Difference between revisions of "Kai Allard-Liao"

m
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Update Needed|[[Era Report: 3052]], [[Handbook: House Liao]], [[The Longest Road]], [[Era Report: 3145]], [[Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation]][[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]] and [[Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades]]}}  
+
{{Update Needed|[[Era Report: 3052]]|[[Handbook: House Liao]]|[[The Longest Road]]|[[Era Report: 3145]]|[[Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation]]|[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]|[[Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades]]}}
 +
{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image              = Kai_Allard-Liao_HWotRE.jpg
+
| image              = Kai Allard-Liao BTL.jpg
| caption            =
+
| caption            = Kai Allard-Liao
 
| name                = Kai Allard-Liao
 
| name                = Kai Allard-Liao
| birthdate          = [[3030]]
+
| birthdate          = 1 June [[3030]]<ref name=FM:CCp26>''Field Manual: Capellan Confederation'', p. 26, "Kai Allard-Liao profile"</ref><ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 51 - "House Liao Key Personalities"</ref>
| died                = [[3113]]
+
| died                = [[3113]]<ref name=ER3145>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 87, "Danai Profile"</ref>
 
| othernames          =  
 
| othernames          =  
 
| affiliation        = [[House Allard-Liao]]
 
| affiliation        = [[House Allard-Liao]]
 +
| rank                =
 +
| title              = [[Duke of St. Ives]]
 +
| position            =
 
| profession          = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br>[[Arena Gladiator]]
 
| profession          = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br>[[Arena Gladiator]]
 
| parents            = [[Justin Allard]] (father)<br/>[[Candace Liao]] (mother)
 
| parents            = [[Justin Allard]] (father)<br/>[[Candace Liao]] (mother)
Line 14: Line 18:
 
| children            = [[David Lear]]<br/>[[Melissa Allard-Liao]]
 
| children            = [[David Lear]]<br/>[[Melissa Allard-Liao]]
 
}}
 
}}
'''Kai Allard-Liao''' (born [[3030]]<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 51 - "House Liao Key Personalities"</ref> &ndash; died [[3113]]<ref name=ER3145>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 87, "Danai Profile"</ref>, aged 83 years) was the eldest child of [[Justin Allard]] and [[Candace Liao]]. As such, he stood to become the ruler of the [[St. Ives Compact]], but his accession never came to pass because the Compact was forcibly reintegrated into the [[Capellan Confederation]] in [[3063]]. He was the [[Class Six Champions|Solaris Grand Champion]] for two years during the middle 3050s, prompting many observers to declare him the best [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] of his generation.<ref name=SS>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 73</ref><ref name=FTC>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 62, "Fast Track Champion''</ref>
+
'''Kai Allard-Liao''' was the eldest child of [[Justin Allard]] and [[Candace Liao]]. As such, he stood to become the ruler of the [[St. Ives Compact]], but his accession never came to pass because the Compact was forcibly reintegrated into the [[Capellan Confederation]] in [[3063]]. He was the [[Class Six Champions|Solaris Grand Champion]] for two years during the middle 3050s, prompting many observers to declare him the best [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] of his generation.<ref name=SS>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 73</ref><ref name=FTC>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 62 - "Fast Track Champion''</ref>
  
==Biography==
+
==History==
===Early Life===
+
===Early life===
Kai grew up in a fiercely competitive family, his father having once been Solaris Champion himself and his mother was also an accomplished MechWarrior. He attended the [[Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns#New_Avalon_Institute_of_Science: College_of_Military_Sciences|New Avalon Military Academy]], where he met [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] during an exchange program. The two there formed the basis of a firm friendship, rare among nobility from neighboring nations. Before graduating from NAMA in [[3049]]<ref name=SS />, Kai became the first cadet to score a draw against the incredibly difficult "La Mancha" simulator program. His tactics served as the basis that Victor used to become the first cadet to defeat the scenario while he was at the [[Nagelring|Nagelring]]. During his time at the academy, Kai's lack of self-confidence first made itself evident.
+
Born on [[New Avalon]],<ref name=FM:CCp26/> Kai grew up in a fiercely competitive family, his father having once been Solaris Champion himself and his mother was also an accomplished MechWarrior. He attended the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns#New Avalon Institute of Science: College of Military Sciences|New Avalon Military Academy]], where he met [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] during an exchange program. The two there formed the basis of a firm friendship, rare among nobility from neighboring nations. Before graduating from NAMA in [[3049]]<ref name=SS />, Kai became the first cadet to score a draw against the incredibly difficult "La Mancha" simulator program. His tactics served as the basis that Victor used to become the first cadet to defeat the scenario while he was at the [[Nagelring|Nagelring]]. During his time at the academy, Kai's lack of self-confidence first made itself evident.
  
 
===AFFC===
 
===AFFC===
Upon graduation, he joined service with the [[Federated Commonwealth]]'s [[10th Lyran Guards]] as a [[Lieutenant]], a position he held when Victor joined the unit as Kai's [[battalion]] commander. <ref name=SS /> They were both on the team that came up with a strategy to strike back at the [[Clans]] during the [[Clan invasion]]. It was during that battle in [[3050]] that he engineered the destruction of the [[Falcon Guards]] at the Great Gash on [[Twycross]] single-handed.<ref name=SS /> He traveled with the other leaders and heirs of the [[Inner Sphere]] in [[3051]] to [[Outreach]] at the request of [[Jaime Wolf]] to learn about the Clans. On Outreach, Kai fought in a Clan-style [[Clans#Trial of Position|Trial of Position]] and defeated an unprecedented five of his six opponents, including Prince [[Hanse Davion]] before falling to Jaime himself. He turned down Jaime's offer of the ''[[Dire Wolf (Daishi)|Daishi]]'' he had piloted to keep [[Yen-Lo-Wang]], the CN 9AH ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' that had been his father's 'Mech. Hanse Davion insisted on rewarding his performance, and upgraded Yen-Lo-Wang with newly rediscovered [[Star League]] technology derived from the [[Helm Memory Core]].  
+
Upon graduation, he joined service with the [[Federated Commonwealth]]'s [[Tenth Lyran Guards]] as a [[Lieutenant]], a position he held when Victor joined the unit as Kai's [[battalion]] commander.<ref name=SS /> They were both on the team that came up with a strategy to strike back at the [[Clans]] during the [[Clan invasion]]. It was during that battle in [[3050]] that Kai engineered the destruction of the [[Falcon Guards]] at the Great Gash on [[Twycross]] single-handed.<ref name=SS /> He traveled with the other leaders and heirs of the [[Inner Sphere]] in [[3051]] to [[Outreach]] at the request of [[Jaime Wolf]] to learn about the Clans. On Outreach, Kai fought in a Clan-style [[Clans#Trial of Position|Trial of Position]] and defeated an unprecedented five of his six opponents, including Prince [[Hanse Davion]] before falling to Jaime himself. He turned down Jaime's offer of the ''[[Dire Wolf (Daishi)|Daishi]]'' he had piloted to keep ''[[Yen-Lo-Wang]]'', the CN-9AH ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' that had been his father's 'Mech. Hanse Davion insisted on rewarding his performance, and upgraded ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' with newly rediscovered [[Star League]] technology derived from the [[Helm Memory Core]].
  
In [[3052]], on [[Alyina]], Jade Falcons crushed Victor Davion's unit, apparently trying to capture him. His 'Mech was crippled, and fell under assault of a star of jump-pack equipped OminMechs. Kai lead a counterattack, saving Victor and leaving him escape. Kai found himself trapped behind enemy lines. With the help of [[Clan Jade Falcon]] forces who had initially captured him, Kai struck back at [[ComStar]] troops who attempted to gain control of the [[Inner Sphere]] through Primus [[Myndo Waterly]]'s [[Operation SCORPION]]. After aiding the Falcon troops, Kai was allowed to return home, only to encounter the news that his father had been assassinated by an agent sent by Chancellor [[Romano Liao]].<ref>''Lost Destiny''</ref>
+
===Alyina===
 +
In [[3052]], while on [[Alyina]], Clan Jade Falcon forces crushed Victor Davion's unit and tried to capture him. Kai led a counterattack which saved Victor and let him escape. He ordered his lance to protect the Prince while he broke out of Clan Jade Falcon's trap. In the process his 'Mech was crippled while fighting a Star of jump pack–equipped OmniMechs. Kai found himself trapped behind enemy lines. Avoiding capture for some time and even killing one Elemental in the process, he was nearly killed by [[Taman Malthus]]. Narrowly escaping death, he returned to Comstar's compound in the middle of [[ComStar]]'s [[Operation SCORPION]]. With the help of [[Clan Jade Falcon]] forces who had initially tried to capture him, Kai struck back at the Comstar unit that had captured the Clan forces. After helping the Falcon troops to liberate themselves, he was allowed to return home with the company of those [[AFFC]] soldiers captured by Clan Jade Falcon on Alyina. When he returned to Inner Sphere lines, he was informed that his father had been assassinated by an agent sent by Chancellor [[Romano Liao]].<ref>''Lost Destiny''</ref>
  
 
===Champion===
 
===Champion===
Kai traveled to [[Solaris VII]] in [[3053]].<ref name=FTC /> In [[3054]] he challenged and defeated then-champion [[Jason Bloch]], but refused to duel him again for the title, letting it lie vacant instead. Like his father, Kai became the Solaris Champion, a title he held from [[3055]] to [[3056]]. Solarans widely speculated that Kai would go on to surpass [[Gray Noton]]'s legendary seven-year reign as Solaris Champion, but Kai retired after only two years on top. It was during this time that Kai mostly overcame his chronic self-doubt and married Dr. [[Deirdre Lear]].<ref name=KAL>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 64, "Kai Allard-Liao"</ref>
+
Kai traveled to [[Solaris VII]] in [[3053]].<ref name=FTC /> In [[3054]] he challenged and defeated then-champion [[Jason Bloch]], but refused to duel him again for the title, letting it lie vacant instead. Like his father, Kai became the Solaris Champion, a title he held from [[3055]] to [[3056]]. Solarans widely speculated that Kai would go on to surpass [[Gray Noton]]'s legendary seven-year reign as Solaris Champion, but Kai retired after only two years on top. It was during this time that Kai mostly overcame his chronic self-doubt and married Dr. [[Deirdre Lear]].<ref name=KAL>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 64 - "Kai Allard-Liao"</ref>
  
 
He also took control of his uncle [[Tormano Liao]]'s [[Free Capella]] organization.<ref name=KAL /> Under Kai's aegis, Free Capella transformed from a revolutionary organization into an aid agency. Tormano was incensed at what his nephew had done, so he took back control of the organization he had founded to oppose tyranny in the [[Capellan Confederation]].
 
He also took control of his uncle [[Tormano Liao]]'s [[Free Capella]] organization.<ref name=KAL /> Under Kai's aegis, Free Capella transformed from a revolutionary organization into an aid agency. Tormano was incensed at what his nephew had done, so he took back control of the organization he had founded to oppose tyranny in the [[Capellan Confederation]].
  
===Operation Bulldog===
+
===Operation BULLDOG===
In [[3059]], he led the [[First St. Ives Lancers]] during [[Operation Bulldog]]. He was in command for the liberation of [[Tarazed]] and took part in the battles for [[Caripare]] and [[Schuyler]]. After the end of the operation, he joined [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] in the mop-up action on [[Huntress]] and for the [[Great Refusal]] on [[Strana Mechty]] in [[3060]], wherein piloting a Stormcrow he defeated Khan [[Vlad Ward]] of [[Clan Wolf]] and achieved a draw against the Wolf Binary.<ref name=SS />
+
In [[3059]], he led the [[First St. Ives Lancers]] during [[Operation BULLDOG]]. He was in command for the liberation of [[Tarazed]] and took part in the battles for [[Caripare]] and [[Schuyler]]. After the end of the Operation, he joined [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] in the mop-up action on [[Huntress]] and for the [[Great Refusal]] on [[Strana Mechty]] in [[3060]], wherein piloting a ''Stormcrow'' he defeated Khan [[Vlad Ward]] of [[Clan Wolf]] and achieved a draw against the Wolf [[Binary]].<ref name=SS />
  
 
===Capellan Civil War===
 
===Capellan Civil War===
While away from the Inner Sphere, rogue units of the St. Ives military under the command of a Capellan spy attempted to capture or assassinate then-First Lord and Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao on the planet [[Hustaing]]. This prompted the deployment of Star League Peacekeepers to several Compact worlds to ensure that no further provocations took place. Unfortunately, their presence only escalated the violence and on 20 February 3061, [[Capellan-St. Ives War|war was formally declared]] between the Capellan Confederation and the St. Ives Compact.  
+
While away from the Inner Sphere, rogue units of the St. Ives military under the command of a Capellan spy attempted to capture or assassinate then-First Lord and Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao on the planet [[Hustaing]]. This prompted the deployment of Star League Peacekeepers to several Compact worlds to ensure that no further provocations took place. Unfortunately, their presence only escalated the violence and on 20 February 3061, [[Capellan-St. Ives War|war was declared]] between the Capellan Confederation and the St. Ives Compact.  
  
 
Upon returning to the Inner Sphere in April 3061, Kai became an active participant in the defense of his homeland against the Capellan Confederation. He accompanied his mother, Duchess Candace, to the [[Second Whitting Conference]] where the St. Ives Compact successfully petitioned for [[Star League Defense Force]] assistance against what was by then a full-fledged war. At least three regiments of the elite [[Eridani Light Horse]] were confirmed being sent to aid the St. Ives Compact.
 
Upon returning to the Inner Sphere in April 3061, Kai became an active participant in the defense of his homeland against the Capellan Confederation. He accompanied his mother, Duchess Candace, to the [[Second Whitting Conference]] where the St. Ives Compact successfully petitioned for [[Star League Defense Force]] assistance against what was by then a full-fledged war. At least three regiments of the elite [[Eridani Light Horse]] were confirmed being sent to aid the St. Ives Compact.
Line 41: Line 46:
  
 
===FedCom Civil War===
 
===FedCom Civil War===
Kai was released on his honor by his cousin Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] to help Victor regain his throne from his sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]]. Kai led a portion of the 1st St. Ives Lancers to Victor's aid, meeting up with him on [[Tikonov]] in the fall of [[3066]].<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 147-148</ref> He participated with Victor's campaign on [[New Avalon]] between [[3066]]-[[3067]].<ref>''Endgame''</ref><ref>''The FedCom Civil War''</ref>
+
Kai was released on his honor by his cousin Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] to help Victor regain his throne from his sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]]. Kai led a portion of the 1st St. Ives Lancers to Victor's aid, meeting up with him on [[Tikonov]] in the fall of [[3066]].<ref>''Endgame'', p. 147-148</ref> He participated with Victor's campaign on [[New Avalon]] between [[3066]]-[[3067]].<ref>''Endgame''</ref><ref>''The FedCom Civil War''</ref>
  
 
===Jihad===
 
===Jihad===
On 25 June [[3068]]<ref name=Timeline /> he was abducted from [[St. Ives]] by the [[Bounty Hunter]] and was sighted in the company of Duke [[George Hasek II|George Hasek]] of the [[Federated Suns]] just prior to the Duke's [[Operation: Sovereign Justice|assault]] against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Duke Hasek claimed to be launching the assault in the name of the fallen St. Ives Compact and Kai, though it was not clear Kai participated willingly. By removing Kai from the Confederation, Hasek also removed a potential enemy.<ref name=Timeline>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', pp. 16-17 & ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 176-177, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 17, "Precursor"</ref> On 15 June [[3069]], he was "rescued" by [[Death Commandos]] during the [[Operation: Thunderstrike|Capellan counterattack]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 16, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref>
+
On 25 June [[3068]], on St.Ives, he allowed himself to be abducted at [[St. Ives]] by the [[Bounty Hunter]], which had captured his daughter Melissa Allard. In exchange for her liberation, Kai surrended without any fight.<ref name=Timeline />  Who had contracted the Hunter and why became evident later, when Kai was sighted in the company of Duke [[George Hasek II|George Hasek]] of the [[Federated Suns]] just prior to the Duke's [[Operation SOVEREIGN JUSTICE|assault]] against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Duke Hasek claimed to be launching the assault in the name of the fallen St. Ives Compact and Kai, though it was not clear Kai participated willingly. By removing Kai from the Confederation, Hasek also removed a potential enemy.<ref name=Timeline>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', pp. 16-17 & ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 176-177, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 17, "Precursor"</ref> On 15 June [[3069]], he was "rescued" by [[Death Commandos]] during the [[Operation THUNDERSTRIKE|Capellan counterattack]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 16, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref>
  
 
===Republic Era===
 
===Republic Era===
In the aftermath of the [[Jihad]] Kai found himself to be in a very different position to the leadership of the various Capellan Commonalities - including the remaining senior figures within the St. Ives Commonality. Kai believed that regardless of exactly how the [[Republic of the Sphere]] had subsumed control of a number of former Capellan worlds, contesting control of those worlds wouldn't be worth the cost in lives that would ultimately ensue. With the Chancellor staunchly opposed to the Republic and strongly nationalistic feelings sweeping the Confederation, Kai's position was increasingly isolated; his son David speculated that the reason Kai spent so much time in the field with the [[1st St. Ives Lancers]] in the early [[3080]]s was to avoid the political atmosphere in the St. Ives court.<ref name="J:FRp102">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 102, "The Political Landscape Of The Capellan Confederation"</ref>
+
In the aftermath of the [[Jihad]] Kai found himself to be in a very different position to the leadership of the various Capellan Commonalities - including the remaining senior figures within the St. Ives Commonality. Kai believed that regardless of exactly how the [[Republic of the Sphere]] had subsumed control of a number of former Capellan worlds, contesting control of those worlds would not be worth the cost in lives that would ultimately ensue. With the Chancellor staunchly opposed to the Republic and strongly nationalistic feelings sweeping the Confederation, Kai's position was increasingly isolated; his son David speculated that the reason Kai spent so much time in the field with the [[1st St. Ives Lancers]] in the early [[3080]]s was to avoid the political atmosphere in the St. Ives court.<ref name="J:FRp102">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 102, "The Political Landscape Of The Capellan Confederation"</ref>
  
 
In mid-[[3081]] Kai was facing many calls to retire from those even inside his personal command; while Kai's calls for peace differed from the desires of those within the [[St. Ives Armored Cavalry]], those who criticised him cited the idea that Kai had become emotionally exhausted after more than twenty years of continual warfare, rather than questioning his loyalty to the Confederation.<ref name="J:FRp99">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 99, "The St. Ives Armored Cavalry"</ref>
 
In mid-[[3081]] Kai was facing many calls to retire from those even inside his personal command; while Kai's calls for peace differed from the desires of those within the [[St. Ives Armored Cavalry]], those who criticised him cited the idea that Kai had become emotionally exhausted after more than twenty years of continual warfare, rather than questioning his loyalty to the Confederation.<ref name="J:FRp99">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 99, "The St. Ives Armored Cavalry"</ref>
Line 53: Line 58:
 
Despite the questions as to his loyalties, later that year the [[Strategios]] ordered the 1st Lancers from their garrison on [[Liao]] to retake the historically Capellan world of [[Genoa]] from the Republic, taking Kai by surprise. While the Lancers succeeded in pushing the [[Dragonfang Cluster]] off-world, the operation was primarily coordinated by the Lancers' XO due to increasing friction between Kai and his junior officers. When the Strategios then ordered the Lancers to attack [[Terra Firma]], a historically [[Terran Hegemony]] world that only fell under Capellan control after the collapse of the Star League, Kai had had enough. <ref name=FM3085-25>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 25 "The Capellan Confederation - St. Ives Armored Cavalry"</ref>
 
Despite the questions as to his loyalties, later that year the [[Strategios]] ordered the 1st Lancers from their garrison on [[Liao]] to retake the historically Capellan world of [[Genoa]] from the Republic, taking Kai by surprise. While the Lancers succeeded in pushing the [[Dragonfang Cluster]] off-world, the operation was primarily coordinated by the Lancers' XO due to increasing friction between Kai and his junior officers. When the Strategios then ordered the Lancers to attack [[Terra Firma]], a historically [[Terran Hegemony]] world that only fell under Capellan control after the collapse of the Star League, Kai had had enough. <ref name=FM3085-25>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 25 "The Capellan Confederation - St. Ives Armored Cavalry"</ref>
  
Invoking his authority as Duke of St. Ives, Kai refused the order stating he would not be a party to starting the next war. The majority of the 1st St. Ives Lancers then mutinied against him and his XO accused him of treason. Kai only escaped thanks to the assistance of a handful of Lancers that remained loyal to him, most of whom died allowing him to ultimately defect to the Republic of the Sphere. Kai's actions were seen in the Confederation as a shocking betrayal, shattering the moral of the St. Ives Armored Cavalry and eliciting a very public rebuke from his sister Kuan-Yin for betraying "their people". <ref name=FM3085-25/><ref name=FM3085-20>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 20 "The Capellan Confederation - General Review - A Broken Home"</ref>
+
Invoking his authority as Duke of St. Ives, Kai refused the order stating he would not be a party to starting the next war. The majority of the 1st St. Ives Lancers then mutinied against him and his XO accused him of treason. Kai only escaped thanks to the assistance of a handful of Lancers that remained loyal to him, most of whom died allowing him to ultimately defect to the Republic of the Sphere. Kai's actions were seen in the Confederation as a shocking betrayal, shattering the morale of the St. Ives Armored Cavalry and eliciting a very public rebuke from his sister Kuan-Yin for betraying "their people". <ref name=FM3085-25/><ref name=FM3085-20>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 20 "The Capellan Confederation - General Review - A Broken Home"</ref>
  
 
By [[3085]], Kai had been selected as the [[Lord Governor]] of the Republic's [[Prefecture V]], which served to lessen internal tensions within this region. <ref name=FM3085-180>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 20 "The Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Hastati Sentinels"</ref>
 
By [[3085]], Kai had been selected as the [[Lord Governor]] of the Republic's [[Prefecture V]], which served to lessen internal tensions within this region. <ref name=FM3085-180>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 20 "The Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Hastati Sentinels"</ref>
  
===Death and Afterward===
+
===Death and afterward===
His subsequent actions currently remain unknown, however he was killed in [[3113]] on [[Liao]] during the [[Capellan Crusades]] while fighting for the [[Republic of the Sphere]].<ref>Stackpole, Michael A., ''[[Ghost War]]''</ref> Kai left his legendary 'Mech, [[Yen-Lo-Wang]], to his great-niece, [[Danai Liao-Centrella]], who also went on to become a Solaris combatant.<ref>''Principles of Desolation''</ref>
+
His subsequent actions currently remain unknown, however he was killed in [[3113]] on [[Sakhalin (CC)|Sakhalin]] during the [[Capellan Crusades]] while fighting for the [[Republic of the Sphere]].<ref>''Wars of the Republic Era'', p. 4 "Righteous Vengeance"</ref> Kai left his legendary 'Mech, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'', to his great-niece, [[Danai Liao-Centrella]], who also went on to become a Solaris combatant.<ref>''Principles of Desolation''</ref>
 
 
===Marriage and Children===
 
Kai married Dr. [[Deirdre Lear]], a pacifistic physician in the mid-3050s and had two children: [[David Lear]] and [[Melissa Liao-Allard]].
 
*[[David Lear]] was in the same reeducation camp as [[Devlin Stone]] and worked with him to liberate the camp and create the [[Kittery Prefecture]]. It was through Lear that Stone was able to meet Kai and other [[Inner Sphere]] leaders.
 
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|''There are few words that would do justice to [[Solaris City]]. There are less which could do it injustice. Solaris city is... an experience. Though not one I'd invite many people to know for themselves. Read about it. Catch the fights on [[holovid|holovid broadcasts]]. Leave the rest to mystery and never worry about the fact you missed it. Because in the end, Solaris city is just what one would expect. Only more so.''|An interview with Kai Allard-Liao, [[Tharkan Media Associates]], 23 November [[3058]]<ref name=MWGtoS7-68>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 68 "A Brief History of Solaris VII - Solaris City"</ref>}}
+
{{Quote|''There are few words that would do justice to [[Solaris City]]. There are less which could do it injustice. Solaris City is... an experience. Though not one I'd invite many people to know for themselves. Read about it. Catch the fights on [[holovid|holovid broadcasts]]. Leave the rest to mystery and never worry about the fact you missed it. Because in the end, Solaris City is just what one would expect. Only more so.''|An interview with Kai Allard-Liao, [[Tharkan Media Associates]], 23 November [[3058]]<ref name=MWGtoS7-68>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 68 "A Brief History of Solaris VII - Solaris City"</ref>}}
 
 
==Titles and Positions==
 
{{S-start}}
 
{{S-bef|before=[[Jason Bloch]]}}
 
{{S-title|title= [[Solaris VII]] Grand Tournament Champion|years=[[3054]] - [[3056]]}}
 
{{S-aft|after=[[Wynn Goddard]]}}
 
{{S-bef|before=[[Justin Allard]]}}
 
{{S-title|title=[[Duke of St. Ives]]|years=}}
 
{{S-aft|after=[[Kuan-Yin Allard-Liao]]}}
 
{{S-end}}
 
  
 
==BattleMechs==
 
==BattleMechs==
Allard-Liao most famously used ''[[Yen-Lo-Wang]]'', a modified ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', for much of his career. He occasionally used other 'Mechs for specific purposes, piloting a ''[[Penetrator]]'' in an important duel on Solaris in [[3056]]. He piloted also this mech during [[Operation Bulldog]], with great success.
+
Allard-Liao most famously used ''Yen-Lo-Wang'', a modified ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', for much of his career, he occasionally used other 'Mechs for specific purposes. He piloted a ''[[Penetrator]]'' in an important duel on Solaris in [[3056]] and during [[Operation BULLDOG]], with great success.
He also used a ''[[Stormcrow (Ryoken)|Stormcrow]]'' in the B configuration during the Great Refusal. During the final test of his training on Outreach, he piloted a ''[[Dire Wolf]]'', eliminating five elite opponents. <ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. ??</ref> He was piloting a ''[[Hatchetman]]'' when he destroyed the [[Falcon Guard]] during the [[The Battle for Twycross|Battle of Twycross]].
 
  
==Notes==
+
He used a ''[[Stormcrow (Ryoken)|Stormcrow]]'' in the B configuration during the [[Great Refusal]]. During the final test of his training on Outreach, he piloted a ''[[Dire Wolf]]'', eliminating five elite opponents. <ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. ??{{cn}}</ref> He was piloting a ''[[Hatchetman]]'' when he destroyed the [[Falcon Guard]] during the [[Battle of Twycross]].
  
 
==Portrait Gallery==
 
==Portrait Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:KaiAllardLiao.jpg
+
Kai Allard-Liao ER3052.jpg|Kai Allard-Liao at age 20 from ''[[Era Report: 3052|ER:3052]]''
Image:Kai Allard Liao 3.jpg|Kai Allard-Liao at Age of 20 in [[3050]]
+
Kai Allard-Liao TDR.jpg|Kai at age 29 from ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
Image:Kai Allard Liao 1.jpg|At Age of 29
+
Kai Allard-Liao ShSphere.jpg‎|Kai at age 31 from ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
Image:Kai_Allard_Liao_2.jpg‎|At Age of 31
+
Kai Allard-Liao MM.jpg|Kai at age 46 from ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers|Masters and Minions]]''
Image:Kai Allard-Liao.jpg|''Kai Allard-Liao'' Portrait in [[3076]]
+
Kai_Allard-Liao_HWotRE.jpg|Kai at approximate age of 82 from ''[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]''
 +
Kai Allard-Liao BTL.jpg|Kai from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''
 +
Kai Allard-Liao MWAoD.jpg|Kai during the mid-3050s from ''[[MechWarrior:_Dark_Age_Collectable_Miniatures_Game#MechWarrior:_Age_of_Destruction|MW:AoD]]''
 +
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 96: Line 89:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
* ''[[Assumption of Risk]]''
+
<div class="desktop-3-col">
 +
* ''[[Assumption of Risk]]'' (novel)
 +
* ''[[The Battle for Twycross]]''
 
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]''
 
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]''
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''
+
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
 
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
* ''[[Endgame]]''
+
* ''[[Endgame]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[The FedCom Civil War]]''
 
* ''[[The FedCom Civil War]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
* ''[[Ghost War]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
* ''[[Grave Covenant]]''
+
* ''[[Ghost War]]'' (novel)
 +
* ''[[Grave Covenant]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
* ''[[The Killing Fields]]''
+
* ''[[The Killing Fields]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]''
+
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]''
+
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 
* ''[[MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII]]''
 
* ''[[MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII]]''
* ''[[Prince of Havoc]]''
+
* ''[[Prince of Havoc]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Principles of Desolation]]''
+
* ''[[Principles of Desolation]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
 
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
* ''[[Storms of Fate]]''
+
* ''[[Storms of Fate]]'' (novel)
* ''[[The Battle for Twycross]]''
+
</div>
  
==See Also==
 
* ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]''
 
* [[Clan Invasion]]
 
* [[FedCom Civil War]]
 
* [[St. Ives Compact]]
 
* ''[[Yen-Lo-Wang]]''
 
  
 
[[Category:Federated Suns Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Federated Suns Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 +
[[Category:St. Ives Compact Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Solaris Games Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Solaris Games Characters|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Solaris Games MechWarriors‎|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 
[[Category:Solaris Games MechWarriors‎|Allard-Liao, Kai]]
 +
[[Category:Notable Centurion Pilots|Allard-Liao, Kai]]

Latest revision as of 21:54, 7 February 2024

Kai Allard-Liao
Kai Allard-Liao
Character Profile
Born 1 June 3030[1][2]
Died 3113[3]
Affiliation House Allard-Liao
Title(s) Duke of St. Ives
Profession MechWarrior
Arena Gladiator
Parents Justin Allard (father)
Candace Liao (mother)
Siblings Cassandra
Kuan-Yin
Quintus
Spouse Deirdre Lear
Children David Lear
Melissa Allard-Liao

Kai Allard-Liao was the eldest child of Justin Allard and Candace Liao. As such, he stood to become the ruler of the St. Ives Compact, but his accession never came to pass because the Compact was forcibly reintegrated into the Capellan Confederation in 3063. He was the Solaris Grand Champion for two years during the middle 3050s, prompting many observers to declare him the best MechWarrior of his generation.[4][5]

History[edit]

Early life[edit]

Born on New Avalon,[1] Kai grew up in a fiercely competitive family, his father having once been Solaris Champion himself and his mother was also an accomplished MechWarrior. He attended the New Avalon Military Academy, where he met Victor Steiner-Davion during an exchange program. The two there formed the basis of a firm friendship, rare among nobility from neighboring nations. Before graduating from NAMA in 3049[4], Kai became the first cadet to score a draw against the incredibly difficult "La Mancha" simulator program. His tactics served as the basis that Victor used to become the first cadet to defeat the scenario while he was at the Nagelring. During his time at the academy, Kai's lack of self-confidence first made itself evident.

AFFC[edit]

Upon graduation, he joined service with the Federated Commonwealth's Tenth Lyran Guards as a Lieutenant, a position he held when Victor joined the unit as Kai's battalion commander.[4] They were both on the team that came up with a strategy to strike back at the Clans during the Clan invasion. It was during that battle in 3050 that Kai engineered the destruction of the Falcon Guards at the Great Gash on Twycross single-handed.[4] He traveled with the other leaders and heirs of the Inner Sphere in 3051 to Outreach at the request of Jaime Wolf to learn about the Clans. On Outreach, Kai fought in a Clan-style Trial of Position and defeated an unprecedented five of his six opponents, including Prince Hanse Davion before falling to Jaime himself. He turned down Jaime's offer of the Daishi he had piloted to keep Yen-Lo-Wang, the CN-9AH Centurion that had been his father's 'Mech. Hanse Davion insisted on rewarding his performance, and upgraded Yen-Lo-Wang with newly rediscovered Star League technology derived from the Helm Memory Core.

Alyina[edit]

In 3052, while on Alyina, Clan Jade Falcon forces crushed Victor Davion's unit and tried to capture him. Kai led a counterattack which saved Victor and let him escape. He ordered his lance to protect the Prince while he broke out of Clan Jade Falcon's trap. In the process his 'Mech was crippled while fighting a Star of jump pack–equipped OmniMechs. Kai found himself trapped behind enemy lines. Avoiding capture for some time and even killing one Elemental in the process, he was nearly killed by Taman Malthus. Narrowly escaping death, he returned to Comstar's compound in the middle of ComStar's Operation SCORPION. With the help of Clan Jade Falcon forces who had initially tried to capture him, Kai struck back at the Comstar unit that had captured the Clan forces. After helping the Falcon troops to liberate themselves, he was allowed to return home with the company of those AFFC soldiers captured by Clan Jade Falcon on Alyina. When he returned to Inner Sphere lines, he was informed that his father had been assassinated by an agent sent by Chancellor Romano Liao.[6]

Champion[edit]

Kai traveled to Solaris VII in 3053.[5] In 3054 he challenged and defeated then-champion Jason Bloch, but refused to duel him again for the title, letting it lie vacant instead. Like his father, Kai became the Solaris Champion, a title he held from 3055 to 3056. Solarans widely speculated that Kai would go on to surpass Gray Noton's legendary seven-year reign as Solaris Champion, but Kai retired after only two years on top. It was during this time that Kai mostly overcame his chronic self-doubt and married Dr. Deirdre Lear.[7]

He also took control of his uncle Tormano Liao's Free Capella organization.[7] Under Kai's aegis, Free Capella transformed from a revolutionary organization into an aid agency. Tormano was incensed at what his nephew had done, so he took back control of the organization he had founded to oppose tyranny in the Capellan Confederation.

Operation BULLDOG[edit]

In 3059, he led the First St. Ives Lancers during Operation BULLDOG. He was in command for the liberation of Tarazed and took part in the battles for Caripare and Schuyler. After the end of the Operation, he joined Victor Steiner-Davion in the mop-up action on Huntress and for the Great Refusal on Strana Mechty in 3060, wherein piloting a Stormcrow he defeated Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf and achieved a draw against the Wolf Binary.[4]

Capellan Civil War[edit]

While away from the Inner Sphere, rogue units of the St. Ives military under the command of a Capellan spy attempted to capture or assassinate then-First Lord and Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao on the planet Hustaing. This prompted the deployment of Star League Peacekeepers to several Compact worlds to ensure that no further provocations took place. Unfortunately, their presence only escalated the violence and on 20 February 3061, war was declared between the Capellan Confederation and the St. Ives Compact.

Upon returning to the Inner Sphere in April 3061, Kai became an active participant in the defense of his homeland against the Capellan Confederation. He accompanied his mother, Duchess Candace, to the Second Whitting Conference where the St. Ives Compact successfully petitioned for Star League Defense Force assistance against what was by then a full-fledged war. At least three regiments of the elite Eridani Light Horse were confirmed being sent to aid the St. Ives Compact.

Kai Allard-Liao's military contributions began in a raiding campaign against CCAF supply lines deep behind enemy lines. He led his 1st St. Ives Lancers to significant victories in Sarna and Necromo before being ambushed in Capella. Too badly damaged to continue, the 1st St. Ives Lancers returned for refit in time to participate in the defense of St. Ives. Outnumbered 3-1, the defenders of the realm's capital were steadily beaten down until the planet fell with the evacuation of Duchess Candace Liao. Kai and his regiment spent the remainder of the war along the Teng Front until peace was declared.

FedCom Civil War[edit]

Kai was released on his honor by his cousin Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao to help Victor regain his throne from his sister Katherine. Kai led a portion of the 1st St. Ives Lancers to Victor's aid, meeting up with him on Tikonov in the fall of 3066.[8] He participated with Victor's campaign on New Avalon between 3066-3067.[9][10]

Jihad[edit]

On 25 June 3068, on St.Ives, he allowed himself to be abducted at St. Ives by the Bounty Hunter, which had captured his daughter Melissa Allard. In exchange for her liberation, Kai surrended without any fight.[11] Who had contracted the Hunter and why became evident later, when Kai was sighted in the company of Duke George Hasek of the Federated Suns just prior to the Duke's assault against the Capellan Confederation. Duke Hasek claimed to be launching the assault in the name of the fallen St. Ives Compact and Kai, though it was not clear Kai participated willingly. By removing Kai from the Confederation, Hasek also removed a potential enemy.[11][12] On 15 June 3069, he was "rescued" by Death Commandos during the Capellan counterattack.[13]

Republic Era[edit]

In the aftermath of the Jihad Kai found himself to be in a very different position to the leadership of the various Capellan Commonalities - including the remaining senior figures within the St. Ives Commonality. Kai believed that regardless of exactly how the Republic of the Sphere had subsumed control of a number of former Capellan worlds, contesting control of those worlds would not be worth the cost in lives that would ultimately ensue. With the Chancellor staunchly opposed to the Republic and strongly nationalistic feelings sweeping the Confederation, Kai's position was increasingly isolated; his son David speculated that the reason Kai spent so much time in the field with the 1st St. Ives Lancers in the early 3080s was to avoid the political atmosphere in the St. Ives court.[14]

In mid-3081 Kai was facing many calls to retire from those even inside his personal command; while Kai's calls for peace differed from the desires of those within the St. Ives Armored Cavalry, those who criticised him cited the idea that Kai had become emotionally exhausted after more than twenty years of continual warfare, rather than questioning his loyalty to the Confederation.[15]

Despite the questions as to his loyalties, later that year the Strategios ordered the 1st Lancers from their garrison on Liao to retake the historically Capellan world of Genoa from the Republic, taking Kai by surprise. While the Lancers succeeded in pushing the Dragonfang Cluster off-world, the operation was primarily coordinated by the Lancers' XO due to increasing friction between Kai and his junior officers. When the Strategios then ordered the Lancers to attack Terra Firma, a historically Terran Hegemony world that only fell under Capellan control after the collapse of the Star League, Kai had had enough. [16]

Invoking his authority as Duke of St. Ives, Kai refused the order stating he would not be a party to starting the next war. The majority of the 1st St. Ives Lancers then mutinied against him and his XO accused him of treason. Kai only escaped thanks to the assistance of a handful of Lancers that remained loyal to him, most of whom died allowing him to ultimately defect to the Republic of the Sphere. Kai's actions were seen in the Confederation as a shocking betrayal, shattering the morale of the St. Ives Armored Cavalry and eliciting a very public rebuke from his sister Kuan-Yin for betraying "their people". [16][17]

By 3085, Kai had been selected as the Lord Governor of the Republic's Prefecture V, which served to lessen internal tensions within this region. [18]

Death and afterward[edit]

His subsequent actions currently remain unknown, however he was killed in 3113 on Sakhalin during the Capellan Crusades while fighting for the Republic of the Sphere.[19] Kai left his legendary 'Mech, Yen-Lo-Wang, to his great-niece, Danai Liao-Centrella, who also went on to become a Solaris combatant.[20]

Quotes[edit]

There are few words that would do justice to Solaris City. There are less which could do it injustice. Solaris City is... an experience. Though not one I'd invite many people to know for themselves. Read about it. Catch the fights on holovid broadcasts. Leave the rest to mystery and never worry about the fact you missed it. Because in the end, Solaris City is just what one would expect. Only more so.
  — An interview with Kai Allard-Liao, Tharkan Media Associates, 23 November 3058[21]

BattleMechs[edit]

Allard-Liao most famously used Yen-Lo-Wang, a modified Centurion, for much of his career, he occasionally used other 'Mechs for specific purposes. He piloted a Penetrator in an important duel on Solaris in 3056 and during Operation BULLDOG, with great success.

He used a Stormcrow in the B configuration during the Great Refusal. During the final test of his training on Outreach, he piloted a Dire Wolf, eliminating five elite opponents. [22] He was piloting a Hatchetman when he destroyed the Falcon Guard during the Battle of Twycross.

Portrait Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Field Manual: Capellan Confederation, p. 26, "Kai Allard-Liao profile"
  2. Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 51 - "House Liao Key Personalities"
  3. Era Report: 3145, p. 87, "Danai Profile"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Shattered Sphere, p. 73
  5. 5.0 5.1 MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII, p. 62 - "Fast Track Champion
  6. Lost Destiny
  7. 7.0 7.1 MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII, p. 64 - "Kai Allard-Liao"
  8. Endgame, p. 147-148
  9. Endgame
  10. The FedCom Civil War
  11. 11.0 11.1 Jihad Hot Spots: 3070, pp. 16-17 & Blake Ascending, pp. 176-177, "Timeline of the Jihad"
  12. Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents, p. 17, "Precursor"
  13. Jihad Hot Spots: 3072, p. 16, "Timeline of the Jihad"
  14. Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 102, "The Political Landscape Of The Capellan Confederation"
  15. Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 99, "The St. Ives Armored Cavalry"
  16. 16.0 16.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 25 "The Capellan Confederation - St. Ives Armored Cavalry"
  17. Field Manual: 3085, p. 20 "The Capellan Confederation - General Review - A Broken Home"
  18. Field Manual: 3085, p. 20 "The Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Hastati Sentinels"
  19. Wars of the Republic Era, p. 4 "Righteous Vengeance"
  20. Principles of Desolation
  21. MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII, p. 68 "A Brief History of Solaris VII - Solaris City"
  22. Blood Legacy, p. ??[citation needed]

Bibliography[edit]