The State of the Inner Sphere
Years prior to 3039 have proceeded according to the existing Battletech Canon - an astonishing amount of information can be found here.
A brief summary of each main faction and their recent history can be found here, though keep in mind this continues past the current game, and as such may include inaccurate information for anything past 3039.
Recent years and events (from the Battletech: Universe Guide)
On 20 August 3028, Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner held their wedding on Terra in the presence of their fellow Successor Lords. At the reception following the wedding, Hanse Davion offered a gift to his bride. As he fed Melissa a piece of wedding cake, Prince Hanse announced, “Wife, in honor of our marriage, in addition to this morsel I give you a vast prize. My love, I give you the Capellan Confederation!” With those words, Hanse Davion launched the Fourth Succession War.
In a series of military exercises held between 3026 and 3028, Hanse Davion had discovered that he could move vast numbers of troops swiftly to distant battlefields. He had also reorganized his army, regrouping battalions and regiments into Regimental Combat Teams consisting of one or more regiments of BattleMechs plus armor, infantry and artillery support. This organization gave Davion troops overwhelming advantages in numbers. The RCTs poured into the Capellan Confederation in seven successive waves, cutting it in half.
Such large-scale mobilization by the Federated Suns did not come without cost. The vast demand for JumpShips and DropShips to ferry troops across space reduced commerce between worlds to essential items only, inflicting economic hardship on many planets. In addition, the Holy Order of ComStar, whose members had preserved the technology of interstellar communications ever since the fall of the Star League, opposed Hanse Davion’s war and placed the Federated Suns under Interdiction. ComStar’s hyperpulse generators would relay no messages to, from or between any Federated Sun worlds. Hampered by the Interdiction and pleased with his conquests, Hanse Davion sued for peace in 3029. The battered Capellan Confederation agreed willingly to the Federated Suns’ terms, desperate to free its scant military resources for use against other enemies. The Free Worlds League had exploited the Confederation’s weakened state, taking more than a few worlds for itself; the Confederation’s leadership could no longer afford war with House Davion if he hoped to preserve his nation.
Between 3029 and 3039, the Successor States jockeyed for power through covert dealings and small skirmishes in lieu of outright war. The Federated Commonwealth completed the integration of its militaries, governments, economies and conquered worlds, forming the largest and most powerful realm in the Inner Sphere. Meanwhile, the Draconis Combine took one lesson from the Fourth Succession War to heart, and overhauled its military in response to Hanse Davion’s “lightning war.” In his role as the Combine’s Gunji-no-Kanrei, or Deputy of Military Affairs, Theodore Kurita took several steps to ensure his nation’s safety. He revamped the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, upgrading their training and loosening the command structure to reward personal initiative. In his most controversial act, Theodore signed a compact with ComStar, granting independence to several Combine worlds in exchange for ComStar’s Star League-era BattleMechs. As a result, on 13 March 3034, the Free Rasalhague Republic announced its independence from the Draconis Combine.
The declaration of independence touched off a minor rebellion within the Combine, as reactionary commanders refused to pull their military units from the new republic. Theodore declared the reactionaries ronin, lordless, and sent his own units to drive them from Free Rasalhague. Theodore’s troops and various mercenary groups joined the Republic’s Kungsärmé in battle against the ronin, but poor contracts negotiated in haste with the mercenaries paid most too much money for too little fighting. Free Rasalhague won the freedom it had claimed, but its citizens learned to loathe the mercenary MechWarrior.
--- Human Edge events occurred beginning on the 3rd of March, 3039. ---
In mid April the Federated Commonwealth attempted to reprise their lightning war successes of recent years by launching a surprise attack on the border of the Draconis Combine. Despite the suspicions that such an attack was coming, operational surprise was still achieved, and four worlds fell within a week. Attempting to muster his defenses, the Kanrei, Theodore Kurita, reached out to other powers and the Mercenary Review Board to try and open a second front and buy time - unfortunately not much help was forthcoming from other great powers, but the MRB, under pressure from several different regional powers, authorized a series of military raids by mercenary units in transit through FedCom space, sowing chaos through the introduction of hostile forces behind the front.
The loss of momentum was critical, and FedCom forces came to a sudden halt, units being forced to wait weeks for resupply and reinforcement, allowing Combine units to organize and entrench themselves to such an extent that no further worlds were taken despite heavy fighting. Pulling their best units back from the front, the FedCom forces engaged in a brutal campaign of reprisal against the Mercenary units, refusing to honor attempts by those companies to claim neutral status after their contracts were completed, hounding and wiping out nearly two dozen mercenary units, and badly mauling several others, including well known names such as the Wolf's Dragoons in a series of vicious battles which stretched on for months. By late June, the fighting had died down, and while the larger mercenary companies had managed to finally extricate themselves, serious enmity could be felt between FedCom forces and the mercenary community writ large, with even loyal mercenary commands like the Eridani Light Horse and Kell Hounds finding their relationships with the larger nation strained.
During this time, the rest of the Inner Sphere continued to adjust to the new normal of the Federated Commonwealth, with growing concern and discontent in the Free Worlds League at the continued expansionism by Hanse Davion. Even periphery nations were taking notice and looking for allies.
Into this heated environment returned the Fortunate Ones and their employers, the quickly disbanded Echo Exploration Company, who quietly shuffled their staff into the Fortunate Ones and a new corporation, the Rime Industrial Concern, which managed the manufacturing facilities discovered on Illium. The attempt, upon their return, to send warning about the threat of the 'Clans' was largely shrugged off by officials with more pressing matters, especially in the Federated Commonwealth who displayed outright hostility to any attempt at contact by a mercenary unit. The Free Worlds League did offer to finance a small probing expedition to go several jumps out and place a warning beacon equipped with an HPG - provided they could convince Comstar to provide one. Given so many contacts, some rumors of the discussions spread onto the Comstar nets, and while largely dismissed, certain individuals took notice.
While handling corporate restructuring by their prior employer, the Fortunate Ones were able to expand their operations thanks to their new fortress base in the glacial regions of Illium, expanding the unit to battalion strength and providing the opportunity to hire and train additional staff. Mere weeks after their return, the planet Illium, along with two neighbors under the leadership of the Slate Queen Leonora Stone, declared the formation of the Northern Federal Polity, a periphery nation interested in mutual self defense. Comstar surprised and annoyed the FedCom by immediately recognizing the state and offering HPG services to the small nation, allowing them an immediate advantage in coordination over the independent systems that surrounded them, leading to four other pirate controlled systems quickly falling into line.
Seeing the now unpleasant political situation with the Federated Commonwealth as a threat to their ability to operate, Major Creed of the Fortunate Ones devised a plan to sell extra mech production and secure a revenue stream to support the company when work was more difficult to find - the only trick would be finding buyers. There, at least, he had an idea, and soon led the company and a handful of veteran pilots to the game world of Solaris 7. What better place than the mech arenas to get some free advertising?
--- Events of Solaris 7 Season 1 begin August 17th, 3039
Federated Commonwealth
Leadership:
Hanse Davion - Known to friends and enemies as 'The Fox', Hanse Davion is an intelligent, charismatic, and bold leader. He has led his nation to greater heights than they have known in generations, and for this, he is widely adored by his people. Though there are some who decry his recent alliance with house Steiner and the Lyran Commonwealth, they are a minority, and largely keep their concerns about the future to themselves. While he is a capable commander, Hanse is better known for his Machiavellian plotting, manifested in strategic moves which have already carved away nearly half the Capellan Confederation, liberated the Rasalhague district (though he did not actually desire that outcome), and united two superpowers into a single, sphere-spanning superpower.
Melissa Steiner - Melissa Steiner is second fiddle to no-one, not even her husband, Hanse Davion. Charismatic, beloved, and a capable politician, she has helmed the Lyran ship of state for years, and ensured that it would have a powerful position within this new Federated Commonwealth. Her state is contentious, with greater internal divisions, fueled by meddlesome family members, who she has to handle with a velvet glove and the threat of more direct punishment. While this limits her ability to look outward, she keeps things under control with a steady hand.
Recent History: The biggest state in the Inner-sphere, and by far the most outwardly powerful, the Federated Commonwealth is the result of a merging between two great houses, the Lyran Commonwealth led by Katrina Steiner, and the Federated Suns led by Hanse Davion. Their marriage began the fourth succession war, united two great realms, and tore large chunks of the Capellan Confederation away to form a bridge between the two territories. That war has recently ended, being followed by a series of smaller conflicts to consolidate their holdings. Plans to invade the Draconis Combine were thwarted when Comstar negotiated the release of the rebellious Rasalhague district as it's own sovereign state. Now tensions are high as the superpower continues to build up forces along the border - it is not a matter of if they will strike out at their neighbors once more... only a matter of when.
After Human Edge: Not content to wait long, the FedCom forces bypassed the Rasalhague issue and struck directly into the Draconis Combine in a surprise attack April 16th, 3039. The offensive advanced quickly and made good ground, until the unexpected interjection of dozens of mercenary forces behind their lines forced the FedCom forces to pull back many of their veteran units to crush these thorns in their side. The loss of momentum allowed Draconis troops to dig in, and after several months of fighting a ceasefire was agreed upon, much to the frustration of Hanse Davion. The gain of only a handful of worlds was viewed as a marked underachievement, and recent policy by the Federated Commonwealth appears to be directed at undercutting the ability of any mercenary units to operate in their space.
Draconis Combine:
Leadership:
Takashi Kurita - The aging coordinator of the Draconis combine, he is now more figurehead than leader, having given up many of his duties and powers to his son. He did not do so entirely willingly, but his personal vendetta against the Wolf's Dragoons, tied up with the changing circumstances of the inner-sphere forced him to face the reality that he wasn't equipped to deal with the modern age, a failing not shared by his son.
Theodore Kurita - The de-facto ruler of the Draconis Combine, Theodore has taken over military command of the DCMS, and has proven himself a worthy adversary for Hanse Davion, using calculated aggression, defense in depth, and a surprising degree of diplomatic wit to fend off the attacks launched against the Combine by the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth in the fourth succession war. His negotiations brought disillusioned portions of the Combine back into line, helped arrange for the release of Rasalhague using systems from both sides of the border, and even convinced his obstinate father to allow him to take the actions necessary to save his nation.
Recent History: The Draconis Combine nears the fourth decade of the 31st century in a difficult position, now faced with a united enemy on two fronts. They do not balk from this danger, but the ever practical Theodore Kurita is, even now, negotiating with other states and seeking any advantage he can, in order to preserve his realm. Territorial losses from the 4th succession war and the release of Rasalhague were only somewhat offset by the shrinking of the overall border which needs defending, and creative tactics and reforms will be necessary if this ancient nation is to survive the coming years.
After Human Edge: After the recent invasion of their space by the Federated Commonwealth, the citizens of the Commonwealth have a sullen and vengeful mood. Though losses were mitigated by the efforts of Theodore Kurita, the seeming cowardice of turning to outsiders has undermined his standing with military conservatives, while encouraging the more radical reformers who would further undermine Combine society. The tension between the Coordinator and his son have only grown, and there is talk of a possible crisis in leadership among the Combine... though such talk is swiftly punished wherever it is heard.
Free Worlds League:
Leadership:
Thomas Marik - A capable leader and a former acolyte of Comstar, Thomas was not originally intended to take power. After being forced into the role, however, he has risen to the occasion, leading his nation through recent events with remarkable care, avoiding excessive conflict and maintaining a relative peace for his nation. Though events are currently uncertain, the FWL are generally pleased with his efforts, and enjoy their relative neutrality.
Recent History: Though the Free Worlds League was involved in recent fighting, it never faced the brunt of the wars, and as such it has com through them in much better condition than most of the neighboring powers. With a strong arms industry, relative internal stability, and weakened and distracted neighbors, now is a good time for the Free Worlds League, provided the Federated Commonwealth grows no larger.
After Human Edge: The continued aggression of the Federated Commonwealth, especially combined with their recent sanctions against both Comstar and the MRB have created public backlash among the Free Worlds' League - such actions are viewed as totalitarian and indicative of further designs toward conquest. With waning confidence in their neutrality, the leadership of the Free Worlds' League is now engaged in bitter in-fighting about the necessity and methods by which they might improve their military circumstances.
Cappellan Confederation:
Leadership:
Romano Liao - The daughter of chancellor Maximillian Liao, Romano took power after her further seemingly went mad in the wake of the 4th succession war. Ruthless, vicious, superstitious, and capricious, she rules through terror and bloodshed, and is singularly fixated on reclaiming her lost territory, no matter the means required.
Recent History: No nation has suffered greater defeats in recent history than the Cappellan Confederation. Victims of a massive blitz attack which shattered their defenses, they were then further damaged by betrayal from within - a sleeper agent placed by Hanse Davion years in advance had risen to a prominent position in the Capellan military, the infamous Justin Allard. Eloping with one of the chancellor's daughters, leading an entire province in revolt, the knife from within was almost too much to bear. In the end, only the timely intervention of Comstar placing the Federated Commonwealth under communications blackout would be enough to stop the invasion, and when the dust settled, the nation was left crippled.
Now, weakened though they are, the remaining worlds of the confederation have fortified, building up their industries and preparing to give their lives in fanatical devotion to the state, should it be required. Some day, every Liao swears, they will rise again.
After Human Edge: The Cappellan Confederation has turned inward, focusing on fortification in depth and social reforms - reinforcing the shaken confidence of the public in the chancellor Romano Liao, even as her sanity grows increasingly questionable to those who interact with her regularly. On the surface, the nation is united and hungry for vengance, but under the surface, there is great trepidation about the future, as well as the capability of Liao leadership.
Free Rasalhague Republic:
Leadership:
Haakon Magnusson - Known by his people as the Silver Fox, Haakon was a long time freedom fighter who fought for most of his life for the rights and freedoms of the Rasalhague district. After the Fourth Succession War, he was approached by Draconis Combine and ComStar. They proposed to him their plans to create the Free Rasalhague Republic from the Rasalhague Military District. Though initially suspicious, they eventually won him over. In 3034 he declared himself Prince of the newly formed Republic. His work then became uniting his people and keeping the nation together, avoiding letting it collapse into anarchy.
Recent History: Though only recently formed, the Republic has already faced invasion - by disillusioned defectors from the Draconis Combine who felt certain that by reclaiming the lost province, they could regain their nation's 'lost honor'. The war was brief, but vicious, and the small nation is now much hardened and wary of their neighbors. Hardy, independent, and proud, time will tell if the Rasalhague Republic can stand, or if will just be a footnote in history.
After Human Edge: Not much has changed for the Rasalhague Republic. Remaining neutral in the recent border skirmish between the Draconis Combine and the Federated Commonwealth, they managed to avoid any further destabilization, and are beginning to see their economy take on a steadier footing.
Comstar:
Leadership:
Myndo Waterly - The current Primus of Comstar is a very political woman, one who takes her dedication to her position to heart. Cunning, fanatical, and manipulative, she has had a hand in the outcomes of all the recent wars in the Inner-Sphere, lending aid to some, hindering others, in hopes of maintaining a balance of power. Though she has had to reveal some of her cards, she still holds many close to her chest, and still believes that she has the power to achieve the long held goals of her order.
Recent History: Comstar has revealed a certain degree of partiality, at long last, pushing a communications embargo on the Federated Commonwealth during the 4th succession war, and covertly lending equipment to the Draconis Combine in exchance for diplomatic concessions.
Outwardly, however, the organization continues as always - a group of mystics who maintain the mysterious Hyper Pulse Generators, arcane lostech from a better age which allows for faster than light communication between worlds. As the only source of this service, they hold a total monopoly and enjoy the protections that are provided by that fact. As a result of this, they are able to run their own currency, the CBill, which is universally accepted and guaranteed against transmission time on their network, keeping the value steady and allowing for international commerce. They also are in charge of the Mercenary Review Board, or MRB, an organization which tracks and organizes the various mercenary companies in the Inner-Sphere, providing accountability between client and mercenary, and ensuring the bills get paid... one way or another.
After Human Edge: The actions taken by the Federated Commonwealth in recent years have caused Comstar to take an unusually active role in recent events, first with a communication blackout across FedCom space during their invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth, but now again by greenlighting numerous legally dubious mercenary contracts behind FedCom lines in the recent 'war of 3039' against the Draconis Combine. This has caused a great deal of friction between Comstar and the leadership of Houses Davion and Steiner, with the latter placing intense pressure on the Mercenary Review Board to restrict the legal immunities which mercenaries enjoy.
Periphery:
Recent History: The periphery continues as it long has - largely ignoring and ignored by the inner-sphere. Small kingdoms rise and fall, worlds are settled, lost, and settled again. Life goes on, rough and tumble, in the dusty frontiers of human expansion.
After Human Edge: A new state has emerged in the galactic north, a coalition of 7 worlds bordering the Federated Commonwealth and the Free RasalHague Republic, the Northern Federal Polity, or NFP, has formed as a former pirate queen and two smaller disconnected worlds joined forces, obtaining HPG stations from Comstar and 'liberating' four other pirate held colonies of the former Rim Worlds Republic. Ruled by a council of representatives sent from each world, with the founding members having additional voting power, the new state is largely regarded as a quaint pet project of a bored pirate, and not expected to endure long.
A brief summary of each main faction and their recent history can be found here, though keep in mind this continues past the current game, and as such may include inaccurate information for anything past 3039.
Recent years and events (from the Battletech: Universe Guide)
On 20 August 3028, Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner held their wedding on Terra in the presence of their fellow Successor Lords. At the reception following the wedding, Hanse Davion offered a gift to his bride. As he fed Melissa a piece of wedding cake, Prince Hanse announced, “Wife, in honor of our marriage, in addition to this morsel I give you a vast prize. My love, I give you the Capellan Confederation!” With those words, Hanse Davion launched the Fourth Succession War.
In a series of military exercises held between 3026 and 3028, Hanse Davion had discovered that he could move vast numbers of troops swiftly to distant battlefields. He had also reorganized his army, regrouping battalions and regiments into Regimental Combat Teams consisting of one or more regiments of BattleMechs plus armor, infantry and artillery support. This organization gave Davion troops overwhelming advantages in numbers. The RCTs poured into the Capellan Confederation in seven successive waves, cutting it in half.
Such large-scale mobilization by the Federated Suns did not come without cost. The vast demand for JumpShips and DropShips to ferry troops across space reduced commerce between worlds to essential items only, inflicting economic hardship on many planets. In addition, the Holy Order of ComStar, whose members had preserved the technology of interstellar communications ever since the fall of the Star League, opposed Hanse Davion’s war and placed the Federated Suns under Interdiction. ComStar’s hyperpulse generators would relay no messages to, from or between any Federated Sun worlds. Hampered by the Interdiction and pleased with his conquests, Hanse Davion sued for peace in 3029. The battered Capellan Confederation agreed willingly to the Federated Suns’ terms, desperate to free its scant military resources for use against other enemies. The Free Worlds League had exploited the Confederation’s weakened state, taking more than a few worlds for itself; the Confederation’s leadership could no longer afford war with House Davion if he hoped to preserve his nation.
Between 3029 and 3039, the Successor States jockeyed for power through covert dealings and small skirmishes in lieu of outright war. The Federated Commonwealth completed the integration of its militaries, governments, economies and conquered worlds, forming the largest and most powerful realm in the Inner Sphere. Meanwhile, the Draconis Combine took one lesson from the Fourth Succession War to heart, and overhauled its military in response to Hanse Davion’s “lightning war.” In his role as the Combine’s Gunji-no-Kanrei, or Deputy of Military Affairs, Theodore Kurita took several steps to ensure his nation’s safety. He revamped the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, upgrading their training and loosening the command structure to reward personal initiative. In his most controversial act, Theodore signed a compact with ComStar, granting independence to several Combine worlds in exchange for ComStar’s Star League-era BattleMechs. As a result, on 13 March 3034, the Free Rasalhague Republic announced its independence from the Draconis Combine.
The declaration of independence touched off a minor rebellion within the Combine, as reactionary commanders refused to pull their military units from the new republic. Theodore declared the reactionaries ronin, lordless, and sent his own units to drive them from Free Rasalhague. Theodore’s troops and various mercenary groups joined the Republic’s Kungsärmé in battle against the ronin, but poor contracts negotiated in haste with the mercenaries paid most too much money for too little fighting. Free Rasalhague won the freedom it had claimed, but its citizens learned to loathe the mercenary MechWarrior.
--- Human Edge events occurred beginning on the 3rd of March, 3039. ---
In mid April the Federated Commonwealth attempted to reprise their lightning war successes of recent years by launching a surprise attack on the border of the Draconis Combine. Despite the suspicions that such an attack was coming, operational surprise was still achieved, and four worlds fell within a week. Attempting to muster his defenses, the Kanrei, Theodore Kurita, reached out to other powers and the Mercenary Review Board to try and open a second front and buy time - unfortunately not much help was forthcoming from other great powers, but the MRB, under pressure from several different regional powers, authorized a series of military raids by mercenary units in transit through FedCom space, sowing chaos through the introduction of hostile forces behind the front.
The loss of momentum was critical, and FedCom forces came to a sudden halt, units being forced to wait weeks for resupply and reinforcement, allowing Combine units to organize and entrench themselves to such an extent that no further worlds were taken despite heavy fighting. Pulling their best units back from the front, the FedCom forces engaged in a brutal campaign of reprisal against the Mercenary units, refusing to honor attempts by those companies to claim neutral status after their contracts were completed, hounding and wiping out nearly two dozen mercenary units, and badly mauling several others, including well known names such as the Wolf's Dragoons in a series of vicious battles which stretched on for months. By late June, the fighting had died down, and while the larger mercenary companies had managed to finally extricate themselves, serious enmity could be felt between FedCom forces and the mercenary community writ large, with even loyal mercenary commands like the Eridani Light Horse and Kell Hounds finding their relationships with the larger nation strained.
During this time, the rest of the Inner Sphere continued to adjust to the new normal of the Federated Commonwealth, with growing concern and discontent in the Free Worlds League at the continued expansionism by Hanse Davion. Even periphery nations were taking notice and looking for allies.
Into this heated environment returned the Fortunate Ones and their employers, the quickly disbanded Echo Exploration Company, who quietly shuffled their staff into the Fortunate Ones and a new corporation, the Rime Industrial Concern, which managed the manufacturing facilities discovered on Illium. The attempt, upon their return, to send warning about the threat of the 'Clans' was largely shrugged off by officials with more pressing matters, especially in the Federated Commonwealth who displayed outright hostility to any attempt at contact by a mercenary unit. The Free Worlds League did offer to finance a small probing expedition to go several jumps out and place a warning beacon equipped with an HPG - provided they could convince Comstar to provide one. Given so many contacts, some rumors of the discussions spread onto the Comstar nets, and while largely dismissed, certain individuals took notice.
While handling corporate restructuring by their prior employer, the Fortunate Ones were able to expand their operations thanks to their new fortress base in the glacial regions of Illium, expanding the unit to battalion strength and providing the opportunity to hire and train additional staff. Mere weeks after their return, the planet Illium, along with two neighbors under the leadership of the Slate Queen Leonora Stone, declared the formation of the Northern Federal Polity, a periphery nation interested in mutual self defense. Comstar surprised and annoyed the FedCom by immediately recognizing the state and offering HPG services to the small nation, allowing them an immediate advantage in coordination over the independent systems that surrounded them, leading to four other pirate controlled systems quickly falling into line.
Seeing the now unpleasant political situation with the Federated Commonwealth as a threat to their ability to operate, Major Creed of the Fortunate Ones devised a plan to sell extra mech production and secure a revenue stream to support the company when work was more difficult to find - the only trick would be finding buyers. There, at least, he had an idea, and soon led the company and a handful of veteran pilots to the game world of Solaris 7. What better place than the mech arenas to get some free advertising?
--- Events of Solaris 7 Season 1 begin August 17th, 3039
Federated Commonwealth
Leadership:
Hanse Davion - Known to friends and enemies as 'The Fox', Hanse Davion is an intelligent, charismatic, and bold leader. He has led his nation to greater heights than they have known in generations, and for this, he is widely adored by his people. Though there are some who decry his recent alliance with house Steiner and the Lyran Commonwealth, they are a minority, and largely keep their concerns about the future to themselves. While he is a capable commander, Hanse is better known for his Machiavellian plotting, manifested in strategic moves which have already carved away nearly half the Capellan Confederation, liberated the Rasalhague district (though he did not actually desire that outcome), and united two superpowers into a single, sphere-spanning superpower.
Melissa Steiner - Melissa Steiner is second fiddle to no-one, not even her husband, Hanse Davion. Charismatic, beloved, and a capable politician, she has helmed the Lyran ship of state for years, and ensured that it would have a powerful position within this new Federated Commonwealth. Her state is contentious, with greater internal divisions, fueled by meddlesome family members, who she has to handle with a velvet glove and the threat of more direct punishment. While this limits her ability to look outward, she keeps things under control with a steady hand.
Recent History: The biggest state in the Inner-sphere, and by far the most outwardly powerful, the Federated Commonwealth is the result of a merging between two great houses, the Lyran Commonwealth led by Katrina Steiner, and the Federated Suns led by Hanse Davion. Their marriage began the fourth succession war, united two great realms, and tore large chunks of the Capellan Confederation away to form a bridge between the two territories. That war has recently ended, being followed by a series of smaller conflicts to consolidate their holdings. Plans to invade the Draconis Combine were thwarted when Comstar negotiated the release of the rebellious Rasalhague district as it's own sovereign state. Now tensions are high as the superpower continues to build up forces along the border - it is not a matter of if they will strike out at their neighbors once more... only a matter of when.
After Human Edge: Not content to wait long, the FedCom forces bypassed the Rasalhague issue and struck directly into the Draconis Combine in a surprise attack April 16th, 3039. The offensive advanced quickly and made good ground, until the unexpected interjection of dozens of mercenary forces behind their lines forced the FedCom forces to pull back many of their veteran units to crush these thorns in their side. The loss of momentum allowed Draconis troops to dig in, and after several months of fighting a ceasefire was agreed upon, much to the frustration of Hanse Davion. The gain of only a handful of worlds was viewed as a marked underachievement, and recent policy by the Federated Commonwealth appears to be directed at undercutting the ability of any mercenary units to operate in their space.
Draconis Combine:
Leadership:
Takashi Kurita - The aging coordinator of the Draconis combine, he is now more figurehead than leader, having given up many of his duties and powers to his son. He did not do so entirely willingly, but his personal vendetta against the Wolf's Dragoons, tied up with the changing circumstances of the inner-sphere forced him to face the reality that he wasn't equipped to deal with the modern age, a failing not shared by his son.
Theodore Kurita - The de-facto ruler of the Draconis Combine, Theodore has taken over military command of the DCMS, and has proven himself a worthy adversary for Hanse Davion, using calculated aggression, defense in depth, and a surprising degree of diplomatic wit to fend off the attacks launched against the Combine by the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth in the fourth succession war. His negotiations brought disillusioned portions of the Combine back into line, helped arrange for the release of Rasalhague using systems from both sides of the border, and even convinced his obstinate father to allow him to take the actions necessary to save his nation.
Recent History: The Draconis Combine nears the fourth decade of the 31st century in a difficult position, now faced with a united enemy on two fronts. They do not balk from this danger, but the ever practical Theodore Kurita is, even now, negotiating with other states and seeking any advantage he can, in order to preserve his realm. Territorial losses from the 4th succession war and the release of Rasalhague were only somewhat offset by the shrinking of the overall border which needs defending, and creative tactics and reforms will be necessary if this ancient nation is to survive the coming years.
After Human Edge: After the recent invasion of their space by the Federated Commonwealth, the citizens of the Commonwealth have a sullen and vengeful mood. Though losses were mitigated by the efforts of Theodore Kurita, the seeming cowardice of turning to outsiders has undermined his standing with military conservatives, while encouraging the more radical reformers who would further undermine Combine society. The tension between the Coordinator and his son have only grown, and there is talk of a possible crisis in leadership among the Combine... though such talk is swiftly punished wherever it is heard.
Free Worlds League:
Leadership:
Thomas Marik - A capable leader and a former acolyte of Comstar, Thomas was not originally intended to take power. After being forced into the role, however, he has risen to the occasion, leading his nation through recent events with remarkable care, avoiding excessive conflict and maintaining a relative peace for his nation. Though events are currently uncertain, the FWL are generally pleased with his efforts, and enjoy their relative neutrality.
Recent History: Though the Free Worlds League was involved in recent fighting, it never faced the brunt of the wars, and as such it has com through them in much better condition than most of the neighboring powers. With a strong arms industry, relative internal stability, and weakened and distracted neighbors, now is a good time for the Free Worlds League, provided the Federated Commonwealth grows no larger.
After Human Edge: The continued aggression of the Federated Commonwealth, especially combined with their recent sanctions against both Comstar and the MRB have created public backlash among the Free Worlds' League - such actions are viewed as totalitarian and indicative of further designs toward conquest. With waning confidence in their neutrality, the leadership of the Free Worlds' League is now engaged in bitter in-fighting about the necessity and methods by which they might improve their military circumstances.
Cappellan Confederation:
Leadership:
Romano Liao - The daughter of chancellor Maximillian Liao, Romano took power after her further seemingly went mad in the wake of the 4th succession war. Ruthless, vicious, superstitious, and capricious, she rules through terror and bloodshed, and is singularly fixated on reclaiming her lost territory, no matter the means required.
Recent History: No nation has suffered greater defeats in recent history than the Cappellan Confederation. Victims of a massive blitz attack which shattered their defenses, they were then further damaged by betrayal from within - a sleeper agent placed by Hanse Davion years in advance had risen to a prominent position in the Capellan military, the infamous Justin Allard. Eloping with one of the chancellor's daughters, leading an entire province in revolt, the knife from within was almost too much to bear. In the end, only the timely intervention of Comstar placing the Federated Commonwealth under communications blackout would be enough to stop the invasion, and when the dust settled, the nation was left crippled.
Now, weakened though they are, the remaining worlds of the confederation have fortified, building up their industries and preparing to give their lives in fanatical devotion to the state, should it be required. Some day, every Liao swears, they will rise again.
After Human Edge: The Cappellan Confederation has turned inward, focusing on fortification in depth and social reforms - reinforcing the shaken confidence of the public in the chancellor Romano Liao, even as her sanity grows increasingly questionable to those who interact with her regularly. On the surface, the nation is united and hungry for vengance, but under the surface, there is great trepidation about the future, as well as the capability of Liao leadership.
Free Rasalhague Republic:
Leadership:
Haakon Magnusson - Known by his people as the Silver Fox, Haakon was a long time freedom fighter who fought for most of his life for the rights and freedoms of the Rasalhague district. After the Fourth Succession War, he was approached by Draconis Combine and ComStar. They proposed to him their plans to create the Free Rasalhague Republic from the Rasalhague Military District. Though initially suspicious, they eventually won him over. In 3034 he declared himself Prince of the newly formed Republic. His work then became uniting his people and keeping the nation together, avoiding letting it collapse into anarchy.
Recent History: Though only recently formed, the Republic has already faced invasion - by disillusioned defectors from the Draconis Combine who felt certain that by reclaiming the lost province, they could regain their nation's 'lost honor'. The war was brief, but vicious, and the small nation is now much hardened and wary of their neighbors. Hardy, independent, and proud, time will tell if the Rasalhague Republic can stand, or if will just be a footnote in history.
After Human Edge: Not much has changed for the Rasalhague Republic. Remaining neutral in the recent border skirmish between the Draconis Combine and the Federated Commonwealth, they managed to avoid any further destabilization, and are beginning to see their economy take on a steadier footing.
Comstar:
Leadership:
Myndo Waterly - The current Primus of Comstar is a very political woman, one who takes her dedication to her position to heart. Cunning, fanatical, and manipulative, she has had a hand in the outcomes of all the recent wars in the Inner-Sphere, lending aid to some, hindering others, in hopes of maintaining a balance of power. Though she has had to reveal some of her cards, she still holds many close to her chest, and still believes that she has the power to achieve the long held goals of her order.
Recent History: Comstar has revealed a certain degree of partiality, at long last, pushing a communications embargo on the Federated Commonwealth during the 4th succession war, and covertly lending equipment to the Draconis Combine in exchance for diplomatic concessions.
Outwardly, however, the organization continues as always - a group of mystics who maintain the mysterious Hyper Pulse Generators, arcane lostech from a better age which allows for faster than light communication between worlds. As the only source of this service, they hold a total monopoly and enjoy the protections that are provided by that fact. As a result of this, they are able to run their own currency, the CBill, which is universally accepted and guaranteed against transmission time on their network, keeping the value steady and allowing for international commerce. They also are in charge of the Mercenary Review Board, or MRB, an organization which tracks and organizes the various mercenary companies in the Inner-Sphere, providing accountability between client and mercenary, and ensuring the bills get paid... one way or another.
After Human Edge: The actions taken by the Federated Commonwealth in recent years have caused Comstar to take an unusually active role in recent events, first with a communication blackout across FedCom space during their invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth, but now again by greenlighting numerous legally dubious mercenary contracts behind FedCom lines in the recent 'war of 3039' against the Draconis Combine. This has caused a great deal of friction between Comstar and the leadership of Houses Davion and Steiner, with the latter placing intense pressure on the Mercenary Review Board to restrict the legal immunities which mercenaries enjoy.
Periphery:
Recent History: The periphery continues as it long has - largely ignoring and ignored by the inner-sphere. Small kingdoms rise and fall, worlds are settled, lost, and settled again. Life goes on, rough and tumble, in the dusty frontiers of human expansion.
After Human Edge: A new state has emerged in the galactic north, a coalition of 7 worlds bordering the Federated Commonwealth and the Free RasalHague Republic, the Northern Federal Polity, or NFP, has formed as a former pirate queen and two smaller disconnected worlds joined forces, obtaining HPG stations from Comstar and 'liberating' four other pirate held colonies of the former Rim Worlds Republic. Ruled by a council of representatives sent from each world, with the founding members having additional voting power, the new state is largely regarded as a quaint pet project of a bored pirate, and not expected to endure long.
Head GM :: Only GM :: Pay your bills :: Harmless
It's all fun and games until someone loses their HD.
It's all fun and games until someone loses their HD.