Difference between revisions of "Brion's Legion"
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{{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]}}
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{{Update Needed|[[Shrapnel Issue 15]]}}
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{{infoBoxMercUnit
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
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| image     = [[File:Brion's Legion.jpg]]
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| image = [[File:Brion's Legion.jpg|150px]]
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| unitname  = Brion's Legion: Refined and Unpredictable
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| Designation = Brion's Legion
−
| year      = 3067
+
| Formed = [[3013]]
−
| commander =  
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| Disbanded =  
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| jumpships = yes
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| Previous Designation =  
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| dropships = yes
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| Nickname =  
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| aero      = yes
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| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
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| armor    = yes
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| Parent Command = Independent
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| infantry  = yes
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| Sub-Command = [[David's Lesson]]
 +
----
 +
[[Brion's Legacy]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
'''Brion's Legion''' entered the service of [[House Kurita]] in [[3013]].<ref name=MW123>''MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game'', p. 123</ref> The regiment fared poorly, often being in the wrong place at the wrong time,<ref name=MW123/> and took a severe beating on [[Tancredi II]] because their [[Draconis Combine]] employers failed to adequately support them. As of [[3025]] they were reduced to two battalions (implied to be understrength), and trying to rebuild their strength. They were assigned to the [[Ashio Prefecture]] and stationed on the planet [[Murchison]] by 3025.<ref name=HK-/><ref name=MW123/>  
+
'''Brion's Legion''' was a mercenary unit that entered the service of [[House Kurita]] in [[3013]].<ref name=MW123>''MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game'', p. 123</ref> The regiment fared poorly, often being in the wrong place at the wrong time,<ref name=MW123/> and took a severe beating on [[Tancredi II]] because their [[Draconis Combine]] employers failed to adequately support them. As of [[3025]] they were reduced to two battalions (implied to be understrength), and trying to rebuild their strength. They were assigned to the [[Ashio Prefecture]] and stationed on the planet [[Murchison]] by 3025.<ref name=MW123/><ref name=HK->''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. ?</ref>  
  
 
===Fourth Succession War===
 
===Fourth Succession War===
−
With the advent of the [[Fourth Succession War]] the Legion was paired with the [[Ninth Dieron Regulars]] for an attack on the [[Federated Suns]] planet [[David]].<ref name=FSW1-p80>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'' p.80</ref> It is on this world that the fate of the Legion was changed forever.
+
With the advent of the [[Fourth Succession War]] the Legion was paired with the [[Ninth Dieron Regulars]] for an attack on the [[Federated Suns]] planet [[David]].<ref name=FSW1-p80>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 80</ref> It is on this world that the fate of the Legion was changed forever. The Legion and the Dieron Regulars attacked the on-planet forces, specifically the [[Twelfth Deneb Light Cavalry]], as part of the Draconis Combine's response to Davion aggression. Initially the attack went well, with the Kurita forces successfully landing all forces, but soon turned inconclusive as the Cavalry were augmented by local militia and civilian actions. Despite this, the Draconis forces continued to push the Federated Suns' lighter units. Finally, the Light Cavalry found a defensive position and turned to fight.<ref name=FSW2-28>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 28</ref>
  
−
During the action on David the Legion and the Dieron Regulars attacked the on-planet forces, specifically the [[Twelfth Deneb Light Cavalry]], as part of the Draconis Combine's response to Davion aggression. Initially the attack went well, with the Kurita forces successfully landing all forces, but soon turned inconclusive as the Cavalry were augmented by local militia and civilian actions. Despite this the Draconis forces continued to push the Federated Suns' lighter units. Finally the Light Cavalry found a defensive position and turned to fight.<ref name=FSW2-28>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'' p.28</ref>
+
The Legion spearheaded the Draconis Combine's attack and advanced to engage. With the assistance of local farmer [[Tybalt Jones]],<ref>''Simple Farmer''</ref> a Cavalry ploy identified the 'Mech of the Legion's leader, Colonel [[Pythonius Brion]], and it was destroyed by the combined fire of an entire battalion. Demoralized, the Legion retreated from the field of battle closely pursued by the Light Cavalry. Realizing their situation, the Legion fled to the local [[ComStar]] station and appealed for sanctuary, which was granted. When told of this, [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]] was heard saying he had no use for "that collection of cowardly daffodil-sniffers" and washed his hands of the unit forever.<ref name=FSW2-28/>
  
−
The Draconis Combine's attack was spearheaded by the Legion, which advanced to engage. Due to a ploy by the Cavalry the Legion's leader, Colonel [[Pythonius Brion]], was identified and his 'Mech was destroyed by the combined fire of an entire battalion. Demoralized, the Legion broke and fled the field of battle closely pursued by the Light Cavalry. Realizing their situation the Legion fled to the local [[ComStar]] station and appealed for sanctuary, which was granted. When told of this action by the Legion [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]] was heard to say that he had no use for "that collection of cowardly daffodil-sniffers" and washed his hands of the unit forever.<ref name=FSW2-28/>
+
ComStar at this time desired a more visible military presence and preferred to keep the [[Com Guards|Com Guard]] forces still secret. With this in mind, [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]] contacted Colonel [[Octavius Brion]], son of Pythonius, and offered the disgraced Legion a contract with ComStar, bringing the Legion back up to a full [[Regiment]] using [[Star League era]] [[BattleMech]]s and upgraded the remainder using [[Star League]] era technologies. They also enrolled the Legion personnel in ComStar's [[Sandhurst Military Academy|rigorous MechWarrior training programs]], resulting in an overall upgrade of the unit. Over time the Legion was expanded to a second regiment to better support their role as a garrison unit for ComStar assets.<ref name=FMM-44-46>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'' pp. 44–45</ref><ref name="CMMercP26">''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 26</ref>
  
−
ComStar at this time desired a more visible military presence and preferred to keep the [[Com Guard]] forces still secret. With this in mind [[Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]] contacted Colonel [[Octavius Brion]], son of Colonel Pythonius, and offered the disgraced Legion a contract with ComStar. When the Legion agreed to the contract ComStar brought the Legion back up to a full [[Regiment]] using [[Star League era]] [[BattleMech]]s and upgraded the remainder using [[Star League]] era technologies. They also enrolled the Legion personnel in ComStar's [[Sandhurst Military Academy|rigorous MechWarrior training programs]], resulting in an overall upgrade of the Legion's equipment and personnel. Over time the Legion was expanded to a second Regiment to better support their role as a garrison unit for ComStar assets.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>
+
===Post Clan Invasion===
 +
With the public revelation of the existence of the Com Guards, Brion's Legion was assigned to the [[Terran Defense Force]] under [[Precentor]] IV [[Ralph Marchino]] as part of the Home Guard for the [[Terra|Sol star system]]. Though they spent many years as a ComStar mercenary unit, the Legion has always held to the command and organizational structures of the [[Inner Sphere]] standard militaries.<ref name=FMM-44-46/><ref name="CMMercP26"/>
  
−
With the public revelation of the existence of the Com Guard Brion's Legion was assigned to the [[Terran Defense Force]] under [[Precentor]] IV [[Ralph Marchina]] as part of the Home Guard for the [[Terra|Sol star system]]. Though they spent many years as a ComStar mercenary unit the Legion has always held to the command and organizational structures of the [[Inner Sphere]] standard militaries.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>
+
The Legion's status as a ComStar-contracted mercenary command ended in [[3058]]. With the fighting in the [[Chaos March]] heating up and mercenary contracts in this region becoming more lucrative the Legion command decided to end its contract with ComStar and prove it had recovered from its disastrous showing during the Fourth Succession War. This decision would have grave impacts on the future of ComStar and on the Inner Sphere itself, with the [[Word of Blake]] masquerading as the [[Twenty-first Centauri Lancers]] intended to replace the Legion, allowing the Blakists a foothold to successfully launch [[Operation Odysseus]]. <ref name=SS-100>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 100: "The Fall of Terra - Opening Moves"</ref><ref name=TFOT-7>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 7: "Operation Odysseus - Gathering Storm"</ref>
  
−
The Legion's status as a ComStar-contracted mercenary command ended in [[3058]]. With the fighting in the [[Chaos March]] heating up and mercenary contracts in this region becoming more lucrative the Legion command decided to end its contract with ComStar and prove it had recovered from its disastrous showing during the Fourth Succession War. This decision would have grave impacts on the future of ComStar and on the Inner Sphere itself, with the [[Word of Blake]] masquerading as the [[21st Centauri Lancers]] intended to replace the Legion, allowing the Blakists a foothold to successfully launch [[Operation Odysseus]]. <ref name=SS-100>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 100 "The Fall of Terra - Opening Moves"</ref> <ref name=TFOT-7>''The Fall of Terra'', p. 7 "Operation Odysseus - Gathering Storm"</ref>
+
Their first contract was with the independent world [[Pleione]] in the Chaos March. Though they did well, their lack of experience in contract negotiation caused numerous issues, specifically in conceding command to local militia commanders. Though they were hampered by an insecure and tentative commander, they did eventually force the attacking Federated Suns [[Twelfth Vegan Rangers]] off world. This success went a long way in restoring the reputation the unit had been lacking since their actions during the Fourth Succession War.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>
  
−
Their first contract was with the independent world [[Pleione]] in the Chaos March. Though they did well, their lack of experience in contract negotiation caused numerous issues, specifically in ceding command to local militia commanders. Though they were hampered by an insecure and tentative commander, they did eventually force the attacking Federated Suns [[12th Vegan Rangers]] off world. This success went a long way in restoring the reputation the unit had been lacking since their actions during the Fourth Succession War.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>
+
In the following years the unit gained experience in contract negotiations and retained increasing autonomy with each new contract. In late 3058, the Legion took a contract with the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and was assigned to defend [[Tomans]] against [[Clan]] incursions into Commonwealth space.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>  
  
−
In the following years the unit gained experience in contract negotiations and retained increasing autonomy with each new contract. In late 3058 the Legion took a contract with the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and was assigned to defend [[Tomans]] against [[Clan]] incursions into Commonwealth space.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>  
+
In [[3064]], Brion's Legion was rushed to the planet [[Rasalgethi]] in response to a [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcon]] attack on this planet. There they supported elements of the [[Kelenfold PTM]] and [[Snord's Irregulars]] in some of the heaviest fighting they had faced since the fateful battle on David in the Fourth Succession War. The chaotic nature of the battle forced the Legion to abandon its preferred tactics of mass formation long-range fighting in favor of a more fluid and flexible approach. They became adept at the use of lures, traps and ambushes as well as battlefield deception tactics to hide the composition and placement of their forces. Though they took substantial damage in this campaign, primarily to the First Regiment, Brion's Legion came out of this trial with a renewed sense of accomplishment and a reputation as a stalwart band of mercenaries.<ref name=MS-2224>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 24</ref>
  
−
In [[3064]] Brion's Legion was rushed to the planet [[Rasalgethi]] in response to a [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcon]] attack on this planet. There they supported elements of the [[Kelenfold PTM]] and [[Snord's Irregulars]] in some of the heaviest fighting they had faced since the fateful battle on David in the Fourth Succession War. The chaotic nature of the battle forced the Legion to abandon its preferred tactics of mass formation long-range fighting in favor of a more fluid and flexible approach. They became adept at the use of lures, traps and ambushes as well as battlefield deception tactics to hide the composition and placement of their forces. Though they took substantial damage in this campaign, primarily to the First Regiment, Brion's Legion came out of this trial with a renewed sense of accomplishment and a reputation as a stalwart band of mercenaries.<ref name=MS-2224/>
+
With the beginning of the [[Jihad]] the First Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On [[Mizar]] they met the [[Steel Guard]] in combat and retreated after serious losses. In [[3069]], they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet.<ref name=MSUp37>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref>
  
−
With the beginning of the [[Jihad]] the 1st Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On [[Mizar]] they met the [[Steel Guard]] in combat and retreated after serious losses. In [[3069]] they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref>
+
The Second Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on [[Bolan]], the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events led to the rumors of their being the "pet" mercs of the planetary leader.<ref name=MSUp37/> When the [[Fifty-second Shadow Division]] struck at Bolan on 17 February [[3074]], the defending Second Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.<ref name="JHS3076p48">''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 48: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp52">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 52: "The Jihad In Review"</ref>
−
 
 
−
The 2nd Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on [[Bolan]], the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events led to the rumors of their being the "pet" mercs of the planetary leader.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref> When the [[52nd Shadow Division]] struck at Bolan on the 17th of February [[3074]], the defending 2nd Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.<ref name="JHS3076p48">''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 48, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp52">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 52, "The Jihad In Review"</ref>
 
  
 
After the [[Jihad]] ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison [[Son Hoa]].<ref name=frla18>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 18</ref>
 
After the [[Jihad]] ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison [[Son Hoa]].<ref name=frla18>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 18</ref>
Line 49: Line 50:
 
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Brion's Legion'''
 
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Brion's Legion'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Colonel]]||[[Pythonius Brion]]||[[3013]]-[[3028]]<ref name=FSW2-28/><ref name=HK-/>
+
| [[Colonel]]||[[Pythonius Brion]]||[[3013]] - [[3028]]<ref name=FSW2-28/><ref name=HK-/>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Colonal||[[Octavius Brion]]||3028-[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160, "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
+
| Colonal||[[Octavius Brion]]||3028 - [[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Available Forces and Organization===
+
===Notes===
−
In 3067 the demibrigade fields two BattleMech regiments with supporting commands. The mercenaries own enough DropShips and JumpShip to carry their equipment independently. Another source for their success is their skilled technical crews. <ref>Mercenaries Supplemental p.22 </ref>
+
* [[Major]] [[Richard Merriwether|Richard "K.O." Merriwether]] was the second in command after Colonel Octavius Brion.
−
 
 
−
==Historical Composition==
 
  
 +
==Unit Composition History==
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
 +
'''Brion's Legion''' (2 Battalions/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=HKTDCp133>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 133: "DCMS Deployment Table"</ref>
 +
:* CO: Colonel Pythonius Brion<ref name=HKTDCp133/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Murchison]].<ref name=HKTDCp133/>
  
−
'''Mech Assets''' (2 [[Battalion]]s/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=HK-> ''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'' p. </ref>
+
===3050===
−
*CO: Colonel Pythonius Brion
+
* [[David's Lesson|First Regiment of the Brion's Legion: David's Lesson]]
−
:Contracted to Draconis Combine, assigned to Murchison in the Ashio Prefecture
+
* [[Brion's Legacy|Second Regiment of the Brion's Legion: Brion's Legacy]]
−
 
 
−
===3054===
 
−
 
 
−
'''Mech Assets''' (2 [[Regiment]]s/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=CS-85>''ComStar (sourcebook)'' p.85</ref>
 
−
*CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
 
−
:Contracted to ComStar as part of The Home Guard, Terra Defense Force V-gamma
 
−
 
 
−
===3085===
 
−
'''Brion's Legion''' (Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FM3085p160/>       
 
−
* CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
 
−
 
 
−
==1st Regiment==
 
−
===Officers===
 
−
Major Richard “K.O.” Merriwether is the second in command after Colonel Octavius Brion and is widely known for his MechWarrior skills even against Clan enemies.
 
−
 
 
−
===Tactics===
 
−
For years their preferred tactical doctrine was to use their superior technology to stand off and fight from a distance. Their fighting style has changed with the increase of their conventional forces. The CO mixed his forces dependent on the battlefield requirements, which surprised many enemies. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p.23 </ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==Composition History==
 
−
 
 
−
===3057===
 
−
[[Image:Brionlegion1st.png|right|thumb|The insignia of the first regiment]]
 
−
'''Mech Assets''' (2 [[Regiment]]s) <ref name=FMM-44-46>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'' pp. 44-45</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
'''First Regiment: David's Lesson''' Veteran/Fanatical
 
−
*CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
 
−
:*XO: Major Albert Johansson
 
−
::''2nd Company''
 
−
::*Captain Richard Merriwether
 
−
:''2nd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Isabella Francis
 
−
:''3rd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Wellum Owens
 
  
−
-Note: there is a full company of ''[[Bombardier]]'' 'Mechs split between 1st and 2nd Battalions
+
==Unit Scheme==
−
 
+
Brion's Legion utilize a camouflaged pattern of various greens. Though it depends on the terrain they are on.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, page 22.</ref>
−
===3067===
+
==Gallery==
−
'''First Regiment: David's Lesson'''  Veteran/Reliable
+
<gallery>
−
*CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
+
Brions Legion logo-3049.png|Old Brion's Legion insignia, ca. [[3049]]
−
:*XO: Major Richard Meriwether
+
</gallery>
−
::''2nd Company''
 
−
::*Captain Delilah Faulkner
 
−
:''2nd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major David Francis
 
−
:''3rd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Wellum Owens
 
−
 
 
−
-Note: Currently understrength due to losses on Rasalgethi
 
−
 
 
−
:''First Combat Support Battalion'' Veteran/Fanatical
 
−
:*CO: Major Carlos Waters
 
−
: The mixed unit contains
 
−
: 12 Thumper Artillery pieces
 
−
: 1 company of Armor
 
−
: 1 motorized Infantry company (specialized in Anti-'Mech and command operations).
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
:''First Combat Air Support Wing'' Regular/Reliable
 
−
:*CO WO John Clyde
 
−
: The twelve machines of the unit are tasked with ground support and DropShip escort duties.
 
−
 
 
−
===3079===
 
−
The First Regiment suffered 35% losses during the [[Jihad]].<ref name=frla18/>
 
−
 
 
−
==2nd Regiment==
 
−
===Officers===
 
−
Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Li commands the unit after the retirement of the former leader Robert Markham in 3064.
 
−
 
 
−
===Tactics===
 
−
In contrast to its sister regiment, the 2nd uses a two step battle plan. 1st: use long-range weapons to soften the enemy before 2nd use your mobilty to  get in to close quarters and finish the engagement quickly. The mercenaries try to capture as much salvage as possible. The command is also known to set ambushes, building false units from scrap with bogus radio traffic as  diversionary tactics.  <ref name=MS-2224>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p.24 </ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===Unit TO&E===
 
−
====3057====
 
−
 
 
−
'''Second Regiment: Brion's Legacy''' Regular/Reliable
 
−
*CO/Ist Battalion: Lt. Colonel Robert Markham
 
−
:*XO: Major Douglas Li
 
−
:''2nd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Earnest Julio
 
−
:''3rd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Shane Fletcher
 
−
::''3rd [[Company]]/Recon''
 
−
::* Lieutenant Sheila Olson
 
−
 
 
−
-Note: All 'Mechs in the Regiment are either Star League or Star League-refitted. 3rd Company is a specialized 6-unit recon lance with Star League era fast 'Mechs assigned.
 
−
 
 
−
====3067====
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:Brionlegion2ng.png|right|thumb|Insignia of the Second Regiment]]
 
−
'''Second Regiment: Brion's Legacy''' Regular/Reliable
 
−
*CO: Lt. Colonel Douglas Li
 
−
:*XO: Major Shane Fletcher
 
−
:''1st Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Sheila Olson
 
−
:''2nd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Charles O'Bannon
 
−
:''3rd Battalion''
 
−
:*Major Alfred Goyle
 
−
 
 
−
-Note: Favors flexible engagement and meat grinder tactics as the situation requires. Prefers to use a deceptive tactical doctrine to hide force position and composition
 
−
 
 
−
:''Second Command Support Battalion'' Regular/Reliable
 
−
:*CO: Major Daryl Porter
 
−
:The Support Battalion includes
 
−
: 1 Aerospace wing,
 
−
: 1 Artillery Battery
 
−
: 1 Infantry Company. The Infantry is trained in anti-'Mech tactics. The unit having two platoons of Combat Engineers also incorporate.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 177: Line 80:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 +
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]''
 
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]''
 
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]''
 +
* ''[[The Fall of Terra (scenario pack)|The Fall of Terra]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
Line 189: Line 95:
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
−
* ''[[The Fall of Terra (scenario pack)|The Fall of Terra]]''
+
* ''[[Simple Farmer]]'' (in: ''[[Total Warfare]]'')
 +
{{div col end}}
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands]]

Latest revision as of 22:21, 23 April 2024

Brion's Legion.jpg
Brion's Legion
Formed 3013
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command Independent
Sub-Command(s) David's Lesson

Brion's Legacy

History[edit]

Brion's Legion was a mercenary unit that entered the service of House Kurita in 3013.[1] The regiment fared poorly, often being in the wrong place at the wrong time,[1] and took a severe beating on Tancredi II because their Draconis Combine employers failed to adequately support them. As of 3025 they were reduced to two battalions (implied to be understrength), and trying to rebuild their strength. They were assigned to the Ashio Prefecture and stationed on the planet Murchison by 3025.[1][2]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

With the advent of the Fourth Succession War the Legion was paired with the Ninth Dieron Regulars for an attack on the Federated Suns planet David.[3] It is on this world that the fate of the Legion was changed forever. The Legion and the Dieron Regulars attacked the on-planet forces, specifically the Twelfth Deneb Light Cavalry, as part of the Draconis Combine's response to Davion aggression. Initially the attack went well, with the Kurita forces successfully landing all forces, but soon turned inconclusive as the Cavalry were augmented by local militia and civilian actions. Despite this, the Draconis forces continued to push the Federated Suns' lighter units. Finally, the Light Cavalry found a defensive position and turned to fight.[4]

The Legion spearheaded the Draconis Combine's attack and advanced to engage. With the assistance of local farmer Tybalt Jones,[5] a Cavalry ploy identified the 'Mech of the Legion's leader, Colonel Pythonius Brion, and it was destroyed by the combined fire of an entire battalion. Demoralized, the Legion retreated from the field of battle closely pursued by the Light Cavalry. Realizing their situation, the Legion fled to the local ComStar station and appealed for sanctuary, which was granted. When told of this, Coordinator Takashi Kurita was heard saying he had no use for "that collection of cowardly daffodil-sniffers" and washed his hands of the unit forever.[4]

ComStar at this time desired a more visible military presence and preferred to keep the Com Guard forces still secret. With this in mind, Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht contacted Colonel Octavius Brion, son of Pythonius, and offered the disgraced Legion a contract with ComStar, bringing the Legion back up to a full Regiment using Star League era BattleMechs and upgraded the remainder using Star League era technologies. They also enrolled the Legion personnel in ComStar's rigorous MechWarrior training programs, resulting in an overall upgrade of the unit. Over time the Legion was expanded to a second regiment to better support their role as a garrison unit for ComStar assets.[6][7]

Post Clan Invasion[edit]

With the public revelation of the existence of the Com Guards, Brion's Legion was assigned to the Terran Defense Force under Precentor IV Ralph Marchino as part of the Home Guard for the Sol star system. Though they spent many years as a ComStar mercenary unit, the Legion has always held to the command and organizational structures of the Inner Sphere standard militaries.[6][7]

The Legion's status as a ComStar-contracted mercenary command ended in 3058. With the fighting in the Chaos March heating up and mercenary contracts in this region becoming more lucrative the Legion command decided to end its contract with ComStar and prove it had recovered from its disastrous showing during the Fourth Succession War. This decision would have grave impacts on the future of ComStar and on the Inner Sphere itself, with the Word of Blake masquerading as the Twenty-first Centauri Lancers intended to replace the Legion, allowing the Blakists a foothold to successfully launch Operation Odysseus. [8][9]

Their first contract was with the independent world Pleione in the Chaos March. Though they did well, their lack of experience in contract negotiation caused numerous issues, specifically in conceding command to local militia commanders. Though they were hampered by an insecure and tentative commander, they did eventually force the attacking Federated Suns Twelfth Vegan Rangers off world. This success went a long way in restoring the reputation the unit had been lacking since their actions during the Fourth Succession War.[6]

In the following years the unit gained experience in contract negotiations and retained increasing autonomy with each new contract. In late 3058, the Legion took a contract with the Lyran Commonwealth and was assigned to defend Tomans against Clan incursions into Commonwealth space.[6]

In 3064, Brion's Legion was rushed to the planet Rasalgethi in response to a Jade Falcon attack on this planet. There they supported elements of the Kelenfold PTM and Snord's Irregulars in some of the heaviest fighting they had faced since the fateful battle on David in the Fourth Succession War. The chaotic nature of the battle forced the Legion to abandon its preferred tactics of mass formation long-range fighting in favor of a more fluid and flexible approach. They became adept at the use of lures, traps and ambushes as well as battlefield deception tactics to hide the composition and placement of their forces. Though they took substantial damage in this campaign, primarily to the First Regiment, Brion's Legion came out of this trial with a renewed sense of accomplishment and a reputation as a stalwart band of mercenaries.[10]

With the beginning of the Jihad the First Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On Mizar they met the Steel Guard in combat and retreated after serious losses. In 3069, they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet.[11]

The Second Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on Bolan, the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events led to the rumors of their being the "pet" mercs of the planetary leader.[11] When the Fifty-second Shadow Division struck at Bolan on 17 February 3074, the defending Second Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.[12][13]

After the Jihad ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison Son Hoa.[14]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Brion's Legion
Colonel Pythonius Brion 3013 - 3028[4][2]
Colonal Octavius Brion 3028 - 3085[15]

Notes[edit]

Unit Composition History[edit]

3025[edit]

Brion's Legion (2 Battalions/Regular/Questionable)[16]

  • CO: Colonel Pythonius Brion[16]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Murchison.[16]

3050[edit]

Unit Scheme[edit]

Brion's Legion utilize a camouflaged pattern of various greens. Though it depends on the terrain they are on.[17]

Gallery[edit]

  • Old Brion's Legion insignia, ca. 3049

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, p. 123
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. ?
  3. ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 80
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2, p. 28
  5. ↑ Simple Farmer
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Field Manual: Mercenaries pp. 44–45
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Combat Manual: Mercenaries, p. 26
  8. ↑ Shattered Sphere, p. 100: "The Fall of Terra - Opening Moves"
  9. ↑ The Fall of Terra, p. 7: "Operation Odysseus - Gathering Storm"
  10. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental, p. 24
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 37
  12. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 48: "Timeline of the Jihad"
  13. ↑ Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 52: "The Jihad In Review"
  14. ↑ Field Report: LAAF, p. 18
  15. ↑ Field Manual: 3085, p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 133: "DCMS Deployment Table"
  17. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental, page 22.

Bibliography[edit]

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