriors in the courtyard slowly sank to the knees as their dead Khan passed by, with their heads bowing long in honor.

“The wee birdies sing and the wild flowers spring; and in sunshine, the waters are sleeping; but the broken heart it keens, no second spring again, tho’ the world knows not how we are grieving.”

The Warriors honored to carry their Khan slowly lifted his litter and placed his mortal remains atop a tall bier of stacked wood.  And each then stepped back and knelt, bowing their own heads low.

“O, ye’ll take the high road, an I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye; for me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.”

As the final notes echoed throughout the Triad—and were conveyed across Tharkad by the discreet cameras along the walls—Sandra Tseng stepped forward to the podium.

“Our Khan has fallen, Ghost Bears, and never again will we see him in this world.  We grieve for our Khan, killed not in battle, but by a dishonorable trap set by those who are little more than bandits.  Who fight not in the open, but instead hide themselves among the civilian castes and shield their own lives with that of innocents.”

The saKhan lifted her head high, and removed her mask, revealing a face marred by streaks of tears running down her cheeks.  “Our family has suffered a loss that cannot be replaced; but we are Ghost Bear.  We shall overcome this, and in time accept the passing of our Khan whose blood has now anointed this world—our world.”

“I hear the laments of my Warriors, who cry out for vengeance against those who struck down our Khan like cowards.  I hear them.  I know their pain, for it is my pain.”

“But we are Ghost Bear.  We shall not forsake who we are because of a dezgra few; were we Smoke Jaguar, then this city would burn to add our Khan’s pyre—those who dwell here forming his escort into the next life.  But we are not Jaguars.”

“Were we Jade Falcon, we would select hostages among the civilian castes and put their lives as ransom for the bandits that slew our Khan.  But we are not Falcons.”

“We are one family, we are Ghost Bear.  We will put an end to this killing, and we will do so while remaining who our Founders intended us to be.  There will be no reprisals against civilians who have committed no crime.  There will be destruction of cities to slake our thirst for vengeance—that my brethren, is the path of the corrupt vulture Lords of this Inner Sphere.  We will root these bandits from the midst of our new people, and they will pay for their crimes—but Clan Ghost Bear will not answer dishonor with dishonor.  We will not mourn for the blood of a Khan by shedding ourselves the blood of those who had no part in his death.”

“That is our way; that is the way of the Ghost Bear.  And we are Ghost Bear.  Seyla.”

“SEYLA!” thundered the chorus from a thousand throats packed into the Triad.

“SEYLA!” yelled Sandra Tseng again as she stepped back from the podium and pulled off a leather glove, drew a knife, and sliced her palm deep, the blood dripping unto the pristine snow.

“SEYLA!” answered her Warriors.

She walked to the bier, and drizzled the blood from the cut upon the fallen Khan, and then she stepped back.  “Sleep well, my Khan,” she said, “for your Clan remains—and it always shall!”

The Clan Loremaster handed her a lit torch, and Sandra placed it within the bier of wood, and within seconds the fuel within caught, rapidly consuming the litter and upon it, the body of Khan Jerome Jorgensson.

Wow, the Battle of Oliver will be epic!

“There isn’t time for orders from New Avalon, Marshall.  Colonel Tanaga, can your fighters—augmented by the Hounds and the Eleventh’s—keep their aerospace off our back for a few hours?”

“We’ll sure as hell try, Colonel Kell,” growled the grizzled old Lyran.

Only issue here is that Tanaga isn't Lyran. He's from the Combine, according to FM: Mercs page 74. Is this something you changed, or just something that needs to be corrected?