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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 18, 2013 2:06:18 GMT
As the title suggests, this thread is dedicated to educating the masses who might not be familiar with battletech and priming things for the launch of the Battletech RPG here at the Batcavern. While this isn't an official signup as of yet, there is the possiblity of an advanced publication of a character application, so if one is interested maybe they should keep their eyes open. Anyway, the big idea behind Battletech is it it's essentially a hybridization of a space western, space opera, strategic and tactical combat operations, socio-political commentary, and a whole host of other fun things that generally boils down to giant walking tanks shooting anything that looks at them funny with lasers, autocannons, coilguns, missiles, lightning guns, and of course a big metal foot if need be There is a wiki for anyone who is vaguely or completely unfamiliar with the franchise of course, but the general idea is that we'll be taking things down to a more personal level in this RP. Players will fill the boots of one character, either a mechwarrior or aerospace fighter pilot who joins a reconstituted brigade of a mercenary command as it seeks employment in the Inner Sphere (known and inhabited systems) as one major conflict is winding down. For now I'm keeping the plot points under my hat but let's just say cannon provides enough twists and turns and conflict to keep things interesting. I'm also working on tracking down a PDF of the sourcebook so hopefully I can have that posted, but for now, who's interested, wants to know more, has input, stuff like that? Oh, and for the record, for those of you who aren't familiar with Battlemechs specifically or Battletech in particular, this is what it looks like in still form:   And in motion (courtesy of Mechwarrior Online) |
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Post by Choro on Nov 18, 2013 18:04:44 GMT
It also has far and away my favorite take on techno barbarians ever.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2013 18:11:34 GMT
Since the fantasy RPG is off for me, unless done on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, I would like to join this one, even though I have no idea what I'm doing.  I like mechas though I have played other games than Mechwarrior. |
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Post by Choro on Nov 18, 2013 18:42:24 GMT
Thats fine, we can work with that. We have enough people with in depth knowledge that we can walk people through the setting.
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TSM
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Post by TSM on Nov 18, 2013 21:28:12 GMT
Never done it before but roleplaying is fun as heck so I'm down. I literally know nothing about it though, fair warning.
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 18, 2013 23:46:40 GMT
Since the fantasy RPG is off for me, unless done on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, I would like to join this one, even though I have no idea what I'm doing. I like mechas though I have played other games than Mechwarrior. Which Mechwarrior specifically? You might have a bit more insight thank you think. Because given your love of all things Samurai, I have the perfect culture origin in mind for you: www.sarna.net/wiki/Draconis_CombineNever done it before but roleplaying is fun as heck so I'm down. I literally know nothing about it though, fair warning. Hmm, that's a problem... but then again that's what the wiki is for  Essentially Battletech is a future with no intelligent aliens, where man still fights man with fantastic war machines and feudalism prevails once again. Mankind at one point regressed to near industrial-age technology with constant warfare in some ways, while other organizations and nations both overtly and covertly attempted to regain control and dominance in some way. In the upcoming timeline the largest region of space called the Inner Sphere has weathered multiple medium to large conflicts starting with the invasion of what Choro described earlier (Space mongols). Now after yet another large war where the largest and most powerful Successor State (names given to interplanetary nations of the Inner Sphere) has become two separate states once more, the region looks like it is headed into a period of relative quiet, a relatively moderately-sized mercenary command (mercenary groups are ubiquitous in Battletech, they're also bonded and regulated as well) picks up a pretty healthy contract and decides to re-form/replenish a new unit to take up this contract while the other two fill out contracts in other parts... ... and that's all I'm going to reveal about the plot for now. So whadda ya want to know oh Steely one? Where do you wish to start? |
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SaintB
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Post by SaintB on Nov 19, 2013 0:23:06 GMT
Either Dom or I can answer just about anything.
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 0:37:21 GMT
Either Dom or I can answer just about anything. Or Choro. More specifically Saint and Choro pretty much have all of the angles covered as far as tech and rules, and I can help a bit with character development and rationalizing things out. |
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Post by Choro on Nov 19, 2013 1:34:15 GMT
Never done it before but roleplaying is fun as heck so I'm down. I literally know nothing about it though, fair warning. When I get home from work I will give you a quick rundown. This universe is kinda my shit, so prepare for maximum neckbeard. |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 2:18:18 GMT
Never done it before but roleplaying is fun as heck so I'm down. I literally know nothing about it though, fair warning. When I get home from work I will give you a quick rundown. This universe is kinda my shit, so prepare for maximum neckbeard. Just promise me you won't don the fedora, Hawaiian shirt and trenchcoat as well. Please? |
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TSM
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Post by TSM on Nov 19, 2013 2:53:42 GMT
When I get home from work I will give you a quick rundown. This universe is kinda my shit, so prepare for maximum neckbeard. Just promise me you won't don the fedora, Hawaiian shirt and trenchcoat as well. Please? Hell, trenchcoat and fedora are fine (Hawaiian shirt... no. Just so long as you shower regularly! |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 3:03:34 GMT
Just promise me you won't don the fedora, Hawaiian shirt and trenchcoat as well. Please? Hell, trenchcoat and fedora are fine (Hawaiian shirt... no. Just so long as you shower regularly! The only way he can wear a trenchcoat and fedora is if he goes off in search of ancient religious artifacts... and is proficient with a whip among other qualifications including a doctorate in archeology. Especially if he founds some awesome LosTech (that's one for the wiki there Steely ) |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 11:40:08 GMT
Since the fantasy RPG is off for me, unless done on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, I would like to join this one, even though I have no idea what I'm doing. I like mechas though I have played other games than Mechwarrior. Which Mechwarrior specifically? You might have a bit more insight thank you think. Because given your love of all things Samurai, I have the perfect culture origin in mind for you: www.sarna.net/wiki/Draconis_CombineThese guys are my kind of thing. |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 11:55:38 GMT
The Dracs certainly have no shortage of "special" units. There's the Izangi, the Sword of Light, the Genyosha... and of course DEST. I take it you've got a mech or aerospace fighter picked out as well Samu? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 12:02:47 GMT
The Dracs certainly have no shortage of "special" units. There's the Izangi, the Sword of Light, the Genyosha... and of course DEST. I take it you've got a mech or aerospace fighter picked out as well Samu? The Phoenix Hawk reminds me very much of Macross.  |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 12:11:55 GMT
The Dracs certainly have no shortage of "special" units. There's the Izangi, the Sword of Light, the Genyosha... and of course DEST. I take it you've got a mech or aerospace fighter picked out as well Samu? The Phoenix Hawk reminds me very much of Macross. Ah, well that's because... it is a macross design! Or at least it was initially when Battletech was first produced, they used anime mecha to represent their own designs because they didn't have an art department, and the Phoenix Hawk was a Macross... flying robot thing? Anyway it was battletech-ized and now looks like this in cannon:  Still pretty badass looking I think. So talk to us Samu, what are you thinking character-wise? I don't mean to pick on you but we can use your development as an example of what to work with for other players. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 12:17:06 GMT
Choronzon gave me the idea of a Ronin. Someone who lost their boss but refuses to die.
I was thinking to draw something from all of this that happened between me and NSG - It's going to hell and I can't fight for it because they no longer want me in.
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 12:27:02 GMT
Choronzon gave me the idea of a Ronin. Someone who lost their boss but refuses to die. I was thinking to draw something from all of this that happened between me and NSG - It's going to hell and I can't fight for it because they no longer want me in. Hey, whatever gives you inspiration, go for it. Just make it relevant So no doubt Choro informed you that Battlemechs can be like katanas, passed down from parent to child like an ancestral blade? I'm guessing that's the story behind your Phoenix hawk? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 12:31:41 GMT
Choronzon gave me the idea of a Ronin. Someone who lost their boss but refuses to die. I was thinking to draw something from all of this that happened between me and NSG - It's going to hell and I can't fight for it because they no longer want me in. Hey, whatever gives you inspiration, go for it. Just make it relevant So no doubt Choro informed you that Battlemechs can be like katanas, passed down from parent to child like an ancestral blade? I'm guessing that's the story behind your Phoenix hawk? Choronzon didn't tell me that, but reading on the Izanagi Warriors article clued me in. So I was thinking this Phoenix Hawk can be a family heirloom - and have perhaps a clan crest, like so.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 12:34:00 GMT
One question: Do these mechs turn into planes like Macross? If I'm going to mess up I'd better do it while this RP hasn't yet started. |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 12:39:29 GMT
Also, as the first "dedicated" RP post, your character can either be a mechwarrior or aerospace pilot. A mechwarrior pilots battlemechs, the titular walking armored tanks that carry all sorts of weapons and fill various roles. These machines are generally the "centerpiece" of any large military formation and for good reason; nothing brings the combination of firepower, mobility, and intimidation that a mech does. It takes either overwhelming firepower, death by a thousand cuts, specialized tactics or another battlemech of equal battle value to fight one on equal terms normally. www.sarna.net/wiki/BattlemechAn aerospace pilot flies what's called either an aerospace or aerotech fighter.They're flying machines that are capable of operating both in atmoshpere and in space. The general flexibility of aerospace fighters makes them invaluable assets, for they can protect dropships in space then conduct operations in atmosphere, and while they don't have the kind of raw firepower that heavier mechs do, their sheer speed and ability to fly at altitude makes them hard to kill. www.sarna.net/wiki/Aerospace_fighter |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 12:42:09 GMT
Ah, I see. No no, then Battlemech it is for me. Says in the Phoenix Hawk page that there is a variation made by House Kurita (PXH-1Kk), so my family heirloom mech could very well be one of these. |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 12:44:57 GMT
Hey, whatever gives you inspiration, go for it. Just make it relevant So no doubt Choro informed you that Battlemechs can be like katanas, passed down from parent to child like an ancestral blade? I'm guessing that's the story behind your Phoenix hawk? Choronzon didn't tell me that, but reading on the Izanagi Warriors article clued me in. So I was thinking this Phoenix Hawk can be a family heirloom - and have perhaps a clan crest, like so. Family crest you mean, Clans denote something entirely different in Battletech: www.sarna.net/wiki/ClansYou get the general idea, at one time Mechwarriors were knights errant and battlemechs were their ancestral weapons, and it's not a stretch that it could have been handed down, modified and repaired over time. What helps is getting the traditional family "role" or battlefield tactics in mind first, or maybe their traditions etc. etc. and building from there. One question: Do these mechs turn into planes like Macross? If I'm going to mess up I'd better do it while this RP hasn't yet started. Some do. They're called Land Air 'Mechs or LAM's... and they suck. Generally since a pilot has to be familiar with both Battlemech and Aerospace combat that tends to put them at a disadvantage when fighting against a dedicated mechwarrior or AS pilot, and because the machine has to do both either it's a sitting duck in the air or target practice on the ground. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 13:24:11 GMT
So let's see... I need help for the details on the story of my character, name of Ryo Sanada. Would it make sense that he be a former Izanagi Warrior, or does he have to be one presently? Also need facts - battles that his family might have been likely to participate in, and need a reason for him to be where he is. It seems to make sense that he graduated from the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy in New Samarkand (where the Izanagi Warriors are stationed), which is the most prestigious military academy in the Draconis Combine (it also mentions that all its graduates receive a daisho upon graduation, which suits him perfectly). I'm also not sure whether he should bear a rank ( Gunsho - Sergeant - or Chu-i - Lieutenant would fit him). He is a serious, no-nonsense man that lives entirely to fight, and is rarely comfortable outside the battlefield. When battle isn't near, he spends his time training in hand-to-hand combat (both armed and unarmed martial arts). Though distant and cold, he is a civilized and polite man - he is a proud warrior, not a thug - , and will fight bravely until the end regardless of consequences for his own life. He is loyal to allies, and fights honorably, but will give no quarter to enemies. His red Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kk, named "Crimson Demon of War" and decorated with his family's crest in gold, is a venerable heirloom that has been used by his family throughout its whole history, serving House Kurita and the Draconis Combine loyally and with honor for decades. |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 14:06:43 GMT
So let's see... I need help for the details on the story of my character, name of Ryo Sanada. Would it make sense that he be a former Izanagi Warrior, or does he have to be one presently? Also need facts - battles that his family might have been likely to participate in, and need a reason for him to be where he is. It seems to make sense that he graduated from the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy in New Samarkand (where the Izanagi Warriors are stationed), which is the most prestigious military academy in the Draconis Combine (it also mentions that all its graduates receive a daisho upon graduation, which suits him perfectly). I'm also not sure whether he should bear a rank ( Gunsho - Sergeant - or Chu-i - Lieutenant would fit him). He is a serious, no-nonsense man that lives entirely to fight, and is rarely comfortable outside the battlefield. When battle isn't near, he spends his time training in hand-to-hand combat (both armed and unarmed martial arts). Though distant and cold, he is a civilized and polite man - he is a warrior, not a thug - , and will fight bravely until the end regardless of consequences for his own life. He is loyal to allies, and fights honorably, but will give no quarter to enemies. His red Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kk, named "Crimson Demon of War" and decorated with his family's crest in gold, is a venerable heirloom that has been used by his family throughout its whole history, serving House Kurita and the Draconis Combine loyally and with honor for decades. It could work, it's a really good starting point in fact. It's good that you have a home unit and the general idea picked out, and you have a characterization in place which is also good. However, the thing about the Izanagi Warriors is that they're essentially the royal guard, loyal to the Coordinator (see: Emperor) of the Draconis Combine personally. So odds are usually the only way they leave the Guards is to either die or retire... which sometimes is one and the same all things considered in Battletech. Considering the timeline-current coordinator Theodore is harried left and right by the Black Dragon Society in some way (extremist faction who liked his crazy-ass dad better and want things back the way they were), I really can't foresee why a royal guard would leave his post. But that's just me, maybe Choro or SaintB could shed some light and offer a differeing point of view. Or if you want I could poke around and figure out an alternative for you. As far as your mech... that works as a base. To put things in perspective; the in-sim year will be 3067. Battlemechs have been a feature on battlefields since 2443 with the advent of the Terran Hegemony's Mackie www.sarna.net/wiki/MackieThe Phoenix Hawk itself has been around since 2568, so feasibly it could have been in the family for centuries. Over that timeframe it could conceivably have been repaired and bastardized to fit any sort of applicable role that the family traditionally takes when they enter the DCMS. The Kk model is one of those centuries-old star league models so it fits as well. Tell ya what, what sort of mechwarrior is he? Is he a skirmisher/scout, brawler, striker, how does he fight when he's strapped into a battlemech? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 14:18:21 GMT
I picked a Medium Battlemech for versatility. What would the difference between a brawler and a striker be? Samurai and proud warrior as he is, my idea for him is simple - charge in and destroy everything he can. So I'm guessing the Izanagi Warriors don't work. Nor does Otomo. Next option can be the Swords of Light - elite of the elite. That would leave his formation unchanged, since Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy graduates are more likely to enter an elite unit. It also mentions that they go wherever they need to go, and that fits him very well. Also the paint scheme is red, which goes by default with my mech. Also, this might be crazy, but is a thing like this possible? |
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 14:37:52 GMT
I picked a Medium Battlemech for versatility. What would the difference between a brawler and a striker be? Samurai and proud warrior as he is, my idea for him is simple - charge in and destroy everything he can. So I'm guessing the Izanagi Warriors don't work. Nor does Otomo. Next option can be the Swords of Light - elite of the elite. That would leave his formation unchanged, since Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy graduates are more likely to enter an elite unit. It also mentions that they go wherever they need to go, and that fits him very well. Also the paint scheme is red, which goes by default with my mech. A brawler type mech is one that has a lot of armor and heavy-hitting long-range weaponry. Think of them as a tidal wave along another role. A striker on the other hand is a fast-moving mech with powerful short-range weaponry that shoots in, hits hard, then swings back out to set up for another charge. There's a whole list of Battlemech roles: www.sarna.net/wiki/Category:BattleMech_rolesBut from what you described he sounds like a striker or skirmisher when it comes to his combat doctrine IE what's his instinct when he spies an enemy mech first. Either way, once I get a good idea I can advise from there if you want to come up with a "legacy" mech that fits the family. I'm not saying the Izanagi doesn't work, but it would take a bit of convolution. Otomo... yeah not touching that one ;P However, if you're entertaining the Sword of light, how about the 2nd Sword of Light: www.sarna.net/wiki/2nd_Sword_of_LightBy 3062 they're firmly aligned with the Black Dragon Society, a counter-reformist movement within the Combine that liked Theodore's daddy Takashi a lot more and want things to go back to how they were. In that timeframe they engage in an unsanctioned war against the Ghost Bear Dominion, and being the good and loyal samurai that he is Ryo Sanada could have refused and been imprisoned on Albiero so he couldn't rat them out to DEST or 05P. As far as your question. Um... yes and no. Some battlemechs do have melee weapons and indeed swinging them at close range is a deavistating attack when they connect. However, full blown blade on blade duels like in Gundam aren't really possible, it's much more clunky than that. See this video for an example IE Mechwarrior Online and another DC favorite, the Jenner: |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 14:45:55 GMT
Striker seems more likely. The PXH-1Kk has an ER Large Laser and two Medium Pulse Lasers. And yes, not knowing anything about the history, I'd go with him being a 2nd Sword of Light Chu-i that refused to support the counter-reformist movement, and thus got kicked out of the unit. I'll edit Ryo Sanada's Bio accordingly in a few minutes. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 14:53:56 GMT
MechWarrior: Ryo Sanada
Ryo Sanada is a former Chu-i (Lieutenant) from the 2nd Swords of Light regiment, the elite arm of the DCMS. He graduated from the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy in New Samarkand, which is the most prestigious military academy in the Draconis Combine, receiving a daisho (a set of a katana and a wakizashi) that he bears proudly as a symbol of his status and honor.
During Theodore Kurita's period as Coordinator, the 2nd Swords of Light regiment allied with the Black Dragon Society. Placing loyalty above all else, as Bushido requires, Ryo refused to support this counter-reformist movement, and was in turn expelled from his unit and imprisoned in Albiero in the event he could alert the Secret Intelligence Services. (I think this part is incomplete, need something to finish it).
Ryo is a serious, no-nonsense man that lives entirely to fight, and is rarely comfortable outside the battlefield. When battle isn't near, he spends his time training in hand-to-hand combat (both armed and unarmed martial arts). Though distant and cold, he is a civilized and polite man - he is a proud warrior, not a thug - , and will fight bravely until the end regardless of consequences for his own life. He is loyal to allies, and fights honorably, but will give no quarter to enemies.
His red Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kk, named "Crimson Demon of War" and decorated with his family's crest in gold, is a venerable heirloom that has been used by his family throughout its whole history, serving House Kurita and the Draconis Combine loyally and with honor for decades.
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Huck n' Roost
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Post by Huck n' Roost on Nov 19, 2013 15:02:36 GMT
MechWarrior: Ryo Sanada Ryo Sanada is a former Chu-i (Lieutenant) from the 2nd Swords of Light regiment, the elite arm of the DMCS. He graduated from the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy in New Samarkand, which is the most prestigious military academy in the Draconis Combine, receiving a daisho (a set of a katana and a wakizashi) that he bears proudly as a symbol of his status and honor. During the struggle between Takashi and Theodore Kurita, the 2nd Swords of Light regiment allied with the Black Dragon Society. Placing loyalty above all else, as Bushido requires, Ryo refused to support this counter-reformist movement, and was in turn expelled from his unit and imprisoned in Albiero in the event he could alert the Secret Intelligence Services. (I think this part is incomplete, need something to finish it).Ryo is a serious, no-nonsense man that lives entirely to fight, and is rarely comfortable outside the battlefield. When battle isn't near, he spends his time training in hand-to-hand combat (both armed and unarmed martial arts). Though distant and cold, he is a civilized and polite man - he is a proud warrior, not a thug - , and will fight bravely until the end regardless of consequences for his own life. He is loyal to allies, and fights honorably, but will give no quarter to enemies. His red Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kk, named "Crimson Demon of War" and decorated with his family's crest in gold, is a venerable heirloom that has been used by his family throughout its whole history, serving House Kurita and the Draconis Combine loyally and with honor for centuries. Close, very close. Takashi was dead by 3054 in the middle of the Clan invasion, the 2nd Sword of Light participated in the Combine-Dominion War in 3062. The Black Dragons didn't like Theodore working with old enemies like the Federated Commonwealth... here's what Sarna has to say on the matter. www.sarna.net/wiki/Kokuryu-kaiAlso how old do you envison Ryu to be? His history would undoubtedly have been influened by Inner-Sphere wide events. Also about the Phoenix Hawk... is it going to be older than just decades? If you want I can extrapolate a striker-type design that at least incorporates a sword if you're leaning that direction. |
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