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Clan Nova Cat Touman

The Clan Nova Cat touman comprises all military assets owned by Clan Nova Cat. Once one of the strongest Clan toumans, recent changes caused by the Nova Cats' Abjuration and other conflicts have left it a shell of its former self. Rebuilding difficulties have been compounded by a lack of resources.

History[edit]

Being led by their Warrior Castes, the history of the Nova Cat touman is intrinsically tied to the history of Clan Nova Cat.

Overview[edit]

Clan Nova Cat warriors place a high priority on accuracy and were known to challenge the Goliath Scorpions for marksmanship prior to the Nova Cat Abjuration. Nova Cat Warriors have a marked preference for laser-armed designs, a practice that originated from the Nova Cats perfecting the ER Lasers in use by Clan forces to this day. Recently[when?], Nova Cat warriors have cross-trained across a wide variety of unit types, the better to disguise the touman's issue with low resources.

Nova Cat commanders prize flexibility in tactical doctrine. They are quick to adapt to what works, regardless of origin, and are known to study the tactics of their rivals. The Nova Cats particularly prize the 'Hover-Drop' maneuver. In the 'hover-drop', Nova Cat 'Mechs will deploy from their DropShips while still in the lower atmosphere, removing the need for reentry cocoons. While dangerous, it allows the 'Mechs to fire while descending and minimizes enemy reaction time. In some cases, Nova Cat 'Mechs are known to disembark at a low level, allowing the DropShip to engage with its own weapon and provide additional cover fire.[1] Nova Cat units have also seen an increase in the use of combined arms tactics, more out of necessity than want.[when?][citation needed]

Clan Nova Cat is opportunistic when it comes to Clan honor. They still adhere to zellbrigen when possible, but are quick to drop it when refused.

Ground Forces[edit]

Traditionally, Nova Cat Clusters were standardized into one of eight types. Nova Cat units were focused on 'Mechs, specifically the OmniMech, as the core of their touman. Their forces appeared to favor medium and light designs, and those types continue to be the predominant 'Mech size seen in Nova Cat units. Clan Nova Cat maintained a typical Clan distribution of units, with front-line units using OmniMechs, second-line units using standard BattleMechs, and with vehicles being reserved for solahma units. The use of armored infantry was unpopular with the Nova Cats, but not forgotten.

Since their Abjuration, heavy losses, combined with a lack of resources, have radically changed the makeup of a Nova Cat Cluster. The Nova Cats are no longer able to maintain any sort of purity with their forces, with standard BattleMechs, and even vehicles now appearing in front-line formations. It has also seen the increased use of older machines, taken from Brian Caches, as well as Inner Sphere designs imported from outside governments. Nova Cat forces have also started the use of ProtoMechs and seen an increased focus on armored infantry.[when?][citation needed]

Aerospace Forces[edit]

The Nova Cats prize the flexibility and strength of aerospace units. Because of this, Nova Cat commanders are likely to keep a higher ratio of fighters in their bidding compared to most Clans.[citation needed]

Organization (Including Historical: Units)[edit]

The touman in 3079.[2][3][4]

Former Galaxies[edit]

In 3143, the Nova Cats would fight in a Kurita Rebellion. After backing the wrong side in the war, the Nova Cat touman was destroyed as a result.

Alpha Galaxy (Victory Over Delusion)[edit]

Alpha Galaxy
Ncaplha.png 3051-57
Vision Keshik
First Nova Cat Guards
449th Assault Cluster
489th Assault Cluster
3060
NovaStar Keshik
First Nova Cat Guards
449th Assault Cluster
489th Assault Cluster
3067
NovaStar Keshik
First Nova Cat Guards
449th Assault Cluster
489th Assault Cluster
Nova Cat Grenadiers Cluster
Dragonsfang Cluster

Delta Galaxy (Ways of Seeing)[edit]

Delta Galaxy
Delta Galaxy (Clan Nova Cat).jpg 3062-67
Shiva Keshik
Fourth Nova Cat Guards (The Oracles)
Forty-Fourth Nova Cat Cavaliers (The Five Actions)
Forty-Sixth Nova Cat Cavaliers (Fateful June)
119th Striker Cluster (Self Harmony)
3079
Shiva Keshik
Fourth Nova Cat Guards
Forty-Fourth Nova Cat Cavaliers
Forty-Sixth Nova Cat Cavaliers
246th Battle Cluster

Tau Galaxy (A New Path)[edit]

Tau Galaxy
Cntau.png 3060-79
Vision Keshik
Ninth Nova Cat Regulars
Twelfth Nova Cat Regulars
100th Striker Cluster
274th Battle Cluster

Xi Galaxy (Rossei's Faithful Followers)[edit]

Xi Galaxy
Galaxy Xi (Clan Nova Cat) logo.png 3054
First Garrison Cluster
Third Garrison Cluster
3062
First Garrison Cluster
Third Garrison Cluster
Fifth Garrison Cluster
3067
Rossei Keshik[5]
First Garrison Cluster
First Carabinieri Cluster
Second Carabinieri Cluster
Nova Cat Irregulars Cluster
Nova Cat Renegades Cluster
Dragonscales Cluster

Note that this Galaxy had Provisional status in 3062, upgraded to frontline status after Combine-Ghost Bear War.[6][7]

Note that all Clusters have been renamed in 3067, so the names above are no longer accurate. Two additional Clusters and a Keshik have also been added. The new Cluster names are: First & Second Nova Cat Carabinieri Clusters, Nova Cat Irregulars Cluster, Nova Cat Renegades Cluster and Dragonscales Cluster.[8]

Lambda Galaxy (Seishin-no Nekoryu)[edit]

Lambda Galaxy
Clan Nova Cat Logo Activated in august 3067.[7] 3067-85
Nekoryu Keshik
Nova Cat Hussars
Nova Cat Fusiliers

Omicron Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Omicron Provisional Galaxy
Cncomicronprovisionalgalaxy.jpg 3054
Fifth Garrison Cluster
Sixth Garrison Cluster
Fourth Nova Cat Regulars
Fifth Nova Cat Regulars
Sixth Nova Cat Regulars
3067
Thundercats Keshik
Nova Cat Jaegers Cluster
Nova Cat Legers Cluster
Nova Cat Rangers Cluster
Nova Cat Dragoons Cluster
3079-85
Nova Cat Jaegers Cluster
Nova Cat Legers Cluster
Nova Cat Rangers Cluster
Nova Cat Dragoons Cluster

Note that all Clusters has been renamed in 3067, so the names below are no longer accurate. The new names are Nova Cat Jaegers Cluster, Nova Cat Legers Cluster, Nova Cat Rangers Cluster and Nova Cat Dragoons Cluster.[8]

Fallen Galaxies[edit]

Beta Galaxy[edit]

Beta Galaxy (Spiritual Vision)
Clan Nova Cat Logo 3051
Lachesis Keshik
Nova Cat Lancers
179th Striker Cluster
Forty-Fourth Nova Cat Cavaliers
200th Aggressor Cluster

Gamma Galaxy[edit]

Gamma Galaxy
Gamma Galaxy Logo 3052
Twelfth Nova Cat Cavaliers

Kappa Galaxy[edit]

Kappa Galaxy
Clan Nova Cat Logo 3060
Fourth Provisional Garrison Cluster
Seventeenth Provisional Garrison Cluster
Forty-ninth Provisional Garrison Cluster

Destroyed in 3060 during the Nova Cat Abjurement.

Rho Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Rho Galaxy
Clan Nova Cat Logo 3060
Unknown

Destroyed during the Nova Cat Abjurement in 3060.

Upsilon Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Upsilon Galaxy
Clan Nova Cat Logo 3060
Unknown

Destroyed during the Nova Cat Abjurement in 3060.

Sigma Galaxy (Spiritual Vision)[edit]

Sigma Galaxy
Galaxy Sigma (Clan Nova Cat) logo.png 3059
Lachesis Keshik
Nova Cat Lancers
179th Striker Cluster
246th Battle Cluster
189th Striker Cluster
3067
Lachesis Keshik
Nova Cat Lancers (The Path of Right)
179th Striker Cluster (Circle of Power)
246th Battle Cluster (Truth of Ages)
189th Striker Cluster (Hold to the Path)
Dragonsclaw Cluster
Added in 3060s.[5]

Chi Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Chi Provisional Galaxy
Chipg-clannovacat.jpg 3054-3059
Tenth Garrison Cluster (Onward)
Eleventh Garrison Cluster (No Misstep)
Twelfth Garrison Cluster (Integral Truth)
115th Garrison Cluster
153rd Garrison Cluster (Eternal Power)
3060-3062
Tenth Garrison Cluster
Eleventh Garrison Cluster
Twelfth Garrison Cluster
153rd Garrison Cluster

Destroyed in 3062 during Combine-Ghost Bear War[9]

Omega Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Omega Provisional Galaxy
Omega Provisional Galaxy (Clan Nova Cat).jpg 3054-3059
Thirteenth Garrison Cluster (Reflections)
Fourteenth Garrison Cluster (A Thousand Years)
Fifteenth Garrison Cluster (Freedom of Right)
Ninth Nova Cat Regulars
Twelfth Nova Cat Regulars
3060-3062
Thirteenth Garrison Cluster
Fourteenth Garrison Cluster
Fifteenth Garrison Cluster
115th Garrison Cluster

Destroyed in 3062 during Combine-Ghost Bear War[9]

Zeta Provisional Galaxy[edit]

Zeta Provisional Galaxy
Zetapg-clannovacat.jpg 3062
Thirty-Seventh Garrison Cluster (Lost Ones)
Forty-Fourth Garrison Cluster (The Fallen)
Sixty-Seventh Garrison Cluster (Heretics)
167th Garrison Cluster (Long Road)
First Dragoncat Cluster

Mauled during Combine-Ghost Bear War, the survivors deserted in 3062 and the Galaxy was struck from the rolls.[9]

Unassigned Clusters deployed during Operation Revival[edit]

Naval Assets[edit]

The Nova Cats maintained a Naval Tradition that rivals the Snow Ravens, and while they have never made WarShips as high a priority, they maintained one of the larger fleets among the Clans. The losses due to the Trial of Retribution, the Jihad, and the defection of much of their touman to the Republic of the Sphere left them with only a DropShip and Merchant Fleet of Carrack-class vessels, but no naval assets for offensive use by 3085.

[10]

Uniform[edit]

Field and Dress Uniform[edit]

The field uniform of the Nova Cats consisted of a charcoal grey, full-length body suit with a banded collar. Glossy black patches, mimicking the pattern of a Nova Cat's fur, form shoulder pads. A thin black line runs down the body and left arm of the uniform. Footwear consists of a moccasin-like black boot. While not officially part of the uniform, many Nova Cat warriors also add a leather pouch to carry vineers from past battles.

The Nova Cat dress uniform adds a black cape and cowl to the field uniform.

SLDF Pattern[edit]

When the Second Star League was still active, the Field uniform of the Nova Cats underwent a change. This version of the Nova Cat uniform merged the SLDF uniform with elements of the traditional Clan Nova Cat uniform.

Ceremonial Uniform[edit]

Worn only during ritual functions and Council meetings, the ceremonial uniform consists of shorts, a vest with a studded collar, and fingerless gloves. These pieces are made of black leather. Laced leggings are added when footwear is desired, but this is considered optional. The uniform also adds an intricate headpiece, styled after a nova cat head, worn when called on by the Oathmaster or during Grand Council Meetings.

An alternate version of the ceremonial uniform, worn in the presence of other Clans, replaces the shorts and vest with a full-length body suit.

Insignia[edit]

Nova Cat warriors wear a colored Dagger Star pin on the right side of their collar, denoting their branch of service. A pin on the left side of their collar denotes their Point position in a Star. A shoulder patch on the right shoulder denotes a warrior's rank, while the left shoulder shows his Galaxy and Cluster assignment. Finally, the insignia of Clan Nova Cat is worn as a patch on the left breast.

Ranks[edit]

While abjured, Clan Nova Cat maintains standard Clan Military Organization and ranks.

Point positions
Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5
NovaCat-Point1.png NovaCat-Point2.png NovaCat-Point3.png NovaCat-Point4.png NovaCat-Point5.png
Rank Unit Insignia
MechWarrior
Point Commander
Point Point Commander
Star Commander Star Star Commander
Star Captain Binary/Trinary Star Captain
Star Colonel/
Star Commodore (Naval Equivalent)
Cluster Star Colonel
Galaxy Commander/
Star Admiral (Naval Equivalent)
Galaxy Galaxy Commander
saKhan SaKhan
Khan Clan Nova Cat touman Khan

Notes[edit]

The Luthien scenario pack lists a Fourth Nova Cat Assault Galaxy and a 183rd Nova Cat Assault Galaxy as being involved in the Battle of Luthien in 3052. However, these two names are in error as the developers have stated that the book does not use the proper unit naming conventions for Clan Galaxies. The name of the Galaxies involved on Luthien are unclear at this time.

References[edit]

  1. Strategic Operations, p. 90: "Punitive Strike"
  2. Field Manual: ComStar, pp. 116–124
  3. Field Manual: Updates, pp. 95–97, 100
  4. Field Report: Clans, p. 17
  5. 5.0 5.1 Field Manual: Updates, p. 100
  6. Field Manual: ComStar, p. 120
  7. 7.0 7.1 Field Manual: Updates, p. 97
  8. 8.0 8.1 Field Manual: Updates, p. 101
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Field Manual: Updates, p. 96
  10. Field Manual: 3085, p. 185: "Republic Navy"

Bibliography[edit]