Manei Domini

The Manei Domini were an elite group of cybernetically-enhanced soldiers who served the Word of Blake from approximately 3060 into the early 3080s. Their name is in latin, meaning Hands of the Master.

These soldiers were considered their own sub-group within Word of Blake organization, forming the Shadow Divisions. Public knowledge of them was largely unknown until the Jihad began in 3068.

This warrior-culture answered only to the Manei Domini leadership. The leadership included the Precentor of the Manei Domini, an individual named Apollyon, who answered to an individual known only as the Master.

Overview of Manei Domini

Typically, Manei Domini are soldiers who have been selected for their fanatical devotion and dedication to the Word of Blake. Normally soldiers who have grievous injuries which require radical reconstruction and implantation are more preferable for Manei Domini selection.

The Manei Domini utilize their own language, aptly named High Dominus, which is a mix of ancient Greek and classic Latin. However the Manei Domini regularly intermix High Dominus with more well known languages such as English. This intermixing understandably confuses others not of the Manei Domini who hear it. Usually it is spoke in greetings to fellow Domini as well as in special chants.

Characteristics

Manei Domini soldiers are known for their fierceness, fearlessness, and fanatical devotion to their duty. They are all rated as elite warriors regardless of rank or duty. In addition, they trust their fellow Manei Domini kin without question further compounding their combat capability. Nearly all Manei Domini are massively augmented with Cybernetics. Some had these hidden and could appear to be totally normal from the outside, in a effort to enhance their undercover abilities. Others where augmented with combat attachments to help them dispatch their foes quickly and horrifically, instilling fear in their targets. Many 'Mech pilots and vehicle crews were given cybernetics that allowed them to directly connect with their 'Mech or vehicle allowing them to pilot their charge as if it was part of them.

Manei Domini combat style

Manei Domini in combat were lethal ruthless killers, however they were also not berserkers, killing all in sight with no regard for tactics or discipline. Manei Domini would regularly engage multiple targets at once so as to be efficient as possible, whilst occasionally adding the odd gory or grisly kill to demoralize opponents. Manei Domini never retreated out of fear but did make withdrawals when the situation proved untenable, unless a last stand was conducive to the will of their superiors. Manei Domini were almost never captured alive, and those that were almost always killed themselves rather than be interrogated, again unless they saw it as furthering their superiors wishes. Manei Domini would kill all Clan opponents that were captured or surrendered, underlining their utter hatred for the Clans.

History

Early History

During most of the 3060s the Manei Domini were reportedly operating strictly as a spec ops organization. Intelligence agencies begun hearing reports on the Manei Domini, starting from Outreach. When Dragoon's Wolfnet begun to hear of Manei Domini, they first believe them to be a covert-mercenary group. Their name in some reports was sometimes mentioned as the Manei Atrocis, or Bloody Hands. Signs of the unit first appeared on the Periphery world of Helio, where the wreckage of a Manei Domini vehicle was found with a Bloody Hand symbol on it. The Domini's level of secrecy caused confusion with Dragoons, which were trying to locate them. Domini activities had been principally located in the Chaos March, but were also found in the Marian Hegemony and Circinus Federation. In the Chaos March, the Domini wiped out Capellan-backed insurgencies, including the Zhanzheng de Guang, on Caph, Fletcher, Hall, Keid and Liberty. The Manei Domini was also waging a war against Wolf's Dragoons' Wolfnet and Seventh Kommandos as well, arranging the brutal murders of many Dragoons members, and organizing bomb attacks to ultimately isolate the Dragoon's Intelligence Service so it could not operate properly.

During this period, the Manei Domini had been attacking other Great House's Intelligence agencies as well. ComStar ROM had reported that the fanatical agents whom they believed were Manei Domini extensively trained in counter-insurgency, espionage, insurgency, and terrorism. They were shown to used self-destruct device. Dead Manei agent were discovered using cybernetic enhancements, but as of this time no one Inner Sphere intelligence agency had yet known who the Manei Domini were or whom they work for.

Jihad

It was not until the outbreak of the Jihad that the Manei Domini were organized into thirteen military-style “Shadow Divisions”. These forces were initially raised, trained and equipped for a genocidal showdown with the Clans, as most of their augmentations are aimed at besting the genetically enhanced Clan warriors. However with the fall of the Second Star League they where soon unleashed on an unsuspecting Inner Sphere.

The conflict saw the massive expansion of the Word of Blake Protectorate which formed in 3066, and the Domini's Shadow Divisions were dispatched with regular (formerly hidden) Word of Blake Militia Divisions to attack various strategic targets. These missions ranged from crippling the major Inner Sphere nations' capitals & industries to securing vital resources needed to bolster the Protectorate's integrity. Though used to supplement the Militia Divisions, Shadow Divisions were not under direct command of WoB High Command.

By mid-way through the War, Shadow Divisions begun to strikes against Protectorate controlled worlds masquerading as House units for unsuspected reasons. Precentor Manei Domini from intelligence reports was being accused by Precentor Martial Cameron St. Jamais of dispatching the Shadow Divisions in 3075.

Manei Domini Equipment

The Manei Domini employed a vast variety of equipment, weaponry, cyberware and vehicles, all of which were used to terrifying effect, fear being a primary weapon of all Shadow Divisions and Manei Domini. With their initial conception of totally eradicating the Clans, the Manei Domini had no qualms about using weapons of mass destruction, whether they be nuclear, chemical or biological. The Manei Domini were also not above using captured enemy equipment against their foes.

Manei Domini Vehicles

The Manei Domini possessed a special array of BattleMechs, Battle Armor, combat vehicles, and Aerospace fighters, with most of the designs being enhanced versions of standard vehicles used by armies before. However, some time after their formation the Manei Domini came into contact with the military engineer Doctor Devon Cortland, who was able to develop many new series of armor, fighters, OmniVehicles and OmniMechs. Cortland, also known as Procentor Vapula, designed this technology for exclusive Manei Domini use by implementing cybernetic interface systems in almost all Manei Domini equipment.

Celestial Series of OmniMechs

One of Doctor Cortland's first endeavors was taking over the failed Grand Crusader II OmniMech project which had floundered. In 3070, the Celestial series' premiere shocked many observers who expected to see only one 'Mech design but were greeted with six instead. These six designs were each named after angelic beings from various religions and were made to appear menacing to all who opposed them, thus adding merit to the designs' namesakes.

The Celestial Series OmniMechs

Malak Light OmniMech	Preta Medium OmniMech	Grigori Heavy OmniMech
Deva Heavy OmniMech	Seraph Assault OmniMech	Archangel Assault OmniMech

Demon Series of Battle Armor

Designed to accompany the Celestial Series OmniMechs in battle, the Demon series first appeared in 3070 in various hot-spots on the battlefields of the Jihad. Like the Celestial Series, these Battle Armor seldom appeared outside the ranks of the Manei Domini. Also in line with the Celestial Series, the Demon Series of Battle Armor were each named after various demons of ancient lore and were aesthetically designed as such.

The Demon series Battle Armor Suits

Djinn Light Battle Armor	Asura Medium Battle Armor	Se'irim Medium Battle Armor
Tengu Heavy Battle Armor	Nephilim Assault Battle Armor	Shedu (Quad) Assault Battle Armor

Spectral Series of OmniFighters

The Spectral Series of OmniFighters begun to appear on Gibson in late 3071. The three designs share similar design features which include a small cockpit and collapsible wing structures. The collapsible wings were designed to reduce the fighter's profile in space, thus allowing it to be mistaken for an escape pod or small shuttle. However this advantage was more accidental than intentional by Doctor Cortland: his goal was to improve the vector thrust characteristics of the fighters in space.

The Spectral series OmniFighters:

Shade Light OmniFighter

Rusalka Medium OmniFighter

Striga Heavy OmniFighter

Serpentus Series of OmniVehicles

The Serpentus Series was named of the Word of Blake's ground Combat Vehicles series made its first appearance in the early 3070s. Only one of this series managed reached product, which was named the Bolla. Names or types of vehicle which were slated to be part of the Serpentus is publicly unknown.

Serpentus Series Combat Vehicles

Bolla Stealth Tank

Spectral LAM Series

The Spectra LAM series were trio new Land Air 'Mechs designs, utilized by the Word of Blake's elite armed forces in very limited numbers. The series first emerged in 3075 and saw limited production a year later, deployed from their factories on both Terra and Gibson. The Spectral LAMs utilize hybrid of old Star League and Clan technology to increase these new designs potential. However, each of the designs disappeared due to lack parts after both factories sites were lost to the fighting.

The Spectral LAM series:

Light	Medium	Heavy
S-PW-1LAM Pwwka	S-YR-1LAM Yurei	S-WN-2LAM Waneta

Omni Configuration Names

Like all Omni related vehicles/'Mechs/etc, they have a number of configurations. However, instead of using common configuration names such as "Primary" or "A Config", Latin terms are instead used. Other follow-on OmniVehicles and OmniFighters have used the same naming conventions.

Manei Domini Omni Configuration Names

Conventional Omni Names	Primary Config.	A Config.	B Config.	C Config.	D Config.	E Config.
Manei Domini Names	Invictus	Dominus	Infernus	Comminus	Luminos	Eminus

Manei Domini Cybernetics

This is a brief listing of the array of cybernetics that are offered to the members of Manei Domini. The availability of various enhancements is dependent upon the job and rank of the individual soldier. The listings below include their Level.

Cosmetic Enhancements Implants

Cosmetic Enhancements 

- This is physical alteration enhancement which can make the subject either beautiful for undercover work or grotesque for combat. This modification starts out at Level 0.

Cosmetic Beauty Enhancement 

- This enhancement helps with negotiations and the seduction of enemy agents.

Cosmetic Horror Enhancement 

- This enhancement improves the ability to intimidate and interrogate others.

Prosthetics

Prosthetics 

- These are cybernetic or bionic replacements for the person's hands, feet, arms and legs. These enhancement are similar to standard prosthetic limbs used by other Inner Sphere organizations. They are typically easy to spot unless the subject has undergone Cosmetic Enhancements. (Level 0 Implant)

Enhanced Prosthetics 

- This prosthetic is same as regular prosthetic, however it is design to allow a tool or weapon to be mounted on or within it. These enhanced prosthetics can be equip with grapples or even magnetic enhancements to allow better swarming during anti-BattleMech attacks. (Level 1 Implant)

Improved Enhanced Prosthetics 

- This a more advanced limb-based Enhanced Prosthetics, which allows for an additional weapon or tool to be integrated with it. The more advanced Manei Domini typically has this type of prosthetic. (Level 3 Implant)

Prosthetics Leg MASC 

- The PL MASC, developed by 3072, is a miniaturized form of BattleMech-style Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC). This enhancement allows for quick burst of speed during normal combat. The legs are designed with safety devices to prevent the actuators from shutting down from breakage, limiting their activation only once for every 5 seconds. (Level 3 Implant)

Secondary Power Source 

- The Secondary Power Source provides additional power for using prosthetics, reducing the dependency on biological energy sources such as blood sugar. These secondary power sources are charged with the same power chargers used for energy weaponry and equipment. These devices are installed directly into the limbs themselves. (Level 1 Implant)

Pain Control Implant

Pain Shunt 

- The Pain Shunt is a implant that allows the person who has it to ignore pain to the body or from cybernetics they have. However, this enhancement also causes clumsiness due to the deadening of the user's tactile senses. These enhancements are typically used with for users of VDNI enhancement (MechWarriors, Aerospace Pilots, vehicle crews have these) and allow them to ignore stunning effects (like pain) from taking hits in combat. (Level 2 Implant)

Chemical Sprayer Implants

Pheromone Effuser 

- This is a implant designed typical seen as a covert device. It is a dispenser hidden either the agent's month or nose. This device is typically used to reduce the emotional and mental defenses of the intended target. Normally dispensed by blowing on their intended target, the pheromone effuser uses chemicals from the agent's body in order to function. This device is chemically re-charged by oral or by other means to stock up the pheromone supply. (Level 3 Implant)

Toxic Effuser 

- The Toxic Effuser uses the same basic principles as the Pheromone Effuser. This device is commonly used with covert, infiltration operations, also on the battlefield. This device usually dispense deadly chemicals from either nose and mouth which is deadly to anyone that inhales or struck in eye. Typically, Manei warrior will have filtration implants to protect themselves from the effects of this device due to its nature. (Level 4 Implant)

Audio / Visual / Communication Type Implants

Cybernetic Eyes/Ears/Speech Implant 

- These audio and visual implants range in various models differing by their various abilities. However, most implants are limited in their capabilities, requiring the instillation of multiple implants for a wide-range of abilities. These implants are common among the Manei Domini.

Cybernetic Eyes 

- This implant, usually installed in pairs, comes in with infrared, telescopic, and laser sighting abilities. The eyes are able to improve the small-arms accuracy and surveillance capabilities of the subject. (Level 2 Implant)

Cybernetic Ears 

- Models of these implants include enhance audio ranges and radio signal pickup.

Speech Implant 

- Models of the implant include the ability to modulate their speech or to speak in ultrasonic frequencies which can only be heard by Cybernetic Ears.

Multi-Modal Cybernetic Eye/Ear/Speech Implants 

- The multi-module type of Audio-Visual implant allows for two abilities per implant verse the one in the Standard Cybernetic Eyes/Ears/Speech Implants. These have the abilities of standard implants in addition to further electromagnetic functions. The Multi-Modal also enhances the capabilities of Domini Warriors with the Vehicle DNI implant. Consequently, they are less common among the lower-rank Manei Domini warriors. (Level 3 Implant)

Enhanced Multi-Modal Cybernetic Eye/Ear/Speech Implants 

- The Enhanced models are highest grade of audio-visual cybernetic implants. They are reserved for the most elite of Manei Domini warriors. These allow for three abilities per implant. (Level 5 Implant)

Recorder/Transmitter/Receiver/Communications Implants 

- These implants are designed to interact with Cybernetic Eyes/Ears/Speeach implants. They give the ability to record, transmit and receive data, allowing for two-way communications for its user. A maximum of two such implants are allowed per user. (Level 2 Implant)

Boosted Recorder/Transmitter/Receiver/Communications Implants 

- Improved version of the Standard implants. They are usually found on the more enhanced Warriors of the Manei Domini. An Infantry or Battle Armor unit whose soldiers all have the Boosted Communication Implant with the Multi-Modal Eye or Ears implants can also join a C3i Network as a unit. (Level 4 Implant)

Life Support Type Cybernetic Implants

Filtration Liver/Lung Implants 

- The Filtration implants for both the Lungs and the Liver allows for the Manei Domini warrior safely survive in tainted atmospheric environments, allowing them to eat or breath with no problems. The implant is quite useful for operating in an area after a chemical attack. (Level 3 Implant)

Vehicular Control Type Implants

Vehicular Direct Neural Interface 

- Also known as the VDNI, this cybernetic implant allows a warrior to "plug-in" into their respective vehicle ('Mech, Battle Armor, Vehicle, & Battle Armor). The implant allows a single VDNI warrior to replace the function of multiple crew members as long they have correct skills that type of vehicle. The technology is similar to the Clan's Enhanced Imaging implants, which was known to have negative effects on the user's mind after length of time. The VDNI has an improve safety system and, through the use of certain chemicals, allows the user to survive up to 10 years before terminal brain damage accrues. (Level 3 Implant)

Buffered VDNI 

- This is upgraded version of the VNDI implant, which protects warrior from some of the neurological side-effects standard VDNI implant suffers from. The implant allows for the user continuous use for 15 years until terminal brain death occurs. The Buffered VNDI allows for the user to pilot vehicles, 'Mechs, Aerospace Fighters which have small cockpits without a degradation in capability. (Level 5 Implant)

Strength & Armor Implants

Myomer Full-Body Implants 

- These Myomer-based implants increase the strength and defenses of the user. Dermal armor & TSM-based myomer muscles may be implanted together or separately. (Level 4 Implant)

Dermal Myomer Armor Implant 

- This implant armors the individual against harm from close-combat and small-arms attacks, however those with the implant suffer from negative cosmetic effects.

Triple-Strength Myomer Implant 

- TSM-based Myomer implants give operatives incredible strength, but have been known to cause pain, forcing individuals to take medication to endure the constant headaches. Field operatives of the Manei Domini have used this increase strength to horrific effect against their opponents. It should be noted that TSM implants cannot be used with PL-MASC implants.

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Manei Domini Ranking & Classes

The Manei Domini’s ranking system uses both the standard Word of Blake ranking system and their own, in addition to a separate classification system. Rank seniority goes by seven characters from the greek alphabet, with the first being the lowest rank. Also the occupation of the various members of the Domini are given in their full rank as well.

Example: A soldier's birth name is Sarah Marshal and the her occupation is a MechWarrior. If being addressed to, she could answer to as Adept Marshal or as Phantom Adept Beta Marshal.

Word of Blake Manei Domini Officer Ranks

ComStar Rank	Adept	Adept	Adept	Adept	Demi-Precentor	Precentor	Precentor
Manei Domin Rank	Alpha	Beta	Omega	Tau	Delta	Sigma	Omicron

Word of Blake Manei Domini Classes

Class Designator	Primary Function	Cybernetic Implants Required
Ghost	Reconnaissance	Ear or Eye implant
Wraith	Infiltrator	Cosmetic Implants (non-horror type)
Banshee	Defense	Full-Body Myomer implants
Zombie	Assault	Enhanced Prosthetic
Phantom	Vehicular Pilot	Vehicular DNI Implant
Specter	Command	Communication implant
Poltergeist	Special Operative	Any Implants

Shadow Division Force Specific Abilities

BattleTech has special Force Specific rules that allows enhancement of game play when playing against a specific. The Shadow Divisions each have their own unique traits, abilities, and even penalties. In addition to these specific abilities, every Shadow Division also has several standard Force Specific abilities: Immunity from Forced Withdrawal Rules, they can negate Overrun Combat, and Forcing the Initiative abilities an opposing force may have.

Word of Blake's Shadow Division Standard Force Specific abilities

Force Specific Ability/ Name	Who it Effects	What it does
Forced Withdrawal Immunity	Shadow Division	Immunity to effects of this ability in scenario
Overrun Combat Immunity	Opposing Player's Force	Opposing Player's Overrun Combat ability is negated
Forcing the Initiative Immunity	Opposing Player's Force	Opposing Player's Forcing the Initiative ability is negated.

Bibliography

• A Guide To Covert Ops
• Jihad: Final Reckoning
• Jihad Hot Spots: 3072
• Jihad Hot Spots: 3076
• Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents
• Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
• Technical Readout: 3075