I posted this in the Ambush Alley Games forum in Dec 2011. My plans for how I would play in the "Tomorrowverse." Mostly a work in progress, but wanted to see if I could drum up some ideas/suggestions. In re-reading it, I am seeing several similarities not only to Battletech, but also to Heavy Gear, which was not really intentional. It was like I took fluff from other games I liked and tried to add them all. Not sure if that is good or bad. I dont want to be blatent, but I have been influenced by those sources. Go or No-Go?
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Military Tech Level: 2+
Civilian Tech Level: 2+
Standard of Living: Average
Founding (Treaty of Amman) 2264 in wake of 2nd Iran-Iraq War. Sunni Arab. Next 50 years coalescing into a moderate Arab emirate ruled by elected emirs who serve five year terms. The Emir is elected by a council of emirs, composed of the royal families of the UAE’s members nations.
Member Nations: Former UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Federated States of Iraq (Sunni & Kurdish regions of Iraq).
Friendly with neighbors is good except for UIT and Yemen. Space expansion ha been cautious and very cost-conscious. Colony world of Ayrun has potential to become as productive as Grissom, despite violent and unpredictable weather patterns (classified Marginal as result). Involved in mining in Asteroid Belt. Neutral in most disputes between great powers, but will side with OPS vs UIT.
Military is mixed bag. Each member state remained protective of their independence. Most difficulties have been smoothed over, but some resentment and jealousies remain. Most equipment is a generation or so behind that of most OPS natioins. Assortment of Russian, French, US, British, and German left over from pre-treaty days.
Most vehicles track/wheeled, a few first generation AGV’s fielded primarily by units assigned to ‘security’ in the Asteroid Belt.
Robots mostly used for rear-echelon duties. Dumbbots are used, AI is anathema to the UAE for cultural reasons (Iraqis being possible exception). Synthetic humans are often purchased second hand by wealthier states and used like Janissaries of old.
Aerospace is still a generation or so behind, but better than UIT. Pilots highly trained. Cold Navy consists of (four) older British Frigates and a dozen gunboats purchases from the PRC. Rumor of UAE contracting with the NEU to build a new light cruiser designed for naval expansion, but seems contingent on the UAE’s successful colonization of Aryun.
(from Tomorrows War – p22-24)
Ayrun – Marginal World (UAE)
Roughly between the size of Earth and Mars, with a vertical axis (I think that is right.. the planet has no tilt so no seasons), the planet has what could be considered a typical assortment of earth-like environments. The southern hemisphere consists of several tropical regions, while the northern hemisphere has both arid and temperate environments. Both poles are frozen, standard gravity, abundant water and resources. The storms that denied the planet Garden World status are a result of both solar activity and the proximity of several gas giants in the system that are on non-standard orbits of the sun. With no seasons, this means no regular system of rain/snow, high winds, or other phenomena. This has lead to the development of an agricultural base that is not reliant upon ‘sensitive’ crops, and has forced the colonists to adjust to every possible type of weather.
The planet was opened to each of the member nations of the UAE, though the ‘good’ land was snatched up by the more wealthy and influential nations, leaving the others to get what they could. The counter to this is that most of the wealthier nations were unable to quickly populate their regions, while the poorer nations had many of their citizens who were willing to travel to the colony to start a new life with more opportunity.
While there is no outright hostility between the nation-states on Ayrun, there is still conflict between them. Grabs are made for resources and ‘safe havens’ (regions of the planet where the weather patterns are either more predictable, or have less of an effect). To maintain the unity of the colonial armed forces in case of an outside attack, a system of rules were adopted and are accepted by all who live there. Better to have a set of rules that all can follow to settle their disputes than to end up in a civil war.
Conflict over territory and resources are generally announced, and rarely take place near the objects contested. There are limits to the size of forces allowed to be used in these conflicts, and to try and claim a territory means you must put up a stake of similar value should you loose. Surrenders are always accepted, and prisoners are treated fairly. Those taken in these conflicts are given the option of either paying a ransom to return home, or to serve the nation-state that captured them for a set period of time. At the end of that time, if it is wished, the captured may remain with their captors and join their armed forces. No social stigma is attached to this practice, and any dependents are afforded safe passage to their new state. In this way, some battles can revolve more around who is captured from the opposing side rather than what is being fought over. You may loose a town, but if you gain a crack unit in the process (even for a period of time), it can be worth it. These captured soldiers are treated like the Mamlukes of old.
In the face of an outside threat, all internal conflict is set aside so that the whole of the Colony can deal with the crisis. Even the most deep-seated issues between nation-states can be put aside until the security of the whole is assured. As soon as the threat is gone, the conflicts can resume. While not an ideal system, it seems to work, and has lead to rapid expansion on Ayrun.
Other efforts have been made to further safeguard the regular fighting forces of the colony in the use of dumb-bots as ‘first wave’ troops. It is not uncommon to have battles decided without the loss of any human life (though “accidents” do happen from time to time).
The nature of the climate and terrain on Ayrun has produced an overall military that is capable of operating almost anywhere. Most units are at least familiar with vacuum/zero-g operations, arctic, desert, and even limited urban operations. While their skill is high, their lack of modern equipment is a distinct disadvantage when fighting non-UAE opponents. They are also very careful not to let their rules of internal-warfare hamper their operations against outside threats. It should be noted that they still try to avoid unnecessary loss of life, both on the part of their forces, as well as their enemies. Surrenders will be readily accepted, and some converts from non-UAE forces are known. Efforts are made to limit civilian casualties, and their tactics lean more towards the defensive when dealing with off-world operations. This has lead to several units to strike out on their own as mercenaries in external conflicts, as their rules and conduct has made them very desirable to those that are worried about expansionist neighbors.
Notes: I borrowed heavily from the rules of warfare followed by the Clans of Battletech, as well as setting up a basis for UAE themed mercenary units. Their skill at arms and motivation is off-set by their lack of advanced tech, to put them on par with most other nations. The use of dumb-bots as the first wave would work with this as well. Bots are not cheap, but better to loose a dozen replaceable machines than one skilled soldier.
I visualize the planet as being somewhere between Mars and Earth in size, with a ‘typical’ earth like layout/climate. Some larger continents with oceans. The southern continents would be similar to southeast asia, as well as the ‘wetlands’ of the US (Louisiana and Florida). The northern continents would be more like the steppes of Russia/eastern Europe. Mountain ranges can be found all over, with more present near the hot and arid equator.
What I really wanted was a ‘middle-eastern’ style force that felt more like the Arabs of the middle-ages than modern day middle-eastern conflict. Gone are the IED’s and hordes of irregulars. Returned are the noble armies of Saladin and Moorish Spain. Opponents who would prefer you convert to their way of life, but are content to leave you in peace provided you pay the proper taxes and abstain from interference. Soldiers you could readily surrender to in a loosing battle with little fear of mistreatment. That sort of conduct can be taken advantage of, but it generally stops the sort of atrocities that have become all too common in war.
Additional Ideas:
NSF (Neo-Soviet Federation) - Synthetic rebels
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Military Tech Level: 2+
Civilian Tech Level: 2+
Standard of Living: Average
Founding (Treaty of Amman) 2264 in wake of 2nd Iran-Iraq War. Sunni Arab. Next 50 years coalescing into a moderate Arab emirate ruled by elected emirs who serve five year terms. The Emir is elected by a council of emirs, composed of the royal families of the UAE’s members nations.
Member Nations: Former UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Federated States of Iraq (Sunni & Kurdish regions of Iraq).
Friendly with neighbors is good except for UIT and Yemen. Space expansion ha been cautious and very cost-conscious. Colony world of Ayrun has potential to become as productive as Grissom, despite violent and unpredictable weather patterns (classified Marginal as result). Involved in mining in Asteroid Belt. Neutral in most disputes between great powers, but will side with OPS vs UIT.
Military is mixed bag. Each member state remained protective of their independence. Most difficulties have been smoothed over, but some resentment and jealousies remain. Most equipment is a generation or so behind that of most OPS natioins. Assortment of Russian, French, US, British, and German left over from pre-treaty days.
Most vehicles track/wheeled, a few first generation AGV’s fielded primarily by units assigned to ‘security’ in the Asteroid Belt.
Robots mostly used for rear-echelon duties. Dumbbots are used, AI is anathema to the UAE for cultural reasons (Iraqis being possible exception). Synthetic humans are often purchased second hand by wealthier states and used like Janissaries of old.
Aerospace is still a generation or so behind, but better than UIT. Pilots highly trained. Cold Navy consists of (four) older British Frigates and a dozen gunboats purchases from the PRC. Rumor of UAE contracting with the NEU to build a new light cruiser designed for naval expansion, but seems contingent on the UAE’s successful colonization of Aryun.
(from Tomorrows War – p22-24)
Ayrun – Marginal World (UAE)
Roughly between the size of Earth and Mars, with a vertical axis (I think that is right.. the planet has no tilt so no seasons), the planet has what could be considered a typical assortment of earth-like environments. The southern hemisphere consists of several tropical regions, while the northern hemisphere has both arid and temperate environments. Both poles are frozen, standard gravity, abundant water and resources. The storms that denied the planet Garden World status are a result of both solar activity and the proximity of several gas giants in the system that are on non-standard orbits of the sun. With no seasons, this means no regular system of rain/snow, high winds, or other phenomena. This has lead to the development of an agricultural base that is not reliant upon ‘sensitive’ crops, and has forced the colonists to adjust to every possible type of weather.
The planet was opened to each of the member nations of the UAE, though the ‘good’ land was snatched up by the more wealthy and influential nations, leaving the others to get what they could. The counter to this is that most of the wealthier nations were unable to quickly populate their regions, while the poorer nations had many of their citizens who were willing to travel to the colony to start a new life with more opportunity.
While there is no outright hostility between the nation-states on Ayrun, there is still conflict between them. Grabs are made for resources and ‘safe havens’ (regions of the planet where the weather patterns are either more predictable, or have less of an effect). To maintain the unity of the colonial armed forces in case of an outside attack, a system of rules were adopted and are accepted by all who live there. Better to have a set of rules that all can follow to settle their disputes than to end up in a civil war.
Conflict over territory and resources are generally announced, and rarely take place near the objects contested. There are limits to the size of forces allowed to be used in these conflicts, and to try and claim a territory means you must put up a stake of similar value should you loose. Surrenders are always accepted, and prisoners are treated fairly. Those taken in these conflicts are given the option of either paying a ransom to return home, or to serve the nation-state that captured them for a set period of time. At the end of that time, if it is wished, the captured may remain with their captors and join their armed forces. No social stigma is attached to this practice, and any dependents are afforded safe passage to their new state. In this way, some battles can revolve more around who is captured from the opposing side rather than what is being fought over. You may loose a town, but if you gain a crack unit in the process (even for a period of time), it can be worth it. These captured soldiers are treated like the Mamlukes of old.
In the face of an outside threat, all internal conflict is set aside so that the whole of the Colony can deal with the crisis. Even the most deep-seated issues between nation-states can be put aside until the security of the whole is assured. As soon as the threat is gone, the conflicts can resume. While not an ideal system, it seems to work, and has lead to rapid expansion on Ayrun.
Other efforts have been made to further safeguard the regular fighting forces of the colony in the use of dumb-bots as ‘first wave’ troops. It is not uncommon to have battles decided without the loss of any human life (though “accidents” do happen from time to time).
The nature of the climate and terrain on Ayrun has produced an overall military that is capable of operating almost anywhere. Most units are at least familiar with vacuum/zero-g operations, arctic, desert, and even limited urban operations. While their skill is high, their lack of modern equipment is a distinct disadvantage when fighting non-UAE opponents. They are also very careful not to let their rules of internal-warfare hamper their operations against outside threats. It should be noted that they still try to avoid unnecessary loss of life, both on the part of their forces, as well as their enemies. Surrenders will be readily accepted, and some converts from non-UAE forces are known. Efforts are made to limit civilian casualties, and their tactics lean more towards the defensive when dealing with off-world operations. This has lead to several units to strike out on their own as mercenaries in external conflicts, as their rules and conduct has made them very desirable to those that are worried about expansionist neighbors.
Notes: I borrowed heavily from the rules of warfare followed by the Clans of Battletech, as well as setting up a basis for UAE themed mercenary units. Their skill at arms and motivation is off-set by their lack of advanced tech, to put them on par with most other nations. The use of dumb-bots as the first wave would work with this as well. Bots are not cheap, but better to loose a dozen replaceable machines than one skilled soldier.
I visualize the planet as being somewhere between Mars and Earth in size, with a ‘typical’ earth like layout/climate. Some larger continents with oceans. The southern continents would be similar to southeast asia, as well as the ‘wetlands’ of the US (Louisiana and Florida). The northern continents would be more like the steppes of Russia/eastern Europe. Mountain ranges can be found all over, with more present near the hot and arid equator.
What I really wanted was a ‘middle-eastern’ style force that felt more like the Arabs of the middle-ages than modern day middle-eastern conflict. Gone are the IED’s and hordes of irregulars. Returned are the noble armies of Saladin and Moorish Spain. Opponents who would prefer you convert to their way of life, but are content to leave you in peace provided you pay the proper taxes and abstain from interference. Soldiers you could readily surrender to in a loosing battle with little fear of mistreatment. That sort of conduct can be taken advantage of, but it generally stops the sort of atrocities that have become all too common in war.
Additional Ideas:
NSF (Neo-Soviet Federation) - Synthetic rebels
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