Editing Black Omen
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
The edit can be undone.
Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision
Your text
Line 1:
Line 1: − {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand + {{Update Needed|[[The Tools We Serve]]}} − | image = [[Image:Blackomen.jpg|150px]] + {{ infoBoxMercUnit − | Designation = Black Omen + | unitname = Black Omen − | formed = + | image = [[Image:Blackomen.jpg]] − | Disbanded = + | year = 3071 − | Previous Designation = + | commander = [[Captain]]/''[[Tai-i]]'' Richard Smith − | Nickname = + | jumpships = No − | Affiliation = Mercenary + | dropships = Yes − | Parent Command = Independent + | aero = No − | Sub-Command = + | armor = No + | infantry = No }} }} Line 14:
Line 15: ==History== ==History== − Over the course of its history the Black Omen accepted contracts for corporate garrison duty, security detail, raiding as well as subcontracting as an oversize recon force for larger mercenary units. Aside from a willingness to engage in dishonorable conduct when confronted by a superior force, the unit had not attracted a record of note. By [[3050]] the unit had successfully completed sixteen contracts with only two defaults.<ref name=FMM-38>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 38 "The Black Omen"</ref> + Over the course of its history the Black Omen accepted contracts for corporate garrison duty, security detail, raiding as well as subcontracting as oversize recon force for larger mercenary units. Aside from a willingness to engage in dishonorable conduct when confronted by a superior force, the unit had not attracted a record of note. By [[3050]] the unit had successfully completed sixteen contracts with only two defaults. <ref name=FMM-38>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 38 "The Black Omen"</ref> ===Clan Invasion=== ===Clan Invasion=== − Immediately prior to the [[Clan Invasion]] the Black Omen was under contract to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] and stationed on the [[Rasalhague Province]] world of [[Damian]].<ref name=20YU-51>''20 Year Update'', p. 51 "Rasalhague KungsArmé (Deployment as of 3050) - Rasalhague Province"</ref> + Immediately prior to the [[Clan Invasion]] the Black Omen was under contract to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] and stationed on the [[Rasalhague Province]] world of [[Damian]]. <ref name=20YU-51>''20-Year Update'', p. 51 "Rasalhague KungsArme (Deployment as of 3050) - Rasalhague Province"</ref> − Targeted as part of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]'s first invasion wave in March [[3050]] by the 34th Striker [[Trinary]] of the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Clan Ghost Bear)|8th Bear Cuirassiers]], while the 34th expected to face the Omen they were disappointed to find that unit had seemingly broken contract for a third time and fled, leaving a small garrison before moving on. Faced with certain destruction, the Omen however had gone into hiding and waited, emerging to overrun the small Clan force the left behind. Realizing the Ghost Bears would return to extract their revenge, the Omen broadcast a distress call via [[ComStar]], ensuring that some type of relief force would respond by offering [[Clan]]tech salvage to any unit that replied.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24>''Mercenary Supplemental II'', p. 24 "The Black Omen"</ref><ref name=IC-30>''Invading Clans'', p. 30 "Clan Ghost Bear Occupation Zone (As of July 3052) - First Wave - Damian (FRR)"</ref><ref name=ER3052-41>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><ref>''The Tools We Serve''</ref> + Targeted as part of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]'s first invasion wave in March [[3050]] by the 34th Striker [[Trinary]] of the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Clan Ghost Bear)|8th Bear Cuirassiers]], while the 34th expected to face the Omen they were disappointed to find that unit had seemingly broken contract for a third time and fled, leaving a small garrison before moving on. Faced with certain destruction, the Omen however had gone into hiding and waited, emerging to overrun the small Clan force the left behind. Realizing the Ghost Bears would return to extract their revenge, the Omen broadcast a distress call via [[ComStar]], ensuring that some type of relief force would respond by offering [[Clan]]tech salvage to any unit that replied. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24>''Mercenary Supplemental II'', p. 24 "The Black Omen"</ref> <ref name=IC-30>''Invading Clans'', p. 30 "Clan Ghost Bear Occupation Zone (As of July 3052) - First Wave - Damien (FRR)"</ref> <ref name=ER3052-41>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref> − Enraged by the mercenaries' treachery, the Ghost Bears indeed returned during their second wave to take back [[Damian]], offering no mercy to the forces of the Black Omen. Engaging in unorthodox tactics, including wrapping their [[BattleMech]]s in huge swathes of burlap before submerging their 'Mechs in an ice lake to mask their initial counterattack against the arriving Bears, the Omen gave as good they got, surviving until the arrival of a [[DCMS]] task force responding to their call allowed them to escape offworld, but not before losing their entire first company.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=IC-30/> <ref name=ER3052-41/><ref>''The Tools We Serve''</ref> + Enraged by the mercenaries' treachery, the Ghost Bears indeed returned during their second wave to take back Damien, offering no mercy to the forces of the Black Omen. Engaging in unorthodox tactics, including wrapping their [[BattleMech]]s in huge swaths of burlap before submerging their 'Mechs in a ice lake to mask their initial counter-attack against the arriving Bears, the Omen gave as good they got, surviving until the arrival of a [[DCMS]] task force responding their call allowed them to escape off-world, but not before losing their entire first company. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=IC-30/> <ref name=ER3052-41/> − Gaining passage to the Republic world of [[Memmingen]], the surviving elements of the Omen would form an alliance with the equally battered [[Black Outlaws|Outlaws mercenary unit]]. Targeted during [[Clan Wolf]]'s fifth invasion wave in November [[3051]], the combined "Black Outlaws" suffered heavy losses against the Wolves' [[37th Striker (Clan Wolf)|37th Strike Cluster]] before they pulled out around the time as the [[KungsArmé]]'s [[3rd Drakøn]]. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=WC-30>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 30 "Wolf Clan Occupation Zone (As of June 3052) - Fifth Wave - Memmingen (FRR)"</ref> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 43 "The Black Outlaws"</ref> + Gaining passage to the Republic world of [[Memmingen]], the surviving elements of the Omen would form an alliance with the equally battered [[Black Outlaws|Outlaws mercenary unit]]. Targeted during [[Clan Wolf]]'s fifth invasion wave in November [[3051]], the combined "Black Outlaws" would take heavy losses against the Wolves [[37th Striker (Clan Wolf)|37th Strike Cluster]] before they pulled out around the time as the [[KungsArmé]]'s [[3rd Drakøn]]. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=WC-30>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 30 "Wolf Clan Occupation Zone (As of June 3052) - Fifth Wave - Memmingen (FRR)"</ref> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 43 "The Black Outlaws"</ref> − With the combined Black Outlaws withdrawing this time to [[Ueda]], with the immediate danger over after the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], the surviving members of the original Black Omen decided it was time to part with the Outlaws. Returning to [[Outreach]] to the amazement of many, having being listed as missing and presumed destroyed, the Omen set about rebuilding, its supply of Clantech salvage and the fact they survived contact with the invaders making them an attractive command to employ despite their checkered history, only enhanced by the unit's fire to avenge their losses against the Clans. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43/> + With the combined Black Outlaws withdrawing this time to [[Ueda]], with the immediate danger over after the [[Battle of Tukayyid]], the surviving members of the original Black Omen decided it was time to part with the Outlaws. Returning to [[Outreach]] to the amazement of many, having being listed as missing and presumed destroyed, the Omen set about rebuilding, its supply of Clantech salvage and the fact they survived contact with the invaders making them an attractive command to employ despite their checked history, only enhanced by the unit's fire to avenge their losses against the Clans. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43/> ===Operation Bulldog to Jihad=== ===Operation Bulldog to Jihad=== − Enlisting the aid of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] techs, the Black Omen completed its rest and refit before accepting a contract for special raiding missions out of the Combine held world of [[Wolcott]], duty that was well suited to such an unorthodox unit. This role was expanded during [[Operation Bulldog]], with the Black Omen serving much the same purpose as the units of [[Operation Bird Dog]]. Remaining under contract to the Combine after Bulldog on Wolcott, with the outbreak of the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]] and the Omen eager for some retribution against their old enemy, the unit secretly penetrated Dominion space to perform a [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] style "deep raid" against the worlds of [[Pinnacle]], [[Holmsbu]], [[Thule]] and finally Damian. Destroying anything of military value they could not remove before withdrawing from the world where they'd suffered so much pain many years before, the Omen unfurled a large flag with their crest as a calling card to the Bears.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24/> + Enlisting the aid of the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] techs, the Black Omen completed its rest and refit before accepting a contract for special raiding missions out of the Combine held world of [[Wolcott]], duty that was well suited to unorthodox unit. This role was expanded during [[Operation Bulldog]], with the Black Omen serving much the same purpose as the units of [[Operation Bird Dog]]. Remaining under contract to the Combine after Bulldog on Wolcott, with the outbreak of the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]] and the Omen eager for some retribution against their old enemy, the unit secretly penetrated Dominion space to perform a [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] style "deep raid" against the worlds of [[Pinnacle]], [[Holmsbu]], [[Thule]] and finally Damian. Destroying anything of military value they could not remove before withdrawing from the world where they'd suffered so much pain many years before, the Omen unfurled a large flag with their crest as a calling card to the Bears. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> − Its contract coming up for renewal in late [[3067]] just as the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] began, with the Combine's renewed "[[Death to Mercenaries]]" philosophy the Omen seemingly disappeared from its station on Wolcott without a trace. While the [[MRBC]] had transmitted an APB in [[3071]] seeking to learn the Black Omen's whereabouts, the [[DCMS]] hadn't yet accused the unit of breach of contract, leading some to speculate that the unit was still working for the Combine out of the public eye.<ref name=MSU-19>''Mercenaries Supplemental: Update'', p. 19 "All-Points Bulletin"</ref> + Its contract coming up for renewal in late [[3067]] just as the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] began, with the Combine's renewed "[[Death to Mercenaries]]" philosophy the Omen seemingly disappeared from its station on Wolcott without a trace. While the [[MRBC]] had transmitted an APB in [[3071]] seeking to learn the Black Omen's whereabouts, the [[DCMS]] hadn't yet accused the unit of breach of contract, leading some to speculate that the unit was still working for the Combine out of the public eye. <ref name=MSU-19>''Mercenaries Supplemental: Update'', p. 19 "All-Points Bulletin"</ref> ==Officers== ==Officers== − {| class="wikitable"+ As of 3050 the unit was under the command of [[Major]] Edwina Forrest. Leading the unit during its trial on Damien and Memmingen, Forrest chose to remain in command of the Black Outlaws, allowing those originally under her command to leave if they so chose. <ref name=20YU-51/> <ref name=FMMR-43/> − |- + − ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank+ As of [[3067]], the Black Omen's commander was Captain Richard Smith, one of the surviving officers from the unit who chose to separate on Ueda. An iconoclastic commander noted for his off-the-wall and off-color sense of humor, Smith is dedicated to ensuring the safety of his troops, the justification for his questionable tactics. Smith held the rank of ''[[Tai-i]]'' in the DCMS during their service with the Combine. After their initial return to Outreach, Smith piloted a ''[[Awesome]]'', modified with the assistance of the Combine and Dragoons with two Clan [[PPC]]s and an [[Ultra AC/5]], <ref name=FMM-38/> but by 3067 he led the Omen from the controls of a captured [[Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)|''Mad Cat'']] he'd named "Bear Skinner". <ref name=MSII-24/> − ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name − ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command − |- − | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Black Omen''' − |- − | [[Major]]||[[Edwina Forrest]]||[[3050]]<ref name=20YU-51/><ref name=FMMR-43/> − |- − | [[Captain]]/''[[Tai-i]]''||[[Richard Smith (Black Omen)|Richard Smith]]||[[3059]] - [[3067]]<ref name= FMMercsp106/><ref name=MSII-24/><ref name=FMM-38/> − |- − |} ==Tactics== ==Tactics== Line 58:
Line 49: * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Battalion]])<ref name=20YU-51/> * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Battalion]])<ref name=20YU-51/> − ===3059=== + ===3059 to 3067=== − '''The Black Omen''' (1 company/Veteran/Questionable) <ref name= FMMercsp106/> − :* CO: Captain Richard Smith <ref name= FMMercsp106/> − : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Wolcott]]. <ref name = FMMercsp106 >'' Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> − − ===3067=== * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Company]]) <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Company]]) <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> :*1 light/medium [[lance]] :*1 light/medium [[lance]] :*2 heavyweight lances :*2 heavyweight lances − Between captured Clan salvage and [[Star League]] upgrades offered by the Combine, the Omen's 'Mechs are outfitted with a reasonable number of advanced [[Inner Sphere]] weapons and a small smattering of Clantech, earning it a 30% upgrade rating. <ref name=FMM-38/> By [[3067]] they had acquired a single Clan OmniMech, Captain Smith's ''Mad Cat'' <ref name=MSII-24/> + Between captured Clan salvage and [[Star League]] upgrades offered by the Combine, the Omen's 'Mech are outfitted with reasonable number of advanced [[Inner Sphere]] weapons and small smattering of Clantech, earning it a 30% upgrade rating. <ref name=FMM-38/> By [[3067]] they had acquired a single Clan 'Mech, Captain Smith's ''Mad Cat'' <ref name=MSII-24/> ==Notes== ==Notes== − * The Omen's actions on Damian during the Clan Invasion were almost single-handedly responsible for Clan Ghost Bear's extreme hatred toward mercenaries and refusal to give them honorable conduct.<ref name=MSII-24/> + * The Omen's actions on Damian during the Clan Invasion is almost single-handedly responsible for Clan Ghost Bears's extreme hatred toward mercenaries and refusal to give them honorable conduct. <ref name=MSII-24/> − * The Omen paint their machines solid black with blood-red trim. The unit insignia, a spread-winged raven over a field dripping with blood, is painted on the upper left torso of each 'Mech.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24/> + * The Omen paint their machines solid black with blood-red trim. The unit insignia, a spread-winged raven over a field dripping with blood, is painted on the upper left torso of each 'Mech. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> − * The post-Damian Black Omen's unit motto is "There are no dishonorable tactics when your life hangs in the balance", one of Captain Richard Smith's favorite sayings. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> + * The post-Damien Black Omen's unit motto is "There are no dishonorable tactics when your life hangs in the balance", one of Captain Richard Smith's favorite sayings. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> − * After its reorganization following the initial Clan Invasion, the Black Omen owned a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], large enough to transport the unit's 'Mechs, but not sufficient technical personnel.<ref name=FMM-38/> The unit expanded its transport and support elements after capturing a Ghost Bear ''[[Union-C]]'' on their return raid to Damian, achieving an 80% support rating.<ref name=MSII-24/> + * After its reformation after the initial Clan Invasion, the Black Omen owned a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], large enough to transport the unit's 'Mechs, but not sufficient technical personnel. <ref name=FMM-38/> The unit expanded its transport and support elements after capturing a Ghost Bear ''[[Union-C]]'' on their return raid to Damian, achieving an 80% support rating. <ref name=MSII-24/> − − ==Unit Scheme== − The Black Omen uses a black that is now trimmed in red for their unit colors.<ref>Field Manual: Mercenaries - page 38.</ref> ==Gallery== ==Gallery== <gallery> <gallery> − Image:Camomercsblackomen.png|''[[Tarantula]]'' in ''Black Omen'' colors + Image:Camomercsblackomen.png + Image:Camomercsblackomen1.png </gallery> </gallery> Line 88:
Line 72: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − *''[[20 Year Update]]'' + *''[[20-Year Update]]'' *''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' *''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' Line 95:
Line 79: *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]'' *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]'' *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' − *''[[The Tools We Serve]]'' *''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' *''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' + [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] [[Category:Mercenary Commands]]
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Update Needed|[[The Tools We Serve]]}} |
| − | | image | + | {{ infoBoxMercUnit |
| − | | | + | | unitname = Black Omen |
| − | + | | image = [[Image:Blackomen.jpg]] | |
| − | | | + | | year = 3071 |
| − | | | + | | commander = [[Captain]]/''[[Tai-i]]'' Richard Smith |
| − | | | + | | jumpships = No |
| − | | | + | | dropships = Yes |
| − | | | + | | aero = No |
| − | | | + | | armor = No |
| + | | infantry = No | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 14: | Line 15: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | Over the course of its history the Black Omen accepted contracts for corporate garrison duty, security detail, raiding as well as subcontracting as | + | Over the course of its history the Black Omen accepted contracts for corporate garrison duty, security detail, raiding as well as subcontracting as oversize recon force for larger mercenary units. Aside from a willingness to engage in dishonorable conduct when confronted by a superior force, the unit had not attracted a record of note. By [[3050]] the unit had successfully completed sixteen contracts with only two defaults. <ref name=FMM-38>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 38 "The Black Omen"</ref> |
===Clan Invasion=== | ===Clan Invasion=== | ||
| − | Immediately prior to the [[Clan Invasion]] the Black Omen was under contract to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] and stationed on the [[Rasalhague Province]] world of [[Damian]].<ref name=20YU-51>''20 Year Update'', p. 51 "Rasalhague | + | Immediately prior to the [[Clan Invasion]] the Black Omen was under contract to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] and stationed on the [[Rasalhague Province]] world of [[Damian]]. <ref name=20YU-51>''20-Year Update'', p. 51 "Rasalhague KungsArme (Deployment as of 3050) - Rasalhague Province"</ref> |
| − | Targeted as part of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]'s first invasion wave in March [[3050]] by the 34th Striker [[Trinary]] of the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Clan Ghost Bear)|8th Bear Cuirassiers]], while the 34th expected to face the Omen they were disappointed to find that unit had seemingly broken contract for a third time and fled, leaving a small garrison before moving on. Faced with certain destruction, the Omen however had gone into hiding and waited, emerging to overrun the small Clan force the left behind. Realizing the Ghost Bears would return to extract their revenge, the Omen broadcast a distress call via [[ComStar]], ensuring that some type of relief force would respond by offering [[Clan]]tech salvage to any unit that replied.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24>''Mercenary Supplemental II'', p. 24 "The Black Omen"</ref><ref name=IC-30>''Invading Clans'', p. 30 "Clan Ghost Bear Occupation Zone (As of July 3052) - First Wave - | + | Targeted as part of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]'s first invasion wave in March [[3050]] by the 34th Striker [[Trinary]] of the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Clan Ghost Bear)|8th Bear Cuirassiers]], while the 34th expected to face the Omen they were disappointed to find that unit had seemingly broken contract for a third time and fled, leaving a small garrison before moving on. Faced with certain destruction, the Omen however had gone into hiding and waited, emerging to overrun the small Clan force the left behind. Realizing the Ghost Bears would return to extract their revenge, the Omen broadcast a distress call via [[ComStar]], ensuring that some type of relief force would respond by offering [[Clan]]tech salvage to any unit that replied. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24>''Mercenary Supplemental II'', p. 24 "The Black Omen"</ref> <ref name=IC-30>''Invading Clans'', p. 30 "Clan Ghost Bear Occupation Zone (As of July 3052) - First Wave - Damien (FRR)"</ref> <ref name=ER3052-41>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref> |
| − | Enraged by the mercenaries' treachery, the Ghost Bears indeed returned during their second wave to take back | + | Enraged by the mercenaries' treachery, the Ghost Bears indeed returned during their second wave to take back Damien, offering no mercy to the forces of the Black Omen. Engaging in unorthodox tactics, including wrapping their [[BattleMech]]s in huge swaths of burlap before submerging their 'Mechs in a ice lake to mask their initial counter-attack against the arriving Bears, the Omen gave as good they got, surviving until the arrival of a [[DCMS]] task force responding their call allowed them to escape off-world, but not before losing their entire first company. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=IC-30/> <ref name=ER3052-41/> |
| − | Gaining passage to the Republic world of [[Memmingen]], the surviving elements of the Omen would form an alliance with the equally battered [[Black Outlaws|Outlaws mercenary unit]]. Targeted during [[Clan Wolf]]'s fifth invasion wave in November [[3051]], the combined "Black Outlaws" | + | Gaining passage to the Republic world of [[Memmingen]], the surviving elements of the Omen would form an alliance with the equally battered [[Black Outlaws|Outlaws mercenary unit]]. Targeted during [[Clan Wolf]]'s fifth invasion wave in November [[3051]], the combined "Black Outlaws" would take heavy losses against the Wolves [[37th Striker (Clan Wolf)|37th Strike Cluster]] before they pulled out around the time as the [[KungsArmé]]'s [[3rd Drakøn]]. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=WC-30>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 30 "Wolf Clan Occupation Zone (As of June 3052) - Fifth Wave - Memmingen (FRR)"</ref> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 43 "The Black Outlaws"</ref> |
| − | With the combined Black Outlaws withdrawing this time to [[Ueda]], with the immediate danger over after the [[ | + | With the combined Black Outlaws withdrawing this time to [[Ueda]], with the immediate danger over after the [[Battle of Tukayyid]], the surviving members of the original Black Omen decided it was time to part with the Outlaws. Returning to [[Outreach]] to the amazement of many, having being listed as missing and presumed destroyed, the Omen set about rebuilding, its supply of Clantech salvage and the fact they survived contact with the invaders making them an attractive command to employ despite their checked history, only enhanced by the unit's fire to avenge their losses against the Clans. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> <ref name=ER3052-41/> <ref name=FMMR-43/> |
===Operation Bulldog to Jihad=== | ===Operation Bulldog to Jihad=== | ||
| − | Enlisting the aid of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] techs, the Black Omen completed its rest and refit before accepting a contract for special raiding missions out of the Combine held world of [[Wolcott]], duty that was well suited to | + | Enlisting the aid of the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] techs, the Black Omen completed its rest and refit before accepting a contract for special raiding missions out of the Combine held world of [[Wolcott]], duty that was well suited to unorthodox unit. This role was expanded during [[Operation Bulldog]], with the Black Omen serving much the same purpose as the units of [[Operation Bird Dog]]. Remaining under contract to the Combine after Bulldog on Wolcott, with the outbreak of the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]] and the Omen eager for some retribution against their old enemy, the unit secretly penetrated Dominion space to perform a [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] style "deep raid" against the worlds of [[Pinnacle]], [[Holmsbu]], [[Thule]] and finally Damian. Destroying anything of military value they could not remove before withdrawing from the world where they'd suffered so much pain many years before, the Omen unfurled a large flag with their crest as a calling card to the Bears. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> |
| − | Its contract coming up for renewal in late [[3067]] just as the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] began, with the Combine's renewed "[[Death to Mercenaries]]" philosophy the Omen seemingly disappeared from its station on Wolcott without a trace. While the [[MRBC]] had transmitted an APB in [[3071]] seeking to learn the Black Omen's whereabouts, the [[DCMS]] hadn't yet accused the unit of breach of contract, leading some to speculate that the unit was still working for the Combine out of the public eye.<ref name=MSU-19>''Mercenaries Supplemental: Update'', p. 19 "All-Points Bulletin"</ref> | + | Its contract coming up for renewal in late [[3067]] just as the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] began, with the Combine's renewed "[[Death to Mercenaries]]" philosophy the Omen seemingly disappeared from its station on Wolcott without a trace. While the [[MRBC]] had transmitted an APB in [[3071]] seeking to learn the Black Omen's whereabouts, the [[DCMS]] hadn't yet accused the unit of breach of contract, leading some to speculate that the unit was still working for the Combine out of the public eye. <ref name=MSU-19>''Mercenaries Supplemental: Update'', p. 19 "All-Points Bulletin"</ref> |
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
| − | + | As of 3050 the unit was under the command of [[Major]] Edwina Forrest. Leading the unit during its trial on Damien and Memmingen, Forrest chose to remain in command of the Black Outlaws, allowing those originally under her command to leave if they so chose. <ref name=20YU-51/> <ref name=FMMR-43/> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | As of [[3067]], the Black Omen's commander was Captain Richard Smith, one of the surviving officers from the unit who chose to separate on Ueda. An iconoclastic commander noted for his off-the-wall and off-color sense of humor, Smith is dedicated to ensuring the safety of his troops, the justification for his questionable tactics. Smith held the rank of ''[[Tai-i]]'' in the DCMS during their service with the Combine. After their initial return to Outreach, Smith piloted a ''[[Awesome]]'', modified with the assistance of the Combine and Dragoons with two Clan [[PPC]]s and an [[Ultra AC/5]], <ref name=FMM-38/> but by 3067 he led the Omen from the controls of a captured [[Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)|''Mad Cat'']] he'd named "Bear Skinner". <ref name=MSII-24/> | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Tactics== | ==Tactics== | ||
| Line 58: | Line 49: | ||
* '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Battalion]])<ref name=20YU-51/> | * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Battalion]])<ref name=20YU-51/> | ||
| − | ===3059 | + | ===3059 to 3067=== |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
* '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Company]]) <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> | * '''Black Omen''' (1 [[Company]]) <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> | ||
:*1 light/medium [[lance]] | :*1 light/medium [[lance]] | ||
:*2 heavyweight lances | :*2 heavyweight lances | ||
| − | Between captured Clan salvage and [[Star League]] upgrades offered by the Combine, the Omen's ' | + | Between captured Clan salvage and [[Star League]] upgrades offered by the Combine, the Omen's 'Mech are outfitted with reasonable number of advanced [[Inner Sphere]] weapons and small smattering of Clantech, earning it a 30% upgrade rating. <ref name=FMM-38/> By [[3067]] they had acquired a single Clan 'Mech, Captain Smith's ''Mad Cat'' <ref name=MSII-24/> |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | * The Omen's actions on Damian during the Clan Invasion | + | * The Omen's actions on Damian during the Clan Invasion is almost single-handedly responsible for Clan Ghost Bears's extreme hatred toward mercenaries and refusal to give them honorable conduct. <ref name=MSII-24/> |
| − | * The Omen paint their machines solid black with blood-red trim. The unit insignia, a spread-winged raven over a field dripping with blood, is painted on the upper left torso of each 'Mech.<ref name=FMM-38/><ref name=MSII-24/> | + | * The Omen paint their machines solid black with blood-red trim. The unit insignia, a spread-winged raven over a field dripping with blood, is painted on the upper left torso of each 'Mech. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> |
| − | * The post- | + | * The post-Damien Black Omen's unit motto is "There are no dishonorable tactics when your life hangs in the balance", one of Captain Richard Smith's favorite sayings. <ref name=FMM-38/> <ref name=MSII-24/> |
| − | * After its | + | * After its reformation after the initial Clan Invasion, the Black Omen owned a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], large enough to transport the unit's 'Mechs, but not sufficient technical personnel. <ref name=FMM-38/> The unit expanded its transport and support elements after capturing a Ghost Bear ''[[Union-C]]'' on their return raid to Damian, achieving an 80% support rating. <ref name=MSII-24/> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | Image:Camomercsblackomen.png | + | Image:Camomercsblackomen.png |
| + | Image:Camomercsblackomen1.png | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 88: | Line 72: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | *''[[20 Year Update]]'' | + | *''[[20-Year Update]]'' |
*''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' | *''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' | ||
*''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' | *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' | ||
| Line 95: | Line 79: | ||
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]'' | *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]'' | ||
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' | *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' | ||
| − | |||
*''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' | *''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | ||