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	{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the scenario pack|The Kell Hounds}}		{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the scenario pack|The Kell Hounds}}
−	{{Update Needed|[[The Kell Hounds]]|[[Giving up the Ghost]]|[[Era Report: 3052]]|[[Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World]]|[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]|[[Operational Turning Points: The Red Corsair]]|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]|[[Natural Selection]]|[[Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks]]}}	+	{{Update Needed|[[The Kell Hounds]], [[Giving up the Ghost]], [[Era Report: 3052]], [[Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World]], [[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]], [[Operational Turning Points: The Red Corsair]], [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], [[Natural Selection]], [[Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks]]}}
	{{refimprove}}		{{refimprove}}
	{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand		{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
−	| image = [[Image:Kell Hounds logo.png|191px|Insignia of the Kell Hounds]]	+	| image = [[Image:Kell Hounds logo.png|150px|Insignia of the Kell Hounds]]
	| Designation = Kell Hounds		| Designation = Kell Hounds
	| Formed = [[3010]]		| Formed = [[3010]]
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	{{main|Battle of Twycross}}		{{main|Battle of Twycross}}
−	Despite their initial losses, the Hounds would participate in two major victories against the Clans.  The first was in the liberation of [[Twycross]] when they and elements from the [[Federated Commonwealth]] wrested control of the planet from [[Clan Jade Falcon]].  Though a costly battle, it served as a great morale boost for the entire [[Inner Sphere]] as it proved that the Clans could be beaten.  The Hounds also played a crucial role during the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]], where Clans [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] attempted to decapitate the [[Draconis Combine]] in one fell swoop. During that battle, the Hounds alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and elite units of the Combine helped turn the invaders from the Draconis Combine's capital. Following that battle, Coordinator [[Takashi Kurita]] rescinded his "Death to Mercenaries" order. During this hard fighting, the two regiments who came to Luthien were reduced to just over two operational battalions, nearly two-thirds losses.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', ch. 47</ref>	+	Despite their initial losses, the Hounds would participate in two major victories against the Clans.  The first was in the liberation of [[Twycross]] when they and elements from the [[Federated Commonwealth]] wrested control of the planet from [[Clan Jade Falcon]].  Though a costly battle, it served as a great morale boost for the entire [[Inner Sphere]] as it proved that the Clans could be beaten.  The Hounds also played a crucial role during the [[Battle of Luthien (Clan Invasion)|Battle of Luthien]], where Clans [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] attempted to decapitate the [[Draconis Combine]] in one fell swoop. During that battle, the Hounds alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and elite units of the Combine helped turn the invaders from the Draconis Combine's capital. Following that battle, Coordinator [[Takashi Kurita]] rescinded his "Death to Mercenaries" order. During this hard fighting, the two regiments who came to Luthien were reduced to just over two operational battalions, nearly two-thirds losses.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', ch. 47</ref>
	===Clan Wolf-in-Exile and the Arc Royal Defense Cordon===		===Clan Wolf-in-Exile and the Arc Royal Defense Cordon===
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	===Fall of Arc-Royal===		===Fall of Arc-Royal===
−	On the 5th of September [[3146]], the Falcons launched a renewed attack on Arc-Royal, personally led by [[Malvina Hazen]] to crush the defenders that had been a thorn in her side. While the Kell Hounds and their allies, the Exiled Wolves, managed to hold firm to their defenses for three weeks, the [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3146)]] ended in disaster both for the Wolves-in-Exile and for the Hounds. The Jade Falcons took the planet after inflicting serious damage to the defenders and slaying [[Duke]] [[Martin Kell]].<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 26</ref> With their numbers reduced to less than half their strength, a mere battalion, and with a large number of dependents attached to their evacuation fleet, Callandre proceeded to raid three Jade Falcon worlds with the Kell Hounds' insignia removed and sent communications to all Kell Hounds affiliates to rendezvous at a secret location to secure refuge in the Periphery.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 43</ref>	+	On the 5th of September [[3146]], the Falcons launched a renewed attack on Arc-Royal, personally led by [[Malvina Hazen]] to crush the defenders that had been a thorn in her side. While the Kell Hounds and their allies, the Exiled Wolves, managed to hold firm to their defenses for three weeks, [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3146)]] ended in disaster both for the Wolves-in-Exile and for the Hounds. The Jade Falcons took the planet after inflicting serious damage to the defenders and slaying [[Duke]] [[Martin Kell]].<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 26</ref> With their numbers reduced to less than half their strength, a mere battalion, and with a large number of dependents attached to their evacuation fleet, Callandre proceeded to raid three Jade Falcon worlds with the Kell Hounds' insignia removed and send communications to all Kell Hounds affiliates to rendezvous at a secret location to secure refuge in the Periphery.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 43</ref>
	===IlClan Era===		===IlClan Era===
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	Their first attack, on the planet [[Santana]], was a total success, as the Falcon's garrison had departed and they barely had to hunt some partisan guerrillas. Then they departed to Arc-Royal.		Their first attack, on the planet [[Santana]], was a total success, as the Falcon's garrison had departed and they barely had to hunt some partisan guerrillas. Then they departed to Arc-Royal.
	The [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3151)]] was a long and hard one, but the unusually strong Falcon's garrison was broken and forced to retreat, liberating the world. The next day, Callandre announced the foundation of the [[Arc-Royal Liberty Coalition]], with the Hounds being their main combat force.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 36-38</ref>		The [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3151)]] was a long and hard one, but the unusually strong Falcon's garrison was broken and forced to retreat, liberating the world. The next day, Callandre announced the foundation of the [[Arc-Royal Liberty Coalition]], with the Hounds being their main combat force.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 36-38</ref>
−	After that, the Hounds remaining on Beta Regulus rejoined the others on Arc-Royal. The now rebuilt Hounds, about three companies strong, were sent to liberate the nearby worlds of [[Zanderij]], [[Great X]] and [[Sargasso]] in February [[3152]]. They all succeed, though not too easily, proving how green most of the Hounds were. All three worlds were added to the ARLC.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70-71</ref>	+	After that, the Hounds remaining on Beta Regulus rejoined the others in Arc-Royal. The now rebuilt Hounds, about three companies strong, were sent to liberate the nearby worlds of [[Zanderij]], [[Great X]] and [[Sargasso]] in February [[3152]]. They all succeed, though not too easily, proving how green most of the Hounds were. All three worlds were added to the ARLC.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70-71</ref>
	==Officers==		==Officers==
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	* CO: Colonel Callandre Kell		* CO: Colonel Callandre Kell
	:- At this point, the Hounds fielded three companies, most of rookies but each one built around a core of Hound veterans.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70</ref>		:- At this point, the Hounds fielded three companies, most of rookies but each one built around a core of Hound veterans.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70</ref>
−	:- The Hounds are currently three combined-arms battalions strong. Second Battalion is a mixture of planetary militia and new recruits, while Third Battalion was formed from recruits, elderly retired Kell Hounds, and volunteers from other mercenary commands. <ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 79</ref>
	==Colors and Uniform==		==Colors and Uniform==

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{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the scenario pack|The Kell Hounds}} {{Update Needed|[[The Kell Hounds]], [[Giving up the Ghost]], [[Era Report: 3052]], [[Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World]], [[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]], [[Operational Turning Points: The Red Corsair]], [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], [[Natural Selection]], [[Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks]]}} {{refimprove}} {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | image = [[Image:Kell Hounds logo.png|150px|Insignia of the Kell Hounds]] | Designation = Kell Hounds | Formed = [[3010]] | Disbanded = | Previous Designation = | Nickname = | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | Parent Command = Independent | Sub-Command = [[First Kell Hounds]] ---- [[Second Kell Hounds]] }} ==Unit Description== The '''Kell Hounds''' are one of the most celebrated [[mercenary unit]]s in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Founded by the legendary [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] [[Morgan Kell]] and his brother [[Patrick Kell|Patrick]], the Kell Hounds have played pivotal roles in the history of the [[Successor States]], from the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] to the [[Clan Invasion]]. ==History== ===Formation=== The Kell Hounds were born even before Morgan and Patrick had thoughts of running their own mercenary command. [[Arthur Luvon]], future husband of Lyran [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] and Morgan and Patrick's cousin, dubbed the two brothers the Kell Hounds after witnessing them as young boys running around and terrorizing a neighbor's flock of sheep. Arthur drew up the Kell Hounds' crest and predicted that the two would grow up to become great MechWarriors. When Arthur died, Morgan and Patrick used the money left to them to form the Kell Hounds mercenary unit which they created in [[3010]]. [[Walter de Mesnil]] was the first MechWarrior hired, followed shortly after by [[Richard O’Cieran]] and his Jump Infantry unit, the Crashers.<ref>''Not the Way the Smart Money Bets''</ref> Though initially mocked as rich boys playing mercenary, the two made quite the impression with their surprisingly advanced grasp of strategy and tactics, as well as top-notch technical support staff. ===The Defection=== The Kell Hounds were sent to the planet of [[Mallory's World]], where Prince [[Ian Davion]] of the [[Federated Suns]] was engaged in a running battle with [[Yorinaga Kurita]] and his [[2nd Sword of Light|Second Sword of Light]] regiment. Prince Davion was killed in a rearguard action and would have been taken as a trophy by Yorinaga had Morgan Kell not intervened. In one of the most celebrated, and mysterious, battles of all time, Morgan challenged Yorinaga to a duel that would decide the victor of Mallory's World. The battle between these two elite MechWarriors became a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Morgan's more agile ''[[Archer]]'' feinting and striking against Yorinaga's more powerful ''[[Warhammer]]''. Yorinaga seemed to gain the upper hand when a blast from his [[PPC]] destroyed the ''Archer''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s right arm. With the ''Archer'' on its knees, Yorinaga moved in to deliver the final blow. At this point, however, by all accounts Morgan's ''Archer'' disappeared from the battle computers of every 'Mech present; the computers would just not acknowledge the 'Mech as a target. Thus, at point-blank range, Yorinaga managed to fire, and miss, with all the weapons at his disposal. In disbelief Yorinaga fired again and again, each time missing the ''Archer'' which was just a few meters away. In the midst of this firestorm, Morgan managed to bring his 'Mech upright and bow toward Yorinaga. At this Yorinaga paused, uttered a ''haiku'', and finally ordered his unit to pull back. The Kell Hounds had carried the day in a most extraordinary fashion. The mysterious conclusion of this duel became known as the [[Phantom 'Mech]] and became a legend throughout the Inner Sphere. Following the campaign on Mallory's World, Morgan did the totally unexpected: He largely disbanded the Kell Hounds, sending off two-thirds of the regiment and leaving his brother Patrick with only a mixed battalion of 'Mechs and supporting vehicles. Morgan himself went into exile, hiding away on the religious retreat of [[Zaniah]] III. All of this without word or rhyme to any of the remaining Kell Hounds and, most cruelly in the eyes of those left behind, without any explanation to Patrick. ===The ''Silver Eagle'' Incident=== {{main|Silver Eagle Incident}} Reduced down to the level of a reinforced battalion after what the remaining Kell Hounds had dubbed "The Defection," the unit was entering its darkest days. But Patrick, taking the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel as he believed Morgan to still be the commanding officer of the Kell Hounds, was determined to make the new Kell Hounds the best battalion-level mercenary unit out there. Their next contract was a pirate-hunting mission on the fringes of the [[Free Worlds League]] in which among many pirate units they destroyed [[Gorman Toth]]'s [[Legion of Honor]], who had tried to trick them. Eventually, the Kell Hounds found themselves employed by the Lyran Commonwealth again to garrison duty on the planet of [[Chara|Pacifica]]. When the [[Draconis Combine]] got word of this, a task force was covertly sent to destroy the Kell Hounds. The Hounds beat off the first few attempts, though Patrick was critically wounded. Soon, however, they found their situation untenable. Getting off-planet and jumping into Combine space, the Kell Hounds found themselves at a former mining outpost called [[Styx]]. Unbeknownst to the Kell Hounds, the [[DropShip]] ''Silver Eagle'', carrying Archon-Designate [[Melissa Steiner]] on a covert mission to meet her future husband [[Hanse Davion]], had been hijacked and taken to Styx by the local [[Heimdall (organization)|Heimdall]] cell. To make matters worse, the Combine had gotten wind of this and sent the newly formed ''[[Genyosha]]'' with Yorinaga Kurita at its head to capture Melissa. Only when lead elements of the Kell Hounds made their way partly through the Styx compound, and had come across Melissa themselves, did they come to understand the gravity of the situation. Tricking the Kuritans into thinking that they had already taken Melissa off-planet, the Kell Hounds waited for Patrick's cue to engage the ''Genyosha'', which came in the form of Patrick dropping his ''[[Victor]]'' right in the midst of the Kuritans despite his previous injuries. As the rest of the Kell Hounds attacked, Patrick made it his sole duty to reduce the numerical superiority of the ''Genyosha'' despite murderous fire coming from Yorinaga's ''Warhammer''. The battle came to an end when Yorinaga destroyed Patrick's ''Victor'', and in return, Captain [[Daniel Allard]] rammed his ''[[Valkyrie]]'' into the back of Yorinaga's ''Warhammer''. With the ''Genyosha'' in retreat, the Kell Hounds had saved Melissa Steiner but at a great cost: Patrick Kell died from his wounds, safe in the knowledge that he had done his duty. ===Fourth Succession War=== Following the death of Patrick Kell, Morgan returned from exile and recalled those former Kell Hounds that he had previously sent away. Back up to regimental strength, Morgan set the Kell Hounds on a path of vengeance against Yorinaga Kurita even as the [[Fourth Succession War]] broke out across the Inner Sphere. The first meeting between the Hounds and Yorinaga's Genyosha was technically on the planet of [[Northwind]]. Major [[Scott Bradley]], one of those Kell Hounds who left under Morgan's orders, petitioned Morgan to fold his Bradley's Bravos into the Kell Hounds and was thus allowed to designate his unit as the Kell Hounds' Third 'Mech Battalion. Thus when the Draconis Combine launched an invasion of Northwind, the Genyosha was among the invading forces. While the Genyosha were on Northwind Morgan took the Kell Hounds proper to [[Nashira]], the homeworld of the Genyosha. Not finding them there, Morgan instructed the civilians to vacate the Genyosha's command post and to take as many of the Genyosha's personal effects along with them before his Hounds leveled the command post. In this way, Morgan sought to distinguish this fight as one between him and Yorinaga alone. To arrange a proper meeting between the two, Morgan created a large star map out of the rubble of the command post, indicating that Morgan and Yorinaga should decide their fate on the planet of [[Ryde]]. ===The War of '39=== During the [[War of 3039]], the Hounds were based along the [[Federated Commonwealth]]'s Terran Corridor, which Hanse Davion hoped would be a deterrent against Kurita counterattacks. However, he was forced to relocate them to [[Robinson]] when that world was threatened. In [[3040]], Katrina Steiner died, leaving the Hounds enough money in a bequest to form a second regiment. Morgan Kell promoted Daniel Allard to command the first regiment and Scott Bradley to command the second.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 60</ref> ===Ambergrist=== In [[3048]], [[House Hiritsu]] and other Capellan forces launched a massive invasion of [[Ambergrist]], seeking to retake that world from the [[St. Ives Compact]]. They were repulsed by the [[1st Kell Hounds|First Kell Hounds]] and local forces.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 61</ref> ===Clan Invasion=== The Kell Hounds were one of the first House units (contracted by the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]) to face the [[Clans]]. In [[3049]], the Kell Hounds' Third Battalion fought a running battle with elements of [[Clan Wolf]] on [[The Rock]] while hunting pirates who used the planet as their base of operations. Though the Hounds fought with their typical skill and tenacity, they were no match for the superior weaponry and skill of the Clan pilots; eventually, the entire battalion was destroyed. However, [[Phelan Kell]], son of Morgan, would be taken captive by the Wolves and rise through the ranks of the Wolf Clan to eventually stand as one of their Khans. {{main|Battle of Twycross}} Despite their initial losses, the Hounds would participate in two major victories against the Clans. The first was in the liberation of [[Twycross]] when they and elements from the [[Federated Commonwealth]] wrested control of the planet from [[Clan Jade Falcon]]. Though a costly battle, it served as a great morale boost for the entire [[Inner Sphere]] as it proved that the Clans could be beaten. The Hounds also played a crucial role during the [[Battle of Luthien (Clan Invasion)|Battle of Luthien]], where Clans [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] attempted to decapitate the [[Draconis Combine]] in one fell swoop. During that battle, the Hounds alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] and elite units of the Combine helped turn the invaders from the Draconis Combine's capital. Following that battle, Coordinator [[Takashi Kurita]] rescinded his "Death to Mercenaries" order. During this hard fighting, the two regiments who came to Luthien were reduced to just over two operational battalions, nearly two-thirds losses.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', ch. 47</ref> ===Clan Wolf-in-Exile and the Arc Royal Defense Cordon=== When the [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile|Wolves-in-Exile]], led by former Kell Hound [[Phelan Kell]], arrived in the Inner Sphere in [[3057]], they were eventually allowed to set up in [[Arc-Royal]] by Morgan Kell. The Kell Hounds also formed a core contingent of the [[Arc-Royal Defense Cordon]] (ARDC) under the command of Morgan Kell shortly after [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] seceded the Lyran half of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and renamed it the [[Lyran Alliance]]. This placed them in a position to defend Lyran space from Clan incursions, more specifically the [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcons]], but also the [[Clan Wolf|Crusader Wolves]]. ===Operation BULLDOG=== {{sectionstub}} ===FedCom Civil War=== {{sectionstub}} ===Jihad=== Lt. Colonel [[Daniel Allard]] was killed in combat with [[Clan Jade Falcon|Clan Jade Falcon forces]] on June 12, [[3069]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. ??{{cn}}</ref> First regiment participated in the liberation of [[Tharkad]] in January [[3072]].<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Tharkad''</ref> In February [[3072]] elements of the Kell Hounds participated in the liberation of [[Donegal]] from the [[Word of Blake]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 85: "Corporate Ties scenario - Kell Hounds part of ally liberation force"</ref> On Arc-Royal, the Kell Hounds' independent company, [[Crescent Hawks]] re-formed under command of Captain [[Jeremiah Youngblood II|Jeremiah Youngblood]]. The unit contracted as part of [[Uncle Chandy]]'s allied forces.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 113: "Crescent Hawks fly again!" - Crescent Hawks deployed for locals unknown</ref> On August 28th, [[3073]], the First Regiment was attacked on [[New Exford]] by the Word of Blake's [[50th Shadow Division]]. The Kell Hounds' aerospace assets were not adequate enough to stop the 50th from landing. The Second Battalion attempted to flank the incoming force but was annihilated. This left the remaining two battalions to defend their base. The Regiment's temporary commanding officer, [[Christian Kell]] was killed by head hunter units sent from the 50th, causing the remaining Kell Hounds to fall back. The unit suffered 70% losses by the time the unit was able to retreat.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 37: "Christian Kell is killed by Word of Blake's head hunter units of the 50th Shadow Division. Kell Hounds survivors suffer 70% losses"</ref> In June [[3077]] the First Kell Hounds Regiment led by [[Akira Brahe]] raided [[Marcus]] as part of [[Operation SCOUR]] and engaged the [[Marcus Protectorate Militia]] in several cities. The unit was also able to take and destroy a [[WoB]] arsenal hidden under stored grain in three of the buildings of a hidden firebase.<ref name=TCp169>''Total Chaos'', pp. 169–170: "Hounds of War"</ref> === The Dark Age === In [[3081]], the Kell Hounds were a defiant but small remnant of their pre-Jihad strength. The Kell Hounds had lost Daniel Allard to the Jade Falcons in 3069, after which [[Akira Brahe]] had taken charge; this was followed by the departure of the [[Crescent Hawks]], who left the Kell Hounds after the campaign to liberate [[Tharkad]]. The Kell Hounds had already been badly wounded as a result of the battles on New Exford by the time the campaign to liberate [[Terra]] began, but would suffer their heaviest losses in the battle for Cairo. The [[Word of Blake]] forces caught the Hounds in a brutally effective trap which reduced more than a regiment of elite mercenaries to a bare four lances of 'Mechs. Despite what would appear to be crushing losses, the surviving Kell Hounds refused to give up, regrouped, and began to rebuild on Arc-Royal.<ref name="J:FRp119">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 119: "Kell Hounds"</ref> By 3085 the [[Grave Walkers]] had merged with the Kell Hounds and became that unit's Second Battalion.<ref name="FM:3085p157">''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 157: "Mercenaries: Lyran Commonwealth"</ref> In [[3085]] [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] demonstrated that they considered the Kell Hounds to still be strong allies by gifting them with ''"Allard's Revenge"'', a brand new ''[[Arctic Wolf II]]'' [[OmniMech]] in Kell Hounds colors. This gift, given at a time when the ''Arctic Wolf II'' had yet to be issued in any numbers outside the Clan's [[Alpha Galaxy (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Alpha Galaxy]] was a strong signal to those watching the close ties between the two.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp50">''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', p. 50: "Deployment"</ref> It would take until [[3095]] for the Kell Hounds to finally finish rebuilding after the losses of the Jihad.<ref name="FM:3145p180">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 180: "Kell Hounds"</ref> The mid-thirty-second century was a time of ferocious combat and heavy losses for the Kell Hounds as warfare rapidly engulfed the Inner Sphere. On the 15th of August [[3142]]<ref name="FM:3145p24">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 24: "Timeline 3132-3145"</ref> the Kell Hounds were mounting a ferocious defense of [[Timkovichi]] against the forces of [[Malvina Hazen]] and her [[Golden Ordun]]. The massed light forces of the Golden Ordun and the three-pronged attack into the Commonwealth had seen the defending Commonwealth forces pinned in place, with many units overwhelmed, but the Kell Hounds were one of the tough, experienced mercenary units skilled in combined-arms warfare that proved a match for Malvina's forces.<ref name="FM:3145p148"/> Malvina Hazen, exasperated by the Hounds' resistance, was forced to resort to subjecting the Hounds to orbital bombardment<ref name="FM:3145p148"/><ref name="FM:3145p24"/> from the ''[[Aegis]]''-class heavy cruiser [[Red Talon|CJF ''Red Talon'']]<ref name="FM:3145p157">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 157: "The Jade Falcon Fleet"</ref> to defeat them in the [[Battle of Timkovichi (3142)|Battle of Timkovichi]], one of a number of savage, extreme actions that Jade Falcons relied on - along with their sheer numbers - to generate tales of terror sufficient to intimidate worlds into surrendering without the need for a military campaign.<ref name="FM:3145p148">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 148: "Tearing Down the House"</ref> Unfortunately for Hazen's allies in [[Clan Hell's Horses]], the orbital bombardment that virtually annihilated the Hounds, killing his leader, Evan Kell<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 22: "Timeline of Events: 3142"</ref> but also savaged the Horses' [[Beta Galaxy (Clan Hell's Horses)|Beta Galaxy]], forcing the Horses to rotate the remains of the Galaxy back into their Occupation Zone to seed new Horde Clusters.<ref>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 13</ref> But despite the losses, Callandre Kell led the defense of Tharkad in the [[Battle of Tharkad (3143)]] along with the remains of the Hounds.<ref name="FM:3145p154">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 154: "Clan Hell's Horses"</ref> On 1 November [[3143]] [[Callandre Kell]] assembled a battalion-strong force of Kell Hounds and struck deeply into the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, an act of revenge against the Falcons for their actions on Timkovichi. Accompanying the Hounds on their campaign was the heir to the Federated Suns, [[Julian Davion]], who took a leave of absence from the [[1st Davion Guards|First Davion Guards]] to join the campaign, leaving the Guards in Commonwealth space and under the direct command of [[Trillian Steiner]].<ref name="FM:3145p25">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 25: "Timeline 3132-3145"</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 23: "Timeline of Events: 3143"</ref> Julian Davion would remain with Callandre and the Hounds for more than a year as they harried the Jade Falcons across their OZ,<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 23: "Timeline of Events: 3143"</ref> only beginning preparations to leave in October [[3144]], after the Hounds had defeated [[Clan Hell's Horses]] forces on [[Porrima]].<ref name="FM:3145p25"/><ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 24: "Timeline of Events: 3143"</ref> The Kell Hounds continued to harass the Jade Falcons after Julian's departure, targeting worlds recently occupied by the Falcons; their repeated attacks have left those worlds restless, stretching the Falcon forces and Watch and making the worlds not just unproductive but an actual drain on the Jade Falcons' resources.<ref name="FM:3145p151">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 151: "Clan Jade Falcon"</ref> In many cases, the chaos and confusion sown by the Hounds' aggressive guerrilla campaign allowed regular Lyran regiments to recapture worlds where the Ordun's defenses had already been weakened by rapid strikes from the Hounds.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 28: "Archon's Trial"</ref> The ongoing successes earned by the Hounds were actually causing problems for their allies, Clan Wolf-in-Exile; with the Lyran Commonwealth offering fortunes to recruit personnel and units for the desperate defense of the Commonwealth and the Kell Hound name ringing loudly in the ears of the civilian population as Callandre Kell continued to mount aggressive, glorious attacks on the Jade Falcons, the number of volunteers willing to fight for the Wolves was steadily dropping.<ref name="FM:3145p153">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 153: "Clan Wolf (in-Exile)"</ref> Reports in [[3145]] indicated that the bitter campaign against the Jade Falcons was exacting a toll on the Hounds, with the unit suffering badly from fatigue and battle damage. Despite that, the Hounds remained an elite, heavily experienced unit, heavily upgraded with some of the best technology available anywhere.<ref name="FM:3145p180"/> ===Fall of Arc-Royal=== On the 5th of September [[3146]], the Falcons launched a renewed attack on Arc-Royal, personally led by [[Malvina Hazen]] to crush the defenders that had been a thorn in her side. While the Kell Hounds and their allies, the Exiled Wolves, managed to hold firm to their defenses for three weeks, [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3146)]] ended in disaster both for the Wolves-in-Exile and for the Hounds. The Jade Falcons took the planet after inflicting serious damage to the defenders and slaying [[Duke]] [[Martin Kell]].<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 26</ref> With their numbers reduced to less than half their strength, a mere battalion, and with a large number of dependents attached to their evacuation fleet, Callandre proceeded to raid three Jade Falcon worlds with the Kell Hounds' insignia removed and send communications to all Kell Hounds affiliates to rendezvous at a secret location to secure refuge in the Periphery.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 43</ref> ===IlClan Era=== The Hounds emerged from their hiding the 23 February [[3151]], when a reduced force traveled to [[Hood IV]], apparently to realize some training exercises.<ref>''IlClan (sourcebook)'', p. 113</ref> The same day, another reduced Hounds' group, led by Callandre Kell, went to Timkovichi, to pay honors at the Hounds annihilated there and build a small monument for them, before departing. Then they returned to their hiding place, which was the [[Beta Regulus]] system. On that dead planet, Callandre gathered all past Hounds members, rebuilding the group's strength, and prepared to counterattack.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 32-33</ref> Their first attack, on the planet [[Santana]], was a total success, as the Falcon's garrison had departed and they barely had to hunt some partisan guerrillas. Then they departed to Arc-Royal. The [[Battle of Arc-Royal (3151)]] was a long and hard one, but the unusually strong Falcon's garrison was broken and forced to retreat, liberating the world. The next day, Callandre announced the foundation of the [[Arc-Royal Liberty Coalition]], with the Hounds being their main combat force.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 36-38</ref> After that, the Hounds remaining on Beta Regulus rejoined the others in Arc-Royal. The now rebuilt Hounds, about three companies strong, were sent to liberate the nearby worlds of [[Zanderij]], [[Great X]] and [[Sargasso]] in February [[3152]]. They all succeed, though not too easily, proving how green most of the Hounds were. All three worlds were added to the ARLC.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70-71</ref> ==Officers== {| 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 Kell Hounds''' |- | [[Colonel]]||[[Morgan Kell]]||[[3010]] - [[3016]] |- | [[Lieutenant Colonel]]||[[Patrick Kell]]||3016 - [[3027]]<ref name=HDTFDp136/> |- | Colonel||Morgan Kell||3027 - [[3083]]<ref name="TKHp28-29"/><ref name=MWobraidp23/> |- | Colonel||[[Caitlin Kell]]||3083 - [[3104]]<ref name=ER3135p180>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 180</ref> |- | Colonel||[[Maria Allard]]||3104 - [[3122]]<ref name=ER3135p180/> |- | Colonel||[[Evan Kell]]||3122 - [[3142]]<ref name=ER3135p180/> |- | Colonel||[[Callandre Kell]]||3142 - present<ref name=FM:3145p182/> |- |} ==Tactics== Different per Unit. ==Composition History== ===3016=== '''Kell Hounds'''<ref name=KHp27>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 27</ref> :First 'Mech Battalion, ''Relentless Wolves'' :Second 'Mech Battalion :Aerospace Battalion :Infantry Battalion :Transport Division, [[Cucamulus]], [[Lugh]], [[Nuada Argetlan]] :Note this is the unit's strength on [[Mallory's World]] ===3025=== '''Kell Hounds''' (Battalion/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HDTFDp136>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136</ref> :* CO: [[Lieutenant Colonel]] Patrick M. Kell :Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Robinson]]. ===3029=== '''Kell Hounds Regiment'''<ref name="TKHp28-29">''The Kell Hounds'', pp. 28–29</ref> :First 'Mech Battalion :Second 'Mech Battalion :Third 'Mech Battalion :Aerospace Fighter Battalion :Infantry Battalion ===3040=== '''First Kell Hounds''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=HWo3039p141/> :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Summer]].<ref name=HWo3039p141>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 141</ref> ===3054=== '''The Kell Hounds''' (2 Regiments/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=MWobraidp23>''Objective Raids'', p. 23</ref> * CO: Lieutenant Colonel Dan Allard *[[1st Kell Hounds|First Kell Hounds Regiment]] *[[2nd Kell Hounds|Second Kell Hounds Regiment]] ===3142=== :* ''[[Trutzburg]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Karmesinoter Hund]]'' had served for nearly three decades before being lost in this year.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 52: "Trutzburg"</ref> ===3145=== '''Kell Hounds''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p182>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 182</ref> * CO: Colonel Callandre Kell :- At this point the Kell Hounds were at sixty-five percent of full strength and were an "A" rated mercenary command. As of December 3145 the Kell Hounds were listed as being stationed on [[Blumenort]]. ===3146=== :* Unknown-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Dog Leg]]'', a civilian transport.<ref>''Protector of the Blood''</ref> ===3152=== * CO: Colonel Callandre Kell :- At this point, the Hounds fielded three companies, most of rookies but each one built around a core of Hound veterans.<ref>''Tamar Rising'', p. 70</ref> ==Colors and Uniform== The Kell Hounds employ a red and black color scheme on their equipment.<ref>Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised p. 77: Kell Hounds</ref> The dress uniform is a red double-breasted jacket with black trimming on the chest forming a hound and ears at the shoulders, tucked inside of black trousers and knee-high boots. It is clasped by a belt to resemble a dog muzzle. ==Gallery== <gallery> Camomercskellhounds.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Kell Hounds colors. Kell_Hounds_Dress_Uniform_FMMercsRev.jpg|A Kell Hounds [[Captain]] in his dress uniform. Kell Hounds 1st logo.jpg|Insignia of the First Kell Hounds Regiment Kell Hounds 2nd logo.png|Insignia of the Second Kell Hounds Regiment Timkovichi Orbital Bombardment FM3145.jpg|The Kell Hounds' annihilation on Timkovichi </gallery> ‎ ==Unit Notes== [[:Category:Kell Hounds Characters|List of known Kell Hounds characters.]] ==Other Appearances== {{ApocryphalContentStart}} *The Kell Hounds appear in the [[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries]] PC game as potential sponsors, employers (New Exford), and allies (Tharkad). Units sponsored by the Kell Hounds have earlier access to Clan tech, though not as early as Wolf's Dragoons who start the game with it. *In the [[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech]] video game by HBS, the Kell Hounds appear in the Flashpoint DLC as potential employers on behalf of [[Morgan Kell]]. They assist the Marauders in fighting the [[Beasts of Balawat]] to rescue Morgan's family. {{ApocryphalContentEnd}} ==References== <references /> ==Bibliography== * ''[[A Bonfire of Worlds]]'' * ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' * ''[[Grave Covenant]]'' * ''[[IlClan (sourcebook)]]'' * ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]'' * ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]'' * ''[[The Kell Hounds]]'' * ''[[Lethal Heritage]]'' * ''[[Lost Destiny]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' * ''[[Protector of the Blood]]'' (in: ''[[Shrapnel Issue 7]]'') * ''[[Shattered Fortress]]'' * ''[[Tamar Rising]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental]]'' * ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]'' * ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' * ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]'' [[Category:Mercenary Commands]]

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