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	As the Combine line collapsed, the Clans began a march toward Imperial City. As they advanced they were supported by their aerospace forces. Approaching [[Basin Lake]] and the [[Waseda Hills]] sparked a desperate fight for air supremacy as fighters of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and the [[Kell Hounds]]' aerospace wings launched a series of attacks against the Clan fighter Trinaries of the [[63rd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Sixty-third Jaguar Regulars]] and the [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|Twenty-fifth Nova Cat Regulars]], which quickly degenerated into a free-for-all until the battle swung in favor of the more numerous mercenaries.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 47</ref> Although the battle lasted for several more hours, this action was the real turning point. The lack of numbers from Khan Leroux's bid saw the Clan fighters driven from the area, leaving the defenders complete air superiority.		As the Combine line collapsed, the Clans began a march toward Imperial City. As they advanced they were supported by their aerospace forces. Approaching [[Basin Lake]] and the [[Waseda Hills]] sparked a desperate fight for air supremacy as fighters of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and the [[Kell Hounds]]' aerospace wings launched a series of attacks against the Clan fighter Trinaries of the [[63rd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Sixty-third Jaguar Regulars]] and the [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|Twenty-fifth Nova Cat Regulars]], which quickly degenerated into a free-for-all until the battle swung in favor of the more numerous mercenaries.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 47</ref> Although the battle lasted for several more hours, this action was the real turning point. The lack of numbers from Khan Leroux's bid saw the Clan fighters driven from the area, leaving the defenders complete air superiority.
−	Stationed on the western flank of the Inner Sphere line in the foothills of the Waseda Hills, [[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment]] was determined to prevent the Clan forces breaking through or flanking the entire army. The first probing attacks against them came from the Nova Cat [[5003rd Harasser (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]] as it sent its fast light Stars forward. The fighting was fierce, but eventually the Nova Cats were forced back, rumors persist that [[Jaime Wolf]] had equipped a company of the Third Battalion with [[power armor]] under the command of Major Marx. This unit dubbed the ''Tin Men of Outreach'' caused havoc with unprepared Nova Cat forces.<ref>''ClanTroops'', pp. 44–45</ref>	+	Stationed on the western flank of the Inner Sphere line in the foothills of the Waseda Hills, [[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment]] was determined to prevent the Clan forces breaking through or flanking the entire army. The first probing attacks against them came from the Nova Cat [[5003rd Harasser Cluster (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]] as it sent its fast light Stars forward. The fighting was fierce, but eventually the Nova Cats were forced back, rumors persist that [[Jaime Wolf]] had equipped a company of the Third Battalion with [[power armor]] under the command of Major Marx. This unit dubbed the ''Tin Men of Outreach'' caused havoc with unprepared Nova Cat forces.<ref>''ClanTroops'', pp. 44–45</ref>
	===Waseda Hills===		===Waseda Hills===
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	* [[321st Battle (Clan Nova Cat)|321st Battle Cluster]]		* [[321st Battle (Clan Nova Cat)|321st Battle Cluster]]
	* [[211th Combat (Clan Nova Cat)|211th Combat Cluster]]		* [[211th Combat (Clan Nova Cat)|211th Combat Cluster]]
−	* [[5003rd Harasser (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]]	+	* [[5003rd Harasser Cluster (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]]
	* [[4th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|4th Nova Cat Regulars]]		* [[4th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|4th Nova Cat Regulars]]
	* [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|25th Nova Cat Regulars]]		* [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|25th Nova Cat Regulars]]

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{{InfoBoxConflict | conflict = Battle of Luthien (3052) | partof = The [[Clan Invasion]] | image = | caption = | date = January 4 [[3052]] | place = Tairakana Plains, Imperial City, Waseda Hills, Katsura River Valley, Shaidan Basin: Amori Military District, Luthien Armor Works: Jirushi City, Kado-guchi Valley, Nijunen Desert | planet = [[Luthien]] | faction1 = [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]<br>[[Clan Nova Cat]] | faction2 = [[Draconis Combine]]<br>[[Federated Suns]] Mercenaries: [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and [[Kell Hounds]] | commander1 = Khans from Clan Smoke Jaguar and Clan Nova Cat | commander2 = ''[[Kanrei]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]] | forces1= Check Units Involved section: Five Clan [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] | forces2= Check Units Involved section: Twelve [[Regiment|Regiments]] | forces3 = | result = Inner Sphere Victory | environment = | conditions = }} '''The Battle of Luthien''', referred to by the [[Clans]] as '''Operation DRAGONSLAYER''', was the attempt to conquer [[Luthien]], capital world of the [[Draconis Combine]], by a combined force from [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Clans Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]]. Beginning on 4 January [[3052]], the battle was notable as being one of the largest engagements of the [[Clan Invasion]] and one of the few major defeats suffered by the Clans prior to the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]]. It was also the site of the first major cooperation between [[House Kurita|Houses Kurita]] and [[House Davion|Davion]] against the invaders, and resulted in the easing of [[Coordinator of Worlds|Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita|Takashi Kurita's]] [[Death to Mercenaries|Death to Mercenaries Order]] thanks to the critical aid of the mercenary [[Kell Hounds]] and [[Wolf's Dragoons]].<ref name=L-29>''Luthien'', p. 29</ref> <ref name=ICp60>''Invading Clans'', p. 60</ref> ==Prelude to the Battle== After victory at the Battle of [[Wolcott]], [[Theodore Kurita]], [[Hohiro Kurita (31st c.)|Hohiro Kurita]] and [[Shin Yodama]] moved back to [[Luthien]] to review the previous engagement and plan for the Clan's next attack. Intelligence reports came in from all along the front line, but the Clans were perceived to have ceased their attacks on the [[Draconis Combine]]. While it was suggested that the defeat on Wolcott forced the invaders to halt their offensive, it was later learned that this apparent lull was caused by the death of [[ilKhan]] [[Leo Showers]]. Clan Smoke Jaguar, still smarting from its embarrassing defeat, demanded that they be allowed to avenge themselves on the Draconis Combine by attacking [[Luthien]]. A target prompted not only by vengeance but also jealousy that [[Clan Wolf]] had captured the Capital world of [[Rasalhague]]. The new ilKhan, Ulric Kerensky agreed with their choice of targets, realizing that success would mean much of the resistance faced by the Smoke Jaguars, Nova Cats and Ghost Bears would disappear. For this reason he approved Operation DRAGONSLAYER, the assault on Luthien. ===Luthien Prepares=== [[File:Theodore Kurita ER3052.jpg |left|thumb|Theodore Kurita orchestrated the defense of Luthien]] The [[DCMS]] dispatched ISF officers and hired operatives into the Clan occupation zones in an attempt to gain information on the next target the Clans would attack. [[Shin Yodama]] also contacted the few Yakuza cells he knew of that remained active on occupied worlds, however, none of these agents succeeded, and many were never heard from again. Luckily in late November, a source in ComStar informed Theodore Kurita that the Clans planned to renew their invasion by striking at Luthien,<ref>''Luthien'', p. 6</ref> although some reports placed the source as deliberate leaks by the Clans as part of a psychological warfare strategy.<ref name=ICp60/> An emergency meeting of regimental commanders stationed on Luthien was called in which Theodore announced that Luthien had been targeted. "Nothing can stop the Clans once they have determined where they will strike," the ''Kanrei'' told his military leaders. "We lack the naval vessels to challenge the Clan invasion fleet before it arrives in-system. Our only hope is to find the best way to drive the invaders off Luthien once they arrive." The officers present all pledged their regiments to the defense of the capital, including ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Oda Hideyoshi]] of the [[Otomo]] and ''Tai-sa'' [[Shigeru Yoshida]] of the [[1st Sword of Light]].<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 220</ref> It was suggested that the Ryuken units be recalled from their border posts, but this was rejected. They were considered more valuable where they were, threatening fast deep penetration raids that would force the Smoke Jaguars to garrison their captured worlds with large numbers of troops. The decision was made that no units would be requisitioned from other planets. Luthien would defend itself with the regiments on planet, along with whatever militia regiments could be mustered and equipped.<ref name=Lp7>''Luthien'', p. 7</ref> On November 27, 3051, Theodore sent a request for help in the defense of Luthien to [[Hanse Davion]] of the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 224</ref> After much deliberation, Davion decided to help Theodore and sent messages to two of his most trusted mercenary commanders: [[Jaime Wolf]], commander of Wolf's Dragoons, and [[Morgan Kell]], commander of the Kell Hounds, requesting that they join in the defense of Luthien. Both Jaime Wolf and Morgan Kell accepted and transported their entire units to Luthien with the greatest haste.<ref name=Lp8>''Luthien'', p. 8</ref> In addition, [[Jason Youngblood]], who was present when the request came, decided he could also bury his feud with the Combine and added the [[Crescent Hawks]] to the mercenary contingent.<ref name=SOCHp2>''Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks'', p. 2</ref> ===The Planning of Operation DRAGONSLAYER=== [[File:Csjdorianwirth.jpg|thumb|right|Dorian Wirth, the main architect of the Clan assault]][[ilKhan]] Kerensky appointed the [[Khan]] of the Smoke Jaguars as the overall commander for the assault.<ref name=ICp60/> The Jaguar Khan, in turn, appointed [[Galaxy Commander]] [[Dorian Wirth]]<ref>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 54</ref> of the Jaguars [[Alpha Galaxy (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Alpha Galaxy]] to bid against Khan [[Severen Leroux]] of the Nova Cats for the honor of leading the assault on Luthien. In an unusual move each bidder was allowed access to forces of both Clans. Political rivals in both the Smoke Jaguars and Nova Cats have speculated that ilKhan Kerensky forced the Khan's hand. His supporters insist that he had shown foresight and allowed the bidders access to both Clans because he knew that Luthien would provide the hardest and most fanatical resistance yet faced by either of the two Clans.<ref name=Lp7/> Wirth opened the bidding: "I will take Luthien with four combined-arms Galaxies," he said, pausing momentarily just long enough to cut off his opponent's counteroffer with a quick amendment "Minus, that is, all naval support from our JumpShips." This act disrupted Khan Leroux's initial plan. Hurriedly, he countered by bidding away half his aerospace fighter support. Unknown to either man this move would give the Inner Sphere troops an invaluable advantage tactically in the coming battle. Wirth won the right to lead the assault force with three combat Galaxies and three aerospace Clusters.<ref name=Lp8/> With the bidding complete, their thoughts turned to strategy. The Kuritan tricks on Wolcott fresh in their minds, it was agreed the invasion force would issue no ''[[batchall]]'', stating that it had been dishonored on Wolcott by Combine troops without honor. This did not sit well with the Nova Cat Khan. Some sources state that a ''batchall'' was employed and that the Jaguars allowed their opponents the choice of battlefield,<ref name=ICp60/> however, the same sources then mention that the Clans were surprised at the presence of mercenaries; something that should have been included in any ''batchall''. Events early in the battle suggest that in fact no ''batchall'' was used.<ref>''Luthien'', pp. 35–37</ref> Khan Leroux of the Nova Cats favored a surgical strike, aimed at removing the DCMS command. He argued that the attack should be concentrated against the Imperial City, and that capturing the city quickly would throw the rest of the planet's defenders into disarray. Dorian Wirth preferred a wider area of operations, believing Leroux's plan would enable the Kurita defenders to concentrate their forces and draw the Clans into ground better suited to defense. He pointed out that this was what had happened in the [[Battle of Wolcott]]. Instead he suggested their forces spread across the planet, striking at key targets such as cities and manufacturing centers. He would commit his freeborn troops to secondary objectives, hoping to stretch the defenders to the breaking point. Operation DRAGONSLAYER would eventually be a compromise plan with the capture of the Imperial City becoming the primary objective. The Jaguars' [[Alpha Galaxy (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Alpha Galaxy]] and the Nova Cats' [[Beta Galaxy (Clan Nova Cat)|Beta Galaxy]] would land near the capital and launch the attack. Meanwhile, Clusters from both Clans would attack secondary targets simultaneously in order to prevent the Combine forces from reinforcing the city's defenders. The first Clan JumpShips appeared in the Luthien system in the early hours of January 4, 3052.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 12</ref> ==Breakdown of the Fighting== [[File:Battle of Luthien (12).jpg|left|thumb|Combine Aerospace Wings attempt to prevent Clan DropShips from landing]] ===Luthien System=== ====0530 Hours, 04 January 3052==== As the Clan forces began their approach run towards Luthien, screened by the Nova Cat [[3rd Aerospace (Clan Nova Cat)|Third Aerospace Cluster]], the [[3rd Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|Third Aerospace Wing]] and [[7th Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|Seventh Aerospace Wing]] intercepted them. The Third was ordered to draw away defending Clan fighters, clearing the way for the heavier fighters of the Seventh to attack the DropShips. Technical problems with the Seventh's catapult launch stations delayed their arrival. Meanwhile the Third had destroyed nine Clan fighters and severely damaged two DropShips. When the Seventh finally arrived, their heavy ''[[Slayer]]'' and ''[[Stuka]]'' fighters found the scattered Clan fighters easy targets, but apparently they did not press the attack against the DropShips. During the fighting, a pair of Kurita ''[[Shilone]]''s, under the command of ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Michael Cannello]] spotted a crippled ''[[Jagatai]]'' A and forced it to land at Tsushima. [[Star Captain]] [[Yehud]] became the first prisoner taken in the Battle of Luthien.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 29</ref> ==== 2200 Hours==== The aerospace engagement marking the opening of the Battle of Luthien was not a single epic battle, as is so often portrayed. In reality it was a series of short intense skirmishes. The first engagement by the Combine's Third Aerospace Wing lasted less than twenty minutes. A short time later the Seventh Aerospace Wing attacked, this more protracted encounter lasting just under an hour. After this the Clans passed beyond the operational ranges of the two DCMS wings and traveled almost unimpeded for roughly fifteen hours until they reached the planet. At which point Combine and allied mercenary aerospace forces including the [[Black Dragons Aerospace|Black Dragons Aerospace Wing]] stationed on Luthien met the Clan DropShips as they entered the planet's atmosphere, trying to prevent their landing in the Tairakana Plains.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 32</ref> This series of engagements left the 3rd Nova Cat Aerospace Cluster a spent force and the Clans would have to rely on their Clusters' integral fighters for ground support during the coming battle. ===Tairakana Plains=== ====0500 Hours, 05 January 3052==== As agreed no ''batchall'' was issued, even though ilKhan Kerensky had given Khan Leroux free rein on this matter. In an attempt to gain the information normally learned by such process, [[Theodore Kurita]] dispatched several reconnaissance patrols to the Clan landing zones on the [[Tairakana Plains]]. It was hoped that the data these patrols acquired would helped the DCMS adjust their defensive plans to maximize the effect of his forces.<ref> Luthien, p. 35</ref> One such patrol was led by [[Shin Yodama]],<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 254</ref> this was located and attacked by [[Elemental]] skirmishers of the [[1106th Aggressor (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|1106th Aggressor Cluster]].<ref>''ClanTroops'', pp. 42–43</ref> [[File:Battle of Luthien (16).jpg|right|thumb|The Otomo spring their trap]] ==== 0715 Hours==== The ground battle truly began when the [[1st Jaguar Guards (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|First Jaguar Guards]] launched their opening probing attack. Facing them were three Kurita regiments drawn up along the shores of Basin Lake in what seemed a poor defensive position. The Guards opened the battle with long-range fire,<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 269</ref> but quickly charged the line to close the combat range and maneuvered straight into a trap. Closing with what they thought were 'Mechs of the [[Otomo]] regiment, the Clans discovered a [[vibrabomb]] minefield peppering the ground in front of the Combine unit's position, and that the "Otomo 'Mechs" were actually booby-trapped drones. As the Smoke Jaguars staggered from the effects of the mines and exploding "Q-Mechs", the real Otomo launched a sudden charge, which brought the Smoke Jaguars' advance to a halt.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 38</ref> ==== 0845 Hours==== The Smoke Jaguar probes against the Combine lines had bogged down. In an attempt to break through, the elite Trinary Alpha of the First Jaguar Guards struck the center of the [[First Sword of Light]]'s position,<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 270</ref> however, the Kuritan line held for almost an hour against this assault. As reinforcements of the Otomo and the [[Second Legion of Vega]] arrived they began forcing the Clans back. This counterattack was in turn broken by the arrival of Clan reinforcements<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 271</ref> including the [[5th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Fifth Jaguar Regulars]] and Nova Cat Clusters, supported by air strikes. The Combine defenders started to collapse and retreat.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 41</ref> ==== 0915 Hours==== These Clan reinforcements soon found themselves embroiled with the First Sword of Light's secondary line; the Otomo, the Second Legion of Vega, and the freshly committed [[Genyosha]] who launched an all-out counterassault against both Clan flanks. The push by the Genyosha against the Fifth Jaguar Regulars folded the Jaguar right flank back on itself inflicting heavy damage. As the Jaguar line turned to face the Genyosha, it siphoned warriors away from the First Sword of Light, the Otomo and the Second Legion of Vega leaving gaps along the battlefield. Defeat seemed inevitable for the Clans, but somehow they consolidated their force forming a wedge formation and pushed through the DCMS defenders for a second time, forcing them to retreat again.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 44</ref> [[File:Battle of Luthien (21).jpg|left|thumb|Dogfight over the Waseda Hills]] ===Imperial City Air Defense Zone=== ====1130 Hours==== As the Combine line collapsed, the Clans began a march toward Imperial City. As they advanced they were supported by their aerospace forces. Approaching [[Basin Lake]] and the [[Waseda Hills]] sparked a desperate fight for air supremacy as fighters of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and the [[Kell Hounds]]' aerospace wings launched a series of attacks against the Clan fighter Trinaries of the [[63rd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Sixty-third Jaguar Regulars]] and the [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|Twenty-fifth Nova Cat Regulars]], which quickly degenerated into a free-for-all until the battle swung in favor of the more numerous mercenaries.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 47</ref> Although the battle lasted for several more hours, this action was the real turning point. The lack of numbers from Khan Leroux's bid saw the Clan fighters driven from the area, leaving the defenders complete air superiority. Stationed on the western flank of the Inner Sphere line in the foothills of the Waseda Hills, [[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment]] was determined to prevent the Clan forces breaking through or flanking the entire army. The first probing attacks against them came from the Nova Cat [[5003rd Harasser Cluster (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]] as it sent its fast light Stars forward. The fighting was fierce, but eventually the Nova Cats were forced back, rumors persist that [[Jaime Wolf]] had equipped a company of the Third Battalion with [[power armor]] under the command of Major Marx. This unit dubbed the ''Tin Men of Outreach'' caused havoc with unprepared Nova Cat forces.<ref>''ClanTroops'', pp. 44–45</ref> ===Waseda Hills=== ==== 1230 Hours==== The Combine units struggled to contain the Clan advance. Flush with the success of their counterattack and with disregard for the Jaguar attack plan the Nova Cats pushed Delta Galaxy deep into the Waseda Hills attempting to reach the Imperial City before the Smoke Jaguars.<ref name=ICp118>''Invading Clans'', p. 118</ref> Bypassing Basin Lake they pushed towards the [[Kado-guchi Valley]]. [[ComStar]] intelligence had suggested that the area was defended by militia, but the Cats ran into three regiments of Wolf's Dragoons and Kell Hounds who stopped the Clan advance cold.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 276</ref> The mercenaries hoped to delay the Cats long enough that their aerospace forces could stage a bombing run. Stripped of their own air support the Nova Cats [[119th Striker (Clan Nova Cat)|119th Striker Cluster]] engaged head on as the [[32nd Assault (Clan Nova Cat)|Thirty-second Assault Cluster]] attempted a flank march into the valley.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 49</ref> The Combine troops did not think that the mercenaries could deal with such a large Clan force, and many commanders half expected to find their units pulled out of the line to support this action.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 52</ref> Meanwhile, the third battalion of the [[Second Kell Hounds]] caught the [[336th Jaguar Combat (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|336th Jaguar Combat Cluster]] on the shores of Basin Lake. They launched an all-out assault to try and halt the Clan advance. The mercenaries took heavy casualties and were only saved by the arrival of elements of the First Sword of Light, however the Hounds battalion was spent as a force.<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 60</ref> ===Katsura River Valley=== ====1345 Hours==== The remnants of Kurita companies that had fought on the Tairakana Plains were regrouping, as the opening shots were being fired in the Waseda Hills. In the hope of increasing the pressure on the Smoke Jaguars, Theodore Kurita ordered two [[Second Genyosha]] companies of the Third Battalion and the Third Otomo Company of the Third Battalion to launch a strike into the Clans' rear area against the Smoke Jaguars' reserves including the [[32nd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Thirty-second Jaguar Regulars]], to cause as much damage and confusion as possible before withdrawing. The force moved along the river bed to avoid detection until they were in position. Almost all of the Kuritan 'Mechs took serious damage in this action, but left eight Clan machines destroyed or so badly damaged that the Regulars abandoned them.<ref>''Luthien'', pp. 52–53</ref> [[File:Battle of Luthien (44).jpg|right|thumb|Amori Militia target a 'Mech of the 22nd Freebirth Cluster]] ===Shaidan Basin: Amori Military District=== ====1350 Hours==== The Battle for Luthien did not consist solely of an attempt to take the Imperial City. As part of Dorian Wirth's plan forces landed elsewhere on the planet as well. The Clans assigned the capture of the [[Arisaka Munitions Complex]] to the [[22nd Smoke Jaguar Freebirth Cluster|Twenty-second Smoke Jaguar Freebirth Cluster]]. However, this choice was based on inaccurate intelligence. ''Tai-i'' Velk marshaled his Amori Militia in the rice paddies of the [[Shaidan Basin]] supported by the river Monitor ''Minikuchi'' of the Thirty-third Coastal Patrol Squadron. As the Cluster entered the rice paddies, ''Tai-i'' Velk sprung his trap. The very well trained [[1st Amori Militia|Amori Militia]] put up a heavy resistance, then feigned a disorderly retreat across the two [[Shaidan River]] bridges. As the Clan warriors followed them across the militia detonated charges that destroyed both bridges. Hidden militia ground armor advanced and the ''Minikuchi'' also came out of hiding, these enabled the militia to pin the Twenty-second Freebirth against the rain swollen river. In order to avoid the total destruction of her command Star Captain [[Edna (22nd Smoke Jaguar Freebirth)|Edna]] surrendered.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 55</ref> ===Nova Cat Secondary Landing Zone=== ====1400 Hours==== Theodore Kurita ordered the [[Sixth DEST]] to begin [[Operation BLACK THUNDER]] just as the fighting in the Tairakana Plains was winding down. Led by ''[[Tai-i]]'' Shingen the previously concealed team members attacked the Clan Nova Cat DropShip ''[[Broadsword (Individual Union-C-class DropShip)|Broadsword]]''. After a short firefight in the vessel's main 'Mech deck the DEST troopers captured the ''Broadsword'', along with two of her crew. The action left four DEST troopers dead and another four wounded. The DropShip lifted off just as a Star of Elementals closed to recapture it. The captured DropShip made its way towards the main military spaceport southeast of Imperial City. However, trouble with the DEST team's backpack transponder meant that it came under friendly fire before being taken under a fighter escort.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 58</ref> ===Luthien Armor Works: Jirushi City=== ====1400 Hours==== In an attempt to cripple the DCMS' efforts to regroup, a Star from the [[22nd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Twenty-second Jaguar Regulars]] attacked the [[Luthien Armor Works]]. Here they encountered a unit assembling from the remnants of 'Mech companies shattered earlier in the fighting. The situation was not as the Clans had expected though. The complex's machinery and steel-reinforced buildings blocked almost all communications and sensors, while playing havoc with 'Mechs' targeting systems. The Clan Star found itself facing a stronger unit than was expected, however they managed to inflict moderate damage before fleeing to their landing zone for evacuation. Some reports have pointed that this was an attempt to cripple the Combine's means of production, but at this stage the Clans were still aiming to capture the planet.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 62</ref> [[Image:Battle of Luthien (50).jpg|left|thumb|An ''Ebon Jaguar'' of the 1st Jaguar Guards Cluster advances into the Kado-guchi Valley]] ===Kado-guchi Valley=== ====1600 Hours==== The Nova Cats smashed their way through the Kell Hounds and Wolf's Dragoons, and finally succeeded in breaking out of the Waseda Hills and into the [[Kado-guchi Valley]]. They had faced stiffer opposition than previously expected, leaving the Cats wary of another assault. [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]] did not disappoint them as he personally led the veteran Dragon's Claws against them. Fate brought Takashi and Jason Youngblood together at this point, and the old enemies would fight alongside one another during the coming battle. ''[[Sho-sa]]'' Shin Yodama had been placed as a liaison officer with the Dragon's Claws by Theodore Kurita.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 278</ref> It was Yodama's responsibility, as Theodore put it, to "keep Takashi on a leash," and prevent him from making a suicidal charge in the style of the ancient Terran samurai.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 68</ref> <ref name=SOCHp2/> ====1630 Hours==== The Dragon's Claws advanced down the slopes of the Kado-guchi Valley catching the Nova Cats' Thirty-second Assault Cluster and preventing their advance toward the Imperial City.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 290</ref> Several Clan 'Mechs were destroyed in the opening volley. The Cats then attempted to execute a fighting withdrawal, but the situation worsened as the Kell Hounds launched themselves against the Nova Cat flank and rear.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 71</ref> Willing to admit defeat and live to fight another day Khan Leroux ordered a full retreat of the Nova Cat forces remaining.<ref name=ICp118/> [[File:Takaoguchi.jpg|right|thumb|Kado-guchi Valley and Nijunen Desert Operations Areas]] ====1700 Hours==== Conversely, the Jaguars launched an all-or-nothing counterassault. However, things started to go wrong from the outset as the [[145th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|145th Jaguar Regulars]] were cut off from on the flank of the attack by [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]] of Wolf's Dragoons and slaughtered to the last warrior. The Clan line broke when the [[315th Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|315th Jaguar Battle Cluster]] crumbled in a push from the First Genyosha and the Kell Hounds, this forward thrust by the Combine troops opening a gap in their ranks which was exploited by the [[22nd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Twenty-second Jaguar Regulars]] breaking through the Otomo and Second Legion of Vega their thrust was short-lived as they were surrounded by [[Alpha Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Alpha Regiment]] of Wolf's Dragoons. The few warriors of the Twenty-second to survive were taken prisoner. This blow was the last straw and the Jaguars were forced to perform a fighting retreat.<ref name=ICp62>''Invading Clans'', p. 62</ref> [[File:Battle of Luthien (20).jpg|left|thumb|One of the hundreds of 'Mechs left burning after the battle]] ===Urizen Mountains=== At some point in the fighting, four Stars of Elementals and a Trinary of heavy ‘Mechs stumbled upon the concealed entrance to the ISF Headquarters on Luthien located thirty kilometers south of Imperial City. Every Clansman died in the withering fusillade of laser and heavy weapons defensive emplacements protecting the underground complex.<ref>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', p. 61: "Headquarters"</ref> ===Imperial City=== ====1700 Hours==== As the fighting in the [[Kado-guchi Valley]] reached its zenith, Trinary Striker of the [[4th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|Fourth Nova Cat Regulars]] slipped away from the Nova Cat retreat and moved towards to outskirts of the city attacking a small industrial park on the southeast side. Star Colonel Camille, the unit commander, was apparently seeking to ingratiate herself with the Smoke Jaguars. A vicious street fight broke out when elements of the [[Seventh Imperial City Militia]], along with armored infantrymen of the [[First Omega Regiment]] moved to defend the area. A Dragoon air strike finally forced the Nova Cats to withdraw with heavy casualties.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 78</ref> ''[[Shujin]]'' [[Isozaki Toshiyuki]] of the First Omega stood out in this clash, destroying two Nova Cat OmniMechs with his lowly ''[[Pacifier]]'' [[SecurityMech]] before dying.<ref>''Technical Readout: Irregulars'', p. 32: "''Pacifier'' SecurityMech"</ref> ===Nijunen Desert=== ====0235 Hours, 06 January 3052==== Realizing the battle was lost the Smoke Jaguars attempted to cripple the Combine's ability to continue the war. Kincaid Furey ordered a force of the [[225th Jaguar Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|225th Jaguar Battle Cluster]] to destroy the largest iron-ore mine on Luthien, located in the center of the [[Nijunen Desert]] some twenty-five kilometers south of [[Takaoguchi]]. Information provided by ComStar proved accurate and under the cover of night, the veteran Jaguar Cluster attacked the [[143rd Luthien Defense|143rd Luthien Defense Regiment]]. ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Alexi Nagumo]]'s troops fought the Jaguars to a standstill, using the sinkholes in the region as natural defensive positions. Eventually heavy losses forced the Combine regiment to retreat and allowed the Jaguars to complete their mission.<ref>''Luthien'', p. 65</ref> ===Epilogue=== The Battle of Luthien reached its climax in the Kado-guchi Valley, where twelve Inner Sphere regiments faced off against five Clan Galaxies. The Valley had become a massive killing zone. When the battle was over, hundreds of burning 'Mechs streaked the sky with smoke. The Clan force was defeated and the few Clan warriors that survived the battle were taken prisoner. Out of the two Nova Cat Galaxies only 40% remained operational,<ref name=ICp118/> and less than half of the Jaguars boarded their DropShips to withdraw.<ref name=ICp62/> Of the two Kell Hound regiments that came to Luthien just over two battalions of 'Mechs remained operational. Wolf's Dragoons had arrived with five full regiments and had been reduced to two and a half. The Crescent Hawks suffered the loss of many veterans, but Takashi Kurita personally decorated Jason Youngblood with the [[Bushido Blade]] for his efforts, ending the enmity between them.<ref name=SOCHp2/> The Combine's six regiments had suffered similar damage, with the Genyosha and the Second Legion of Vega faring the best, with only fifty percent casualties. The reserve regiment had been hurt most with only three 'Mechs operational at the battle's end. ==Units Involved== ===Clan Smoke Jaguar=== [[File:SmokeJaguar.jpg|right|150px]] * [[1106th Aggressor (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|1106th Aggressor Cluster]] * [[31st Jaguar Assault (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|31st Jaguar Assault Cluster]] (apocryphal)<ref name="MW2:M">''MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries''</ref> * [[75th Jaguar Assault (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|75th Jaguar Assault Cluster]] * [[43rd Jaguar Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|43rd Jaguar Battle Cluster]] * [[225th Jaguar Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|225th Jaguar Battle Cluster]] * [[315th Battle (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|315th Jaguar Battle Cluster]] * [[28th Jaguar Combat (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|28th Jaguar Combat Cluster]] * [[336th Jaguar Combat (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|336th Jaguar Combat Cluster]] * [[5th Jaguar Dragoons (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|5th Jaguar Dragoons]] * [[22nd Smoke Jaguar Freebirth Cluster]] * [[1st Jaguar Guards (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|1st Jaguar Guards]] * [[5th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|5th Jaguar Regulars]] * [[22nd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|22nd Jaguar Regulars]] * [[32nd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|32nd Jaguar Regulars]] * [[63rd Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|63rd Jaguar Regulars]] * [[145th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|145th Jaguar Regulars]] ===Clan Nova Cat=== [[File:Clan Nova Cat (old).jpg|right|150px]] * [[3rd Aerospace (Clan Nova Cat)|3rd Aerospace Cluster]] * [[32nd Assault (Clan Nova Cat)|32nd Assault Cluster]] * [[10th Battle (Clan Nova Cat)|10th Battle Cluster]] * [[321st Battle (Clan Nova Cat)|321st Battle Cluster]] * [[211th Combat (Clan Nova Cat)|211th Combat Cluster]] * [[5003rd Harasser Cluster (Clan Nova Cat)|5003rd Harasser Cluster]] * [[4th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|4th Nova Cat Regulars]] * [[25th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|25th Nova Cat Regulars]] * [[57th Nova Cat Regulars (Clan Nova Cat)|57th Nova Cat Regulars]] * [[119th Striker (Clan Nova Cat)|119th Striker Cluster]] ===Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery=== [[File:Draccombine.gif|right|150px]] * [[The Dragon's Claws]] * [[1st Sword of Light]] * [[1st Genyosha]] * [[2nd Genyosha]] * [[2nd Legion of Vega]] * [[Otomo]] * [[3rd Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|3rd Aerospace Wing]] * [[7th Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|7th Aerospace Wing]] * [[Black Dragons Aerospace|Black Dragons Aerospace Fighter Wing]] * [[6th Draconis Elite Strike Team]] (1 Elite Special Forces Squad) * [[12th Luthien Defense|12th Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[54th Luthien Defense|54th Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[96th Luthien Defense|96th Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[122nd Luthien Defense|122nd Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[143rd Luthien Defense|143rd Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[178th Luthien Defense|178th Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[191st Luthien Defense|191st Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[201st Luthien Defense|201st Luthien Defense Regiment]] * [[1st Amori Militia]] * [[Luthien Armor Works Security Company]] * [[7th Imperial City Militia]] * [[1st Omega Regiment]] * [[2nd Omega Regiment]] ===Mercenary Units=== [[File:Wdragoons.gif|right|150px]] * [[Alpha Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Alpha Regiment]] * [[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment]] * [[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Gamma Regiment]] * [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Delta Regiment]] * [[Epsilon Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Wolf's Dragoons Epsilon Regiment]] * [[1st Kell Hounds]] Regiment (2 Battalions) * [[2nd Kell Hounds]] Regiment (3 Battalions/1 Aerospace Fighter Battalion) <ref>''Luthien'', pp. 25–28</ref> ==References== <references /> ==Bibliography== * ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (novel) * ''[[ClanTroops]]'' * ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' * ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]'' * ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)|Luthien]]'' * ''[[Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: Irregulars]]'' [[Category:Clan Invasion Era Military Operations|Luthien]]

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