Black Sharks

Insignia of the Black Sharks
Black Sharks
Formed prior to 2786 [1]
Disbanded by 2821
Previous Designation(s) 13th Republic Light Lancers
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command


Unit Description[edit]

The Thirteenth Republic Light Lancers was a BattleMech Regiment originally from the forces of Stefan Amaris, after the fall of the Amaris Empire some members of the Republic Light Lancers formed the Black Sharks mercenary command.[2]

History[edit]

Star League[edit]

The unit served Stefan Amaris in his failed bid for supremacy, and survived the Hegemony Campaign.

First Succession War[edit]

By 2784 they were in possession of the equipment to form a mercenary command, the Black Sharks, thanks to the power vacuum left after Aleksandr Kerensky's Exodus. They were initially hired by the Draconis Combine.[3] They had a combination of speed and firepower that was very useful during the Dragon's attacks on the Federated Suns and they served well in several engagements with the AFFS. After a particular battle, they got into an argument with the 2nd Sword of Light about how to split up captured enemy equipment, and the High Command pulled the Sharks off the border.[4]

The Black Sharks volunteered to explore Tyrfing in 2788 for the Combine on alongside the 8th Sword of Light. They hoped that finding former SLDF equipment depots would repair their reputation after the Second Sword of Light's accusation that they were thieves.[4] In the Great Crystal Valley, they coordinated efforts with the 7th Oriente Hussars to engage the 7th Donegal Guards. The Seventh Donegal lost two companies of troops to the Black Sharks and Seventh Oriente Hussars, but also inflicted a company's worth of damage on the Sharks and Hussars.[5]

They were listed as destroyed by 2821.

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the 13th Republic Light Lancers
Commanding Officers of the Black Sharks
Colonel Istros Callimachus 2781 - 2788[4]

Tactics[edit]

They favored mobile warfare over stand-up fights. They also used BattleMechs with hands to grab as much salvage as possible if and when they have to abandon a position on short notice.[4]

Composition History[edit]

2786[edit]

Black Sharks (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[6]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Numki. The unit was destroyed during the war. [6]

Color Scheme[edit]

As of 2788, the Black Sharks used a flat black color scheme for their BattleMechs. 'Mech heads wore depictions of shark heads and teeth.[4]

Game Rules[edit]

Tyrfing[edit]

When using Random Allocation Tables, if the first roll indicates a 'Mech without any hands the controlling player may reroll on the RAT. The second result must be taken, even if it lacks hands.[4]

The Black Sharks can use the Zone of Control, Off Map Movement, and Tactical Specialization (Attack) special command abilities.[4]

References[edit]

  1. First Succession War (sourcebook), p. 137, "First Succession War Deployment Table - Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery"
  2. House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p.52
  3. House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 52
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Turning Points: Tyrfing, p. 10
  5. Turning Points: Tyrfing, p. 18
  6. 6.0 6.1 First Succession War, p. 137

Bibliography[edit]