The destruction of the Smoke Jaguars has had a great impact on the Clans as well. Clan politics between Wardens and Crusaders has always been contentious, but it was hoped the Smoke Jaguar’s example would serve as a warning to those Crusaders who thought defeating the Inner Sphere would be a matter of waiting until our guard was down. And it is true, the pace of internecine fighting has slowed somewhat. There are a number of reasons for this.
One is that the rapid expansion of Clan-dominated worlds has strapped their military forces overall, while the defeat at Tukayyid still echoes through empty warrior mess halls and understaffed headquarters alike. The Clans have a population problem. Some respond by importing the populations of entire worlds to new homes carved out of the Inner Sphere. Others are hurriedly ramping up Trueborn gestation sites and training schools.
Another is that some of the most hidebound, reactionary elements of Clan culture have been forced to retreat to their homeworlds. The firebrand iKhans of the past are no more, replaced with more politically savvy descendants who see some value in assimilation and even a relaxation of the strict caste system as they settle down to actually living on the worlds they so recently seized by force.
However, the true legacy of the Smoke Jaguars may even now be finding expression, not in more peace talks and increased trade, but in accelerated military research and construction. Such development forms a continuous backdrop to all civilizations, but the Clans are a Warrior-centric culture and for them, new weapons, tactics and delivery systems are literally a way of life. Rather than focus on a few Clans for this Technical Readout, we of the Archives and Records arm decided to branch out and incorporate intelligence gathered from all corners of Clan-space. What we found was surprising.
Clans as diverse in outlook as the Fire Mandrills, the Jade Falcons and the Cloud Cobras have begun fielding new configurations of older Omni-Mechs. Even the Steel Vipers, a Clan not seen in the Inner Sphere since 3052, are fielding a conventional ‘Mech based on the old Hellbringer (Loki) Omni-Mech design. New weapons technology is appearing at an increased rate, as the Advanced Tactical Missile system shakes off its early flaws and finds its way into Clan battlefield doctrine. At the same time, older ‘off-the-shelf’ weapons systems find widespread employment in new configurations as the Clans attempt to relieve the pressure on their factories and supply lines until they can ‘catch their breath’ and bring new production facilities online.
Most notable of the ‘Mechs listed here are four entirely new Omni-Mech designs. Clans Fire Mandrill, Hell’s Horses, Steel Viper and Coyote are all throwing their hat in the ring as it were, introducing the Ferratus, Falcata, Thylacine and Dimacheri, respectively. Ranging from 65 to 95 tons, these are all efficient, carefully-considered designs which stand a good chance of replacing their seasoned predecessors as they work their way into other Clan militaries through trade and battlefield salvage.
A final note: as of this writing, word has arrived that Draconis Combine forces have attacked the world of Alshain in regimental strength. It is presumed they are attempting to retake the capital of Clan Ghost Bear by force. What possible motive could be behind this surprise move? Given the Bear’s overwhelming presence in the area and past evidence of their strength, it is difficult to imagine House Kurita ordered the assault. Perhaps it is simply another political ploy, one of many made in recent years. Regardless, the result is sure to spell hard days to come for the Combine and its neighbors.
