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[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

February 22nd, 3050

Trondheim Live, Daily Report : Special Report



Draconis, Star League Successfully Defend Luthien

No world is safe from the Clans; this is the bittersweet fact of life in the Clan Invasion corridor, where every day world after world is threatened by invaders from beyond the 'Sphere. Today, that truth almost came with a deadly cost.

Luthien, Capital of the Draconis Combine, seat of House Kurita, came under direct assault from Clan Smoke Jaguar on February 22nd, 3050 in the wee hours of Universal Time. Smoke Jaguar threw all its available forces, amounting to at least 3-5 Combat Galaxies with support vehicles. Among the first units to hotdrop onto the planet's surface were the "Smoke Adders", one of the many elite Clusters privileged to fight for the honor of taking Luthien. On the other side, the Draconis Combine pulled no units from its surrounding worlds, cut-off though they were, to aid in the defense of Luthien. Luthien chose to fight with its garrison units, so that when the attacks came on other worlds, they might hope to hold the Jaguars off on them as well instead of sacrificing them for the defense of the Capital.

Though garrison units, the defenders were amongst the best Kurita could offer - the highest trained, seasoned, best-equipped MechWarriors this side of Rasalhague. Elements of the infamous Night's Scorn were noted on the list of units present in the defense at the time of the attack.

Even so, initially the battle did not go well for Draconis. The Smoke Jaguars were able to secure a landing zone and pushed out towards the Imperial City, as well as sending smaller contingents towards secondary targets. By early morning, the situation was looking very grim for Luthien.

But Draconis wasn't alone.

From across the Inner Sphere, they came to the defense of Luthien. Mercs, Rasalhaguians, Cappellans, Lyrans - even Mariks and Davions set aside their grievances with Kurita to rush to the defense of Luthien. Solo fighters thrust to the frontlines as fast as they could get their Mechs of the DropShips and organized units coordinated to the areas of heaviest fighting. Though many were simply fuel for the fire of battle, more competent units and commanders quickly coordinated a stalwart defense. As more and more units poured in the attacking Smoke Jaguars were eventually worn down and overwhelmed by both numbers and tactical maneuvers.

The question remains for many, how did so many units and MechWarriors get funneled past the Smoke Jaguar Containment Zone?

Officials from all Houses have remained tight-lipped on the subject. Through persuasion, anonymous tips, and several less-than-legal means a "reasonable ploy" has been uncovered that sheds light on the mysterious appearance of so many Inner Sphere fighters.

Sources show that during the initial phases of attack, Davion, Marik, Rasalhague and Steiner - better known as the Houses of the New Star League - pulled their massive resources together to immediately send to the aid of Luthien. They were unable to, at the time, rally the garrisoning units off many worlds, and forced to grab whoever they could and whoever volunteered to go. As they gathered Liao added their considerable force as well, and joined the long convoy of JumpShips and their DropShip Carry-ons headed for Luthien. The problem was the Star League units could not get past the Smoke Jaguar defensive line blockading support to Luthien. Furthermore, many Davion Ships were stopped at the border, told to turn around or face destruction. The Davion units who signed on to the defense - very few in number at the time - looked to give up and go home, leaving the Star League to figure out its own way to Luthien. The AFFS had other plans.

After an emergency meeting of the top Generals of the AFFS, the Federated Suns officially concluded that, while they were at war with Kurita, the loss of Luthien would be a deathblow to Kuritan morale, and pave the road to Terra in gold for the Clans. Davion's small defensive ring would be no match for the Clan Invasion, and the birthplace of humanity would be Clan. This was deemed unacceptable, and so Davion would come to Kurita's defense - whether they liked it or not.

Davion procured intel to its JumpShip Captains and the Star League's forces, detailing hidden jump locations that could bypass the SJCZ and land the SLDF on Luthien before the Jaguar's knew what hit them. The jump path took them through several systems we're told aren't listed on any public galactic map - as they are all uninhabited - but have star systems that are capable of refueling JumpShips. By this route the Star League coordinated and funneled the reinforcements in to Luthien, and likewise helped withdraw any units - Star League or Kurita - that needed to be withdrawn. Rasalhague JumpShips were even noted for stopping off at several worlds and picking up Draconis units on other planets after the battle, to help quickly refill the garrison to fighting capacity. And just as quickly as they appeared, the Star League withdrew back through the hidden JumpPoints, and dispersed throughout the Inner Sphere to either return home or to their own front lines.

---

Though bitter tensions still remain between many Star League factions and the Draconis Combine, the selfless dedication of so many - even for a "sworn enemy" - has moved many hearts in Kurita. Kuritan commanders across the Combine expressed their gratitude to the fighters who came from each faction, including Davion, who was instrumental in the effort. Many in Kurita are still bitter about their "rescuing" by the so-called "fedrats", but commanders in their own faction have politely told them to hold their tongue, 'lest they lose the honor they have gained with victory'. For their part, Davion has chosen to ignore those fanatical Combine warriors and accept the genuine gratitude of their counterparts who offered it. Though many grumblings remain from Davion mechwarriors who fought for Draconis - and returned only to continue the fight against Draconis - the consensus has been that sometimes, you have to put the 'Sphere ahead of Davion, or Kurita, or Marik, or Liao, or Steiner, or even Rasalhague.

Sometimes, you have to fight for something bigger than yourself.

---

Have any war stories to share? The TL,DR is looking to share them! Send us a message detailing the accounts of the front lines and we'll do our best to bring your tale to the masses!

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 22 February 2015 - 10:36 PM.

[Prussian Havoc]

Spoiler

[Amazingly relevant depiction, completely accurate to first-hand-accounts (http://mwomercs.com/...ost__p__4224030) ensuring comprehensive coverage of not just the First Battle of Luthien but the Greater Strategic Realities now extant for the Inner Sphere and the Marik-nSL.

Great journalism as always, a MUST READ for all MWO:CW gamers, TL,DR is the standard-bearer for third-party coverage of in-game activity, layered with exceptionally fine (and sometimes balanced ) assessment/coverage of the Inner Sphere / Clan conflict.]

Edited by Prussian Havoc, 19 March 2015 - 07:05 PM.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

We apologize for the delays in broadcasts. With the FRR close to collapse, secure lines of communication have been hard to come by.

We thank all of you for your patient support.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

February 28th, 3050

KungsArme Collapsing
--It has been a rough month for the KungsArme, who have been fighting for two straight months against the determined Clan forces. Earlier this month they received a resupply of mechs and manpower from the Star League Defense Forces, and were told to "take the fight to the Clans". While the KungsArme did just that, their initial gains have disappeared and the resupply the FRR received has been all but destroyed by the persistent Clan Galaxies. With SLDF forces retreating to rearm, repair and resupply, the FRR's remaining defenders are simply unable to overcome the odds against them.

4 Worlds Remain FRR
--Quarell, Ueda, Grumium, Dehgolan. Just these four worlds, plus Fortress Rasalhague, remain in FRR hands. Formal evacuation orders have been sounding for all FRR worlds since the recapture of Galuzzo, when it became evident the tide was turning against the KungsArme's remaining forces. KungsArme forces have been given orders to evacuate to Steiner, and from there join with the SLDF in continuing the fight against the Clans.

ComGuards Land on Tukayyid
--After retaking Tukayyid from Clan Smoke Jaguar on the 18th of February, ComStar's ComGuards came to the world to relieve the defenders. While initially resistant, the KungsArme was "persuaded" to leave the planet to the ComGuards, who now control the planets defenses. While the world has thus far been safe from attack, rumor has it that the Clans - notified of ComStar's defense - are preparing a massive invasion of the world.

SLDF Forces Withdrawing
--Many SLDF forces, including various mercenaries, are withdrawing from Rasalhague space. While they have all fought hard and admirably, the FRR has simply been unable to fend off the Clans, even with the SLDF. Star League units are preparing their second line of defense against the Clans elsewhere, hoping to find another front from which to keep the Clanners from Terra.

Around the Sphere:

Wolf Presses Through FRR
--Clan Wolf continues their slow march through the FRR, often fighting back and forth for the same world. While their warriors practically scramble to get out of the DropShip and attack Inner Sphere forces, their efforts have been mired by superior tactics and the tenacity of the KungsArme and SLDF. Despite this, Wolf has pushed to nearly 1 Jump from Tukayyid.

Ghost Bear Closest to Terra
--Ghost Bears have taken Tsukude, making them the closest Clan to Terra by easily 60 light-years. The Bears have driven deep into Kurita through relatively undefended worlds, while at the same time eating away at the FRR. The Bears have only met resistance from Kurita on Altais, where they retook the world a day after its initial conquest. Such losses in the past from Kurita have been fleeting and temporary, at best.

Jade Falcon Plows Through Steiner
--Steiner has offered resistance but ultimately is overwhelmed on world after world, constantly on the retreat in the face of the Falcons. While Steiner has had many successful back-door attacks - attempting to press the flanks of Falcons Occupation Zone - Jade Falcon has shrugged them off and continued to press towards Terra. Steiner has joined the Star League in support of fighting off the Clans, but has thus far been struggling to organize its errant units.

Smoke Jaguars Rally; Move to get back into Terra Race
--Smoke Jaguars have recently been reinforced by several high-profile units, and have begun their drive back to Terra. After the debacle at Luthien, Smoke Jaguar has refocused on pushing coreward instead of squeezing the DCMS High Command into total surrender, which has been ineffective thus far. With the reinforcements, Jaguar has been bold enough to attack rival Ghost Bear, attempting to glean off some of their worlds to get back in the Terra Race.

Kurita Finally Stalls Against Davion; No Resistance to Clans
--Kurita has finally hit a wall in their seemingly unstoppable march to Robinson. Mercs, fed up with Kurita's posturing and ignorance of the true threat of the Clans - whom the have mostly ignored as they take planet after planet - have signed with Davion to start driving back the Red Tide. Their efforts have begun to make an impact, as for the past few days Kurita has struggled to even fight off Davion, let alone continue taking planets. For Kurita's infamous propaganda war machine, better known as the NKVA, the endless taunting, badgering, and openly mocking of Davion units and the First Prince may finally bite off more than it can chew.

Liao Quietly Continues Expansion
--Liao has been quiet throughout the latter part of February, but their rhetoric and goals have gone unchanged; take Davion worlds. While initially showing support for the SLDF, open Liao support has waned in recent weeks and the number of units sent to the Clan fronts has steadily dried up. Liao has no plans of stopping even with their borders fully recovered, as many intend to restore the maximum extension of House Liao before the Succession Wars.

Marik Negotiates, Coordinates with Houses Against Clans
--Marik has put forth a lot of effort in creating plans to defend Terra from the Clans. Working with Steiner, Davion, and the FRR, Marik has invested millions of C-Bills in defending FRR territory and preparing backup plans should the FRR fall. With the FRR down to four worlds, Marik intends to hasten their goals and form a defensive line around Terra - a 'Last Line of Defense' for Humanity's Birthplace.

Davion Stops the Bleeding
--Davion has been able to breathe some life back into their beleaguered military, with the reinforcement of several Mercenary units. While they have put up a strong fight against the Dragon, Davion has not had the numbers needed for an all-out counter invasion. With the signing of several mercenary contracts to the Federated Suns, Davion is hitting back hard in a way it hasn't been able to do since December. Of particular importance was the recovery of Kentares IV, which everyone remembers from their history as the sight of the horrific massacre during the Succession Wars.

Steiner Fights On, Slowly Losing Ground
--Steiner has only had to fight the Jade Falcons, but the Clan has been nothing if not fatally persistent. Steiner's struggles to organize effective military command have hampered its defenses and counter-attacks. While at times they are able to take worlds behind the lines, their efforts are in vain as Jade Falcon has gained enough buffer on its flanks to ignore such probes from Steiner. Despite the assistance from the SLDF - which comes secondary to the FRR - Steiner has been little more than a marsh for Jade Falcon; slow to wade through, but not impassible.

---

Have any war stories to share? The TL,DR is looking to share them! Send us a message detailing the accounts of the front lines and we'll do our best to bring your tale to the masses!

[UniquePilotName]

CSJ just dropped hard on tukayyid only resistance was a single group of unaligned mercs. After one crushing defeat at the hands of DERP the mercs high tailed it off world. Comguard nowhere to be found. Bases found devoid of life. Chalk another one up for the clans

*EDIT* 4th drop on Tukayyid still only ever resisted the first time. Still not a comguard soul to be found. looks like being persuasive is their only strength xD. well that and hiding.

kudos to the 12 brave players who tried to stop the DERP rampage. apologies if that match ruined your opinion of CW. not normally that bad I promise you

Edited by UniquePilotName, 27 February 2015 - 11:57 PM.

[wanderer]

White Ships On The Horizon: Mystery Fleet Spotted? (20/02/3050)

Reports from New Earth of a fleet of WarShips, painted white but bearing no other identifiable insignia having jumped into a pirate point. Safely out of contact with anything save for a small belter enclave, the ships remained on-station for mere hours before jumping out-system once again, astonishing the asteroid miners with the lack of a need to unfurl sails and recharge. (Editor: Clan ships have shown similar capacities, being able to jump a second time with the use of a ship-sized "Lithium-Fusion Battery")

The WarShip types included a pair of Lola III-class destroyers and another, unknown ship in the frigate range. The ships did not communicate nor respond to signals and were under ECM, rendering most long-distance imaging useless.

Theories and speculation range from the return of the legendary "Minnesota Tribe" or a last-resort secret Marik defense force into the utterly insane, such as Comstar preparing to take over the Inner Sphere in it's darkest hour. Being the first non-Clan (we hope) WarShips seen in spaceworthy condition since the LCS Invincible failed a jump leaving Tharkad, the biggest question is: What would force such a fleet to reveal themselves, and why? The terrifying thought of a fleet capable of bombarding a planet on the move should make even the most hardened warrior thoughtful. All we know is, they're not Clanners (at least no Clan we've ever seen), and they appear to be heading rimward, possibly into Steiner or territory previously controlled by the FRR.

...

Jaguar Warship Withdraws from Tukayyid, Forces Retreating From Planet (28/02/3050)

Almost as quickly as Smoke Jaguar forces dropped and obliterated a small mercenary group between contracts (so thoroughly that nothing identifiable of any unit remained), Jaguar forces have begun to withdraw from the once-FRR, now "Com Guard" controlled world. While technically in control of the planet for lack of any sign of defense from ComStar forces, the CSJ Sabre Cat has moved out of orbit along with multiple Dropships and appear to be heading for their transports and a hasty exit from the system.

This has led to considerable surprise from observers, as Tukayyid's spaceport had reported more large jump signatures from a pirate point, expecting more Jaguar reinforcements. Could another Clan have decided to challenge the Jaguars with a larger force? Until we can get a closer look at the new arrivals (difficult indeed due to their position and distance), the silent addition to the Tukayyid gravity well will remain a mystery. Thanks to this strange twist of fate, the planet is knowing an eerie, peaceful silence. Not a single military force is to be found amidst the fields and farms that form the largest part of Tukayyid's pastoral landscape- a silence unfound anywhere as the worlds surrounding it are seared by the burning tread of the Clans.

In this age, one takes peace where you can get it.

[Prussian Havoc]

Spoiler

wanderer, yours is a superbly crafted narative, so beautiful penned that if I must forego my 3-hours invested in a Planet where the simple appearance of "White Blakish Specters" must needs be chase me from my newly retaken Tukayyid Summer cottage... so be it, I shall simply re-read your post once again before I board the last Jaguar Transport from the surface.

Though I should dearly miss the Pozoristu Mountain Monastery region, site of the pre-Kurultai in preparation for the abortive Clan Grand Kurultai and the subsequent selection of ilKhan and ilClan:
Pre-Kurultai Agenda
Mission Statement
(DRAFT) ilKhan Intent

Separately, a record of both an attack and a defender PoV for this Fifth Battle of Tukayyid are detailed here for your additional perspective:
http://mwomercs.com/...ost__p__4160030

Edited by Prussian Havoc, 19 March 2015 - 07:06 PM.

[Prussian Havoc]

Spoiler

My penalty time as a Son of Rasalhague is 24-hours... which may just see me a TEMPCON member of the first faction to lose all its planets to the righteous fury of the Clan effort to free all of humanity from the scourge of Inner Sphere Successor States, who's various governance bodies are dead set on Humanity's eternal participation in Succession Wars. Succession Wars that will eventually drive Mankind down past the point of a survivable Dark Age.

...or maybe I came for the Mead!

Edited by Prussian Havoc, 19 March 2015 - 07:07 PM.

[Jonathan Paine]

Not gonna happen, son. OLD is not done yet.

[Prussian Havoc]

Spoiler

Jonathan Paine, on 28 February 2015 - 09:29 PM, said:

Not gonna happen, son. OLD is not done yet.

tbh, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Good luck and good gaming ,

Edited by Prussian Havoc, 19 March 2015 - 07:07 PM.

[Klappspaten]

You may take our dots with superior numbers, but you can't beat us. We will always be there to roflstomp you.

[Mandrakerootes]

The FRR being the only democratic state and one that didnt even get involved in the succession wars because it had no initial claim at all, it allways stung me how it got hit the hardest by the clans. Showing an interesting lack of separation and distinguishing between the different Inner Sphere factions on the side of the clans.

But calling it a penalty time is weird, you get to be free from the constraints of communal thinking for the first time, live out the day as an individual(tubeborn or not) and do whatever pleases you( hopefully drinking mead because thats the only thing the FRR has left en masse) and then come back to the sterilized and uniform world of clan live and see how much better it is to be freeborn.

[Cimarb]

The Clans care little for democracy, or lack thereof. Rasalhague happened to be the weakest spot in the Inner Sphere to invade through, as it is a young faction with little cohesion, as well as being between two huge enemies that would be highly unlikely to put those differences aside to help it.

Actually, the Clans may have even been mostly unware that Rasalhague was even an independent democracy at the point of the invasion, since the Dragoons had stopped reporting back before the FRR was created, iirc.

[Malcolm Vordermark]

Cimarb, on 01 March 2015 - 10:25 AM, said:

The Clans care little for democracy, or lack thereof. Rasalhague happened to be the weakest spot in the Inner Sphere to invade through, as it is a young faction with little cohesion, as well as being between two huge enemies that would be highly unlikely to put those differences aside to help it.

Actually, the Clans may have even been mostly unware that Rasalhague was even an independent democracy at the point of the invasion, since the Dragoons had stopped reporting back before the FRR was created, iirc.

I just recently read the part in the books where Jamie Wolf explains that the Dragoons had nothing to do with the Clan's selection of targets. He said that they were simply returning by the same path the left by. I think that may have had more to do with their selection of entry point than anything to do with weakness. Also, I'm sure it would be more convenient for supply runs.

Also, the Dragoon's last contact with the clans was in 3019. If I'm not mistaken, the FRR got its start because of the 4th Succession War when the Draconis Combine supported their independence to cut off the Lyran Commonwealth and make them look bad for holding onto planets they had conquered that were in the Rasalhague district. So that would place them starting somewhere around 3030.

I doubt the clans even knew the FRR existed until they started interrogating pirates.

[Prussian Havoc]

Spoiler

I came for the saki... but stayed for a time to enjoy the camaraderie!

Mandrakerootes, on 01 March 2015 - 05:54 AM, said:

...(snip)...But calling it a penalty time is weird, you get to be free from the constraints of communal thinking for the first time, live out the day as an individual(tubeborn or not) and do whatever pleases you( hopefully drinking mead because thats the only thing the FRR has left en masse) and then come back to the sterilized and uniform world of clan live and see how much better it is to be freeborn.

When you break a contract, the game gives you "penalty time" - in other words, I broke an FRR contract, but had to serve out 24-hours in FRR before the game would let me once again chose the next Faction I had business in.

Besides... I always enjoyed this view of Imperial City from the West, if I am not mistaken this is where BSM set up their Jump TOC for the victorious assault on Sector 8 the night Luthien was in contention. (Of course weight of numbers then pushed us from all but 3-sectors by the end of the night if memory serves.

My comment above well and truly describes my time in the Combine... my ALT (Inner Sphere) Account had a PERMCON here until a day or so ago for the precise reason that PGI Communities VARY GREATLY. There is a distinctly different flavor and mindset IN-GAME because the quirks/chassis drive such diverse #MWOGamePlay. Clans don't have a light worthy of the role of Scout (Raven) or Raider (Firestarter/ECM-Spider) thus the Clans are missing out on entire facets of tactics, builds, and other elements of small Unit maneuver. Where as the Inner Sphere is currently denied a #MechaTrinity on par with the Direwolf/Timberwolf/Stormcrow ALL WITH UBIQUITOUS top speed and uber-builds. Just these two differences drive fundamental changes in tactics selection, Drop Commander "Option Sets" and gamer expectations with regard their own and each other's performance. This all combine for a decidedly different feel for the "flavor" of each faction...though I do agree it all comes form to the personality of Unit Commanders

Cimarb, on 01 March 2015 - 10:25 AM, said:

The Clans care little for democracy, or lack thereof. Rasalhague happened to be the weakest spot in the Inner Sphere to invade through, as it is a young faction with little cohesion, as well as being between two huge enemies that would be highly unlikely to put those differences aside to help it.

Actually, the Clans may have even been mostly unware that Rasalhague was even an independent democracy at the point of the invasion, since the Dragoons had stopped reporting back before the FRR was created, iirc.

#True2Lore

There was just an epic feel to the early period of BattleTech, when a novel only seemed to come out once a month, just a week off set from my MONTHLY copy of BattleTechnology magazine!



(*DISCLAIMER: "Unseens" seen (in center of photo) might seem "Reseen" but are instead unseemly "Seens" before there ever were "Unseens" to un-see... or something along those lines.)

Edited by Prussian Havoc, 19 March 2015 - 07:08 PM.

[AlexEss]

People... could you be so polite and take your discussion elsewhere... ? Plenty of boards to do so.

Try to keep this thread clean and well managed...

[UniquePilotName]

We are Clan Smoke Jag, we do not retreat off planets we are busy turning upside down and shaking the change out of. Tukayyid is a good example of the space gods not acknowledging our glory and writing a loss in the history books.

Edited by UniquePilotName, 03 March 2015 - 06:21 AM.

[Abivard]

UniquePilotName, on 03 March 2015 - 06:21 AM, said:

We are Clan Smoke Jag, we do not retreat off planets we are busy turning upside down and shaking the change out of. Tukayyid is a good example of the space gods not acknowledging our glory and writing a loss in the history books.

We kicked you off Tukayyid, so your fellow clanners ran crying to your PGI Mommy and she TOOK Tukayyid away from the FRR to stop the clan crying fit.

[Wingbreaker]

Abivard, on 03 March 2015 - 02:14 PM, said:

We kicked you off Tukayyid, so your fellow clanners ran crying to your PGI Mommy and she TOOK Tukayyid away from the FRR to stop the clan crying fit.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

If you would like to continue this discussion and all other non-relevant discussions to this thread and its intended use, please press 1.

If you would like the TL,DR to continue posting reports from the battle lines, updates whenever possible, and general CW information in the TL,DR format, please press 2 (and while you're at it, remove all your non-relevant posts).

We will wait.