Difference between revisions of "Blackhearts"

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{{infoBoxMercUnit
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
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| image     = [[Image:Blackhearts.jpg‎|100px]]
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| image         = [[Image:Blackhearts logo.png|191px|Insignia of the Blackhearts]]
−
| unitname  = The Blackhearts
+
| Designation    = Blackhearts
−
| year      = 3067
+
| formed        =  
−
| commander = Colonel Marcus Johnson
+
| Disbanded     =  
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| jumpships = no
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| Previous Designation = 77th Special Operations Group
−
| dropships = yes
+
| Nickname      =  
−
| aero     = yes
+
| Affiliation   = Mercenary;<br>Star League (originally)
−
| armor    = yes
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| Parent Command = Independent;<br>[[Star League Defense Force]] (originally)
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| infantry  = yes
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| Sub-Command    =  
−
}}
 
−
{{infoBoxStateUnit
 
−
| image   =  
 
−
| nickname = The Blackhearts
 
−
| parent formation = [[Star League Defense Force]]
 
−
| formed  = unknown
 
−
| year    =
 
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| unitname = 77th Special Operations Group
 
 
}}
 
}}
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Origins===
 
===Origins===
−
The Blackhearts began life as the Seventy-seventh SOG (Special Operations Group), an elite anti-terrorist unit in the [[Star League]]'s Special Armed Services. The 77th SOG recruited only from the [[Terran Hegemony]] and operated primarily in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. There they gained a reputation for brutally rooting out terrorist cells. Regular army soldiers who knew of the SAS called them the Blackhearts because of the calling card they left on the bodies of their victims. Their unofficial motto was "''in hoc signo vinces''", or "by this sign you will conquer."<ref>''Star League'', p.71</ref> [[Lisa Buhallin]], who would go on to become the first [[Loremaster]] of [[Clan]] [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcon]], was a member of the Blackhearts during the [[Amaris Civil War]].<ref>''Technical Readout 3039'', p.278</ref> As mercenaries, they operated in the [[Periphery]] until 2866 when they were hired by [[Archon]] [[Elizabeth Steiner]].<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p.45</ref>
+
The unit began life as the '''Seventy-seventh Special Operations Group (SOG)''', an elite anti-terrorist unit in the [[Star League]]'s [[Special Armed Services]]. The Seventy-seventh SOG recruited only from the [[Terran Hegemony]] and operated primarily in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. There they gained a reputation for brutally rooting out terrorist cells. Regular army soldiers who knew of their operations called them the Blackhearts because of the calling card they left on the bodies of their victims. Their unofficial motto was "''in hoc signo vinces''", or "by this sign you will conquer."<ref>''The Star League'', p. 71</ref> [[Lisa Buhallin]], who would go on to become the first [[Loremaster]] of [[Clan]] [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcon]], was a member of the Blackhearts during the [[Amaris Civil War]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 278</ref> After the Exodus the '''Blackhearts''' operated as mercenaries in the [[Periphery]] until [[2866]] when they were hired by [[Archon]] [[Elizabeth Steiner]].<ref name=FMMRp45>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 45</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Third Succession War===
 +
 
 +
In [[3027]], the Blackhearts were on Hesperus along with the [[Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards]], when the system came under attack by the elite [[2nd McCarron's Armored Cavalry]].  The Blackhearts began to bunker in and defend into the main Defiance Production line, as nearly every attack ever made against Hesperus had been over those factories.  But instead of hitting the factories, Colonel [[Marcus Barton]] sacked the shipping and receiving section of the facility, looting vital equipment that was scheduled to be shipped out to the rest of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces.  The Twenty-sixth broke out of the defensive formations when they realized what Barton was doing, and immediately moved to counterattack, but the Blackhearts held firm and did not go into pursuit of Barton until they realized Barton genuinely was not going after the factories.  The delay in the Blackhearts allowed Barton to return to his DropShips, load with themselves and their looted goods, and escape.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 9</ref>
  
 
===Fourth Succession War===
 
===Fourth Succession War===
−
In 3028, [[Lyran]] Intelligence uncovered evidence of the Blackhearts' origins. [[Colonel]] [[Sandra Johnson]] confirmed these reports and was rewarded with a position in [[Operation Gotterdammerung]].<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p.45</ref> Jumping off from [[Ridderkerk]], they landed on [[Basiliano]] with the [[24th Arcturan Guards]]. There the [[Night Stalkers]] outmaneuvered them for three weeks, until caught in a pincer between two 24th Guards Lightning Companies. The Blackhearts heavy 'Mechs destroyed a company of heavy 'Mechs, which bought time for the rest of the Night Stalkers to escape.<ref>''NAIS Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume I'', p. 47</ref>
+
In [[3028]], [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] Intelligence uncovered evidence of the Blackhearts' origins. [[Colonel]] [[Sandra Johnson]] confirmed these reports and was rewarded with a position in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]].<ref name=FMMRp45 /> Jumping off from [[Ridderkerk]], they landed on [[Basiliano]] with the [[24th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-fourth]] and [[Twenty-fifth Arcturan Guards]]. There the [[Night Stalkers]] outmaneuvered them for three weeks, until caught in a pincer between the two [[Lightning Company|Lightning Companies]] from the Arcturan Guards regiments. The Blackhearts and the heavier 'Mech elements of the Twenty-fourth encircled the Night Stalkers, and their heavier 'Mechs destroyed a company of 'Mechs, which bought time for the rest of the Night Stalkers to escape.<ref name="NAIS4SWp47">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 47: "Basiliano"</ref>
  
−
Following Basiliano, the Blackhearts successfully invaded [[Kufstein]].<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p.45</ref> In June of 3029, the Blackhearts landed on [[Engadin]] to reinforce the [[26th Lyran Guards]]. While the Twenty-Sixth Lyran Guards fought the [[St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group]], the Blackhearts seized the cliffs overlooking the capital city. Setting up an artillery barrage, they circled down into the [[5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]], who were forced to surrender.<ref>''NAIS Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume II'', p. 62</ref>
+
Following Basiliano, the Blackhearts successfully invaded [[Kufstein]].<ref name=FMMRp45 /> In June of 3029, the Blackhearts landed on [[Engadin]] to reinforce the [[Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards]]. While the Twenty-Sixth fought the [[St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group]], the Blackhearts seized the cliffs overlooking the capital city. Setting up an artillery barrage, they circled down into the [[Fifth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]], who were forced to surrender.<ref>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 62</ref>
  
 
===War of 3039===
 
===War of 3039===
−
The Blackhearts remained in LCAF employ through the [[War of 3039]], where they were redeployed to [[Lost]]. At the end of the War of 3039, the Blackhearts left Lyran employ. <ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
+
The Blackhearts remained in LCAF employ through the [[War of 3039]], where they were redeployed to [[Lost]]. At the end of the War of 3039, the Blackhearts left Lyran employ.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
  
 
===FWL Service===
 
===FWL Service===
−
During the [[Clan Invasion]], the Blackhearts were under contract with the [[Free Worlds League]]. In 3050, at the height of the war, they were stationed on [[Cronulla]].<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> In 3057, during [[Operation Guerrero]], the Blackhearts defeated the Lyran garrison on [[Capolla]]. When they discovered their [[Capellan]] allies were actually ''[[Zhanzheng de Guang]]'' terrorists, they departed the planet. <ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 45</ref>
+
During the [[Clan Invasion]], the Blackhearts were under contract with the [[Free Worlds League]]. In [[3050]], at the height of the war, they were stationed on [[Cronulla]].<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> In [[3057]], during [[Operation Guerrero]], the Blackhearts defeated the Lyran garrison on [[Capolla]]. When they discovered their [[Capellan]] allies were actually ''[[Zhanzheng de Guang]]'' terrorists, they departed the planet.<ref name=FMMRp45 />
  
 
===Jihad===
 
===Jihad===
−
In November of 3068 the Blackhearts deployed on [[Wasat]] for training exercises. DropShips carrying [[Raymond's Armored Cavalry]] and the [[HeavyHell Raisers]] landed in the planetary capital of Wasat Prime. [[Duke]] Howard Long, the governor of Wasat, summoned Colonel [[Marcus Johnson]] to an urgent meeting. At the meeting, also attended by a [[Word of Blake]] [[Demi-Precentor]], the Blackhearts were instructed to stand down or Raymond's ACR and the HeavyHell Raisers would be forced to attack them. Colonel Johnson refused, stating that the Blackhearts' contract with the [[LCCC]] did not allow the Governor or Blakists to alter their orders. An argument ensued, during which both Colonel Johnson and the Blakist were killed, but not before Johnson was able to relay the wiretapped conversation to his XO, [[Major]] [[Glen Stryker]], who enacted Operation Black Fury: an emergency protocol in case of betrayal by an employer.  
+
In November of [[3068]], the Blackhearts deployed on [[Wasat]] for training exercises. DropShips carrying [[Raymond's Armored Cavalry]] and the [[HeavyHell Raisers]] landed in the planetary capital of Wasat Prime. [[Duke]] [[Howard Long]], the governor of Wasat, summoned Colonel [[Marcus Johnson]] to an urgent meeting. At the meeting, also attended by a [[Word of Blake]] [[Demi-Precentor]], the Blackhearts were instructed to stand down or Raymond's ACR and the HeavyHell Raisers would be forced to attack them. Colonel Johnson refused, stating that the Blackhearts' contract with the [[LCCC]] did not allow the Governor or Blakists to alter their orders. An argument ensued, during which both Colonel Johnson and the Blakist were killed, but not before Johnson was able to relay the wiretapped conversation to his XO, [[Major]] [[Glen Stryker]], who enacted [[Operation BLACK FURY]]: an emergency protocol in case of betrayal by an employer.
  
−
While chasing the Blackhearts through the Caledon Valley, Raymond's ACR was ambushed by the Blackhearts and effectively destroyed. The HeavyHell Raisers were battered, reduced to less than forty percent of normal strength, and retreated to Wasat Prime to await reinforcements. In early 3069, the [[3rd Division (Word of Blake)]] (Pure Thoughts and Actions IV-Mu) arrived.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p.34</ref>
+
While chasing the Blackhearts through the Caledon Valley, Raymond's ACR was ambushed by the Blackhearts and effectively destroyed. The HeavyHell Raisers were battered, reduced to less than forty percent of normal strength, and retreated to Wasat Prime to await reinforcements. In early [[3069]], the [[Third Division (Word of Blake)]] (Pure Thoughts and Actions IV-Mu) arrived.<ref name="MSUp34">''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 34</ref>
  
−
For the next two years the Blackhearts waged a guerrilla war against the Blakist forces. The commander of the Third Division, [[Precentor]] David Fellers, became frustrated and paranoid at his inability to defeat the Blackhearts, and issued them an ultimatum in January 3071: Surrender unconditionally or Wasat Prime would be destroyed by nuclear weapons. Major Stryker, unwilling to doom his command, chose to evacuate the planet via its hidden DropShips, commandeering a Blakist JumpShip. Enraged, Fellers obliterated Wasat Prime after the Blackhearts had left.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 97</ref><ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p.34</ref>
+
For the next two years the Blackhearts waged a guerrilla war against the Blakist forces. The commander of the Third Division, [[Precentor]] David Fellers, became frustrated and paranoid at his inability to defeat the Blackhearts, and issued them an ultimatum in January [[3071]]: Surrender unconditionally or Wasat Prime would be destroyed by nuclear weapons. Major Stryker, unwilling to doom his command, chose to evacuate the planet via its hidden DropShips, commandeering a Blakist JumpShip. Enraged, Fellers obliterated Wasat Prime after the Blackhearts had left.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 97</ref><ref name="MSUp34"/>
  
−
The Blackhearts laid low for several years, eventually relocating to [[Zion]], where they spent eight years rebuilding in that world's wilderness. During that time they infiltrated various levels of local government to collect intelligence, while also recruiting and training special forces operatives from the local populace. These formed insurgent groups that could operate independently against the Blakist forces. Colonel Stryker then began operations to destroy the Blakist administration and disable local defenses. So well entrenched and trained was the insurgency that it took just two months for Zion to be liberated, with no mercy shown to any Blakist personnel or sympathisers - those caught were summarily executed.<ref name="JHS:Tp45">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 45, "Zion Freed"</ref>
+
The Blackhearts laid low for several years, eventually relocating to [[Zion]], where they spent eight years rebuilding in that world's wilderness. During that time they infiltrated various levels of local government to collect intelligence, while also recruiting and training special forces operatives from the local populace. These formed insurgent groups that could operate independently against the Blakist forces. Colonel Stryker then began operations to destroy the Blakist administration and disable local defenses. So well entrenched and trained was the insurgency that it took just two months for Zion to be liberated, with no mercy shown to any Blakist personnel or sympathizers - those caught were summarily executed.<ref name="JHS:Tp45">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 45: "Zion Freed"</ref>
  
 
After Zion's liberation, Colonel Stryker confirmed that he still considers his contract with the Free Worlds League to be valid and plans to link up with Duchess [[Alys Rousset-Marik]]'s command.<ref name="JHS:Tp45"/> By the time of [[Operation SCYTHE]], one year later, the Blackhearts are not included in General Rousset-Marik's operational group, so their final destination is unknown.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 96</ref>
 
After Zion's liberation, Colonel Stryker confirmed that he still considers his contract with the Free Worlds League to be valid and plans to link up with Duchess [[Alys Rousset-Marik]]'s command.<ref name="JHS:Tp45"/> By the time of [[Operation SCYTHE]], one year later, the Blackhearts are not included in General Rousset-Marik's operational group, so their final destination is unknown.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 96</ref>
  
 
==Officers==
 
==Officers==
−
Colonel Sandra Johnson was the predecessor to Colonel Marcus Johnson. Marcus is a natural commander and pilot with a brilliant grasp of tactics and special operations. Major [[Glen Stryker]] assumed command after Marcus Johnson's death.
+
{| 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 77th Special Operations Group'''
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Blackhearts'''
 +
|-
 +
| [[Colonel]]||[[Sandra Johnson]]||[[3025]] - [[3028]]<ref name=HSTLCp118/><ref name=FMMRp45 />
 +
|-
 +
| Colonel||[[Marcus Johnson]]||[[3050]] - [[3068]]<ref name=20YU57/><ref name=FMMercsp108/><ref name="MSUp34"/>
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Other Officers===
 +
* [[Major]] [[Glen Stryker]] in 3068<ref name="MSUp34"/>
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
−
The unit is trained in a variety of tactics, ranging from small-unit to full regiment operations. They excel at night-time operations.
+
The unit is trained in a variety of tactics, ranging from small-unit to full regiment operations. They excel at nighttime operations.
  
 
==Support==
 
==Support==
−
The unit is fully self sufficient and owns enough transport assets for the entire unit (three ''[[Overlord]]''s, two ''[[Fortress]]''es, two ''[[Seeker]]''s, a ''[[Vengeance]]'' and two upgraded ''[[Triumph]]''-class [[DropShip]]s prior to the Jihad).
+
The unit is fully self-sufficient and owns enough transport assets for the entire unit (three ''[[Overlord]]s'', two ''[[Fortress]]es'', two ''[[Seeker]]s'', a ''[[Vengeance (DropShip class)|Vengeance]]'', and two upgraded ''[[Triumph]]''-class [[DropShip]]s prior to the Jihad).
  
 
==Dragoon Ratings==
 
==Dragoon Ratings==
Line 60: Line 72:
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 +
===2780===
 +
'''Seventy-seventh Special Operations Group'''
 +
 +
===2786–2821===
 +
'''Blackhearts''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=1SWp140>''First Succession War'', p. 140</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Sterope]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 23 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Sterope]].<ref name=1SWp140/>
 +
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
−
''' Blackhearts''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)
+
'''Blackhearts ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HSTLCp118>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 118: "LCAF Deployment Table"</ref>
−
:Contract: LCAF<ref> House Steiner p. 120 </ref>
+
:* CO: Colonel Sandra Johnson<ref name=HSTLCp118/>
−
:*CO.: Colonel Sandra Johnson <ref> House Steiner p. 120 </ref>
+
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Anywhere]].<ref name=HSTLCp118/>
 +
 
 +
===3028===
 +
'''Blackhearts'''
 +
:- During the attack on Basiliano, the Blackhearts' 'Mech contingent consisted of one light 'Mech company, four medium 'Mech companies and four heavy 'Mech companies.<ref name="NAIS4SWp47"/>
 +
 
 
===3040===
 
===3040===
−
''' Blackhearts''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWO3039>''Historical: War of 3039'' , p. 140 </ref>
+
'''Blackhearts''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWo3039p140>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
−
:Contract: AFFC
+
:Contract: AFFC<ref name=HWo3039p140/>
 +
 
 +
===3050===
 +
'''Blackhearts''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57: "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"</ref>
 +
:* CO: Colonel Marcus Johnson<ref name=20YU57/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Cronulla]].<ref name=20YU57/>
 +
 
 +
===3059===
 +
'''Blackhearts''' (Regiment//Regular/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp108/>
 +
:* CO: Colonel Marcus Johnson<ref name=FMMercsp108/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Cronulla]].<ref name=FMMercsp108>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 108</ref>
  
 
===3067===
 
===3067===
Line 72: Line 106:
 
* CO: [[Colonel]] Marcus Johnson
 
* CO: [[Colonel]] Marcus Johnson
 
-Every battalion is led by an independent command lance
 
-Every battalion is led by an independent command lance
−
* XO/7th Striker: [[Major]] Glen Allen Stryker  
+
* XO/7th Striker: [[Major]] Glen Allen Stryker
 
- Composed of medium/heavy and acts as command unit
 
- Composed of medium/heavy and acts as command unit
 
* 21st Light Horse: Major Tammie La Franc
 
* 21st Light Horse: Major Tammie La Franc
 
- Composed primarily of light 'Mechs and serves as a screen/recon force.
 
- Composed primarily of light 'Mechs and serves as a screen/recon force.
 
* 35th Dragoon: Major Bekkard Jamieson
 
* 35th Dragoon: Major Bekkard Jamieson
−
- Uses heavy and assault 'Mechs.  
+
- Uses heavy and assault 'Mechs.
  
 
'''Blackhearts Armored Cavalry''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)
 
'''Blackhearts Armored Cavalry''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)
Line 89: Line 123:
 
- The fighters provide excellent close air support, and are organized in its classic SLDF scheme, with 54 fighters in 9 squadrons.
 
- The fighters provide excellent close air support, and are organized in its classic SLDF scheme, with 54 fighters in 9 squadrons.
  
−
==Notes==
+
==Color Scheme==
 +
The Blackhearts paint their equipment in black, white, and gray as a tiger-stripe pattern.<ref name=FMMRp45 />
 +
 
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
−
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
+
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
−
*''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
+
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
−
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''  
+
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
 +
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Blackhearts]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Blackhearts]]

Latest revision as of 00:30, 27 March 2024

Insignia of the Blackhearts
Blackhearts
Previous Designation(s) 77th Special Operations Group
Affiliation Mercenary;
Star League (originally)
Parent Command Independent;
Star League Defense Force (originally)

History[edit]

Origins[edit]

The unit began life as the Seventy-seventh Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite anti-terrorist unit in the Star League's Special Armed Services. The Seventy-seventh SOG recruited only from the Terran Hegemony and operated primarily in the Taurian Concordat. There they gained a reputation for brutally rooting out terrorist cells. Regular army soldiers who knew of their operations called them the Blackhearts because of the calling card they left on the bodies of their victims. Their unofficial motto was "in hoc signo vinces", or "by this sign you will conquer."[1] Lisa Buhallin, who would go on to become the first Loremaster of Clan Jade Falcon, was a member of the Blackhearts during the Amaris Civil War.[2] After the Exodus the Blackhearts operated as mercenaries in the Periphery until 2866 when they were hired by Archon Elizabeth Steiner.[3]

Third Succession War[edit]

In 3027, the Blackhearts were on Hesperus along with the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards, when the system came under attack by the elite 2nd McCarron's Armored Cavalry. The Blackhearts began to bunker in and defend into the main Defiance Production line, as nearly every attack ever made against Hesperus had been over those factories. But instead of hitting the factories, Colonel Marcus Barton sacked the shipping and receiving section of the facility, looting vital equipment that was scheduled to be shipped out to the rest of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces. The Twenty-sixth broke out of the defensive formations when they realized what Barton was doing, and immediately moved to counterattack, but the Blackhearts held firm and did not go into pursuit of Barton until they realized Barton genuinely was not going after the factories. The delay in the Blackhearts allowed Barton to return to his DropShips, load with themselves and their looted goods, and escape.[4]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

In 3028, Lyran Intelligence uncovered evidence of the Blackhearts' origins. Colonel Sandra Johnson confirmed these reports and was rewarded with a position in Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG.[3] Jumping off from Ridderkerk, they landed on Basiliano with the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Arcturan Guards. There the Night Stalkers outmaneuvered them for three weeks, until caught in a pincer between the two Lightning Companies from the Arcturan Guards regiments. The Blackhearts and the heavier 'Mech elements of the Twenty-fourth encircled the Night Stalkers, and their heavier 'Mechs destroyed a company of 'Mechs, which bought time for the rest of the Night Stalkers to escape.[5]

Following Basiliano, the Blackhearts successfully invaded Kufstein.[3] In June of 3029, the Blackhearts landed on Engadin to reinforce the Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards. While the Twenty-Sixth fought the St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group, the Blackhearts seized the cliffs overlooking the capital city. Setting up an artillery barrage, they circled down into the Fifth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre, who were forced to surrender.[6]

War of 3039[edit]

The Blackhearts remained in LCAF employ through the War of 3039, where they were redeployed to Lost. At the end of the War of 3039, the Blackhearts left Lyran employ.[7]

FWL Service[edit]

During the Clan Invasion, the Blackhearts were under contract with the Free Worlds League. In 3050, at the height of the war, they were stationed on Cronulla.[8] In 3057, during Operation Guerrero, the Blackhearts defeated the Lyran garrison on Capolla. When they discovered their Capellan allies were actually Zhanzheng de Guang terrorists, they departed the planet.[3]

Jihad[edit]

In November of 3068, the Blackhearts deployed on Wasat for training exercises. DropShips carrying Raymond's Armored Cavalry and the HeavyHell Raisers landed in the planetary capital of Wasat Prime. Duke Howard Long, the governor of Wasat, summoned Colonel Marcus Johnson to an urgent meeting. At the meeting, also attended by a Word of Blake Demi-Precentor, the Blackhearts were instructed to stand down or Raymond's ACR and the HeavyHell Raisers would be forced to attack them. Colonel Johnson refused, stating that the Blackhearts' contract with the LCCC did not allow the Governor or Blakists to alter their orders. An argument ensued, during which both Colonel Johnson and the Blakist were killed, but not before Johnson was able to relay the wiretapped conversation to his XO, Major Glen Stryker, who enacted Operation BLACK FURY: an emergency protocol in case of betrayal by an employer.

While chasing the Blackhearts through the Caledon Valley, Raymond's ACR was ambushed by the Blackhearts and effectively destroyed. The HeavyHell Raisers were battered, reduced to less than forty percent of normal strength, and retreated to Wasat Prime to await reinforcements. In early 3069, the Third Division (Word of Blake) (Pure Thoughts and Actions IV-Mu) arrived.[9]

For the next two years the Blackhearts waged a guerrilla war against the Blakist forces. The commander of the Third Division, Precentor David Fellers, became frustrated and paranoid at his inability to defeat the Blackhearts, and issued them an ultimatum in January 3071: Surrender unconditionally or Wasat Prime would be destroyed by nuclear weapons. Major Stryker, unwilling to doom his command, chose to evacuate the planet via its hidden DropShips, commandeering a Blakist JumpShip. Enraged, Fellers obliterated Wasat Prime after the Blackhearts had left.[10][9]

The Blackhearts laid low for several years, eventually relocating to Zion, where they spent eight years rebuilding in that world's wilderness. During that time they infiltrated various levels of local government to collect intelligence, while also recruiting and training special forces operatives from the local populace. These formed insurgent groups that could operate independently against the Blakist forces. Colonel Stryker then began operations to destroy the Blakist administration and disable local defenses. So well entrenched and trained was the insurgency that it took just two months for Zion to be liberated, with no mercy shown to any Blakist personnel or sympathizers - those caught were summarily executed.[11]

After Zion's liberation, Colonel Stryker confirmed that he still considers his contract with the Free Worlds League to be valid and plans to link up with Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik's command.[11] By the time of Operation SCYTHE, one year later, the Blackhearts are not included in General Rousset-Marik's operational group, so their final destination is unknown.[12]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the 77th Special Operations Group
Commanding Officers of the Blackhearts
Colonel Sandra Johnson 3025 - 3028[13][3]
Colonel Marcus Johnson 3050 - 3068[14][15][9]

Other Officers[edit]

Tactics[edit]

The unit is trained in a variety of tactics, ranging from small-unit to full regiment operations. They excel at nighttime operations.

Support[edit]

The unit is fully self-sufficient and owns enough transport assets for the entire unit (three Overlords, two Fortresses, two Seekers, a Vengeance, and two upgraded Triumph-class DropShips prior to the Jihad).

Dragoon Ratings[edit]

3067[edit]

Dragoon Rating: B

Composition History[edit]

2780[edit]

Seventy-seventh Special Operations Group

2786–2821[edit]

Blackhearts (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)[16]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Sterope. In 2821 the command was reduced to 23 percent of its strength and was deployed on Sterope.[16]

3025[edit]

Blackhearts (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[13]

  • CO: Colonel Sandra Johnson[13]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Anywhere.[13]

3028[edit]

Blackhearts

- During the attack on Basiliano, the Blackhearts' 'Mech contingent consisted of one light 'Mech company, four medium 'Mech companies and four heavy 'Mech companies.[5]

3040[edit]

Blackhearts (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[17]

Contract: AFFC[17]

3050[edit]

Blackhearts (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[14]

  • CO: Colonel Marcus Johnson[14]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Cronulla.[14]

3059[edit]

Blackhearts (Regiment//Regular/Reliable)[15]

  • CO: Colonel Marcus Johnson[15]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Cronulla.[15]

3067[edit]

The Blackhearts (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)

-Every battalion is led by an independent command lance

  • XO/7th Striker: Major Glen Allen Stryker

- Composed of medium/heavy and acts as command unit

  • 21st Light Horse: Major Tammie La Franc

- Composed primarily of light 'Mechs and serves as a screen/recon force.

  • 35th Dragoon: Major Bekkard Jamieson

- Uses heavy and assault 'Mechs.

Blackhearts Armored Cavalry (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)

  • Cavalry Commander: Major Thaddeus Cameron
  • Fourteenth ACS: - Fast hover and tracked vehicles for cavalry tactics.
  • Fifty-sixth Artillery: - The unit contains Long Toms and other artillery pieces.
  • Seventy-seventh: - The unit is the special operation force supported by hovercraft and VTOLs.

Blackhearts Flying Lions (Wing/Veteran/Reliable)

  • Wing Commander: Major Ariel Summerfield

- The fighters provide excellent close air support, and are organized in its classic SLDF scheme, with 54 fighters in 9 squadrons.

Color Scheme[edit]

The Blackhearts paint their equipment in black, white, and gray as a tiger-stripe pattern.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ The Star League, p. 71
  2. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 278
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised, p. 45
  4. ↑ McCarron's Armored Cavalry, p. 9
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 47: "Basiliano"
  6. ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2, p. 62
  7. ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 140
  8. ↑ 20 Year Update, p. 57
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 34
  10. ↑ Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents, p. 97
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 45: "Zion Freed"
  12. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 96
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 118: "LCAF Deployment Table"
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 20 Year Update, p. 57: "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 108
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 First Succession War, p. 140
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 140

Bibliography[edit]

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