Takiro Underworlds « on: November 05, 2007, 04:21:19 PM »My proposal to the entire BattleTech Shattered Dawn community is sort of a new fan challenge eligible to any member of these boards. As part of Kit’s new ideas on Privateers I have developed the concept for a brand new fanbook called Underworlds. It is sort of our Interstellar Players but will deal with much more tangible groups than the Illumanti per say. These aren’t mere conspiracies but actual organizations for our developing fan universe that would be an ongoing part of the story line. However to write another fanbook at the same time we are writing TRO 2800 (which because of its date alone is being bumped back to fifth position), a couple of Fanpacks, as well as future UNR articles to keep the timeline moving forward we will need some help. So I’m asking for volunteers to help with this exciting new project. Not only will you have a chance to get your writings into this work but you may be invited to become part of our development team. I’m hoping some of our old contributors, like Sir Robin (our Project Phoenix creator), for example will come back to help on a part of this new book. I’m shooting for 200 pages (or more) with each of the six underworld groups below getting a 30 to 40 page write up describing them in detail. Well what do you think?
Fanbook 04 - Underworlds
The year is 2795 and the once mighty Star League has fallen. Its greatest defenders have vanished along with its noblest ideals. While many figures have attempted to fill the void left by its great collapse all have failed thus far. Besides the Great Houses of the InnerSphere and the frontier realms of the Periphery there are other more shadowy organizations trying to secure their own forms of control. These mysterious groups have always managed to exert a certain level of influence throughout the Human Sphere. Now ten years after the start of the Succession War these formerly obscure players have been bought into the light of this ongoing struggle. Aided by the immense destruction and utter devastation spread during this new conflict these unseen factions may now be in a position to affect its outcome. So as the House Lords struggle to control the known worlds they must deal with these emerging Underworlds.
Privateers
Not quite mercenaries and not quite pirates. Privateers are truly a breed onto themselves. With a history stretching back through the ages they have been reborn in the total war which now consumes the InnerSphere. Authorized by a Letter of Marque to attack enemy targets every nation currently avails themselves of their services. They are considered an excellent way to generate armed support without direct funding. While an accepted part of warfare today they have many opponents who decry their independent operations. Making their living by raiding the assets of hostile adversaries these irregulars truly live on the edge of piracy. This practice can be extremely profitable but is also very dangerous as enemy combatants show Privateers no mercy. Their only refuge comes from their benefactor who they must share their prizes with and follow their proscribed set of guidelines. Sometimes backed by wealthy investors seeking returns against foreign commerce these individuals are typically associated with a particular nation but are considered to be on their own. This is one of the romantic attractions to this unique type of industry but conditions often vary widely. Some find discipline worse than most modern militaries others are completely lax. Whatever their style these distinctive warriors will likely remain on the prowl for as long as the Succession War rages.
The Syndicate
The roots of this interstellar criminal organization date back to the time of the Reunification War. As the nations of the InnerSphere came together so to did some of their criminal organizations. A shadowy group named the Syndicate first emerged thanks to the expanding black market and international smuggling associated with that conflict. Led by a series of mysterious Overlords who styled themselves as the First Lords’ of mayhem this band of outlaws grew. Eventually encompassing a vast confederacy of criminal societies that included the Yakuza, Tongs, Triads, Gangs, and various Mafias spread throughout the Human Sphere. Star League authorities alleged their involvement in a wide variety of theft, piracy, drug trafficking, slave trading, assassinations, and various other nefarious enterprises during the Golden Age of Mankind. Despite efforts by the establishment to fight and eliminate this massive underworld guild it continued to thrive. As the Syndicate rose with the League so too did it decline. Cooperation among its members declined at the same time as the Star League which had ironically battled it for many years. The Syndicate has fallen on tough times since its criminal alliances have been shattered and the destruction wrought by the Succession War badly disrupted its various enterprises. For now it remains to be seen if this unlawful endeavor will survive or be just another casualty of the Succession War.
Separatists
While fighting “big government†is a long and storied tradition in itself the story of today’s freedom fighters is tied to the current struggles of the Great Houses. The Succession War seems to be a callous and futile effort to many especially along the Periphery of the InnerSphere. These frontier peoples who prided themselves on their independence barely tolerated the omnipresent Star League. Even during the Golden Age of Mankind there were numerous “incidents†with the tyrannical authority of the First Lord. In fact many natives here wished to see this oppressive union vanish into the distant past. The dissolution of the League in 2781 was the answer to their collective prayers but their joy soon turned to sorrow as the greedy House Lords plunged humanity head long into war. For more than a decade now these warmongering sovereigns have fought a vain and horrific conflict that serves no common good. The Pan-Separatist Movement aims to change all that by breaking away from the Great Houses once and for all. Dedicated to a splintering of the InnerSphere and an end to interstellar tyranny it advocates the creation of limited regional or fully independent planetary governments. Spurred on by an ironic spirit of cooperation not seen since the days of the Star League and widespread dissatisfaction with the war this cause has recently taken off. However, they face a difficult struggle as they stand united in the shared ideal of independence. While the Houses may call them terrorists or rebels some dare to call them heroes.
The War Cabal
While some see these dark warmongers as a pure conspiracy theory begun by a few lone crackpots the truth is far different. This staunch militant order apparently has its roots in the secret warrior societies established in the mid-twenty sixth century by disaffected Terran soldiers. Despite the failure of their revolt the general militarist ideals seem to take hold in more than a few officers around the InnerSphere. While their reasons for being have changed the over time the Cabalists have spread thanks in large part to the Star League. It is ironic that this organization which established one of the greatest ages of peace in all of history helped spread its evolving militant philosophy of eternal struggle. Officers from all over the Human Sphere who were dedicated to fighting wars and see their military budgets expand learned to work together for this goal if nothing else. Not ruled by a single leader but rather a loose Council of so-called Warlords who believe that war is the natural state for humanity. They argue that conflict helps the economy and lets people explore their full potential. Each “lord†and their “vassals†operate independently akin to terrorist cells in order to perpetuate constant strife. These individuals hide in plain sight under the guise of patriotism and outwardly show their dislike for diplomats and politicians.
Project Phoenix
Dedicated to the reconstruction of Terra following the Amaris Coup this once massive organization has become a victim of its own success. Despite receiving widespread public acclaim during its recent twenty year anniversary most of its remaining members see no cause for celebration. Bound together by their common goal the Journeymen of Project Phoenix have established a unique kinship that time and space cannot diminish. While efforts to save the organization continue many believe that Project Phoenix will be discontinued within the next five years. By this time there is little doubt that much of the Republic’s industry and economy will be restored. There are some that insist their work won’t be finished until the Star League has been reunited. Some think that this mission can only be achieved by the reinstallation of the Cameron dynasty over the House Lords. However, as the destruction of the Succession War increased so too did the appeal of a peaceful reunification without a specific leader. Thanks to this more moderate position the Restorians gained extensive support throughout the organization and the Human Sphere. This new creed has swept through the entire fellowship over the last decade with increasing zeal. This development has been a cause for concern from some critics who feel that Project has outlived its usefulness. These opponents are finding that the Phoenix is difficult to kill until it has lived out its time.
ComStar
Perhaps the most well known of these mysterious groups is the increasingly mystical Order of ComStar. As one of the last remaining vestiges of the Star League these stewards of interstellar communication have become the self appointed keepers of knowledge. As war consumed the Human Sphere this enormous corporation became the lone haven for all sorts of academics and their work. These actions to safeguard people as well as technology have established this organization as beacon of light in an otherwise dark time. Protected by its neutral status and good reputation ComStar has prospered while the rest of civilization has spiraled downward. Profits and recruitment are both at all time highs as the organization grows closer to its goal of rebuilding the shattered HPG network. However, some critics have claimed that the price of escaping the growing destruction might be too high to pay. Individuals are forced to surrender part of their freedoms or face immediate expulsion from this secretive private company. Not only must they keep a code of silence regarding its affairs but some have begun to report a growing zealotry or reverence for technology itself. While some see ComStar as a unique corporate structure succeeding where others fails there are those who warn of a growing religious cult of scientific fanatics.
Hessian Re: Underworlds « Reply #1 on: November 06, 2007, 11:38:04 AM »Hmmm.... Quite interesting...
Curious question regarding Separatists:
Will traditional separatist regions like Andurien, Rasalhague, Skye also be included herein? Or only planets near the Periphery ?
Andurien and Rasalhague are not too far away from the periphery so I would assume yes.... but I don´t know if you would want to include Skye..... or have they not yet developed their rebellious streak in the shattereddawn timeline?
The reason I ask? 30 to 40 pages are quite a number to fill......
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #2 on: November 06, 2007, 12:08:01 PM »Yes those groups could well be incorporated into the Pan Seperatist Movement. Just think of them all working together in the name of independence. I think your assesment of Skye is correct. There might be some sympathizers there that might grow the movement in time but Andurien and Rasalhague would be two such hubs. The Federated Suns Outback and the Lyran Rim (Apollo) are two more areas of concern.
Ice Hellion Re: Underworlds « Reply #3 on: November 06, 2007, 03:15:43 PM »I am in.
What is the deadline for the release of the book (before I decide if I can help more)?
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #4 on: November 06, 2007, 04:29:46 PM »Glad to hear it. Any part of the six you love in particular? Deadline is a good question. I guess September 2008 would be fair. Perhaps sooner or later.
Hessian Re: Underworlds « Reply #5 on: November 07, 2007, 11:55:26 AM »Hmmm.....
I am reallytempted...
will try to come up with something for the pan-separatist movement although i can´t promise if it is up to the btshattereddawn level quality-wise.....
Another question regarding separatist regions near the Periphery:
Do you think the southwestern worlds(aka Cerillos, Galisteo and Sierra) of the Free Worlds League are another candidate?
I ask because the descriptions of a certain mercenary command in several books make me think so and because then every Great House(with the exception of the Terran Republic) would have a separatist region to deal with(most of the Andurien worlds are still in the possession of the Capellans at this time I assume).
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #6 on: November 07, 2007, 12:15:06 PM »Great! Just give me your best effort Hessian, that is all I ask. Wink
The Intendancy of New Spain? Hmm good question. They could certainly be a candidate but their history is shrouded in canon uncertainty. Could you give me some known details about the region the Cabelleros come from? Thanks
MechRat Re: Underworlds « Reply #7 on: November 07, 2007, 12:15:47 PM »I'm interested in helping out, but I need to wait for RL to sort itself out first... Sad
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #8 on: November 07, 2007, 12:18:39 PM »Me too Roll Eyes Grin
Ice Hellion Re: Underworlds « Reply #9 on: November 07, 2007, 01:37:49 PM »I will take one but I have to think a little more about it.
Hessian Re: Underworlds « Reply #10 on: November 07, 2007, 02:55:56 PM »Quote from: Takiro on November 07, 2007, 12:15:06 PM
Great! Just give me your best effort Hessian, that is all I ask. Wink
The Intendancy of New Spain? Hmm good question. They could certainly be a candidate but their history is shrouded in canon uncertainty. Could you give me some known details about the region the Cabelleros come from? Thanks
Of course.... Wink
The planetary description of Cerillos in Handbook House Marik(page 75) says"Cerillos is renowned for its hardy if somewhat insular inhabitants. Descended from the Hispanic and Indian peoples of southwestern North America, the Population is proud and self-reliant" and also speaks of "attitudes protected by the cultural identity provisions of the federal charter". The way this description is worded makes me think that this description also applies to the other southwestern worlds.
I also believe to recall a similar description in one of the novels portraying Camachos Caballeros, possibly the first one, but i can´t look it up at the moment as i currently don´t have access to the book...
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #11 on: November 08, 2007, 10:25:55 PM »I'll have to ask around on CBT for novel info on New Spain, would like to get all the facts on it before we proceed.
I'm going to work as the main developer on ComStar.
Hopefully Sir Robin might claim Project Phoenix and Kit might do Privateers I imagine.
If anybody has any thoughts at all please chime in.
MechRat Re: Underworlds « Reply #12 on: November 09, 2007, 08:16:06 AM »Takiro and I had a good chat last night on meebo and I have some preliminary ideas for the Syndicate that I'll put together in a (very) rough draft and post soon. However, I don't want this to stop anyone with their own ideas. Who knows, maybe we can collaborate on this topic.
Takiro Re: Underworlds « Reply #13 on: November 09, 2007, 12:03:57 PM »Good stuff MechRat! You should post it up. By all means if you have some ideas please don't hesitate to post. Credit shall be given were it is deserved.
Me I'm working on ComStar.
ComStar
With its mission to reconnect the communications network of the InnerSphere complete Jerome Blake has directed ComStar to begin preserving civilization where possible. These efforts have included humanitarian missions, safe guarding records, and maintaining technology during the horrors of the Succession War. Walking the fine line of neutrality ComStar has managed to save countless lives from senseless destruction. Opening refugee stations and assisting charitable organizations around the Human Sphere has earned Blake near messianic fame. Indeed his new Order has increasingly taken on the role of the old Star League in many areas. Beloved by all for these heroic missions ComStar has attracted many new members and allies. However some critics complain about their strict secrecy and growing mysticism accusing them of neglecting the Periphery. While the organization seems committed to rebuilding communications in those frontier regions the lack of practical return (profits) has slowed reconstruction.
Other random thoughts on the subject so far;
Canon Timeline Events
2785 – (The first example) The raging hell of the First Succession War provided ComStar with numerous propaganda opportunities. During the Combine's invasion of Trolloc Prime, for example, ComStar HPG personnel successfully located shelter for more than three thousand refugees
2791 – Archives established
ComSec establishes Regional HQ on old SLDF HQ worlds
Free Worlds League Chalouba
Lyran Commonwealth Deia
Draconis Combine Hassi R’mel
Federated Suns Sullivan
Capellan Confederation Sadurni
Lower ComSec Ranks (not published before)
Sentinel (= Specialist) – Small unit commander, 6 ‘Mechs
Sentry (= Operator) – Infantry Squad commander, Mechwarrior
Guard (= Technician) – obviously the grunts of ComSec and they aren't Techs
Recruits (= Apprentice) – a soldier in training
Covering up or emptying Star League depots. Is this when CS starts hiding people and perhaps worlds? Terrans would no doubt look the other way as CS is doing the GREAT work of the Star League.
First journey into the Periphery, restoring the Rim Protectorate?
Neutrality and Image
Its everyday operations of the HPG grid
The establishment of the Mercenary Guild
Fiscal policies including the new C-bill
Have established ComStar as a neutral arbiter
Blake’s Profile
His fame and reputation
Pushed on the Human Sphere by his organization
Mystical leanings
Secret Systems of Blake
Not like the disappeared worlds which I really don’t buy but these would secret Star League facilities outside the Terran Republic that Houses don’t know of. The Regent enforcing strict neutrality won’t allow Terran forces to utilize these areas especially in friendly areas.
Aside from these facilities there could be a few strange worlds in the Successor States that like Aethra (a Cray write up) might go unnoticed to be claimed by ComStar.
MechRat Re: Underworlds « Reply #14 on: November 09, 2007, 12:13:31 PM »OK folks, here is what Takiro was referring to. This was a writing brainstorm that came to me this morning after the chat last night. Hopefully this will be a good starting point for the Syndicate. Smiley Enjoy!
Note: The text highlighted in red are facts I need to confirm with canon sources, so if anyone has this info at their fingertips, please let me know. As always, constructive criticism is appreciated.
The Syndicate:
The criminal organizations of ancient Terra are legendary. The Mafia of Europe, the Yakuza of Japan, the Tongs of Asia, and the Gangs of the Americas are but a few examples. All struck fear in those upon which they preyed. As Mankind spread out from Terra in the first Exodus, these organizations also traveled, exploring the opportunities in the new frontiers. Over the centuries, when new worlds were colonized, these criminal enterprises were soon to follow. Often they existed in a vacuum without contact from others, and even on the heavily populated worlds they coexisted relatively peacefully, keeping their businesses separate and rarely venturing into each others’ “turfâ€. With the creation of the Star League, that great experiment in human unity, new avenues of illicit ventures abounded. The lifting of most inter-realm travel and trade restrictions sparked an explosion of criminal activity. Unfortunately, these opportunities resulted in conflicts, creating unexpected strife and threatening to topple the delicate balance of power within and between each organization.
Matters reached a boiling point during the Reunification War between the Star League and the various Periphery nations (date). (Give example – smuggling/black market trade war between Yakuza and Gangs?) Threatened with the destabilization of their markets and at worst the destruction of all that they had built over the centuries, the leaders of the most prominent criminal organizations met in a secret location to discuss their fate. While distrustful of each other and loathe to give up any power, they all knew that to continue with these conflicts was to assure their destruction. After first declaring a cease-fire and agreeing on a pact of neutrality and non-interference with each group, they spent the next year in various locales hammering out the guidelines that were to become the governing values of the newly formed Syndicate. These rules were not agreed upon easily by these strong-willed leaders. Many under their command were assassinated, executed, or just plain disappeared for attempting to shift the balance of power to favor one group or another. These readjustments of power mirrored the “Hidden Wars†that were taking place among the Great Houses of the Star League at the same time. (verify time period)
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Topic: Underworlds (Read 5024 times)