Difference between revisions of "21st Centauri Lancers"

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{{cleanup}}
 
{{refimprove}}
 
{{Update Needed|[[20 Year Update]], [[Era Report: 3145]]}}
 
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
|image        = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif|Insignia of the 21st Centauri Lancers]]
+
|image        = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif|150px|Insignia of the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers]]
|unitname    = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
|unitname    = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
|year        = 3025
 
|year        = 3025
|commander    = Col. [[Thaddeus Kusaka]]
+
|commander    = Col. [[Thaddeus Kusaka]]<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|jumpships    = Yes
+
|jumpships    = Yes<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|dropships    = Yes
+
|dropships    = Yes<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|aero        = Yes (heavy)
+
|aero        = Yes (heavy)<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|armor        = Yes
+
|armor        = Yes<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|infantry    = Yes
+
|infantry    = Yes<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|subunitname1 = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
|subunitname1 = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
|subunitloc1  = [[Nestor]]
+
|subunitloc1  = [[Nestor]]<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
|subunitexp1  = Elite
+
|subunitexp1  = Elite<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif]]
+
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif|150px]]
| unitname = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| unitname = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| year = 3059
 
| year = 3059
 
| commander = Colonel [[Evelena Haskell]]
 
| commander = Colonel [[Evelena Haskell]]
Line 27: Line 24:
 
| armor = Yes (6 companies)
 
| armor = Yes (6 companies)
 
| infantry = Yes (reinforced battalion)
 
| infantry = Yes (reinforced battalion)
| subunitname1 = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| subunitname1 = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitexp1 = Elite
 
| subunitexp1 = Elite
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{{InfoBoxMercUnit
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif]]
+
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif|150px]]
| unitname = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| unitname = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| year = 3067
 
| year = 3067
 
| commander = Colonel [[Evelena Haskell]]
 
| commander = Colonel [[Evelena Haskell]]
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| armor = Yes
 
| armor = Yes
 
| infantry = Yes
 
| infantry = Yes
| subunitname1 = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| subunitname1 = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitexp1 = Elite
 
| subunitexp1 = Elite
Line 48: Line 45:
  
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
 
{{InfoBoxMercUnit
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif]]
+
| image = [[Image:21stCentauriLancers.gif|150px]]
| unitname = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| unitname = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| year = 3071
 
| year = 3071
 
| commander = Colonel [[James LeMonds]]
 
| commander = Colonel [[James LeMonds]]
Line 57: Line 54:
 
| armor = No
 
| armor = No
 
| infantry = Yes
 
| infantry = Yes
| subunitname1 = 21st Centauri Lancers
+
| subunitname1 = Twenty-first Centauri Lancers
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitloc1 = [[Tukayyid]]
 
| subunitexp1 = Unknown
 
| subunitexp1 = Unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''21st Centauri Lancers''' are one of the foremost [[mercenary unit]]s in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Since their founding, the Lancers have forged a reputation for honesty and loyalty, though they are also known for not accepting any mistreatment.
+
The '''Twenty-first Centauri Lancers''' are one of the foremost [[mercenary unit]]s in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Since their founding, the Lancers have forged a reputation for honesty and loyalty, though they expect the same from their employers and are known for not accepting any mistreatment.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Originally a battalion of [[House Liao]]'s [[St. Ives Armored Cavalry]], the 21st Centauri Lancers were a regular military unit of the [[Capellan Confederation]]. They were well-known for having totally destroyed the [[4th Marik Militia]] in an attack against [[Anegasaki]] in [[2793]], thereby stopping a string of Marik victories. They had been equipped with the new ''[[Grasshopper]]'' [[BattleMech]], and to this day the 21st operates several of these now rare 'Mechs.
+
Originally a battalion of [[House Liao]]'s [[Third Centauri Guards]], the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were a regular military unit of the [[Capellan Confederation]]. They were well-known for having totally destroyed the [[Fourth Marik Militia]] in an attack against [[Anegasaki]] in [[2793]],<ref name="Errata">Developer Level Errata, Catalyst Game Labs Forum, 26 0243Z Jan 2015</ref> thereby stopping a string of Marik victories.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p28">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 28-29, "The Collapse of Terra"</ref>  Around the year [[2875]] the unit mutinied against their regimental commander over wages nine months overdue.  They seized several [[DropShip]]s and a [[JumpShip]] from their regimental battle group as payment and fled Capellan space.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p28"/>  In the years since becoming mercenaries, the Twenty-first have worked for all [[Successor State]]s save House Liao, against whom they still harbor a grudge.  They also built a reputation for honorable conduct on the battlefield and honesty off of it, and the expectation of similar fair dealing from their employers.  If ill-used, they are not afraid of letting others know about it, and even walking away from a contract if it continues, an aspect which has not damaged their reputation among potential employers.<ref name=FMM51>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 50-51</ref>
  
Around the year [[2875]] the unit mutinied against their regimental commander over wages nine months overdue. With Shiro Kusaka as their elected leader, they captured some [[DropShip]]s and a [[JumpShip]] from their regimental battle group as payment and formed a [[mercenary unit]]. They are colloquially known as "the 21st."
+
During the latter part of the [[Third Succession War]], the Twenty-first came across a hidden cache of [[Star League]] equipment, including fully functional [[SLDF]] 'Mechs and tanks.  Exactly how many and what types of machines they possessed was kept a secret for many years.<ref name=CMM27>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 27</ref>
  
Since their mutiny, the 21st have worked for all [[Successor State]]s save House Liao, against whom they still harbor a grudge. They have been in employ of [[House Marik]] at least since [[3019]], stationed on various posts along the [[House Steiner|Steiner]] border. In both [[3025]] and [[3054]] their homeworld is [[Nestor]].
+
===Anton Marik's Revolt===
 +
During [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|Anton Marik's Revolt]] the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers fought for the loyalist faction in the [[Free Worlds League]]. They were able to drive the [[Eighteenth Marik Militia]] off of [[New Olympia]] by arriving in orbit. The Eighteenth had been fighting for several weeks, but the undamaged Twenty-first's arrival changed the tactical situation dramatically and the Eighteenth withdrew.<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 27</ref> The Twenty-first was also involved in combat on [[Rasalas]], [[Drusibacken]]<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 36</ref>, [[Asellus Borealis]], [[Asellus Australis]], [[Lungdo]], [[Sorunda]], and [[Gomeisa]].<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 39</ref>
  
===Anton Marik's Revolt===
+
The Lancers remained employed by the League in [[3025]] and were stationed on Nestor,<ref name="HM(TFWL)p28"/> a position they would hold in [[3050]] from which to defend against and launch counter-raids into the [[Lyran]] half of the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref><ref name=CMM27>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 27</ref>
During [[Anton Marik's Revolt]] the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were able to drive the [[18th Marik Militia]] off of [[New Olympia]] by arriving in orbit. The 18th had been fighting for several weeks, but the undamaged Twenty-first's arrival changed the tactical situation dramatically and the Eighteenth withdrew.<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 27</ref> The Twenty-first was also involved in combat on [[Rasalas]], [[Drusibacken]]<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 36</ref>, [[Asellus Borealis]], [[Asellus Australis]], [[Lungdo]], [[Sorunda]], and [[Gomeisa]].<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 39</ref>
 
  
 
===Operation Odysseus===
 
===Operation Odysseus===
The Lancers suffered a severe blow to their impeccable reputation and Dragoon Rating in [[3058]], when they apparently turned on their [[ComStar]] employers and aided [[Word of Blake]] in capturing [[Terra]]. Upon investigation, however, it was determined that the Lancers never set foot on the planet. The Word had captured their dependents and held them hostage in order to force the mercenaries into keeping quiet and allowing [[Word of Blake Militia]] forces to be substituted for them. Their black mark was later rescinded and ComStar honored their contract, posting them at their new headquarters on [[Tukayyid]]. They helped train [[ComGuard]] and [[SLDF]] forces here as an Opposition Force.
+
The Lancers suffered a severe blow to their impeccable reputation and Dragoon Rating in [[3058]], when they apparently turned on their [[ComStar]] employers and aided [[Word of Blake]] in capturing [[Terra]]. Upon investigation, however, it was determined that the Lancers never set foot on the planet. The Word had captured their dependents and held them hostage in order to force the mercenaries into keeping quiet and allowing [[Word of Blake Militia]] forces to be substituted for them. Their black mark was later rescinded and ComStar honored their contract, posting them at their new headquarters on [[Tukayyid]]. They helped train [[ComGuard]] and [[SLDF]] forces here as an Opposition Force.<ref name=FMM51/><ref name=FMMR56>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 56</ref>
  
 
===Jihad===
 
===Jihad===
The Lancers suffered terribly at the hands of the Blakists. Word [[WarShip]]s jumped in-system on 21 January [[3068]] and the flotilla was soon able to achieve air superiority. With no aerospace or naval forces to contest them, the Word's WarShips began to destroy Tukayyid's cities and ComGuard bases, including the Focht War College. Anybody trying to flee was annihilated, as evidenced by the destruction of a Lancer force that was trying to move into the mountains. This attack killed Colonel Evelena Haskell. July [[3070]] saw the arrival of [[Clan Ghost Bear]], who were able to defeat the Word assets around Tukayyid. As of [[3071]], the once-proud regiment had been decimated and barely existed as a cohesive fighting force. They are trying to rebuild, albeit at the sufferance of Clan Ghost Bear. They have managed to salvage six 'Mechs and Colonel LeMonds let all forces on-planet know that they can join the Lancers, including members of the ComGuard and the [[Killer Bees]].
+
The Lancers suffered terribly at the hands of the Blakists. Word [[WarShip]]s jumped in-system on 21 January [[3068]] and the flotilla was soon able to achieve air superiority. With no aerospace or naval forces to contest them, the Word's WarShips began to destroy Tukayyid's cities and ComGuard bases, including the Focht War College. Anybody trying to flee was annihilated, as evidenced by the destruction of a Lancer force that was trying to move into the mountains. This attack also killed Colonel Evelena Haskell. July [[3070]] saw the arrival of [[Clan Ghost Bear]], who were able to defeat the Word assets around Tukayyid. As of [[3071]], the once-proud regiment had been decimated and barely existed as a cohesive fighting force. Under the new command of Colonel LeMonds they attempted to rebuild - albeit at the sufferance of Clan Ghost Bear - by managing to salvage six 'Mechs and opening up recruitment to all other forces on the planet, including members of the [[Com Guards]] and the [[Killer Bees]]. {{cn}}
  
Sometime prior to [[3076]], they came under the employ of [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]], and were stationed on [[Hachiman]] in the [[Draconis Combine]] to protect the [[Tanadi Computers]] complex from the Blakists.
+
Sometime prior to [[3076]], the Twenty-first had rebuild themselves into a combined-arms reinforced battalion and came under the employ of [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]].  They were stationed on [[Hachiman (planet)|Hachiman]] in the [[Draconis Combine]] to protect the [[Tanadi Computers]] complex from Blakists.<ref>''Jihad Conspiracies: Interstellar Players 2'' pp. 29</ref>
<ref>''Jihad Conspiracies: Interstellar Players 2'' pp. 29</ref>
 
  
 
===Dark Age===
 
===Dark Age===
They were reportedly still active as of the [[Dark Age]], and as of [[3130]] were in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth. {{cn}}  
+
They were reportedly still active as of the [[Dark Age]]<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 79</ref>, and as of [[3130]] were in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth.{{cn}}
 +
 
 +
==Officers==
 +
In [[3025]] the CO was Colonel Thaddeus Kusaka.  Well-respected, Colonel Kusaka was honest to a fault and expected the same of everyone around him.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
 +
 
 +
In [[3050]] the CO was Colonel Evelena Haskell.  Fearsome on the battlefield, she was known for her honesty and integrity off of it, offering fair treatment to prisoners and swift retribution for any betrayal.<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
 
 +
In [[3058]] Colonel Evelena Haskell was still CO of the Twenty-first, though she had begun to groom her XO Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Searcy to take over after her son, Michael, showed no interest in continuing the family legacy.<ref name=FMM51/> 
 +
 
 +
In [[3067]] Col. Haskell was still CO of the Twenty-first, with Lt. Col. Searcy still as XO.<ref name=FMMR56>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 56</ref>
  
==Other Information==
+
==Tactics==
*The ''21st Centauri Lancers'' were among the five mercenary units presented in the original [[BattleTech]] boardgame (the others being the [[Eridani Light Horse]], [[Wolf's Dragoons]], [[Hansen's Roughriders]] and [[Lindon's Company]]), and as such have been part of the BattleTech universe right from the very beginning.
+
The Twenty-first prefers fighting in the open as opposed to restrictive terrain, and specialize in fighting in high- and low-gravity environments and in nighttime conditions.  They are also known for their phenomenal gunnery skills.<ref name=FMM51/><ref name=FMMR56/>  The Twenty-first employs independent command lances for each battalion, and a command company for each regiment.  They also insist on having full strategic and tactical control over all units with whom they will be working with during a given contract; that employers typically agree to this points to the level of trust the Lancers have built up over the years.<ref name=FMM51/>
*Although "21st" indicates an English pronounciation, the unit name is spelled "21st Centauri Lanc'''i'''ers" in German material.
+
 
*The third battalion is commanded by Ty Van Trahn in 3059, who goes over to the [[Eridani Light Horse]] a year later, according to ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''. Nonetheless, he is still listed as the third battalion commander in 3067 in ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''.
+
Providing support to the commander of the Twenty-first, the Lancers Command enjoyed the best equipment they could get their hands on. In 3050, the command company was spotted using a number of Star League-era designs, such as the MAD-2R ''[[Marauder]]'' or TDR-5Sb ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', while the attached Recon Company enjoyed the use of Star League hover tanks like the [[Gabriel]].<ref name=CMM27/>  After working closely with [[ComStar]], in 3058 the Lancers Command employed [[C3]] computers to connect each 'Mech lance with a recon platoon.<ref name=FMM51/>  These were upgraded to [[C3i]] computers by 3067.<ref name=FMMR56/>
  
==Uniforms==
+
The Centauri Lancers were known to employ an inordinate number of ''[[Grasshopper]]s'', with at least one per 'Mech company.  On average the Lancers used [[Heavy 'Mech]] designs, though each battalion had at least one light and one assault [[Lance]].  The Centauri Lancers regiment was well-trained fighting at any strength, from the entire unit operating together down to individual lancers operating independently.  The Air Lancers were focused more on providing ground support with heavy fighters, though after the [[Clan Invasion]] they began altering their function to provide air cover with the addition of some medium fighters.  Unlike the 'Mech forces, the Armored Lancers do not train to fight at battalion strength, instead having each armored company being moved around individually as needed (though the Armored Recon was typically permanently attached to the Lancers Command). Likewise the Security Lancers primarily served to guard the Twenty-first's bases of operation, with Fourth Company providing combat support in the form of two platoons of scouts and one platoon of artillery.<ref name=CMM27/><ref name=FMM51/><ref name=FMMR56/>
<gallery>
 
Image:21st Centauri Lancers Uniform.jpg|Security Lancers Uniform
 
</gallery>
 
  
==BattleMech Gallery==
+
==Support==
<gallery>
+
The Twenty-first have historically had some of the best technical support of any mercenary command, enough to exceed what would be required for a unit of their size.  In 3058 they possessed enough [[DropShip]]s to transport the entire command, including dependents, and owned two ''[[Star Lord]]'' [[JumpShip]]s, one of which was equipped with a [[Lithium-Fusion Battery]]; by 3067 both had been so upgraded.  The Twenty-first benefited greatly from their time employed by ComStar, with their technicians receiving training from both them and [[Wolf's Dragoons]] on [[Clan]] technology and access to some of the most advanced equipment available.<ref name=FMM51/><ref name=FMMR56/>
Image:Camomers21stcenaurilancers.png
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
21st Centauri Lancers (Elite/Reliable) - FWLM <ref> House Marik p.109 </ref>
+
Twenty-first Centauri Lancers (Elite/Reliable) - FWLM <ref name="HM(TFWL)p109">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p.109</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Thaddeus Kusaka<ref> House Marik p.109 </ref>
+
:*CO: Colonel Thaddeus Kusaka<ref name="HM(TFWL)p109"/>
 +
 
 +
===3050===
 +
'''Lancers Command''' (1 heavy 'Mech company/Elite/inc. Star League variants)<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
* '''17th Armored Recon Company''' (1 vehicle company, Elite, inc. lance of [[Gabriel]] tanks)
 +
 
 +
'''21st Centauri Lancers''' (1 heavy 'Mech regiment/Elite)<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
 
 +
'''21st Centauri Air Lancers''' (1 heavy aerospace regiment/Elite)<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
 
 +
'''21st Centauri Armored Lancers''' (5 companies)<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
:*'''3rd Armored Command''' (Elite)
 +
:*'''2nd Assault''' (Veteran, heavy/assault tanks)
 +
:*'''23rd Recon''' (Veteran, hover tanks)
 +
:*'''5th Fire Support''' (Veteran, [[AC]]s/[[PPC]]s)
 +
:*'''11th Fire Support''' (Veteran, [[LRM]]s)
 +
 
 +
'''21st Centauri Security Lancers''' (1 reinforced infantry battalion/Elite)<ref name=CMM27/>
 +
:*'''Fourth Company''' (2 platoons [[Jump Infantry]] scouts, 1 platoon [[Long Tom]]s)
  
 
===3059===
 
===3059===
[[BattleMech]]
+
'''Lancers Command''' (1 company/Elite/Reliable)
*  21st Centauri Lancers (1 [[Regiment]]),
+
: CO: Col. Evelena Haskell
Lancers Command (1 [[Company]] with heavy and assault [[Mech]]s, each lance commander's use C³ computer's on their [[Mech]])  
+
: XO: Lt. Col. Ryan "Blade" Searcy
CO: [[Colonel]] Evelena Haskell  
+
:*17th Armored Recon Company permanently attached
** XO: Lt. Colonel Ryan "Blade" Searcy
 
  
* 1st Battalion: Major James LeMonds
+
'''21st Centauri Lancers''' (1 Regiment/Elite/Reliable)
* 2nd Battalion: Major Katherine Lee-Smith
+
:* 1st Battalion: Major James LeMonds
* 3rd Battalion: Major Ty Van Trahn
+
:* 2nd Battalion: Major Katherine Lee-Smith
 +
:* 3rd Battalion: Major Ty Van Trahn
  
Aerospace
+
'''21st Centauri Air Lancers''' (1 Wing/Elite/Reliable)
Air Lancers with (3 squadrons and one single command lance)
+
: CO: Major Joshua Ling
** Wing Commander: [[Major]] Joshua Ling  
+
:*3 squadrons and 1 command lance
  
Armor (6 Companies)
+
'''21st Centauri Armored Lancers''' (6 Companies/Veteran/Reliable)
* Armor [[Commander]]: Major Wu Ti Seng
+
: CO: Major Wu Ti Seng
 +
:* 3rd Armor Command
 +
:* 17th Recon (permanently attached to Lancers Command)
 +
:* 23rd Recon
 +
:* 5th Fire Support
 +
:* 11th Fire Support
 +
:* 2nd Assault
  
** 3rd Armor Command
+
'''21st Centauri Security Lancers''' (1 Reinforced Battalion/Veteran/Reliable)
** 17th Recon
+
: CO: Major Bradley Hunter
** 23rd Recon
+
:*Fourth Company (2 platoons scouts/1 platoon Long Toms and [[Arrow IV]]s)
** 5th Fire Support
 
** 11th Fire Support
 
** 2nd Assault
 
  
Infantry
+
==Uniforms==
Security Lancers (Reinforced [[Battalion]] with [[Long Tom]] and [[Arrow IV]])
+
<gallery>
** Infantry Commander: Major Bradley Hunter
+
Image:21st Centauri Lancers Uniform.jpg|Security Lancers Uniform
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==BattleMech Gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Camomers21stcenaurilancers.png
 +
</gallery> ‎
  
 
==Rules==
 
==Rules==
Line 139: Line 166:
 
===3072===
 
===3072===
 
* When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units receive a -1 modifier on all to-hit rolls.<ref name="MSUp123">''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 123, "21st Centauri Lancers (F)"</ref>
 
* When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units receive a -1 modifier on all to-hit rolls.<ref name="MSUp123">''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 123, "21st Centauri Lancers (F)"</ref>
* If given a choice of firing on differing faction targets, 21st Centauri Lancers units must always fire at a Word of Blake unit until either the unit is destroyed or the 21st Centaur Lancers unit no longer has line of sight to the Word of Blake unit.<ref name="MSUp123"/>
+
* If given a choice of firing on differing faction targets, 21st Centauri Lancers units must always fire at a Word of Blake unit until either the unit is destroyed or the 21st Centauri Lancers unit no longer has line of sight to the Word of Blake unit.<ref name="MSUp123"/>
 
* When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units ignore any Forced Withdrawal rules.<ref name="MSUp123"/></div>
 
* When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units ignore any Forced Withdrawal rules.<ref name="MSUp123"/></div>
  
 +
== Notes ==
 +
*It was confirmed that the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were a battalion within the Third Centauri Guards in 2793 and responsible for the destruction of the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki by the BattleTech Developer Adrian Gideon in the Catalyst Game Labs [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=3660.msg1173832#msg1173832 official errata forum]:
 +
 +
{{quote|Handbook House Liao (print)
 +
 +
Pg 30, Timeline: First Succession War, Dev-level errata:
 +
2793 - The Twenty-First Centauri Lancers destroy the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki, in one of their first contracts as mercenaries after the Star League Defense Force's withdrawal.
 +
 +
Replace with:
 +
2793 - The future Twenty-First Centauri Lancers, a battalion of the 3rd Centauri Guards, destroy the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki.|Adrian Gideon, BattleTech Developer, 0243 26 Jan 2016}}
 +
 +
*The Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were among the five mercenary units presented in the original [[BattleTech]] boardgame (the others being the [[Eridani Light Horse]], [[Wolf's Dragoons]], [[Hansen's Roughriders]] and [[Lindon's Company]]), and as such have been part of the BattleTech universe right from the very beginning.
 +
*Although "Twenty-first" indicates an English pronunciation, the unit name is spelled "Twenty-first Centauri Lanc'''i'''ers" in German material.
 +
*The third battalion is commanded by Ty Van Trahn in 3059, who goes over to the [[Eridani Light Horse]] a year later, according to ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''. Nonetheless, he is still listed as the third battalion commander in 3067 in ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''.
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]], pp. 50-51''
+
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
 +
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
 +
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
 +
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Conspiracies: Interstellar Players 2]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Conspiracies: Interstellar Players 2]]''
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
 
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Centauri Lancers, 21st]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Centauri Lancers, 21st]]

Revision as of 18:00, 8 August 2017

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The Twenty-first Centauri Lancers are one of the foremost mercenary units in the Inner Sphere. Since their founding, the Lancers have forged a reputation for honesty and loyalty, though they expect the same from their employers and are known for not accepting any mistreatment.

History

Originally a battalion of House Liao's Third Centauri Guards, the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were a regular military unit of the Capellan Confederation. They were well-known for having totally destroyed the Fourth Marik Militia in an attack against Anegasaki in 2793,[1] thereby stopping a string of Marik victories.[2] Around the year 2875 the unit mutinied against their regimental commander over wages nine months overdue. They seized several DropShips and a JumpShip from their regimental battle group as payment and fled Capellan space.[2] In the years since becoming mercenaries, the Twenty-first have worked for all Successor States save House Liao, against whom they still harbor a grudge. They also built a reputation for honorable conduct on the battlefield and honesty off of it, and the expectation of similar fair dealing from their employers. If ill-used, they are not afraid of letting others know about it, and even walking away from a contract if it continues, an aspect which has not damaged their reputation among potential employers.[3]

During the latter part of the Third Succession War, the Twenty-first came across a hidden cache of Star League equipment, including fully functional SLDF 'Mechs and tanks. Exactly how many and what types of machines they possessed was kept a secret for many years.[4]

Anton Marik's Revolt

During Anton Marik's Revolt the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers fought for the loyalist faction in the Free Worlds League. They were able to drive the Eighteenth Marik Militia off of New Olympia by arriving in orbit. The Eighteenth had been fighting for several weeks, but the undamaged Twenty-first's arrival changed the tactical situation dramatically and the Eighteenth withdrew.[5] The Twenty-first was also involved in combat on Rasalas, Drusibacken[6], Asellus Borealis, Asellus Australis, Lungdo, Sorunda, and Gomeisa.[7]

The Lancers remained employed by the League in 3025 and were stationed on Nestor,[2] a position they would hold in 3050 from which to defend against and launch counter-raids into the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth.[8][4]

Operation Odysseus

The Lancers suffered a severe blow to their impeccable reputation and Dragoon Rating in 3058, when they apparently turned on their ComStar employers and aided Word of Blake in capturing Terra. Upon investigation, however, it was determined that the Lancers never set foot on the planet. The Word had captured their dependents and held them hostage in order to force the mercenaries into keeping quiet and allowing Word of Blake Militia forces to be substituted for them. Their black mark was later rescinded and ComStar honored their contract, posting them at their new headquarters on Tukayyid. They helped train ComGuard and SLDF forces here as an Opposition Force.[3][9]

Jihad

The Lancers suffered terribly at the hands of the Blakists. Word WarShips jumped in-system on 21 January 3068 and the flotilla was soon able to achieve air superiority. With no aerospace or naval forces to contest them, the Word's WarShips began to destroy Tukayyid's cities and ComGuard bases, including the Focht War College. Anybody trying to flee was annihilated, as evidenced by the destruction of a Lancer force that was trying to move into the mountains. This attack also killed Colonel Evelena Haskell. July 3070 saw the arrival of Clan Ghost Bear, who were able to defeat the Word assets around Tukayyid. As of 3071, the once-proud regiment had been decimated and barely existed as a cohesive fighting force. Under the new command of Colonel LeMonds they attempted to rebuild - albeit at the sufferance of Clan Ghost Bear - by managing to salvage six 'Mechs and opening up recruitment to all other forces on the planet, including members of the Com Guards and the Killer Bees.[citation needed]

Sometime prior to 3076, the Twenty-first had rebuild themselves into a combined-arms reinforced battalion and came under the employ of Chandrasekhar Kurita. They were stationed on Hachiman in the Draconis Combine to protect the Tanadi Computers complex from Blakists.[10]

Dark Age

They were reportedly still active as of the Dark Age[11], and as of 3130 were in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth.[citation needed]

Officers

In 3025 the CO was Colonel Thaddeus Kusaka. Well-respected, Colonel Kusaka was honest to a fault and expected the same of everyone around him.[12]

In 3050 the CO was Colonel Evelena Haskell. Fearsome on the battlefield, she was known for her honesty and integrity off of it, offering fair treatment to prisoners and swift retribution for any betrayal.[4]

In 3058 Colonel Evelena Haskell was still CO of the Twenty-first, though she had begun to groom her XO Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Searcy to take over after her son, Michael, showed no interest in continuing the family legacy.[3]

In 3067 Col. Haskell was still CO of the Twenty-first, with Lt. Col. Searcy still as XO.[9]

Tactics

The Twenty-first prefers fighting in the open as opposed to restrictive terrain, and specialize in fighting in high- and low-gravity environments and in nighttime conditions. They are also known for their phenomenal gunnery skills.[3][9] The Twenty-first employs independent command lances for each battalion, and a command company for each regiment. They also insist on having full strategic and tactical control over all units with whom they will be working with during a given contract; that employers typically agree to this points to the level of trust the Lancers have built up over the years.[3]

Providing support to the commander of the Twenty-first, the Lancers Command enjoyed the best equipment they could get their hands on. In 3050, the command company was spotted using a number of Star League-era designs, such as the MAD-2R Marauder or TDR-5Sb Thunderbolt, while the attached Recon Company enjoyed the use of Star League hover tanks like the Gabriel.[4] After working closely with ComStar, in 3058 the Lancers Command employed C3 computers to connect each 'Mech lance with a recon platoon.[3] These were upgraded to C3i computers by 3067.[9]

The Centauri Lancers were known to employ an inordinate number of Grasshoppers, with at least one per 'Mech company. On average the Lancers used Heavy 'Mech designs, though each battalion had at least one light and one assault Lance. The Centauri Lancers regiment was well-trained fighting at any strength, from the entire unit operating together down to individual lancers operating independently. The Air Lancers were focused more on providing ground support with heavy fighters, though after the Clan Invasion they began altering their function to provide air cover with the addition of some medium fighters. Unlike the 'Mech forces, the Armored Lancers do not train to fight at battalion strength, instead having each armored company being moved around individually as needed (though the Armored Recon was typically permanently attached to the Lancers Command). Likewise the Security Lancers primarily served to guard the Twenty-first's bases of operation, with Fourth Company providing combat support in the form of two platoons of scouts and one platoon of artillery.[4][3][9]

Support

The Twenty-first have historically had some of the best technical support of any mercenary command, enough to exceed what would be required for a unit of their size. In 3058 they possessed enough DropShips to transport the entire command, including dependents, and owned two Star Lord JumpShips, one of which was equipped with a Lithium-Fusion Battery; by 3067 both had been so upgraded. The Twenty-first benefited greatly from their time employed by ComStar, with their technicians receiving training from both them and Wolf's Dragoons on Clan technology and access to some of the most advanced equipment available.[3][9]

Composition History

3025

Twenty-first Centauri Lancers (Elite/Reliable) - FWLM [12]

  • CO: Colonel Thaddeus Kusaka[12]

3050

Lancers Command (1 heavy 'Mech company/Elite/inc. Star League variants)[4]

  • 17th Armored Recon Company (1 vehicle company, Elite, inc. lance of Gabriel tanks)

21st Centauri Lancers (1 heavy 'Mech regiment/Elite)[4]

21st Centauri Air Lancers (1 heavy aerospace regiment/Elite)[4]

21st Centauri Armored Lancers (5 companies)[4]

  • 3rd Armored Command (Elite)
  • 2nd Assault (Veteran, heavy/assault tanks)
  • 23rd Recon (Veteran, hover tanks)
  • 5th Fire Support (Veteran, ACs/PPCs)
  • 11th Fire Support (Veteran, LRMs)

21st Centauri Security Lancers (1 reinforced infantry battalion/Elite)[4]

3059

Lancers Command (1 company/Elite/Reliable)

CO: Col. Evelena Haskell
XO: Lt. Col. Ryan "Blade" Searcy
  • 17th Armored Recon Company permanently attached

21st Centauri Lancers (1 Regiment/Elite/Reliable)

  • 1st Battalion: Major James LeMonds
  • 2nd Battalion: Major Katherine Lee-Smith
  • 3rd Battalion: Major Ty Van Trahn

21st Centauri Air Lancers (1 Wing/Elite/Reliable)

CO: Major Joshua Ling
  • 3 squadrons and 1 command lance

21st Centauri Armored Lancers (6 Companies/Veteran/Reliable)

CO: Major Wu Ti Seng
  • 3rd Armor Command
  • 17th Recon (permanently attached to Lancers Command)
  • 23rd Recon
  • 5th Fire Support
  • 11th Fire Support
  • 2nd Assault

21st Centauri Security Lancers (1 Reinforced Battalion/Veteran/Reliable)

CO: Major Bradley Hunter
  • Fourth Company (2 platoons scouts/1 platoon Long Toms and Arrow IVs)

Uniforms

BattleMech Gallery

Rules

3072

  • When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units receive a -1 modifier on all to-hit rolls.[13]
  • If given a choice of firing on differing faction targets, 21st Centauri Lancers units must always fire at a Word of Blake unit until either the unit is destroyed or the 21st Centauri Lancers unit no longer has line of sight to the Word of Blake unit.[13]
  • When facing the Word of Blake as an opponent, 21st Centauri Lancers units ignore any Forced Withdrawal rules.[13]

Notes

  • It was confirmed that the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers were a battalion within the Third Centauri Guards in 2793 and responsible for the destruction of the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki by the BattleTech Developer Adrian Gideon in the Catalyst Game Labs official errata forum:
Handbook House Liao (print)

Pg 30, Timeline: First Succession War, Dev-level errata: 2793 - The Twenty-First Centauri Lancers destroy the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki, in one of their first contracts as mercenaries after the Star League Defense Force's withdrawal.

Replace with: 2793 - The future Twenty-First Centauri Lancers, a battalion of the 3rd Centauri Guards, destroy the Fourth Marik Militia on Anegasaki.

  — Adrian Gideon, BattleTech Developer, 0243 26 Jan 2016

References

  1. Developer Level Errata, Catalyst Game Labs Forum, 26 0243Z Jan 2015
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 28-29, "The Collapse of Terra"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 50-51
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Combat Manual: Mercenaries, p. 27
  5. Historical: Brush Wars, p. 27
  6. Historical: Brush Wars, p. 36
  7. Historical: Brush Wars, p. 39
  8. 20 Year Update, p. 57
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised, p. 56
  10. Jihad Conspiracies: Interstellar Players 2 pp. 29
  11. Era Report: 3145, p. 79
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p.109
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 123, "21st Centauri Lancers (F)"

Bibliography