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Origins and History
The Draconis Combine was founded in 2319 by Shiro Kurita, who used persuasive
statesmanship, treachery, and bloody military conquest to forge it almost from
nothing.
Raised in a military and social tradition dating back more than six centuries,
Shiro embraced and embodied the "way of the warrior." Through the forcefulness
of his personality, he first managed to become leader of New Samarkand and then
went on to form a group of petty kings and lords into the New Galendon Alliance.
This Alliance, created to oppose the great Ozawa Mercantile alliance, was his
starting point for the military conquest of dozens more planets. By 2319, Shiro
Kurita, with his brother Urizen as Warlord, controlled a domain stretching from
the border of the Federated Suns to the Principality of Rasalhague, a realm he
renamed the Draconis Combine.
The most obvious legacy of Shiro Kurita is the Kurita family dynasty. The
Draconis Combine could not have summoned such single-minded devotion from its
people without the focus of the Kurita leadership. Only the existence of an
all-powerful Coordinator has been able to mobilize such often-fanatic military
determination from its troops.
More than in any Successor State, the history of the Draconis Combine has a
continuous tone and theme to it. The names may change, the tactics and internal
organization may change, but the Kurita dynasty continues to covet universal
domination just as its founder did some 700 years ago.
Shiro Kurita's legacy continues to this day, in both the devotion to the way of
the warrior and in the belief that House Kurita will one day reign over all
inhabited space. The Draconis Combine's combination of an all-pervasive military
tradition and a self-reliance easily mistaken for xenophobia contributes to the
constant belligerence of past and present Kurita leaders. Only on rare occasions
have they set aside their dominant tendencies toward violence, arrogance, and
ruthlessness in favor of alliance or cooperation. However, the next generation
usually made up for it by redoubling its martial nature. The two most
outstanding examples of this were Hehiro and Minoru Kurita.
Hehiro engaged in a rare display of trust when he signed the Treaty of Vega in
2569, setting forth the terms of the Draconis Combine's membership in the
nascent Star League. His son Leonard, who succeeded him in 2591, very nearly
undid this act through flagrant violations of his father's treaty with Ian
Cameron. After Kerensky's exodus from the Inner Sphere, Minoru Kurita proclaimed
himself First Lord of the Star League and began to plan and execute a massive
attack against the Federated Suns. The campaign was going well for the Kuritans
until a sniper shot Minoru Kurita in the back on Kentares IV. Following Minoru's
assassination, his psychotic son Jinjiro massacred 50 million civilians on that
world. The Kentares Massacre was an act that not only destroyed the momentum
gained in the war against Davion, but also contributed to the alienation between
Houses Steiner and Kurita, which Jinjiro allowed to flourish.
Until Rasalhague became independent in 3034, the Draconis Combine had expanded
to the border of the Lyran Commonwealth, absorbing lesser states along the way.
For 20 years the Free Rasalhague Republic served as a buffer between those two
Great Houses, with only a small portion of Kurita space bordering the Lyran
portion of the Federated Commonwealth. Now the Clan wedge serves to keep most of
these two realms separate.
At present, the Combine consists of approximately 75 worlds. In 2617, the
coreward world of Luthien replaced New Samarkand as the administrative capital,
but Shiro Kurita's homeworld continues to play an active role. For example,
House Kurita draws its palace guards and elite MechWarriors from the famous Sun
Zhang Academy, the largest MechWarrior academy in the Inner Sphere. Furthermore,
New Samarkand is the traditional base of operations for the Internal Security
Force, the secret police of the Draconis Combine. The relationship between the
Coordinator of the Combine and the Director of the ISF has varied, waxing and
waning in cordiality through the years. Nevertheless, the ISF has remained
utterly loyal to the Combine, if not to the House that rules it.
Though the Draconis Combine lost more than 50 worlds in the Fourth Succession
War, this same conflict saw the brilliant rise of Theodore Kurita, heir to the
Combine throne. His unconventional tactics were so successful that he earned the
support and confidence of much of the Combine's military. Despite the power
struggle this created between Theodore and Takashi, the Coordinator was almost
forced to name his son Deputy of Military Affairs in 3030. Theodore took this
opportunity to reshape the Combine's military to his own views. It was Theodore
who masterminded the strategy that successfully resisted the Federated
Commonwealth's massive invasion of the Combine in the War of 3039.
Theodore also saw the wisdom of recognizing the Free Rasalhague Republic when
its former Rasalhague Military District declared its independence from the
Combine. The Free Rasalhague Republic created a buffer state between the Combine
and the Lyran Commonwealth, freeing up Combine troops for assignment on other
borders.
Though Takashi and his son were often in disagreement during these crucial
years, Theodore's successes and support among the military were undeniable. Some
old-liners still oppose Theodore's methods and innovations, but the Coordinator
seems to have made his peace with his son ever since Theodore's relative
successes against the Clans in the recent invasion.
3050 Update
[Prepared by Justin Allard, Intelligence Secretary of the Federated
Commonwealth.]
The most significant events occurring in the Draconis Combine since the Fourth
Succession War are the rise of Theodore Kurita, the secession of Rasalhague, and
the War of 3039, in which Federated Commonwealth forces attempted to recapture
worlds lost to House Kurita in the Fourth War. Though Federated Commonwealth
commanders expected to easily defeat the Combine forces, the Kuritans surprised
us with the strength and cleverness of their resistance. In the end, our massive
invasion resulted in the capture of only seven worlds: Cylene, Lima, March,
McComb, Murchison, Royal, and Skat. The Kuritans took three: Fomalhaut, Quentin,
and Saffel.
Rise of Theodore
Theodore Kurita, Coordinator Takashi's only offspring, may be the most powerful
man in the Draconis Combine, even though it is his father who holds the highest
title of power. Theodore's rise began with his successes against the Steiner
military in the Fourth Succession War. In contrast, Takashi lost the support of
many Combine citizens because of his behavior during that conflict.
The Coordinator's obsession with destroying Wolf's Dragoons after the
mercenaries left the Draconis Combine in 3028 seemed to border on madness.
Coordinator Kurita took the case to a ComStar Review Board, but the Board ruled
no fault. While he was concentrating all his energy and attention on the
Dragoons along the Davion border, the Combine military effort on the
Commonwealth front suffered greatly. Takashi, meanwhile, became increasingly
irrational, flying into fits of rage and ranting that he wanted the skins and
skulls of the Dragoons' commanding officers.
Constance Kurita, Keeper of the Family Honor, stepped in a few weeks before the
war's end, demanding that Takashi undergo intensive medical examination. What
the doctors found was that the Coordinator had suffered a stroke severe enough
to affect his mental functioning sometime in the previous two years. They also
predicted he would suffer another, even more debilitating one unless he
underwent a series of operations to remove dangerous blood clots and to repair
weakened arteries.
While all this was occurring, Theodore was gaining in prestige and influence in
the Dieron Military District. While Warlord Cherenkoff virtually twiddled his
thumbs, Theodore went from command of three regiments of misfits to de facto
military control of the important Dieron Military District. Through shrewd
analysis and daring strategies, he succeeded in reversing the Combine's woeful
military situation by stopping the Commonwealth offensive cold.
The Combine still lost more than 50 star systems in the Fourth War and many of
its best regiments were mauled, yet the defeat might have been even more
devastating if not for Theodore Kurita's brilliance. He emerged from the war as
a hero, while Takashi's aura was tarnished. This set off a power struggle within
the Combine, though the Dragon realm seems to have emerged stronger rather than
weaker from the crisis.
Even after the war was over, Theodore Kurita continued to expand on his power
and popularity. As a result of his skillful leadership during the war, he
eventually won the support of most of the regiments of the Rasalhague, Dieron,
and Benjamin Military Districts. All unwittingly, Theodore had also impressed
the yakuza, the Combine's organized crime syndicate, who saw him as a new and
potent force compared to the stagnation that Takashi represented. These yakuza
later pledged their support to Theodore and helped him resist the Federated
Commonwealth's massive invasion of the Combine in 3039.
Takashi has always been harsh toward his son, but he could not ignore Theodore's
immense popularity with both the military and the people. In 3030, the
Coordinator felt obliged to award Theodore the Order of the Dragon in honor of
his achievements during the war. In that year, he also appointed his son Gunji
no Kanrei, Deputy for Military Affairs. Takashi may have believed it was a
hollow honor, but Theodore leaped at the chance to re-mold the Draconis Combine
Mustered Soldiery according to his own desires. As Kanrei, virtually no one
stood in his way.
Also at this time, it is believed that Theodore Kurita made a secret deal with
Myndo Waterly, Primus of ComStar. We have reason to suspect that Waterly offered
to supply House Kurita with 'Mechs, equipment, and troops if Theodore would
allow her to station ComStar forces in the Combine and if he would support the
creation of the Free Rasalhague Republic. Theodore apparently accepted the deal,
because the Draconis Combine quickly recognized the Free Rasalhague Republic
after it declared its independence, despite the fact that the Combine had to
give up worlds to that new state.
Also in his camp was Constance Kurita, Keeper of the House Honor and head of the
Order of the Five Pillars (O5P). As head of the O5P, Constance had access to her
Order's considerable intelligence capacities, and she may have been inclined to
put this information at Theodore's disposal. The Coordinator's son may also have
benefited from his special friendship with Subhash Indrahar, dreaded Director of
the Combine's Internal Security Force.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Constance and Indrahar must surely have assisted Theodore in
keeping secret his marriage to Tomoe Sakade for so long. The two were married in
3019, but Theodore did not reveal the fact to his father until 3033, when Tomoe
had already borne him two children, one of them a son. It is well-known that in
all those years Takashi was anxious to see his son married and the succession of
his line guaranteed by the birth of a child. The Coordinator actually arranged
several marriages for his son, but all were canceled for one reason or another.]
The Ronin War
On March 13, 3034, Haakon Magnusson declared himself Prince of the Free
Rasalhague Republic, which included most of the former Rasalhague Military
District of the Draconis Combine. ComStar quickly recognized the new state, as
did Takashi Kurita. The FRR created a buffer state between the Combine and the
Lyran Commonwealth, freeing up Combine troops for use on other borders. Only
about 20 Rasalhague District worlds remained under Combine control as the
Alshain District, while the Lyrans gave up most of what they had captured in the
Fourth Succession War. The new Alshain District included ten worlds of the
Buckminster Prefecture. Duke Hassid Ricol was appointed Governor, possibly in
return for a copy of the Star League library core that the Gray Death Legion had
discovered on Helm six years before.
Not all the Warlords of the Combine accepted the decision to recognize
Rasalhague's independence. Ivan Sorenson, Warlord of the Rasalhague Military
District, was assassinated before he even knew of the Draconis Combine's
acquiescence in the FRR's birth. However, the Warlords of Pesht and Dieron
Districts, Marcus Kurita and Vasily Cherenkoff, disagreed violently with the
decision to surrender Combine worlds and vowed to fight. Under the leadership of
Marcus Kurita, the renegade forces attacked the FRR.
Theodore branded these men ronin, declaring that they did not act in the name of
the Draconis Combine. Then he sent DCMS troops to cut off the ronin from their
supply bases in the Combine and ordered his men to crush any resistance.
Vasily Cherenkoff died in the ronin invasion when his Atlas was beheaded on
Orestes. His second-in-command, Tai-sho Dexter Kingsley, withdrew from the fight
and swore his allegiance to the Kanrei, which cut off Marcus Kurita's support.
In May of 3034, Marcus Kurita was assassinated in his field headquarters on
Predlitz. The Kuritans blamed the Lyran Commonwealth, but it is just as likely
that one of their own ruling clan wanted the eternally scheming Marcus Kurita
out of the way.
The Kanrei benefited in several ways from the Ronin War. Because he was fighting
against rebellious elements in his own military, it was a way of purging those
disloyal troops. Warlords Cherenkoff and Marcus Kurita, two adversaries, were
also permanently out of the way. Finally, because Theodore withdrew his troops
after they had helped to crush the rebels, he raised his stock with the FRR
considerably.
Theodore's Innovations
As Kanrei, Theodore has made many changes in the DCMS to make it a stronger,
more efficient force. New 'Mech and fighter pilots, many of them yakuza, were
trained in the rebuilding of the Ryuken and Genyosha regiments as well as at
special field academies. This training stressed practical cooperation rather
than political correctness, emphasizing coordination between front and rear
echelons and among the various military branches. Early in this training
program, Coordinator Takashi had attempted to undercut this new military trend
by ordering that the Genyosha and Ryuken be dispersed among the rest of the DCMS
in June 3031. Rather than diluting Theodore's ideas, this merely served to
disseminate them widely throughout the ranks. The reformation of the Ryuken and
Genyosha, however, was set back severely, and those regiments came back together
barely in time for the War of 3039. To our surprise, Theodore was making other
major changes in the DCMS.
War of 3039
The success of Theodore's policies became clear during the War of 3039, when
Federated Commonwealth forces mounted a four-pronged offensive against the
Draconis Combine. Theodore coordinated and planned his defense so skillfully
that it caught the Davion invasion force by surprise. The war continued until
early 3040, but it soon became the old game of mutual raid-and-reprisal, rather
than a major offensive that had the Combine on the run.
Long after the war, Federated Commonwealth military intelligence still has not
been able to discern what Theodore Kurita did and how he did it. What is known
is that the Draconis Combine fielded a large number of units that we still have
not been able to identify. The DCMS also fielded 'Mechs of design seen only in
the Com Guards and variants with unexpected capabilities. Warriors should
exercise great caution in encounters with any unknown 'Mech type and with Kurita
Chargers, which may have increased weaponry, or special two-seat BattleMasters,
which have enhanced communications and command capabilities.
Politics: Takashi's
Status
Much of the blame for the Combine's poor showing during the Fourth War can be
laid at the door of Coordinator Takashi Kurita. His erratic behavior shook the
confidence of many nobles and other high Combine officials. The only person to
challenge the Coordinator's power was the late Marcus Kurita, who made several
attempts against Takashi's life and went renegade during the Ronin War. Most
Combine officials have been biding their time to see how the chips will fall in
the unspoken struggle for dominance between father and son.
Takashi's most important support is among the older officers of the DCMS, mainly
because Theodore's sweeping renovations have stripped them of much of their
prestige.
Theodore's Status
Theodore's military successes during the Fourth War and the War of 3039 have
solidified his position as the Combine's great military genius, while his rank
of Kanrei has given him the power to shape the military with virtually no
interference. He can count on the support of most of the younger officers,
non-commissioned officers, and enlisted troops, who admire and even revere him.
Women and officers from the lower classes, particularly MechWarriors, have a
special loyalty to Theodore because it was he who removed the barriers that
prevented them from rising in rank and importance. Of all Theodore's supporters,
however, the yakuza are the most ardent. By acknowledging their value and giving
them a chance to assist him militarily, he has won the fervent support of most
yakuza clans in the Combine.
The main opponents of Theodore Kurita are the die-hard older officers of the
DCMS, who resent being forced to give up the old ways in which rank alone gave
them unquestioned authority. There has been an insidious war within the
bureaucracy of the DCMS since Theodore became Warlord, with the older officers
trying desperately to hold on to their power while trying to hinder Theodore's
reforms. This has been mostly a losing battle, however, as Theodore "requests"
more and more of these officers to retire or as they see their most prominent
comrades killed.
Reconciliation
The truce between Takashi and his son, which began in 3039, seems solid. From
what we can gather, the two have agree to maintain their respective power bases,
with Takashi exercising authority over social, economic, and political matters,
and Theodore controlling the military. The two are often seen together publicly,
and usually with Theodore's wife and children in tow.
That is significant because Theodore's personal life was once a sore point
between the Coordinator and his son. For now, Theodore seems content to play the
dutiful son in public, no doubt because he and his father realize that public
support in the freer, more open Combine society will be the key to their
political survival. Both have become conscious of the power of the new
independent Combine media and are learning to make clever use of it.
Foreign Relations
Relations with other "friendly" realms have suffered while the leaders of the
Combine dealt with major internal problems and then the invasion of 3039.
We have learned that there is a movement afoot in the Combine to renew alliances
beyond the border of the Combine. Some, perhaps including Theodore, believe that
a successful alliance is possible even though the members will be separated by
the Federated Commonwealth. Indeed, if ComStar's support of the Combine is as
extensive as believed, this could easily give the Combine and any allies special
communication and transportation privileges.
An alliance with the Capellan Confederation is unlikely because of the weakness
of the Capellan military and Romano Liao's unpredictability. An alliance with
the Free Worlds League might be more probable because of that state's proximity,
strength, and strong contacts with ComStar. According to latest reports, Combine
diplomatic missions have made visits to Captain-General Marik.
Border Changes
The creation of the Free Rasalhague Republic from the Combine's former
Rasalhague District left a band of planets that became the heart of the Alshain
Military District. Ruled by the planet Alshain, this District is a long, thin
region bordering the new FRR. It consists of the 20 Rasalhague worlds that the
Combine did not surrender to the FRR, plus ten worlds from the Buckminster
Province. The Alshain District is divided into three Prefectures named for their
capitals: Buckminster, Garstedt, and Rubigen.
The reshuffling of Combine assets into the new prefecture allowed Theodore to
staff the region with many political allies, including Duke Ricol, formerly of
Verthandi. The Duke was named Governor in 3034, directly after the Combine
recognized the FRR.
DCMS
As Kanrei, Theodore has made many sweeping changes in the DCMS through the
manipulation of personnel and resources. Among his first actions was the
establishment of "Tiger Programs," which resemble the Federated Commonwealth's
regional training battalions. Theodore's military changes also include active
recruitment of the best warriors for Theodore's loyal regiments, regardless of
social rank or sex.
At first, most warriors trained in the ten Tiger Programs were assigned to one
of the five Ruyken regiments or two Genyosha regiments. These regiments and the
four Legions of Vega were the core of Theodore's support until his father
ordered them disbanded in 3031. Even disbanded, however, they served Theodore as
his eyes and ears among the other regiments. His secret deals with ComStar and
the yakuza also gave him the means to create a number of other private regiments
whose skill and loyalty were crucial during the War of 3039, along with the
newly reconstituted Ryuken and Genyosha.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: These private regiments, composed largely of Underworld
characters, women, and people from the lower classes of Kurita society, are
still largely a mystery. Wolfnet refer to them as "ghost regiments" and have
identified approximately twelve such units.]
Theodore has also altered the ranking system in the DCMS. Previously, ranks from
Recruit through Sergeant Major were considered too unimportant to rate a
Japanese name. In Theodore's new army, all ranks are treated as important and
deserving of respect, and so the lower ranks now have the following Japanese
names:
Recruit: Hojuhei
Private: Heishi
Lance Corporal: Gunjin
Corporal: Go-cho
Sergeant: Gunsho
Mater Sergeant: Shujin
Talon Sergeant: Kashira
Sergeant Major: Sho-ko
Warlords received the new title of Tai-shu. The Kanrei also gave MechWarriors
and AeroSpace Pilots the title Busosenshito express his respect for their worth.
Before this, the DCMS did not hold its aerojocks in high esteem.
Theodore altered battlefield tactics as well. In 3036, he wrote a text on his
philosophy of combat, Modern Tactics: The Combined Arms Approach. It reflected
his interest in the combined-service attacks used so successfully by the AFFC.
Since then, the DCMS is more likely to attack with groups of units, each from a
different military background. This proved especially effective in the Kanrei's
defense strategies in the War of 3039.
To the older officers, Theodore's ideas and the influx of warriors from all
classes seemed almost heretical, even if effective. As proof, they point to the
lack of discipline and honor shown by some younger soldiers.
The military industry of the DCMS is remarkably free of such political divisions
because it survives no matter who holds power in the realm. After the creation
of the Free Rasalhague Republic deprived the Combine of two 'Mech factories,
efforts were made to expand existing facilities. Their increased production,
along with the ComStar 'Mechs, have apparently given the DCMS the luxury of
surplus 'Mechs and parts.
Social and Economic
Reforms
Believing that the Capellan Confederation's rigorous social stratification was
responsible for their defeat in the Fourth War, Coordinator Takashi instituted
the Pillar Reforms in 3043. These laws, which relax the restraints on social
classes in Combine society, are a major reinterpretation of the Dictum Honorium.
The Reforms also allow citizens more privacy than previously. While these
reforms may trouble Constance Kurita and the ISF, neither has openly opposed
them.
The Pillar Reforms also address the economy. They give corporations greater
freedom to chart their own destinies. The reforms also attempt to stimulate
inter-realm trade by increasing construction of commercial JumpShips, as well as
releasing ships requisitioned by the DCMS decades, even centuries, ago.
Trade with the Federated Commonwealth continues to be forbidden, as it has been
for the past 20 years. Trade with the Free Worlds League, the Capellan
Confederation, and the Free Rasalhague Republic is encouraged.
The Pillar Reforms seem to have inspired a great sense of optimism among the
Combine's ordinary citizens. In addition to enjoying greater personal freedom,
people in the Combine have a higher standard of living for the first time in a
century.
Goals and Problems
It is likely that the strengthening of the DCMS will continue. Takashi may be
wary of the DCMS's loyalty to his son, but the two seem to have an improved
relationship. Besides, the Coordinator has a vested interest in making his
borders with the Federated Commonwealth secure or in being able to launch an
offense. Related to these goals are his recent diplomatic efforts toward the
Free Worlds League. An alliance of these two states could complicate the
Federated Commonwealth's plans.
It is expected that the Coordinator's social and economic reforms will continue,
giving the Combine a strong economy and a contented people in the second half of
the 31st Century.
The tensions between Coordinator Takashi and Kanrei Theodore are the biggest
potential problem facing the Draconis Combine. Though the dispute between the
two seems less public in recent years, it would be naive to believe that it no
longer exists.
The history of troubles between the two is mirrored in the DCMS by the older,
aristocratic officers loyal to the Coordinator and the younger, more pragmatic
officers of the Kanrei's new army. If something were to disrupt the fragile
working relationship between the Coordinator and his son, it could wreak havoc
on the DCMS and the Combine.
Finally, the increased personal freedoms outlined in the Pillar Reforms have
brought a sudden increase in crime and the expression of dissident political
opinions. The introduction of even harsher punishments for lawbreakers has not
deterred either criminals or dissidents. There are those within the government,
notably the ISF and the O5P, who might be provoked to take action against these
trends without the Coordinator's permission. Again, this could upset the balance
of power and seriously weaken the Combine's position. |
