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Author Topic: Goliath Scorpion Clan  (Read 18096 times)

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Takiro

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Goliath Scorpion Clan
« on: July 01, 2019, 07:47:17 PM »
So I wanted to get on to the second Clan discussion for Salient Horizon Fanbook #1 entitled Revival's End (a FM Updates post Tukayyid) set on December 31, 3052. This will cover there recent change in leadership and their static strength (don't think there is much of a change from FM Warden Clans which is set in 3060). The Scorpions have their fans I know but what are they really?

What ever happened to their saKhan on Tukayyid? This is something I want to cover in more detail and hit on in this report. It would be a major talking point and it is doubtful that he would just be left behind without much of an investigation.

Wardens but Erratic. These guys are all over the place with attention spans that last mere moments it seems. Yeah their decision to flip a coin bothers me but I can't say it is out of character. Imagine if Coyote, Goliath Scorpion, Wolf, and the few other Wardens on the Council had voted their principles rather than caving to Crusader pressure. But it doesn't seem to matter to the Scorpions who are easily distracted by trinkets from the past.

Many Hooks but is there Any Substance? Seekers are cool wandering around with their eyes on the past. Knife dueling is bad ass and these guys seem to know how to fight inside and outside a Mech. Circus Honorae is a nice homage to the SLDF Martial Olympiad and should keep the Clan well trained. Necrosia is trippy man but what does this all mean. It seems like they have a lot of surface character but little in the way of actual depth.

Poor Wanderers. They seem to be one of the poorer Clans in my estimation despite their underwater mining techniques and nomadic exploration. Odd cause you figure they probably 'get out' more than other Clans but despite that their is little dedication to exploiting new finds.
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drakensis

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2019, 02:32:52 AM »
Possibilities would include:
  • killed in action against ComStar
  • escaped the planet but marooned without a jumpship and hiding somewhere in the Tukkayid system
  • stumbled on an old Star League facility and busy exploring it, oblivious to the fact the battle was lost
  • in a necrosia-driven funk in a back-alley somewhere, having wandered off in shame after the battle was defeated.
  • captured by the ComGuards and currently working as a museum security guard on Terra, happy as a clam

honestly I'd leave it unexplained and have the clans still speculating on this years later, possibly making jokes at the Scorpions' expense.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2019, 02:33:59 AM by drakensis »
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Bradshaw

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2019, 09:50:52 AM »
In 3052, a crack Goliath Scorpion Star was sent to Tukayyid by their saKhan for a trial they could not win. These men promptly escaped from the planet to the Inner Sphere underground. Today, still wanted by their Clan, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The S-Team.
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2019, 11:30:43 AM »
I hear ya drak, when writing these Updates for the end of 3052 I had envisioned that they would like the Field Manuals be reports from the Clan in question to the ilKhan. So it could be shaped as a request for information to the ilKhan on behalf of the Scorpions - perhaps in his role as Warlord of the Clans he would be the intermediary to Steel Viper in this case. I doubt the passage would answer much but hopefully raise some more intriguing questions. Why was he left behind? By whom (unit or commander)? What are the circumstances? Perhaps this could also tie into the Scorpion Loremaster as the head of his watch searching for the legality of the new interim saKhan. Like what happens if he returns within a year as Seekers are permitted to do....

Hilarious Bradshaw - although with the Scorpions are likely to be more Murdock then any other member of the A-Team.

Another subject that comes to mind for discussion here is the Warden Backlash following Tukayyid. It is mentioned in the Fire Mandrill section of FM Crusader Clans that the Crusaders once hearing of the Truce went off on the Wardens. Now this could just be in regards to the Mandrill Kindraa as certain ones are Warden and most are Crusader but it could mean the Homeworld Clans as a whole. What do you guys think of the Home Crusaders venting their frustrations on the Home Warden Clans like the Scorpions??
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Bradshaw

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2019, 12:44:15 PM »
Quote from: Takiro on July 02, 2019, 11:30:43 AM
Another subject that comes to mind for discussion here is the Warden Backlash following Tukayyid. It is mentioned in the Fire Mandrill section of FM Crusader Clans that the Crusaders once hearing of the Truce went off on the Wardens. Now this could just be in regards to the Mandrill Kindraa as certain ones are Warden and most are Crusader but it could mean the Homeworld Clans as a whole. What do you guys think of the Home Crusaders venting their frustrations on the Home Warden Clans like the Scorpions??

What about if we take it the other way with Wardens taking it out on Crusaders, as they fared the worst in the battle.
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2019, 03:54:34 PM »
No canon evidence of that Bradshaw. I understand what you are saying but the Crusaders seemingly have the numbers at the moment and they are being forced to abide by a Truce they think is unfair. I think the Wardens would still be the anvil in this equation.
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2019, 10:20:50 PM »
Page 107 of FM Warden Clans gives a real good description of what I was looking for. Interesting things under Operation Revival clearly spell out concern mounting among some Warden Clans (looking at you Coyote) that a preemptive strike might be required to quell a possible assault by one of the InnerSphere's Great Houses. So it does seem there is a degree of reapproachment between the Coyotes and the Jaguars at this time, see also their joint punishment of Ice Hellion on Londerholm during their Fury campaign.

This passage also speaks of Scorpion efforts to redoubled their Seeker efforts in territory now not defended as heavily by certain Clans. Very interesting, so the Scorpions might have already earned a bit of payback from some invaders although the one incident speaks specifically of Smoke Jaguar. Still pretty interesting and lesser known action in the Homeworlds then the Hellion's Fury.
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2019, 11:11:58 AM »
A couple of more notes on the Scorpions at this time (late 3052) -

No Keshiks - like Ice Hellion of my last review, this Clan seems to have no Keshiks per say however unlike the Hellions its units are far more colorful. All seem to have a history which makes sense when given this Clan's obsession with the past and there are Guard units for the Khans. Both the 24th Scorpion Cuirassiers and the 8th Scorpion Grenadiers have a noted history (one successful, the other not so) as bodyguard for the Khans. However, there is no independent Keshiks which is certainly different. Part of my envisioned reforms were to create Keshiks but I wanted to hear what you guys thought on the original outline good, bad or indifferent.

Seeker Galaxy - in the 3060s the Loremaster recalls practitioners of the quest to form a new Galaxy according to FM Updates. The fact that three Clusters can be formed from this action means the Scorpions have a great deal of hidden strength just wandering around out there. A galaxy's worth of individual warriors just meandering around space on quests is a massive commitment for a Clan. And given the above reference that at this time (during the invasion) that the Scorpions aggressively raid invading Clans territory for relics then these independents could very well be focused in the homeworlds.   
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masterarminas

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2019, 12:39:05 PM »
Also note:  no Solahma units.  Although Wars of Reaving does state that the Scorpions fielded one (at least one) Solahma Cluster in one of the battles . . . but none are ever listed.  That could mean that the Scorpions have a pool of experienced (if not stellar) Warriors "retired" from the Warrior Caste in addition to the Seekers that they could draw from if necessary.

MA
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2019, 01:21:18 PM »
Quote from: masterarminas on July 07, 2019, 12:39:05 PM
Also note:  no Solahma units.  Although Wars of Reaving does state that the Scorpions fielded one (at least one) Solahma Cluster in one of the battles . . . but none are ever listed.  That could mean that the Scorpions have a pool of experienced (if not stellar) Warriors "retired" from the Warrior Caste in addition to the Seekers that they could draw from if necessary.

Do you think the Scorpions respect and utilize older warriors with little to no prejudice like the Wolves and Nova Cats?

The high mortality rate of necrosia would impact this manpower surplus to a degree but we've spoke of freeborns also appearing in the Scorpion touman as well.

It does seem like manpower would not be a problem for this Clan rather equipment would similar to Blood Spirit. Blessed with more than enough warriors for its Touman this is another hook I intend to build on especially involving Quicksilver where trained warriors are needed by some Clans over equipment.
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masterarminas

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2019, 01:33:18 AM »
Quote from: Takiro on July 07, 2019, 01:21:18 PM
Do you think the Scorpions respect and utilize older warriors with little to no prejudice like the Wolves and Nova Cats?

Not quite as highly.  However, they do seem to have little problem with Khan Djerassi taking a subordinate role after stepping down as Khan, so maybe?

Quote
The high mortality rate of necrosia would impact this manpower surplus to a degree but we've spoke of freeborns also appearing in the Scorpion touman as well.

Is there a high mortality rate in the current timeline?  Only the use of pure goliath scorpion venom resulted in large numbers of death, if I remember correctly.  Necrosia is fairly safe . . . at least for those who do not abuse it. 

Quote
It does seem like manpower would not be a problem for this Clan rather equipment would similar to Blood Spirit. Blessed with more than enough warriors for its Touman this is another hook I intend to build on especially involving Quicksilver where trained warriors are needed by some Clans over equipment.

Sure, if you go by what the Scorpions produce in canon.  But frankly, I cannot believe that any Clan that devotes as much effort to underdeas resource extraction as the Scorpions do can be considered "resource poor".  I account for this in Handbook:  Goliath Scorpion by having the Scorpions divert funds and resources to the Seekers . . . which becomes (in effect) a "black book" for the Clan as a whole.  Resources and assets hidden from plain sight . . . because everyone knows the Seekers utilize them.  Not the Clan Toumen.

Now, how much of that you can use?  That is up to you.  Just my take.

Oh, and on the the subject of Ren Posavatz . . .  I imagine he and his star died on Tukkayid.  Anything more smacks of a conspiracy on the order of certain Blake Documents!  :)

MA
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Ice Hellion

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2019, 04:49:43 PM »
Quote from: Takiro on July 07, 2019, 11:11:58 AM
No Keshiks - like Ice Hellion of my last review, this Clan seems to have no Keshiks per say

I tend to disagree with you.
A Keshik is a mix between a bodyguard and command staff unit for Khans and sometimes for SaKhans.

According to Field Manual Warden Clans, the 24th Scorpion Cuirassiers (The Khan's Own) is the elite personal guard of the Scorpion Khans. They don't say anything about this being permanent or not.
For the 8th Scorpion Grenadiers, they do say that they were once and for a short time the Keshik of Khan Mikhail Yeh.

What this means is that Clan Goliath Scorpion does have Keshik units (but that they are changing it from time to time, perhaps after a contest of a sort), even if they aren't using this name, which fits with their regimented structure.
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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

Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #12 on: July 08, 2019, 06:36:06 PM »
Quote from: masterarminas on July 08, 2019, 01:33:18 AM
Not quite as highly.  However, they do seem to have little problem with Khan Djerassi taking a subordinate role after stepping down as Khan, so maybe?

Well if your not Khan of the Clan than you are subordinate by definition, aff? Also the Khans seem to have deferred to his judgement when it comes to his role within the Clan. The position or role of Instructor seems to have been created by him, for him, and defined by him. Not saying he gives orders to them but rather has a role of respected elder or Khan Emeritus it seems.

Quote from: masterarminas on July 08, 2019, 01:33:18 AM
Is there a high mortality rate in the current timeline?  Only the use of pure goliath scorpion venom resulted in large numbers of death, if I remember correctly.  Necrosia is fairly safe . . . at least for those who do not abuse it.

True that. The Necrosiaholics would be a funny unit nickname for the Scorpions that keeps ringing in my mind.
 
Quote from: masterarminas on July 08, 2019, 01:33:18 AM
Sure, if you go by what the Scorpions produce in canon.  But frankly, I cannot believe that any Clan that devotes as much effort to underdeas resource extraction as the Scorpions do can be considered "resource poor".  I account for this in Handbook:  Goliath Scorpion by having the Scorpions divert funds and resources to the Seekers . . . which becomes (in effect) a "black book" for the Clan as a whole.  Resources and assets hidden from plain sight . . . because everyone knows the Seekers utilize them.  Not the Clan Touman.

Here is an idea - what about attaching the Seekers to the Watch? Your black book comment bought that to mind. Just a whacky concept and another question for you guys - do you think the Scorpions are more focused on the Pentagon Worlds then the Kerensky Cluster? I figure there are just more artifacts from the Exodus times that the Clan might be more interested in than say others...

Quote from: masterarminas on July 08, 2019, 01:33:18 AM
Oh, and on the the subject of Ren Posavatz . . .  I imagine he and his star died on Tukkayid.  Anything more smacks of a conspiracy on the order of certain Blake Documents!  :)

Likely the simplest explanation is the most likely. I just don't think the Vipers will be all that cooperative with the Scorpion inquiries. And I'd be interested to know what the Scorpion saKhan thought of the tactics being utilized by the Vipers against the ComGuards.
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Takiro

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #13 on: July 08, 2019, 06:42:12 PM »
Quote from: Ice Hellion on July 08, 2019, 04:49:43 PM
I tend to disagree with you.
A Keshik is a mix between a bodyguard and command staff unit for Khans and sometimes for SaKhans.

According to Field Manual Warden Clans, the 24th Scorpion Cuirassiers (The Khan's Own) is the elite personal guard of the Scorpion Khans. They don't say anything about this being permanent or not.
For the 8th Scorpion Grenadiers, they do say that they were once and for a short time the Keshik of Khan Mikhail Yeh.

What this means is that Clan Goliath Scorpion does have Keshik units (but that they are changing it from time to time, perhaps after a contest of a sort), even if they aren't using this name, which fits with their regimented structure.

Disagreement is good bud but perhaps I am a little inelegant with my words. ;) Most Clans have independent Keshiks of Trinary (Wolf) or Cluster (Jade Falcon) size for their leadership to command from but not the Hellions or the Scorpions. The Hellions have a named Keshik but it is a part of a Galaxy not detached and the Scorpions don't have a named Keshik which seems traditional in Clan organization. I believe the Diamond Shark TO&E mentions that Clan's decision to rename their command units Skates rather than Keshiks which drew the ire of some after their renaming from Sea Fox. I do agree with you that the Scorpions seem more regimented and as I noted sentimental or nostalgic unlike the Hellions.
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Ice Hellion

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Re: Goliath Scorpion Clan
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2019, 04:17:57 PM »
Quote from: Takiro on July 08, 2019, 06:42:12 PM
the Scorpions don't have a named Keshik which seems traditional in Clan organization.

But they could make it change with each Khan, making Warriors earn it (through victory in a Circle of Honor?) or letting the new Khan uses whatever unit he/she sees fit.
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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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