Santander's Killers
Sarna News
Template:InfoBoxStateUnit Santander's Killers were a short-lived but infamous pirate band based on the periphery world of Santander V, also known as "Santander's World"[1].
Contents
History
The unit was founded by Helmar Valasek, a minor Davion officer who mutinied and fled the AFFS with his command in 3003. They raided worlds belonging to the Outworlds Alliance, Draconis Combine, and Federated Suns on their way to the Periphery, gaining a reputation for miraculous escapes over their 16-year exodus. In 3019, the band settled on Santander V and assuming the name "Santander's Killers"[1].
In 3024, the unit raided Susquehana, using Kurita-developed bad weather tactics to defeat the defenders and steal several drop-ships full of grain[2].
At some point in the early 3020s, Valasek's raids against the Draconis Combine drew a reprisal attack. The Killers ambushed the Kurita forces with several platoons of Scorpion light tanks. Kurita's forces were ultimately victorious, but at high cost to both sides. In the aftermath, Valasek scaled down his raids against the Combine for a time, but gained an invaluable store of 'Mech salvage from the Kurita casualties in exchange for his stolen - and replaceable - tanks[3][4].
In August or September of 3049[5], the Killers were one of the first organized Inner Sphere forces to engage the Clans - in this case, Smoke Jaguar. Like many Inner Sphere commanders to follow, Valasek abused the Jaguar's bid and lured them into an ambush. First detonating several dropships packed with explosives, he then led the Jaguar forces on a merry chase through minefields and days of guerilla attacks. The incensed Jaguars slaughtered nearly all of the Killers over the following weeks (at the cost of their initial bid of nine OmniMechs and a Star of Elemental infantry, as well as many of the Jaguar reinforcements). Valasek himself escaped off-world, using his personal BattleMaster as a decoy[6].
Although it took several years for news of the Killers' fate to reach ComStar and the rest of the Inner Sphere, they ceased to exist as a fighting force with Valasek's escape. While he always dreamed of re-establishing his pirates and taking the battle to the Clans once more, that dream died in obscurity with Valasek himself. ComStar would later speculate that the aggressive and dishonorable (if effective) tactics of the Killers helped prejudice the Jaguars against all Inner Sphere forces.
Officers
- 3019 to 3049, Helmar Valasek (Battalion Commander)
- Unknown dates, Debbie Malgur (Recon Lance leader)[7][8].
Tactics
Unlike most pirate bands, the Killers earned their keep as hired assassins and kidnappers. On raids, they preferred to attack for grain, 'Mech and vehicle parts, or water - not for money[1][9][4]. They were known for using Kurita tactics on offensive raids into Kurita space. In bad weather, they used pairs of smaller 'Mechs to lure heavier units into unstable terrain until they bogged down.[2]
Valasek favored deception and ambushes on the defense.
Composition History
3049
Santander's Killers (Battalion)[10]
Rules
Game Rules
Santander's Killers have never been given official unit special rules.
References
Bibliography
- Clantroops
- The Periphery (ppg. 66, 153)
- Invading Clans (Into the Void, ppg. 53-54)
- TRO 3025 "Victor"
- TRO 3026 "Scorpion"
- TRO 3039 "Scorpion", "Victor"
- Era Report: 3052