The Clans of BattleTech
Once there were 20 clans, but today, only 14 remain. The following clans were originally named by Nicholas Kerensky, the ilKhan. Following Kerensky's death, the clans each developed traditions based on their interpretations of Kerensky's teachings and how best to serve them. Some clans, known as the Crusaders, believe they should return to the Inner Sphere as a conquering army and take back what is theirs. Others, known as Wardens, believe they should return to the Inner Sphere as teachers of Kerensky's vision, and as protectors.
Clan Wolf
Deciphering the way of the Wolves requires a careful look at the art of contradiction. They are new and old; they are as one, but divided. Following the Refusal war, Clan Wolf was ripped apart and cast into two separate entities: the Crusaders and the Wardens. Below is an account of the Wolf Crusaders.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Strana Mechty
Population (Clan Space): 101,849,000 (3060)
Leaders:
- Khan: Vlad Ward
- saKahn: Marialle Radick
- Loremaster: Katya Kerensky
- Scientist-General: Rudi (Sinclair)
- Merchant Factor: Michael
- Master Technician: Nymar
- Senior Laborer: Bork
Military: 34 Clusters and 13 Warships
Allies: Clan Coyote and Goliath Scorpion
Tentative Allies: Clan Wolves Warden and Jade Falcons
Enemies: Ice Hellions
While the fire of war still rages within the Wolves, the conformist nature of most clans is not as evident here. The Wolf Crusaders are a group of idealistic individuals, rather than a formless mass of "yes men." However, when the Khan speaks, those who fall under his rule must obey.
"Here, with the Strana Mechty wolf, we see what may be the epitome of a warrior, cunning matched with instinct and stealth, joined with a final, terrifying attack. For this mighty creature, I name you. You are Clan Wolf." —Nicholas Kerensky, 2810
Clan Blood Spirit
They are bitter; they are isolated; and they are … artists? Clan Blood Spirit is distinct in many ways—among them, is an utter lack of official alliances with other clans. The clan's isolation is also cause for concern, as it precludes its ability to advance technologically. Clan Blood Spirit is fierce in training and discipline, but its Khan also recognize the need for self-expression and encourage clansfolk to pursue artistic outlets.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: York
Population: 65,714,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Karianna Schmitt
- saKhan: Troy Boques
- Loremaster: Bayle Campbell
- Scientist-General: Peterson (Le Duc)
- Merchant Factor: Yasia
- Master Technician: Soon
- Senior Laborer: Margaretha
Military: 27 Clusters and 4 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: Fire Mandrill and Snow Raven
Enemies: Hell's Horses, Coyote, and Star
Adders
Clan Blood Spirit sees the other clans as traitors to the original vision of Nicholas Kerensky, despite its own obvious transgressions. Clan Blood Spirit encourages common training regimes to help build familial bonds among its warriors. Although the regime is rigorous, it includes time to reflect and create.
"For the first and only time, the Blood Spirits here bare their souls to the rest of the Clans. All know why we have kept ourselves apart from those who betrayed Kerensky's vision. Here, amid the pages of history, military practices, and a listing of our current strengths and weaknesses, you will discover why we have removed our shell, if only briefly." —Bayle Campbell, Loremaster, Clan Blood Spirit
Clan Cobra
Clan Cloud Cobra is a dangerous combination of devious, political ambition and a gestalt view of religion, known as "The Way." Its warriors also act as members of the clergy and as professors. This multiplicity within the Cobras makes it difficult to predict its actions.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Homer
Population: 58,374,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Din Steiner
- saKhan: Kieran Telinov
- Loremaster: Eleni Riaz
- Scientist-General: Goran (Pasteur)
- Merchant Factor: Joshua
- Master Technician: Franco
- Senior Laborer: Yuu
Military: 22 Clusters and 15 Warships
Allies: Burrock and Star Adder
Tentative Allies: Diamond Shark, Snow Raven, Nova Cats, and Wolves (in exile)
Enemies: None officially
The Cloud Cobras' way is in fact, "The Way": a philosophical and religious view that encompasses all denominations and their fundamental beliefs. The warriors within the clan are encouraged to explore the elements of each belief and often act as clergymen, ministering to the citizenry. Clan Cloud Cobra tends to seem less threatening to many neutral and even extremist clans, due to the all-encompassing nature of "The Way."
Clan Coyote
The Strana Mechty coyote was once found on virtually every planet under Clan influence, but over the last few decades, its numbers have thinned. This is true for the Clan as well. Clan Coyote's peak of power found it second in territorial holdings and absolute population, but it has weakened as the years have passed.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Tamaron
Population: 73,360,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Sullivan Koga
- saKhan: Silas Kufahl
- Loremaster: Clarissa Jerricho
- Scientist-General: Ricarda (Remer)
- Merchant Factor: Kavindra
- Master Technician: Onyda
- Senior Laborer: Hillard
Military: 35 Clusters and 12 Warships
Allies: Diamond Shark and Hell's Horses
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Cobra, Star Adder, Fire Mandrills, and Blood
Spirits
Clan Coyote maintains a strict separation between the warrior and civilian castes. Clan Coyote's leadership looks on the civilian caste as subservient, existing for the sole purpose of assisting the warriors. Through good work, some civilian castes, such as the scientist and technician groups, have carved out a bit more freedom for themselves. However, strict discipline is still enforced on all.
Clan Diamond Shark
Originally named Clan Sea Fox, this clan was forced to rename itself following the insidious introduction of the Diamond Shark. The Diamond Shark was introduced by the Khan of Clan Snow Raven to eliminate the Sea Fox and sit atop the food chain. This strategy worked and caused Clan Sea Fox to adopt a new totem animal.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Strana Mechty
Population: 67,859,000
Leadership:
- Khan: Barbara Sennet
- saKhan: Angus Labov
- Loremaster: Semi Kalasa
- Scientist-General: Trudy (Bland)
- Merchant Factor: Lorenzo
- Master Technician: Warren
- Senior Laborer: Vaslav
Military: 33 Clusters and 18 Warships
Allies: Blood Spirits, Fire Mandrills, Wolf, and Ghost Bears
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Snow Ravens
Clan Diamond Shark has moved away from second-class citizenship for its civilian castes. This has fostered a strong bond between the warriors and civilians and has allowed for more prosperity. Clan Diamond Shark is very business savvy, and while its members respect codes of honor, they will occasionally look the other way in the name of profit.
Clan Fire Mandrill
Clan Fire Mandrill is known for its loyalty to the pack and for its aggressiveness. It is fitting that the clan that took its name is one that has been fractured by loyalties to multiple members of the clans.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Shadow
Population: 81,719,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Amanda Carrol
- saKhan: Garret Sainze
- Loremaster: Drew Tanaga
- Scientist-General: Arkady (Crick)
- Merchant Factor: Bianca
- Master Technician: Lom
- Senior Laborer: Todd
Military: 30 Clusters and 7 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: Blood Spirits and Diamond Sharks
Enemies: Steel Vipers and Coyote
Clan Fire Mandrills has a mixed bag of fractured castes. Each caste has loyalties to a Kindraa, which is the very heart of the Fire Mandrill existence. While each Kindraa may have a caste, it does not need to have a sub caste. While the warrior and civilian castes are well trained, their alienation from other castes has stunted their progress.
Clan Ghost Bear
The Clan, like the Strana Mechty Ghost Bear, is a patient, but ferocious predator. A commonly used mantra in Clan Ghost Bear is simply "wait and see." These warriors would rather take a careful, well-executed action against their enemies, as opposed to a rash, emotional response.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Alshain (IS)
Population: 24,294,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Bjorn Jorgensson
- saKhan: Aletha Kabrinski
- Loremaster: Laurie Tseng
- Scientist-General: Jorge (Agassiz)
- Merchant Factor: Werner
- Master Technician: Alejandro
- Senior Laborer: Alia
Allies: Snow Raven
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Hell's Horses, Steel Vipers, and Wolf
Founded by a married couple, the bond of family is ever present in Clan Ghost Bear. The warriors and citizens are seen as children, with the Khan/father looking out for them. This intense family focus extends even to the individual families of the citizenry, where children tend to stay with their parents far longer than in other clans.
Goliath Scorpion
The totem animal for each clan is of prime importance, but this holds most true for Clan Goliath Scorpion. In order to weed out the lesser warriors, new recruits are forced to inject painful and deadly venom. Those who live move on as warriors—those who don't just move on.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Roche
Population: 67,238,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Ariel Suvovrov
- saKhan: Nelson Elam
- Loremaster: Kyrie Ben-Shimon
- Scientist-General: Germon (Wilkinson)
- Merchant Factor: Palos
- Master Technician: Noam
- Senior Laborer: Suu
Military: 24 Clusters and 17 Warships
Allies: Wolf
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Ice Hellions
Clan Goliath Scorpion is forced to rely more on freeborns than other clan, due to its fatal ritualistic rites. One focus of the clan is its "living heraldry," wherein its members create works of art, based on their history, as a testament to their accomplishments. This also becomes a means for passing lore from one generation to the next.
Hell's Horses
The Hell's Horses were born out of an ill-conceived notion to adapt a breed of horses to the barren deserts of Circe. The horses became vicious and aggressive and were set to be terminated. A lone soldier with a sympathetic heart saved them, and their wild nature has since earned them respect.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Niles
Population: 95,317,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Malavai Fletcher
- saKhan: Tanya DeLaurel
- Loremaster: Helena Fletcher
- Scientist-General: Mohamed (Kepler)
- Merchant Factor: Sonja
- Master Technician: Amanda
- Senior Laborer: Jan
Military: 37 Clusters and 10 Warships
Allies: Wolf
Tentative Allies: Coyotes, Steel Vipers, Snow Ravens, and Jade Falcons
Enemies: Ghost Bear
While the warrior caste in of Hell's Horses still holds dominion over the civilians, the relationship is much healthier than in other clans. Clan Hell's Horses respects the technology that allows it to make progress, but it sees that merely as a means to an end. Unfortunately, the Hell's Horses are not an aggressive clan, militarily or politically. Its lack of action has earned it a low reputation among other clans.
Clan Ice Hellion
Like its totem animals, Clan Ice Hellions chooses speed over power and team work over individualism. The clan is seen as reckless and stubborn by many other clans, who believe that the Ice Hellions stay too close to the essence of the totem animal.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Hector
Population: 101,309,000
Leadership:
- Khan: Asa Taney
- saKhan: Sellen Cage
- Loremaster: Jonas Cage
- Scientist-General: Ken (Pascal)
- Merchant Factor: Martine
- Master Technician: Lukas
- Senior Laborer: Lew
Military: 21 Clusters and 13 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Wolves
Clan Ice Hellion lives by traditional methods. The warrior class is clearly the "superior" caste. The inferiority complex of the civilian castes has led to strong bonds between them, as they have learned to depend more on one other. The driving force behind most of Clan Ice Hellion's innovations is the constant desire to become faster and leaner. Alliances between other clans are rare and of brief duration, as Clan Ice Hellions believes so strongly in its own abilities.
Clan Jade Falcon
Clan Jade Falcon bears the name of the Eden predator. This clan is consistently among the most powerful, most aggressive, and most dedicated to Nicholas Kerensky's vision. The Falcons helped to shape the Crusader philosophy.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Ironhold
Population: 116,264,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Marthe Pryde
- saKhan: Samantha Clees
- Loremaster: Kael Perhsaw
- Scientist-General: Etienne (Balzac)
- Merchant Factor: Moriz
- Master Technician: Sanders
- Senior Laborer: Tae
Military: 47 Clusters and 23 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Wolf and Steel Vipers
The Falcons are fierce traditionalists; therefore, the trueborn warriors stand atop the heap, looking down on freeborn warriors and the lowly civilian castes. Although the civilians are second-class citizens, the warriors and leaders recognize their important contribution, so they enjoy a better standard of living than other clans. Historically, Clan Jade Falcons has preferred action over politics, but recently its Khans have been more diplomatically active.
Snow Raven
Strana Mechty is home to the snow raven, whose most significant attribute is its meticulous use of resources. The clan that took its name shares a similar outlook; Clan Snow Raven wastes nothing, takes advantage of everything it can, and has also become a political force of some renown.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: Lum
Population: 94,199,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Lynn McKenna
- saKhan: Bryn Cooper
- Loremaster: Klaus Harper
- Scientist-General: Charlotte (von Braun)
- Merchant Factor: Louis
- Master Technician: Mattias
- Senior Laborer: Emili
Military: 26 Clusters and 40 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: Blood Spirits, Cobras, and Ghost Bears
Enemies: Steel Vipers and Diamond Sharks
The genesis of Clan Snow Raven was a difficult internal struggle; born from that struggle is a pervading sense of distrust of outsiders, and the driving need to keep everything "in the group." Unfortunately, this outlook has led to similar distrust within the clan. Subgroups and castes tend to operate independently and rarely ask for help from clan fellows. This has led to a scavenger mentality and a miserly existence.
Clan Star Adder
The Star Adders call the planet of Arcadia home. This totem animal has been genetically engineered to be a pure predator. The same can be said about the traits of the clan that adopted its name. It is merciless, viciously aggressive, unrelenting, and will defend its territory at all costs.
Alliance: Crusader
Capital: Sheridan
Population: 108,695,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Cassius N'Buta
- saKhan: Tabitha Paik
- Loremaster: Dagmar Lahiri
- Scientist-General: Bas (Meitner)
- Merchant Factor: Sylvian
- Master Technician: Armand
- Senior Laborer: Francis
Military: 52 Clusters and 28 Warships
Allies: Cloud Cobras
Tentative Allies: Snow Ravens
Enemies: Blood Spirits
Clan Star Adder is, and has always been, a dominant force among the clans. It adheres to a strict sense of unification, with the various castes operating in symbiotic relationships with one another. The warrior castes realize that, without the civilians, their abilities would be hampered, and the civilians realize that their safety and stability of life depend on the warriors. Although the civilians do not have an official role in government, they do have a leader known as the Clan Adjutant, who reports to the Khan with concerns from his constituents.
Clan Steel Viper
You would be hard pressed to find a deadlier totem animal than the Steel Viper; its skills as a hunter are unrivaled. This is the principal that Clan Steel Viper lives by and the reputation it hopes to foster among the other clans. While Clan Steel Vipers incurred set backs in its early days, it has managed to hold together, and it looks to become stronger because of it.
Alliance: Warden
Capital: New Kent
Population: 57,275,000
Leaders:
- Khan: Perigard Zalman
- saKhan: Brett Andrews
- Loremaster: Arthur Stoklas
- Scientist-General: Gunther (Kuroda)
- Merchant Factor: Turhan
- Master Technician: Dor
- Senior Laborer: Alberto
Military: 39 Clusters and 15 Warships
Allies: None
Tentative Allies: None
Enemies: Jade Falcon, Snow Raven, and Fire
Mandrills
The members of Clan Steel Vipers have chosen to isolate themselves; with the exception of their merchant caste, almost no contact with other clans is allowed. Clan Steel Viper believes it is the only clan holding true to Nicholas Kerensky's vision, and it holds a dim view of any clan that strays from that philosophy. The member of this clan are neither Crusaders nor Wardens.
By Alex McLain
