52 replies to this topic

[NWHHarrier]

Before the mighty tree was mighty, it was a sapling. And before the sapling was such, it was a mere seed, lurking on the ground.

[Anders]

Wind batters the tree.
The willow bends, and survives.
The Oak stands, and breaks.

[Illegal Username]

Galactic peace, yo
That is our final target
Smoke trees everyday

[TheWorstRobot]

Our clan brothers in
Clan Smoke Trees shall be aided
by Clan Robot Jox

[Third Flower]

Hmm... that is odd - my thread was moved to the forum for off-topic discussion, with no mention of why. Could it be, that the moderation team simply haven't done their due dilligence, and tried to honestly comprehend what this thread is about? If that is the case, I would suggest that the moderation team seriously considers their personal ability to distinguish on- and off-topic threads from each other.

So, I'm going to request that this thread be moved back where it belongs, among the other discussions of player-driven clans based around the Battletech fiction. I realize that some "funny" people were alluding to drug-use, but I have made it very clear, throughout my illustrious MWO posting career that I do not condone discussions of drug use - legal or otherwise - on these forums. If a member of the moderation team would like to share their thoughts, that would be swell, because all I'm seeing right now is the reactionary response of close-minded individuals.

Clan Smoke Trees is NOT a pun on drug-use or anything like it, no more than Clan Smoke Jaguar is a recommendation of lighting jaguars on fire, and inhaling the smoke. Instead, Clan Smoke Trees is based around the thought-experiment of "What would happen if a group of people, in the far-flung 1980'ies future, decided to actually form a completely progressive society and actually live out those progressive ideals. We aren't the largest group - some twenty members or so - and most of our group prefer to participate in public discussions rarely, which is why you don't see more of them here. They are rather disappointed, though, by the rash decisions of a very passive-aggressive moderation team, that prefers to just move threads, with no notice, just to stifle discussion. I don't agree with that assessment entirely, but I understand how their emotional response may be formed by the lack of information from the moderation team.

So let me make this clear one last time (because if you really need it explained more, then we should continue the conversation in private, where I will be happy to guide you through some necessary steps towards understanding context, discussion and the exchange of information between fully functioning adults):

This thread belongs in the Clan discussion forum, since its topic is Clan Smoke Trees, a legitimate and pre-existing community of progressively minded fans of the Battletech universe. We have formed a MWO branch of our group, and this thread is for discussing that, and the various ways our group resembles, differs from and relates to other people or groups playing MWO.

Please respect this and stay on topic, and moderators: Please move this thread back on topic.

Thanks,

Third Flower



Edit: Changed a "from" to a "by".

Edited by Third Flower, 29 June 2012 - 02:07 AM.

[Third Flower]

Just as an addition, if this doesn't belong in the Clan forum, then it most certainly belongs in an area such as the Mercenary Outreach forum. I chose the Clan forum because we are a clan, based on Clan lore and around a core of ideals that, while not the same as those espoused by other clans, has the same role and symbolism for our clan.

Really, objectively bad moderation decision, in my extremely informed opinion.

[Third Flower]

Ironically, this is exactly the sort of situation that we of Clan Smoke Tree wanted to avoid, when we broke from Clan Smoke Jaguar. We rebelled against the ludicrous ways of the Clans, or the horrendously repressive and regressive ways of the Inner Sphere, where the decisions of those in power are given out as commands, rather as communications, and where there is no proper discussion following large, important decisions taken on behalf of the greater commonality. The fates have surely played me for a fool to expect otherwise in this forum! Hah hah!

Edit: Sorry, didn't mean to triple-post, but the time period in which the forums interpret a new post as "an edit to the previous post" appears to be shorter than I thought. If a moderator wishes to merge them, feel free. I will not however delete my own posts unless expressly asked, as that goes against my principle of full honesty and discretion.

Sorry again for the forums-faux-pas.

Edited by Third Flower, 29 June 2012 - 02:31 AM.

[Sandersson Jankins]

I sympathize with your plight, Third Flower of Clan Smoke Trees. I wish you nothing but the best of luck in your future escapades; although I predict that you will be met by a harsh gradient of ignorance at every turn. I can only suggest that you and your fellow Smoke Trees pray to whichever deities you may or may not worship for the swift return of your headquarters topic to its proper habitat; I agree with you, the Smoke Tree forest belongs in its rightful place among the clans.

Godspeed, Clan Smoke Trees. You are truly ahead of your time.

[Amberlance]

I was in the middle of a long effortpost compiling the clan history from our old site, but getting our HQ thread moved to off-topic is frankly a slap in the face. Having a thread for the old CST trothkin to catch up and chat is obviously too much to ask. Best wrap it up clan smoke trailures and go and post about which is your favourite death robot! No room for more thoughtful chat, mans goin to war!

It doesn't shock me, in a game whose backstory is dominated by macho warrior cults and fascist fetishism, would not understand and try to censor people who believe in safe spaces for those bored with this male-dominated forum but still wanting to play MWO without being judged by some patriarchal toy kings. I can't see how Clan Smoke Tree threatens the established male-only power structures here, but throwing our thread into 'Off-Topic' is mean to be some kind of smug misogynistic sarcasm?

The moderation on MWO has been fairly impartial so far, but I am thoroughly disappointed in this decision. Clan Smoke Tree has always been the most open-minded set of peeps I've played BT and MW games, and always welcoming to women and younger players. I sincerely hope the mods will reconsider what I hope is a thoughtless act, rather than a deliberate attempt to alienate female MWO players.

I apologise if this comes across as sarcastic or offensive, but I'm just so disappointed to run into this kind of **** here.

Edit: oops sorry edited swear

Edited by Amberlance, 29 June 2012 - 03:19 AM.

[Catamount]

I don't know; from the sounds of it, CST belongs nowhere among the clans, something I say in the most affectionate way possible. Anyone who understands that a complex honor system is useful for little more than justifying otherwise unjustifiable atrocity -since an action wouldn't need to be justified by an honor system if it stood on its own merits- is alright in my book.

Now let's just hope they fight a war better than the clans too...

Edited by Catamount, 29 June 2012 - 06:14 AM.

[CmdrSpider]

Third Flower of Clan Smoke Trees I applaud you emersing yourself into your character and clan. How much fun this game would be if everyone did.

Living The Victory,

CmdrSpider

[Third Flower]

Thank you for the support everyone. It causes some emotional distress in me as well, Amberlance, but remember the story of when Hanse Karensky met a Khan from a clan which perceived itself enemies of Clan Smoke Trees:

The Khan asked Hanse Karensky: "Karensky, what is best in life?"
To which Hanse Karensky answered: "To compromise with your enemies, to see them reach synthesis with your perspective, and to hear the profound and well-thought out assertations of their women."
The Khan laughed, and guided his clan to the Arboreal Path, where now they dwell in harmony.

I hope everyone remembers the lesson above, and meditates upon it. Remember, there is no doctrine or dogma worth respecting, so feel free to comment with your own interpretations. Exchanges of intellectually honest opinions and arguments sharpen the mind of all participants, and is quite enjoyable as well!

For now, as always, I am The Third of All Flowers, gathered in one place. Boy! That's a lot of flowers!

[Valatar]

Yes, apparently a moderator believes the basement-dwelling neckbeardy "Well MY character is a clone of Phlean Kell mixed with Kai Allard-Liao and is super ilKhan of Clan Wolf now!" to be more on-topic than an actual thoughtful clan discussion.

I would hold up the Nova Cats as a sterling example of a clan that believes more in being thoughtful than of simply running around shooting at everything. The Smoke Trees are not alone among the clans in having a mystical outlook on life.

[Amberlance]

In preparation for the Clans' return to Innerp Shere space, as Chief Munitions Wizard & Archivist I thought I would drag up some of the records from our old site, in the hope of relighting some interest from old trothkin of Clan Smoke Tree.



White Owl (Peregrine 6)

Description
The White Owl variant is Clan Smoke Tree's skunkworks modification to the Horned Owl. It blazed up in popularity after confidence in Abysmal Manufactoring's directorship faded an eighth in Q1 3055, over production of the controversial Peregrine 3. The White Owl serves the clan as a light reserve mech.

Armament
While the standard Horned Owl fit includes two Medium Pulse Lasers, the White Owl has five on it. While blunting its range, CST's largely passive combat doctrine encourages accurate disabling shots to the leg areas, although clan brothers and sisters may pursue other tactics according to their preferences.

Defenses
The White Owl features enhanced protection around its Indo Steel joints, redistributing the five-tonne Ferro-Fibrous plating. Additional double heat sinks are present to prevent the mech pilot getting baked alive when blazing away in extended firefights.

Mass
35 tons
Chassis
Coriolis Class IIIb Indo Steel
Armor
Compound Alpha
Engine
LightForce 210
Speed
97 km/h
Jump Jets
Clan Light Series Mk. II

Document archived 3055, Temple of Eternal Light.
Original author recorded as Lance Cmdr & Senior Mechnologist Shindi 'Lemon' Ting.
Seyla

Edited by Amberlance, 01 July 2012 - 02:15 AM.

[Catamount]

So, from a strictly in-universe perspective, what roll would you consider yourselves to have in the doubtless impending Clan Invasion in MWO?

Would you still feel the need to take it upon yourself to... erm... "enlighten" us, whether we ask or not, or are you closer to Clan Wolf, which effectively ordered its own "recon unit" to betray the invasion and protect the IS?

[Foucault]

Catamount, on 01 July 2012 - 10:42 AM, said:

So, from a strictly in-universe perspective, what roll would you consider yourselves to have in the doubtless impending Clan Invasion in MWO?

Would you still feel the need to take it upon yourself to... erm... "enlighten" us, whether we ask or not, or are you closer to Clan Wolf, which effectively ordered its own "recon unit" to betray the invasion and protect the IS?

I believe the rolls we would have are buttered and nutritious, regardless of what socioeconomic class you might be.

[Third Flower]

Hello everyone! I'm back again, from a place you cannot be allowed to know about.

Sad to see the thread still in the wrong forum, and no communication from the moderation team. Once I've settled back in, I'll get in contact with the community manager and explain, in detail, what has been done wrong, and what should be done to correct it. In the spirit of full transparency I will post my correspondence here, in full. Fully in the spirit of full transparency, my posting shall be. That is a rhyme I say every time I post. I know, I know, it isn't a very good rhyme, but that's all I could manage in... thyme.

Back to the important stuff - I'm very happy to see some more Clan Smoke Treeites showing up. Absolutely great work on the write-up for the White Owl, Amberlance. If I could count the number of times I've legged the legs of an Atlas right out with one of those, well then I could count to a very high number, and I believe you would all be suitably impressed.

I will keep everyone updated on what happens, and the possible responses. Meanwhile, I suggest having a look at my newly started "What are your main concerns about this game?" thread, here: http://mwomercs.com/...bout-this-game/

[Third Flower]

We have a lot of our old lore coming in over the weekend, through courier, so I'll post some of it - at least what can be transcribed. Some of our lore is expressed as multi-sensory experiences, combining up to 10 distinct stimuli, precisely manipulated to call forth in the "reader" the exact reactions of the main protagonist or subject of a given piece of lore. It is a lot simpler when you see it in action, but in any case, that obviously can't be translated to text. The rest can, though, so I will drop lore tidbits in here over the weekend, to the delight of all I'm sure.

Love and kisses,

- Your Mom (not really, it's just me Third Flower)

[Joe Lean]

NWHHarrier, on 28 June 2012 - 07:49 AM, said:

Before the mighty tree was mighty, it was a sapling. And before the sapling was such, it was a mere seed, lurking on the ground.

And unless the seed fell to the ground and died, it could not have really lived.

I know I'm going to regret this question... but are the Smoke Trees a Warden Clan, or a Crusader Clan?

Happy Planting,
JL

Edited by Joe Lean, 13 July 2012 - 05:51 PM.

[Bastard Ken]

If violence is wrong in Strana Mechty, violence is wrong abroad. If it's wrong to be violent defending clan honour and clan traditions and clan truebirths and clan warriors, then it's wrong for the ilKhan to draft us and make us violent abroad in defense of honour. And if it is right for the ilKhan to draft us, and teach us how to be violent in defense of honour, then it is right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in the Pentagon Worlds.