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Line 5: | Disbanded = [[3076]] | Disbanded = [[3076]] | Previous Designation = Lafarge Hussars | Previous Designation = Lafarge Hussars − | Nickname = + | Nickname = | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] ---- ---- Line 11:
Line 11: ---- ---- [[Capellan Confederation]] (formerly) [[Capellan Confederation]] (formerly) − | Parent Command = Independent + | Parent Command = | Sub-Command = | Sub-Command = }} }} − '''Wilson's Hussars''', aka '''Wilson's Wimps''', (2996–3067) and '''Wilson's Winners''' (3067–3076) was the quintessential hard-luck mercenaries of the [[thirty-first century]].<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 65</ref> − ==History== ==History== ===Foundation=== ===Foundation=== − Originally a Capellan battalion, the '''Lafarge Hussars''', the unit which would one day become '''Wilson's Hussars''' started as a proud and celebrated unit, faithfully serving [[House Liao]] for countless years in numerous battles under the command of near-legendary Major Alexander Floyd. This all ended on the contested planet [[Battle of Burroughs (2996)|Battle of Burroughs]] in [[2996]], when the [[Federated Suns]] [[6th Syrtis Fusiliers]] crushed them. Over a third of the unit's MechWarriors died in the short but savage fight, as well as Major Floyd, when a drop pod crushed his [[Warhammer]]. The rest of the battalion surrendered and were allowed to retain their equipment in exchange for swearing fealty to [[House Davion]], becoming a regular militia attached to their victors.<ref name=MH-93>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> + Originally a Liao battalion, the '''Lafarge Hussars''', the unit which would one day become '''Wilson's Hussars''' started as a proud and celebrated unit, faithfully serving [[House Liao]] for countless years in numerous battles under the command of near-legendary Major Alexander Floyd. This all ended on the contested planet [[Battle of Burroughs (2996)]] in [[2996]], when the [[Federated Suns]] [[6th Syrtis Fusiliers]] crushed them. Over a third of the unit's MechWarriors died, as well as Major Floyd. The rest of the battalion surrendered and were allowed to become a regular militia attached to the [[House Davion]] victors.<ref name=MH-93>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> − They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their [[Federated Suns]] masters. Taking service with [[House Kurita]] in [[3007]], they did at first excel, defending successfully [[New Samarkand]], which netted them with a lance of 'mechs and a ''Leopard'' DropShip. The Hussars seemed destined for greatness.<ref name=MH-93/> + They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their [[Federated Suns]] masters. Taking service with [[House Kurita]] in [[3007]], they did at first excel and the Hussars seemed destined for greatness.<ref name=MH-93/> After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in [[3014]] on the planet [[St. Ives]]. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her ''[[BattleMaster]]''. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.<ref name=MH-93/> After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in [[3014]] on the planet [[St. Ives]]. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her ''[[BattleMaster]]''. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.<ref name=MH-93/> − Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership, though only lasted two years, the unit's morale deteriorated. His command style caused near mutiny and his inability to effectively lead led to disaster after disaster, culminating on Ingersol, where, due to incompetence and panic, he caused most of the Hussars to be destroyed in the crash of the [[DropShip]] he ordered into danger to save him.<ref name=MH-93/> Though Langstrom did survive the initial crash, his 'Mech was soon destroyed by energy weapon fire. His assistant, Captain [[David Wilson (Wilson's Hussars)|David Wilson]], which had killed him, succeeded Michael as leader of the now called ''Wilson's Hussars'', and led the remnants of the unit to safety on their remaining DropShip.<ref name=MH-93/> + Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership the unit's morale deteriorated. His command style caused near mutiny and his inability to effectively lead led to disaster after disaster, culminating on Ingersol, where, due to incompetence and panic, he caused most of the Hussars to be destroyed in the crash of the [[DropShip]] he ordered into danger to save him.<ref name=MH-93/> Though Langstrom did survive the initial crash, his 'Mech was soon destroyed by energy weapon fire. His assistant, Captain David Wilson, led the remnants of the unit to safety on their remaining DropShip.<ref name=MH-93/> ===The Periphery Years=== ===The Periphery Years=== − In [[3018]], a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the [[MRB]] courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on [[Suk II]]. They launched a counterraid on [[Kobe]], but were badly beaten.<ref name=MH-93/> By [[3021]] Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of [[Butte Hold]] and in the employ of the Bandit King [[Redjack Ryan]]. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of [[Kimball VI]]. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the [[Laws Flight]] mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20">''Technical Readout: 3026'', p. 18; ''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 20: "Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopter"</ref> Sheila Bannock, the unit's Executive Officer (and close friend of Captain Wilson) had recently been killed in a bar brawl, however, and Wilson's grief had compromised his usual tactical skill.<ref name=MH-94>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 94</ref> + In [[3018]], a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the [[MRB]] courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on [[Suk II]]. They launched a counterraid on [[Kobe]], but were badly beaten.<ref name=MH-93/> By [[3021]] Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of [[Butte Hold]] and in the employ of the Bandit King [[Redjack Ryan]]. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of [[Kimball VI]]. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the [[Laws Flight]] mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20">''Technical Readout: 3026'', p. 18; ''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 20, "Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopter"</ref> Sheila Bannock, the unit's Executive Officer (and close friend of Captain Wilson) had recently been killed in a bar brawl, however, and Wilson's grief had compromised his usual tactical skill.<ref name=MH-94>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 94</ref> The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in [[company]] strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their [[Warrior (Combat Vehicle)|Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters]]. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 [['Mech]]s Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20"/> The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in [[company]] strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their [[Warrior (Combat Vehicle)|Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters]]. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 [['Mech]]s Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20"/> − Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with [[Helmar Valasek]], Bandit King of [[Santander V]] shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. They had to launch a ground assault against the fortress, while a team of [[Santander's Killers]] attacked from the top. The fortress' artillery was formidable, and this raid failed disastrously as well. The Hussars were shattered, and forced to escape to the landing zone, where the Killers rendezvous after them. In fact, the Hussars weren't only a distraction: they also were literally cannon fodder, and ironically, their so called ''cowardice'' saved them: the Killers had orders to retreat without them, leaving them behind to die. When the news of their survival reached the Bandit King, he ordered the retreating Hussars to be abandoned in [[Lushann]], on the [[Outworlds Alliance]], where they remained through at least [[3025]].<ref name=MH-94/><ref>''After Action Report: Longbow Mountain'' in ''Shrapnel#11'', pp. 183–184</ref> + Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with [[Helmar Valasek]], Bandit King of [[Santander V]] shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. This raid failed "disastrously" as well. When the news reached the Bandit King, he ordered the retreating Hussars to be abandoned in the [[Outworlds Alliance]], where they remained through at least [[3025]].<ref name=MH-94/> ===Return to the Inner Sphere=== ===Return to the Inner Sphere=== − In [[3050]], following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from [[Ingersoll]] thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)<ref name=CMM-70>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 70</ref> would assume his mantle by 3056.<ref name=FMM-94/> It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.<ref name=FMM-94/> After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of [[Drillson]] tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.<ref name=MS-65>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65: "Wilson's Hussars Profile"</ref> + In [[3050]], following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from [[Ingersoll]] thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)<ref name=CMM-70>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 70</ref> would assume his mantle by 3056.<ref name=FMM-94/> It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.<ref name=FMM-94/> After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of [[Drillson]] tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.<ref name=MS-65>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65, "Wilson's Hussars Profile"</ref> − Taking a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3056]] on the eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit served admirably, culminating in the defeat of the [[17th Arcturan Guards]] on the planet [[Small World]]. The Hussars were tasked with command of an ad hoc unit of many smaller mercenary units in this victory. Afterwards many of the forces they led chose to join the Hussars, increasing their 'Mech assets from two [[Lance]]s to a full [[Battalion]] in strength.<ref name=MS-65/> With this added strength the Wilson's Hussars once again flirted with greatness. For the first time in a long time, they seemed ready to face the future with at least some chance for victory.<ref name=MS-65/> + Taking a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3056]] on the eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit served admirably, culminating with the defeat of the [[17th Arcturan Guards]] on the planet [[Small World]]. The Hussars were tasked with command of an ad hoc unit of many smaller mercenary units in this victory. Afterwards many of the forces they led chose to join the Hussars, increasing their 'Mech assets from two [[Lance]]s to a full [[Battalion]] in strength.<ref name=MS-65/> With this added strength the Wilson's Hussars once again flirted with greatness. For the first time in a long time, they seemed ready to face the future with at least some chance for victory.<ref name=MS-65/> ===The Jihad=== ===The Jihad=== − Wilson's Hussars were under a long-term contract for the [[AFFS]] when the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] broke out. Stationed on the breadbasket world of [[Nopah]], they faced a Blakist assault. A lucky shot of a Hussar's sniper killed the Blakist commander, and the unit used the opportunity to overrun the spaceport and flee in their own recovered DropShip. But their streak of good luck ended when they joined the AFFS as part of a force that landed on [[Schedar]] on the 2nd of December [[3076]]. Schedar was one of three worlds to be attacked simultaneously by the AFFS—the other two worlds being [[Caselton]] and [[Mirach]]—in an attempt to liberate the worlds from the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]].<ref>'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars''</ref><ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> + Wilson's Hussars were part of an [[AFFS]] force that landed on [[Schedar]] on the 2nd of December [[3076]]. Schedar was one of three worlds to be attacked simultaneously by the AFFS—the other two worlds being [[Caselton]] and [[Mirach]]—in an attempt to liberate the worlds from the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]].<ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56, "The Jihad In Review"</ref> The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of [[Word of Blake]] troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the [[Cunningham's_Commandos#Merger|2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]] the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.<ref name="JHS:Tp18">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 18-20, "AFFS Reclaims Three Worlds"</ref> − − ===Destruction=== − The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of [[Word of Blake]] troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the [[Cunningham's_Commandos#Merger|2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]] the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.<ref name="JHS:Tp18">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', pp. 18–20: "AFFS Reclaims Three Worlds"</ref> ==Officers== ==Officers== Line 59:
Line 54: | Major||[[Michael Langstrom]]|| 3014 - [[3016]]<ref name=MH-93/> | Major||[[Michael Langstrom]]|| 3014 - [[3016]]<ref name=MH-93/> |- |- − | [[Captain]]||[[David Wilson (Wilson's Hussars)|David Wilson]]|| 3016 - [[3055]]<ref name=MH-93/> + | [[Captain]]||[[David Wilson]]|| 3016 - [[3055]]<ref name=MH-93/> |- |- − | Major||[[Donna Wilson]]||[[3056]] - [[3076]]<ref name=MS-65/><ref name=JHS:Tp18/> + | Major||[[Donna Wilson]]||[[3056]] - [[3077]]<ref name=MS-65/><ref name=JHS:Tp18/> |- |- |} |} Line 67:
Line 62: ===Other Officers=== ===Other Officers=== * [[Lieutenant]] [[Sheila Bannock]] was the Executive Officer from and unknown date until at least [[3021]]<ref name=MH-94/> * [[Lieutenant]] [[Sheila Bannock]] was the Executive Officer from and unknown date until at least [[3021]]<ref name=MH-94/> − * Lieutenants [[Paula Stilson]], [[Bryce MacDowell]], and [[Arthur Blankenship]] were Lance Commanders circa [[3025]].<ref name="MH-97">''The Mercenary's Handbook'', p.97</ref> + * Lieutenants [[Paula_Stillson]], [[Bryce MacDowell]], and [[Arthur Blankenship]] were Lance Commanders circa [[3025]].<ref name="MH-97">''The Mercenary's Handbook'', p.97</ref> * Lieutenant (later [[Captain]]) [[Kern Verrick]] was the Executive Officer, around [[3059]] and until [[3067]].<ref name="FMM-94">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 94</ref><ref name=MS-65/> * Lieutenant (later [[Captain]]) [[Kern Verrick]] was the Executive Officer, around [[3059]] and until [[3067]].<ref name="FMM-94">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 94</ref><ref name=MS-65/> Line 74:
Line 69: ==Composition History== ==Composition History== − ===3014–3016=== + + ===3014-3016=== At some point during this period, the [[DropShip]] ''[[Morrow]]'' was lost.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> At some point during this period, the [[DropShip]] ''[[Morrow]]'' was lost.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> Line 80:
Line 76: '''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=MH-93/> '''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=MH-93/> * CO: Captain David Wilson * CO: Captain David Wilson − :* Command Lance - ''[[Marauder]]'' (Good Condition); ''[[Griffin]], [[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]], [[Phoenix Hawk]]'' (all Crippled) + :* Command Lance - ''[[Marauder]]'' (Good Condition); ''[[Griffin]], [[Blackjack]], [[Phoenix Hawk]]'' (all Crippled) :* Assault Lance - ''[[Warhammer]]'' (Damaged); ''[[Awesome]], [[Hunchback]]'' (Destroyed); ''[[Rifleman]]'' (Crippled) :* Assault Lance - ''[[Warhammer]]'' (Damaged); ''[[Awesome]], [[Hunchback]]'' (Destroyed); ''[[Rifleman]]'' (Crippled) :* Fire Lance - ''[[Archer]], [[Jenner]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Enforcer]], [[Wasp]]'' (Crippled) :* Fire Lance - ''[[Archer]], [[Jenner]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Enforcer]], [[Wasp]]'' (Crippled) Line 93:
Line 89: :* Unknown Lance (Light-Medium) :* Unknown Lance (Light-Medium) '''Aerospace Assets''' '''Aerospace Assets''' − :* [[DropShip]] ''[[Red Eagle (Individual DropShip)|Red Eagle]]'',<ref name=CMM-70/><ref name=MH-93/> ''[[Union]]''-class + :* [[DropShip]] ''[[Red Eagle]]'',<ref name=CMM-70/><ref name=MH-93/> ''[[Union]]''-class ===3059=== ===3059=== Line 110:
Line 106: * Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra * Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra - Note: 12 [[Drillson]] Tanks in 6 Lances - Note: 12 [[Drillson]] Tanks in 6 Lances − − ===3076=== − ''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 medium 'Mech battalion, 3 armor lances (Drillsons), 2 infantry platoons)<ref>'Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars''</ref> '''Aerospace Assets''' '''Aerospace Assets''' Line 131:
Line 124: ==Color Scheme== ==Color Scheme== − The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, p. 65</ref> + The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, page 65</ref> ==Gallery== ==Gallery== Line 148:
Line 141: * The most recent canon source, [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. [[Mercenary's Handbook]], however, claims that they sold the ship (the ''Red Eagle'') to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. [[Mercenaries Supplemental]], however, names the Dropship as the ''Union''-class ''Raconteur''. * The most recent canon source, [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. [[Mercenary's Handbook]], however, claims that they sold the ship (the ''Red Eagle'') to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. [[Mercenaries Supplemental]], however, names the Dropship as the ''Union''-class ''Raconteur''. − * [[Field Manual: Mercenaries]] (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent [[Mercenaries: Supplemental]] (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period 3056–3060). This data is deliberately omitted. + * [[Field Manual: Mercenaries]] (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent [[Mercenaries: Supplemental]] (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period 3056-3060). This data is deliberately omitted. + + ==Rules== + <div class="gamerules"> + ===Game Rules=== + ====3050==== + '''Alpha Strike''': All Hussars units begin the scenario/campaign damaged, losing 1/3 of their armor. One Unit per Formation suffers random Critical Hits. The Hussars' player also has 75% of the normal starting assets in a campaign. Special Command Abilities: ''Hit and Run, Overrun Combat, Zone of Control''.<ref name=CMM-70/> + + ====3067==== + '''BattleTech''': Hussars units gain ''Overrun Combat'' in ''Hold the Line, Breakthrough, and Extraction''; As the Defender in these scenarios, they also use ''Hidden Units'' for all Infantry and up to two Vehicle Lances. + Hussars units gain -1 to-hit for ranged and close-combat attacks when fighting at ranges of less than 3 hexes, and may spend 2MP to use Zone of Control in their front facing. Only units which have Jump Jets can block other units with Jump Jets.<ref name=MS-78>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 78, "Wilson's Hussars"</ref> + </div> ==References== ==References== Line 159:
Line 163: * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' − * ''[[Shrapnel #11|''Shrapnel'', Issue #11]]'' − * ''[[Unit Digest: Wilson's Hussars]] in [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 13|Shrapnel, Issue 13]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]'' [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]] [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]]
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| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
| Disbanded = [[3076]] | | Disbanded = [[3076]] | ||
| Previous Designation = Lafarge Hussars | | Previous Designation = Lafarge Hussars | ||
| − | | Nickname = | + | | Nickname = |
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
[[Capellan Confederation]] (formerly) | [[Capellan Confederation]] (formerly) | ||
| − | | Parent Command = | + | | Parent Command = |
| Sub-Command = | | Sub-Command = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Foundation=== | ===Foundation=== | ||
| − | Originally a | + | Originally a Liao battalion, the '''Lafarge Hussars''', the unit which would one day become '''Wilson's Hussars''' started as a proud and celebrated unit, faithfully serving [[House Liao]] for countless years in numerous battles under the command of near-legendary Major Alexander Floyd. This all ended on the contested planet [[Battle of Burroughs (2996)]] in [[2996]], when the [[Federated Suns]] [[6th Syrtis Fusiliers]] crushed them. Over a third of the unit's MechWarriors died, as well as Major Floyd. The rest of the battalion surrendered and were allowed to become a regular militia attached to the [[House Davion]] victors.<ref name=MH-93>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> |
| − | They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their [[Federated Suns]] masters. Taking service with [[House Kurita]] in [[3007]], they did at first excel | + | They remained in service to House Davion for many years, giving faithful if not exemplary service. Finally, shorted by three months of back pay, Major Jennifer Langstrom led the fully restored Hussars battalion out of Davion service for the mercenary life. She believed it would prove more profitable than the garrison duties they were drawing from their [[Federated Suns]] masters. Taking service with [[House Kurita]] in [[3007]], they did at first excel and the Hussars seemed destined for greatness.<ref name=MH-93/> |
After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in [[3014]] on the planet [[St. Ives]]. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her ''[[BattleMaster]]''. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.<ref name=MH-93/> | After their initial successes came a series of less successful missions and the Hussars left Kurita service for more glory and the hopes of a restored reputation in the service of House Liao. Though initially the unit served well and was successful, their luck ran out in [[3014]] on the planet [[St. Ives]]. Defending against a House Davion raid Major Langstrom lost her life when armored units destroyed her ''[[BattleMaster]]''. Her brother Michael Langstrom then took command, leading to an era of disaster and deterioration for the once storied Hussars.<ref name=MH-93/> | ||
| − | Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership | + | Under Michael Langstrom's uninspired leadership the unit's morale deteriorated. His command style caused near mutiny and his inability to effectively lead led to disaster after disaster, culminating on Ingersol, where, due to incompetence and panic, he caused most of the Hussars to be destroyed in the crash of the [[DropShip]] he ordered into danger to save him.<ref name=MH-93/> Though Langstrom did survive the initial crash, his 'Mech was soon destroyed by energy weapon fire. His assistant, Captain David Wilson, led the remnants of the unit to safety on their remaining DropShip.<ref name=MH-93/> |
===The Periphery Years=== | ===The Periphery Years=== | ||
| − | In [[3018]], a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the [[MRB]] courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on [[Suk II]]. They launched a counterraid on [[Kobe]], but were badly beaten.<ref name=MH-93/> By [[3021]] Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of [[Butte Hold]] and in the employ of the Bandit King [[Redjack Ryan]]. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of [[Kimball VI]]. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the [[Laws Flight]] mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20">''Technical Readout: 3026'', p. 18; ''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 20 | + | In [[3018]], a corrupt Kurita official framed the Hussars for bribery, and successfully sued in the [[MRB]] courts to withhold payment for their victorious raid on [[Suk II]]. They launched a counterraid on [[Kobe]], but were badly beaten.<ref name=MH-93/> By [[3021]] Wilson's Hussars had officially gone rogue, based on the Periphery world of [[Butte Hold]] and in the employ of the Bandit King [[Redjack Ryan]]. Ryan tasked the Hussars with raiding the Draconis Combine world of [[Kimball VI]]. Kimball VI had a population of just 100,000, and relied on the small planetary militia and the [[Laws Flight]] mercenary unit for defense; Ryan envisaged an easy raid, securing him mining and ore processing equipment in the face of little resistance.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20">''Technical Readout: 3026'', p. 18; ''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 20, "Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopter"</ref> Sheila Bannock, the unit's Executive Officer (and close friend of Captain Wilson) had recently been killed in a bar brawl, however, and Wilson's grief had compromised his usual tactical skill.<ref name=MH-94>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 94</ref> |
The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in [[company]] strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their [[Warrior (Combat Vehicle)|Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters]]. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 [['Mech]]s Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20"/> | The Hussars landed thirty kilometers south of a mountain range with active mines and moved north in [[company]] strength. By the time the Hussars reached the foothills they had been targeted by the mercenary garrison, who proceeded to ambush and harass the Hussars using their [[Warrior (Combat Vehicle)|Warrior H-7 Attack Helicopters]]. The Hussars couldn't close with the fast VTOLs after the initial ambush against the Hussars' Recon Lance, but Wilson insisted on trying, leading his entire company in pursuit of the mercenaries. That pursuit ended in an ambush in a box canyon, where the waiting planetary militia dropped SRMs and Infernos on the luckless Hussars. After losing 3 [['Mech]]s Wilson called for a general retreat, and his surviving 'Mechs were harassed constantly by the mercenary helicopters all the way back to their drop zone.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp20"/> | ||
| − | Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with [[Helmar Valasek]], Bandit King of [[Santander V]] shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. | + | Following the disastrous defeat, the Hussars terminated employment with Ryan. They picked up a contract with [[Helmar Valasek]], Bandit King of [[Santander V]] shortly thereafter. Valasek assigned some of his own MechWarriors to assist the Hussars in raiding Longbow Mountain in the [[Taurian Concordat]]. This raid failed "disastrously" as well. When the news reached the Bandit King, he ordered the retreating Hussars to be abandoned in the [[Outworlds Alliance]], where they remained through at least [[3025]].<ref name=MH-94/> |
===Return to the Inner Sphere=== | ===Return to the Inner Sphere=== | ||
| − | In [[3050]], following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from [[Ingersoll]] thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)<ref name=CMM-70>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 70</ref> would assume his mantle by 3056.<ref name=FMM-94/> It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.<ref name=FMM-94/> After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of [[Drillson]] tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.<ref name=MS-65>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65 | + | In [[3050]], following a possible tangle with the Clans, the Hussars returned to Outreach with just two operational Lances of 'Mechs and (allegedly) the same trashed DropShip that had evacuated them from [[Ingersoll]] thirty years previously. While David Wilson was still in command, his daughter Donna (who led their retreat from the Periphery)<ref name=CMM-70>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 70</ref> would assume his mantle by 3056.<ref name=FMM-94/> It seemed the prototypical hard-luck unit had finally hit rock-bottom. On Outreach the Hussars initially scrambled for contracts, willing to accept anything to allow them to continue to exist as a unit.<ref name=FMM-94/> After months of fruitless searching a bit of luck fell their way when a small security force agreed to a merger, bringing with them a company of [[Drillson]] tanks and two platoons of infantry as well as much needed support personnel. From there on out things continued to change for the better.<ref name=MS-65>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 65, "Wilson's Hussars Profile"</ref> |
| − | Taking a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3056]] on the eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit served admirably, culminating | + | Taking a contract with the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3056]] on the eve of the [[FedCom Civil War]], the unit served admirably, culminating with the defeat of the [[17th Arcturan Guards]] on the planet [[Small World]]. The Hussars were tasked with command of an ad hoc unit of many smaller mercenary units in this victory. Afterwards many of the forces they led chose to join the Hussars, increasing their 'Mech assets from two [[Lance]]s to a full [[Battalion]] in strength.<ref name=MS-65/> With this added strength the Wilson's Hussars once again flirted with greatness. For the first time in a long time, they seemed ready to face the future with at least some chance for victory.<ref name=MS-65/> |
===The Jihad=== | ===The Jihad=== | ||
| − | Wilson's Hussars were | + | Wilson's Hussars were part of an [[AFFS]] force that landed on [[Schedar]] on the 2nd of December [[3076]]. Schedar was one of three worlds to be attacked simultaneously by the AFFS—the other two worlds being [[Caselton]] and [[Mirach]]—in an attempt to liberate the worlds from the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]].<ref name="JHS:Tp23">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 23, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp56">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 56, "The Jihad In Review"</ref> The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of [[Word of Blake]] troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the [[Cunningham's_Commandos#Merger|2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]] the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.<ref name="JHS:Tp18">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 18-20, "AFFS Reclaims Three Worlds"</ref> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The battle for Schedar was particularly brutal, and Wilson's Hussars were wiped out completely attempting to blunt the advance of [[Word of Blake]] troops counterattacking the AFFS forces. The sacrifice made by the Hussars gave the [[Cunningham's_Commandos#Merger|2nd Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]] the opportunity needed to regroup and eventually force the Blakists back.<ref name="JHS:Tp18">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', | ||
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
| Line 59: | Line 54: | ||
| Major||[[Michael Langstrom]]|| 3014 - [[3016]]<ref name=MH-93/> | | Major||[[Michael Langstrom]]|| 3014 - [[3016]]<ref name=MH-93/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | [[Captain]]||[[ | + | | [[Captain]]||[[David Wilson]]|| 3016 - [[3055]]<ref name=MH-93/> |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Major||[[Donna Wilson]]||[[3056]] - [[ | + | | Major||[[Donna Wilson]]||[[3056]] - [[3077]]<ref name=MS-65/><ref name=JHS:Tp18/> |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 67: | Line 62: | ||
===Other Officers=== | ===Other Officers=== | ||
* [[Lieutenant]] [[Sheila Bannock]] was the Executive Officer from and unknown date until at least [[3021]]<ref name=MH-94/> | * [[Lieutenant]] [[Sheila Bannock]] was the Executive Officer from and unknown date until at least [[3021]]<ref name=MH-94/> | ||
| − | * Lieutenants [[ | + | * Lieutenants [[Paula_Stillson]], [[Bryce MacDowell]], and [[Arthur Blankenship]] were Lance Commanders circa [[3025]].<ref name="MH-97">''The Mercenary's Handbook'', p.97</ref> |
* Lieutenant (later [[Captain]]) [[Kern Verrick]] was the Executive Officer, around [[3059]] and until [[3067]].<ref name="FMM-94">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 94</ref><ref name=MS-65/> | * Lieutenant (later [[Captain]]) [[Kern Verrick]] was the Executive Officer, around [[3059]] and until [[3067]].<ref name="FMM-94">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 94</ref><ref name=MS-65/> | ||
| Line 74: | Line 69: | ||
==Composition History== | ==Composition History== | ||
| − | === | + | |
| + | ===3014-3016=== | ||
At some point during this period, the [[DropShip]] ''[[Morrow]]'' was lost.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> | At some point during this period, the [[DropShip]] ''[[Morrow]]'' was lost.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 93</ref> | ||
| Line 80: | Line 76: | ||
'''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=MH-93/> | '''Wilson's Hussars''' (1 [[Company]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=MH-93/> | ||
* CO: Captain David Wilson | * CO: Captain David Wilson | ||
| − | :* Command Lance - ''[[Marauder]]'' (Good Condition); ''[[Griffin]], [[ | + | :* Command Lance - ''[[Marauder]]'' (Good Condition); ''[[Griffin]], [[Blackjack]], [[Phoenix Hawk]]'' (all Crippled) |
:* Assault Lance - ''[[Warhammer]]'' (Damaged); ''[[Awesome]], [[Hunchback]]'' (Destroyed); ''[[Rifleman]]'' (Crippled) | :* Assault Lance - ''[[Warhammer]]'' (Damaged); ''[[Awesome]], [[Hunchback]]'' (Destroyed); ''[[Rifleman]]'' (Crippled) | ||
:* Fire Lance - ''[[Archer]], [[Jenner]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Enforcer]], [[Wasp]]'' (Crippled) | :* Fire Lance - ''[[Archer]], [[Jenner]]'' (Damaged), ''[[Enforcer]], [[Wasp]]'' (Crippled) | ||
| Line 93: | Line 89: | ||
:* Unknown Lance (Light-Medium) | :* Unknown Lance (Light-Medium) | ||
'''Aerospace Assets''' | '''Aerospace Assets''' | ||
| − | :* [[DropShip]] ''[[ | + | :* [[DropShip]] ''[[Red Eagle]]'',<ref name=CMM-70/><ref name=MH-93/> ''[[Union]]''-class |
===3059=== | ===3059=== | ||
| Line 110: | Line 106: | ||
* Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra | * Mighty Mighty Drillsons - Lieutenant Daniel Jarra | ||
- Note: 12 [[Drillson]] Tanks in 6 Lances | - Note: 12 [[Drillson]] Tanks in 6 Lances | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
'''Aerospace Assets''' | '''Aerospace Assets''' | ||
| Line 131: | Line 124: | ||
==Color Scheme== | ==Color Scheme== | ||
| − | The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, | + | The Hussars use a patchwork of white and purple on their 'Mechs and vehicles; a vast improvement on what they've had over the decades.<ref>Mercenaries Supplemental, page 65</ref> |
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
| Line 148: | Line 141: | ||
* The most recent canon source, [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. [[Mercenary's Handbook]], however, claims that they sold the ship (the ''Red Eagle'') to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. [[Mercenaries Supplemental]], however, names the Dropship as the ''Union''-class ''Raconteur''. | * The most recent canon source, [[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], states that the dropship the Hussars used to return to Outreach was the same ship on which they evacuated Ingersol. [[Mercenary's Handbook]], however, claims that they sold the ship (the ''Red Eagle'') to purchase transport from House Liao to the Periphery. It is plausible that the Hussars renamed a purchased or stolen ship after her, causing confusion in the MRB on their return, or even repurchased the lost ship. [[Mercenaries Supplemental]], however, names the Dropship as the ''Union''-class ''Raconteur''. | ||
| − | * [[Field Manual: Mercenaries]] (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent [[Mercenaries: Supplemental]] (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period | + | * [[Field Manual: Mercenaries]] (In-universe date 1 Oct 3059) gives information that directly conflicts with the dates and unit strengths given in the more recent [[Mercenaries: Supplemental]] (referencing the unit's FedCom Civil War performance and the period 3056-3060). This data is deliberately omitted. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Rules== | ||
| + | <div class="gamerules"> | ||
| + | ===Game Rules=== | ||
| + | ====3050==== | ||
| + | '''Alpha Strike''': All Hussars units begin the scenario/campaign damaged, losing 1/3 of their armor. One Unit per Formation suffers random Critical Hits. The Hussars' player also has 75% of the normal starting assets in a campaign. Special Command Abilities: ''Hit and Run, Overrun Combat, Zone of Control''.<ref name=CMM-70/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====3067==== | ||
| + | '''BattleTech''': Hussars units gain ''Overrun Combat'' in ''Hold the Line, Breakthrough, and Extraction''; As the Defender in these scenarios, they also use ''Hidden Units'' for all Infantry and up to two Vehicle Lances. | ||
| + | Hussars units gain -1 to-hit for ranged and close-combat attacks when fighting at ranges of less than 3 hexes, and may spend 2MP to use Zone of Control in their front facing. Only units which have Jump Jets can block other units with Jump Jets.<ref name=MS-78>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 78, "Wilson's Hussars"</ref> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 159: | Line 163: | ||
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' | * ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' | ||
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' | * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]'' | ||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Wilson's Hussars]] | ||