Editing Black Thorns
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 + {{infoBoxMercUnit − | image = [[Image:Black Thorns.png|150px|Insignia of the Black Thorns]] + | image = [[Image:Blackthorns.gif|Insignia of the Black Thorns]] − | Designation = Black Thorns + | unitname = The Black Thorns − | Formed = [[3054]] + | year = 3057 − | Disbanded = [[3069]] + | commander = Captain [[Jeremiah Rose]] − | Previous Designation = + | jumpships = No − | Nickname = + | dropships = Yes (auxiliary) − | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] + | aero = No − | Parent Command = Independent + | armor = No − | Sub-Command = + | infantry = No + | subunitname1 = Black Thorns + | subunitloc1 = [[Wolcott]] + | subunitexp1 = Regular + }} + {{InfoBoxMercUnit + | image = [[Image:Blackthorns.gif]] + | unitname = The Black Thorns + | year = 3067 + | commander = Captain Jeremiah Rose + | jumpships = No + | dropships = Yes (auxiliary) + | aero = No + | armor = No + | infantry = No + | subunitname1 = Black Thorns + | subunitloc1 = [[Galedon V]] + | subunitexp1 = Veteran }} }} The '''Black Thorns''' were a [[company]]-sized [[BattleMech]] [[mercenary unit]] who specialized in anti-[[Clan]] tactics and spent most of their history along the Clan border. The '''Black Thorns''' were a [[company]]-sized [[BattleMech]] [[mercenary unit]] who specialized in anti-[[Clan]] tactics and spent most of their history along the Clan border. Line 15:
Line 32: == Unit History == == Unit History == − The genesis of the Black Thorns lies with its commander, [[Jeremiah Rose]]. Adept Jeremiah Rose of the [[Com Guards]] was originally from [[Northwind]]. After his mother's death in the [[War of 3039]], he joined [[ComStar]] and grew to love where he had been posted: [[Luthien]]. When The Com Guards refused to help during the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]], Rose attempted to resign but his request was refused. Like the rest of the Com Guards, Rose was sent to [[Tukayyid]] and took part in the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]]. The victory cost him his command and his [[BattleMech]], a ''[[Shootist]]''. He resigned his commission successfully and traveled home to Northwind. His father Cornelieus' refusal to support him ended his bid to raise a [[Northwind Highlanders|Northwind Highlander]] unit to combat the [[Clans]]. It was during his visit to Northwind that Jeremiah sought out his sister, [[Rianna Rose]], who eagerly accepted her brother's offer of a place in his as-yet unformed mercenary unit. In order to form his new unit, Jeremiah traveled to the game world of [[Solaris VII]]. Meanwhile his sister and half-cousin left for Outreach. It was on Solaris VII that he met other [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] who joined with him to form the [[mercenary unit]] that Rianna Rose named.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 10-11 & 18-23</ref> + The genesis of the Black Thorns lies with its commander, [[Jeremiah Rose]]. Adept Jeremiah Rose of the [[ComGuard]] was originally from [[Northwind]]. After his mother's death in the [[War of 3039]], he joined [[ComStar]] and grew to love where he had been posted: [[Luthien]]. When ComGuard refused to help during the [[Battle of Luthien (Clan Invasion)|Battle of Luthien]], Rose attempted to resign but his request was refused. Like the rest of the ComGuard, Rose was sent to [[Tukayyid]] and took part in the [[Battle of Tukayyid]]. The victory cost him his command and his [[BattleMech]], a ''[[Shootist]]''. He resigned his commission successfully and traveled home to Northwind. His father Cornelieus' refusal to support him ended his bid to raise a [[Northwind Highlanders|Northwind Highlander]] unit to combat the [[Clans]]. It was during his visit to Northwind that Jeremiah sought out his sister, [[Rianna Rose]], who eagerly accepted her brother's offer of a place in his as-yet unformed mercenary unit. In order to form his new unit, Jeremiah traveled to the game world of [[Solaris VII]]. Meanwhile his sister and half-cousin left for Outreach. It was on Solaris VII that he met other [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] who joined with him to form the [[mercenary unit]] that Rianna Rose named.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 10-11 & 18-23</ref> On [[Outreach]] Rianna Rose recruited two other MechWarriors. A training match in [[3054]] between the nascent mercenary unit and elements of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] went wrong when a series of physical attacks left the Dragoons captain injured. The Thorns hastily left the Dragoons homeworld under contract to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] to garrison [[Borghese]], a world on their border with [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 24-27</ref> On [[Outreach]] Rianna Rose recruited two other MechWarriors. A training match in [[3054]] between the nascent mercenary unit and elements of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] went wrong when a series of physical attacks left the Dragoons captain injured. The Thorns hastily left the Dragoons homeworld under contract to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] to garrison [[Borghese]], a world on their border with [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 24-27</ref> ===Borghese=== ===Borghese=== − Surprisingly, opposition to the Black Thorns came not from [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but from the planetary government. They wanted to switch sides in order to avoid what they believed was the eventual damage to their home. In order to facilitate this they sent the [[Borghese Militia]] after the Thorns and sent a message to the Falcons asking them to come to their aid. This was answered by elements of the [[9th Talon (Clan Jade Falcon)|Ninth Talon Cluster]]. After one of the militia MechWarriors switched sides, the Thorns returned to the capital to confront the Clanners. After a running battle, the Falcons decided to leave as they had not expected opposition.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6-7 & 28-32</ref> + Surprisingly, opposition to the Black Thorns came not from [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but from the planetary government. They wanted to switch sides in order to avoid what they believed was the eventual damage to their home. In order to facilitate this they sent the local militia after the Thorns and sent a message to the Falcons asking them to come to their aid. This was answered by elements of the [[9th Talon (Clan Jade Falcon)|9th Talon Cluster]]. After one of the militia MechWarriors switched sides, the Thorns returned to the capital to confront the Clanners. After a running battle, the Falcons decided to leave as they had not expected opposition.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6-7 & 28-32</ref> The Black Thorns were happy to leave [[Borghese]] behind. After being relieved by the [[Gray Death Legion]], they departed for their new post in the [[Draconis Combine]]: [[Wolcott]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 34, "Situation: Wolcott, February 3057"</ref> The Black Thorns were happy to leave [[Borghese]] behind. After being relieved by the [[Gray Death Legion]], they departed for their new post in the [[Draconis Combine]]: [[Wolcott]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 34, "Situation: Wolcott, February 3057"</ref> ===Courchevel=== ===Courchevel=== − Once they were ensconced on the planet that the Combine held within the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]-[[Clan Nova Cat]] Occupation Zone, the Black Thorns accepted a supplemental contract to raid the Nova Cat world of [[Courchevel]]. Their objective was a factory that was nearing completion.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 7-8</ref> + Once they were ensconced on the planet that the Combine held within the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]-[[Clan Nova Cat]] Occupation Zone, the Black Thorns accepted a sub-contract to raid the Nova Cat world of [[Courchevel]]. Their objective was a factory that was nearing completion.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 7-8</ref> The mission was scrapped almost from the get-go. Clan [[OmniFighter]]s forced the [[DropShip]] they came on to crash-land after the MechWarriors evacuated with their [['Mech]]s. Rose was able to make contact with the local resistance, who told him that their transportation was firmly in the hands of a front-line unit that had rotated to the interior world for rest and refit. Rose led his unit to rescue the craft along with its crew. Though it cost the unit dearly, Rose was finally able to evacuate his unit after he killed the Clan commander in single combat.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 8 & 41-52</ref> The mission was scrapped almost from the get-go. Clan [[OmniFighter]]s forced the [[DropShip]] they came on to crash-land after the MechWarriors evacuated with their [['Mech]]s. Rose was able to make contact with the local resistance, who told him that their transportation was firmly in the hands of a front-line unit that had rotated to the interior world for rest and refit. Rose led his unit to rescue the craft along with its crew. Though it cost the unit dearly, Rose was finally able to evacuate his unit after he killed the Clan commander in single combat.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 8 & 41-52</ref> − After returning to [[Wolcott]], Jeremiah married his longtime lover, Captain Rachel McCloud of the ''[[Union]]''-class ''[[Bristol (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Bristol]]'' which was loosely associated with the unit. They had two children.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 10</ref> + After returning to [[Wolcott]], Jeremiah married his long-time lover, Captain Rachel McCloud of the [[Union]]-class ''[[Bristol (Union)|Bristol]]'' which was loosely associated with the unit. They had two children.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 10</ref> ===Jezersko=== ===Jezersko=== − After [[Clan Ghost Bear]] [[Combine-Ghost Bear War|invaded]] the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3062]], the Black Thorns were activated. They were sent to [[Jezersko]] to wage a guerrilla campaign against the [[29th Provisional Garrison (Clan Ghost Bear)|Twenty-Ninth Provisional Garrison Cluster]]. Though they were mostly successful, a Ghost Bear trap critically wounded Rianna Rose and forced the Thorns to leave the system. News of Rianna's injuries caused her father to suffer a stroke. This unfortunate circumstance prompted reconciliation between Cornelieus and Jeremiah. The elder Rose began to support his son amongst the Northwind Clan Elders. Jeremiah also made an ally of [[Loren Jaffray]] of the Northwind Hussars.<ref name="MSp20"/> + After [[Clan Ghost Bear]] [[Combine-Ghost Bear War|invaded]] the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3062]], the Black Thorns were activated. They were sent to [[Jezersko]] to wage a guerrilla campaign against the [[29th Provisional Garrison Cluster (Clan Ghost Bear)|Twenty-Ninth Provisional Garrison Cluster]]. Though they were mostly successful, a Ghost Bear trap critically wounded Rianna Rose and forced the Thorns to leave the system. News of Rianna's injuries caused her father to suffer a stroke. This unfortunate circumstance prompted reconciliation between Cornelieus and Jeremiah. The elder Rose began to support his son amongst the Northwind Clan Elders. Jeremiah also made an ally of [[Loren Jaffray]] of the Northwind Hussars.<ref name="MSp20"/> ===Galedon=== ===Galedon=== Line 40:
Line 57: ===Demise=== ===Demise=== − In November [[3068]] Galedon V was attacked by [[Draconis March]] [[AFFS]] forces. These retreated by mid-May [[3069]] following the arrival of additional Draconis Combine forces; however, during the fighting a bioengineered plague that would become known as the "[[Curse of Galedon]]" escaped from a damaged facility and spread, quickly killing tens of thousands. Consequentially, [[Clan Snow Raven]] conducted an orbital bombardment of the planet's cities in June. In September, the planet was quarantined by the Combine. When they felt the dangerous plague could not be treated, they subjected Galedon V to a two-week thermonuclear bombardment, effectively sterilizing the world. + In November [[3068]] Galedon V was attacked by [[Draconis March]] [[AFFS]] forces. These retreated by mid-May [[3069]] following the arrival of additional Draconis Combine forces; however, during the fighting a bioweapon plague (later called the "[[Curse of Galedon]]") escaped from a damaged facility and spread, quickly killing tens of thousands. Consequentially, [[Clan Snow Raven]] conducted an orbital bombardment of the planet's cities in June. In September, the planet was quarantined by the Combine. When they felt the dangerous plague could not be treated, they subjected Galedon V to a two-week thermonuclear bombardment, effectively sterilizing the world. The Black Thorns were last reported on Galedon V. They reportedly went MIA during the AFFS attack and were charged with a contract breach ''in absentia'' by the Draconis Combine, resulting in them being declared Wanted/Rogue as of [[3071]] while their whereabouts were unknown.<ref name=MSU/> The Black Thorns were last reported on Galedon V. They reportedly went MIA during the AFFS attack and were charged with a contract breach ''in absentia'' by the Draconis Combine, resulting in them being declared Wanted/Rogue as of [[3071]] while their whereabouts were unknown.<ref name=MSU/> Line 46:
Line 63: For all that is known, the unit never left Galedon V. It was never heard from again. It is generally assumed that they perished at some point during the fighting, the plague, the orbital bombardment or the thermonuclear sterilization of the entire planet. For all that is known, the unit never left Galedon V. It was never heard from again. It is generally assumed that they perished at some point during the fighting, the plague, the orbital bombardment or the thermonuclear sterilization of the entire planet. − ==Officers==+ :''The sourcebook authors did not initially mean to kill off the unit. This allegedly only came to light during factchecking for a [[BattleCorps]] submission that would have featured the Black Thorns, where it was found that the unit had in fact been on Galedon V when the world was utterly destroyed. Upon realizing that the Black Thorns could not have survived this, then-Line Developer Herbert A. Beas decided to accept the fact; he himself said it made him smile.<ref>According to [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,5611.msg125368.html#msg125368 this] forum posting by himself, his reaction was "Really? Ah, that's just too bad..." (with a smile on his face).</ref> He has since confirmed that the Black Thorns never left Galedon<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,26703.msg605762.html#msg605762 this] forum posting ("Oh, they never left Galedon....")</ref> and finally confirmed it in an official Line Developer answer/ruling through the [[BattleTech forum]].''<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,28951.0.html this] thread in the official "Ask the Writers" section on the BattleTech forum; also archived on this article's [[Talk:Black Thorns|talk page]].</ref> − {| class="wikitable" − |- − ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank − ! 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 Thorns''' − |- − | [[Captain]]||[[Jeremiah Rose]]||[[3054]] - [[3069]] − |- − |} ==Support== ==Support== − In 3067 the Black Thorns were operating a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], the ''[[Bristol (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Bristol]]''. The Black Thorns had modified the ''Bristol'', altering the fighter bays so that they could accommodate the additional pilots in the unit by holding additional 'Mechs and cargo within the bays.<ref name="MSp20">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 20, "The Black Thorns: Rebuilding The Burnt Bridges"</ref> + In 3067 the Black Thorns were operating a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], the ''[[Bristol (Union)|Bristol]]''. The Black Thorns had modified the ''Bristol'', altering the fighter bays so that they could accomodate the additional pilots in the unit by holding additional 'Mechs and cargo within the bays.<ref name="MSp20">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 20, "The Black Thorns: Rebuilding The Burnt Bridges"</ref> ==Composition History== ==Composition History== Line 69:
Line 75: * Battle Lance * Battle Lance − ** [[Lieutenant]] [[Esmeralda]] - ''[[Warhammer]]'' + ** [[Lieutenant]] Esmeralda - ''[[Warhammer]]'' − ** [[Badicus O'Shea]] - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' + ** Badicus O'Shea - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' ** [[Hawg]] - ''[[Zeus]]'' ** [[Hawg]] - ''[[Zeus]]'' * Pursuit Lance * Pursuit Lance ** [[Angus Lochart]] - ''[[Valkyrie]]'' ** [[Angus Lochart]] - ''[[Valkyrie]]'' − ** [[Ajax (Black Thorns)|Ajax]] - ''[[Raven]]''<ref>''Main Event", p. 195 - Black Thorn's original composition as of late 3054 when arriving on Borghese.</ref> + ** [[Ajax (Character)|Ajax]] - ''[[Raven]]''<ref>''Main Event", p. 195 - Black Thorn's original composition as of late 3054 when arriving on Borghese.</ref> ===3057=== ===3057=== * Command Lance * Command Lance − ** Captain Jeremiah Rose - ''[[Warhawk (Masakari)]]'' + ** [[Captain]] Jeremiah Rose - ''[[Warhawk (Masakari)]]'' − ** XO/Rianna Rose - ''Phoenix Hawk'' + ** XO/[[Rianna Rose]] - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' ** [[Antioch Bell]] - ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'' ** [[Antioch Bell]] - ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'' − ** [[Jamshid Al-Kalibi]] - ''[[Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)]]'' + ** Jamshid Al-Kalibi - ''[[Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)]]'' * Battle Lance * Battle Lance − ** Lieutenant Esmeralda - ''Timber Wolf'' + ** [[Lieutenant]] Esmeralda - ''Timber Wolf'' − ** Badicus O'Shea - ''Warhammer'' + ** Badicus O'Shea - ''[[Warhammer]]'' − ** Hawg - ''[[BattleMaster]]'' + ** [[Hawg]] - ''[[BattleMaster]]'' − ** [[Greta Podell]] - ''Charger'' + ** Greta Podell - ''[[Charger]]'' * Recon Lance * Recon Lance ** Lieutenant Ajax - ''[[Raven]]'' ** Lieutenant Ajax - ''[[Raven]]'' − ** [[Yuri Dogdorvich]] - ''[[Fire Moth (Dasher)]]'' + ** Yuri Dogdorvich - ''[[Fire Moth (Dasher)]]'' − ** [[Leeza Rippiticue]] - ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'' + ** Leeza Rippiticue - ''[[Mercury]]'' − ** [[Katherine Kittiallen|Katherine "Kitten" Kittiallen]] - ''[[Panther]]''<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 8, "Unit Composition"</ref> + ** Katherine "Kitten" Kittiallen - ''[[Panther]]''<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 8, "Unit Composition"</ref> − − ===3059=== − '''Black Thorns''' (1 company/Regular/Reliable) <ref name= FMMercsp106/> − :* CO (CO: Captain Jeremiah Rose)<ref name = FMMercsp106 >'' Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> ==Notes== ==Notes== − *''The sourcebook authors did not initially mean to kill off the unit. This allegedly only came to light during fact-checking for a [[BattleCorps]] submission that would have featured the Black Thorns, where it was found that the unit had in fact been on Galedon V when the world was utterly destroyed. Upon realizing that the Black Thorns could not have survived this, then-Line Developer Herbert A. Beas decided to accept the fact; he himself said it made him smile.<ref>According to [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,5611.msg125368.html#msg125368 this] forum posting by himself, his reaction was "Really? Ah, that's just too bad..." (with a smile on his face).</ref> He has since confirmed that the Black Thorns never left Galedon<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,26703.msg605762.html#msg605762 this] forum posting ("Oh, they never left Galedon....")</ref> and finally confirmed it in an official Line Developer answer/ruling through the [[BattleTech forum]].''<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,28951.0.html this] thread in the official "Ask the Writers" section on the BattleTech forum; also archived on this article's [[Talk:Black Thorns|talk page]].</ref> − − ==References== <references/> <references/> Line 109:
Line 108: * ''[[The Black Thorns]]'' * ''[[The Black Thorns]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' − * ''[[D.R.T.]]'' (novel) + * ''[[D.R.T.]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' − * ''[[Main Event]]'' (novel) + * ''[[Main Event]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' [[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: | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{infoBoxMercUnit |
| − | | image = [[Image: | + | | image = [[Image:Blackthorns.gif|Insignia of the Black Thorns]] |
| − | | | + | | unitname = The Black Thorns |
| − | | | + | | year = 3057 |
| − | | | + | | commander = Captain [[Jeremiah Rose]] |
| − | | | + | | jumpships = No |
| − | + | | dropships = Yes (auxiliary) | |
| − | | | + | | aero = No |
| − | | | + | | armor = No |
| − | | | + | | infantry = No |
| + | | subunitname1 = Black Thorns | ||
| + | | subunitloc1 = [[Wolcott]] | ||
| + | | subunitexp1 = Regular | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{InfoBoxMercUnit | ||
| + | | image = [[Image:Blackthorns.gif]] | ||
| + | | unitname = The Black Thorns | ||
| + | | year = 3067 | ||
| + | | commander = Captain Jeremiah Rose | ||
| + | | jumpships = No | ||
| + | | dropships = Yes (auxiliary) | ||
| + | | aero = No | ||
| + | | armor = No | ||
| + | | infantry = No | ||
| + | | subunitname1 = Black Thorns | ||
| + | | subunitloc1 = [[Galedon V]] | ||
| + | | subunitexp1 = Veteran | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Black Thorns''' were a [[company]]-sized [[BattleMech]] [[mercenary unit]] who specialized in anti-[[Clan]] tactics and spent most of their history along the Clan border. | The '''Black Thorns''' were a [[company]]-sized [[BattleMech]] [[mercenary unit]] who specialized in anti-[[Clan]] tactics and spent most of their history along the Clan border. | ||
| Line 15: | Line 32: | ||
== Unit History == | == Unit History == | ||
| − | The genesis of the Black Thorns lies with its commander, [[Jeremiah Rose]]. Adept Jeremiah Rose of the [[ | + | The genesis of the Black Thorns lies with its commander, [[Jeremiah Rose]]. Adept Jeremiah Rose of the [[ComGuard]] was originally from [[Northwind]]. After his mother's death in the [[War of 3039]], he joined [[ComStar]] and grew to love where he had been posted: [[Luthien]]. When ComGuard refused to help during the [[Battle of Luthien (Clan Invasion)|Battle of Luthien]], Rose attempted to resign but his request was refused. Like the rest of the ComGuard, Rose was sent to [[Tukayyid]] and took part in the [[Battle of Tukayyid]]. The victory cost him his command and his [[BattleMech]], a ''[[Shootist]]''. He resigned his commission successfully and traveled home to Northwind. His father Cornelieus' refusal to support him ended his bid to raise a [[Northwind Highlanders|Northwind Highlander]] unit to combat the [[Clans]]. It was during his visit to Northwind that Jeremiah sought out his sister, [[Rianna Rose]], who eagerly accepted her brother's offer of a place in his as-yet unformed mercenary unit. In order to form his new unit, Jeremiah traveled to the game world of [[Solaris VII]]. Meanwhile his sister and half-cousin left for Outreach. It was on Solaris VII that he met other [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] who joined with him to form the [[mercenary unit]] that Rianna Rose named.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 10-11 & 18-23</ref> |
On [[Outreach]] Rianna Rose recruited two other MechWarriors. A training match in [[3054]] between the nascent mercenary unit and elements of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] went wrong when a series of physical attacks left the Dragoons captain injured. The Thorns hastily left the Dragoons homeworld under contract to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] to garrison [[Borghese]], a world on their border with [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 24-27</ref> | On [[Outreach]] Rianna Rose recruited two other MechWarriors. A training match in [[3054]] between the nascent mercenary unit and elements of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] went wrong when a series of physical attacks left the Dragoons captain injured. The Thorns hastily left the Dragoons homeworld under contract to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] to garrison [[Borghese]], a world on their border with [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6 & 24-27</ref> | ||
===Borghese=== | ===Borghese=== | ||
| − | Surprisingly, opposition to the Black Thorns came not from [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but from the planetary government. They wanted to switch sides in order to avoid what they believed was the eventual damage to their home. In order to facilitate this they sent the | + | Surprisingly, opposition to the Black Thorns came not from [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but from the planetary government. They wanted to switch sides in order to avoid what they believed was the eventual damage to their home. In order to facilitate this they sent the local militia after the Thorns and sent a message to the Falcons asking them to come to their aid. This was answered by elements of the [[9th Talon (Clan Jade Falcon)|9th Talon Cluster]]. After one of the militia MechWarriors switched sides, the Thorns returned to the capital to confront the Clanners. After a running battle, the Falcons decided to leave as they had not expected opposition.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 6-7 & 28-32</ref> |
The Black Thorns were happy to leave [[Borghese]] behind. After being relieved by the [[Gray Death Legion]], they departed for their new post in the [[Draconis Combine]]: [[Wolcott]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 34, "Situation: Wolcott, February 3057"</ref> | The Black Thorns were happy to leave [[Borghese]] behind. After being relieved by the [[Gray Death Legion]], they departed for their new post in the [[Draconis Combine]]: [[Wolcott]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 34, "Situation: Wolcott, February 3057"</ref> | ||
===Courchevel=== | ===Courchevel=== | ||
| − | Once they were ensconced on the planet that the Combine held within the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]-[[Clan Nova Cat]] Occupation Zone, the Black Thorns accepted a | + | Once they were ensconced on the planet that the Combine held within the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]-[[Clan Nova Cat]] Occupation Zone, the Black Thorns accepted a sub-contract to raid the Nova Cat world of [[Courchevel]]. Their objective was a factory that was nearing completion.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 7-8</ref> |
The mission was scrapped almost from the get-go. Clan [[OmniFighter]]s forced the [[DropShip]] they came on to crash-land after the MechWarriors evacuated with their [['Mech]]s. Rose was able to make contact with the local resistance, who told him that their transportation was firmly in the hands of a front-line unit that had rotated to the interior world for rest and refit. Rose led his unit to rescue the craft along with its crew. Though it cost the unit dearly, Rose was finally able to evacuate his unit after he killed the Clan commander in single combat.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 8 & 41-52</ref> | The mission was scrapped almost from the get-go. Clan [[OmniFighter]]s forced the [[DropShip]] they came on to crash-land after the MechWarriors evacuated with their [['Mech]]s. Rose was able to make contact with the local resistance, who told him that their transportation was firmly in the hands of a front-line unit that had rotated to the interior world for rest and refit. Rose led his unit to rescue the craft along with its crew. Though it cost the unit dearly, Rose was finally able to evacuate his unit after he killed the Clan commander in single combat.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 8 & 41-52</ref> | ||
| − | After returning to [[Wolcott]], Jeremiah married his | + | After returning to [[Wolcott]], Jeremiah married his long-time lover, Captain Rachel McCloud of the [[Union]]-class ''[[Bristol (Union)|Bristol]]'' which was loosely associated with the unit. They had two children.<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 10</ref> |
===Jezersko=== | ===Jezersko=== | ||
| − | After [[Clan Ghost Bear]] [[Combine-Ghost Bear War|invaded]] the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3062]], the Black Thorns were activated. They were sent to [[Jezersko]] to wage a guerrilla campaign against the [[29th Provisional Garrison (Clan Ghost Bear)|Twenty-Ninth Provisional Garrison Cluster]]. Though they were mostly successful, a Ghost Bear trap critically wounded Rianna Rose and forced the Thorns to leave the system. News of Rianna's injuries caused her father to suffer a stroke. This unfortunate circumstance prompted reconciliation between Cornelieus and Jeremiah. The elder Rose began to support his son amongst the Northwind Clan Elders. Jeremiah also made an ally of [[Loren Jaffray]] of the Northwind Hussars.<ref name="MSp20"/> | + | After [[Clan Ghost Bear]] [[Combine-Ghost Bear War|invaded]] the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[3062]], the Black Thorns were activated. They were sent to [[Jezersko]] to wage a guerrilla campaign against the [[29th Provisional Garrison Cluster (Clan Ghost Bear)|Twenty-Ninth Provisional Garrison Cluster]]. Though they were mostly successful, a Ghost Bear trap critically wounded Rianna Rose and forced the Thorns to leave the system. News of Rianna's injuries caused her father to suffer a stroke. This unfortunate circumstance prompted reconciliation between Cornelieus and Jeremiah. The elder Rose began to support his son amongst the Northwind Clan Elders. Jeremiah also made an ally of [[Loren Jaffray]] of the Northwind Hussars.<ref name="MSp20"/> |
===Galedon=== | ===Galedon=== | ||
| Line 40: | Line 57: | ||
===Demise=== | ===Demise=== | ||
| − | In November [[3068]] Galedon V was attacked by [[Draconis March]] [[AFFS]] forces. These retreated by mid-May [[3069]] following the arrival of additional Draconis Combine forces; however, during the fighting a | + | In November [[3068]] Galedon V was attacked by [[Draconis March]] [[AFFS]] forces. These retreated by mid-May [[3069]] following the arrival of additional Draconis Combine forces; however, during the fighting a bioweapon plague (later called the "[[Curse of Galedon]]") escaped from a damaged facility and spread, quickly killing tens of thousands. Consequentially, [[Clan Snow Raven]] conducted an orbital bombardment of the planet's cities in June. In September, the planet was quarantined by the Combine. When they felt the dangerous plague could not be treated, they subjected Galedon V to a two-week thermonuclear bombardment, effectively sterilizing the world. |
The Black Thorns were last reported on Galedon V. They reportedly went MIA during the AFFS attack and were charged with a contract breach ''in absentia'' by the Draconis Combine, resulting in them being declared Wanted/Rogue as of [[3071]] while their whereabouts were unknown.<ref name=MSU/> | The Black Thorns were last reported on Galedon V. They reportedly went MIA during the AFFS attack and were charged with a contract breach ''in absentia'' by the Draconis Combine, resulting in them being declared Wanted/Rogue as of [[3071]] while their whereabouts were unknown.<ref name=MSU/> | ||
| Line 46: | Line 63: | ||
For all that is known, the unit never left Galedon V. It was never heard from again. It is generally assumed that they perished at some point during the fighting, the plague, the orbital bombardment or the thermonuclear sterilization of the entire planet. | For all that is known, the unit never left Galedon V. It was never heard from again. It is generally assumed that they perished at some point during the fighting, the plague, the orbital bombardment or the thermonuclear sterilization of the entire planet. | ||
| − | + | :''The sourcebook authors did not initially mean to kill off the unit. This allegedly only came to light during factchecking for a [[BattleCorps]] submission that would have featured the Black Thorns, where it was found that the unit had in fact been on Galedon V when the world was utterly destroyed. Upon realizing that the Black Thorns could not have survived this, then-Line Developer Herbert A. Beas decided to accept the fact; he himself said it made him smile.<ref>According to [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,5611.msg125368.html#msg125368 this] forum posting by himself, his reaction was "Really? Ah, that's just too bad..." (with a smile on his face).</ref> He has since confirmed that the Black Thorns never left Galedon<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,26703.msg605762.html#msg605762 this] forum posting ("Oh, they never left Galedon....")</ref> and finally confirmed it in an official Line Developer answer/ruling through the [[BattleTech forum]].''<ref>In [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,28951.0.html this] thread in the official "Ask the Writers" section on the BattleTech forum; also archived on this article's [[Talk:Black Thorns|talk page]].</ref> | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Support== | ==Support== | ||
| − | In 3067 the Black Thorns were operating a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], the ''[[Bristol ( | + | In 3067 the Black Thorns were operating a single ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]], the ''[[Bristol (Union)|Bristol]]''. The Black Thorns had modified the ''Bristol'', altering the fighter bays so that they could accomodate the additional pilots in the unit by holding additional 'Mechs and cargo within the bays.<ref name="MSp20">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 20, "The Black Thorns: Rebuilding The Burnt Bridges"</ref> |
==Composition History== | ==Composition History== | ||
| Line 69: | Line 75: | ||
* Battle Lance | * Battle Lance | ||
| − | ** [[Lieutenant]] | + | ** [[Lieutenant]] Esmeralda - ''[[Warhammer]]'' |
| − | ** | + | ** Badicus O'Shea - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' |
** [[Hawg]] - ''[[Zeus]]'' | ** [[Hawg]] - ''[[Zeus]]'' | ||
* Pursuit Lance | * Pursuit Lance | ||
** [[Angus Lochart]] - ''[[Valkyrie]]'' | ** [[Angus Lochart]] - ''[[Valkyrie]]'' | ||
| − | ** [[Ajax ( | + | ** [[Ajax (Character)|Ajax]] - ''[[Raven]]''<ref>''Main Event", p. 195 - Black Thorn's original composition as of late 3054 when arriving on Borghese.</ref> |
===3057=== | ===3057=== | ||
* Command Lance | * Command Lance | ||
| − | ** Captain Jeremiah Rose - ''[[Warhawk (Masakari)]]'' | + | ** [[Captain]] Jeremiah Rose - ''[[Warhawk (Masakari)]]'' |
| − | ** XO/Rianna Rose - ''Phoenix Hawk'' | + | ** XO/[[Rianna Rose]] - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' |
** [[Antioch Bell]] - ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'' | ** [[Antioch Bell]] - ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'' | ||
| − | ** | + | ** Jamshid Al-Kalibi - ''[[Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)]]'' |
* Battle Lance | * Battle Lance | ||
| − | ** Lieutenant Esmeralda - ''Timber Wolf'' | + | ** [[Lieutenant]] Esmeralda - ''Timber Wolf'' |
| − | ** Badicus O'Shea - ''Warhammer'' | + | ** Badicus O'Shea - ''[[Warhammer]]'' |
| − | ** Hawg - ''[[BattleMaster]]'' | + | ** [[Hawg]] - ''[[BattleMaster]]'' |
| − | ** | + | ** Greta Podell - ''[[Charger]]'' |
* Recon Lance | * Recon Lance | ||
** Lieutenant Ajax - ''[[Raven]]'' | ** Lieutenant Ajax - ''[[Raven]]'' | ||
| − | ** | + | ** Yuri Dogdorvich - ''[[Fire Moth (Dasher)]]'' |
| − | ** | + | ** Leeza Rippiticue - ''[[Mercury]]'' |
| − | ** | + | ** Katherine "Kitten" Kittiallen - ''[[Panther]]''<ref>''The Black Thorns'', p. 8, "Unit Composition"</ref> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| Line 109: | Line 108: | ||
* ''[[The Black Thorns]]'' | * ''[[The Black Thorns]]'' | ||
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[D.R.T.]]'' | + | * ''[[D.R.T.]]'' |
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' | * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[Main Event]]'' | + | * ''[[Main Event]]'' |
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' | * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' | ||
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' | * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' | ||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | ||