OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Alternate Universe => Shattered Dawn => Topic started by: Takiro on October 08, 2012, 08:42:31 PM
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I have got to say this hardcover is fantastic! Well worth the wait. Love the detail on the divisions and universe in general. Color map interior I love. Gonna set up some topics here so we can talk about the long awaited revision of BT Shattered Dawn cause this book has got me fired up!
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You all probably know by now how much of a BT fanatic I am. However, after having this PDF since its day of release, I am only up to 3rd Army. I am finding it a very hard slog, despite the desire I had for it. I am not disappointed, just finding it slow going.
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U know what Nova, I confess to the same thing but then I got the hardcover finally. I've really picked up the pace to say the least. Gonna be going over it here starting tomorrow.Should be fun! ;)
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It is good, good to hear Shattered Dawn is going to be back too.
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U know what Nova, I confess to the same thing but then I got the hardcover finally. I've really picked up the pace to say the least. Gonna be going over it here starting tomorrow.Should be fun! ;)
Have fun Takiro!
Got the hardcover version two weeks ago and have to admit that I too found it slow going. But I think there are quite a few nuggets of information within to make the effort worthwhile. I especially love the deployment maps. It will be interesting to see what ideas you have.
Ciao
Hessian
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Good to be back Six. Don't worry Hessian I'm gonna take my time. The hardcover is what really sparked my renewed interest. A lot of FM SLDF is retread information from the old SLSB. I even have a tendency to skip the history and go to the units where there is a ton of nuggets. Including unit history and world details.
Before I go over FM SLDF in detail I wanted to share my thoughts about the book and more importantly its impact on the revised BTSD setting. Be warned if you continue to read from this point.....
SPOILERS AHEAD
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Introduction Story (Greater than Yourself) page 4
Taking place somewhere in the Lyran Commonwealth, presumably the Donegal District, this in universe tale details the capture of an Star League trooper by a band of pirates, bandits, pillagers, or whatever you will call them. The point of the story shows the espirit de corps of the SLDF but I’m more interested in the raiders. During the story and throughout the Field Manual it is clear that these brigands were everywhere. To quote the short story they “seemed to spring up like cockroaches.†Time and again the vast SLDF is fighting endless hordes all over known space including the interior worlds of the InnerSphere. While the Star League emerges victorious just as many time it seems these barbarous multitudes are never short on numbers. I don’t really get a stereotypical Draconis “feel†from the bandits in this short but if they hail from the Combine, the Free Worlds League, the Rim Worlds Republic, or wherever it really don’t matter. For Threat Assessment 2785 I had originally envisioned only the Draconis Combine assembling a major force, the Shadow Regiments, from these raiders. Indeed there is talk in various BattleTech products about certain House Commands going rogue. Wouldn’t these formerly independent buccaneers chaff under orders? It just got me thinking that perhaps there are other Houses aside from Kurita, maybe all of them, that would assemble new formations on the record after the fall of the Star League. Indeed it seems like they could. It appears they have the numbers. Alternatively what happens if they don’t obey their erstwhile Lords any longer? We know an economic downfall engulfs the Human Sphere as the Amaris Coup rages – quite the breeding ground for pirates.
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Can't wait to see more.
MA
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In Universe Introductions (Two Parts – RoTS and SLDF) page 5
The dual intro given on the very next page also has a few tantalizing tidbits. Part one is a Republic of the Sphere revelation that this entire document was recovered in Geneva during reconstruction circa 3090. Post Jihad folks and the Stoners go onto say this is a snapshot of the SLDF prior to the Amaris Coup untouched by ComStar, very interesting. Geneva was the capital of the Terran Hegemony so whose report was this? Well the second part tells us that Dechavilier sent said document to Kerensky. No other CC is given but I wonder if this was a copy for the Director-General or some other Terran functionary because of the location of its discovery. The intriguing and horrifying possibility that the Usurper got hold of this comprehensive report as he had access to the Hegemony via Richard has to be considered. No wonder the SLDF got wrecked if he was reading their details. Just my take but hey. Now lets go to part two which mentions to very tantalizing things. One, Kerensky apparently had the goal of restoring the Martial Olympiad in 2768. Dechavilier says accomplishing such a feat in four years (January 2764 is the Star League intro date) is tough but I get the picture that if things hadn’t gone to hell in a hand basket it would have happened. This brings us to the second most fascinating point of the Star League intro – real friction developing between the Royal Command and the rest of the SLDF! Kerensky is warned by Dechavilier of growing tensions between the two distinct groups under their command. Of course this has real impact on BTSD as we will be dividing the SLDF into two groups – Terrans remaining with the Last Cameron and Star League true believers leaving with Kerensky after the Amaris Coup. I’d love to hear what you guys think before I comment further on BTSD further but lets discuss another alternate. Dechavilier admits that he has no idea how to deal with the problem but What if Kerensky decides on or about this time to take the Royals out of the SLDF and reform the HAF headed by the Royal Command. Before Richard reaches his majority might be a good time as he has the power to do it. Might make the Amaris Coup impossible but what is the effect of the SLDF and on the rest of the universe?
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How many Royal units were there pre-Coup? I think that ALL of the Great Houses would object (strenously) to a reformed HAF that outnumbered their own troops, so they would have to be pared to a level (close to) equal to Davion and Kurita, at the least. Maybe take the 'problem children' of the Royals out to reform the HAF and have a smaller SLDF Royal Corps left in the Star League. As large as the SLDF was pre-Coup, losing a force the size of the AFFS or DCMS might hurt, but won't seriously impair it. The question is . . . how many ships would the restored Hegemony Navy get?
MA
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Not that many MA if your going to use the same match the Houses strength and obey the Edict of 2650 approach which is sound. The Royal Navy might even take the best of the League's warships in keeping with the Blacklist policy. I could still see the Hegemony trying to keep the best stuff for itself.
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A revived HAF would probably use SLDF organisation so a fleet of 24-30 warships (2-3 squadrons) and 60 BattleMech regiments and support formed into 3 Corps (each with 1 BattleMech Divisions and 4-5 Infantry Divisions), would be in line with the 2650 limitations. Of course, with those restrictions having been increased, this could easily become 50-60 warships in 5 squadrons and 90-100 'Mech regiments in 5-6 Corps.
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Dechavilier admits that he has no idea how to deal with the problem but What if Kerensky decides on or about this time to take the Royals out of the SLDF and reform the HAF headed by the Royal Command.
Kerensky couldn't/wouldn't do it.
The conversion of the HAF to form the core of the SLDF was written into the Star League Accords. So reforging them into anything is/was illegal. His power as Protector of the Realm was largely ceremonial, and what little political power he had was negated by the other House Lords. But honestly, seeing how Kerensky wouldn't helm the Hegemony, usurp the Council Lords, or do anything except leave the Inner Sphere to protect his precious ideal of the "Star League" this would never ever happen.
A guy like Dechavilier would suggest it, and maybe even attempt it if he were desperate enough – after all, he suggested tossing the Council Lords, etc. – but is still highly unlikely.
Try to remember that the tension exists between soldiers of the Star League, not between soldiers and the Star League. Keep the Star League out of it.
That said, changes within the bureaucracy of the Royal Command could have a positive long term effect, as would some unit rotations. Modifying the supply situation would also help, as would a round of SLDF Regular upgrades – particularly among mid-rank officers – nothing pan-SLDF.
Seeing as this is an AU, I'd make changes to Kerensky's character, or slowly siphon off troublesome Royal units to help enlarge the Hegemony militia groups. Technically, tossing Divisions to the militia isn't illegal – in fact, the militia is the only remaining bits of the HAF left in the Star League – so that's one way to quietly rebuild the HAF.
That might be a tough sell to front line troops, and it wouldn't help with the navy. Mothballing is your only answer there. Plus, you've stuck with canon dates, so there isn't much time for a slow and quiet reorganization.
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Or have the BTSD AU start earlier, have Stephen die at Star's End but then have the Star League fall apart into the 10 nations that made it up.
Richard (or someone else) becomes Director General of the Terran Hegemony and the SLDF splits up along national lines with the Royal commands (and maybe others) reforming the HAF.
With the economic upheaval you could then still have the succession wars start around 2784.
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Seeing how they already printed dates and published fanbooks, that's a major retcon on BTSD's part.
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Seeing how they already printed dates and published fanbooks, that's a major retcon on BTSD's part.
Yeah, it would be, but it sounds like whatever Tak decides to do its going to be a major retcon.
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Seeing how they already printed dates and published fanbooks, that's a major retcon on BTSD's part.
Yeah, it would be, but it sounds like whatever Tak decides to do its going to be a major retcon.
Assuming he decides to incorporate the new info...
IMO: It's an AU. So who cares what the new FM says. No offense, but the closer an AU is to published canon the less I care about it. (Unless of course the mix is significant enough to create some fun variables...)
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I guess we shall find out soon enough.
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I'm all about fun Knightmare and before to long I hope to get a nice revision going. ;)
Meanwhile back to the review!
Military History (The Star League Defense Force) page 7-11
This section outlines the legacy of the mighty SLDF right up to the days before the massive Periphery Uprising when fifty secret BattleMech Divisions descended on them, all as you know just around the corner. This history before the great conflict to come shapes much of the SLDF’s philosophies even though the facts are old retreads.
The overview paragraph touches once more on what I like to call “the Faith of the Star League.†Despite many real obstacles the confidence and morale of the entire force is tied to the belief that they are part of “Something more†or a greater good. Direct reference is even made to the First Lord as something to be overcome which I find remarkable. As BattleTech fans we know how folks look back to the Star League with awed reverence but the soldiers of the SLDF did so in their own time.
The first and only official war that the SLDF ever got involved in was the Reunification War. This extremely bloody conflict which was replete with human wave attacks, nuclear strikes, and terrorism serves as the crucible in which the SLDF develops its indomitable spirit. No matter the battle, the crisis, or dire situation the membership always had the attitude of a winner. They would succeed and outlast any opponent to fulfill their obligations to the League. I also found it interesting that despite the “dirty†tactics used by the Periphery that the SLDF bore no ill will. There is no undertone of disrespect or hint at a grudge.
Next up we have the First Hidden War which I found most interesting because the Ronin fought each other developing their skills and honing their art before seeking greater challenges from the SLDF. Since these masterless warriors came about as a result of the Edict of 2650 and the first Star League involvement was 2681 that is three decades of refinement! These guys probably had a pretty fine edge, no wonder they beat Star League warriors early on. After that the Ronin would fight the SLDF in over 300 duels for the next 70 years. For three generations it is said that more than 90% of the SLDF witnessed a duel. It was during this propaganda “war†that the SLDF earned its heroic identity.
Now the Second Hidden War write up contains my biggest gripe because there is no mention of the Marik Civil War what so ever. I know the SLDF really didn’t participate but there had to be some action to at least mention. Instead we have a total focus on the War of Davion Succession. Here the point that most intrigued me was Commanding General Fredasa, a patriot or traitor? I’ve always wonder myself why a guy who got executed got a Clan Warship named after him but the write up here suggests a much wider conspiracy to replace First Lord Jonathon with his sister. Basically Fredasa’s successor and deputy at the time General Fetladral must have know something was going on. Was there a wider scheme that Fredasa took the fall for? Interestingly enough we learn at this time the SLDF shifts its loyalty from true fealty for House Cameron to the Star League as an organization.
The summation of the 3rd Hidden War quite aptly sets the scene for the recent aftermath of this conflict which is not all that distant of a memory. We get a few timeline-esque events like the final Martial Olympaid in 2736 and the start of the Kerensky Regency in 2752 that we already know. The 2744 order to Kerensky “suppress banditry†with a wide latitude of strategic options left open and the fact that First Lord Simon Cameron refused to bring up the raiding issue after 2745 I don’t remember prior. Perhaps the most appealing revelation to me as what could have been the ultimate cause of why the war ended. The Arms Amendment of 2752 saw the integration of so many “raiders†into legitimate House units that wide spread conflict ground to a halt. With the number of covert warriors reduced the action was bound to peter out.
The final section talks about the Periphery build up to the current publication date (2764) highlights the impact of high taxes by the Houses to raise their new double the size militaries on the Periphery. Almost at once revolts begin to spread especially in the Taurian Concordat. By the 2760s the Houses were starting to get back to raiding despite increased integration and the war with the Taurian Freedom Army (TFA) is in full swing. I just wonder how some of the SLDF felt at this time. Being used by the House Lords in order to fund private militaries would have gotten to me. I know it talks of Kerensky taking charge himself but morale must have been in the toilet. That is just my opinion although the FM gives me the feeling that all is well - so beats me folks??
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I have got to say this hardcover is fantastic! Well worth the wait. Love the detail on the divisions and universe in general. Color map interior I love. Gonna set up some topics here so we can talk about the long awaited revision of BT Shattered Dawn cause this book has got me fired up!
Any interesting figures on the size and composition of the army and navy that diverges from the SLSB?
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There are some interesting facts and figures throughout the book which mainly expand on what is in the original. The next section which is Organization actually gives us a significant growth date for the SLDF. I'll get back to posting that tomorrow. ;)
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I thought the piece about the armored divisions and the RCTs (1 x Armor, 3 x Infantry Regiments) was interesting. The "non-Corps" units looked to be quite substantial. Makes me wonder what the true casualty rates were if the "garrison" infantry wasn't mentioned.
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Hey Mutt! Good to hear from you. And u are right on. Lot of interesting tidbits that I got to get to. I do have to point to time as a contributing factor to SLDF attrition. Kerensky was at war for a long time here and Infantry especially is a young persons job. So yeah casualty rate was likely high but many units were likely disbanded or reassigned based on need for all those years that they drove to liberate Earth.
My apologizes for not getting back here gang.