Difference between revisions of "Nicholas Kerensky"

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| affiliation        = [[Clan Wolf]]
 
| affiliation        = [[Clan Wolf]]
 
| profession          = Founder of the [[Clans]]<br />First [[ilKhan]]
 
| profession          = Founder of the [[Clans]]<br />First [[ilKhan]]
| parents            = [[Alexander Kerensky]]<br />[[Katyusha Kerensky]]
+
| parents            = [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] (father)<br />[[Katyusha Lumilova]] (mother)
 
| siblings            = [[Andery Kerensky]]
 
| siblings            = [[Andery Kerensky]]
| spouse              = "[[Jennifer Winson]]"
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| spouse              = [[Jennifer Winson]]
 
| children            =  
 
| children            =  
 
}}
 
}}
'''Nicholas Kerensky''' (born May 4, [[2764]]<ref name=H:OKp104/> - died October 7, [[2834]]<ref name=OTP-WA/>) was the founder of the [[Clans]] and their first [[ilKhan]]. He was the elder son and designated heir of the legendary [[Aleksandr Kerensky]], Commanding General of the [[SLDF]].
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'''Nicholas Kerensky''' (born 4 May, [[2764]]<ref name=H:OKp104/> - died 7 October, [[2834]]<ref name=OTP-WA/>) was the founder of the [[Clans]] and their first [[ilKhan]]. He was the elder son and designated heir of the legendary [[Aleksandr Kerensky]], Commanding General of the [[SLDF]].
 +
 
 +
Known and idolized as the "Great Father" of the [[Clans]], Nicholas Kerensky is a revered, almost saintly figure in Clan history–much of which was forged, falsified, and warped by Nicholas Kerensky himself. In actual truth, he was a sociopath with a troubled childhood that had apparently left him emotionally scarred and with severe psychological issues; he may also have had a genetic disposition since his mother, too, had suffered from psychological issues.
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 +
Using deceit and propaganda as means of manipulation and positively embracing harsh dictatorial rule, he would stop at nothing to create what he felt was a perfect utopian society: The Clans.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 +
===Family===
 +
Nicholas' father was the revered General Aleksandr Kerensky, who passed away in [[2801]]. His mother was [[Katyusha Kerensky]]. Nicholas had a younger brother, [[Andery Kerensky]], who was later killed on [[Eden]] during [[Operation KLONDIKE]] in [[2821]] under unclear circumstances; some contemporaries felt Nicholas may have had a hand in his brother's death, either by recklessly putting him in danger or through outright plotting to kill him.
  
===Family===
+
Nicholas married [[Jennifer Winson]], ironically at a point where he already actively worked to purge family bonds from his Clan society.
Nicholas' father was the revered General Aleksandr Kerensky, who passed away in [[2801]]. His mother was [[Katyusha Kerensky]]. Nicholas had a younger brother, [[Andery Kerensky]], who was later killed on [[Eden]] during Operation Klondike in 2821 under unclear circumstances; some contemporaries felt Nicholas may have had a hand in his brother's death, either by recklessly putting him in danger or through outright plotting to kill him. Nicholas was married to "[[Jennifer Winson]]".
 
  
Due to his genetic legacy, Nicholas Kerensky has numerous descendants among [[Clan Wolf]] and [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]]. His bloodname has never been Reaved. The Kerensky name and descendence from the Great Father are shared with a second Kerensky Bloodname derived from his brother Andery. Nicholas's most famous descendants are [[Natasha Kerensky]] and [[Ulric Kerensky]].
+
Due to his genetic legacy, Nicholas Kerensky has numerous descendants among [[Clan Wolf]] and [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]]. His bloodname has never been [[Reaved]]. The Kerensky name and descendants from the Great Father are shared with a second Kerensky Bloodname derived from his brother Andery. Nicholas' most famous descendants are [[Natasha Kerensky]] and [[Ulric Kerensky]].
  
 
===Founder of the Clans===
 
===Founder of the Clans===
Nicholas Kerensky was the man who formed the [[Clans]] in June 11 [[2807]]<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.103 - "Timeline" </ref> - [[2810]]<ref>''The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky'', p.30 - "Comperative Timeline" </ref> from the remnants of the [[Star League Defense Force]]. When the warring factions on the [[Pentagon Worlds]] refused to follow Nicholas (then the Commander of the [[146th Royal BattleMech Division]]), he led the [[Second Exodus]] to the future Clan capital world of [[Strana Mechty]] and founded the original twenty Clans.  
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Nicholas Kerensky was the man who formed the [[Clans]] on June 11 [[2807]]<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.103 - "Timeline" </ref> - [[2810]]<ref>''The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky'', p.30 - "Comparative Timeline" </ref> from the remnants of the [[Star League Defense Force]]. When the warring factions on the [[Pentagon Worlds]] refused to follow Nicholas (then the Commander of the [[146th Royal BattleMech Division]]), he led the [[Second Exodus]] to the future Clan capital world of [[Strana Mechty]] and founded the original twenty Clans.  
  
 
===Viper Treachery===
 
===Viper Treachery===
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Kerensky and Winson decided to take a vacation on [[Arcadia (Clan)|Arcadia]], but also intended to investigate accusations made against the Vipers, particularly Khan Kinnison's policies. When the ilKhan and his wife disembarked from their [[DropShip]], Viper [[saKhan]] [[Steven Breen]], who had discovered his Khan's insane plan, opened fire on Kinnison, who had come to greet the ilKhan. During the resulting confusion, only Breen and Winson saw Kinnison draw her own sidearm and aim it at Winson. Breen's next shot killed Kinnison.
 
Kerensky and Winson decided to take a vacation on [[Arcadia (Clan)|Arcadia]], but also intended to investigate accusations made against the Vipers, particularly Khan Kinnison's policies. When the ilKhan and his wife disembarked from their [[DropShip]], Viper [[saKhan]] [[Steven Breen]], who had discovered his Khan's insane plan, opened fire on Kinnison, who had come to greet the ilKhan. During the resulting confusion, only Breen and Winson saw Kinnison draw her own sidearm and aim it at Winson. Breen's next shot killed Kinnison.
  
For his heroism, Steven Breen was elected as the second Khan of Clan Steel Viper. On ilKhan Kerensky's orders, Ellie Kinnison's name was stricken from all Clan records, and her genetic legacy was destroyed.<ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', pp. 80-82</ref>
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For his heroism, Steven Breen was elected as the second Khan of Clan Steel Viper. On ilKhan Kerensky's orders, Ellie Kinnison's name was stricken from all Clan records, and her genetic legacy was destroyed.<ref>''Invading Clans'', pp. 80-82</ref>
  
===Operation Klondike===
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===Operation KLONDIKE===
{{main|Operation Klondike}}
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{{main|Operation KLONDIKE}}
 
{{sectionstub}}
 
{{sectionstub}}
  
After the Second Exodus, the newly-formed 20 Clans trained for two decades and eventually launched [[Operation Klondike]] to retake the Pentagon Worlds from the rebel factions.
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After the Second Exodus, the newly-formed 20 Clans trained for two decades and eventually launched [[Operation KLONDIKE]] to retake the Pentagon Worlds from the rebel factions.
 
 
At the end of Operation Klondike, Kerensky decided to join [[Clan Wolf]], infuriating [[Clan Jade Falcon]], as the Falcons hoped Kerensky would have joined them. 
 
  
 +
At the end of Operation KLONDIKE, Kerensky decided to join [[Clan Wolf]], infuriating [[Clan Jade Falcon]], as the Falcons hoped Kerensky would have joined them. 
  
 
===Wolverine Annihilation===
 
===Wolverine Annihilation===
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===Death===
 
===Death===
Nicholas was killed on October 7, 2834, during the [[Clan Widowmaker]] [[Trial of Absorption]] by Widowmaker Khan [[Cal Jorgensson]] in what was an apparent accident. Clan Widowmaker had called for a Trial of Refusal against their absorption by Clan Wolf, and during the fighting Cal Jorgensson wound up dueling Wolf Khan [[Jerome Winson]]. Winson was on the verge of winning when a Star of Widowmaker 'Mechs violated the [[Circle of Equals]]. As Nicholas Kerensky, piloting his ''[[Atlas II]]'', stepped in, his cockpit was incinerated by a stray shot from Jorgensson's ''[[Highlander]]''.
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Nicholas was killed on October 7, 2834, during the [[Clan Widowmaker]] [[Trial of Absorption]] by Widowmaker Khan [[Cal Jorgensson]] in what was an apparent accident. Clan Widowmaker had called for a Trial of Refusal against their absorption by Clan Wolf, and during the fighting Cal Jorgensson wound up dueling Wolf Khan [[Jerome Winson]]. Winson was on the verge of winning when a Star of Widowmaker 'Mechs violated the [[Circle of Equals]]. As Nicholas Kerensky, piloting his ''[[Atlas II]]'', stepped in, his cockpit was incinerated by a stray shot from Jorgensson's ''[[Highlander]]''. When his body was extracted from the cockpit, he was already dead.
When his body was extracted from the cockpit, he was already dead.
 
  
 
The death of the ilKhan enraged the warriors of Clan Wolf, who proceeded to wipe out the remaining Widowmaker warriors and absorbed the rest of their Clan.
 
The death of the ilKhan enraged the warriors of Clan Wolf, who proceeded to wipe out the remaining Widowmaker warriors and absorbed the rest of their Clan.
Jorgensson survived the fight, but despite his claims about Ilkhan's death was an accident, was executed.
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 +
Two centuries later, in a museum in Strana Mechty dedicated to the Pentagon Wars was preserved a coolant vest of Nicholas Kerensky. As it was bloodstained, it may be assumed it was the one he was wearing when he was killed.<ref>''Forever Faithful'' p. 58</ref>
  
 
==BattleMechs==
 
==BattleMechs==
Nicholas Kerensky was known to pilot an ''[[Atlas II]]'', and was piloting one during the Trial that resulted in his death. But in the battle of Barbados, during the Wolverine annihilation, it appears he piloted a [[Highlander]] battlemech.
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Nicholas Kerensky was known to pilot an ''[[Atlas II]]'', and was piloting one during the Trial that resulted in his death. But in the battle of Barbados, during the Clan Wolverine annihilation, it appears he piloted a ''[[Highlander]]''.<ref>''Betrayal of Ideals'' p. 206</ref>
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{quote|''We will purge our old ideals and ethics; those belong to the corrupt stars of the Inner :Sphere, and will not serve as we begin anew. Now, while our minds are open and yearning for new :insight, we must remold them and fill them with the truth of our destiny. For we are destined :not only to be different from those we left behind, but also better. My father knew this, :and saved us from the holocaust of the Inner Sphere. I accept it as truth, and have returned to :lead you, the survivors of  this most bitter trial.''
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{{quote|We will purge our old ideals and ethics; those belong to the corrupt stars of the Inner :Sphere, and will not serve as we begin anew. Now, while our minds are open and yearning for new :insight, we must remold them and fill them with the truth of our destiny. For we are destined :not only to be different from those we left behind, but also better. My father knew this, :and saved us from the holocaust of the Inner Sphere. I accept it as truth, and have returned to :lead you, the survivors of  this most bitter trial.|Nicholas Kerensky to his loyalists on Strana Mechty, 2802<ref>''Touring the Stars'', p. 11, "Trials and Glory" – Ways of the Wolf Clan</ref>}}
  
— Nicholas Kerensky to his loyalists on Strana Mechty, 2802<ref>''Touring the Stars'', p. 11, "Trials and Glory" – Ways of the Wolf Clan</ref>}}
 
  
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{{quote|True warriors do not follow paths, they make them. It is not just their desire, it is their nature.{{cn}}}}
  
{{quote|''"True warriors do not follow paths, they make them. It is not just their desire, it is their nature."''
 
  
''"...A magnificent beast, the smoke jaguar. It is ferocity unbound, tenacity without limit. Once it locks its powerful jaws around the throat of its prey, it never lets go. The greatest of warriors might be shamed by comparing himself to such fierce courage...''
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{{quote|A magnificent beast, the smoke jaguar. It is ferocity unbound, tenacity without limit. Once it locks its powerful jaws around the throat of its prey, it never lets go. The greatest of warriors might be shamed by comparing himself to such fierce courage...
  
''"My Clans might learn much from this beast. Like us, it came from Nature, but has been improved by human hands. And now the great cat born on [[Terra]] thrives on a world so many light-years away from the planet of its birth that the human mind shudders to contemplate it...as we must. As we will...''
+
My Clans might learn much from this beast. Like us, it came from Nature, but has been improved by human hands. And now the great cat born on [[Terra]] thrives on a world so many light-years away from the planet of its birth that the human mind shudders to contemplate it...as we must. As we will...
  
''"The smoke jaguar fights like a true warrior. No deceit, no subterfuge - a single, brutal assault, both open and deadly. A powerful spring from above, a slash of its huge claws across its victim's throat, and its prey lies dead before it. So should all of us fight our enemies - openly, but with overwhelming force. Thus we may win true glory, by defeating the foe in honorable combat. Truly, this great cat is a finer warrior than any human being I have ever seen on the field of battle...!"''
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The smoke jaguar fights like a true warrior. No deceit, no subterfuge - a single, brutal assault, both open and deadly. A powerful spring from above, a slash of its huge claws across its victim's throat, and its prey lies dead before it. So should all of us fight our enemies - openly, but with overwhelming force. Thus we may win true glory, by defeating the foe in honorable combat. Truly, this great cat is a finer warrior than any human being I have ever seen on the field of battle...!|From ''Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky'', Strana Mechty Press, 3025<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 47</ref>}}
  
:-From ''Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky'', Strana Mechty Press, 3025<ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', p. 47</ref>}}
 
  
 +
{{quote|A truly fearsome beast, the great viper of Arcadia possesses strength and tenacity unmatched by any other predator on that world. It coils around its prey in a crushing embrace, then finishes its kill with a deadly poison. The warriors of the Clan I name [[Clan Steel Viper|Steel Viper]] show remarkable tenacity in battle and in their service to our great mission. May they continue to serve with unshakable faith, and may their opponents learn to fear the fangs of the Steel Vipers.|From ''Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky'', Strana Mechty Press, 3025<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 79</ref>}}
  
{{quote|''"A truly fearsome beast, the great viper of Arcadia possesses strength and tenacity unmatched by any other predator on that world. It coils around its prey in a crushing embrace, then finishes its kill with a deadly poison. The warriors of the Clan I name [[Clan Steel Viper|Steel Viper]] show remarkable tenacity in battle and in their service to our great mission. May they continue to serve with unshakable faith, and may their opponents learn to fear the fangs of the Steel Vipers."''
 
  
:-From ''Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky'', Strana Mechty Press, 3025<ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', p. 79</ref>}}
+
{{quote|It seems inconceivable that everything we have accomplished can be threatened by the actions of individuals within our highest ranks. Khan Kinnison acted against everything the Clans represent and all we strive to achieve. ...It is just such aberrations that Clan society will prevent and control. Fortunately, the Steel Viper ranks also produced an individual capable of seeing and believing in the evil harbored in another's heart, and who acted selflessly to dispense proper justice to such a traitor. Count yourselves fortunate, Steel Vipers, that your Clan survives by virtue of a pure majority. ...I nominate Star Colonel Steven Breen as Khan of Clan Steel Viper. ...As your ilKhan, I claim the right to strike the name Kinnison forever from all records past and present. The tainted genes of that accursed line shall be cast out and destroyed as well.|Origin of the [[Trial of Abjuration]], after an assassination attempt on Nicholas Kerensky's wife, Jennifer Winson<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 82</ref>}}
  
  
{{quote|''"It seems inconceivable that everything we have accomplished can be threatened by the actions of individuals within our highest ranks. Khan Kinnison acted against everything the Clans represent and all we strive to achieve. ...It is just such aberrations that Clan society will prevent and control. Fortunately, the Steel Viper ranks also produced an individual capable of seeing and believing in the evil harbored in another's heart, and who acted selflessly to dispense proper justice to such a traitor. Count yourselves fortunate, Steel Vipers, that your Clan survives by virtue of a pure majority. ...I nominate Star Colonel Steven Breen as Khan of Clan Steel Viper. ...As your ilKhan, I claim the right to strike the name Kinnison forever from all records past and present. The tainted genes of that accursed line shall be cast out and destroyed as well."''
+
{{quote|Our victories here have proved the rightness of the Way of the Clans; let it always be so among those of the True Faith. Let these few words always announce our coming and portend our victory.|Speaking on ''Clan Liberation Day'', May 26, 2822}}
  
:-Origin of the [[Trial of Abjuration]], after an assassination attempt on Nicholas Kerensky's wife, Jennifer Winson}}<ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', p. 82</ref>
 
  
 +
{{quote|Kerensky [ilKhan]: My honorable friend, the [[Khan]] from [[Clan Wolverine]], continues to ignore the decisions of this body as verified by the recent Trial. I do not care that the cache is of the [[331st Royal BattleMech Division|331st Royal Division]], her father's command. This body is agreed that the caches are a resource belonging to the Clans as a whole. In the old order, her paternal loyalty would be commended, but this not the old order. We are the Clans. We stand on our own merits, not those of our ancestors.
  
{{quote|''"Our victories here have proved the rightness of the Way of the Clans; let it always be so among those of the True Faith. Let these few words always announce our coming and portend our victory."''
+
[[Sarah McEvedy]] [Wolverine]: Except you.
  
:-Speaking on ''Clan Liberation Day'', May 26, 2822}}
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Kerensky [ilKhan]: I beg your pardon?
  
 +
McEvedy: I said, except you. You seem perfectly happy to bask in your father's achievements. He was a visionary who sought justice and peace for all. You seek control.
  
Kerensky [ilKhan]: ''My honorable friend, the [[Khan]] from [[Clan Wolverine]], continues to ignore the decisions of this body as verified by the recent Trial. I do not care that the cache is of the [[331st Royal BattleMech Division|331st Royal Division]], her father's command. This body is agreed that the caches are a resource belonging to the Clans as a whole. In the old order, her paternal loyalty would be commended, but this not the old order. We are the Clans. We stand on our own merits, not those of our ancestors.''
+
[[Mitchell Loris]] [Mongoose]: Khan McEvedy, you go too far.
  
[[Sarah McEvedy]] [Wolverine]: ''Except you.''
+
McEvedy: Do I? I know many of you in this chamber found our ilKhan's actions to secure control of the Pentagon population offensive. The [[Star League]] did not believe in torture and brutality. Those are the tools of power hungry madmen. Is that what you have become, Nicholas Kerensky? A power hungry madman?  
 
 
Kerensky [ilKhan]: ''I beg your pardon?''
 
 
 
McEvedy: ''I said, except you. You seem perfectly happy to bask in your father's achievements. He was a visionary who sought justice and peace for all. You seek control.''
 
 
 
[[Mitchell Loris]] [Mongoose]: ''Khan McEvedy, you go too far.''
 
 
 
McEvedy: ''Do I? I know many of you in this chamber found our ilKhan's actions to secure control of the Pentagon population offensive. The [[Star League]] did not believe in torture and brutality. Those are the tools of power hungry madmen. Is that what you have become, Nicholas Kerensky? A power hungry madman?''
 
  
 
[Raised voices from all parties]  
 
[Raised voices from all parties]  
  
Kerensky: ''SILENCE! McEvedy, Khan of Clan Wolverine, I, Nicholas Kerensky, ilKhan of the Clans, do call for a [[Trial of Grievance]]. By our law, you may...''
+
Kerensky: SILENCE! McEvedy, Khan of Clan Wolverine, I, Nicholas Kerensky, ilKhan of the Clans, do call for a [[Trial of Grievance]]. By our law, you may...
  
McEvedy: ''Hang your laws. Does the truth hurt so much, Nicholas?''
+
McEvedy: Hang your laws. Does the truth hurt so much, Nicholas?
  
Kerensky: ''Fellow Khans, our colleague is clearly overwrought. I call for a vote of censure. [[Loremaster]] Ward, please...''
+
Kerensky: Fellow Khans, our colleague is clearly overwrought. I call for a vote of censure. [[Loremaster]] Ward, please...
  
McEvedy: ''Don't bother, Nicholas. I'll leave. In fact, we'll all leave. Clan Wolverine no longer recognizes the authority of the ilKhan or the [[Grand Council]]. From this point forward, we are an independent power. We decide our own fate, fairly and according to the morals and standards of the Star League.''
+
McEvedy: Don't bother, Nicholas. I'll leave. In fact, we'll all leave. Clan Wolverine no longer recognizes the authority of the ilKhan or the [[Grand Council]]. From this point forward, we are an independent power. We decide our own fate, fairly and according to the morals and standards of the Star League.  
  
Kerensky: ''You cannot do this.''
+
Kerensky: You cannot do this.
  
McEvedy: ''I can and I have.''
+
McEvedy: I can and I have.
  
 
[McEvedy moves to leave.]  
 
[McEvedy moves to leave.]  
  
Kerensky: ''Arrest her!''
+
Kerensky: Arrest her!
  
 
[McEvedy draws her pistol; the Khans and security guards back off. A detachment of Wolverine troops arrives.]  
 
[McEvedy draws her pistol; the Khans and security guards back off. A detachment of Wolverine troops arrives.]  
  
McEvedy: ''If you want to face us, fine. But we will not hold back. Prepare to reap the whirlwind.''
+
McEvedy: If you want to face us, fine. But we will not hold back. Prepare to reap the whirlwind.
  
 
[McEvedy storms out]  
 
[McEvedy storms out]  
  
Kerensky: ''My Khans, we face a serious decision...''
+
Kerensky: My Khans, we face a serious decision...|Excerpt from Grand Council security tape (uncensored version), October 8, 2823, as recorded in Clan Wolf records and reported by Phelan Kell.*}}
 
 
:-Excerpt from Grand Council security tape (uncensored version), October 8, 2823, as recorded in Clan Wolf records and reported by Phelan Kell.*
 
  
  
''"Those who break faith with the Unity shall go down to darkness."''
+
{{quote|Those who break faith with the Unity shall go down to darkness.|The [[Grand Council]] votes for a [[Trial of Annihilation]] against Clan Wolverine, October 11, 2823}}
  
:-The [[Grand Council]] votes for a [[Trial of Annihilation]] against Clan Wolverine, October 11, 2823
 
  
 
+
{{quote|''The darkness is behind us, the light is ahead.''<br />
''"The darkness is behind us, the light is ahead.''<br />
 
 
''Strive toward it, for it is the way."''<br />
 
''Strive toward it, for it is the way."''<br />
 
''Said our Founder, Nicholas.''<br />
 
''Said our Founder, Nicholas.''<br />
Line 143: Line 134:
 
''Knowledge, which gives us power;''<br />
 
''Knowledge, which gives us power;''<br />
 
''Understanding, which lets us know our foes;''<br />
 
''Understanding, which lets us know our foes;''<br />
''Courage, which lets us face the darkness without fear."''
+
''Courage, which lets us face the darkness without fear.''|The Remembrance (Clan Wolf), Passage 10, Verse 9, Lines 1-10}}
:''-The Remembrance (Clan Wolf), Passage 10, Verse 9, Lines 1-10''
 
  
 
==Title and Position==
 
==Title and Position==
 
{{s-start}}
 
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before= None (founder)}}
+
{{s-bef|before=none (founder)}}
 
{{s-title|title=ilKhan of the [[Clans]]|years= June 9th [[2815]]- October 7th [[2834]]<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.103 - "Timeline" </ref>}}
 
{{s-title|title=ilKhan of the [[Clans]]|years= June 9th [[2815]]- October 7th [[2834]]<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.103 - "Timeline" </ref>}}
 
{{s-aft|after=[[Jerome Winson]]}}
 
{{s-aft|after=[[Jerome Winson]]}}
Line 155: Line 145:
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:Nicholas Kerensky (2).jpg|'''Nicholas Kerensky'''
+
Image:Nicholas Kerensky (2).jpg|Nicholas Kerensky
Image:Nicholas Kerensky Death.JPG|'''ilKhan Nicholas Kerensky's Mech destruction by Khan Cal Jorgensson.'''
+
Image:Nicholas Kerensky Death.JPG|Destruction of Kerensky's 'Mech by Khan Cal Jorgensson
 
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 164: Line 153:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
*''[[Betrayal of Ideals]]''
+
* ''[[Betrayal of Ideals]]'' (novel)
*''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]''
+
* ''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]'' (sourcebook)
*''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)]]''
+
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]'' (sourcebook)
*''[[Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption]]''
+
* ''[[Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption]]'' (scenario book)
*''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]''
+
* ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]'' (sourcebook)
*''[[The Founding of the Clans]]'' trilogy:
+
* ''[[The Founding of the Clans]]'' trilogy:
**''[[Fall from Glory]]''
+
** ''[[Fall from Glory]]'' (German: ''Clangründer: Abkehr'')
**''[[Visions of Rebirth]]'' (German: ''[[Clangründer: Traum]]'')
+
** ''[[Visions of Rebirth]]'' (German: ''Clangründer: Traum'')
**''[[Forging of Blood]]''
+
** ''[[Forging of Blood]]''
*''[[Touring the Stars]]''
+
* ''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)|Touring the Stars]]''
*''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]''
+
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]''
  
 
[[Category:ilKhans|Kerensky, Nicholas]]
 
[[Category:ilKhans|Kerensky, Nicholas]]
 
[[Category:Khans|Kerensky, Nicholas]]
 
[[Category:Khans|Kerensky, Nicholas]]
 
[[Category:Clan Wolf Characters|Kerensky, Nicholas]]
 
[[Category:Clan Wolf Characters|Kerensky, Nicholas]]

Revision as of 21:07, 8 September 2019

This article is about the ilKhan. For the Texas-class WarShip, see Nicholas Kerensky (Texas).

Property "Update Needed From" (as page type) with input value "Historical: Operation Klondike]], Betrayal of Ideals, Field Manual: Warden Clans, [[Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.

Nicholas Kerensky
Character Profile
Born 4 May 2764[1]
Died 7 October 2834[2]
Affiliation Clan Wolf
Profession Founder of the Clans
First ilKhan
Parents Aleksandr Kerensky (father)
Katyusha Lumilova (mother)
Siblings Andery Kerensky
Spouse Jennifer Winson

Nicholas Kerensky (born 4 May, 2764[1] - died 7 October, 2834[2]) was the founder of the Clans and their first ilKhan. He was the elder son and designated heir of the legendary Aleksandr Kerensky, Commanding General of the SLDF.

Known and idolized as the "Great Father" of the Clans, Nicholas Kerensky is a revered, almost saintly figure in Clan history–much of which was forged, falsified, and warped by Nicholas Kerensky himself. In actual truth, he was a sociopath with a troubled childhood that had apparently left him emotionally scarred and with severe psychological issues; he may also have had a genetic disposition since his mother, too, had suffered from psychological issues.

Using deceit and propaganda as means of manipulation and positively embracing harsh dictatorial rule, he would stop at nothing to create what he felt was a perfect utopian society: The Clans.

History

Family

Nicholas' father was the revered General Aleksandr Kerensky, who passed away in 2801. His mother was Katyusha Kerensky. Nicholas had a younger brother, Andery Kerensky, who was later killed on Eden during Operation KLONDIKE in 2821 under unclear circumstances; some contemporaries felt Nicholas may have had a hand in his brother's death, either by recklessly putting him in danger or through outright plotting to kill him.

Nicholas married Jennifer Winson, ironically at a point where he already actively worked to purge family bonds from his Clan society.

Due to his genetic legacy, Nicholas Kerensky has numerous descendants among Clan Wolf and Clan Wolf-in-Exile. His bloodname has never been Reaved. The Kerensky name and descendants from the Great Father are shared with a second Kerensky Bloodname derived from his brother Andery. Nicholas' most famous descendants are Natasha Kerensky and Ulric Kerensky.

Founder of the Clans

Nicholas Kerensky was the man who formed the Clans on June 11 2807[3] - 2810[4] from the remnants of the Star League Defense Force. When the warring factions on the Pentagon Worlds refused to follow Nicholas (then the Commander of the 146th Royal BattleMech Division), he led the Second Exodus to the future Clan capital world of Strana Mechty and founded the original twenty Clans.

Viper Treachery

Shortly after the founding of Clan Steel Viper, the first Khan of that Clan, Ellie Kinnison, hatched a mad plot to assassinate ilKhan Kerensky's wife, Jennifer Winson. Kinnison, known to be mentally unstable and fanatically obsessed with Kerensky, reasoned that once Jennifer was dead, a grieving Nicholas would have no choice but to turn to Kinnison for comfort and love.

Kerensky and Winson decided to take a vacation on Arcadia, but also intended to investigate accusations made against the Vipers, particularly Khan Kinnison's policies. When the ilKhan and his wife disembarked from their DropShip, Viper saKhan Steven Breen, who had discovered his Khan's insane plan, opened fire on Kinnison, who had come to greet the ilKhan. During the resulting confusion, only Breen and Winson saw Kinnison draw her own sidearm and aim it at Winson. Breen's next shot killed Kinnison.

For his heroism, Steven Breen was elected as the second Khan of Clan Steel Viper. On ilKhan Kerensky's orders, Ellie Kinnison's name was stricken from all Clan records, and her genetic legacy was destroyed.[5]

Operation KLONDIKE


After the Second Exodus, the newly-formed 20 Clans trained for two decades and eventually launched Operation KLONDIKE to retake the Pentagon Worlds from the rebel factions.

At the end of Operation KLONDIKE, Kerensky decided to join Clan Wolf, infuriating Clan Jade Falcon, as the Falcons hoped Kerensky would have joined them.

Wolverine Annihilation


Death

Nicholas was killed on October 7, 2834, during the Clan Widowmaker Trial of Absorption by Widowmaker Khan Cal Jorgensson in what was an apparent accident. Clan Widowmaker had called for a Trial of Refusal against their absorption by Clan Wolf, and during the fighting Cal Jorgensson wound up dueling Wolf Khan Jerome Winson. Winson was on the verge of winning when a Star of Widowmaker 'Mechs violated the Circle of Equals. As Nicholas Kerensky, piloting his Atlas II, stepped in, his cockpit was incinerated by a stray shot from Jorgensson's Highlander. When his body was extracted from the cockpit, he was already dead.

The death of the ilKhan enraged the warriors of Clan Wolf, who proceeded to wipe out the remaining Widowmaker warriors and absorbed the rest of their Clan.

Two centuries later, in a museum in Strana Mechty dedicated to the Pentagon Wars was preserved a coolant vest of Nicholas Kerensky. As it was bloodstained, it may be assumed it was the one he was wearing when he was killed.[6]

BattleMechs

Nicholas Kerensky was known to pilot an Atlas II, and was piloting one during the Trial that resulted in his death. But in the battle of Barbados, during the Clan Wolverine annihilation, it appears he piloted a Highlander.[7]

Quotes

We will purge our old ideals and ethics; those belong to the corrupt stars of the Inner :Sphere, and will not serve as we begin anew. Now, while our minds are open and yearning for new :insight, we must remold them and fill them with the truth of our destiny. For we are destined :not only to be different from those we left behind, but also better. My father knew this, :and saved us from the holocaust of the Inner Sphere. I accept it as truth, and have returned to :lead you, the survivors of this most bitter trial.
  — Nicholas Kerensky to his loyalists on Strana Mechty, 2802[8]


True warriors do not follow paths, they make them. It is not just their desire, it is their nature.[citation needed]


A magnificent beast, the smoke jaguar. It is ferocity unbound, tenacity without limit. Once it locks its powerful jaws around the throat of its prey, it never lets go. The greatest of warriors might be shamed by comparing himself to such fierce courage...

My Clans might learn much from this beast. Like us, it came from Nature, but has been improved by human hands. And now the great cat born on Terra thrives on a world so many light-years away from the planet of its birth that the human mind shudders to contemplate it...as we must. As we will...

The smoke jaguar fights like a true warrior. No deceit, no subterfuge - a single, brutal assault, both open and deadly. A powerful spring from above, a slash of its huge claws across its victim's throat, and its prey lies dead before it. So should all of us fight our enemies - openly, but with overwhelming force. Thus we may win true glory, by defeating the foe in honorable combat. Truly, this great cat is a finer warrior than any human being I have ever seen on the field of battle...!

  — From Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky, Strana Mechty Press, 3025[9]


A truly fearsome beast, the great viper of Arcadia possesses strength and tenacity unmatched by any other predator on that world. It coils around its prey in a crushing embrace, then finishes its kill with a deadly poison. The warriors of the Clan I name Steel Viper show remarkable tenacity in battle and in their service to our great mission. May they continue to serve with unshakable faith, and may their opponents learn to fear the fangs of the Steel Vipers.
  — From Birth of a New Society: The Collected Writings of Nicholas Kerensky, Strana Mechty Press, 3025[10]


It seems inconceivable that everything we have accomplished can be threatened by the actions of individuals within our highest ranks. Khan Kinnison acted against everything the Clans represent and all we strive to achieve. ...It is just such aberrations that Clan society will prevent and control. Fortunately, the Steel Viper ranks also produced an individual capable of seeing and believing in the evil harbored in another's heart, and who acted selflessly to dispense proper justice to such a traitor. Count yourselves fortunate, Steel Vipers, that your Clan survives by virtue of a pure majority. ...I nominate Star Colonel Steven Breen as Khan of Clan Steel Viper. ...As your ilKhan, I claim the right to strike the name Kinnison forever from all records past and present. The tainted genes of that accursed line shall be cast out and destroyed as well.
  — Origin of the Trial of Abjuration, after an assassination attempt on Nicholas Kerensky's wife, Jennifer Winson[11]


Our victories here have proved the rightness of the Way of the Clans; let it always be so among those of the True Faith. Let these few words always announce our coming and portend our victory.
  — Speaking on Clan Liberation Day, May 26, 2822


Kerensky [ilKhan]: My honorable friend, the Khan from Clan Wolverine, continues to ignore the decisions of this body as verified by the recent Trial. I do not care that the cache is of the 331st Royal Division, her father's command. This body is agreed that the caches are a resource belonging to the Clans as a whole. In the old order, her paternal loyalty would be commended, but this not the old order. We are the Clans. We stand on our own merits, not those of our ancestors.

Sarah McEvedy [Wolverine]: Except you.

Kerensky [ilKhan]: I beg your pardon?

McEvedy: I said, except you. You seem perfectly happy to bask in your father's achievements. He was a visionary who sought justice and peace for all. You seek control.

Mitchell Loris [Mongoose]: Khan McEvedy, you go too far.

McEvedy: Do I? I know many of you in this chamber found our ilKhan's actions to secure control of the Pentagon population offensive. The Star League did not believe in torture and brutality. Those are the tools of power hungry madmen. Is that what you have become, Nicholas Kerensky? A power hungry madman?

[Raised voices from all parties]

Kerensky: SILENCE! McEvedy, Khan of Clan Wolverine, I, Nicholas Kerensky, ilKhan of the Clans, do call for a Trial of Grievance. By our law, you may...

McEvedy: Hang your laws. Does the truth hurt so much, Nicholas?

Kerensky: Fellow Khans, our colleague is clearly overwrought. I call for a vote of censure. Loremaster Ward, please...

McEvedy: Don't bother, Nicholas. I'll leave. In fact, we'll all leave. Clan Wolverine no longer recognizes the authority of the ilKhan or the Grand Council. From this point forward, we are an independent power. We decide our own fate, fairly and according to the morals and standards of the Star League.

Kerensky: You cannot do this.

McEvedy: I can and I have.

[McEvedy moves to leave.]

Kerensky: Arrest her!

[McEvedy draws her pistol; the Khans and security guards back off. A detachment of Wolverine troops arrives.]

McEvedy: If you want to face us, fine. But we will not hold back. Prepare to reap the whirlwind.

[McEvedy storms out]

Kerensky: My Khans, we face a serious decision...

  — Excerpt from Grand Council security tape (uncensored version), October 8, 2823, as recorded in Clan Wolf records and reported by Phelan Kell.*


Those who break faith with the Unity shall go down to darkness.
  — The Grand Council votes for a Trial of Annihilation against Clan Wolverine, October 11, 2823


The darkness is behind us, the light is ahead.

Strive toward it, for it is the way."
Said our Founder, Nicholas.
"Be ever vigilant
and rely on your strengths:
Faith, which preserves us;
Knowledge, which gives us power;
Understanding, which lets us know our foes;
Courage, which lets us face the darkness without fear.

  — The Remembrance (Clan Wolf), Passage 10, Verse 9, Lines 1-10

Title and Position

Preceded by
none (founder)
ilKhan of the Clans
June 9th 2815- October 7th 2834[12]
Succeeded by

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 104 - "Nicholas Kerensky Profile"
  2. 2.0 2.1 OTP: Widowmaker Absorption, p. 1
  3. Historical: Operation Klondike, p.103 - "Timeline"
  4. The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky, p.30 - "Comparative Timeline"
  5. Invading Clans, pp. 80-82
  6. Forever Faithful p. 58
  7. Betrayal of Ideals p. 206
  8. Touring the Stars, p. 11, "Trials and Glory" – Ways of the Wolf Clan
  9. Invading Clans, p. 47
  10. Invading Clans, p. 79
  11. Invading Clans, p. 82
  12. Historical: Operation Klondike, p.103 - "Timeline"

Bibliography