Periphery Survey

Periphery Survey
Story information
Author	Chris Hussey
Type	In-Universe Media
Product	Mech (magazine)#Issue Seven
Content
Era	Clan Invasion Era
Agency	ComStar
Universe Date	14 June 3055-1 March 3056

The Periphery Survey was a five-part update on the Periphery, updating the works of Precentors Alisha Nevine (The Periphery) and Jeffrey Layton (Objective Raids) with developments in the intervening years.

Written by ComStar ROM Precentor Marshall Roth of the All-Knowledge Outer Reach Corps, this update on the Periphery was sent out in five installments between 14 June 3055 and 1 March, 3056. Roth had still yet to “choose sides” in the ComStar Schism and so he sent this work to both ComStar Primus Sharilar Mori and Word of Blake Primus Demona Aziz. In the second installment he then admonished both Primuses for their terse replies demanding he cease distributing these reports to the opposing faction. Roth reminded them that despite their current differences both factions were ComStar and sought to “bring the flame of enlightenment to all the Inner Sphere and end these senseless conflicts. He then continued sending his series to both factions. His report followed a common format, examining the recent developments, military strength, future projections, and recommendations for ComStar. Each section will summarize those areas, and then address how close they stayed to later canon.

Taurian Concordat

Recent Developments

In the last twenty years the Taurian Concordat has colonized about 25 new worlds, including many that are materially rich. This resulted in several members of the Ministries of Trade and Colonization storming a Privy Council meeting and demanding Protector Thomas Calderon rescind several trade and material exploitation laws and declaring Thomas’s paranoia would drag the realm down. Thomas refused and ordered Marshall Hadjia Doru to stop the Ministers when they declared they would ignore the laws with or without their recension. Doru took no action which increased Thomas’ paranoia dramatically. It was expected he would be out of power by 3056 in favor of his son Jeffrey Calderon or Marshall Doru.

Military Strength

The Concordat’s military remained approximately the same as Precentor Layton’s report (15 Regiments), but there were rumors the Concordat had gained access to Ferro-Fibrous and Pulse Laser technology, which they shared with the Magistracy of Canopus in exchange for more LosTech.

Future Projections & Recommendations

Provided the Concordat survives the inevitable coup, it was projected that the new colonies would provide incredible economic strength. Improving relations with the Magistracy (without the knowledge of Thomas) revolving around mutual defense and cooperative expansion are likewise projected to benefit the nation. ComStar engineers and governmental advisors were thought to be invaluable in the expanded region, as well as a way to increase ComStar’s influence on the realm. Com Guards units were also recommended to be placed on alert for any coup.

Canonicity

The coup came much quicker, with Marshall Doru placing Thomas in protective custody immediately after the confrontation with the Ministers. He then traveled to the Calderon residence and obtained Jeffrey’s agreement to take the reigns of power. To avoid becoming a potential magnet for political opposition Doru declined the nomination to Minister of Defense, resigned his commission and left the Concordat to live a very colorful life. Jeffrey was the driving force behind increased cooperation with the Magistracy. Nothing was specifically mentioned of Pulse Lasers but an SLDF storehouse containing Ferro-Fibrous armor and other high-tech weapons was found on Celano in 3019. Under LosTech, Inc. reverse engineering was begun immediately, though hampered by Far Looker embezzling discovered in 3037. The effort was picked up again by Edge Industries after an indeterminate delay, with real progress only occurring with the formation of the Trinity Alliance.

Mica Majority

Recent Developments

In 3035 the Tortuga Dominions began a devastating raiding campaign against the three planets of the Mica Majority. Thousands of people were pressed into slavery, millions of C-bills of gold and other precious metals were looted. The Dome Directors decided to ask for Com Guards protection, which ComStar agreed to. When Paula “Lady Death” Trevaline heard of this she made a point of killing every single Com Guards on her next raid, then giving each planet a painful lesson on what happens to those with the temerity to stand up to her. Desperate, the Directors hired a veteran mercenary unit, the Hellrazors. The next raid saw Lady Death’s two battalions defeated by the outnumbered mercenaries. In what would be one of the first steps to a unified government, the Directors decided to maintain a mercenary presence, each planet paying a portion of their retainer. Life for the average Micanite has changed little, still resembling gold rush life in Terra’s 1800s. Merchants from the Federated Commonwealth, Outworlds Alliance, and recently the Taurian Concordat travel the system.

Military Strength

Approximately two BattleMech Companies of Larsen’s Loners, formerly a part of Bullard's Armored Cavalry. Their contract expires in 3057.

Future Projections & Recommendations

The Directors continue to take slow steps towards a unified government. Mica VII is showing signs its mineral mines are running out, which could be a serious problem if it occurs before a central government forms. ComStar education teams could provide much needed stability in exchange for the still abundant raw materials in the system.

Canonicity

Lady Death attacked in 3035, but instead of Com Guards she found mineral storehouses with only a fraction of the wealth she anticipated. Between the lack of plunder and the brutal environment the pirates left after a few weeks. Larsen’s Loners garrison the world and are partially paid by taxes, with tour operators contributing the majority of their salary.

Tortuga Dominions

Recent Developments

During the Fourth Succession War the Tortuga Dominions raided the Federated Suns almost non-stop from 3029-3032, then turning their attention to the Mica Majority and Taurian Concordat until the late 3030s. This near continuous raiding led many to believe a supply of BattleMechs had been uncovered, a fact that was confirmed in 3042 when the Federated Commonwealth finally cornered the pirates and imprisoned Paula “Lady Death” Trevaline. In 3054 Fuchida's Fusiliers raided Precision Weaponry on Tancredi IV and are believed to have taken up residence on Tortuga Prime.

Military Strength

If the Fusiliers are on Tortuga Prime, their estimated strength is one BattleMech battalion. If they rediscover the hidden cache, that estimate could quickly grow.

Future Projections & Recommendations

The future is bleak for the population of Tortuga Prime, with conquest by the Concordat their best chance at survival. ComStar should endeavor to locate the hidden cache of BattleMechs which would be beneficial in rebuilding the Com Guards. Many of the worlds are very hospitable, making them ideal for ComStar observation bases.

Canonicity

With the exception of the possible hidden cache, everything in this section became canon.

Fiefdom of Randis

Recent Developments

Historically the pseudo-religious order of the Brotherhood of Randis did little to draw attention to themselves and their nation, the Fiefdom of Randis. This changed in 3037 when Galahad Frews in a Trebuchet defeated Grand Knight Jacob Ben Volcroth in a Warhammer during a duel for leadership. One of Frews’ first actions was to demand Precentor Adrien Brix to dismantle the HPG and depart the planet. He then continued to make the Brotherhood more regimented and swelled their ranks with new BattleMechs. Rumors persist that he has access to Star League technology, and has requested the assistance of LosTech prospector Denbe Harstead.

Military Strength

The Brotherhood might field a battalion of BattleMechs

Future Projections & Recommendations

Grand Knight Frews’ goals remain unknown

Canonicity

Frews gained control of the Brotherhood in 3037, but the name of the prior Grand Knight and their respective BattleMechs was not recorded. ComStar was not asked to leave. The Brotherhood discovered a Star League cache on Antallos, fighting off Fuchida's Fusiliers.

Outworlds Alliance

Recent Developments

The Outworlds Alliance changed little until the coming of the Clans. The discontinuation of Federated Commonwealth and Draconis Combine military aid and withdrawal of the Com Guards left the Alliance’s small military in a very poor position, having to break BattleMech forces into Lance and Company-sized elements to cover all the border worlds. Increased pirate raids have been detrimental to President Neil Avellar’s approval rating. The marriage of Avellar to Baroness Rebecca DeSanders in 3034 made many fear they would be swallowed up by the Federated Commonwealth just as the Tikonov Free Republic was. A group known as the Separatists have been protesting the couple and their son Mitchell and hope to replace him with Baron Barnabas Huard of Baliggora. Their effort has support but not enough to replace rulers. The Alliance’s insistence on barter instead of a currency (aside from yearly Mech games on Lushann) continues to stifle the economy

Military Strength

Approximately three BattleMech regiments and seven conventional regiments dispersed on the several worlds. Magestrix Emma Centrella gifted several Pike support vehicles as a goodwill gift. Aerospace continues to be their strongest arm, with six regiments (360 aerospace fighters). Currently they do not have any rediscovered Star League technology.

Future Projections & Recommendations

It is expected Neil Avellar will abdicate in favor of Mitchell in the next two years. The Alliance citizens remain unafraid of the Clans, recognizing their distance from both the front lines and Terra. The Magistracy of Canopus has been very active with diplomatic outreach with the Alliance. It was recommended that ComStar continue to their education outreach which historically boosts recruitment-Precentor Roth being one such recruit.

Notes

Published in the then-canon Mech Magazine (Q3 1992-Q3 1993) this series provided some of the only insight into the Periphery between The Periphery (1988) and The Periphery, Second Edition (1996), with the limited exception of the Twenty Year Update (1989) and Objective Raids (1992). As detailed above in the Canonicity sections, most of the facts presented here were later implemented in The Periphery, Second Edition or later works. There is also a dating error where the second installment (06/14/3055) occurred before the first installment’s date (08/23/3055).

Bibliography

• The Periphery (sourcebook)
• The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)
• Field Manual: Periphery
• Handbook: Major Periphery States
• Objective Raids