Difference between revisions of "5th Lyran Regulars"
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | ||
| image = [[File:Lyranregulars05th.png|200px]] | | image = [[File:Lyranregulars05th.png|200px]] | ||
| − | | Designation = | + | | Designation = Fifth Lyran Regulars |
| formed = | | formed = | ||
| Disbanded = | | Disbanded = | ||
| Previous Designation = | | Previous Designation = | ||
| − | | Nickname = | + | | Nickname = The Ferris Wolverines<ref name=FMLAp88>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88: "5th Lyran Regulars Unit Profile"</ref> |
| − | | Affiliation = Lyran Commonwealth | + | | Affiliation = [[Lyran Commonwealth]] |
| Parent Command = [[Lyran Regulars]] | | Parent Command = [[Lyran Regulars]] | ||
| Sub-Command = | | Sub-Command = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | |||
==Unit Description== | ==Unit Description== | ||
The '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' were a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] BattleMech regiment. | The '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' were a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] BattleMech regiment. | ||
| Line 16: | Line 15: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Formation=== | ===Formation=== | ||
| − | The Fifth Regulars were originally formed from the mercenary group the '''Ferris Wolverines''' that were forced by [[ComStar]] into | + | 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=== | ||
| − | In August [[2814]], en route | + | 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> |
| − | In early [[2840]], deserters from the shattered Fifth joined the mutinous [[ | + | 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> |
| − | The unit was not activated to participate in the Commonwealth's efforts in the [[Fourth Succession War]], where it remained stationed at | + | 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 Rasalhague Republic=== | ===Skye Crisis & formation of Free Rasalhague Republic=== | ||
| − | 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 | + | 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.<ref name=FMLAp88/> | 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 and the 3040s=== | ===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 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'' | + | 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> |
During the 3040s, the unit conducted a number of raids against the [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name=FMLAp88/> | During the 3040s, the unit conducted a number of raids against the [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name=FMLAp88/> | ||
| − | ===FedCom | + | ===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 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 | + | 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]]. Once they had successfully reported to the Lyran | + | 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> |
===As SLDF Peacekeepers in St. Ives Compact=== | ===As SLDF Peacekeepers in St. Ives Compact=== | ||
| − | In [[3060]], the unit was assigned as to peacekeeper duties in [[St. Ives Compact]] under the auspices of the [[ | + | 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. |
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/> | 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/> | ||
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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. 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. | 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 [[ | + | 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. | 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 | + | 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 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. | + | 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. |
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. | 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. | ||
| − | 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 forces. The unit was for all intents and purposes destroyed. <ref>''FedCom Civil War | + | 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 forces. The 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> |
===Jihad=== | ===Jihad=== | ||
| − | 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 [[ | + | 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> |
===Reformation and Operation HAMMERFALL=== | ===Reformation and Operation HAMMERFALL=== | ||
| Line 70: | Line 69: | ||
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/> | 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/> | ||
| − | 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 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 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 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> | ||
| Line 78: | Line 77: | ||
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| − | |- | + | |- |
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ||
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ||
| Line 85: | Line 84: | ||
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Ferris Wolverines''' | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Ferris Wolverines''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the | + | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Fifth Lyran Regulars''' |
|- | |- | ||
|[[Colonel]]||[[Gustav von Buren]]||[[3025]] - ??<ref name=HSp119>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119</ref> | |[[Colonel]]||[[Gustav von Buren]]||[[3025]] - ??<ref name=HSp119>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |[[Leutnant-General]]||[[Maurice Corbin]]|| ?? - [[3050]] / [[3054]]<ref>'' | + | |[[Leutnant-General]]||[[Maurice Corbin]]|| ?? - [[3050]] / [[3054]]<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 88</ref> |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |[[Leutnant-General]]||[[Jeannine Castro]]||[[3050]] / [[3054]] - [[3066]]<ref name=20Yp19>''20 Year Update'', p. 19 | + | |[[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> |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |[[General]]||[[Stephen Harper]]||[[3122]]<ref name=ER3145-58/> | + | |[[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> |
|- | |- | ||
| − | |Leutnant-General||[[Roy Adams]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM:3145p132>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 132 | + | |Leutnant-General||[[Roy Adams]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM:3145p132>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 132: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces - Coventry Province"</ref> |
|} | |} | ||
==Tactics== | ==Tactics== | ||
| − | While under the command of [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]] from 3050 to 3066, the regiment appeared to rely perhaps too heavily on its highly | + | 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== | ||
=== 2786 - 2821=== | === 2786 - 2821=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars ''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=1SWp139>''First Succession War'', p. 139</ref> |
| − | : 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= | + | : 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/> |
| + | |||
=== 2830 === | === 2830 === | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''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= | + | : 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=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=LCHSp120>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119</ref> |
:*CO: [[Colonel]] Gustav von Buren<br> | :*CO: [[Colonel]] Gustav von Buren<br> | ||
| − | :Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Thorin]]. <ref name=LCHSp120/> | + | :Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Thorin]].<ref name=LCHSp120/> |
===3040=== | ===3040=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWo3039p137/> |
| − | :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Graham IV]]. | + | :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=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20yup19/> |
| − | :* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] [[Jeannine Castro]] <ref name = 20yup19/> | + | :* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<ref name=20yup19/> |
| − | :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Towne]]. | + | :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Towne]].<ref name=20yup19>''20 Year Update'', p. 19</ref> |
===3054=== | ===3054=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=ORp/> |
| − | :* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]] <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]]. | + | :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=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMLAp88/><br> |
:* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<br> | :* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Jeannine Castro]]<br> | ||
:Note: At this point in time, the command was stationed on [[Freedom]]. | :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]]'' | + | ::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> | + | :* 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/> | :Note: Unit is former reserve unit, which now permanently active and attached to the Fifth Lyran Regulars.<ref name=FMLAp88/> | ||
===3122=== | ===3122=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars'''<ref name=ER3145-58/><br> |
:* CO: [[General]] Stephen Harper<br> | :* CO: [[General]] Stephen Harper<br> | ||
===3145=== | ===3145=== | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Regulars''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br> |
:* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] Roy Adams<br> | :* CO: [[Leutnant-General]] Roy Adams<br> | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Eleventh Loxley Armor''' (Regular/Reliable)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br> |
| − | :* CO: [[Colonel]] Andrew Reed<br> | + | :* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Andrew Reed]]<br> |
| − | ''' | + | '''Fifth Lyran Infantry Brigade''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FM:3145p132/><br> |
| − | :* CO: [[Colonel]] Justin Collins<br> | + | :* CO: [[Colonel]] [[Justin Collins]]<br> |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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 /> | 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 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 | + | 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 /> |
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. | 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. | ||
| Line 163: | Line 163: | ||
When using [[Force Specific Rules]] for the original Fifth Lyran Regulars, the unit receives the following abilities: | When using [[Force Specific Rules]] for the original Fifth Lyran Regulars, the unit receives the following abilities: | ||
| − | Before | + | 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. | * '''2 - 3:''' Unit is penalized -1 initiative. Opposing player may choose the map if scenario allows. | ||
* '''4 - 10:''' Unit receives no benefits. | * '''4 - 10:''' Unit receives no benefits. | ||
* '''11 - 12:''' Unit receives +2 initiative for the duration of the game. | * '''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 | + | 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==== | ====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> | + | 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 180: | Line 180: | ||
<div class="desktop-3-col"> | <div class="desktop-3-col"> | ||
* ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[Breach]]'' (in: | + | * ''[[Breach]]'' (in: [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 5|''Shrapnel'', Issue 5]]) |
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' | * ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)]]'' | + | * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]'' |
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' | ||
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]'' | ||
| Line 188: | Line 188: | ||
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' | ||
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]'' | * ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[First Succession War ( | + | * ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]'' |
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' | * ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' | ||
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]'' | * ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]'' | ||
| Line 195: | Line 195: | ||
* ''[[Objective Raids]]'' | * ''[[Objective Raids]]'' | ||
* ''[[The Periphery (sourcebook)|The Periphery]]'' | * ''[[The Periphery (sourcebook)|The Periphery]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[Second Succession War ( | + | * ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]'' |
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth]]'' | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Lyran Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]] | [[Category:Lyran Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]] | ||
[[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]] | [[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Lyran Regulars, 005th]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:33, 10 January 2024
| |
| Fifth Lyran Regulars | |
| Nickname | The Ferris Wolverines[1] |
| Affiliation | Lyran Commonwealth |
| Parent Command | Lyran Regulars |
Contents
- 1 Unit Description
- 2 History
- 3 Officers
- 4 Tactics
- 5 Composition History
- 6 Notes
- 7 References
- 8 Bibliography
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]
3040[edit]
Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[30]
3050[edit]
Fifth Lyran Regulars (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[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]
- CO: General Stephen Harper
- CO: General Stephen Harper
3145[edit]
Fifth Lyran Regulars (Veteran/Fanatical)[26]
- CO: Leutnant-General Roy Adams
- CO: Leutnant-General Roy Adams
Eleventh Loxley Armor (Regular/Reliable)[26]
- CO: Colonel Andrew Reed
- CO: Colonel Andrew Reed
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]
- ↑ 1.00 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"
- ↑ 2.0 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
- ↑ Breach
- ↑ Second Succession War, p. 50
- ↑ The Periphery, p. 143: "Oberon Confederation"
- ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 44: 5th Lyran Regulars noted as not being used in Fourth Succession War
- ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 63: Procyon - 5th Lyran Regulars' clash with the Ryuken-san
- ↑ Objective Raids, p. 17: Sarna March/Terra Firma Operations Area - 5th Lyran Regulars garrison posts in 3054 noted
- ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental II, p. 26: "Broadstreet Bullies: Orange Crush"
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Field Manual: Federated Suns, p. 95: 7th FedCom RCT
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 171: Lyran Regulars - Unit's destruction at Freedom noted
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Era Report: 3145, p. 58: "Factions - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"
- ↑ Field Report: LAAF, p. 13
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth, p. 16
- ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 128
- ↑ House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 119
- ↑ Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 88
- ↑ 20 Year Update, p. 19: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3050"
- ↑ Objective Raids, p. 17: "AFFC Deployment Table - 3054"
- ↑ Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 88
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth p. 16
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3150 p. 76
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 Field Manual: 3145, p. 132: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces - Coventry Province"
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 First Succession War, p. 139
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Second Succession War, p. 99
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 119
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 137
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 20 Year Update, p. 19
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Objective Raids, p. ?[citation needed]
- ↑ Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 133: Rule Annex/Force Specific Rules/5th Lyran Regulars - 5th Lyran Regulars' special positive and negative traits
- ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 164: "Playing the Dark Age Era - BattleTech Rules - Special Command Abilities - Lyran Commonwealth - Fifth Lyran Regulars"
Bibliography[edit]
- 20 Year Update
- Breach (in: Shrapnel, Issue 5)
- Era Report: 3145
- FedCom Civil War
- Field Manual: 3145
- Field Manual: Federated Suns
- Field Manual: Lyran Alliance
- Field Manual: Updates
- Field Report: LAAF
- 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
- Second Succession War
- Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth