Difference between revisions of "5th Lyran Regulars"

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{{infoBoxStateUnit
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
| image    =  
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| image         = [[File:Lyranregulars05th.png|200px]]
| nickname = The Ferris Wolverines<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 - Nickname.</ref>
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| Designation   = Fifth Lyran Regulars
| parent formation = [[Lyran Regulars]]
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| formed        =
| formed  = unknown
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| Disbanded      =
| year    = 3062
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| Previous Designation =  
| unitname = 5th Lyran Regulars BattleMech Regiment
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| Nickname      = The Ferris Wolverines<ref name=FMLAp88>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88: "5th Lyran Regulars Unit Profile"</ref>
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| Affiliation    = [[Lyran Commonwealth]]
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| Parent Command = [[Lyran Regulars]]
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| Sub-Command    =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
==Unit Description==
 
==Unit Description==
The '''5th Lyran Regulars''' were a [[House Steiner]] BattleMech regiment.
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The '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' were a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] BattleMech regiment.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Formation===
 
===Formation===
The 5th Regulars were original formed from a mercenary group that was forced by [[ComStar]] into service with then Lyran Commonwealth because of a contract dispute. <ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 77 Regiment Nicknames - Nickname of the 5th eludes to its actual origin, but not when.</ref>
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The Fifth Regulars were originally formed from the mercenary group the '''Ferris Wolverines''' that were forced by [[ComStar]] into service with then Lyran Commonwealth because of a contract dispute.<ref name=HSTLCp77>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 77: Regiment Nicknames - Nickname of the Fifth alludes to its actual origin, but not when it was given</ref>
  
 
===The Succession Wars===
 
===The Succession Wars===
The unit was not activated to participate in the Commonwealth's efforts in the [[Fourth Succession War]], where it remained stationed at it garrison station on [[Thorin]]. <ref>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 44 - 5th Lyran Regulars noted not being used in 4th Succession War.</ref>
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In August [[2814]], en route to a clandestine raid on [[Zortman]], the Fifth was intercepted by [[Free Worlds League]] forces over [[Szepes]]. A Fifth JumpShip was destroyed, and a ''[[Leopard]]''-class DropShip was shot down over the planet, sinking in a bog. The sole survivor, [[Wade Tobias Staczyk]], was left stranded on Szepes.<ref>''Breach''</ref>
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In early [[2840]], deserters from the shattered Fifth joined the mutinous [[Sixth Lyran Regulars]] under Colonel [[Hendrik Grimm]] as they made their way into the [[Periphery]].<ref>''Second Succession War'', p. 50</ref> Grimm's combined unit, subsequently misreported in at least one source as the Sixty-fifth Lyran Regulars, eventually settled [[Oberon|Oberon VI]] and founded the [[Oberon Confederation]].<ref>''The Periphery'', p. 143: "Oberon Confederation"</ref>
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The unit was not activated to participate in the Commonwealth's efforts in the [[Fourth Succession War]], where it remained stationed at its garrison station on [[Thorin]].<ref>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 44: 5th Lyran Regulars noted as not being used in Fourth Succession War</ref>
  
===Skye Crisis & formation of Free Raslhague Republic===
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===Skye Crisis & formation of Free Rasalhague Republic===
After the Fourth Succession War, the unit was station in the Skye Federation region.  The unit, which had questionable loyality to begin with, became influenced by the [[Free Skye]] succession  movement in the early part of the 31st Century.
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After the Fourth Succession War, the unit was stationed in the Skye Federation region.  The Fifth Regulars, which had questionable loyalty to begin with, became influenced by the [[Free Skye]] secession movement in the early part of the [[thirty-first century]].
  
In [[3034]], Skye region succession tentions broke out into open rebellion. The Regulars were among the units trying to put down the revolt, however allied FedSun arrived to assist in putting down the revolt. The Regulars among other Lyran units in region open fired on these FedSun unit it encountered which caused revolt worsen to civil war levels. After the near civil war tensions lessen, the Regulars's personnel were scattered to prevent it from causing such actions again.  
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In [[3034]], Skye's secession tensions broke out into open rebellion. The Regulars were among the units trying to put down the revolt, however trouble broke out when allied units from the [[Federated Suns]] arrived to assist in putting down the revolt. The Regulars, among other Lyran units in the region, opened fire on their allies and the revolt threatened to escalate into full-blown civil war. After Lyran leaders defused the crisis, the Regulars' personnel were scattered across the Lyran Commonwealth and the unit, now posted to the [[Sarna March]], was restaffed with fanatically loyal soldiers.<ref name=FMLAp88/>
  
===The War of 3039===
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===The War of 3039 and the 3040s===
In May [[3039]], the Draconis Combine's ''[[Ryuken-san]]'' landed on [[Procyon]] as part of [[Theodore Kurita]]'s counter-invasion to the [[War of 3039]]. A few weeks later the Regulars arrived repulse the invasion. Regulars were badly handled by the elite ''Ryuken-san'', where they lost an entire BattleMech battalion to the Combine forces outside of the town of Kreigen. The Combine's commander, [[Tai-sa]] Kansa, had decided to invade because he was looking for a worthy fight. By the 24th of the month, the Combine forces withdrew from the planet when its sister unit, the ''[[Ryuken-ni]]'', had arrived in system. <ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 63 Procyon - 5th Lyran Regular's clash with the Ryuken-sa.</ref>
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In May [[3039]], the Draconis Combine's ''[[Ryuken-san]]'' landed on [[Procyon]] as part of [[Theodore Kurita]]'s counterinvasion response to the [[War of 3039]]. A few weeks later, the Regulars arrived to repulse the invasion. The Regulars were outmatched by the elite ''Ryuken-san'', and lost an entire BattleMech battalion to the Combine forces in an engagement outside of the town of Kreigen. The Combine commander, ''[[Tai-sa]]'' Kansa, decided to invade because he was looking for a good fight, and decided that he had found it in the Regulars. By May 24th, the ''Ryuken-san'' withdrew from the planet when its sister unit, the ''[[Ryuken-ni]]'', arrived in-system.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 63: Procyon - 5th Lyran Regulars' clash with the ''Ryuken-san''</ref>
  
===Skye Crisis & formation of Free Raslhague Republic===
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During the 3040s, the unit conducted a number of raids against the [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name=FMLAp88/>
After the [[War of 3039]], the unit was "rebuilt" and reassigned to [[Sarna March]] as part of its duty. The "new" 5th Lyran Regulars were had come from questional to fanatical loyality to the [[Archon]]. During the 3040s, the unit conducted number of raids against [[Free Worlds League]].<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 - Unit actions during the Skye Crisis of 3034 and its rebuilding.</ref>
 
  
===FedCom Break up and the Joining the Lyran Alliance===
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===FedCom Breakup and the Joining the Lyran Alliance===
During early 3050s, the unit had not been used in the [[Clan Invasion]], remained its base in Sarna March.  Where its 'Mech battalions were spreadout between two worlds to garrison, [[Tall Trees]] and [[Saiph]]. <ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 17 Sarna March/Terra Firma Operations Area - 5th Lyran Regulars garrison posts in 3054 noted.</ref>
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During early 3050s, the unit had not been used in the [[Clan Invasion]], remained its base in Sarna March.  Where its 'Mech battalions were spread out between two worlds to garrison, [[Tall Trees]] and [[Saiph]].<ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 17: Sarna March/Terra Firma Operations Area - 5th Lyran Regulars garrison posts in 3054 noted</ref>
  
By [[3057]], the unit withdrew from the [[FedCom]], for the newly formed [[Lyran Alliance]].  As the unit withdrew from the FedCom, it clashed with [[Davion Assault Guard]] [[RCT]].
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By [[3057]], the unit withdrew from the [[FedCom]], for the newly formed [[Lyran Alliance]].  As the unit withdrew from the FedCom, it clashed with [[Davion Assault Guard]] [[RCT]]. Once they had successfully reported to the Lyran Alliance High Command, the unit was assigned to garrison the world of [[Freedom]].<ref name=FMLAp88/> The Regulars' Third Battalion, which had been on loan to the [[Capellan Confederation]] up until this point, was abandoned by the remainder of the regiment when it withdrew.  Stranded in Capellan space without any orders or support, [[Hauptmann]] [[Daniel Grover]] the commander of one of Third Battalion's companies, would subsequently transform his command into the nucleus of a new mercenary unit, the [[Broadstreet Bullies]].<ref name="MSIIp26">''Mercenaries Supplemental II'', p. 26: "Broadstreet Bullies: Orange Crush"</ref>
Once reporting in with the Lyran High Command, the unit was assigned to the world of [[Freedom]].<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 5th Lyran Regulars - 5th Lyran Regulars withdrawal from the FedCom and joining the newly formed Lyran Alliance.</ref>
 
  
 
===As SLDF Peacekeepers in St. Ives Compact===
 
===As SLDF Peacekeepers in St. Ives Compact===
In [[3060]], the unit was assign work as a peacekeeper in [[St. Ives Compact]] under the part-partnership of the [[2nd Star League|2nd Star League's]] [[SLDF]]. The unit was assigned by First Lord [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] to [[Nashuar]], where was to keep Compact forces from getting in combat. The unit became intangled in hostilies with FedCom garrison force, the Compact affiliated, [[7th FedCom RCT|7th Federated Commonwealth RCT]].The FedCom unit had seen 5th as invasion force and part of problems that Commonwealth was suffering from since '57. Regulars were boxed into its landing zone, by the 7th FedCom and its allies, Nashuar Home Guard.  Open hostilities did not breakout until January 3061, when Sun-Tzu Liao order Compact armed force to be placed under martial law.  Having been hedged in its landing zone in the city of Grianet, Regulars decided to move out.  The unit in a lightning move, passed through the city and out the nearby Salt River Canyon. The Regular's skirmishes with the 7th FedCom, battle were brutal.<ref>''FedCom Civil War Sourcebook'', p. 19-20 Nashuar - 5th Regulars' actions with 7th FedCom illustrated as precursor to the Civil War that was to come.</ref> The private war with the Davion unit ended all-out battle in Khington Foot hills which  left few survivors.  The unit was ultimately withdrawn from planet in April 3061, back to Freedom to rebuild.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 - St. Ives-Civil War battle with 7th FedCom.</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 95 7th FedCom RCT - 7th FedCom in fluff shows to be the aggressor in private war on Nashuar and noted location for its massive battle.</ref>
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In [[3060]], the unit was assigned as to peacekeeper duties in [[St. Ives Compact]] under the auspices of the [[Second Star League|Second Star League's]] [[SLDF]]. The unit was assigned by First Lord [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] to [[Nashuar]], where it was to oversee the planet and prevent Compact forces from clashing. The unit became entangled in hostilities with the FedCom garrison force, the [[Seventh FedCom RCT|Seventh Federated Commonwealth RCT]]. The FedCom unit, who had been stationed on Nashuar for most of its operational lifespan, viewed the Fifth Regulars as an invading, outside force and the embodiment of everything wrong with the Federated Commonwealth. When the Fifth Regulars landed, they found themselves boxed into their landing zone by the Seventh FedCom and its allies, the Nashuar Home Guard.  Tensions grew, but open hostilities did not break out until January 3061, when after Sun-Tzu Liao ordered the Compact's worlds to be placed under martial law.  Seeing this as their chance to assert their authority, the Fifth Regulars launched a sudden strike, breaking out of their landing zone in the city of Grianet and driving into the nearby Salt River Canyon, where they were met by the Seventh FC RCT. The resulting battles were brutal, with few troops on either side walking away from engagements.  The continuous engagements proved detrimental to the Fifth Regulars' overall unit cohesion.  In April 3062, after a decisive battle in the Khingan Foothills, the Seventh FC RCT succeeded in forcing the Fifth Regulars to retreat off-world. This defeat was attributed to an error made by the Regulars' intelligence division that placed the Seventh FedCom's armored units almost 1,000 km away from their actual position.  Their sudden appearance in the Regulars' rear area caused a route back to the Lyran forces' DropShips that cost the unit three lances of BattleMechs.<ref>''FedCom Civil War Sourcebook'', pp. 19–20: Nashuar - 5th Regulars' clash with the 7th FedCom RCT showed as a precursor of the coming Civil War</ref><ref name=FMLAp88/><ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 95: 7th FedCom RCT</ref>  Though their defense of their DropShips was successful, the Fifth was still forced to withdraw back to Freedom to rearm and refill its ranks.
  
Shortly before 3062, the unit conducted a unsuccessful raid of [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[Occupation Zone]], where the unit's intelligences of garrison strength of the target proved to be damaging.<ref>Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 Tactics - Raid of the JF's OZ noted.</ref>
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Sometime after their return to Freedom, the unit conducted an unsuccessful raid of the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[Occupation Zone]], where yet again the unit's intelligence division's reports of the garrison strength of the target proved to be extremely inaccurate.<ref name=FMLAp88/>
  
 
===FedCom Civil War===
 
===FedCom Civil War===
 
====Yed Posterior====
 
====Yed Posterior====
In the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit was not deployed from Freedom until [[3063]], where it was deployed to [[Yed Posterior]] in hopes to win glory in destroyed badly mauled Davion affiliate unit retreating.   
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In the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit was based on Freedom and did not leave until [[3063]], when it was redeployed to [[Yed Posterior]] in hopes of winning glory by destroying what they perceived to be a badly mauled Davion-affiliated unit retreating to Federated Suns territory from the Ft. LoudonUnfortunately, the intelligence received by the Regulars about the unit was quite poor.  The Fourth Guards were in fact maintaining an armed neutrality in the Civil War, not claiming for either side, and had not suffered anywhere near the losses the Regulars presumed they had.
  
As the Regulars approached the planet, they initially discovered that the [[4th Davion Guards]]' fleet assets were still numerous, suggesting large force was on the groundHowever, ignoring these telling signs, Colonel Castro landed her force. The Regular's recon flights to recon the Guards were shot down, and had sent messages they wish be left alone as they withdrew to their space in the FedCom.
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As the Regulars approached the planet, they found that the [[Fourth Davion Guards]]' fleet assets in orbit were still numerous, which indicated that there was likely a larger force than expected on the surface.  Colonel Castro dismissed this indication as a mere trick of maneuvers to intimidate foes and chose to land her force. The Regulars made an uneventful landfall, as the Guards made no move to counter their DropShips.  Instead, once they were planetside, the Guards transmitted messages that they meant the incoming Lyrans no harm and requested that they stay away from Guard security cordons and facilities.  Again dismissing these warnings as mere empty posturing, Castro ordered recon flights to gather more intelligence on the Guards. These were summarily shot down by Guard interceptors when they refused to leave the unit's airspace.  The Guards once again sent messages to the Regulars that they intended to peacefully withdraw from the planet and that they did not want to be attacked while doing so.
  
Ignoring these messages, Colonel Castro order the Regulars into all-out offensive against the Guards.  Conducting her combat operation on New Years Eve, what they believed as the Headquarters of the Guard's RCT with its two reinforced Battalions of 'Mechs, armor regiments and its Air WingHowever, they had struck the RCT's second headquarter battalion, began to notice RCT's overwhelming numbers, including regiment full of [[Combat Vehicle|Armor Tanks]].
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Col. Castro disregarded these requests and instead ordered her Regulars to attack, coordinating an all-out offensive against the Guards codenamed Operation: SmotherShe launched her strike on New Year's Day [[3064]], targeting what she believed was the Headquarters of the Guards regiment with her regiment's two reinforced 'Mechs battalions and its aerospace wingUnfortunately for Castro and the Fifth Regulars, the facilities targeted were merely the headquarters of one of the Guards' second battalion.  While the attack initially proceeded as expected, reports from the front's right flank indicated that there were more than a regiment's worth of Guards tanks in the area. The assault finally stalled out when another Guards 'Mech battalion appeared on the flank, supported by additional tanks and battle armored infantry.  Col. Castro realized further efforts would be fruitless and ordered her units to retreat.
As attack continued, 2nd 'Mech Battalion with additional Armor regiment and supported by Battle Armor infantry arrived in their flank, it became clear that Regular's intelligence failed them yet againSeeing no way to succeed, Castro orders Regulars to retreat.  The Guard's RCT forces ravage retreating Regulars, specifically using their Doppelganger Company of Clan OmniMechs to great effect. Castro only managed to get Battalion of her 'Mech forces off planet. The 14th Freedom Reserve Aerospace Fighter Wing almost complete shot down by Guard's two Aerospace Wings.<ref>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'', p. 88-89 Yed Posterior - 5th Lyran Regulars try to snap some glory in what they believe is a easy kill, but it not.</ref>
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The Guards, weary of giving unheeded warnings and angry at the unprovoked attack, pursued the fleeing Lyrans and gunned them down.  The Fourth Davion Guards' unit of Clan OmniMechs, Doppelganger Company, was instrumental in annihilating an entire battalion of the Regulars. Their two aerospace wings, hardened veterans of the Clan Invasion, almost completely shot down the Fourteenth Freedom Reserve Aerospace Fighter Wing attached to the Lyran unit. As the Regulars' few surviving troops scrambled aboard their DropShips, the Guards' commander, Marshal Alberta Orsina ordered a discontinuation of the pursuit.  Although the Fifth Lyran Regulars attack was a dismal failure, it did succeed in spurring Marshal Orsina to pledge her forces to [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] and his cause.<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 88–89: Yed Posterior - Fifth Lyran Regulars try to snap some glory in what they believe is an easy kill, but is not</ref>
  
 
====Freedom====
 
====Freedom====
After returning to Freedom in [[3064]], the unit became under attack by forces of the [[Free Skye Revolt]].   Two militia forces Accrington FTM and Alexandria FTM arrived on planet uncontested by the Regulars July [[3065]].  After the two militia forces landed on Freedom's continent of Republic, the Regulars assaulted Accrington FTM's position. The Regulars wreck havoc against the green Militia's defenses destroying its armor and three of its infantry regiments.  The Militia's BattleMech forces counter-attacked, managed to fend of the Regulars who retreated to the planetary capital of Jefferson City.   
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After returning to Freedom in [[3064]], the unit came under attack from forces of the [[Free Skye Revolt]] who wished to solidify their holdings by capturing Freedom's military command center and its stockpile. Two militia forces, the [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington FTM]] and the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria FTM]], arrived on planet uncontested by the Regulars in July [[3065]].  By the time the Regulars made a move on the two militia units, they had already established a significant foothold on Freedom's continent of Republic.  The Regulars initiated their attack by staging a diversionary attack on the Alexandria FTM before proceeding to assault the Accrington FTM's position. The Regulars wrought absolute havoc against the unprepared militia's defenses, destroying its supply depot and artillery units before wiping out one armor and three infantry regiments.  The militia's BattleMech forces counterattacked, and managed to fend off the Regulars, but not before almost a full half of Accrington's fighting strength had been eliminated, effectively removing the unit from the fight.  The Regulars then decided to fall back the planetary capital of Jefferson City, and along with the planetary militia, established a protective cordon around the city.
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Knowing now that a direct assault against the well-trained, fortified Regulars would be disastrous, the Free Skye rebels opted instead to starve out the Regulars and their target, [[Margrave]] James Ellis.  While the Regulars hunkered down in Jefferson, the two Free Skye controlled Militias took ''de facto'' control of the planet, spreading their influence across the continents of Republic and Independence.  With the flow of goods to Jefferson now controlled by the Free Skye rebels, the Regulars, planetary militia, and millions of civilians inside the city began to slowly eat through their supplies.  When [[Federation of Skye|Free Skye]] General [[Maria Esteban]] arrived from Tikonov with more experienced troops, the pressure on the Fifth Lyran Regulars increased, as probing attacks on their perimeter became more aggressive and coordinated under her command.  As conditions worsened in Jefferson, the planetary militia crumbled and deserted their posts to return to their homes and families.
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The siege continued on until 7 February, 3066, when Margrave Ellis sent a request to General Esteban for a ceasefire.  Esteban refused, as she now knew how weak the Regulars' position was. Under her command, the [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia|Alexandria FTM]] overran the starving Regulars' positions and, despite their valiant resistance captured Jefferson's planetary command center along with Margrave Ellis.  The surviving Regulars were disarmed by the newly reinforced FTM units, their weapons and equipment taken by the secessionist forcesThe unit was for all intents and purposes destroyed.<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146, 163, 183: Freedom - 5th Regulars' fight against the Free Skye and its eventual disarmament and disbandment. Deployment table shows the unit destroyed in Wave 6 of the Civil War</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 171: Lyran Regulars - Unit's destruction at Freedom noted</ref>
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===Jihad===
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Sometime after the events on Freedom, the Fifth Lyran Regulars was rebuilt.<ref name=ER3145-58>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 58: "Factions - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"</ref>  It fought during the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] and was one of many [[Lyran Regulars]] units destroyed during that conflict, although the exact fate of its members is unknown.  Whether they perished along with the [[Third Lyran Regulars]] during the opening shots of the Jihad, or whether they fell beside their brothers and sisters in the [[Seventh Lyran Regulars|Seventh]] and [[Eleventh Lyran Regulars|Eleventh Regulars]] during the invasion of the Free Worlds League by the [[Lyran Alliance]], they had yet to be re-formed by [[3079]], and would not be re-formed until almost 43 years after, in 3122.<ref>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 13</ref>
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===Reformation and Operation HAMMERFALL===
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The now renamed [[LCAF]] would ultimately reform the Fifth Lyran Regulars at the urging of Archon [[Andrew Steiner]] in [[3122]]. Despite the former unit's loyalty to Tharkad over Skye, Andrew re-formed the unit primarily for its ties to the old [[Isle of Skye]], intending it as a provocative message to [[Devlin Stone]] and the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Intensively distrustful of Stone and his Republic, Andrew ensured the new Fifth was heavily staffed with Skye partisans who were all eager to reclaim the "stolen" Skye Province and return it to Lyran control. The re-formed Fifth Regulars quickly attained a reputation as staunch defenders of the honor and pride of the Commonwealth and of Skye.<ref name=ER3145-58/>
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The Fifth took part in [[Operation HAMMERFALL]], participating in the early stages of the invasion on [[Niihau]] and [[Millungera]]. On the latter world, the unit came into conflict with [[Roderick Frost]]'s [[Broken Swords]] [[battalion]], the Fifth feeling unfairly blamed for the resulting brawl. This brawl and the Fifth's CO open disdain for "Stone-lover" [[Trillian Steiner]] resulted in the unit being relegated to garrison duty on Niihau and Millungera for the remainder of the invasion.<ref name=ER3145-58/>
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The Fifth Lyran Regulars would be ejected from both worlds a few years later, losing Niihau to the formation of the [[Wolf Empire]] and Millungera to the reborn [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name=ER3145-58/>
  
The Regulars fortified its position with Planetary Militia to defend the [[Freedom Theater|Freedom Theater's]] Command Center.  However, instead of daring to assault the Regular's directly, they opts to starve out the Regulars and their target, [[Margrave]] James Ellis. As the Regulars stayed secured in Jefferson, the two Free Skye controlled Militias too defacto-control of the planet.  As the months past, the siege on the city caused the Planetary Militia to abandon the city, leaving the Regulars to hold up its defenses.
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The Fifth Regulars also participated in the defense of [[Smolnik]] from elements of the Wolf Empire's Beta Galaxy.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 16</ref>
  
The siege lasted up to February 3066, when Free Skye General [[Maria Esteban]] arrived to take command of the situation. Margrave communication with General Esteban for ceasefire, tip off the general that Regulars were on verge of folding due to the starvation.  The two Militias easily overran the 5th Regular's positions and destroyed them.<ref>''FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)'', pp. 146, 163, 183 Freedom - 5th Regular's fight against the Free Skye and its destruction. Deployment table shows the unit destroyed in Wave 6 of the Civil War.</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Update'', p. 171 Lyran Regulars - Unit's destruction noted.</ref>
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In 3145 the Fifth Regulars lost four of six companies on [[Loxley]], defending that world from Clan Jade Falcon forces. Despite their heavy losses, they were able to secure the world for the Commonwealth.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 128</ref> The other six companies of the Fifth were garrisoning [[Ellengurg]], and unable to participate in the fighting on Loxley.
  
 
==Officers==
 
==Officers==
*As of [[3025]], the Commanding Officer was [[Colonel]] Gustav von Buren<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119 Deployment Tables as of [[3025]].</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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|-
*As of [[3050]], the Commanding Officer was Colonel Jeanine Castro.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 Officers - Colonel Castro's beginning as 5th Lyran Regular's commanding officer noted.</ref>  
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
**Note: Colonel Jeanine Castro was a Leftenant General while serving in the FedCom.<ref>''20 year Update'', p. 19 Deployment Tables with the FedCom - Colonel Castro listed with unit as Lt. General in 3050.</ref>
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
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! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
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|-
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| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Ferris Wolverines'''
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|-
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| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Fifth Lyran Regulars'''
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|-
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|[[Colonel]]||[[Gustav von Buren]]||[[3025]] - ??<ref name=HSp119>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119</ref>
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|-
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|[[Leutnant-General]]||[[Maurice Corbin]]|| ?? - [[3050]] / [[3054]]<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88</ref>
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|-
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|[[Leutnant-General]]||[[Jeannine Castro]]||[[3050]] / [[3054]] - [[3066]]<ref name=20Yp19>''20 Year Update'', p. 19: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3050"</ref><ref name=ORp17>''Objective Raids'', p. 17: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3054"</ref><ref name=FMLAp88/><ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88</ref>
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|-
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|[[General]]||[[Stephen Harper]]||[[3122]]-[[3143]]<ref name=ER3145-58/><ref name=TRLC3145>''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'' p. 16</ref><ref name=TRO3150>''Technical Readout: 3150'' p. 76</ref>
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|-
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|Leutnant-General||[[Roy Adams]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM:3145p132>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 132: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces - Coventry Province"</ref>
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|}
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
By 3062, the regiment relies on its highly skilled Intelligence Department to allow it respond to enemy movement. However, its over reliance on the Intelligence section cause blindly lead to disaster.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 Tactics - Intelligence Section highly utilized and over relied on.</ref>
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While under the command of [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]] from 3050 to 3066, the regiment appeared to rely perhaps too heavily on its highly skilled Intelligence Division to provide it with up to date information on unit movements and enemy dispositions. This overreliance, coupled with several critical failures by the Intelligence Division, led to disaster when the Fifth Lyran Regulars faced off against the [[Seventh FedCom RCT|Seventh Federated Commonwealth RCT]], the [[Fourth Davion Guards]], and [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref name=FMLAp88/>
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
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=== 2786 - 2821===
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'''Fifth Lyran Regulars ''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=1SWp139>''First Succession War'', p. 139</ref>
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: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Timbuktu]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 53 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Timbuktu]].<ref name=1SWp139/>
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=== 2830 ===
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'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=2SWp99>''Second Succession War'', p. 99</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the assault-weight unit was stationed on [[Timbuktu]] with an operational readiness of 109 percent.<ref name=2SWp99/> The unit defected during the war.<ref name=2SWp99/>
 +
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
*5th Lyran Regulars ([[BattleMech]] [[Regiment]]) - CO: Colonel Gusttav von Buren
+
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=LCHSp120>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119</ref>
-Note: The regiment was assigned to [[Thorin]] as of 3025, and had a Questionable loyality rating and was considered regular skilled.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119 - 5th Lyran Regulars status as of 3025.</ref>
+
:*CO: [[Colonel]] Gustav von Buren<br>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Thorin]].<ref name=LCHSp120/>
 +
 
 +
===3040===
 +
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWo3039p137/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Graham IV]].<ref name=HWo3039p137>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 137</ref>
  
 
===3050===
 
===3050===
*5th Lyran Regulars (BattleMech [[Regiment]]) - Leftenant General Jeanine Castro<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 19 - Unit listing as a straight BattleMech regiment.</ref>
+
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20yup19/>
-Note: Unit was assigned to [[Towne]], and was considered to be Reliable and Regular unit.
+
:* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<ref name=20yup19/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Towne]].<ref name=20yup19>''20 Year Update'', p. 19</ref>
 +
 
 +
===3054===
 +
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=ORp/>
 +
:* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<ref name=ORp/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Saiph]] and [[Tall Trees]].<ref name=ORp>''Objective Raids'', p. ?{{cn}}</ref>
  
 
===3062===
 
===3062===
*5th Lyran Regulars (BattleMech Regiment) - CO: Colonel Jeanine Castro
+
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMLAp88/><br>
**The unit is given a Veteran skill and Fanatical loyality ratings.
+
:* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<br>
-Note: The Command Company consists of solely of OmniMechs, with Colonel Castro utilizing a ''[[Hauptmann]]'' Assault OmniMech.
+
:Note: At this point in time, the command was stationed on [[Freedom]].
 +
::Note: The Command Company consists of solely of OmniMechs, with Colonel Castro utilizing a ''[[Hauptmann]]'' assault OmniMech.
 +
 
 +
'''Fourteenth Freedom Reserve Fighter Wing''' (aerospace fighter [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]/Green/Reliable)<ref name=FMLAp88/><br>
 +
:* CO: [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]] [[Louis Chandresekhar]]<br>
 +
:Note: Unit is former reserve unit, which now permanently active and attached to the Fifth Lyran Regulars.<ref name=FMLAp88/>
 +
 
 +
===3122===
 +
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars'''<ref name=ER3145-58/><br>
 +
:* CO: [[General]] Stephen Harper<br>
  
*14th Freedom Reserve Fighter Wing (Aerospace Fighter [[Wing (Military Unit)|Wing]]) - CO: Hauptmann-Kommandant Louis Chandresekhar.
+
===3145===
**The Unit is given a Green Skill and Reliable loyality ratings.
+
'''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br>
-Note: Unit is former reserve unit, which now permenantly active and attached to 5th Lyran Regulars.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88 - Fighter Wing information.</ref>
+
:* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] Roy Adams<br>
 +
 
 +
'''Eleventh Loxley Armor''' (Regular/Reliable)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br>
 +
:* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Andrew Reed]]<br>
 +
 
 +
'''Fifth Lyran Infantry Brigade''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br>
 +
:* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Justin Collins]]<br>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
The unit's origins as mercenary does not stipulate when it was a mercenary unit, its also not clear if the unit's nickname from the House book is infact is original name.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 77 Regiment Nicknames - Nickname of the 5th eludes to its actual origin, but not when.</ref>
+
The unit's origins as a mercenary company does not stipulate ''when'' it was a mercenary unit. It's also not clear if the unit's nickname from the House book is in fact its original name.<ref name=HSTLCp77 />
  
In the Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, the officer section notes that Commanding Officer Colonel Jeanine Castro had relieved Leftenant General Maurice Cobin in late 3054.  However, in 20 Year Update, Leftenant General Jeannine Castro was listed as the unit's commanding officer as of [[3050]]. It unclear and when Jeannine is same person or relative of Jeanine or is the same person.<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 19 - FedCom Deployment Tables as of 305/Addicks PDZ - 5th Regular listed with similar name commanding officer.</ref>
+
In the Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, the officer section notes that commanding officer Colonel Jeanine Castro had relieved Leutnant-General Maurice Cobin in late 3054.  However, in ''20 Year Update'', Leutnant-General Jeannine Castro was listed as the unit's commanding officer as of [[3050]].<ref name=20yup19 />
  
<div style="background-color:#FFFFE0; border:1px solid #666; margin:1.5em 0 .5em 0; padding:0 .5em 0 1em; -moz-border-radius:.5em">
+
Some sources list the Fifth as being entirely destroyed in their battle with the Free Skye Revolt forces on Freedom, while others say that the unit was destroyed during the Blake Jihad.  It is currently unknown what the canonical "end" of the unit was before its reformation in 3122.
 +
 
 +
===Game Notes===
 
<div class="gamerules">
 
<div class="gamerules">
===Game Notes===
+
When using [[Force Specific Rules]] for the original Fifth Lyran Regulars, the unit receives the following abilities:
When using [[Force Specific Rules]] for the 5th Lyran Regulars, the unit receives the following abilitiesBefore game play begins, the controlling player will roll 2D6. On the result of 4-10, the the player receives no benefits. With the result of a 11 or 12, the unit receives a +2 to its Inititive through entire game.  However, should player roll 2 or a 3, the unit will pentalized -1 inititive and opposing player will get choose any maps if the scenario calls for random generated maps. The unit is equipped with B Rated equipment.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 133 Rule Annex/Force Specific Rules/5th Lyran Regulars - 5th Regular's special positive and negative traits.</ref>
+
 
 +
Before gameplay begins, the controlling player will roll 2D6, with the following results:
 +
* '''2 - 3:''' Unit is penalized -1 initiative. Opposing player may choose the map if scenario allows.
 +
* '''4 - 10:''' Unit receives no benefits.
 +
* '''11 - 12:''' Unit receives +2 initiative for the duration of the game.
 +
 
 +
The Lyran Regulars are equipped with B-rated equipment.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 133: Rule Annex/Force Specific Rules/5th Lyran Regulars - 5th Lyran Regulars' special positive and negative traits</ref>
 +
 
 +
====Dark Age====
 +
While relatively unseasoned in real combat, the reborn Fifth are fueled by their hatred for the Republic, gaining the [[Overrun Combat]] special ability when facing [[RAF]] troops.<ref name=ER3145-164>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 164: "Playing the Dark Age Era - BattleTech Rules - Special Command Abilities - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"</ref>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
Line 98: Line 178:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
*''[[20 Year Update]]''
+
<div class="desktop-3-col">
*''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)]]''
+
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''
+
* ''[[Breach]]'' (in: [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 5|''Shrapnel'', Issue 5]])
*''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
+
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Update]]''
+
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
*''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
*''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''
*''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
*''[[Objective Raids]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
 
+
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
 +
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
 +
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
 +
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]''
 +
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 +
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 +
* ''[[The Periphery (sourcebook)|The Periphery]]''
 +
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth]]''
 +
</div>
  
  
[[Category:Lyran Commands|Lyran Regulars, 05th]]
+
[[Category:Lyran Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]]
 +
[[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]]

Latest revision as of 03:33, 10 January 2024

Lyranregulars05th.png
Fifth Lyran Regulars
Nickname The Ferris Wolverines[1]
Affiliation Lyran Commonwealth
Parent Command Lyran Regulars

Unit Description[edit]

The Fifth Lyran Regulars were a Lyran Commonwealth BattleMech regiment.

History[edit]

Formation[edit]

The Fifth Regulars were originally formed from the mercenary group the Ferris Wolverines that were forced by ComStar into service with then Lyran Commonwealth because of a contract dispute.[2]

The Succession Wars[edit]

In August 2814, en route to a clandestine raid on Zortman, the Fifth was intercepted by Free Worlds League forces over Szepes. A Fifth JumpShip was destroyed, and a Leopard-class DropShip was shot down over the planet, sinking in a bog. The sole survivor, Wade Tobias Staczyk, was left stranded on Szepes.[3]

In early 2840, deserters from the shattered Fifth joined the mutinous Sixth Lyran Regulars under Colonel Hendrik Grimm as they made their way into the Periphery.[4] Grimm's combined unit, subsequently misreported in at least one source as the Sixty-fifth Lyran Regulars, eventually settled Oberon VI and founded the Oberon Confederation.[5]

The unit was not activated to participate in the Commonwealth's efforts in the Fourth Succession War, where it remained stationed at its garrison station on Thorin.[6]

Skye Crisis & formation of Free Rasalhague Republic[edit]

After the Fourth Succession War, the unit was stationed in the Skye Federation region. The Fifth Regulars, which had questionable loyalty to begin with, became influenced by the Free Skye secession movement in the early part of the thirty-first century.

In 3034, Skye's secession tensions broke out into open rebellion. The Regulars were among the units trying to put down the revolt, however trouble broke out when allied units from the Federated Suns arrived to assist in putting down the revolt. The Regulars, among other Lyran units in the region, opened fire on their allies and the revolt threatened to escalate into full-blown civil war. After Lyran leaders defused the crisis, the Regulars' personnel were scattered across the Lyran Commonwealth and the unit, now posted to the Sarna March, was restaffed with fanatically loyal soldiers.[1]

The War of 3039 and the 3040s[edit]

In May 3039, the Draconis Combine's Ryuken-san landed on Procyon as part of Theodore Kurita's counterinvasion response to the War of 3039. A few weeks later, the Regulars arrived to repulse the invasion. The Regulars were outmatched by the elite Ryuken-san, and lost an entire BattleMech battalion to the Combine forces in an engagement outside of the town of Kreigen. The Combine commander, Tai-sa Kansa, decided to invade because he was looking for a good fight, and decided that he had found it in the Regulars. By May 24th, the Ryuken-san withdrew from the planet when its sister unit, the Ryuken-ni, arrived in-system.[7]

During the 3040s, the unit conducted a number of raids against the Free Worlds League.[1]

FedCom Breakup and the Joining the Lyran Alliance[edit]

During early 3050s, the unit had not been used in the Clan Invasion, remained its base in Sarna March. Where its 'Mech battalions were spread out between two worlds to garrison, Tall Trees and Saiph.[8]

By 3057, the unit withdrew from the FedCom, for the newly formed Lyran Alliance. As the unit withdrew from the FedCom, it clashed with Davion Assault Guard RCT. Once they had successfully reported to the Lyran Alliance High Command, the unit was assigned to garrison the world of Freedom.[1] The Regulars' Third Battalion, which had been on loan to the Capellan Confederation up until this point, was abandoned by the remainder of the regiment when it withdrew. Stranded in Capellan space without any orders or support, Hauptmann Daniel Grover the commander of one of Third Battalion's companies, would subsequently transform his command into the nucleus of a new mercenary unit, the Broadstreet Bullies.[9]

As SLDF Peacekeepers in St. Ives Compact[edit]

In 3060, the unit was assigned as to peacekeeper duties in St. Ives Compact under the auspices of the Second Star League's SLDF. The unit was assigned by First Lord Sun-Tzu Liao to Nashuar, where it was to oversee the planet and prevent Compact forces from clashing. The unit became entangled in hostilities with the FedCom garrison force, the Seventh Federated Commonwealth RCT. The FedCom unit, who had been stationed on Nashuar for most of its operational lifespan, viewed the Fifth Regulars as an invading, outside force and the embodiment of everything wrong with the Federated Commonwealth. When the Fifth Regulars landed, they found themselves boxed into their landing zone by the Seventh FedCom and its allies, the Nashuar Home Guard. Tensions grew, but open hostilities did not break out until January 3061, when after Sun-Tzu Liao ordered the Compact's worlds to be placed under martial law. Seeing this as their chance to assert their authority, the Fifth Regulars launched a sudden strike, breaking out of their landing zone in the city of Grianet and driving into the nearby Salt River Canyon, where they were met by the Seventh FC RCT. The resulting battles were brutal, with few troops on either side walking away from engagements. The continuous engagements proved detrimental to the Fifth Regulars' overall unit cohesion. In April 3062, after a decisive battle in the Khingan Foothills, the Seventh FC RCT succeeded in forcing the Fifth Regulars to retreat off-world. This defeat was attributed to an error made by the Regulars' intelligence division that placed the Seventh FedCom's armored units almost 1,000 km away from their actual position. Their sudden appearance in the Regulars' rear area caused a route back to the Lyran forces' DropShips that cost the unit three lances of BattleMechs.[10][1][11] Though their defense of their DropShips was successful, the Fifth was still forced to withdraw back to Freedom to rearm and refill its ranks.

Sometime after their return to Freedom, the unit conducted an unsuccessful raid of the Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, where yet again the unit's intelligence division's reports of the garrison strength of the target proved to be extremely inaccurate.[1]

FedCom Civil War[edit]

Yed Posterior[edit]

In the FedCom Civil War, the unit was based on Freedom and did not leave until 3063, when it was redeployed to Yed Posterior in hopes of winning glory by destroying what they perceived to be a badly mauled Davion-affiliated unit retreating to Federated Suns territory from the Ft. Loudon. Unfortunately, the intelligence received by the Regulars about the unit was quite poor. The Fourth Guards were in fact maintaining an armed neutrality in the Civil War, not claiming for either side, and had not suffered anywhere near the losses the Regulars presumed they had.

As the Regulars approached the planet, they found that the Fourth Davion Guards' fleet assets in orbit were still numerous, which indicated that there was likely a larger force than expected on the surface. Colonel Castro dismissed this indication as a mere trick of maneuvers to intimidate foes and chose to land her force. The Regulars made an uneventful landfall, as the Guards made no move to counter their DropShips. Instead, once they were planetside, the Guards transmitted messages that they meant the incoming Lyrans no harm and requested that they stay away from Guard security cordons and facilities. Again dismissing these warnings as mere empty posturing, Castro ordered recon flights to gather more intelligence on the Guards. These were summarily shot down by Guard interceptors when they refused to leave the unit's airspace. The Guards once again sent messages to the Regulars that they intended to peacefully withdraw from the planet and that they did not want to be attacked while doing so.

Col. Castro disregarded these requests and instead ordered her Regulars to attack, coordinating an all-out offensive against the Guards codenamed Operation: Smother. She launched her strike on New Year's Day 3064, targeting what she believed was the Headquarters of the Guards regiment with her regiment's two reinforced 'Mechs battalions and its aerospace wing. Unfortunately for Castro and the Fifth Regulars, the facilities targeted were merely the headquarters of one of the Guards' second battalion. While the attack initially proceeded as expected, reports from the front's right flank indicated that there were more than a regiment's worth of Guards tanks in the area. The assault finally stalled out when another Guards 'Mech battalion appeared on the flank, supported by additional tanks and battle armored infantry. Col. Castro realized further efforts would be fruitless and ordered her units to retreat.

The Guards, weary of giving unheeded warnings and angry at the unprovoked attack, pursued the fleeing Lyrans and gunned them down. The Fourth Davion Guards' unit of Clan OmniMechs, Doppelganger Company, was instrumental in annihilating an entire battalion of the Regulars. Their two aerospace wings, hardened veterans of the Clan Invasion, almost completely shot down the Fourteenth Freedom Reserve Aerospace Fighter Wing attached to the Lyran unit. As the Regulars' few surviving troops scrambled aboard their DropShips, the Guards' commander, Marshal Alberta Orsina ordered a discontinuation of the pursuit. Although the Fifth Lyran Regulars attack was a dismal failure, it did succeed in spurring Marshal Orsina to pledge her forces to Victor Steiner-Davion and his cause.[12]

Freedom[edit]

After returning to Freedom in 3064, the unit came under attack from forces of the Free Skye Revolt who wished to solidify their holdings by capturing Freedom's military command center and its stockpile. Two militia forces, the Accrington FTM and the Alexandria FTM, arrived on planet uncontested by the Regulars in July 3065. By the time the Regulars made a move on the two militia units, they had already established a significant foothold on Freedom's continent of Republic. The Regulars initiated their attack by staging a diversionary attack on the Alexandria FTM before proceeding to assault the Accrington FTM's position. The Regulars wrought absolute havoc against the unprepared militia's defenses, destroying its supply depot and artillery units before wiping out one armor and three infantry regiments. The militia's BattleMech forces counterattacked, and managed to fend off the Regulars, but not before almost a full half of Accrington's fighting strength had been eliminated, effectively removing the unit from the fight. The Regulars then decided to fall back the planetary capital of Jefferson City, and along with the planetary militia, established a protective cordon around the city.

Knowing now that a direct assault against the well-trained, fortified Regulars would be disastrous, the Free Skye rebels opted instead to starve out the Regulars and their target, Margrave James Ellis. While the Regulars hunkered down in Jefferson, the two Free Skye controlled Militias took de facto control of the planet, spreading their influence across the continents of Republic and Independence. With the flow of goods to Jefferson now controlled by the Free Skye rebels, the Regulars, planetary militia, and millions of civilians inside the city began to slowly eat through their supplies. When Free Skye General Maria Esteban arrived from Tikonov with more experienced troops, the pressure on the Fifth Lyran Regulars increased, as probing attacks on their perimeter became more aggressive and coordinated under her command. As conditions worsened in Jefferson, the planetary militia crumbled and deserted their posts to return to their homes and families.

The siege continued on until 7 February, 3066, when Margrave Ellis sent a request to General Esteban for a ceasefire. Esteban refused, as she now knew how weak the Regulars' position was. Under her command, the Alexandria FTM overran the starving Regulars' positions and, despite their valiant resistance captured Jefferson's planetary command center along with Margrave Ellis. The surviving Regulars were disarmed by the newly reinforced FTM units, their weapons and equipment taken by the secessionist forces. The unit was for all intents and purposes destroyed.[13][14]

Jihad[edit]

Sometime after the events on Freedom, the Fifth Lyran Regulars was rebuilt.[15] It fought during the Word of Blake Jihad and was one of many Lyran Regulars units destroyed during that conflict, although the exact fate of its members is unknown. Whether they perished along with the Third Lyran Regulars during the opening shots of the Jihad, or whether they fell beside their brothers and sisters in the Seventh and Eleventh Regulars during the invasion of the Free Worlds League by the Lyran Alliance, they had yet to be re-formed by 3079, and would not be re-formed until almost 43 years after, in 3122.[16]

Reformation and Operation HAMMERFALL[edit]

The now renamed LCAF would ultimately reform the Fifth Lyran Regulars at the urging of Archon Andrew Steiner in 3122. Despite the former unit's loyalty to Tharkad over Skye, Andrew re-formed the unit primarily for its ties to the old Isle of Skye, intending it as a provocative message to Devlin Stone and the Republic of the Sphere. Intensively distrustful of Stone and his Republic, Andrew ensured the new Fifth was heavily staffed with Skye partisans who were all eager to reclaim the "stolen" Skye Province and return it to Lyran control. The re-formed Fifth Regulars quickly attained a reputation as staunch defenders of the honor and pride of the Commonwealth and of Skye.[15]

The Fifth took part in Operation HAMMERFALL, participating in the early stages of the invasion on Niihau and Millungera. On the latter world, the unit came into conflict with Roderick Frost's Broken Swords battalion, the Fifth feeling unfairly blamed for the resulting brawl. This brawl and the Fifth's CO open disdain for "Stone-lover" Trillian Steiner resulted in the unit being relegated to garrison duty on Niihau and Millungera for the remainder of the invasion.[15]

The Fifth Lyran Regulars would be ejected from both worlds a few years later, losing Niihau to the formation of the Wolf Empire and Millungera to the reborn Free Worlds League.[15]

The Fifth Regulars also participated in the defense of Smolnik from elements of the Wolf Empire's Beta Galaxy.[17]

In 3145 the Fifth Regulars lost four of six companies on Loxley, defending that world from Clan Jade Falcon forces. Despite their heavy losses, they were able to secure the world for the Commonwealth.[18] The other six companies of the Fifth were garrisoning Ellengurg, and unable to participate in the fighting on Loxley.

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Ferris Wolverines
Commanding Officers of the Fifth Lyran Regulars
Colonel Gustav von Buren 3025 - ??[19]
Leutnant-General Maurice Corbin ?? - 3050 / 3054[20]
Leutnant-General Jeannine Castro 3050 / 3054 - 3066[21][22][1][23]
General Stephen Harper 3122-3143[15][24][25]
Leutnant-General Roy Adams 3145[26]

Tactics[edit]

While under the command of Colonel Jeannine Castro from 3050 to 3066, the regiment appeared to rely perhaps too heavily on its highly skilled Intelligence Division to provide it with up to date information on unit movements and enemy dispositions. This overreliance, coupled with several critical failures by the Intelligence Division, led to disaster when the Fifth Lyran Regulars faced off against the Seventh Federated Commonwealth RCT, the Fourth Davion Guards, and Clan Jade Falcon.[1]

Composition History[edit]

2786 - 2821[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[27]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Timbuktu. In 2821 the command was reduced to 53 percent of its strength and was deployed on Timbuktu.[27]

2830[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[28]

Note: At this point in time the assault-weight unit was stationed on Timbuktu with an operational readiness of 109 percent.[28] The unit defected during the war.[28]

3025[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[29]

Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Thorin.[29]

3040[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[30]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Graham IV.[30]

3050[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[31]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Towne.[31]

3054[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[32]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Saiph and Tall Trees.[32]

3062[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[1]

Note: At this point in time, the command was stationed on Freedom.
Note: The Command Company consists of solely of OmniMechs, with Colonel Castro utilizing a Hauptmann assault OmniMech.

Fourteenth Freedom Reserve Fighter Wing (aerospace fighter wing/Green/Reliable)[1]

Note: Unit is former reserve unit, which now permanently active and attached to the Fifth Lyran Regulars.[1]

3122[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars[15]

3145[edit]

Fifth Lyran Regulars (Veteran/Fanatical)[26]

Eleventh Loxley Armor (Regular/Reliable)[26]

Fifth Lyran Infantry Brigade (Veteran/Reliable)[26]

Notes[edit]

The unit's origins as a mercenary company does not stipulate when it was a mercenary unit. It's also not clear if the unit's nickname from the House book is in fact its original name.[2]

In the Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, the officer section notes that commanding officer Colonel Jeanine Castro had relieved Leutnant-General Maurice Cobin in late 3054. However, in 20 Year Update, Leutnant-General Jeannine Castro was listed as the unit's commanding officer as of 3050.[31]

Some sources list the Fifth as being entirely destroyed in their battle with the Free Skye Revolt forces on Freedom, while others say that the unit was destroyed during the Blake Jihad. It is currently unknown what the canonical "end" of the unit was before its reformation in 3122.

Game Notes[edit]

When using Force Specific Rules for the original Fifth Lyran Regulars, the unit receives the following abilities:

Before gameplay begins, the controlling player will roll 2D6, with the following results:

  • 2 - 3: Unit is penalized -1 initiative. Opposing player may choose the map if scenario allows.
  • 4 - 10: Unit receives no benefits.
  • 11 - 12: Unit receives +2 initiative for the duration of the game.

The Lyran Regulars are equipped with B-rated equipment.[33]

Dark Age[edit]

While relatively unseasoned in real combat, the reborn Fifth are fueled by their hatred for the Republic, gaining the Overrun Combat special ability when facing RAF troops.[34]

References[edit]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 88: "5th Lyran Regulars Unit Profile"
  2. 2.0 2.1 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 77: Regiment Nicknames - Nickname of the Fifth alludes to its actual origin, but not when it was given
  3. Breach
  4. Second Succession War, p. 50
  5. The Periphery, p. 143: "Oberon Confederation"
  6. NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 44: 5th Lyran Regulars noted as not being used in Fourth Succession War
  7. Historical: War of 3039, p. 63: Procyon - 5th Lyran Regulars' clash with the Ryuken-san
  8. Objective Raids, p. 17: Sarna March/Terra Firma Operations Area - 5th Lyran Regulars garrison posts in 3054 noted
  9. Mercenaries Supplemental II, p. 26: "Broadstreet Bullies: Orange Crush"
  10. FedCom Civil War Sourcebook, pp. 19–20: Nashuar - 5th Regulars' clash with the 7th FedCom RCT showed as a precursor of the coming Civil War
  11. Field Manual: Federated Suns, p. 95: 7th FedCom RCT
  12. FedCom Civil War, pp. 88–89: Yed Posterior - Fifth Lyran Regulars try to snap some glory in what they believe is an easy kill, but is not
  13. FedCom Civil War, pp. 146, 163, 183: Freedom - 5th Regulars' fight against the Free Skye and its eventual disarmament and disbandment. Deployment table shows the unit destroyed in Wave 6 of the Civil War
  14. Field Manual: Updates, p. 171: Lyran Regulars - Unit's destruction at Freedom noted
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Era Report: 3145, p. 58: "Factions - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"
  16. Field Report: LAAF, p. 13
  17. Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth, p. 16
  18. Field Manual: 3145, p. 128
  19. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 119
  20. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 88
  21. 20 Year Update, p. 19: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3050"
  22. Objective Raids, p. 17: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3054"
  23. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 88
  24. Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth p. 16
  25. Technical Readout: 3150 p. 76
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 Field Manual: 3145, p. 132: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces - Coventry Province"
  27. 27.0 27.1 First Succession War, p. 139
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 Second Succession War, p. 99
  29. 29.0 29.1 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 119
  30. 30.0 30.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 137
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 20 Year Update, p. 19
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 Objective Raids, p. ?[citation needed]
  33. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 133: Rule Annex/Force Specific Rules/5th Lyran Regulars - 5th Lyran Regulars' special positive and negative traits
  34. Era Report: 3145, p. 164: "Playing the Dark Age Era - BattleTech Rules - Special Command Abilities - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"

Bibliography[edit]