The planets Small World and Ingress form the alliance known as the Duchy of Small. Both worlds were settled during the first wave of Terran immigration. Then, as now, Small World was ruled by the Small family, one of the oldest ruling noble families of the Inner Sphere. Although the world has fallen under control of various realms during its history - Terran Hegemony, Capellan Confederation, Tikonov Free Republic, and Federated Commonwealth - the Smalls have always managed to maintain their position as rulers of the planet.
Despite its status, the family had long harbored an ambition, passed from generation to generation, to expand its influence beyond its homeworld. In 3050, this ambition prompted Duke Blake Small to set in motion a plan that would eventually lead to the Duchy of Small. Apparently, the plan began to take shape in the duke's mind after he learned he could lease portions of his world to his new Federated Commonwealth masters as cold-weather training areas for AFFC units. As a reward, the AFFC high command offered Small surplus and aging military hardware at low prices. The duke used this opportunity to assemble and arm a regiment-sized force of personal guards within the space of a few years.
When the Marik-Liao invasion began, Small saw his chance to expand his power. The Federated Commonwealth troops assigned to garrison the planet had been moved two years earlier to the Clan front and never replaced, as the inconsequential world seemed unlikely to become a military target. With Federated Commonwealth troops engaged in defending other planets against Marik and Liao attacks, the duke simply waited for the right moment. That moment came after his militia defeated a group of Liao-backed guerillas who attempted to inspire an uprising on Small Wolrd. The same day as the militia's final victory, Duke Small made a speech to his subjects denouncing Liao adventurism, criticizing Victor Davion's neglect of the world's protection, and vowing that Small World would never again rely on the whims of a Great House ruler. Then, the duke declared Small World an independent world - a declaration that went unchallenged.
Next, the duke sent envoys to nearby Ingress, which has long historical ties with Small World. Within three days, leaders of that planet had agreed to join the newly formed Duchy of Small. Under the arrangement, Ingress would receive protection provided by the duke's 'Mech militia, while Small World would benefit from Ingress's active economy, extensive natural resources, and agricultural exports. The duchy has requested diplomatic recognition from Atreus, New Avalon, and Luthien, but has not received recognition from any of the Great Houses.
Nearly 80 percent of Small World's landmass is covered by frozen tundra. The planet has a medium-sized population, and almost all of these inhabitants live in five large cities located on the world's two small equatorial continents. Small Wolrd's economy is almost totally dependent on its exports of radioactive elements and minerals mined from under its frozen exterior.
Ingress is a heavily populated world with a diverse economy. Trade and agricultural exports from the largest sectors, but Ingress also contains several light manufacturing facilities.
Duke Blake Small has great plans for his tiny realm, and will go to some lengths to ensure that it survives and prospers. The duke hopes to expand his duchy enough to make it a major power in the Terran Corridor, and has plans to invade and conquer the worlds of Fletcher, Sheratan, and Epsilon Indi. Once he accomplishes this, he hopes to move on to Bryant and New Home within two years. The duke realizes, however, that the independent-minded world of Ingress may decide at any time to pull out of the duchy. Duke Small will take any measures necessary to keep this from happening.
The union of Small World and Ingress is hardly harmonious. The duke sent nearly half his 'Mech force to Ingress to propose the alliance, and that show of strength more than anything else convinced the leaders of Ingress to join the duchy. Recently, a group of prominent Ingressians sent envoys to Atreus and New Avalon to request aid in freeing their planet from the duke's rule. Believing that Ingress benefits very little from membership in the duchy, they want some type of protection status under a Great House. No one has yet criticized the duchy too vocally, however; half the duke's 'Mech force currently garrisons Ingress and easily outguns Ingress's conventionally armed forces.
Most mercs give the Duchy of Small a fair grade as an employer because the duke offers good money to attract solid forces. However, he is slowly gaining a reputation for abandoning or sacrificing merc units that do not perform well on missions, regardless of the circumstances or the length of the contract. Though no unit has yet brought formal charges against the duke, ugly rumors about him have caused a few units to pass up offers from this small state. The duchy usually employs mercs to undertake objective or recon raids for supplies and other salvage; the duke does not fear his neighbors, and will attack any neighboring realm that has what he wants. Duke Small is horing large numbers of mercenaries to aid him in his conquests, and plans to continue hiring until he has captured all the worlds he wants at the moment. He is also finalizing purchases of more 'Mechs and vehicles to round out his regular forces. Within a year, the duke plans to launch invasions of Fletcher and Sheratan, and will move on to Epsilon Indi once those worlds are secured.
Ingress will remain with the Duchy of Small for at least a year, but are determined to make their break once their Ingress Legions have gained advanced training from the duke's forces and the various treaties with the Great Houses have been concluded.
Unit Name Expernce Homeworld Faction Ducal Militia Regular Small World Duchy of Small (CO: Baroness Candace Small) (1st, 2nd Companies) The Furies Regular Small World Duchy of Small (CO: Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Garibaldi) (1 mixed regiment) Ducal Militia Regular Ingress Duchy of Small (CO: Baron Klaus von Demer) (3rd Company) Ingress Legions Green Ingress Duchy of Small (CO: High Commander Emily Bourles) (12 infantry regiments)
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#include
<stddiscl.h>
Will Day < wd