This is an account of the Succession Wars game that we played over two Fridays from June 4, 1999 to June 11. Succession Wars is the BattleTech conquer-the-universe grand strategic war game. Each player plays one of the five Inner Sphere Houses. Each turn represents three months time, unit counters are 1-3 regiments, each House has a few leader counters to represent notable personalities.

In this game the players are as follows: Kevin Wong (Liao), David Sweet (Marik), Billy Filios (Steiner), Donald Kubasak (Kurita), Eric Row (Davion). Kevin has played the game half a dozen times when he was in High School (10-12 years ago). Billy recalls playing the game at least once. Pictures were once again taken with Nilon CoolPix 900 in Automatic mode. Regular pictures are 640x480, full are 1280x960.

Setup

The Free Worlds League sets up thinly with several reserve fleets ready to counterattack. Janos Marik proclaims that the League will not initiate any wars, but they are certainly ready to end any should Liao or Steiner dare attack him.

The Lyran Confederation sets up even thinner on their borders, with most of the FWL border manned singly by small mercenary units. Large fleets are ready to sortie from Tharkad, Odessa, Tamar and Skye. Katrina Steiner keeps her own counsel, making both the FWL and the Combine wary of an attack.

The Draconis Combine prepares to battle the Federated Suns. Takashi Kurita vows to see Hanse "The Fox" Davion kneeling before him in chains. Units mass in Benjamin and Arkab, ready to counterattack a Steiner incursion or launch an offensive against Davion space. Jumpships prepare to move the Galedon Regulars to the Davion front.

The Federated Suns prepares to shuttle troops to the front. Robinson is the only border region that's reinforced. Prince Hanse Davion confidently surveys the situation and prepares for war.

The Capellan Confederation nervously reinforces Sarna. Chancellor Liao concentrates his forces in the Tikonov to Sian corridor and is prepared to sacrifice the Periphery and Terra regions. Liao urges Kurita to attack the Federated Suns before the Davion juggernaut is assembled.