Difference between revisions of "Draconis Combine"
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[[Image:draccombine.gif|right|Draconis Combine Logo]]
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The '''Draconis Combine''' is one of the [[Successor States]], located in the "north-east" quadrant of the [[Inner Sphere]]. The Draconis Combine has been ruled by [[House Kurita]] since its founding in [[2319]] by [[Shiro Kurita]], perhaps a descendant of Takeo Kurita, a Vice-Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II on [[Terra]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', [[FASA]], pp. 8-9</ref> The chief of state, the [[Dictionary#C|Coordinator]], is the head of House Kurita.  The Coordinator is a hereditary dictator, who rules over his domain armed with a well-equipped, fanatical military and an ever-pervasive, all-seeing civilian bureaucracy.  Two rival intelligence agencies, the ISF ([[Internal Security Force]]) and the O5P ([[Order of the Five Pillars]]) keep watch against any potential internal threat from commoners, ambitious nobles, and members of the Coordinator's own family. (However, the physical protection of the Coordinator falls to his own personal cohort, who are recruited from the military, not the intelligence services).
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| image = draccombine.gif
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| Founded = [[2319]]
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| Dissolved =
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| capital = [[Luthien]]
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| systems = approx. 350
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| population =
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| currency =
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| language =
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| demonym =
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| Head of State = [[Coordinator]]
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| cintel        = [[Order of Five Pillars]] (O5P)
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| commander    = ''[[Gunji-no-Kanrei]]''
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| army          = [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] (DCMS)
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| navy          = [[Draconis Combine Admiralty]] (DCA)
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| mintel        = [[Internal Security Force]] (ISF)
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}}
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The '''Draconis Combine''' is one of the five [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]]. Founded in [[2319]] by the empire-builder [[Shiro Kurita]], the Combine has been ruled as a hereditary dictatorship by the [[Coordinator|Coordinators]] of [[House Kurita]].  
  
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The ''idée fixe'' of the Combine and the Coordinator is conquest. The Combine employs a large, skilled military that has often been used to expand the realm at the expense of its neighbors known as the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]]. Its current capital at [[Luthien]] was established during the [[Star League]].
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Culturally the prevailing mores of the Combine are based upon Shogunate Japan of pre-spaceflight [[Terra]], with a pervasive class system in which the nobility and modern samurai of the military are dominant. House Kurita's rule is also upheld by the [[Internal Security Force]] and [[Order of Five Pillars]] intelligence agencies, and an all-encompassing government bureaucracy.
  
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==History==
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From its inception the Draconis Combine has been a state oriented towards war as its primary means of expansion and acquiring power. The nation was formed after the campaigns of Shiro Kurita resulted in an empire forged by conquest, and his successors maintained this militaristic outlook through the [[Age of War]] and even into the relatively peaceful [[Star League]] years. Throughout the [[Succession Wars]] the Combine proved itself a military powerhouse of the Inner Sphere, posing formidable challenges to the neighboring [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and [[Federated Suns]].  
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===Early History===
 
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The Draconis Combine may have been officially founded in [[2319]], but the history of the Combine begins before then. Shiro Kurita was an ambitious man and sought control. At the age of 26, he was able to unite all of his homeworld, [[New Samarkand]], through diplomacy or force, under his sole authority. Six years later he concluded an alliance with the nearby world of [[Galedon V]] and became the Director of the Alliance of Galedon. Their first target was the nearby by [[Ozawa]] Mercantile Alliance, and Shiro used the profits from their privateering to finance a growing merchant navy.<ref>''[[House Kurita Sourcebook]]'', pp. 22-23</ref>
 
  
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In the meantime, Shiro's brother [[Urizen Kurita|Urizen]] trained the newly-equipped Galedonian militia on New Samarkand. Almost this entire force assaulted the world of [[Sverdlovsk]] and took it quickly and easily because they had no army of their own. Shiro implied that other worlds that refused his offer of alliance could meet similar fates, and the Alliance of Galedon grew. His fledgling empire almost doubled in size after he convinced nearby worlds that their neighbor was ready to attack, but that they could receive protection if they joined his alliance. They all agreed, though tensions quickly flared as some worlds realized that their enemies had been offered the very same deal. The army of the Kurita brothers met these challenges quickly and fiercely, quelling rebellions that sprung up haphazardly.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 23-26</ref>
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While the [[Fourth Succession War]] ended in defeat for the Combine, it also heralded the rise of [[Theodore Kurita (31st c.)|Theodore Kurita]], whose reforms enabled his realm to withstand the [[War of 3039]] and later the [[Clan Invasion]]. Badly damaged by the [[Word of Blake]] and the subversive [[Kokuryu-kai|Black Dragon Society]] during the [[Jihad]], the Combine underwent a period of stasis throughout the pre-[[Blackout]] [[Republic of the Sphere|Republic]] era.  
  
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In 2319, Kurita dispensed with the formality of maintaining the Alliance of Galedon. In recognition of the fact that his nation now bordered the lifeless [[Draconis Rift]], Shiro declared himself Coordinator of the Draconis Combine. As Coordinator of Worlds, Shiro instilled his people with the same sense of martial discipline and spartan living that his father had instilled in him. ''Bushido'', the way of the samurai, was taught to his soldiers and Shiro vowed to control all of humankind. While he did control millions, he would have everything.
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From [[3132]] however, the realm witnessed a tumultuous time. After reclaiming worlds from the Republic, the ruling branch of House Kurita was wiped out in [[3137]] and replaced by [[Yori Kurita]], descended from an illegitimate scion of Theodore and placed upon the throne by the ambitious [[Matsuhari Toranaga]]. Her opponents briefly plunged the Combine into a [[Draconis Combine Civil War|civil war]] which ended in Yori's victory, following which the Combine mounted a successful invasion of the Federated Suns which resulted in the conquest of [[New Avalon]] itself.  
  
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Shiro's nation had grown ever larger, beginning to abut upon neighboring power like the [[Terran Hegemony]]. Kurita decided to assault the [[Principality of Rasalhague]], a mostly peaceful, but densely populated nation, in [[2330]]. During this war, a new generation of Kurita leaders came to the fore. Urizen was replaced as Warlord by his son Adam, and Tenno took over for Shiro after his death in [[2348]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 26-29</ref>
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By the dawn of the [[IlClan (Era)|ilClan Era]], the Draconis Combine has reached a peak of military success, but is also in a precarious position from its greatly expanded and contested borders, attacks by neighboring enemies and the ongoing power struggle between Yori Kurita and Toranaga.
  
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In [[2367]], Tenno declared victory in the war against Rasalhague, but the Rasalhagians maintained their independence, albeit with brutal Kurita rule. Tenno was not the military strategist that his father was. His abilities lie in administration, and it was Tenno that set down the system of districts and prefectures that is still in use. He encouraged large families and indoctrinated his subjects into the feudal Japanese culture that would come to dominate the Combine. He committed ''seppuku'' in [[2376]] after the assassination of his sister, paving the way for his son Nihongi and his descendants.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 30</ref>
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==History==
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{{Main|History of the Draconis Combine}}
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Nihongi's rule was ineffective and his untimely death in [[2396]] saved his son Robert the trouble of assassinating him.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 30-31.</ref> Robert Kurita joined in the [[Age of War]] happily, launching an invasion of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[2407]]. He was assassinated, and his brother's reign was cut short by a coup in [[2421]] led by the bastard Nihongi Von Rohrs, who was the son of Robert's sister Marika and a stable hand. To cement his rule, he immediately exiled all other members of the Kurita family, excepting a few who supported him. The Von Rohrs dynasty ruled for 89 years, amid a bizarre secrecy that left the Coordinator separated from his subjects, leading few to knew who their leader was and when power changed hands.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 34,36</ref>
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The roots of the Draconis Combine lie with the Alliance of Galedon between the worlds [[Galedon V]] and [[New Samarkand]]. Under the leadership of [[Shiro Kurita]], the Alliance, rechristened the Draconis Combine in [[2319]], used threats, intimidation, deceit, and outright military conquest to expand. Shiro established House Kurita as the ruling dynasty of the Combine, whose reign was interrupted only by the rule of the Von Rohrs family from [[2421]] until they were wiped out in [[2510]]. The First Coordinator was responsible for integrating many neighboring realms into the Combine, with two exceptions: an assault on the [[Principality of Rasalhague]] in [[2330]] was largely successful, though the integration of the Rasalhagians into Draconian culture was heavily resisted and it remained a vassal state for some time. The Combine also attempted to conquer the [[Azami]] worlds in [[2497]] with limited success.<ref name="TRO3075p202">''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 202, "Sabaku Kaze Heavy Scout Hover Tank"</ref>
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In [[2461]], Combine agents were able to successfully steal the technology to create [[BattleMech]]s from their Steiner counterparts. Lyran leaders decided to press their advantage while they had it and launched a full-scale invasion, leading to the Battle of [[Nox]] in [[2475]], the first true 'Mech-on-'Mech engagement. The Lyrans were able to make gains, but once Combine BattleMechs entered full-scale production, the DCMS was able to recoup their losses. <ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 37</ref>
 
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The Von Rohrs dynasty was brought to a violent end in [[2510]]. Martin McAllister, one-time envoy to Rasalhague and the Captain of the Household Guard, colluded with Lord Blaine Sorenson of Rasalhague to engineer a coup. McAllister was actually a Kurita in hiding and, when Sorenson invaded, McAllister used his position to take advantage of the decrease in palace security to assassinate virtually everybody in the palace, a move that was necessitated by the fact that few people knew what the Coordinator looked like. With that, House Kurita emerged from the Age of War.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 38-39</ref>
 
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===Star League===
 
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Martin ruled until his assassination in [[2515]]. With no clear male heirs, his daughter Siriwan McAllister was installed as "brevet" Coordinator until a suitable male could be found. She quickly married Warren Kurita, who succeeded her a month after she ascended. A year later Hehiro Kurita was born, and Warren named him as heir. Warren died almost two years later of mysterious causes, and Siriwan was again Coordinator, though technically as regent for her infant son. She maintained peace during her forty-year reign, cleverly playing court nobles off against each other. She finally allowed her son to become Coordinator when he was 40 years old, though she stayed on as an adviser.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 39-41</ref>
 
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Hehiro was the last [[Inner Sphere]] leader to join the [[Star League]], having signed the Treaty of [[Vega]] in [[2569]]. Hehiro joined his nation to the other five Star League members primarily to gain access to scientific data they had collected, though his decision to join left him with a reputation as a calm peacemaker. The Director-General of the [[Terran Hegemony]] served as First Lord, while the other five members received seats on the Council. While the Star League did allow the Combine to achieve technological parity with their neighbors, it also thrust the DCMS into the [[Reunification War]]. From [[2577]] until [[2597]], the DCMS fought the [[Outworlds Alliance]] and [[Rim Worlds Republic]] in a blatant war of conquest. Ironically, this gave the DCMS an outlet and allowed the people of the Combine to display their martial prowess in a way they had not been able to do in decades.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 42-43</ref>
 
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Hehiro's death in [[2591]] revealed a problem in the succession: his son Leonard. Leonard was a notorious playboy who was more at home in brothels than at court. His death was another of the mysterious kind, after his inebriated fits of rage called out the Terrans, who were more than willing to use force to ensure they were not attacked. [[2605]] saw two new Coordinators as Leonard's sickly son Blaine took power, but died a few months later. His great-grandmother Siriwan was again inaugurated as Coordinator in October of 2605. Siriwan stepped down in [[2607]] because, at over 100 years of age, she did not have the energy to counter the court nobles any longer. However, she named her granddaughter Sanethia Coordinator so that she could still rule from behind the scenes until she died in [[2632]] at the age of 136.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 43-44</ref>
 
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During the Star League years, the DCMS became bored as they had no enemies to fight, so they turned to the [[Star League Defense Force]]. [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] of the DCMS and the SLDF fought duels to satisfy Combine aggression. In this vacuum, Sanethia came up with a novel solution. In [[2617]], she announced that the capital was moving from [[New Samarkand]] to a resource-poor and largely agricultural world, [[Luthien]]. The state poured its resources into constructing a new capital and the people were happy as this massive spending created an economic boom. Sanethia resigned in [[2620]] and Urizen II oversaw the construction of the new capital. He resigned in [[2691]] in favor of his eldest son, Takiro, but he left the Combine a changed place. No longer was the Draconis Combine a realm of melded cultures and regional identities. Urizen imposed the culture of feudal Japan upon his people, whether they wanted it or not, and the powers of the Internal Security Force (ISF) were greatly expanded to enforce this imposition. This restrictive society placed greater emphasis on the distinction between noble and commoner and stifled technological innovation, even as Urizen expanded the Combine's industry and made the nation more competitive economically.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 46-48, 50</ref>
 
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First Lord [[Simon Cameron]] died in [[2751]], leaving his eight year-old son [[Richard Cameron|Richard]] as heir. The Star League Council appointed [[SLDF]] Commanding General [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] his regent, though Kerensky was reluctant to use the power of First Lord. Takiro Kurita is credited with convincing his fellow Council members to pass two controversial laws. The first allowed the members to double the size of their militaries (which was really only a formality as most were secretly built up to begin with), while the second raised the taxes on the conquered Territorial States and distributed that wealth to the Member States. Three of the Periphery nations finally revolted in [[2765]] because of the higher taxes, but the leader of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]], [[Stefan Amaris]], was close to First Lord Richard Cameron and had a different plan in mind. Amaris had befriended Richard as a child and continued this friendship as Richard grew embittered at the bickering Council and the revolting Territorial States. Cameron sent much of the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] to the Periphery to deal with the revolts when Amaris' plan was executed. He loaned troops from the Rim Worlds to garrison the Hegemony and, when his troops outnumbered the Terrans, he seized power in the Hegemony and executed Richard and every other Cameron. At the same time, he had secured Drago Kurita, Takiro's grand-nephew, along with the rest of the ambassador's family. Takiro died at the age of 121, leaving his son Minoru as Coordinator. Minoru was afraid to act against Amaris, so he denied Kerensky entry into the Combine during the General's war against Amaris. Despite that, Drago and his family were killed sometime before Kerensky liberated [[Terra]] and executed Stefan and every Amaris he could find.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 50-52</ref>
 
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===First Succession War===
 
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The five Council Lords were finally able to reconvene on [[Terra]] in [[2780]]. There, they stripped Kerensky of his title as Protector of the Realm and appointed General [[Jerome Blake]] Minister of Communications and charged him with rebuilding the damaged [[HPG]] grid. The Council Lords did nothing to attempt to come to any kind of an agreement that would have allowed the [[Star League]] to live, so, when General Kerensky led eighty percent of the [[SLDF]] into exile in [[2784]], he had also removed any impediment to outright warfare. Minoru Kurita declared himself First Lord in [[2786]], once his assault was underway. Using a diversion, Minoru was able to drive the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] back. In fact, the Lyrans seemed so weak that Minoru did not even believe them to be worth his time, so he shifted his attention to the [[Federated Suns]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 53-55</ref>
 
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Coordinator Minoru and his son [[Jinjiro Kurita|Jinjiro]] launched their assault against the [[Federated Suns]] in [[2787]] and gained territory quickly because the Suns had shifted most of their troops to deal with the [[Capellan Confederation]]. By [[2792]], the DCMS had punched through the [[Draconis March]] and was assaulting the [[Crucis March]]. A successful guerrilla operation threatened the Kurita rear, so Minoru took his own [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Sword of Light|6th Sword of Light]] to secure [[Kentares IV]]. There, Minoru was assassinated in [[2796]]. Jinjiro secured the world for the Combine, then ordered his troops to "kill them all." It took five months, but DCMS troops massacred ninety percent of the population of Kentares, some 52 million individuals. The effect of the [[Kentares Massacre]] was to galvanize the Davion troops, while demoralizing the Kurita forces. Indeed, many DCMS troopers committed ''seppuku'' rather than face the shame of living. The Davion forces were able to push the Combine back to the pre-war border by [[2821]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 55-61</ref>
 
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The [[First Succession War]] saw the [[Ares Conventions]] being ignored for the first time on a widespread basis. The war of brutal and savage, as forces on all sides attacked civilian population centers and [[JumpShip]]s, targeted factories and scientists, and engaged in a level of total war not seen in centuries. The 1st War was the beginning of mankind's backward slide.
 
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===Second Succession War===
 
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After the end of the 1st War, Jinjiro nationalized all the heavy industries in the Combine to ensure that the nation was reconstructed in exactly the way he wanted. Jinjiro also formed the People's Reconstruction Effort, led by his half-brother Zabu, who was more an intellectual than a soldier. Arguably the crowning achievement of the PRE was the establishment of the PRE Academy on [[Dover]], which would come to be known as the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Dover Institute for Higher Learning|Dover Institute for Higher Learning]]. Jinjiro was slowly descending into madness, but, after studying himself and the records of a "secret" doctor visit that the loyal ISF acquired, he discovered that, even in his less-than-sane moments, he was still a brilliant strategist. He decided to do what would give him the most chance of success by using all of his faculties. Jinjiro went to war.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 62-63 & ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]'', FASA</ref>
 
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One of the first actions of the [[Second Succession War]] was Jinjiro's use of the so-called Chain Gangs. The DCMS equipped effectively three regiments worth of misfits, convicts, and Unproductives with [[BattleMech]]s, gave them only the most rudimentary training, and dropped them onto neighboring industrial worlds to wreak havoc. Though this was a rather costly mission, it did have the intended effort of slowing down reconstruction in the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and [[Federated Suns]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 64</ref>
 
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====Minnesota Tribe====
 
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In the latter part in [[2828]], a strange unit using [[SLDF]] tactics and bearing the insignia of Minnesota attacked [[Svelvik]]. The army unit refused to communicate with the Combine militia, took what they wanted, and left the system. They next attacked [[Trondheim]], where the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Rasalhague Regulars|20th Rasalhague Regulars]] were stationed. They defeated the regular unit, again refusing communication, even to the extreme of committing suicide before they could be captured. This scared Jinjiro, because he believed that they could be an advance unit for the return of the Kerensky's troops, so he shifted troops to the Periphery borders of both his Pesht and Rasalhague Military Districts. The army unit, which had now been labeled the "Minnesota Tribe," attacked [[Jarett]], this time using massed [[AeroSpace Fighters]] to keep the Combine [[BattleMech]]s out of the fight. The Tribe attacked for the last time on the planet [[Richmond]], though it is unclear whether they knew about the jail that housed political prisoners before they freed them. The Tribe loaded the freed prisoners up in their [[DropShip]]s and left, never making their presence known in the [[Inner Sphere]] again.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 64</ref>
 
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''It has been heavily hinted at that the Minnesota Tribe was the remnant of [[Clan Wolverine]], especially with the publication of "Betrayal of Ideas" by [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]].''
 
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====War====
 
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[[2830]] saw the true beginning of the 2nd War, as Jinjiro launched assaults against both of his Great House neighbors. In [[2385]], Jinjiro was driving truly insane by the gift of a perfectly angelic doll, dressed up like an SLDF soldier. He hung himself in [[2841]]. Jinjiro was succeeded by his nephew [[Yoguchi Kurita|Yoguchi]], who placed the ISF under the command of the DCMS. The ISF, incensed at what they perceived as an insult, began a shadow war that severely hampered Yoguchi's offensives. While Yoguchi had limited success along the Steiner border, a powerful Davion counterattack threatened the Kurita positions along that border.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 66-68</ref>
 
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At home, Yoguchi made the mistake of appointing his sister [[Roweena Kurita|Roweena]] coordinator of the PRE. She saw how the ISF was disaffected and began a tenuous alliance between the PRE and the ISF. Despite this, she organized a rescue effort when it became clear that Yoguchi was trapped, not dead, on [[Tishomingo]]. Yoguchi had decided to lead the defense of planet himself, but the force he led was vastly outnumbered by the invading Davion troops. Roweena had effectively taken control of the Combine by virtue of he position as leader of the PRE, and she honored her brother's actions by extracting him. Yoguchi did not live to see [[Luthien]] for long, as he was assassinated by a mysterious Lyran Intelligence Corps agent known only as Snow Fire, who had been undercover and became Yoguchi's favorite concubine. Yoguchi was succeeded by his brother [[Miyogi Kurita|Miyogi]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 68-70</ref>
 
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Miyogi launched more limited assaults than his predecessors had, leading to more limited gains. The Combine did manage to score a major victory with the capture of [[Robinson]], the capital of the [[Federated Suns]]' [[Draconis March]] in [[2858]].<ref>''[[Handbook: House Davion]]'', [[FanPro]], pp. 58-59 & ''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 73</ref> Largely because of equipment breakdowns and a lack of spare parts with which to affect repairs, Coordinator Miyogi called for a halt to all offensives in [[2862]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 73</ref>
 
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The Second Succession War saw more of the same as civilian targets were fair game and the [[Inner Sphere]] found it increasingly difficult to maintain their technology base. [[WarShip]]s were the rarest of [[lostech]], the vast majority having been destroyed in the first two Succession Wars. The [[Successor States]] now had to face the fact that [[ComStar]] was the only power that still knew how to use [[HPG]]s, thus all interstellar messages had to be passed through the Order, including military orders.
 
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====PRE====
 
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With the cessation of warfare, Miyogi turned his attention to Roweena and the PRE. His aunt had gained much power and her popularity threatened Miyogi. He directed a group of ISF agents known to be loyal to him to investigate her activities, which touched off a hidden war within the ISF. Because she allowed the ISF to use PRE channels, she wielded a large amount of influence over the spy agency. The [[DCMS]] attempted to remain neutral, but when it looked like foreign powers were gearing up to take advantage of the situation, the DCMS High Command decided to pick a side. After an impassioned speech by [[Taragi Kurita]] in favor of the Coordinator, the High Command swiftly intervened and the DCMS defeated the PRE. Miyogi eliminated the PRE, secure in his power.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 74-75</ref>
 
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===Third Succession War===
 
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The [[Third Succession War]] saw an informal return to the [[Ares Conventions]] as the [[Successor States]] collectively realized that they were soon on the brink of being unable to fight their interstellar war for dominance. JumpShips and cities were again off limits, factories were fought over instead of destroyed, and raiding took the place of assaults. Losing defenders did not destroy their charges, instead they had to console themselves with the hope that their side would retake their lost territory in the future. Ironically, the return to the Ares Conventions ritualized warfare in a sense, devaluing it of its horrific connotations. This led to the idea, much as it had during the [[Age of War]], that war was an acceptable method of political expression. This low-level war dragged on for over a hundred years and whole generations were born and died believing that a constant state of war was the natural order of humankind.
 
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The 3rd War began when Miyogi and Taragi (who had been promoted) decided to punish the Lyrans for their involvement in the struggle between Miyogi and Roweena. They targeted the industrial worlds of the [[Isle of Skye]] in [[2866]] and found great success. This success was marred by the successful advance of [[House Davion]]. Davion troops constantly pushed the Kurita defenders back, thanks in part to Taragi's manipulation of supply routes to make his own victories look even better. Miyogi appointed his son Jon to head the Davion front, an act that deeply insulted Taragi, who had been carefully manipulating the situation to ensure that the position would go to him. He then approached Roweena Kurita to secure her aid in become Coordinator. She offered the help of a few ISF agents that remained loyal to her. Using them and his own abilities, Taragi ensured that the Suns reclaimed [[Robinson]] in [[2879]], a move that embarrassed Jon and, by extension, Miyogi. When the military called for Jon's removal, Miyogi balked. Unwilling to stand his dishonor, a member of the unit that defended Robinson executed a suicide bombing of Miyogi while he was holding open court. Taragi and Roweena arranged for a trumped-up trial that implicated Jon in his father's death, leading to his execution a week later. <ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 76-79 & ''Handbook: House Davion'', pg. 71</ref>
 
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Taragi's only real achievement was an unsuccessful assault against [[Skye]]. He died in [[2907]], leaving his son [[Shinjiro Kurita|Shinjiro]] to succeed him. The Combine's slow push into the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] brought it within striking distance of [[Tamar]]. The Combine attacked Tamar, but found themselves unable to take it, so they abandoned the world in [[2916]]. The Lyrans then reassigned those forces. The Combine honor did not allow them to remain stoic in the face of such an insult, so they attacked it again. The Lyrans reinforced the world and successfully defended it. This scenario then played itself out over and over again as the Lyrans were able to make limited gains because they forced the DCMS to focus on [[Tamar]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pg. 81, 83</ref>
 
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The suddenly stiff Steiner resistance forced the DCMS to devote more resources to that front, leaving the Davion front less secure, and even invited raids from [[bandit kings]] along the edges of the [[Periphery]]. In [[2925]], Coordinator Shinjiro died, leaving his son [[Hugai Kurita|Hugai]] as the Coordinator.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 82-83</ref>
 
  
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[[2931]] saw the beginning of an odd international incident play out. Coordinator Hugai's oldest sister [[Necess Kurita|Necess]], who was an intellectual and traveled to other states researching medicine, joined [[ComStar]]. A Kurita had never before joined the Order, and Hugai was determined not to let his sister be the first. He discovered that she was working at a hospice on [[Luthien]] and sent a team of ISF agents to return her to Imperial City. It was only with the threat of a full communications interdiction and military intervention from [[The Bandersnatches]] that Hugai agreed to release Necess.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 84-85</ref>
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The Combine was the last [[Inner Sphere]] nation to join the [[Star League]]. Following the League's collapse, Coordinator [[Minoru Kurita (28th c.)|Minoru Kurita]] was the first Council Lord to declare himself [[First Lord]], leading to the [[First Succession War]]. The [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] were unkind to humanity and created a backslide in technology. The unofficial end of the [[Third Succession War]] is considered to be [[3025]].
  
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The loss of both Hugai's mentor and his sister threw him into fits of melancholy and he withdrew from participation in the governing of the Combine in [[2953]], crippling the ability of the military to wage war. He died in [[2963]], leaving his son Hohiro to succeed him. Hohiro attempted to strengthen his grip on the nation, but efforts were rebuffed at almost every turn. [[ComStar]] opposed his attempts to close down their clinics, the ISF audaciously demonstrated when he attempted to renegotiate Coordinator Shinjiro's agreement with them, and the masses rose up when he attempted to make Japanese the only language that could be spoken legally. His largest failure came when he tried to seize power from merchants and industrialists. They closed down as many factories as they could, forcing Hohiro to back down. Hohiro's reign became increasingly tyrannical, even by Kuritan standards, so it was not much of a surprise when he was assassinated by a member of his own household guard, the ''[[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Otomo|Otomo]]'', in [[3002]].<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 86-88</ref>
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Following the [[Fourth Succession War]] and facing the prospect of a superstate, the [[Federated Commonwealth]], on its border, the Combine recognized the independence of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] to create a buffer state and secure higher-technology weapons through [[ComStar]]. These proved useful when the Commonwealth did invade in the [[War of 3039]].  
  
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Hohiro's son, who had been to commander of the ''Otomo'' came to power. [[Takashi Kurita]] quickly set about reversing many of the ultra-repressive edicts his father had passed, though he proved just as ruthless silencing opposition to his rule as his father had been. Takashi devoted more resources to the Davion front than many of his predecessors had, leading to the reclamation of worlds that had been under Davion control. [[Katrina Steiner]] circulated her now-famous peace proposal to her counterparts in [[3020]], an offer that Takashi flatly refused, but he became concerned when [[Hanse Davion]] reacted affirmatively, leading to an alliance between the Combine's two neighboring Great Houses.<ref>''House Kurita Sourcebook'', pp. 88-92</ref> He sent a delegation to both [[Maximilian Liao]] and [[Janos Marik]] to forge an alliance between them. Negotiations almost derailed when each ruler discovered the other was present, but ISF Director [[Subhash Indrahar]] managed to forge the Concord of Kapteyn, a loose alliance between Houses Kurita, Liao, and Marik. There was never an official end to the Third Succession War, so much as it simply bogged down to the point that all five Great Houses stopped launching attacks, though local treaties also helped slow the momentum of the war. The 3rd War's official ending date is considered [[3025]].<ref>''HB:HD'', pp. 69, 71</ref>
+
The [[Clan Invasion]] resulted in a huge loss of territory for the Combine, as even the capital Luthien saw [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|one of the largest battles]] of the war, though many worlds were regained in [[Operation Bulldog]].  Coordinator [[Theodore Kurita]] was also responsible for relaxing some of the rigid traditionalism within the military, allowing more women into higher ranks and lessening the impact of ''bushido'' on his troops so that they would be more willing to accept flexible tactics that would be useful against the [[Clans]]. The reactionary ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' or Black Dragon Society opposed his reforms and launched a full-scale rebellion at the same time as the [[Word of Blake]] started their [[Jihad]].
  
−
====Wolf vs. Dragon====
+
The Combine emerged from the Jihad weakened, though still powerful compared to their neighbors. After the blackout in [[3132]], the Combine launched an invasion of the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. A series of assassinations placed [[Yori Kurita]], the illegitimate descendant of Theodore, on the throne. Yori, who was commonly seen as the puppet of [[Warlord (rank)|Warlord]] and ''[[Gunji-no-Kanrei]]'' [[Matsuhari Toranaga]], presided over the Combine's military campaigns against the Republic of the Sphere, as well as renewed hostilities against the Federated Suns. This latter campaign initially went very well for the Combine, with DCMS forces reaching as far as the Suns' capital of New Avalon. As the Dark Age continued, the Combine's progress began to slow, and its borders stabilized around its new conquests - including that swath of conquered territory formerly belonging to the Federated Suns that became known as the [[Dragon's Tongue]]. <ref> ''Shattered Fortress'', p. 28, "The Dragon Strikes" </ref> <ref> ''Shattered Fortress'', p. 31, "Searching for the Grail" </ref>
−
In [[3023]], the Combine became the last [[Successor State]] to employ [[Wolf's Dragoons]]. They were placed under the command of Grieg Samsonov, the Warlord of the Galedon District. The Dragoons chafed under his command and, in [[3026]], decided they would leave Combine employ when their five-year contract expired. Takashi did not want to be without their services, so he tasked them with training a unit to fight like them. [[Jaime Wolf]] took to the task, training the Ryuken under [[Minobu Tetsuhara]]. Takashi had originally planned on leaving the unit as one regiment to contain their mercenary-like ideas, but the training went so well that the regiment was broken into its nine companies, with each tasked to build itself up to a regiment. The Ryuken were ordered to stop the Dragoons from leaving when they decided to to do so in [[3028]]. The Ryuken were well-trained, but no match for their teachers.<ref>''FM:DC'', pp. 125-126</ref> The Dragoons smashed four of the nine regiments on [[Misery]], breaking through to the [[Federated Suns]]. Even though he was not allowed to command the unit, Tetsuhara was asked to committ ''seppuku'', which he did while Jaime Wolf acted as his second. The Dragoons left the Combine in [[3028]], but that was not the last the time Takashi and Jaime would square off against one another.
 
  
−
===Fourth Succession War===
+
==The Five Pillars==
−
While the Kurita leadership knew that a Steiner-Davion alliance was forthcoming, they had no idea of its scope. The Federated-Commonwealth Alliance Document that was signed by Lyran Archon [[Katrina Steiner]] and Suns Prince [[Hanse Davion]] in [[3022]] included a secret provision that called for the bethrothal of Archon-Designate [[Melissa Steiner]] to First Prince Davion. Thus, their firstborn child would become the ruler of both the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Federated Suns]]. Preparations for the war began in [[3026]], when the two nations held joint war games in the [[Terran Corridor]]. Their opponents, including the Combine, became used to large troop movements. When all of the leaders of the [[Inner Sphere]] and their aids met on [[Terra]] for the historic wedding, Prince Davion launched a sneak attack against the [[Capellan Confederation]], touching off the [[Fourth Succession War]].
+
The Draconis Combine is said to be supported by five pillars, each symbolizing an aspect of Draconian society: the Pillar of Gold, representing the government; the Pillar of Steel, representing the military; the Pillar of Teak, representing the people and culture; the Pillar of Ivory, representing philosophy and religion; and the Pillar of Jade, representing the economy.  All five pillars work together to support the manifest destiny of House Kurita to conquer all of known space.
  
−
House Kurita was caught unawares when House Steiner stirred up and armed Rasalhague seccesionists, a group that had been little trouble since the 26th century. Most Rasalhagians from the Combine, like [[Haakon Magnusson]], were trying to attain their independence peacefully, while the Lyran Rasalhagians decided that it was time to fight. Led by [[Christian Mansdottir]], the commander of the 1st Tyr, these Rasalhague patriots sought to force the Combine to recognize their independence. The Lyrans used these forces to world after world in the Rasalhague Military District.
+
===Pillar of Gold===
 +
[[Image:ChrysanthemumThrone.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Throne Room of Unity Palace]]
 +
Gold is precious not only for the value humanity has given it since the beginning of history, but for its practical applications: a natural electrical conductor, gold is malleable and resistant to corrosion or combining with other elements. Such is the way of the government of the Combine, acting as a golden veneer which adds beauty and utility, inspiring the people to work towards a common goal while avoiding becoming a burden against which they might rebel.<ref name=HK91>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 90-91</ref><ref name=HHK114>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 113-114</ref>
  
−
At the same time, Hanse Davion contracted [[Jaime Wolf]] and [[Wolf's Dragoons]] to tie up his Combine front. With most of the [[AFFS]] fighting the Capellans, Davion's border with the Combine was woefully underdefended. Luckily for Hanse, Jaime had insulted Takashi during the wedding reception by challenging him face-to-face over the fate of [[Minobu Tetsuhara]], going to so far as to hurl Tetsuhara's ''daisho'' at the Coordinator's feet. The Dragoons requested a posting on the Combine front, which Hanse was only too happy to grant them. Takashi's descent into madness became apparent as he hurled unit after unit at the Dragoons, most of which the mercenaries chewed up and spit back out. Despite that, the DCMS was able to make inroads into the [[Draconis March]], capturing the so-called Galtor Thumb.<ref>''HB:HD'', pp. 73-74</ref>
+
;The Coordinator
 +
At the center of the government is the [[Coordinator]], embodying all that is the Combine; when a person references "the Dragon", it is often with little distinction being made between the Coordinator as a person or of the Combine as a whole, and while not technically worshiped as divine their commands are acted upon as such. Some Coordinators have taken an active approach in governing the Combine, but the most successful have tended to act less and observe more, enforcing their will indirectly. When the Coordinator speaks, it might come in the form of suggestions to others, or delivered in the manner of a parable or ''haiku''.  Thus, if a problem occurs, blame does not fall on the Coordinator directly but on the one who failed to carry out their wishes correctly.<ref name=HK91/><ref name=HHK114/>
  
−
That success was marred by the Combine's losses on the Lyran front. The one bright spot in that side was Takashi's son [[Theodore Kurita|Theodore]]. Theodore advocated a reform of ''bushido'' that included not always attacking the strongest part of any enemy's line and retreating when obviously beaten. Many dire-hard ''samurai'' rejected these ideas. This created a rift between father and son that saw Theodore posted to the scorned [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Legions of Vega|Legions of Vega]], a sinkhole for misfits and malcontents, in [[3024]]. Theodore took to reforming the regiments immediately, and they displayed remarkable skill during the 4th War.<ref>''FM:DC'', pg. 121</ref> Their shining moment was when Theodore was able to defeat the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces#Lyran Guard|10th Lyran Guard]] and captured its commanding officer, [[Frederick Steiner]]. Other DCMS forces struck out at [[Skye]], retaking worlds that put them one jump from the important regional capital. With the LCAF unable to retake those worlds and unwilling to press an offensive that would further jeopardize Skye, the Lyran invasion ground to a halt.
+
Carrying out the will of the Coordinator are the [[Nobility#Draconis Combine|Kuritan nobility]], the most important of whom after the Coordinator are the [[Tai-shu|Warlords]]. These are followed by the heads of the five Ministries, the District and Prefecture civilian leaders, and those with noble titles by dint of their landholdings or corporate ownership.  The least regarded yet most highly placed nobles are those who work only at the Royal Court; since mere mortals cannot come into contact with the Coordinator, even the sanitation workers must have titles of nobility. Such ''kuri'' or leeches may sometimes be useful as a means of getting the attention of a person of higher position or even the Coordinator themselves.<ref name=HK92>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 91-92</ref><ref name=HHK114/>
  
−
[[Hanse Davion]] officially called an end to the 4th War in [[3030]], decreeing that the war had met its objectives, but the ramifications of the war did not stop there.<ref>''HB:HD'', pg. 74</ref> First, Theodore Kurita essentially ran the Lyran front while the Warlords of [[Dieron]], [[Rasalhague]], and [[Benjamin]] failed. While Takashi did not want to, he had to acknowledge that Theodore was becoming very popular, so he resurrected the title of ''Gunji-no-Kanrei'' for him. Essentially, Theodore became Takashi's Deputy for Military Affairs. Theodore leapt at the chance to reform the DCMS in his image, much as he had done with the Legions of Vega. Takashi disbanded the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Genyosha|Genyosha]] and [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Ryuken|Ryuken]], but doing so only disseminated Theodore's ideas more quickly throughout the units those soldiers joined.<ref>''20-Year Update''</ref> In addition, Theodore contacted those within the ''yakuza'' who would help him. Beginning n [[3033]], the [[DCMS]] fielded [[BattleMech]] regiments comprised wholly of ''yakuza'' members. These [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Ghost|Ghost]] regiments would come to prove important.<ref>''FM:DC'', pp. 112-113</ref>
+
;The Ministries
 +
The day-to-day working of the Combine is carried out by five Ministries each headed by a minister, with the ministers of individual bureaus or subministers reporting to them, who in turn are reported to by the heads of bureau subdivisions or committeemen.  Head ministers and subministers are all members of the nobility, as are most committeemen. Ostensibly, each ministry has clear-cut responsibilities, but the Byzantine-like nature of the Draconian bureaucracy often means even a simple request might require the fingerprints of multiple agencies, and even lifetime civil servants might not be completely sure of whose authorizations or which forms may be required. Since many bureaucrats are notorious for erring on the side of caution, the best local administrators (besides having the right connections) are adept at ''Rensikuro-bu'' (the Dance of Waiting and Smiling) and ''Rurdu-Koba-tsö'' (Finding the Cheese in the Maze).<ref name=HK96>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 95-96</ref><ref name=HHK122>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 120-122</ref>
  
−
Second, the Duke of [[Tamar]], Selvin Kelswa, decided that the Rasalhagian people would not be given their independence because many of their worlds, including [[Rasalhague]], were still a part of the Combine. This angered many Rasalhagians, who began to see the Lyrans as oppressors, just as the Draconians were in the past. Into this void stepped Theodore Kurita and [[ComStar]] Primus [[Myndo Waterly]]. They negotiated a deal with [[Haakon Magnusson]] that granted the Kurita Rasalahagians their independence. ComStar saw this as a chance to gain more power with smaller states, so they gave the DCMS incentives in the form of [['Mech]]s that incorporated Star League-era technology.<ref>''20-Year Update''</ref> By this action, Theodore shamed the Lyrans into giving up the dozens of worlds they had conquered from the Combine to the nascent [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]. This action also created a large buffer state between the Combine and the Commonwealth, though this action was not without its own consequences.
+
The formal names of the ministries, and many of their bureaus, can seem purposely designed to obscure their actual function:<ref name=HK96/><ref name=HHK122/>
 +
<span id="The Ministry of War"></span>
 +
*'''The Ministry of the Expansion of the Glories of the Draconis Combine''': The Ministry of War or ''Hyöbushö'' is in charge of all aspects of the military, making it the most important of the five. The major divisions of the Ministry of the War are:<ref name="HK(TDC)p96b">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 96 "War"</ref>
 +
:* the Department of Indoctrination
 +
:* the Bureau of Substitution
 +
:* the Assembly of the Grand Inquisitor
 +
:* the Procurement Department
 +
:* the Draconis Port Authority
 +
:* the Bureau of Administration
 +
:* the Combine Military Coordination Office
 +
:* the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery
 +
:* the Draconis Combine Admiralty
 +
:* the Professional Soldiery Liaison
 +
:* the Physicians of the Dragon
 +
:* the Combine Support and Engineering
 +
:* the Draconis Combine High Command
 +
*'''The Ministry of Wealth and the Disbursing of Assets''': The Ministry of the Treasure or ''Ökurashö'' governs the Draconian economy - setting trade policy, workers' rights, and minting [[Ryu (currency)|''ryu'']] - as well as allocating funds to other ministries.  It is also one of the more convoluted ministries, containing bureaus which seemingly belong elsewhere (such as the Bureau of Nourishment responsible for food allocation). The divisions of the Ministry of the Treasury are the most convoluted of all the bureaucracy.<ref name="HK(TDC)p96c">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 96 "TREASURY"</ref>
 +
:* the Bureau of Nourishment (food allocation), though it really seems to belong in the Ministry of the Interior
 +
:* the Bureau of Human Growth, that would seem to belong to the Treasury Ministry
 +
:* the Bureau of Interstellar Trade covers customs and tariffs (covers interstellar trade development and control)
 +
:* the Bureau of Economic Exchange and Expansion (covers interstellar trade development and control)
 +
:* the Bureau of Control of the Distribution of Symbolic Assets (money circulation)
 +
:* the Bureau of Symbolic Assets (the mint)
 +
:* the Bureau of Just Reward for Labor (worker pay scales)
 +
:* the Bureau of Worker Protection (occupational safety)
 +
:* the Bureau of Returns from Outsiders (foreign currency exchange)
 +
:* the Bureau of Development of Treaty Brothers (trade liaison with [[House Marik]] and [[House Liao]])
 +
:* the Bureau of Development of Untapped Lands (Periphery trade liaison)
 +
:* the Bursar is the most important bureau of all is often confused with the Bureau of Bureaucracy, but the Bursar allocates funds for all the other ministries and bureaus.
 +
*'''The Ministry of the Well-Being of the Land and the Peoples''': The Ministry of Interior or ''Minbushö'' is responsible for everything not covered by another ministry, including living conditions, the environment, and settlement of new planets. The major divisions of the Ministry of the Interior are:<ref name="HK(TDC)p96a">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 96 "Interior"</ref>
 +
:* the Bureau of General Indoctrination (education)
 +
:* the Bureau of Shelter (housing)
 +
:* the Bureau of Health and Happiness (medical care)
 +
:* the Bureau of Human Growth (Worker Assignment)
 +
:* the Bureau of Conservation and Salvage of Resources (Environmental and Recycling concerns)
 +
:* the Bureau of Domesticated Plants and Animals (agriculture)
 +
:* the Bureau of Natural Plants and Animals (forestry)
 +
:* the all-powerful Bureau of Bureaucracy
 +
:* the Bureau of Friendly Interior Comfort and Concerns was created to bring about intercultural harmony after the integration of [[Clan Nova Cat]] into Draconian society after Operation Bulldog and the increasing restlessness of the [[Azami]].
 +
*'''The Ministry of Peaceful Order and Honor''': The Ministry of Justice or ''Kakun'' handles law and order within the Combine; while citizens are allowed civil liberties, close cooperation between the courts and police ensures justice is dispensed to those who deserve it. The major divisions of the Ministry of Justice are:<ref name="HK(TDC)p97a">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 97 "Justice"</ref>
 +
:* the [[Civilian Guidance Corps]] (The Friendly Persuaders, the civilian police)
 +
:* the Neighborly Patrol (Civilian neighborhood watch and vigilantes)
 +
:* the Halls of Swift Justice (criminal court)
 +
:* the Machine of Peaceful Conflict Resolution (civil court)
 +
:* the Guaranteed Honor for Kurita’s Servants(noble court)
 +
:* the Bureau of Confined Persuasion (prisons)
 +
:* the Bureau of Official Information (news and propaganda)
 +
*'''The Ministry of the Servants of the Draconis Combine''': The Ministry of the Court or ''Kazoku'' handles a variety of different functions, most associated with the nobility and court functions.  For example, the Watchers of the Household run the Imperial Palace on Luthien while the Committee of Special Events plans all court ceremonies, including the presenting of military honors, the Cleansing of the Spirit ceremony and the Celebration of the Coordinator's Birthday. The major divisions of the Ministry of the Court are:<ref name="HK(TDC)p97b">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 97 "COURT"</ref>
 +
:* the Bureau of Hospitality Toward New Lands, which assigns governors to newly-liberated planets
 +
:* the Committee of Planetary Unity
 +
:* the Keeper of the House Honor (the most powerful section of the Ministry of the Court), also called [[Order of the Five Pillars]], which is not governed by anyone other than the [[Keeper of the Family Honor]] but is technically part of the ministry so that it may call upon the services of the government through official channels.
 +
:* the Watchers of the Household (who run the Royal Palace)
 +
:* the Interior Staff of the Coordinator (the Coordinator's cooks and physicians)
 +
:* the Committee of Special Events, who plan for court ceremonies.
 +
[[Image:Kurita-dress-prefect.png|thumb|right|200px|A Draconis Combine Prefect]]
 +
;Political Subdivisions
 +
Depending on the point in history, the Combine is divided into anywhere between three and five [[Military District (Draconis Combine)|Districts]]. There exist both Military Districts and Government Districts, and while the names are the same and the areas they control are nearly identical, there are occasional territorial differences between the two.  Each military district commander, or Warlord, has the final say over any decisions within their area of operation, but largely leave day-to-day operations in the hands of the district governors or ''Shogun''.<ref name=HK96/><ref name=HHK122/>
  
−
Haakon Magnusson's surprise announcement of the success of his negotiations propelled him to election as the first Elected Prince of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] in [[3034]]. The Warlord of Rasalhague was assassinated before he could cause any problems, but the Warlords of neighboring Dieron and [[Pesht]] used their forces to try to make the Republic stay, against the wishes of the Coordinator and Kanrei. Theodore branded them ''ronin'', then swiftly intervened with units loyal to him, destroying many elements within the [[DCMS]] that were obviously disloyal. The [[Ronin War]] was quick, but it also impressed the Rasalhagians that the Kuritas would still fight for them.<ref>''20-Year Update''</ref> With the loss of the Rasalhague Military District, Takashi used portions of others to create the [[Alshain]] Military District, a narrow strip of worlds that bordered the Republic and existed more to keep the balance within the DCMS High Command than for any other reason.<ref>''FM:DC'', pg. 35</ref>
+
Each district in turn is divided into prefectures, which mimic the form of districts by having a military and civilian leader. Prefecture heads or Prefects handle the civil administration of their regions, and are (unfortunately) the ones most responsible for dealing with requests for the Ministries.<ref name=HK96/><ref name=HHK122/> In theory, military prefecture commanders also have final say over any governmental decisions within their area, though as is often the case their district commanders maintain a tight control over them and issue orders directly to units within their area, preventing any possible challenge to their power or the will of the Dragon.<ref name=HHK143>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 143</ref>
  
−
===Reconciliation===
+
Lastly, each planet is governed by a Planetary Chairman, who is able to set laws and rule the planet as he (or she) sees fit...with the Coordinator's approval. This level of autonomy allows individual planets the flexibility to tackle problems unique to their situation.  Chairmen may also exert authority over their planetary militia, though the units remain ultimately under the command of the DCMS High Command.  If however a Planetary Chairman is believed to be operating against the wishes of the Coordinator, they will quickly find themselves removed from a position of authority.<ref name=HK96/><ref name=HHK122/><ref name=HHK145>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 145</ref>
−
In [[3039]], Archon [[Melissa Steiner]] and Prince [[Hanse Davion]] decided to launch the assault the [[Inner Sphere]] was waiting for: the invasion of the Draconis Combine. The differences between the Combine in [[3039]] and the Capellans in [[3028]] were legion, however. Hanse's initial assault was quickly faced with a counterassault that captured [[Quentin]], among other worlds. Hanse was surprised at the advanced technology [[BattleMech]]s the DCMS was fielding, as well as the strength the DCMS must have had to launch a counterattack. In [[3040]], Hanse called an end to the [[War of 3039]]. It would be twelve years before he would find out that he fell for Theodore's bluff. Immediately prior to the war's end, Constance Kurita (the Keeper of the House Honor) had Takashi examined, and the doctors found that he had suffered a stroke that had been responsible for much his instability.<ref>''20-Year Update''</ref>  
 
  
−
The [[Inner Sphere]] continued on more or less peacefully until [[3049]], when rumors of a large force invading the [[Periphery]] made themselves known. In [[3050]], the [[Clans]] crashed into the Lyran half of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], and the [[Draconis Combine]] in what was simply termed the [[Clan Invasion]]. The Clans were, at first, somewhat alien in their ways, and they fielded [['Mech]]s vastly more powerful than anything the [[Inner Sphere]] had, even at its height. They also fielded [[Battle Armor]], a technology that was unknown to the denizens of the Combine. It was believed that one of the earliest casualties was Theodore's son [[Hohiro Kurita|Hohiro]]. Hohiro was, in fact, captured and held on [[Turtle Bay]]. With the help of [[Shin Yodama]], however, Hohiro escaped, though [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] razed the city of Edo in response.<ref>Stackpole, ''Lethal Heritage''</ref>
+
Each district and prefecture also sends a representative, chosen by the ''Shogun'', to serve on the Committee of Planetary Unity, which nominally sets policy for the entire Combine.  Very little power is granted to the Committee though; they may, for example, discuss minor issues between individual planets, but cannot enact laws. Their true purpose is to act as messengers, reporting the Coordinator's wishes back to the district governors and prefects, leaving representatives time to trade favors or engage in petty political gamesmanship.<ref name=HK96/><ref name=HHK122/>
  
−
As Clans [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bear]] continued through the Combine, Theodore hit upon a plan to slow their advance. He placed Hohiro at the head of the Genyosha, which he renamed so he could honorably forward the "new" units blank history to the Clan leader. Believing he was facing a new unit, he committed little to the assault. Without knowing they were using the Clans' honor against them, Hohiro convinced the Clan leader of the invasion of [[Wolcott]] to give him Clan-tech [[OmniMech]]s and [[battle armor]], as well as a promise that the world would never be invaded again if the Combine won. The DCMS forces had already planned an elaborate series of traps in a swamp that negated the Clan Warriors' range advantage. With the Combine victory, they gained valuable pieces of equipment to study for the purposes of retroengineering, as well as a secure forward base. Despite this one victory, it took the ultimate sacrifice of a Rasalahagian pilot to bring a temporary respite to the invasion.<ref>Stackpole, ''Lethal Heritage''</ref>
+
===Pillar of Steel===
 +
{{Main|Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery}}
 +
In the time of feudal Japan, the steel used in the creation of [[Katana (Weapon)|''katanas'']] was said to have mystical properties, making them the finest weapons ever created.  ''Samurai'' held their blades in high esteem and passed them down through the generations.  For a ''samurai'' to lose his blade, however, was an act of great dishonor and to be avoided at all cost. Such is the regard placed on the armed forces of the Draconis Combine, representing the central and most important of the five pillars. As the principal agent in realizing House Kurita's mandate to conquer all, the fortunes of the military are closely tied to that of the state; as the military goes, so goes the Combine.<ref name=HK120>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 120</ref><ref name=HHK137>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 137</ref>
  
−
In [[3051]], the leaders and scions of the [[Inner Sphere]] traveled to [[Outreach]] at the request of [[Jaime Wolf]]. Despite the fact that Takashi had issued his infamous "Death to Mercenaries" order that included [[Wolf's Dragoons]], he allowed Theodore and his children to attend the summit. He, Wolf revealed that the Dragoons were actually a reconnaissance force sent by the Clan leaders to determine whether or not to invade the [[Inner Sphere]], but that they were ordered to defend the [[Successor States]] and never to return to the Clan homeworlds. Theodore and Hanse came to agree upon a truce that freed up many of both states' best units to be used against the Clans. Hanse and Melissa's eldest son [[Victor Steiner-Davion|Victor]] and Theodore's daughter [[Omi Kurita|Omi]] quickly started a romantic relationship, much to Hohiro's dismay. For his part, Hohiro placed second out of the noble scions in a Clan-style [[Clans#Trial of Position|Trial of Position]], which Jaime rewarded by gifting him a powerful [[Dire Wolf (Daishi)|Daishi]] OmniMech.<ref>Stackpole, ''Blood Legacy''</ref>
+
The military of the Combine, the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS), has traditionally been one of the strongest in the Inner Sphere. The Combine was founded upon the principles of ''bushido'', the way of the warrior. Thanks to this, the military has a large pool of skilled individuals from which to draw. Enlistment in the DCMS is seen as the fastest way to get ahead in the world, as every person in the military, even a lowly rifleman, is respected. The DCMS is also referred to as the Arm of the Dragon.
  
−
When the invasion resumed in [[3052]], the [[DCMS]] was more prepared to deal with the attack, but they also found that the new ilKhan of all the Clans had added [[Clan Nova Cat]] to help the Smoke Jaguars. Together, these two Clans attacked [[Luthien]]. Theodore alerted Hanse to the coming battle, who responded by ordering the [[Kell Hounds]] and [[Wolf's Dragoons]] to help, even though both [[mercenary unit]]s were under a death sentence for entering the Combine. Along with a handful of Kurita regiments, the mercenaries helped to hold the line against the Clans, prompting Takashi to rescind his "Death to Mercenaries" order. The additional fact that Takashi was no longer suffering from brain clots also helped to further reconcile his with his son, as both traditional ''samurai'' and warriors born out of Theodore's reforms had helped to save the Black Pearl of Luthien. In May of 3052, [[ComStar]] fought a proxy battle for [[Terra]] on the Rasalahagian world of [[Tukayyid]]. ComStar's victory in this battle secured a 15-year truce, during which time the [[Clans]] could not advance beyond Tukayyid. This left many Combine worlds, including [[Luthien]], vulnerable to attack, but the massive losses inflicted at Tukayyid combined with the pause in the Clans' invasion allowed the Combine to take a breather.<ref>Stackpole, ''Lost Destiny''</ref>
+
===Pillar of Teak===
 +
Teak is among the strongest and most imperishable woods ever used by humans for construction; Unity Palace, home of the Coordinator, is primarily built and decorated with this valuable material.  However, while teak has traditionally flourished in the hot, moist climates on [[Terra]], efforts to transplant it on other planets have largely failed.  Within the Combine, at first only on the planet [[Jabuka]] was teak able to thrive, though after the Rasalhague partition [[Pusht-i-rud]] and [[Cylene]] were also found to have suitable growing conditions. So it is with the society of the Combine: through careful cultivation, the people of the Dragon are a dependable and durable source of strength for the realm.<ref name=HK152>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 150-152</ref><ref name=HHK131>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 129-131</ref>
  
−
===Phoenix Rising===
+
As decreed by the First Coordinator, Draconian society is highly stratified.  At the top are the nobility or ''kuge'', responsible for running much of the government, followed by the warriors or ''buke'', who fight for the glory of the Dragon.  The middle class encompass a wide range of professionals, followed by the commoners or ''henin'' who perform the manual labor in society.  At the bottom are the Unproductives, composed of society's undesirables including criminal elements like the ''[[yakuza]]''.  Rarely is a Draconian able to rise above their station, but surprisingly most are content with their place in society.  This is thanks to indoctrination which reinforces a collective identity and adherence to the [[Dictum Honorium]] and instills in the average citizen glorification of the military and suspicion of all outsiders; for many Draconians, the only time they will ever visit a non-Combine world is to conquer it.<ref name=HK152/><ref name=HHK131/>
−
The [[Clan invasion]] had clearly inflicted massive losses on the [[DCMS]]. Many regiments were total losses and many more were badly damaged. Except for a few worlds, the entire Alshain District had been conquered by Clans [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bear]] and [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]], prompting Takashi to fold those worlds into other districts, but leaving the Alshain leadership intact and labeled them "in exile." In [[3054]], Takashi Kurita committed ''seppuku'' and Theodore became Coordinator. He immediately began a crash program to rebuild his shattered military. This included recruiting from unorthodox sources, such as the ''yakuza'' and women. Theodore also began to rebuild the gutted forces in the Dieron District, as many of those units had been transferred to the Clan border, but the [[Federated Commonwealth]] remained an ever-present threat. The Combine mostly stayed out of the chaos in [[3057]], remaining focused instead on the threat the [[Clans]] still posed, but some of their units were posted in the [[Lyons Thumb]] as peacekeepers under [[ComStar]]'s aegis.
+
[[Image:KuritaArt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Unlike the lower classes, the nobility and military are encouraged to pursue artistic expression]]
 +
Japanese cultural traditions - such as tea ceremonies, ''geisha'' and Nohkabu theater troupes - dominate the Draconis Combine despite the fact that a majority of Draconians are of non-Japanese ancestry.<ref name=HK152/><ref name=HHK133>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 133</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 182-183</ref>  This cultural hegemony was informal at first, receiving a boost in popularity after the construction of the Imperial City along traditional lines, but quickly became official government policy when [[Urizen Kurita (27th c.)|Urizen Kurita]] instituted the Kokugaku or National Learning program, stressing Japan's history and its language.<ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 36</ref>  Criticisms that such a narrow cultural focus serves as a means to discriminate against non-Japanese have been met by reassurances from various Coordinators that all who show loyalty to the Dragon will always be respected.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 45</ref>  For example, [[Takiro Kurita]] softened Kokugaku by mandating Japanese language only for those entering government and military occupations,<ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 37</ref> and the School of Cultural Investigation on [[Al Na'ir]] is dedicated to exploring the diverse traditions which make up the Combine and how aspects of each are incorporated to create a greater Draconian culture.<ref name=HK152/><ref name=HHK133/>
  
−
Dissatisfaction with the current regime led to the emergence of the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', also known as [[Black Dragon Society]], a widespread conspiracy against Theodore and his policy of détente with House Kurita's traditional rival, [[House Davion]], as well as his promotion of the "''new bushido''" that included the use of new tactics. This organization's influence made itself felt when they launched an unauthorized invasion of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]'s [[Towne]] system. Thanks in large part to [[Camacho's Caballeros]], a [[mercenary unit]] under contract to [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]] of [[Tanadi Computers]], the invasion was foiled. The ''Kokutyu-kai'' made their widespread presence known in [[3058]] when members of the Otomo, the Coordinator's bodyguard, attempted to assassinate Theodore at his birthday celebration. Again, [[Camacho's Caballeros]] stepped forward to stop the plot, saving their employer in the process.  
+
This adherence to traditional norms explains the position of women in Combine society, which is often that of housewife and mother.  There are no formal barriers against women entering into higher education or joining the military, and some (especially high-born) have attained important positions in the political, corporate and military spheres, but few achieve the same level of equality as their male counterparts.<ref name=HK152/><ref name=HHK133/><ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 80</ref>  When [[Siriwan McAllister-Kurita]] became the first female Coordinator, the idea of a woman sitting on the Chrysanthemum Throne did not sit easily among the patriarchal nobility, though her successes opened the door for future female rulers.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'' p. 37-40</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 30-33</ref>  Within the military, few women had achieved the rank of General and none had been made a Warlord before the [[thirty-first century]],<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 130</ref> but that changed under Theodore Kurita as more women were promoted into the higher ranks and [[Tomoe Sakade]] became the Combine's first female Warlord in [[3062]].<ref name=HHK133/>
  
−
[[3058]] also saw the historic [[Whitting Conference]], wherein the [[Star League]] was reformed, with the stated goal of eliminating the threat the [[Clans]] posed to the [[Inner Sphere]]. They began this process with the brutal [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. An alliance of League member-states sent military forces to the Draconis Combine to assault the Clan and force it out of the Inner Sphere, codenamed [[Operation Bulldog]]. The Combine was greatly helped by [[Clan Nova Cat]], whose visions convinced them to submit to the Combine and become a part of the budding [[Star League Defense Force]]. At the same time, a secret force called [[Task Force Serpent]] left [[Defiance]] to travel to the Jaguar capital world of [[Huntress]] to defeat them there. While many foreign units assisted, the [[DCMS]] provided the single largest contingent to Bulldog. The assault, which was led by [[Anastasius Focht]] and [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], succeeded beyond anything the League could have hoped for and the Jaguars were routed from the Inner Sphere. It was quickly realized, however, that these forces would return home to find Task Force Serpent, so Victor assembled an elite force and headed off to Huntress to aid them, including [[Hohiro Kurita]] and the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Genyosha|1st Genyosha]].<ref>Stackpole, ''Grave Covenant''</ref> While Theodore worked to reintegrate the conquered worlds, Hohiro and his Genyosha unit destroyed their opponents on Huntress, then traveled to [[Strana Mechty]] and defeated the [[Clan Blood Spirit]] contingent in a [[Clans#Trial of Refusal|Trial of Refusal]] against the [[Clan Invasion]] in [[3060]]. With the Clans and the Star League officially at peace and the Dragon regaining its strength, the citizens of the Combine believed they could relax. This sentiment was only reinforced when Theodore was elected First Lord during the [[3061]] Whitting Conference.<ref>Stackpole, ''Prince of Havoc''</ref>
+
===Pillar of Ivory===
 +
Ivory is the only material of the five pillars which is sourced from living animals, specifically those who grow tusks.  As these animals grow into adulthood, so too do their tusks, building up in layers; the first, outermost layer hardens into a protective barrier over the increasing softness of each inner layer. So it is with the philosophies and religion which govern the peoples of the Combine, growing with the expansion of House Kurita and assigned a mode of faith best suited to them, all of whom are protected by the strength of character instilled in the Combine by the First Coordinator and the proscriptions of the [[Dictum Honorium]] as upheld by the [[Order of the Five Pillars]].
  
−
===A Thousand Cuts===
+
Shortly after becoming First Coordinator, Shiro Kurita quickly took on the mantle of the Combine's spiritual leader as well. After the successes he had achieved in creating his interstellar realm, many believed they too could also achieve greatness by adopting his mental attitudes, a belief he indirectly encouraged.  At the same time, Shiro knew that in order to control and channel the people to a higher purpose, he had to mandate a person's ideology and how he viewed the world around them. Thus he set down the two ideals by which the all citizens of the Combine must abide by: Purity and Harmony. By Purity, Shiro did not mean necessarily purity of action but purity of thought, that one's actions were for the betterment of their Lord and the government and not for selfish reasons. By Harmony, he meant that one's life should be synchronized with society and the Coordinator. Individualism was discouraged, as a single person could only achieve happiness for themselves, suffers pain and injury by themselves, and eventually will die and fade away; working together though, the collective can spread happiness and share pain so that one is not overwhelmed, and even as they die each person can live on forever in the glory of the Combine.<ref name=HK102>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 101-102</ref><ref name=HHK100>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 100</ref>
−
[[3062]] saw the first in a multitude of conflicts that slowly bled the Combine. In that year, the ''Kokuryu-kai'' again flexed its muscle and convinced the three remaining regiments of the Alshain Regulars (renamed the Alshain Avengers) to launch an unprovoked attack on [[Alshain]] itself. What they did not know was that Alshain had become the new capital of [[Clan Ghost Bear]], which had relocated almost all of its assets to its Inner Sphere Occupation Zone (which it had renamed the Ghost Bear Dominion). The Avengers were annihilated, much of it done before they could even reach the surface. The Ghost Bears retaliated by launching an invasion of the Combine. This invasion was incredibly successful, in part due to the fact that Theodore was in the process of relocating his [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery#Ghost|Ghost]] regiments to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] border to protect his nation from any spillover from their looming civil war. He was forced to bring the Ghosts back to the Ghost Bear border, only to have the [[Draconis March]] launch an invasion of their own. This invasion was also successful and captured important worlds such as [[Al Na'ir]], [[Proserpina]], and [[Ashio]]. Around the same time, [[Clan Hell's Horses]] invaded the Ghost Bear Dominion, so both the Bears and the Combine were looking for a way to honorably extricate themselves from the fight. Theodore offered up the world of [[Courchevel]] for a Trial in [[3063]]. Both sides agreed to give up their conquered worlds, and the winner of the Courchevel Trial would keep the world. The Ghost Bears won the Trial, but the real prize was the cease fire that followed.<ref>''Field Manual: Update''</ref>
 
  
−
The [[FedCom Civil War]] touched the Kuritas in a very personal way in [[3064]]. An agent hired by [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] assassinated Theodore's daughter and the Keeper of the House Honor [[Omi Kurita]] as a way to attack her brother's psyche. Now free to turn his military against the Draconis March troops in his nation, Theodore ejected all of the March invaders, then followed up with punitive raids of his own. Some of his forces were defeated, but the Combine netted two worlds while the two halves of the former Federated Commonwealth were involved in their civil war.<ref>''FedCom Civil War''</ref>
+
These ideals of Purity and Harmony appear, in various forms, among the pan-Asian religions and philosophies on which Shiro grew up, and to which he assigned each of the social classes within Combine society. As befitting the needs of their position, the nobility are theoretically free to follow any tradition, although Confucianism and Taoism have traditionally been encouraged by the Coordinator to instill a sense of obligation to one's superiors and the capability to react to fluid situations.  For the military, Confucianism, Zen Buddhism and ''bushido'' were assigned to focus the warrior's mind and leave them free to make the necessary decisions during combat.  A more intensified version of Confucianism was indoctrinated in the vast middle class, ensuring loyalty in a stratum of society which is most vulnerable to inappropriate philosophies.  For the working classes, and the Unproductives below them, Shintoism help occupy their minds during grueling work days or a rootless existence. Control of the Shinto temples and priesthood, however, rest firmly with the nobility, who ironically are themselves dissuaded from believing in the religion they administer.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 116-119</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 107-109</ref>
  
−
===Jihad===
+
Inevitably, alternative religions and philosophies will appear along the margins of a society as tightly control as Draconian, but with great effort such threats to the social harmony and stability of society are just as inevitably rooted out and destroyed. A few notable exceptions have been made in the history of the Combine. When Rasalhague formally joined the Combine after the McAllister Rebellion, its people practiced a form of Christianity based on Eastern Orthodox Catholicism. As part of a political compromise, the people were allowed to retain their religion, so long as all mentions of "the Lord" in public ceremonies were in reference to the Coordinator. A secular form of Judaism is also tolerated, with those maintaining its religious trappings forced to join secretive ''minyans'' to avoid persecution.  Among the Azami, who practice a form of Shia Islam, the Dragon turns a blind eye to their practice.  Under the precept of ''taqiya'' the Azami outwardly adopt the rules of the Dictum Honorium, and so long as they keep their religious practices to Azami-controlled worlds the security services do not inquire deeply into the Azami's faithfulness to the Honorium.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 108-110</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 108-111</ref>
−
December of [[3067]] saw the Fourth [[Whitting Conference]]. Here, three of the members announced their intention to pull out of the Star League. Despite Lord Kurita's support, the Star League officially disbanded under the watch of First Lord [[Christian Mandsottir]]. The [[Word of Blake]] was in disbelief, as they believed that their pending membership was the be the fulfillment of a centuries-old prophecy that described the way in which the quasi-mystical order would come to power. Shortly after this, the ''Kokuryu-kai'' attempted to actually seize power while Theodore was away by shutting down the [[Luthien]] [[HPG]] and using military units loyal to them to take control of the capital. Blakist forces soon descended on the world, using vague language to indicate that they were attempting to help the "rightful" rulers of the Combine, sparking a three-way battle for control of the world.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad''</ref>
 
  
−
At the same time, Theodore and Hohiro attempted to return to their nation, only to be beset by both Blakists and Black Dragons. Both leaders were incapacitated, Theodore by a stroke and Hohiro when he was captured by Blakist forces, so the path was open for Warlord of Pesht [[Kiyomori Minamoto]] to seize power. Minamoto was known as a staunch traditionalist<ref>''FM:DC''</ref> and likely a Black Dragon when he declared himself ''Gunji-no-Kanrei'' and moved the capital of the Combine back to [[New Samarkand]] to avoid the chaos of [[Luthien]]. The Blakists launched assaults against Combine worlds to damage their infrastructure, while [[Draconis March]] troops again took advantage of the Dragon's distraction to initiate attacks of their own. One of these battles, the one for [[Galedon V]], unleashed a biological agent that rendered the world uninhabitable. This was exacerbated when [[Clan Snow Raven]] naval assets appeared in orbit and announced their intention to decimate the world. Refugees fled as fast as they were able, spreading the disease that came to be known as the Curse of Galedon.<ref>''Jihad Hotspots: 3070''</ref>
+
===Pillar of Jade===
 +
While other gems or minerals may hold special significance elsewhere, jade is particularly valuable within the Draconis Combine as a symbol of commerce and industry.  For thousands of years jade has been sought out not just for its aesthetic beauty but also its supposed mystical properties for calming the mind and driving away evil spirits. Even the less superstitious Draconians, when under the immense pressure to succeed, will stop and meditate on jade as a way of clearing their thoughts.  As such, examples of jade artwork can be found in offices and factories across the Combine, most commonly taking the shape of a pillar, tree or pierced disk, as reminders to workers and executives alike to focus on their assigned task. The pierced disk in particular suggests against fixating too much on material wealth compared to the vastness of the heavens.<ref name=HKTDC159>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 157-159</ref><ref name=HHK157>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 155-157</ref>
  
−
In mid-[[3067]], the Combine earned the ire of [[Clan Snow Raven]] by destroying one of their most prized [[WarShip]]s as it attempted to dock with a Combine [[Dictionary#r|recharge station]] after having won a [[Clans#Trial of Possession|Trial of Possession]] for a recharge. The Snow Ravens, following a biological attack that devastated their fleet, attacked the Draconis Combine world of [[Galedon V]] before learning that the attack had been orchestrated by the omnipresent [[Word of Blake]].<ref>''FM:U'' & ''JHS: 3070''</ref>
+
Despite its size the Draconis Combine has historically been resource-poor (except in population), and the Succession Wars did much to destroy what little of what existed, but the remaining wealth is exploited to the maximum extent under an economic system which can be described as "state-run capitalism."  Independent, publicly-traded corporations with their own boards of directors exist within the Combine, but the degree to which they can exert their independence depends strongly on the nature of their business. In [[2985]], Treasury Minister [[Tadaki Nagai]] decided that all businesses would be designated as either Direct Service (Military) or Indirect Service (Civilian)<ref name=HKTDC159/>. Those with direct ties to the military - manufacturers of weapons or 'Mechs - were designated "Direct Service" corporations in the late [[thirtieth century]].  Such corporations are guaranteed protection against all military and economic threats, but are subject to the decisions of an military board of officers which can overrule any actions taken by the civilian directors. All other corporations were labeled "Indirect Service", and while maintaining more control over their own affairs many are under some level of direct supervision of at least one military officer, depending on how much of their business directly affects the military.<ref name=HKTDC159/><ref name=HHK157/> Although the Kurita economy is government-run it is not a communist economy. It can be best described as controlled-market capitalism, where new businesses can start up only with the permission of the government, and must be run under close government supervision, but where the corporations are not owned by the government, as they have their own directors and may issue stock if they wish. There is a tolerance of small operations on most worlds, such as the independent farmer's markets. If they become too successful, they are usually closed down or absorbed by a large firm.<ref name=HKDCp159>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 159 "THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE"</ref>
  
−
The [[Jihad]] finally ended in [[3081]] when [[Devlin Stone]] defeated the [[Word the Blake]] on their capital of [[Terra]].<ref>Stackpole, ''Ghost War''</ref>
+
For the average worker, loyalty to the corporation is second only to loyalty to the Coordinator themselves.  While the state provides many of the same services, most workers' entire lives revolve around the corporation: born in hospitals, living in housing, and entombed in cemeteries owned by the corporation.  The only honorable means of escaping a particular company is to be transferred to a different one or to join the military; to actually be fired brings disgrace not only on the worker but the family as well for failing to raise a productive member of society.  Some are allowed the honor of starving to death so that the rest of their family may continuing working at the same firm, but with little to no prospects of working anywhere else those who don't take their own lives are relegated to the ranks of the Unproductives. Here the only legal work that may be found are the bottom of the barrel jobs: cleanup crews for toxic environments, research test subjects, or cannon fodder for local militia units.<ref name=HKTDC159/><ref name=HHK157/><ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 129</ref>
  
−
===Peace?===
+
===Manufacturing Centers===
−
The years after the Jihad were marked by a resistance to Hohiro's rule, which forced him to roll back some of the reforms his father had initiated. The Combine lost many of its worlds as well. Some were voluntarily ceded to the [[Republic of the Sphere]], while others fell into a buffer state that sprung up between the Combine and the [[Federated Suns]]. Both the Kurita and Sandoval families continue to pour money and resources into the low-level conflict that persists in this region. Perhaps the most devastating effect of the [[Jihad]] was the decentralization of power that allowed the three remaining Warlords to become very powerful, especially compared to Hohiro's successor.
+
A detailed list of some DCMS manufacturer and company centers.
 +
;3067
 +
Heavy Aerospace Industry<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 15</ref>
 +
*[[BBP Industries]]
 +
*[[Dharma HyperSpace]]
 +
*[[Kurita Combine Munitions Corporation]]
 +
*[[Midway Shipyards]]
 +
*[[New Samarkand WarShip Yard]]
 +
*[[Stellar Trek]]
 +
*[[Terada WarShip Yard]]
 +
*[[Togura Shipyards]]
 +
*[[Tomori Trans Industrial]]
 +
*[[Wakazashi Enterprises]]
 +
Major Defense Industries<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 15</ref>
 +
*[[Alshain Weapons]]
 +
*[[Bergan Industries]]
 +
*[[Blankenburg Technologies]]
 +
*[[Buda Imperial Vehicles]]
 +
*[[Bulldog Enterprises]]
 +
*[[Cosby BattleMech and Myomer Research Firm]]
 +
*[[Galileo Instruments]]
 +
*[[Independence Weaponry]]
 +
*[[LexaTech Industries]]
 +
*[[Luthien Armor Works]]
 +
*[[Maltex Corporation]]
 +
*[[New Samarkand Metals]]
 +
*[[Pesht Motors]]
 +
*[[Sapphire Metals]]
 +
*[[Scarborough Manufacturers]]
 +
*[[Telfar BattleMechs]]
 +
*[[Wakazashi Enterprises]]
 +
*[[Yori 'Mech Works]]
  
−
===The HPGs Go Dark===
+
==Era-Specific Data==
−
In [[3132]], the [[HPG]] network suffered a serious blow as unknown forces took down a majority of the stations. The [[Republic of the Sphere]] that was formed by Stone in 3081 descended into chaos as the loss of interstellar communications brought the fears the integrated society had simmering below the surface. One such member of this society, Prefect [[Katana Tormark]], formed the [[Dragon's Fury]], a group that wanted to return traditionally Draconian worlds to the Combine. Tormark continually called out Coordinator [[Vincent Kurita]] and asked for his support, but the Coordinator refused to involve himself in Tormark's land grab until some of his Warlords decided to seize more power for themselves by invading the Republic. Tormark secured the aid of [[Clan Nova Cat]] forces to secure his territory, and was named Warlord of Dieron (a world and district that was under the control of the Republic), earning her both a title and a mandate.<ref>Bick, ''Daughter of the Dragon''</ref>
+
===3130===
 +
*Total (Inhabited) Systems: 243<ref>''Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)'', p. 7</ref>
 +
*Estimated Population ([[3130]]): 729,000,000,000
 +
*Dominant Language(s): Japanese (official), Arabic, English
 +
*Dominant Religion(s): Shinto (official), Buddhism, Islam
 +
*Unit of Currency: [[Ryu (currency)|''Ryu'']] (1 ''ryu'' = 0.94 C-Bills / 2.30 C-Bills ([[3145]])<ref> ''Era Report: 3145'', p.194, "Currency Conversion Table"</ref>)
  
−
The mid-3130s were a time of utter chaos, as Vincent Kurita was assassinated along with his son, after his son and heir Theodore's ship suffered from an apparent mis-jump. With his daughter Chomie missing, the only Kurita left was the descendant of [[Theodore Kurita|Coordinator Theodore]]'s illegitimate son [[Franklin Sakamoto]], [[Yori Kurita]].<ref>Bick, ''Dragon Rising''</ref>
+
==Maps==
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Mapdc3025.png|Draconis Combine 3025
 +
File:Mapdcprefectures3039.png|Prefectures in 3039
 +
File:mapdc3061.png|Draconis Combine 3061
 +
File:mapdcprefectures3061.png|Prefectures in 3061
 +
File:Mapdc3130.png|Draconis Combine 3130
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==Notes==
+
==Historical Maps==
−
<references/>
+
<gallery>
 +
File:Draconis Combine Foundation 2319.jpg|Draconis Combine at their founding in 2319
 +
File:Mapdc2596.png|Draconis Combine after Age of War 2571
 +
File:DC-2750.png|[[Star League]] Era
 +
File:Draconis Combine 2822.jpg|Draconis Combine in 2822 after [[First Succession War]]
 +
File:Draconis Combine 2864.jpg|Draconis Combine after [[Second Succession War]]
 +
File:Draconis Combine 3025.jpg|Draconis Combine after [[Third Succession War]]
 +
File:Draconis Combine after War of 3039 - 3040 Map.jpg|Draconis Combine after the [[War of 3039]] - 3040 Map
 +
File:DC-3050.png|before [[Clan Invasion]]
 +
File:Draconis Combine after OPERATION REVIVAL 3054 Map.jpg|Draconis Combine after [[Operation REVIVAL]] 3052 Map
 +
File:DC-3057.png|in [[3057]]
 +
File:Draconis Combine after FedCom Civil War 3067 Map.jpg|Draconis Combine after the [[FedCom Civil War]] 3067 Map
 +
File:DC-3075.png|during [[Jihad]]
 +
Draconis Combine Map-3079.png|after [[Jihad]]
 +
File:DC-3081.png|in [[3081]]
 +
Draconis Combine Map-3085.png|creation of the [[Republic of the Sphere]]
 +
File:DC-3130.png|before [[Gray Monday]]
 +
File:DC-3135.png|in [[3135]]
 +
File:DC-3145.png|in [[3145]]
 +
</gallery>
  
−
== References ==
+
==References==
−
* [[/History | History]]
+
<references />
−
* [[/Timeline | Timeline]]
+
==Bibliography==
−
* [http://sarna.net/files/filedownload.php/docs/products/house_books/house_kurita_text_only.pdf House Kurita Sourcebook]
+
<div class="desktop-3-col">
−
* [[Michael A. Stackpole|Stackpole, Michael A.]], ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Warrior:_Riposte|Warrior: Riposte]]'', [[ROC]], (1988)
+
*''[[20 Year Update]]''
−
* [[Robert N. Charette|Charette, Robert N.]] ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Wolves on the Border|Wolves on the Border]]'', [[ROC]] (1988)
+
*''[[Black Dragon (novel)|Black Dragon]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A. ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Warrior:_Coup.C3.A9|Warrior: Coupé]]'', ROC (1989)
+
*''[[Blake Ascending]]''
−
* ''[[20-Year Update]]'', [[FASA]] (1989)
+
*''[[Blood Legacy]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Lethal Heritage|Lethal Heritage]]'', ROC (1989)
+
*''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Blood Legacy|Blood Legacy]]'', ROC (1990)
+
*''[[Daughter of the Dragon]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Lost Destiny|Lost Destiny]]'', ROC (1991)
+
*''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
−
* [[Loren L. Coleman|Coleman, Loren L.]], ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]'', [[FASA]] (1996)
+
*''[[Dragon Rising]]''
−
* Milán, Victor, ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Black Dragon|Black Dragon]]'', ROC (1996)
+
*''[[Endgame]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Grave Covenant|Grave Covenant]]'', ROC (1997)
+
*''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Prince of Havoc|Prince of Havoc]]'', ROC (1998)
+
*''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]''
−
* Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Ghost War|Ghost War]]'', ROC (2002)
+
*''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
−
* ''[[Field Manual: Update]]'', [[FanPro]] (2003)
+
*''[[Ghost War]]''
−
* [[Ilsa J. Bick|Bick, Ilsa J.]], ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Daughter of the Dragon|Daughter of the Dragon]]'', ROC (2005)
+
*''[[Grave Covenant]]''
−
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'', FanPro (2005)
+
*''[[Hearts of Chaos]]''
−
* Bick, Ilsa J., ''[[List of BattleTech novels#Dragon Rising|Dragon Rising]]'', ROC (2007)
+
*''[[Heir to the Dragon]]''
−
* [[Christoffer Trossen|Trossen, Christoffer]], ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]'', FanPro (2007)
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*''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]''
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{{wikipedia|63654708}}
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*''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
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*''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
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*''[[Lethal Heritage]]''
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*''[[Lost Destiny]]''
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*''[[Path of Glory]]''
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*''[[Patriots and Tyrants]]''
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*''[[Prince of Havoc]]''
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*''[[Shattered Fortress]]''
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*''[[Storms of Fate]]''
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*''[[Strategic Operations]]''
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*''[[Tactical Operations]]''
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*''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
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*''[[Warrior: Coupé]]''
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*''[[Warrior: En Garde]]''
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*''[[Warrior: Riposte]]''
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*''[[Wolves on the Border]]''
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</div>
  
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[[Category:CBT Factions]]
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[[Category:Nation States|Draconis Combine]]
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[[Category:Factions]]
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[[Category:Draconis Combine Related Categories]]

Latest revision as of 17:00, 21 October 2023

Crest of Draconis Combine
Draconis Combine
State Profile
Founding Year 2319
Capital world: Luthien
Controlled system(s): approx. 350
Government
Head of State Coordinator
Civilian Intelligence Order of Five Pillars (O5P)
Military
Commander-in-chief Gunji-no-Kanrei
Army Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS)
Navy Draconis Combine Admiralty (DCA)
Military Intelligence Internal Security Force (ISF)

The Draconis Combine is one of the five Successor States of the Inner Sphere. Founded in 2319 by the empire-builder Shiro Kurita, the Combine has been ruled as a hereditary dictatorship by the Coordinators of House Kurita.

Culturally the prevailing mores of the Combine are based upon Shogunate Japan of pre-spaceflight Terra, with a pervasive class system in which the nobility and modern samurai of the military are dominant. House Kurita's rule is also upheld by the Internal Security Force and Order of Five Pillars intelligence agencies, and an all-encompassing government bureaucracy.

From its inception the Draconis Combine has been a state oriented towards war as its primary means of expansion and acquiring power. The nation was formed after the campaigns of Shiro Kurita resulted in an empire forged by conquest, and his successors maintained this militaristic outlook through the Age of War and even into the relatively peaceful Star League years. Throughout the Succession Wars the Combine proved itself a military powerhouse of the Inner Sphere, posing formidable challenges to the neighboring Lyran Commonwealth and Federated Suns.

While the Fourth Succession War ended in defeat for the Combine, it also heralded the rise of Theodore Kurita, whose reforms enabled his realm to withstand the War of 3039 and later the Clan Invasion. Badly damaged by the Word of Blake and the subversive Black Dragon Society during the Jihad, the Combine underwent a period of stasis throughout the pre-Blackout Republic era.

From 3132 however, the realm witnessed a tumultuous time. After reclaiming worlds from the Republic, the ruling branch of House Kurita was wiped out in 3137 and replaced by Yori Kurita, descended from an illegitimate scion of Theodore and placed upon the throne by the ambitious Matsuhari Toranaga. Her opponents briefly plunged the Combine into a civil war which ended in Yori's victory, following which the Combine mounted a successful invasion of the Federated Suns which resulted in the conquest of New Avalon itself.

By the dawn of the ilClan Era, the Draconis Combine has reached a peak of military success, but is also in a precarious position from its greatly expanded and contested borders, attacks by neighboring enemies and the ongoing power struggle between Yori Kurita and Toranaga.

History[edit]

Main article: History of the Draconis Combine

The roots of the Draconis Combine lie with the Alliance of Galedon between the worlds Galedon V and New Samarkand. Under the leadership of Shiro Kurita, the Alliance, rechristened the Draconis Combine in 2319, used threats, intimidation, deceit, and outright military conquest to expand. Shiro established House Kurita as the ruling dynasty of the Combine, whose reign was interrupted only by the rule of the Von Rohrs family from 2421 until they were wiped out in 2510. The First Coordinator was responsible for integrating many neighboring realms into the Combine, with two exceptions: an assault on the Principality of Rasalhague in 2330 was largely successful, though the integration of the Rasalhagians into Draconian culture was heavily resisted and it remained a vassal state for some time. The Combine also attempted to conquer the Azami worlds in 2497 with limited success.[1]

The Combine was the last Inner Sphere nation to join the Star League. Following the League's collapse, Coordinator Minoru Kurita was the first Council Lord to declare himself First Lord, leading to the First Succession War. The Succession Wars were unkind to humanity and created a backslide in technology. The unofficial end of the Third Succession War is considered to be 3025.

Following the Fourth Succession War and facing the prospect of a superstate, the Federated Commonwealth, on its border, the Combine recognized the independence of the Free Rasalhague Republic to create a buffer state and secure higher-technology weapons through ComStar. These proved useful when the Commonwealth did invade in the War of 3039.

The Clan Invasion resulted in a huge loss of territory for the Combine, as even the capital Luthien saw one of the largest battles of the war, though many worlds were regained in Operation Bulldog. Coordinator Theodore Kurita was also responsible for relaxing some of the rigid traditionalism within the military, allowing more women into higher ranks and lessening the impact of bushido on his troops so that they would be more willing to accept flexible tactics that would be useful against the Clans. The reactionary Kokuryu-kai or Black Dragon Society opposed his reforms and launched a full-scale rebellion at the same time as the Word of Blake started their Jihad.

The Combine emerged from the Jihad weakened, though still powerful compared to their neighbors. After the blackout in 3132, the Combine launched an invasion of the Republic of the Sphere. A series of assassinations placed Yori Kurita, the illegitimate descendant of Theodore, on the throne. Yori, who was commonly seen as the puppet of Warlord and Gunji-no-Kanrei Matsuhari Toranaga, presided over the Combine's military campaigns against the Republic of the Sphere, as well as renewed hostilities against the Federated Suns. This latter campaign initially went very well for the Combine, with DCMS forces reaching as far as the Suns' capital of New Avalon. As the Dark Age continued, the Combine's progress began to slow, and its borders stabilized around its new conquests - including that swath of conquered territory formerly belonging to the Federated Suns that became known as the Dragon's Tongue. [2] [3]

The Five Pillars[edit]

The Draconis Combine is said to be supported by five pillars, each symbolizing an aspect of Draconian society: the Pillar of Gold, representing the government; the Pillar of Steel, representing the military; the Pillar of Teak, representing the people and culture; the Pillar of Ivory, representing philosophy and religion; and the Pillar of Jade, representing the economy. All five pillars work together to support the manifest destiny of House Kurita to conquer all of known space.

Pillar of Gold[edit]

Throne Room of Unity Palace

Gold is precious not only for the value humanity has given it since the beginning of history, but for its practical applications: a natural electrical conductor, gold is malleable and resistant to corrosion or combining with other elements. Such is the way of the government of the Combine, acting as a golden veneer which adds beauty and utility, inspiring the people to work towards a common goal while avoiding becoming a burden against which they might rebel.[4][5]

The Coordinator

At the center of the government is the Coordinator, embodying all that is the Combine; when a person references "the Dragon", it is often with little distinction being made between the Coordinator as a person or of the Combine as a whole, and while not technically worshiped as divine their commands are acted upon as such. Some Coordinators have taken an active approach in governing the Combine, but the most successful have tended to act less and observe more, enforcing their will indirectly. When the Coordinator speaks, it might come in the form of suggestions to others, or delivered in the manner of a parable or haiku. Thus, if a problem occurs, blame does not fall on the Coordinator directly but on the one who failed to carry out their wishes correctly.[4][5]

Carrying out the will of the Coordinator are the Kuritan nobility, the most important of whom after the Coordinator are the Warlords. These are followed by the heads of the five Ministries, the District and Prefecture civilian leaders, and those with noble titles by dint of their landholdings or corporate ownership. The least regarded yet most highly placed nobles are those who work only at the Royal Court; since mere mortals cannot come into contact with the Coordinator, even the sanitation workers must have titles of nobility. Such kuri or leeches may sometimes be useful as a means of getting the attention of a person of higher position or even the Coordinator themselves.[6][5]

The Ministries

The day-to-day working of the Combine is carried out by five Ministries each headed by a minister, with the ministers of individual bureaus or subministers reporting to them, who in turn are reported to by the heads of bureau subdivisions or committeemen. Head ministers and subministers are all members of the nobility, as are most committeemen. Ostensibly, each ministry has clear-cut responsibilities, but the Byzantine-like nature of the Draconian bureaucracy often means even a simple request might require the fingerprints of multiple agencies, and even lifetime civil servants might not be completely sure of whose authorizations or which forms may be required. Since many bureaucrats are notorious for erring on the side of caution, the best local administrators (besides having the right connections) are adept at Rensikuro-bu (the Dance of Waiting and Smiling) and Rurdu-Koba-tsö (Finding the Cheese in the Maze).[7][8]

The formal names of the ministries, and many of their bureaus, can seem purposely designed to obscure their actual function:[7][8]

  • The Ministry of the Expansion of the Glories of the Draconis Combine: The Ministry of War or Hyöbushö is in charge of all aspects of the military, making it the most important of the five. The major divisions of the Ministry of the War are:[9]
  • the Department of Indoctrination
  • the Bureau of Substitution
  • the Assembly of the Grand Inquisitor
  • the Procurement Department
  • the Draconis Port Authority
  • the Bureau of Administration
  • the Combine Military Coordination Office
  • the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery
  • the Draconis Combine Admiralty
  • the Professional Soldiery Liaison
  • the Physicians of the Dragon
  • the Combine Support and Engineering
  • the Draconis Combine High Command
  • The Ministry of Wealth and the Disbursing of Assets: The Ministry of the Treasure or Ökurashö governs the Draconian economy - setting trade policy, workers' rights, and minting ryu - as well as allocating funds to other ministries. It is also one of the more convoluted ministries, containing bureaus which seemingly belong elsewhere (such as the Bureau of Nourishment responsible for food allocation). The divisions of the Ministry of the Treasury are the most convoluted of all the bureaucracy.[10]
  • the Bureau of Nourishment (food allocation), though it really seems to belong in the Ministry of the Interior
  • the Bureau of Human Growth, that would seem to belong to the Treasury Ministry
  • the Bureau of Interstellar Trade covers customs and tariffs (covers interstellar trade development and control)
  • the Bureau of Economic Exchange and Expansion (covers interstellar trade development and control)
  • the Bureau of Control of the Distribution of Symbolic Assets (money circulation)
  • the Bureau of Symbolic Assets (the mint)
  • the Bureau of Just Reward for Labor (worker pay scales)
  • the Bureau of Worker Protection (occupational safety)
  • the Bureau of Returns from Outsiders (foreign currency exchange)
  • the Bureau of Development of Treaty Brothers (trade liaison with House Marik and House Liao)
  • the Bureau of Development of Untapped Lands (Periphery trade liaison)
  • the Bursar is the most important bureau of all is often confused with the Bureau of Bureaucracy, but the Bursar allocates funds for all the other ministries and bureaus.
  • The Ministry of the Well-Being of the Land and the Peoples: The Ministry of Interior or Minbushö is responsible for everything not covered by another ministry, including living conditions, the environment, and settlement of new planets. The major divisions of the Ministry of the Interior are:[11]
  • the Bureau of General Indoctrination (education)
  • the Bureau of Shelter (housing)
  • the Bureau of Health and Happiness (medical care)
  • the Bureau of Human Growth (Worker Assignment)
  • the Bureau of Conservation and Salvage of Resources (Environmental and Recycling concerns)
  • the Bureau of Domesticated Plants and Animals (agriculture)
  • the Bureau of Natural Plants and Animals (forestry)
  • the all-powerful Bureau of Bureaucracy
  • the Bureau of Friendly Interior Comfort and Concerns was created to bring about intercultural harmony after the integration of Clan Nova Cat into Draconian society after Operation Bulldog and the increasing restlessness of the Azami.
  • The Ministry of Peaceful Order and Honor: The Ministry of Justice or Kakun handles law and order within the Combine; while citizens are allowed civil liberties, close cooperation between the courts and police ensures justice is dispensed to those who deserve it. The major divisions of the Ministry of Justice are:[12]
  • the Civilian Guidance Corps (The Friendly Persuaders, the civilian police)
  • the Neighborly Patrol (Civilian neighborhood watch and vigilantes)
  • the Halls of Swift Justice (criminal court)
  • the Machine of Peaceful Conflict Resolution (civil court)
  • the Guaranteed Honor for Kurita’s Servants(noble court)
  • the Bureau of Confined Persuasion (prisons)
  • the Bureau of Official Information (news and propaganda)
  • The Ministry of the Servants of the Draconis Combine: The Ministry of the Court or Kazoku handles a variety of different functions, most associated with the nobility and court functions. For example, the Watchers of the Household run the Imperial Palace on Luthien while the Committee of Special Events plans all court ceremonies, including the presenting of military honors, the Cleansing of the Spirit ceremony and the Celebration of the Coordinator's Birthday. The major divisions of the Ministry of the Court are:[13]
  • the Bureau of Hospitality Toward New Lands, which assigns governors to newly-liberated planets
  • the Committee of Planetary Unity
  • the Keeper of the House Honor (the most powerful section of the Ministry of the Court), also called Order of the Five Pillars, which is not governed by anyone other than the Keeper of the Family Honor but is technically part of the ministry so that it may call upon the services of the government through official channels.
  • the Watchers of the Household (who run the Royal Palace)
  • the Interior Staff of the Coordinator (the Coordinator's cooks and physicians)
  • the Committee of Special Events, who plan for court ceremonies.
A Draconis Combine Prefect
Political Subdivisions

Depending on the point in history, the Combine is divided into anywhere between three and five Districts. There exist both Military Districts and Government Districts, and while the names are the same and the areas they control are nearly identical, there are occasional territorial differences between the two. Each military district commander, or Warlord, has the final say over any decisions within their area of operation, but largely leave day-to-day operations in the hands of the district governors or Shogun.[7][8]

Each district in turn is divided into prefectures, which mimic the form of districts by having a military and civilian leader. Prefecture heads or Prefects handle the civil administration of their regions, and are (unfortunately) the ones most responsible for dealing with requests for the Ministries.[7][8] In theory, military prefecture commanders also have final say over any governmental decisions within their area, though as is often the case their district commanders maintain a tight control over them and issue orders directly to units within their area, preventing any possible challenge to their power or the will of the Dragon.[14]

Lastly, each planet is governed by a Planetary Chairman, who is able to set laws and rule the planet as he (or she) sees fit...with the Coordinator's approval. This level of autonomy allows individual planets the flexibility to tackle problems unique to their situation. Chairmen may also exert authority over their planetary militia, though the units remain ultimately under the command of the DCMS High Command. If however a Planetary Chairman is believed to be operating against the wishes of the Coordinator, they will quickly find themselves removed from a position of authority.[7][8][15]

Each district and prefecture also sends a representative, chosen by the Shogun, to serve on the Committee of Planetary Unity, which nominally sets policy for the entire Combine. Very little power is granted to the Committee though; they may, for example, discuss minor issues between individual planets, but cannot enact laws. Their true purpose is to act as messengers, reporting the Coordinator's wishes back to the district governors and prefects, leaving representatives time to trade favors or engage in petty political gamesmanship.[7][8]

Pillar of Steel[edit]

Main article: Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery

In the time of feudal Japan, the steel used in the creation of katanas was said to have mystical properties, making them the finest weapons ever created. Samurai held their blades in high esteem and passed them down through the generations. For a samurai to lose his blade, however, was an act of great dishonor and to be avoided at all cost. Such is the regard placed on the armed forces of the Draconis Combine, representing the central and most important of the five pillars. As the principal agent in realizing House Kurita's mandate to conquer all, the fortunes of the military are closely tied to that of the state; as the military goes, so goes the Combine.[16][17]

The military of the Combine, the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS), has traditionally been one of the strongest in the Inner Sphere. The Combine was founded upon the principles of bushido, the way of the warrior. Thanks to this, the military has a large pool of skilled individuals from which to draw. Enlistment in the DCMS is seen as the fastest way to get ahead in the world, as every person in the military, even a lowly rifleman, is respected. The DCMS is also referred to as the Arm of the Dragon.

Pillar of Teak[edit]

Teak is among the strongest and most imperishable woods ever used by humans for construction; Unity Palace, home of the Coordinator, is primarily built and decorated with this valuable material. However, while teak has traditionally flourished in the hot, moist climates on Terra, efforts to transplant it on other planets have largely failed. Within the Combine, at first only on the planet Jabuka was teak able to thrive, though after the Rasalhague partition Pusht-i-rud and Cylene were also found to have suitable growing conditions. So it is with the society of the Combine: through careful cultivation, the people of the Dragon are a dependable and durable source of strength for the realm.[18][19]

As decreed by the First Coordinator, Draconian society is highly stratified. At the top are the nobility or kuge, responsible for running much of the government, followed by the warriors or buke, who fight for the glory of the Dragon. The middle class encompass a wide range of professionals, followed by the commoners or henin who perform the manual labor in society. At the bottom are the Unproductives, composed of society's undesirables including criminal elements like the yakuza. Rarely is a Draconian able to rise above their station, but surprisingly most are content with their place in society. This is thanks to indoctrination which reinforces a collective identity and adherence to the Dictum Honorium and instills in the average citizen glorification of the military and suspicion of all outsiders; for many Draconians, the only time they will ever visit a non-Combine world is to conquer it.[18][19]

Unlike the lower classes, the nobility and military are encouraged to pursue artistic expression

Japanese cultural traditions - such as tea ceremonies, geisha and Nohkabu theater troupes - dominate the Draconis Combine despite the fact that a majority of Draconians are of non-Japanese ancestry.[18][20][21] This cultural hegemony was informal at first, receiving a boost in popularity after the construction of the Imperial City along traditional lines, but quickly became official government policy when Urizen Kurita instituted the Kokugaku or National Learning program, stressing Japan's history and its language.[22] Criticisms that such a narrow cultural focus serves as a means to discriminate against non-Japanese have been met by reassurances from various Coordinators that all who show loyalty to the Dragon will always be respected.[23] For example, Takiro Kurita softened Kokugaku by mandating Japanese language only for those entering government and military occupations,[24] and the School of Cultural Investigation on Al Na'ir is dedicated to exploring the diverse traditions which make up the Combine and how aspects of each are incorporated to create a greater Draconian culture.[18][20]

This adherence to traditional norms explains the position of women in Combine society, which is often that of housewife and mother. There are no formal barriers against women entering into higher education or joining the military, and some (especially high-born) have attained important positions in the political, corporate and military spheres, but few achieve the same level of equality as their male counterparts.[18][20][25] When Siriwan McAllister-Kurita became the first female Coordinator, the idea of a woman sitting on the Chrysanthemum Throne did not sit easily among the patriarchal nobility, though her successes opened the door for future female rulers.[26][27] Within the military, few women had achieved the rank of General and none had been made a Warlord before the thirty-first century,[28] but that changed under Theodore Kurita as more women were promoted into the higher ranks and Tomoe Sakade became the Combine's first female Warlord in 3062.[20]

Pillar of Ivory[edit]

Ivory is the only material of the five pillars which is sourced from living animals, specifically those who grow tusks. As these animals grow into adulthood, so too do their tusks, building up in layers; the first, outermost layer hardens into a protective barrier over the increasing softness of each inner layer. So it is with the philosophies and religion which govern the peoples of the Combine, growing with the expansion of House Kurita and assigned a mode of faith best suited to them, all of whom are protected by the strength of character instilled in the Combine by the First Coordinator and the proscriptions of the Dictum Honorium as upheld by the Order of the Five Pillars.

Shortly after becoming First Coordinator, Shiro Kurita quickly took on the mantle of the Combine's spiritual leader as well. After the successes he had achieved in creating his interstellar realm, many believed they too could also achieve greatness by adopting his mental attitudes, a belief he indirectly encouraged. At the same time, Shiro knew that in order to control and channel the people to a higher purpose, he had to mandate a person's ideology and how he viewed the world around them. Thus he set down the two ideals by which the all citizens of the Combine must abide by: Purity and Harmony. By Purity, Shiro did not mean necessarily purity of action but purity of thought, that one's actions were for the betterment of their Lord and the government and not for selfish reasons. By Harmony, he meant that one's life should be synchronized with society and the Coordinator. Individualism was discouraged, as a single person could only achieve happiness for themselves, suffers pain and injury by themselves, and eventually will die and fade away; working together though, the collective can spread happiness and share pain so that one is not overwhelmed, and even as they die each person can live on forever in the glory of the Combine.[29][30]

These ideals of Purity and Harmony appear, in various forms, among the pan-Asian religions and philosophies on which Shiro grew up, and to which he assigned each of the social classes within Combine society. As befitting the needs of their position, the nobility are theoretically free to follow any tradition, although Confucianism and Taoism have traditionally been encouraged by the Coordinator to instill a sense of obligation to one's superiors and the capability to react to fluid situations. For the military, Confucianism, Zen Buddhism and bushido were assigned to focus the warrior's mind and leave them free to make the necessary decisions during combat. A more intensified version of Confucianism was indoctrinated in the vast middle class, ensuring loyalty in a stratum of society which is most vulnerable to inappropriate philosophies. For the working classes, and the Unproductives below them, Shintoism help occupy their minds during grueling work days or a rootless existence. Control of the Shinto temples and priesthood, however, rest firmly with the nobility, who ironically are themselves dissuaded from believing in the religion they administer.[31][32]

Inevitably, alternative religions and philosophies will appear along the margins of a society as tightly control as Draconian, but with great effort such threats to the social harmony and stability of society are just as inevitably rooted out and destroyed. A few notable exceptions have been made in the history of the Combine. When Rasalhague formally joined the Combine after the McAllister Rebellion, its people practiced a form of Christianity based on Eastern Orthodox Catholicism. As part of a political compromise, the people were allowed to retain their religion, so long as all mentions of "the Lord" in public ceremonies were in reference to the Coordinator. A secular form of Judaism is also tolerated, with those maintaining its religious trappings forced to join secretive minyans to avoid persecution. Among the Azami, who practice a form of Shia Islam, the Dragon turns a blind eye to their practice. Under the precept of taqiya the Azami outwardly adopt the rules of the Dictum Honorium, and so long as they keep their religious practices to Azami-controlled worlds the security services do not inquire deeply into the Azami's faithfulness to the Honorium.[33][34]

Pillar of Jade[edit]

While other gems or minerals may hold special significance elsewhere, jade is particularly valuable within the Draconis Combine as a symbol of commerce and industry. For thousands of years jade has been sought out not just for its aesthetic beauty but also its supposed mystical properties for calming the mind and driving away evil spirits. Even the less superstitious Draconians, when under the immense pressure to succeed, will stop and meditate on jade as a way of clearing their thoughts. As such, examples of jade artwork can be found in offices and factories across the Combine, most commonly taking the shape of a pillar, tree or pierced disk, as reminders to workers and executives alike to focus on their assigned task. The pierced disk in particular suggests against fixating too much on material wealth compared to the vastness of the heavens.[35][36]

Despite its size the Draconis Combine has historically been resource-poor (except in population), and the Succession Wars did much to destroy what little of what existed, but the remaining wealth is exploited to the maximum extent under an economic system which can be described as "state-run capitalism." Independent, publicly-traded corporations with their own boards of directors exist within the Combine, but the degree to which they can exert their independence depends strongly on the nature of their business. In 2985, Treasury Minister Tadaki Nagai decided that all businesses would be designated as either Direct Service (Military) or Indirect Service (Civilian)[35]. Those with direct ties to the military - manufacturers of weapons or 'Mechs - were designated "Direct Service" corporations in the late thirtieth century. Such corporations are guaranteed protection against all military and economic threats, but are subject to the decisions of an military board of officers which can overrule any actions taken by the civilian directors. All other corporations were labeled "Indirect Service", and while maintaining more control over their own affairs many are under some level of direct supervision of at least one military officer, depending on how much of their business directly affects the military.[35][36] Although the Kurita economy is government-run it is not a communist economy. It can be best described as controlled-market capitalism, where new businesses can start up only with the permission of the government, and must be run under close government supervision, but where the corporations are not owned by the government, as they have their own directors and may issue stock if they wish. There is a tolerance of small operations on most worlds, such as the independent farmer's markets. If they become too successful, they are usually closed down or absorbed by a large firm.[37]

For the average worker, loyalty to the corporation is second only to loyalty to the Coordinator themselves. While the state provides many of the same services, most workers' entire lives revolve around the corporation: born in hospitals, living in housing, and entombed in cemeteries owned by the corporation. The only honorable means of escaping a particular company is to be transferred to a different one or to join the military; to actually be fired brings disgrace not only on the worker but the family as well for failing to raise a productive member of society. Some are allowed the honor of starving to death so that the rest of their family may continuing working at the same firm, but with little to no prospects of working anywhere else those who don't take their own lives are relegated to the ranks of the Unproductives. Here the only legal work that may be found are the bottom of the barrel jobs: cleanup crews for toxic environments, research test subjects, or cannon fodder for local militia units.[35][36][38]

Manufacturing Centers[edit]

A detailed list of some DCMS manufacturer and company centers.

3067

Heavy Aerospace Industry[39]

Major Defense Industries[40]

Era-Specific Data[edit]

3130[edit]

  • Total (Inhabited) Systems: 243[41]
  • Estimated Population (3130): 729,000,000,000
  • Dominant Language(s): Japanese (official), Arabic, English
  • Dominant Religion(s): Shinto (official), Buddhism, Islam
  • Unit of Currency: Ryu (1 ryu = 0.94 C-Bills / 2.30 C-Bills (3145)[42])

Maps[edit]

  • Draconis Combine 3025

  • Prefectures in 3039

  • Draconis Combine 3061

  • Prefectures in 3061

  • Draconis Combine 3130

Historical Maps[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 202, "Sabaku Kaze Heavy Scout Hover Tank"
  2. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 28, "The Dragon Strikes"
  3. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 31, "Searching for the Grail"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 90-91
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 113-114
  6. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 91-92
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 95-96
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 120-122
  9. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 96 "War"
  10. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 96 "TREASURY"
  11. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 96 "Interior"
  12. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 97 "Justice"
  13. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 97 "COURT"
  14. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 143
  15. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 145
  16. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 120
  17. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 137
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 150-152
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 129-131
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 133
  21. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 182-183
  22. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 36
  23. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 45
  24. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 37
  25. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 80
  26. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine) p. 37-40
  27. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 30-33
  28. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 130
  29. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 101-102
  30. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 100
  31. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 116-119
  32. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 107-109
  33. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 108-110
  34. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 108-111
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 157-159
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 155-157
  37. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 159 "THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE"
  38. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 129
  39. ↑ Strategic Operations, p. 15
  40. ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 15
  41. ↑ Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130), p. 7
  42. ↑ Era Report: 3145, p.194, "Currency Conversion Table"

Bibliography[edit]

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