Difference between revisions of "BattleTech eras"

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| Early Succession Wars
 
| Early Succession Wars
 
| [[2781]] – [[2900]]<ref name=ss_era/>
 
| [[2781]] – [[2900]]<ref name=ss_era/>
| style="text-align:left;" | The collapse of the Star League is followed a few short years later by the beginning of the [[Succession Wars]] - in this timeframe, the [[First Succession War|First]] and [[Second Succession War|Second]].
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| style="text-align:left;" | The collapse of the Star League is followed by two devastating [[Succession Wars]].
  
The Star League is gone; the [[SLDF]] [[Operation EXODUS|vanishes]] by [[2784]]. Hardly more than half a decade goes by before the [[First Succession War]] begins, and nine years pass before the [[Second Succession War]]. Billions would die between the two conflicts, and generations of knowledge are blown away in in the [[Nuclear Weapons|nuclear fires]] set by all involved factions. The [[Third Succession War]] begins in the latter half of the 29th century lacking much of what had once been known.
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Following the Star League's dissolution Kerensky and most of the [[SLDF]] [[Operation EXODUS|leave]] the Inner Sphere in [[2784]]. Within two years the five [[Successor States]] are waging total war (including heavy usage of [[Nuclear Weapons|nuclear weapons]]), each aiming to restore the Star League with its own dynasty at its head. The resulting [[First Succession War|First]] and [[Second Succession War|Second Succession Wars]] span three generations and result in the loss of billions of lives, hundreds of worlds depopulated, and much scientific knowledge lost.
 +
 
 +
[[ComStar]] emerges from the last surviving ministry of the Star League, and by the end of the era has become a pseudo-religious order. Establishing itself on [[Terra]]  the outwardly neutral order utilizes its monopoly on [[Hyperpulse Generator|interstellar communications]] to manipulate the ongoing wars for its own agenda.
 +
 
 +
Beginning in [[2866]], the [[Third Succession War]] reflects the general decay across the Inner Sphere as it is an ongoing state of low-level conflict involving small units and raids rather than large armies and massive offensives.  
  
[[ComStar]] emerges as the last surviving ministry of the Star League, and by the end of the era devolves - or perhaps, ''evolves'' - into a pseudo-religious order.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Late Succession Wars – [[LosTech]]
 
| Late Succession Wars – [[LosTech]]
 
| [[2901]] – [[3019]]<ref name=ss_era/>
 
| [[2901]] – [[3019]]<ref name=ss_era/>
| style="text-align:left;" | With much of the Star League's knowledge blown away on irradiated winds, the [[Third Succession War]] continues.
+
| style="text-align:left;" | With much of the Star League's knowledge gone, the [[Third Succession War]] continues.
  
Advanced technologies have been rendered [[LosTech]], and in contrast to the preceding conflicts the Third Succession War is more of a constant low-intensity conflict - one that spans nearly two centuries. Combat grows more ritualized and medieval amongst 'Mechs, and at times duels are fought between [[MechWarriors]] for the sake of retaining what still worked. Neo-feudal societies arise, and progress stagnates if not decaying further.
+
Advanced technologies have been become [[LosTech]], and in contrast to the preceding wars the Third Succession War is a constant low-intensity conflict throughout this period. Combat grows more ritualized and medieval amongst 'Mechs, with duels being fought between [[MechWarrior|MechWarriors]] in an effort to preserve what technology remains.  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Late Succession Wars – Renaissance
 
| Late Succession Wars – Renaissance
 
| [[3020]] – [[3049]]<ref name=ss_era/>
 
| [[3020]] – [[3049]]<ref name=ss_era/>
| style="text-align:left;" | The [[Third Succession War]] ends, the [[Helm Memory Core]] is rediscovered, and the contents spread across the Inner Sphere, beginning a techno-industrial renaissance.
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| style="text-align:left;" | The [[Third Succession War]] ends, [[House Steiner-Davion]] becomes the Inner Sphere's most powerful dynasty, and the [[Helm Memory Core]] is rediscovered, beginning a techno-industrial renaissance.
  
Repair of ancient 'Mech tech is not just possible, but a reality for the Great House Militaries, and production is restarted and upswings in the start of a resurgence.
+
The status quo is upended with the marriage of [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Melissa Steiner]] and the resulting union of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Federated Suns]]. In the ensuing [[Fourth Succession War]] the [[Capellan Confederation]] is reduced to a rump state and the [[Draconis Combine]] suffers heavy losses.  
  
The ramp-up begins just in time for the marriage of [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Melissa Steiner]] to begin the [[Fourth Succession War]], and solidify the union of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Federated Suns]]. The [[Capellan Confederation]] is crippled for decades to come, and [[Wolf's Dragoons]] are granted the world of [[Outreach]] for their service to the Federated Suns. The nascent [[Federated Commonwealth]] would continue on to hammer the [[Draconis Combine]] in the [[War of 3039]], but the efforts of [[Theodore Kurita]] and [[ComStar]] would stonewall them into a peace treaty.
+
As a result of his nation's defeats [[Theodore Kurita (31st c.)|Theodore Kurita]] reforms the Combine military with ComStar's aid and grants independence to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]. His efforts ensure that the nascent [[Federated Commonwealth]] fails to win a similar victory against the Combine in the [[War of 3039]], though it remains the overwhelmingly dominant state in the Inner Sphere. By [[3049]] a Fifth Succession War and/or [[House Steiner-Davion|House Steiner-Davion's]] re-establishment of the Star League seems likely.
  
Nonetheless, the Federated Commonwealth was born, and dominated the Inner Sphere like none since the Star League.
+
The discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]], coupled with other scientific efforts, begins a technological renaissance during the next two decades. The Inner Sphere slowly begins climbing back towards Star League-era levels of technology.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Clan Invasion]] <ref name=ci_era>[https://bg.battletech.com/new-to-the-board-game/battletech-eras/era-clan-invasion/ New to Battletech? - BattleTech Eras - Clan Invasion]</ref>
 
| [[Clan Invasion]] <ref name=ci_era>[https://bg.battletech.com/new-to-the-board-game/battletech-eras/era-clan-invasion/ New to Battletech? - BattleTech Eras - Clan Invasion]</ref>

Revision as of 23:36, 10 July 2021

Catalyst Game Labs, the current owners of BattleTech, have divided history into eras and sub-eras. The products they release are grouped in this manner.[1]


Era Symbol[1] Sub Era Years Description
Pre-Star League Pre-Spaceflight Before 1950 Earliest era referenced - when humanity only resides on its planet of origin, Terra.
Early Spaceflight 1950 – 2005 Early spaceflight, restricted to the bounds of Sol. Notable events include the Second Cold War and reestablished Soviet Union.
Star League[2] Star league era-BW.jpg Age of War 20052570[2] The era of the Terran Alliance, the colonization of the Inner Sphere, the formation of the Great Houses, and the Age of War.

KF Drive tech is introduced, beginning the First Terran Exodus in the 22nd century. In 2235 unrest sparks the Outer Reaches Rebellion, the Alliance loses and issues the Demarcation Declaration, setting most colonies free and sparking the Second Terran Exodus. Throughout the 23rd and 24th centuries the first independent interstellar nations are founded throughout the Inner Sphere, and the Periphery is settled.

The Alliance transforms into the more powerful Terran Hegemony and the Great Houses forge their own empires as neo-feudalism becomes dominant. The Age of War begins in 2398 and will last until the mid-26th century.

The Ares Conventions are introduced in 2412 to regulate warfare, and in 2439 the Terran Hegemony introduces the Mackie, the first BattleMech design, revolutionizing warfare.

Star League 25712780[2] The time of the First Star League from its founding in 2571 to the fall of the usurper Amaris Empire in 2780.

House Cameron of the Terran Hegemony unifies the other five Inner Sphere states by 2571 and then orchestrates the Reunification War to bring the recalcitrant Periphery nations into the union.

For nearly two centuries humanity is united under a single government. Advancements in science and engineering backed by the greatest military in history uphold nearly two centuries of peace and prosperity across all settled worlds. Save for minor conflicts dubbed the Hidden Wars, the SLDF rarely sees true conflict until Periphery revolts break out in 2765.

These rebellions enable Stefan Amaris to destroy the Cameron dynasty and seize the Star League throne for himself, resulting in the Amaris Civil War. Although Aleksandr Kerensky and his SLDF ultimately defeat Amaris, the Hegemony and Star League are irreparably ruined.

Succession Wars [3] Succession wars era-BW.jpg Early Succession Wars 27812900[3] The collapse of the Star League is followed by two devastating Succession Wars.

Following the Star League's dissolution Kerensky and most of the SLDF leave the Inner Sphere in 2784. Within two years the five Successor States are waging total war (including heavy usage of nuclear weapons), each aiming to restore the Star League with its own dynasty at its head. The resulting First and Second Succession Wars span three generations and result in the loss of billions of lives, hundreds of worlds depopulated, and much scientific knowledge lost.

ComStar emerges from the last surviving ministry of the Star League, and by the end of the era has become a pseudo-religious order. Establishing itself on Terra the outwardly neutral order utilizes its monopoly on interstellar communications to manipulate the ongoing wars for its own agenda.

Beginning in 2866, the Third Succession War reflects the general decay across the Inner Sphere as it is an ongoing state of low-level conflict involving small units and raids rather than large armies and massive offensives.

Late Succession Wars – LosTech 29013019[3] With much of the Star League's knowledge gone, the Third Succession War continues.

Advanced technologies have been become LosTech, and in contrast to the preceding wars the Third Succession War is a constant low-intensity conflict throughout this period. Combat grows more ritualized and medieval amongst 'Mechs, with duels being fought between MechWarriors in an effort to preserve what technology remains.

Late Succession Wars – Renaissance 30203049[3] The Third Succession War ends, House Steiner-Davion becomes the Inner Sphere's most powerful dynasty, and the Helm Memory Core is rediscovered, beginning a techno-industrial renaissance.

The status quo is upended with the marriage of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner and the resulting union of the Lyran Commonwealth and the Federated Suns. In the ensuing Fourth Succession War the Capellan Confederation is reduced to a rump state and the Draconis Combine suffers heavy losses.

As a result of his nation's defeats Theodore Kurita reforms the Combine military with ComStar's aid and grants independence to the Free Rasalhague Republic. His efforts ensure that the nascent Federated Commonwealth fails to win a similar victory against the Combine in the War of 3039, though it remains the overwhelmingly dominant state in the Inner Sphere. By 3049 a Fifth Succession War and/or House Steiner-Davion's re-establishment of the Star League seems likely.

The discovery of the Helm Memory Core in 3028, coupled with other scientific efforts, begins a technological renaissance during the next two decades. The Inner Sphere slowly begins climbing back towards Star League-era levels of technology.

Clan Invasion [4] Clan invasion era-BW.jpg 30503061[4] Coreward of the Inner Sphere, a force struck from the Deep Periphery and carved a path towards Terra.

Armed with superior technology, superior genetics, and aggressive tactics, they called themselves the “Clans”. Their unique OmniMech designs and Elemental warriors were unlike anything the Sphere had seen since the Star League Defense Force - and in fact, that was who they once were. Descendants of General Kerensky's exodus forces, the Clan Invasion was a crusade to the heart of the Sphere that was utlimately put on hold by the ComGuard.

The Battle of Tukayyid and ensuing truce cost many lives, but bought valuable time.

Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon would wage the Refusal War in the intervening years, resulting in a split clan, an exhausted Jade Falcon - and the Battle of Coventry. The Second Star League was born in the aftermath, Operation BULLDOG was fought, Task Force Serpent deployed - and Clan Smoke Jaguar was annihilated.

The Great Refusal was then fought and won by the second SLDF, and the Inner Sphere had reestablished a technical knowledge base approximate of the First Star League.

Civil War [5] Civil war era-BW.jpg 30623067[5] While the Great Refusal ended the Clan Invasion, the following era would see the Inner Sphere fall on old habits.

In the wake of Operation GUERRERO, the Lyran Alliance seceded from the Federated Commonwealth. Formerly supported by the FedCom, the St. Ives Compact was weakened by the fracturing of their allied state. Exploiting the shift in power, First Lord Sun-Tzu Liao would instigate the Xin Sheng Campaign - and it is in GUERRERO, the Alliance, and aborption of St. Ives that the stage is set for the true civil war.

Erupting in 3062, the FedCom Civil War theoretically pitted Loyalist Lyran forces against the pro-FedSuns Allies. In practice, it opened to dozens of meat-grinders, fratricidal contests within the same units, battles over worlds once shared, and militiamen with contested loyalties.

It defined the entire era, and secondary conflicts such as the Kokuryu-kai-instigated Combine-Dominion War would start and end before it was over.

Jihad [6] Jihad era-BW.jpg 30683080 [6] The time period known as the Jihad refers to a major interstellar war that involved all major factions, mainly consisting of the faction called the Word of Blake attacking capitals and other, important industrial worlds to hamper their enemies' capacity to wage war. They created a "white-out" of the HPG grid that forced regional leaders to take a more active role, then manipulated those leaders to create chaos and warfare that distracted their enemies from the Word's activities. Using "hidden" armies they hit former Chaos March worlds in the vicinity of Terra, which led to the formation of the new state, the Word of Blake Protectorate. The Jihad was not only of the Word of Blake assaulting foreign powers, but also civil conflicts that erupted between states due to the chaos and the actions of the factions.
Dark Age [7] Dark age era-BW.jpg Republic 30813130 [7] With the Word Of Blake's defeat at the start of this era using coalition forces made possible through unifying efforts of Devlin Stone and David Lear to crush them. The formation of the Republic of the Sphere out of the ashes of the Word of Blake Protectorate created a new buffer state between the various Inner Sphere powers. Additionally the Republic set in motion a plan with the other major factions to decommission BattleMechs and other tools of warfare, downsizing armies and removing any such material from the hands of private individuals.
Dark Age 3131 - 3150 [7] The time since the collapse of the HPG network caused political chaos in The Republic of the Sphere that led to the militarization of Industrial Mechs and other civilian equipment. Then the steady advancement of the Great Houses and Clans themselves began to take back worlds they ceded to the Republic, as the fragmented and stumbling Republic made an easy target. Finally ending with the ilClan Trial being fought on Terra, days after the broadcasted disbanding of the Republic.
ilClan[8] ILClan Era.jpg ilClan 3151 – ???? [8] The once-invulnerable Republic of the Sphere lies in ruins, torn apart by the Great Houses and the Clans. As Fortress Republic collapses, the Clans race toward Terra to create a supreme authority which will rule the Inner Sphere by any means necessary.

References

Bibliography