Battletech: Official OOC/Signup Thread

Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost,Huck n' Roost

Ryo Sanada is a former Chu-i (Lieutenant) from the Swords of Light BattleMech Regiments, the most elite military arm in the entire DCMS (Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, the armed forces of the Draconis Combine). Born in 3034, he comes from a very distinguished family in New Samarkand - whose lineage might trace back to ancient Terran Samurai - and therefore he was raised a proud warrior from his early days in the tradition of Bushido, the Samurai code of honor. He graduated in 3054 from New Samarkand's own Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy, the most prestigious military academy in the Draconis Combine, receiving upon graduation a daisho (a traditional sword set composed of a katana and a wakizashi) that he bears proudly as a symbol of his status and honor.

His baptism of fire came during his training, as he would take part in the defense of Luthien against Clan Smoke Jaguar during the Clan Invasions, as part of the Sun Zhang Cadres. His heroic actions there would earn him the greatest honor in his division and the pride of his family, as well as the recognition of the Dragon as a whole.

After serving with distinction and a flawless record sheet, first in the Sun Zhang Cadres and later the 8th Galedon Regulars as part of the Sanada family tradition - while simultaneously attending classes at the Sun Tzu School of Combat and the Pagoda for Luthien Officers to perfect his formation -, and ultimately passing the rigorous tests and meeting the requirements to form a part of the Swords of Light, he was assigned to the 2nd Sword of Light Regiment in 3059; right on time for Operation Bulldog, the Star League's famous offensive against Clan Smoke Jaguar. He took part in the retaking of the world of Hyner from the Third Jaguar Cavaliers, which earned him his Chu-i rank and several distinctions for valor. His ‘Mech’s katana would carve a path from among the Clan troops, which earned him his callsign: Toushin (Japanese for “Blade”). But his fame would exceed the limits of the Draconis Combine: It is to this day that Clan Smoke Jaguar speak of the fearsome “Blade of Sanada” as one of the greatest foes they have ever encountered.

The political upheaval during Theodore Kurita's period as Coordinator of the Draconis Combine had a direct effect on Ryo Sanada's life. Not long after Operation Bulldog, the 2nd Sword of Light Regiment allied with the Kokuryu-kai - also known as the Black Dragon Society -, a hardline counter-reformist group violently opposing Coordinator Theodore's policies. Placing loyalty above all else as Bushido requires, Ryo refused to fight against the Coordinator, and was in turn imprisoned in the desolate world of Albiero, in the event he could alert the ISF (Internal Security Force) or the O5P (Order of the Five Pillars), the secret services of the Draconis Combine.

After two years of imprisonment, he was released in 3062, but relegated to garrison posts by the superior command of the 2nd Sword of Light Regiment, still in the pocket of the Kokuryu-kai. In this difficult position, Ryo was faced with the choice of committing seppuku, or fighting outside the DCMS. His honor not truly lost as a consequence of his own actions, but rather taken away by traitors to the Coordinator and the Combine, Ryo chose the latter. He became an arena jockey in Solaris VII, in the Combine district of Kobe (legendary announcer Duncan Fisher has praised him profusely ever since), but after winning a Championship Series, he eventually grew bored of the manufactured fighting and dissatisfied with the ilk of the "competition". Rumor came to him of the Gun Special Squadrons, and upon seeking them out and qualifying to join, he became a mercenary among their ranks. He now has returned to fight as the warrior he is, but under his own terms.

History:

3034 - Born in New Samarkand to illustrious Sanada family
3052 - Enters Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy, begins service at Sun Zhang Cadres. Fights his first battle in the defense of Luthien against Clan Smoke Jaguar
3054 - Graduates Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy, begins service at 8th Galedon Regulars, as part of the family tradition
3059 - Admitted into 2nd Sword of Light, serves with distinction in Operation Bulldog against Clan Smoke Jaguar
3060 - Imprisoned by the 2nd Sword of Light command supporting the Kokuryu-kai
3062 - Released, becomes arena jockey at Solaris VII
3065 - Wins Championship Series at the Solaris VII Coliseum
3067 - Joins Gun Special Squadrons

Ryo Sanada's bright red Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kk, named "Red Demon of War" and decorated with his family's crest in gold, is a venerable battle-worn heirloom that has been used throughout the whole history of his family, serving House Kurita and the Draconis Combine loyally and with honor for centuries. The PXH-1Kk is a model that dates back to the Star League Era, developed by House Kurita itself, and this particular Mech dates back to Ryo's great-great-grandfather, who was the first in the family to serve behind its cockpit. Just like the Sanada family, it has a long and decorated history of meritorious service. Owing to this, it has been repeatedly modified over time.

This 'Mech is much lighter than the standard PXH-1Kk model thanks to an extra-light engine and a New Samarkand Royal ferro-fibrous armor - installed by Ryo's father -, allowing for a fair speed and maneuverability. It also still retains four Icarus Jump Jets from the Star League era, which allows it a decent jump height and distance. The 12 heatsinks have also been upgraded to double, with two installed in the engine, thus giving it a possibility to keep in the battlefield for more extended periods of time before having to recharge and dissipate waste heat.

It bears a Magna Hellstar Particle Projector Cannon on its right arm for long range strikes, which was installed by Ryo's great-grandfather. For medium range, it is equipped with a pair of Diplan M3 Medium Lasers, both on its left arm. Ryo himself, however, equipped the Crimson Demon of War with perhaps its most effective and deadliest weapon.

Those who aren't obliterated by the PPC at long range, or stopped by the medium lasers at medium range, will step directly into the range of a fearsome katana. This is a new kind of weapon, developed especially for the DCMS units by New Samarkand Metals, and deployed for the first time in 3058. Ryo had it installed right before Operation Bulldog, and he believes it was an important tool for having acquired his distinctions in the Hyner campaign. Not content with that, Ryo had a Mithril Wyrm Experimental Vibroblade installed. Vibroblades are a unique, experimental technology, with which Ryo came into contact during his time at the Solaris VII Arena battles, but Ryo has proved their effectiveness in capable hands, as many of those he defeated in the Arena Battles will reluctantly admit.

It is important to mention however, that this 'Mech is not without its drawbacks. The amount of energy it utilizes may cause shut down - or even explosion - in environments with hot enough temperature, due to potential slow dissipation of waste heat, and the risk of overheating is increased in an Alpha Strike (all of the 'Mech's weapons being fired simultaneously). The MechWarrior must also be wary of weapons effective against armor (such as Gauss rifles or Ultra Autocannons), as a solid hit to the 'Mech could place it in a serious predicament, as has been known to happen.

The Red Demon of War’s baptism of fire came while piloted by Ryo’s great-great grand-father, Yukitaka Sanada, fighting against the Federated Suns during the invasion of Delacruz in the First Succession War. Yukitaka would earn several commendations, and the Red Demon of War would earn its initial claim to fame.

Later during the Second Succession War, at Operation Praying Mantis, the Battlemech was piloted by Ryo’s great-grandfather Yukimura Sanada, who distinguished himself in service in the 6th, 7th and 8th battles of Hesperon II. There, the Red Demon of War suffered a blast wound from the LCS Invincible warship itself, while protecting a Kurita unit. The BattleMech’s right arm was sheared off, necessitating a complete rebuild. At this point, it acquired the Particle Projector Cannon it boasts on its right arm.

The Red Demon of War would see action and reach further glory again in the Fourth Succession war, as Ryo’s grandfather, Masayuki Sanada, would fight against the feared Wolf’s Dragoons, both in the Draconis Combine’s initial victories in Harrow’s Sun, and then in the Dragoons’ desperate victory at Crossing. This time, the Red Demon of War suffered the loss of its left arm, which was upgraded to bear its two Diplan M3 Medium Lasers.

But the Sanada family never gives up the fight and always comes back for more, and with them, comes the Red Demon of War. The War of 3039 saw Ryo’s father, Nobuyuki Sanada, defend the world of Marduk along the 8th Galedon Regulars against the Federated Suns’ 10th Deneb Light Cavalry, as part of the Benjamin Thrust (Operation GALERIS) by Hanse Davion. Here the BattleMech suffered its most dramatic wound – a direct blast to the chest. This resulted in the Red Demon of War’s engine replacement for an XL model. Ryo’s father would continue to fight among the Ryuken at Operation OROCHI while the Red Demon of War’s wounds were healed.

However, the Mech’s greatest battle had yet to arrive, and it would with the invasion of Luthien, the capital world of the Draconis Combine, by Clan Smoke Jaguar in 3052. Both father and son participated in the defense of the capital, Nobuyuki aboard the Red Demon of War among the Ryuken-go, and Ryo enduring his baptism of fire among the Sun Zhang Cadres, where both Sanada members would again earn the highest recognitions – it was in no small part thanks to Ryo’s heroic service as an undergraduate from the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy, that he would be admitted into the 2nd Sword of Light Regiment. With great pride, Ryo’s father passed on the Red Demon of War to him, as being admitted into one of the Draconis Combine’s most elite units was the greatest honor someone had achieved in his family. Ryo would prove most deserving of that honor as he would bring further glory to the Sanada and the Draconis Combine, by retaking the world of Hyner (Operation Bulldog) from Clan Smoke Jaguar in 3059. It was here that the Red Demon of War would get its ultimate weapon - its katana -, and Ryo himself would get his callsign: Toushin - the Blade. Ryo is an excellent swordsman when he’s not aboard the Red Demon of War, and he proves it as a MechWarrior. His katana took down several Clan Smoke Jaguar units in Hyner, and these amazing fighting skills earned Ryo the respect - and fear - of Clan Smoke Jaguar.

However, The Red Demon of War wouldn’t emerge unscathed. The more the situation turns desperate for Clan Smoke Jaguar, the greater and fiercer the fight they will give. The Red Demon of War would be temporarily out of action thanks to the damage it would receive, and would sit still for a while after Ryo’s trouble with the Kokuryu-kai, but it would see action again in the Arena battles of Solaris VII. Ryo would breeze through the competition to earn himself a place in the Championship Series, and there the Demon would acquire its newest weapon: its small vibroblade. In addition to the already fearsome katana, the vibroblade spelled physical doom for any ‘Mech that stepped into the Demon’s path during the grueling and violent matches of the Solaris VII Championship Series.

As has already been said, the Sanada family always comes back for more, and with them, comes the Red Demon of War. The Gun Special Squadrons are a fearsome mercenary unit, and the Blade of the Sanada now fights among them. Ryo Sanada's experience, skills and courage behind it ensure the effectiveness of the Red Demon of War in the field of battle.

Woe betide any unfortunate foes that dare stand in its way.