Difference between revisions of "Pavel Ridzik"

 
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{{Update Needed|[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]], [[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)]]}}
 
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image              = Pavel Ridzik.jpg
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| image              = Pavel Ridzik BTLegends.jpg
| caption            =  
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| caption            = Pavel Ridzik
 
| name                = Pavel Ridzik
 
| name                = Pavel Ridzik
| birthdate          = [[2968]]
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| birthdate          = [[2968]]<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 128: "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Age 57 in year [[3025]]</ref><ref name=BT:Lp60>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 60</ref>
| died                = [[3028]]
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| died                = 21 July [[3029]]<ref name=W:Cc28>''Warrior: Coupé'', ch. 28</ref><ref name=BT:Lp60/>
 
| othernames          =  
 
| othernames          =  
| affiliation        = [[Tikonov Free Republic]]
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| affiliation        = [[House Ridzik]]
| profession          = [[Supreme Lord of Tikonov Free Republic|Supreme Lord]]
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| rank                = [[Strategic Director]]<ref name=BT:Lp60/>
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| title              = [[Supreme Lord of Tikonov Free Republic|Supreme Lord]]<ref name=W:Cc28/><ref name=BT:Lp60/><br/>[[Duke of Styk]]<br/>[[Duke of Thomas]]
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| position            =
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| profession          = Noble
 
| parents            =  
 
| parents            =  
 
| siblings            =  
 
| siblings            =  
| spouse              =  
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| spouse              = [[Elizabeth Jordan (Capellan Confederation)|Elizabeth Jordan]] (lover)<ref name=W:Cc28/>
| children            = [[Nikoli Ridzik]]<ref>''Kings and Pawns'' Scenario pg. 14-15</ref><br/>[[Yuri Ridzik]]
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| children            = [[Nikoli Ridzik]]<ref>''Kings & Pawns'', pp. 14–15</ref><ref name=TtS:Hp6>''Touring the Stars: Hall'', p. 6</ref><br/>[[Yuri Ridzik]]<ref name=TtS:Hp6/><br/>[[Angelina Ilyanova]] (illegitimate)<ref>''Field Manual Capellan Confederation'', p. 112</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
'''Pavel Ridzik''' (born [[2968]]<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 128 - "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Age 57 in year [[3025]]</ref> – died [[3028]]<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 179-180 - "Ridzik is assassinated".</ref>) was a [[House Liao|Liao]] nobleman, Former [[Strategic Military Director]] of the [[CCAF|Capellan Armed Forces]], and the Supreme Lord of the short-lived [[Tikonov Free Republic]]. <ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 173 - "Title Supreme Lord used".</ref> Pavel was born on [[Highspire]], and held the title of [[Duke]] of [[Thomas]] and Lord of [[Grand Base]] while loyal to the Capellan Confederation.
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'''Pavel Ridzik''' was a [[Capellan Confederation]] nobleman, former [[Strategic Military Director]] of the [[CCAF|Capellan Armed Forces]], and the Supreme Lord of the short-lived [[Tikonov Free Republic]].<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 173: "Title Supreme Lord used".</ref> Pavel held the titles of [[Duke of Thomas]], [[Duke of Styk]],<ref name=HLTCCp147>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 147: "Styk"</ref> and Lord of [[Grand Base]] while loyal to the Capellan Confederation.
 
 
[[File:Liaouniform3025pavelradzik.png|right|thumb|Pavel Ridzik in his Liao uniform]]
 
  
 
===Personality and Appearance===
 
===Personality and Appearance===
Pavel was greedy, ambitious, and an opportunist. He also was known to be a womanizer.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'' page 213 - Alexi Malenkov says Ridzik is a womanizer to Justin.</ref> He was tall, and was noted for having red hair and a beard.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 168 - "Pavel Ridzik arrives at wedding with Alexi Malenkov in tow".</ref>
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Pavel was greedy, ambitious, and an opportunist, described as a vain and lustful man. He also was known to be a womanizer.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 213: Alexi Malenkov says Ridzik is a womanizer to Justin.</ref> He was tall, noted for having red hair, and was bearded in all known descriptions.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 168: "Pavel Ridzik arrives at wedding with Alexi Malenkov in tow".</ref>
  
===Character History===
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==History==
====Service of Capellan Confederation====
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===Early Life===
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Born into the nobility on [[Highspire]], being young and handsome, Lord Ridzik gained a habit of bedding the wives of other nobles. This then led to numerous duels of honor, which Ridzik always won easily. His enemies soon ceased challenging him physically and instead appealed to Chancellor [[Tormax Liao]] to exile him. Ridzik disappeared but soon resurfaced when he was appointed commander of the [[Prefectorate Guard]] at the age of 21: [[Maximilian Liao]] had used his influence to rescue him, amused by the young noble and liking his ruthlessness, expecting to work with him and ensure the loyalty of Highspire. Maximillian joined forces with Ridzik, eventually launching the coup to overthrow his father, who died two years later in Ridzik's "possession."<ref>'BattleTech: Legends'', p. 60</ref><ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 128: "Pavel Ridzik profile - Max gives his father into the care of Ridzik".</ref>
  
*[[2990]] - Ridzik assisted [[Maximilian Liao]] in unseating his father [[Tormax Liao]] in a bloodless coup. Maximilian put Ridzik in charge of his father's safety after the coup.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 128 - "Pavel Ridzik profile - Max gives his father into the care of Ridzik".</ref>  
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===Service of Capellan Confederation===
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On [[2991]], the Chancellor Liao rewarded Ridzik with the command of the [[Stapleton's Iron Hand]] for assisting him in gaining the Chancellorship.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 90: "Stapleton's Iron Hand unit profile".</ref>  The [[Colonel]] relinquished his command of the [[Prefectorate Guard]] and transferred to his new command, which departed to the Davion front. During a battle, an Iron's Hand [[Quickdraw]] pilot sacrificed his life to save Ridzik's. In remembrance of his sacrifice, Pavel added his savior's 'Mech's left arm into his [[Thunderbolt]], which cemented the unit's loyalty to his new commander.<ref>'BattleTech: Legends'', p. 61</ref>
  
*[[2991]] - Chancellor Liao rewards Ridzik with command of the [[Stapleton's Iron Hand]] for assisting him in gaining the Chancellorship.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 90 - "Stapleton's Iron Hand unit profile".</ref> The [[Colonel]] relinquished his command of the [[Prefectorate Guard]], and transferred to his new command.
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On [[2992]], Ridzik was promoted by the new Chancellor, Maxilimian Liao, to the position of Strategic Military Director of the Capellan Confederation two weeks after the mysterious demise of the former Chancellor. In [[3011]], the world of [[Thomas]] was attacked, and as a Duke of Thomas, Ridzik led the counterattack with [[Trimaldi's Secutors]] and a [[mercenary]] unit, the [[Waco Rangers]], against the [[Forty-second Avalon Hussars]]. His actions led to the breaking of the [[FedSun]] siege on the planet.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 86: "Trimaldi's Secutors unit profile" - Duke of Thomas (Ridzik) leads counterassault against Davion invaders.</ref>
  
*[[2992]] - Ridzik was promoted by the Chancellor to the position of Strategic Military Director of the Capellan Confederation two weeks after the mysterious demise of the former Chancellor.
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[[3020]] saw Ridzik given special mission from the Chancellor. He led a mixed force of Maskirovka agents and Hussar officers to the world of [[Truth]]. His force masqueraded as a rogue mercenary unit, and killed more than 3,000 religious members of a group known as the [[Pan-Humanist Congregation]].<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', pp. 62, 128: "Lesson in Faith & Pavel Ridzik profile".</ref>
  
*[[3011]] - The world of Thomas is attacked, and as a Duke of Thomas, Ridzik lead the counterattack with [[Trimaldi's Secutors]] and a [[mercenary]] unit, the [[Waco Rangers]], against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]]. His actions lead to breaking of the [[FedSun]]'s siege on the planet.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 86 - "Trimaldi's Secutors unit profile" - Duke of Thomas (Ridzik) leads counterassault against Davion invaders.</ref>
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On July of [[3025]], Ridzik commanded the forces that invaded the Federated Suns world [[Stein's Folly]], where his forces captured the [[Prince's Champion]], [[Ardan Sortek]].<ref name=TSATD1>''The Sword and the Dagger'', ch. 1</ref>
  
*[[3020]] - Ridzik was a given special mission from the Chancellor. He led a mixed force of Maskirovka agents and Hussar officers to the world of [[Truth]]. His force masqueraded as a rogue mercenary unit, and killed more than 3,000 religious members of a group known as the [[Pan-Humanist Congregation]].<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 62, 128 - "Lesson in Faith & Pavel Ridzik profile".</ref>  
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At August [[3028]], Ridzik accompanied the Chancellor's delegation/family to [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Melissa Steiner II|Melissa Steiner]]'s wedding on [[Terra]]. He was secretly spied by his "aide" [[Alexi Mallory|Alexi Malenkov]] while having a tryst with the Chancellor's wife [[Elizabeth Jordan-Liao]], and reported it to his boss, [[Justin Allard|Justin Xiang]].<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 212</ref>
  
*July [[3025]] - Ridzik commanded the forces that invaded the Federated Suns world [[Stein's Folly]]<ref name=TSATD1>''The Sword and the Dagger'', Chapter 1</ref>
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===Fourth Succession War===
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During the first outbreaks of the War, Colonel Ridzik's headquarters was moved to [[Elgin]].  His presence there kept the mercenary unit [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] on the world.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 269: "Tsen Shang suspects, Senior Colonel's presence on Elgin, may been reason the Fusiliers did not immediately leave the world to avenge the destroyed sister unit, Marion's Highlanders".</ref>
  
*August [[3028]] - Colonel Ridzik accompanied the Chancellor's delegation/family to [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Melissa Steiner II|Melissa Steiner]]'s wedding on [[Terra]]. He is secretly spied by his "aide" [[Alexi Mallory|Alexi Malenkov]] while having a tryst with the Chancellor's wife [[Elizabeth Jordan Liao]].<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 212 - "Alexi Malenkov reports to [[Justin Allard|Justin Xiang]] that, Ridzik is having a tryst with Lady Elizabeth Liao".</ref>
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In December, Ridzik sent a plea for aid reaffirming his dedication to the Confederation despite his Tikonov Commonality being cut off from the rest of the Confederation. He requested that his regiment, Stapleton's Iron Hand, and other Tikonov's forces that have fallen back be brought to a position where they can strike and retake Tikonov from the [[Eighth Crucis Lancers]].  The Eighth, according to the Colonel's intelligence, was the only unit on-world. On Sian, the Chancellor was dubious of the Colonel's motives and plans. The Chancellor ordered the Colonel to be eliminated on the charge of treason.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 270–271, 275: "Ridzik message to the Chancellor, and his ejection. Maximilian orders Ridzik death on treason he possibly going to commit".</ref>  Ridzik receives word from Sian that his plan had been rejected.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 293: "Ridzik fumes over Chancellor's rejection of his plan retake Tikonov".</ref>
  
====Fourth Succession War====
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In February, [[3029]], Ridzik was rescued from the Liao assassination attempt by Davion agents.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 294–295: "Ridzik is surprised his rescuers are Davion agents and woman had been sent by Sian to kill him".</ref>  He then agreed to see Hanse Davion and defected, leading to the founding of his own realm, the [[Tikonov Free Republic]].
  
During the first out breaks of the War, Colonel Ridzik's headquarters is moved to [[Elgin]]. His presence there kept the mercenary unit, [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] on world.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 269 - "Tsen Shang suspects, Senior Colonel's presence on Elgin, may been reason the Fusiliers did not immediately leave world to avenge the destroyed sister unit, Marion's Highlanders".</ref>
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===Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic===
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Brokering a deal with Hanse Davion, Senior Colonel Ridzik became the [[Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic]]. However, his fiefdom consisted only of the Tikonov Commonality and he was denied his nation's homeworld of Tikonov. Given a Davion Liaison, Hanse Davion's close friend, [[General]] Ardan Sortek, the two did not get along, with Sortek secretly calling Ridzik ''The Littlest Tzar'' to Hanse Davion.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 132: "Hanse remember Holovid he received from Ardan remarking his true feelings for Colonel Ridzik".</ref>
  
In December, Ridzik sends a plea for aid reaffirming his dedication to the Confederation despite his Tikonov Commonality being cut off from rest of the Confederation. He request that his regiment, Stapleton's Iron Hand and other forces that have fallen back be brought to position where they can strike and retake Tikonov from the [[8th Crucis Lancers]].  The Eighth according to the Colonel's intelligence is the only unit on world.  On Sian, the Chancellor is dubious of the Colonel's motives and plans.  Unknown to Ridzik, he orders the Colonel be eliminated on the charge of treason.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 270-271, 275 - "Ridzik message to the Chancellor, and his ejection. Maximilian orders Ridzik death on treason he possibly going to commit".</ref>  Ridzik receives word from Sian that his plan is rejected.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 293 - "Ridzik fumes over Chancellor's rejection of his plan re-take Tikonov".</ref>
+
In March, Pavel reorganized Capellan units that had defected to his Republic, forming the [[First Republican|First]] and [[Second Republican|Second Republican Guards]].<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: "Second Republican bio" - Early actions as part of the Tikonov Free Republic.</ref>
  
In February, [[3029]] - He is rescued from an assassination attempt by an agent from Sian by Davion agents. <ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', pp. 294-295 - "Ridzik is surprised his rescuers are Davion agents and woman had been sent by Sian to kill him".</ref> He then agrees to see Hanse Davion and agrees to work with him.  This leads to him founding his own realm,the [[Tikonov Free Republic]].
+
In June, Prince Davion requested that Colonel Ridzik use his forces to attack the [[Free Worlds League]]. Ridzik ordered his forces to do so, and they claimed several new territories, preventing the League from counterattacking House Davion & his own new realm. Lyran forces assisted in his efforts, cleaning up worlds and making sure they were secure.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 165: "Quintus Allard reports to Hanse Davion that Ridzik forces have claims some worlds from the League, with Lyran assistance".</ref>
  
====Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic====
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July 21st, 3029 on Elgin, Ridzik complained to his Davion liaison officer, General Sortek. The Colonel vented his frustrations at having to move his JumpShip assets from various worlds as this could lead him to feel that he was vulnerable. The conversation was one that Davion General had expected, including Ridzik complaining about the continually forestalled return of the would-be capital world of his republic. Sortek turned to him and reminded him unless Hanse Davion pulled the economic aid he was pumping into Ridzik's republic, he would have to wait for Tikonov to be returned to his control.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 171: "Lord Colonel Ridzik press for return of Tikonov".</ref>
  
Brokering a deal with Hanse Davion, Senior Colonel Ridzik becomes the [[Supreme Lord of Tikonov Free Republic]]. His republic consisting of Tikonov Commonality. However, he is denied his nation's homeworld of Tikonov. He is given a Davion Liaison, Hanse Davions close friend, [[General]] [[Ardan Sortek]]. The two do not get along, secretly Sortek calling Ridzik ''The Littlest Tzar'' to Hanse Davion.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 132 - "Hanse remember Holovid he received from Ardan remarking his true feelings for Colonel Ridzik".</ref>
+
After the meeting, Ridzik was highly annoyed with Sortek and his new master. As he mapped out the worlds Sortek had ''requested'' that he move his JumpShips too, he suspected that Hanse Davion was arranging transport of his wife, who was traveling to New Avalon. Frustrated, he plotted to kill Sortek and kidnap Davion's wife.<ref name=W:Cc28/> Before he put these plans into action an aide handed him a small package containing a [[verigraph|verigraphed]] and magkey to a hotel room.  To his astonishment, the verigraph was from the Chancellor's wife [[Elizabeth Jordan-Liao]] whom he had had an affair saying that she had come to join him. Happy at the turn of events, Ridzik believed he could finally use Jordan's arrival to get back at Maximilian.<ref name=W:Cc28/>
  
In March, he re-organizes Capellan units that had defected to his Republic, he has them form the [[1st Republican|1st]] and [[2nd Republican|2nd Republican Guards]].<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108 - "2nd Republican bio" - Early actions as part of the Tikonov Free Republic.</ref>  
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===Death and Legacy===
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Later that evening after arriving at the hotel room, he was shot with a nerve agent from a poisoned dart by the same female agent who had planted the bomb that failed to kill him six months earlier. As he lay dying, the agent told him that Romano Liao had ordered his assassination and she had Elizabeth Liao write the verigraph before killing her.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 146–147: "Romano furious at Pavel Ridzik fending for himself with Hanse Davion. Decides to have him eliminated".</ref> She left him on the floor of the room, helplessly dying.<ref name=W:Cc28/>
  
In June, Prince Davion requested that Colonel Ridzik use his forces to attack the [[Free Worlds League]]. Ridzik has his forces do so and they claim several new territories, preventing them from counter attacking House Davion & his own new realm. Lyran forces assist in his efforts, cleaning up worlds and making sure they are secure.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 165 - "Quintus Allard reports to Hanse Davion that Ridzik forces have claims some worlds from the League, with Lyran assistance".</ref>
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Ridzik's death greatly favored the Federated Suns, which gained nothing by his continued existence. Ardan Sortek took his place as the provisional leader of the Republic, which afterward became part of the [[Sarna March]] of the Federated Commonwealth.<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 12: "Unification"</ref>
  
July 21st, 3029 on Elgin, Ridzik complained to his Davion liaison officer, General Sortek. The Colonel vented his frustrations at having to move his JumpShip assets from various worlds as this could lead him to feel that he was vulnerable. The conversation was one that Davion General had expected, Ridzik complaining about the continually forestalled return of the would-be capital world of his republic. Sortek, turned to him and said, "Unless Hanse Davion pulled the economic aid he was pumping into Ridzik's republic, he would have to wait. For Tikonov to be returned to his Republic control."<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 171 - "Lord Colonel Ridzik press for return of Tikonov".</ref> 
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==Family==
 
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Pavel was survived by his only known sons: the twins [[Yuri Ridzik]] and [[Nikoli Ridzik]].
After the meeting, Ridzik was highly annoyed with Sortek and his new master, Hanse Davion. He maps out the worlds Sortek had ''requested'' that he move his JumpShips too. He suspected that Hanse Davion was arranging transport of his wife, who was traveling to New Avalon. Frustrated, he plots to kill Sortek and kidnap Davion's wife.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 175-176 - "Ridzik fed up with Davion keepers, plots to kidnap Melissa Steiner-Davion & murder Ardan Sortek".</ref> Before he can put these plans into action an aide comes to him, handing him a small package containing a [[verigraph|verigraphed]] and magkey to a hotel room.  To his astonishment the verigraph is from the Chancellor's wife [[Elizabeth Jordan Liao]] whom he had had an affair with saying that she had come to join him. Happy at the turn of events, Ridzik believes he can finally use Jordan's arrival to get back at Maximilian.  
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After the division of the Commonwealth and collapse of Sarna March after [[Operation GUERRERO]], both Ridziks raised an Army and tried to resurrect the Republic, but they failed: in 3059, on [[Hall]], his army was destroyed by [[William Baranov]] forces and both, apparently, killed.
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Years later, the [[Word of Blake]] "created" two fake Yuri and Nikoli, to sow chaos on Hall, but both impostors were killed soon  in combat.
 +
Pavel also had an illegitimate daughter, named [[Angelina Ilyanova]]. In 3060, she was the commanding officer of [[Second Janissaries]] of [[St. Ives Compact]].<ref>''Field Manual Capellan Confederation'', p. 112</ref>
 +
The Hauptmann General [[Caleb Peleas]], commander of the [[Tikonov Republican Guard]] in 3060 and native of Tikonov, is rumored to be another illegitimate child of Ridzik but is unconfirmed.<ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 104</ref>
  
Later that evening after arriving at the hotel room, he is shot with a nerve agent on a poisoned dart by the same female agent who had planted the bomb that failed to kill him six months earlier. As he is dying the agent tells him that Romano Liao had ordered this assassination and she had Elizabeth Liao write the verigraph before killing her.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 146-147 - "Romano furious at Pavel Ridzik fending for himself with Hanse Davion. Decides to have him eliminated".</ref> She leaves him on the floor of the room, helplessly dying.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 178-180 - "Ridzik is killed by same female assassin as before".</ref>
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==Notes==
 +
* Prior to him leaving the Confederation, he tried to court Candice Liao as his consort in a bid to gain the Chancellorship.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 126: "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Personality:secretly trying to gain the hand of Candice Liao</ref>
  
==Legacy==
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* Romano Liao had considered taking him as a Consort to help consolidate her holdings while planning to grab the throne for herself.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 146: "Romano enraged with Ridzik had taken Elizabeth Liao over her. Mad she thought considering him to consolidate her power base".</ref>
Ironically, Ridzik's death didn't benefit in nothing the Capellans, but was a great help to the Federated Suns: not only put an end to Ridzik's plans to kill Sortek and capture Melissa Steiner: After Ridzik's death, Ardan Sortek succeed him as a provisional leader of the Republic. The new state didn't survive much at his founder: after the war, his population voted to join the Sarna March of Federated Commonwealth.
 
 
 
==Family==
 
Pavel was survived by his only known sons: the twins [[Yuri Ridzik]] and [[Nikoli Ridzik]].
 
After the division of the Commonwealth and collapse of Sarna March after [[Operation Guerrero]], both Ridziks raised an Army and tried to resurrect the Republic, but they failed: in 3059, in the planet [[Hall]], his army was destroyed by [[William Baranov]] forces and both, apparently, killed.
 
Years later, the [[Word of Blake]] "created" two fake Yuri and Nikoli, to sew the chaos in Hall, but both impostors were killed.
 
Pavel also had a illegitimate daughter, named [[Angelina Ilyanova]]. In 3060, she was the commanding officer of [[2nd Janissaries]] of [[St. Ives Compact]].<ref>''Field Manual Capellan Confederation'' p. 112</ref>
 
The Hauptmann General [[Caleb Peleas]], commander of the [[Tikonov Republican Guard]] in 3060, and native of Tikonov, is rumored to be another illegitimate children of Ridzik, but it isn't confirmed.<ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'' p. 104</ref>
 
  
==Character Notes==
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==BattleMech==
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For most of his career, Pavel piloted the Ridzik ancestral ''[[Thunderbolt]]'' that began service in the [[twenty-sixth century]]. It was downgraded to modified TDR-5S specifications by the time he took charge of it and had a [[Quickdraw|''Quickdraw''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s]] left arm grafted on in [[2991]]. After Ridzik's assassination, his 'Mech passed to the Iron hand's successor unit, the [[Second Republican Guard]], and was destroyed at [[3062]], during the [[FedCom Civil War]], along with most of the 2nd, on [[Algol]].<ref>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 61</ref>
  
Prior to him leaving the Confederation, he tried to court Candice Liao as his consort in a bid to become more powerful. His ambitions are to take the Capella chancellorship. <ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', p. 126 - "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Personality:secretly trying to gain hand of Candice Liao</ref>
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Ridzik also was noted to pilot an ''[[Orion]]'' during the Battle of Tikograd, Tikonov.<ref>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 12</ref>
  
Romano Liao had considered taking him as a Consort to help consolidate her holdings while planning to grab the throne for herself.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 146 - "Romano enraged with Ridzik had taken Elizabeth Liao over her. Mad she thought considering him to consolidate her power base".</ref>
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
 +
Pavel Ridzik HLTCC p128.jpg|Pavel Ridzik
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Pavel Ridzik HLTCC p90.png|Ridzik in his Liao uniform from ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)|House Liao]]''
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Pavel Ridzik BTLegends.jpg|Ridzik from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''
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Thunderbolt (Pavel Ridzik) BTLegends.jpg|Ridzik's TDR-5S ''Thunderbolt'' (before modification) from ''BT:Legends''
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</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 81: Line 89:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
*''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
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* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)
*''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
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* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
*''[[Warrior: Riposte]]''
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* ''[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]]''
*''[[Warrior: Coupé]]''
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* ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
*''[[The Sword and the Dagger]]''
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* ''[[Kings & Pawns]]''
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* ''[[The Sword and the Dagger]]''
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* ''[[Touring the Stars: Hall]]''
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* ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]'' (novel)
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* ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]'' (novel)
  
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation Characters|Ridzik, Pavel]]
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation Characters|Ridzik, Pavel]]
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[[Category:Tikonov Free Republic Characters|Ridzik, Pavel]]

Latest revision as of 10:51, 24 December 2023

Pavel Ridzik
Pavel Ridzik
Personal
Born2968[1][2]
Died21 July 3029[3][2]
AffiliationHouse Ridzik
Profile
RankStrategic Director[2]
Title(s)Supreme Lord[3][2]
Duke of Styk
Duke of Thomas
ProfessionNoble
Family
SpouseElizabeth Jordan (lover)[3]
ChildrenNikoli Ridzik[4][5]
Yuri Ridzik[5]
Angelina Ilyanova (illegitimate)[6]

Pavel Ridzik was a Capellan Confederation nobleman, former Strategic Military Director of the Capellan Armed Forces, and the Supreme Lord of the short-lived Tikonov Free Republic.[7] Pavel held the titles of Duke of Thomas, Duke of Styk,[8] and Lord of Grand Base while loyal to the Capellan Confederation.

Personality and Appearance[edit]

Pavel was greedy, ambitious, and an opportunist, described as a vain and lustful man. He also was known to be a womanizer.[9] He was tall, noted for having red hair, and was bearded in all known descriptions.[10]

History[edit]

Early Life[edit]

Born into the nobility on Highspire, being young and handsome, Lord Ridzik gained a habit of bedding the wives of other nobles. This then led to numerous duels of honor, which Ridzik always won easily. His enemies soon ceased challenging him physically and instead appealed to Chancellor Tormax Liao to exile him. Ridzik disappeared but soon resurfaced when he was appointed commander of the Prefectorate Guard at the age of 21: Maximilian Liao had used his influence to rescue him, amused by the young noble and liking his ruthlessness, expecting to work with him and ensure the loyalty of Highspire. Maximillian joined forces with Ridzik, eventually launching the coup to overthrow his father, who died two years later in Ridzik's "possession."[11][12]

Service of Capellan Confederation[edit]

On 2991, the Chancellor Liao rewarded Ridzik with the command of the Stapleton's Iron Hand for assisting him in gaining the Chancellorship.[13] The Colonel relinquished his command of the Prefectorate Guard and transferred to his new command, which departed to the Davion front. During a battle, an Iron's Hand Quickdraw pilot sacrificed his life to save Ridzik's. In remembrance of his sacrifice, Pavel added his savior's 'Mech's left arm into his Thunderbolt, which cemented the unit's loyalty to his new commander.[14]

On 2992, Ridzik was promoted by the new Chancellor, Maxilimian Liao, to the position of Strategic Military Director of the Capellan Confederation two weeks after the mysterious demise of the former Chancellor. In 3011, the world of Thomas was attacked, and as a Duke of Thomas, Ridzik led the counterattack with Trimaldi's Secutors and a mercenary unit, the Waco Rangers, against the Forty-second Avalon Hussars. His actions led to the breaking of the FedSun siege on the planet.[15]

3020 saw Ridzik given special mission from the Chancellor. He led a mixed force of Maskirovka agents and Hussar officers to the world of Truth. His force masqueraded as a rogue mercenary unit, and killed more than 3,000 religious members of a group known as the Pan-Humanist Congregation.[16]

On July of 3025, Ridzik commanded the forces that invaded the Federated Suns world Stein's Folly, where his forces captured the Prince's Champion, Ardan Sortek.[17]

At August 3028, Ridzik accompanied the Chancellor's delegation/family to Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner's wedding on Terra. He was secretly spied by his "aide" Alexi Malenkov while having a tryst with the Chancellor's wife Elizabeth Jordan-Liao, and reported it to his boss, Justin Xiang.[18]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

During the first outbreaks of the War, Colonel Ridzik's headquarters was moved to Elgin. His presence there kept the mercenary unit McCormack's Fusiliers on the world.[19]

In December, Ridzik sent a plea for aid reaffirming his dedication to the Confederation despite his Tikonov Commonality being cut off from the rest of the Confederation. He requested that his regiment, Stapleton's Iron Hand, and other Tikonov's forces that have fallen back be brought to a position where they can strike and retake Tikonov from the Eighth Crucis Lancers. The Eighth, according to the Colonel's intelligence, was the only unit on-world. On Sian, the Chancellor was dubious of the Colonel's motives and plans. The Chancellor ordered the Colonel to be eliminated on the charge of treason.[20] Ridzik receives word from Sian that his plan had been rejected.[21]

In February, 3029, Ridzik was rescued from the Liao assassination attempt by Davion agents.[22] He then agreed to see Hanse Davion and defected, leading to the founding of his own realm, the Tikonov Free Republic.

Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic[edit]

Brokering a deal with Hanse Davion, Senior Colonel Ridzik became the Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic. However, his fiefdom consisted only of the Tikonov Commonality and he was denied his nation's homeworld of Tikonov. Given a Davion Liaison, Hanse Davion's close friend, General Ardan Sortek, the two did not get along, with Sortek secretly calling Ridzik The Littlest Tzar to Hanse Davion.[23]

In March, Pavel reorganized Capellan units that had defected to his Republic, forming the First and Second Republican Guards.[24]

In June, Prince Davion requested that Colonel Ridzik use his forces to attack the Free Worlds League. Ridzik ordered his forces to do so, and they claimed several new territories, preventing the League from counterattacking House Davion & his own new realm. Lyran forces assisted in his efforts, cleaning up worlds and making sure they were secure.[25]

July 21st, 3029 on Elgin, Ridzik complained to his Davion liaison officer, General Sortek. The Colonel vented his frustrations at having to move his JumpShip assets from various worlds as this could lead him to feel that he was vulnerable. The conversation was one that Davion General had expected, including Ridzik complaining about the continually forestalled return of the would-be capital world of his republic. Sortek turned to him and reminded him unless Hanse Davion pulled the economic aid he was pumping into Ridzik's republic, he would have to wait for Tikonov to be returned to his control.[26]

After the meeting, Ridzik was highly annoyed with Sortek and his new master. As he mapped out the worlds Sortek had requested that he move his JumpShips too, he suspected that Hanse Davion was arranging transport of his wife, who was traveling to New Avalon. Frustrated, he plotted to kill Sortek and kidnap Davion's wife.[3] Before he put these plans into action an aide handed him a small package containing a verigraphed and magkey to a hotel room. To his astonishment, the verigraph was from the Chancellor's wife Elizabeth Jordan-Liao whom he had had an affair saying that she had come to join him. Happy at the turn of events, Ridzik believed he could finally use Jordan's arrival to get back at Maximilian.[3]

Death and Legacy[edit]

Later that evening after arriving at the hotel room, he was shot with a nerve agent from a poisoned dart by the same female agent who had planted the bomb that failed to kill him six months earlier. As he lay dying, the agent told him that Romano Liao had ordered his assassination and she had Elizabeth Liao write the verigraph before killing her.[27] She left him on the floor of the room, helplessly dying.[3]

Ridzik's death greatly favored the Federated Suns, which gained nothing by his continued existence. Ardan Sortek took his place as the provisional leader of the Republic, which afterward became part of the Sarna March of the Federated Commonwealth.[28]

Family[edit]

Pavel was survived by his only known sons: the twins Yuri Ridzik and Nikoli Ridzik. After the division of the Commonwealth and collapse of Sarna March after Operation GUERRERO, both Ridziks raised an Army and tried to resurrect the Republic, but they failed: in 3059, on Hall, his army was destroyed by William Baranov forces and both, apparently, killed. Years later, the Word of Blake "created" two fake Yuri and Nikoli, to sow chaos on Hall, but both impostors were killed soon in combat. Pavel also had an illegitimate daughter, named Angelina Ilyanova. In 3060, she was the commanding officer of Second Janissaries of St. Ives Compact.[29] The Hauptmann General Caleb Peleas, commander of the Tikonov Republican Guard in 3060 and native of Tikonov, is rumored to be another illegitimate child of Ridzik but is unconfirmed.[30]

Notes[edit]

  • Prior to him leaving the Confederation, he tried to court Candice Liao as his consort in a bid to gain the Chancellorship.[31]
  • Romano Liao had considered taking him as a Consort to help consolidate her holdings while planning to grab the throne for herself.[32]

BattleMech[edit]

For most of his career, Pavel piloted the Ridzik ancestral Thunderbolt that began service in the twenty-sixth century. It was downgraded to modified TDR-5S specifications by the time he took charge of it and had a Quickdraw's left arm grafted on in 2991. After Ridzik's assassination, his 'Mech passed to the Iron hand's successor unit, the Second Republican Guard, and was destroyed at 3062, during the FedCom Civil War, along with most of the 2nd, on Algol.[33]

Ridzik also was noted to pilot an Orion during the Battle of Tikograd, Tikonov.[34]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Warrior: Coupé, p. 128: "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Age 57 in year 3025
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 BattleTech: Legends, p. 60
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Warrior: Coupé, ch. 28
  4. Kings & Pawns, pp. 14–15
  5. 5.0 5.1 Touring the Stars: Hall, p. 6
  6. Field Manual Capellan Confederation, p. 112
  7. Warrior: Coupé, p. 173: "Title Supreme Lord used".
  8. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 147: "Styk"
  9. Warrior: Riposte, p. 213: Alexi Malenkov says Ridzik is a womanizer to Justin.
  10. Warrior: Riposte, p. 168: "Pavel Ridzik arrives at wedding with Alexi Malenkov in tow".
  11. 'BattleTech: Legends, p. 60
  12. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 128: "Pavel Ridzik profile - Max gives his father into the care of Ridzik".
  13. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 90: "Stapleton's Iron Hand unit profile".
  14. 'BattleTech: Legends, p. 61
  15. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 86: "Trimaldi's Secutors unit profile" - Duke of Thomas (Ridzik) leads counterassault against Davion invaders.
  16. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), pp. 62, 128: "Lesson in Faith & Pavel Ridzik profile".
  17. The Sword and the Dagger, ch. 1
  18. Warrior: Riposte, p. 212
  19. Warrior: Riposte, p. 269: "Tsen Shang suspects, Senior Colonel's presence on Elgin, may been reason the Fusiliers did not immediately leave the world to avenge the destroyed sister unit, Marion's Highlanders".
  20. Warrior: Riposte, pp. 270–271, 275: "Ridzik message to the Chancellor, and his ejection. Maximilian orders Ridzik death on treason he possibly going to commit".
  21. Warrior: Riposte, p. 293: "Ridzik fumes over Chancellor's rejection of his plan retake Tikonov".
  22. Warrior: Riposte, pp. 294–295: "Ridzik is surprised his rescuers are Davion agents and woman had been sent by Sian to kill him".
  23. Warrior: Coupé, p. 132: "Hanse remember Holovid he received from Ardan remarking his true feelings for Colonel Ridzik".
  24. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 108: "Second Republican bio" - Early actions as part of the Tikonov Free Republic.
  25. Warrior: Coupé, p. 165: "Quintus Allard reports to Hanse Davion that Ridzik forces have claims some worlds from the League, with Lyran assistance".
  26. Warrior: Coupé, p. 171: "Lord Colonel Ridzik press for return of Tikonov".
  27. Warrior: Coupé, pp. 146–147: "Romano furious at Pavel Ridzik fending for himself with Hanse Davion. Decides to have him eliminated".
  28. 20 Year Update, p. 12: "Unification"
  29. Field Manual Capellan Confederation, p. 112
  30. Field Manual: Federated Suns, p. 104
  31. House Liao (The Capellan Confederation), p. 126: "Pavel Ridzik character profile" - Personality:secretly trying to gain the hand of Candice Liao
  32. Warrior: Coupé, p. 146: "Romano enraged with Ridzik had taken Elizabeth Liao over her. Mad she thought considering him to consolidate her power base".
  33. BattleTech: Legends, p. 61
  34. The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One, p. 12

Bibliography[edit]