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{{Merge|Clan Sea Fox}}
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{{Update Needed|[[Objectives: Clans]]|[[The Wars of Reaving]]}}
 
{{Update Needed|[[Objectives: Clans]]|[[The Wars of Reaving]]}}
 
{{Quote|''When you swim in the ocean, do not forget who owns it.''|Clan Diamond Shark merchant caste saying<ref name=FMWC75>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 75, "Zeta Galaxy: Territorial Waters"</ref>}}
 
 
 
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| capital = ?
 
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| rulertitle = [[Khan]]
 
| rulertitle = [[Khan]]
| military = [[Clan Diamond Shark Touman|Clan Diamond Shark ''touman'']]
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| military = [[Clan Diamond Shark Touman|Clan Diamond Shark ''Touman'']]
| secretservice = [[Clan Watch#Clan Diamond Shark|Clan Diamond Shark Watch]]
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| secretservice = [[Clan Diamond Shark Watch]]
 
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'''Clan Diamond Shark''', originally named [[Clan Sea Fox]], was one of the first twenty [[Clans]] created by [[Nicholas Kerensky]].  Its willingness to change its own name exemplified the Clan's flexibility and progressive thinking — it was the only Clan which permitted universal suffrage — and helped make it one of the strongest and wealthiest during the Clans' history.  Known derisively as the "Merchant Clan" by their jealous rivals, they nevertheless took great pride in their accomplishments and their direct contributions to the creation of the Clans.  The Clan's original totem animal, the [[Sea Fox (species)|Sea Fox]], was chosen for it by Kerensky for the honor it showed its prey before striking.  The Clan then took as their new totem the [[Diamond Shark (species)|Diamond Shark]], which nearly wiped out the Sea Fox when it was introduced to the oceans of [[Strana Mechty]], as a sign of respect to a superior predator. After the [[Wars of Reaving]], the Sharks would be abjured from Clan space and depart to the Inner Sphere. They would later take part in the Jihad against the Blakists and reform back into Clan Sea Fox in 3100, after their censure and rumors of their [[Sea Fox|original totem]] flourishing on other worlds.
'''Clan Diamond Shark''', originally named [[Clan Sea Fox]], was one of the first twenty [[Clans]] created by [[Nicholas Kerensky]].  Its willingness to change its own name exemplified the Clan's flexibility and progressive thinking — it was the only Clan which permitted universal suffrage — and helped make it one of the strongest and wealthiest during the Clans' history.  Known derisively as the "Merchant Clan" by their jealous rivals, they nevertheless took great pride in their accomplishments and their direct contributions to the creation of the Clans.  The Clan's original totem animal, the [[Sea Fox (species)|Sea Fox]], was chosen for it by Kerensky for the honor it showed its prey before striking.  The Clan then took as their new totem the [[Diamond Shark (species)|Diamond Shark]], which nearly wiped out the Sea Fox when it was introduced to the oceans of [[Strana Mechty]], as a sign of respect to a superior predator. After the [[Wars of Reaving]], the Sharks would be abjured from Clan space and depart to the Inner Sphere. They would later take part in the Jihad against the Blakists and reform back into Clan Sea Fox in 3100, after their censure and rumors of their [[Sea Fox (species)|original totem]] flourishing on other worlds.
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The prosperity Clan Sea Fox achieved in the aftermath of the Pentagon wars continued to grow in the years known as the [[Golden Century]], and it can well be said that the century belonged to the merchant caste.  With the merchant caste taking the lead Clan Sea Fox outperformed most of the other Clans in their exploration and colonization efforts, establishing profitable trade routes and strategically placed colonies, and joined with the Nova Cats in adopting futures trading.  While the warriors still retained their leadership role, they were increasingly advised by the merchant caste on what actions to take and as often enough fought Trials for mercantile reasons as martial ones.  Other Clans saw the rise of the Sea Fox merchants with both disdain and concern, but so long as the Sea Foxes continued to follow the Way of the Clans there was not much to be done.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/><ref name=FMWC60>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 60</ref>
 
The prosperity Clan Sea Fox achieved in the aftermath of the Pentagon wars continued to grow in the years known as the [[Golden Century]], and it can well be said that the century belonged to the merchant caste.  With the merchant caste taking the lead Clan Sea Fox outperformed most of the other Clans in their exploration and colonization efforts, establishing profitable trade routes and strategically placed colonies, and joined with the Nova Cats in adopting futures trading.  While the warriors still retained their leadership role, they were increasingly advised by the merchant caste on what actions to take and as often enough fought Trials for mercantile reasons as martial ones.  Other Clans saw the rise of the Sea Fox merchants with both disdain and concern, but so long as the Sea Foxes continued to follow the Way of the Clans there was not much to be done.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/><ref name=FMWC60>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 60</ref>
  
It was because of their exploration efforts that the Sea Foxes first discovered a particular jelly like substance on [[Strato Domingo]], one which toughened into a hardened coating that could withstand the rigors of space.  Clan Sea Fox would eventually refine this substance into [[HarJel]] and defend the planet so no other Clan could gain a foothold.  This monopoly on HarJel gave the Sea Foxes a great military advantage and, even more importantly, a source of immense profit once they began trading it with the other Clans.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
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It was because of their exploration efforts that the Sea Foxes first discovered a particular jelly-like substance on [[Strato Domingo]], one which toughened into a hardened coating that could withstand the rigors of space.  Clan Sea Fox would eventually refine this substance into [[HarJel]] and defend the planet so no other Clan could gain a foothold.  This monopoly on HarJel gave the Sea Foxes a great military advantage and, even more importantly, a source of immense profit once they began trading it with the other Clans.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
  
 
It was during this time that Clan Sea Fox became aware, via the Chatterweb, that Clan Coyote was developing what would become known as [[OmniMechs]].  Seeing the potential in this new development, the Sea Foxes approached the Coyotes about a possible collaboration, and Sea Fox scientists and technicians would prove instrumental in making OmniMechs a reality; Clan Sea Fox fielded their first designs less than a year after the Coyotes debuted theirs.  Although winning some important battles with these new war machines Clan Sea Fox made sure to downplay their strengths so that the other Clans would concentrate on the Coyotes in their efforts to secure the technology.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
 
It was during this time that Clan Sea Fox became aware, via the Chatterweb, that Clan Coyote was developing what would become known as [[OmniMechs]].  Seeing the potential in this new development, the Sea Foxes approached the Coyotes about a possible collaboration, and Sea Fox scientists and technicians would prove instrumental in making OmniMechs a reality; Clan Sea Fox fielded their first designs less than a year after the Coyotes debuted theirs.  Although winning some important battles with these new war machines Clan Sea Fox made sure to downplay their strengths so that the other Clans would concentrate on the Coyotes in their efforts to secure the technology.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
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The Clan also played a pivotal role in the refinement of [[Elemental Battle Armor]].  When Clan Wolf unveiled these new suits in [[2868]], Clan Sea Fox saw the potential of mating this technology with HarJel.  They approached the Wolves with a preemptive ''[[batchall]]'' to arrange a trade, guaranteeing a continuous supply of HarJel at reduced cost in exchange for the suits, while both Wolf and Sea Fox technicians would work together via the Chatterweb to incorporate the two technologies together.  Clan Coyote, offended that they hadn't received a similar preemptive ''batchall'' for their OmniMech cooperation, attempted to seize Strato Domingo in a [[Trial of Possession]] but were defeated by Sea Fox Elementals.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
 
The Clan also played a pivotal role in the refinement of [[Elemental Battle Armor]].  When Clan Wolf unveiled these new suits in [[2868]], Clan Sea Fox saw the potential of mating this technology with HarJel.  They approached the Wolves with a preemptive ''[[batchall]]'' to arrange a trade, guaranteeing a continuous supply of HarJel at reduced cost in exchange for the suits, while both Wolf and Sea Fox technicians would work together via the Chatterweb to incorporate the two technologies together.  Clan Coyote, offended that they hadn't received a similar preemptive ''batchall'' for their OmniMech cooperation, attempted to seize Strato Domingo in a [[Trial of Possession]] but were defeated by Sea Fox Elementals.<ref name=IC133/><ref name=FMWC59/>
  
HarJel patching systems would be sold to the other Clans at a profit, although notably two were able to acquire them through other means.  [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] was the only one to win the technology militarily, bringing overwhelming forces to bear against the Sea Foxes in a Trial.  While some outsiders thought the Sea Foxes hadn't fought nearly as hard as they could to defeat the Smoke Jaguars, in the end the Sea Foxes would exact a heavy price by charging a premium on HarJel purchases by the Smoke Jaguars.  [[Clan Hell's Horses]] meanwhile had developed a breed of [[Elemental|"superwarriors"]] which the Sea Foxes wished to acquire for their battle armor suits, but rather than fight it out they approached them with a resource sharing arrangement: in exchange for allowing the Hell's Horses to set up a colony on Strato Domingo and limited rights to HarJel production, Clan Sea Fox would receive assistance in setting up their own Elemental breeding program.  The arrangement would prove to be highly profitable for both Clans.<ref name=FMWC59/><ref name=FMWC60/>
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HarJel patching systems would be sold to the other Clans at a profit, although notably two were able to acquire them through other means.  [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] was the only one to win the technology militarily, bringing overwhelming forces to bear against the Sea Foxes in a Trial.  While some outsiders thought the Sea Foxes hadn't fought nearly as hard as they could to defeat the Smoke Jaguars, in the end the Sea Foxes would exact a heavy price by charging a premium on HarJel purchases by the Smoke Jaguars.  [[Clan Hell's Horses]] meanwhile had developed a breed of [[Elemental|"super warriors"]] which the Sea Foxes wished to acquire for their battle armor suits, but rather than fight it out they approached them with a resource sharing arrangement: in exchange for allowing the Hell's Horses to set up a colony on Strato Domingo and limited rights to HarJel production, Clan Sea Fox would receive assistance in setting up their own Elemental breeding program.  The arrangement would prove to be highly profitable for both Clans.<ref name=FMWC59/><ref name=FMWC60/>
  
 
===A Sea Change===
 
===A Sea Change===
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Opposition to the name change was led by Khan Howell, incensed that his revenge plot might be turned on its head, and during a heated moment in the debate let slip the fact he was the one responsible for introducing the Diamond Shark to Strana Mechty.  Outraged and ashamed at his behavior, Snow Raven saKhan [[Niamh Sukhanov]] immediately challenged him to a Trial of Grievance and killed him on the spot.  However the opposition was severely weakened by this revelation, and so the final vote was only nine to eight against allowing the name change.  This meant that, in the [[Trial of Refusal]] he called for, Khan Clarke would only have to face one [[Cluster]] reinforced by a single [[Star]] against one Cluster of his own.  With the Snow Ravens winning the right to fight on behalf of the Council, Damon Clark commanded his forces personally and put on a masterful show, achieving a kill ratio of three to one and defeating the Snow Ravens handily after just 45 minutes.  In the aftermath of this the Sea Foxes would seek their own revenge on the Snow Ravens by targeting Liam Howell's loyal supporters with Trials of Grievances in what became known as the "Month of Grievances."<ref name=FMWC60/><ref name=IC135/><ref name=HOKp129/><ref name=HOKp130>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 130</ref>
 
Opposition to the name change was led by Khan Howell, incensed that his revenge plot might be turned on its head, and during a heated moment in the debate let slip the fact he was the one responsible for introducing the Diamond Shark to Strana Mechty.  Outraged and ashamed at his behavior, Snow Raven saKhan [[Niamh Sukhanov]] immediately challenged him to a Trial of Grievance and killed him on the spot.  However the opposition was severely weakened by this revelation, and so the final vote was only nine to eight against allowing the name change.  This meant that, in the [[Trial of Refusal]] he called for, Khan Clarke would only have to face one [[Cluster]] reinforced by a single [[Star]] against one Cluster of his own.  With the Snow Ravens winning the right to fight on behalf of the Council, Damon Clark commanded his forces personally and put on a masterful show, achieving a kill ratio of three to one and defeating the Snow Ravens handily after just 45 minutes.  In the aftermath of this the Sea Foxes would seek their own revenge on the Snow Ravens by targeting Liam Howell's loyal supporters with Trials of Grievances in what became known as the "Month of Grievances."<ref name=FMWC60/><ref name=IC135/><ref name=HOKp129/><ref name=HOKp130>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 130</ref>
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Having won the right to change his Clan's name through combat, Damon Clarke then went into seclusion for two days to decide how he would approach his own Clan about the change.  His conservative leanings would have him limit the vote to only the Bloodnamed as was traditional in Clan society; allowing the lower castes to have a say in the matter might also set a dangerous precedent and undo his attempts thus far to reshape the Clan.  At the same time not allowing the entire Clan to vote could also lead to a serious backlash, even widespread unrest, and his own reforms thus far had resulted in mixed results at best.  Seeking inspiration, he turned to the writings of Khan Nagasawa, and found himself converting to her viewpoint by her reasoning and logic.  On the third day he emerged from isolation and announced a vote would be held on September [[2985]] in which all members of the Clan would be allowed to vote.  This decision wasn't universally celebrated by all Sea Foxes though: many warriors felt betrayed by Khan Clarke's change of heart, and Beta Galaxy commander [[Brett Leroux]] along with seven other Bloodnamed warriors would challenge their Khan in turn to Trials of Refusal, though all would lose.<ref name=IC135/><ref name=IC136>''Invading Clans'', p. 136</ref>
 
Having won the right to change his Clan's name through combat, Damon Clarke then went into seclusion for two days to decide how he would approach his own Clan about the change.  His conservative leanings would have him limit the vote to only the Bloodnamed as was traditional in Clan society; allowing the lower castes to have a say in the matter might also set a dangerous precedent and undo his attempts thus far to reshape the Clan.  At the same time not allowing the entire Clan to vote could also lead to a serious backlash, even widespread unrest, and his own reforms thus far had resulted in mixed results at best.  Seeking inspiration, he turned to the writings of Khan Nagasawa, and found himself converting to her viewpoint by her reasoning and logic.  On the third day he emerged from isolation and announced a vote would be held on September [[2985]] in which all members of the Clan would be allowed to vote.  This decision wasn't universally celebrated by all Sea Foxes though: many warriors felt betrayed by Khan Clarke's change of heart, and Beta Galaxy commander [[Brett Leroux]] along with seven other Bloodnamed warriors would challenge their Khan in turn to Trials of Refusal, though all would lose.<ref name=IC135/><ref name=IC136>''Invading Clans'', p. 136</ref>
  
When the vote was finally held on 30 September, 50 million people cast their votes in order of precedence of their caste.  The warriors went first, voting largely in favor of the change, while the scientists voted against it.  This was repeated again when the merchants voted in favor and the technicians against, and after the four castes had voted the count was 51% against the change.  The labor caste, in gratitude to Khan Clarke's newfound liberalism, voted 95% in favor of the change, and Clan Sea Fox officially became Clan Diamond Shark.  The Diamond Sharks' strength would be immediately tested when Clan Smoke Jaguar launched a Trial of Possession for Priori with overwhelming force.  Giving his commanders free rein to prosecute the battle as they saw fit, Khan Clarke trusted in his warriors to use their flexibility to the fullest and was rewarded with a great victory.  The Diamond Sharks had fought with greater unity and sense of purpose than expected, and this validation of the progressive ideals Karen Nagasawa first espoused inspired the Diamond Shark Khan to reverse all his previous attempts at reform.<ref name=IC136/><ref name=FMWC60/><ref name=HOKp129/>
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When the vote was finally held on 30 September, 50 million people cast their votes in order of precedent of their caste.  The warriors went first, voting largely in favor of the change, while the scientists voted against it.  This was repeated again when the merchants voted in favor and the technicians against, and after the four castes had voted the count was 51% against the change.  The labor caste, in gratitude to Khan Clarke's newfound liberalism, voted 95% in favor of the change, and Clan Sea Fox officially became Clan Diamond Shark.  The Diamond Sharks' strength would be immediately tested when Clan Smoke Jaguar launched a Trial of Possession for Priori with overwhelming force.  Giving his commanders free rein to prosecute the battle as they saw fit, Khan Clarke trusted in his warriors to use their flexibility to the fullest and was rewarded with a great victory.  The Diamond Sharks had fought with greater unity and sense of purpose than expected, and this validation of the progressive ideals Karen Nagasawa first espoused inspired the Diamond Shark Khan to reverse all his previous attempts at reform.<ref name=IC136/><ref name=FMWC60/><ref name=HOKp129/>
  
 
===Blood in the Water===
 
===Blood in the Water===
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===The Business of War===
 
===The Business of War===
 
====Preparations====
 
====Preparations====
Unfortunately for Khan Ian Hawker, his internal troubles would continue during the Trials to determine which Clans would have the honor of conquering the Inner Sphere.  Although his was one of the six Clans to make it to the final rounds, the Diamond Sharks placed dead last behind the Nova Cats.  Hawker was able to salvage something from the disaster by winning a Trial of Refusal guaranteeing his Clan would be among the first to reinforce the Invasion should it be required, but his warriors were less than impressed.  Publicly none were willing to challenge their Khan, aware of his warnings that infighting might weaken them too much, but in the background political maneuvering towards this goal intensified.  In response, Khan Hawker sought political aid from wherever he could, including the one Crusader Clan he considered the most powerful.  Jade Falcon Khan [[Elias Crichell]] saw Hawker as an accomplice he could manipulate to his own ends and agreed to an alliance.<ref name=IC137/>
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Unfortunately for Khan Ian Hawker, his internal troubles would continue during the Trials to determine which Clans would have the honor of conquering the Inner Sphere.  Although his was one of the six Clans to make it to the final rounds, the Diamond Sharks placed dead last behind the Nova Cats.  Hawker was able to salvage something from the disaster by winning a Trial of Refusal guaranteeing his Clan would be among the first to reinforce the Invasion should it be required, but his warriors were less than impressed.  Publicly none were willing to challenge their Khan, aware of his warnings that infighting might weaken them too much, but in the background political maneuvering towards this goal intensified.  In response, Khan Hawker sought political aid from wherever he could, including the one Crusader Clan he considered the most powerful.  While Khan [[Vandervahn Chistu]] of the Jade Falcons was skeptical of Hawker's overtures, saKhan [[Elias Crichell]] saw an accomplice he could manipulate to his own ends and agreed to an alliance.<ref name=IC137/>
  
As a minor consolation, [[ilKhan]] Leo Showers would allow the [[Home Clans|non-Invading Clans]] to send representatives along with the Invasion to act as observers, limited to no more than a [[Trinary]]'s worth of troops along with whatever [[WarShips]] and [[DropShips]] were necessary.  Khan Ian Hawker and saKhan [[Barbara Sennet]] would accompany the senior Khan's command Trinary, [[Diamond Skate (Clan Diamond Shark)|Diamond Keshik]], which Hawker would command personally.  Rather than just stick with any one Clan, Hawker at first was determined to move between the Invading Clans in order to observe as many battle sites as possible and, hopefully, be allowed to participate in some.  The Diamond Shark saKhan meanwhile had more mercantile thoughts on her mind: she was determined to visit as many worlds conquered by the Clans as possible, take note of what supplies they needed, and report this information to the rest of the Clan so profitable trade could commence.<ref name=IC138>''Invading Clans'', p. 138</ref>
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As a minor consolation, [[ilKhan]] Leo Showers would allow the [[Home Clans|non-Invading Clans]] to send representatives along with the Invasion to act as observers, limited to no more than a [[Trinary]]'s worth of troops along with whatever [[WarShips]] and [[DropShips]] were necessary.  Khan Ian Hawker and saKhan [[Barbara Sennet]] would accompany the senior Khan's command Trinary, [[Diamond Skate (Clan Diamond Shark)|Diamond Keshik]], which Hawker would command personally.  Rather than just stick with any one Clan, Hawker at first was determined to move between the Invading Clans in order to observe as many battle sites as possible and, hopefully, be allowed to participate in some.  The Diamond Shark saKhan meanwhile had more mercantile thoughts on her mind: she was determined to visit as many worlds conquered by the Clans as possible, take note of what supplies they needed, and report back this information to the rest of the Clan so profitable trade could commence.<ref name=IC138>''Invading Clans'', p. 138</ref>
  
 
====Merchant Marines====
 
====Merchant Marines====
A few days away from reaching the outskirts of the [[Periphery]], ilKhan Showers proclaimed that these worlds were open to bidding from any of the Clans regardless of the prearranged invasion corridors.  Khan Hawker immediately became excited at the prospect and bid his command Trinary to invade [[Blackstone]], only for his effort to be shot down by the ilKhan who rudely explained his proclamation applied only to the four official Invading Clans.  In a patronizing move he invited the Diamond Shark Khan by himself to join Smoke Jaguar forces in their future conquests, an invitation he stiffly declined, and instead took up an offer by the Jade Falcons for the entire Diamond Keshik to accompany them instead.  The Diamond Sharks joined the Jade Falcons in their conquest of [[Last Chance]], performing admirably in their first fight against the Inner Sphere "barbarians."  Although this pleased Khan Crichell, many of his subordinates looked down on the Diamond Sharks and their "freebirth ways" towards combat, viewing their excellent performance on a Jade Falcon battlefield as an insult.<ref name=IC138/>
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A few days away from reaching the outskirts of the [[Periphery]], ilKhan Showers proclaimed that these worlds were open to bidding from any of the Clans regardless of the prearranged invasion corridors.  Khan Hawker immediately became excited at the prospect and bid his command Trinary to invade [[Blackstone]], only for his effort to be shot down by the ilKhan who rudely explained his proclamation applied only to the four official Invading Clans.  In a patronizing move he invited the Diamond Shark Khan by himself to join Smoke Jaguar forces in their future conquests, an invitation he stiffly declined, and instead took up an offer by the Jade Falcons for the entire Diamond Keshik to accompany them instead.  The Diamond Sharks joined the Jade Falcons in their conquest of [[Last Chance]], performing admirably in their first fight against the Inner Sphere "barbarians."  Although this pleased saKhan Crichell, many of his subordinates looked down on the Diamond Sharks and their "freebirth ways" towards combat, viewing their excellent performance on a Jade Falcon battlefield as an insult.<ref name=IC138/>
  
 
In the meantime, having studied the conditions in the Periphery, saKhan Sennet returned to the Homeworlds and began building support among the merchant caste to send a trading fleet.  In order to smooth over any objections, the saKhan proposed the merchants be allowed to keep 90% of all profits they made in the Inner Sphere.  Faced with the prospect of so much wealth, the merchants overwhelmingly agreed and began preparing eight merchant [[JumpShips]] for the journey.  This course of action infuriated many warriors though, resenting the fact mere traders and peddlers would set foot on the "lost paradise" before they could, and a few unsuccessfully challenged the junior Khan's decision with Trials of Grievances.<ref name=IC138/>
 
In the meantime, having studied the conditions in the Periphery, saKhan Sennet returned to the Homeworlds and began building support among the merchant caste to send a trading fleet.  In order to smooth over any objections, the saKhan proposed the merchants be allowed to keep 90% of all profits they made in the Inner Sphere.  Faced with the prospect of so much wealth, the merchants overwhelmingly agreed and began preparing eight merchant [[JumpShips]] for the journey.  This course of action infuriated many warriors though, resenting the fact mere traders and peddlers would set foot on the "lost paradise" before they could, and a few unsuccessfully challenged the junior Khan's decision with Trials of Grievances.<ref name=IC138/>
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====Hostile Takeover====
 
====Hostile Takeover====
At the start of the third wave of the Invasion, the Diamond Sharks had brought an additional six merchant JumpShips into the Inner Sphere, making handsome profits selling not only to supply starved garrison units but trading nonmilitary goods directly with native bushiness which had managed to stay afloat.  Unfortunately these good times came to an end when, in June [[3050]], a Diamond Shark merchantman operating near [[Brocchi's Cluster]] vanished without a trace; shortly thereafter resistance movements on Clan-occupied worlds in the area suddenly spiked.  Galaxy Commander Mar Helmar saw a connection between the two and publicly accused the Diamond Sharks of aiding the enemy.  With the support of a few other Jade Falcon warriors and before the Grand Council Helmar called for a [[Trial of Annihilation]] against the "Merchant Clan" for the traitorous actions of their merchants.<ref name=IC139/>
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At the start of the third wave of the Invasion, the Diamond Sharks had brought an additional six merchant JumpShips into the Inner Sphere, making handsome profits selling not only to supply-starved garrison units but trading nonmilitary goods directly with native bushiness which had managed to stay afloat.  Unfortunately these good times came to an end when, in June [[3050]], a Diamond Shark merchantman operating near [[Brocchi's Cluster]] vanished without a trace; shortly thereafter resistance movements on Clan-occupied worlds in the area suddenly spiked.  Galaxy Commander Mar Helmar saw a connection between the two and publicly accused the Diamond Sharks of aiding the enemy.  With the support of a few other Jade Falcon warriors and before the Grand Council Helmar called for a [[Trial of Annihilation]] against the "Merchant Clan" for the traitorous actions of their merchants.<ref name=IC139/>
  
 
Unwilling to lose a potential ally, saKhan Crichell brokered a compromise between his Clan and the Diamond Sharks.  He challenged Helmar to produce evidence confirming Diamond Shark treachery; when the Galaxy Commander failed to do so, he convinced the Diamond Sharks to open their books and provide complete access to their records about all transactions with non-Clan traders.  This further confirmed the Diamond Shark merchants had only sold military goods to Clan forces.  He then argued the Diamond Shark merchants should leave the Inner Sphere and not return until the Invasion had been completed, to which the Grand Council agreed.  Happy to have avoided a potential Annihilation both Diamond Shark Khans consented to these terms, although their merchants were less accommodating: after having transmitted information back to the Homeworlds, the Diamond Shark merchant caste held a vote and chose to stay in the Inner Sphere.  Angered by this defiance, Khan Hawker ordered the Diamond Keshik's WarShip to destroy one of the merchantmen.  Cowed by this display, the remaining merchants agreed to head home.<ref name=IC139/>
 
Unwilling to lose a potential ally, saKhan Crichell brokered a compromise between his Clan and the Diamond Sharks.  He challenged Helmar to produce evidence confirming Diamond Shark treachery; when the Galaxy Commander failed to do so, he convinced the Diamond Sharks to open their books and provide complete access to their records about all transactions with non-Clan traders.  This further confirmed the Diamond Shark merchants had only sold military goods to Clan forces.  He then argued the Diamond Shark merchants should leave the Inner Sphere and not return until the Invasion had been completed, to which the Grand Council agreed.  Happy to have avoided a potential Annihilation both Diamond Shark Khans consented to these terms, although their merchants were less accommodating: after having transmitted information back to the Homeworlds, the Diamond Shark merchant caste held a vote and chose to stay in the Inner Sphere.  Angered by this defiance, Khan Hawker ordered the Diamond Keshik's WarShip to destroy one of the merchantmen.  Cowed by this display, the remaining merchants agreed to head home.<ref name=IC139/>
  
Jade Falcon saKhan Crichell also took note of this act, viewing it as Ian Hawker being serious about reforming his Clan along more traditional lines.  He invited both Khans and the Diamond Keshik to join the Jade Falcons in combat again at the start of the fourth wave.  The Diamond Sharks fought alongside the Jade Falcons on seven of the worlds they targeted, during which the Diamond Sharks performed admirably, eventually winning the Jade Falcons' grudging respect.  It was after combat on [[Leskovik]] that both Clans received the ilKhan's summons to join him on the [[Dire Wolf (Individual Sovetskii Soyuz-class WarShip)|''Dire Wolf'']] in [[Radstadt]].  When they finally arrived, the frantic battle between the ''Dire Wolf'' and [[Free Rasalhague Republic|Rasalhagian]] forces was already over, and the ilKhan was dead.<ref name=IC139/><ref name=IC140>''Invading Clans'', p. 140</ref>
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Jade Falcon saKhan Crichell also took note of this act, viewing it as Ian Hawker being serious about reforming his Clan along more traditional lines.  He invited both Khans and the Diamond Keshik to join the Jade Falcons in combat again at the start of the fourth wave.  The Diamond Sharks fought alongside the Jade Falcons on seven of the worlds they targeted, during which the Diamond Sharks performed admirably, eventually winning the Jade Falcons' grudging respect.  It was after combat on [[Leskovik]] that both Clans received the ilKhan's summons to join him on the [[Dire Wolf (Vessel)|''Dire Wolf'']] in [[Radstadt]].  When they finally arrived, the frantic battle between the ''Dire Wolf'' and [[Free Rasalhague Republic|Rasalhagian]] forces was already over, and the ilKhan was dead.<ref name=IC139/><ref name=IC140>''Invading Clans'', p. 140</ref>
  
 
====A Pound of Flesh====
 
====A Pound of Flesh====
Khan Hawker and Sennet agreed the invasion force needed to return to Strana Mechty and vote for a new ilKhan to lead the liberation.  However, when the other Crusaders tried to blame the Wolf Khan [[Ulric Kerensky]] for Leo Showers' death and charged him in the Grand Council, the Diamond Sharks voted heavily against these false accusations.  When it finally came time to elect an ilKhan they also voted heavily in favor of Ulric, albeit for different reasons: Hawker in order to curry favor with his Jade Falcon allies, Sennet because he had been the fairest in dealing with the occupied populations of worlds conquered by the Clans, and thus keeping to the traditions of the Star League.  Both hoped Ulric would reward their Clan for their support when he won the election.<ref name=IC140/>
+
Khan Hawker and Sennet agreed the invasion force needed to return to Strana Mechty and vote for a new ilKhan to lead the liberation.  However, when the other Crusaders tried to blame the Wolf Khan [[Ulric Kerensky]] for Leo Showers' death and charged him in the Grand Council, the Diamond Sharks voted heavily against these false accusations.  When it finally came time to elect an ilKhan they also voted heavily in favor of Ulric, albeit for different reasons: Hakwer in order to curry favor with his Jade Falcon allies, Sennet because he had been the most fair in dealing with the occupied populations of worlds conquered by the Clans, and thus keeping to the traditions of the Star League.  Both hoped Ulric would reward their Clan for their support when he won the election.<ref name=IC140/>
  
 
Ulric Kerensky did activate the Diamond Shark Clan after achieving the post of ilKhan, although only to serve as the designated "reserve" Clan behind the [[Clan Steel Viper|Steel Vipers]] and Nova Cats.  This turn of events was bitterly received by many Diamond Shark warriors, and the two Khans petitioned Ulric for them to reinforce the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bears]] in the same manner as the Steel Vipers and Nova Cats had done for the Jade Falcons and Smoke Jaguars.  The ilKhan refused, but instead allowed them to fight a Trial of Possession over a single Ghost Bear world to serve as their future base of operations.  The Diamond Sharks chose [[Nyserta]], and in March [[3052]] they succeeded in capturing the planet.<ref name=IC140/>
 
Ulric Kerensky did activate the Diamond Shark Clan after achieving the post of ilKhan, although only to serve as the designated "reserve" Clan behind the [[Clan Steel Viper|Steel Vipers]] and Nova Cats.  This turn of events was bitterly received by many Diamond Shark warriors, and the two Khans petitioned Ulric for them to reinforce the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bears]] in the same manner as the Steel Vipers and Nova Cats had done for the Jade Falcons and Smoke Jaguars.  The ilKhan refused, but instead allowed them to fight a Trial of Possession over a single Ghost Bear world to serve as their future base of operations.  The Diamond Sharks chose [[Nyserta]], and in March [[3052]] they succeeded in capturing the planet.<ref name=IC140/>
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The Diamond Shark warriors lost most of their forces and much of their pride after the stinging defeat of Tukayyid, with both Alpha and Omega Galaxies seriously depleted and an entire Cluster of Omega Galaxy wiped out.  The disaster was compounded when the Ghost Bear Clan retook Nyserta shortly after Tukayyid, further gutting Omega Galaxy as a fighting force.  Ejected from the Inner Sphere, the Clan retreated back to the Homeworlds in order to defend their extensive holdings against any other Clans attempting to exploit their weakness.  Such was the nature of the Diamond Sharks that Khan Hawker began allowing [[freeborn]] warriors into front-line units.<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 141</ref><ref name=FMWC62>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 62</ref>
 
The Diamond Shark warriors lost most of their forces and much of their pride after the stinging defeat of Tukayyid, with both Alpha and Omega Galaxies seriously depleted and an entire Cluster of Omega Galaxy wiped out.  The disaster was compounded when the Ghost Bear Clan retook Nyserta shortly after Tukayyid, further gutting Omega Galaxy as a fighting force.  Ejected from the Inner Sphere, the Clan retreated back to the Homeworlds in order to defend their extensive holdings against any other Clans attempting to exploit their weakness.  Such was the nature of the Diamond Sharks that Khan Hawker began allowing [[freeborn]] warriors into front-line units.<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 141</ref><ref name=FMWC62>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 62</ref>
  
With the ''touman'' understrength and political upheaval amongst the ranks, the Diamond Shark Khans were forced to give effective control of the Clan to [[Angus Labov]], a retired warrior and [[trueborn]] leader of the merchant council, with the mandate to rebuild the Diamond Shark military at any cost.  Under Labov's leadership, the merchant caste flooded into the Clan [[Occupation Zone]]s and stepped up their efforts in Clan space, driving hard bargains to gain major concessions (or driving the competition out of the market with attacks on other Clans' merchant lanes).  Labov activated the Diamond Sharks' reserve system for the first time and instituted the "Minus-One Testing" program to quickly fill in gaps in the Diamond Shark ''touman''.  Thanks to the miracles Angus Labov worked — and [[Refusal War|distractions elsewhere in Clan society]] — the Diamond Sharks were able to quickly regain much of their strength.<ref name=FMWC62/><ref name=FMWC63/><ref name=FMWC64/>
+
With the ''touman'' understrength and political upheaval amongst the ranks, the Diamond Shark Khans were forced to give effective control of the Clan to [[Angus Labov]], a retired warrior and [[trueborn]] leader of the merchant council, with the mandate to rebuild the Diamond Shark military at any cost.  Under Labov's leadership, the merchant caste flooded into the Clan [[Occupation Zone]]s and stepped up their efforts in Clan space, driving hard bargains to gain major concessions (or driving the competition out of the market with attacks on other Clans' merchant lanes).  Labov activated the Diamond Sharks' reserve system for the first time and instituted the 'Minus-One Testing' program to quickly fill in gaps in the Diamond Shark ''touman''.  Thanks to the miracles Angus Labov worked — and [[Refusal War|distractions elsewhere in Clan society]] — the Diamond Sharks were able to quickly regain much of their strength.<ref name=FMWC62/><ref name=FMWC63/><ref name=FMWC64/>
  
 
Not everyone was keen to these developments though, driven as they were by a lowly merchant.  Star Colonel [[Jeremy Hawker]], a subordinate in Khan Hawker's Alpha Galaxy, challenged Angus Labov to a [[Trial of Grievance]] over the power he had accumulated.  Labov agreed to the Trial and, using a ''[[Glass Spider]]'' loaned to him by saKhan Sennet, defeated his opponent in under two minutes.  Thanks to a quirk in the Sharks' military reserve system, Labov's victory allowed him to return to active duty immediately with the same rank as his defeated opponent.  Star Colonel Labov, with the help of saKhan Sennet, was able to assume one of the positions which opened up following the loss of many Crusader warriors in the [[Harvest Trial]]s, though it would take a couple more challenges before he finally quieted any further opposition and cemented his standing in the Clan.<ref name=FMWC62/><ref name=FMWC63/>
 
Not everyone was keen to these developments though, driven as they were by a lowly merchant.  Star Colonel [[Jeremy Hawker]], a subordinate in Khan Hawker's Alpha Galaxy, challenged Angus Labov to a [[Trial of Grievance]] over the power he had accumulated.  Labov agreed to the Trial and, using a ''[[Glass Spider]]'' loaned to him by saKhan Sennet, defeated his opponent in under two minutes.  Thanks to a quirk in the Sharks' military reserve system, Labov's victory allowed him to return to active duty immediately with the same rank as his defeated opponent.  Star Colonel Labov, with the help of saKhan Sennet, was able to assume one of the positions which opened up following the loss of many Crusader warriors in the [[Harvest Trial]]s, though it would take a couple more challenges before he finally quieted any further opposition and cemented his standing in the Clan.<ref name=FMWC62/><ref name=FMWC63/>
Line 120: Line 117:
 
Diamond Shark activities at this time were not just limited to Clan space either.  In the summer of [[3061]], the Diamond Sharks entered into formal negotiations with the [[Draconis Combine]] for the sale of ''[[Ha Otoko]]'' BattleMechs, an event which brought about an immediate challenge from Clan Jade Falcon.  Arguments that selling the stripped-down 'Mech to the Inner Sphere would not constitute a threat to the Clans fell on deaf ears in the Grand Council, so the Sharks announced that the resulting [[Trial of Refusal]] would be fought with second-line 'Mechs.  Though the Jade Falcons won the right to a Trial, they lost in the subsequent fight, allowing the sale to go forward.<ref name=FMU58>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 58</ref>
 
Diamond Shark activities at this time were not just limited to Clan space either.  In the summer of [[3061]], the Diamond Sharks entered into formal negotiations with the [[Draconis Combine]] for the sale of ''[[Ha Otoko]]'' BattleMechs, an event which brought about an immediate challenge from Clan Jade Falcon.  Arguments that selling the stripped-down 'Mech to the Inner Sphere would not constitute a threat to the Clans fell on deaf ears in the Grand Council, so the Sharks announced that the resulting [[Trial of Refusal]] would be fought with second-line 'Mechs.  Though the Jade Falcons won the right to a Trial, they lost in the subsequent fight, allowing the sale to go forward.<ref name=FMU58>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 58</ref>
  
The Diamond Sharks' pivot from the Homeworlds, which were increasingly seen as a liability, towards the rich markets of the Inner Sphere continued at an accelerated pace.  In [[3062]], they sold their enclave on [[Priori]] to [[Clan Star Adder]] in exchange for new weapons technology and a twenty-year lease on the ''[[Renown (Individual Potemkin-class WarShip)|Renown]]''; in [[3064]] they put their Eagle Crater enclave on [[New Kent]] up for auction by Clans Ice Hellion and Coyote, which the Coyotes won.  Finally, later that year, the Diamond Sharks struck a deal with the Jade Falcons, exchanging their assets on Lum for the right to settle [[Twycross]].  The Jade Falcons believed they had finally gotten the better of the Diamond Sharks until [[3065]] when it was revealed that Jonah's Reach, a near-lifeless planet in the Twycross system, was a second source of [[HarJel]].  This turn of events caused no small amount of insults and threats between the two Clans on the Chatterweb.<ref name=FMU58/>
+
The Diamond Sharks' pivot from the Homeworlds, which were increasingly seen as a liability, towards the rich markets of the Inner Sphere continued at an accelerated pace.  In [[3062]], they sold their enclave on [[Priori]] to [[Clan Star Adder]] in exchange for new weapons technology and a twenty-year lease on the ''[[Renown (Vessel)|Renown]]''; in [[3064]] they put their Eagle Crater enclave on [[New Kent]] up for auction by Clans Ice Hellion and Coyote, which the Coyotes won.  Finally, later that year, the Diamond Sharks struck a deal with the Jade Falcons, exchanging their assets on Lum for the right to settle [[Twycross]].  The Jade Falcons believed they had finally gotten the better of the Diamond Sharks until [[3065]] when it was revealed that Jonah's Reach, a near-lifeless planet in the Twycross system, was a second source of [[HarJel]].  This turn of events caused no small amount of insults and threats between the two Clans on the Chatterweb.<ref name=FMU58/>
  
Diamond Shark advancement into the Inner Sphere continued unabated, winning control of [[Trondheim (FRR)|Trondheim]] and [[Itabaiana]] from the [[Ghost Bear Dominion]] and Draconis Combine respectively to serve as trading hubs.  The Chatterweb was subsequently expanded to cover the Inner Sphere, with safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to the Homeworld network.  Additionally, through their contacts with the Nova Cats and [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]], the Diamond Sharks began selling their Twycross-produced HarJel to the Combine and [[Lyran Alliance]], stamping "Made in the Inner Sphere" on their products to fend off any formal challenges but nevertheless causing an uproar.  Their most controversial move though came in [[3066]], when they unveiled the ''[[Mad Cat Mk II]]'' and intended to sell it (along with a lucrative service contract) to the Inner Sphere.  Unlike the ''Ha Otoko'', the ''Mad Cat Mk II'' contained advanced Clan components (albeit older models taken from their [[Brian Cache]]s), which seriously threatened the technology advantage the Clans had heretofore enjoyed. This action later lead the Diamond Sharks to a scandal where they were censured by the Grand Council for selling Clan equipment to the Inner Sphere.<ref name=FMU58/>
+
Diamond Shark advancement into the Inner Sphere continued unabated, winning control of [[Trondheim (FRR)|Trondheim]] and [[Itabaiana]] from the [[Ghost Bear Dominion]] and Draconis Combine respectively to serve as trading hubs.  The Chatterweb was subsequently expanded to cover the Inner Sphere, with safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to the Homeworld network.  Additionally, through their contacts with the Nova Cats and [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]], the Diamond Sharks began selling their Twycross-produced HarJel to the Combine and [[Lyran Alliance]], stamping "Made in the Inner Sphere" on their products to fend off any formal challenges but nevertheless causing an uproar.  Their most controversial move though came in [[3066]], when they unveiled the ''[[Mad Cat Mk II]]'' and intended to sell it (along with a lucrative service contract) to the Inner Sphere.  Unlike the ''Ha Otoko'', the ''Mad Cat Mk II'' contained advanced Clan components (albeit older models taken from their [[Brian Cache]]s), which seriously threatened the technology advantage the Clans had heretofore enjoyed. This action later lead the Diamond Sharks to a scandal where they were censored by the Grand Council for selling Clan equipment to the Inner Sphere.<ref name=FMU58/>
  
 
===The Jihad and Beyond===
 
===The Jihad and Beyond===
The Diamond Sharks joined the allied coalition assembled by [[Devlin Stone]] to fight against the [[Word of Blake]] on the 20th of February, [[3076]], offering their transport services to the coalition.<ref name="JHS:Tp20">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 20: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp55">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 55: "The Jihad in Review"</ref> A few months later, the Diamond Sharks challenged [[Clan Ghost Bear]] for the right to set up a trading enclave on the former [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] world of [[Tukayyid]]. The Trial took place on the 7th of May, 3076, with the Diamond Sharks the victors.<ref name="J:FRp55"/><ref name="JHS:Tp21">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 21: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref>
+
The Diamond Sharks joined the allied coalition assembled by [[Devlin Stone]] to fight against the [[Word of Blake]] on the 20th of February, [[3076]], offering their transport services to the coalition.<ref name="JHS:Tp20">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 20, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp55">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 55, "The Jihad In Review"</ref> A few months later, the Diamond Sharks challenged [[Clan Ghost Bear]] for the right to set up a trading enclave on the former [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] world of [[Tukayyid]]. The trial took place on the 7th of May, 3076, with the Diamond Sharks the victors.<ref name="J:FRp55"/><ref name="JHS:Tp21">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 21, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref>
  
On the 11th of May [[3080]] [[Star Admiral]] [[Naomi Nagasawa]] succeeded [[Barbara Sennet]] as Khan of the Diamond Sharks, Sennet having stepped down from the position. Two months later, Diamond Shark [[WarShip]]s would successfully defend Tukayyid from an attack by a [[Word of Blake]] flotilla of nuclear weapon–equipped fighters and [[pocket WarShip]]s.<ref name="J:FRp61">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 61: "The Jihad in Review"</ref>
+
On the 11th of May [[3080]] [[Star Admiral]] [[Naomi Nagasawa]] succeeded [[Barbara Sennet]] as Khan of the Diamond Sharks, Sennet having stepped down from the position. Two months later, Diamond Shark [[WarShip]]s would successfully defend Tukayyid from an attack by a [[Word of Blake]] flotilla of nuclear weapon–equipped fighters and [[pocket WarShip]]s.<ref name="J:FRp61">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 61, "The Jihad In Review"</ref>
  
In the wake of the [[Jihad]], the Diamond Sharks' presence in the Inner Sphere began to steadily increase, with the Sharks' larger WarShips becoming noticeably more active, leading numerous trade missions to the various capital worlds. While the bulk of the Diamond Shark ''touman'' continued to remain on the major trade worlds controlled by the Sharks, each trade mission was commonly accompanied by a Cluster of troops, although Inner Sphere intelligence agencies were confounded by being unable to find any sign of half of the Diamond Shark units known to exist in [[3067]].<ref name="J:FRp112">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 112: "Clan Diamond Shark"</ref>
+
In the wake of the [[Jihad]], the Diamond Sharks' presence in the Inner Sphere began to steadily increase, with the Sharks' larger WarShips becoming noticeably more active, leading numerous trade missions to the various capital worlds. While the bulk of the Diamond Shark ''touman'' continued to remain on the major trade worlds controlled by the Sharks, each trade mission was commonly accompanied by a Cluster of troops, although Inner Sphere intelligence agencies were confounded by being unable to find any sign of half of the Diamond Shark units known to exist in [[3067]].<ref name="J:FRp112">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 112, "Clan Diamond Shark"</ref>
  
In the late 3070s or early 3080s, the Diamond Sharks established an enclave on the [[Lyran Alliance]] world of [[Halfway]], marking a new level of interaction with the nations of the [[Inner Sphere]] for the mercantile Clan. The enclave allowed the Sharks to gain influence as far away as [[Sian]], as they built and maintained connections with major Inner Sphere corporations.<ref name="J:FRp114">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 114: "Clan Diamond Shark"</ref>
+
In the late 3070s or early 3080s, the Diamond Sharks established an enclave on the [[Lyran Alliance]] world of [[Halfway]], marking a new level of interaction with the nations of the [[Inner Sphere]] for the mercantile Clan. The enclave allowed the Sharks to gain influence as far away as [[Sian]], as they built and maintained connections with major Inner Sphere corporations.<ref name="J:FRp114">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 114, "Clan Diamond Shark"</ref>
  
 
As a result of the Wars of Reaving, the Diamond Sharks were abjured from Clan space by their Homeworld brethren, leaving their holdings and equipment controlled by the other Clans.
 
As a result of the Wars of Reaving, the Diamond Sharks were abjured from Clan space by their Homeworld brethren, leaving their holdings and equipment controlled by the other Clans.
Line 151: Line 148:
 
The Clan also believed highly in the value of accurate intelligence before starting a military endeavor, though not to the exclusion of making a quick strike when necessary.  In addition to their role of controlling the Clan's logistics corps, the merchant caste was also responsible for gathering intelligence via the Chatterweb and other means.  So good were the merchants in this role they even outstripped the [[Clan Star Adder|Star Adders]] and their dedicated intelligence service in acquiring accurate information.<ref name=FMWC63/>  This intelligence was necessary for the Diamond Sharks' sharp bidding practices against other Clans.  The Diamond Sharks became masters of making the [[cutdown]] appear more or less than it truly was, forcing an opponent to bid too few forces to take the objective or give it up to the Diamond Sharks.  They also practiced the "dive bid", making an initial offer well above the cutdown then dropping it to just below.  This gave them a wide margin to work with should they win while narrowing their opponent's if they tried going lower.<ref name=FMWC66/>
 
The Clan also believed highly in the value of accurate intelligence before starting a military endeavor, though not to the exclusion of making a quick strike when necessary.  In addition to their role of controlling the Clan's logistics corps, the merchant caste was also responsible for gathering intelligence via the Chatterweb and other means.  So good were the merchants in this role they even outstripped the [[Clan Star Adder|Star Adders]] and their dedicated intelligence service in acquiring accurate information.<ref name=FMWC63/>  This intelligence was necessary for the Diamond Sharks' sharp bidding practices against other Clans.  The Diamond Sharks became masters of making the [[cutdown]] appear more or less than it truly was, forcing an opponent to bid too few forces to take the objective or give it up to the Diamond Sharks.  They also practiced the "dive bid", making an initial offer well above the cutdown then dropping it to just below.  This gave them a wide margin to work with should they win while narrowing their opponent's if they tried going lower.<ref name=FMWC66/>
  
Due to the equality between the castes, the Diamond Sharks practice a unique reserve system for replacing military losses.  Rather than remain warriors until death, Diamond Shark warriors could voluntarily "retire" to a lower caste — almost always the merchant caste — with very little loss of honor.  In fact if the warrior had earned their [[Bloodname]] and so secured their genetic legacy there was no loss of honor at all.  This was because these "warrior-traders" remained part of the Clan's reserve system and could be recalled at any time to service.  Bloodnamed warriors who fought an annual [[Trial of Position]] were allowed to remain part of the active reserves while the rest were considered inactive.  For this reason the Clan had very few ''[[solahma]]'' units, composed of warriors too stubborn to leave or disgraced in some way and seeking honor in death.<ref name=FMWC63/><ref name=FMWC64>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 64</ref>
+
Due to the equality between the castes, the Diamond Sharks practice a unique reserve system for replacing military losses.  Rather than remain warriors until death, Diamond Shark warriors could voluntarily "retire" to a lower caste — almost always the merchant caste — with very little loss of honor.  In fact if the warrior had earned their [[Bloodname]] and so secured their genetic legacy there was no loss of honor at all.  This was because these 'warrior-traders' remained part of the Clan's reserve system and could be recalled at any time to service.  Bloodnamed warriors who fought an annual [[Trial of Position]] were allowed to remain part of the active reserves while the rest were considered inactive.  For this reason the Clan had very few ''[[solahma]]'' units, composed of warriors too stubborn to leave or disgraced in some way and seeking honor in death.<ref name=FMWC63/><ref name=FMWC64>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 64</ref>
  
This reserve system was used for the first time after Tukayyid, but even so rebuilding their shattered forces proved to be too slow, and so the "Minus-One Testing" program was instituted.  An active reservist could immediately fill an open position within a second-line or garrison unit by willingly taking a demotion to one rank below what they'd earned: if in their last Trial of Position they had earned the rank of [[Star Colonel]] they could instead resume active duty as a [[Star Captain]].  Those on inactive duty would fight a new Trial of Position with the same terms of enlistment, and both would be allowed to advance back to their former positions through the normal methods once they were warriors again.  This swelled the ranks of those units responsible for defending the Diamond Sharks' vast holdings while the best warriors were able to quickly fight their way back to front-line units.  Additionally, in the rare case of a reservist being challenged to a [[Trial]] by an active duty warrior and winning, they were allowed to assume that warrior's rank and position.<ref name=FMWC64/>
+
This reserve system was used for the first time after Tukayyid, but even so rebuilding their shattered forces proved to be too slow, and so the 'Minus-One Testing' program was instituted.  An active reservist could immediately fill an open position within a second-line or garrison unit by willingly taking a demotion to one rank below what they'd earned: if in their last Trial of Position they had earned the rank of [[Star Colonel]] they could instead resume active duty as a [[Star Captain]].  Those on inactive duty would fight a new Trial of Position with the same terms of enlistment, and both would be allowed to advance back to their former positions through the normal methods once they were warriors again.  This swelled the ranks of those units responsible for defending the Diamond Sharks' vast holdings while the best warriors were able to quickly fight their way back to front-line units.  Additionally, in the rare case of a reservist being challenged to a [[Trial]] by an active duty warrior and winning, they were allowed to assume that warrior's rank and position.<ref name=FMWC64/>
  
 
==Inter-Clan Relations==
 
==Inter-Clan Relations==
Line 165: Line 162:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''[[Clan Blood Spirit]]'''
 
|'''[[Clan Blood Spirit]]'''
|[[Image:Clan Blood Spirit logo.png|100px]]
+
|[[Image:Clan Blood Spirit.jpg|100px]]
 
|Ally
 
|Ally
 
|They are notably one of the few Clans that dealt with the [[Clan Blood Spirit|Blood Spirits]] before their Abjuration from Clan space during the Wars of Reaving and the destruction of the Spirits in 3084.
 
|They are notably one of the few Clans that dealt with the [[Clan Blood Spirit|Blood Spirits]] before their Abjuration from Clan space during the Wars of Reaving and the destruction of the Spirits in 3084.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''[[Clan Ghost Bear]]'''
 
|'''[[Clan Ghost Bear]]'''
|[[Image:Clan Ghost Bear logo.png|100px]]
+
|[[Image:Clan Ghost Bear .jpg|100px]]
 
|Ally
 
|Ally
 
| The Sharks were close enough to the Ghost Bears that they gave their territories of [[Tokasha]] and Paxon to the Sharks, though they withdrew from Tokasha to hold onto Paxon. After their departure to the Inner Sphere, the Diamond Sharks would continue this respect by giving them fair trade.
 
| The Sharks were close enough to the Ghost Bears that they gave their territories of [[Tokasha]] and Paxon to the Sharks, though they withdrew from Tokasha to hold onto Paxon. After their departure to the Inner Sphere, the Diamond Sharks would continue this respect by giving them fair trade.
Line 180: Line 177:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]]'''
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]]'''
|[[Image:Clan Wolf logo.png|100px]]
+
|[[Image:ClanWolf.gif|100px]]
 
|Ally
 
|Ally
 
| Historically, the Sharks have had good relations with Clan Wolf, and these continue with [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]].
 
| Historically, the Sharks have had good relations with Clan Wolf, and these continue with [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]].
Line 205: Line 202:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf]]'''
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf]]'''
|[[Image:Clan Wolf logo.png|100px]]
+
|[[Image:ClanWolf.gif|100px]]
 
|Enemy
 
|Enemy
 
|Following the defeat of the Crusader Clans, Wolf Khan Vlad Ward would prevent Ian Hawker from assisting Jaguar ilKhan Lincoln Osis. After his defeat Vlad would claim his legacy as well as the entire Hawker linage. This would cause a souring of relations with the Crusader Clan Wolf.
 
|Following the defeat of the Crusader Clans, Wolf Khan Vlad Ward would prevent Ian Hawker from assisting Jaguar ilKhan Lincoln Osis. After his defeat Vlad would claim his legacy as well as the entire Hawker linage. This would cause a souring of relations with the Crusader Clan Wolf.
 
|}
 
|}
  
During the Trials of Possession for Ghost Bear, Nova Cat, and Smoke Jaguar holdings, they also gained Barcella through the friendship of the Nova Cats, as well as Vinton from the late Smoke Jaguars.
+
During the Trials of Possession for Ghost Bear, Nova Cat, and Smoke Jaguar holdings, They also gained Barcella through the friendship of the Nova Cats, as well as Vinton from the late Smoke Jaguars.
  
 
==Bloodnames==
 
==Bloodnames==
As the originators of [[Iron Womb]] technology, Clan Diamond Shark had one of the best breeding programs of any Clan.  This included a willingness to experiment with new techniques and technologies even with the knowledge most attempts would not pan out.  It was the Diamond Sharks, building upon the Hell's Horses efforts, who helped solve many of the problems which caused high attrition among the [[Elemental]] phenotype, and as such had an edge over other clans with their proven and exclusive Elemental Bloodlines.<ref name=FMWC65>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 65</ref>
+
As the originators of [[Iron Womb]] technology, Clan Diamond Shark had one of the best breeding programs of any Clan.  This included a willingness to experiment with new techniques and technologies even with the knowledge most attempts would not pan out.  It was the Diamond Sharks, building upon the Hell's Horses efforts, who helped solve many the problems which caused high attrition among the [[Elemental]] phenotype, and as such had an edge over Clans with their proven and exclusive Elemental Bloodlines.<ref name=FMWC65>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 65</ref>
  
 
{{main|List of Bloodnames#Clan Sea Fox}}
 
{{main|List of Bloodnames#Clan Sea Fox}}
Line 223: Line 220:
 
See: [[Khan of Clan Diamond Shark]]
 
See: [[Khan of Clan Diamond Shark]]
  
===saKhans===
+
===SaKhans===
  
 
See: [[SaKhan of Clan Diamond Shark]]
 
See: [[SaKhan of Clan Diamond Shark]]
Line 273: Line 270:
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]''
 
* ''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]'' (sourcebook)
 
* ''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]'' (sourcebook)
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]''
+
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 
* ''[[The Wars of Reaving]]''
 
* ''[[The Wars of Reaving]]''
 
  
 
[[Category: Clans]]
 
[[Category: Clans]]
 
[[Category: Factions|Clans, Clan Diamond Shark]]
 
[[Category: Factions|Clans, Clan Diamond Shark]]

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