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Line 1: − {{InfoBoxOrganization+ [[ComStar]]'s internal and external security force, '''ROM''' (an acronym whose meaning has been lost to time) has a reputation as among the most elite intelligence agencies in [[Inner Sphere]]. After the [[ComStar Schism]], both the secular ComStar and the [[Word of Blake]] maintained their own versions of ROM. − | image = − | Type = Intelligence agency − | Founded = [[2811]]<ref name=CSp16>''ComStar'', p. 16</ref> − | Dissolved = − | Parent Organization = [[ComStar]] − | Headquarters = [[Terra]] − }} − − [[ComStar]]'s internal and external security force, '''ROM''' has a reputation as among the most elite intelligence agencies in the [[Inner Sphere]]. After the [[ComStar Schism]], both the secular ComStar and the [[Word of Blake]] maintained their own versions of ROM. − − The origin of the acronym is unclear; it might describe the three core ComStar branches dealing with intelligence (Rho, Omicron and Mu); see Notes below. == History == == History == − Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members.<ref name=CSp16/> + Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per to Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members. − Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar's mission of being the sole protector of knowledge. + Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar mission of being the sole protector of knowledge. − Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-Schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses. This edge allowed the Blakists to [[Battle of Terra (3058)|capture]] [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]] and was further enhanced when Word of Blake elected to simply pump [[Siichin]] [[Biological Weapons|nerve gas]] into ComStar ROM's [[Cairo Castle Brian|Cairo base]], killing all present and preventing any insincere converts to the cause.<ref>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 9: "Homecoming"</ref> + Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses which allowed the Blakists to capture [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]]. − The Jihad would wreak havoc as both sides of the sundered ROM, but again the secular branch would suffer the most damage. While ComStar would ultimately survive the Jihad, as part of the [[Republic Formation Treaty]] the secular Order was forbidden to operate its own armed forces or intelligence agency in return for its role in the new [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Though a number of ex-ROM members would attempt to retire, the bulk of the survivors of the disbanded agency would join the [[RAF]]'s newly formed [[Department of Military Intelligence]].<ref name=FM3085-176>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 176: "Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Administrative Divisions - Department of Military Intelligence"</ref> + The Jihad would wreak havoc as both sides of the sundered ROM, but again the secular branch would suffer the most damage. While ComStar would ultimately survive the Jihad, as part of the [[Republic Formation Treaty]] the secular Order was forbidden to operate its own armed forces or intelligence agency in return for its role in the new [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Though a number of ex-ROM members would attempt to retire, the bulk of the survivors of the disbanded agency would join the [[RAF]]'s newly formed [[Department of Military Intelligence]]. <ref name=FM3085-176>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 176 "Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Administrative Divisions - Department of Military Intelligence"</ref> ===Known Operations=== ===Known Operations=== − − * [[Operation HOLY SHROUD]] ([[2838]] - [[2843]]): During the [[Second Succession War]], ROM assassinated over 300 of the best scientific minds in the Inner Sphere in order to ensure ComStar's continued technological superiority over the [[Successor States]]. The Great Houses blamed the killings on each other rather than ComStar. − * [[Operation HOLY SHROUD II]] ([[2979]]): A similar effort to its predecessor, this operation was largely unsuccessful offensively due to improved counterintelligence by the Successor States. However, the involvement of ComStar remained undetected. − ====Word of Blake==== ====Word of Blake==== − * March 14, [[3074]]: ROM uncovers the presence of [[Hideoshi Yamika]], chief researcher for [[Buda Weapons]], on [[Luthien]] and leaks the information to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', leading to the successful conclusion of the [[Battle of Skytower City]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10–11: "Light Machine"</ref> + *March 14, [[3074]]: ROM uncovers the presence of [[Hideoshi Yamika]], chief researcher for [[Buda Weapons]], on [[Luthien]] and leaks the information to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', leading to the successful conclusion of the [[Battle of Skytower City]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10-11, "Light Machine"</ref> == Command Structure == == Command Structure == Line 50:
Line 35: A specialized variation of Covert Operations exclusive to the secular ComStar, this branch maintains and supports ROM's intelligence and sabotage operations in the Clan-occupied territories. Its original title found to be confusing, the branch was renamed after the [[Great Refusal]] with its focus redirected towards the Inner Sphere based [[Crusader Clans]]. A specialized variation of Covert Operations exclusive to the secular ComStar, this branch maintains and supports ROM's intelligence and sabotage operations in the Clan-occupied territories. Its original title found to be confusing, the branch was renamed after the [[Great Refusal]] with its focus redirected towards the Inner Sphere based [[Crusader Clans]]. − ===<span id="Blake's Wrath">Blake's Wrath</span>/<span id="Light of Mankind">Light of Mankind</span> (Delta/Epsilon) === + === <span id="Blake's Wrath">Blake's Wrath</span>/<span id="Light of Mankind">Light of Mankind</span> (Delta/Epsilon) === − Blake's Wrath and its renamed Blakist counterpart Light of Mankind represent each ROM's elite ground-based special forces. Made up of the Com Guards' elite and trained in conventional and [[BattleMech]] combat, every member is also highly adept at covert operations. + Blake's Wrath and its renamed Blakist counterpart Light of Mankind represent each ROM's elite ground-based special forces. Made up of the Com Guards elite and trained in conventional and [[BattleMech]] combat, every member is also highly adept at covert operations. === Valkyrie/Purifying Light (Delta/Xi) === === Valkyrie/Purifying Light (Delta/Xi) === − ROM's elite aerospace special forces, Valkyrie and the Blakist Purifying Light is manned by the top three percent ranked kill ratio of Com Guard and [[Word of Blake Militia]] [[aerospace fighter]] pilots and receive the best anti-[[WarShip]] and WarShip defense training in the Inner Sphere. + ROM's elite aerospace special forces, Valkyrie and the Blakist Purifying Light is manned by the top three percent ranked kill ratio of Com Guard and [[Word of Blake Militia]]'s [[AeroSpace Fighter]] pilots and receive the best anti-[[WarShip]] and WarShip defense training in the Inner Sphere. === ComStar Security/Word of Blake Security (Mu/Iota) === === ComStar Security/Word of Blake Security (Mu/Iota) === − This defensive branch is charged with protecting both each respective organizations high-ranking officials and the HPG stations under their control. + This defensive branch is charged with protecting both each respective organizations high ranking officials and the HPG stations under their control. === Internal Obedience (Rho/Omicron) === === Internal Obedience (Rho/Omicron) === − Internal Obedience was set up during the reign of [[Conrad Toyama]] to enforce the proper doctrinal mindset and devotion to the Blessed Order among its members. The secular ComStar has disbanded this branch, while the Word of Blake has maintained it, albeit under considerable strain due to the different views of its various sects. + Internal Obedience was setup during the reign of [[Conrad Toyama]] to enforce the proper doctrinal mindset and devotion to the Blessed Order among its members. The secular ComStar has disbanded this branch, while the Word of Blake has maintained it, albeit under considerable strain due to the different views of its various sects. === Spiritual Enlightenment (Mu/Psi) === === Spiritual Enlightenment (Mu/Psi) === Line 67:
Line 52: ==Branch Insignia Gallery== ==Branch Insignia Gallery== <gallery> <gallery> − Comstarrom.png|ComStar ROM insignia+ Image:Comstarrom-counterintellence.png|Counterintelligence insignia − Comstarrom-counterintellence.png|ComStar ROM, Counterintelligence insignia + Image:Comstarrom-covertoperations.png|Covert Operations insignia − Comstarrom-diplomatic.png|ComStar ROM, Diplomatic Operations insignia+ Image:Comstarrom-informationandanalysis.png|Information and Intelligence insignia − Comstarrom-covertoperations.png|ComStar ROM, Covert Operations insignia + Image:Comstarrom-clanoverwatch.png|Clan Overwatch insignia − Comstarrom-informationandanalysis.png|ComStar ROM, Information and Analysis insignia + Image:Comstarrom-blakewrath.png|Blake's Wrath insignia − Comstarrom-clanoverwatch.png|ComStar ROM, Clan Overwatch insignia + Image:Comstarrom-valkyrie.png|Valkyrie insignia − Comstarrom-blakewrath.png|ComStar ROM, Blake's Wrath insignia + Image:Comstarrom-security.png|Security insignia − Comstarrom-valkyrie.png|ComStar ROM, Valkyrie insignia + Image:Comstarrom-diplomatic.png|Diplomatic Operations insignia − Comstarrom-security.png|ComStar ROM, ComStar Security insignia − </gallery> − <gallery> − Wordofblakerom.png|WoB ROM insignia − Wordofblakerom-counterintelligence.png|WoB ROM, Counterintelligence insignia − Wordofblakerom-diplomaticoperations.png|WoB ROM, Diplomatic Operations insignia − Wordofblakerom-covertops.png|WoB ROM, Covert Operations insignia − Wordofblakerom-informationandanalysis.png|WoB ROM, Information and Analysis insignia − Light of Mankind (Word of Blake) logo.png|WoB ROM, Light of Mankind insignia − Wordofblakerom-purifyinglight.png|WoB ROM, Purifying Light insignia − Wordofblakerom-security.png|WoB ROM, WoB Security insignia − Wordofblakerom-internalobedience.png|WoB ROM, Internal Obedience insignia − Wordofblakerom-internalenlgihtment.png|WoB ROM, Spiritual Enlightenment </gallery> </gallery> − − ==Notes== − * According to former [[Line Developer]] [[Herbert A. Beas II]], it's possible that ROM stands for "Rho, Omicron, Mu", which are the basic branches of ROM as described above: − {{Quote|Fun bit from behind an old curtain (IOW, back when I was dev, during the Jihad arc): − − At the time, there was no official answer to this, beyond a few sourcebooks saying "the answer is lost to time" as a kind of red herring/loose thread by a writer who really didn't care to deal with it either way. − − Then, in some piece of Jihad-era [[BattleCorps]] fiction (by either [[Kevin Killiany]] or [[Phaedra Weldon]], I think), a group of WoB characters are sitting around talking, and ask one of their members which part of the Order they worked for. The answer was "Rho, Omicron, Mu." Now, the author's intent was just a way of having the character recite the Greek letters to spell out ROM. The author considered nothing deeper than that. − − Then I read it. And double-checked the old sub-department definitions. It just so happened that those three sub-department designators fit the whole organization's operations to a "T," and there was nothing saying they couldn't have been the very first three components of modern ROM. − − Whether this serendipity actually WAS the original creators' intent or not may never be clear, but in my none-too-humble opinion, I daresay that the author of that BattleCorps dialog hit the nail on the head and answered the age-old "What does ROM stand for?" question without even knowing it. Because, ever since then, without ever codifying it anywhere else for "in-universe" reasons, I have effectively considered that incidental remark in a small piece of fiction to be the (understated) canonical definition of ROM. So, in essence, the agency was named for the Greek designations of it three foundational sub-departments.<ref>Herb Beas' [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/general-discussion/what-does-rom-stand-for/msg1867237/#msg1867237 BattleTech forum post] about the meaning of ROM</ref>}} ==References== ==References== <references/> <references/> − ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== * ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' * ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' Line 112:
Line 71: − [[Category:Intelligence Agencies]] + [[Category:ComStar]] + [[Category:Intelligence agencies]] + [[Category:Word of Blake]]
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| − | + | [[ComStar]]'s internal and external security force, '''ROM''' (an acronym whose meaning has been lost to time) has a reputation as among the most elite intelligence agencies in [[Inner Sphere]]. After the [[ComStar Schism]], both the secular ComStar and the [[Word of Blake]] maintained their own versions of ROM. | |
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| − | [[ComStar]]'s internal and external security force, '''ROM''' has a reputation as among the most elite intelligence agencies in | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
| − | Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members. | + | Formed in [[2811]] by ComStar founder [[Jerome Blake]] to help prevent leakage of technological information to the outside and to help thwart defection of ComStar personnel to the [[Successor State]]s, this secret intelligence network would locate threats to ComStar and eliminate them before any damage was done. As per to Blake's proposal, operatives would work as undercover agents within the ranks of ComStar's technicians, as well as posing as citizens. Fear of ROM helped to ensure the quick adoption of the increasing mysticism of the ComStar Order by even its most skeptical members. |
| − | Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar | + | Due to the actions of the more militant and mystical Primuses that followed Blake, ROM also engaged in an extensive covert war to cripple technological advancement of the [[Inner Sphere]] outside of the halls of ComStar. Through sabotage and assassination with each House blaming the others, ROM swiftly increased the slide into [[lostech]] for many technologies taken for granted in the [[Star League era]], all in the name of ensuring ComStar mission of being the sole protector of knowledge. |
| − | Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre- | + | Like many parts of ComStar, ROM was splintered by the Reformation, however as the primary enforcers of the fanatical indoctrination of the old Order three fourths of the pre-schism ROM assets defected to the Word of Blake. This sheer numerical advantage gave them an edge in the brutal covert war with their secular brethren and against the Great Houses which allowed the Blakists to capture [[Terra]] and launch the [[Jihad]]. |
| − | The Jihad would wreak havoc as both sides of the sundered ROM, but again the secular branch would suffer the most damage. While ComStar would ultimately survive the Jihad, as part of the [[Republic Formation Treaty]] the secular Order was forbidden to operate its own armed forces or intelligence agency in return for its role in the new [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Though a number of ex-ROM members would attempt to retire, the bulk of the survivors of the disbanded agency would join the [[RAF]]'s newly formed [[Department of Military Intelligence]].<ref name=FM3085-176>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 176 | + | The Jihad would wreak havoc as both sides of the sundered ROM, but again the secular branch would suffer the most damage. While ComStar would ultimately survive the Jihad, as part of the [[Republic Formation Treaty]] the secular Order was forbidden to operate its own armed forces or intelligence agency in return for its role in the new [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Though a number of ex-ROM members would attempt to retire, the bulk of the survivors of the disbanded agency would join the [[RAF]]'s newly formed [[Department of Military Intelligence]]. <ref name=FM3085-176>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 176 "Republic of the Sphere - The RAF - Administrative Divisions - Department of Military Intelligence"</ref> |
===Known Operations=== | ===Known Operations=== | ||
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====Word of Blake==== | ====Word of Blake==== | ||
| − | * March 14, [[3074]]: ROM uncovers the presence of [[Hideoshi Yamika]], chief researcher for [[Buda Weapons]], on [[Luthien]] and leaks the information to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', leading to the successful conclusion of the [[Battle of Skytower City]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. | + | *March 14, [[3074]]: ROM uncovers the presence of [[Hideoshi Yamika]], chief researcher for [[Buda Weapons]], on [[Luthien]] and leaks the information to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', leading to the successful conclusion of the [[Battle of Skytower City]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10-11, "Light Machine"</ref> |
== Command Structure == | == Command Structure == | ||
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A specialized variation of Covert Operations exclusive to the secular ComStar, this branch maintains and supports ROM's intelligence and sabotage operations in the Clan-occupied territories. Its original title found to be confusing, the branch was renamed after the [[Great Refusal]] with its focus redirected towards the Inner Sphere based [[Crusader Clans]]. | A specialized variation of Covert Operations exclusive to the secular ComStar, this branch maintains and supports ROM's intelligence and sabotage operations in the Clan-occupied territories. Its original title found to be confusing, the branch was renamed after the [[Great Refusal]] with its focus redirected towards the Inner Sphere based [[Crusader Clans]]. | ||
| − | ===<span id="Blake's Wrath">Blake's Wrath</span>/<span id="Light of Mankind">Light of Mankind</span> (Delta/Epsilon) === | + | === <span id="Blake's Wrath">Blake's Wrath</span>/<span id="Light of Mankind">Light of Mankind</span> (Delta/Epsilon) === |
| − | Blake's Wrath and its renamed Blakist counterpart Light of Mankind represent each ROM's elite ground-based special forces. Made up of the Com Guards | + | Blake's Wrath and its renamed Blakist counterpart Light of Mankind represent each ROM's elite ground-based special forces. Made up of the Com Guards elite and trained in conventional and [[BattleMech]] combat, every member is also highly adept at covert operations. |
=== Valkyrie/Purifying Light (Delta/Xi) === | === Valkyrie/Purifying Light (Delta/Xi) === | ||
| − | ROM's elite aerospace special forces, Valkyrie and the Blakist Purifying Light is manned by the top three percent ranked kill ratio of Com Guard and [[Word of Blake Militia]] [[ | + | ROM's elite aerospace special forces, Valkyrie and the Blakist Purifying Light is manned by the top three percent ranked kill ratio of Com Guard and [[Word of Blake Militia]]'s [[AeroSpace Fighter]] pilots and receive the best anti-[[WarShip]] and WarShip defense training in the Inner Sphere. |
=== ComStar Security/Word of Blake Security (Mu/Iota) === | === ComStar Security/Word of Blake Security (Mu/Iota) === | ||
| − | This defensive branch is charged with protecting both each respective organizations high | + | This defensive branch is charged with protecting both each respective organizations high ranking officials and the HPG stations under their control. |
=== Internal Obedience (Rho/Omicron) === | === Internal Obedience (Rho/Omicron) === | ||
| − | Internal Obedience was | + | Internal Obedience was setup during the reign of [[Conrad Toyama]] to enforce the proper doctrinal mindset and devotion to the Blessed Order among its members. The secular ComStar has disbanded this branch, while the Word of Blake has maintained it, albeit under considerable strain due to the different views of its various sects. |
=== Spiritual Enlightenment (Mu/Psi) === | === Spiritual Enlightenment (Mu/Psi) === | ||
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==Branch Insignia Gallery== | ==Branch Insignia Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | + | Image:Comstarrom-counterintellence.png|Counterintelligence insignia | |
| − | Comstarrom-counterintellence.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-covertoperations.png|Covert Operations insignia |
| − | + | Image:Comstarrom-informationandanalysis.png|Information and Intelligence insignia | |
| − | Comstarrom-covertoperations.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-clanoverwatch.png|Clan Overwatch insignia |
| − | Comstarrom-informationandanalysis.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-blakewrath.png|Blake's Wrath insignia |
| − | Comstarrom-clanoverwatch.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-valkyrie.png|Valkyrie insignia |
| − | Comstarrom-blakewrath.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-security.png|Security insignia |
| − | Comstarrom-valkyrie.png| | + | Image:Comstarrom-diplomatic.png|Diplomatic Operations insignia |
| − | Comstarrom-security.png| | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
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==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' | * ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' | ||
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| − | [[Category:Intelligence | + | [[Category:ComStar]] |
| + | [[Category:Intelligence agencies]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Word of Blake]] | ||