Editing 1st Royal Guards

{{infoBoxStateUnit
| image    = [[File:Royalguards1st.png]]
| nickname = The Pride of Donegal also The Archon's Own
| parent formation = [[Royal Guards]]
| formed   = 
| year     = 3145
| unitname = First Royal Guards RCT
}}

From their founding, the '''First Royal Guards''' were the personal bodyguards of the Archon of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and [[Lyran Alliance]].  After the destruction of the [[Fourth Royal Guards]], the First became (at least nominally) the personal command of the Archon.  Throughout much of its history, the First has been deployed on [[Tharkad]], protecting the [[Tharkad#The Triad|Triad]] itself.<ref name=FMLAp95>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 95, "1st Royal Guards Unit Profile"</ref>

==History==
After the assassination attempt to kill Archon [[Craig Steiner]] in [[2529]], the 1st Royal Guards supplied the pair of ''[[Griffin]]'' [[BattleMech]]s that stood beside the [[Lyran]] throne. [[Victor Ian Steiner-Davion]] broke with the tradition and, in [[3056]], replaced the ''Griffins'' with a ''[[Crusader]]'' and a ''[[Marauder]]'', 'Mechs common in the former [[AFFS]]. His sister, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] replaced those 'Mechs with a pair of ''[[Hauptmann]]'' OmniMechs following her accession.<ref name=FMLAp95/>

Though most of the First's history has been the defense of the Archon, the First has been deployed to the front lines in times of need.<ref name=FMLAp95/>

In early [[2506]] for example the First deployed to [[Tamar]] at the close of the [[Lyran Civil War]]. Led by Archon Robert Steiner, the First pursued Duke Gilderoy and Margaret Olson into Tamar City. There they fought the rebel forces for eighteen hours before the rebels surrendered.<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52</ref>

The First was stationed on [[Tharkad]] in [[2765]]. While there they skirmished and trained with the [[2nd Royal Guards]], who had lost several key members due to criminal behavior.<ref name=FR:2765LCAFp17>''Field Report 2765: LCAF'', p. 17, "Royal Guards" - Regimental Status</ref>

In [[3022]] the First Royal Guards fought the Battle of Rigil Kentaurus. The battle began as a joint exercise between the LCAF unit and Marshal Ran Felsner to work out joint [[AFFS]]/[[LCAF]] tactics. However, the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] sent in large numbers of troops and the joint LCAF/AFFS forces were hard pressed to prevent the fall of the planet. They prevailed however, and Rigil Kentaurus remained free of the Dragon.<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 189</ref>

===Fourth Succession War===
The First and the mercenary unit [[Barrett's Fusiliers]] were deployed to the [[Isle of Skye]] during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. Both commands acted as an mobile reserve. When the [[Fourth Proserpina Hussars]] successfully invaded the Lyran world of [[La Blon]] during the Lull, both units were dispatched to counterattack during [[Operation Holdur]]. The First caught the Fourth Hussars totally off-guard and captured two strategically important forts. Consequently, the Proserpina Hussars faded away from the Lyran units. At first, the Royal Guards unsuccessfully tried to hunt down the [[DCMS]] unit. When the Hussars intercepted a message from the CO of Royal Guards that indicated the bulk of his units had moved out of one of the forts to engage the Hussars, they attacked. However, the message was a trap by the Steiner forces. When the Hussars attacked, the fort was defended by the entire force of the 1st Royals. The Hussars took grievous damage fighting what they believed to be a token force. After four hours, the few surviving lances of Hussars, retreated only to be ambushed by Barrett's Fusiliers.<ref name="FM:MRp42">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 42, "Barrett's Fusiliers: The Light Musketeers"</ref>

After the liberation of [[La Blon]], both units dropped on [[Dromini VI]]. Though the suicidal attack of the [[Tenth Lyran Guards]] damaged many of the [[JumpShip]]s and destroyed many of the supplies needed for [[Theodore Kurita]]'s [[Operation Contagion]], the planet was still crowded with Kurita units, including both surviving [[Legion of Vega]] regiments, as well as elements of the [[Benjamin Regulars]] and the [[Dieron Regulars]]. Though the Lyran units were outnumbered by the Combine forces, they harassed the DCMS units. Theodore Kurita realized that Lyran reinforcements would likely arrive soon and that he and his forces would be trapped behind enemy lines with little chance to survive. Consequently, he ordered his units to retreat off-planet. When the First Royals realized the retreat of the Kurita units, they attacked the [[Seventeenth Benjamin Regulars]]. Both units took heavy losses, but the Seventeenth lost most, more than a [[battalion]] of 'Mechs.<ref name="FM:MRp42"/>

===FedCom Civil War===
The First Royal Guards were stationed on Tharkad when the Allied task force hit. They fought the [[Kell Hounds]] and [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]]'s Alpha Galaxy. Though they fought well, the Clan unit eventually smashed them.<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 69</ref> During the fighting they were led by [[Nondi Steiner]] against [[Peter Steiner-Davion]].<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 172</ref>

===Jihad===
Due to the severe damage the unit suffered during the FedCom Civil War, the [[Jihad]] the First Royal Guards and their sister unit, the [[Second Royal Guards]] fell apart during the attack of the Word of Blake forces. The Archon, [[Peter Steiner-Davion]], referred to anyone who fought in the [[Tharkad]] resistance as a "Royal Guard". After the Blakists were driven off of Tharkad, the First Royal Guards were rebuilt by adding a battalion of troops from the [[Alekseyevka TTM]] and [[Florida TTM]]. This has led to some tension between the survivors and the new arrivals.<ref name="frla14">''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 14</ref>

In June [[3083]] the First Royal Guards were deployed to [[Inarcs]] to arrest Duchess LaRue for treason. The First Royal Guards arrived with the [[Second Bolan Guards]] LCT and quickly landed on the world. The Royal Guards quickly marched on Utoptia, the capital city, and surrounded the [[Blackstone Highlanders]] with their armor. The Guard's 'Mech and battle armor forces quickly smashed the Highlander's positions and forced them to surrender.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 104</ref> The First Royal Guards then accompanied Duchess LaRue to Tharkad, where she stood trial for treason.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 95</ref>

In 3085 the First Royal Guards were stationed on [[Gibbs]].<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 108</ref>

===Dark Age===
In [[3104]] the First Royal Guards were deployed to [[Gacrux]] to assault the last of the [[Brotherhood of Cincinnatus]]' strongholds. They used updated ''[[King Crab]]'' BattleMechs as a distraction while the rest of the task force assaulted the rear of the fortress.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 46</ref> Adam Steiner led the First Royal Guards and the [[Fourteenth Lyran Guards]] personally in their assault against the Brotherhood's forces during the five-hour battle on Gacrux.<ref name="FM:3145p119">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 119, "Reconstruction"</ref>

The First Royal Guards were ordered not to attack Duke Brewer while he was "Acting Archon", but despite this the First believes that it failed to protect Archon Melissa Steiner from Brewer's coup. The new Archon, Trillian Steiner, did not hold this "failure" against them, but the First began drilling constantly in bodyguard duties to insure that the First would never fail again. The First also faced several Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Wolf units when they attacked Tharkad, and gained valuable experience.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 124</ref>

==Officers==
The First Royal Guards were commanded by Paul Steiner between [[2750]] and [[2761]].<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 79</ref>

As of [[3025]] the unit is commanded by [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]].<ref name=HSp121>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 121 (pdf version), "Unit Deployment Table - 3025"</ref>

As of [[3050]] the commanding officer was Archon [[Melissa Steiner-Davion]].<ref name=20Yp29>''20 Year Update'', p. 29, "AFFC Deployment Table - 3050"</ref>

As of [[3054]] the commanding officer was [[Archon-Prince]] [[Victor Ian Steiner-Davion]].<ref name=ORp21>''Objective Raids'', p. 21, "AFFC Deployment Table - 3054"</ref>

As of [[3062]] the commanding officer was [[Leutnant-General]] [[Gionavva Mellandra]], the [[Duchess]] of [[Khartoum]]. [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of the famed [[Grayson Carlyle|Grayson "Death" Carlyle]] also serves as a Hauptmann within the unit.<ref name=FMLAp95/>

As of [[3067]] the commanding officer was Archon [[Peter Steiner-Davion]].<ref name=FMUp178>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 178, "LAAF Deployment Table - 3067"</ref>

As of [[3085]] the commanding officer was Archon [[Adam Steiner]].<ref name=FM3085p108>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 108, "LAAF Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>

In [[3145]] the commanding officer is [[Hauptmann-General]] [[Markus Clarkston]].<ref name=FM:3145p133>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 133, "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces - Donegal Province"</ref>

==Tactics==
Because of their posting within the [[Tharkad#The Triad|Triad]] and even within the [[Lyran]] throne room, the First drills extensively at close quarters fighting, and short ranged combat.  Members of the first are exceptional marksmen and are skilled at maneuvering.  Despite its urban defensive prowess, the First is best renowned for parade and drill routines.<ref name=FMLAp95/>

===Recruitment===
Posting to the prestigious First Royal Guards is only possible by invitation.  Though the recruitment policies were relaxed during the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the First represents the [[Protectorate of Donegal]] and therefore mainly recruits from units raised only in this state.  Though approximately one third of the 1st Royal Guards are nobles, postings are based on merit, with at least 5 years of experience required.  Only the Archon can make exceptions.<ref name=FMLAp95/>

==Composition History==
===2765===
'''First Royal Guards''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FR:2765LCAFp17/>

===3025===
'''First Royal Guards''' (Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=HSp121/>
* CO: Archon Katrina Steiner 	

===3040===
'''First Royal Guards RCT''' (Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=HWO3039>''Historical: War of 3039'' , p. 138 </ref>

===3050===
'''First Royal Guards RCT''' (Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=20Yp29/>
* CO: Archon [[Melissa Steiner-Davion]]

===3054===	
'''First Royal Guards RCT''' (Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=ORp21/>
* CO: Archon-Prince Victor Ian Steiner-Davion	

===3062-3067===
'''First Royal Guards''' ([[Regiment]]/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMLAp95/><ref name=FMUp178/>
* CO (3062): Archon [[Katherine Steiner]]
* CO (3067): Archon Peter Steiner-Davion
:* Aide: Leutnant-General Gionavva Mellandra

'''First Royal Guards Aerospace Brigade'''<ref name=FMLAp95/><ref name=FMUp178/>
* CO: [[Kaptain]] [[Paolo Duranti]]
* 1st Royal Guards [[Wing (Military Unit)|Wing]]
* 2nd Royal Guards Wing

'''First Royal Guards Armor Brigade''' (3 Regiments/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMLAp95/><ref name=FMUp178/>
* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Uwe Dahrendorf]]
:* Aide: [[Leutnant-Colonel]] Gill Davis
* 1st Royal Tharkad Panzer Regiment - Colonel: Liesbeth Tennant
* 2nd Royal Tharkad Panzer Regiment - Colonel: Noel Seaton
* 1st Royal Tharkad Light Tank - Colonel: Damien Banbridge

'''First Royal Guards Infantry Brigade''' (5 Regiments/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMLAp95/><ref name=FMUp178/>
* CO: Colonel Austin Graves
:* Aide: Leutnant-Colonel Leon Jodrell
* 2nd Royal Tharkad Light Infantry Regiment - Colonel: Holly Tenn
* 4th Royal Tharkad Light Infantry Regiment - Colonel: Jona Kork
* 1st Royal Tharkad Mechanized Regiment - Colonel: Galeazzo Halder
* 2nd Royal Tharkad Mechanized Regiment - Colonel: Kerry Bracher
* 1st Royal Tharkad [[Battle Armor]] Regiment - ''Colonel'': Harold Carter

===3079===
'''First Royal Guards RCT'''

The First Royal Guards were nearly destroyed on Tharkad. To rebuild the unit rapidly they received two battalions of [[Timbuktu Theater Militia]] forces. This brought them to 80% of their pre-Jihad strength.<ref name="frla14"/>

===3085===
'''First Royal Guards RCT''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p108/>
* CO: Archon Adam Steiner

'''First Royal Aerospace''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p108/> 
* CO: [[Kommandant]] Winston Abello

'''First Royal Armor Brigade''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FM3085p108/> 
* CO: Colonel Purdie Huang

'''First Royal Infantry Brigade''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p108/> 
* CO: Colonel Asher Wood

===3145===
'''First Royal Guards RCT''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p133/>
* CO: Hauptmann-General Markus Clarkston

'''First Royal Aerospace''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p133/>
* CO: Kaptain Jane Long

'''First Royal Armor Brigade''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p133/>
* CO: Colonel Fred Evans

'''First Royal Infantry Brigade''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p133/>
* CO: Colonel Keith Williams

<div class="gamerules">

==Game Rules==
When playing in the [[Star League]] or [[Age of War]] eras, the First Royal Guards receive a +1 Initiative modifier and a -1 bonus to Piloting skill rolls when operating in Urban terrain. (At least half the mapsheets must be found on the Light or Heavy Urban Terrain Mapsheet Table in ''[[Total Warfare]]'' for this to apply.)<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 142</ref>
</div>

==Reference==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
* ''[[Endgame]] (novel)''
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
* ''[[Field Report 2765: LCAF]]''
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 2750]]''
* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth]]''

[[Category:Lyran Commands|Royal Guards, 1st]]
[[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Royal Guards, 01st]]