Manei Domini

Manei Domini – 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 only answered to the Manei Domini leadership. The leadership includes the Precentor Manei Domini, an individual named Apollyon. He answers to a only referred 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 langauge 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 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 almost never where captured alive, even when this occurred the Manei Domini 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 sometimes mentioned as the Manei Atrocis, Bloody Hands. Signs of the unit, first came up on the Periphery world of Helio. Where the wreckage of a Manei Domini vehicle was found with Bloody Hand symbol on it. The Domini caused confusion with Dragoons which were trying to locate them. Domini had been principlly in the Chaos March, but also in the Marian Hegemony and Circinus Federation. In the Chaos March, the Domini wiped out Capellan backed insurgencies, Zhanzheng de Guang, on Caph, Fletcher, Hall, Keid and Liberty. Manei was also waging a war against Wolf's Dragoons' Wolfnet and Seventh Kommandos as well. Domini arranging the brutal murders of many of Dragoons' members, and used organizing bomb attacks 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, epsionage, 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”. It appears that at 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 unleashed on a unsuspecting Inner Sphere.

The conflict saw the massive expansion of the Word of Blake Protectorate which formed in 3066, the Domini's Shadow Divisions were dispatched with regular (formerly hidden) WoB Militia Divisions various stragetic targets. These missions which Shadow Divisions sent on ranged from crippling the major Inner Sphere nations capitals & industries to secure vital resources needed to bolster the Protectorate's integrity. Though used to suppliment 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 masquerating 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 conseption that of totally erdacating the Clans, the Manei Domini had no qualms about using weapons of mass destruction, whether they be nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. 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 that the Manei Domini came into contact with military engineer, Doctor Devon Cortland, who was able to develop many new series of armor, Aerospace fighters, Omni-vehicles, as well as OmniMechs. Cortland 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 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. And 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 same 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 was advantage was more accidental than intentional of then Demi-Precentor Vapula. His goal was to improve 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 newest of the Manei Domini's exclusive series of equipment. The Serpentus Series of Combat Vehicles made its first appearance in the early 3070s. Currently, there is only one known design belonging to this series.

Serpentus Series of Combat Vehicles

Bolla Stealth Tank

Omni Configuration Names

Like all Omni related vehicles/'Mechs/etc, they have number of configurations. However, instead of using common configuration names such as "Primary", "A Config", it uses Latin terms instead. Other follow on OmniVehicles and OmniFighters have use the same configuration 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 various to job and rank of individual soldier. The listings below are short name/references to these enhancements and their Level enhancement goes with them. Please note this listing is meant for reference and not replacement of publish sources.

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 as a Level 0.

Cosmetic Beauty Enhancement 

- Enhances RPG play only for seduction and negotiations

Cosmetic Horror Enhancement 

- Enhances RPG intimidation and interrogation

Prosthetics

Prosthetics 

- This is cybernetic or bionic replacements for hands,foot,arms,legs and foot. These enhancement are similar to Standard Type 4 or Type 5 prosthetic limbs found in the original Technical Readout: 3026. 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 to have to have tool or weapon mounted on or in 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 on the Enhanced Prosthetics. The prosthetics allows for two slots of enhancements (weapons or tools) 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, it is a miniaturized form of BattleMech-style Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC) was added to list of Manei Domini array of cybernetic enhancements. This one, allowing for subject to quick burst of speed during normal combat. Allowing subject using Battletech game rules to +2 movement instead of 1. The legs are designed with safety devices, to prevent the actuators from shutting down from breakage. These safety devices allow activation (improved movement) only once for every 2 (5 second) turns. (Level 3 Implant)

Secondary Power Source 

- This is a secondary power source users of prosthetics. This reduces the dependency on biological energy sources such as blood sugar. These secondary power sources are charged using power chargers used for energy weaponry and equipment. These devices are installed directly into the limb 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 causes clumsiness due to 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) ignore stunning effects (like pain) from hits in combat, but not physical damage. (Level 2 Implant)

Chemical Sprayer Implants

Pheromone Effuser 

- This is a implant designed typical seen as covert device. It is a dispenser hidden either agent's month or nose. This device typical used to reduced the emotional and mental defense of the intended target. Normally dispensed by blowing on their intended target. This devices uses chemicals from the agent's body to make this device fully. This device chemically re-charged by oral or by other means stocking up pheromone supply. (Level 3 Implant)

Toxic Effuser 

- The Toxic Effuser uses the same basic principles as the Peromone Effuser. This device 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 whom is inhales or struck in eye. Typically, Manei warrior will have filtration implant when 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 with its various abilities. They do not have multiple abilities per implant. Thus to have different enhancements you must have alternated models which has different ability. These implants are common tools to for Manei Domini.

Cybernetic Eyes 

- This implant, usually installed in pairs, comes in infrared, telescopic, and laser sighting. The eyes are able to improve small arms fire and surveillance abilities 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 speak modulate or speak ultrasonic frequencies for enhanced Cybernetic ears only.

Multi-Modal Cybernetic Eye/Ear/Speech Implants 

- The multi-module type of Audio-Visual implant which allows for two abilities per implant verse the one in the Standard Cybernetic Eyes/Ears/Speech Implants. These have the abilities of standard eyes/ears/speech but also electromagnetic abilities. The Multi-Modal is enhances the abilities of Domini Warriors whom have the Vehicle DNI implant. 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 allow to for record, transmit, receive, and two-way communications for its user. Maximum of two these implants are allow 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. Infantry or Battle Armor unit whose soldiers all have the Boosted Communication Implant with the Multi-Modal Eye or Ears implants can join 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 atmosphere environment. Allows them to eat or breathe in chemical warfare environment. (Level 3 Implant)

Vehicular Control Type Implants

Vehicular Direct Neural Interface 

- Also known as the VDNI, cybernetic implant that allow a warrior to "plug-in" into their respective vehicle ('Mech, Battle Armor, Vehicle, & Battle Armor). The implant allows a single VDNI warrior to acts multiple crew as long they have correct skill to drive/pilot and Gunner for that type of vehicle. The technology is similar to the Clan's Enhanced Imaging implants, which has known to have bad effects on mind after length of time. The VDNI have an improve safety system and with addition of chemicals; This allows the user to survive up to 10 years before terminal brain damage accrues. The VDNI implants allow users to receive -1 modifier to their to-hit roll. However, with every internal hit, the controlling player must roll 2D6, and take 1 point of damage to warrior on result of 8 or higher. This roll is negated if the warrior has Pain Shunt implant. On vehicles, for purposes of recording, the same VDNI implant warrior would same hits for multiple position (Gunner, Commander, Driver hits etc.). (Level 3 Implant)

Buffered VDNI 

- This is upgraded version of the VNDI implant, which protects warrior 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 use vehicles, 'Mechs, Aerospace Fighters which have small cockpits without penalties. The Buffered VDNI receives same benefits and penalties as the standard one when receiving a internal hit to vehicle they are using unless a Pain Shunt implant is used. (Level 5 Implant)

Strength & Armor Implants

Myomer Full-Body Implants 

- The Myomer based implants (Dermal armor & TSM based myomer muscles may be implanted together or separately. (Level 4 Implant)

Dermal Myomer Armor Implant 

- Is external based armor which causes the user gives the person pain resistance trait. However, they are also given the ugly trait.

Triple-Strength Myomer Implant 

- TSM based Myomer implants have been used give operatives with incredible strength, but have been known to cause pain. Individuals must take medication to endure the constant headaches. Field operatives of the Manei Domini have known use this ability's horrific effect against opponents. It should be noted that TSM implants cannot be used with PL-MASC implant. When TSM enhanced warriors are used in platoon strength, these give force increase speed by 1 and allows to deliver .14 damage (non-battle Armor).

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Manei Domini Ranking & Classes

Manei Domini’s ranking system uses both standard Word of Blake ranking system and their own. Also the Domini have a different classification of their soldiers. Rank seniority goes by seven characters from the greek alphabet, with the first lowest rank. Also occuption 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 Hot Spots: 3072
• Jihad Hot Spots: 3076
• Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents
• Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
• Technical Readout: 3075