BattleTech Lore & History - Third Succession War: One Last Bomb (MechWarrior Lore)

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Word on the maps... As you may have noticed, the maps I display in the video don't accurately reflect the current borders but rather haven't changed since 2866. Trying to work out where the actual frontline is in any given year is going to be a huge challenge that I'm only going to be able to attempt once I've fully mapped out the entire conflict. I've already been through the Sarna page for every world that changes hands but relatively few have dates of conquest. They will be corrected in the final compilation video later this year. Hope its not too distracting for now.

[@robertmurray7279]

Historian problems :D

[@MM22966]

Okay, I finished this, and it was great, Sven! I don't know why everybody was complaining "nothing happens in 3rd SW" for the last couple of months. It was genuinely interesting with the "slow/fast" pace of events. Great job!

[@Athlon2736]

@SvenVanDerPlank I know it's not likely but would you consider in the last episode for the 3rd succession war to have the other BT KZbinrs to provides quotes or comments of the end?

[@Rellana1]

Looking forward to more comstar stuff. I'm interested to see how it all unfolds,so to speak.

[@natahx2787]

I look back on the past few years of my life and so much has changed, but your videos are a constant. As a young guy in a family that doesn’t play tabletop games, and who’s job doesn’t pay enough to afford sourcebooks, your videos are amazing and I always look forward to them!

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Cheers. I'm pleased to hear you've found the videos enjoyable over that length of time. Happy to have shared what I know of the setting.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Great video. Keep up the great work!

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Thank you. Will certainly try.

[@kevblr15]

Mech Frog, enjoying SVDP? It's more likely thank you think. I knew you had to good taste when I found out you liked plasma rifles.

[@marsar1775]

Theres something darkly humerous about that ending, with civilians setting up on overlooking hills like its a football match, reporting the victor to the rest of the planet

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

It's a story right out of the American Civil War I believe (or maybe that's just a common misbelief). People would go out to the battlefield to watch how it unfolded, then sell the story to a newspaper. I tried to capture the unique vibe of the Third Succession War by taking about those cultural shifts and now just specific battles and leaders.

[@Deridus]

​@@SvenVanDerPlank It may be a misconception, but it's one of those things that have to be believed because it highlights the absurdity of the conflict.

[@lostdefender137]

Well, during the end of the Graf Spee, when she was prepping for self destruction, the populace around the port gathered to watch the german ship.

[@Cyberfender1]

@@SvenVanDerPlank "We'll whip the rebs in 1 battle!" and "please pass the cold fried chicken, german potato salad and my field binoculars!"🤣😜 NICE real history nod, Sven! You continue impress me, Sir! I really enjoyed that!( I used to be a American Civil War reenactor, Confederate) I really love History ( even fictional types like battletech)

[@michaelsheal4015]

@@SvenVanDerPlank First Battle of Bull Run/Mansas which was the first Major Land Battle of the War it was believed the South would Surrender after 1 Major Defeat so the Civilians(among them where a few members of Congress) where there to see the war end just over 2 months after its start

[@KillerOrca]

The story of the Sea Skimmer that delivered the warhead is just as neat as it's use. A Lyran vehicle indented specifically for its rich commanders to avoid ever seeing battle by basically being a weaponized yacht utilized as a hypervelocity nuclear weapon delivery system.

[@bthsr7113]

The real kicker is that the Sea Skimmer, while very much used to avoid the front, and the role it was built to officially handle was not needed where it was first "deployed," it's actually a quite well designed boat for its stated role of patrol and counterinsurgency. Heck, it's largely a superior design to a preexisting competitor in the role, showing up faster, bringing more umph, being able to take more hits, and being lighter to boot.

[@KillerOrca]

@bthsr7113 It created the niche it filled and did it well

[@jasonfarley9025]

Love the Third Succession War Such a great mix of the tiny and the overwhelming

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

I was kind of surprised doing the reading just how often these absolutely ENORMOUS battles happen during a period known for small unit actions.

[@franksmedley8619]

Hello Sven. Yes, I am one of those 'Grey Warriors'. The people who have been playing Battletech (mostly on the tabletops) since 1984, when the game was released. I enjoy your 'in-depth' historical videos on the history and politics of the Inner Sphere. Yes, I have seen most of the source materials myself, but only lightly skimmed the data at the time. By compiling and presenting a linear history, sourced as best as one can from all the relevant sources, you are presenting something new to the Battletech community. An overall, historical narrative of events and both outcomes as well as their underlying causes. For someone totally new to Battletech, the depth and breadth, and the detail of that history is awesome to encounter. The only other setting that I think even comes close to such detail is the Warhammer 40,000 universe. And even there, things are not as well explained and laid out as what you are doing. Keep on making these videos. I am so looking forward to the eventual 4th Succession War era. The period of time where my 'home brew' Mercenary group had its origins, and where due to House Liao's perfidity, the survivors pulled up stakes to colonize a system inside the Perseus-Cepherus Cloud Complex (which they refer to as the Staplin Nebula. Named for the first explorer captain to enter it).

[@MaticustheRed]

Why is in-depth in parenthesis? Is it a hypothetical in-depth?

[@franksmedley8619]

@@MaticustheRed I use the single parentheses to denote words or phrases that I wish to place emphasis upon. If this were an exchange of written text, I would underline such words and phrases instead.

[@fartybums7703]

I fell in love with battle tech as a 7 yr old watching the cartoon and never got any of lore outside of the computer games, growing up in a small town in Australia where tabletop games didn't exist so im just love hearingthe fleshed out stories and lore really look forward to it each week, so thank you for all your time and effort in doing this so well

[@floriangallus7760]

Cool!😊 Looking forward to it. Somehow BT seems most appealing when there's this dystopian nuclear apocalypse atmosphere really shining through. I still can't figure out why that feels so cozy😂

[@Corpsman913]

Because its small action gameplay, were the fighting is personal and more easily comprehended- we can easily image 2-3 lances clashing. But 5 companies on a side is a lot.

[@MM22966]

I remember reading the hydrofoil battle vignette in TRO 3025...A single paragraph. It's really what hooked me on Battletech.

[@EmperorsChildren]

Great video as always Sven! Can't wait to get to the 3000s :)

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Thanks. Not long to go now. Next three videos cover up to 2957, 2990, then 3014. Hoping to get one more out this weekend before I go away on holiday.

[@jeffd7976]

Oh, you outdid yourself on this one man. I personally like the longer format too. You gotta wonder about Comstars endgame here.

[@jefferynelson]

leaving a comment to support this content creator

[@EmmanuelKa]

I have to add: You have such an amazing narrators voice! It's one of the best on KZbin.

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Haha, thank you. To me I just sound like some random bloke sitting in his room. I have made slight improvements since I started.

[@bthsr7113]

I do so love the story of the rich boys' club turned "militia" (yacht club) turned militia turned sacrificial heroes

[@blackspade1]

Another fantastic episode. I really appreciate the 'liner notes' at the end of each video. The thought you put into each episode is evident.

[@ebla83]

Excellent work Sven! The end reminds me of English football... when grounds had standing areas.

[@mwhyte1979]

The Comstar civil war, or as I like to call it, " ATT fights of a hostile takeover."

[@HawkTheRed]

As someone who has gone and fought the entire 3rd Succession War in MW5, I can confirm, it really felt like a war without end

[@Deridus]

Well, the formation of the FedCom certainly is a harbinger of unity across the Imner Sphere. Surely, nothing is lurking in deep space that could threaten it.

[@ianfletcher6039]

Happy to help! Love your video series, and I often rewatch the composite videos as I work or walk the dogs.

[@krinsbez]

Love the Terran Alliance history, but it's good to be back. 46:00 Waith, hold on. I had assumed that "The Royal Order of MechWarriors" and "Brotherhood of Honor" were separate, but allied outfits, who approved such a doofy name?

[@jasonfarley9025]

Hey, Freedom! I remember you from the Terran Alliance!

[@reecedignan8365]

Another grand video sir, loving finding out about all this history in the 3rd succession war which I had no idea about. Also, enjoy your holiday mate. Have a good yin.

[@lexington476]

When the third war is done, do you think you'll do the fourth war, and the war of 3039? what about any Clan stuff?

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Yes. I plan to do the ilClan one day, and everything between then and now.

[@Deridus]

Personally, the setting ends in October 3067 for me. Everything past the FedCom civil war just goes off the rails.

[@Logan912]

@@Deridus In some ways, I think Catalyst is trying their best to bring a more "modern" FASA-era feel with mixed results. However, WizKidz did not do the lore any favors whatsoever.

[@Deridus]

@@Logan912 Thing is, everything I read post-FedCom (with a possible single RotS civil war book) was just underwhelming. With no ComStar to pump the breaks on tech development and the Helm Memory Core, it gets too micro-managerial for building tabletop lances for a ballanced game. 4v4 with almost equal tonnage pre-3025 and it's virtually always a fair fight. Needing to act like a Clanner for days just for a 15 minute 2v2 battle because you need to get with 200 bv for a fair fight just sucks the enjoyment out for me, especially for the Advanced Rules. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad folks like 'em. My first live was BT, but 40k took over. Then GW shat the bed and I came back to my beloved Inner Sphere, and I have dozens of mechs and easly a hundred unit sheats... but I patently refuse to play anything post 3048.

[@myles5276]

Really looking forward to you covering the full story. As someone who doesn't know much fedcom or holy war era lore i am interested to hear about it.​@SvenVanDerPlank

[@davidmelton3704]

Very fun episode Sven. I do so love the Third War and its whole zeitgeist and style. Also, I am a fan of the longer, more detailed episodes like this.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

Amazing content Sven.

[@derekburge5294]

More than a bit surprised the last bomb was a little kilotonner. You'd think that a small scale (relatively) tactical nuke being used without consequence would only embolden more of the same.

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into making and posting these videos. This one was amazing and I enjoyed watching it. I’m seriously enjoying the format you chose for the third succession war and it turns a mess of a conflict in something that can be followed relatively easily.

[@arwing20]

3:40 I mean to be fair given the DCMS reputation for cruelty, I wouldn't judge anyone for doing this to them

[@mal_dun]

What makes me always wonder about the Succession Wars, is that so much tech is lost, while most battles are at the borders. Does the source material give any insights if there are regular raids at the insides of the territories? Or build the houses all their R&D at the borders and make no backups? It makes sense for the Capellans as their realms is such a small strip, but for example the Lyrians should have enough worlds to compensate.

[@MM22966]

Key question: Are you going to tell Wolf Dragoon's story as it was known to the Inner Sphere from 3005, or "reveal" their Clan origins at the start to the listener? I vote for surprise!

[@MM22966]

Eight HUNDRED systems????!!! Jesus, I had no idea it was that bad.

[@darkalman]

Meanwhile in the deep periphery... The golden century is well underway

[@Deridus]

(Giggles in Jarnfolk)

[@shimazutakuma1031]

The 3rd succession war is longer but not as bloody as the first two wars because: 1. They exhausted their resources 2. They understand now the severity of using WMD not only to their own populace but to any conquered worlds 3. More people died of starvation than conventional warfare :'>

[@jonnettleton9536]

Dude your awesome, keep it going now.

[@TheKeyser94]

I remember that the independents, in Mechwarrior 5, not give a shit who their liege lord was, they were more concerned about pirate attacks, attacks from other noble houses or from their own liege Lord, and they would pay to any mercenary to protect them, I gain a very good reputation with the independents, even that the mayor nobles houses pay very well to fight in the DLC campaigns, in the campaign or career mode, not matter if Battletech or Mechwarrior, after you spend like ten years fighting, you began to disassociate yourself with the battles, you care more about the money than who is paying you, in my case, I cared more for the money of the independents than any noble houses, even that I am a nihilist, part of me like the idea of fighting for the little factions, not matter how pointless or meaningless it is.

[@theodoremccarthy4438]

Fantastic work as always. 👌

[@MM22966]

48:44 "Life on Asgard's throne would ill-suit you, brother!"

[@ASNS117Zero]

Okay, I gotta know; when was the lore written that a planet with access to dropships suffered an asteroid impact written? Because that has to be pretty old. With what we know about astronomy today, a civilization with access to even 1 dropship would be able to easily divert an asteroid with just days notice.

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

1987 Steiner Housebook

[@ASNS117Zero]

@@SvenVanDerPlank Yeah that tracks. Authors back then probably didn't realize how low-tech is actually required to land on an asteroid, and a fusion torch like what dropships use and a bit of math would be more than enough to divert the course of the asteroid.

[@stephenrickman4300]

great video Sven!

[@mcinnisboy]

Just a fantastic episode. The more material the better (I'm greedy).

[@readwatchlisten2863]

I enjoyed this episode. I respect your focus on politics, but I would like to see more about the important battles that were fought. I'm also eagerly awaiting the events of the 31st century to the series. Finally! 😆

[@loreman2803]

This was Grand, many thanks

[@MM22966]

I just realized: That art of the Marik parliament is the English Parliament in London, with purple instead of green and more benches.

[@Tzilandi]

That bomb? You guessed it: Frank Stallone!

[@MrScientifictutor]

Got to give props to Simon Steiner for such a level head decision. These are the heroes of the battle tech universe, and not the ones the slug it out for decades just to return to the original boarder.

[@michaelmeisterfeld4442]

Totally not meant in an offensive way, because your videos are really great, but i love to liaten to this whilw painting my minis

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

Hey, no offence taken. Lots of people are listening to my videos while doing some other thing in the hobby; whether that might be painting, setting up a game or playing some MW5. I'm just glad people are enjoying them.

[@scw77]

I consider your videos as the new canon for my campaign

[@lexington476]

13:45 prase Blake.

[@marsar1775]

youtubes auto translate translates your comment as 1:45pm Blake the pig

[@Deridus]

NO. Get rekt, Wobbie.

[@lexington476]

@@Deridus 🙂

[@M0rtunodos]

Great video!

[@MM22966]

14:40 There's crazy, and then there's Comstar crazy.

[@ChristophB.-lz5hq]

Well done! I Really Like Your Voice! Where Are You Come from?

[@gavinsmith9871]

People getting out popcorn to watch mech battles is funny to think about.

[@Steven-dt5nu]

Comstar sourcebook is great!

[@michaelthomas5433]

I'm sure that the armistice between the Federated Suns and Capellan Confederation will last. A toast to peace between those nations.

[@MM22966]

Arrrgh...I missed the live!

[@TKUltra971]

Aother great video

[@jwb_666]

17:47 Yes Captain-General

[@Deridus]

Hol' up! What's that quadreped at 40:31?

[@jamesperkins191]

I didn't notice until you pointed it out, but yes, that 'Mech has at least three legs

[@lorefox201]

great video thank you Sven

[@inuboy867]

Any new maps to be added to the collection on google drive?

[@ebla83]

OH MY!!!!!!

[@CaptainSeato]

"REMEMBER ZEBEBELGENUBI!"

[@workshoptelescope]

Engaging to keep the story and project going.

[@richardfendt1166]

That title feels more like a Disney strategy report.

[@ThugShakers4Christ]

The asteroid is such stupid lore. With that much notice, a single drop ship would probably be able to redirect it.

[@Somewhat-Evil]

How does an asteroid strike happen when you see it coming that far in advance and have dropships capable of altering its trajectory? Bad game lore writers, bad, bad, no biscuit! 😠🗞💥💥

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

I hadn't thought about altering it's trajectory. I don't know how complicated it would be to intercept it if it is coming from outside the system or how much advance notice they would have.

[@Deridus]

Remember, Social Generals exist. It's not unfathomable that the rot could spread elsewhere.

[@iller3]

if it was moving fast enough, and spinning too much to "land" anything on, it may have not have been worth the resources required to deflect in any meaningful way

[@Deridus]

Remember, Social Generals are a thing. It's not implausible that the rot could set in at other places, especially given the feudal nature of the Inner Sphere.

[@jasilvacook]

Awesome work once again ❤