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An assault from orbit
Spoilers through Golden Son
An Iron Rain drops soldiers from orbit onto a defended world. Their job is to establish positions where larger forces can land. Winning the battle in space gives them a chance to descend, but cities below may still have shields and ground defenses.
Troops face aircraft and antiaircraft fire during the fall. They can lose equipment, break formation or land far from their objectives. Survivors must regroup and fight their way into positions that let reinforcements follow.
Sources: Golden Son, Chapters 35–39.
The Mars plan: fleet, shields and entry routes
Spoilers through Golden Son
Darrow’s announcement attracts forces for an assault on Mars. The plan separates the space battle from the descent and depends on exploiting a short interruption in the defenses. Multiple bridgeheads allow later mass landings, while protected cities require attackers to address the shield systems.
Agea matters both as a capital and because Octavia and her protected ships are there. Diversions cover a smaller infiltration force moving through a concealed route prepared by the Sons. Separate teams target generators, gates and the Sovereign.
Scouts, engineers, pilots, infantry and covert allies all have separate jobs. Darrow leads one part of an operation that depends on many other teams succeeding.
Sources: Golden Son, Chapters 36, 38–39.
Armor helps, but can also trap its wearer
Spoilers through Golden Son
Heavy assault equipment gives descending soldiers protection and mobility, yet remains vulnerable to damage and electronic disruption. During the Mars operation an EMP disables equipment and leaves Darrow in danger inside his starShell. His mining-trained precision helps him cut a way out.
After landing, troops use terrain and low flight paths for cover. They are still vulnerable: Harpy dies before Darrow can do anything to save her.
Sources: Golden Son, Chapters 38–40.
Why Golds want to join a Rain
Spoilers through Golden Son
Gold culture treats participation as a test of courage and prestige. Darrow’s call promises the first Iron Rain in twenty years, attracting people who want to be associated with the feat. Recordings make individual conduct visible to the audience that awards status.
During the campaign, soldiers adopt Reaper symbols and become personally loyal to Darrow. His popularity grows beyond the authority Nero has given him, making his patron increasingly wary.
Sources: Golden Son, Chapters 35–37.
Mercury: victory without civilian authorization
Spoilers through Iron Gold
Iron Gold opens by tracing the bombs used on Mercury from their manufacture to the people they kill. The assault requires an enormous chain of factories, transport and military planning.
Darrow orders the Rain despite the Senate’s instruction to continue the siege. He returns victorious, but with devastating casualties, and asks to launch another campaign. Dancer challenges both the loss of life and Darrow’s decision to overrule the elected government.
Orion and Harnassus support the operation, but their military approval does not replace the Senate’s permission. Darrow also leaves an occupied world where fighting is far from over.
Sources: Iron Gold, Chapters 1, 10–11.
The Ash Rain and the campaign afterward
Spoilers through Dark Age
Atalantia uses participation in the assault on Mercury as a demonstration of loyalty. Diomedes refuses in his role as ambassador, while Seraphina volunteers. Lysander discovers that simulation does not reproduce the violence of launch or the real decisions demanded during descent.
Defensive shields, particle beams, missiles, drones and railguns continue to kill attackers. Orbital support creates openings, but cannot make every route safe. Units break into smaller groups once through the defenses, and the landing gives way to separate battles across a harsh environment.
After the landing, troops must find shelter, supplies and transport across Mercury. Darrow wins major engagements but still faces encirclement. The fate of his survivors depends on relief and evacuation as much as their ability to fight.
Sources: Dark Age, Chapters 6, 8, 10–17, 32–35, 79–89.