Difference between revisions of "Brion's Legion"
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==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/> With the advent of the [[Fourth Succession War]] the Legion was paired with the [[9th 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.
+
'''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/>  
  
−
During the action on David the Legion and the Dieron Regulars attacked the on-planet forces, specifically the [[12th 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>
+
===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.
  
−
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/>
+
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>
  
−
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 the 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/>
+
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/>
  
−
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/>
+
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/>
 +
 
 +
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 [[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>
 
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>
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===Officers===
 
===Officers===
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[[Colonel]] Pythonius Brion was the original commander of Brion's Legion while under Draconis Combine contract.<ref name=FSW2-28/><ref name=HK-/> He was succeeded on his death by his son, Colonel Octavius Brion, who still commands to this day.<ref name=FMM-44-46/>
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==Officers==
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
In [[3085]] Colonel Octavius Brion is the commanding officer of the unit.<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160, "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
+
|-
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 +
|-
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| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Brion's Legion'''
 +
|-
 +
| [[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>
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
===Available Forces and Organization===
 
===Available Forces and Organization===

Revision as of 17:50, 10 December 2017

Template:InfoBoxMercUnit

History

Brion's Legion 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.[2][1]

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.[3] It is on this world that the fate of the Legion was changed forever.

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.[4]

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.[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 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 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 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.[5]

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 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.[5]

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. [6] [7]

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.[5]

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.[5]

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.[8]

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. [9]

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.[10] When the 52nd Shadow Division struck at Bolan on the 17th of February 3074, the defending 2nd Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.[11][12]

After the Jihad ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison Son Hoa.[13]

Officers

Officers

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Brion's Legion
Colonel Pythonius Brion 3013-3028[4][2]
Colonal Octavius Brion 3028-3085[14]

Available Forces and Organization

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. [15]

Historical Composition

3025

Mech Assets (2 Battalions/Regular/Questionable)[2]

  • CO: Colonel Pythonius Brion
Contracted to Draconis Combine, assigned to Murchison in the Ashio Prefecture

3054

Mech Assets (2 Regiments/Elite/Reliable)[16]

  • CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
Contracted to ComStar as part of The Home Guard, Terra Defense Force V-gamma

3085

Brion's Legion (Veteran/Reliable)[14]

  • 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. [17]

Composition History

3057

The insignia of the first regiment

Mech Assets (2 Regiments) [5]

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

3067

First Regiment: David's Lesson Veteran/Reliable

  • CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
  • XO: Major Richard Meriwether
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.[13]

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. [8]

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

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

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, p. 123
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Field Manual: Mercenaries pp. 44-45
  6. ↑ Shattered Sphere, p. 100 "The Fall of Terra - Opening Moves"
  7. ↑ The Fall of Terra, p. 7 "Operation Odysseus - Gathering Storm"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Mercenaries Supplemental, p.24
  9. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 37
  10. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 37
  11. ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 48, "Timeline of the Jihad"
  12. ↑ Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 52, "The Jihad In Review"
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Field Report: LAAF, p. 18
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 160, "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"
  15. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental p.22
  16. ↑ ComStar (sourcebook) p.85
  17. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental, p.23

Bibliography

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