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Editing Clan Smoke Jaguar

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| crest = [[Image:SmokeJaguar.jpg|center|191px|Clan Smoke Jaguar logo]]
 
| crest = [[Image:SmokeJaguar.jpg|center|191px|Clan Smoke Jaguar logo]]
 
| factionname = Clan Smoke Jaguar
 
| factionname = Clan Smoke Jaguar
| timeperiod = [[2807]][[3060]], <br> [[3151]] (re-formed) - Present
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| timeperiod = [[2807]] &ndash; [[3060]] <br> [[3151]] (re-formed) - Present
 
| classification = [[Clan]]
 
| classification = [[Clan]]
 
| capital = [[Huntress]] (formerly)
 
| capital = [[Huntress]] (formerly)
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| secretservice = [[Watch#Clan Smoke Jaguar|Clan Smoke Jaguar Watch]]
 
| secretservice = [[Watch#Clan Smoke Jaguar|Clan Smoke Jaguar Watch]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Clan Smoke Jaguar''' was one of the original twenty [[Clans]] founded by [[Nicholas Kerensky]]. Members of Clan Smoke Jaguar took fierce pride in their namesake, a [[Smoke Jaguar (species)|predator]] descended from genetically altered [[Terra|Terran]] jaguars imported to [[Strana Mechty]]. The Smoke Jaguars imitated their namesake almost to a fault, believing that the Clans' revered founder modeled all of Clan society on their totem animal, basing this assertion on an oft-quoted journal entry of Kerensky's which they revered second only to ''[[The Remembrance]]''.
 
'''Clan Smoke Jaguar''' was one of the original twenty [[Clans]] founded by [[Nicholas Kerensky]]. Members of Clan Smoke Jaguar took fierce pride in their namesake, a [[Smoke Jaguar (species)|predator]] descended from genetically altered [[Terra|Terran]] jaguars imported to [[Strana Mechty]]. The Smoke Jaguars imitated their namesake almost to a fault, believing that the Clans' revered founder modeled all of Clan society on their totem animal, basing this assertion on an oft-quoted journal entry of Kerensky's which they revered second only to ''[[The Remembrance]]''.
  
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Instead the Clan used their military assets to seize what they needed from others, fighting countless [[Trial of Possession|Trials of Possession]] over everything from [[Brian Cache]]s to genetic bloodlines, winning enough to support themselves and maintain their prominence.  In this manner the Smoke Jaguars were one of the first Clans to gain possession of [[OmniMech]] technology from [[Clan Coyote]].<ref name=ICp49,50/>  They were also one of only two Clans, the other being [[Clan Hell's Horses]], to win possession of [[battle armor]] technology from [[Clan Diamond Shark]] without resorting to bartering.  This had come after several unsuccessful attempts to win the technology from [[Clan Wolf]], and though they had seemingly accomplished this task without much of a fight the Smoke Jaguars ended up paying a hefty premium for [[HarJel]].<ref>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 59: "The Golden Century"</ref>
 
Instead the Clan used their military assets to seize what they needed from others, fighting countless [[Trial of Possession|Trials of Possession]] over everything from [[Brian Cache]]s to genetic bloodlines, winning enough to support themselves and maintain their prominence.  In this manner the Smoke Jaguars were one of the first Clans to gain possession of [[OmniMech]] technology from [[Clan Coyote]].<ref name=ICp49,50/>  They were also one of only two Clans, the other being [[Clan Hell's Horses]], to win possession of [[battle armor]] technology from [[Clan Diamond Shark]] without resorting to bartering.  This had come after several unsuccessful attempts to win the technology from [[Clan Wolf]], and though they had seemingly accomplished this task without much of a fight the Smoke Jaguars ended up paying a hefty premium for [[HarJel]].<ref>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 59: "The Golden Century"</ref>
  
This effort to take what they could from others became pronounced during their [[Trial of Absorption|Absorption]] of [[Clan Mongoose]].  Despite being well-known for their casual brutality, surprisingly the Smoke Jaguars were not the most aggressive Clan during the Golden Century.<ref name=H:OKp92,93>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', pp. 92–93: "A Legacy of Violence: The Jaguar pounces"</ref>  That distinction belonged to Clan Mongoose, driven by Khans who mortally feared showing any martial weakness to their competitors; they were almost as infamous for their incessant attacks on many of their neighbors as they were for their constant political maneuvering, which had over the years earned for their Clan the nickname "the Weasels".<ref name=ED:GCp11,12>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', pp. 11–12: "Life as a Mongoose"</ref>  The result of this raiding and politicking meant the Mongoose Clan had made many enemies, and in [[2868]] as they launched an attack on the Smoke Jaguar world of [[Atreus (Clan System)|Atreus]], their bitter rivals [[Clan Star Adder]] simultaneously launched their own multi-world assault on Clan Mongoose.  In the [[Grand Council]] the Mongoose Khans pleaded for censure of the Smoke Jaguars, but their effort backfired and Khan [[Theodore Osis]] successfully won the right to Absorb them. The resulting [[Clan Mongoose#Absorption and Legacy|conflict]] saw the Smoke Jaguars win nearly all Mongoose planets and materiel, though they refused to make use of the captured genetic legacies, instead preferring to let them fade into obscurity; [[Clan Cloud Cobra]] would end up fighting Trials of Possession for many of these bloodlines and utilize them, much to the chagrin of the Smoke Jaguars.<ref name=ICp49,50/><ref name=FM:CCp112,113>''Field Manual: Crusader Clans'', pp. 112–113: "Into the Golden Century"</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', pp. 21–22: "Maturation Amid the Renaissance"</ref>
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This effort to take what they could from others became pronounced during their [[Trial of Absorption|Absorption]] of [[Clan Mongoose]].  Despite being well-known for their casual brutality, surprisingly the Smoke Jaguars were not the most aggressive Clan during the Golden Century.<ref name=H:OKp92,93>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', pp. 92–93: "A Legacy of Violence: The Jaguar pounces"</ref>  That distinction belonged to Clan Mongoose, driven by Khans who mortally feared showing any martial weakness to their competitors; they were almost as infamous for their incessant attacks on many of their neighbors as they were for their constant political maneuvering, which had over the years earned for their Clan the nickname "the Weasels".<ref name=ED:GCp11,12>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', pp. 11–12: "Life as a Mongoose"</ref>  The result of this raiding and politicking meant the Mongoose Clan had made many enemies, and in [[2868]] as they launched an attack on the Smoke Jaguar world of [[Atreus_(Clan_planet)|Atreus]], their bitter rivals [[Clan Star Adder]] simultaneously launched their own multi-world assault on Clan Mongoose.  In the [[Grand Council]] the Mongoose Khans pleaded for censure of the Smoke Jaguars, but their effort backfired and Khan [[Theodore Osis]] successfully won the right to Absorb them. The resulting [[Clan Mongoose#Absorption and Legacy|conflict]] saw the Smoke Jaguars win nearly all Mongoose planets and matériel, though they refused to make use of the captured genetic legacies, instead preferring to let them fade into obscurity; [[Clan Cloud Cobra]] would end up fighting Trials of Possession for many of these bloodlines and utilize them, much to the chagrin of the Smoke Jaguars.<ref name=ICp49,50/><ref name=FM:CCp112,113>''Field Manual: Crusader Clans'', pp. 112–113: "Into the Golden Century"</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', pp. 21–22: "Maturation Amid the Renaissance"</ref>
  
 
Khan Theodore Osis' rage would not be easily abated, and it would next be directed at the Star Adders.  Though some sources claim the Jaguars were mollified about the Adders' independent assault just before the Trial's initial engagement in space above Circe,<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', pp. 7–8</ref> other sources indicate that it was not fully resolved until sometime after the Absorption had ended.<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/>  Either way, Khan Osis would next bring somewhat dubious charges against the Star Adders in the Grand Council.  In these charges, Osis claimed that the Star Adder's reconquest of multiple planets previously taken from them by Clan Mongoose robbed his warriors of their "full measure of victory",<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/> charges that the Star Adder's Khan [[Tomas Banacek|Banacek]] would seem rather indifferent toward.<ref>''Field Manual: Crusader Clans'', p. 112: ''A Lesson In Politics''</ref>  The fact that Khan Osis had known of the Adder attacks before he asked for the rights to Absorption did not seem to matter.  He would go so far as to call for punishment of the Star Adders.  These charges would be brushed aside by the Grand Council, with acknowledgement of the Star Adders' right to revenge in the matter.  But the subsequent feud would not end between these two Clans for a long time to come.<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/>
 
Khan Theodore Osis' rage would not be easily abated, and it would next be directed at the Star Adders.  Though some sources claim the Jaguars were mollified about the Adders' independent assault just before the Trial's initial engagement in space above Circe,<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', pp. 7–8</ref> other sources indicate that it was not fully resolved until sometime after the Absorption had ended.<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/>  Either way, Khan Osis would next bring somewhat dubious charges against the Star Adders in the Grand Council.  In these charges, Osis claimed that the Star Adder's reconquest of multiple planets previously taken from them by Clan Mongoose robbed his warriors of their "full measure of victory",<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/> charges that the Star Adder's Khan [[Tomas Banacek|Banacek]] would seem rather indifferent toward.<ref>''Field Manual: Crusader Clans'', p. 112: ''A Lesson In Politics''</ref>  The fact that Khan Osis had known of the Adder attacks before he asked for the rights to Absorption did not seem to matter.  He would go so far as to call for punishment of the Star Adders.  These charges would be brushed aside by the Grand Council, with acknowledgement of the Star Adders' right to revenge in the matter.  But the subsequent feud would not end between these two Clans for a long time to come.<ref name=FM:CCp112,113/>
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===The Political Century===
 
===The Political Century===
Though their military successes had managed to keep the Clan relevant, the Smoke Jaguars were inexorably falling behind the other Clans in political and economic terms throughout the [[twenty-ninth century|twenty-ninth]] and [[thirtieth century|thirtieth]] centuries.  Only a constant turnout of highly-skilled warriors allowed the Smoke Jaguars to keep pace, and even here their military strength was being outstripped by the technological breakthroughs pioneered by other Clans.  Even the Clans' system of limited warfare soon became a liability as it deprived the Smoke Jaguar warriors sufficient opportunity to gain glory in combat.<ref name=ICp51,52>''Invading Clans'', pp. 51–52: "Rise of the Crusaders"</ref>
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Though their military successes had managed to keep the Clan relevant, the Smoke Jaguars were inexorably falling behind the other Clans in political and economic terms throughout the [[twenty-ninth century|twenty-ninth]] and [[thirtieth]] centuries.  Only a constant turnout of highly-skilled warriors allowed the Smoke Jaguars to keep pace, and even here their military strength was being outstripped by the technological breakthroughs pioneered by other Clans.  Even the Clans' system of limited warfare soon became a liability as it deprived the Smoke Jaguar warriors sufficient opportunity to gain glory in combat.<ref name=ICp51,52>''Invading Clans'', pp. 51–52: "Rise of the Crusaders"</ref>
  
 
As the early decades of the [[thirtieth century]] wore on the Clans began to turn their attention back to the Inner Sphere and the [[Hidden Hope Doctrine]], the belief that one day they would return and rebuild the shattered [[Star League]] by destroying the decadent [[Great Houses]].  With their deteriorating situation and eyes fixed on the one challenging target left to them, Clan Smoke Jaguar was the first to shape this spreading idea into a specific, immediate call to arms, publicly claiming that the Clans had successfully purged themselves of the Inner Sphere's taint and that their return which both Aleksandr and Nicholas Kerensky had foretold was at hand.  This call for invasion immediately split the Clans politically, the Smoke Jaguars and their supporters taking the title [[Crusader Clans|Crusaders]] while their opponents took on the moniker [[Warden]]s.  That [[Clan Wolf]] became the leader of the Warden movement helped the Jaguars gain the enthusiastic support of [[Clan Jade Falcon]], and during the last decades of the thirtieth century both Clans' pro-invasion propaganda efforts gained enough converts that by [[3000]] not even the Wolf Clan could prevent a vote in the Grand Council.<ref name=ICp51,52/>
 
As the early decades of the [[thirtieth century]] wore on the Clans began to turn their attention back to the Inner Sphere and the [[Hidden Hope Doctrine]], the belief that one day they would return and rebuild the shattered [[Star League]] by destroying the decadent [[Great Houses]].  With their deteriorating situation and eyes fixed on the one challenging target left to them, Clan Smoke Jaguar was the first to shape this spreading idea into a specific, immediate call to arms, publicly claiming that the Clans had successfully purged themselves of the Inner Sphere's taint and that their return which both Aleksandr and Nicholas Kerensky had foretold was at hand.  This call for invasion immediately split the Clans politically, the Smoke Jaguars and their supporters taking the title [[Crusader Clans|Crusaders]] while their opponents took on the moniker [[Warden]]s.  That [[Clan Wolf]] became the leader of the Warden movement helped the Jaguars gain the enthusiastic support of [[Clan Jade Falcon]], and during the last decades of the thirtieth century both Clans' pro-invasion propaganda efforts gained enough converts that by [[3000]] not even the Wolf Clan could prevent a vote in the Grand Council.<ref name=ICp51,52/>
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Unbeknownst to many, as [[Wolf's Dragoons]] left in [[3004]], the future leader of the Clan's Inner Sphere invasion was born on the Smoke Jaguar capital of [[Huntress]].  [[Leo Showers]] not only distinguished himself as a MechWarrior from an early age, rising quickly through the ranks and gaining his [[Bloodname]], but also became the most eloquent and prominent advocate for the Crusader philosophy.  In [[3029]] by dint of his combat skills and political acumen he was elected Khan of Clan Smoke Jaguar, and for the next twenty years slowly and relentlessly tipped the Grand Council in favor of invasion, redoubling his efforts after every setback imposed by his hated rival the Wolf Khan [[Ulric Kerensky]].<ref name=ICp51,52/>
 
Unbeknownst to many, as [[Wolf's Dragoons]] left in [[3004]], the future leader of the Clan's Inner Sphere invasion was born on the Smoke Jaguar capital of [[Huntress]].  [[Leo Showers]] not only distinguished himself as a MechWarrior from an early age, rising quickly through the ranks and gaining his [[Bloodname]], but also became the most eloquent and prominent advocate for the Crusader philosophy.  In [[3029]] by dint of his combat skills and political acumen he was elected Khan of Clan Smoke Jaguar, and for the next twenty years slowly and relentlessly tipped the Grand Council in favor of invasion, redoubling his efforts after every setback imposed by his hated rival the Wolf Khan [[Ulric Kerensky]].<ref name=ICp51,52/>
  
Fortune finally favored Khan Showers in [[3048]] when the [[ComStar]] [[Explorer Corps (ComStar)|Explorer Corps]] starship ''[[Outbound Light]]'' appeared in orbit above Huntress.  The ship and its crew was quickly seized, giving the Smoke Jaguars the only source of current information on the Inner Sphere after Wolf's Dragoons' apparent desertion.  With no contradictory information to challenge his claims the astute Khan Showers put this information to good use, with no small amount of manipulation and doctored evidence.  In arguments before the Grand Council he referenced the creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], implying that the Inner Sphere was rebuilding the Star League on its own without their influence, and that the ship's unexpected appearance in Clan space was a prelude to invasion.  The Grand Council was won over by his arguments and not only voted to invade the Inner Sphere but elected Leo Showers as [[ilKhan]].  Jubilant Smoke Jaguar warriors celebrated their victory with parades and feasts, confident that they had finally achieved their rightful glory.  Taking Leo Showers' place as the Smoke Jaguar Khan was [[Lincoln Osis]].<ref name=ICp51,52/>
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Fortune finally favored Khan Showers in [[3048]] when the [[ComStar]] [[Explorer Corps]] starship ''[[Outbound Light]]'' appeared in orbit above Huntress.  The ship and its crew was quickly seized, giving the Smoke Jaguars the only source of current information on the Inner Sphere after Wolf's Dragoons' apparent desertion.  With no contradictory information to challenge his claims the astute Khan Showers put this information to good use, with no small amount of manipulation and doctored evidence.  In arguments before the Grand Council he referenced the creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], implying that the Inner Sphere was rebuilding the Star League on its own without their influence, and that the ship's unexpected appearance in Clan space was a prelude to invasion.  The Grand Council was won over by his arguments and not only voted to invade the Inner Sphere but elected Leo Showers as [[ilKhan]].  Jubilant Smoke Jaguar warriors celebrated their victory with parades and feasts, confident that they had finally achieved their rightful glory.  Taking Leo Showers' place as the Smoke Jaguar Khan was [[Lincoln Osis]].<ref name=ICp51,52/>
  
 
Bidding and Trials were held to determine which Clans would be granted the honor of invading the Inner Sphere, and to their delight the Smoke Jaguar warriors performed well enough to be among the four Clans chosen to spearhead the assault, joined by Clan Wolf, Clan Jade Falcon and [[Clan Ghost Bear]].  IlKhan Showers, working in conjunction with Jade Falcon Khan [[Elias Crichell]], devised the basic outline of the invasion by assigning each Clan an "invasion corridor," with the Smoke Jaguars winning the honor of attacking the [[Draconis Combine]], supposed allies of the hated [[Stefan Amaris]].  They also revealed an obscure passage from one of Nicholas Kerensky's diaries which they interpreted to mean whatever Clan captured [[Terra]] would become the [[ilClan]].<ref name=ICp53>''Invading Clans'', p. 53: "Operation Revival"</ref>
 
Bidding and Trials were held to determine which Clans would be granted the honor of invading the Inner Sphere, and to their delight the Smoke Jaguar warriors performed well enough to be among the four Clans chosen to spearhead the assault, joined by Clan Wolf, Clan Jade Falcon and [[Clan Ghost Bear]].  IlKhan Showers, working in conjunction with Jade Falcon Khan [[Elias Crichell]], devised the basic outline of the invasion by assigning each Clan an "invasion corridor," with the Smoke Jaguars winning the honor of attacking the [[Draconis Combine]], supposed allies of the hated [[Stefan Amaris]].  They also revealed an obscure passage from one of Nicholas Kerensky's diaries which they interpreted to mean whatever Clan captured [[Terra]] would become the [[ilClan]].<ref name=ICp53>''Invading Clans'', p. 53: "Operation Revival"</ref>
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With the start of the First Wave the Smoke Jaguar warriors fought their first battles against what was hoped to be more challenging and honorable opponents.  To their dismay they cut through the opposing [[DCMS]] troops like a hot knife, facing only significant opposition on [[Richmond]].  What stung more was their apparent inability to deal with Kurita partisans, as the people rose up to fight their new oppressive overlords.  Even with the assistance of ComStar administrators Smoke Jaguar warriors proved incapable of managing the masses, instead resorting to wholesale butchery in response to any resistance.  This flaw was no more apparent than on the planet [[Turtle Bay]], where the Smoke Jaguars had unknowingly captured [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro Kurita]], son of [[Theodore Kurita]], only to discover his identity after he had escaped during a jailbreak.  Their search to recapture him was hamstrung by local [[Yakuza]] resistance, until finally Smoke Jaguar troops were withdrawn from the capital Edo and the [[Turtle Bay Massacre|city was leveled]] by the [[WarShip]] ''[[Sabre Cat]]''.  Even the most hardline Crusaders saw the orbital bombardment as an act of cowardice and Clan Wolf took the opportunity to swear it would bid away all naval assets for the rest of the campaign, forcing the rest of the Clans to follow suit to keep their honor.<ref name=ICp54-56>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "First Wave: The Jaguar Pounces"</ref>
 
With the start of the First Wave the Smoke Jaguar warriors fought their first battles against what was hoped to be more challenging and honorable opponents.  To their dismay they cut through the opposing [[DCMS]] troops like a hot knife, facing only significant opposition on [[Richmond]].  What stung more was their apparent inability to deal with Kurita partisans, as the people rose up to fight their new oppressive overlords.  Even with the assistance of ComStar administrators Smoke Jaguar warriors proved incapable of managing the masses, instead resorting to wholesale butchery in response to any resistance.  This flaw was no more apparent than on the planet [[Turtle Bay]], where the Smoke Jaguars had unknowingly captured [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro Kurita]], son of [[Theodore Kurita]], only to discover his identity after he had escaped during a jailbreak.  Their search to recapture him was hamstrung by local [[Yakuza]] resistance, until finally Smoke Jaguar troops were withdrawn from the capital Edo and the [[Turtle Bay Massacre|city was leveled]] by the [[WarShip]] ''[[Sabre Cat]]''.  Even the most hardline Crusaders saw the orbital bombardment as an act of cowardice and Clan Wolf took the opportunity to swear it would bid away all naval assets for the rest of the campaign, forcing the rest of the Clans to follow suit to keep their honor.<ref name=ICp54-56>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "First Wave: The Jaguar Pounces"</ref>
  
The Second Wave was far less successful as the local populaces continued to resist the Smoke Jaguar's iron grip, requiring more troops be held back to keep control.  Matters were helped less by the fact that Clan Wolf was once again outpacing the Jaguars, causing many to vent their frustration on the increasingly poor and hungry civilians.  The Clan eventually brought forth Provisional Garrison Clusters, second-line units with inferior equipment, to garrison their conquered territory and free up front-line units for the Third Wave.  Unfortunately these PGCs were ill-prepared for the wave of rebellions which sprung up around them, supplied in secret by Theodore Kurita, while the so-called [[Paradise Syndrome]] struck the warrior caste, causing many to fight Trials of Possession with each other over the rich bounty they beheld.  IlKhan Showers was forced to intervene personally in the matter, even leading Smoke Jaguar units in battle, in order to overcome the Third Wave's bad start.  The Jaguars managed to finish ahead of the other three Clans, but were still overshadowed by Clan Wolf's capture of more planets and the capital world of [[Rasalhague]].<ref name=ICp56>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "Second Wave: Silent Fury"</ref><ref name=ICp57>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "Third Wave: Chasing the Wolf"</ref>
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The Second Wave was far less successful as the local populaces continued to resist the Smoke Jaguar's iron grip, requiring more troops be held back to keep control.  Matters were helped less by the fact that Clan Wolf was once again outpacing the Jaguars, causing many to vent their frustration on the increasingly poor and hungry civilians.  The Clan eventually brought forth Provisional Garrison Clusters, second-line units with inferior equipment, to garrison their conquered territory and free up front-line units for the Third Wave.  Unfortunately these PGCs were ill-prepared for the wave of rebellions which sprung up around them, supplied in secret by Theodore Kurita, while the so-called Paradise syndrome struck the warrior caste, causing many to fight Trials of Possession with each other over the rich bounty they beheld.  IlKhan Showers was forced to intervene personally in the matter, even leading Smoke Jaguar units in battle, in order to overcome the Third Wave's bad start.  The Jaguars managed to finish ahead of the other three Clans, but were still overshadowed by Clan Wolf's capture of more planets and the capital world of [[Rasalhague]].<ref name=ICp56>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "Second Wave: Silent Fury"</ref><ref name=ICp57>''Invading Clans'', pp. 54–56: "Third Wave: Chasing the Wolf"</ref>
  
 
The Fourth Wave saw the heaviest fighting since the start of the invasion as fresh, well-equipped DCMS units appeared on the front lines, freed from patrolling the borders of FedCom space.  It also saw the Jaguar's first true defeat during the attempted conquest of [[Wolcott]], where Hohiro Kurita laid a trap for the attacking Jaguars and captured several OmniMechs and two dozen [[Elemental (Battle Armor)|Elemental]] suits.  The shock of this defeat paled in comparison when it was learned that ilKhan Showers was killed during the battle of [[Radstadt]].  Both Jaguar Khans remained oddly silent as the Clans debated and agreed on returning to Clan space and elect a new ilKhan, their shock and grief finally broken when the Jade Falcon Khan suggested they turn their rage on Clan Wolf.  A conspiracy to blame the former ilKhan's death on Wolf Khan Kerensky failed thanks to the [[bondsman]] [[Phelan Kell]]'s testimony, as did a second to elect Kerensky as the new ilKhan and allow a more Crusader-minded Khan to lead Clan Wolf when [[Natasha Kerensky]] instead took his place.  IlKhan Kerensky "thanked" the Jaguars by assigning as a supporting partner their rivals [[Clan Nova Cat]], though the Jaguar Khans managed to sidestep this somewhat by simply handing over their most rebellious worlds for the Nova Cats to deal with.<ref name=ICp57-59>''Invading Clans'', pp. 57–59: "Fourth Wave: The Jaguar Stumbles"</ref>
 
The Fourth Wave saw the heaviest fighting since the start of the invasion as fresh, well-equipped DCMS units appeared on the front lines, freed from patrolling the borders of FedCom space.  It also saw the Jaguar's first true defeat during the attempted conquest of [[Wolcott]], where Hohiro Kurita laid a trap for the attacking Jaguars and captured several OmniMechs and two dozen [[Elemental (Battle Armor)|Elemental]] suits.  The shock of this defeat paled in comparison when it was learned that ilKhan Showers was killed during the battle of [[Radstadt]].  Both Jaguar Khans remained oddly silent as the Clans debated and agreed on returning to Clan space and elect a new ilKhan, their shock and grief finally broken when the Jade Falcon Khan suggested they turn their rage on Clan Wolf.  A conspiracy to blame the former ilKhan's death on Wolf Khan Kerensky failed thanks to the [[bondsman]] [[Phelan Kell]]'s testimony, as did a second to elect Kerensky as the new ilKhan and allow a more Crusader-minded Khan to lead Clan Wolf when [[Natasha Kerensky]] instead took his place.  IlKhan Kerensky "thanked" the Jaguars by assigning as a supporting partner their rivals [[Clan Nova Cat]], though the Jaguar Khans managed to sidestep this somewhat by simply handing over their most rebellious worlds for the Nova Cats to deal with.<ref name=ICp57-59>''Invading Clans'', pp. 57–59: "Fourth Wave: The Jaguar Stumbles"</ref>
  
The Smoke Jaguars were determined to capture a capital world, seeing it as a way to regain the necessary clout to challenge Ulric for the position of ilKhan, and for the Fifth Wave they set their sights on [[Luthien]].  When Theodore Kurita learned of the Clans' target he began preparations to defend the world, only to be surprised when he received unexpected help.  Though [[Hanse Davion]], Prince of the Federated Commonwealth, had sworn to Theodore that no [[AFFC]] forces would invade Combine space for the duration of the hostilities, he conceived of an alternative and managed to convince the [[Kell Hounds]] and Wolf's Dragoons to assist House Kurita in the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]].  The appearance of the two elite mercenary units was just enough to secure victory and deal the Jaguars a devastating and humiliating blow, one which they took out on their Nova Cat allies and subjugated population.  It took over a month for them to recover their losses, and another month to finish their Fifth Wave conquests, taking heavier than expected losses and losing all hope of catching up with Clan Wolf.  Eager for a chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of the other Clans, the Jaguar Khans overcame their instinctive distrust of ilKhan Kerensky and took heart from his announcement that the fate of Terra would be decided in a proxy battle on [[Tukayyid]].<ref name=ICp59-61>''Invading Clans'', pp. 58–61: "Fifth Wave: All-Out War"</ref>
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The Smoke Jaguars were determined to capture a capital world, seeing it as a way to regain the necessary clout to challenge Ulric for the position of ilKhan, and for the Fifth Wave they set their sights on [[Luthien]].  When Theodore Kurita learned of the Clans' target he began preparations to defend the world, only to be surprised when he received unexpected help.  Though [[Hanse Davion]], Prince of the Federated Commonwealth, had sworn to Theodore that no [[AFFC]] forces would invade Combine space for the duration of the hostilities, he conceived of an alternative and managed to convince the [[Kell Hounds]] and Wolf's Dragoons to assist House Kurita in the [[Battle of Luthien (Clan Invasion)|Battle of Luthien]].  The appearance of the two elite mercenary units was just enough to secure victory and deal the Jaguars a devastating and humiliating blow, one which they took out on their Nova Cat allies and subjugated population.  It took over a month for them to recover their losses, and another month to finish their Fifth Wave conquests, taking heavier than expected losses and losing all hope of catching up with Clan Wolf.  Eager for a chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of the other Clans, the Jaguar Khans overcame their instinctive distrust of ilKhan Kerensky and took heart from his announcement that the fate of Terra would be decided in a proxy battle on [[Tukayyid]].<ref name=ICp59-61>''Invading Clans'', pp. 58–61: "Fifth Wave: All-Out War"</ref>
  
 
====Tukayyid====
 
====Tukayyid====
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====Battle of Huntress====
 
====Battle of Huntress====
{{main|Battle of Huntress (3060)}}
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{{main|Battle of Huntress}}
 
In late [[3060]], an Inner Sphere task force, code-named SERPENT, struck at the Smoke Jaguar homeworld Huntress.  The Jaguar garrison commander, [[Russou Howell]], had only two Provisional Galaxies to withstand the onslaught of ten elite Inner Sphere regiments. Both sides wreaked enormous damage upon another. Howell used the opportunity to unleash a deadly new war machine. Dubbed [[ProtoMech]]s, these miniature [['Mech]]s were piloted by washed-out aerospace pilots using the new [[Enhanced Imaging]] system. The EI system coupled with the improved armor and weaponry allowed the ProtoMech pilots to wreak considerable damage on the Serpent forces before they were destroyed. After several days of almost nonstop combat, Task Force Serpent crushed the last of the Jaguar garrison forces.
 
In late [[3060]], an Inner Sphere task force, code-named SERPENT, struck at the Smoke Jaguar homeworld Huntress.  The Jaguar garrison commander, [[Russou Howell]], had only two Provisional Galaxies to withstand the onslaught of ten elite Inner Sphere regiments. Both sides wreaked enormous damage upon another. Howell used the opportunity to unleash a deadly new war machine. Dubbed [[ProtoMech]]s, these miniature [['Mech]]s were piloted by washed-out aerospace pilots using the new [[Enhanced Imaging]] system. The EI system coupled with the improved armor and weaponry allowed the ProtoMech pilots to wreak considerable damage on the Serpent forces before they were destroyed. After several days of almost nonstop combat, Task Force Serpent crushed the last of the Jaguar garrison forces.
  
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With the death of Lincoln Osis, the Smoke Jaguar Clan effectively ceased to exist. Its holdings on Huntress were either destroyed or under Star League control and its entire fighting arm crushed by the SLDF. The SLDF declared Lootera, the capital of Huntress, a neutral zone and Victor Steiner-Davion appointed Colonel [[Paul Masters]], commander of the [[Knights of the Inner Sphere]], as the Inner Sphere's first ambassador to the Clans. An attempt was made by Galaxy Commander [[Brendon Corbett]] to resurrect the Clan, but [[Operation DAMOCLES]] put an end to that effort.
 
With the death of Lincoln Osis, the Smoke Jaguar Clan effectively ceased to exist. Its holdings on Huntress were either destroyed or under Star League control and its entire fighting arm crushed by the SLDF. The SLDF declared Lootera, the capital of Huntress, a neutral zone and Victor Steiner-Davion appointed Colonel [[Paul Masters]], commander of the [[Knights of the Inner Sphere]], as the Inner Sphere's first ambassador to the Clans. An attempt was made by Galaxy Commander [[Brendon Corbett]] to resurrect the Clan, but [[Operation DAMOCLES]] put an end to that effort.
  
The Smoke Jaguars' possessions and enclaves on Huntress, [[Londerholm]], [[Vinton]], [[Homer]], [[Kirin]], and [[Tranquil]] were seized by the other Clans.
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The Smoke Jaguars' possessions and enclaves on Huntress, [[Londerholm]], [[Vinton]], [[Homer (Clan)|Homer]], [[Kirin]], and [[Tranquil]] were seized by the other Clans.
  
 
===Annihilation Survivors===
 
===Annihilation Survivors===
 
While Clan Smoke Jaguar ceased to exist as an entity following the Great Refusal, a small number of Jaguar warriors remained alive and escaped to various parts of known space. Turning to banditry some Jaguars scavenged what they could from isolated planets, while others made their way to [[Port Krin]] on [[Antallos]] and set about destroying small pirate bands. Rumors arose of some Jaguars establishing themselves on [[Astrokaszy]], perhaps due to that world's status as a former SLDF supply base, and fighting between them and ''dezgra'' units from other Clans over the caches.<ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 123: "Bandit Activity"</ref>
 
While Clan Smoke Jaguar ceased to exist as an entity following the Great Refusal, a small number of Jaguar warriors remained alive and escaped to various parts of known space. Turning to banditry some Jaguars scavenged what they could from isolated planets, while others made their way to [[Port Krin]] on [[Antallos]] and set about destroying small pirate bands. Rumors arose of some Jaguars establishing themselves on [[Astrokaszy]], perhaps due to that world's status as a former SLDF supply base, and fighting between them and ''dezgra'' units from other Clans over the caches.<ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 123: "Bandit Activity"</ref>
  
One of these groups end, somehow, as gladiators in [[Solaris VII]]. They were almost a [[Binary]], led by [[Garrett (Blackstar Stables)|Garrett]], obsessed with avenging his Clan, focusing in fighting against Combine gladiators.<ref>''Illusions of Victory'', p. 147</ref> They fought as a unit, allied with the pro-Davion stables, during the Solaris Riots, where Garrett was killed by another Davion gladiator.<ref>''Illusions of Victory'', p. 208</ref>
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One of these groups end, somehow, as gladiators in [[Solaris VII]]. They were almost a [[Binary]], led by [[Garret (character)|Garret]], obsessed with avenging his Clan, focusing in fighting against Combine gladiators.<ref>''Illusions of Victory'', p. 147</ref> They fought as a unit, allied with the pro-Davion stables, during the Solaris Riots, where Garret was killed by another Davion gladiator.<ref>''Illusions of Victory'', p. 208</ref>
  
Around [[3067]] a group of Jaguar renegades calling themselves "[[The Dark|Dark]]" were one party suspected of mounting a covert attack upon a Diamond Shark trading flotilla to the [[Mica Majority]]. They settled themselves on [[Antallos]] until their annihilation by the Snow Ravens the same year.<ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 10: "Minor Powers"</ref><ref>''Historical Turning Points Antallos'', p. 15</ref>
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Around [[3067]] a group of Jaguar renegades calling themselves "[[The Dark|Dark]]" were one party suspected of mounting a covert attack upon a Diamond Shark trading flotilla to the [[Mica Majority]].<ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 10: "Minor Powers"</ref>
  
 
Smoke Jaguar warriors were discovered on the world of [[Yorii]] during the [[Jihad]]. Discovered by members of [[Devlin Stone|Devlin Stone's]] allied coalition in November [[3076]], the warriors had evidently been captured by the [[Draconis Combine]], either during Operation BULLDOG or on Huntress, and interned on Yorii. When the [[Word of Blake]] incorporated Yorii into the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]], reeducation camps were established on the planet, and it was from two of these camps that the Smoke Jaguar warriors had liberated themselves when found by the allies.<ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56: "The Jihad in Review"</ref>
 
Smoke Jaguar warriors were discovered on the world of [[Yorii]] during the [[Jihad]]. Discovered by members of [[Devlin Stone|Devlin Stone's]] allied coalition in November [[3076]], the warriors had evidently been captured by the [[Draconis Combine]], either during Operation BULLDOG or on Huntress, and interned on Yorii. When the [[Word of Blake]] incorporated Yorii into the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]], reeducation camps were established on the planet, and it was from two of these camps that the Smoke Jaguar warriors had liberated themselves when found by the allies.<ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56: "The Jihad in Review"</ref>
  
In Clan Space, [[Russou Howell]] reappeared in [[3063]] leading a brutal bandit raid on the Diamond Shark enclave on Vinton. Howell - known only as 'The Jaguar' to Clan society at large - and other ex-Jaguars formed the core of an unusually large and well-organized bandit caste force that included two Clusters' worth of warriors plus the rundown but functional WarShip ''[[Streaking Mist]]'', the group's mainstay space vessel. "The Jaguar" and his group allied with [[The Society]] and preyed upon numerous Clan enclaves during the [[Wars of Reaving]] and after. In [[3079]] "The Jaguar" was finally cornered and slain on Ghent by [[Clan Star Adder]] ''[[solahma]]''.<ref>"The Wars of Reaving", p. 192: "Other Personalities of Note - "The Jaguar" (Russou Howell)"</ref>
+
In Clan Space, [[Russou Howell]] reappeared in [[3063]] leading a brutal bandit raid on the Diamond Shark enclave on Vinton. Howell - known only as 'The Jaguar' to Clan society at large - and other ex-Jaguars formed the core of an unusually large and well-organized bandit caste force that included two Clusters' worth of warriors plus the rundown but functional WarShip ''[[Streaking Mist]]''. "The Jaguar" and his group allied with [[The Society]] and preyed upon numerous Clan enclaves during the [[Wars of Reaving]] and after. In [[3079]] "The Jaguar" was finally cornered and slain on Ghent by [[Clan Star Adder]] ''[[solahma]]''.<ref>"The Wars of Reaving", p. 192: "Other Personalities of Note - "The Jaguar" (Russou Howell)"</ref>
  
 
===Dark Age===
 
===Dark Age===
In the MechWarrior: Dark Age universe it has been revealed that the last of the Smoke Jaguar warrior caste were later brought to the Inner Sphere by former Star Colonel Paul Moon and crafted into a secret fighting force known as the [[Fidelis]] (meaning "faithful" in Latin), a special forces unit held in reserve for use under catastrophic times for the [[Republic of the Sphere]] in a fashion similar to which ComStar hid the Com Guards. They were the same prisoners liberated in Yorii in 3076.
+
In the MechWarrior: Dark Age universe it has been revealed that the last of the Smoke Jaguar warrior caste were later brought to the Inner Sphere by former Star Colonel Paul Moon and crafted into a secret fighting force known as the [[Fidelis]] (meaning "faithful" in Latin), a force held in reserve for use under catastrophic times for the [[Republic of the Sphere]] in a fashion similar to which ComStar hid the Com Guards. They were the same prisoners liberated in Yorii in 3076.
  
They were finally activated after the establishment of [[Fortress Republic]]. Led by the Paladin and old Exarch [[Damien Redburn]], launched a series of black ops missions in Jade Falcon and old Marik and Republic space, to ensure the establishment of fortress republic. Any known mission was a success. At the end of the events, 21 years after establishment of [[Fortress Republic]], after they forcibly put an end to a Republic's civil war, it was judged by [[Exarch]] [[Jonah Levin]] that they had fulfilled their debt to the Inner Sphere and they were freed to once again establish themselves as they chose. They have not been heard of since this revelation.
+
They were finally activated after the establishment of Fortress Republic. Led by the Paladin and old Exarch [[Damien Redburn]], launched a series of black ops missions in Jade Falcon and old Marik and Republic space, to ensure the establishment of fortress republic. Any known mission was a success. At the end of the events, 21 years after establishment of [[Fortress Republic]], it was judged by [[Exarch]] [[Jonah Levin]] that they had fulfilled their debt to the Inner Sphere and they were freed to once again establish themselves as they chose. They have not been heard of since this revelation.
  
 
===ilClan Era===
 
===ilClan Era===
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See: [[Loremaster of Clan Smoke Jaguar]]
 
See: [[Loremaster of Clan Smoke Jaguar]]
  
==Territorial Possessions==
+
== Territorial Possessions ==
 
[[Huntress]] was Clan Smoke Jaguar's capital world from early in its history and remained their exclusive holding until 3049, when Khan Leo Showers gifted the enclave that would become Falcon's Eyrie to his Jade Falcon allies.
 
[[Huntress]] was Clan Smoke Jaguar's capital world from early in its history and remained their exclusive holding until 3049, when Khan Leo Showers gifted the enclave that would become Falcon's Eyrie to his Jade Falcon allies.
  
[[Londerholm]] was a key breadbasket world for the Jaguars. At the time of their annihilation, the Jaguars also held territory on [[Atreus (Clan System)|Atreus]], [[Circe]], [[Eden]], [[Homer]], [[Kirin]], [[Tranquil]], and [[Vinton]].
+
[[Londerholm]] was a key breadbasket world for the Jaguars. At the time of their annihilation, the Jaguars also held territory on [[Atreus (Clan System)|Atreus]], [[Circe]], [[Eden]], [[Homer (Clan System)|Homer]], [[Kirin]], [[Tranquil]], and [[Vinton]].
  
==Bloodnames==
+
== Bloodnames ==
 
{{main|List of Bloodnames#Clan Smoke Jaguar}}
 
{{main|List of Bloodnames#Clan Smoke Jaguar}}
 
{{Category|Clan Smoke Jaguar Bloodnames}}
 
{{Category|Clan Smoke Jaguar Bloodnames}}
  
==Inter-Clan Relations==
+
== Inter-Clan Relations ==
 
Clan Smoke Jaguar's aggressive and brutal nature towards its own lower castes alienated them from other Clans. In addition, the abrasive attitude they have shown toward others has insured that they have more enemies and no official allies among the Clans. Theoretically, the Crusader Clans could be considered like-minded allies, but they want nothing do to with the Smoke Jaguars. As for any Clan who carries the Warden viewpoint, they are automatically considered enemies of Clan Smoke Jaguar. Events such as the Londerholm Revolt and their actions in [[Operation REVIVAL]] have soured Clan relationships even further. As a result, no Invading Clan would lift a finger to assist the Jaguars when they were [[Operation BULLDOG|forced out of the Inner Sphere permanently]].
 
Clan Smoke Jaguar's aggressive and brutal nature towards its own lower castes alienated them from other Clans. In addition, the abrasive attitude they have shown toward others has insured that they have more enemies and no official allies among the Clans. Theoretically, the Crusader Clans could be considered like-minded allies, but they want nothing do to with the Smoke Jaguars. As for any Clan who carries the Warden viewpoint, they are automatically considered enemies of Clan Smoke Jaguar. Events such as the Londerholm Revolt and their actions in [[Operation REVIVAL]] have soured Clan relationships even further. As a result, no Invading Clan would lift a finger to assist the Jaguars when they were [[Operation BULLDOG|forced out of the Inner Sphere permanently]].
  
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|-
 
|-
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf]]'''
 
|'''[[Clan Wolf]]'''
|[[Image:Clan Wolf logo.png|100px]]
+
|[[Image:ClanWolf.gif|100px]]
 
|Enemy
 
|Enemy
 
|The only Clan which is considered their one true enemy is Clan Wolf. The Jaguars would oppose the Wolves at every turn, both militarily and politically. The Jaguars would plot consistently against the powerful Warden Clan, resulting in numerous setbacks that would cost them heavily. Their rivalry with the Wolves would ultimately end with their own destruction. A century later, they would be reformed as protectors of the reborn Star League following their participation during the ilClan Trial.
 
|The only Clan which is considered their one true enemy is Clan Wolf. The Jaguars would oppose the Wolves at every turn, both militarily and politically. The Jaguars would plot consistently against the powerful Warden Clan, resulting in numerous setbacks that would cost them heavily. Their rivalry with the Wolves would ultimately end with their own destruction. A century later, they would be reformed as protectors of the reborn Star League following their participation during the ilClan Trial.
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|[[Image:Clan Nova Cat (old).jpg|100px]]
 
|[[Image:Clan Nova Cat (old).jpg|100px]]
 
|Enemy
 
|Enemy
|When it comes to allies, the Smoke Jaguars considered the Nova Cats as their first ally due to the love relationship between Jaguar saKhan [[Liam Ismiril]] and Nova Cat Khan [[Sandra Rosse]]. However, after the relationship ended, Liam would respond to the rejection brutally, by shoving the [[Nova Cat (species)|Clan's totem]] inside an Iron Womb. This would lead the Nova Cats and Smoke Jaguars to harbor a long-lasting feud for generations. They would raid the Smoke Jaguars constantly, playing a role in their removal from the Inner Sphere. However, the Jaguars' annihilation put an end to that feud, and ironically, the Nova Cats assisted Paul Moon in ensuring their clan's survival.
+
|When it comes to allies, the Smoke Jaguars considered the Nova Cats as their first ally due to the love relationship between Jaguar saKhan [[Liam Ismiril]] and Nova Cat Khan [[Sandra Rosse]]. However, after the relationship ended, Liam would respond to the rejection brutally, by shoving the [[Nova Cat (species)|Clan's totem]] inside an Iron Womb. This would lead the Nova Cats and Smoke Jaguars to harbor a long-lasting feud for generations. They would raid the Smoke Jaguars constantly, playing a role in their removal from the Inner Sphere.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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>}}
 
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>}}
  
{{Quote|Like a favorite dish, war loses its flavor when tasted too often. |Khan [[Franklin Osis]], attributed<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 49</ref>}}
+
{{Quote|Like a favorite dish, war loses its flavor when tasted too often.|Khan [[Franklin Osis]], attributed<ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 49</ref>}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

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