Author Topic: Belt Pirates, WTF! (Read 535 times)
Takiro
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Belt Pirates, WTF!
« on: November 11, 2007, 11:34:17 PM »
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Hey gang we are discussing the Belt Pirates and how they survived during the Star League era. Information seems kind of contrdictory. Here is the Periphery SB info.
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Belt Pirates
Location: Outward of the Draconis Combine, near Santander's World
Number of Worlds: One
Current Ruler: Morgan Fletcher
Military Strength: 1 Battalion
Technology Level: Good
Literacy Level: Fair
After the end of the Reunification War, refugees from the Rim Worlds Republic refused to lay down their arms against the Star League and decided to settle the Star's End system. Since then, the Pirates of Star's End have maintained a steady stream of scavenger raids against both the Lyran Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine. Eventually, piracy became a way of life that has been passed down through the generations. The inhabitants of Star's End are a prime example of a predatory culture restrained only by the availability of space-going vessels.
The Pirates of Star's End have not been above lending a hand to either the Lyran Commonwealth or the Draconis Combine in their frequent clashes in the Succession Wars. In each instance, however, pirate involvement was nominal and purchased at a high price in hard cash and equipment. This notwithstanding, the pirate bands lodging in the asteroid fields of the Star's End system have been known to break their contracts without warning when an employer presents the least sign of weakness.
These pirates have confined their activities to neighboring Jump Points with an eye toward capturing valuable machinery and spare parts for their vessels. The Star's End system contains several starship construction facilities fully capable of repairing and building new vessels at a modest annual rate. The present leader of the pirate coalition is Morgan Fletcher, a swarthy, swaggering woman whose actions are motivated as much by her hatred of men (especially those of the Inner Sphere) as from a genuine love of wealth.
Name: Novo Cressidas
Start Type: M5V
Position in System: 3
Time to Jump Point: 2.44 days
Recharging Station: None
Political Ruler: Morgan Fletcher
ComStar Facility Class: None
ComStar Representative: None
Percentage and Level of Native Life: 30%, Mammal
Description:
Novo Cressidas is a barren, desolate world shielded by a ring of global asteroids and rocked by frequent ion storms that make orbital navigation hazardous. Because of its inconspicuous appearance and the danger in transiting the system, this small rock of a world was an ideal base for the collection of space marauders known as the Belt Pirates, under the command of Morgan Fletcher. Indeed, Novo Cressidas has proven to be a blessing in disguise to its owners. Beginning in the mid-2800s, massive deposits of germanium, which is essential to starship construction, were reported in locations under the planet's southern ice cap. In the decades since, there have been rumors of vast underground mining and industrial complexes that stretch from the polar cap to the equator, and that point to a major center of hyperdrive ship construction. Such rumors remain unconfirmed, however, because the inhospitable local terrain and the equally inhospitable pirates have maintained the strictest silence about whatever secrets Novo Cressidas may hide.
But hang on the Pirates couldn't have always been there. The SLDF had a presence in system most certainly. They built a base. And wouldn't have mixed with these bandits. The system must have been pretty stable. I mean the Star League built the Riga class Destroyer/Carrier at Star's End. And what of the First Lord visiting Star's End and getting killed.
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Takiro
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2007, 11:50:20 PM »
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Talked to MechRat and Walegrin. How is this to answer the question, What were the Belt Pirates doing during the Star League era? The answer is fighting for their freedom and the liberation of the Republic. Funded by House Amaris to destablize the occupation of their realm they lashed out at the SL, LC, DC, and maybe even the RWR. Staying one step ahead of the SLDF with Amaris help and information it would be a nice way to hide arms and strike back. Gradually they might grow more independent. What if the SLDF or Great House (Steiner or Kurita) catches on? Would they offer them better terms to turn on Amaris? Would the SLDF (I doubt it) or better yet the LC using them to strike at Amaris building a secret army? Tadeo I'm thinking. They could be valuable for information as well, a good source of intel? Or the Dracs might use them to attack the Lyrans during the Hidden Wars. This whole theory sets up their possible dealings with the Protectorate who could use them to destablize the DC and perhaps even the LC. It would show that they are pirates but ones who work with the other regimes to further their own goals.
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LordGrayson
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2007, 01:39:46 AM »
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O my jolly's going to have to pick a new main base
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Ice Hellion
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2007, 04:35:25 PM »
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I do not see a decent reason to change their historical behaviour:
After the Star League fell and the Succession Wars began, the Belt Pirates raided even deeper into the Inner Sphere. The Pirates of Star's End have not been above lending a hand to either the Lyran Commonwealth or the Draconis Combine in their frequent clashes in the Succession Wars. In each instance, however, pirate involvement was nominal and purchased at a high price in hard cash and equipment. This notwithstanding, the pirate bands lodging in the asteroid fields of the Star's End system have been known to break their contracts without warning when an employer presents the least sign of weakness.
This suits perfectly the modern era (although they might have more troubles because of Project Phoenix).
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Takiro
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2007, 05:37:29 PM »
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True but the Periphery SB ignores the SL period completely. What were the Belt pirates up to from 2600 to 2751? It doesn't seem like they were in the Star's End system. That seems like a SL stronghold. Major naval base and the First Lord is stopping bye.
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2007, 09:41:49 PM »
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Quote from: Takiro on November 11, 2007, 11:34:17 PM
The system must have been pretty stable. I mean the Star League built the Riga class Destroyer/Carrier at Star's End.
You're mis-reading TR3057R. The part of the entry that mentions Star's End is in referance to the death of Simon Cameron, not the production of the Riga.
Given the description of Star's End - as a world surrounded by a significant asteroid belt, I don't see a problem with the Belt Pirates operating from Star's End. If the Asteroid Belt is large enough, then it is concievable that the pirates had a (few) small hidden outposts operating under the SLDF's nose. The truth of the matter is the SLDF Intel service wasn't too swift- I mean the periphery states managed to raise 50 mech regiments with out the SLDF realizing and Amaris was able to deploy huge numbers of troops to the TH with out them finding it out. So sure they could have missed the Belt Pirates, especially if the pirates never conducted any raids against targets in the system.
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #6 on: November 13, 2007, 12:06:44 AM »
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Quote from: lrose on November 12, 2007, 09:41:49 PM
You're mis-reading TR3057R. The part of the entry that mentions Star's End is in referance to the death of Simon Cameron, not the production of the Riga.
Well lets see;
Launched in 2747, the Riga Class destroyer/carrier takes its name from a Hegemony frigate design launched more than 300 years earlier. The modern Riga was rushed into production after the death of First Lord Simon Cameron on the distant world of Stars End. With Aleksandr Kerensky acting as regent for the 8-year-old Richard Cameron, a war between the member states looked increasingly likely. Sixty of the vessels had deployed before the dreadful events of Christmas 2766. Most of these Rigas were deployed in the Periphery, but a few remained in the Hegemony. Two of these vessels became the first victims of Jonathan Cameron's Reagan Space Defense System, which hit them with ground-based lasers and particle cannons as they maneuvered to support SLDF units fighting for survival in the Hegemony capital of Geneva.
An astounding 26 Riga Class vessels survived the ensuing war, a testament to the capabilities of the new design. With the exception of four badly damaged craft, all of these left in the Exodus fleet. These compact and sophisticated vessels formed the largest single contingent in the fleet and subsequently became the primary patrol vessels of the Exodus fleet.
Hmm, I can see your point. I was going to say you were wrong of the bat but you very well could be right. It could read that way. However, after what we discussed about the facilities in system should we retain our plans for Star's End?
Quote from: lrose on November 12, 2007, 09:41:49 PM
Given the description of Star's End - as a world surrounded by a significant asteroid belt, I don't see a problem with the Belt Pirates operating from Star's End. If the Asteroid Belt is large enough, then it is concievable that the pirates had a (few) small hidden outposts operating under the SLDF's nose. The truth of the matter is the SLDF Intel service wasn't too swift- I mean the periphery states managed to raise 50 mech regiments with out the SLDF realizing and Amaris was able to deploy huge numbers of troops to the TH with out them finding it out. So sure they could have missed the Belt Pirates, especially if the pirates never conducted any raids against targets in the system.
I will grant you a number of small bases plus the entire planet could support the pirates but not overtly. I don't think the SLDF would be too ignorant of the situation however.
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2007, 04:44:54 AM »
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Quote from: Takiro on November 13, 2007, 12:06:44 AM
Hmm, I can see your point. I was going to say you were wrong of the bat but you very well could be right. It could read that way. However, after what we discussed about the facilities in system should we retain our plans for Star's End?
Yes we can keep it because of this section from Periphery 1e:
Beginning in the mid-2800s, massive deposits of germanium, which is essential to starship construction, were reported in locations under the planet's southern ice cap. In the decades since, there have been rumors of vast underground mining and industrial complexes that stretch from the polar cap to the equator, and that point to a major center of hyperdrive ship construction.
I would suggest that the pirates located an old SLDF facility, rather then having a pirate band somehow manage to build a shipyard in the middle of the 2800s when the rest of the IS can't figure out how to put a nut on a bolt.
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LordGrayson
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2007, 12:39:12 PM »
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I always thought the Star Belt Pirates used a hidden Rim Wolrd Republic Shipyard as a base built in the belt
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Ice Hellion
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2007, 01:52:18 PM »
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I would read it like Irose.
And as for asteroids belts, do you remember Star Wars V? I think it would be difficult to efficiently control such a chaotic thing.
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In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."
The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage: 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #10 on: November 13, 2007, 07:38:07 PM »
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Quote from: LordGrayson on November 13, 2007, 12:39:12 PM
I always thought the Star Belt Pirates used a hidden Rim Wolrd Republic Shipyard as a base built in the belt
They did but it wasn't constructed by them. The Novo Cressidas base is clearly SL built.
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #11 on: January 09, 2008, 08:20:51 AM »
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How about the pirates start out using a hidden Rim World Republic Shipyard as a base, but over the years cannot afford to maintain it, or something of that nature.
Enter the SLDF; the pirates do the (some) dirty work that the SLDF doesn't (can't) be involved in over a long period of years. Mean time SLDF gives them old equipment to maintain their base.
Star League gets ready to leave give pirates one of their bases in good shape, for services rendered Huh
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Ice Hellion
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #12 on: January 09, 2008, 03:06:53 PM »
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I doubt the Star League would do such a thing.
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In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."
The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage: 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2008, 07:01:57 AM »
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I don't know about that, maybe in a perfect universe, but the Star League has betrayed the SLDF, which really are two separate entities. The Star League in general terms are the politicians, the SLDF is the military.
We know what politicians are like on a national scale, what would they be like on a universal scale?
or
What would a military be like? After all the SLDF refrained from posting soldiers from each House in their own State, so what does it matter who takes over a minor base? It is not in my House or any of my men’s.
Finally the House Lords are disbanding the Star League, I am losing not only my way of life, but I have to leave the known universe to stop utter annihilation of the IS.
If history is to repeat itself; then there would have been a lot of “I don’t care what happens†across the galaxy. Not to mention the time constraint the SLDF was under to get everything accomplished, and the secrecy of the operation.
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Re: Belt Pirates, WTF!
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2008, 01:33:52 PM »
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The SLDF was proud of the traditions of the Star League and tried in all circumstances to follow them.
And for most of them (those who did not left or become mercenaries), the Star League is not really dead, you have the Terran Republic.
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In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."
The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage: 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
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