BattleTech Lore & History - Third Succession War: One Last Bomb (MechWarrior Lore)

Introduction

When envisioning a battle from the Third Succession War, it's crucial to understand how it differs from its predecessors. The hallmark of this era is small unit actions entailing raids on industrial complexes, as grand campaigns featuring numerous conquering regiments are largely perceived as relics of the past. While 99% of engagements over the last 150 years reflected this approach, there emerged a few exceptional clashes over time. The most monumental of these battles occurred during the Third Succession War, a conflict in which head of state might dedicate their entire life to gathering strength for a decisive assault.

One such pivotal showdown was the Draconis Combine's invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth in 2895. For nearly 30 years, the Commonwealth forces had been in retreat. The fall of the beel Ganbi four years prior and the annihilation of the Third Sky Rangers propelled the Combine toward their final offensive against the capital of the Federation of Skye. The skirmish over this world would escalate into the largest battle of the ongoing war, remaining unequaled for over a century.

The defenders comprised the Eighth Dunmore Guards and the Seventeenth Sky Rangers, leading a coalition of 12 conventional regiments alongside Nar's Raiders. The Combine's forces included five BattleMech regiments and 19 conventional units. Historically, the Lyran Commonwealth had crumbled under similar assaults, yet they demonstrated unexpected ferocity this time. A significant turning point occurred when Kurita's army's attempt to capture the capital city of New Glasgow was thwarted. An ambush in the Banck Burn bogs forced them into retreat, skewing their projected quick victory into a protracted 13-month campaign.

The absence of weapons of mass destruction, featuring a shift toward civilized warfare and unofficial adherence to the ancient Ares Conventions, marked the Third Succession War's unique characteristics. However, as the struggle intensified, the Lyran forces succumbed to brutality not witnessed in generations, partially attributed to Archon Elizabeth Steiner's death on July 31st. She had been seen as a moral bastion for her military, and once her leadership faded, the forces began executing Kuritan prisoners, signaling a dramatic descent into barbarity.

In their advance toward the city of Innes, the Draconis Combine broke through the defensive line. At this moment, the garrison commander urged Commodore Lisa Miles of the 348th Reserve Detachment to undertake a desperate measure. She loaded two remaining Sea Skimmers with a 1-kiloton tactical nuclear weapon. One vessel was destroyed en route, but the second successfully detonated at the dam, unleashing catastrophic floods that wiped out the advancing column. It marked the first use of a WMD in decades and the last nuclear deployment recorded before 3025.

Despite the dramatic turn, the Draconis Combine could not conquer the planet. The Lyran forces managed to regain control over Zabo Ganbi shortly after, though the invasion continued across other fronts. Throughout the remaining years of the 29th century, the Combine stationed efforts across other star systems, while also uncovering information about their next target, the Tamar Pact.

In the face of hardship, the struggle for survival continued on many fronts. Beyond the battlefield, the effects of the Third Succession War lay heavy on numerous worlds, as catastrophic disasters and depopulation plagued the galaxy. By 3025, the devastating impact of the conflict became undeniably clear—hundreds of systems were rendered uninhabitable, and millions perished due to starvation and disease.

Amongst the turmoil, various powers sought an edge in the eternal power struggle. Joseph Davian II ascended the throne of the Federated Suns, leading campaigns from the front. His frequent absence from the capital strained the realm's health. Meanwhile, the culture among MechWarriors shifted as elitist behavior became rampant, culminating in infighting that threatened the stability of the Federated Suns.

The narrative of the Third Succession War is marked by conflict, desperation, betrayal, and significant challenges that would echo through history. Its consequences reshaped the Inner Sphere, leaving behind a bitter legacy that would influence warfare for generations to come.

Keywords

Third Succession War, BattleMech, Draconis Combine, Lyran Commonwealth, Archon Elizabeth Steiner, nuclear weapon, Commodore Lisa Miles, Federated Suns, Tamar Pact, MechWarrior.

FAQ

1. What was the significance of the Third Succession War? The Third Succession War marked a critical juncture in BattleTech history, characterized by small unit actions, a significant absence of mass destruction weapons, and fierce regional battles.

2. What event marked the last use of a nuclear weapon in the Third Succession War? The deployment of a 1-kiloton tactical nuclear weapon by Commodore Lisa Miles during her desperate move to flood Kuritan forces was the last known use of a WMD before 3025.

3. Who was Archon Elizabeth Steiner, and what was her influence on the war? Archon Elizabeth Steiner was a moral leader in the Lyran Commonwealth whose passing led to the deterioration of discipline within the military forces, escalating brutality against prisoners of war.

4. What role did Joseph Davian II play during this era? Joseph Davian II became the ruler of the Federated Suns, frequently leading campaigns from the front, which strained governmental effectiveness and resource management.

5. How did the war affect the Inner Sphere? The Third Succession War left devastating consequences, including widespread depopulation, famine, and a shift in power dynamics, significantly shaping the future of the Inner Sphere.