In the fictional BattleTech universe, Luthien (The Black Pearl) is the capital world of the Draconis Combine. Luthien is a heavily industrialized world that is traditionally the the seat of power for the ruling family of the Draconis Combine, House Kurita. It remained relatively untouched during the succession wars, but during the Clan invasion (specifically year 3052) Luthien was invaded by Clan Smoke Jaguar and Clan Nova Cat. They were defeated by the Combine's warriors and the last minute additions of the mercenary units The Kell Hounds and Wolf's Dragoons. The ensuing battle left Luthien heavily scarred and remained so for many years despite the population's reconstructive efforts. During 3059 the newly formed Star League Defense Force under Victor Steiner-Davion used Luthien as a staging ground for Operation Bulldog, driving the Smoke Jaguar for Draconis Combine. During the Jihad the Word Of Blake savagely attacked Luthien with nuclear and chemical weapons. The Three Graces, here in a painting by Sandro Botticelli, were the goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility in Greek mythology. ... 20 Year Anniversary of BattleTech logo BattleTech (MechWarrior) is a science-fiction board game (wargame) (designed by FASA in 1984) which simulates warfare in the distant future of the 31st century, where humans battle in gigantic walking machines powered by fusion reactors (known as BattleMechs), tanks, spaceships and other aircraft... The deepest visible-light image of the cosmos. ... In the fictional BattleTech universe, the Successor States are the major military powers of the Inner Sphere, each governed by one of the Great Houses. ... In the fictional BattleTech universe, the Successor States are the major military powers of the Inner Sphere, each governed by one of the Great Houses. ... The only Great House that proclaims unabashedly its right to rule all of Human Space, House Kurita has dominated the Draconis Combine since its founding in 2319. ...