Difference between revisions of "Yen-Lo-Wang"
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| − | '''''Yen-Lo-Wang''''', named after | + | {{Update Needed|[[BattleTech: Legends]]}} |
| + | {{otheruses|the individual 'Mech|the BattleTech Collectible Card Game cards referring to this 'Mech|Yen-Lo-Wang (CN9-YLW) (CCG - Mercenaries)|Yen-Lo-Wang (CN9-YLW) (CCG - CommandersEdition)}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''''Yen-Lo-Wang''''', named after a Buddhist/Chinese god of death, is a famous individual [[BattleMech]]. Its serial number is FS1010-031X.<ref name=Dossier>Danai Liao-Centrella's dossier card</ref> ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' has been modified and customized into a variety of different configurations over the years. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| Line 5: | Line 8: | ||
''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was originally an old regular ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' that [[Justin Xiang Allard]] purchased in [[3027]] during his exile on [[Solaris VII]] and his [[Solaris Games|Solaris Championship]] run with funds provided by [[Kym Sorenson]].<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 138-139</ref> He modified the 'Mech to carry an [[Autocannon/20]] by dropping the [[LRM]] launcher, which gave him a surprise advantage in his first match using ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' where he defeated [[Peter Armstrong]]. At some point he placed titanium "nails"<ref name=Nails>There are no game rules for those titanium nails. Judging from the 3027-era record sheet published for the CN9-YLW, a 'Mech hatchet—the only 'Mech melee weapon that existed in the rules when the novel introducing ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was written—was used to represent the nails in game terms. (Notably, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was never ruled to have featured a 'Mech [[Claw]].) This stand-in in turn apparently resulted in art depicting the 'Mech with a proper hatchet.</ref> on the 'Mech's hand actuators, a feature put to good use in a fight against [[Billy Wolfson]] where the autocannon jammed. It has been speculated that these nails may have been a reference to the Capellan custom at the time for high-ranking nobles to grow long, oftentimes enameled and sharpened, fingernails on three fingers. | ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was originally an old regular ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' that [[Justin Xiang Allard]] purchased in [[3027]] during his exile on [[Solaris VII]] and his [[Solaris Games|Solaris Championship]] run with funds provided by [[Kym Sorenson]].<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 138-139</ref> He modified the 'Mech to carry an [[Autocannon/20]] by dropping the [[LRM]] launcher, which gave him a surprise advantage in his first match using ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' where he defeated [[Peter Armstrong]]. At some point he placed titanium "nails"<ref name=Nails>There are no game rules for those titanium nails. Judging from the 3027-era record sheet published for the CN9-YLW, a 'Mech hatchet—the only 'Mech melee weapon that existed in the rules when the novel introducing ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was written—was used to represent the nails in game terms. (Notably, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was never ruled to have featured a 'Mech [[Claw]].) This stand-in in turn apparently resulted in art depicting the 'Mech with a proper hatchet.</ref> on the 'Mech's hand actuators, a feature put to good use in a fight against [[Billy Wolfson]] where the autocannon jammed. It has been speculated that these nails may have been a reference to the Capellan custom at the time for high-ranking nobles to grow long, oftentimes enameled and sharpened, fingernails on three fingers. | ||
| − | Following his | + | Following his meteoric rise to Solaris VII champion, Justin Xiang Allard used the 'Mech during his subsequent career with [[House Liao]]'s [[Maskirovka]] immediately prior and during the [[4th Succession War|Fourth Succession War]]. |
When Justin Xiang Allard, in truth a deep undercover agent for [[House Davion]], was extracted from [[Sian]] at the climax of the Fourth Succession War, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was also taken along. | When Justin Xiang Allard, in truth a deep undercover agent for [[House Davion]], was extracted from [[Sian]] at the climax of the Fourth Succession War, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was also taken along. | ||
===Kai Allard-Liao=== | ===Kai Allard-Liao=== | ||
| − | Justin Xiang Allard gifted the 'Mech to his son, [[Kai Allard-Liao]], when Kai first joined the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]. There, Kai served with distinction and saw action in the 'Mech during the [[Clan Invasion]]. | + | Justin Xiang Allard gifted the 'Mech to his son, [[Kai Allard-Liao]], when Kai first joined the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]. There, Kai served with distinction and saw action in the 'Mech during the [[Clan Invasion]]. Kai Allard-Liao did not pilot ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' at [[Battle of Twycross]] in [[3050]], because it was being transported on another [[DropShip]] at the time. He was instead piloting a borrowed ''[[Hatchetman]]'' when he accomplished his famous defeat of the [[Falcon Guards]]. |
| − | + | [[Hanse Davion]] personally had the 'Mech modified with [[Star League era]] technology after Kai refused to accept a [[Wolf's Dragoons]]-produced ''[[Daishi]]'' assault [[OmniMech]], officially presenting the upgraded ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' to Kai on 21 September [[3050]]. The weapons had been replaced with a Von Ryan [[Gauss rifle]] in place of the autocannon and Spitfire [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, two on the arm, one on the torso and one mounted on the back. Additionally, the 'Mech was refitted with a new generation of [[Triple Strength Myomer]] that did not burn when exposed to gas, as well as the Miata 200 [[Extralight fusion engine|extralight engine]] and three additional, switchable [[Heat Sink]]s<ref>''Blood Legacy''</ref>. The 'Mech was briefly lost behind [[Clan Jade Falcon]] lines on [[Alyina]], but Kai later recovered it. Its Gauss Rifle was recovered by a Jade Falcon garrison he was temporarily allied with against ComStar's [[Operation SCORPION]] machinations on the planet, used to launch a girder to batter down a ComStar complex's door in their operation to liberate the planet from ComStar control, though the weapon was destroyed soon after.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 310–314: Malthus and Allard-Liao retake the camp and liberate Alyina</ref> | |
| − | Later, he used ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' as he followed in his father's footsteps | + | Later, he used ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' as he followed in his father's footsteps to become Solaris VII Champion. |
''Yen-Lo-Wang'' saw service again with Kai in the final assault of [[New Avalon]] island in [[3067]], protecting [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] from harm. In the first stages of the battle, however, it was piloted not by Kai but by [[Thomas Sherwood]] and deployed in a diversionary attack with [[Archer's Avengers]] to reinforce the impression it was the real main assault.<ref>''The Longest Road'', pp. 26-27</ref> | ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' saw service again with Kai in the final assault of [[New Avalon]] island in [[3067]], protecting [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] from harm. In the first stages of the battle, however, it was piloted not by Kai but by [[Thomas Sherwood]] and deployed in a diversionary attack with [[Archer's Avengers]] to reinforce the impression it was the real main assault.<ref>''The Longest Road'', pp. 26-27</ref> | ||
| − | Though long retired from the battlefield, Kai would pilot ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' a final time during the [[Capellan Crusades]], the unmistakable 'Mech cutting a bloody swath through the CCAF like its namesake as its pilot sought vengeance for his deceased daughter [[Melissa Allard-Liao]]. Facing off against the combined might of the elite [[Red Lancers]] and [[Death Commandos]] sent to kill him personally on [[Sakhalin (CC)|Sakhalin]], Kai would ultimately fall on 14 January [[3113]] after a stray missile strike hit ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' in the head. As a sign of respect for Kai's legacy, the Death Commandos chose to leave ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' right where it fell rather than claim it as salvage, attaching a beacon so that the [[Republic of the Sphere]] forces could locate and retrieve it. <ref name=HWoRE-7>''Historical: Wars of the Republic Era'', p. 7 "Righteous Vengeance - 1919 Hours"</ref> <ref name=OTPCC-9>'' | + | Though long retired from the battlefield, Kai would pilot ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' a final time during the [[Capellan Crusades]], the unmistakable 'Mech cutting a bloody swath through the CCAF like its namesake as its pilot sought vengeance for his deceased daughter [[Melissa Allard-Liao]]. Facing off against the combined might of the elite [[Red Lancers]] and [[Death Commandos]] sent to kill him personally on [[Sakhalin (CC)|Sakhalin]], Kai would ultimately fall on 14 January [[3113]] after a stray missile strike hit ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' in the head. As a sign of respect for Kai's legacy, the Death Commandos chose to leave ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' right where it fell rather than claim it as salvage, attaching a beacon so that the [[Republic of the Sphere]] forces could locate and retrieve it. <ref name=HWoRE-7>''Historical: Wars of the Republic Era'', p. 7 "Righteous Vengeance - 1919 Hours"</ref> <ref name=OTPCC-9>''Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades'', p. 9 "The Crusades"</ref> <ref name=OTPCC-25>''Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades'', p. 25 "Touchpoint: Sakhalin"</ref> |
===Danai Liao-Centrella=== | ===Danai Liao-Centrella=== | ||
| − | Feeling a kinship with young [[Danai Liao-Centrella]], among Kai's final words was his desire that ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' be bequeathed to her. By the time she had come of age, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' had fallen in disrepair and needed extensive restoration. In the early 3120s, when Danai was old enough, she journeyed to gather parts to restore the 'Mech. She then used it on Solaris VII, where she competed in the games and won the Solaris Open with it. She and ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' went into service with House Liao's [[2nd McCarron's Armored Cavalry|Second McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] as part of the 3130s incursion into the Republic of the Sphere.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 87</ref | + | Feeling a kinship with young [[Danai Liao-Centrella]], among Kai's final words was his desire that ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' be bequeathed to her. By the time she had come of age, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' had fallen in disrepair and needed extensive restoration. In the early 3120s, when Danai was old enough, she journeyed to gather parts to restore the 'Mech. She then used it on Solaris VII, where she competed in the games and won the Solaris Open with it. She and ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' went into service with House Liao's [[2nd McCarron's Armored Cavalry|Second McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] as part of the 3130s incursion into the Republic of the Sphere. <ref name=HWoRE-7/><ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 87</ref> |
| − | ==Armament | + | Danai still piloted the 'Mech in [[3147]], when leading a counterattack against the Federated Suns' attempt to retake New Syrtis. Danai's attempt to kill Julian Davion failed.<ref>''A Splinter of Hope'', part 7</ref> |
| + | Later, Danai used the 'Mech on [[3148]] during the conquest of [[Hall]]. After the RAF resistance laid an ambush to trap and kill her, she realized ''Yen-lo-Wang'' made her too visible, sent it back to [[Sian]], switching to a [[Black Knight]].<ref>''Blood Will Tell'', ch. 11-28</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Armament and Configuration== | ||
===Succession Wars era=== | ===Succession Wars era=== | ||
In its original form as purchased by Justin Xiang Allard, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was apparently an old regular ''Centurion'', implicitly a standard CN9-A model. It was then refitted with a bigger autocannon at the cost of secondary armament. | In its original form as purchased by Justin Xiang Allard, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was apparently an old regular ''Centurion'', implicitly a standard CN9-A model. It was then refitted with a bigger autocannon at the cost of secondary armament. | ||
| − | At some point ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was modified to what was referred to as CN9-YLW, though it remains unclear if that denomination refers to the specific individual 'Mech only or to its specific configuration (in the sense that other, identically modified 'Mechs would also be designated CN9-YLW). The CN9-YLW was armed with an [[AC/20|Autocannon/20]] in place of the standard model's [[AC/10|Autocannon/10]], two [[ | + | At some point ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was modified to what was referred to as CN9-YLW, though it remains unclear if that denomination refers to the specific individual 'Mech only or to its specific configuration (in the sense that other, identically modified 'Mechs would also be designated CN9-YLW). The CN9-YLW was armed with an [[AC/20|Autocannon/20]] in place of the standard model's [[AC/10|Autocannon/10]], two [[medium laser]]s and a [[hatchet]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026''; ''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 121</ref><ref name=RS3039Up204>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 204 "CN9-YLW ''Yen Lo Wang''"</ref> Apparently, the hatchet originally took the form of functionally identical titanium nails which were eventually replaced with a proper hatchet.<ref name=Nails/> |
| − | It was also noted that, because of its background as a high-profile champion 'Mech from the Solaris Games, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was equipped with additional diagnostic and telemetry systems, though these did not grant any immediate advantage in combat. | + | It was also noted that, because of its background as a high-profile champion 'Mech from the Solaris Games, ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was equipped with additional diagnostic and telemetry systems, though these did not grant any immediate advantage in combat.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', Chapter 24</ref> |
===Clan Invasion era=== | ===Clan Invasion era=== | ||
| − | During the [[Clan Invasion]], ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was upgraded with a [[Gauss | + | During the [[Clan Invasion]], ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was upgraded with a [[Gauss rifle]] in place of the Autocannon/20, three [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, and [[Triple Strength Myomer]]. The Hatchet from the original build was left in place. This build was referred to as CN9-YLW2.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 124</ref> |
===Dark Age era=== | ===Dark Age era=== | ||
| − | Refurbished as Kai Allard-Liao prepared for his berserker drive against the Confederation, at the time of his death ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was armed with [[Clan]]-tech weaponry—a Gauss Rifle and [[LRM-20]] launcher both supplied with two tons of ammo each, supported by a single head-mounted [[ER | + | Refurbished as Kai Allard-Liao prepared for his berserker drive against the Confederation, at the time of his death ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' was armed with [[Clan]]-tech weaponry—a Gauss Rifle and [[LRM-20]] launcher both supplied with two tons of ammo each, supported by a single head-mounted [[ER medium laser]] and hatchet. Aside from the weaponry, CN9-YLW3 ''Yen-Lo-Wang'''s chassis remained Inner Sphere grade, the double heat sinks, triple-strength myomer and XL engine remained unchanged, with the armor upgraded to [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]].<ref name=HWoRE-7/> <ref name=OTPCC-34>''Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades'', p. 34 "Centurion CN9-YLW3 "Yen Lo Wang" "</ref> |
| − | After passing to Danai Liao-Centrella, the ancient 'Mech featured a Series 4D-2 [[Heavy Large Laser]], a Type XX "Long Bow" LRM-20 with [[Artemis IV]], a Hatchet, a [[Shield]], and Triple Strength Myomer; it was noted to feature experimental Clan technology though it remains unclear to which components exactly this refers.<ref name=Dossier/><ref>''Principles of Desolation'', pp. 78-90, 98-99</ref> By this time, its chassis had been replaced with a Corean Model K77 [[Endo Steel]] chassis and it was powered by a Vlar 300 XL [[fusion engine]]. | + | After passing to Danai Liao-Centrella, the ancient 'Mech featured a Series 4D-2 [[Heavy Large Laser]], a Type XX "Long Bow" LRM-20 with [[Artemis IV]], a Hatchet, a [[Shield]], and Triple Strength Myomer; it was noted to feature experimental Clan technology though it remains unclear to which components exactly this refers.<ref name=Dossier/><ref>''Principles of Desolation'', pp. 78-90, 98-99</ref> By this time, its chassis had been replaced with a Corean Model K77 [[Endo Steel]] chassis and it was powered by a [[Vlar 300 XL]] [[fusion engine]]. |
| + | |||
| + | ===Apocryphal Variants=== | ||
| + | :{{seealso|Centurion (BattleMech)#Apocryphal Variants}} | ||
| + | {{ApocryphalContentStart}} | ||
| + | ''[[MechWarrior Online]]'''s [[Hero 'Mech]] of the ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' is a modification of the Succession Wars CN9-YLW variant that takes into account the game's technical and equipment limitations. Mounting a 215 rated engine and with the rearward medium laser in the center torso facing forward, without the inclusion of physical combat the hatchet is merely replaced with additional armor. | ||
| + | {{ApocryphalContentEnd}} | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | + | CN9-YLW2_RS3050Uprint.jpg|CN9-YLW2 ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' piloted by [[Kai Allard Liao]] | |
| − | + | Centurion (Yen-Lo-Wang) BTLegends.jpg|''Yen-Lo-Wang'' in ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' | |
| − | + | Yen-Lo-Wang MapPack Solaris_VII.jpeg|Image thought to depict ''Yen-Lo-Wang'', facing an opponent in the [[Solaris#The_Gaming_World|Solaris VII]] arenas. | |
| + | Yen-Lo-Wang_(CN9-YLW)_CCG.jpg|[[BattleTech Trading Card Game]] image of Justin's CN9-YLW variant | ||
| + | Cn9-ylw.png|''Yen-Lo-Wang'' as envisioned in ''[[MechWarrior Online]]'' | ||
| + | MWDA_Yen-lo-Wang.PNG|''Yen-lo-Wang'' as modified and piloted by [[Danai Liao-Centrella]] | ||
| + | BattleTech Blood Will Tell (Cover).jpg|''Yen-lo-Wang'' during the Campaign of Hall. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | *In the novels ''[[Fortress Republic (novel)|Fortress Republic]]'' and ''[[Principles of Desolation]]'', the refitted ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' piloted by Danai Liao-Centrella is described, showcasing its configuration. A dossier card showing some of its featured weapons and equipment was also provided. However, as of this writing there is no [[canonical]] record sheet provided for this particular version of ''Yen-Lo-Wang''. | + | * In the novels ''[[Fortress Republic (novel)|Fortress Republic]]'' and ''[[Principles of Desolation]]'', the refitted ''Yen-Lo-Wang'' piloted by Danai Liao-Centrella is described, showcasing its configuration. A dossier card showing some of its featured weapons and equipment was also provided. However, as of this writing there is no [[canonical]] record sheet provided for this particular version of ''Yen-Lo-Wang''. |
| + | |||
| + | * While described in lore as a "Chinese god of death," Yen-Lo-Wang (or Yama) is a Buddhist deity recognized across Asia. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 53: | Line 71: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | *''[[Blood Legacy]]'' | + | <div class="desktop-3-col"> |
| − | *''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_24.pdf Danai Liao-Centrella's Dossier]'' | + | * ''[[A Splinter of Hope]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Endgame]]'' | + | * ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' | + | * ''[[Blood Will Tell]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Fortress Republic (novel)|Fortress Republic]]'' | + | * ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_24.pdf Danai Liao-Centrella's Dossier]'' |
| − | *''[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]'' | + | * ''[[Endgame]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Lethal Heritage]]'' | + | * ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' |
| − | *''[[Lost Destiny]]'' | + | * ''[[Fortress Republic (novel)|Fortress Republic]]'' (novel) |
| − | *[[MechWarrior Online]] ([[MWO Hero 'Mech]]) | + | * ''[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]'' |
| − | *''[[Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades]]'' | + | * ''[[Lethal Heritage]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Principles of Desolation]]'' | + | * ''[[The Longest Road]]'' (novella) |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026]]'' | + | * ''[[Lost Destiny]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]'' | + | * ''[[MechWarrior Online]]'' ([[MWO Hero 'Mech]]) |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]'' | + | * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades]]'' |
| − | *''[[ | + | * ''[[Principles of Desolation]]'' (novel) |
| − | *''[[Warrior: Coupé]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026]]'' |
| − | *''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]'' |
| − | *''[[Warrior: Riposte]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]'' |
| + | * ''[[A Splinter of Hope]]'' (novella) | ||
| + | * ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]'' (novel) | ||
| + | * ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' (novel) | ||
| + | * ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]'' (novel) | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Individual 'Mechs]] | [[Category:Individual 'Mechs]] | ||
[[Category:MWO Hero 'Mechs]] | [[Category:MWO Hero 'Mechs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:59, 26 November 2023
 | This article needs to be updated with material from BattleTech: Legends. Once these titles clear the Moratorium period, or if they already have, please consider revisiting this article and updating it with the new material. |
- This article is about the individual 'Mech. For the BattleTech Collectible Card Game cards referring to this 'Mech, see Yen-Lo-Wang (CN9-YLW) (CCG - Mercenaries) and Yen-Lo-Wang (CN9-YLW) (CCG - CommandersEdition).
Yen-Lo-Wang, named after a Buddhist/Chinese god of death, is a famous individual BattleMech. Its serial number is FS1010-031X.[1] Yen-Lo-Wang has been modified and customized into a variety of different configurations over the years.
Contents
History[edit]
Justin Xiang Allard[edit]
Yen-Lo-Wang was originally an old regular Centurion that Justin Xiang Allard purchased in 3027 during his exile on Solaris VII and his Solaris Championship run with funds provided by Kym Sorenson.[2] He modified the 'Mech to carry an Autocannon/20 by dropping the LRM launcher, which gave him a surprise advantage in his first match using Yen-Lo-Wang where he defeated Peter Armstrong. At some point he placed titanium "nails"[3] on the 'Mech's hand actuators, a feature put to good use in a fight against Billy Wolfson where the autocannon jammed. It has been speculated that these nails may have been a reference to the Capellan custom at the time for high-ranking nobles to grow long, oftentimes enameled and sharpened, fingernails on three fingers.
Following his meteoric rise to Solaris VII champion, Justin Xiang Allard used the 'Mech during his subsequent career with House Liao's Maskirovka immediately prior and during the Fourth Succession War.
When Justin Xiang Allard, in truth a deep undercover agent for House Davion, was extracted from Sian at the climax of the Fourth Succession War, Yen-Lo-Wang was also taken along.
Kai Allard-Liao[edit]
Justin Xiang Allard gifted the 'Mech to his son, Kai Allard-Liao, when Kai first joined the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. There, Kai served with distinction and saw action in the 'Mech during the Clan Invasion. Kai Allard-Liao did not pilot Yen-Lo-Wang at Battle of Twycross in 3050, because it was being transported on another DropShip at the time. He was instead piloting a borrowed Hatchetman when he accomplished his famous defeat of the Falcon Guards.
Hanse Davion personally had the 'Mech modified with Star League era technology after Kai refused to accept a Wolf's Dragoons-produced Daishi assault OmniMech, officially presenting the upgraded Yen-Lo-Wang to Kai on 21 September 3050. The weapons had been replaced with a Von Ryan Gauss rifle in place of the autocannon and Spitfire Medium Pulse Lasers, two on the arm, one on the torso and one mounted on the back. Additionally, the 'Mech was refitted with a new generation of Triple Strength Myomer that did not burn when exposed to gas, as well as the Miata 200 extralight engine and three additional, switchable Heat Sinks[4]. The 'Mech was briefly lost behind Clan Jade Falcon lines on Alyina, but Kai later recovered it. Its Gauss Rifle was recovered by a Jade Falcon garrison he was temporarily allied with against ComStar's Operation SCORPION machinations on the planet, used to launch a girder to batter down a ComStar complex's door in their operation to liberate the planet from ComStar control, though the weapon was destroyed soon after.[5]
Later, he used Yen-Lo-Wang as he followed in his father's footsteps to become Solaris VII Champion.
Yen-Lo-Wang saw service again with Kai in the final assault of New Avalon island in 3067, protecting Victor Steiner-Davion from harm. In the first stages of the battle, however, it was piloted not by Kai but by Thomas Sherwood and deployed in a diversionary attack with Archer's Avengers to reinforce the impression it was the real main assault.[6]
Though long retired from the battlefield, Kai would pilot Yen-Lo-Wang a final time during the Capellan Crusades, the unmistakable 'Mech cutting a bloody swath through the CCAF like its namesake as its pilot sought vengeance for his deceased daughter Melissa Allard-Liao. Facing off against the combined might of the elite Red Lancers and Death Commandos sent to kill him personally on Sakhalin, Kai would ultimately fall on 14 January 3113 after a stray missile strike hit Yen-Lo-Wang in the head. As a sign of respect for Kai's legacy, the Death Commandos chose to leave Yen-Lo-Wang right where it fell rather than claim it as salvage, attaching a beacon so that the Republic of the Sphere forces could locate and retrieve it. [7] [8] [9]
Danai Liao-Centrella[edit]
Feeling a kinship with young Danai Liao-Centrella, among Kai's final words was his desire that Yen-Lo-Wang be bequeathed to her. By the time she had come of age, Yen-Lo-Wang had fallen in disrepair and needed extensive restoration. In the early 3120s, when Danai was old enough, she journeyed to gather parts to restore the 'Mech. She then used it on Solaris VII, where she competed in the games and won the Solaris Open with it. She and Yen-Lo-Wang went into service with House Liao's Second McCarron's Armored Cavalry as part of the 3130s incursion into the Republic of the Sphere. [7][10]
Danai still piloted the 'Mech in 3147, when leading a counterattack against the Federated Suns' attempt to retake New Syrtis. Danai's attempt to kill Julian Davion failed.[11] Later, Danai used the 'Mech on 3148 during the conquest of Hall. After the RAF resistance laid an ambush to trap and kill her, she realized Yen-lo-Wang made her too visible, sent it back to Sian, switching to a Black Knight.[12]
Armament and Configuration[edit]
Succession Wars era[edit]
In its original form as purchased by Justin Xiang Allard, Yen-Lo-Wang was apparently an old regular Centurion, implicitly a standard CN9-A model. It was then refitted with a bigger autocannon at the cost of secondary armament.
At some point Yen-Lo-Wang was modified to what was referred to as CN9-YLW, though it remains unclear if that denomination refers to the specific individual 'Mech only or to its specific configuration (in the sense that other, identically modified 'Mechs would also be designated CN9-YLW). The CN9-YLW was armed with an Autocannon/20 in place of the standard model's Autocannon/10, two medium lasers and a hatchet.[13][14] Apparently, the hatchet originally took the form of functionally identical titanium nails which were eventually replaced with a proper hatchet.[3]
It was also noted that, because of its background as a high-profile champion 'Mech from the Solaris Games, Yen-Lo-Wang was equipped with additional diagnostic and telemetry systems, though these did not grant any immediate advantage in combat.[15]
Clan Invasion era[edit]
During the Clan Invasion, Yen-Lo-Wang was upgraded with a Gauss rifle in place of the Autocannon/20, three Medium Pulse Lasers, and Triple Strength Myomer. The Hatchet from the original build was left in place. This build was referred to as CN9-YLW2.[16]
Dark Age era[edit]
Refurbished as Kai Allard-Liao prepared for his berserker drive against the Confederation, at the time of his death Yen-Lo-Wang was armed with Clan-tech weaponry—a Gauss Rifle and LRM-20 launcher both supplied with two tons of ammo each, supported by a single head-mounted ER medium laser and hatchet. Aside from the weaponry, CN9-YLW3 Yen-Lo-Wang's chassis remained Inner Sphere grade, the double heat sinks, triple-strength myomer and XL engine remained unchanged, with the armor upgraded to Light Ferro-Fibrous.[7] [17]
After passing to Danai Liao-Centrella, the ancient 'Mech featured a Series 4D-2 Heavy Large Laser, a Type XX "Long Bow" LRM-20 with Artemis IV, a Hatchet, a Shield, and Triple Strength Myomer; it was noted to feature experimental Clan technology though it remains unclear to which components exactly this refers.[1][18] By this time, its chassis had been replaced with a Corean Model K77 Endo Steel chassis and it was powered by a Vlar 300 XL fusion engine.
Apocryphal Variants[edit]
MechWarrior Online's Hero 'Mech of the Yen-Lo-Wang is a modification of the Succession Wars CN9-YLW variant that takes into account the game's technical and equipment limitations. Mounting a 215 rated engine and with the rearward medium laser in the center torso facing forward, without the inclusion of physical combat the hatchet is merely replaced with additional armor.
Gallery[edit]
CN9-YLW2 Yen-Lo-Wang piloted by Kai Allard Liao
Yen-Lo-Wang in BattleTech: Legends
Image thought to depict Yen-Lo-Wang, facing an opponent in the Solaris VII arenas.
BattleTech Trading Card Game image of Justin's CN9-YLW variant
Yen-Lo-Wang as envisioned in MechWarrior Online
Yen-lo-Wang as modified and piloted by Danai Liao-Centrella
Yen-lo-Wang during the Campaign of Hall.
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Notes[edit]
- In the novels Fortress Republic and Principles of Desolation, the refitted Yen-Lo-Wang piloted by Danai Liao-Centrella is described, showcasing its configuration. A dossier card showing some of its featured weapons and equipment was also provided. However, as of this writing there is no canonical record sheet provided for this particular version of Yen-Lo-Wang.
- While described in lore as a "Chinese god of death," Yen-Lo-Wang (or Yama) is a Buddhist deity recognized across Asia.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Danai Liao-Centrella's dossier card
- ↑ Warrior: En Garde, pp. 138-139
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 There are no game rules for those titanium nails. Judging from the 3027-era record sheet published for the CN9-YLW, a 'Mech hatchet—the only 'Mech melee weapon that existed in the rules when the novel introducing Yen-Lo-Wang was written—was used to represent the nails in game terms. (Notably, Yen-Lo-Wang was never ruled to have featured a 'Mech Claw.) This stand-in in turn apparently resulted in art depicting the 'Mech with a proper hatchet.
- ↑ Blood Legacy
- ↑ Lost Destiny, pp. 310–314: Malthus and Allard-Liao retake the camp and liberate Alyina
- ↑ The Longest Road, pp. 26-27
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Historical: Wars of the Republic Era, p. 7 "Righteous Vengeance - 1919 Hours"
- ↑ Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades, p. 9 "The Crusades"
- ↑ Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades, p. 25 "Touchpoint: Sakhalin"
- ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 87
- ↑ A Splinter of Hope, part 7
- ↑ Blood Will Tell, ch. 11-28
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026; Record Sheets: 3039, p. 121
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 204 "CN9-YLW Yen Lo Wang"
- ↑ Blood Legacy, Chapter 24
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 124
- ↑ Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades, p. 34 "Centurion CN9-YLW3 "Yen Lo Wang" "
- ↑ Principles of Desolation, pp. 78-90, 98-99
Bibliography[edit]
- A Splinter of Hope (novel)
- Blood Legacy (novel)
- Blood Will Tell (novel)
- Danai Liao-Centrella's Dossier
- Endgame (novel)
- Era Report: 3145
- Fortress Republic (novel)
- Historical: Wars of the Republic Era
- Lethal Heritage (novel)
- The Longest Road (novella)
- Lost Destiny (novel)
- MechWarrior Online (MWO Hero 'Mech)
- Operational Turning Points: Capellan Crusades
- Principles of Desolation (novel)
- Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026
- Record Sheets: 3039
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)
- A Splinter of Hope (novella)
- Warrior: Coupé (novel)
- Warrior: En Garde (novel)
- Warrior: Riposte (novel)