328 replies to this topic

[Guiding Flame]

Wow, after all the time I have browsed these forums, never saw this thread until today.

I too am a long time Nova Cat. You can count me in once the Nova Cats make their appearance - I will likely be changing my profile to the following (it's the star commander I use for my battletech force):

Name: Star Commander Molan of the Rosse bloodline (my background has him earning the Rosse bloodname in 3053)
Call sign: Eye of the Storm
Unit: Star Commander in the Striker Trinary of the 489th Assault Cluster (aka The Third Eye), Clan Nova Cat Alpha Galaxy.
Preferred mechs: Nova, (progresses to a Shadow Cat in 3051)

Quote

As to Dream's desire to pilot our dear totem mech, while we may never see it in MWO, we do still have our options available to us. The shadowcat and jenner IIC are quite popular with us, for example. Nova and Supernova should be enjoyable as well, if the DHS issue ever gets fully resolved.

Don't forget our Huntsman.

MWO Game wise, I expect we'll see most/all of the 16 mechs from 3050 released first before they start adding in any of the later Clan mechs.

[Pariah Devalis]

If, for whatever reason, any of you wish to coordinate with one another, I have a C3 server configured at:

http://c3links.com/?bM6bcQmA

It is up 24/7, has no limit on users, and has the primary channel and two sub channels to support up to three parties simultaneously. I can add more easily, should that ever become a necessity.

Feel free to partake of it.

Edited by Pariah Devalis, 04 December 2012 - 10:26 PM.

[Pariah Devalis]

Bumping for great justice. Operation Revival II is soon.

So, anyone organizing a Clan Nova Cat galaxy for MWO yet? Or are we still too scattered to the winds?

[Kreisel]

Pariah Devalis, on 27 January 2013 - 03:11 PM, said:

Bumping for great justice. Operation Revival II is soon.

So, anyone organizing a Clan Nova Cat galaxy for MWO yet? Or are we still too scattered to the winds

Ok, So after seven attempts to replay back to your message, I've given up that it will stop glitching out on me am just posting my reply here. Which means... yeah... go ahead and share the message publicly, it's good status update for other curious Nova Cat's out there. Would be good to stir up some conversation get things rolling maybe.

As for myself... I'm kinda at an odd place where I have a divided loyalty (both to the Dragon and to the Nova Cats) given the timeline. Since I started playing at a time when: to be Loyal to the Combine and the Clan was one and the same, it's tricky for me to jump over to either. While my strongest connection is the the Nova Cat's, House Kurita is already active on MWO and I've been playing with them.

I don't have the connections and skills to really pull it off at the moment, but I have been toying with the idea of forming a Unit called 'Seishin-No Nekoryo' or "soul of the Dragoncat." after the nickname of Lambda Galaxy for players like me who have a connection to both groups. Feedback on how much interest there is for a group like this would interest me, it there is enough I might take the plunge to organize it and hope commanders with greater skill can step in to actually lead it on the field.

Edited by Kreisel, 18 February 2013 - 08:34 PM.

[Pariah Devalis]

Yeah, I had to send a totally new message to just respond. Buggy chat system and all...

Anywho....

I wish I could report good news. I suppose it is hilariously ironic that it turns out getting the people who seemed so adamantly pro-Nova Cat in the Nova Cat Den and "which invading clan" threads to respond to inquiries, let alone organize, is like herding cats. I believe part of it is that nobody wants to (or has time to) put the effort in to restructure the Clan from the ground up. Or, more accurately, a Galaxy from the clan.

I can understand that, as I gave that a whirl back in MW3 (successfully, I might add), and while it is doable it is a lot of effort with very little reward. I am positive there were established Clan Nova Cat 'Clans' in MW4, however, (at least two come to think of it) so there must be remnants of their members somewhere.

The real curious thing is, I even attempted to message some members in game through the chat system and got nothing but silence. The flip side, I have played against other players who were pro-Nova Cat just from random pugging, so the interest is there. However, there seems to be a disconnect somewhere. Either they are looking for a leader to organize them or they got themselves wrapped into other organizations so deeply they do not wish to leave them.

I even got a message a couple months back from a new Grand Council which seemed to think I was leading some sort of Clan Nova Cat of MWO. The unfortunate bottom line is, at the current moment there is no Clan Nova Cat in MWO. At least, not one that uses the message boards or otherwise makes itself known. Now would be the time for it to happen, however. Time to organize and get used to one another's personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.


As for Lambda Galaxy, one would argue that ended up being both the best and worst of the post-Abjuration Clan Nova Cat. The best, in that it illustrates how the Nova Cats are willing to adapt and cooperate with others, and the worst in that is when the Dragon started butting into Nova Cat affairs instead of just being an annoying land lord. That, and how they just upped and deserted. ¬_¬

The biggest issues are that it is, what, 15 years away from existing in game time, and that it straddles the line between Clan and IS so tightly, it is difficult to qualify it as either.

On the other hand, it does allow it to attract interest from those who are Pro-Clan and Pro-Combine at the same time, since the Clanners still used Clan tech, while the Combine did not (or used restricted tech, anyways, IIRC). It would assist in gaining numbers, given how few pure Nova Cat players there are, while allowing enough leeway for curious IS players to expose themselves to the Clan way - without actually saying they are necessarily clan.

Edited by Pariah Devalis, 19 February 2013 - 05:36 AM.

[Stormwolf]

Pariah Devalis, on 19 February 2013 - 05:27 AM, said:

On the other hand, it does allow it to attract interest from those who are Pro-Clan and Pro-Combine at the same time, since the Clanners still used Clan tech, while the Combine did not (or used restricted tech, anyways, IIRC). It would assist in gaining numbers, given how few pure Nova Cat players there are, while allowing enough leeway for curious IS players to expose themselves to the Clan way - without actually saying they are necessarily clan.

Just start handing out authentic Nova Cat bongs and people will start joining in droves.

[Pariah Devalis]

Na, man. You cannot make a bong out of a Nova Cat. A Timber Wolf, though. Like it was purpose made, maaaaan.

[Kreisel]

Pariah Devalis, on 19 February 2013 - 05:27 AM, said:

As for Lambda Galaxy, one would argue that ended up being both the best and worst of the post-Abjuration Clan Nova Cat. The best, in that it illustrates how the Nova Cats are willing to adapt and cooperate with others, and the worst in that is when the Dragon started butting into Nova Cat affairs instead of just being an annoying land lord. That, and how they just upped and deserted. ¬_¬

The biggest issues are that it is, what, 15 years away from existing in game time, and that it straddles the line between Clan and IS so tightly, it is difficult to qualify it as either.

On the other hand, it does allow it to attract interest from those who are Pro-Clan and Pro-Combine at the same time, since the Clanners still used Clan tech, while the Combine did not (or used restricted tech, anyways, IIRC). It would assist in gaining numbers, given how few pure Nova Cat players there are, while allowing enough leeway for curious IS players to expose themselves to the Clan way - without actually saying they are necessarily clan.

Yeah, that's kinda how I felt. I didn't want to claim to BE Lambda Galaxy (since officially we can't anyway, even if it wasn't 15 years away), rather steal their nickname in order to name a unit that operates under the same principals and ideas. Giving a place for players with links to both Combine and Nova Cat. I figured it would be a decent approach the help it gain numbers, which might in turn help a more 'Pure' Nova Cat group get going as well, because they would have another group they could reach out to and play with easily.

As for a story background to explain the existence of the unit. Nova Cat's are prone to following Visions. If one of them we're to receive a vision of 'In a dark time of great need, when Nova Cat is on the run, that it is offered shelter in the cave of a massive Dragon. The Dragon grants the Nova Cat it's own den within the cave, and for the most part leaves the Nova Cat alone, in return Nova Cat fights to defend the cave when it is threatened.' Such a vision could certainly be enough to send a small group of Nova Cat's to check out the Draconis Combine just in case. Also given the invasion corridor of the Smoke Jaguar, the traditional rivals of the Nova Cats, there would certainly be some who jump at the opportunity to set themselves in a place where they can test themselves against the Jag's in the invasion.

[Pariah Devalis]

Another possible approach to the formation of Nova Cats being active in the current timeline would be the possibility of forward observers for the clan. A smallish force of Nova Cat assets that would theoretically operate alongside of (though, most likely, due to inter-clan friction, be placed behind in reserve positions) the first wave forces, purely as an information gathering asset. Something to observe how the Inner Sphere fights, what methods the invading forces were using to defeat them, and what exactly failed for the invading forces. A souped up Watch, so to speak. This would allow for a pure Clanner aspect in the time frame with none of the stigma attached to it that comes with any parallels to Lambda. The downside being that it does necessitate a pure clan standpoint.

The interactions with the Dragon at this point in time, however, would not be something even conceivable, even if it was a vision. At this point in time, much of Clan Nova Cat is fairly crusader in thought process - something that only truly changed with the reformation of the Star League due to the logical thought process that stems with "our [the clans] presence created it, thus we fulfilled the destiny and must protect the SLDF." The concept of working along side the barbarians at this stage would be considered borderline traitorous.

The future interactions between CNC and the Combine, however, are absolutely interesting and one of the reasons I do like the Nova Cats. All about that adaptability and mutual respect. Well, mutual until their land lord gets pissy.

[Kreisel]

That is a good idea. And I believe in Cannon it did happen, our placement in the Trial to select who would invade allowed a small contingent of Nova Cats to participate in minor actions during the initial invasion according to Sarna. The Nova Cat Keshik is supposed to have been allowed to assist Clan Wolf. And our Clan is picked as the escort for Comstar diplomats because of that limited involvement. So defiantly a president for it.

and you bring up a good point, I didn't think about the fact CNC was Crusader at this point. Now if I recall isn't our reasons for being a crusader a bit.... economic based? With the Merchant Caste really pushing for the invasion because it meant more resources and more markets?

[Pariah Devalis]

More or less. The overall stance of CNC is wishy washy since it all is heavily dependent on whatever the loremaster's acid trip vision says. They do have deep ties with the merchant caste in their clan and that of the Diamond Sharks.

[Kreisel]

My concern is that the longer we wait, the more potential Nova Cat players who will drift off to other units. I'm itching to belong to some kind of unit myself, but been holding out because I'd really like to find something Pro-Combine and Pro-Nova Cat. Since it doesn't seem to be out there yet the best thing I can come up with is well... get the ball rolling and start it myself.

There are a few logistical difficulties in doing so.

• Don't really consider myself commander material, more of a Liaison Officer.
  
• Hard to gauge how much interest there is for it. Don't want to throw a lot of effort into something that flops because not enough people are going that way.
  
• As was pointed out there are difficulties story wise explaining an kind of 'mixed unit' at this time
  
• Clans are not openly active in the IS yet.
  
• We don't know how faction warfare or clan-tech and access to it will be handled yet and it may force a split of any mixed if later on it determines who we are fighting for and or if you have access to the tech or not.

So here are my thoughts. I really kinda do want to set up a mixed unit of Kurita/CNC perhaps consider it a Merc company with 2 sub-groups. One for DMC origins, one for CNC origins.

The Nova Cats were in support of sending in the group that became Wolf's Dragoon's, some of it's members even came from Clan Nova Cat. Since the Clans are not openly operating in the IS yet I consider it silly for anyone to go around in MWO publicly announcing themselves as members of the Clans. Nova Cat's operating in the IS at this time are going to need some kind of cover story.

The history of the Ryuken and Wolf's Dragoon's gives me an idea. When things broke down between the Dragoon's and Combine it's mentioned in the novel that a number of people on both sides defect to the other, Some of the Dragoon's directly joining the Combine and some of the Ryuken leave the Combine with the Dragoon's following Misery. While there was certainly tension between the Ryuken and the Dragoon's some member's of the Ryuken we're trusted enough to be shown a glimpse of what was under the surface of the Merc unit.

Considering we have indication there we're Nova Cat's among the Dragoon's it seems possible they could have taken advantage of this to form the connections to give them a reliable source of cover for their own Clan warriors to operate in the IS under the guise of a Kurita Unit. Having the unit 'go merc' and distance itself from being directly under the High command, while still loyal to the Combine wouldn't be hard to explain after what happened to them on Misery.

Now there is already a Ryuken-Ni oceanic unit, and I don't want to step on their toes. But using elements of Ryuken-Yon, Go or Roku to form a new unit into which Nova Cat's could use to quietly slip into the IS, in a unit already semi-trained in clan style tactics.

I think it could work, and be kinda interesting. Like Pariah said I think it would It would assist in gaining numbers, given how few pure Nova Cat players there are and allow enough leeway for curious IS players to expose themselves to the Clan way - without actually claiming to be part of the clan. It would also give Nova Cat players a way of explaining how they are getting around the Inner Sphere without arousing suspicion and how they got their hands on the IS mechs and weapons to be doing it in (as well as why they are bothering to use them instead of their own superior tech).

If people think it's a good idea I'll move forward on creating a 'Seishin-No Nekoryo' unit. Thinking I'll promote it on the HK boards in a way that doesn't blatantly say it's a partial Nova Cat unit (in keeping with the idea it's not public knowledge that's what it actually is). It shouldn't be hard to drops enough hints any Nova Cat will know whats going on, especially if they come here. Organize the unit into basically 2 subgroups something like: the Nekoryu Lancers Cluster and Midnight Sun (Ryuken-Yon) Privateers/Brigade.

Thoughts?

Edited by Kreisel, 21 February 2013 - 01:56 AM.

[EarlGrey83]

Started my BT career as Jade Falcon, until I saw the wisdom in the path the Nova Cat have chosen some years ago.

I really hope Nova Cat will be included as a faction, even if the influence in the invasion is small.

[KrakShoT]

I wanna join up with Clan Nova Cat simply because they created the single greatest mech in all history, their signature Nova Cat. Love that thing so much.

[Kreisel]

For those interested I have attempted to start a merc company called Seishin-No Nekoryo or 'Soul of the Dragoncat' based rather loosely off the eventual Lambda Galaxy. It's a joint Kurita/Nova Cat unit for those of us with mixed loyalties. Because of the nature of the unit, as 'cover' for Clanmen to operate in the IS without raising suspition: any Nova Cat Clansmen are welcome as Exchange Officers, leaving them basically free to operate as members of the unit without having to officially join the unit itself.

You can find the recruitment thread over in Outreach Here.

Edited by Kreisel, 11 March 2013 - 12:06 AM.

[Pariah Devalis]

Already managed to recruit one willing pilot, and linked the Outreach thread to the Google+ Community Forums, so as to spread awareness. It might not be exactly what I pictured when I was hoping for a Nova Cat organization, but something is far better than nothing, quiaff?

[Kreisel]

Aff,
Thanks for the support. Personally I'm still hoping someone will organize a more core/pure group of Clan Nova Cat players that we can work alongside as well, but I didn't feel myself in the position to do so. At least I can help get things rolling this way however, and I'll support any efforts by others to get the Clan up and running as well.

[Pariah Devalis]

Of course, now I need to go through the "trouble" of making, testing, and discarding new modified signature images until I find something I like. Getting closer.....

I think this one (version 6) is best! Even saved the background files. Can easily replicate the trimmed up cat for anyone else.

Edited by Pariah Devalis, 11 March 2013 - 03:30 PM.

[Pariah Devalis]

Apologize for double posting but editing is a total pain on a phone.... The camo spec we should go with should be considered. Nova Cats tend to go with appropriate camouflage. Tans seem to fit most maps pretty well, but the pattern could use standardization. Curious what the new one on the midmonth patch is like. Maybe the Draconis members can use a red highlight whereas the Cats use dress black (or blue, unsure) to indicate which branch of the galaxy they represent.

[Kreisel]

Pariah Devalis, on 11 March 2013 - 01:02 PM, said:

Of course, now I need to go through the "trouble" of making, testing, and discarding new modified signature images until I find something I like. Getting closer.....

I think this one (version 6) is best! Even saved the background files. Can easily replicate the trimmed up cat for anyone else.

Great, I would have offered you the base image I used for mine but it looks like you managed pretty well on your own, I like the look. I've never been great at things like designing signatures myself. I might eventually take you up on that offer myself and consider redoing mine.

As far as I can tell Lambda Galaxy had no cannon icon, or at least I can't find reference to one, so it's something we might want to put some thought into.

You bring up a good point when it comes to unit colors. We're thinking somewhere along the same lines when it comes to the Camo, With the random maps we can't really do 'appropriate camouflage' and so having unit parade colors. I had been thinking about the same designations of blue accents for Nova Cat, Red for Combine. Time to toy around with some colors in the mechlab.