Editing John Claverhouse Dundee
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Line 1: {{InfoBoxCharacter {{InfoBoxCharacter | image = | image = + | caption = | name = John Claverhouse Dundee | name = John Claverhouse Dundee | birthdate = | birthdate = Line 6:
Line 7: | othernames = | othernames = | affiliation = [[Lyran Alliance]]<br>[[Free Skye Movement]] | affiliation = [[Lyran Alliance]]<br>[[Free Skye Movement]] − | rank = [[General]] + | profession = [[General]] − | title = − | position = − | profession = | parents = | parents = | siblings = | siblings = Line 15:
Line 13: | children = | children = }} }} − '''John Claverhouse Dundee''' was an officer in the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] and later with the [[Free Skye Movement]]. He served as [[Duke of Porrima|Duke]] [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]]'s second-in-command during the [[FedCom Civil War]] and the [[Jihad]]. + '''John Dundee''' (also known as '''John Claverhouse Dundee''') was an officer in the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] and later with the [[Free Skye Movement]]. He served as [[Duke#Lyran_Alliance|Duke]] [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]]'s second-in-command during the [[FedCom Civil War]] and the [[Jihad]]. ==History== ==History== ===Early Life and Career=== ===Early Life and Career=== [[File:Robert Kelswa-Steiner.jpg|right|thumb|[[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], Dundee's commander]] [[File:Robert Kelswa-Steiner.jpg|right|thumb|[[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], Dundee's commander]] − Little is known of Dundee's early life, though it may be presumed that he is a native to the [[Isle of Skye]]. Some time prior to [[3065]], he had achieved the rank of [[General#Lyran Commonwealth and Lyran Alliance|general]] as top military advisor to Duke Kelswa-Steiner.<ref name=DT>''The Dying Time'', p. ??</ref> + Little is known of Dundee's early life, though it may be presumed that he is a native to the [[Isle of Skye]]. Some time prior to [[3065]], he had achieved the rank of [[General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|General]] as top military advisor to Duke Kelswa-Steiner. <ref name=DT>''The Dying Time'' p. ??</ref> ===Second Skye Rebellion=== ===Second Skye Rebellion=== − During the [[FedCom Civil War]], secessionist sentiment in the Isle of Skye reached to a near all-time high. In response, on 16 April [[3065]], [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] ordered Duke Kelswa-Steiner arrested on charges of sedition, imprisoning him on distant [[Donegal]]. This would not only spark the Free Skye movement to greater action with the [[Third Skye Rebellion]], it would also allow the Duke to deny responsibility should the revolt fail. Dundee was nominally in command of the Free Skye Militia, claiming the title General of the Armies of Skye, though none seriously questioned that he was acting on the Duke's behalf. On April 29, a failed assassination attempt was made against Dundee, resulting in the deaths of two bodyguards. Although the culprits were able to escape, the attempt was immediately blamed on [[Lyran Intelligence Corps|Loki]] terrorist operatives. Dundee used this to further rally support for the Free Skye movement.<ref name=FCCW131>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 131</ref><ref name=FCCW162>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 162</ref><ref name=HHS68>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 68</ref> Dundee formed an effective coalition with the Duchess, [[Hermione Aten]], who had married the Duke only a few months before.<ref name=FCCW132>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 132</ref> + During the [[FedCom Civil War]], secessionist sentiment in the Isle of Skye reached to a near all-time high. In response, on April 16 [[3065]], [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] ordered Duke Kelswa-Steiner arrested on charges of sedition, imprisoning him on distant [[Donegal]]. This would not only spark the Free Skye movement to greater action with the [[Third Skye Rebellion]], it would also allow the Duke to deny responsibility should the revolt fail. Dundee was nominally in command of the Free Skye Militia, claiming the title General of the Armies of Skye, though none seriously questioned that he was acting on the Duke's behalf. On April 29, a failed assassination attempt was made against Dundee, resulting in the deaths of two bodyguards. Although the culprits were able to escape, the attempt was immediately blamed on [[Lyran Intelligence Corps|Loki]] terrorist operatives. Dundee used this to further rally support for the Free Skye movement. <ref name=FCCW131>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 131</ref> <ref name=FCCW162>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 162</ref> <ref name=HHS68>''Handbook: House Steiner'' p. 68</ref> Dundee formed an effective coalition with the Duchess, [[Hermione Aten]], who had married the Duke only a few months before. <ref name=FCCW132>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 132</ref> − The [[1st Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]] had a major role in the early conflict. Though officially still loyal to [[Tharkad]], the Jaegers did nothing to suppress the protestors on [[Skye]].<ref name=FCCW131/> When the loyalist [[Eleventh Lyran Regulars]] arrived on 22 July 3065 to deal with the Free Skye leadership, Dundee allowed the Regulars to land, then launched an all-out assault using the Jaegers and the planetary militia. The [[Loyalist (FCCW)|loyalists]] lost a full battalion of troops before they were able to retreat to [[Alphecca]] and inform the Lyran leadership of their situation. They did, however, leave commando troops to take part in an insurgency against the provisional Free Skye government.<ref name=FCCW148>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 148</ref><ref name=FMU167>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 167</ref> + The [[1st Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]] had a major role in the early conflict. Though officially still loyal to [[Tharkad]], the Jaegers did nothing to suppress the protestors on [[Skye]]. <ref name=FCCW131>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 131</ref> When the loyalist [[11th Lyran Regulars]] arrived on July 22, 3065 to deal with the Free Skye leadership, Dundee allowed the Regulars to land, then launched an all-out assault using the Jaegers and the planetary militia. The [[Loyalist (FCCW)|loyalists]] lost a full battalion of troops before they were able to retreat to [[Alphecca]] and inform the Lyran leadership of their situation. They did, however, leave commando troops to take part in an insurgency against the provisional Free Skye government. <ref name=FCCW148>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 148</ref> <ref name=FMU167>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 167</ref> − Sometime during the rebellion, two of Dundee's top lieutenants were captured by the infamous [[Bounty Hunter]] and were turned over to [[General#SLDF|General]] [[Caesar Steiner]], in an action announcing the Hunter's return to service.<ref name=IP86>''Interstellar Players'', p. 86</ref> This would eventually help to end the revolt. It was unclear if Steiner ordered or paid for this action. + Sometime during the rebellion, two of Dundee's top lieutenants were captured by the infamous [[Bounty Hunter]] and were turned over to [[General#SLDF|General]] [[Caesar Steiner]], in an action announcing the Hunter's return to service. <ref name=IP86>''Interstellar Players'' p. 86</ref> This would eventually help to end the revolt. It was unclear if Steiner ordered or paid for this action. [[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|[[Defiance Industries]] Corporate Logo]] [[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|[[Defiance Industries]] Corporate Logo]] − In mid-June, Dundee committed the bulk of his forces into one deciding battle: [[Hesperus II]], and its massive [[Defiance Industries]] factory, the largest [[BattleMech]] production center in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Fourteen times over the centuries, the enemies of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] had attempted to seize this vital facility, and fourteen times the Lyrans would rally to repel the attackers.<ref name=FCCW143>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 143</ref> After the Free Skye task force made planetfall on Hesperus, [[Leftenant-General]] William Harrison von Frisch, the commander of the Fourth Skye Rangers, sent a message back to Dundee on Skye via [[JumpShip]] to avoid being intercepted by the enemy. He further ordered that the JumpShip captain personally hand deliver the message to Dundee.<ref name=DT/> + In mid-June, Dundee committed the bulk of his forces into one deciding battle : [[Hesperus II]], and its massive [[Defiance Industries]] factory, the largest [[BattleMech]] production center in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Fourteen times over the centuries, the enemies of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] had attempted to seize this vital facility, and fourteen times the Lyrans would rally to repel the attackers. <ref name=FCCW143>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 143</ref> After the Free Skye task force made planet fall on Hesperus, [[Leftenant-General]] William Harrison von Frisch, the commander of the Fourth Skye Rangers, sent a message back to Dundee on Skye via [[JumpShip]] to avoid being intercepted by the enemy. He further ordered that the JumpShip captain personally hand deliver the message to Dundee. <ref name=DT/> − The Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus II proved to be not only the pivotal battle of the Third Skye Rebellion, but also one of the key battles of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Representing the Free Skye forces were the [[22nd Skye Rangers]], the [[4th Skye Rangers]], the [[WarShip]]s ''[[Fox (WarShip class)#Named Vessels|LAS Illustrious]]'' and the ''[[Fox (WarShip class)#Named Vessels|FCS Indefatigable]]''. Defending the planet on behalf of the Lyran Alliance were the [[Gray Death Legion]], the [[15th Lyran Guards|15th]] and the [[36th Lyran Guards]], and the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]], a corporate military unit. In orbit was the WarShip ''[[Avalon#Named Vessels|FSS Simon Davion]]''. Early in the campaign, the ''Illustrious'' was destroyed but the ''Simon Davion'' was captured by the Free Skye forces, giving the invaders a decisive advantage in orbit. After initial skirmishing, the two Skye regiments lifted off, only to drop directly on the target factory, leaving the divided defenders in a desperate position. Orbital bombardment by the Free Skye forces destroyed an [[Hyperpulse Generator|HPG Station]], killing hundreds of civilians, and dealt tremendous damage to the 15th Lyran Guards. When the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] joined the attack in support of Free Skye, the campaign appeared lost for the loyalists. The Gray Death Legion spent itself holding off the Rangers, losing most of its troops and its commander, [[Colonel]] [[Lori Kalmar|Lori Kalmar Carlyle]]. The 32nd Lyran Guards had lost their own commander, however, and were now plagued by dissent. The Twenty-second Rangers were shattered, while the Fourth and Seventeenth Rangers were mauled. Realizing he was already committed, Dundee his reserves, sending in the pro-Skye [[14th Lyran Guards]] arrived with [[Maria Esteban]] in command, inflicting heavy losses on the 32nd Guards. Despite all of this, the loyalists still held the massive Defiance Industries factory while the rebels had been ravaged, demoralized and had lost the element of surprise. The Leftenant-General William Harrison von Frisch and the Fourth Skye Rangers abandoned the battle, returning to Skye. Esteban made one last push for the factory, neutralizing much of the Defiance SPF and reaching the gates of the legendary facility. Loyalist [[battle armor]] units, however, managed to regain control of the situation, and the Free Skye forces, facing a suddenly resurgent SDF and 15th Lyran Guards, were forced to retreat. When Caesar Steiner arrived with the pro-Lyran [[Second Donegal Guards]], Esteban and her forces surrendered in January [[3066]].<ref name=DT/><ref name=HHS68/><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146–147, 163–164, 177–178</ref><ref name=FMU165>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 165</ref> + The Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus II proved to be not only the pivotal battle of the Third Skye Rebellion, but also one of the key battles of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Representing the Free Skye forces were the [[22nd Skye Rangers]], the [[4th Skye Rangers]], the [[WarShip]]s ''[[Fox (WarShip)#Named Vessels|LAS Illustrious]]'' and the ''[[Fox (WarShip)#Named Vessels|FCS Indefatigable]]''. Defending the planet on behalf of the Lyran Alliance were the [[Gray Death Legion]], the [[15th Lyran Guards|15th]] and the [[36th Lyran Guards]], and the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]], a corporate military unit. In orbit was the WarShip ''[[Avalon#Named Vessels|FSS Simon Davion]]''. Early in the campaign, the ''Illustrious'' was destroyed but the ''Simon Davion'' was captured by the Free Skye forces, giving the invaders a decisive advantage in orbit. After initial skirmishing, the two Skye regiments lifted off the planet, only to drop directly on the target factory, leaving the divided defenders in a desperate position. Orbital bombardment by the Free Skye forces destroyed an [[Hyperpulse Generator|HPG Station]], killing hundreds of civilians, and dealt tremendous damage to the 15th Lyran Guards. When the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] joined the attack in support of Free Skye, the campaign appeared lost for the loyalists. The Gray Death Legion spent itself holding off the Rangers, losing most of its troops and its commander, [[Colonel]] [[Lori Kalmar|Lori Kalmar Carlyle]]. The 32nd Lyran Guards had lost their own commander, however, and were now plagued by dissent. The Twenty-second Rangers were shattered, while the Fourth and Seventeenth Rangers were mauled. Realizing he was already committed, Dundee his reserves, sending in the pro-Skye [[14th Lyran Guards]] arrived with [[Maria Esteban]] in command, inflicting heavy losses on the 32nd Guards. Despite all of this, the loyalists still held the massive Defiance Industries factory while the rebels had been ravaged, demoralized and had lost the element of surprise. The Leftenant-General William Harrison von Frisch and the Fourth Skye Rangers abandoned the battle, returning to Skye. Esteban made one last push for the factory, neutralizing much of the Defiance SPF and reaching the gates of the legendary facility. Loyalist [[Battle Armor]] units, however, managed to regain control of the situation, and the Free Skye forces, facing a suddenly resurgent SDF and 15th Lyran Guards, were forced to retreat. When + Caesar Steiner arrived with the pro-Lyran [[2nd Donegal Guards]], Esteban and her forces surrendered in January [[3066]]. <ref name=DT/> <ref name=HHS68/> <ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146-147, 163-164, 177-178</ref> <ref name=FMU165>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 165</ref> − There were other serious battles, as well, on Freedom and on Skye itself. On Freedom, the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria]] and [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington FTM]]s, in service to Free Skye, assaulted the weakened pro-Katherine [[Fifth Lyran Regulars]]. Though they suffered serious losses to the more experienced Regulars, the two Militia units were able to cut off their enemies from basic supplies, including food and water. When Maria Esteban arrived with pro-Skye defectors from the [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]] to take command, events shifted decidedly in Skye's favor. By February [[3066]], Free Skye had claimed the planet.<ref name=HHS68/><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146, 163</ref> + There were other serious battles, as well, on Freedom and on Skye itself. On Freedom, the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria]] and [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington FTM]]s, in service to Free Skye, assaulted the weakened pro-Katherine [[5th Lyran Regulars]]. Though they suffered serious losses to the more experienced Regulars, the two Militia units were able to cut off their + enemies from basic supplies, including food and water. When Maria Esteban arrived with pro-Skye defectors from the [[11th Arcturan Guards]] to take command, events shifted decidedly in Skye's favor. By + February [[3066]], Free Skye had claimed the planet. <ref name=HHS68/> <ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146, 163</ref> − Meanwhile, Leutnant-General [[Linda McDonald (31st c.)|Linda McDonald]] was leading the loyalist elements of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards in a renewed assault on Skye itself. With good intelligence on the disposition of the First Skye Jaegers, they successfully landed on the planet intact. The Eleventh Arcturan had been battle-hardened from chasing [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] nearly halfway across the Inner Sphere, and were more than a match for the Skye Jaegers and the planetary militia. Dundee personally commanded the Skye defenses, and quickly began a mobile campaign against the loyalists. When the Fourth Skye Rangers arrived having retreated from Hesperus, the Arcturans paused in their pursuit of the Jaegers, instead focused on the capital city of New Glasgow. At that point, however, McDonald received a recall order from [[General of the Armies]] [[Nondi Steiner]], recalling her and her troops to Tharkad in preparation for an upcoming assault by [[Allies (FCCW)|allied]] forces.<ref name=FMU167/><ref name=FCCW164>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164</ref> Skye would remained in the hands of Free Skye, under Dundee's command. + Meanwhile, Leutnant-General [[Linda McDonald]] was leading the loyalist elements of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards in a renewed assault on Skye itself. With good intelligence on the disposition of the First Skye Jaegers, they successfully landed on the planet intact. The Eleventh Arcturan had been battle-hardened from chasing [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] nearly halfway across the Inner Sphere, and were more than a match for the Skye Jaegers and the planetary militia. Dundee personally commanded the Skye defenses, and quickly began a mobile campaign against the loyalists. When the Fourth Skye Rangers arrived having retreated from Hesperus, the Arcturans paused in their pursuit of the Jaegers, instead focused on the capital city of New Glasgow. At that point, however, McDonald received a recall order from [[General of the Armies]] [[Nondi Steiner]], recalling her and her troops to Tharkad in preparation for an upcoming assault by [[Allies (FCCW)|allied]] forces. <ref name=FMU167/> <ref name=FCCW164>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 164</ref> Skye would remained in the hands of Free Skye, under Dundee's command. − Despite these achievements, however, the fighting on Hesperus had drained the Free Skye military of too much of its strength and momentum for the rebellion to succeed. Fortunately, by this time, Duke Kelswa-Steiner had been released from prison by Duke [[Morgan Kell]] and [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]. By joining Peter's pan-Lyran coalition to take Tharkad and usurp his sister as Archon, the Duke secured a greater autonomy in the new Lyran order.<ref name=HHS68/> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War, Dundee remained as Robert's principal military advisor. It was clear, however, that if he left the borders of the Skye Province, new Archon Peter Steiner-Davion would arrest and prosecute him for his actions during the rebellion.<ref name=FMU173>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173</ref> + Despite these achievements, however, the fighting on Hesperus had drained the Free Skye military of too much of its strength and momentum for the rebellion to succeed. Fortunately, by this time, Duke Kelswa-Steiner had been released from prison by Duke [[Morgan Kell]] and [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]. By joining Peter's pan-Lyran coalition to take Tharkad and usurp his sister as Archon, the Duke secured a greater autonomy in the new Lyran order. <ref name=HHS68/> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War, Dundee remained as Robert's principal military advisor. It was clear, however, that if he left the borders of the Skye Province, new Archon Peter Steiner-Davion would arrest and prosecute him for his actions during the rebellion. <ref name=FMU173>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 173</ref> ===Jihad=== ===Jihad=== − As of April [[3071]], Dundee was still serving on Duke Robert's staff. He called for a complete shutdown of the [[mercenary]] business on [[Galatea]], one of the premier hiring centers left in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Dundee claimed that the open policies on Galatea made it too convenient for the [[Word of Blake]] and other enemies of the Alliance to hire troops to use against the Skye Province.<ref name=JHS3072-35>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 35</ref> Ironically, the Blakists themselves would shut down and occupy Galatea in October [[3072]].<ref name=JHS3072-105>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 105</ref><ref name=JHS3072-109>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 109</ref> + As of April [[3071]], Dundee was still serving on Duke Robert's staff. He called for a complete shutdown of the [[mercenary]] business on [[Galatea]], one of the premier hiring centers left in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Dundee claimed that the open policies on Galatea made it too convenient for the [[Word of Blake]] and other enemies of the Alliance to hire troops to use against the Skye Province. <ref name=JHS3072-35>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 35</ref> Ironically, the Blakists themselves would shutdown and occupy Galatea in October [[3072]]. <ref name=JHS3072-105>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 105</ref> <ref name=JHS3072-109>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 109</ref> ==Personality and Traits== ==Personality and Traits== − Dundee was regarded as completely loyal to Duke Kelswa-Steiner and the principles of the Free Skye movement. Though he could be arrogant, his preferred tactics in battle showed none of the Lyran "social general" stigma, nor an overreliance on assault 'Mechs in a stand-up fight. These qualities served him well against the Eleventh Arcturan, when he chose to conduct a mobile campaign rather than watch his out-matched troops be slaughtered. <ref name=FCCW164/> It was taken as a given that Dundee was acting on Kelswa-Steiner's behalf even when the Duke was under arrest. <ref name=FCCW132/> Dundee also showed a clear dislike for mercenaries, not only by the views he expressed towards Galatea,<ref name=JHS3072-35/> but also for his apparent reluctance to bolster Free Skye's forces by hiring mercenaries during the Second Rebellion. <ref name=DT/> + Dundee was regarded as completely loyal to Duke Kelswa-Steiner and the principles of the Free Skye movement. Though he could be arrogant, his preferred tactics in battle showed none of the Lyran "social general" stigma, nor an over-reliance on assault 'Mechs in a stand-up fight. These qualities served him well against the Eleventh Arcturan, when he chose to conduct a mobile campaign rather than watch his out-matched troops be slaughtered. <ref name=FCCW164/> It was taken as a given that Dundee was acting on Kelswa-Steiner's behalf even when the Duke was under arrest. <ref name=FCCW132/> Dundee also showed a clear dislike for mercenaries, not only by the views he expressed towards Galatea, <ref name=JHS3072-35/> but also for his apparent reluctance to bolster Free Skye's forces by hiring mercenaries during the Second Rebellion. <ref name=DT/> ==References== ==References== Line 50:
Line 51: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − * ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novel)+ * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)]]'' − * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' * ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]'' * ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]'' * ''[[Interstellar Players]]'' * ''[[Interstellar Players]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]'' + * ''[[The Dying Time]] (novel)'' [[Category: Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Dundee, John]] [[Category: Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Dundee, John]]
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{{InfoBoxCharacter | {{InfoBoxCharacter | ||
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| name = John Claverhouse Dundee | | name = John Claverhouse Dundee | ||
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| othernames = | | othernames = | ||
| affiliation = [[Lyran Alliance]]<br>[[Free Skye Movement]] | | affiliation = [[Lyran Alliance]]<br>[[Free Skye Movement]] | ||
| − | | | + | | profession = [[General]] |
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| parents = | | parents = | ||
| siblings = | | siblings = | ||
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}} | }} | ||
| − | '''John Claverhouse Dundee''' was an officer in the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] and later with the [[Free Skye Movement]]. He served as [[Duke | + | '''John Dundee''' (also known as '''John Claverhouse Dundee''') was an officer in the [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] and later with the [[Free Skye Movement]]. He served as [[Duke#Lyran_Alliance|Duke]] [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]]'s second-in-command during the [[FedCom Civil War]] and the [[Jihad]]. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Early Life and Career=== | ===Early Life and Career=== | ||
[[File:Robert Kelswa-Steiner.jpg|right|thumb|[[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], Dundee's commander]] | [[File:Robert Kelswa-Steiner.jpg|right|thumb|[[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], Dundee's commander]] | ||
| − | Little is known of Dundee's early life, though it may be presumed that he is a native to the [[Isle of Skye]]. Some time prior to [[3065]], he had achieved the rank of [[General# | + | Little is known of Dundee's early life, though it may be presumed that he is a native to the [[Isle of Skye]]. Some time prior to [[3065]], he had achieved the rank of [[General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|General]] as top military advisor to Duke Kelswa-Steiner. <ref name=DT>''The Dying Time'' p. ??</ref> |
===Second Skye Rebellion=== | ===Second Skye Rebellion=== | ||
| − | During the [[FedCom Civil War]], secessionist sentiment in the Isle of Skye reached to a near all-time high. In response, on 16 | + | During the [[FedCom Civil War]], secessionist sentiment in the Isle of Skye reached to a near all-time high. In response, on April 16 [[3065]], [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] ordered Duke Kelswa-Steiner arrested on charges of sedition, imprisoning him on distant [[Donegal]]. This would not only spark the Free Skye movement to greater action with the [[Third Skye Rebellion]], it would also allow the Duke to deny responsibility should the revolt fail. Dundee was nominally in command of the Free Skye Militia, claiming the title General of the Armies of Skye, though none seriously questioned that he was acting on the Duke's behalf. On April 29, a failed assassination attempt was made against Dundee, resulting in the deaths of two bodyguards. Although the culprits were able to escape, the attempt was immediately blamed on [[Lyran Intelligence Corps|Loki]] terrorist operatives. Dundee used this to further rally support for the Free Skye movement. <ref name=FCCW131>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 131</ref> <ref name=FCCW162>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 162</ref> <ref name=HHS68>''Handbook: House Steiner'' p. 68</ref> Dundee formed an effective coalition with the Duchess, [[Hermione Aten]], who had married the Duke only a few months before. <ref name=FCCW132>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 132</ref> |
| − | The [[1st Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]] had a major role in the early conflict. Though officially still loyal to [[Tharkad]], the Jaegers did nothing to suppress the protestors on [[Skye]].<ref name=FCCW131/> When the loyalist [[ | + | The [[1st Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]] had a major role in the early conflict. Though officially still loyal to [[Tharkad]], the Jaegers did nothing to suppress the protestors on [[Skye]]. <ref name=FCCW131>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 131</ref> When the loyalist [[11th Lyran Regulars]] arrived on July 22, 3065 to deal with the Free Skye leadership, Dundee allowed the Regulars to land, then launched an all-out assault using the Jaegers and the planetary militia. The [[Loyalist (FCCW)|loyalists]] lost a full battalion of troops before they were able to retreat to [[Alphecca]] and inform the Lyran leadership of their situation. They did, however, leave commando troops to take part in an insurgency against the provisional Free Skye government. <ref name=FCCW148>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 148</ref> <ref name=FMU167>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 167</ref> |
| − | Sometime during the rebellion, two of Dundee's top lieutenants were captured by the infamous [[Bounty Hunter]] and were turned over to [[General#SLDF|General]] [[Caesar Steiner]], in an action announcing the Hunter's return to service.<ref name=IP86>''Interstellar Players'' | + | Sometime during the rebellion, two of Dundee's top lieutenants were captured by the infamous [[Bounty Hunter]] and were turned over to [[General#SLDF|General]] [[Caesar Steiner]], in an action announcing the Hunter's return to service. <ref name=IP86>''Interstellar Players'' p. 86</ref> This would eventually help to end the revolt. It was unclear if Steiner ordered or paid for this action. |
[[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|[[Defiance Industries]] Corporate Logo]] | [[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|[[Defiance Industries]] Corporate Logo]] | ||
| − | In mid-June, Dundee committed the bulk of his forces into one deciding battle: [[Hesperus II]], and its massive [[Defiance Industries]] factory, the largest [[BattleMech]] production center in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Fourteen times over the centuries, the enemies of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] had attempted to seize this vital facility, and fourteen times the Lyrans would rally to repel the attackers.<ref name=FCCW143>''FedCom Civil War'' | + | In mid-June, Dundee committed the bulk of his forces into one deciding battle : [[Hesperus II]], and its massive [[Defiance Industries]] factory, the largest [[BattleMech]] production center in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Fourteen times over the centuries, the enemies of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] had attempted to seize this vital facility, and fourteen times the Lyrans would rally to repel the attackers. <ref name=FCCW143>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 143</ref> After the Free Skye task force made planet fall on Hesperus, [[Leftenant-General]] William Harrison von Frisch, the commander of the Fourth Skye Rangers, sent a message back to Dundee on Skye via [[JumpShip]] to avoid being intercepted by the enemy. He further ordered that the JumpShip captain personally hand deliver the message to Dundee. <ref name=DT/> |
| − | The Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus II proved to be not only the pivotal battle of the Third Skye Rebellion, but also one of the key battles of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Representing the Free Skye forces were the [[22nd Skye Rangers]], the [[4th Skye Rangers]], the [[WarShip]]s ''[[Fox (WarShip | + | The Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus II proved to be not only the pivotal battle of the Third Skye Rebellion, but also one of the key battles of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Representing the Free Skye forces were the [[22nd Skye Rangers]], the [[4th Skye Rangers]], the [[WarShip]]s ''[[Fox (WarShip)#Named Vessels|LAS Illustrious]]'' and the ''[[Fox (WarShip)#Named Vessels|FCS Indefatigable]]''. Defending the planet on behalf of the Lyran Alliance were the [[Gray Death Legion]], the [[15th Lyran Guards|15th]] and the [[36th Lyran Guards]], and the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]], a corporate military unit. In orbit was the WarShip ''[[Avalon#Named Vessels|FSS Simon Davion]]''. Early in the campaign, the ''Illustrious'' was destroyed but the ''Simon Davion'' was captured by the Free Skye forces, giving the invaders a decisive advantage in orbit. After initial skirmishing, the two Skye regiments lifted off the planet, only to drop directly on the target factory, leaving the divided defenders in a desperate position. Orbital bombardment by the Free Skye forces destroyed an [[Hyperpulse Generator|HPG Station]], killing hundreds of civilians, and dealt tremendous damage to the 15th Lyran Guards. When the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] joined the attack in support of Free Skye, the campaign appeared lost for the loyalists. The Gray Death Legion spent itself holding off the Rangers, losing most of its troops and its commander, [[Colonel]] [[Lori Kalmar|Lori Kalmar Carlyle]]. The 32nd Lyran Guards had lost their own commander, however, and were now plagued by dissent. The Twenty-second Rangers were shattered, while the Fourth and Seventeenth Rangers were mauled. Realizing he was already committed, Dundee his reserves, sending in the pro-Skye [[14th Lyran Guards]] arrived with [[Maria Esteban]] in command, inflicting heavy losses on the 32nd Guards. Despite all of this, the loyalists still held the massive Defiance Industries factory while the rebels had been ravaged, demoralized and had lost the element of surprise. The Leftenant-General William Harrison von Frisch and the Fourth Skye Rangers abandoned the battle, returning to Skye. Esteban made one last push for the factory, neutralizing much of the Defiance SPF and reaching the gates of the legendary facility. Loyalist [[Battle Armor]] units, however, managed to regain control of the situation, and the Free Skye forces, facing a suddenly resurgent SDF and 15th Lyran Guards, were forced to retreat. When |
| + | Caesar Steiner arrived with the pro-Lyran [[2nd Donegal Guards]], Esteban and her forces surrendered in January [[3066]]. <ref name=DT/> <ref name=HHS68/> <ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146-147, 163-164, 177-178</ref> <ref name=FMU165>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 165</ref> | ||
| − | There were other serious battles, as well, on Freedom and on Skye itself. On Freedom, the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria]] and [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington FTM]]s, in service to Free Skye, assaulted the weakened pro-Katherine [[ | + | There were other serious battles, as well, on Freedom and on Skye itself. On Freedom, the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria]] and [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington FTM]]s, in service to Free Skye, assaulted the weakened pro-Katherine [[5th Lyran Regulars]]. Though they suffered serious losses to the more experienced Regulars, the two Militia units were able to cut off their |
| + | enemies from basic supplies, including food and water. When Maria Esteban arrived with pro-Skye defectors from the [[11th Arcturan Guards]] to take command, events shifted decidedly in Skye's favor. By | ||
| + | February [[3066]], Free Skye had claimed the planet. <ref name=HHS68/> <ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146, 163</ref> | ||
| − | Meanwhile, Leutnant-General [[ | + | Meanwhile, Leutnant-General [[Linda McDonald]] was leading the loyalist elements of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards in a renewed assault on Skye itself. With good intelligence on the disposition of the First Skye Jaegers, they successfully landed on the planet intact. The Eleventh Arcturan had been battle-hardened from chasing [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] nearly halfway across the Inner Sphere, and were more than a match for the Skye Jaegers and the planetary militia. Dundee personally commanded the Skye defenses, and quickly began a mobile campaign against the loyalists. When the Fourth Skye Rangers arrived having retreated from Hesperus, the Arcturans paused in their pursuit of the Jaegers, instead focused on the capital city of New Glasgow. At that point, however, McDonald received a recall order from [[General of the Armies]] [[Nondi Steiner]], recalling her and her troops to Tharkad in preparation for an upcoming assault by [[Allies (FCCW)|allied]] forces. <ref name=FMU167/> <ref name=FCCW164>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'' p. 164</ref> Skye would remained in the hands of Free Skye, under Dundee's command. |
| − | Despite these achievements, however, the fighting on Hesperus had drained the Free Skye military of too much of its strength and momentum for the rebellion to succeed. Fortunately, by this time, Duke Kelswa-Steiner had been released from prison by Duke [[Morgan Kell]] and [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]. By joining Peter's pan-Lyran coalition to take Tharkad and usurp his sister as Archon, the Duke secured a greater autonomy in the new Lyran order.<ref name=HHS68/> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War, Dundee remained as Robert's principal military advisor. It was clear, however, that if he left the borders of the Skye Province, new Archon Peter Steiner-Davion would arrest and prosecute him for his actions during the rebellion.<ref name=FMU173>''Field Manual: Updates'' | + | Despite these achievements, however, the fighting on Hesperus had drained the Free Skye military of too much of its strength and momentum for the rebellion to succeed. Fortunately, by this time, Duke Kelswa-Steiner had been released from prison by Duke [[Morgan Kell]] and [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]. By joining Peter's pan-Lyran coalition to take Tharkad and usurp his sister as Archon, the Duke secured a greater autonomy in the new Lyran order. <ref name=HHS68/> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War, Dundee remained as Robert's principal military advisor. It was clear, however, that if he left the borders of the Skye Province, new Archon Peter Steiner-Davion would arrest and prosecute him for his actions during the rebellion. <ref name=FMU173>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 173</ref> |
===Jihad=== | ===Jihad=== | ||
| − | As of April [[3071]], Dundee was still serving on Duke Robert's staff. He called for a complete shutdown of the [[mercenary]] business on [[Galatea]], one of the premier hiring centers left in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Dundee claimed that the open policies on Galatea made it too convenient for the [[Word of Blake]] and other enemies of the Alliance to hire troops to use against the Skye Province.<ref name=JHS3072-35>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' | + | As of April [[3071]], Dundee was still serving on Duke Robert's staff. He called for a complete shutdown of the [[mercenary]] business on [[Galatea]], one of the premier hiring centers left in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Dundee claimed that the open policies on Galatea made it too convenient for the [[Word of Blake]] and other enemies of the Alliance to hire troops to use against the Skye Province. <ref name=JHS3072-35>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 35</ref> Ironically, the Blakists themselves would shutdown and occupy Galatea in October [[3072]]. <ref name=JHS3072-105>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 105</ref> <ref name=JHS3072-109>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'' p. 109</ref> |
==Personality and Traits== | ==Personality and Traits== | ||
| − | Dundee was regarded as completely loyal to Duke Kelswa-Steiner and the principles of the Free Skye movement. Though he could be arrogant, his preferred tactics in battle showed none of the Lyran "social general" stigma, nor an | + | Dundee was regarded as completely loyal to Duke Kelswa-Steiner and the principles of the Free Skye movement. Though he could be arrogant, his preferred tactics in battle showed none of the Lyran "social general" stigma, nor an over-reliance on assault 'Mechs in a stand-up fight. These qualities served him well against the Eleventh Arcturan, when he chose to conduct a mobile campaign rather than watch his out-matched troops be slaughtered. <ref name=FCCW164/> It was taken as a given that Dundee was acting on Kelswa-Steiner's behalf even when the Duke was under arrest. <ref name=FCCW132/> Dundee also showed a clear dislike for mercenaries, not only by the views he expressed towards Galatea, <ref name=JHS3072-35/> but also for his apparent reluctance to bolster Free Skye's forces by hiring mercenaries during the Second Rebellion. <ref name=DT/> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 50: | Line 51: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | + | * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)]]'' | |
| − | * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook) | ||
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' | ||
* ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]'' | * ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]'' | ||
* ''[[Interstellar Players]]'' | * ''[[Interstellar Players]]'' | ||
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]'' | * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]'' | ||
| + | * ''[[The Dying Time]] (novel)'' | ||
[[Category: Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Dundee, John]] | [[Category: Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Dundee, John]] | ||