https://www.sarna.net/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Fredericmora&feedformat=atomBattleTechWiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T23:44:22ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.34.4https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Curtain&diff=1063420Curtain2024-03-28T14:16:31Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
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<div>{{cleanup|reason=<grammar>}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Curtain<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Condor Defense Force]]<br/>[[Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = [[Sergeant]]<ref name=MHc11>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 11</ref><br />
| position =<br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Curtain''' was a [[Clan]] MechWarrior, ad-hoc commander of the Condors, and a recruit of the [[mercenary]] unit [[Gray Death Legion]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There isn't much data about Curtain's origins; he said to be a [[Freeborn]], son of one or two warriors. At least one of his fathers, probably his mother, must have been an [[Elemental]] which fell to a lower caste, and he inherited her size. Following his mother's steps, he became a warrior. He once said to having fought [[Clan Ghost Bear]+ warriors, but eventually get tired to being at the bottom of his caste, and left his Clan, with his 'Mech. He eventually settled on the planet [[Crimond]], migrating to the continent of Condor. Sometime later, he meet a [[Clan Sea Fox]] Merchant, selling him his 'Mech and some [[Star League]] relics from Condor's Fort Beaufort, obtaining in exchange a Regent 'Mech.<br />
Curtain spend a lot of time on Condor. He didn't want to be a leader or a warrior, but with his experience and 'Mech, he became the ''de facto'' leader of the Condor's irregular militia.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><ref name=MHc10>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
Sometime during January of [[3152]], he heard than the Falcon's control of the planet had ended, and a new masters had arrived into the main continent, so he traveled there to search info. The 21st of the same month, he returned in a fishing boat to Condor. There he was received and driven home by his friend Any Ishikawa. He informed her about his findings: the end of the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] domination and the arrival of the reborn [[Tamar Pact]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Curtain feared for his people of Condor, expecting the arrival of the ''invaders''. It didn't had to expect for long: on 4 February, a ''[[Union (DropShip class)|Union]]''-Class [[DropShip]] arrived, landing into the Fort's landing pad. He went with his 'Mech to receive them, and the Condor Defense Force followed him for his own initiative, with several tanks and infantry. The invaders were the mercenary Gray Death Legion, but they didn't engage the condors. Instead, their leader, [[Isobel Carlyle]], talked with Curtain, the Condor leader, and both agreed to negotiate face to face.<ref name=MHc10/><br />
<br />
Curtain later meet Carlyle and five of her soldiers into ''South Six'', a local cantina-restaurant. He wasn't very talkative about his past -he didn't even said which Clan was born in- but showed how deeply he knew the Condor's people and appreciated them. He began respecting Carlyle, and offered her to tour Fort Beaufort, the base the Legion were supposed to take control of.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 9–10</ref><br />
<br />
After the meeting, Curtain talked with Ishikawa, telling her than the Legion seemed reasonable, but both talked about the possibility of having to fight them if it was necessary.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
After Curtain, some of his people, including Ishikawa, and the Legion's team, arrived on the top of the Fort, they were attacked by a group of Condor's residents, Lyran loyalists led by [[Bernard Blucher]]. Both Legion and Condors fought together against the Lyrans, reaching their command post and killing them all, except for Blucher, who was captured.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 12–13</ref><br />
<br />
On 7 February, the Legion returned to their mainland, and Curtain went with them. He informed the Tamar liaison about the Condor's situation, despite the fact he wasn't anymore with them. As he said later to Bel's brother, [[Ronan Carlyle]], he, along with Ishikawa and some other Condors, had joined the Legion to pay a debt of gratitude with them. Isobel accepted him and even gave him the rank of [[sergeant]]. Ronan wasn't sure if he accepted him, but finally welcomed him into the Legion.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
On 7 June 3152, when the Legion was traveling through the [[Draconis Combine]] space, and made a stop at the planet [[Gram]], Isobel tracked the former Legion member [[Isoru Koga]]'s sword with help from Curtain. She defied the Kuritan soldier [[Hiroyuki Tsukada]] and, after defeating him in a duel, obtained it, to seize a symbol of the Legion's history.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Curtain piloted a ''[[Regent]]'' [[OmniMech]], though on Gram, for his duel he piloted a customized [[Archer]].<ref name=MHc10/><ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[A Lesson Learned]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Curtain]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Regent Pilots|Curtain]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063419Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T14:15:27Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Bibliography */</p>
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<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
<br />
Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
===Working for the Pact===<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Sometime later, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, their employers send to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3</ref><br />
<br />
However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: Barely days after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy the Legion. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. The salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16</ref><br />
<br />
Eventually, after finishing the six months garrison contract with the Pact, the Legion didn't renovate it, and, in 7 June 3152, they were on the Draconis Combine world of [[Gram]], where they made a short stop, while going for their next contract.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[A Lesson Learned]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063418Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T14:14:39Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Working for the Pact */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
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Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
===Working for the Pact===<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Sometime later, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, their employers send to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3</ref><br />
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However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: Barely days after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy the Legion. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. The salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16</ref><br />
<br />
Eventually, after finishing the six months garrison contract with the Pact, the Legion didn't renovate it, and, in 7 June 3152, they were on the Draconis Combine world of [[Gram]], where they made a short stop, while going for their next contract.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Curtain&diff=1063417Curtain2024-03-28T14:13:13Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{cleanup|reason=<grammar>}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Curtain<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Condor Defense Force]]<br/>[[Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = [[Sergeant]]<ref name=MHc11>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 11</ref><br />
| position =<br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Curtain''' was a [[Clan]] MechWarrior, ad-hoc commander of the Condors, and a recruit of the [[mercenary]] unit [[Gray Death Legion]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There isn't much data about Curtain's origins; he said to be a [[Freeborn]], son of one or two warriors. At least one of his fathers, probably his mother, must have been an [[Elemental]] which fell to a lower caste, and he inherited her size. Following his mother's steps, he became a warrior. He once said to having fought [[Clan Ghost Bear]+ warriors, but eventually get tired to being at the bottom of his caste, and left his Clan, with his 'Mech. He eventually settled on the planet [[Crimond]], migrating to the continent of Condor. Sometime later, he meet a [[Clan Sea Fox]] Merchant, selling him his 'Mech and some [[Star League]] relics from Condor's Fort Beaufort, obtaining in exchange a Regent 'Mech.<br />
Curtain spend a lot of time on Condor. He didn't want to be a leader or a warrior, but with his experience and 'Mech, he became the ''de facto'' leader of the Condor's irregular militia.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><ref name=MHc10>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
Sometime during January of [[3152]], he heard than the Falcon's control of the planet had ended, and a new masters had arrived into the main continent, so he traveled there to search info. The 21st of the same month, he returned in a fishing boat to Condor. There he was received and driven home by his friend Any Ishikawa. He informed her about his findings: the end of the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] domination and the arrival of the reborn [[Tamar Pact]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Curtain feared for his people of Condor, expecting the arrival of the ''invaders''. It didn't had to expect for long: on 4 February, a ''[[Union (DropShip class)|Union]]''-Class [[DropShip]] arrived, landing into the Fort's landing pad. He went with his 'Mech to receive them, and the Condor Defense Force followed him for his own initiative, with several tanks and infantry. The invaders were the mercenary Gray Death Legion, but they didn't engage the condors. Instead, their leader, [[Isobel Carlyle]], talked with Curtain, the Condor leader, and both agreed to negotiate face to face.<ref name=MHc10/><br />
<br />
Curtain later meet Carlyle and five of her soldiers into ''South Six'', a local cantina-restaurant. He wasn't very talkative about his past -he didn't even said which Clan was born in- but showed how deeply he knew the Condor's people and appreciated them. He began respecting Carlyle, and offered her to tour Fort Beaufort, the base the Legion were supposed to take control of.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 9–10</ref><br />
<br />
After the meeting, Curtain talked with Ishikawa, telling her than the Legion seemed reasonable, but both talked about the possibility of having to fight them if it was necessary.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
After Curtain, some of his people, including Ishikawa, and the Legion's team, arrived on the top of the Fort, they were attacked by a group of Condor's residents, Lyran loyalists led by [[Bernard Blucher]]. Both Legion and Condors fought together against the Lyrans, reaching their command post and killing them all, except for Blucher, who was captured.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 12–13</ref><br />
<br />
On 7 February, the Legion returned to their mainland, and Curtain went with them. He informed the Tamar liaison about the Condor's situation, despite the fact he wasn't anymore with them. As he said later to Bel's brother, [[Ronan Carlyle]], he, along with Ishikawa and some other Condors, had joined the Legion to pay a debt of gratitude with them. Isobel accepted him and even gave him the rank of [[sergeant]]. Ronan wasn't sure if he accepted him, but finally welcomed him into the Legion.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
On 7 June 3152, when the Legion was traveling through the [[Draconis Combine]] space, and made a stop at the planet [[Gram]], Isobel tracked the former Legion member [[Isoru Koga]]'s sword with help from Curtain. She defied the Kuritan soldier [[Hiroyuki Tsukada]] and, after defeating him in a duel, obtained it, to seize a symbol of the Legion's history.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Curtain piloted a ''[[Regent]]'' [[OmniMech]].<ref name=MHc10/><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[A Lesson Learned]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Curtain]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Regent Pilots|Curtain]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Isobel_Carlyle&diff=1063415Isobel Carlyle2024-03-28T13:41:36Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Mercenary Career */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg<br />
| name = Isobel Carlyle<br />
| birthdate = [[3131]]<ref name=BTLp152>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 152: Isobel Carlyle</ref><br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = Bel<br />
| affiliation = [[House Carlyle]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Gardner Carlyle]] (father)<ref name=TPoGc4>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
| siblings = [[Ronan Carlyle]]<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Isobel "Bel" Carlyle''' was a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] noble. She was cashiered from the LCAF despite her loyalty to the Lyran Commonwealth when her unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards]], defected to the newly formed [[Tamar Pact]]. Bel and her brother [[Ronan Carlyle]], along with other former members of the Twenty-sixth, formed the new [[Gray Death Legion]] on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
==Personal History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Born into [[House Carlyle]] of [[Odessa]], Isobel was expected to join her family in their work restoring the plague-ravaged world to its previous greatness. However, the [[Blackout]] - which fell on Isobel's first birthday - changed her future. As she grew into an [[Inner Sphere]] ravaged by war, Isobel rejected her father's pacifism and sought to emulate her grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]], a hero of the [[LCAF]] who fought in the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]] and his parents [[Lori Kalmar]] and [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], founders of the [[mercenary]] '''Gray Death Legion'''. Isobel devoured every record of their exploits and made headbands and skull emblems, the symbol of the Legion, part of her attire.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
===LCAF Service===<br />
Isobel, or ''Bel'', as she shortened her name, eventually followed her big brother's path into the [[LCAF]], enrolling in the [[Coventry Military Academy]] in [[3147]]. Once there, Isobel excelled in both MechWarrior and anti-Mech infantry training programs, though she was disciplined in early [[3148]] for taking a squad of fellow cadets - who she dubbed [[Carlyle's Commandos]] - on unauthorized ''field exercises'' to break up a local criminal kangaroo-rustling operation, with her brother Ronan testifying having to testify in her favor.<br />
<br />
The disciplinary hearing was interrupted by a [[Clan Jade Falcon]] attack, which instigated the [[Battle of Coventry (3148)|Battle of Coventry]]. Bel was authorized to lead her "Commandos" in a flanking attack on the [[1st Falcon Striker Cluster|First Falcon Striker Cluster]] after they'd razed the town of Whitting and, despite only intending to serve as a distraction, the Commandos disabled a [[Binary]] of Falcon 'Mechs using satchel charges before being forced to fall back. When the Falcon advance was driven away from the academy, the surviving members of Bel's company deployed with the rest of the Academy's Training Battalion to relieve the Lyran forces defending the [[Coventry Metal Works]] industriplex. Seeing her brother Ronan's ''[[Gauntlet]]'' threatened by Falcon [[Elementals]], Bel led her Commandos into the fray, successfully scattering the battle-armored troops and shoring up the Lyran defenders. Ronan congratulated Bel after the victory.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
After the Battle of Coventry ended, Bel joined her brother in the ranks of the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards after having graduated from the academy with honors in [[3150]] as a newly commissioned [[First Leutnant|first leutnant]], becoming part of the Third's Battalion's second company - which she also named Carlyle's Commandos.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 152–153</ref> Isobel and Ronan followed the Twenty-sixth to [[Arcturus]], believing they were on a legitimate mission. They only uncovered the truth on 13 August [[3151]], when they heard General [[Sarah Regis]]' announcement of the resurrection of the [[Tamar Pact]]. After discussing these events, the siblings agreed to try to find how many Lyran loyalists remained in the ranks of the Arcturan Guards. In a later assembly of the troops, General [[Kathleen McQuade]] announced the official defection of the Twenty-sixth; those who wanted to remain in the LCAF had to leave. Ronan and Isobel exited from the ranks but only a handful of others followed them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan took command of the Lyran loyalists, and, once their commercial [[DropShip]] arrived in the Lyran system of [[Garrison]], both Carlyle siblings were arrested. After a week of interrogation, Bel was freed and dishonorably discharged from the LCAF, along with all the other loyalists including Ronan, by orders of the garrison commander Hauptmann-General [[Timofey Bondayehr]].<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 2</ref> Ronan sent a message to his parents, and while awaiting the answer, the siblings and most of the remaining loyalits moved to a salvage yard property owned by the Carlyle family. The manager gave the yard to Ronan so the loyalists could exploit it, with Ronan's intentions being to obtain enough money to buy a ticket to Odessa. However, on 14 September, after finding a Clan ''[[Gargoyle]]'' [[OmniMech]], Isobel informed Ronan that most of their people wanted to remain together and under his command. Thus, the siblings took the first steps toward creating a [[mercenary]] unit of their own.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
===Mercenary Career===<br />
By 26 October, the Carlyles' people already had a functional unit and received a visit from the Lyran officer who had arrested them upon their arrival. The local Twenty-sixth Scout Company had defected to try to free some [[Hinterlands]] planets from [[Clan]] control and all other Lyran units were unavailable to stop them. However, Ronan's people were and were duly contracted to do so with their still-unnamed unit. The Carlyle's had three working BattleMechs - including Isobel's ''[[Hatchetman]]'' - several tanks, and both armored and unarmored infantry, but the defectors outnumbered them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 6</ref> On Isobel's suggestion, the newly formed unit took the name of the Gray Death Legion and they moved to intercept the defectors and successfully immobilized their support vehicles. Knowing that their mission was doomed, the Twenty-sixth's leader surrendered to the Legion and Lyran military justice.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', chs. 8–9</ref><br />
<br />
On 29 October, Ronan met with Isobel in a hotel and she gave him a message from Odessa: it contained their father's congratulations for both of their actions and gave them more funds to continue growing their unit. Isobel further surprised Ronan by showing him that their old commander General McQuade was there; McQuade informed them of the Lyran plan to cashier all the Twenty-sixth Scout Company's members and offered the newly born Legion a contract with the Tamar Pact in a few months, if they managed to build up enough strength. After the general departed, Ronan and Isobel moved to receive the Twenty-sixth Company's people and made sure they knew they weren't alone; there was a place for them in the Legion, if they wanted it.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
After the legion recruited most of the Scout Company's members, growing to battalion strength, the Carlyles accepted the proposed contract from the Tamar Pact. Their first destiny was the newly incorporated planet of [[Crimond]] where, on 2 February, the siblings were present when a terrorist attack destroyed a government building in the planet's capital city. Fortunately, Ronan escaped unscathed and Isobel received only a minor wound, but it became evident they would have a lot of work to do before the world was secure.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 2</ref><br />
<br />
Two days later, Ronan and Isobel meet with their liaison officer who's hostility towards mercenaries was met with Isobel's own verbal assault, but Ronan managed to diffuse the situation and obtain work assignations for the Legion. After reviewing them, Ronan asked his sister which of two tasks would suit them better and she suggested that they accept both at the same time, dividing the Legion in the process. Reluctantly, Ronan agreed and chose to take the legion's main body north in order to assist local police forces in a terrorist hunting campaign, while Isobel took her group - the reborn ''Carlyle's Commandos'' - to a neighboring continent to inspect and claim an old [[Star League]] fort.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The Commandos' landing on the continent of Condor occurred without problems, as the Commandos' possession of two 'Mechs, several tanks and numerous infantrymen was only opposed by a lone ''[[Regent]]'' with limited armor and infantry support. Isobel's efforts to talk to the unknown militants uncovered that their leader, a former Clan member named [[Curtain]], wasn't openly hostile. Curtain offered to talk about the Star League fortress and Isobel, along with three Gray Death infantryman, agreed to visit the locals' base to conduct talks. The ''Condor Defense Force'', as the locals called themselves, didn't want anything other than to be left alone but Curtain did welcome the legionnaires - unlike [[Bernard Blucher]], a local technician. When a joint team of Legion and Condor troops, led by Isobel and Curtain, inspected the fort, Blucher and his own team of Lyran loyalists engaged the investigation team in combat. By working together, Isobel and Curtain's team managed to kill all of the loyalists and capture Blucher.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 5-16</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan's group didn't run into too much trouble while completing their own mission. When both siblings gathered again on 7 February to announce their successes to their liaison officer, Isobel revealed that she had not only completed her mission, but had also obtained new recruits: Curtain and several Condor Defense Force infantrymen and tankers. While Ronan was initially reluctant to accept them, he ultimately agreed to his sister's idea and gave Curtain's men a welcome into the Gray Death Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 16</ref><br />
<br />
On 7 June 3152, when the Legion was traveling through the [[Draconis Combine]] space, and made a stop at the planet [[Gram]], Isobel tracked the former Legion member [[Isoru Koga]]'s sword and, with help from Curtain, she obtained it, to seize a symbol of the Legion's history.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
During her time with the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards, Bel Carlyle piloted a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' she'd named ''Tyche'', which she had piloted in the Coventry Military Academy. The name was apparently partly in homage to the legacy of ''Boss Lady'', the legendary ''Shadow Hawk'' piloted by her great-grandmother, [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]].<ref name=RGiV12p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 8: "Shadow Hawk - Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors"</ref><br />
<br />
Bel used it with great success against the Falcons, crushing several Elementals with ''Tyche''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s battlefists. After graduating, Academy Commander [[Petra Kühn]] granted Bel the permission to take ''Tyche'' with her to her new posting.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', p. 153</ref><br />
With the formation of the Tamar Pact, Bel became dispossessed. In the new Gray Death Legion on Garrison, Bel still wanted a ''Shadow Hawk'' but there weren't any available, so she moved on to piloting a ''Hatchetman''.<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{cn}}</ref><br />
<br />
Isobel keep piloting the Hatcheman during some time, until, after crushing Pandora's rebellion, replaced it with a salvaged Shadow Hawk, which she named ''Boss Lady II''.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' Epilogue</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg|Isobel Carlyle from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Shadow Hawk (Tyche) BTLegends.jpg|Carlyle's ''Shadow Hawk'' ''Tyche'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[A Lesson Learned]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Isobel_Carlyle&diff=1063413Isobel Carlyle2024-03-28T13:40:39Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Mercenary Career */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg<br />
| name = Isobel Carlyle<br />
| birthdate = [[3131]]<ref name=BTLp152>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 152: Isobel Carlyle</ref><br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = Bel<br />
| affiliation = [[House Carlyle]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Gardner Carlyle]] (father)<ref name=TPoGc4>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
| siblings = [[Ronan Carlyle]]<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Isobel "Bel" Carlyle''' was a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] noble. She was cashiered from the LCAF despite her loyalty to the Lyran Commonwealth when her unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards]], defected to the newly formed [[Tamar Pact]]. Bel and her brother [[Ronan Carlyle]], along with other former members of the Twenty-sixth, formed the new [[Gray Death Legion]] on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
==Personal History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Born into [[House Carlyle]] of [[Odessa]], Isobel was expected to join her family in their work restoring the plague-ravaged world to its previous greatness. However, the [[Blackout]] - which fell on Isobel's first birthday - changed her future. As she grew into an [[Inner Sphere]] ravaged by war, Isobel rejected her father's pacifism and sought to emulate her grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]], a hero of the [[LCAF]] who fought in the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]] and his parents [[Lori Kalmar]] and [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], founders of the [[mercenary]] '''Gray Death Legion'''. Isobel devoured every record of their exploits and made headbands and skull emblems, the symbol of the Legion, part of her attire.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
===LCAF Service===<br />
Isobel, or ''Bel'', as she shortened her name, eventually followed her big brother's path into the [[LCAF]], enrolling in the [[Coventry Military Academy]] in [[3147]]. Once there, Isobel excelled in both MechWarrior and anti-Mech infantry training programs, though she was disciplined in early [[3148]] for taking a squad of fellow cadets - who she dubbed [[Carlyle's Commandos]] - on unauthorized ''field exercises'' to break up a local criminal kangaroo-rustling operation, with her brother Ronan testifying having to testify in her favor.<br />
<br />
The disciplinary hearing was interrupted by a [[Clan Jade Falcon]] attack, which instigated the [[Battle of Coventry (3148)|Battle of Coventry]]. Bel was authorized to lead her "Commandos" in a flanking attack on the [[1st Falcon Striker Cluster|First Falcon Striker Cluster]] after they'd razed the town of Whitting and, despite only intending to serve as a distraction, the Commandos disabled a [[Binary]] of Falcon 'Mechs using satchel charges before being forced to fall back. When the Falcon advance was driven away from the academy, the surviving members of Bel's company deployed with the rest of the Academy's Training Battalion to relieve the Lyran forces defending the [[Coventry Metal Works]] industriplex. Seeing her brother Ronan's ''[[Gauntlet]]'' threatened by Falcon [[Elementals]], Bel led her Commandos into the fray, successfully scattering the battle-armored troops and shoring up the Lyran defenders. Ronan congratulated Bel after the victory.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
After the Battle of Coventry ended, Bel joined her brother in the ranks of the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards after having graduated from the academy with honors in [[3150]] as a newly commissioned [[First Leutnant|first leutnant]], becoming part of the Third's Battalion's second company - which she also named Carlyle's Commandos.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 152–153</ref> Isobel and Ronan followed the Twenty-sixth to [[Arcturus]], believing they were on a legitimate mission. They only uncovered the truth on 13 August [[3151]], when they heard General [[Sarah Regis]]' announcement of the resurrection of the [[Tamar Pact]]. After discussing these events, the siblings agreed to try to find how many Lyran loyalists remained in the ranks of the Arcturan Guards. In a later assembly of the troops, General [[Kathleen McQuade]] announced the official defection of the Twenty-sixth; those who wanted to remain in the LCAF had to leave. Ronan and Isobel exited from the ranks but only a handful of others followed them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan took command of the Lyran loyalists, and, once their commercial [[DropShip]] arrived in the Lyran system of [[Garrison]], both Carlyle siblings were arrested. After a week of interrogation, Bel was freed and dishonorably discharged from the LCAF, along with all the other loyalists including Ronan, by orders of the garrison commander Hauptmann-General [[Timofey Bondayehr]].<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 2</ref> Ronan sent a message to his parents, and while awaiting the answer, the siblings and most of the remaining loyalits moved to a salvage yard property owned by the Carlyle family. The manager gave the yard to Ronan so the loyalists could exploit it, with Ronan's intentions being to obtain enough money to buy a ticket to Odessa. However, on 14 September, after finding a Clan ''[[Gargoyle]]'' [[OmniMech]], Isobel informed Ronan that most of their people wanted to remain together and under his command. Thus, the siblings took the first steps toward creating a [[mercenary]] unit of their own.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
===Mercenary Career===<br />
By 26 October, the Carlyles' people already had a functional unit and received a visit from the Lyran officer who had arrested them upon their arrival. The local Twenty-sixth Scout Company had defected to try to free some [[Hinterlands]] planets from [[Clan]] control and all other Lyran units were unavailable to stop them. However, Ronan's people were and were duly contracted to do so with their still-unnamed unit. The Carlyle's had three working BattleMechs - including Isobel's ''[[Hatchetman]]'' - several tanks, and both armored and unarmored infantry, but the defectors outnumbered them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 6</ref> On Isobel's suggestion, the newly formed unit took the name of the Gray Death Legion and they moved to intercept the defectors and successfully immobilized their support vehicles. Knowing that their mission was doomed, the Twenty-sixth's leader surrendered to the Legion and Lyran military justice.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', chs. 8–9</ref><br />
<br />
On 29 October, Ronan met with Isobel in a hotel and she gave him a message from Odessa: it contained their father's congratulations for both of their actions and gave them more funds to continue growing their unit. Isobel further surprised Ronan by showing him that their old commander General McQuade was there; McQuade informed them of the Lyran plan to cashier all the Twenty-sixth Scout Company's members and offered the newly born Legion a contract with the Tamar Pact in a few months, if they managed to build up enough strength. After the general departed, Ronan and Isobel moved to receive the Twenty-sixth Company's people and made sure they knew they weren't alone; there was a place for them in the Legion, if they wanted it.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
After the legion recruited most of the Scout Company's members, growing to battalion strength, the Carlyles accepted the proposed contract from the Tamar Pact. Their first destiny was the newly incorporated planet of [[Crimond]] where, on 2 February, the siblings were present when a terrorist attack destroyed a government building in the planet's capital city. Fortunately, Ronan escaped unscathed and Isobel received only a minor wound, but it became evident they would have a lot of work to do before the world was secure.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 2</ref><br />
<br />
Two days later, Ronan and Isobel meet with their liaison officer who's hostility towards mercenaries was met with Isobel's own verbal assault, but Ronan managed to diffuse the situation and obtain work assignations for the Legion. After reviewing them, Ronan asked his sister which of two tasks would suit them better and she suggested that they accept both at the same time, dividing the Legion in the process. Reluctantly, Ronan agreed and chose to take the legion's main body north in order to assist local police forces in a terrorist hunting campaign, while Isobel took her group - the reborn ''Carlyle's Commandos'' - to a neighboring continent to inspect and claim an old [[Star League]] fort.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The Commandos' landing on the continent of Condor occurred without problems, as the Commandos' possession of two 'Mechs, several tanks and numerous infantrymen was only opposed by a lone ''[[Regent]]'' with limited armor and infantry support. Isobel's efforts to talk to the unknown militants uncovered that their leader, a former Clan member named [[Curtain]], wasn't openly hostile. Curtain offered to talk about the Star League fortress and Isobel, along with three Gray Death infantryman, agreed to visit the locals' base to conduct talks. The ''Condor Defense Force'', as the locals called themselves, didn't want anything other than to be left alone but Curtain did welcome the legionnaires - unlike [[Bernard Blucher]], a local technician. When a joint team of Legion and Condor troops, led by Isobel and Curtain, inspected the fort, Blucher and his own team of Lyran loyalists engaged the investigation team in combat. By working together, Isobel and Curtain's team managed to kill all of the loyalists and capture Blucher.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 5-16</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan's group didn't run into too much trouble while completing their own mission. When both siblings gathered again on 7 February to announce their successes to their liaison officer, Isobel revealed that she had not only completed her mission, but had also obtained new recruits: Curtain and several Condor Defense Force infantrymen and tankers. While Ronan was initially reluctant to accept them, he ultimately agreed to his sister's idea and gave Curtain's men a welcome into the Gray Death Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 16</ref><br />
<br />
On 7 June 3152, when the Legion was traveling through the [[Draconis Combine]] space, and made a stop at the planet [[Gram]], Isobel trcaked the former Legion member [[Isoru Koga]]'s sword and, with help from Curtain, she obtained it, to seize a symbol of the Legion's history.<ref>''A Lesson Learned''</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
During her time with the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards, Bel Carlyle piloted a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' she'd named ''Tyche'', which she had piloted in the Coventry Military Academy. The name was apparently partly in homage to the legacy of ''Boss Lady'', the legendary ''Shadow Hawk'' piloted by her great-grandmother, [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]].<ref name=RGiV12p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 8: "Shadow Hawk - Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors"</ref><br />
<br />
Bel used it with great success against the Falcons, crushing several Elementals with ''Tyche''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s battlefists. After graduating, Academy Commander [[Petra Kühn]] granted Bel the permission to take ''Tyche'' with her to her new posting.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', p. 153</ref><br />
With the formation of the Tamar Pact, Bel became dispossessed. In the new Gray Death Legion on Garrison, Bel still wanted a ''Shadow Hawk'' but there weren't any available, so she moved on to piloting a ''Hatchetman''.<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{cn}}</ref><br />
<br />
Isobel keep piloting the Hatcheman during some time, until, after crushing Pandora's rebellion, replaced it with a salvaged Shadow Hawk, which she named ''Boss Lady II''.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' Epilogue</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg|Isobel Carlyle from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Shadow Hawk (Tyche) BTLegends.jpg|Carlyle's ''Shadow Hawk'' ''Tyche'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Isobel_Carlyle&diff=1063361Isobel Carlyle2024-03-28T07:04:08Z<p>Fredericmora: /* BattleMechs */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg<br />
| name = Isobel Carlyle<br />
| birthdate = [[3131]]<ref name=BTLp152>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 152: Isobel Carlyle</ref><br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = Bel<br />
| affiliation = [[House Carlyle]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Gardner Carlyle]] (father)<ref name=TPoGc4>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
| siblings = [[Ronan Carlyle]]<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Isobel "Bel" Carlyle''' was a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] noble. She was cashiered from the LCAF despite her loyalty to the Lyran Commonwealth when her unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards]], defected to the newly formed [[Tamar Pact]]. Bel and her brother [[Ronan Carlyle]], along with other former members of the Twenty-sixth, formed the new [[Gray Death Legion]] on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
==Personal History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Born into [[House Carlyle]] of [[Odessa]], Isobel was expected to join her family in their work restoring the plague-ravaged world to its previous greatness. However, the [[Blackout]] - which fell on Isobel's first birthday - changed her future. As she grew into an [[Inner Sphere]] ravaged by war, Isobel rejected her father's pacifism and sought to emulate her grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]], a hero of the [[LCAF]] who fought in the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]] and his parents [[Lori Kalmar]] and [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], founders of the [[mercenary]] '''Gray Death Legion'''. Isobel devoured every record of their exploits and made headbands and skull emblems, the symbol of the Legion, part of her attire.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
===LCAF Service===<br />
Isobel, or ''Bel'', as she shortened her name, eventually followed her big brother's path into the [[LCAF]], enrolling in the [[Coventry Military Academy]] in [[3147]]. Once there, Isobel excelled in both MechWarrior and anti-Mech infantry training programs, though she was disciplined in early [[3148]] for taking a squad of fellow cadets - who she dubbed [[Carlyle's Commandos]] - on unauthorized ''field exercises'' to break up a local criminal kangaroo-rustling operation, with her brother Ronan testifying having to testify in her favor.<br />
<br />
The disciplinary hearing was interrupted by a [[Clan Jade Falcon]] attack, which instigated the [[Battle of Coventry (3148)|Battle of Coventry]]. Bel was authorized to lead her "Commandos" in a flanking attack on the [[1st Falcon Striker Cluster|First Falcon Striker Cluster]] after they'd razed the town of Whitting and, despite only intending to serve as a distraction, the Commandos disabled a [[Binary]] of Falcon 'Mechs using satchel charges before being forced to fall back. When the Falcon advance was driven away from the academy, the surviving members of Bel's company deployed with the rest of the Academy's Training Battalion to relieve the Lyran forces defending the [[Coventry Metal Works]] industriplex. Seeing her brother Ronan's ''[[Gauntlet]]'' threatened by Falcon [[Elementals]], Bel led her Commandos into the fray, successfully scattering the battle-armored troops and shoring up the Lyran defenders. Ronan congratulated Bel after the victory.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
After the Battle of Coventry ended, Bel joined her brother in the ranks of the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards after having graduated from the academy with honors in [[3150]] as a newly commissioned [[First Leutnant|first leutnant]], becoming part of the Third's Battalion's second company - which she also named Carlyle's Commandos.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 152–153</ref> Isobel and Ronan followed the Twenty-sixth to [[Arcturus]], believing they were on a legitimate mission. They only uncovered the truth on 13 August [[3151]], when they heard General [[Sarah Regis]]' announcement of the resurrection of the [[Tamar Pact]]. After discussing these events, the siblings agreed to try to find how many Lyran loyalists remained in the ranks of the Arcturan Guards. In a later assembly of the troops, General [[Kathleen McQuade]] announced the official defection of the Twenty-sixth; those who wanted to remain in the LCAF had to leave. Ronan and Isobel exited from the ranks but only a handful of others followed them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan took command of the Lyran loyalists, and, once their commercial [[DropShip]] arrived in the Lyran system of [[Garrison]], both Carlyle siblings were arrested. After a week of interrogation, Bel was freed and dishonorably discharged from the LCAF, along with all the other loyalists including Ronan, by orders of the garrison commander Hauptmann-General [[Timofey Bondayehr]].<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 2</ref> Ronan sent a message to his parents, and while awaiting the answer, the siblings and most of the remaining loyalits moved to a salvage yard property owned by the Carlyle family. The manager gave the yard to Ronan so the loyalists could exploit it, with Ronan's intentions being to obtain enough money to buy a ticket to Odessa. However, on 14 September, after finding a Clan ''[[Gargoyle]]'' [[OmniMech]], Isobel informed Ronan that most of their people wanted to remain together and under his command. Thus, the siblings took the first steps toward creating a [[mercenary]] unit of their own.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
===Mercenary Career===<br />
By 26 October, the Carlyles' people already had a functional unit and received a visit from the Lyran officer who had arrested them upon their arrival. The local Twenty-sixth Scout Company had defected to try to free some [[Hinterlands]] planets from [[Clan]] control and all other Lyran units were unavailable to stop them. However, Ronan's people were and were duly contracted to do so with their still-unnamed unit. The Carlyle's had three working BattleMechs - including Isobel's ''[[Hatchetman]]'' - several tanks, and both armored and unarmored infantry, but the defectors outnumbered them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 6</ref> On Isobel's suggestion, the newly formed unit took the name of the Gray Death Legion and they moved to intercept the defectors and successfully immobilized their support vehicles. Knowing that their mission was doomed, the Twenty-sixth's leader surrendered to the Legion and Lyran military justice.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', chs. 8–9</ref><br />
<br />
On 29 October, Ronan met with Isobel in a hotel and she gave him a message from Odessa: it contained their father's congratulations for both of their actions and gave them more funds to continue growing their unit. Isobel further surprised Ronan by showing him that their old commander General McQuade was there; McQuade informed them of the Lyran plan to cashier all the Twenty-sixth Scout Company's members and offered the newly born Legion a contract with the Tamar Pact in a few months, if they managed to build up enough strength. After the general departed, Ronan and Isobel moved to receive the Twenty-sixth Company's people and made sure they knew they weren't alone; there was a place for them in the Legion, if they wanted it.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
After the legion recruited most of the Scout Company's members, growing to battalion strength, the Carlyles accepted the proposed contract from the Tamar Pact. Their first destiny was the newly incorporated planet of [[Crimond]] where, on 2 February, the siblings were present when a terrorist attack destroyed a government building in the planet's capital city. Fortunately, Ronan escaped unscathed and Isobel received only a minor wound, but it became evident they would have a lot of work to do before the world was secure.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 2</ref><br />
<br />
Two days later, Ronan and Isobel meet with their liaison officer who's hostility towards mercenaries was met with Isobel's own verbal assault, but Ronan managed to diffuse the situation and obtain work assignations for the Legion. After reviewing them, Ronan asked his sister which of two tasks would suit them better and she suggested that they accept both at the same time, dividing the Legion in the process. Reluctantly, Ronan agreed and chose to take the legion's main body north in order to assist local police forces in a terrorist hunting campaign, while Isobel took her group - the reborn ''Carlyle's Commandos'' - to a neighboring continent to inspect and claim an old [[Star League]] fort.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The Commandos' landing on the continent of Condor occurred without problems, as the Commandos' possession of two 'Mechs, several tanks and numerous infantrymen was only opposed by a lone ''[[Regent]]'' with limited armor and infantry support. Isobel's efforts to talk to the unknown militants uncovered that their leader, a former Clan member named [[Curtain]], wasn't openly hostile. Curtain offered to talk about the Star League fortress and Isobel, along with three Gray Death infantryman, agreed to visit the locals' base to conduct talks. The ''Condor Defense Force'', as the locals called themselves, didn't want anything other than to be left alone but Curtain did welcome the legionnaires - unlike [[Bernard Blucher]], a local technician. When a joint team of Legion and Condor troops, led by Isobel and Curtain, inspected the fort, Blucher and his own team of Lyran loyalists engaged the investigation team in combat. By working together, Isobel and Curtain's team managed to kill all of the loyalists and capture Blucher.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 5-16</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan's group didn't run into too much trouble while completing their own mission. When both siblings gathered again on 7 February to announce their successes to their liaison officer, Isobel revealed that she had not only completed her mission, but had also obtained new recruits: Curtain and several Condor Defense Force infantrymen and tankers. While Ronan was initially reluctant to accept them, he ultimately agreed to his sister's idea and gave Curtain's men a welcome into the Gray Death Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 16</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
During her time with the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards, Bel Carlyle piloted a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' she'd named ''Tyche'', which she had piloted in the Coventry Military Academy. The name was apparently partly in homage to the legacy of ''Boss Lady'', the legendary ''Shadow Hawk'' piloted by her great-grandmother, [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]].<ref name=RGiV12p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 8: "Shadow Hawk - Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors"</ref><br />
<br />
Bel used it with great success against the Falcons, crushing several Elementals with ''Tyche''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s battlefists. After graduating, Academy Commander [[Petra Kühn]] granted Bel the permission to take ''Tyche'' with her to her new posting.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', p. 153</ref><br />
With the formation of the Tamar Pact, Bel became dispossessed. In the new Gray Death Legion on Garrison, Bel still wanted a ''Shadow Hawk'' but there weren't any available, so she moved on to piloting a ''Hatchetman''.<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{cn}}</ref><br />
<br />
Isobel keep piloting the Hatcheman during some time, until, after crushing Pandora's rebellion, replaced it with a salvaged Shadow Hawk, which she named ''Boss Lady II''.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' Epilogue</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg|Isobel Carlyle from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Shadow Hawk (Tyche) BTLegends.jpg|Carlyle's ''Shadow Hawk'' ''Tyche'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Isobel_Carlyle&diff=1063360Isobel Carlyle2024-03-28T07:03:57Z<p>Fredericmora: /* BattleMechs */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg<br />
| name = Isobel Carlyle<br />
| birthdate = [[3131]]<ref name=BTLp152>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 152: Isobel Carlyle</ref><br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = Bel<br />
| affiliation = [[House Carlyle]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Gardner Carlyle]] (father)<ref name=TPoGc4>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
| siblings = [[Ronan Carlyle]]<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Isobel "Bel" Carlyle''' was a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] noble. She was cashiered from the LCAF despite her loyalty to the Lyran Commonwealth when her unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards]], defected to the newly formed [[Tamar Pact]]. Bel and her brother [[Ronan Carlyle]], along with other former members of the Twenty-sixth, formed the new [[Gray Death Legion]] on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
==Personal History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Born into [[House Carlyle]] of [[Odessa]], Isobel was expected to join her family in their work restoring the plague-ravaged world to its previous greatness. However, the [[Blackout]] - which fell on Isobel's first birthday - changed her future. As she grew into an [[Inner Sphere]] ravaged by war, Isobel rejected her father's pacifism and sought to emulate her grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]], a hero of the [[LCAF]] who fought in the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]] and his parents [[Lori Kalmar]] and [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], founders of the [[mercenary]] '''Gray Death Legion'''. Isobel devoured every record of their exploits and made headbands and skull emblems, the symbol of the Legion, part of her attire.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
===LCAF Service===<br />
Isobel, or ''Bel'', as she shortened her name, eventually followed her big brother's path into the [[LCAF]], enrolling in the [[Coventry Military Academy]] in [[3147]]. Once there, Isobel excelled in both MechWarrior and anti-Mech infantry training programs, though she was disciplined in early [[3148]] for taking a squad of fellow cadets - who she dubbed [[Carlyle's Commandos]] - on unauthorized ''field exercises'' to break up a local criminal kangaroo-rustling operation, with her brother Ronan testifying having to testify in her favor.<br />
<br />
The disciplinary hearing was interrupted by a [[Clan Jade Falcon]] attack, which instigated the [[Battle of Coventry (3148)|Battle of Coventry]]. Bel was authorized to lead her "Commandos" in a flanking attack on the [[1st Falcon Striker Cluster|First Falcon Striker Cluster]] after they'd razed the town of Whitting and, despite only intending to serve as a distraction, the Commandos disabled a [[Binary]] of Falcon 'Mechs using satchel charges before being forced to fall back. When the Falcon advance was driven away from the academy, the surviving members of Bel's company deployed with the rest of the Academy's Training Battalion to relieve the Lyran forces defending the [[Coventry Metal Works]] industriplex. Seeing her brother Ronan's ''[[Gauntlet]]'' threatened by Falcon [[Elementals]], Bel led her Commandos into the fray, successfully scattering the battle-armored troops and shoring up the Lyran defenders. Ronan congratulated Bel after the victory.<ref name=BTLp152 /><br />
<br />
After the Battle of Coventry ended, Bel joined her brother in the ranks of the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards after having graduated from the academy with honors in [[3150]] as a newly commissioned [[First Leutnant|first leutnant]], becoming part of the Third's Battalion's second company - which she also named Carlyle's Commandos.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 152–153</ref> Isobel and Ronan followed the Twenty-sixth to [[Arcturus]], believing they were on a legitimate mission. They only uncovered the truth on 13 August [[3151]], when they heard General [[Sarah Regis]]' announcement of the resurrection of the [[Tamar Pact]]. After discussing these events, the siblings agreed to try to find how many Lyran loyalists remained in the ranks of the Arcturan Guards. In a later assembly of the troops, General [[Kathleen McQuade]] announced the official defection of the Twenty-sixth; those who wanted to remain in the LCAF had to leave. Ronan and Isobel exited from the ranks but only a handful of others followed them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan took command of the Lyran loyalists, and, once their commercial [[DropShip]] arrived in the Lyran system of [[Garrison]], both Carlyle siblings were arrested. After a week of interrogation, Bel was freed and dishonorably discharged from the LCAF, along with all the other loyalists including Ronan, by orders of the garrison commander Hauptmann-General [[Timofey Bondayehr]].<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 2</ref> Ronan sent a message to his parents, and while awaiting the answer, the siblings and most of the remaining loyalits moved to a salvage yard property owned by the Carlyle family. The manager gave the yard to Ronan so the loyalists could exploit it, with Ronan's intentions being to obtain enough money to buy a ticket to Odessa. However, on 14 September, after finding a Clan ''[[Gargoyle]]'' [[OmniMech]], Isobel informed Ronan that most of their people wanted to remain together and under his command. Thus, the siblings took the first steps toward creating a [[mercenary]] unit of their own.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
===Mercenary Career===<br />
By 26 October, the Carlyles' people already had a functional unit and received a visit from the Lyran officer who had arrested them upon their arrival. The local Twenty-sixth Scout Company had defected to try to free some [[Hinterlands]] planets from [[Clan]] control and all other Lyran units were unavailable to stop them. However, Ronan's people were and were duly contracted to do so with their still-unnamed unit. The Carlyle's had three working BattleMechs - including Isobel's ''[[Hatchetman]]'' - several tanks, and both armored and unarmored infantry, but the defectors outnumbered them.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 6</ref> On Isobel's suggestion, the newly formed unit took the name of the Gray Death Legion and they moved to intercept the defectors and successfully immobilized their support vehicles. Knowing that their mission was doomed, the Twenty-sixth's leader surrendered to the Legion and Lyran military justice.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', chs. 8–9</ref><br />
<br />
On 29 October, Ronan met with Isobel in a hotel and she gave him a message from Odessa: it contained their father's congratulations for both of their actions and gave them more funds to continue growing their unit. Isobel further surprised Ronan by showing him that their old commander General McQuade was there; McQuade informed them of the Lyran plan to cashier all the Twenty-sixth Scout Company's members and offered the newly born Legion a contract with the Tamar Pact in a few months, if they managed to build up enough strength. After the general departed, Ronan and Isobel moved to receive the Twenty-sixth Company's people and made sure they knew they weren't alone; there was a place for them in the Legion, if they wanted it.<ref>''The Price of Duty'', ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
After the legion recruited most of the Scout Company's members, growing to battalion strength, the Carlyles accepted the proposed contract from the Tamar Pact. Their first destiny was the newly incorporated planet of [[Crimond]] where, on 2 February, the siblings were present when a terrorist attack destroyed a government building in the planet's capital city. Fortunately, Ronan escaped unscathed and Isobel received only a minor wound, but it became evident they would have a lot of work to do before the world was secure.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 2</ref><br />
<br />
Two days later, Ronan and Isobel meet with their liaison officer who's hostility towards mercenaries was met with Isobel's own verbal assault, but Ronan managed to diffuse the situation and obtain work assignations for the Legion. After reviewing them, Ronan asked his sister which of two tasks would suit them better and she suggested that they accept both at the same time, dividing the Legion in the process. Reluctantly, Ronan agreed and chose to take the legion's main body north in order to assist local police forces in a terrorist hunting campaign, while Isobel took her group - the reborn ''Carlyle's Commandos'' - to a neighboring continent to inspect and claim an old [[Star League]] fort.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The Commandos' landing on the continent of Condor occurred without problems, as the Commandos' possession of two 'Mechs, several tanks and numerous infantrymen was only opposed by a lone ''[[Regent]]'' with limited armor and infantry support. Isobel's efforts to talk to the unknown militants uncovered that their leader, a former Clan member named [[Curtain]], wasn't openly hostile. Curtain offered to talk about the Star League fortress and Isobel, along with three Gray Death infantryman, agreed to visit the locals' base to conduct talks. The ''Condor Defense Force'', as the locals called themselves, didn't want anything other than to be left alone but Curtain did welcome the legionnaires - unlike [[Bernard Blucher]], a local technician. When a joint team of Legion and Condor troops, led by Isobel and Curtain, inspected the fort, Blucher and his own team of Lyran loyalists engaged the investigation team in combat. By working together, Isobel and Curtain's team managed to kill all of the loyalists and capture Blucher.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 5-16</ref><br />
<br />
Ronan's group didn't run into too much trouble while completing their own mission. When both siblings gathered again on 7 February to announce their successes to their liaison officer, Isobel revealed that she had not only completed her mission, but had also obtained new recruits: Curtain and several Condor Defense Force infantrymen and tankers. While Ronan was initially reluctant to accept them, he ultimately agreed to his sister's idea and gave Curtain's men a welcome into the Gray Death Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 16</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
During her time with the Twenty-sixth Arcturan Guards, Bel Carlyle piloted a ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' she'd named ''Tyche'', which she had piloted in the Coventry Military Academy. The name was apparently partly in homage to the legacy of ''Boss Lady'', the legendary ''Shadow Hawk'' piloted by her great-grandmother, [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]].<ref name=RGiV12p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 8: "Shadow Hawk - Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors"</ref><br />
<br />
Bel used it with great success against the Falcons, crushing several Elementals with ''Tyche''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s battlefists. After graduating, Academy Commander [[Petra Kühn]] granted Bel the permission to take ''Tyche'' with her to her new posting.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', p. 153</ref><br />
With the formation of the Tamar Pact, Bel became dispossessed. In the new Gray Death Legion on Garrison, Bel still wanted a ''Shadow Hawk'' but there weren't any available, so she moved on to piloting a ''Hatchetman''.<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{cn}}</ref><br />
<br />
Isobel keep piloting the Hatcheman during some time, until, after crushing Pandora's rebellion, replaced it with a salvaged Shadow Hawk, whhich she named ''Boss Lady II''.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' Epilogue</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Isobel Carlyle BTLegends.jpg|Isobel Carlyle from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Shadow Hawk (Tyche) BTLegends.jpg|Carlyle's ''Shadow Hawk'' ''Tyche'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Carlyle, Isobel]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063359Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T07:01:31Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Working for the Pact */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
<br />
Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
===Working for the Pact===<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Sometime later, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, their employers send to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3</ref><br />
<br />
However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: Barely days after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy the Legion. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. The salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16</ref><br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063353Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T05:32:10Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Working for the Pact */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
<br />
Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
===Working for the Pact===<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Before leaving Crimond, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, they were sent to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3</ref><br />
<br />
However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: soon after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy them. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. The salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063352Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T05:24:50Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
<br />
Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
===Working for the Pact===<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Before leaving Crimond, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, they were sent to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3<ref><br />
<br />
However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: soon after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy them. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. THe salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16<ref><br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gray_Death_Legion&diff=1063351Gray Death Legion2024-03-28T05:23:51Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=Many references need to be added, citations need to be improved and page formating needs to be looked at}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[Turning Points: Helm]]}}<br />
{{otheruses|the mercenary unit|the sourcebook/scenario pack|Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)}}<br />
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand<br />
| image = [[Image:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|150px|Emblem of the Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| Designation = Gray Death Legion<br />
| Formed = [[3024]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br>[[3151]]<small>(re-formed)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Disbanded = [[3065]]<small>(first founding)</small>{{cn}}<br />
| Previous Designation = <br />
| Nickname = <br />
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]<br />
| Parent Command = Independent<br />
| Sub-Command = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Unit Description==<br />
The '''Gray Death Legion''' was the elite mercenary unit of military mastermind [[Grayson Death Carlyle]]. Starting as an offshoot of the [[Trellwan Lancers]], an ad hoc militia unit set up by Carlyle for the defense of [[Trell I]] in [[3024]], the unit eventually grew to regimental size.{{cn}} The Legion became famous for the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], which set off a technological renaissance throughout the [[Inner Sphere]], as well as for the most effective use of combined arms tactics, culminating in the development and deployment of [[Gray Death Standard|their]] [[Gray Death Scout|own]] [[battle armor]] models.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
The unit was all but destroyed in [[3065]] during the defense of [[Hesperus II]] against [[Free Skye|Skye Rebels]].{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Founding===<br />
In [[3024]], the planet [[Trellwan]] was garrisoned for the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] by [[Carlyle's Commandos]] when forces working for [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] tried to seize the world. The invaders, elements from the [[Oberon Confederation]], shattered the garrison and drove the survivors off planet. [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], the son of the Commandos' commander and the sole remnant of the unit left on Trell I, was hired by the planetary government to build a military force to defend the world against the bandits. Under his skilled command and because of his great knowledge about [[BattleMech]]s the newly formed Trellwan Lancers achieved some astonishing victories and managed to capture several enemy 'Mechs and [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s including [[Lori Kalmar]], who Carlyle was able to recruit for his Lancers and who would be his future Executive Officer and wife.<br />
<br />
Carlyle also met and befriended [[Renfred Tor]], the unlucky starship captain who had been forced to bring the bandits to Trellwan. With the help of Tor and his [[JumpShip]] Carlyle, after uncovering Ricol's plot, managed to inform the Lyran Commonwealth of the developing situation, forcing the Duke to leave Trell I after the Combine forces were unable to destroy Carlyle and his troops in a final battle. Carlyle took the remains of the Lancers to create a new [[mercenary unit]]: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>This is described fully in the novel ''Decision at Thunder Rift''.</ref><ref name=mhb3055p49>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 49</ref><br />
<br />
This victory is celebrated every November 11, the [[Day of Heroes]], when the [[Roll of Honor]] is read and other observations made.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook 3055'', p. 57</ref><br />
<br />
===Verthandi Campaign===<br />
The newly formed Gray Death Legion traveled to [[Galatea]], known as the Mercenary's Star, seeking employment. There they recruited new members, eventually numbering 186 men and women in the Legion. This included seven MechWarriors and two Aerospace pilots in the roster. In the six months on planet, and facing disbandment due to lack of funds, they were forced to accept an offer by a representative of the [[Verthandi]] Revolutionary Council. The planet had been traded to the [[Draconis Combine]] several years earlier by [[House Steiner]] as part of a treaty obligation and many people were engaged in a guerrilla war against the Combine forces. The Legion was hired to provide training for the rebels, especially in anti-'Mech infantry combat. The initial contract was for 900 hours of training, but no combat engagements. The unit traveled to Verthandi and barely succeeded in running the blockade. The [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Trojan-class DropShip)|Phobos]]'' was severely damaged running the blockade; converted to a steam-powered oceangoing vessel it was actually sailed across the Azure Sea to a safe harbor for repairs. Two of the Legion's members — Captain [[Ilse Martinez]] and [[Davis McCall]] — were primarily responsible for enabling this transformation.<br />
<br />
It quickly became clear to Carlyle that the Legion forces would not be able to simply train the rebels, but would need to participate to ensure that the rebellion was successful (which, without the DropShip, was their only chance to leave the planet and evade the cruel House Kurita). Several members of the rebel council were against the Legion's participation, primarily due to concerns of their ability to pay the mercenary unit, but Carlyle succeeded in reassuring them that his forces were committed to fighting the injustices on the planet regardless of their mercenary status.<br />
<br />
While the Legion trained the rebel pilots and infantry, Governor-General [[Masayoshi Nagumo]] struggled to locate the mercenary unit. His lord, Duke Hassid Ricol (the same Duke that Carlyle had beaten on Trell I) was pressuring him to crush the rebellion. Through the capture of [[Sue Ellen Klein]], one of the two Gray Death aerospace pilots, Nagumo learned of the location of the rebel stronghold. He arranged a [[Draconis Elite Strike Team]] raid on the complex which resulted in many of the rebels being killed or captured, including rebel leaders and the Legion's technicians. The Legion 'Mechs were on a raid elsewhere when the base was attacked and avoided the ambush relatively unscathed. They then launched a prolonged, guerrilla campaign, increasing their attacks on outposts whenever possible and encouraging outright rebellion by the populace.<br />
<br />
The rebellion was concluded successfully when Carlyle led a raid to free [[Lori Kalmar]] who had been captured by the Kuritan forces. The raid freed Kalmar and several of the rebellion's leaders. During the raid, Carlyle was able to secure an enemy ''[[Marauder]]'' which later became strongly associated with him. The Legion forces caught the Combine 'Mechs in a crossfire during the final moments of the rescue and, despite heavy casualties, the rebel forces emerged victorious and the Combine forces abandoned the planet.<br />
<br />
===Free Worlds League===<br />
After the Verthandi campaign, the unit returned to Galatea to refit.<ref name=mhb3055p51/> The Legion signed on with the [[Free Worlds League]] for a prolonged series of campaigns against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The unit performed admirably during several operations and garnered a good reputation. Following their successful [[Battle of Sirius (3028)|Liberation of Sirius V]] in early [[3028]], the unit planned to return to its landholding of [[Helm]]. One of the terms of the contract with House Marik stipulated that the Gray Death Legion would be granted an extensive fief on the planet. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to either the Gray Death Legion or [[Janos Marik]], that fief held an ancient [[Star League]] weapons cache including a field library.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
A rogue [[ComStar]] [[Precentor]] named [[Emilio Rachan]] created a byzantine plot involving a [[Free Worlds League]] noble whereby the Legion was framed for the [[Tiantan massacre]], the destruction of the domed city of Tiantan on Sirius V which killed between 12 and 17 million people. The unit was kept uninformed about the atrocities committed following their departure, yet, sensing something amiss and despite orders from the Duke to go to [[Marik]], Carlyle instead led the Legion back to their landhold on Helm. The general outrage produced by repeated airings of holovids of the massacre resulted in the Legion being declared outlaws.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
====Helm Memory Core====<br />
While the unit was off-world, Free Worlds League militia units had invaded Helm, among them the [[12th Atrean Dragoons|Twelfth Atrean Dragoons]], believing the story of the atrocity at Sirius V. They killed or captured many of the unit's dependents who had remained. When the Legion returned, they found their strongholds devastated and were themselves under constant attack from League forces. They eventually learned about the possible existence of a [[Star League]] cache on the planet; as it turned out, none other than Duke Hassid Ricol had come all the way from the Draconis Combine following the same leads as Rachan and his Marik conspirators. Carlyle struck a deal with Ricol, managed to find the cache, and realized the library to be the true target of Rachan's machinations. Besieged and attacked by pursuing Marik forces, Ricol and the Gray Death Legion narrowly managed to secure a copy of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and a small fraction of the cache's extensive treasures before the entire facility self-destructed.<br />
<br />
Carlyle subsequently felt that the memory core was too valuable for humanity at large, and too big a blood price had been paid for it, to keep it for himself. He made sure that many copies were created and disseminated throughout the entire [[Inner Sphere]], an action that made him and his unit extremely famous and popular.<ref name=mhb3055p51>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
The Legion were actively involved in [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Lyran Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]. During the opening wave of attacks in August [[3028]] the Legion captured [[Shionoha]], then [[Aubisson]] in the followup attacks. Aubisson in special proved the incredible tactical cunning of Grayson: instead of attacking the capital, the then alone Legion attacked ''PowerOne'', the planet's main fusion plant, located in an island. With Khaled leading a frontal attack, Grayson led a lance underwater by the opposite side. Despite having to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack caught the defenders by surprise and surrended quickly, with the planet following soon.<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref>.<ref>''BattleTech Legends'', pp. 24–31</ref><br />
<br />
The Legion was subsequently hired by a faction within the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3029]] and tasked with several raids into Kurita space as part of House Steiner's [[Orestes]] campaign, including savage fights on [[Caldrea]] and [[Otho]], a delaying action on [[Trolloc Prime]] and leading the assault on [[Baldur]]. In [[3030]], the unit allowed Steiner forces to disengage on [[Lothan]], disrupted an invasion fleet at [[Nox]], and captured a vast store of supplies and equipment on [[Darius]], growing to regimental size.<ref>''Gray Death Legion'', pp. 7–8</ref><ref name=mhb3055p51/><br />
<br />
Because of his attitude and the experience with Marik, Carlyle would subsequently not consider contracts from Houses Kurita, Marik or Liao.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
===War of 3039===<br />
====Altais====<br />
The LCAF had special interest in [[Altais]], as a staging point for further invasion and also to block any counterstrikes from the DCMS. The task force invading the planet consisted of the [[8th Donegal Guards|Eighth Donegal Guards]] supported by two mercenary commands, the First [[Dragonslayers]] and the Gray Death Legion. Official reports suggested that the planet should be undefended despite rumors of two unknown formations on planet. The [[1st Ghost|First Ghost]] were tasked with the defense of vital spaceports. That was also the target of the Gray Death Legion who landed as second unit of the task force on the world. The mercenaries staged simultaneous strikes at the two spaceports, Willas and New Ross.<ref name=CM>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 42</ref> The first combat drops were uncontested but the second were difficult for the Steiner forces. The First Ghost launched three assaults on that position in short order but were always beaten. The other half of the mercenaries traveled over 150 km from their landing point to support their beleaguered comrades. Unexpected by the First, the flanking raids were devastating. The Legion pursued the Ghost forces and barely three companies could retreat off planet.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 29–31</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 41</ref><br />
<br />
After the War of 3039 the Legion had a long-term garrison contract with the Federated Commonwealth and were stationed on [[Sudeten]], with occasional pirate hunting missions.<ref name=CM/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
When the [[Clans]] appeared in [[3050]] and rolled through any and all opposition, the Gray Death Legion were one of the units to fight them with some success. The Legion suffered [[Battle of Sudeten (3050)|heavy defeats]] on [[Sudeten]] where they had been stationed prior to the [[Clan Invasion|Invasion]], losing that world to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but on [[Pandora]], despite having to disobey orders to succeed, managed to defeat the Clans for the first time ever. On Pandora they used modified battle armor suits and other upgraded technology.<ref name=ER52/> With severe damage to the Legion and having acquired substantial salvage of [[lostech]], or, as the Legion call it "Foundtech", they became very famous as one of the premier mercenary units in the Inner Sphere.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 52</ref><br />
<br />
===First Skye Secession===<br />
In [[3056]] the Legion was gifted with the world of [[Glengarry]] in a political move by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], but they immediately had to defend the world against Skye Separatists who did not want them there. The defensive guerrilla campaign was led by [[Alexander Carlyle]], the son of Grayson and Lori Kalmar Carlyle. The younger Carlyle held out until the unit could return home to take care of things, though the forces on the planet suffered heavy losses and Alexander lost his best friend, Davis Clay, who was the son of one of the original members of the Legion.<br />
<br />
===Second Skye Secession===<br />
The third most senior member of the Legion, Davis McCall, received word from his estranged family that atrocities were occurring on his homeworld of [[Caledonia]], three jumps from Glengarry, and he went, with Alexander Carlyle, to investigate in the event that the Legion were deployed there as per rumors that were heard. This was all part of an elaborate plot by Marshal Brandal Gareth to discredit and disband or destroy the Legion as part of his plot to carve an empire for himself centered on Hesperus in the Skye March. After a failed assassination attempt by Gareth on Grayson and Lori, elements of the Legion deployed to Caledonia and were ordered by the government to fire on civilians, leaving them with the option of either causing atrocities and breaking interstellar law, or refusing to obey and breaking their contract with the Federated Commonwealth. With the previous intelligence gathered by McCall and Alexander Carlyle, Grayson sided with the rebels and, even though outnumbered two-to-one by elements of the [[3rd Davion Guards|Third Davion Guards]], defeated them in combat. However, a traitor planted within the unit by Gareth ambushed Grayson Carlyle and crippled him, including damage to his inner ear that would prevent him from ever piloting a BattleMech again.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Gareth moved against Glengarry in an attempt to destroy the Legion in response to their breaking of the contract with the Federated Commonwealth. [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]] managed to hold the attacking force at bay until the rest of the Legion arrived from Caledonia and Gareth retreated off-world, leaving the battle to be fought in the courts. The senior staff of the unit were summoned to the capital world of [[Tharkad]] just as [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] announced the separation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the rest of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and the Legion were found guilty of breaking their contract, though Grayson Carlyle resigned from the unit in order to absolve them of blame, citing his personal choice as the deciding factor in the crime. From there, he left the unit and went to work with Gareth on Hesperus, though he was secretly an agent for the Lyran Alliance, attempting to ascertain what Brandal Gareth had planned. He agreed to side the Legion with Gareth in whatever plot was being hatched, pretending to not have any loyalty with the Steiners after their handling of his court martial. Gareth then declared an independent state called the [[Free Star Republic]], having gotten the young, impressionable [[Daniel Brewer]], CEO of [[Defiance Industries]] to support his grab for power. The Legion were deployed to support Gareth on Hesperus, but instead turned around and took over the BattleMech factories for [[House Steiner]]. Defending them against Gareth's forces while Grayson Carlyle led a daring commando raid to capture a JumpShip and go for help from other House Steiner forces. After these actions, both Grayson and Lori were awarded the McKennsy Hammer by a grateful [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and again awarded Glengarry as a home.<br />
<br />
===Destruction===<br />
In [[3065]], they received orders to reinforce the defenders of [[Hesperus II]] against possible invaders, whether they might be [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]'s forces or [[Skye]] rebels (at this time, the Gray Death Legion consisted of two 'Mech battalions, one tank battalion, one battle armor battalion and one aerospace [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]]). There, they fought alongside the [[15th Lyran Guards|Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] and [[36th Lyran Guards|Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]] against the [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]], [[17th Skye Rangers|Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], and [[22nd Skye Rangers|Twenty-second Skye Rangers]]. They were able to defend [[Defiance Industries]]. The victory of the Lyran forces essentially spelled the end for the rebellion, though it came at a heavy cost to the Legion. They ceased to exist as a combat command. What remained of the unit was folded into the [[Defiance Self-Protection Force|Defiance Security Forces]], as the highest-ranking surviving officer [[Daniel Brewer]] was also chief executive of Defiance Industries. The Defiance Security Forces were annihilated during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
Alexander Carlyle, who had been serving in the [[LAAF]] in the [[Second Royal Guards]] on [[Tharkad]], had intended to rebuild the Legion, but was prevented by several factors. First, he was not allowed to leave his unit in midst of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. In the aftermath of the war, his family was stripped of its holdings on Glengarry, and the [[Mercenary Review Board|Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission]] indicated that because of the Legion's spotty track record with turning on their employers, they could not be appropriately graded.<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 22</ref> Still an LAAF officer, Alexander Carlyle was on Tharkad when it was bombed from orbit at the onset of the Jihad.<br />
<br />
Some of the surviving support staff would return to Glengarry to form [[Gray Death Technologies]], to continue to manufacture and market the Legion's unique battle armor, the [[Gray Death Standard]] and the [[Gray Death Scout]].<ref name="TR3058Upgradep22"/> Gray Death Technologies would later be bought out and absorbed into Defiance Industries in the post-Jihad era.<ref name="xtros15">''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Rebirth===<br />
In 3151, after their former LCAF unit, the [[26th Arcturan Guards|Twenty-sixth Guards]], defected to the [[Tamar Pact]], siblings [[Ronan Carlyle]] and [[Isobel Carlyle]] formed a mercenary company on [[Garrison]] using salvaged equipment and staffed with other former LCAF members, Twenty-sixth Guards loyalists who had been cashiered from the LCAF. The new unit resurrected the Gray Death Legion name and logo used by their great-grandfather [[Grayson Death Carlyle]], their great-grandmother [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], and their grandfather [[Alexander Carlyle]] before he joined the LAAF. The reborn Legion won its first battle easily, containing a defecting Lyran recon company, targeting their equipment and stopping them without suffering or causing losses, taking a lot of salvage from the surrendered company. After the battle, an officer of the reborn Tamar Pact informed the Carlyles about the inminent expulsion of the company, suggesting the Legion to recruit them and offering them a contract for the Pact.<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
<br />
==Working for the Pact==<br />
The Legion commanders accepted the advice, ultimately growing to about two companies, and accepting work for the Tamar Pact. Their first post was on the planet [[Crimond]], recently absorbed by the Pact, in February [[3152]]. There, the unit divided in two: Ronan took the main body to help police forces to crush a terrorist group, while Isobel took the remainder, which she called ''Carlyle's Commandos'' to another continent, to secure an old Star League base. Both groups completed the tasks assigned without casualties and in no time, proving their high quality and adaptability, even bringing more recruits to the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' </ref><br />
<br />
Before leaving Crimond, the Legion absorbed the remnants of another mercenary unit shattered on planet, [[Fitzroy's Fusiliers]]. That made the Legion a short battalion, with two full companies and the bones of a third. After finishing their work on Crimond, they were sent to garrison [[Pandora]] at least for six months.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.2-3<ref><br />
<br />
However, the garrison contract wasn't uneventful: soon after the Legion settled on Pandora, the planetary governor launched a coup to attempt to secede from the Tamar Pact, and as the Legion had refused to be bribed, they blamed them for a terrorist attack and attempted to destroy them. <br />
However, the Legion was warned and they managed to easily crush a rebel company of 'Mechs, and later launch a counterattack which defeated the secessionists, returning the planet to the Pact's control. THe salvage taken allowed the Legion to become a full battalion, at least on paper.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch.6-16<ref><br />
<br />
==Officers==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name<br />
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Gray Death Legion'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Grayson Carlyle]]||[[3024]]–[[3065]]<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
|-<br />
| [[Colonel]]||[[Lori Kalmar]]||[[3065]]<ref>''The Dying Time'' </ref><br />
|-<br />
| [[Captain]]||[[Ronan Carlyle]]||[[3151]]–present<ref>''The Price of Duty''</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Other Unit Officers===<br />
* [[Randolph Blake]] in [[3039]].<ref name=GDLp20>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 20</ref><br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle]] was the reborn Legion's second-in-command in [[3151]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor''</ref><br />
<br />
==Composition History==<br />
===3024===<br />
'''First Trellwan Lancers''' <small>(T/O & E - 5 Battlemechs and 147 Troops)</small><ref name=DaTRc17<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', ch. 17</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Lance]]</u><br />
:* [[Lieutenant]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''[[Locust]]''<br />
:* [[Garik Enzelman]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Yarin]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
*<u>Support</u><br />
::* [[Master Sergeant]] [[Donald Ramage]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
::* [[Sergeant]] [[Larresen]]<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::*[[Corporal]] [[Brooke]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
===3025===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <ref name=GDL/><br />
*<u>BattleMech [[Company]]</u><br />
:* [[Captain]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* [[Delmar Clay]] - ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<br />
:* [[Davis McCall]] - ''[[Rifleman]]''<br />
:* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* [[Piter Debrowski]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* [[Jaleg Yorulis]] - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
<br />
===3025 (Verthandi)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (T/O & E - 7 Battlemechs, 2 ASF and 186 Troops)<ref name=GDL>''Gray Death Legion''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
:* Lori Kalmar - ''Locust''<br />
:* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:* Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Stinger''<br />
:* Piter Debrowski - ''Wasp''<br />
:* Jaleg Yorulis - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon A<br />
:* Anti-'Mech Infantry Platoon B<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' [[Karelian]]<br />
:* Technical Support Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* ''Captain'' [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
:*[[Aerospace]] [[Air Lance|Fighter Lance]]<br />
::* [[Jefrie Sherman]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
::* [[Sue Ellen Klein]] - ''[[Chippewa]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Combined Arms Regiment)===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref name=TPoGc17>''The Price of Glory'', ch. 17</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company A - Gray Death</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Grayson Carlyle <small>(Unit CO)</small><br />
*<u> BattleMech Company B - Training Company</u><br />
:* ''Lieutenant'' [[Gomez de Villar]].<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* ''Captain'' Donald Ramage<br />
:* ''Sergeant'' [[Burns]]<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company A</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons. <br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
*<u>Anti-'Mech Infantry Company B</u><br />
:* 3 x Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons.<br />
:* Platoons of 40 Troops x 3 = Company of 120.<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Alard King]] <small>(Master Tech)</small><br />
::* 300 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks.<br />
:*Armored Recon Support Team<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Mark Baron]] <br />
:::* ''[[Galleon]]'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Fraser]]<br />
:::* ''[[Vedette]]'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Transport Division</u><br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Renfred Tor]]<br />
:* ''[[Invader]]''-class [[JumpShip]] ''[[Invidious (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Invidious]]'' (Originally described as a Merchant, then became an Invader-class. One dropship collar may have needed fixing).<br />
::* [[Captain]] [[Ilse Martinez]]<br />
:* ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Phobos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Phobos]]''<br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Deimos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Deimos]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Helm) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<small> (T/O & E on Helm)</small><ref>''Turning Points: Helm''</ref><br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
::* ''Sergeant'' Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' Hassan Ali Khaled - ''[[Warhammer]]''<br />
::* [[Isoru Koga]] - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
::* [[Charles Bear]] - ''[[Crusader]]''<br />
::* [[Sharyl (Gray Death Legion)|Sharyl]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* ''Lieutenant'' [[Francine Roget]] - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
::* [[Harris Graff]] - ''[[Assassin]]''<br />
::* [[Harriman Vandergriff]] - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
::* [[Sylvia Trevor]] - ''Wasp''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Wheel Station) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on the space facility in the [[Wheel|Wheel Station]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 200-202</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Battle Lance</u><br />
:* [[Colonel]] Grayson Death Carlyle - ''[[Marauder]]''<br />
:* Francine Roget - ''[[Panther]]''<br />
:* Connor Smit - ''[[Wasp]]''<br />
:* Dobrovsky - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
:* Vomer - ''[[Commando]]''<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Valdis I) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the assault on [[Valdis I|Valdis]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 131</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>BattleMech Company</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* [[Major]] Lori Kalmar - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* [[Marta Garner]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:*Assault Lance<br />
::* [[Thomas Reid]] - ''[[Thunderbolt]]''<br />
::* Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* [[Carmen Santos]] - ''[[Centurion]]''<br />
::* [[Theor Whittim|Theor "Whitey" Whittim]] - ''[[Orion]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Isoru Koga - ''Archer''<br />
::* [[Milowski]] - ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''<br />
::* [[Rastovic]] - ''Catapult''<br />
<br />
*<u>Reinforced Armor Company</u><br />
:* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* [[Captain]] Mark Baron <br />
::* ''Galleon'' Light Tanks (8) <br />
::* ''Vedette'' Medium Tanks (12)<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Squadron - Gray Death Reapers</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'' pp 134-135</ref><br />
::* Lieutenant [[Jocelyn Krueger]] <br />
:* ''[[Stingray]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (4)<br />
:* ''[[Lucifer]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
:* ''[[Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)|Corsair]]'' Medium Aerospace fighters (3)<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShip ''[[Juno (Individual Overlord-class DropShip)|Juno]]''<br />
<br />
===3028 (Shionoha) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the mission on [[Shionoha]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 103</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:* Lieutenant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:* Lassiter - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:* Harriman Vandergriff - ''Commando''<br />
:* Sylvia Trevor - ''[[Stinger]]''<br />
<br />
*<u>Logistics Support</u><br />
:* ''Union''-class DropShip ''[[Kaos (Individual Union-class DropShip)|Kaos]]''<ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 84</ref><br />
<br />
===3028 (Imbros III) ===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' <small>(T/O & E for the raid on [[Imbros III]])</small><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 45-48</ref><br />
<br />
*<u>Mechanised Infantry Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
::* Captain Donald Ramage<br />
:* 1st Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Rallie Disch]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Gunter Sammis]]<br />
<br />
:* 2nd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers. [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport.<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Meyers]]<br />
<br />
:* 3rd Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harris]]<br />
<br />
:* 4th Platoon - 4 Squads of 7 = 28 Troopers [[Maxim]] Heavy Hover Transport. <br />
::* Lieutenant [[Zack Costigan]]<br />
::* Staff Sergeant [[Kellerman]]<br />
::* Sergeant [[Janice Brady]]<br />
<br />
*<u>Tech & Logistics Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><ref>''A Rock and a Hard Place'', pp 90</ref><br />
:* Lieutenant Alard King<br />
:* 578 Technicians, Drivers, Combat Medics, and Cooks. 423 Civilians - families and relatives.<br />
<br />
===3039===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''{{cn}}<br />
*<u>First [[Company]]</u><br />
:*Command Lance<br />
::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''<br />
::* Sergeant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine''<br />
::* Sergeant Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
::* Thomas Reid - ''[[Griffin]]''<br />
:*Fire Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
::* [[Francis Bowden]] - ''Assassin''<br />
:*Recon Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Gomez Christobal de Villar]] - ''Griffin''<br />
::* Sergeant [[Tracy Maxwell Kent]] - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
::* [[Phillip Ashburn]] - ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''<br />
::* [[Winston Royale]] - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
*<u>Infantry Support Company (Reinforced Company)</u><br />
:* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
:* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
:* 1 Anti-'Mech Commando Platoon<br />
<br />
*<u>Aerospace Support Company</u><br />
:*Transport Lance:<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class DropShip ''Deimos''<br />
:* First Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Joshua Diskin]] - ''Corsair''<br />
::* Ensign [[Carla Staedler]] - ''Corsair''<br />
:* Second Fighter Lance<br />
::* Lieutenant [[Harold Lockhart]] - ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''<br />
::* Ensign [[Larry Quil]] - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
===3040===<br />
''' Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="HWo3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Sudeten]]<br />
:Contract: AFFC<ref name="HWo3039p140"/><br />
<br />
===3050===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=20yup26/><br />
* First [[Battalion]]<br />
:* First BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle - ''Marauder''/''[[Victor]]''<br />
:::* [[Captain]] [[Lori Kalmar]] - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''[[Trebuchet]]''<br />
:::* Miles Lewis - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*<u>Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled - ''Warhammer''<br />
:::* Sergeant Rachel Nolans - ''[[Catapult]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''[[Archer]]''<br />
:::* Wayne LeMat - ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (killed in action at Vandmaal on [[Pandora]])<br />
<br />
::*<u>Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Gomez Christobal de Villar - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Sergeant Charles Bear - ''Crusader''<br />
:::* Mai Li-Fong - ''[[Vindicator]]'' (KIA at Hammarr on [[Sudeten]])<br />
:::* Dimitri Oretsov - ''[[Enforcer]]''<br />
<br />
:* Second BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Captain Davis McCall - ''Rifleman''<br />
:::* Lieutenant Delmar Clay - ''Wolverine'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Sergeant Sharyl - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
:::* Francis Bowden - ''Assassin''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Medium Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Tracy Maxwell Kent - ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''<br />
:::* Phillip Ashburn - ''Vulcan''<br />
:::* Thomas Reid - ''Griffin''<br />
:::* Winston Royale - ''Commando''<br />
<br />
::*<u> Fire Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Thomas Devin - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Martha O'Dell - ''[[JagerMech]]''<br />
:::* Craig Priestly - ''[[Dervish]]'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Daniel Romig - ''Rifleman'' (KIA at Vandmaal)<br />
<br />
:* Third BattleMech Company<br />
::*<u>Command Lance</u><br />
:::* Lieutenant Brian Scully - ''[[Hatchetman]]''<br />
:::* Walter Llandaff - ''[[Clint]]''<br />
:::* Regis Matriesse - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* Teresa Stauble - ''[[Panther]]'' (KIA at Needgate on Pandora)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Close Combat Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Rebekah Frye - ''[[Hunchback]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing on Sudeten)<br />
:::* Alexandr Ivorlaw - ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]''<br />
:::* Charles Lovell - ''Centurion'' (KIA at Hammarr)<br />
:::* Santon Lynn - ''[[Javelin]]'' (KIA at Killiring Crossing)<br />
<br />
::*<u>Recon Lance</u><br />
:::* Sergeant Israel Curry - ''Phoenix Hawk''<br />
:::* S.C. Auten - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Geno Ferruza - ''[[Valkyrie]]''<br />
:::* Albert Siegel - ''Valkyrie''<br />
<br />
* Infantry/Armor Support Battalion<br />
<br />
:*First Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Foot Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot SRM Platoon<br />
::* 1 Foot Laser Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Second Infantry Company<br />
::* 3 Foot Anti-'Mech Commando Platoons (later Gray Death Armored Infantry)<br />
<br />
:*Third Infantry Company<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Laser Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Rifle Platoon<br />
::* 1 Mechanized Machine Gun Platoon<br />
<br />
:*Armor Support Company<br />
<br />
::* First Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant M.E. Gough - ''[[Drillson]]''<br />
:::* Corporal Barry Davis - ''[[Saladin]]''<br />
:::* John MacKay - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Robert Stuver - ''[[Saracen]]''<br />
<br />
::* Second Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant John Wilke - ''[[J. Edgar]]''<br />
:::* Corporal M'Dahlla - ''[[Harasser]]''<br />
:::* Glenn Kellum - ''Harasser''<br />
:::* Emma Watts - ''Harasser''<br />
<br />
::* Third Tank Platoon<br />
:::* Sergeant Harry Zasada - ''Drillson''<br />
:::* Corporal Diana Norelli - ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]''<br />
:::* Mark Piros - ''[[Scimitar]]''<br />
:::* Donald Lauth - ''J. Edgar''<br />
<br />
* Aerospace Support Battalion<br />
:* Aerospace Transport Company<br />
::* ''Union''-class [[DropShip]] the ''Phobos''<br />
::* ''Union''-class ''DropShip'' the ''Deimos''<br />
::* ''[[Leopard]]''-class ''DropShip'' the ''[[Io (Individual Leopard-class DropShip)|Io]]''<br />
<br />
:*Aerospace Fighter Company (Reinforced)<br />
::*First Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Joshua Diskin - ''Corsair''<br />
:::* Ensign Carla Staedler - ''Corsair''<br />
<br />
::*Second Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Harold Lockart - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
:::* Ensign Larry Quil - ''Sparrowhawk''<br />
<br />
::*Third Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Thomas Narci - ''[[Seydlitz]]''<br />
:::* Ensign H.W. Iriti - ''Seydlitz''<br />
<br />
::*Fourth Fighter Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Ryonosuke Shioya - ''[[Lucifer]]''<br />
:::* Ensign Patrick Garrity - ''Lucifer''<br />
<br />
===3054===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Grayson Carlyle<ref name=OpjRp22/><br />
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=OpjRp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22</ref><br />
<br />
===3056===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion'''<ref>''Blood of Heroes''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
* First Battalion<br />
:*First BattleMech Company<br />
::*Command Lance<br />
:::* Alexander Carlyle - ''Archer''<br />
:::* [[Major]] Davis McCall - ''[[Highlander]]''<br />
:::* Sergeant Dallas McKensie - ''Trebuchet''<br />
:::* Caitlin DeVries - ''Centurion''<br />
:::* Davis Carlyle Clay - ''Griffin''<br />
<br />
::*Fire Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Andrei Denniken - ''[[Cataphract]]''<br />
:::* Paul Hansen - ''Archer''<br />
:::* Erica Carver - ''Dervish''<br />
:::* Stanley Lowdowski - ''Shadow Hawk''<br />
<br />
::*Recon Lance<br />
:::* Lieutenant Frieda Bergstrom - ''Valkyrie''<br />
:::* Sergeant Michael McGuire - ''Wasp''<br />
:::* Christine Welleman - ''Stinger''<br />
:::* Alton Caen - ''Stinger''<br />
<br />
===3059===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
:* CO: Colonel Lori Kalmar-Carlyle<ref name=FMMercsp109/><br />
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Glengarry]].<ref name=FMMercsp109>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 109</ref><br />
<br />
===3151===<br />
'''Gray Death Legion ''' (Company)<ref>''The Price of Duty''{{page needed}}</ref><br />
<br />
*BattleMech Lance Lance<br />
:: Captain [[Ronan Carlyle]] <small>(Unit CO)</small> - [[Gargoyle]]<br />
::[[Isobel Carlyle]] - [[Hatchetman]]<br />
::[[Marianne Kojima]] - [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* Aerospace wing consisting of Two [[Karnov]] VTOLs.<br />
* Squad of [[Phalanx (Battle Armor)|Phalanx]] Battle Armor suits.<br />
<br />
At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Garrison]].<br />
<br />
===3152===<br />
'''Carlyle's Commandos''' (reinforced Lance) B Company, [[Gray Death Legion]]<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 6</ref><br />
<br />
*B1 Lance - three BattleMechs.<br />
:*Captain Isobel Carlyle - [[Hatchetman|''Hatchetman'']]<br />
:*Lieutenant Nick Christensen - [[Catapult|''Catapult]]<br />
:*Sergeant Yurim Mbaruku - [[Talon|''Talon'']]<br />
<br />
*B2 Lance - four [[Myrmidon (Combat Vehicle)|Myrmidon]] tanks.<br />
<br />
*B3 Lance - A Platoon of 16 Battlesuits.<br />
<br />
==Uniforms and Color Schemes==<br />
<br />
====Field Uniform====<br />
The field uniform is a dark gray, loose-fitting tunic and trousers, featuring several large pockets. Officers wear their rank and unit insignia on the uniforms epaulettes, with rank insignia closest to the point of the shoulder. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted men wear their insignia on the upper sleeves of their tunics, with their unit crest above their insignia.<br />
<br />
====Dress Uniform====<br />
A more formal version of the standard field uniform, the Legion dress uniform replaces to loose-fitting, many pocketed fatigues with tailored pants and a jacket worn over a close-fitting white shirt. The trousers, a lighter shade of grey than the vintage jacket, are trimmed with red stripes running down the outside of each leg. A dark gray half-cape with red silk completes the uniform dress occasions. Rank and unit crest are displayed in the same manner as on the field uniform.<br />
<br />
Retired officers add a white shoulder and collar flashes to the Legion's dark gray and red dress uniform.<ref>''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 57: Gray Death Legion</ref><br />
<br />
====Color Scheme====<br />
The Gray Death Legion employs a gray-on-gray camo pattern. A colored circle on the right leg tells what battalion they belong to. Yellow for first, Green for second, Blue for third and Red for Headquarters and Command.<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 56</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Gray Death Legion Sergeant.jpg|A GDL Sergeant clearing salvage.<br />
Image:Camomercsgraydeathlegion.png|A ''[[Wolfhound]]'' in Gray Death Legion colors.<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder'' in the Legion's colors.<br />
</gallery> <br />
<br />
==Other Appearances==<br />
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}<br />
* The Gray Death Legion appear in the ''[[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]]'' PC game as potential sponsors. Due to the timeline the game is set in, the Legion is described as rebuilding after their decimation on Hesperus II (instead of being destroyed). This was not considered [[canon]] by the writers of the BattleTech timeline. The Legion was also portrayed as being very loyal to House Steiner, a sentiment which is echoed in the BattleTech novel ''[[Tactics of Duty]]''. Units sponsored by the Gray Death gain earlier access to Lostech weapons.<br />
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Operation Excalibur]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novela)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Gray Death Legion]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1063201Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-27T06:51:13Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
{{Incomprehensible|small=left|section=yes|reason=it has multiple spelling, grammar, POV and sentence issues|machine=yes}}<br />
<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The next year, he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: an attack to [[Hesperus II]], targeting their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space headed for Hesperus. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but eventually they had to admit defeat and retreat. Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating with the Dragoonsto to hire them after their five-year contract expired, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In the spring of [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League's service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos, and which was murdered on his bed.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Curtain&diff=1062969Curtain2024-03-25T11:34:36Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{cleanup|reason=<grammar>}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Curtain<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Condor Defense Force]]<br/>[[Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = [[Sergeant]]<ref name=MHc11>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 11</ref><br />
| position =<br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Curtain''' was a [[Clan]] MechWarrior, ad-hoc commander of the Condors, and a recruit of the [[mercenary]] unit [[Gray Death Legion]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There isn't much data about Curtain's origins; he said to be a [[Freeborn]], son of one or two warriors. At least one of his fathers, probably his mother, must have been an [[Elemental]] which fell to a lower caste, and he inherited her size. Following his mother's steps, he became a warrior, but eventually get tired to being at the bottom of his caste, and left his Clan, with his 'Mech. He eventually settled on the planet [[Crimond]], migrating to the continent of Condor. Sometime later, he meet a [[Clan Sea Fox]] Merchant, selling him his 'Mech and some [[Star League]] relics from Condor's Fort Beaufort, obtaining in exchange a Regent 'Mech.<br />
Curtain spend a lot of time on Condor. He didn't want to be a leader or a warrior, but with his experience and 'Mech, he became the ''de facto'' leader of the Condor's irregular militia.<ref name=MHc10>''Mercenary's Honor'', ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
Sometime during January of [[3152]], he heard than the Falcon's control of the planet had ended, and a new masters had arrived into the main continent, so he traveled there to search info. The 21st of the same month, he returned in a fishing boat to Condor. There he was received and driven home by his friend Any Ishikawa. He informed her about his findings: the end of the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] domination and the arrival of the reborn [[Tamar Pact]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Curtain feared for his people of Condor, expecting the arrival of the ''invaders''. It didn't had to expect for long: on 4 February, a ''[[Union (DropShip class)|Union]]''-Class [[DropShip]] arrived, landing into the Fort's landing pad. He went with his 'Mech to receive them, and the Condor Defense Force followed him for his own initiative, with several tanks and infantry. The invaders were the mercenary Gray Death Legion, but they didn't engage the condors. Instead, their leader, [[Isobel Carlyle]], talked with Curtain, the Condor leader, and both agreed to negotiate face to face.<ref name=MHc10/><br />
<br />
Curtain later meet Carlyle and five of her soldiers into ''South Six'', a local cantina-restaurant. He wasn't very talkative about his past -he didn't even said which Clan was born in- but showed how deeply he knew the Condor's people and appreciated them. He began respecting Carlyle, and offered her to tour Fort Beaufort, the base the Legion were supposed to take control of.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 9–10</ref><br />
<br />
After the meeting, Curtain talked with Ishikawa, telling her than the Legion seemed reasonable, but both talked about the possibility of having to fight them if it was necessary.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
After Curtain, some of his people, including Ishikawa, and the Legion's team, arrived on the top of the Fort, they were attacked by a group of Condor's residents, Lyran loyalists led by [[Bernard Blucher]]. Both Legion and Condors fought together against the Lyrans, reaching their command post and killing them all, except for Blucher, who was captured.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'', chs. 12–13</ref><br />
<br />
On 7 February, the Legion returned to their mainland, and Curtain went with them. He informed the Tamar liaison about the Condor's situation, despite the fact he wasn't anymore with them. As he said later to Bel's brother, [[Ronan Carlyle]], he, along with Ishikawa and some other Condors, had joined the Legion to pay a debt of gratitude with them. Isobel accepted him and even gave him the rank of [[sergeant]]. Ronan wasn't sure if he accepted him, but finally welcomed him into the Legion.<ref name=MHc11/><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Curtain piloted a ''[[Regent]]'' [[OmniMech]].<ref name=MHc10/><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* As Curtain was very reserved about his past, his Clan of origin is unknown, but at Pandora, Ronan Carlyle said than the Legion had ''former Jade Falcon'', in their ranks, and as the only known Clanner was Curtain, it's implied than it was him.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'', ch. 3</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (novella)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Curtain]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Regent Pilots|Curtain]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Curtain&diff=1062919Curtain2024-03-25T04:46:49Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{cleanup|reason=<grammar>}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| name = Curtain<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Clans]];<br/>[[Condor Defense Force]];<br/>[[Gray Death Legion]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = [[Sergeant]]<br />
| position =<br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Curtain''' was a ''Clanner'' MechWarrior, ad-hoc commander of the Condors, and finally, recruit of the [[mercenary]] unit Gray Death Legion.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There isn't much data about Curtain's origins; he said to be a [[Freeborn]], son of one or two warriors. At least one of his fathers, probably his mother, must have been an [[Elemental]] which fell to a lower caste, and he inherited her size. Following his mother's steps, he became a warrior, but eventually get tired to being at the bottom of his caste, and left his Clan, with his 'Mech. He eventually settled on the planet [[Crimond]], migrating to the continent of Condor. Sometime later, he meet a [[Clan Sea Fox]] Merchant, selling him his 'Mech and some [[Star League]] relics from Condor's Fort Beaufort, obtaining in exchange a Regent 'Mech.<br />
Curtain spend a lot of time on Condor. He didn't want to be a leader or a warrior, but with his experience and 'Mech, he became the ''de facto'' leader of the Condor's irregular militia.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
Sometime during January of [[3152]], he heard than the Falcon's control of the planet had ended, and a new masters had arrived into the main continent, so he traveled there to search info. The 21 of the same month, he returned in a fishing boat to Condor. There he was received and driven home by his friend Any Ishikawa. He informed her about his findings: the end of the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] domination and the arrival of the reborn [[Tamar Pact]].<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 1</ref><br />
<br />
Curtain feared for his people of Condor, expecting the arrival of the ''invaders''. It didn't had to expect for long: the 4 February, a [[Union]]-Class [[DropShip]] arrived, landing into the Fort's landing pad. He went with his 'Mech to receive them, and the Condor Defense Force followed him for his own initiative, with several tanks and infantry. The invaders were the mercenary [[Gray Death Legion]], but they didn't engage the condors. Instead, their leader, [[Isobel Carlyle]], talked with Curtain, the Condor leader, and both agreed to negotiate face to face.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
Curtain later meet Isobel and five of her soldiers into ''South Six'', a local cantina-restaurant. He wasn't very talkative about his past -he didn't even said which Clan was born in- but showed how deeply he knew the Condor's people and appreciated them. He began respecting Carlyle, and offered her to tour Fort Beaufort, the base the Legion were supposed to take control of.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 9-10</ref><br />
<br />
After the meeting, Curtain talked with Ishikawa, telling her than the Legion seemed reasonable, but both talked about the possibility of having to fight them if it was necessary.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
After Curtain, some of his people, including Ishikawa, and the Legion's team, arrived on the top of the Fort, they were attacked by a group of Condor's residents, Lyran loyalists led by [[Bernard Blucher]]. Both Legion and Condors fought together against the Lyrans, reaching their command post and killing them all, except for Blucher, who was captured.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 12-13</ref><br />
<br />
The 7 February, the Legion returned to their mainland, and Curtain went with them. He informed the Tamar liaison about the Condor's situation, despite the fact he wasn't anymore with them. As he said later to Bel's brother, [[Ronan Carlyle]], he, along with Ishikawa and some other Condors, had joined the Legion to pay a debt of gratitude with them. Isobel accepted him and even gave him the rank of Sergeant. Ronan wasn't sure if he accepted him, but finally welcomed him into the Legion.<ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 11</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Curtain piloted a ''[[Regent]]'' [[OmniMech]]. <ref>''Mercenary's Honor'' ch. 10</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* As Curtain was very reserved about his past, his Clan of origin is unknown, but Ronan Carlyle once saids than the Legion had '' former Jade Falcon'', in their rabnks, and as the only known Clanner was Curtain, it's implied than he was him.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch. 3</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Decision at Pandora]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Honor]]'' (Novella)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Gray Death Legion Characters|Curtain]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Regent Pilots|Curtain]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Grayson_Carlyle&diff=1062918Grayson Carlyle2024-03-25T04:43:27Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Death and Legacy */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed|[[Blood of Heroes]]|[[Day of Heroes]]|[[Era Report: 3052]]|[[The Dying Time]]|[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]|[[A Rock and a Hard Place]]}}<br />
{{refimprove}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Grayson Carlyle BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Grayson Death Carlyle<br />
| name = Grayson Death Carlyle<br />
| birthdate = 21 May [[3004]]<ref name=ER3052-80>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 80: "Grayson Death Carlyle Profile"</ref><br />
| died = 22 May [[3065]]<ref name=TDTc2>''The Dying Time'', ch. 2</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Carlyle]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = [[Baron of Glengarry]]<br/>[[Knight of Atreus]]<ref name=GDLp8>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 8</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = [[Durant Carlyle]] (father)<br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = [[Lori Kalmar]]<br />
| children = [[Alexander Carlyle]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Grayson Death Carlyle''' was the commander of the famous mercenary unit [[Gray Death Legion]]. Known for his innovative battlefield tactics, especially the use of anti-BattleMech infantry, Carlyle is widely acknowledged as the father of [[thirty-first-century]] warfare.<br />
<br />
==Appearance==<br />
Grayson Death Carlyle is a tall and slender man with blond hair and gray eyes.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Grayson Carlyle was born on [[Calaeras]]<ref name=GDLp10>''Gray Death Legion'', p. 10</ref><ref name=DoHp14>''Day of Heroes'', p. 14</ref> as the son of [[Captain]] [[Durant Carlyle]], the Commanding Officer of [[Carlyle's Commandos]], a [[House Steiner]] [[BattleMech]] [[lance]]. Therefore throughout his whole youth he was groomed to take his father's position someday and at the age of ten he formally joined the unit as a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] apprentice. Shortly after the death of his mother the Commandos were sent on garrison duty to [[Trell I]] in [[3019]]. Grayson's life would change abruptly in [[3024]] when a mysterious bandit force attacked the Commandos, shattered them and drove the survivors off planet. As the only member of his unit left on the planet Grayson's only thought was to take revenge for his father's treacherous death by the bandit leader's ''[[Marauder]]''. His astonishing success against several [[BattleMech#Light|light]] [[BattleMech]]s while he was on foot deeply impressed the planetary militia and the government, which thereafter offered him a job to set up a 'Mech force as defense against the bandits. Carlyle started with the recruitment of an enemy MechWarrior, who was taken prisoner during the attack, called [[Lori Kalmar]], for his new Trellwan Lancers. Under Grayson's skilled command the Lancers managed to achieve additional victories and finally uncover the invaders' identity as a special force of [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]]. Ricol's intention was to arrive with a second force and "rescue" Trell I's population from the bandits to secure a safe haven for further incursions into the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. This discovery instilled in Grayson a great sense of hate for the Combine. At first the situation got even worse when Ricol arrived with a company of heavy BattleMechs and the Trell government was overthrown by Combine collaborators. But finally the Lancers managed to inform the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Commonwealth]] by hijacking a [[JumpShip]] and after Ricol was unable to destroy Carlyle's forces in a final battle, the Duke was forced to withdraw his troops off planet.<br />
<br />
Grayson on the other hand had to learn that his desire for revenge could be dangerous, especially for his relationship with Lori, when he was fighting against his father's murderers instead of rushing to her rescue.<br />
<br />
Though he was not able to kill Ricol or the pilot of the ''Marauder'', Grayson's desire was stilled for the moment and he left the world with the remains of the Lancers, who swore allegiance to him to create a new mercenary unit: The Gray Death Legion.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', p. ?{{cn}}</ref><br />
<br />
===As Commander of the Gray Death Legion===<br />
Grayson founded the ''Gray Death Legion'' in [[3024]]. Once in [[Galatea]], he recruited more pilots, expanding the Legion. He talked with a potential recruit, the young [[Leonidas Simonides]], but as neither man impressed the other, and Simonides wasn't able even to say why he wanted to be a mercenary, neither contacted the other.<ref>''Never trust the Recruitment Posters'' </ref><br />
The Legion's first contract was on [[Verthandi]], were they led a force of guerrillas against the Combine, managing to drive them off.<br />
In [[3028]], on the eve of the [[Fourth Succession War]], Carlyle's Gray Death Legion was contracted by the [[Free Worlds League]], and given by [[Janos Marik]] a temporary landhold on planet [[Helm]]. Following an attack by rogue members of the League and [[ComStar]], the Legion discovered the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm Star League Library Core]], and Carlyle freely distributed copies of it around all the Inner Sphere, making possible a cultural and technological renaissance.<ref>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 46</ref><br />
<br />
When contracted by the Lyran Commonwealth to take the planet [[Aubisson]], in Combine space, on November [[3028]], Grayson proved his tactical cunning. Instead of attacking the capital city, he led the Legion to PowerOne, the planetary main Fusion plant, located in an island. After sending the bulk of the Legion, led by [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] to attack it frontally, he led a reinforced lance by the opposite side. Despite the need to haul his ''Marauder'' over a cliff, the attack was a stunning success, easily taking the plant, and making the planet surrender without more fight.<ref>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 24-31</ref><br />
<br />
After the Legion's service in the [[War of 3039]], the Legion settled on [[Sudeten]]. When they faced the [[Clan Invasion]]. Then, Carlyle proved again his gifts of rapid adaptation and unorthodox tactics: after the first encounters with the [[Clans]], he understood than facing the invaders head-on was suicide, so after leaving Sudeten, he retooled the Legion, becoming the father of Inner Sphere Battle armor, which allowed the Legion to handing the Clans a defeat on [[Pandora]], which cemented his reputation among the citizens of the Inner Sphere.<ref>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 46</ref><br />
<br />
In 3056, Grayson Death Carlyle was named the [[Baron of Glengarry]] by [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], and the planet-hold of [[Glengarry]] was given to him as a home for the [[Gray Death Legion]]. After landing on their new home, they were attacked by the [[Free Skye Militia]] secretly supported by [[Ryan Steiner]]; however, Victor Davion secretly hired the [[Northwind Highlanders]] to assist the Gray Death Legion in the successful defense of the planet.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', </ref><br />
Absent from Glengarry during the [[Second Skye Rebellion]], Carlyle returned there in time to save his son and the remainder of the Legion from Skye rebels. Further action the next year in [[Caledonia]] saw him almost killed. Grayson received an injury during an attempted assassination that prevented him from piloting a 'Mech any longer. Grayson's wife provided him command of a group of power-armored soldiers in the Gray Death Legion called [[Carlyle's Commandos]], the name of his father's command.<br />
As Grayson lost his ability to pilot a 'Mech he, reluctantly, settled into the role of administrator and Old Man in the Legion, which he retained the rest of his life.<ref>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 46</ref><br />
<br />
===Death and Legacy===<br />
Carlyle died in [[3065]] of cancer.<ref name=TDTc2/> His wife Lori inherited his 'Mech and position as CO of the unit. Grayson was the founder, heart, and soul of the Legion, and his beloved Gray Death Legion would not outlive Carlyle for long (the unit would be destroyed later during the same year). His revolutionary battlefield tactics were adopted by military units throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] and would be taught at academies for decades to come. In 3151, a century after his death, his descendants would resurrect the Gray Death Legion.<br />
<br />
Grayson's old ''Marauder'', after his death, was restored by the family and kept on a museum on [[Odessa]], until [[Ronan Carlyle]], the commanding officer of the reborn Legion, received it as a gift from his father, using it since then as a command 'Mech.<ref>''Decision at Pandora'' ch. 4</ref><br />
<br />
==Awards and Decorations==<br />
As of [[3030]], he also held several awards:<ref name=GDLp8/><br />
* the Order of the Crimson Star, with Cluster<br />
* the Lyran Harp<br />
* the Verthandian Sunburst<br />
* the Emerald Star<br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
Carlyle started with [[Lori Kalmar]]'s ''[[Locust]]'' on [[Trell I]] until he managed to capture an enemy Shadow Hawk. His fathers Phoenix-Hawk was destroyed in the opening attack. He piloted it until, on [[Verthandi]], he was able to purloin [[Valdis Kevlavic|Valdis Kevlavic's]] [[Marauder|MAD-3R ''Marauder'']]. Grayson customized it with added armor to protect both the rotation ring between chassis and leg assembly, and the linkage of the dorsal autocannon, but outside that, it was a stock model. He piloted this 'Mech during twenty-five years, most of his military career, before it was ravaged in combat against the Clans on Sudeten in 3050 and he was forced to abandon it. He replaced the ''Marauder'' with a much more advanced [[Victor|VTR-9K ''Victor'']], which he piloted the remaining of his active MechWarrior career.<ref name=ToDc26>''Tactics of Duty'', ch. 26</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Grayson Carlyle_GDL.png|Grayson Death Carlyle during his early years as commander of the Legion<br />
Grayson Carlyle_ER3052.jpg|Grayson at age 46 from ''[[Era Report: 3052|ER:3052]]''<br />
Grayson Carlyle MH3055.jpg|Carlyle at age 51 from ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]''<br />
Grayson Carlyle_DoH.jpg|Carlyle at age 52 from ''[[Day of Heroes]]''<br />
Grayson Carlyle_BTLegends.jpg|Grayson from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Marauder (Grayson Carlyle) BTLegends.jpg|Grayson's MAD-3R ''Marauder''<br />
Grayson Carlyle BTTCG.jpg|Illustration of Grayson Death Carlyle from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|BTTCG]]''<br />
Grayson Carlyle BTVG.png|Grayson from the [[BattleTech (Video Game)|HBS ''BattleTech'' game]] (apocryphal image)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<!--==Notes==<br />
* In the ''[[BattleTech: Legendary MechWarriors]]'' box, Carlyle's character card misspells his name at the top of the card as "Gr'''e'''yson" but uses the correct spelling in the text of the card. FIXED IN NEWER PRINTINGS--><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[Assumption of Risk]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legendary MechWarriors Pack]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]<br />
* ''[[Day of Heroes]]''<br />
* ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion]]''<br />
* ''[[Mercenary's Star (novel)|Mercenary's Star]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Never Trust the Recruitment Posters]] in [[Shrapnel#12]]''<br />
* ''[[Tactics of Duty]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Turning Points: Helm]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Gray Death Legion Characters|Carlyle, Grayson]]<br />
[[Category: Notable Marauder Pilots|Carlyle, Grayson]]<br />
[[Category: Characters with Pilot Cards|Carlyle, Grayson]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Chateau_de_Leon&diff=1062917Chateau de Leon2024-03-25T04:33:55Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Consequences */</p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Chateau de Leon''', ''Lion's Castle'' in french, was an luxury resort on [[Clipperton III]], upon the Julon Mountain range, on the planet [[Clipperton III]].<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
The Chateau de Leon was a complex active at [[3136]]. Spectacularly appointed, the huge building, with a saucer-like design, was hunging over a thousand-meter precipice, giving him a great view. It had a lounge, dining hall, with a thousand-room hotel, very popular for tourists during the skiing season.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 19</ref><br />
<br />
====Destruction====<br />
The 15 December [[3136]], a waiter named ''Jason'' detonated a serie of half a dozen pentaglycerine charges which destroyed the kitchen, blasting through the packed dining hall. The blast also destroyed the mooring pillars driven into the cliff's edge, making most of the Chateau tumble into the precipice dwn the Julon Mountains. Jason was one of the most of thousands victims after the Chateau fell. the total of confirmed deatrhs was of 10,642 souls.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 19</ref><ref>''Hunting Season'' ch. 30</ref><br />
<br />
===Consequences===<br />
Regulus's prince, [[Lester Cameron-Jones]], after Clipperton's CorpSec forces elimated the cell behind the attack and finished the investigation about the attack, only had proofs pointing to the [[Word of Blake]] as the ones which had made the attack, but Lester knew than [[Jessica Halas-Hughes Marik]] was behind it. And he was right: she had ordered the attack simply to distract the [[Regulan Fiefs]] while she launched a series of attacks against the planet [[Marik]]. Despite lacking any proof, Lester decided to take revenge, activating a sleeper agent into Jessica's palace on Amur, [[Oriente]], ordering her to murder her sons, but only succeeded in killing [[Janos Halas]] and crippling [[Julietta Marik]] before being forced to escape.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 26-28</ref><br />
<br />
A decade later, the Chateau de Leon's destruction still soured relations between the Regulan Fiefs and the reborn [[Free Worlds League]] led by Jessica Marik. Not only Lester still raged for the attack: his wife Emlia too. But it was another person the one which made the most devastating vendetta: a Regulan named Sylas, which had lost his fiancee, Evangeline, on the Chateau, after a decade of preparations not only murdered Jessica's 'husband, but also made blow part of the Captain's General's palace, killing Jessica Marik, and also framed her daughter and heir, [[Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik]], the new captain-General, for the bombing, but he failed to decapitate the League and commited suicide before being captured.<ref>''Hunting Season'' ch. 39-41</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Pandora's Gambit.jpg|The ''Chateau de Leon'' falling<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Hunting Season]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Pandora's Gambit]]'' (novel)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Places|Chateau de Leon]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Chateau_de_Leon&diff=1062916Chateau de Leon2024-03-25T04:33:40Z<p>Fredericmora: Created page with "The '''Chateau de Leon''', ''Lion's Castle'' in french, was an luxury resort on Clipperton III, upon the Julon Mountain range, on the planet Clipperton III. ==Descrip..."</p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Chateau de Leon''', ''Lion's Castle'' in french, was an luxury resort on [[Clipperton III]], upon the Julon Mountain range, on the planet [[Clipperton III]].<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
The Chateau de Leon was a complex active at [[3136]]. Spectacularly appointed, the huge building, with a saucer-like design, was hunging over a thousand-meter precipice, giving him a great view. It had a lounge, dining hall, with a thousand-room hotel, very popular for tourists during the skiing season.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 19</ref><br />
<br />
====Destruction====<br />
The 15 December [[3136]], a waiter named ''Jason'' detonated a serie of half a dozen pentaglycerine charges which destroyed the kitchen, blasting through the packed dining hall. The blast also destroyed the mooring pillars driven into the cliff's edge, making most of the Chateau tumble into the precipice dwn the Julon Mountains. Jason was one of the most of thousands victims after the Chateau fell. the total of confirmed deatrhs was of 10,642 souls.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 19</ref><ref>''Hunting Season'' ch. 30</ref><br />
<br />
===Consequences===<br />
Regulus's prince, [[Lester Cameron-Jones]], after Clipperton's CorpSec forces elimated the cell behind the attack and finished the investigation about the attack, only had proofs pointing to the [[Word of Blake]] as the ones which had made the attack, but Lester knew than [[Jessica Halas-Hughes Marik]] was behind it. And he was right: she had ordered the attack simply to distract the [[Regulan Fiefs]] while she launched a series of attacks against the planet [[Marik]]. Despite lacking any proof, Lester decided to take revenge, activating a sleeper agent into Jessica's palace on Amur, [[Oriente]], ordering her to murder her sons, but only succeeded in killing [[Janos Halas]] and crippling [[Julietta Marik]] before being forced to escape.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'' ch. 26-28</ref><br />
<br />
A decade later, the Chateau de Leon's destruction still soured relations between the Regulan Fiefs and the reborn [[Free Worlds League]] led by Jessica Marik. Not only Lester still raged for the attack: his wife Emlia too. But it was another person the one which made the most devastating vendetta: a Regulan named Sylas, which had lost his fiancee, Evangeline, on the Chateau, after a decade of preparations not only murdered Jessica's 'husband, but also made blow part of the Captain's General''s palace, killing Jessica Marik, and also framed her daughter and heir, [[Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik]], the new captain-General, for the bombing, but he failed to decapitate the League and commited suicide before being captured.<ref>''Hunting Season'' ch. 39-41</ref><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Pandora's Gambit.jpg|The ''Chateau de Leon'' falling<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Hunting Season]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Pandora's Gambit]]'' (novel)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Places|Chateau de Leon]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Clipperton&diff=1062915Clipperton2024-03-25T04:30:25Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Planetary Locations */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxSystem<br />
| image = Clipperton_3151.svg<br />
| caption = Clipperton [[#Nearby_Systems|nearby systems]]<br />
| name = Clipperton<br />
| coord = -248.983 : -204.524{{e}}<br />
| stars = <br />
| class = M1V<ref name=O:FWLp12>''Objectives: Free Worlds League'', p. 12: "Clipperton"</ref><br />
| recharge = 202 hours<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| recharge stations = Zenith, Nadir<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| planets = <br />
}}<br />
The '''Clipperton''' system was home to at least one habitable world, '''Clipperton III''', and as of [[3145]] was located in the [[Regulan Fiefs]].<ref name="ER:3145p38"/><ref name="FM:3145pVI"/><br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
==System Description==<br />
The Clipperton system is located near the [[Gibson]] and [[Molokai]] systems<ref name="ER:2750p36"/> and consists of a class M1V primary orbited by at least three planets. During the [[thirty-first century]] a recharge station was in place at both system [[jump points]].<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
<br />
==System History==<br />
The Clipperton system was settled during the [[First Exodus]] from [[Terra]] and by the end of the [[Age of War]] had been incorporated into the [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name=HBHM16/><br />
<br />
==Political Affiliation==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* [[2271]] - Inhabited world<ref name=HBHM16>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 16: "Free Worlds League Founding [2271]"</ref><br />
* [[2571]] - [[Free Worlds League]]<ref name="HB:HMp24">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 24: "Free Worlds League after Age of War [2571]"</ref><br />
* [[2596]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="H:RWp158">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 158: "Inner Sphere - 2596"</ref><br />
* [[2750]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="ER:2750p36">''Era Report: 2750'', p. 36: "Inner Sphere - 2750"</ref><br />
* [[2765]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="H:LoTV1p10>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 10: "Inner Sphere - 2765"</ref><br />
* [[2822]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp34">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 34: "Free Worlds League after First Succession War [2822]"</ref><ref name="H:LOTV2p122">''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', pp. 122–123: "Inner Sphere - 2822"</ref><br />
* [[2864]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp38">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 38: "Free Worlds League after Second Succession War [2864]"</ref><br />
* [[3025]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp42">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 42: "Free Worlds League after Third Succession War [3025]"</ref><br />
* [[3030]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp51">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 51: "Free Worlds League after Fourth Succession War [3030]"</ref><br />
* [[3040]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 133: "Inner Sphere - 3040"</ref><br />
* [[3050]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 10: Inner Sphere [3050] Map</ref><br />
* [[3052]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 22: Inner Sphere [3052] Map</ref><br />
* [[3057]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 10: Inner Sphere [3057] Map</ref><br />
* [[3058]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp54">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 54: "Free Worlds League after Operation Guerrero [3058]"</ref><br />
* [[3063]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 28: Inner Sphere [3063] Map</ref><br />
* [[3067]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="HB:HMp56">''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 56: "Free Worlds League after FedCom Civil War [3067]"</ref><ref name=JFRp42>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 41: "Inner Sphere Map - [October 3067]</ref><br />
* [[3075]] - Free Worlds League<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 64: Inner Sphere [3075] Map</ref><br />
* [[3078]] - [[Principality of Regulus]] (from May)<ref name="J:FRp59"/><br />
* [[3079]] - Principality of Regulus<ref>''Field Report: FWLM'', p. 17: "FWLM Deployment Map [3079]"</ref><br />
* [[3081]] - Principality of Regulus<ref name="J:FRp62">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 62: "Inner Sphere - March 3081"</ref><br />
* [[3085]] - Principality of Regulus<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. vii: "Inner Sphere Map - [October 3085]"</ref><br />
* [[3135]] - Regulan Fiefs<ref name="ER:3145p10">''Era Report: 3145'', p. 10: "Inner Sphere - 3135"</ref><br />
* [[3145]] - Regulan Fiefs<ref name="ER:3145p38">''Era Report: 3145'', p. 38: "Inner Sphere - 3145"</ref><ref name="FM:3145pVI">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. vi: "Inner Sphere - 3145"</ref><br />
* [[3151]] - Free Worlds League<ref name="SFortress">''Shattered Fortress'', p. 102</ref><br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<br />
==Clipperton III==<br />
{{InfoBoxPlanet<br />
| image = <br />
| name = Clipperton III<br />
| othernames = <br />
| position = Third<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| distance = 2.96 days<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| moons = 2 (Socorro, Revillagigedo)<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| gravity = 1.0<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| pressure = Standard (Breathable)<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| temperature = 36°C (Temperate)<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| water = 50%<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| life = Mammals<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| continents = <br />
| colonized = <br />
| demonym = <br />
| language = <br />
| religion = <br />
| population = 210,080,000 (3079)<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| ruler = <br />
| political = <br />
| commander = <br />
| capital = Passion<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
| hpg = A<ref name=O:FWLp12/> <br />
| hpgrep = <br />
}}<br />
Clipperton III - more commonly referred to simply as Clipperton - is the third planet in the system and has two moons named Revillagigedo and Socorro. Clipperton is home to an orbital [[Irian Technologies]] industrial facility.<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
<br />
===Planetary History===<br />
====The Jihad====<br />
Prior to the [[Jihad]], Clipperton was a member of the three-world [[Principality of Gibson]]. When forces from the [[Principality of Regulus]] attacked Clipperton and the nearby Gibson Principality world of [[Molokai]] on the 1st of May [[3078]], the local forces on Clipperton tentatively welcomed the Regulans as liberators.<ref name="J:FRp59">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 59: "The Jihad in Review"</ref> The [[Word of Blake]] responded by broadcasting footage of the [[Regulan Hussars]] using tactical nuclear devices on [[Futuna]], [[Newcastle]] and [[Norfolk]] in [[3077]], an act that tarred both Hussars regiments with the very same brush the Blakists had been tarred with, resulting in the Hussars not being greeted as liberators by the civilian population, but instead provoking protests and riots. When protestors set up a burning barricade outside the barracks the Hussars were using, the two regiments found themselves having to actively deploy infantry in riot gear.<ref name="JHS:Tp79">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 79: "The Push Continues"</ref><br />
<br />
====Dark Age====<br />
On 15 December [[3136]] a terrorist attack destroyed the famous Chateau de Leon, killing almost ten thousand people.<ref name=PGc19/> Engineered by the [[Oriente Protectorate|Oriente Protectorate's]] [[Director of SAFE|Director]] of [[SAFE]] and authorized by [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Jessica Marik]], the attack successfully persuaded [[Regulan Fiefs|Regulan]] leader [[Lester Cameron-Jones]] of renewed [[Word of Blake|Blakist]] activity, diverting him from Jessica Marik's actions elsewhere.<ref>''Pandora's Gambit'', ch. 20</ref><ref>''Pandora's Gambit'', ch. 26</ref><br />
<br />
===Planetary Rulers===<br />
<br />
===Military Deployment===<br />
====3078====<br />
* [[Seventh Regulan Hussars]]<ref name="JHS:Tp79"/><br />
* [[Eighth Regulan Hussars]]<ref name="JHS:Tp79"/><br />
<br />
====3079====<br />
* [[Fifth Regulan Hussars]]<ref name="FRFWLp9">''Field Report: FWLM'', p. 9: "Principality of Regulus"</ref><br />
:- At this point in time, the Fifth Regulan Hussars were deployed across [[Molokai]] and Clipperton. The Fifth was at 90% of full strength.<br />
<br />
====3085====<br />
* [[Fourteenth Regulan Hussars]]<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 92: "Deployment Table - 3085"</ref><br />
<br />
====3145====<br />
* [[Twenty-eighth Regulan Hussars]]<ref name="FM:3145p116">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 116: "Regulan Strategic Military Command"</ref><br />
<br />
===Geography===<br />
Clipperton has two continents named Revillagigedo and Sorocco.<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
<br />
===Planetary Locations===<br />
* Julon Mountain Range:<ref name=PGc19>''Pandora's Gambit'', ch. 19</ref><br />
** [[Chateau de Leon]]: A tourist attraction that was bombed by terrorists in [[3136]]<ref name=PGc19/><br />
* Passion: The planetary capital city, located on Revillagigedo.<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
<br />
===Industrial Centers===<br />
* [[Irian Technologies]]<ref name=O:FWLp12/><br />
<br />
<!-- Commented out due to lack of information<br />
===Image gallery===<br />
--><br />
<br />
==Map Gallery==<br />
<div class="system-map-gallery"></div><br />
<br />
== Nearby Systems ==<br />
<!-- NOTE: This table is automatically generated by BattleTechWiki:Project_Planets/Mapping, and any edits to this section may be overwritten at any time by a bot --><br />
{|class="wikitable nearby-systems" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 1px solid black;"<br />
! colspan="8" | Closest 40 systems (37 within 60 light-years)<br>Distance in light years, closest systems first:<br />
|-<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Gibson]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 11.1<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Molokai]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 12.6<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Tapachula]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 14.1<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Ibarra]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 22.9<br />
|-<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Tuamotu]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 23.3<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Chagos]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 26.2<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Mackenzie]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 26.8<br />
| class="lessthan30" | [[Sparta]]<br />
| class="lessthan30" | 29.6<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Aconcagua]]<br />
| class="over30" | 30.0<br />
| class="over30" | [[Mohács]]<br />
| class="over30" | 30.4<br />
| class="over30" | [[Hongqiao]]<br />
| class="over30" | 35.6<br />
| class="over30" | [[Ankolika]]<br />
| class="over30" | 36.0<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Norfolk]]<br />
| class="over30" | 36.6<br />
| class="over30" | [[Fadiffolu]]<br />
| class="over30" | 38.6<br />
| class="over30" | [[Trinidad]]<br />
| class="over30" | 39.1<br />
| class="over30" | [[Futuna]]<br />
| class="over30" | 41.7<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Cajamarca]]<br />
| class="over30" | 42.0<br />
| class="over30" | [[Sardis]]<br />
| class="over30" | 42.6<br />
| class="over30" | [[Jiddah]]<br />
| class="over30" | 43.8<br />
| class="over30" | [[Isabela]]<br />
| class="over30" | 43.8<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Newcastle]]<br />
| class="over30" | 46.8<br />
| class="over30" | [[Rzhishchev]]<br />
| class="over30" | 48.8<br />
| class="over30" | [[Hiratsuka]]<br />
| class="over30" | 49.8<br />
| class="over30" | [[Home]]<br />
| class="over30" | 50.2<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Wallis]]<br />
| class="over30" | 51.3<br />
| class="over30" | [[Thirty Weight]]<br />
| class="over30" | 51.7<br />
| class="over30" | [[Ellsworth]]<br />
| class="over30" | 52.2<br />
| class="over30" | [[Atsugi]]<br />
| class="over30" | 53.0<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Panjang]]<br />
| class="over30" | 53.8<br />
| class="over30" | [[Manihiki]]<br />
| class="over30" | 55.3<br />
| class="over30" | [[Lengkong]]<br />
| class="over30" | 55.4<br />
| class="over30" | [[Westover]]<br />
| class="over30" | 55.8<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Karakiraz]]<br />
| class="over30" | 56.5<br />
| class="over30" | [[Katlehong]]<br />
| class="over30" | 57.0<br />
| class="over30" | [[Gran]]<br />
| class="over30" | 57.9<br />
| class="over30" | [[Karachi]]<br />
| class="over30" | 58.2<br />
|-<br />
| class="over30" | [[Alta]]<br />
| class="over30" | 59.3<br />
| class="over60" | [[Bismarck (system)|Bismarck]]<br />
| class="over60" | 60.6<br />
| class="over60" | [[Faleolo]]<br />
| class="over60" | 60.9<br />
| class="over60" | [[Loyalty]]<br />
| class="over60" | 64.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3062]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Report: FWLM]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Reunification War]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''<br />
* ''[[Objectives: Free Worlds League]]''<br />
* ''[[Pandora's Gambit]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Shattered Fortress]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Systems|Clipperton]]<br />
[[Category: Free Worlds League Systems]]<br />
[[Category: Independent Systems]]<br />
[[Category: Principality of Regulus Systems]]<br />
[[Category: Regulan Fiefs Systems]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Helm_Memory_Core&diff=1062630Helm Memory Core2024-03-23T22:25:05Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Discovery */</p>
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<div>The '''Helm Memory Core''', also often referred to as the '''Gray Death Memory Core''', was a [[Star League]] library included in [[Nagayan Mountain Castle Brian]]<ref name=FM:SLDFp108>''Field Manual: SLDF'', p. 108</ref> on the planet [[Helm]]. Its official designation was "'''Star League Field Library Facility, Helm, DE890-2699'''".<ref>''The Price of Glory'', p. 233</ref><br />
<br />
After its discovery in [[3028]], the information preserved here played a significant part in overcoming the state of technological decline ([[LosTech]]) that the [[Inner Sphere]] suffered from in the early [[thirty-first century]]. The Helm Memory Core's most vital function was as a sort of [[w:Rosetta Stone|Rosetta Stone]]. With the Memory Core's information, many half-understood [[Star League era]] documents suddenly made sense. This led to the improved military equipment, medical treatments, and purification equipment for water, atmospheres, and whole planetary environments.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 69</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Freeport, the capital city on the planet Helm, held a large [[SLDF]] arms depot at the beginning of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], having previously served as a fleet base. In [[2788]], [[Minoru Kurita (28th c.)|Minoru Kurita]]'s forces invaded the planet in search of the depot. When they failed to find the arms in the city's warehouses or anywhere else on the planet, they deduced that the arms and equipment had been shipped out. The frustrated Kurita troops moved off, but not before destroying Freeport and most other population centers on Helm with nuclear weapons. In the wake of this nuclear holocaust, Freeport was destroyed and the depot was subsequently forgotten. For almost two and a half centuries, Minoru Kurita's assumption that the arms had been shipped off-world was taken at face value.<ref name=PoG148>''The Price of Glory'', p. 148</ref><br />
<br />
==Construction==<br />
The garrison commander at the time had been one [[Major]] [[Edwin Keeler]], an idealistic officer from the [[Free Worlds League]] who had command over an engineer battalion. Unable to move the huge weapons cache off-world for lack of starships, he and his engineers continued on a project that had already been going on for a long time: A system of natural caves had been enlarged, initially to construct an underground laboratory while later efforts turned it into an unassailable fortification with vast warehouses and an extensive transportation system.<ref name=PoG148/><ref>''The Price of Glory'', pp. 188, 235</ref> The underground complex extended from Freeport into a mountain range. Owing to the large transportation network there were several other entrance points. The town of Drango appears to have been a hub in this logistics system, although this was barely remembered by the thirty-first century.<br />
<br />
Keeler hid the weapons from the fleet base here, but he also felt that the imminent wars threatened mankind's achievements at large. For this reason, he also put a Memory Core in the installation. Finally, the installation was trapped against unauthorized access as he felt the weapons must not fall in the hands of barbarians. Blasting open the access door (a huge stone slab in a natural mountainside, roughly 100 km from Freeport) or destroying the library core would cause the installation's large [[fusion reactor]] to overload and explode, destroying the entire weapons depot.<ref>''The Price of Glory'', p. 295</ref><br />
<br />
==Discovery==<br />
In the early [[thirty-first century]] the existence of the Star League bunker system in the vicinity of Freeport was actually discovered independently by several parties, among them [[Precentor]] [[Emilio Rachan]] of [[ComStar]] and a group of [[Draconis Combine]] nobles including Duke [[Hassid Ricol]]. They remained unsure of the exact location, however.<br />
<br />
Because the planet [[Helm]] had been granted to the [[Gray Death Legion]] as a home base by 3028, Rachan sought to discredit the unit and have [[House Marik]] install another, more "suitable", liege there. To this end he allied with Lord Garth of [[Irian]]. Together, they perpetrated an act of sabotage against a domed city on the recently captured world of [[Sirius V]] in March [[3028]] that killed approximately 12 million civilians, and framed the Gray Death Legion for the deed. The Legion was subsequently declared outlaws and upon returning to their landholds on Helm, found their base destroyed and overrun by regular House Marik forces.<br />
<br />
Rachan in fact knew of the Library Core and intended to destroy it before the knowledge could be disseminated; he had no use for the weapons and promised these to Lord Garth for his cooperation.<br />
<br />
Pressured by overwhelming enemy forces, the Gray Death Legion learned of the Star League installation, found it first, gained access on April 1st, 3028, and managed to retrieve a copy of the Library Core before the facility's self-destruction was inadvertently triggered by the Marik troops pursuing the Legion. In the final confrontation Rachan was killed and proof of the Legion's innocence in the Sirius massacre was discovered. In this, the Legion found an unlikely ally in their old nemesis Hassid Ricol, who had arrived for a covert recovery operation of his own and formed a temporary alliance with the Legion to secure himself a share of the find before Lord Garth's forces could claim it for House Marik (or Rachan).<br />
<br />
Not trusting ComStar in this matter, the Legion produced several copies of the library and spread them to the best of their abilities, initially by handing over copies to free traders. The library core thus found its way into every [[Successor State]] within a few years, and sparked a technological renaissance. The Legion also gave a copy of the Core to Duke Ricol for aiding in their escape.<br />
<br />
ComStar for their part indeed made clandestine attempts to suppress the dissemination of the memory core, going so far as to conduct an ultimately unsuccessful strike against the [[NAIS]] masquerading as Capellan [[Death Commandos]] to destroy the copy that had made its way there. In the Draconis Combine, Duke Ricol held back his copy as a bargaining chip for six years during which the Combine was unable to secure a copy by other means, presumably due to ComStar's interference,<ref>''Heir to the Dragon'' pp. 281-285</ref> until he surrendered it to House Kurita on the eve of the formation of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] to secure himself a position as duke in a newly-formed Combine district. Of the other copies that survived beside Ricol's copy and the one kept by the Legion, two were sent to Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] and Duke [[Hector Stewart]]; Marik sent his copy to the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]], becoming the key for the League's technological recovery.<ref>''Handbook House Marik'' p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
*While the novel (''[[The Price of Glory]]'') does not provide dates, the [[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)|Gray Death Legion scenario pack]] dates the final battles at the depot as 01 April 3028. Some other sources erroneously report the discovery of the Memory Core to have occurred in 3024, which can be ruled out as an error by the book's storyline that is demonstrably set in 3027 or later.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Gray Death Legion (scenario pack)]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Heir to the Dragon]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[The Price of Glory]]'' (novel)<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1062629Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-23T22:22:57Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
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<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
{{Incomprehensible|small=left|section=yes|reason=it has multiple spelling, grammar, POV and sentence issues|machine=yes}}<br />
<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The next year, he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: an attack to [[Hesperus II]], targeting their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space headed for Hesperus. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but eventually they had to admit defeat and retreat. Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating with the Dragoonsto to hire them after their five-year contract expired, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In the spring of [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League's service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061987Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-23T04:47:47Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
{{Incomprehensible|small=left|section=yes|reason=it has multiple spelling, grammar, POV and sentence issues|machine=yes}}<br />
<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The next year, he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: an attack to [[Hesperus II]], targeting their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space headed for Hesperus. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but eventually they had to admit defeat and retreat. Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating with the Dragoonsto to hire them, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League's service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061958Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-22T21:31:29Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
{{Incomprehensible|small=left|section=yes|reason=it has multiple spelling, grammar, POV and sentence issues|machine=yes}}<br />
<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
The next year, he senda personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: an attack to [[Hesperus II]], targeting their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space headed for Hesperus. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but eventually they had to admit defeat and retreat. Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating to hire the Dragoons, didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League's service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061889Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-22T19:38:24Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3019]] he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: to attack [[Hesperus II]] and destroy their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but eventually they had to admit defeat and retreat. Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating to hire the Dragoons, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League's service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061888Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-22T19:37:37Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3019]] he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: to attack [[Hesperus II]] and destroy their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space. In the ''[[Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]]'' they came closer than anybody to win, but Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating to hire the Dragoons, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061887Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-22T19:37:18Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Post–Anton Marik's Revolt */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3019]] he sent a personal message to Jaime Wolf, ordering the Dragoons to launch their most daring raid: to attack [[Hesperus II]] and destroy their 'Mechs factories. The Dragoons launched a deep raid inside the Commonwealth space. In the ''Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus]] they came closer than anybody to win, but Janos was so disappointed by their failure than, when House Steiner began negotiating to hire the Dragoons, he didn't bother to make a counter-offer. In [[3020]], the Dragoons left the League service.<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22-26</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Janos_Marik_(30th_c.)&diff=1061845Janos Marik (30th c.)2024-03-22T14:22:10Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Early Life */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 48th Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|other uses|Janos Marik (disambiguation)}}<br />
<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Janos Marik<br />
| name = Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik<br />
| birthdate = [[2957]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 135: "Janos Marik profile"</ref><br />
| died = 1 June [[3035]]<ref name=HB:HMp52>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Marik]]<br />
| rank = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| title = [[Duke of Atreus]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><ref>''BattleTech Third Edition'', p. 46: "House of Marik"</ref><br />
| position = <br />
| profession = Noble<br />
| parents = [[Stephan Marik]] (father)<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br />
| siblings = [[Anton Marik]]<ref name=HM:TFWLp135/><br/>[[Sylvia Marik]]<br />
| spouse = [[Hilda Lauber]]<br/>[[Ana Stewart]]<br />
| children = [[Martin Marik|Martin]]<br/>[[Gerald Marik III|Gerald]]<br/>[[Therese Marik|Therese]]<br/>[[Duggan Marik|Duggan]]<br/>[[Cartwright Marik|Cartwright]]<br/>[[Faith Marik|Faith]]<br/>[[Thomas Marik (Real)|Thomas]]<br/>[[Paul Marik (31st c.)|Paul]]<br/>[[Kristen Marik|Kristen]]<br/>[[Janos Marik (31st c.)|Janos]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Janos Ricard Thaddeus Marik''' was the eldest son of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Stephan Marik]]. He succeeded his father to the Captain-Generalcy of the [[Free Worlds League]] upon Stephan's death in [[2991]]. Janos ruled the League during the end of the [[Third Succession War]] and during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. He prosecuted that latter war ineffectively, losing territory to the nascent [[Tikonov Free Republic]], which was later absorbed into the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=H:BWp11>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 11: "Janos Marik Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Against his father's wishes, Janos attended [[Princefield Academy]] in [[Oriente]], the first time in decades that a Marik did not receive his or her training at one of the League's military training centers on [[New Olympia]]. During his time there, his outspoken and easily offended nature showed, which led to six separate honor duels. He graduated in [[2979]], shortly after his twenty-first birthday. He received both his commission as a lieutenant in the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and a ''[[Rifleman]]'' from his father. Janos later left the Guards to take over command of the [[Atrean Hussars|1st Atrean Hussars]]. His time as commander of this unit did nothing to improve the pedigree of the unit, and in battle, usually stayed far from the front lines, using his 'mech as a command unit, mainly in antiaircraft role.<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=BT:Lp51>''BattleTech: Legends'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
In [[2988]], an officer in the [[Orloff Grenadiers]] attempted to entangle Janos in a plot against his father. The military coup was crushed in its infancy, resulting in the death of Duchess [[Morgaine Humphreys]] in [[2989]].<ref name=H:BWp11/><ref name=HB:HMp43>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 43</ref><br />
<br />
With a great increase in terrorism, rioting and antigovernment attacks throughout [[2989]] and [[2990]], Janos Marik would be ordered to try and stop it with his 1st Atrean Hussars.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47: "Ascension of Janos Marik"</ref><br />
<br />
===Early Rule===<br />
When Stephan Marik died of cancer in [[2991]], Janos succeeded him, giving a long eulogy at the funeral. He was confirmed on 2 September at the age of 33. Shortly after he would start repairing the rifts between his political enemies including suspects in the 2988 plot. By granting amnesty to all political prisoners and guaranteeing the extension of Resolution 288 as well as providing humanitarian aid, Janos would effectively overcome some of the growing unrest.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p47"/><br />
<br />
Tragedy struck him in [[2994]] when his wife, Hilda Lauber Marik, died. The entire League would mourn with Janos, even his staunchest opponent from [[Andurien]], [[Catherine Humphreys]], would attend the funeral.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49"/><br />
<br />
Janos ordered a celebration of the Fourth Millennium on New Year's Eve of [[2999]] lasting for twelve months and ending on New Year's Day of [[3001]], to commemorate mankind's achievements. This decision was met with some dissent, markedly by [[Enrique Kim]] and Dame Catherine Humphreys, Duchess of Andurien, believing the expenses would be too high. Throughout the League however, the celebration was welcomed.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p49">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49: "The New Captain-General"</ref> During the celebrations in April of [[3000]], the [[Federated Suns]] would mount a raid on the 'Mech production facility on [[Kalidasa]], taking with them a collection of partially constructed 'Mechs.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "The Great Celebration"</ref> This would spark a six-year hidden war conducted by [[SAFE]] against the Federated Suns.<ref name=HB:HMp44>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 44</ref><br />
<br />
With Janos Marik's recovery efforts during the early years of his tenure the preparation for an offensive against the League's neighbors, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Capellan Confederation]], could begin. In March of [[3002]] the world of [[Loric]] would become the first target in the Captain-General's war against the Lyrans. Somehow, information of this impending attack had leaked in advance to the Lyrans, which resulted in the world being fortified and the two committed Marik Militia regiments found themselves in a meat grinder. Even the mercenary command hired for their experience fighting against the Lyrans—[[Cady's Regiment]]—would also struggle. After eight long months the FWLM would ultimately admit defeat and withdraw from the world.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p51ch2">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 51: "Seizing the Offensive"</ref><br />
<br />
Six months after the initial assault on Loric, an attack against the world of [[Solaris]] commenced. Originally meant to be a hit-and-run operation conducted by aerospace fighters preceded by a stronger but slower force, preparing for a general invasion of the Lyran Commonwealth. The campaign quickly deviated from the plan and the forces committed were unable to complete any of the phases. Infuriated with the terrible results, Janos would court-martial the general in charge, [[Willis Crawford]]—Anton Marik's associate—and ultimately have him executed on 1 July [[3003]].<ref name=HB:HMp45>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
The same problems would plague the Capellan border. Starting at the same time as the attack on Loric, the situation was only made worse by the disastrous campaigns on Solaris and Loric, creating supply and personnel shortages. Anton Marik being the commander of this operation did his best, but his campaign would grind to a halt on the worlds of [[Menkalinan]] and [[New Canton]], turning into bloodbaths.<ref name=HB:HMp45 /><br />
<br />
With the FWLM having suffered great losses in the previous fighting, Janos Marik attempted to seize matériel from the many mercenary commands that had work under his employ, [[Cranston Snord]] being one of them. Janos had signed a contract in 3003 with Cranston which would render all debts to the League by Snord's unit cleared. After the fighting on [[Rochelle]], however, Janos feigned ignorance and ruled that all 'Mechs in Snord's company be forfeited. A long-lasting feud between Janos and Cranston began.<ref>''Cranston Snord's Irregulars'', p. 2</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3006]], the FWLM would fare much better against the Lyran Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Archon [[Alessandro Steiner|Alessandro Steiner's]] "Concentrated Weakness" policy. By Janos abandoning efforts on the Capellan front, the assaults on [[Coventry]] and [[Pollux]] were successful. This would, however, have the unexpected effect of inspiring [[Katrina Steiner]] to seize power as the new Archon and as a result the Lyran state would provide much stronger resistance.<br />
<br />
These events would lead to Anton Marik becoming disgruntled with his brother's rule. How Janos dealt with Willis Crawford and the situation on the Capellan front are speculated to be some of the major factors of Anton's revolt.<ref name="HM(TFWL)p54">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Betrayal"</ref><br />
<br />
===Marik Civil War===<br />
[[File:Anton Marik.jpg|thumb|176px|[[Anton Marik]], Janos' brother]]<br />
{{quote|'''Betrayal'''<br />
'''''If any event could evoke sympathy for the Captain-General, it would be that day when Janos Marik confronted the truth that his own brother had made common cause with the Liao enemy. After a decade of disappointments it was the ultimate disappointment.'''''<br />
<br />
'''- From Crossed Swords, by Ema Kochkov, Rahne Publishing, 3021'''<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 54: "Brother against Brother"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
On 22 May [[3014]], Janos' brother [[Anton Marik|Anton]] declared war against Janos' rule. He did this with support from [[Maximilian Liao]], who was attempting to destabilize and weaken the Free Worlds League.<br />
<br />
Calling Janos a "madman" and "tyrant", Anton called upon all the provinces of the Free Worlds League to join his [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|rebellion]]. Although many units and systems did indeed flock to Anton's banner, it was far less than what he'd expected. Rather than be devastated by his brother's betrayal, the war reenergized Janos, who rallied his forces, soon putting Anton's supporters on the defensive. Were it not for the services of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], all would have been lost for the rebels.<br />
<br />
By February [[3015]], the rebels controlled only a few remaining systems. The strain upon Anton was tremendous, and it started to show. At his headquarters on [[New Delos]], Anton met with [[Jaime Wolf]], ordering the mercenary commander to break his unit down into company-sized forces and distribute them among the remaining rebel troops. Anton had hoped this would slow the advance of Janos' forces. Jaime Wolf refused, citing the contract that had been signed. This led to a falling-out between Anton and Wolf's Dragoons, with devastating consequences.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Anton ordered the arrest of Jaime's brother, [[Joshua Wolf]], and 27 other Dragoon personnel and dependents. It would not be revealed until years later that Jaime Wolf's wife and two daughters were also among those taken. The prisoners were soon executed.<br />
<br />
Anton then sent a message to Jaime Wolf, announcing the arrests while concealing the executions, and using the prisoners as hostages.<br />
<br />
Wolf's response was swift; the enraged Wolf's Dragoons descended on New Delos. After three days of fighting, [[Natasha Kerensky]] led her [[Black Widow Company]] through a forest fire, attacking the rear of Anton's palace and ultimately killing him as a wall collapsed upon him.<br />
<br />
The Dragoons promptly destroyed every remaining rebel unit on New Delos ending Anton's rebellion. In a twist of irony, Janos promptly offered Wolf's Dragoons employment with the Free Worlds League, which Jaime Wolf accepted.<br />
<br />
===Post–Anton Marik's Revolt===<br />
In recognition for the losses the Dragoons suffered on [[Wyatt]] in [[3016]], Captain-General [[Janos Marik]] sent [[Jaime Wolf]] a gold and firestone right engraved with "In memory of Sendalor". The ''[[Sendalor]]'' was an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] that was shot down by Lyran fighters while evacuating Dragoons. A battalion of troops was on the ''Sendalor'' when it crashed.<ref name=WDsp22>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 22: "Raid and Counter-Raid"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3018]], he attended the first live-fire exercise of the unsuccessful ''[[Liberator (BattleMech)|Liberator]]'' BattleMech.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p. 4</ref><br />
<br />
===Later rule and Fourth Succession War===<br />
Janos Marik received a message from Cranston Snord on 27 November [[3020]]. It read, ''"Rhonda says thanks for the dog. She swears it was the King's favorite, a fourth birthday present. Glad to have it back. Wheater's here. Wish you were beautiful. Au revoir, Janos."''<ref>''Shrapnel, Fragments from the Inner Sphere'', p. 52: "Dispatch"</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3023]], Janos founded the [[Free Worlds Technical Institute]]. Trying to persuade corporations to share proprietary information with the college and enticing skilled technicians to work as staff proved difficult. Later on, with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core|Helm memory core]], Janos' attempts were so much more successful that FWTI became the foremost institute to gather this new information.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 112</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3024]], in direct response to the [[FedCom Accords]], [[Takashi Kurita]] brought together unlikely allies Janos and [[Maximilian Liao]] to sign the [[Concord of Kapteyn]]. The initial idea of producing better trade deals with the [[Draconis Combine]] greatly appealed to Janos; when he later found out that the concord would include Maximilian Liao and his Confederation, he was ready to walk out on the negotiations but Takashi was able to persuade Janos to stay. The concord was an agreement of mutual support against their common enemies, [[House Davion]] and [[House Steiner]].<ref name=HB:HMp46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46</ref> Though some back-and-forth raids continued between the Confederation and the Free Worlds League, the agreement held in principle. As policy, however, it proved ineffective during the [[Fourth Succession War]], due primarily to incompetent maneuvering by the [[FWLM]].<br />
<br />
Janos Marik was caught by surprise in [[3028]] when reports of the invasions of the Capellan Confederation and Draconis Combine reached him. Janos refused to support his allies and decided that getting confirmation from his troops posted on the Lyran border, that no attack on the Free Worlds League would occur, was more important. Assured that no invasion was coming, Janos issued the order to simply wait and let the Capellans and Combine fight their own wars.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 62: "Reluctant Marik"</ref> Three weeks after the invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Chancellor Maximilian Liao sent a strongly worded message directly to Janos Marik, demanding material and humanitarian aid, if he could not spare his troops. On 16 October 3028, Janos responded in a sarcastic manner that he would of course honor the concord. Some of the items in the supplies sent were soap, toilet paper, tires, .22 caliber air gun pellets and medical supplies consisting of a single bottle of Prozac,<ref name=HB:HMp49>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref> although Janos reluctantly agreed to the Capellan use of his medical facilities.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
One week later, Janos Marik received an equally angry letter from the Draconis [[Coordinator]], Takashi Kurita, forcing Marik into action against the Lyrans. Quickly forming plans, Janos initiated [[Operation DAGGER]] but the effort was half-hearted at best.<ref name=FSW-MAVol1p62 /><br />
<br />
When the breakaway faction that would later become the [[Tikonov Free Republic]] attacked on worlds in the League close to Terra, Janos decided to consolidate his forces, pull out and establish defensive lines. This resulted in the loss of several worlds.<ref name=HB:HMp46 /><br />
<br />
In September [[3030]], after the end of the Fourth Succession War, the Duchy of Andurien seceded from the Free Worlds League. In response to this Janos Marik enacted the "Internal Emergency Act," excluding the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Duchy of Oriente]]. Before Janos could take action against the rogue faction, he suffered from a stroke in October of the same year.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
When [[Thomas Marik]] reappeared in January [[3031]], Janos Marik stalled any attempts to appoint a new regent until a [[Verigraph|verigraph]] confirming Thomas as his successor could be produced. Thomas took on all the responsibilities of Janos's position, but Janos kept the title of Captain-General until his death.<ref name=HB:HMp49 /><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
He, along with his son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]], were assassinated via an explosion in [[3035]] by his nephew, [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]], during a strategy session concerning the [[Andurien Secession]]. His son and heir, Thomas, was also thought to have been killed in the explosion, which allowed Duncan to briefly seize the throne.<ref name=HB:HMpp49-50>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49–50</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech==<br />
Janos Marik' only known 'Mech was a [[Rifleman|RFL-3N ''Rifleman'']] given by his father, which some people believed it was an indirect way to get rid of him. However, Janos refused to change the 'Mech, stripping it of its medium lasers and switching the AC/5s for AC/2s. After ascending to Captain-General, he piloted it only on ceremonial occasion. He eventually gave it to the new commander of [[Atrean Hussars]], until his destruction in the debacle of [[Shiro III]], in the [[Andurien Secession]].<ref name=BT:Lp51/><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''Indrahar speaks eight languages fluently. Amazing to think that he learned six of them just so he could interrogate suspects directly.''|Janos Marik<ref name="HM(TFWL)p56">''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 56: "Treaty Negotiations"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p12.jpg|Janos Marik at age 58 in [[3015]]<br />
Janos Marik.jpg|Janos at age 68 in [[3025]]<br />
Janos Marik HistBrushWars p47.jpg|Janos at age 73 in [[3030]]<br />
Janos Marik BTLegends.jpg|Janos from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Rifleman (Janos Marik) BTLegends.jpg|Janos' customized ''[[Rifleman]]'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* One of Janos' sons bore his name, though '''Janos Marik II''' did not survive his father. The impostor [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] and [[Sherryl Halas]] later had a child they named [[Janos Marik III|Janos]], though he bore no actual relation to the senior Janos. '''Janos Marik III''' was killed as a child during the [[Jihad]]. Later still, [[Jessica Marik]], daughter of Thomas Halas and Sherryl Halas, named one of her sons [[Janos Marik IV|Janos]], though again he bore no blood relation to the senior Janos.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''<br />
* ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Cranston Snord's Irregulars]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''<br />
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''<br />
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''<br />
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Free Worlds League Characters|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Captains-General|Marik, Janos]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Rifleman Pilots|Marik, Janos]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=McKenna%27s_Honor&diff=1061844McKenna's Honor2024-03-22T13:51:39Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Operational History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxIndividualSpacecraft<br />
| image = <br />
| vesselname = McKenna's Honor<br />
| prevname =<br />
| type = DropShip<br />
| class = Lion<br />
| prevclass = <br />
}}<br />
==History==<br />
The '''''McKenna's Honor''''' was a ''[[Lion]]''-class [[DropShip]] assigned as a supply ship to the [[WarShip]] ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'' circa [[3076]]. <br />
<br />
==Operational History==<br />
Circa 3071, [[Garmen Kerensky]] had been tasked by [[Khan]] [[Vlad Ward]] to lead ''Operation SPATHA'', a secret operation to board the ''McKenna's Pride'' and steal [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s body. However, his mission failed when his first DropShip, the [[Botany Bay (Individual Gazelle-class DropShip)|''Botany Bay'']], was destroyed by an aerospace attack.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
Allied with [[Satinka]], the Winter Lady, an important Dark Caste leader, Garmen's men prepared for their next attempt to retrieve General Kerensky's body, ''SPATHA II'', for five years.<br />
<br />
On 5 April 3076, the ''McKenna's Honor'' was captured by a group of [[Dark Caste]] warriors in the DropPort of [[Katyusha City]]. The Dark Caste leader was supposedly Wulfgar, a ex-member of [[Clan Steel Viper]]. In reality, Wulfgar was actually Garmen Kerensky. Garmen's team was able to use the ''Honor'', which had to take a supply load to the ''Pride'' to successfully board the WarShip without raising an alarm. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 97</ref><br />
<br />
==Destruction==<br />
Unfortunately, Garmen's team was discovered before they could get the General's body off the ''Pride''. <br />
<br />
When Garmen's team decided to steal the ''Pride'' itself to get General Kerensky's body to safety, the ''Pride'' was followed by several WarShips, assault DropShips and aerospace fighters for hours. <br />
<br />
When the ''[[Absolute Truth]]'' attempted to close on the ''Pride'', the ''McKenna's Honor'', apparently piloted by three crewmembers at their own initiative, detached and ran towards the ''Truth'' at 2,5 G. The DropShip was destroyed right before he reached it, but their remains rammed the WarShip, resulting in the loss of the ''Honor'', but also causing massive damage to the ship, allowing Garmen's team on the ''Pride'' to escape with General Kerensky's body. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 137</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The ''Honor''s name, and a mention of Satinka about ''years of communication between the ''Honor ''and the ''Pride'' '' suggest that the DropShip was the ''Pride''s regular supply ship.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Icons of War]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Individual DropShips]]<br />
[[Category: Individual Lion-class DropShips]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=McKenna%27s_Honor&diff=1061843McKenna's Honor2024-03-22T13:50:26Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxIndividualSpacecraft<br />
| image = <br />
| vesselname = McKenna's Honor<br />
| prevname =<br />
| type = DropShip<br />
| class = Lion<br />
| prevclass = <br />
}}<br />
==History==<br />
The '''''McKenna's Honor''''' was a ''[[Lion]]''-class [[DropShip]] assigned as a supply ship to the [[WarShip]] ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'' circa [[3076]]. <br />
<br />
==Operational History==<br />
Circa 3071, [[Garmen Kerensky]] had been tasked by [[Khan]] [[Vlad Ward]] to lead ''Operation SPATHA'', a secret operation to board the ''McKenna's Pride'' and steal [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s body. However, his mission failed when his first DropShip, the [[Botany Bay (Individual Gazelle-class DropShip)|''Botany Bay'']], was destroyed by an aerospace attack.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
Allied with [[Satinka]], the Winter Lady, an important Dark Caste leader, Garmen's men prepared for their next attempt to retrieve General Kerensky's body, ''SPATHA II'', for five years.<br />
<br />
On 5 April 3076, the ''McKenna's Honor'' was captured by a group of [[Dark Caste]] warriors in the DropPort of [[Katyusha City]]. The Dark Caste leader was supposedly Wulfgar, a ex-member of [[Clan Steel Viper]]. In reality, Wulfgar was actually [[Garmen Kerensky]]. Garmen's team was able to use the ''Honor'' to successfully board the ''Pride'' without raising an alarm. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 97</ref><br />
<br />
==Destruction==<br />
Unfortunately, Garmen's team was discovered before they could get the General's body off the ''Pride''. <br />
<br />
When Garmen's team decided to steal the ''Pride'' itself to get General Kerensky's body to safety, the ''Pride'' was followed by several WarShips, assault DropShips and aerospace fighters for hours. <br />
<br />
When the ''[[Absolute Truth]]'' attempted to close on the ''Pride'', the ''McKenna's Honor'', apparently piloted by three crewmembers at their own initiative, detached and ran towards the ''Truth'' at 2,5 G. The DropShip was destroyed right before he reached it, but their remains rammed the WarShip, resulting in the loss of the ''Honor'', but also causing massive damage to the ship, allowing Garmen's team on the ''Pride'' to escape with General Kerensky's body. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 137</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The ''Honor''s name, and a mention of Satinka about ''years of communication between the ''Honor ''and the ''Pride'' '' suggest that the DropShip was the ''Pride''s regular supply ship.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Icons of War]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Individual DropShips]]<br />
[[Category: Individual Lion-class DropShips]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=McKenna%27s_Honor&diff=1061842McKenna's Honor2024-03-22T13:50:05Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxIndividualSpacecraft<br />
| image = <br />
| vesselname = McKenna's Honor<br />
| prevname =<br />
| type = DropShip<br />
| class = Lion<br />
| prevclass = <br />
}}<br />
==History==<br />
The '''''McKenna's Honor''''' was a ''[[Lion]]''-class [[DropShip]] assigned as a supply ship to the [[WarShip]] ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'' circa [[3076]]. <br />
<br />
==Operational History==<br />
Circa 3071, [[Garmen Kerensky]] had been tasked by [[Khan]] [[Vlad Ward]] to lead ''Operation SPATHA'', a secret operation to board the ''McKenna's Pride'' and steal [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s body. However, his mission failed when his first DropShip, the [[Botany Bay (Individual Gazelle-class DropShip)|''Botany Bay'']], was destroyed by an aerospace attack.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
Allied with [[Satinka]], the Winter Lady, an important Dark Caste leader, Garmen's men prepared for their next attempt to retrieve General Kerensky's body, ''SPATHA II'', for five years.<br />
<br />
On 5 April 3076, the ''McKenna's Honor'' was captured by a group of [[Dark Caste]] warriors in the DropPort of [[Katyusha City]]. The Dark Caste leader was supposedly Wulfgar, a ex-member of [[Clan Steel Viper]]. In reality, Wulfgar was actually [[Garmen Kerensky]]. Garmen's team was able to use the ''Honor'' to successfully board the ''Pride'' without raising an alarm. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 97</ref><br />
<br />
==Destruction==<br />
Unfortunately, Garmen's team was discovered before they could get the General's body off the ''Pride''. <br />
<br />
When Garmen's team decided to steal the ''Pride'' itself to get General Kerensky's body to safety, the ''Pride'' was followed by several WarShips, assault DropShips and aerospace fighters for hours. <br />
<br />
When the ''[[Absolute Truth]]'' attempted to close on the ''Pride'', the ''McKenna's Honor'', apparently piloted by three crewmembers at their own initiative, detached and ran towards the ''Truth'' at 2,5 G. The DropShip was destroyed right before he reached it, but their remains rammed the WarShip, resulting in the loss of the ''Honor'', but also causing massive damage to the ship, allowing Garmen's team on the ''Pride'' to escape with General Kerensky's body. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 137</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The ''Honor''s name, and a mention of Satinka about ''years of communication between the ''Honor ''and the ''Pride'''' suggest that the DropShip was the ''Pride''s regular supply ship.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Icons of War]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Individual DropShips]]<br />
[[Category: Individual Lion-class DropShips]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Garmen_Kerensky&diff=1061841Garmen Kerensky2024-03-22T13:49:24Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Later Years and Legacy */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Garmen Kerensky<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died =<br />
| othernames = Yama, Wulfgar<br />
| affiliation = [[Clan Wolf]]<br/>[[Republic of the Sphere]]<br />
| rank = [[Star Captain]]<br />
| title = <br />
| position = <br />
| profession = [[Elemental]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = [[Satinka]] (lover)<br>Brenda Winter (wife)<br />
| children = [[Andery Winter]]<ref name=IoWc50>''Icons of War'', ch. 50</ref><br />
}}<br />
'''Garmen Kerensky''' was an [[Elemental]] [[trueborn]] of [[Clan Wolf]], who led a secret and daring mission to [[Strana Mechty]] during the [[Jihad]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Garmen was a ''ristar'' in Clan Wolf, from the [[Kerensky, Andery (Bloodname)|Andery Kerensky Bloodname]]. In the ''[[sibko]]'', he was close with his ''sibkin'' [[Satinka]], until she failed her [[Trial of Position]].<br />
<br />
On 8 April [[3071]] he attended a secret meeting with the [[Khan of Clan Wolf|Wolf Khan]] [[Vlad Ward]] while in orbit above [[Strana Mechty]]. There, the Khan informed him of the [[Scouring of Tamar]], and his plan to leave the [[Clan Homeworlds]] and move all its Clan assets to the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 6</ref><br />
<br />
To realize it, he had planned what he called [[Operation DAMOCLES II]], a three-part plan. Garmen had to take a key part in the second phase, Operation Kopis, and lead the third: Operation Spatha. Essentially, Garmen had to lead a [[Star (Formation)|Star]] of the Wolf Watch and warriors passing as laborers, to infiltrate the [[Katyusha City]] Blood Chapels, protecting the Kerensky and Winson legacies and collecting info to facilitate their retrieval. Spatha's objective was to infiltrate the [[McKenna's Pride]] and steal [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s coffin.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 7</ref><br />
<br />
The infiltration was initially a complete success. As their cache had a full [[Trinary]] of second-line [[BattleMech]]s, and many other weapons, they began selling them, winning a good reputation as arms dealers. On 10 July [[3071]], during an arms deal, a man named [[Balbas]] presented them to his boss, a white masked woman, the legendary ''Zimnyaya Ledi'', or Winter Lady. She recognized Garmen, now calling himself ''Yama,'' as a Wolf warrior. In a subsequent firefight, she removed her mask, and revealed herself as Satinka. Despite both sides' mistrust, they began working together. Garmen and Satinka began sleeping together.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 27</ref><br />
Thanks to Satinka's people, Garmen's people completed their missions effectively, even obtaining a DropShip, the ''[[Botany Bay (Individual Gazelle-class DropShip)|Botany Bay]]''.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 28</ref><br />
<br />
''Spatha'' was launched on 3 December [[3071]], but the plan fell apart due to the confusion of Operation ''Kopis''. Several Clans fought in the streets and riots delayed Garmen's plans. Upon arriving at the ''Botany Bay'', the DropShip had already been destroyed by an aerospace fighter, along with the point of Elementals onboard. Garmen was forced to retreat and reassess the operation.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
Garmen managed to reunite with Satinka after almost two weeks. The mayhem had affected her plans as well. She told him than she had lost dozens of her enforcers, and the Guild she led was in shambles. With common enemies and shared goals, Satinka and Garmen allied to gather resources and strengthen their position. Over four years, Garmen's men acted as enforcers for Satinka's group, training her people and eliminating rivals. Thanks to this, she became the most powerful Dark Caste leader in the city, and the Winter Lady had become an urban legend.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 28</ref><br />
<br />
On 9 August 3075, at Satinka's suggestion, she and Garmen recruited [[Stas]], an old Wolf warrior of Kerensky bloodline. They offered him a mission to lead a suicide attack against the Space Control Center. Very resentful against the Grand Council, he agreed, and personally recruited and trained a full Trinary of multi-Clan volunteers: they would become known as [[Retribution Wraiths (Clan Wolf)|Retribution Wraiths]].<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 55</ref><br />
<br />
Their Dark Caste activities inevitably drew attention from Strana Mechty security. On 30 August, Garmen and Satinka were attacked by the [[Katyusha Keshik]] and the [[Ebon Keshik]] forces. Thanks to a warning, they managed to shoot their way out. Their escape only reinforced both Keshiks' determination to capture them, despite their ignorance of "Yama's" true identity. <ref>''Icons of War'', p. 63</ref><br />
<br />
Garmen's people went to into hiding, as Satinka's people awaited their opportunity to strike. The Dark Caste members wanted to escape the [[Clan Homeworlds]] with Garmen's people's help. Finally, after the Annihilation of [[Clan Steel Viper]], the ''McKenna's Pride'' returned to Strana Mechty. On 5 April [[3076]], Operation ''Spatha'' was finally launched.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 73</ref><br />
<br />
Several technicians sabotaged the other [[DropShip]]s in the spaceport, and the Wraiths began Operation Pilum, the attack on the Space Control Center. Garmen's people boarded the DropShip ''[[McKenna's Honor]]'', which supplied the ''McKenna's Pride''. To hide their real identity, Garmen presented himself as ''Star Captain Wulfgar of the Steel Viper Ghosts''. After killing any Ebon Keshik Warrior who resisted, the Wolves and Dark Caste members imprisoned the rest in a bunker, and departed the planet in the ''Honor''. They boarded the ''Pride'' without being detected, and quickly and easily took the WarShip's key points. The original plan, to steal Aleksandr's coffin and flee in the ''Honor'', would took too much time, so Garmen changed the plan: they will steal the ''Pride'' and flee with it.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 118</ref><br />
After threatening to vent their compartments to space, Garmen convinced the remaining ''Pride'''s crew to escape the ship in escape pods, and the ''Pride'' left orbit.<br />
<br />
The Grand Council made every effort to stop or delay them: aerospace fighters, boarding DropShips, even other WarShips. After a long pursuit, and the sacrifice of the ''McKenna's Honor'', the Pride jumped out system. ''Spatha'' II had been a success.<ref>''Icons of War'', p. 173</ref><br />
<br />
===Return to the Inner Sphere===<br />
In the unnamed system to which it had jumped, the ''Pride'' rendezvoused with three Dark Caste [[JumpShips]] and forty DropShips crewed by Satinka's people. They intended to migrate to the Inner Sphere.<br />
<br />
Together, they traveled the [[Exodus Road]]. During the trip, Satinka and Garmen had a child, whom they named ''Andery''. Before reaching Wolf Clan territory, Satinka and Andery separated from Garmen and the ''Pride''. They, and the Dark Caste fleet, departed for points unknown. On 11 June [[3077]], Garmen reunited with Vlad Ward, concealing the existence of Satinka and her people from the Khan.<ref name=IoWc50/><br />
<br />
Ward was surprised and impressed by Garmen's trophy. After five years away from the Clan, the Khan could not justify their absence. To camouflage their arrival, and to hide from the rest of the Clan the ''Pride's'' existence, Vlad sent Garmen's surviving men to join a Wolf Star in [[Stone's Coalition]] under Garmen's command. The Khan ordered them to keep secret all they had accomplished, and had the ''Pride'' hidden in the [[Dark Nebula]].<ref name=IoWE>''Icons of War'', epilogue</ref><ref name=ICp19>''IlClan'', p. 19</ref><br />
<br />
===Later Years and Legacy===<br />
Garmen's unit was heavily involved in the latter stages of the [[Jihad]] after which he served in the [[Republic Armed Forces]] for two decades, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. During that time he became a [[Republic of the Sphere|Republic]] citizen and married a merchant named Brenda Winter (a likely pseudonym for Satinka). He worked in her business in his retirement. The couple raised a son, Andery Winter, implied to be the son he had with her during the travel from the Clan Homeworlds, who was still running the family business in [[3150]].<ref name=ICp19/><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Icons of War]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[IlClan (sourcebook)|IlClan]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Clan Wolf Characters|Kerensky, Garmen]]<br />
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere Characters|Kerensky, Garmen]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Garth_Radick&diff=1061840Garth Radick2024-03-22T13:26:31Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Tukayyid and Death */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Garth Radick<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = 16 May [[3052]]<ref name=WdtI>''We Do the Impossible''</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Clan Wolf]]<br />
| rank = [[Khan of Clan Wolf|Khan]]<br />
| title = <br />
| position = <br />
| profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]<br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Garth Radick''' was a [[Clan Wolf]] officer who served as [[saKhan]] and later [[Khan]] during the [[Clan Invasion]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early History and Career===<br />
[[File:Conal Ward 3052.jpg|right|thumb|[[Conal Ward]], a patron of Garth Radick]]<br />
Like most [[Clan]] warriors who served during the [[Clan Invasion Era]], little is known of Garth Radick's career prior to [[Operation REVIVAL]]. It is known that he was tapped by [[Galaxy Commander]] and fellow [[Crusader Clans|Crusader]] [[Conal Ward]] to take command of [[Beta Galaxy (Clan Wolf)|Beta Galaxy]] at some point, and presumably became saKhan of the Wolves thereafter.<ref name=WCS83BGN>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 83: Beta Galaxy: Notes</ref> A charismatic leader, Radick and Beta Galaxy became a magnet for warriors among those Wolves who favored the Crusader philosophy. Because they followed a commander with the same beliefs they held, morale in Beta Galaxy was at an all-time high, and this was reflected in their performance.<ref name=WCS83BGN/><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
====Call to Arms====<br />
In November [[3048]], Khan [[Leo Showers]] of [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] proposed an [[Clan Invasion|invasion]] of the [[Inner Sphere]] to the [[Grand Council]], using the discovery of a [[ComStar]] exploration vessel as justification. Only Clan Wolf voted against the invasion, and [[Ulric Kerensky]] demanded a [[Trial of Refusal]]. Facing four-to-one odds, the Wolf Clan warriors nearly triumphed before being overwhelmed, with the [[3rd Battle (Clan Wolf)|Third Battle Cluster]] taking horrendous losses.<ref name=WCS25I>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 25: Invasion</ref> Beta Galaxy's [[11th Battle (Clan Wolf)|Eleventh Battle Cluster]] also took heavy losses, and because of this, Radick kept them in reserve for much of the invasion while the Cluster rebuilt.<ref name=WCS89N>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 89: 11th Battle Cluster: Notes</ref><br />
<br />
====Periphery Warmup====<br />
Radick and other Crusader leaders among the Wolves were able to convince Ulric to participate fully in the invasion, beginning with the conquest of the [[Periphery]]. <ref name=WCS27PW>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 27: Periphery Warmup</ref> In August [[3049]], Radick and the [[Silver Keshik (Clan Wolf)|Silver Keshik]] easily crushed the [[Blackstone Guards]] on [[Blackstone]]. <ref name=WCS56PBL>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 56: The Periphery: Blackstone</ref> Later, he and Ulric observed the [[Golden Keshik (Clan Wolf)|Golden Keshik]]'s attack on [[The Rock]].<ref name=WCS28R>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 28: The Rock</ref><br />
<br />
====Third Wave====<br />
[[File:Wbeta.png|left|thumb|[[Beta Galaxy (Clan Wolf)|Beta Galaxy]], Garth Radick's command]]<br />
In July [[3050]], Radick led the Silver Keshik as well as elements of the [[341st Assault (Clan Wolf)|341st Assault Cluster]] in an attack against the [[Federated Commonwealth]] world of [[Planting]]. Defended by the [[Forty-first Avalon Hussars]] RCT, the defenders put up a very potent defense, refusing to engage the Wolves directly and instead initiating a series of carefully planned ambushes. Frustrated, Radick was forced to break his bid, calling in the 3rd Battle Cluster as reinforcements. The invaders were then able to destroy the Hussars.<ref name=WCS60P>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 60: Planting</ref> Radick himself would later comment: {{quote|''They conducted night operations with no thought for honorable behavior&mdash;but I admired their ruthless efficiency.''|Khan Garth Radick, Clan Wolf, [[Rasalhague]], 12 July 3050}} <br />
<br />
Later in July, Radick was present during the bidding for, and invasion of Rasalhague, the capital of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]. Bidding against [[Clan Ghost Bear]] was very fierce, with only three clusters chosen for the assault, including the [[352nd Assault (Clan Wolf)|352nd Assault Cluster]] from Radick's Beta Galaxy. It is unclear if Radick himself saw combat, but the 352nd routed the [[3rd Freemen (Free Rasalhague Republic)|Third Freemen]] near the city of Ymir close to Rasalhague's south pole, and later took part in the brutal fighting for the capital city of Reykjavík. Clan Wolf would ultimately achieve its objectives and take the planet.<ref name=WCS3537>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', pp. 35–37: Rasalhague: The Attack</ref><br />
<br />
====Fourth Wave====<br />
In September, Radick led the Silver Keshik and the 352nd Assault Cluster in the invasion of [[Kandis]]. Opposing them were the remnants of the Third Freemen and two [[Infantry#Mechanized Infantry|mechanized]] planetary militia [[regiments]]. The Freemen had learned their lessons from Rasalhague, conducting a mobile, hit-and-run campaign. It took several days for Radick to recognize and adjust to the strategy, but once his troops captured the enemy commander, resistance soon collapsed. <ref name=WCS63K>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 63: Kandis</ref> Radick attended the [[Grand Kurultai]] at [[Radstadt]] on 1 November. [[IlKhan]] Showers had just been killed, and the Khans decided to return to the [[Clan Homeworlds]].<ref name=WCS41Y>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 41: Year of Peace and Dread</ref><br />
<br />
====Interim====<br />
Back on [[Strana Mechty]], Radick participated in the questioning of [[Phelan Wolf]] during High Council sessions when Ulric's enemies attempted to discredit him. Radick ultimately helped guide Phelan's questioning to validate his entry into the [[Warrior Caste#Warrior Caste|Warrior Caste]]. <ref name=BL??>''Blood Legacy'', p. ??</ref> Curiously, Radick then didn't show any hate of freeborns characteristic from the trueborns crusaders. Later, the Crusader Khans later attempted a bold maneuver by nominating Ulric Kerensky to take Leo Showers' place as ilKhan. They believed that Ulric would have to name a Crusader from the Wolves to take his own place, one such as Conal Ward. With both Khan positions held by Crusaders, the Wolves would effectively become a Crusader clan. Everyone was stunned when Ulric named [[Natasha Kerensky]] to the post. Despite many protests, Natasha easily passed her [[Trial of Position]], and took her place next to Radick.<ref name=BL??/><ref name=WCS42Y>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 42: Year of Peace and Dread</ref> Publicly, Radick supported this move.<ref name=BL??/><br />
<br />
====Wave Five====<br />
When the Invasion finally resumed, Radick returned to the Inner Sphere and to Beta Galaxy. In November [[3051]], Radick pulled rank to win the bid for the prestigious world of [[Sevren]] with all of Beta Galaxy, opposed by the [[Twenty-fifth Arcturan Guards]] RCT. The Arctic Wolves were attacked almost immediately upon landing, blunting their initial offensive and forcing a series of inconclusive battles. The 3rd Battle Cluster finally found a weak point in the lines of the Arcturans, which they quickly exploited to cause severe damage behind the lines and putting the [[AFFC]] troops on the defensive. After a [[battalion]] headquarters was destroyed by [[Elemental (Battle Armor)|Elemental]] headhunters, the defenders were forced to retreat, and Radick claimed the world for Clan Wolf.<ref name=WCS64S>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 64: Sevren</ref> The initial lightning strike by the 25th Arcturan Guards RCT had allowed the 25th - nicknamed "the Kewran Wolfhounds" - to keep the initiative against Beta Galaxy for longer than any other RCT had managed or would manage against the Clans up until the Truce of Tukayyid.<ref name="FM:LAp61">''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 61: "25th Arcturan Guards RCT: The Kewran Wolfhounds"</ref><br />
<br />
In December, Radick and Beta Galaxy invaded another valued world, the planet [[Kobe]], defended by the [Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards]] RCT had earlier been pushed off [[Tamar]] by [[Alpha Galaxy (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Alpha Galaxy]], and the planetary militia. During the initial fighting, Beta managed to severely injure the commander of the Twenty-sixth, [[Hauptmann General]] Joy Corelli. Her replacement, [[Leftenant General]] Jinders Green-Davion managed to stabilize the situation, but the Guards were too damaged to hold Kobe, and they retreated to [[Thun]]. <ref name=WCS67K>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 67: Kobe</ref> Radick, by now impatient to destroy the Twenty-sixth once and for all, took Beta Galaxy and followed the Guards to Thun. The remaining Lyran Guards were well deployed, and it looked as if they might hold. After an initial push by Elemental headhunter [[Star]]s failed, Khan Radick personally led a low-level drop to finally decide the issue, pushing the Guards into an off-world retreat.<ref name=WCS67T>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 67: Thule</ref><br />
<br />
===Tukayyid and Death===<br />
On [[Tukayyid]], Radick, Khan Natasha Kerensky and ilKhan Ulric Kerensky found their forces facing [[ComStar]]'s [[10th Army (ComStar)|Tenth Army]], composed of some of the best soldiers the [[Com Guards]] had to offer. <ref name=WCS5051T>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', pp. 50–51: Wolf</ref> During a major counterthrust by ComStar's [[282nd Division (ComStar)|282nd Division]], Radick brought up the 341st Assault Cluster to crush the Com Guards while Phelan Wolf harried their rear. Trapped between Radick and Natasha Kerensky's [[13th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Thirteenth Wolf Guards]], the 282nd was forced to retreat with very heavy losses, although they did succeed in delaying the Wolves long enough to form a defense around the city of Skupo. <ref name=WCS5051T/> <ref name=LD304305-GR-1>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 304–305: Radick's forces engage the Com Guards, he is slain by a ''Highlander''</ref> Despite all involved Wolf forces taking serious losses during the campaign, they successfully achieved their objectives. Khan Garth Radick, however, was killed leading Beta Galaxy in the Porozistu Mountains when the cockpit of his 'Mech was destroyed by the [[Gauss rifle|Gauss]] shot from a ComStar ''[[Highlander]]'' whose pilot recognized Radicks Khan insignia. Garth's 'Mech falls later from a cliff, crushing his 'Mech's head.<ref name=WCS5051T/><ref name=LD304305-GR-1/> <br />
<br />
A furious Natasha Kerensky personally avenged Radick, when hunted and made short of the Level II responsable of his death and downed the ''Highlander'' pilot, Adept Epsilon Robert Beech, though he managed to eject, and apparently survived. Garth's position was later taken by Phelan Ward.<ref>''We Do the Impossible''</ref><br />
<br />
==Personality and Traits==<br />
Radick was atypical of most Clan MechWarriors, left alone commander. And not only for being short, stout and nondescript. Nevertheless, his natural charisma and willingness to serve from the ranks made him popular among his warriors. He was considered the leader of the Crusader movement within the Wolves, but many of his political machinations were overly complicated and inflexible. Likewise, as a military strategist, his plans relied on guile and deception, but failed more often than not, due to their overly complicated and inflexible nature, and unexpected enemy action often led to failure.<ref name=WCS84KGR>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 84: Khan Garth Radick</ref><ref>''BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid'', p. 158</ref><br />
<br />
Phelan Wolf described Radick as having mousy brown hair and a thick build who kept a pleasant look on his face, but decided that there was far more to the Khan.<ref name=BL??/> Like most [[Bloodname|Bloodnamed]] Clan warriors, he was considered an elite [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]].<ref name=WCS83GC>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 83: Galaxy Command</ref><br />
<br />
It is possible, though by no means certain, that Ulric Kerensky helped promote Radick's career so his Crusader opponents within his own Clan would have a strong but ineffective leader.<ref>''Battletech: Legends'', p. 158</ref><br />
<br />
During Phelan Kell's interrogation to decide if Kell was to be adopted into Clan Wolf, Radick did not show any hostility to Phelan; instead, he appeared friendly and respectful to Kell. It is unknown if this was due to orders from Ulric or an attribute of his own personality.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 5</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
Garth Radick piloted an ''[[Executioner (Gladiator)|Executioner]]'' [[OmniMech]] during the Clan Invasion, usually favoring the close range, [[Energy_Weapons#Energy_Weapons|energy weapon]] capabilities of the 'A' variant.<ref name=WCS83GC/><br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Executioner-Clan Wolf Beta Galaxy BoTukayyid.png|Garth Radick's ''Executioner''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* Some wording in the text of the ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' seems to suggest that Radick commanded [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Wolf)|Delta Galaxy]] prior to taking command of Beta. This seems to be a typo referring to Conal Ward.<ref name=WCS83BGN/><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''<br />
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''<br />
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]''<br />
* ''[[We Do the Impossible]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Khans|Radick, Garth]]<br />
[[Category:Clan Wolf Characters|Radick, Garth]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Executioner (Gladiator) Pilots|Radick, Garth]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Decision_at_Pandora&diff=1061775Decision at Pandora2024-03-22T09:27:33Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Featured BattleTech */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxProduct<br />
| image = Gray Death Rising cover.jpg<br />
| name = Decision at Pandora<br />
| type = Novella<br />
| author = [[Jason Schmetzer]]<br />
| development = <br />
| primarywriting = <br />
| pages = <br />
| cover = <br />
| interiorart = <br />
| illustrations = <br />
| publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]]<br />
| productioncode = <br />
| year = 18 January 2024<br />
| ISBN10 = <br />
| ISBN13 = <br />
| MSRP = <br />
| content = <br />
| era = [[IlClan (Era)|ilClan]]<br />
| timeline = 28 April [[3152]]<br />
| series = <br />
| precededby = <br />
| followedby = <br />
}}<br />
'''''Decision at Pandora''''' is a novella written by [[Jason Schmetzer]], the story was initially released in the ''[[Gray Death Rising]]'' Anthology in January 2024.<br />
<br />
==From the publisher's description==<br />
<br />
==Plot Summary==<br />
<br />
==Featured Characters==<br />
* [[Ta-heng Cai]]<br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle|Isobel "Bel" Carlyle]]<br />
* [[Ronan Carlyle]]<br />
* [[Grayson Carlyle]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Nessa Deschanes]]<br />
* [[Gina Fritsch]]<br />
* [[Mira Gleason]]<br />
* [[Katherine Hakima]]<br />
* [[William Henderson]]<br />
* [[Irwin Keeling]]<br />
* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Zahara Khaled]]<br />
* [[Elam Nobu]]<br />
* [[Sarah Regis]] (mentioned)<br />
<br />
==Featured planets==<br />
* [[Crimond]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Odessa]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Pandora]]<br />
<br />
==Featured BattleTech==<br />
* [[Arbalest]]<br />
* [[Archer]]<br />
* [[BattleMaster]]<br />
* [[Bushwacker]]<br />
* [[Griffin]]<br />
* [[Hatchetman]]<br />
* [[Lineholder]]<br />
* [[Marauder]]<br />
* [[Onager]]<br />
* [[Overlord (DropShip class)]]<br />
* [[Regent]]<br />
* [[Scarabus]]<br />
* [[Shadow Hawk]]<br />
* [[Stealth]]<br />
* [[Talon]]<br />
* [[Trebuchet]]<br />
* [[Vedette]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Works by Jason Schmetzer|Decision at Pandora]]<br />
[[Category:Novellas|Decision at Pandora]]<br />
[[Category:IlClan Books|Decision at Pandora]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Decision_at_Pandora&diff=1061774Decision at Pandora2024-03-22T08:34:45Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Featured Characters */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoBoxProduct<br />
| image = Gray Death Rising cover.jpg<br />
| name = Decision at Pandora<br />
| type = Novella<br />
| author = [[Jason Schmetzer]]<br />
| development = <br />
| primarywriting = <br />
| pages = <br />
| cover = <br />
| interiorart = <br />
| illustrations = <br />
| publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]]<br />
| productioncode = <br />
| year = 18 January 2024<br />
| ISBN10 = <br />
| ISBN13 = <br />
| MSRP = <br />
| content = <br />
| era = [[IlClan (Era)|ilClan]]<br />
| timeline = 28 April [[3152]]<br />
| series = <br />
| precededby = <br />
| followedby = <br />
}}<br />
'''''Decision at Pandora''''' is a novella written by [[Jason Schmetzer]], the story was initially released in the ''[[Gray Death Rising]]'' Anthology in January 2024.<br />
<br />
==From the publisher's description==<br />
<br />
==Plot Summary==<br />
<br />
==Featured Characters==<br />
* [[Ta-heng Cai]]<br />
* [[Isobel Carlyle|Isobel "Bel" Carlyle]]<br />
* [[Ronan Carlyle]]<br />
* [[Grayson Carlyle]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Nessa Deschanes]]<br />
* [[Gina Fritsch]]<br />
* [[Mira Gleason]]<br />
* [[Katherine Hakima]]<br />
* [[William Henderson]]<br />
* [[Irwin Keeling]]<br />
* [[Hassan Ali Khaled]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Zahara Khaled]]<br />
* [[Elam Nobu]]<br />
* [[Sarah Regis]] (mentioned)<br />
<br />
==Featured planets==<br />
* [[Crimond]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Odessa]] (mentioned)<br />
* [[Pandora]]<br />
<br />
==Featured BattleTech==<br />
<br />
[[Category:Works by Jason Schmetzer|Decision at Pandora]]<br />
[[Category:Novellas|Decision at Pandora]]<br />
[[Category:IlClan Books|Decision at Pandora]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Raymond_Karpov&diff=1061405Raymond Karpov2024-03-20T02:27:29Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Bibliography */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]]}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Raymond Karpov<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = [[2880]]<br />
| affiliation = [[ComStar]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[Primus of ComStar]]<br />
| profession = <br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Raymond André Karpov''' was the third [[Primus of ComStar]],<ref name=CS6>''ComStar'', p. 32</ref> holding the role during the end of the [[Second Succession War|Second]] and start of the [[Third Succession War]]. His brutal reign saw the expansion of [[ROM]] to target both internal and external threats to the Order's technological superiority, as well as greatly accelerating the transformation of ComStar from a corporate entity to religious order.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early service to ComStar===<br />
Born on [[Terra]],<ref name=TBD-127S>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 127: "The Not-Named - Primus Raymond Andre Karpov"</ref> the young Karpov survived [[Conrad Toyama]]'s massive purges of ComStar and even becoming friends with [[Precentor ROM]] [[Michelle Dupreas]], eventually rising to the rank of [[Precentor]] [[Alpha C]], serving on the Order's [[First Circuit]]. As the [[ComStar War]] concluded in compromise and his support on First Circuit suffered, Primus Toyama gave consideration to retirement and handpicked Karpov as his successor. Karpov was named Primus upon Toyama's death from a massive stroke in April [[2837]].<ref name=CS1>''ComStar'', p. 27</ref><br />
<br />
===Primus of ComStar===<br />
Karpov's first act was to name Toyama a saint of the Blessed Order.<ref name=CS1/> Toyama's death, so soon after he named Karpov as his successor, led some to believe he had perhaps hastened his death, a belief that was only fueled by Karpov's increasingly hardline approach.<ref name=CS2>''ComStar'', p. 28</ref><br />
<br />
While Toyama had created special, almost mystical procedures whenever ComStar techs operated a [[hyperpulse generator]], under Karpov these became mandatory and heavily religious Gregorian-style chants that soon extended to almost all ComStar equipment. Those who refused soon found themselves victims of [[ROM]] as Karpov continued to expand upon Toyama's radical interpretation of the [[Word of Blake (book)|''Word of Blake'']]. Among the many symbolic changes instituted by Karpov was the replacement of previous gray jumpsuits of Blake's era with white robes adorned with mathematical symbols taken from holy "scriptures" of a physics book or technical readout and nightly indoctrination sessions at each HPG station.<ref name=CS2/><br />
<br />
Horrified that Karpov was proving even more extreme than Toyama, two members of the First Circuit resigned, but this just allowed Karpov to appoint more agreeable replacements.<ref name=CS2/> Even Karpov's friend Michelle Dupreas also began to question his extremism when he proposed [[Organizational Edict 3056]] in the summer of [[2838]]. The edict called for a massive expansion of ROM to allow it to change its scope from internal security to targeting and preventing the [[Successor State]]s efforts to maintain their level of technology.<br />
<br />
While the horrors of the [[First Succession War|First]] and the ongoing Second Succession War had all but reduced the general level of technical knowledge in the [[Inner Sphere]], as a firm believer in the ''Word of Blake'' and the prophecies of Conrad Toyama that the Great Houses would ultimately destroy themselves and the Blessed Order alone would survive, Karpov viewed ''any'' technological recovery as a dire threat to ComStar and easily persuaded the First Circuit of the need to take proactive action against it.<br />
<br />
Dupreas however believed such blatant use of power was counter to [[Jerome Blake]]'s desire to avoid interference with the affairs of the Inner Sphere and unsuccessfully appeared before the First Circuit to argue against it. When an enraged Karpov named her a heretic for her defiance, Dupreas tendered her resignation as Precentor ROM and ComStar as a whole, before dying under highly suspicious circumstances. Under her replacement [[Janice Laidlaw]], a staunch supporter of Karpov's policies, the newly agreeable ROM launched what would later be called [[Operation Holy Shroud]], a massive five-year effort to kill over 300 of the best scientific minds in the Inner Sphere.<ref name=CS3>''ComStar'', p. 29</ref><br />
<br />
While ROM worked to cripple the Great Houses' efforts at recovering [[LosTech]], to allow the Order discover what advances escaped their grasp Karpov took a leaf from his predecessor's actions in the ComStar War, opening up a fixed number of [[Acolyte]] positions to the scions of most powerful Inner Sphere families to gain detailed insights to the Great Houses' levels of technology.<br />
<br />
While having increasing success in dealing with external threats, Karpov turned again to internal issues. ComStar's efforts to expand the network had placed increasing strain upon the [[Terra]]n and the First Circuit HPG stations and had dramatically slowed transmission times, leading Karpov to expand the First Circuit to ten stations [[2857]], adding [[Arcturus]], [[Oriente]], [[Altair]] and [[Capella]]. This expansion fixed the problem and left room for future growth, as well as allowing Karpov to further strengthen his hold on the political First Circuit.<br />
<br />
Shortly after the addition of these stations, an internal auditor of the Order found the expansion of the network had also resulted in an increasing fragmentation of its organizational structure, with many outer stations customizing their management structure, complicating and diluting the Primus's reforms. Karpov addressed this by issuing the [[Doctrinal Edict of 2861]], which formalized the three-tiered structure established in the time of Blake and Toyama as well as making official the process for naming a Primus.<ref name=CS4>''ComStar'', p. 30</ref><br />
<br />
Events such as the [[Veddar Affair]] led Karpov to formalize even more procedures. After [[Rosemary Veddar]], a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent, successfully infiltrated ComStar and remained undetected for three years, Primus Karpov responded with increasing ROM's almost all-pervasive powers to allow it to test current and potential members of the Order to prevent any further Great House spies. This was further aided when Karpov instituted a rotational posting system, with no ComStar personnel remaining at a given assignment or world for more than two years to prevent familiarity and make it impossible to infiltrate the Order.<ref name=CS5>''ComStar'', p. 31</ref><br />
<br />
While his reformation of the Order's internal structure continued, external issues continued to haunt Karpov. While Operation Holy Shroud had succeeded beyond Karpov's wildest dream, it also unfortunately forced the Great Houses to end the Second Succession War in an effort to recover their strength. When Precentor ROM advised the First Circuit in [[2866]] that Inner Sphere would likely recover all lost technology within three decades if the present peace continued, Karpov reacted quickly. Following Conrad Toyama's efforts in the ComStar War to fan the conflicts between the Successor States, Karpov authorized ROM to filter information to the Lyran Commonwealth about the so-called [[Shadow War]] in the [[Draconis Combine]] between the [[Internal Security Force]] and [[Coordinator]] [[Miyogi Kurita]]. Just as Karpov had hoped, in typical Kurita fashion when Miyogi learned the Lyrans knew of the Shadow War the simmering tensions along the Combine-Commonwealth border exploded into open warfare again, touching off the [[Third Succession War]].<ref name=CS6>''ComStar'', p. 32</ref><br />
<br />
Despite Karpov's success in restarting the fighting and maintaining Blake's predictions about the eventual collapse of society through war, he had becoming increasingly disenchanted with the politics of the increasingly hostile First Circuit. With the liberals complaining about his somewhat draconian measures and the conservatives claiming he hadn't gone far enough, the despondent Primus simply stopped attending the meetings of the First Circuit for three months in [[2874]]. By [[2875]] he had had enough, citing failing health. Karpov stepped down as Primus in favor of Precentor Arcturus [[Andrea Marteen]], having named the more liberal Marteen several years earlier as a compromise with his critics.<ref name=CS7>''ComStar'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
===Death and Legacy===<br />
While stepping down as Primus, Raymond Karpov remained active in the Order, administering the Blake Medical Center in Europe until his death in [[2880]].<ref name=CS7>''ComStar'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
While arguably overshadowed by massive changes wrought by both Blake and Toyama, much of the religious trappings of the [[ComStar Schism|pre-Schism Blessed Order]] either came into being or were officially formalized during the reign of Raymond Karpov. Future Primus [[Yin Takami]] would later canonize Karpov for his efforts on shaping ComStar.<ref name=CS7/><br />
<br />
Documents recorded in the secret journal of [[Victoria Parrdeau]] secured by [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]] during the [[Jihad]] [[Canon Rumor|allegedly claim]] that a less publicly known legacy of Karpov was the hiring of [[Clinton's Cutthroats]] to protect [[The Five]] after the accidental discovery of one of the worlds on 15 October [[2869]].<ref name=TBD-114>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 114: "Karpov's Legacy"</ref> Parrdeau's journal also linked some unspecified success of Karpov's to the direction of medical research on the hidden world of [[Jardine]].<br />
<br />
In the documents relating to the [[Not-Named]] supposedly uncovered by Chandrasekhar Kurita at the same time, the ambitious Karpov reportedly courted the support of [[The Blood]], assassinating Toyama and instigating his more proactive efforts like Holy Shroud at the insistence of the Blood's "Blessed Father". Supposedly a Wolverine in spirit if not blood, Karpov's most notable contribution to their cause was finding and assisting in the setup of The Five, but the documents also indicate Karpov's selection of Marteen to succeed him was a possible change of heart about the Blood's direction.<ref name=TBD-127>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 127–128: "The Not-Named"</ref><br />
<br />
On [[3067]], when the Hidden World of [[Jardine]] was found by [[Brooklyn Stevens]], Preceptor [[Apollyon]] mentioned the ''Karpov Protocols''. Soon after, Jardine was devastated and rendered uninhabitable, apparently by the own Blakists, so it's implied than the Protocol was a solution to use in the event of the discovery of one of these worlds, apparently, to destroyed them to prevent any non-blakists to uncover their secrets.<ref>''Escape from Jardine'', ch. 8</ref><br />
<br />
==Philosophical and/or political views==<br />
Considered somewhat abrasive and uncultured, historians are divided on if uncharismatic Karpov was a religious zealot turning to extremism to cope with a role for which he was unprepared or a tool of conservatives on the First Circuit.<br />
<br />
What is known is where Blake and Toyama had preferred an indirect wait and see approach, Karpov actively worked towards bringing about the ''Word of Blake'', becoming the first Primus to make ROM a tool of external assassination and death.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Escape from Jardine]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Karpov, Raymond]]<br />
[[Category:Primus|Karpov, Raymond]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Raymond_Karpov&diff=1061403Raymond Karpov2024-03-20T02:27:00Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Death and Legacy */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]]}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Raymond Karpov<br />
| birthdate = <br />
| died = [[2880]]<br />
| affiliation = [[ComStar]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[Primus of ComStar]]<br />
| profession = <br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
'''Raymond André Karpov''' was the third [[Primus of ComStar]],<ref name=CS6>''ComStar'', p. 32</ref> holding the role during the end of the [[Second Succession War|Second]] and start of the [[Third Succession War]]. His brutal reign saw the expansion of [[ROM]] to target both internal and external threats to the Order's technological superiority, as well as greatly accelerating the transformation of ComStar from a corporate entity to religious order.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early service to ComStar===<br />
Born on [[Terra]],<ref name=TBD-127S>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 127: "The Not-Named - Primus Raymond Andre Karpov"</ref> the young Karpov survived [[Conrad Toyama]]'s massive purges of ComStar and even becoming friends with [[Precentor ROM]] [[Michelle Dupreas]], eventually rising to the rank of [[Precentor]] [[Alpha C]], serving on the Order's [[First Circuit]]. As the [[ComStar War]] concluded in compromise and his support on First Circuit suffered, Primus Toyama gave consideration to retirement and handpicked Karpov as his successor. Karpov was named Primus upon Toyama's death from a massive stroke in April [[2837]].<ref name=CS1>''ComStar'', p. 27</ref><br />
<br />
===Primus of ComStar===<br />
Karpov's first act was to name Toyama a saint of the Blessed Order.<ref name=CS1/> Toyama's death, so soon after he named Karpov as his successor, led some to believe he had perhaps hastened his death, a belief that was only fueled by Karpov's increasingly hardline approach.<ref name=CS2>''ComStar'', p. 28</ref><br />
<br />
While Toyama had created special, almost mystical procedures whenever ComStar techs operated a [[hyperpulse generator]], under Karpov these became mandatory and heavily religious Gregorian-style chants that soon extended to almost all ComStar equipment. Those who refused soon found themselves victims of [[ROM]] as Karpov continued to expand upon Toyama's radical interpretation of the [[Word of Blake (book)|''Word of Blake'']]. Among the many symbolic changes instituted by Karpov was the replacement of previous gray jumpsuits of Blake's era with white robes adorned with mathematical symbols taken from holy "scriptures" of a physics book or technical readout and nightly indoctrination sessions at each HPG station.<ref name=CS2/><br />
<br />
Horrified that Karpov was proving even more extreme than Toyama, two members of the First Circuit resigned, but this just allowed Karpov to appoint more agreeable replacements.<ref name=CS2/> Even Karpov's friend Michelle Dupreas also began to question his extremism when he proposed [[Organizational Edict 3056]] in the summer of [[2838]]. The edict called for a massive expansion of ROM to allow it to change its scope from internal security to targeting and preventing the [[Successor State]]s efforts to maintain their level of technology.<br />
<br />
While the horrors of the [[First Succession War|First]] and the ongoing Second Succession War had all but reduced the general level of technical knowledge in the [[Inner Sphere]], as a firm believer in the ''Word of Blake'' and the prophecies of Conrad Toyama that the Great Houses would ultimately destroy themselves and the Blessed Order alone would survive, Karpov viewed ''any'' technological recovery as a dire threat to ComStar and easily persuaded the First Circuit of the need to take proactive action against it.<br />
<br />
Dupreas however believed such blatant use of power was counter to [[Jerome Blake]]'s desire to avoid interference with the affairs of the Inner Sphere and unsuccessfully appeared before the First Circuit to argue against it. When an enraged Karpov named her a heretic for her defiance, Dupreas tendered her resignation as Precentor ROM and ComStar as a whole, before dying under highly suspicious circumstances. Under her replacement [[Janice Laidlaw]], a staunch supporter of Karpov's policies, the newly agreeable ROM launched what would later be called [[Operation Holy Shroud]], a massive five-year effort to kill over 300 of the best scientific minds in the Inner Sphere.<ref name=CS3>''ComStar'', p. 29</ref><br />
<br />
While ROM worked to cripple the Great Houses' efforts at recovering [[LosTech]], to allow the Order discover what advances escaped their grasp Karpov took a leaf from his predecessor's actions in the ComStar War, opening up a fixed number of [[Acolyte]] positions to the scions of most powerful Inner Sphere families to gain detailed insights to the Great Houses' levels of technology.<br />
<br />
While having increasing success in dealing with external threats, Karpov turned again to internal issues. ComStar's efforts to expand the network had placed increasing strain upon the [[Terra]]n and the First Circuit HPG stations and had dramatically slowed transmission times, leading Karpov to expand the First Circuit to ten stations [[2857]], adding [[Arcturus]], [[Oriente]], [[Altair]] and [[Capella]]. This expansion fixed the problem and left room for future growth, as well as allowing Karpov to further strengthen his hold on the political First Circuit.<br />
<br />
Shortly after the addition of these stations, an internal auditor of the Order found the expansion of the network had also resulted in an increasing fragmentation of its organizational structure, with many outer stations customizing their management structure, complicating and diluting the Primus's reforms. Karpov addressed this by issuing the [[Doctrinal Edict of 2861]], which formalized the three-tiered structure established in the time of Blake and Toyama as well as making official the process for naming a Primus.<ref name=CS4>''ComStar'', p. 30</ref><br />
<br />
Events such as the [[Veddar Affair]] led Karpov to formalize even more procedures. After [[Rosemary Veddar]], a [[Lyran Commonwealth]] [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent, successfully infiltrated ComStar and remained undetected for three years, Primus Karpov responded with increasing ROM's almost all-pervasive powers to allow it to test current and potential members of the Order to prevent any further Great House spies. This was further aided when Karpov instituted a rotational posting system, with no ComStar personnel remaining at a given assignment or world for more than two years to prevent familiarity and make it impossible to infiltrate the Order.<ref name=CS5>''ComStar'', p. 31</ref><br />
<br />
While his reformation of the Order's internal structure continued, external issues continued to haunt Karpov. While Operation Holy Shroud had succeeded beyond Karpov's wildest dream, it also unfortunately forced the Great Houses to end the Second Succession War in an effort to recover their strength. When Precentor ROM advised the First Circuit in [[2866]] that Inner Sphere would likely recover all lost technology within three decades if the present peace continued, Karpov reacted quickly. Following Conrad Toyama's efforts in the ComStar War to fan the conflicts between the Successor States, Karpov authorized ROM to filter information to the Lyran Commonwealth about the so-called [[Shadow War]] in the [[Draconis Combine]] between the [[Internal Security Force]] and [[Coordinator]] [[Miyogi Kurita]]. Just as Karpov had hoped, in typical Kurita fashion when Miyogi learned the Lyrans knew of the Shadow War the simmering tensions along the Combine-Commonwealth border exploded into open warfare again, touching off the [[Third Succession War]].<ref name=CS6>''ComStar'', p. 32</ref><br />
<br />
Despite Karpov's success in restarting the fighting and maintaining Blake's predictions about the eventual collapse of society through war, he had becoming increasingly disenchanted with the politics of the increasingly hostile First Circuit. With the liberals complaining about his somewhat draconian measures and the conservatives claiming he hadn't gone far enough, the despondent Primus simply stopped attending the meetings of the First Circuit for three months in [[2874]]. By [[2875]] he had had enough, citing failing health. Karpov stepped down as Primus in favor of Precentor Arcturus [[Andrea Marteen]], having named the more liberal Marteen several years earlier as a compromise with his critics.<ref name=CS7>''ComStar'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
===Death and Legacy===<br />
While stepping down as Primus, Raymond Karpov remained active in the Order, administering the Blake Medical Center in Europe until his death in [[2880]].<ref name=CS7>''ComStar'', p. 33</ref><br />
<br />
While arguably overshadowed by massive changes wrought by both Blake and Toyama, much of the religious trappings of the [[ComStar Schism|pre-Schism Blessed Order]] either came into being or were officially formalized during the reign of Raymond Karpov. Future Primus [[Yin Takami]] would later canonize Karpov for his efforts on shaping ComStar.<ref name=CS7/><br />
<br />
Documents recorded in the secret journal of [[Victoria Parrdeau]] secured by [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]] during the [[Jihad]] [[Canon Rumor|allegedly claim]] that a less publicly known legacy of Karpov was the hiring of [[Clinton's Cutthroats]] to protect [[The Five]] after the accidental discovery of one of the worlds on 15 October [[2869]].<ref name=TBD-114>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 114: "Karpov's Legacy"</ref> Parrdeau's journal also linked some unspecified success of Karpov's to the direction of medical research on the hidden world of [[Jardine]].<br />
<br />
In the documents relating to the [[Not-Named]] supposedly uncovered by Chandrasekhar Kurita at the same time, the ambitious Karpov reportedly courted the support of [[The Blood]], assassinating Toyama and instigating his more proactive efforts like Holy Shroud at the insistence of the Blood's "Blessed Father". Supposedly a Wolverine in spirit if not blood, Karpov's most notable contribution to their cause was finding and assisting in the setup of The Five, but the documents also indicate Karpov's selection of Marteen to succeed him was a possible change of heart about the Blood's direction.<ref name=TBD-127>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 127–128: "The Not-Named"</ref><br />
<br />
On [[3067]], when the Hidden World of [[Jardine]] was found by [[Brooklyn Stevens]], Preceptor [[Apollyon]] mentioned the ''Karpov Protocols''. Soon after, Jardine was devastated and rendered uninhabitable, apparently by the own Blakists, so it's implied than the Protocol was a solution to use in the event of the discovery of one of these worlds, apparently, to destroyed them to prevent any non-blakists to uncover their secrets.<ref>''Escape from Jardine'', ch. 8</ref><br />
<br />
==Philosophical and/or political views==<br />
Considered somewhat abrasive and uncultured, historians are divided on if uncharismatic Karpov was a religious zealot turning to extremism to cope with a role for which he was unprepared or a tool of conservatives on the First Circuit.<br />
<br />
What is known is where Blake and Toyama had preferred an indirect wait and see approach, Karpov actively worked towards bringing about the ''Word of Blake'', becoming the first Primus to make ROM a tool of external assassination and death.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Karpov, Raymond]]<br />
[[Category:Primus|Karpov, Raymond]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Clovis_Holstein&diff=1061218Clovis Holstein2024-03-18T21:52:40Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
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<div>{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}<br />
{{Update Needed|[[The Kell Hounds]]}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = Clovis Holstein<br />
| birthdate = [[3005]]<ref name=WCc47>''Warrior: Coupé'', ch. 47</ref><br />
| died = <br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[Lyran Commonwealth]]<br />
| rank = <br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[CEO of Arc-Royal MechWorks]]<br />
| profession = Businessman<br />
| parents = [[Aldo Lestrade IV]] (father)<ref name=WCc47/><br>[[Danica Holstein]] (mother)<ref name=WCc47/><br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = [[Karla Bremen]]<ref name=ETRO:Mp7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs'', p. 7: "Schwerer Gustav"</ref><br />
| children = [[Daniel Holstein]]<ref name=ETRO:Mp7/><br />
}}<br />
'''Clovis Holstein''' was an excellent computer programmer and a [[lostech]] expert.<ref name=EGc41>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 41</ref> Being a person with dwarfism, Clovis wore meter-long stilts so that he could reach computer controls.<ref name=EGc45>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 45</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Born of an illicit affair between Aldo Lestrade IV and his mother. During the same raid that killed Aldo's father and made him Duke, his mother fled [[Summer]] with the aid of a [[Heimdall]] cell. Clovis was born within six months.<ref name=Cc15/><br />
<br />
Other children were very cruel to him, but his mother comforted him with stories of his father, who she said was a bold [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] who would someday come and take them both away. As he grew older, he heard uncharitable references to his mother as "the Duke's whore." Slowly, the truth began to dawn, and one night he finally confronted his mother. She admitted that she'd become pregnant by Aldo Lestrade, but was too terrified of him to deny his advances or to let Lestrade know that she was pregnant with his child. She told Clovis not to speak about it.<ref name=Cc15/><br />
<br />
===Fourth Succession War===<br />
With his mother and the rest of their Heimdall allies, he accepted a job from [[Gray Noton]] to hijack the ''[[Silver Eagle]]''. They started by sabotaging the [[JumpShip]] ''[[Meridian (Individual JumpShip)|Meridian]]'' in the [[Fomalhaut]] system on 11 May [[3027]], and Clovis' manipulation of [[Monopole Lines]]' computer system allowed them to reassign the ''Silver Eagle'' to the Heimdall-affiliated JumpShip ''[[Bifrost]]'' instead. Unaware of who the high-profile passenger aboard really was, but already thinking this could be a plot to damage [[Katrina Steiner]], [[Danica Holstein]] and her son Clovis diverted the ''Silver Eagle'' to an abandoned mining colony in the [[Styx]] system and not to the expected rendezvous point.<ref name=EGc41/><br />
<br />
To their shock, a [[Draconis Combine]] ''[[Invader]]''-class JumpShip appeared in-system on 23 May, obviously aiming to capture the ''Silver Eagle''. The JumpShip launched a ''[[Fury (DropShip class)|Fury]]''-class [[DropShip]], most probably full of [[ISF]] troopers. At that time it is revealed that "Joana Barker" is indeed [[Melissa Steiner]] and the likely target, prompting Heimdall to ally with their erstwhile hostages in an attempt to fend off the incoming troops and prevent her capture. Then a second ''Invader'' arrived, hauling an ''[[Overlord]]'' this time, which turned out to be the [[Genyosha]].<ref name=EGc45/><br />
<br />
Clovis helped to coordinate the defense of the Styx base,<ref name=EGc45/> and when the ISF troopers reached them, he helped Melissa to escape through the tunnels to the surface with help from [[Andrew Redburn]], where they found the [[Kell Hounds]] who had arrived in-system escaping from a Kurita trap on [[Pacifica]].<ref name=EGc54>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 54</ref><br />
<br />
The Kell Hounds engaged and repelled the Genyosha, though unit commander [[Lieutenant-Colonel]] [[Patrick Kell]] lost a [[BattleMech]] duel with [[Yorinaga Kurita]] and later died of the wounds he suffered, and he was present when Melissa told Patrick and the other Kell Hounds that she would be marrying [[Hanse Davion]],<ref name=EGc57>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 57</ref> and later, he swore to secrecy in front of Hanse himself. As per their actions, he and his Heimdall colleagues were given a full pardon.<ref name=EGc57>''Warrior: En Garde'', ch. 57</ref><br />
<br />
Nearly a year later (3 March [[3028]]), while his mother is in [[Lyons]], where [[Duke]] Aldo Lestrade has reluctantly allowed the Heimdall refugees from Styx to settle in the newly built town of New Freedom on orders from the [[Archon]], Clovis was in [[Arc-Royal]] when the Kell Hounds were reformed to a full regiment, where he went to help [[Eire MechWorks]] (it is implied he contributed his programming skills to the development of the ''[[Wolfhound]]''). He was also with [[Dan Allard]] when they both tried to identify the sensor reaction to [[Morgan Kell]]'s ''[[Archer|Archer's]]'' piloting.<ref name=Rc21>''Warrior: Riposte'', ch. 21</ref><ref name=Rc23>''Warrior: Riposte'', ch. 23</ref><br />
<br />
On 5 April [[3029]], he was on Lyons, part of the Isle of Skye, organizing the development of New Freedom as acting mayor of the town, when Aldo Lestrade ''requested'' the Kell Hounds leave.<ref name=Cc07>''Warrior: Coupé'', ch. 07</ref><br />
<br />
Then Kuritan troopers attacked, in this case elements of the [[Third Dieron Regulars]]. Clovis Holstein found himself, with Karla Bremen and thirty children, holed up in a bunker as Kurita troops attacked and ravaged the town, indiscriminately executing the population. While trying to get a message about the attack to Morgan Kell he was caught, but saved by the sudden appearance of Dan Allard in his ''[[Wolfhound]]''. Analyzing their defeated opponents' computers, they found that the [[ISF]] felt the Styx refugees posed a danger to the Draconis Combine (presumably because of the Silver Eagle Affair) and had ordered their extermination. The Kell Hounds deduct that it was none other than Duke Aldo Lestrade who set the unwanted colony up to be destroyed, to further his own political agenda. At this, Clovis Holstein reveals that he is Duke Lestrade's illegitimate son and announces that he will personally kill his treacherous father.<ref name=Cc15>''Warrior: Coupé'', ch. 15</ref><br />
<br />
In Castle Lestrade on Summer, Clovis Holstein confronted his father, revealing his identity and finally watching the Duke die from the poison he had given him.<ref name=WCc47/><br />
<br />
===The Kell Hounds===<br />
After that, his whereabouts cannot be confirmed, though he worked alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]], Kell Hounds and Dr. [[B. Banzai|Banzai]] in the development of [[Inner Sphere]] advanced weapons,<ref name=BLc01>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 01</ref> and on the redesign of [[Justin Allard]]'s arm laser.<ref name=BLc03>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 03</ref><br />
<br />
He was also directly involved in the redesign of ''[[Yen-Lo-Wang]]'' with advanced technology, and on 21 September [[3051]] he presented the modifications to both Hanse Davion and [[Kai Allard-Liao]].<ref name=BLc24>''Blood Legacy'', ch. 24</ref><br />
<br />
At that time it is confirmed that he was already married.<ref name=BLc24/><br />
<br />
The same year, Clovis was part of the design and outfitting of the first Inner Sphere [[Battle Armor]] suits, the [[Gorilla Suit]]. Marshal [[Morgan Hasek-Davion]] ordered him to send some to try them against the [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref>''ClanTroops'', p. 38</ref><br />
<br />
He continued his excellent work for Eire MechWorks, and continued working there in its next incarnation, [[Arc-Royal MechWorks]], and by [[3067]] he was the company's CEO.<ref name=HBHS138>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 138: "Arc-Royal MechWorks Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[ClanTroops]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]''<br />
* ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' (novel)<br />
* ''[[Warrior: Riposte]]'' (novel)<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Holstein, Clovis]]<br />
[[Category:Mercenary Characters|Holstein, Clovis]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Jerome_Blake&diff=1061209Jerome Blake2024-03-18T19:46:56Z<p>Fredericmora: /* The Five */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed| [[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Jerome Blake.jpg<br />
| caption = Jerome at the age of 38<br />
| name = Jerome Blake<br />
| birthdate = 11 January [[2739]]<br />
| died = 15 May [[2819]]<br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[ComStar]]<br />
| rank = [[Primus of ComStar]]<br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[Minister of Communications (Star League)|Minister of Communications of the Star League]]<br />
| profession = <br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Jerome Blake''' known as the "Blessed Founder" or "Blessed Blake" by his followers, founded [[ComStar]] and seized control of [[Terra]] in its name in [[2788]], in the interests of preserving [[Star League]] technology and maintaining neutral communications for the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name=CS-4>''ComStar'', p. 4</ref><ref name=CS-7>''ComStar'', p. 7</ref><ref name=HLoTv2p24>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', p. 24: "Jerome Blake Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Blake was born in Galesburg, a small town in North America. Very early on, the child prodigy expressed an interest in engineering and subsequently became a loner of sorts, a social introvert as he spent much of his time studying. Ultimately coming to the decision to specialize in hyperpulse mathematics and physics, Blake graduated from the [[University of Lambrecht]] in [[2755]] when he was only 16 years old. Blake would eventually join HPG personnel provider Starlight Broadcasting Ltd. and would be placed on permanent assignment to the Star League's [[Department of Communications]]. Immediately prior to the [[Amaris Coup]], Blake had risen to the post of lead operations officer for the Class A station on the [[Terran Hegemony]] world of [[Oliver]].<ref name=CS-7/><br />
<br />
===The Star League's lead technician===<br />
In [[2766]], Blake was in the [[Free Worlds League]] on holiday as [[Stefan Amaris]] launched his coup against the [[Star League]], luckily avoiding capture by Amaris forces. Afterwards, as the highest-ranking technician of the few qualified technicians left, he volunteered to the [[Star League Defense Force]] to assist them, General [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] assigning Blake and his handful of technicians underneath him to devise a method for utilizing the remaining Class B [[HPG]] stations of the [[Inner Sphere]] not under Amaris' control.<ref name=CS-7/> During the SLDF's Rim Worlds campaign, he established a makeshift Prime Circuit using the HPGs that Amaris did not control, and these became the main method of communication for the [[SLDF]] and the [[Great Houses]].<ref name=CS-8>''ComStar'', p. 8</ref><br />
<br />
During Kerensky's campaign approaching [[Terra]], Blake volunteered his technicians and himself to lead the teams that reestablished communications in recaptured HPG stations, which allowed the SLDF to manage their forces more easily during the offensives. This was not without risk: during the recapture of the [[Dieron]] HPG station, Amaris' forces broke through the SLDF lines and fired on the station, killing three technicians, while Blake received a serious wound to the head. His cognitive ability was not impaired, but in his later life he would lapse into short comas, presumably due to these injuries. Showing his respect for Blake, Kerensky had him treated aboard the ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'', the flagship of the SLDF.<ref name=CS-8/><br />
<br />
===Founding of ComStar===<br />
After the liberation of Terra and the defeat of Amaris forces, Blake concentrated again on the task of restoring general communications in the [[Inner Sphere]]. With the [[Unity City]] HPG virtually a complete loss, Blake restarted construction of the larger [[Hilton Head]] HPG complex, which had been overlooked by Amaris forces, due to the fact that the construction effort had been abandoned, and the materials carefully concealed, when the coup began. The Hilton Head complex would turn Terra into the true center of the HPG network once again.<ref name=CS-9>''ComStar'', p. 9: "The Collapse of the Star League"</ref><br />
<br />
On the back of his skill and reputation for integrity, on October 10, 2780, [[Nicoletta Calderon]] nominated him for the position of [[Minister of Communications (Star League)|Minister of Communications]] of the Star League, Blake himself was totally unaware he had been nominated, overseeing the installation of Hilton Head's primary [[fusion reactor]] at the time. It was quickly agreed upon by the [[Star_League#High_Council|High Council]]. Subsequently, General Kerensky was stripped of his title as Protector of the Realm, and the House leaders dissolved the High Council.<ref name=CS-9/><ref name=HMPS-38>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 38: "History of the Periphery - Exodus and Succession Wars - The Star League Disbands"</ref><br />
<br />
While he attempted to focus purely on restoring the HPG network, as the only Minister of the Star League, Blake soon found himself the de facto leader of the reconstruction efforts for the entire [[Terran Hegemony]]. With the Department of Communications increasingly pushed into the role of the informal government of the shattered Hegemony, Blake would continually and fruitlessly press the Council Lords to name a formal successor, the House Lords too busy preparing for war and directing Blake to just do what he saw fit.<ref name=CS-1113>''ComStar'', pp. 11–13: "History - Collapse of the Star League"</ref><ref name=MM-205>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 205: "ComStar - Network Online"</ref><br />
<br />
The utter collapse of the Terran Hegemony and the Star League seemed assured when Blake privately met Aleksandr Kerensky and [[Nicholas Kerensky|his son Nicholas]] at the SLDF's post-coup headquarters of [[New Earth]] on November 2 [[2783]]. On-world to oversee the final repairs to the New Earth HPG and relief efforts for a dozen nearby worlds following the completion of Hilton Head, Blake thanked Kerensky for effectively drawing away Great Houses notice and allowing his reconstruction efforts to succeed along with his sorrow over the increasing pace of SLDF defections to those Houses. Quoting Russian philosopher [[w:Alexander Pushkin|Alexander Pushkin]] on the limits of unreturned loyalty, Kerensky would insist he had a solution, one Blake's assistance would be vital to support. With Blake reluctantly swearing to never divulge to the contents of the meeting, Kerensky revealed his refusal to seize the throne of the Star League or to try and defend the Hegemony from Great House attack in favor of a third option: [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]].<ref name=LoDI2>''Land of Dreams'' "Interlude 2"</ref><br />
<br />
While Jerome was furious upon learning Kerensky's intentions, angrily telling the General that conservatively billions in the Hegemony and Inner Sphere would now die if he enacted his plan, Kerensky insisted it was the only way to avoid it becoming a hundred billion and that the sacrifice of his reputation was a small price to pay to ensure that. His attempts to sway Kerensky into staying failed, Blake agreed to help the General to keep the secret of the operation, and was able to convince the former general to ask some of those troops who declined to join Operation Exodus to assist the Department's reconstruction efforts, Kerensky able to persuade some seventeen [[division]]s and fourteen independent [[regiment]]s to aid Blake.<ref name=MM-205/><ref name=LoDI2/><ref name=CS-11>''ComStar'', pp. 11–13: "History - Birth of ComStar - Operation Exodus - The First Circuit - Operation Silver Shield"</ref><ref name=FMCS-11>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 11: "Shadow Games"</ref><br />
<br />
Holding back these troops as a last resort, Blake continued to focus on the reconstruction of the HPG network, most notably achieving the reestablishment of [[First Circuit]] HPGs on [[New Earth]], [[Barnard]], [[Alpha C]], [[Bryant]], [[Procyon]] and [[Dieron]] three days after the Exodus. Quickly forming a decision-making council for the Department made up of the chief administrators of those HPGs, among the first things the First Circuit agreed upon was [[Conrad Toyama]] of the Dieron station suggestion to rename the organization ComStar. The renamed ComStar would continue to rebuild Terra and the shattered worlds of the Hegemony along with the HPG network for the next two years. But despite Blake's amazing efforts, the growing storm clouds of war hung over all ComStar had achieved, his deepest fear that the House Lords' lust for power would destroy everything he'd spent so long rebuilding.<ref name=CS-11/><br />
<br />
===Operation Silver Shield===<br />
{{seealso|Operation SILVER SHIELD}}<br />
Giving increasing thought how to protect Terra and the HPG network, in a secret meeting with the First Circuit in the winter of [[2786]], Blake outlined [[Operation Silver Shield]]. Blake's daring plan had three key parts: persuading the leaders of the Great Houses to agree to the neutrality of ComStar, its facilities and personnel; formalizing the [[ComStar Letter of Credit]] as a common currency for exchange with all Great Houses for ComStar's services and finally seizing Terra and as many of the surrounding worlds of the Hegemony as possible in the name of ComStar. The audacity of Blake's plan shocked the First Circuit, the members of the body quickly becoming divided between militant members who felt it didn't go far enough and those who hoped that a chance for peace remained. Ultimately Blake persuaded all members of the highly skeptical body to back his plan if his negotiations with House Lords to secure ComStar's neutrality proved successful.<ref name=CS-11/><ref name=MW2D-141>''MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition'', p. 141: "ComStar - The Blake Regime"</ref><br />
<br />
Showing a high degree of diplomatic tact as well as a willingness to bend the truth to serve his case, Blake made a historic tour of the Inner Sphere in [[2787]], convincing each House Lord in turn to sign the [[Communications Protocol of 2787]], claiming that theirs was the last signature and that all others had already agreed. Amazed by his success, the First Circuit now enthusiastically offered their full support to the remainder of Silver Shield. Unfortunately by the time Blake had returned to Terra, open warfare had already begun to break out, forcing him to revise the third military portion of Silver Shield, focusing on the capture of Terra alone and stripping the surrounding worlds of all useful matériel and resources ahead of the House Lords.<ref name=MM-205/><ref name=CS-11/><ref name=FMCS-11/><ref name=MW2D-141/><br />
<br />
On 25 June [[2788]], 00:600 [[TST]], ComStar shut down all HPG transmitters. [[General]] [[Lauren Hayes]]'s eight divisions (masquerading as [[mercenaries]] supposedly hired by Blake) successfully defeated the House and former SLDF units which opposed Blake's suddenly militant response. A persistent legend holds that Blake participated in the campaign on Terra, piloting an ''[[Ostroc]]''.<ref name=TRO3039-291>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 291: "OSR-2C Ostroc"</ref> After 72 hours, the HPG network resumed transmission, broadcasting scenes of the military takeover of Terra, the entire operation filmed and documented per the order of Blake and the First Circuit. The footage intended to impress upon the House Lords the high cost to challenge ComStar's ownership of Terra, Blake would also transmit a short message to the entire Inner Sphere:<ref name=CS-11/><ref name=FMCS-11/><br />
<br />
{{Quote|''People of the former Star League. I am Jerome Blake, Prime Administrator of ComStar. As of now, 0900 hours Terran Standard Time, military forces under my direct command have seized control of the Sol star system. ComStar is now officially in control of Terra and all former Star League facilities remaining in the system. From this time forward, I proclaim Terra and the entire Sol system as neutral under the protection of ComStar, under the terms and conditions of the Communications Protocol of 2787. As the previous broadcast has made clear, ComStar has sufficient military force to defend the homeworld of mankind from any aggressor.''<br />
<br />
''Our goals are peaceful. We seek the unity and prosperity of mankind. This action was taken to save life in the devastating war that is unfolding. ComStar will continue to offer its communications services to all member states, as long as the Sol system and our neutrality are honored.'' |Jerome Blake, 28 June 2788<ref name=CS-13>''ComStar'', p. 13: "The Birth of ComStar - Operation Silver Shield - Blake Proclamation"</ref><ref name=TtS-98>''Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)'', p. 98: "Volume XLIX: After the Storm — The Dawn of ComStar"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
===Mercenary Review Board===<br />
Jerome Blake spent most of his life as a technician and administrator, but showed a natural talent as a political economist. Initially, ComStar was operating in the red because of their massive Hegemony reconstruction projects, running high debts with each of the five Houses, but as the first Succession War rages, they managed to pay all the debt and, in 2802, begin earning profits.<br />
One of the longest lasting branches of ComStar founded by Blake was the [[Mercenary Review Board]]. Developed as a means to monitor and control mercenary contracts, ironically it wasn't formed by Blake's vision but rather from a request of Coordinator [[Minoru Kurita (28th c.)|Minoru Kurita]], who mentioned a betrayal of a mercenary group and suggested to ComStar to create a neutral policing agency. Only a week later, Blake announced the creation of that entity.<br />
Since then, ComStar's Board has negotiated the contracts and managed the money, collecting a commission of less than 5 percent. ComStar also alerted other potential employers to a rogue unit actions. The new Board was also tasked with investigating any alleged crimes of mercenary units. The Board survived 300 hundred years until [[Operation Scorpion]].<ref>''ComStar'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Creation of ROM===<br />
The spring of 2811 brought the first real threat to ComStar, when Chancellor [[Ilsa Liao]] sought to restore her realm's technological base by bribing ComStar technicians to defect. Shortly after the first attempt, a group of "terrorists" attempted to seize control of an HPG station on the Capellan world of [[Nanking]]. It would have succeeded if not for the brave efforts of the station's technicians.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 16</ref><br />
The Capellan government denied any involvement, but First Circuit's investigation concluded that it was the Capellan government who had set the "terrorists" as part of a plan to gain control of all HPG stations in the Confederation.<br />
<br />
Despite lacking conclusive evidence of Capellan involvement, Blake proposed the creation of a covert security force to protect ComStar's HPG network from both inside and outside threats; this motion was successful, and led to the creation of [[ROM]]. The new group reported directly to the Prime Administrator, and after just a year, ROM was fully activated and Blake ordered ROM begin counterintelligence operations in the Confederation.<br />
<br />
After the spring of 2812 when ROM members discovered a Confederation plan to kill Robin Bishop, (then) Chief Administrator of [[Bryant]] HPG, Blake ordered ROM to strike first and kill the Capellan assassins before they could carry out their plans. All of the assassins were dead within two days. Blake reinforced this message with another direct address to Ilsa Liao, pointing out that ComStar now had the means to defend against any and all threats. The Chancellor ordered the [[Maskirovka]] to cease all plans to attack ComStar.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 17</ref><br />
<br />
===The Five===<br />
Some evidence points than Jerome Blake also was behind the creation of ''[[The Five]]'', five hidden worlds, one in each Inner Sphere State, which ComStar made disappear from the maps, turning them into secret bases. Due to the extreme secretism of the Five, there is very little concrete data, but it was said than at least on [[Jardine]], one of the Five worlds, Blake send there secret teams of engineers, scientist and troops, turning ''Hope'', the only remaining city of the world, into a real fortress.<ref>''Escape from Jardine'', ch. 5</ref><br />
<br />
===Death and Legacy===<br />
Jerome Blake's leadership of ComStar lasted 31 years, and he defined the philosophy, operations and structure of ComStar.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
However, in his later years, Blake suffered health issues related to his injuries sustained on Dieron. He fell ill during a First Circuit meeting in May 2819, but his colleagues were not too concerned at the time as he apparently recovered fairly quickly. However later that month he collapsed again, and his condition was determined to be a rare genetic disorder, one that would ultimately prove fatal. He spent the rest of his days being visited by the First Circuit. The last to visit was Conrad Toyama, and during this visit Blake lapsed into a coma.<br />
<br />
During their final meeting Blake laid out his plan to convert ComStar into a religion, to the initial horror of Toyama, but was quickly able to convince Toyama of the value of his plan, saying that for the organization to outlast its founding autocrat it needed to transform into a religion.<ref name=2SW-6>''Second Succession War'', p. 6</ref> Following Blake's death, Conrad Toyama launched into Blake's plan to turn the organization's founder into a saintly martyr.<ref name=2SW-8>''Second Succession War'', p. 8</ref><br />
<br />
Blake's will stipulated that his body be incinerated and his ashes scattered over the Court of the Star League, in Unity City... but Toyama overruled it and had his body preserved and placed on display at Hilton Head.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 25</ref><br />
<br />
The body, the Word of Blake's most holy ''relic'', was preserved for centuries, until it was probably incinerated when Hilton Head was blown by several nukes during [[Operation SCOUR]], in [[3077]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 173</ref><br />
<br />
==Philosophical and/or political views==<br />
Due to the heavy rewriting or even hiding of Blake's writings, it is very difficult to clear the facts about him, but it is clear than his decisions, though cold, were very successful in the business side. His personality was described as socially awkward and reserved, a real workaholic.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 24</ref><br />
<br />
Blake was more businessman than politician, but his decision to concentrate the rebuilding efforts in the Inner Sphere worlds probably exaggerated the state of decline in the Periphery. The area effectively turned from a marginal but developed area into the barrens which it has become. Some said that was because he blamed the Periphery's people for the Amaris Coup and felt a deep distaste for the Periphery, while another potential explanation was his overwhelming focus on restoring the first circuit of the HPG, leading him to spend the vast majority of his time and resources on rebuilding the worlds of the Terran Hegemony. He personally abhorred violence, but saw the need for a a swift and brutal security force that could operate to safeguard ComStar interests, hence his founding of ROM and banning of outsiders joining them, showing that he was not above harsh measures in his attempt to save the HPG and preserve as much of Star League technology as possible. His intention to preserve mankind's knowledge was a project that involved preventing it from falling in the House Lords hands as much as to record it. In fact, it was probably for that than he began the isolationism so characteristic of ComStar. Blake's intentions appears to have been idealistic, creating a nexus between all former Inner Sphere states, and preserving the advanced knowledge of the Star League, but they became corrupted soon after his death.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 117</ref> <br />
Blake didn't create any of the religious or mystical trappings which ComStar later adopted, but he laid the foundation of many of its structures and policies.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 25</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3052]], [[Anastasius Focht]], [[Precentor Martial]] of ComStar, claimed to have found Blake's first book, and he said that Jerome's real intentions were to preserve the technology and information, later sharing it with the rest of mankind. However, whether that was true or not remained unconfirmed.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', ch 48</ref><br />
<br />
==Published Works==<br />
* [[HPG Technology Readout 102-B: Hyperpulse Principles and Applications]]<ref name=BCROWp111>''BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare'', p. 111: "Wolfnet Archive File: 32211-BF5-11/17/23"</ref><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''The Council Lords have left Terra without agreeing on who shall lead the Star League. It seems they could only agree on my appointment as Minister of Communications... They will go to war, and soon. Somehow, I must guard the remnants of the civilization we so thoughtlessly threw away. I won't repair the communications network only to see it destroyed by those arrogant idiots. I refuse. But how to safeguard the technology? I might find allies... among those like me who understand that our precious technology must not be destroyed. We must preserve the communications that all our worlds need to survive... and when the Council Lords and their so-called Successor States have pounded themselves to dust, we will have the means to save humanity...''|Personal Journals, 12 August 2788.<ref>''BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare'', p. 84: "Wolfnet Archive File: 32448-RD5-33/9/8"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''Who in Hell does he think he is? The savior of mankind to lead his faithful to a new Eden? Some kind of modern day crusader meant to prevent the coming of a new apocalypse? He and his kind are too stupid to recognize what is in front of them. And they will pay for that with their lives. They will never survive, not without our help. Don't they understand that? That there is much more to do? They could be an integral part of the new order, but instead they take the coward's way out... If that is meant to be, so be it. the road ahead is clear to me. We will continue ahead no matter the difficulties presented us...'' Jerome Blake talking about Kerensky's Operation Exodus|Personal Journals, 15 March 2784.<ref>''Historical Operation Klondike'', p. 16: "Exodus"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''ComStar is the only hope of preserving the future of human beings in the Inner Sphere.''<ref name=CS-16>''ComStar'', p. 16: "History of ComStar - The Foundation Years - Public Image"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Let no person, or group of people, obstruct the spread of knowledge. We stand for the enlightenment and protection of all mankind. It is our task, and will be our descendant's task, to keep the science of nature alive until such time as the science of man's soul has advanced to once again allow unification into a glorious Star League.''|Jerome Blake's hand written notes on a copy of ''[[Technology Primer]]'' found at Hilton Head in 3052.<ref name=WCSp54>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 50: "Future of ComStar"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Do not judge yourself by the friends you have, but by the enemies you make.''|''Collected Short Sayings of Blessed Blake'', Edition XXIV, [[ComStar Press]], [[3050]]<ref name=WC-46>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 46: "Tukayyid"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''...those who fight to preserve technology and knowledge are the grandest crusaders of all...''<ref name=CS-102>''ComStar'', p. 102: "New BattleMechs - Word of Blake Grand Crusader"</ref><ref name=TRO3058-132>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 132: "Inner Sphere 'Mechs - GRN-D-01 Grand Crusader"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''The truest light often casts the darkest shadows behind men. The power of true faith is never to be taken lightly.''<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 6: "Shadows of Faith - Prologue"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''Information is ammunition.''<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 8</ref><ref name=JHS3070-29>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 29: "Late 3068: Fighting Blind - Alliance in Turmoil - LAAF Rallies After Stunning Clan Assault on Graus"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Preparation is always the key to victory.''<ref name=DB-P>''Double-Blind'', "Prologue"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''Being tactful in audacity is knowing how far one can go too far.''{{cn}}}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* Despite the fact that ComStar didn't have an army, and the Star League units that took Terra had been disbanded, Blake ordered the rebuilding of Krupp Armaments Works in Germany and others razed by Amaris forces, and later mothballed them, confident they could be quickly reactivated if ComStar needed then. After the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], Precentor Martial [[Anastasius Focht]] did so, in order to rebuild the shattered Com Guards, proving the wisdom of Blake's planning, at least in that particular.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 110</ref><br />
* A common expression in the Inner Sphere was ''Blake's Blood''. It appears to be used only by non-Blakists.<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Jerome-Blake.png|Jerome Blake<br />
Blaketomb.jpg|Jerome Blake's body preserved at Hilton Head<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare]]''<br />
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)]]''<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''<br />
* ''[[Escape from Jardine]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Land of Dreams]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]'' (Novella)<br />
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''<br />
* ''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:Terran Hegemony Characters|Blake, Jerome]]<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Blake, Jerome]]<br />
[[Category: In-Universe Authors|Blake, Jerome]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Jerome_Blake&diff=1061208Jerome Blake2024-03-18T19:46:18Z<p>Fredericmora: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed| [[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Jerome Blake.jpg<br />
| caption = Jerome at the age of 38<br />
| name = Jerome Blake<br />
| birthdate = 11 January [[2739]]<br />
| died = 15 May [[2819]]<br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[ComStar]]<br />
| rank = [[Primus of ComStar]]<br />
| title = <br />
| position = [[Minister of Communications (Star League)|Minister of Communications of the Star League]]<br />
| profession = <br />
| parents = <br />
| siblings = <br />
| spouse = <br />
| children = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Jerome Blake''' known as the "Blessed Founder" or "Blessed Blake" by his followers, founded [[ComStar]] and seized control of [[Terra]] in its name in [[2788]], in the interests of preserving [[Star League]] technology and maintaining neutral communications for the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name=CS-4>''ComStar'', p. 4</ref><ref name=CS-7>''ComStar'', p. 7</ref><ref name=HLoTv2p24>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', p. 24: "Jerome Blake Profile"</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Blake was born in Galesburg, a small town in North America. Very early on, the child prodigy expressed an interest in engineering and subsequently became a loner of sorts, a social introvert as he spent much of his time studying. Ultimately coming to the decision to specialize in hyperpulse mathematics and physics, Blake graduated from the [[University of Lambrecht]] in [[2755]] when he was only 16 years old. Blake would eventually join HPG personnel provider Starlight Broadcasting Ltd. and would be placed on permanent assignment to the Star League's [[Department of Communications]]. Immediately prior to the [[Amaris Coup]], Blake had risen to the post of lead operations officer for the Class A station on the [[Terran Hegemony]] world of [[Oliver]].<ref name=CS-7/><br />
<br />
===The Star League's lead technician===<br />
In [[2766]], Blake was in the [[Free Worlds League]] on holiday as [[Stefan Amaris]] launched his coup against the [[Star League]], luckily avoiding capture by Amaris forces. Afterwards, as the highest-ranking technician of the few qualified technicians left, he volunteered to the [[Star League Defense Force]] to assist them, General [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] assigning Blake and his handful of technicians underneath him to devise a method for utilizing the remaining Class B [[HPG]] stations of the [[Inner Sphere]] not under Amaris' control.<ref name=CS-7/> During the SLDF's Rim Worlds campaign, he established a makeshift Prime Circuit using the HPGs that Amaris did not control, and these became the main method of communication for the [[SLDF]] and the [[Great Houses]].<ref name=CS-8>''ComStar'', p. 8</ref><br />
<br />
During Kerensky's campaign approaching [[Terra]], Blake volunteered his technicians and himself to lead the teams that reestablished communications in recaptured HPG stations, which allowed the SLDF to manage their forces more easily during the offensives. This was not without risk: during the recapture of the [[Dieron]] HPG station, Amaris' forces broke through the SLDF lines and fired on the station, killing three technicians, while Blake received a serious wound to the head. His cognitive ability was not impaired, but in his later life he would lapse into short comas, presumably due to these injuries. Showing his respect for Blake, Kerensky had him treated aboard the ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'', the flagship of the SLDF.<ref name=CS-8/><br />
<br />
===Founding of ComStar===<br />
After the liberation of Terra and the defeat of Amaris forces, Blake concentrated again on the task of restoring general communications in the [[Inner Sphere]]. With the [[Unity City]] HPG virtually a complete loss, Blake restarted construction of the larger [[Hilton Head]] HPG complex, which had been overlooked by Amaris forces, due to the fact that the construction effort had been abandoned, and the materials carefully concealed, when the coup began. The Hilton Head complex would turn Terra into the true center of the HPG network once again.<ref name=CS-9>''ComStar'', p. 9: "The Collapse of the Star League"</ref><br />
<br />
On the back of his skill and reputation for integrity, on October 10, 2780, [[Nicoletta Calderon]] nominated him for the position of [[Minister of Communications (Star League)|Minister of Communications]] of the Star League, Blake himself was totally unaware he had been nominated, overseeing the installation of Hilton Head's primary [[fusion reactor]] at the time. It was quickly agreed upon by the [[Star_League#High_Council|High Council]]. Subsequently, General Kerensky was stripped of his title as Protector of the Realm, and the House leaders dissolved the High Council.<ref name=CS-9/><ref name=HMPS-38>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 38: "History of the Periphery - Exodus and Succession Wars - The Star League Disbands"</ref><br />
<br />
While he attempted to focus purely on restoring the HPG network, as the only Minister of the Star League, Blake soon found himself the de facto leader of the reconstruction efforts for the entire [[Terran Hegemony]]. With the Department of Communications increasingly pushed into the role of the informal government of the shattered Hegemony, Blake would continually and fruitlessly press the Council Lords to name a formal successor, the House Lords too busy preparing for war and directing Blake to just do what he saw fit.<ref name=CS-1113>''ComStar'', pp. 11–13: "History - Collapse of the Star League"</ref><ref name=MM-205>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 205: "ComStar - Network Online"</ref><br />
<br />
The utter collapse of the Terran Hegemony and the Star League seemed assured when Blake privately met Aleksandr Kerensky and [[Nicholas Kerensky|his son Nicholas]] at the SLDF's post-coup headquarters of [[New Earth]] on November 2 [[2783]]. On-world to oversee the final repairs to the New Earth HPG and relief efforts for a dozen nearby worlds following the completion of Hilton Head, Blake thanked Kerensky for effectively drawing away Great Houses notice and allowing his reconstruction efforts to succeed along with his sorrow over the increasing pace of SLDF defections to those Houses. Quoting Russian philosopher [[w:Alexander Pushkin|Alexander Pushkin]] on the limits of unreturned loyalty, Kerensky would insist he had a solution, one Blake's assistance would be vital to support. With Blake reluctantly swearing to never divulge to the contents of the meeting, Kerensky revealed his refusal to seize the throne of the Star League or to try and defend the Hegemony from Great House attack in favor of a third option: [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]].<ref name=LoDI2>''Land of Dreams'' "Interlude 2"</ref><br />
<br />
While Jerome was furious upon learning Kerensky's intentions, angrily telling the General that conservatively billions in the Hegemony and Inner Sphere would now die if he enacted his plan, Kerensky insisted it was the only way to avoid it becoming a hundred billion and that the sacrifice of his reputation was a small price to pay to ensure that. His attempts to sway Kerensky into staying failed, Blake agreed to help the General to keep the secret of the operation, and was able to convince the former general to ask some of those troops who declined to join Operation Exodus to assist the Department's reconstruction efforts, Kerensky able to persuade some seventeen [[division]]s and fourteen independent [[regiment]]s to aid Blake.<ref name=MM-205/><ref name=LoDI2/><ref name=CS-11>''ComStar'', pp. 11–13: "History - Birth of ComStar - Operation Exodus - The First Circuit - Operation Silver Shield"</ref><ref name=FMCS-11>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 11: "Shadow Games"</ref><br />
<br />
Holding back these troops as a last resort, Blake continued to focus on the reconstruction of the HPG network, most notably achieving the reestablishment of [[First Circuit]] HPGs on [[New Earth]], [[Barnard]], [[Alpha C]], [[Bryant]], [[Procyon]] and [[Dieron]] three days after the Exodus. Quickly forming a decision-making council for the Department made up of the chief administrators of those HPGs, among the first things the First Circuit agreed upon was [[Conrad Toyama]] of the Dieron station suggestion to rename the organization ComStar. The renamed ComStar would continue to rebuild Terra and the shattered worlds of the Hegemony along with the HPG network for the next two years. But despite Blake's amazing efforts, the growing storm clouds of war hung over all ComStar had achieved, his deepest fear that the House Lords' lust for power would destroy everything he'd spent so long rebuilding.<ref name=CS-11/><br />
<br />
===Operation Silver Shield===<br />
{{seealso|Operation SILVER SHIELD}}<br />
Giving increasing thought how to protect Terra and the HPG network, in a secret meeting with the First Circuit in the winter of [[2786]], Blake outlined [[Operation Silver Shield]]. Blake's daring plan had three key parts: persuading the leaders of the Great Houses to agree to the neutrality of ComStar, its facilities and personnel; formalizing the [[ComStar Letter of Credit]] as a common currency for exchange with all Great Houses for ComStar's services and finally seizing Terra and as many of the surrounding worlds of the Hegemony as possible in the name of ComStar. The audacity of Blake's plan shocked the First Circuit, the members of the body quickly becoming divided between militant members who felt it didn't go far enough and those who hoped that a chance for peace remained. Ultimately Blake persuaded all members of the highly skeptical body to back his plan if his negotiations with House Lords to secure ComStar's neutrality proved successful.<ref name=CS-11/><ref name=MW2D-141>''MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition'', p. 141: "ComStar - The Blake Regime"</ref><br />
<br />
Showing a high degree of diplomatic tact as well as a willingness to bend the truth to serve his case, Blake made a historic tour of the Inner Sphere in [[2787]], convincing each House Lord in turn to sign the [[Communications Protocol of 2787]], claiming that theirs was the last signature and that all others had already agreed. Amazed by his success, the First Circuit now enthusiastically offered their full support to the remainder of Silver Shield. Unfortunately by the time Blake had returned to Terra, open warfare had already begun to break out, forcing him to revise the third military portion of Silver Shield, focusing on the capture of Terra alone and stripping the surrounding worlds of all useful matériel and resources ahead of the House Lords.<ref name=MM-205/><ref name=CS-11/><ref name=FMCS-11/><ref name=MW2D-141/><br />
<br />
On 25 June [[2788]], 00:600 [[TST]], ComStar shut down all HPG transmitters. [[General]] [[Lauren Hayes]]'s eight divisions (masquerading as [[mercenaries]] supposedly hired by Blake) successfully defeated the House and former SLDF units which opposed Blake's suddenly militant response. A persistent legend holds that Blake participated in the campaign on Terra, piloting an ''[[Ostroc]]''.<ref name=TRO3039-291>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 291: "OSR-2C Ostroc"</ref> After 72 hours, the HPG network resumed transmission, broadcasting scenes of the military takeover of Terra, the entire operation filmed and documented per the order of Blake and the First Circuit. The footage intended to impress upon the House Lords the high cost to challenge ComStar's ownership of Terra, Blake would also transmit a short message to the entire Inner Sphere:<ref name=CS-11/><ref name=FMCS-11/><br />
<br />
{{Quote|''People of the former Star League. I am Jerome Blake, Prime Administrator of ComStar. As of now, 0900 hours Terran Standard Time, military forces under my direct command have seized control of the Sol star system. ComStar is now officially in control of Terra and all former Star League facilities remaining in the system. From this time forward, I proclaim Terra and the entire Sol system as neutral under the protection of ComStar, under the terms and conditions of the Communications Protocol of 2787. As the previous broadcast has made clear, ComStar has sufficient military force to defend the homeworld of mankind from any aggressor.''<br />
<br />
''Our goals are peaceful. We seek the unity and prosperity of mankind. This action was taken to save life in the devastating war that is unfolding. ComStar will continue to offer its communications services to all member states, as long as the Sol system and our neutrality are honored.'' |Jerome Blake, 28 June 2788<ref name=CS-13>''ComStar'', p. 13: "The Birth of ComStar - Operation Silver Shield - Blake Proclamation"</ref><ref name=TtS-98>''Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)'', p. 98: "Volume XLIX: After the Storm — The Dawn of ComStar"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
===Mercenary Review Board===<br />
Jerome Blake spent most of his life as a technician and administrator, but showed a natural talent as a political economist. Initially, ComStar was operating in the red because of their massive Hegemony reconstruction projects, running high debts with each of the five Houses, but as the first Succession War rages, they managed to pay all the debt and, in 2802, begin earning profits.<br />
One of the longest lasting branches of ComStar founded by Blake was the [[Mercenary Review Board]]. Developed as a means to monitor and control mercenary contracts, ironically it wasn't formed by Blake's vision but rather from a request of Coordinator [[Minoru Kurita (28th c.)|Minoru Kurita]], who mentioned a betrayal of a mercenary group and suggested to ComStar to create a neutral policing agency. Only a week later, Blake announced the creation of that entity.<br />
Since then, ComStar's Board has negotiated the contracts and managed the money, collecting a commission of less than 5 percent. ComStar also alerted other potential employers to a rogue unit actions. The new Board was also tasked with investigating any alleged crimes of mercenary units. The Board survived 300 hundred years until [[Operation Scorpion]].<ref>''ComStar'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
===Creation of ROM===<br />
The spring of 2811 brought the first real threat to ComStar, when Chancellor [[Ilsa Liao]] sought to restore her realm's technological base by bribing ComStar technicians to defect. Shortly after the first attempt, a group of "terrorists" attempted to seize control of an HPG station on the Capellan world of [[Nanking]]. It would have succeeded if not for the brave efforts of the station's technicians.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 16</ref><br />
The Capellan government denied any involvement, but First Circuit's investigation concluded that it was the Capellan government who had set the "terrorists" as part of a plan to gain control of all HPG stations in the Confederation.<br />
<br />
Despite lacking conclusive evidence of Capellan involvement, Blake proposed the creation of a covert security force to protect ComStar's HPG network from both inside and outside threats; this motion was successful, and led to the creation of [[ROM]]. The new group reported directly to the Prime Administrator, and after just a year, ROM was fully activated and Blake ordered ROM begin counterintelligence operations in the Confederation.<br />
<br />
After the spring of 2812 when ROM members discovered a Confederation plan to kill Robin Bishop, (then) Chief Administrator of [[Bryant]] HPG, Blake ordered ROM to strike first and kill the Capellan assassins before they could carry out their plans. All of the assassins were dead within two days. Blake reinforced this message with another direct address to Ilsa Liao, pointing out that ComStar now had the means to defend against any and all threats. The Chancellor ordered the [[Maskirovka]] to cease all plans to attack ComStar.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 17</ref><br />
<br />
===The Five===<br />
Some evidence points than Jerome Blake also was behind the creation of ''[[The Five]]'', five hidden worlds, one in each Inner Sphere State, which ComStar made disappear from the maps, turning them into secret bases. Due to the extreme secretism of the Five, there is very little concrete data, but it wassaid than at least on [[Jardine]], one of the Five worlds, Blake send there secret teams of engineers, scientist and troops, turning ''Hope'', the only remaining city of the world, into a real fortress.<ref>''Escape from Jardine'', ch. 5</ref><br />
<br />
===Death and Legacy===<br />
Jerome Blake's leadership of ComStar lasted 31 years, and he defined the philosophy, operations and structure of ComStar.<ref>''ComStar'', p. 15</ref><br />
<br />
However, in his later years, Blake suffered health issues related to his injuries sustained on Dieron. He fell ill during a First Circuit meeting in May 2819, but his colleagues were not too concerned at the time as he apparently recovered fairly quickly. However later that month he collapsed again, and his condition was determined to be a rare genetic disorder, one that would ultimately prove fatal. He spent the rest of his days being visited by the First Circuit. The last to visit was Conrad Toyama, and during this visit Blake lapsed into a coma.<br />
<br />
During their final meeting Blake laid out his plan to convert ComStar into a religion, to the initial horror of Toyama, but was quickly able to convince Toyama of the value of his plan, saying that for the organization to outlast its founding autocrat it needed to transform into a religion.<ref name=2SW-6>''Second Succession War'', p. 6</ref> Following Blake's death, Conrad Toyama launched into Blake's plan to turn the organization's founder into a saintly martyr.<ref name=2SW-8>''Second Succession War'', p. 8</ref><br />
<br />
Blake's will stipulated that his body be incinerated and his ashes scattered over the Court of the Star League, in Unity City... but Toyama overruled it and had his body preserved and placed on display at Hilton Head.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 25</ref><br />
<br />
The body, the Word of Blake's most holy ''relic'', was preserved for centuries, until it was probably incinerated when Hilton Head was blown by several nukes during [[Operation SCOUR]], in [[3077]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 173</ref><br />
<br />
==Philosophical and/or political views==<br />
Due to the heavy rewriting or even hiding of Blake's writings, it is very difficult to clear the facts about him, but it is clear than his decisions, though cold, were very successful in the business side. His personality was described as socially awkward and reserved, a real workaholic.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 24</ref><br />
<br />
Blake was more businessman than politician, but his decision to concentrate the rebuilding efforts in the Inner Sphere worlds probably exaggerated the state of decline in the Periphery. The area effectively turned from a marginal but developed area into the barrens which it has become. Some said that was because he blamed the Periphery's people for the Amaris Coup and felt a deep distaste for the Periphery, while another potential explanation was his overwhelming focus on restoring the first circuit of the HPG, leading him to spend the vast majority of his time and resources on rebuilding the worlds of the Terran Hegemony. He personally abhorred violence, but saw the need for a a swift and brutal security force that could operate to safeguard ComStar interests, hence his founding of ROM and banning of outsiders joining them, showing that he was not above harsh measures in his attempt to save the HPG and preserve as much of Star League technology as possible. His intention to preserve mankind's knowledge was a project that involved preventing it from falling in the House Lords hands as much as to record it. In fact, it was probably for that than he began the isolationism so characteristic of ComStar. Blake's intentions appears to have been idealistic, creating a nexus between all former Inner Sphere states, and preserving the advanced knowledge of the Star League, but they became corrupted soon after his death.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 117</ref> <br />
Blake didn't create any of the religious or mystical trappings which ComStar later adopted, but he laid the foundation of many of its structures and policies.<ref>''Historical Liberation of Terra V2'', p. 25</ref><br />
<br />
In [[3052]], [[Anastasius Focht]], [[Precentor Martial]] of ComStar, claimed to have found Blake's first book, and he said that Jerome's real intentions were to preserve the technology and information, later sharing it with the rest of mankind. However, whether that was true or not remained unconfirmed.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', ch 48</ref><br />
<br />
==Published Works==<br />
* [[HPG Technology Readout 102-B: Hyperpulse Principles and Applications]]<ref name=BCROWp111>''BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare'', p. 111: "Wolfnet Archive File: 32211-BF5-11/17/23"</ref><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
{{Quote|''The Council Lords have left Terra without agreeing on who shall lead the Star League. It seems they could only agree on my appointment as Minister of Communications... They will go to war, and soon. Somehow, I must guard the remnants of the civilization we so thoughtlessly threw away. I won't repair the communications network only to see it destroyed by those arrogant idiots. I refuse. But how to safeguard the technology? I might find allies... among those like me who understand that our precious technology must not be destroyed. We must preserve the communications that all our worlds need to survive... and when the Council Lords and their so-called Successor States have pounded themselves to dust, we will have the means to save humanity...''|Personal Journals, 12 August 2788.<ref>''BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare'', p. 84: "Wolfnet Archive File: 32448-RD5-33/9/8"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''Who in Hell does he think he is? The savior of mankind to lead his faithful to a new Eden? Some kind of modern day crusader meant to prevent the coming of a new apocalypse? He and his kind are too stupid to recognize what is in front of them. And they will pay for that with their lives. They will never survive, not without our help. Don't they understand that? That there is much more to do? They could be an integral part of the new order, but instead they take the coward's way out... If that is meant to be, so be it. the road ahead is clear to me. We will continue ahead no matter the difficulties presented us...'' Jerome Blake talking about Kerensky's Operation Exodus|Personal Journals, 15 March 2784.<ref>''Historical Operation Klondike'', p. 16: "Exodus"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''ComStar is the only hope of preserving the future of human beings in the Inner Sphere.''<ref name=CS-16>''ComStar'', p. 16: "History of ComStar - The Foundation Years - Public Image"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Let no person, or group of people, obstruct the spread of knowledge. We stand for the enlightenment and protection of all mankind. It is our task, and will be our descendant's task, to keep the science of nature alive until such time as the science of man's soul has advanced to once again allow unification into a glorious Star League.''|Jerome Blake's hand written notes on a copy of ''[[Technology Primer]]'' found at Hilton Head in 3052.<ref name=WCSp54>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 50: "Future of ComStar"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Do not judge yourself by the friends you have, but by the enemies you make.''|''Collected Short Sayings of Blessed Blake'', Edition XXIV, [[ComStar Press]], [[3050]]<ref name=WC-46>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 46: "Tukayyid"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''...those who fight to preserve technology and knowledge are the grandest crusaders of all...''<ref name=CS-102>''ComStar'', p. 102: "New BattleMechs - Word of Blake Grand Crusader"</ref><ref name=TRO3058-132>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 132: "Inner Sphere 'Mechs - GRN-D-01 Grand Crusader"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''The truest light often casts the darkest shadows behind men. The power of true faith is never to be taken lightly.''<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 6: "Shadows of Faith - Prologue"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|''Information is ammunition.''<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 8</ref><ref name=JHS3070-29>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 29: "Late 3068: Fighting Blind - Alliance in Turmoil - LAAF Rallies After Stunning Clan Assault on Graus"</ref>}}<br />
<br />
{{quote|''Preparation is always the key to victory.''<ref name=DB-P>''Double-Blind'', "Prologue"</ref>}}<br />
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{{Quote|''Being tactful in audacity is knowing how far one can go too far.''{{cn}}}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* Despite the fact that ComStar didn't have an army, and the Star League units that took Terra had been disbanded, Blake ordered the rebuilding of Krupp Armaments Works in Germany and others razed by Amaris forces, and later mothballed them, confident they could be quickly reactivated if ComStar needed then. After the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], Precentor Martial [[Anastasius Focht]] did so, in order to rebuild the shattered Com Guards, proving the wisdom of Blake's planning, at least in that particular.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 110</ref><br />
* A common expression in the Inner Sphere was ''Blake's Blood''. It appears to be used only by non-Blakists.<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Jerome-Blake.png|Jerome Blake<br />
Blaketomb.jpg|Jerome Blake's body preserved at Hilton Head<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<div class="desktop-3-col"><br />
* ''[[BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare]]''<br />
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)]]''<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''<br />
* ''[[Escape from Jardine]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Land of Dreams]]'' (novella)<br />
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]'' (Novella)<br />
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''<br />
* ''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf Clan Sourcebook]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:Terran Hegemony Characters|Blake, Jerome]]<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Blake, Jerome]]<br />
[[Category: In-Universe Authors|Blake, Jerome]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1061002BattleMech2024-03-17T16:13:03Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
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The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
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The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
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The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
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BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
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Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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{{Incomprehensible|reason=this page has multiple spelling, grammar, and sentence issues|small=left|machine=yes}}<br />
But the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were themain targets to be destroyed. But, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
<br />
But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stigma of the Blakists, despite to the race to seize working samples of it. The LAM, after the conflict, became totally extinct.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
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The devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories were retooled to produce much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]], which became the norm.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 82.</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
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The end of the Jihad saw the Inner Sphere massively reducing their militaries' size, but slowly, old technological levels were recovered. The [[Republic of the Sphere]] became the most technological advanced Inner Sphere power. After the [[Blackout]], all states and Clans began rearming themselves, and at the end of the [[Dark Age Era]], pre-Jihad technological levels have been acquired everywhere. <br />
The increasingly weak Republic launched military programs to replicate the Blakist technology, fielding suicide drones and Superheavy 'Mechs again, as the ''Ares'', a technological marvel.<ref>''Blood Will Tell'', ch. 29-31</ref><br />
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==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
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BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
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The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
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BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
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The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
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==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
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[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
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The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
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==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
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In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
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==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
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===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060745BattleMech2024-03-16T19:41:44Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
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<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
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The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
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The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
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The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
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BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
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Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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{{Incomprehensible|reason=this page has multiple spelling, grammar, and sentence issues|small=left|machine=yes}}<br />
However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
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But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stigma of the Blakists, despite to the race to seize samples of it. The LAM, after the conflict, became totally extinct.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
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However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories were retooled to produce much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]], which became the norm.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 82.</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
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The end of the Jihad saw the Inner Sphere massively reducing their militaries' size, but slowly, old technological levels were recovered. The [[Republic of the Sphere]] became the most technological advanced Inner Sphere power. After the [[Blackout]], all states and Clans began rearming themselves, and at the end of the [[Dark Age Era]], pre-Jihad technological levels have been acquired everywhere. <br />
The increasingly weak Republic launched military programs to replicate the Blakist technology, fielding suicide drones and Superheavy 'Mechs again, as the ''Ares''.<ref>''Blood Will Tell'', ch. 29-31</ref><br />
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==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
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BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
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The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
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BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
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The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
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==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
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[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
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The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
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==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
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In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
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==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
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===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060735BattleMech2024-03-16T17:35:49Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
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The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
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The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
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The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
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BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
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Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
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But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stigma of the Blakists, despite to the race to seize samples of it. The LAM, after the conflict, became totally extinct.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
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However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories were retooled to produce much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]], which became the norm.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 82.</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
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==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
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BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
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The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
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BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
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The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
<br />
==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
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[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
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===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
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===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
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===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
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The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
<br />
==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
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In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
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==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
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===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060670BattleMech2024-03-16T07:26:12Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
<br />
The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
<br />
The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
<br />
The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
<br />
Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
<br />
But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stigma of the Blakists, despite to the race to seize samples of it. The LAM, after the conflict, became totally extinct.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
<br />
However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories were retooled to produce much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]].<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
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The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
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BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
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The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
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==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
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[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
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===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
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The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
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==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
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In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
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==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
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===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060631BattleMech2024-03-16T05:13:29Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
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The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
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The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
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The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
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BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
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Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
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But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stygma of the Blakists, so despite to the race to seize samples of it. The LAM, after the conflict, became totally extinct.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
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However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories were retooled to produce much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]].<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
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==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
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BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
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The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
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BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
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The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
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==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
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[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
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The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
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==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
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In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
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==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
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===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
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<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060630BattleMech2024-03-16T05:12:34Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
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The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
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The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
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The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
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The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
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The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
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BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
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Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
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BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
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However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celestial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
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But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stygma of the Blakists, so despite to the race to seize samples of it.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
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However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories began fielding much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]].<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
<br />
The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
<br />
BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
<br />
The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
<br />
==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
<br />
[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
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<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
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The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
<br />
The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
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===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
<br />
==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
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The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
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Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
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===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
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Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
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Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
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===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
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Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
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===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
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Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
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===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
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Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
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The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
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===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
<br />
In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
<br />
==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
<br />
===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
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IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech&diff=1060629BattleMech2024-03-16T05:12:21Z<p>Fredericmora: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>:'''Mechs''' ''redirects here. For the miniatures set published by German licensee [[FanPro]] in 1992, see'' [[...Mechs!]].<br />
[[Image:Warhammer.jpg|thumb|right|A ''[[Warhammer]]'' BattleMech]]<br />
A '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated '''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armored combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, standing 8 to 14 meters tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons.<ref name=TM9>''TechManual'', p. 9</ref> 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of operations underwater, in hazardous environments and in space.<br />
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In general, BattleMechs are considered superior to conventional [[combat vehicle]]s, being faster, better armed and better protected, creating a firepower-to-manpower ratio which also gives them a logistical advantage.<ref name=CO11>''Combat Operations'', p. 11</ref> 'Mechs replicate many of the movements humans are capable of performing, which allow them to avoid, deflect or otherwise lessen the impact of weapons fire. There are even some stories about MechWarriors who are able to perform acrobatic feats such as shoulder rolls.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', chs. 32, 34</ref> The downside is the incredible expense associated with producing and maintaining 'Mechs - even the cheapest 'Mech can cost millions of [[C-bill]]s - ensuring cheaper combat vehicles a continued role in warfare.<ref name=CO11/> Still, the best way to fight a 'Mech is with another 'Mech, preferably one larger and more powerful: duels between evenly matched 'Mechs have been known to last for hours.<ref>''Decision at Thunder Rift'', Prologue</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The genesis of BattleMech technology began in the [[Terran Hegemony]] with the works of Dr. [[Gregory Atlas]], the leader of a top-secret Hegemony Research Alliance Department project known as "Operation Musclebound" at the University of Zimbabwe. In [[2350]], Dr. Atlas had succeeded in refining [[myomer]] technology such that it was smaller and required less energy yet capable of impressive strength. Honored for his achievement in [[2351]] by being given a [[Nobility|peerage]], Dr. Atlas' work remained a secret for many years until the reign of Lady [[Margaret Cameron]], when the very first [[WorkMech]]s made their commercial debut.<ref>''The Star League'', pp. 20, 23</ref><br />
<br />
The military applications of such technology was apparent, and further research and development continued over the next few decades. On 3 February [[2439]], as the [[Age of War]] gripped the [[Inner Sphere]], the first combat trial of a new prototype BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]'', was carried out near the city of Yakima in North America. The machine's pilot, Colonel [[Charles Kincaid (25th c.)|Charles Kincaid]], faced off against a lance of four remotely operated [[Merkava]] heavy tanks and utterly destroyed them without suffering any damage. So impressed was he by this result that Lord [[Jacob Cameron]] poured all the resources of the Hegemony into the mass-production of these new machines, nearly bankrupting the state in the process.<ref name=TSL30>''The Star League'', p. 30</ref><br />
<br />
The introduction of the ''Mackie'' was kept secret for a few more years as the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] waited for the right time to unveil it. This finally occurred in [[2443]], when a [[lance]] of ''Mackies'' fended off [[Battle of Styx (2443)|a raid]] by a [[Draconis Combine]] heavy armor [[company]] on [[Styx]]. A single tank survived the encounter and retreated back to its [[DropShip]], and with it word of this new weapon of war spread throughout the Inner Sphere.<ref name=TSL30/><ref name=EDAoW5>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 5</ref><br />
<br />
The other major powers coveted the Hegemony's new BattleMech, and set about trying to acquire it themselves. One of the factories the Hegemony had created to produce 'Mechs was on [[Hesperus II]], and [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] ordered the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] to infiltrate it and steal the plans for the 'Mech. However, after six years of trying, the best the LIC could do was get a single person inside to make a map of the facility. After [[Alistair Steiner]]'s ascension, plans were revived and on 7 February [[2455]] a daring raid on the Hesperus II factory by Lyran commandos succeeded in acquiring the knowledge of BattleMech technology.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
<br />
The Commonwealth fielded their first BattleMechs in [[2459]], and with the secret of BattleMech construction out in the open it soon spread to the other [[Great Houses]], though each in their own manner: the [[Federated Suns]] acquired it through negotiations and a hefty payment to the Commonwealth in [[2457]], while the Draconis Combine simply took it in their own commando raid on the Lyran's [[Coventry]] 'Mech factory in [[2461]]. The [[Free Worlds League]] managed to convince a Lyran scientist to defect to them in [[2462]], only for the [[Capellan Confederation]] to do the same to them four years later. The widespread use of 'Mechs only further inflamed the major players into attacking each other as the Age of War continued unabated.<ref name=EDAoW5/><br />
<br />
The Age of War came to an end with the formation of the [[Star League]], but development of new BattleMechs continued, with the [[Star League Defense Force]] fielding increasingly more potent machines. This including the introduction of [[Land-Air 'Mech]]s, unique fighting machines which could transform from a 'Mech into a fighter and back, with the ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' debuting in [[2688]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> That progress came to a halt after the [[Star League Civil War]] and the [[Operation Exodus|exodus]] of the surviving SLDF units. The dissolution of the Star League plunged the Inner Sphere into centuries of interstellar warfare soon known as the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], a technological and cultural dark age in human history. In the intense fighting which laid waste to whole planets, much of the knowledge and technology humanity had gained became [[Lostech]] as factories were destroyed, centers of learning demolished, and technicians and scientists killed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 4</ref><ref name=TRO3039p238>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 238</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMech designs similarly regressed: those which could still be built had to make do with inferior components, while many effectively became extinct as spare parts ran out. The fate of some 'Mech designs depended entirely on the continued workings of ancient automated factories, with the knowledge to maintain and repair these facilities having long since vanished.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 22</ref> Entire planetary invasions were sometimes based around seizing surviving examples of 'Mechs whose production lines had ceased to exist.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref><br />
<br />
Even [[ComStar]], which preserved many original Star League 'Mechs in secret, could not prevent the wholesale disappearance of some 'Mech lines. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs, with field modifications and makeshift repairs commonplace.<ref name=TRO3039p238/> It was the rediscovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] in [[3028]] which halted this continued technological decline and played an important role in revitalizing BattleMech development. Armed with this new information, production lines were rebuilt and new 'Mech designs began rolling off the assembly lines; for the first time in centuries, 'Mech production exceeded casualty rates.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 100</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMech development in the Inner Sphere received a major shock during [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]] as it got its first look at technology advanced even beyond that of the Star League. Estranged from the rest of humanity for centuries, despite the fact they had their own version of the Succession Wars, the [[Exodus Civil War]], the SLDF exiles had become the [[Clans]] they were spared the technological decline of the Succession War, allowing 'Mech development to continue unabated. Building on a concept first hinted at in the ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]'', [[Clan Coyote]] had introduced the first [[OmniMech]], the ''[[Coyotl]]'', in [[2854]].<ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 6</ref> The OmniMechs used in the Clan invasions were even more potent and struck fear in the hearts of the Inner Sphere defenders. Not knowing what their actual designations were, many picked up new nicknames in the battles between the Clans and Inner Sphere: the ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''Thor'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]]; the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]; the ''[[Mad Dog]]'' was called the ''Vulture'' by Lyrans and ''Hagetaka'' in the Combine; and the ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' became the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''[[Marauder]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' when they tried to identify the unknown design.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 7, 32, 34, 42</ref><br />
<br />
However, the Inner Sphere states quickly learned to reverse engineering the Clans' technology, creating soon their own OmniMechs. At the end of the [[Clan Invasion Era]], the Inner Sphere had almost reached the Clans' technological level. However, the beginning of the [[Word of Blake Jihad]] changed drastically the situation. During the Jihad, advanced manufacturing centers, both from the Inner Sphere and Clans, were targeted and destroyed. However, despite the devastation, the Blakists made amazing technological progress, creating some of the most advanced 'Mechs ever fielded: the [[Celesstial series]] OmniMechs, drone 'Mechs, the first superheavy 'Mech, the colossal [[Omega (BattleMech)]], of 150 tons, and even a new generation of LAM.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 151-159.</ref><br />
<br />
But these advancements were lost at the end of the Jihad, both by their factories' destruction and by the stygma of the Blakists, so despite to the race to seize samples of it.<ref>''Jihad Final Recknoning'', p. 122-123.</ref><br />
<br />
However, the devastation suffered by the Inner Sphere made most technological advancements to became imposible to fabricate anymore, so the factories began fielding much more primitive technology, the so called [[RetroTech]].<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMech Construction==<br />
[[Image:WarhammerInternalSchematics.jpg|thumb|right|Internal schematics of a ''Warhammer'' BattleMech]]<br />
BattleMechs are built around an [[Chassis|internal structure]] resembling a skeleton, including joints ([[actuator]]s). Most 'Mechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and, ultimately, their superior combat performance. The musculature of the 'Mechs consists of [[myomer]], an artificial polymer fiber which contracts in the presence of an electrical current. The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large [[Gyro|gyroscope system]], provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have [[jump jet]]s that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.<ref name=TM43>''TechManual'', pp. 31–43</ref><br />
<br />
BattleMechs are controlled by pilots known as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. Seated in the [[cockpit]] of their 'Mech, MechWarriors connect to their machine by wearing a [[neurohelmet]], which reads their brainwaves in order to provide the 'Mech a sense of balance and other necessary functions. Through the combination of a neurohelmet and physical controls, the pilot can control the 'Mech, making it run, jump, and even do handstands under the right circumstances. Assisting the pilot is the [[Diagnostic Interpretation Computer]], which among other functions takes information gathered by the [[Sensors]] and other systems and presents it to the pilot in an understandable format.<ref name=TM43/> Being built to BattleMech standard includes a [[Life Support System]] for the MechWarrior (and possibly a passenger) and full [[Environmental Sealing]] by default, except for special cases such as drone 'Mechs.<br />
<br />
The power required for the motive systems, computers, and other systems is provided by a [[fusion engine]] mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to overheating that puts physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.<ref name=TM43/><br />
<br />
BattleMechs carry weaponry which broadly falls under one of three categories. Ballistic weapons, such as [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Autocannon]]s and [[Gauss rifle]]s, produce little waste heat but require ammunition and have greater weight and space requirements. Energy weapons, such as [[Laser]]s, [[Particle Projection Cannon]]s and [[Flamer]]s, require no ammunition and take up less space but produce tremendous waste heat. Missile weapons, including [[Long Range Missile]]s and [[Short Range Missile]]s, produce less waste heat but require ammunition, with the benefit of using specialty warheads like [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] or engaging in indirect fire. When all else fails, 'Mechs can fight with [[Physical Attacks]], using their arms, legs and even melee weapons to destroy opponents.<br />
<br />
The primary means of defense for BattleMechs is [[Armor (BattleMechs & Combat Vehicles)|armor plating]] composed of several layers which, when struck, is designed to ablate away and so protect the vital systems underneath.<ref name=TM43/> Additionally, all 'Mechs incorporate electronic warfare capabilities which it harder for less advanced targeting systems to lock on to them.<ref>''TechManual'', p. 217</ref> For example, the paint used to coat 'Mechs contains properties designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation.<ref>''Combat Equipment'', pp. 12–13</ref> Some 'Mechs also rely on their speed and agility or their unique geometry to make themselves a harder target to hit.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 10</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 36</ref><br />
<br />
==Chassis Types==<br />
===Bipedal===<br />
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in three types:<br />
<br />
[[Image:3025 Atlas1.jpg|left|70px|A humanoid ''Atlas'' BattleMech]]<br />
Humanoid-type BattleMechs with knee-joint legs are the most commonly encountered BattleMechs; iconic 'Mechs of this kind include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Locust.jpg|left|70px|A reverse-joint ''Locust'' BattleMech]]<br />
Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div>[[Image:Novacat.jpg|left|70px|A digitigrade ''NovaCat'' BattleMech]]<br />
Digitigrade bipedal 'Mechs that have hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints and walk on their toes are the rarest of the three. Examples include the ''[[Thanatos]]'', ''[[Nova Cat (OmniMech)|Nova Cat]]'', and ''[[Mongoose]]''.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Tripodal===<br />
[[Image:Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|left|70px|A tripodal ''Ares'' BattleMech]]<br />
'Mechs normally have two or four legs. Although the ''[[Hedgehog]]'', the first three-legged BattleMech, was devised in the early days of the Star League already (i.e. around 2600), the concept remained obscure for centuries and three-legged 'Mechs were even rarer than ultralight 'Mechs. It was not until the colossal ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' and superheavy ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' BattleMechs which appeared in the early 3130s, followed by the heavy-class ''[[Triskelion]]'' in the 3140s, that tripodal 'Mechs became more than an obscurity.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Quadrupedal===<br />
[[Image:3025scorpion.jpg|left|70px|A quadrupedal ''Scorpion'' BattleMech]]<br />
The '''Quad 'Mech''' uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the early designs, notably the ''[[Scorpion (BattleMech)|Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]'', proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers. Bipedal BattleMechs remain the vastly more common 'Mech.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear:both"></div><br />
<br />
===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)===<br />
[[Image:PH-LAM.jpg|left|70px|A ''Phoenix Hawk LAM'']]<br />
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mechs (aka [[LAM]]) can transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[aerospace fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or aerospace fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs can quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat although their real niche apparently is reconnaissance. However, their delicate technology is unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the Succession Wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.<br />
<br />
The Clans abhor the concept, as it dilutes their strict distinction between 'Mechs and aerospace forces. [[Clan Nova Cat]] famously took great care to raze the last remaining LAM factory to the ground during the Clan Invasion. Only [[Clan Jade Falcon]] is known to have delved into LAM research, but the project was terminated in [[3059]] after only two prototypes had been built.<br />
<br />
The [[Word of Blake]] briefly revived LAMs after [[3075]] with three new designs that quickly faded into obscurity, however, after that faction's defeat.<br />
<br />
===QuadVee===<br />
[[Image:Boreas.jpg|left|70px|A ''Boreas'']]<br />
A variation of the LAM-type BattleMech, the '''QuadVee''' is a hybrid of quadrupedal 'Mechs and [[combat vehicle]]s and has conversion equipment to switch between two modes. The QuadVee was developed by [[Clan Hell's Horses]] during the latter part of the [[Dark Age Era]]. Its creation was a means for the Clan to bolster its [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman| ''touman'']]. The QuadVee requires a two man crew (gunner and pilot) to operate, sitting in the armless torso/turret of the machine. The vehicle form can be equipped with either tracks or wheels. Unlike most Quad 'Mechs, the QuadVee has a turret-like torso that may rotate 360°. This is typically where most of the QuadVee's weaponry is housed. These 'Mechs are currently available in normal BattleMech weight classes. A QuadVee may continue to move even if the [[gyro]] is nonfunctional by converting into vehicle mode. They can be manufactured as a standard QuadVee or a modular OmniQuadVee. In the few years the Hell's Horses have utilized it, the vehicle has received mixed reviews.<ref name=IO133>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 133: "QuadVees (Dark Age)"</ref><br />
<br />
==Classifications==<br />
===Ultralight===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])''<br />
Although it is technically possible to build "ultralight" 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons, most 'Mechs in this range are IndustrialMech designs. Designated BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons save for a few rare exceptions. Some agencies, namely including the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], define a BattleMech as massing at least 20 tons and therefore do not consider ultralight 'Mechs proper BattleMechs.<ref>''Feather vs. Mountain''</ref><br />
<br />
The arguably most famous ultralight design (and also the first that was ever published) is the FLE-14 subvariant of the ''[[Flea]]'', massing 15 tons while most other variants weigh in at 20 tons.<br />
<br />
Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to 'Mechs.<br />
<br />
===Light===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])''<br />
All 'Mechs weighing from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.<br />
<br />
Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equaling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br />
<br />
Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech.<br />
<br />
===Medium===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])''<br />
Medium 'Mechs are the workhorse 'Mechs of most armies. Weighing 40 to 55 tons they naturally fall somewhere between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. While matching neither in their respective niche, medium 'Mechs tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.<br />
<br />
Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine (BattleMech)|Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''.<br />
<br />
===Heavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh 60 to 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have much heavier armor and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.<br />
<br />
Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs.<br />
<br />
The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' and ''[[Catapult]]'' for their long-range missile barrages.<br />
<br />
===Assault===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])''<br />
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighing 80 to 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. They can project tremendous firepower, and perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. The tradeoff is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they often require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are typically used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive cost and limited production, they actually make up only a small fraction of all BattleMechs.<br />
<br />
Iconic assault 'Mechs include the ''Mackie'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', and ''[[Stalker]]'' and the Clan ''[[Warhawk]] (Masakari)'' and ''[[Dire Wolf]] (Daishi)'' designs.<br />
<br />
The ''[[BattleMaster]]'' and ''[[Cyclops]]'' are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.<br />
<br />
===Superheavy===<br />
:''(see [[:Category:Superheavy BattleMechs]])''<br />
Since the late [[twenty-eighth century]], designers had attempted to construct BattleMechs in excess of 100 tons. While most of these efforts were unsuccessful and even scorned (most famously "[[Amaris' Folly]]"), the [[Word of Blake]] was able to produce the superheavy ''[[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]]'' prototype towards the end of the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 142–147</ref><ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', pp. 151–152</ref><br><br />
<br />
In the early 3120s, tripodal superheavy 'Mechs called "colossal" BattleMechs began appearing as an experimental technology. Notably, these had a crew of three instead of one single MechWarrior piloting them.<br />The colossal 'Mechs ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' and ''[[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]'' (an OmniMech) are manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) and tipped the scales at between 125 and 135 tons. The known standard Omni configurations of the ''Ares'' are called "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hades]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hera]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Weapons and Equipment|Zeus]]''": "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Aphrodite]]''", and "''[[Ares (OmniMech)#Alternate Configurations|Hephaestus]]''".<br />
<br />
==Variants==<br />
===OmniMechs===<br />
[[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and thus relatively easy to repair and maintain. Even throughout the [[Succession Wars era|Lostech era of the Succession Wars]], scavenged battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. However, changing out the weapons and equipment of a 'Mech can require [[Refit Kit|extensive refitting]] which might result in the chance of malfunctioning.<br />
<br />
===IndustrialMechs===<br />
[[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs, UtilityMechs or, where applicable, ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their military counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are AgroMechs, ForestryMechs and LoggerMechs, LoaderMechs, MiningMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors.<br />
<br />
IndustrialMechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. They tend to be equipped with relatively light armor, but can pack a deadly punch in close combat with varying array of industrial-grade tools including saws, drills and utility lasers.<br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
* [[Essay: BattleMech Technology]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Decision at Thunder Rift]]''<br />
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''<br />
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''<br />
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[The Star League]]''<br />
* ''[[TechManual]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Technology]]<br />
[[Category:'Mech classifications]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Victor_Steiner-Davion&diff=1060572Victor Steiner-Davion2024-03-15T22:58:34Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Gallery */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed|[[Field Manual: 3145]]|[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]|[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]|[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]|[[Forever Faithful]]}}<br />
{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Victor Steiner-Davion BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Victor Steiner-Davion<br />
| name = Victor Ian Steiner-Davion<br />
| birthdate = 12 April [[3030]]<ref name=FCCWp12>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 12</ref><br />
| died = 26 November [[3134]]<ref name=TSJc13>''The Scorpion Jar'', ch. 13</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Steiner-Davion]]<br />
| rank = [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]]<br />
| title = [[Archon-Prince]]<br/>[[First Prince of the Federated Suns|First Prince]]<br/>[[Paladin Exemplar of the Republic|Paladin Exemplar]]<br/>[[Duke of New Avalon]]<br>[[Duke of the Sarna March]]<br />
| profession =<br />
| parents = [[Hanse Davion]] (father)<br/>[[Melissa Steiner]] (mother)<br />
| siblings = [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]]<br/>[[Peter Ardan Steiner-Davion|Peter]]<br/>[[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]]<br/>[[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]]<br />
| spouse = [[Omiko Kurita]]<br/>[[Isis Marik]]<br />
| children = [[Kitsune Kurita]] (illegitimate)<br/>[[Jade Davion]]<br/>[[Burton Davion]]<br/>[[Lee Davion]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Victor Ian Steiner-Davion''' was the eldest child of [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Archon]] [[Melissa Steiner]]. He was named in honor of the successful conclusion of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and Hanse's late older brother, Prince [[Ian Davion]]. As the first child of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner, he inherited the most powerful realm of the [[Inner Sphere]], the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<br />
<br />
Victor's greatest asset was his ability to learn coupled with his intelligence and desire to know more.<ref>''Ghost War'', p. 93</ref> He expected people to judge him regardless of his heritage and almost always avoided using his family name to gain special privileges. He distrusted flatterers and kept the counsel of individuals who were not afraid to tell him when he was wrong.<ref>''1st Somerset Strikers'', p. 60: "Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor fought the Clans during the [[Clan Invasion]], fighting back on [[Twycross]] and rescuing the heir to the [[Draconis Combine]] on [[Teniente]]. He acceded to the throne in [[3055]], becoming the first and only Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] after his mother's assassination. His decision to replace the late [[Joshua Marik]] with a double and the ploy's subsequent discovery led to [[Operation Guerrero]], which gave his sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]] the opportunity to seize power for herself by seceding the Lyran half of the realm and creating the [[Lyran Alliance]]. Victor's leadership of a multinational force during the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] led to the resurrection of the [[Star League]] and the annihilation of [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. Victor led [[Inner Sphere]] forces fighting under the aegis of the [[Star League Defense Force]] to victory over the Clans in the [[Great Refusal]], officially ending the Clan Invasion.<br />
<br />
Victor returned to the Inner Sphere to find himself deposed, Katherine having usurped the regency of their sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]]. Though Victor did not wish to bring war to his people, Katherine's increasingly tyrannical reign, coupled with the apparent assassination of their younger brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion]], convinced him to lead the rebellion against her. His victory over her on [[New Avalon]] in [[3067]] ousted her from power, though Victor left his realms to his remaining siblings and returned to [[ComStar]] as the [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]].<br />
<br />
The [[Jihad]] saw a new leader come to the forefront, [[Devlin Stone]]. Victor threw his weight behind Stone and the coalition forces defeated [[Word of Blake]]. Victor supported Stone's new nation, the [[Republic of the Sphere]], where he served as a [[Paladin of the Republic|Paladin]] and briefly held the role of [[Commanding General of the Republic Armed Forces|Commanding General]]. Victor was assassinated at the age of 104 after he uncovered a plot by the Senate to seize control of The Republic.<br />
<br />
{{TOClimit}}<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Years===<br />
Victor was raised on [[Tharkad]], unlike his siblings who were raised on both Tharkad and [[New Avalon]].<ref>''20 Year Update''</ref> In 3033 Victor and Melissa Steiner-Davion visited the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] world of [[Outreach]], Victor was left with child care professionals (sibparents) during this time which also quieted rumors the Dragoons had set up a boot camp for toddlers.<ref>''More Tales of the Black Widow'', p. 6</ref><ref>''BattleTechnology'', Issue #16, p. 5</ref><br />
<br />
As the eldest child, Victor joined the military in preparation for becoming the first [[Archon-Prince]] of the Federated Commonwealth, attending the [[Nagelring]]. He credited his roommate, [[Renny Sanderlin]], with helping him through some challenging classes. Victor spent a year as an exchange student at the [[New Avalon Military Academy]] where he met [[Kai Allard-Liao]]. Victor was the first cadet to defeat the "La Mancha" scenario at the Nagelring, with the help of the data his brother [[Peter Steiner-Davion|Peter]] acquired from NAMA on how Kai defeated it. Victor graduated at the top of his class. His parents attended a ceremony for the top five percent of the graduating class on 19 May [[3049]].<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 26–34</ref><br />
<br />
Upon graduation, he was posted to the [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]] RCT on [[Trell I]], despite his protests, because ''[[Gunji-no-Kanrei]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]] posted his son [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro]] to the [[Periphery]]. This was a signal between Kurita and Davion that they would allow their heirs to choose whether or not to continue their centuries-old conflict.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 62–66</ref><ref name=ER67>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 67</ref><br />
<br />
At this time his [[BattleMech]] was also his namesake, a ''[[Victor]]''.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', p. 163</ref><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
====Trell I====<br />
Owing to his birthright, Victor graduated with the rank of [[Kommandant]] and was assigned command of the second 'Mech [[battalion]]. The other officers of the regiment had no confidence in a green, fresh-from-the-academy commander, so [[Hauptmann]] [[Galen Cox]] volunteered to be his aide. Though Victor insisted he did not need an aide, he accepted Galen to placate his subordinates.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 108–113</ref><ref name=JFS26 /><br />
<br />
During the initial [[Clan invasion|invasion]] by the [[Clans]], [[Clan Jade Falcon]] invaded Trell I. The Falcons assaulted the planet with three [[Cluster]]s, though the Donegal Guards had only a vague idea of who they were facing, the elite [[Jade Falcon Guards (Clan Jade Falcon)|Jade Falcon Guards]] and the [[1st Falcon Striker (Clan Jade Falcon)|First]] and [[5th Falcon Striker (Clan Jade Falcon)|Fifth Falcon Striker]] Clusters. The Falcons committed so many forces to the world because they were intent on capturing Victor.<ref name=JFS26>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 25–26: "Trell I"</ref><br />
<br />
The Falcons grounded on 13 April [[3050]] and quickly drove for the Twelfth and Victor. For his part, Victor was at the head of his battalion, on the way to a training exercise with the [[Red Brigade]]. The scouts initially confused contact with Falcon forces for the Brigade, though they realized their fatal mistake and warned Victor, who alerted the battalion. On the other side of the Castle Mountains from the rest of the regiment, in the Chrysall Pass, the battalion was hard pressed to hold off the Falcon Guards. Victor retreated through the pass, but was hit by Falcon air and ground assets. During the fighting, he christened the ''[[Summoner]]'' [[OmniMech]] the "''Thor''" because of its powerful arm-mounted weapons. He tried to retreat into the mountains, but realized the Falcon forces would be able to cut them off from the rest of the unit. A surprise rear assault by the hitherto undetected Red Brigade gave Victor and the remaining 'Mechs of this battalion the chance to slip away, which they did, right into the mountain caverns along with the surviving forces of the Brigade. Victor was recalled by [[Leftenant-General]] [[Jeremy Hawksworth]], who recognized that the Falcons were trying to capture Victor, and ordered off-planet. Victor refused, wanting to fight a guerrilla war in the caverns of the Black Mountain foothills, which would negate the range advantage of the Clantech weapons. Hawksworth knew time was limited and ordered Cox to take Victor to his [[DropShip]], so Cox knocked him out cold with a sucker punch. Though Hawksworth got Victor off Trell I, he did implement the Kommandant's suggestion of guerrilla war. The Twelfth harassed the occupying Falcons for months.<ref name=JFS26 /><ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 163–168, 188</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 15: "Timeline of Events"</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 12, 24</ref><br />
<br />
====Sudeten====<br />
Following his flight from Trell I, Victor was given command of a battalion of the [[Tenth Lyran Guards]]. He linked up with them and many respected [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] officers on 15 June on [[Sudeten]]. Victor joined the company of [[Marshal of the Armies]] [[Morgan Hasek-Davion]], Leftenant-General [[Andrew Redburn]], [[Kell Hounds]] commander [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Dan Allard]], [[Major]] [[Christian Kell]], and [[Leftenant]] Kai Allard-Liao to strategize how to combat the Clans. In July he presented a plan to take the fight to the Falcons. His plan involved an assault on the world of [[Twycross]] to take advantage of what he theorized would be inferior garrison forces and a constant, giant sandstorm on the planet's surface known as the Diabolis. Marshal Hasek-Davion green-lit Victor's plan, characterizing it as the best plan he had seen to launch a counterattack, using the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT, both Kell Hounds regiments, and the [[9th FedCom RCT|Ninth Federated Commonwealth RCT]].<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 226–233, 244–250, 276–282</ref><br />
<br />
====Twycross====<br />
The multiregiment force assaulted Twycross in September. Unfortunately for them, the frontline force that had conquered the world, the Jade Falcon Guards, had not been able to leave due to inclement weather, so they faced this Cluster in addition to the [[Jade Falcon Eyrie (Clan Jade Falcon)|Jade Falcon Eyrie Cluster]]. Despite fighting almost as soon as the AFFC troops landed, the Ninth F-C successfully entered the Diabolis, the Kell Hounds seized the Plain of Curtains and the Sharktooth Mountains, while the Tenth Lyran functioned as rearguard in the Great Gash and mobile reserve. The Great Gash was mined with vibrabombs in case the Falcons tried to break through. The AFFC forces achieved victory when Kai Allard-Liao single-handedly destroyed a flanking maneuver by the Falcon Guards that would have overrun the Commonwealth positions by self-destructing a borrowed ''[[Hatchetman]]'', causing a land slide that buried the Falcon Guards in the Great Gash. Without the reinforcement of the frontline forces, the AFFC commands were able to handily defeat the garrison troops.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 306–331</ref><ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 28, 42</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 14, 24</ref><br />
<br />
====Outreach====<br />
After the battle, Victor returned to Tharkad. On 10 November, an officer from [[Wolf's Dragoons]], Major [[Sveng Ngov]], appeared in person to invite the leadership of the Commonwealth to a conference on [[Outreach]]. He arrived on 12 January [[3051]] to find dignitaries assembled from across the Inner Sphere. The Dragoons commanding officer, [[Jaime Wolf]], informed them that, because of the sacrifice of Rasalhagian fighter pilot [[Tyra Miraborg]], they had less than one year to unite their forces against a threat to all the nations of the Inner Sphere.<ref name=ER15>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 15</ref><ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 365–366, 372–377</ref><br />
<br />
On 15 January, Jaime informed the leaders that the Dragoons were a force sent to scout the Inner Sphere for eventual invasion by the Clans. The origins of the Clans as the descendants of the [[Star League Defense Force]] led into exile by [[Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force|Commanding General]] [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] were revealed. A team-building session among the young nobles on 5 February brought Victor and Hohiro Kurita to blows, partly because of their own prejudices and power plays, and partly because of the divisive attitude of [[Sun-Tzu Liao]]. Both Victor and Hohiro were dressed down by their fathers, who seemed to quickly put aside their differences to focus on the Clan threat. Tentative truces were made between the powers of the Inner Sphere to combat the Clan menace. It was also here that Victor first met [[Omiko Kurita|Omi Kurita]], his first love. The relationship was initially tolerated because their families did not believe the pair could ever be more than pen pals due to distance and politics marred by centuries of distrust and war. Months of training exercises brought Victor closer to Hohiro and Kai but fostered further personal enmity between him and Sun-Tzu. Ultimately, it was their simultaneous defense against a possibly threatening action by Sun-Tzu against Kai that pushed Victor and Hohiro to mutual respect if not outright friendship. In a Clan-style [[Trial of Position]] in July, Victor finished third among the assembled heirs. Kai's refusal to accept Jaime's gift put Victor in possession of a ''[[Dire Wolf (Daishi)|Daishi]]'' he named "''Prometheus''" because of its energy-heavy weaponry.<ref name=ER15 /><ref>''Blood Legacy'', pp. 17–27, 53–64, 74–80, 98–106, 141–150, 160–166, 198, 223–224, 236–239, 313; ''Lost Destiny'', p. 293</ref><br />
<br />
====Alyina====<br />
Victor and Kai, both serving with the Tenth Lyran Guards on [[Alyina]], continued their friendship that began when they were cadets. They were interrupted on Christmas Day 3051 with the news that the Falcons had returned. The invading forces consisted of the [[Turkina Keshik (Clan Jade Falcon)|Turkina Keshik]], First Falcon Striker, and [[1st Falcon Velites (Clan Jade Falcon)|First Falcon Velites]]. Fighting on 5 January [[3052]], Victor allowed himself to be herded by the Falcon forces, but he did not expect a [[Star]] of jump-pack-equipped OmniMechs to jump out of the Mar Negro and ambush him and Hauptmann Cox. Only the timely intervention, and seeming sacrifice, of Kai allowed him to withdraw with the Tenth.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', pp. 251–254, 290–293, 313–321, 351–355</ref><ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 40: "Alyina"</ref><br />
<br />
====Teniente====<br />
Following their flight from Alyina, the Tenth Lyran Guards were in bad shape; Victor's battalion had been whittled down to thirteen operational 'Mechs. In early 3052, they were rotated to [[Port Moseby]] for rest and refit. Victor nicknamed his battalion the Revenants because they would return from their near-destruction to take the fight to the Clans again. With a large pool of volunteers looking to transfer into one of the premier units in the AFFC, the Tenth was able to replenish its losses quickly.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 63–69, 116–119</ref><br />
<br />
Hohiro Kurita had again become trapped behind enemy lines, this time leading a guerrilla war against [[Clan Nova Cat]] forces garrisoning [[Teniente]]. Victor answered Omi Kurita's personal plea to rescue him, communicated through Hohiro's aide [[Shin Yodama]]. The price for this was that Omi would have to break off communication with Victor. Again, on 9 April, Marshal Hasek-Davion approved one of Victor's plans to go after the Clans, but this time the fight would be in the [[Draconis Combine]]. Victor led the first battalion of the Tenth Lyran to the Teniente system in early May. The AFFC force masqueraded as [[Com Guards|Com Guard]] troops, which got them past the atmospheric defenses. In Victor's attempt to find and rescue Hohiro, he was actually bailed out by the Kurita heir. The Revenants successfully extracted Hohiro and his troops, after which the two heirs called each other "friend".<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 104–105, 120–123, 151–158, 195–199, 235–238, 257–263, 292–295</ref><ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 120: "Teniente"</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 18–19, 24: "Timeline of Events"</ref><br />
<br />
===Postwar===<br />
Victor ended the Clan Invasion a war hero and his own man. He had struggled to step out from the shadow cast by his parents and cousin Morgan Hasek-Davion. The invasion gave him the opportunity to make that name for himself.<ref name=ER67 /><ref>''Natural Selection'', p. 98</ref><br />
<br />
On 17 June 3052 Victor and Galen arrived on New Avalon, flush with word that Kai had not only survived but had managed to get off Alyina. Though that news was cause for celebration, Victor's mood was decidedly dampened when he entered his father's office to find a holovid recording of Sun-Tzu Liao announcing his betrothal to [[Isis Marik]]. It was only after viewing the message once that Victor realized something was wrong with Prince Hanse Davion, who was slumped over his desk. Hanse looked up at his son and smiled before passing away of a heart attack.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 374–378</ref> Victor was able to reconnect with Omi when she attended Hanse's funeral. Coordinator Takashi overruled his son and allowed Victor and Omi to continue communicating.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 32, 188</ref><br />
<br />
Melissa offered to step down so that Victor could become Archon-Prince, but he persuaded her to stay on, not only as Archon, but as regent of the [[Federated Suns]].<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 238–239</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 80: "The Federated Commonwealth"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor was given command of the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT.<ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 23</ref> The unit shifted up and down the Jade Falcon border.<ref name=ER13 /><br />
<br />
On 12 April [[3055]], Victor met with [[Phelan Ward]], his cousin and a [[Khan]] of [[Clan Wolf]], on [[Arc-Royal]]. The next day, during a meeting with Kell Hounds officers, Victor showed his obliviousness to the growing tide of discontent against him in the Lyran half of the realm that he was heir to. The real reason for his trip to Arc-Royal, however, was a meeting facilitated by [[ComStar]] Precentor [[Klaus Hettig]] with Phelan about the [[Red Corsair]]. Destabilizing elements within the Commonwealth, especially [[Ryan Steiner]], were using the bandit attacks to gather power. After a Kell Hounds officer insulted Phelan during a social gathering, Victor suggested a simulator battle so both parties could have their satisfaction, which Phelan's Clan force won. After the battle, Victor again got an earful, this time about the alleged refusal of the [[Federated Suns]] to adequately defend the Lyran half of the realm from the Clans.<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 21–36, 47–62, 69–83</ref><br />
<br />
Victor's sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]] (who had begun calling herself "Katrina" after her grandmother [[Katrina Steiner]]) surprised him by showing up on Arc-Royal, but the bigger surprise was that Omiko Kurita had accompanied Shin Yodama. Omi and Victor took the opportunity to renew their affections for one another, though they denied each other the carnal pleasures they both desired. After Omi turned in for the night, Victor had a long conversation with Phelan that planted the seeds for reconciliation with his cousin. Victor subsequently attended the retirement party for [[Morgan Kell]].<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 84–100, 111–117, 119–120</ref><br />
<br />
===Archon-Prince===<br />
After leaving Arc-Royal, Victor focused on the Red Corsair raids. When a loaned unit from Clan Wolf sparred with local defenders, Victor was determined to take up the fight himself. News of his mother's assassination by bomb reached him at the same time, however, so he sent word to the Kell Hounds to take the lead against the Corsair. Melissa's death resulted in Victor's accession as Archon-Prince and the formal inauguration of the Federated Commonwealth. In his grief, Victor sent word to Katherine to make arrangements for the funeral and not to wait for him. Victor's failure to attend his mother's funeral gave rise to rumors that he ordered her death. Regardless of the rumors, Victor's grief caused him to throw himself into the efforts to catch her [[Dancing Joker|assassin]] with single-minded devotion. On the DropShip ride to Tharkad on 27 June 3055, he was briefed on the tide of public sentiment turning against him by Agent [[Curaitis]]. Victor's active efforts to court public opinion, something he had never given any thought to before his accession, resulted in a small measure of success. Victor dispatched Galen to accompany Katherine to Arc-Royal for the funeral service of [[Salome Ward]], who was killed in the same blast that Melissa Steiner died in. After the [[Intelligence Secretariat]] captured the assassin, Victor kept him on [[Poulsbo]].<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 137–143, 174–179, 190–191, 194–200, 214–221, 289–291, 318–322</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 14–15: "Mistakes and Missteps"</ref><ref name=HBHD80>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 80: "Archon-Prince"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 63: "Death of an Era"</ref><ref name=ER13>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 13</ref><br />
<br />
On 19 December, Victor visited his mother's grave, exactly six months after her assassination. Victor believed that it was Ryan Steiner manipulating the media of the Federated Commonwealth against him. It took his accession to finally convince Victor to become a political animal. On 1 April [[3056]] Victor recognized the services of the [[Gray Death Legion]] by naming [[Grayson Carlyle]] a baron and granting him [[Glengarry]] as his landhold, an action that touched off another rebellion from the [[Skye March]]. To head off the uprising, Victor ordered cheap food and fuel be made available to some Lyrans, declared the anniversary of Melissa Steiner's death a holiday, and took control of many planetary militias. The failure of the rebels to take Glengarry stopped the crisis before it became unmanageable for Victor.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 20–28, 108–115, 165–172, 181–184, 186</ref><ref>''Bred for War'', p. 37</ref><ref name=HBHD80 /><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 63: "Second Skye Rebellion"</ref><br />
<br />
[[Peter Steiner-Davion]] was manipulated into killing 550 [[Free Skye]] separatists on [[Lyons]] on 9 April. Victor scored a public relations coup when Ryan Steiner's people overreached in trying to electronically manipulate media coverage by replacing the violent holovid imagery with an interview of Victor. He recalled his brother to Tharkad and dispatched him to [[Solaris VII]]. Following another bomb attack that appeared to kill Galen Cox, Victor ordered the assassination of Ryan Steiner, which occurred on 24 April. Less than a week later Victor announced that he would rule from New Avalon for a year, shifting the planned six-month rotation of the court. The attempted assassination of Galen allowed the Intelligence Secretariat to determine that Katherine knew about it in advance and did nothing. Working back from there, they figured out that she arranged payment to the assassin who killed Melissa Steiner.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 199–201, 216–220, 224–236, 281–283, 302–308, 353–360</ref><br />
<br />
===Operation Guerrero===<br />
With [[Joshua Marik]]'s failing health, Victor instituted a plan of his father's to replace the boy with a double by 1 April 3056.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 165, 169, 171</ref> The double was inserted in December. The real Joshua was hidden and kept on life support until 20 May [[3057]], after which he was cryogenically frozen. Meanwhile, Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao's guerrilla fighters were becoming more effective with the Commonwealth's focus on the Clans. Through Omi, Victor learned that Peter had exiled himself to a monastery on [[Zaniah]]. Sun-Tzu allowed Thomas Marik to believe that there was doubt about Joshua's paternity, which caused Thomas to institute a plan to prove his paternity. A spy obtained a sample of the Joshua double's blood, which proved that there was no relationship between him and the Captain-General.<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 11–13, 33–39, 69–73, 86, 104, 114–120</ref><ref name=CM>''Chaos March'', p. 8</ref><ref name=HBHS64>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 63–64: "The Lyran Secession"</ref><ref name=EROG>''Era Report: 3062'', pp. 13–15: "Operation Guerrero"</ref><br />
<br />
With evidence that Victor substituted a double for Joshua, Thomas Marik assumed the boy's death and launched a punitive invasion for Victor's perfidy, announcing the invasion on 16 September 3057. At the same time, Capellan guerrillas wreaked havoc across the [[Sarna March]], now supported by mercenaries in League employ. Victor's attempts to counter the invasion were all but halted when Katherine announced the secession of the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth and the creation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] two days after Thomas' announcement. On the 19th Victor addressed the Commonwealth, indicating his decisions to fight the Mariks, tacitly endorsed his sister's secession, and explained his rationale for substituting Joshua with a double. Katherine's recall orders to Lyran units in the Sarna March left the region underdefended and simultaneously removed the transports the AFFC needed to shift troops to deal with the crisis, resulting in the creation of the [[Chaos March]]. The news that [[Francesca Jenkins]] was the agent who uncovered the double plot could have hurt Victor because he had praised her when she almost died defending "Joshua" from Capellan assassins. Instead, he ordered her turned to be a Commonwealth intelligence agent. When Thomas offered peace, Victor accepted, rejecting his father's plans for his own path. On New Year's Day [[3058]], Galen informed Victor that genetic testing done as a result of the Operation Gemini fiasco indicated that Thomas Marik was actually a double placed on the throne by ComStar.<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 121–148, 157–174, 180–184, 209–214, 241–246, 352–356, 374–378</ref><ref name=CM /><ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 11: "End of Innocence"</ref><ref name=HBHD80 /><ref name=HBHS64 /><ref name=EROG /><br />
<br />
===Jade Falcon Incursion===<br />
When Victor paid the ransom to Katherine to have AFFC JumpShips returned to him, he made sure that it was considered "foreign aid" to save face. With all of the adversity he faced, Victor decided that the best way to go about shedding his father's legacy and forging his own path was to focus on the fight against the Clans, so he asked Anastasius Focht to organize a joint training session with the Com Guards and Draconis Combine on [[Tukayyid]]. Victor left New Avalon in early February 3058 with the [[Davion Heavy Guards]] RCT. At the same time, he received word that the Jade Falcons had attacked Lyran space, though initial intelligence was spotty. By March, Victor was in the [[Raman]] system, where he met up with Kai, who was in command of the [[First St. Ives Lancers]]. They received word that [[Word of Blake]] had invaded [[Terra]]. Victor and Kai arrived on Tukayyid in April. Focht unveiled the Com Guard [[Invader Galaxy]], a unit configured to act as an opposition force using Clan tactics.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 104–110, 130–135, 162–166, 202–206, 216–220</ref><br />
<br />
While Victor was training, his sister was scheming. Katherine enacted a plan to lure Victor to [[Coventry]], which was under assault by Falcon forces. She made the decision, however, to leak an underestimate of how many troops the Falcons had on the planet, which she hoped would cause him to lead an understrength relief force and die in the battle. Victor left Tukayyid with his Davion Heavy Guards RCT, Kai's Lancers, Hohiro's First Genyosha, and the Invader Galaxy. Because he did not trust his sister, Victor stopped in Arc-Royal to recruit the Kell Hounds. He also tried to convince Khan Phelan Kell of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] to join his expedition, though he was rebuffed because Phelan did not want to denude the strength of the [[Arc-Royal Defense Cordon]]. He did send [[Ragnar Magnusson]] with, however. While there, Victor was shocked to learn that his allies all believed that Katherine perpetrated the assassination of Melissa Steiner, not Victor. With all the negative media coverage directed at him, Victor had assumed everybody believed him guilty.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 230–231, 240–244</ref><br />
<br />
When Victor's task force arrived in the Coventry system in June, they added a large relief contingent supplied by Katherine's allies from across the Inner Sphere. This led to consternation on Victor's part, however, when he realized that he would have to balance the politics of such a coalition. He forestalled most issues by asking Falcon Khan [[Marthe Pryde]] for ''[[safcon]]'', the right to land unmolested, which she granted. Once he landed, Victor sought out Hauptmann [[Caradoc Trevena]], who handed the Falcons a rare defeat during the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]]. Victor used his firsthand information to shore up the hypothesis that the Falcon incursion was about training young troops. During the discussion, Trevena hit on the idea that the Clan had executed its deep invasion to ensure that the troops faced off against the best the Inner Sphere could offer, rather than just garrison forces. The information Katherine leaked to Victor indicated that the Falcons had four Galaxies on Coventry, so he believed there would be as many as six, but Trevena confirmed for him that the correct number was closer to eight, giving the two forces roughly equal parity. Victor worked with Ragnar to come up with a solution. Victor, Focht, and Trevena met with Pryde and her aide in the town of Whitting. Instead of fighting the Falcons, Trevena offered Khan Pryde ''[[hegira]]'', the right of a defeated foe to leave without retribution. Though Victor's decision not to drive Pryde's troops off Coventry was unpopular with some of the officers in his force, including [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] [[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]] [[Sharon Bryan]], most others were happy not to shed their blood to train young Falcon warriors.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 248–252, 257–270, 272–287</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 65</ref><ref name=ERDSJ>''Era Report: 3062'', pp. 19–20: "The Death of the Smoke Jaguars"</ref><br />
<br />
===The Star League Reborn===<br />
After Victor suggested a unified force take the war to the Clans, Katherine offered to host the meeting on her capital. With only months to wait, Victor stayed on Coventry, drilling with his troops. He also wanted to get back in shape, so he trained in martial arts with the heirs to the Draconis Combine and St. Ives Compact.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 13–15</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 65–66: "The Second Star League"</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of September 3058, Victor returned to Tharkad for the first [[Whitting Conference]], a multinational summit that resulted in the re-formation of the [[Star League]]. Upon arriving on the Lyran capital, Victor dodged Katherine's welcoming committee and headed directly to his mother's memorial, where Katherine found him. There, the siblings had their first face-to-face meeting since Katherine sundered the Federated Commonwealth. He also met with Coordinator Theodore Kurita, who expressed condolences over the deaths of Victor's parents. The two sovereigns renewed their informal nonaggression pact. At the opening gala on 1 October, Victor was able to reunite with Omi and spend the evening with her. Over the course of the conference, they continued to find ways and reasons to meet with each other. The conference opened on 3 October and the formal military planning sessions began the following day. On 8 October, the political leaders agreed to focus their efforts on [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], staging from the Draconis Combine. Morgan and Phelan Kell met with Katherine and point-blank told her that they knew she was responsible for her mother's assassination, part of Victor's plan to gather the evidence that she would surely move to eliminate. Victor then met with "Thomas Marik" and determined that the man who was Captain-General did, in fact, know that he was a double. He also made inroads in repairing his relationship with "Thomas". By November, the allied Inner Sphere leaders were planning for the invasion, which included the submission of Clan Nova Cat and information on how to get to the Clan homeworlds, specifically the Smoke Jaguar capital [[Huntress]], from a [[Trent (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|traitor]] turned by ComStar. Morgan Hasek-Davion proposed to lead a [[Task Force Serpent|task force]] to invade Huntress, convincing a skeptical Victor in a reversal of roles from just eight years prior. The assembled leaders agreed to Morgan's plan and named Focht as the commander of [[Operation Bulldog]]. Focht, in turn, named Victor his deputy. With the Star League constitution ratified, Katherine called for the election of a First Lord, rather than by lot, and nominated Sun-Tzu Liao. Victor worked out Katherine's plan to get herself elected and voted for Sun-Tzu, denying her the position. Kai convinced Victor to attend the gala for Katherine's birthday, where he was reintroduced to Isis Marik, who encouraged him to pursue his romance with Omi. Along with the other Inner Sphere leaders, Victor signed the constitution on 21 November, after which he announced that he would be traveling to [[Luthien]] as a show of unity.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 13–20, 27–35, 43–56, 75–81, 89–97, 104–120, 134–159, 165–169</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL /><ref name=ERDSJ /><br />
<br />
===Operation BULLDOG===<br />
Victor took the unprecedented step of naming his youngest sister, [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]], regent while he focused on the campaign against the Jaguars. With Morgan also gone, Victor knew that Yvonne would lean on his wife [[Kym Hasek-Davion|Kym]] and [[Tancred Sandoval]] as advisers. Victor's trip to Luthien was a grand success in winning over the hearts of the people of the Combine. He viewed traditional Japanese cultural events, piloted a ''[[Grand Dragon]]'' at a [[Luthien Armor Works]] factory, and visited the grave of Takashi Kurita. On 5 January [[3059]], the seventh anniversary of the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]], Omi brought Victor to the Palace of Serene Sanctuary in Imperial City with the intent to consummate their love, however, a trio of assassins attacked Victor. Using only the ''katana'' from the ''daishō'' given to him by Theodore, Victor defeated two assailants and gave Omi time to dispatch the third. One of the assassins stabbed him and punctured a lung, causing Victor to collapse. He was quickly taken to Jihen Military Hospital. During his near-death experience, Victor hallucinated a conversation between himself, Hanse Davion, and Takashi Kurita. He again reiterated his decision to forge his own path. Victor was well enough to leave the hospital forty-eight hours later. The Combine and ComStar quashed attempts to spread the news of the assassination attempt. Theodore used the opportunity to exhort his people to accept their allies in a new nationalism that did not allow for such xenophobia and held up Victor and Omi as the greatest examples of what he wanted for his nation.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 170–175, 185–201, 208–239</ref><br />
<br />
Following the assassination attempt, Victor spent four-and-a-half months in the Combine rehabilitating his body, then seeing to preparations for the invasion. All the while, he was overwhelmed by Combine culture, from traditional foods to martial arts. While he could have forced the issue by insisting that his people oversee his recovery, he knew that it was important for the Kuritas to see him embrace their culture, both to solidify the budding alliance and to be seen as worthy of Omi's affections. While helping him heal, Omi and Victor consummated their relationship without interruption from assassins, and they continued to do so whenever they could. Victor found his new familiarity with the Combine helpful in bringing along DCMS commanders who were working alongside foreign units.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 242–245</ref><br />
<br />
The plan to invade the Smoke Jaguar Occupation Zone was solidified by May 3059. It called for small units to launch raids that would pin Jaguar forces in place so that they could not reinforce worlds that were invaded in the first wave. Victor wanted to mimic the Clan strategy during the invasion by hitting hard, seizing worlds, and quickly following up with subsequent invasions. The first wave captured five worlds quickly, in part because Smoke Jaguars were gearing up for their own assault. Victor refused to speed up the timetable for the second wave, however, because of the logistics involved, though he did increase the number of worlds that would be struck. The Jaguars launched a counterattack, but Precentor Martial Focht dealt with relieving reserve forces while Victor prepared to head into combat at the head of The Revenants.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 240–247, 257–265, 286–290</ref><br />
<br />
Victor landed on [[Schuyler]] on 10 August 3059 in command of his "Dream Team', the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT, Davion Heavy Guards RCT, First Genyosha, First St. Ives Lancers, [[4th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Fourth Wolf Guards Assault Cluster]] and the Com Guard [[91st Division (ComStar)|91st Division]]. They were opposed by two Clusters, the [[4th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Fourth]] and [[12th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Twelfth Jaguar Regulars]]. They pushed the Clan troops for three days before the Lancers, Wolves, and Com Guards were able to break the Twelfth at Olasin Fjord. The Fourth Regulars defended Mitsuhama Ridge when they Genyosha and Davion Guards flanked them. With nowhere left for them to go, Victor and the Revenants advanced. A Trinary held a weak point in the ridge that Victor attacked, though he was cut off for the rest of the unit and advanced with only Renny Sanderlin at his side. The duo defeated a Star of 'Mechs, then realized that that Star had fought a delaying action to give the rest of the unit time to retreat to their DropShips and evacuate the planet.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 296–302</ref><ref>''The Dragon Roars'', pp. 50–51</ref><br />
<br />
Clan Smoke Jaguar forces often either fought delaying actions or simply retreated from the Star League invasion across the Occupation Zone. Victor, Focht, and Phelan Kell assumed the Jaguars would fall back to Huntress. Faced with the knowledge that Task Force Serpent was going to engage many more Jaguar warriors than they planned for, Victor decided to lead a second task force to assist them, knowing full well that he was abandoning the Inner Sphere and his nation to predation by Katherine.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 302–308</ref><br />
<br />
====Huntress====<br />
Victor led some of the best military commands in the Inner Sphere to Huntress, making contact with the Task Force Serpent survivors on 30 March [[3060]]. Once they arrived, it took only ten days to defeat the desperate Jaguar forces. On Huntress, Victor made contact with Andrew Redburn, who was now in command of the force. Redburn informed Victor of the assassination of Morgan Hasek-Davion before they ever made it to Huntress, though Victor put off thinking about it. He knew that his troops would have to pursue ilKhan [[Lincoln Osis]] and the remnant Jaguar forces he commanded.<ref>''Shadows of War'', pp. 272–273, 276–278</ref> On 9 April, Victor gave a speech thanking the soldiers of Task Force Serpent for their sacrifice. Later that day, the commanders of the relief force decided to go to [[Strana Mechty]] and confront the Clan leaders.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 11–26</ref><br />
<br />
Victor encountered [[Tiaret Nevversan]], a Smoke Jaguar Elemental, when she led her [[Point]] into the sewers of Lootera with fifty sibs. After Victor personally assured her the Star League forces would not exterminate them, she came out, but five children were missing. Victor organized the search party with Tiaret, then coaxed them out when she could not because of her bulk. After returning, she surrendered, though Victor immediately made her a warrior again. She soon appointed herself Victor's bodyguard. Victor trained with Tiaret, a genetic descendant of ilKhan Osis, while the DropShip was on its way to the surface of the Clan capital.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 36–41</ref><br />
<br />
====Strana Mechty====<br />
On his thirtieth birthday, Victor received ''safcon'' from Khan Marthe Pryde on behalf of the Clans, as well as a meeting with the [[Grand Council]]. Six days later, Victor challenged the Clan Khans to a Trial of Refusal over the invasion. If the Star League won, the invasion would be over and peace would reign. If the Clans won, the Truce of Tukayyid would be voided and the invasion would resume immediately. Victor worked with the other invasion commanders to determine which of the eight Clans defending the trial each would face. After insisting to the leaders and to the Smoke Jaguar traitor Trent that they could not have their own ways, Victor allowed the Nova Cat Khans to oppose [[Clan Ice Hellion]] on the strength of their visions because it was their visions that led them to join the Star League.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 40–45, 56–63</ref><br />
<br />
As the leader of the Star League Expeditionary Force, Victor squared off against ilKhan Lincoln Osis and his Smoke Jaguar [[Binary]] in the Bloody Basin on 23 April. Victor's force included a lance from the First Kathil Uhlans led by Andrew Redburn and the heir to the [[Magistracy of Canopus]], [[Danai Centrella]], with the Tenth Lyran Guards forming the balance of the company. The Jaguars did not offer honorable ''zellbrigen''-style combat to Victor's company, so 'Mechs went down quickly under combined fire. Victor was unable to stop a Clan ''[[Masakari]]'' from killing Centrella in her loaned ''[[Falconer]]'', though he did destroy the OmniMech. Victor's forces defeated the Jaguar 'Mechs, so the Elemental Point bounded into the fray, but Victor tried to convince them to stop. Instead, he ended up initiating a dialogue with Osis, who removed his battle armor. Victor likewise dismounted. Victor tried to convince Osis to surrender again, but Osis begged for death. When Victor turned his back on the Elemental, Osis made a sudden move, so Victor reflexively drew his ''katana'' and beheaded Osis with a draw cut, ending the battle in victory.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 92–99, 125–134</ref><br />
<br />
The Star League won five of the eight combats, giving them victory over the Clans in what came to be known as the [[Great Refusal]]. Victor became the first individual from outside the Clans to address the Grand Council, an opportunity he used to invite them to have diplomatic relations with the Star League. For his part, Khan [[Vlad Ward]] of the new [[Clan Wolf]] stated that his abstention meant that his Clan was not bound by the Refusal, though he indicated that he would abide by the Truce of Tukayyid. Victor returned to Huntress and appointed Colonel Sir [[Paul Masters]] as Star League ambassador to the Clans, even though the two did not see eye-to-eye on almost anything. Victor left Huntress for the Inner Sphere on 18 July 3060.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 135–152</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL /><ref name=ERDSJ /><br />
<br />
====The Return Home====<br />
On 1 November, the Star League Expeditionary Force stopped at an uninhabited system to check for fleeing Smoke Jaguar warriors. Working with his knowledge of Inner Sphere politics, Victor was able to determine that Morgan Hasek-Davion's assassin, [[Lucas Penrose]], was ultimately working for Word of Blake, though he could not figure out the exact reason why the schismatics wanted Morgan dead. Nonetheless, he crafted a story to be released to the public that fingered Penrose as a lone operative.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 170–179</ref><br />
<br />
Victor would not learn for years that he had actually impregnated Omi Kurita. She quietly gave birth to [[Kitsune Kurita]] while Victor was gone.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 126–127</ref><br />
<br />
===Deposed===<br />
Upon his return to the Inner Sphere, the force was ordered to travel to the Combine capital under radio silence. Once on Luthien in March [[3061]], Victor was greeted by Theodore and Omi Kurita in a carefully staged ceremony. It was only once they reached the Palace of Unity that Victor encountered his sister Yvonne, who conveyed to him the simple message that she had lost his realm. Theodore offered to help Victor eject Katherine from New Avalon, but Victor demurred, stating that he had seen a lot of combat recently and had no desire for war. After two weeks to recharge with Omi and her garden, Victor gave a speech to the soldiers that returned from Clan space with him, thanking them for their service and their offers to go to war with Katherine for him, but he rejected those offers. He stated his belief that their duty was to protect the people of the Inner Sphere, not bring war to their doorsteps. He announced his resignation from the Star League Defense Force. After the emotional speech, Victor was met by Curaitis and Francesca Jenkins, who had been working to uncover more evidence of Katherine's involvement in Melissa Steiner's assassination. They were able to gain a number of documents from the late [[Sven Newmark]] that detailed how the plot worked, but there was not enough to convict her. Victor spent more time with the garden, behaving in some ways like an ordinary citizen. He received a commendation for his command against the Clans from First Lord Sun-Tzu Liao that was brief and unflattering.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 199–207, 217–244</ref><br />
<br />
The Second Whitting Conference opened in November 3061. There, Kai was able to rally the Star League Council to pass a resolution requiring Sun-Tzu to send Victor a longer message with more praise for Victor. At that conference, Katherine was nominated for the position of First Lord, and it fell to ComStar to cast the tiebreaking vote. Rather than insert himself in politics, Precentor Martial Focht abruptly announced his retirement. In dramatic fashion, Victor revealed himself to be Focht's successor and voted against Katherine. While Victor's friends believed he had gone to a rustic retreat on Luthien, he had actually arrived on Tharkad before they did. ComStar rerouted messages to him and allowed him to return them as if he were still there. Theodore Kurita was elected first lord and appointed Victor Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 257–261, 272–276</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 16–17: "Countdown"</ref><ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 110: "Precentor Martial Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor's appointment led to a new wave of defections from the Com Guards to Word of Blake. Victor worked to stanch the defections.<ref>''Field Manual: ComStar'', pp. 14, 18–19: "Wheels within Wheels" and "Precentor Martial Prince Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref> The appointment of Victor also soured ComStar's relations with the [[Taurian Concordat]] because of [[Protector of the Realm|Protector]] [[Grover Shraplen]]'s anti-Davion stance.<ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 111</ref><br />
<br />
===FedCom Civil War===<br />
After the conference, Victor returned to Tukayyid where he spent Christmas with Omi, Yvonne, and [[Tancred Sandoval]]. In February [[3062]], Victor introduced Tancred to ComStar's latest 'Mech simulators, earning a draw with the heir to the Draconis March. With Katherine beginning to resort to military means to bring worlds disloyal to her in line, Victor was already worried for his subjects. He asked Tancred to check up on his little brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]], who was stirring up the Draconis March against the Combine, and sent Yvonne to Tharkad.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 3–11, 29–40</ref><br />
<br />
In May, Precentor [[Gavin Dow]] arranged for Victor to visit Com Guard units in the Lyran Alliance, which he informed Victor of during a meeting of the First Circuit. In July on [[A Place]], Victor met with Morgan Kell, who surprised him with the news that Omi was also on-world. Victor then visited the [[90th Division (ComStar)|Ninetieth Division]] on [[Pasig]], then traveled to [[Mogyorod]] to check up on the [[244th Division (ComStar)|244th Division]], nicknamed The Prince's Men. Omi accompanied him, but he was also shadowed by a Word of Blake JumpShip. On 11 October Victor was also joined by Isis Marik, who had been banished from the Capellan Confederation by Sun-Tzu Liao after a ten-year engagement.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 57–62, 71–77, 90–97</ref><ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 20: "The Wedding Is Off"</ref><br />
<br />
In November 3062, word reached Victor of fighting on Kathil between military commands loyal and opposed to Katherine's reign and a Katherine-supported coup against the ruling Dresari family of [[Kentares IV]]. Neither Victor nor his assembled advisers could come up with a solution that did not involve direct military action. On 5 December, a bomb blast apparently killed Arthur Steiner-Davion. Victor immediately blamed Katherine, and his advisers counseled action, especially with word that Katherine had given local commanders broad authority to deal with dissent and the apparent slide towards war as Duke [[James Sandoval]] blamed the Draconis Combine for the assassination. On 8 December, from Mogyorod, Victor gave a speech in which he publicly accused his sister of murder and set himself up as the figurehead of the resistance to her rule.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 126–131, 136–137, 140–150</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 17: "Fateful Straws"</ref><br />
<br />
In order to take the reins of the rebellion, and in light of the geopolitical situation, Victor temporarily set aside his role as Precentor Martial in [[3063]]. Precentor Martial Pro-Tem Gavin Dow issued orders denying Victor access to Com Guard facilities, though Precentor [[Raymond Irelon]], commander of The Prince's Men, ignored the order. In addition to worlds and military commands who declared their support for Victor, a number of smaller commands and individuals from across the Inner Sphere and Periphery flocked to Victor's banner. Jerry Cranston organized them into the [[Outland Legion]], which was under his command.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 181–189</ref><br />
<br />
====Newtown Square====<br />
Upon leaving Mogyorod, Victor's force headed to [[Newtown Square]] to secure the support of the [[Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars]] RCT, arriving on 2 April. He was surprised, however, to find that the [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]] under the command of [[Adam Steiner]] were already secretly on-world. Steiner pinned the Hussars in place with his Guards, which was made easier by the fact that the Thirty-ninth was spread-out pursuing the remnants of the [[Deep Hunters]] mercenary unit. The bulk of the Guards assaulted the capital city Market, where Victor had located his headquarters, while token forces kept the Hussars engaged and unable to reinforce their commanders. Faced with overwhelming force, Victor was forced to quit the capital, abandoning his [[DropShip]]s in the process. Adam's Guards chased Victor's troops across the Plains of Culd. On 20 April, a portion of the Guards [[combat vehicle]] contingent raided the Hussars [[aerospace fighter]]s, catching them on the ground, giving the Guards air superiority. When the 244th Division appeared on the scene, Adam pressed the attack. The Guards shattered Victor's command company and took down ''Prometheus''. Victor survived, but was wounded, including a broken collarbone, fractured ribs, and a concussion. Adam surrendered the Guards shortly after.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 202–208</ref><ref name=FCCW66>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 66–67: "Newtown Square"</ref><br />
<br />
After Victor had two weeks to recover, he was able to return to the command post, where he was confronted by Adam. Victor began to sway his stubborn cousin, though Adam remained unconvinced due to Victor's failure to produce incontrovertible proof. Victor informed Adam that he was taking enough to resupply and repair his forces and leaving enough for the Guards to do the same. Though he took some of the Guards' transportation, he left Adam enough to move half of his RCT; enough to defend nearby worlds against Clan Jade Falcon, but not enough to pursue Victor. He left on 15 May at the head of the Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars and 244 Division.<ref name=FCCW66 /><ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 215–220</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 68: "Hood IV"</ref><br />
<br />
====Hood IV, Winter, and New Capetown====<br />
After leaving Newtown Square, Victor arrived on [[Hood IV]] a week later with a token bodyguard. He failed to convince the [[Fifteenth Lyran Regulars]] to join his cause. Though Colonel [[Lisa Orsini]] said that she wanted to watch the Falcon border, Victor's advisers believed that she no longer had the stomach for the fight. Victor subsequently traveled to [[Winter]], landing with a full battalion. His caution was unwarranted, however. The [[Seventh Crucis Lancers]] organized a parade review and joined his force. He was joined by the ''[[Avalon]]''-class [[WarShip]] ''[[Melissa Davion (Individual Avalon-class WarShip)|Melissa Davion]]''. After that he went to [[New Capetown]] in August, where he attempted to convince the [[Royal New Capetown Academy]] to support him. He failed to consider their anti-Clan prejudice, however, allowing Tiaret to appear next to him. He left New Capetown behind on 14 September.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 222–223, 232–236</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 68–69: "Hood IV", "New Capetown", and "Winter"</ref><br />
<br />
====Coventry====<br />
Victor landed on Coventry on 17 October. Katherine told Colonel [[Jason Walker]] that Victor had ordered the death of the [[First Coventry Jaegers]] for their role in the massacre of the Coventry militia. He actually did not want to decimate the Jaegers, though he was counseled to do so by Duke [[Thomas Frederick Bradford]]. After months of herding, the Jaegers broke against the Thirty-ninth Hussars. The loyalist command overrode the safety protocols on their 'Mechs, giving and accepting no quarter. After the fourteen living soldiers were taken prisoner, a captain remained unconvinced that Victor would not take revenge on them for executing the [[Coventry Coventry Province Militia]] and spit in his face.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 248–254</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 85: "Coventry"</ref><br />
<br />
====Alarion and York====<br />
Victor sent the Thirty-ninth Hussars and [[Sixth Crucis Lancers]] to [[Alarion]], which they took without a fight. Victor moved on to [[York (LC)|York]], landing with the 244th, Sixth Lancers, and Outland Legion. After allowing them to establish supply bases, the [[Alarion Alarion Province Militia]] and [[Carlisle APM]] attacked. Once the Sixth was strung out in pursuit, Victor was surprised to see the [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]] under the command of [[Linda McDonald]] dropping from orbit. The Eleventh grounded between the two forces, though the Lancers retreated successfully. By 13 March [[3064]] Victor was leading a fighting retreat, trying get away from the superior numbers of the loyalist force. When they received word that the [[First Alarion Jaegers]] had slipped in via pirate point with two WarShips, Irelon convinced Victor to leave York. He managed to get away, though at a significant cost. The trap was set by the commanding officer of the Eleventh, [[Maria Esteban]].<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 11–22, 43</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 100, 102: "Alarion" and "York"</ref><br />
<br />
Though Victor did not know it, Omi Kurita was assassinated by the same man who had assassinated Melissa and Ryan Steiner on 15 March 3064.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 22–28</ref> He had been hired by Katherine, who hoped that Omi's death would strike a killing blow to Victor's psyche. The Combine quickly went on a communications blackout to avoid word getting to Victor.<br />
<br />
====Halfway====<br />
After fleeing York, Victor's force retreated to [[Halfway]], grounding on 11 May. They faced a determined but small militia force that they quickly dispatched. They appropriated a whorehouse as their command post to throw off loyalist headhunter units. It was here that Victor's command staff was joined by Morgan and Phelan Kell and Carardoc Trevena on 23 May. They were trying to decide their next target when word came that the Jade Falcons had invaded the Alliance. Even though Victor had built his legacy defeating the Clans, he knew that it was more important to prosecute the civil war, so he dispatched General [[Archer Christifori]] to deal with them. Victor abandoned Halfway, but left aerospace fighters in-system to oppose Esteban's forces, which convinced her that he was still on-planet. It was only when they grounded that they realized Victor had tricked them, which left Esteban and McDonald guessing about his next target.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 31–32, 39–50, 68–82</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 103: "Halfway"</ref><br />
<br />
====Clinton and Thorin====<br />
After leaving Halfway, Victor went to [[Clinton]] where he met with [[Cranston Snord]]. Victor asked Duke [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]] permission to attack [[Hesperus II]], which he flatly refused. Victor planned for that, however, knowing that word would leak to Katherine. Instead, Victor's forces enacted Operation Scatter, striking a variety of targets in the Alliance including [[Furillo]], [[Aristotle]], [[Gallery]], [[Thuban]], [[Soilihull]], [[Drosendorf]], [[Gypsum]], [[Bolan]] [[Eidsfoss]], and [[Ciotat]]. Victor moved on [[Dar-es-Salaam]] with a small raiding force. When the local militia realized that the invaders were not large enough to take and hold the planet, they pressed Victor. Instead of retreating, Victor's Outland Legion punched through and left the militia badly damaged.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 83–94, 103–110</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 104: "Operation Scatter"</ref><br />
<br />
The distraction raids allowed Victor to gather his forces on [[Thorin]]. He petitioned Captain-General Thomas Marik for permission to attend the Whitting Conference on [[Marik]]. Thomas agreed, but made Victor promise that he would only involve himself in matters that directly involved Katherine.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 122–129</ref><br />
<br />
====Third Whitting Conference====<br />
Victor attended the opening ball for the conference on 4 November 3064 where he reacquainted himself with Thomas Marik, Candace Liao, Morgan Kell, and Tancred Sandoval. On the 10th, he attended a meeting with Theodore Kurita and Thomas Marik regarding Marik's motion to admit Word of Blake to the Star League. Victor was there as a representative of ComStar, even though he was not active with the organization at that moment. Word of Blake had expanded quickly, so ComStar and the Star League had questions about how they were being financed. Marik agreed to allow ComStar to audit their books. When Victor inquired about Omi, Theodore told him that she was resting on Luthien.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 133–141, 156–161</ref><br />
<br />
When Katherine nominated herself to be the new first lord, Thomas sponsored Victor to speak against her. He accused her of assassinating Melissa Steiner, which caused Prince [[Christian Månsdottir]] of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] to withdraw his support for her nomination. Månsdottir was elected to succeed Theodore Kurita. Before Victor left the hall, over the protests of Theodore and Hohiro, Katherine told him that Omi had died.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 186–194</ref><br />
<br />
====Tikonov and Muphrid====<br />
While Victor was on Marik, his troops penetrated the Federated Commonwealth and struck [[Tikonov]], arriving on 11 November. They were followed by Esteban's task force, however. The news of his love's death rocked him, however, and his forces began to think about retreat in January [[3065]]. Victor sent the [[Davion Assault Guards]] to assist against the DCMS on [[Addicks]] in late January. By early February, Victor was directing the conflict on Tikonov with Morgan Kell's assistance, but was getting very little sleep. He was soon in no condition to lead, so Kell left enough force on Tikonov to harass Katherine's loyalists and pulled Victor back to the Alliance world [[Muphrid]], where he was joined by Kai Allard-Liao. Much as he had when his mother was assassinated, Victor could do little other than obsess over the assassin. He dispatched Jerry Cranston to Luthien in April because he believed that the man was still on the Combine capital. Only the [[Twenty-third Arcturan Guards]] remained on Muphrid; the bulk of Victor's forces were on Thorin to distract from his actual location. Isis Marik arrived from Luthien in August. After being put off for over a week, Isis insisted that Victor accompany her to dinner. Isis pushed Victor to remember that his subjects needed him to lead and managed to knock him out of his funk.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 168–177, 197–203, 210–215, 222–230, 257, 268–272</ref><ref>''Personal Best'', pp. 6–10</ref><ref>''Endgame'', pp. 22–29, 41–48</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov"</ref><br />
<br />
====Back to Thorin====<br />
In January [[3066]] Victor arrived on Thorin to relieve the beleaguered troops there. With the death of Raymond Irelon, Victor promoted [[Rudolf Shakov]] to Precentor and gave him command of the 244th. Victor planned with Morgan Kell, Shakov, Tiaret, and his sister Yvonne. The war entered a new phase, with Victor planning to secure worlds where fighting was already, rather than start new battles. He ordered Thorin and Muphrid and their Lyran supply train abandoned. Instead, they planned to push on to the Commonwealth and take Tikonov and [[Kathil]]. Meanwhile, Morgan returned to the Arc-Royal Defense Cordon to prepare for a strike on Tharkad. Victor coordinated with Tancred, who was getting ready to journey to [[Robinson]], by inserting information in Yvonne's personal messages to him in an attempt to throw off ComStar, who might have provided that intelligence to Katherine. Victor left Thorin on 26 January.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 69–84, 92</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 149: "Thorin"</ref><br />
<br />
====Back to Tikonov====<br />
Once again at the head of the Tenth Lyran Guard, Victor led his forces back to Tikonov in May. The Tenth and 244th quickly assaulted the loyalists in Tikograd, then forced the [[Third Republican]] to surrender on 27 May. Though he tried to limit damage to the city, it was about twenty percent destroyed. On 23 July 3066, after the loyalist commands left the planet, Victor declared Tikonov pacified at a ceremony in which he awarded the [[Golden Sunburst]] to [[Christoffer Pierce]]. In September, Victor commandeered a suburban stadium to house all of the command staff members he now had, including Colonel [[Warner Doles (Blackwind Lancers)|Warner Doles]] of the [[Blackwind Lancers]]. He even accepted help from Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao in the form of [[House Dai Da Chi]], which he left behind to garrison Tikonov. He dispatched the 244th and Blackwind Lancers to [[Marlette]] to pin Katherine's forces there.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 109–114, 125–130, 147–156</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 158–159</ref><br />
<br />
====New Avalon====<br />
In November 3066, Victor jumped into the [[New Avalon]] system with the FCS ''Melissa Davion'', three ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class corvettes (''[[Admiral Corinne Donnings]]'', ''[[Kentares (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|Kentares]]'', and ''[[Robinson (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|Robinson]]''), and seventy-nine JumpShips. His naval assets carried the day, clearing the way for his ground forces. He landed on the continent of Brunswick, securing it by mid-December. Victor linked up with Tancred Sandoval and [[Ardan Sortek]] later in December, assisting them with the liberation of Rostock. Archer Christifori and his Avengers covertly landed on New Avalon on 29 December, whereupon Victor used Archer's well-known hatred of Katherine to distract her from his plans. In March [[3067]] Victor received word that Warrior House Dai Da Chi defeated the other forces he had left behind and claimed Tikonov for the Capellan Confederation. Shakov left Marlette to Doles and joined Victor on New Avalon. Victor arranged for his accumulated evidence against Katherine to be delivered to [[Marshal of the Armies]] [[Jackson Davion]], who resigned in late March 3067 after reviewing and confirming it. After a month of preparations, Victor's forces assaulted Albion and Avalon Island in April, exploiting the beachhead opened up in February. Victor's forces reached Avalon City on the 20th. Victor reached Sortek near the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] campus, where an artillery barrage virtually wiped out the [[First NAIS Cadet Cadre]]. Angered by the display, and his sister's willingness to use artillery against her own people on the capital world, Victor drove on the palace. Though Katherine's units repeatedly tried to ensnare Victor, he managed to avoid them, though escape came at the cost of Sortek and his ''[[Templar]]''.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 174–184, 192–198, 226–233, 240–251, 255, 258</ref><ref name=FCCW171>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 170–171</ref><ref>''The Longest Road'', pp. 6–10, 39, 44–45</ref><br />
<br />
Faced with her imminent loss, Katherine surrendered on 20 April 3067 through Jackson Davion. Victor's address to the nations that once made up the Federated Commonwealth four days later called on everybody to lay down arms, declaring the war over. He disbanded the Commonwealth and announced that he was renouncing his claim to the throne of both nations, leaving Peter as archon and Yvonne as the ruler of the Federated Suns. Yvonne banished Katherine from the Suns, placing her in Victor's custody. Peter also issued a similar edict. Victor now had enough evidence to convince her supporters that she was guilty of assassinating Melissa Steiner.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 256–263</ref><ref name=FCCW171 /><br />
<br />
====Aftermath====<br />
Victor escorted her to Arc-Royal, though Katherine's supporters tried to stir up trouble in some of the systems they traveled through. Only in [[Blue Diamond]] was there any actual threat when an aerospace fighter pilot attempted a suicide run to kill Victor. He turned her over to Clan Wolf-in-Exile, who constructed a facility in the Grungurtel Jungle to house her. On 26 August, however, Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf personally traveled to Arc-Royal to take possession of Katherine. He threatened to renew the invasion, since the Truce of Tukayyid had expired, if Victor did not agree to turn her over to him. With the promise not to interfere in the affairs of the Successor States looming over him, Victor agreed, though he did not know why Vlad had come for her. After the tense meeting, Galen informed Victor of something he had learned while investigating Omi's assassination. Omi had given birth to a child.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 267–276</ref><br />
<br />
===Precentor Martial===<br />
Once Victor returned to ComStar as the Precentor Martial, he had to deal with Gavin Dow who was now in the role of First Precentor, with authority over Victor. Dow claimed that Victor's actions had damaged the perception of ComStar's neutrality. For his part, Victor had to swear an oath to never again put his personal interests ahead of his responsibilities to the Com Guard again in order to be reinstated.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 268–270</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', pp. 81–82</ref><br />
<br />
Victor remained on Arc-Royal and celebrated Halloween there. He departed for the Whitting Conference on Tharkad a few days later. Victor arrived at the Triad on 27 November to much pomp and circumstance as part of ComStar's delegation, subordinate to Dow. Victor's plain robes made his escort, Isis Marik, seem all the more glamorous. He offered to escort Isis as a friend so that she did not have to suffer the indignity of going solo as part of the Marik delegation. He even pulled her into a surprise private meeting with Peter, who did not want to see his brother for the first time in eleven years in a formal setting. Peter apologized to Victor for the trouble he had caused over a decade ago, seeking to be on good terms, something that Victor was only too happy to oblige him in. Victor again renewed the acquaintance of his friends and allies who made the journey at the opening ball.<ref>''Shadows of Faith'', Vol. 2, pp. 2–16; Vol. 4, pp. 2–10; Vol. 5, pp. 2–11</ref><ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 40: "On the Red Carpet"</ref><br />
<br />
On 30 November the Star League failed a no-confidence vote and disbanded despite Victor's attempts to keep it together. The Capellan Confederation delegation did not show and both the Suns and Alliance, realms now ruled by Victor's siblings, pulled out claiming financial constraints in the wake of the civil war.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 42, 64: "Star League Disbands" and "Star League Disbands"</ref><br />
<br />
===Jihad===<br />
Not long after this, the [[Word of Blake]] launched their [[Jihad]], bringing destruction to much of the Inner Sphere. Victor, as Precentor Martial of ComStar, was a leader in this conflict.<br />
<br />
Following the Blakist attack on Tharkad after the abrupt end to the Whitting Conference, Victor evacuated aboard the ''[[Invisible Truth]]''. There, he met with "Thomas Marik" before heading for [[Orestes]]. At Focht's winter home he attended another summit with the Kuritas and Yvonne and Tancred at the end of 3067.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 45: "Summit of Light"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor attempted to lead the Com Guard in the assault on the Word of Blake stronghold of [[Terra]] in [[3068]], but the so-called "[[Case White (event)|Case White]]" force was destroyed while Victor and the [[Invisible Truth|CSV ''Invisible Truth'']] were delayed by an ambush while traveling to the Case White staging grounds. He arrived in the Sol system to find the fleet annihilated and barely escaped.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 46, 84, 88–89</ref><ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 15 and ''Blake Ascending, p. 175: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp45">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 45: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor attempted to coordinate a combined defense against the Word of Blake following the Case White debacle, meeting with Lyran General of the Armies [[Adam Steiner]] and Khan [[Phelan Kell]] of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] on [[Arc-Royal]] in January [[3071]];<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', pp. 35–36: "Arc-Royal Summit Threatened"</ref><ref name="J:FRp49">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 49: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> it was Victor who led a coalition of [[LAAF]], Wolf-in-Exile and Com Guard troops to break the siege of [[Donegal]] in February [[3072]],<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', pp. 71–72: "St. Valentine's Day Victor"</ref><ref name="J:FRp50">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 50: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> and he used the [[Free Worlds Resistance]] victory on [[New Home]] in November 3072 as another rallying call to bring leaders from across the Inner Sphere to Arc-Royal in hopes of building an allied coalition. That conference was bombed, however, on 22 January [[3073]] by the Word of Blake, who turned [[Fritz Donner]] into a living explosive.<ref name="J:FRp51">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 51: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 117: "Broken Hope, Shattered Dreams"</ref><br />
<br />
Following the Arc-Royal bombing and the resulting disruption of the conference there, Victor was responsible for leading Lyran, Wolf-in-Exile and ComStar representatives to meet with [[Devlin Stone]] on Tukayyid in October 3073 as Stone assembled a coalition against the Blakists. They later met with Hohiro Kurita.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 96–97</ref><ref name="J:FRp52">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 52: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> Victor served as a part of the senior command of the allied coalition throughout the campaign to liberate the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]] and was serving in that capacity when former [[AFFS]] and [[AFFC]] General [[Andrew Redburn]] was found alive in a prison camp in [[3077]], a decade after being presumed dead. Victor took Redburn on as an aide up until Redburn transferred to serve as executive officer to General [[Belle Lee]].<ref name="J:FRp57">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 57: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><br />
<br />
As the coalition turned to Terra in [[3078]], Victor took on a central role, attempting to keep the coalition partners working together under Stone's command. Victor's past successes against the Clans were vital in keeping them out of the assault, which was necessary because the Clans still wanted to possess Terra to determine the ilClan.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', pp. 7–8, 91–92, 108, 133</ref><br />
<br />
In March [[3079]] Victor was one of those present at the deathbed of his longtime friend [[Andrew Redburn]] when Redburn succumbed to the virus that would later bear his name.<ref name="J:FRp12">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 12: "Funeral For A Hero"</ref> In the closing years of the Jihad between 3079 and [[3081]] Victor became a notable supporter of the idea of the Republic of the Sphere, campaigning tirelessly alongside others such as [[David Lear]] and [[Melissa Allard-Liao]].<ref name="J:FRp13">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 13: "The Best Of Times"</ref><br />
<br />
===Republic Era===<br />
While the Republic of the Sphere was establishing itself in the early [[3080]]s Victor was offered the post of Commanding General of the new [[Republic Armed Forces]]. Victor was the second choice, behind General Belle Lee, but despite being the second choice he was well regarded by David Lear, who recommended Victor to Devlin Stone for the post. Stone was concerned about Victor leading the fledgling RAF because he was also slated to be one of the first Paladins. Lear acknowledged that there were many who would view Victor negatively, with reactions varying from suspicion to outright hostility, but he also highlighted that Victor had experience at melding forces of differing origins into a cohesive organization, in addition to being an excellent commander. While Victor was apparently reluctant to accept the post, Lear evidently regarded Victor as a good choice to fill the post while a long-term decision could be made on his permanent successor.<ref name="J:FRp103">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 103: "Leadership"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor was involved with the establishment of the Republic system of Knights within the Republic Armed Forces, working with a team of advisors to generate a list of suitable candidates to be recognized in the first batch.<ref name="J:FRp104+">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 104–106: "Knights"</ref> Victor was also firmly opposed to the idea of releasing information regarding the Word of Blake that could result in them becoming perceived as another looming threat waiting to manifest again in the future; he felt that to do so would reduce the idea of the Republic of the Sphere to nothing more than the equivalent of another Great House, controlling citizens through the fear of vengeful forces returning, rather than maintaining the original intent of the Republic.<ref name="J:FRp125">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 125: "Legacies Of The Word"</ref><br />
<br />
At Stone's request, Victor stepped down as Commanding General in [[3083]] so that Belle Lee could succeed him.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 167: "Commanding General"</ref><br />
<br />
===Dark Age Era===<br />
In his nineties, Victor had hip replacement surgery. He had rehabbed the hip enough to walk without a cane by his hundredth birthday, though he needed it again a few years later. He lived in Santa Fe on Terra, but could not travel by [[3134]]. He took on [[Mason Dunne]] as a project, likely because he reminded Victor of Phelan Kell, and guided him to become a [[Ghost Knight]].<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 89–91, 94–95</ref><ref>''The Scorpion Jar'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
Despite his advanced age, Victor was actively working on the [[Blackout]] of [[3132]].<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 89–99, 135–139</ref><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
Investigation of the Blackout was not Victor's only project, however. He discovered an elaborate plot by The Republic's Senators to sponsor promising young warriors and, through them, take control of the Republic's government. Because of that, he was murdered on 26 November [[3134]], on the orders of a cadre of Republic Senators, led by [[Geoffrey Mallowes]] of [[Skye]], in Sante Fe on [[Terra]]. He was one hundred and four years old.<ref>''The Scorpion Jar'', pp. 1–4, 39–40, 53–59, 65–67, 247–248</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: "Vultures Circling"</ref><br />
<br />
==Marriage and Children==<br />
Victor had one illegitimate child with [[Omiko Kurita]] and at least three children with his wife, [[Isis Marik]], which led to an unknown number of grandchildren and at least one great grandchild.<ref name=Sword>''Sword of Sedition, p. 266</ref><br />
* Sir [[Kitsune Kurita]] was hailed as a contender for the throne until the [[Draconis Combine]] nobles who backed him found out who his father was. Kitsune revealed this information to Victor when his father made him a Knight of the Sphere.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 126–127</ref><br />
* [[Jade Davion]] (born in [[3068]])<ref name=JHS76-15>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 15</ref><br />
* [[Burton Davion]] (born in [[3072]])<ref name=JHS76-15/> - died in the [[Capellan Crusades]] with [[Kai Allard-Liao]], but not before giving Victor grandchildren; [[Gavin Marik-Davion]], [[Simone Davion]],<ref name=Sword/> and [[Nessa Davion]], his youngest granddaughter.<ref>''Ghost War'', p. 99</ref><br />
* [[Lee Davion]] (born in [[3072]]) twin brother to Burton<ref name=JHS76-15/><br />
* Unbeknownst to Victor, his sister Katherine combined their DNA to produce an [[iron womb]]-born warrior, [[Alaric Wolf]].<ref>http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,19332.0.html (dead link)</ref><ref>''Masters of War''</ref><br />
* It has been claimed that during his training on Outreach, genetic material was secretly taken from Victor for use in the Dragoon [[Trueborn]] program. Given Victor's later military successes, it seems likely his material would have been used. Although these facilities were destroyed in 3067, it is possible they produced surviving offspring of Victor.<ref>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 102</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
At the start of his [[AFFC]] career, Victor piloted his namesake 'Mech, a ''[[Victor]]'', which he used through the battle of Trell I up to the [[Battle of Twycross]]. His sister Katherine would later sell it to the [[Black Heart Roses]].<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update: "Force Briefs Updates - Black Heart Roses"'' p. 33</ref> <br />
<br />
Later, in Outreach, he received a ''[[Dire Wolf|Daishi]]'' [[OmniMech]] from [[Jaime Wolf]], which he named ''Prometheus'', and he piloted this 'Mech throughout the rest of his career and into the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'' p. 240</ref><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
''"The invasion has ended, but not so our contact and our futures. There are countless individuals in the Inner Sphere who have learned to hate you, but we do not intend to prosecute a war against you - at least, not as the Star League. As the Star League, we invite you back to the Inner Sphere, to allow your people and ours to become acquainted. We have things to offer you, as you have to offer us. Beneath this umbrella of peace there are many new possibilities. We invite you to explore them."<ref>''The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky'', p. 26: "End of an Era"</ref><br />
<br />
-Victor Steiner-Davion addresses the [[Grand Council]] of the [[Clans]] in the [[Hall of Khans]] on [[Strana Mechty]] immediately following the [[Great Refusal]], late April [[3060]].<br />
<br />
'''Giving In To Fate'''<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
<br />
''"Good citizens of the Federated Commonwealth, I could wish many things for us. That the great union of two nations which my parents forged would not have foundered. That I would never have found it necessary to leave you while fighting to end the Clan invasion. That my sister, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], could have quelled her hunger for power, no matter what the price.''<br />
<br />
''"But wishing will not make it so. Such dreams have already died.''<br />
<br />
''"And any hope I might have had for peace between the two realms I once led died with my brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]], who was killed two days ago in a vicious terrorist attack.''<br />
<br />
''"Arthur was a soldier, a good man, and he was learning to become a leader of men, women and worlds. For that, someone decided that he had to die. Arthur's death convinced me that my duty to protect the Commonwealth can no longer be denied. The troubles on [[Solaris VII|Solaris]] were a harbinger of things to come, and Arthur's violent death underscores the fighting already taking place on worlds such as [[Kathil]], [[Robinson]] and [[Kentares IV|Kentares]].''<br />
<br />
''"His death will not be in vain. No longer will an unfit and unjust ruler sit on the thrones of the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]], one who has seen fit to bring violence against her own family, betraying the memory of our [[Hanse Davion|father]], our [[Melissa Steiner-Davion|mother]] and the trust of the people of both realms. There is blood on Katherine's hands, and no amount of propaganda will wash them clean.''<br />
<br />
''"None of us wishes to see more conflict, but we can no longer ignore the problems plaguing us. Now we must live with the results, however painful, as we acknowledge the irreconcilable differences that continue to divide my sister from me. It is no longer possible for me to stand back in the interests of peace. The time has come, my people, where no other choice remains.''<br />
<br />
''"None but war.''<br />
<br />
''"This mandate has been pressed upon me by Katherine's tyrannical actions, and by the sacrifices of patriots already fighting on the worlds of Kathil, [[Benet III|Benet]], Kentares, [[Demeter]], [[Bromhead]], and others yet unreported. We will resist with any and all means at our disposal the efforts to subjugate and enslave our freedoms. We fight with the truth on our side, and we simply ask that everyone listen and judge accordingly.''<br />
<br />
''"In the end, I know we shall be victorious, reestablishing a trustworthy and accountable government among our people, worlds and nations."''<br />
<br />
-Prince Victor in a broadcast to the people of the former Federated Commonwealth, December 8, [[3062]].<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Victor-davion-19.jpg|In 3050<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ER3052.jpg|Victor at age 20 from ''[[Era Report: 3052|ER:3052]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion DR.jpg|Victor at age 29 from ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ER3062.jpg|Victor at age 30 from ''[[Era Report: 3062|ER:3062]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ShSphere.jpg|Victor at age 31 from ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion MM.jpg|Victor at age 47 from ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers|Masters and Minions]]''<br />
Victor_Steiner-Davion_HWotRE.jpg|Victor at age 81 from ''[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion BTLegends.jpg|Victor from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion PVSD BTCCG.jpg|Victor from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|BTTCG]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion HDL BTTCG.jpg|Victor from ''BTTCG''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion VSD BTTCG.jpg|Victor from ''BTTCG''<br />
Sword of Sedition.jpg|Victor's burial on Terra.<br />
Dire Wolf (Prometheus) BTLegends.jpg|Victor's ''Daishi'' ''Prometheus'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)|1st Somerset Strikers]]''<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[Assumption of Risk]]''<br />
* [[BattleTechnology#Issue 16|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #16]]<br />
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]''<br />
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''<br />
* ''[[Bred for War]]''<br />
* ''[[Chaos March]]''<br />
* ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]''<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''<br />
* ''[[Endgame]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3062]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''<br />
* ''[[Ghost War]]''<br />
* ''[[Grave Covenant]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''<br />
* ''[[Invading Clans]]''<br />
* ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3076]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''<br />
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]''<br />
* ''[[The Longest Road]]''<br />
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]''<br />
* ''[[Malicious Intent]]''<br />
* ''[[Masters of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Natural Selection]]''<br />
* ''[[Patriots and Tyrants]]''<br />
* ''[[Personal Best]]''<br />
* ''[[Prince of Havoc]]''<br />
* ''[[The Scorpion Jar]]''<br />
* ''[[Shadows of Faith]]''<br />
* ''[[Shadows of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''<br />
* ''[[Storms of Fate]]''<br />
* ''[[Sword of Sedition]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf Pack]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Federated Suns Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:First Princes|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Archons|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Federated Suns Rulers]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Dire Wolf (Daishi) Pilots|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Nagelring Alumni|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Victor_Steiner-Davion&diff=1060571Victor Steiner-Davion2024-03-15T22:58:15Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Gallery */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Update Needed|[[Field Manual: 3145]]|[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]|[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]|[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]|[[Forever Faithful]]}}<br />
{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}<br />
{{InfoBoxCharacter<br />
| image = Victor Steiner-Davion BTLegends.jpg<br />
| caption = Victor Steiner-Davion<br />
| name = Victor Ian Steiner-Davion<br />
| birthdate = 12 April [[3030]]<ref name=FCCWp12>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 12</ref><br />
| died = 26 November [[3134]]<ref name=TSJc13>''The Scorpion Jar'', ch. 13</ref><br />
| othernames = <br />
| affiliation = [[House Steiner-Davion]]<br />
| rank = [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]]<br />
| title = [[Archon-Prince]]<br/>[[First Prince of the Federated Suns|First Prince]]<br/>[[Paladin Exemplar of the Republic|Paladin Exemplar]]<br/>[[Duke of New Avalon]]<br>[[Duke of the Sarna March]]<br />
| profession =<br />
| parents = [[Hanse Davion]] (father)<br/>[[Melissa Steiner]] (mother)<br />
| siblings = [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]]<br/>[[Peter Ardan Steiner-Davion|Peter]]<br/>[[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]]<br/>[[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]]<br />
| spouse = [[Omiko Kurita]]<br/>[[Isis Marik]]<br />
| children = [[Kitsune Kurita]] (illegitimate)<br/>[[Jade Davion]]<br/>[[Burton Davion]]<br/>[[Lee Davion]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Victor Ian Steiner-Davion''' was the eldest child of [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]] and [[Archon]] [[Melissa Steiner]]. He was named in honor of the successful conclusion of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and Hanse's late older brother, Prince [[Ian Davion]]. As the first child of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner, he inherited the most powerful realm of the [[Inner Sphere]], the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<br />
<br />
Victor's greatest asset was his ability to learn coupled with his intelligence and desire to know more.<ref>''Ghost War'', p. 93</ref> He expected people to judge him regardless of his heritage and almost always avoided using his family name to gain special privileges. He distrusted flatterers and kept the counsel of individuals who were not afraid to tell him when he was wrong.<ref>''1st Somerset Strikers'', p. 60: "Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor fought the Clans during the [[Clan Invasion]], fighting back on [[Twycross]] and rescuing the heir to the [[Draconis Combine]] on [[Teniente]]. He acceded to the throne in [[3055]], becoming the first and only Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] after his mother's assassination. His decision to replace the late [[Joshua Marik]] with a double and the ploy's subsequent discovery led to [[Operation Guerrero]], which gave his sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]] the opportunity to seize power for herself by seceding the Lyran half of the realm and creating the [[Lyran Alliance]]. Victor's leadership of a multinational force during the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] led to the resurrection of the [[Star League]] and the annihilation of [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. Victor led [[Inner Sphere]] forces fighting under the aegis of the [[Star League Defense Force]] to victory over the Clans in the [[Great Refusal]], officially ending the Clan Invasion.<br />
<br />
Victor returned to the Inner Sphere to find himself deposed, Katherine having usurped the regency of their sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]]. Though Victor did not wish to bring war to his people, Katherine's increasingly tyrannical reign, coupled with the apparent assassination of their younger brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion]], convinced him to lead the rebellion against her. His victory over her on [[New Avalon]] in [[3067]] ousted her from power, though Victor left his realms to his remaining siblings and returned to [[ComStar]] as the [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]].<br />
<br />
The [[Jihad]] saw a new leader come to the forefront, [[Devlin Stone]]. Victor threw his weight behind Stone and the coalition forces defeated [[Word of Blake]]. Victor supported Stone's new nation, the [[Republic of the Sphere]], where he served as a [[Paladin of the Republic|Paladin]] and briefly held the role of [[Commanding General of the Republic Armed Forces|Commanding General]]. Victor was assassinated at the age of 104 after he uncovered a plot by the Senate to seize control of The Republic.<br />
<br />
{{TOClimit}}<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Years===<br />
Victor was raised on [[Tharkad]], unlike his siblings who were raised on both Tharkad and [[New Avalon]].<ref>''20 Year Update''</ref> In 3033 Victor and Melissa Steiner-Davion visited the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] world of [[Outreach]], Victor was left with child care professionals (sibparents) during this time which also quieted rumors the Dragoons had set up a boot camp for toddlers.<ref>''More Tales of the Black Widow'', p. 6</ref><ref>''BattleTechnology'', Issue #16, p. 5</ref><br />
<br />
As the eldest child, Victor joined the military in preparation for becoming the first [[Archon-Prince]] of the Federated Commonwealth, attending the [[Nagelring]]. He credited his roommate, [[Renny Sanderlin]], with helping him through some challenging classes. Victor spent a year as an exchange student at the [[New Avalon Military Academy]] where he met [[Kai Allard-Liao]]. Victor was the first cadet to defeat the "La Mancha" scenario at the Nagelring, with the help of the data his brother [[Peter Steiner-Davion|Peter]] acquired from NAMA on how Kai defeated it. Victor graduated at the top of his class. His parents attended a ceremony for the top five percent of the graduating class on 19 May [[3049]].<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 26–34</ref><br />
<br />
Upon graduation, he was posted to the [[Twelfth Donegal Guards]] RCT on [[Trell I]], despite his protests, because ''[[Gunji-no-Kanrei]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]] posted his son [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro]] to the [[Periphery]]. This was a signal between Kurita and Davion that they would allow their heirs to choose whether or not to continue their centuries-old conflict.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 62–66</ref><ref name=ER67>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 67</ref><br />
<br />
At this time his [[BattleMech]] was also his namesake, a ''[[Victor]]''.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', p. 163</ref><br />
<br />
===Clan Invasion===<br />
====Trell I====<br />
Owing to his birthright, Victor graduated with the rank of [[Kommandant]] and was assigned command of the second 'Mech [[battalion]]. The other officers of the regiment had no confidence in a green, fresh-from-the-academy commander, so [[Hauptmann]] [[Galen Cox]] volunteered to be his aide. Though Victor insisted he did not need an aide, he accepted Galen to placate his subordinates.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 108–113</ref><ref name=JFS26 /><br />
<br />
During the initial [[Clan invasion|invasion]] by the [[Clans]], [[Clan Jade Falcon]] invaded Trell I. The Falcons assaulted the planet with three [[Cluster]]s, though the Donegal Guards had only a vague idea of who they were facing, the elite [[Jade Falcon Guards (Clan Jade Falcon)|Jade Falcon Guards]] and the [[1st Falcon Striker (Clan Jade Falcon)|First]] and [[5th Falcon Striker (Clan Jade Falcon)|Fifth Falcon Striker]] Clusters. The Falcons committed so many forces to the world because they were intent on capturing Victor.<ref name=JFS26>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 25–26: "Trell I"</ref><br />
<br />
The Falcons grounded on 13 April [[3050]] and quickly drove for the Twelfth and Victor. For his part, Victor was at the head of his battalion, on the way to a training exercise with the [[Red Brigade]]. The scouts initially confused contact with Falcon forces for the Brigade, though they realized their fatal mistake and warned Victor, who alerted the battalion. On the other side of the Castle Mountains from the rest of the regiment, in the Chrysall Pass, the battalion was hard pressed to hold off the Falcon Guards. Victor retreated through the pass, but was hit by Falcon air and ground assets. During the fighting, he christened the ''[[Summoner]]'' [[OmniMech]] the "''Thor''" because of its powerful arm-mounted weapons. He tried to retreat into the mountains, but realized the Falcon forces would be able to cut them off from the rest of the unit. A surprise rear assault by the hitherto undetected Red Brigade gave Victor and the remaining 'Mechs of this battalion the chance to slip away, which they did, right into the mountain caverns along with the surviving forces of the Brigade. Victor was recalled by [[Leftenant-General]] [[Jeremy Hawksworth]], who recognized that the Falcons were trying to capture Victor, and ordered off-planet. Victor refused, wanting to fight a guerrilla war in the caverns of the Black Mountain foothills, which would negate the range advantage of the Clantech weapons. Hawksworth knew time was limited and ordered Cox to take Victor to his [[DropShip]], so Cox knocked him out cold with a sucker punch. Though Hawksworth got Victor off Trell I, he did implement the Kommandant's suggestion of guerrilla war. The Twelfth harassed the occupying Falcons for months.<ref name=JFS26 /><ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 163–168, 188</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 15: "Timeline of Events"</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 12, 24</ref><br />
<br />
====Sudeten====<br />
Following his flight from Trell I, Victor was given command of a battalion of the [[Tenth Lyran Guards]]. He linked up with them and many respected [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] officers on 15 June on [[Sudeten]]. Victor joined the company of [[Marshal of the Armies]] [[Morgan Hasek-Davion]], Leftenant-General [[Andrew Redburn]], [[Kell Hounds]] commander [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Dan Allard]], [[Major]] [[Christian Kell]], and [[Leftenant]] Kai Allard-Liao to strategize how to combat the Clans. In July he presented a plan to take the fight to the Falcons. His plan involved an assault on the world of [[Twycross]] to take advantage of what he theorized would be inferior garrison forces and a constant, giant sandstorm on the planet's surface known as the Diabolis. Marshal Hasek-Davion green-lit Victor's plan, characterizing it as the best plan he had seen to launch a counterattack, using the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT, both Kell Hounds regiments, and the [[9th FedCom RCT|Ninth Federated Commonwealth RCT]].<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 226–233, 244–250, 276–282</ref><br />
<br />
====Twycross====<br />
The multiregiment force assaulted Twycross in September. Unfortunately for them, the frontline force that had conquered the world, the Jade Falcon Guards, had not been able to leave due to inclement weather, so they faced this Cluster in addition to the [[Jade Falcon Eyrie (Clan Jade Falcon)|Jade Falcon Eyrie Cluster]]. Despite fighting almost as soon as the AFFC troops landed, the Ninth F-C successfully entered the Diabolis, the Kell Hounds seized the Plain of Curtains and the Sharktooth Mountains, while the Tenth Lyran functioned as rearguard in the Great Gash and mobile reserve. The Great Gash was mined with vibrabombs in case the Falcons tried to break through. The AFFC forces achieved victory when Kai Allard-Liao single-handedly destroyed a flanking maneuver by the Falcon Guards that would have overrun the Commonwealth positions by self-destructing a borrowed ''[[Hatchetman]]'', causing a land slide that buried the Falcon Guards in the Great Gash. Without the reinforcement of the frontline forces, the AFFC commands were able to handily defeat the garrison troops.<ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 306–331</ref><ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', pp. 28, 42</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 14, 24</ref><br />
<br />
====Outreach====<br />
After the battle, Victor returned to Tharkad. On 10 November, an officer from [[Wolf's Dragoons]], Major [[Sveng Ngov]], appeared in person to invite the leadership of the Commonwealth to a conference on [[Outreach]]. He arrived on 12 January [[3051]] to find dignitaries assembled from across the Inner Sphere. The Dragoons commanding officer, [[Jaime Wolf]], informed them that, because of the sacrifice of Rasalhagian fighter pilot [[Tyra Miraborg]], they had less than one year to unite their forces against a threat to all the nations of the Inner Sphere.<ref name=ER15>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 15</ref><ref>''Lethal Heritage'', pp. 365–366, 372–377</ref><br />
<br />
On 15 January, Jaime informed the leaders that the Dragoons were a force sent to scout the Inner Sphere for eventual invasion by the Clans. The origins of the Clans as the descendants of the [[Star League Defense Force]] led into exile by [[Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force|Commanding General]] [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] were revealed. A team-building session among the young nobles on 5 February brought Victor and Hohiro Kurita to blows, partly because of their own prejudices and power plays, and partly because of the divisive attitude of [[Sun-Tzu Liao]]. Both Victor and Hohiro were dressed down by their fathers, who seemed to quickly put aside their differences to focus on the Clan threat. Tentative truces were made between the powers of the Inner Sphere to combat the Clan menace. It was also here that Victor first met [[Omiko Kurita|Omi Kurita]], his first love. The relationship was initially tolerated because their families did not believe the pair could ever be more than pen pals due to distance and politics marred by centuries of distrust and war. Months of training exercises brought Victor closer to Hohiro and Kai but fostered further personal enmity between him and Sun-Tzu. Ultimately, it was their simultaneous defense against a possibly threatening action by Sun-Tzu against Kai that pushed Victor and Hohiro to mutual respect if not outright friendship. In a Clan-style [[Trial of Position]] in July, Victor finished third among the assembled heirs. Kai's refusal to accept Jaime's gift put Victor in possession of a ''[[Dire Wolf (Daishi)|Daishi]]'' he named "''Prometheus''" because of its energy-heavy weaponry.<ref name=ER15 /><ref>''Blood Legacy'', pp. 17–27, 53–64, 74–80, 98–106, 141–150, 160–166, 198, 223–224, 236–239, 313; ''Lost Destiny'', p. 293</ref><br />
<br />
====Alyina====<br />
Victor and Kai, both serving with the Tenth Lyran Guards on [[Alyina]], continued their friendship that began when they were cadets. They were interrupted on Christmas Day 3051 with the news that the Falcons had returned. The invading forces consisted of the [[Turkina Keshik (Clan Jade Falcon)|Turkina Keshik]], First Falcon Striker, and [[1st Falcon Velites (Clan Jade Falcon)|First Falcon Velites]]. Fighting on 5 January [[3052]], Victor allowed himself to be herded by the Falcon forces, but he did not expect a [[Star]] of jump-pack-equipped OmniMechs to jump out of the Mar Negro and ambush him and Hauptmann Cox. Only the timely intervention, and seeming sacrifice, of Kai allowed him to withdraw with the Tenth.<ref>''Blood Legacy'', pp. 251–254, 290–293, 313–321, 351–355</ref><ref>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 40: "Alyina"</ref><br />
<br />
====Teniente====<br />
Following their flight from Alyina, the Tenth Lyran Guards were in bad shape; Victor's battalion had been whittled down to thirteen operational 'Mechs. In early 3052, they were rotated to [[Port Moseby]] for rest and refit. Victor nicknamed his battalion the Revenants because they would return from their near-destruction to take the fight to the Clans again. With a large pool of volunteers looking to transfer into one of the premier units in the AFFC, the Tenth was able to replenish its losses quickly.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 63–69, 116–119</ref><br />
<br />
Hohiro Kurita had again become trapped behind enemy lines, this time leading a guerrilla war against [[Clan Nova Cat]] forces garrisoning [[Teniente]]. Victor answered Omi Kurita's personal plea to rescue him, communicated through Hohiro's aide [[Shin Yodama]]. The price for this was that Omi would have to break off communication with Victor. Again, on 9 April, Marshal Hasek-Davion approved one of Victor's plans to go after the Clans, but this time the fight would be in the [[Draconis Combine]]. Victor led the first battalion of the Tenth Lyran to the Teniente system in early May. The AFFC force masqueraded as [[Com Guards|Com Guard]] troops, which got them past the atmospheric defenses. In Victor's attempt to find and rescue Hohiro, he was actually bailed out by the Kurita heir. The Revenants successfully extracted Hohiro and his troops, after which the two heirs called each other "friend".<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 104–105, 120–123, 151–158, 195–199, 235–238, 257–263, 292–295</ref><ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 120: "Teniente"</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 18–19, 24: "Timeline of Events"</ref><br />
<br />
===Postwar===<br />
Victor ended the Clan Invasion a war hero and his own man. He had struggled to step out from the shadow cast by his parents and cousin Morgan Hasek-Davion. The invasion gave him the opportunity to make that name for himself.<ref name=ER67 /><ref>''Natural Selection'', p. 98</ref><br />
<br />
On 17 June 3052 Victor and Galen arrived on New Avalon, flush with word that Kai had not only survived but had managed to get off Alyina. Though that news was cause for celebration, Victor's mood was decidedly dampened when he entered his father's office to find a holovid recording of Sun-Tzu Liao announcing his betrothal to [[Isis Marik]]. It was only after viewing the message once that Victor realized something was wrong with Prince Hanse Davion, who was slumped over his desk. Hanse looked up at his son and smiled before passing away of a heart attack.<ref>''Lost Destiny'', pp. 374–378</ref> Victor was able to reconnect with Omi when she attended Hanse's funeral. Coordinator Takashi overruled his son and allowed Victor and Omi to continue communicating.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 32, 188</ref><br />
<br />
Melissa offered to step down so that Victor could become Archon-Prince, but he persuaded her to stay on, not only as Archon, but as regent of the [[Federated Suns]].<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 238–239</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 80: "The Federated Commonwealth"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor was given command of the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT.<ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 23</ref> The unit shifted up and down the Jade Falcon border.<ref name=ER13 /><br />
<br />
On 12 April [[3055]], Victor met with [[Phelan Ward]], his cousin and a [[Khan]] of [[Clan Wolf]], on [[Arc-Royal]]. The next day, during a meeting with Kell Hounds officers, Victor showed his obliviousness to the growing tide of discontent against him in the Lyran half of the realm that he was heir to. The real reason for his trip to Arc-Royal, however, was a meeting facilitated by [[ComStar]] Precentor [[Klaus Hettig]] with Phelan about the [[Red Corsair]]. Destabilizing elements within the Commonwealth, especially [[Ryan Steiner]], were using the bandit attacks to gather power. After a Kell Hounds officer insulted Phelan during a social gathering, Victor suggested a simulator battle so both parties could have their satisfaction, which Phelan's Clan force won. After the battle, Victor again got an earful, this time about the alleged refusal of the [[Federated Suns]] to adequately defend the Lyran half of the realm from the Clans.<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 21–36, 47–62, 69–83</ref><br />
<br />
Victor's sister [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]] (who had begun calling herself "Katrina" after her grandmother [[Katrina Steiner]]) surprised him by showing up on Arc-Royal, but the bigger surprise was that Omiko Kurita had accompanied Shin Yodama. Omi and Victor took the opportunity to renew their affections for one another, though they denied each other the carnal pleasures they both desired. After Omi turned in for the night, Victor had a long conversation with Phelan that planted the seeds for reconciliation with his cousin. Victor subsequently attended the retirement party for [[Morgan Kell]].<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 84–100, 111–117, 119–120</ref><br />
<br />
===Archon-Prince===<br />
After leaving Arc-Royal, Victor focused on the Red Corsair raids. When a loaned unit from Clan Wolf sparred with local defenders, Victor was determined to take up the fight himself. News of his mother's assassination by bomb reached him at the same time, however, so he sent word to the Kell Hounds to take the lead against the Corsair. Melissa's death resulted in Victor's accession as Archon-Prince and the formal inauguration of the Federated Commonwealth. In his grief, Victor sent word to Katherine to make arrangements for the funeral and not to wait for him. Victor's failure to attend his mother's funeral gave rise to rumors that he ordered her death. Regardless of the rumors, Victor's grief caused him to throw himself into the efforts to catch her [[Dancing Joker|assassin]] with single-minded devotion. On the DropShip ride to Tharkad on 27 June 3055, he was briefed on the tide of public sentiment turning against him by Agent [[Curaitis]]. Victor's active efforts to court public opinion, something he had never given any thought to before his accession, resulted in a small measure of success. Victor dispatched Galen to accompany Katherine to Arc-Royal for the funeral service of [[Salome Ward]], who was killed in the same blast that Melissa Steiner died in. After the [[Intelligence Secretariat]] captured the assassin, Victor kept him on [[Poulsbo]].<ref>''Natural Selection'', pp. 137–143, 174–179, 190–191, 194–200, 214–221, 289–291, 318–322</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 14–15: "Mistakes and Missteps"</ref><ref name=HBHD80>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 80: "Archon-Prince"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 63: "Death of an Era"</ref><ref name=ER13>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 13</ref><br />
<br />
On 19 December, Victor visited his mother's grave, exactly six months after her assassination. Victor believed that it was Ryan Steiner manipulating the media of the Federated Commonwealth against him. It took his accession to finally convince Victor to become a political animal. On 1 April [[3056]] Victor recognized the services of the [[Gray Death Legion]] by naming [[Grayson Carlyle]] a baron and granting him [[Glengarry]] as his landhold, an action that touched off another rebellion from the [[Skye March]]. To head off the uprising, Victor ordered cheap food and fuel be made available to some Lyrans, declared the anniversary of Melissa Steiner's death a holiday, and took control of many planetary militias. The failure of the rebels to take Glengarry stopped the crisis before it became unmanageable for Victor.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 20–28, 108–115, 165–172, 181–184, 186</ref><ref>''Bred for War'', p. 37</ref><ref name=HBHD80 /><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 63: "Second Skye Rebellion"</ref><br />
<br />
[[Peter Steiner-Davion]] was manipulated into killing 550 [[Free Skye]] separatists on [[Lyons]] on 9 April. Victor scored a public relations coup when Ryan Steiner's people overreached in trying to electronically manipulate media coverage by replacing the violent holovid imagery with an interview of Victor. He recalled his brother to Tharkad and dispatched him to [[Solaris VII]]. Following another bomb attack that appeared to kill Galen Cox, Victor ordered the assassination of Ryan Steiner, which occurred on 24 April. Less than a week later Victor announced that he would rule from New Avalon for a year, shifting the planned six-month rotation of the court. The attempted assassination of Galen allowed the Intelligence Secretariat to determine that Katherine knew about it in advance and did nothing. Working back from there, they figured out that she arranged payment to the assassin who killed Melissa Steiner.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 199–201, 216–220, 224–236, 281–283, 302–308, 353–360</ref><br />
<br />
===Operation Guerrero===<br />
With [[Joshua Marik]]'s failing health, Victor instituted a plan of his father's to replace the boy with a double by 1 April 3056.<ref>''Assumption of Risk'', pp. 165, 169, 171</ref> The double was inserted in December. The real Joshua was hidden and kept on life support until 20 May [[3057]], after which he was cryogenically frozen. Meanwhile, Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao's guerrilla fighters were becoming more effective with the Commonwealth's focus on the Clans. Through Omi, Victor learned that Peter had exiled himself to a monastery on [[Zaniah]]. Sun-Tzu allowed Thomas Marik to believe that there was doubt about Joshua's paternity, which caused Thomas to institute a plan to prove his paternity. A spy obtained a sample of the Joshua double's blood, which proved that there was no relationship between him and the Captain-General.<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 11–13, 33–39, 69–73, 86, 104, 114–120</ref><ref name=CM>''Chaos March'', p. 8</ref><ref name=HBHS64>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 63–64: "The Lyran Secession"</ref><ref name=EROG>''Era Report: 3062'', pp. 13–15: "Operation Guerrero"</ref><br />
<br />
With evidence that Victor substituted a double for Joshua, Thomas Marik assumed the boy's death and launched a punitive invasion for Victor's perfidy, announcing the invasion on 16 September 3057. At the same time, Capellan guerrillas wreaked havoc across the [[Sarna March]], now supported by mercenaries in League employ. Victor's attempts to counter the invasion were all but halted when Katherine announced the secession of the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth and the creation of the [[Lyran Alliance]] two days after Thomas' announcement. On the 19th Victor addressed the Commonwealth, indicating his decisions to fight the Mariks, tacitly endorsed his sister's secession, and explained his rationale for substituting Joshua with a double. Katherine's recall orders to Lyran units in the Sarna March left the region underdefended and simultaneously removed the transports the AFFC needed to shift troops to deal with the crisis, resulting in the creation of the [[Chaos March]]. The news that [[Francesca Jenkins]] was the agent who uncovered the double plot could have hurt Victor because he had praised her when she almost died defending "Joshua" from Capellan assassins. Instead, he ordered her turned to be a Commonwealth intelligence agent. When Thomas offered peace, Victor accepted, rejecting his father's plans for his own path. On New Year's Day [[3058]], Galen informed Victor that genetic testing done as a result of the Operation Gemini fiasco indicated that Thomas Marik was actually a double placed on the throne by ComStar.<ref>''Bred for War'', pp. 121–148, 157–174, 180–184, 209–214, 241–246, 352–356, 374–378</ref><ref name=CM /><ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 11: "End of Innocence"</ref><ref name=HBHD80 /><ref name=HBHS64 /><ref name=EROG /><br />
<br />
===Jade Falcon Incursion===<br />
When Victor paid the ransom to Katherine to have AFFC JumpShips returned to him, he made sure that it was considered "foreign aid" to save face. With all of the adversity he faced, Victor decided that the best way to go about shedding his father's legacy and forging his own path was to focus on the fight against the Clans, so he asked Anastasius Focht to organize a joint training session with the Com Guards and Draconis Combine on [[Tukayyid]]. Victor left New Avalon in early February 3058 with the [[Davion Heavy Guards]] RCT. At the same time, he received word that the Jade Falcons had attacked Lyran space, though initial intelligence was spotty. By March, Victor was in the [[Raman]] system, where he met up with Kai, who was in command of the [[First St. Ives Lancers]]. They received word that [[Word of Blake]] had invaded [[Terra]]. Victor and Kai arrived on Tukayyid in April. Focht unveiled the Com Guard [[Invader Galaxy]], a unit configured to act as an opposition force using Clan tactics.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 104–110, 130–135, 162–166, 202–206, 216–220</ref><br />
<br />
While Victor was training, his sister was scheming. Katherine enacted a plan to lure Victor to [[Coventry]], which was under assault by Falcon forces. She made the decision, however, to leak an underestimate of how many troops the Falcons had on the planet, which she hoped would cause him to lead an understrength relief force and die in the battle. Victor left Tukayyid with his Davion Heavy Guards RCT, Kai's Lancers, Hohiro's First Genyosha, and the Invader Galaxy. Because he did not trust his sister, Victor stopped in Arc-Royal to recruit the Kell Hounds. He also tried to convince Khan Phelan Kell of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] to join his expedition, though he was rebuffed because Phelan did not want to denude the strength of the [[Arc-Royal Defense Cordon]]. He did send [[Ragnar Magnusson]] with, however. While there, Victor was shocked to learn that his allies all believed that Katherine perpetrated the assassination of Melissa Steiner, not Victor. With all the negative media coverage directed at him, Victor had assumed everybody believed him guilty.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 230–231, 240–244</ref><br />
<br />
When Victor's task force arrived in the Coventry system in June, they added a large relief contingent supplied by Katherine's allies from across the Inner Sphere. This led to consternation on Victor's part, however, when he realized that he would have to balance the politics of such a coalition. He forestalled most issues by asking Falcon Khan [[Marthe Pryde]] for ''[[safcon]]'', the right to land unmolested, which she granted. Once he landed, Victor sought out Hauptmann [[Caradoc Trevena]], who handed the Falcons a rare defeat during the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]]. Victor used his firsthand information to shore up the hypothesis that the Falcon incursion was about training young troops. During the discussion, Trevena hit on the idea that the Clan had executed its deep invasion to ensure that the troops faced off against the best the Inner Sphere could offer, rather than just garrison forces. The information Katherine leaked to Victor indicated that the Falcons had four Galaxies on Coventry, so he believed there would be as many as six, but Trevena confirmed for him that the correct number was closer to eight, giving the two forces roughly equal parity. Victor worked with Ragnar to come up with a solution. Victor, Focht, and Trevena met with Pryde and her aide in the town of Whitting. Instead of fighting the Falcons, Trevena offered Khan Pryde ''[[hegira]]'', the right of a defeated foe to leave without retribution. Though Victor's decision not to drive Pryde's troops off Coventry was unpopular with some of the officers in his force, including [[Lyran Alliance Armed Forces]] [[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]] [[Sharon Bryan]], most others were happy not to shed their blood to train young Falcon warriors.<ref>''Malicious Intent'', pp. 248–252, 257–270, 272–287</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 65</ref><ref name=ERDSJ>''Era Report: 3062'', pp. 19–20: "The Death of the Smoke Jaguars"</ref><br />
<br />
===The Star League Reborn===<br />
After Victor suggested a unified force take the war to the Clans, Katherine offered to host the meeting on her capital. With only months to wait, Victor stayed on Coventry, drilling with his troops. He also wanted to get back in shape, so he trained in martial arts with the heirs to the Draconis Combine and St. Ives Compact.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 13–15</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 65–66: "The Second Star League"</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of September 3058, Victor returned to Tharkad for the first [[Whitting Conference]], a multinational summit that resulted in the re-formation of the [[Star League]]. Upon arriving on the Lyran capital, Victor dodged Katherine's welcoming committee and headed directly to his mother's memorial, where Katherine found him. There, the siblings had their first face-to-face meeting since Katherine sundered the Federated Commonwealth. He also met with Coordinator Theodore Kurita, who expressed condolences over the deaths of Victor's parents. The two sovereigns renewed their informal nonaggression pact. At the opening gala on 1 October, Victor was able to reunite with Omi and spend the evening with her. Over the course of the conference, they continued to find ways and reasons to meet with each other. The conference opened on 3 October and the formal military planning sessions began the following day. On 8 October, the political leaders agreed to focus their efforts on [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], staging from the Draconis Combine. Morgan and Phelan Kell met with Katherine and point-blank told her that they knew she was responsible for her mother's assassination, part of Victor's plan to gather the evidence that she would surely move to eliminate. Victor then met with "Thomas Marik" and determined that the man who was Captain-General did, in fact, know that he was a double. He also made inroads in repairing his relationship with "Thomas". By November, the allied Inner Sphere leaders were planning for the invasion, which included the submission of Clan Nova Cat and information on how to get to the Clan homeworlds, specifically the Smoke Jaguar capital [[Huntress]], from a [[Trent (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|traitor]] turned by ComStar. Morgan Hasek-Davion proposed to lead a [[Task Force Serpent|task force]] to invade Huntress, convincing a skeptical Victor in a reversal of roles from just eight years prior. The assembled leaders agreed to Morgan's plan and named Focht as the commander of [[Operation Bulldog]]. Focht, in turn, named Victor his deputy. With the Star League constitution ratified, Katherine called for the election of a First Lord, rather than by lot, and nominated Sun-Tzu Liao. Victor worked out Katherine's plan to get herself elected and voted for Sun-Tzu, denying her the position. Kai convinced Victor to attend the gala for Katherine's birthday, where he was reintroduced to Isis Marik, who encouraged him to pursue his romance with Omi. Along with the other Inner Sphere leaders, Victor signed the constitution on 21 November, after which he announced that he would be traveling to [[Luthien]] as a show of unity.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 13–20, 27–35, 43–56, 75–81, 89–97, 104–120, 134–159, 165–169</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL /><ref name=ERDSJ /><br />
<br />
===Operation BULLDOG===<br />
Victor took the unprecedented step of naming his youngest sister, [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]], regent while he focused on the campaign against the Jaguars. With Morgan also gone, Victor knew that Yvonne would lean on his wife [[Kym Hasek-Davion|Kym]] and [[Tancred Sandoval]] as advisers. Victor's trip to Luthien was a grand success in winning over the hearts of the people of the Combine. He viewed traditional Japanese cultural events, piloted a ''[[Grand Dragon]]'' at a [[Luthien Armor Works]] factory, and visited the grave of Takashi Kurita. On 5 January [[3059]], the seventh anniversary of the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]], Omi brought Victor to the Palace of Serene Sanctuary in Imperial City with the intent to consummate their love, however, a trio of assassins attacked Victor. Using only the ''katana'' from the ''daishō'' given to him by Theodore, Victor defeated two assailants and gave Omi time to dispatch the third. One of the assassins stabbed him and punctured a lung, causing Victor to collapse. He was quickly taken to Jihen Military Hospital. During his near-death experience, Victor hallucinated a conversation between himself, Hanse Davion, and Takashi Kurita. He again reiterated his decision to forge his own path. Victor was well enough to leave the hospital forty-eight hours later. The Combine and ComStar quashed attempts to spread the news of the assassination attempt. Theodore used the opportunity to exhort his people to accept their allies in a new nationalism that did not allow for such xenophobia and held up Victor and Omi as the greatest examples of what he wanted for his nation.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 170–175, 185–201, 208–239</ref><br />
<br />
Following the assassination attempt, Victor spent four-and-a-half months in the Combine rehabilitating his body, then seeing to preparations for the invasion. All the while, he was overwhelmed by Combine culture, from traditional foods to martial arts. While he could have forced the issue by insisting that his people oversee his recovery, he knew that it was important for the Kuritas to see him embrace their culture, both to solidify the budding alliance and to be seen as worthy of Omi's affections. While helping him heal, Omi and Victor consummated their relationship without interruption from assassins, and they continued to do so whenever they could. Victor found his new familiarity with the Combine helpful in bringing along DCMS commanders who were working alongside foreign units.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 242–245</ref><br />
<br />
The plan to invade the Smoke Jaguar Occupation Zone was solidified by May 3059. It called for small units to launch raids that would pin Jaguar forces in place so that they could not reinforce worlds that were invaded in the first wave. Victor wanted to mimic the Clan strategy during the invasion by hitting hard, seizing worlds, and quickly following up with subsequent invasions. The first wave captured five worlds quickly, in part because Smoke Jaguars were gearing up for their own assault. Victor refused to speed up the timetable for the second wave, however, because of the logistics involved, though he did increase the number of worlds that would be struck. The Jaguars launched a counterattack, but Precentor Martial Focht dealt with relieving reserve forces while Victor prepared to head into combat at the head of The Revenants.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 240–247, 257–265, 286–290</ref><br />
<br />
Victor landed on [[Schuyler]] on 10 August 3059 in command of his "Dream Team', the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT, Davion Heavy Guards RCT, First Genyosha, First St. Ives Lancers, [[4th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Fourth Wolf Guards Assault Cluster]] and the Com Guard [[91st Division (ComStar)|91st Division]]. They were opposed by two Clusters, the [[4th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Fourth]] and [[12th Jaguar Regulars (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Twelfth Jaguar Regulars]]. They pushed the Clan troops for three days before the Lancers, Wolves, and Com Guards were able to break the Twelfth at Olasin Fjord. The Fourth Regulars defended Mitsuhama Ridge when they Genyosha and Davion Guards flanked them. With nowhere left for them to go, Victor and the Revenants advanced. A Trinary held a weak point in the ridge that Victor attacked, though he was cut off for the rest of the unit and advanced with only Renny Sanderlin at his side. The duo defeated a Star of 'Mechs, then realized that that Star had fought a delaying action to give the rest of the unit time to retreat to their DropShips and evacuate the planet.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 296–302</ref><ref>''The Dragon Roars'', pp. 50–51</ref><br />
<br />
Clan Smoke Jaguar forces often either fought delaying actions or simply retreated from the Star League invasion across the Occupation Zone. Victor, Focht, and Phelan Kell assumed the Jaguars would fall back to Huntress. Faced with the knowledge that Task Force Serpent was going to engage many more Jaguar warriors than they planned for, Victor decided to lead a second task force to assist them, knowing full well that he was abandoning the Inner Sphere and his nation to predation by Katherine.<ref>''Grave Covenant'', pp. 302–308</ref><br />
<br />
====Huntress====<br />
Victor led some of the best military commands in the Inner Sphere to Huntress, making contact with the Task Force Serpent survivors on 30 March [[3060]]. Once they arrived, it took only ten days to defeat the desperate Jaguar forces. On Huntress, Victor made contact with Andrew Redburn, who was now in command of the force. Redburn informed Victor of the assassination of Morgan Hasek-Davion before they ever made it to Huntress, though Victor put off thinking about it. He knew that his troops would have to pursue ilKhan [[Lincoln Osis]] and the remnant Jaguar forces he commanded.<ref>''Shadows of War'', pp. 272–273, 276–278</ref> On 9 April, Victor gave a speech thanking the soldiers of Task Force Serpent for their sacrifice. Later that day, the commanders of the relief force decided to go to [[Strana Mechty]] and confront the Clan leaders.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 11–26</ref><br />
<br />
Victor encountered [[Tiaret Nevversan]], a Smoke Jaguar Elemental, when she led her [[Point]] into the sewers of Lootera with fifty sibs. After Victor personally assured her the Star League forces would not exterminate them, she came out, but five children were missing. Victor organized the search party with Tiaret, then coaxed them out when she could not because of her bulk. After returning, she surrendered, though Victor immediately made her a warrior again. She soon appointed herself Victor's bodyguard. Victor trained with Tiaret, a genetic descendant of ilKhan Osis, while the DropShip was on its way to the surface of the Clan capital.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 36–41</ref><br />
<br />
====Strana Mechty====<br />
On his thirtieth birthday, Victor received ''safcon'' from Khan Marthe Pryde on behalf of the Clans, as well as a meeting with the [[Grand Council]]. Six days later, Victor challenged the Clan Khans to a Trial of Refusal over the invasion. If the Star League won, the invasion would be over and peace would reign. If the Clans won, the Truce of Tukayyid would be voided and the invasion would resume immediately. Victor worked with the other invasion commanders to determine which of the eight Clans defending the trial each would face. After insisting to the leaders and to the Smoke Jaguar traitor Trent that they could not have their own ways, Victor allowed the Nova Cat Khans to oppose [[Clan Ice Hellion]] on the strength of their visions because it was their visions that led them to join the Star League.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 40–45, 56–63</ref><br />
<br />
As the leader of the Star League Expeditionary Force, Victor squared off against ilKhan Lincoln Osis and his Smoke Jaguar [[Binary]] in the Bloody Basin on 23 April. Victor's force included a lance from the First Kathil Uhlans led by Andrew Redburn and the heir to the [[Magistracy of Canopus]], [[Danai Centrella]], with the Tenth Lyran Guards forming the balance of the company. The Jaguars did not offer honorable ''zellbrigen''-style combat to Victor's company, so 'Mechs went down quickly under combined fire. Victor was unable to stop a Clan ''[[Masakari]]'' from killing Centrella in her loaned ''[[Falconer]]'', though he did destroy the OmniMech. Victor's forces defeated the Jaguar 'Mechs, so the Elemental Point bounded into the fray, but Victor tried to convince them to stop. Instead, he ended up initiating a dialogue with Osis, who removed his battle armor. Victor likewise dismounted. Victor tried to convince Osis to surrender again, but Osis begged for death. When Victor turned his back on the Elemental, Osis made a sudden move, so Victor reflexively drew his ''katana'' and beheaded Osis with a draw cut, ending the battle in victory.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 92–99, 125–134</ref><br />
<br />
The Star League won five of the eight combats, giving them victory over the Clans in what came to be known as the [[Great Refusal]]. Victor became the first individual from outside the Clans to address the Grand Council, an opportunity he used to invite them to have diplomatic relations with the Star League. For his part, Khan [[Vlad Ward]] of the new [[Clan Wolf]] stated that his abstention meant that his Clan was not bound by the Refusal, though he indicated that he would abide by the Truce of Tukayyid. Victor returned to Huntress and appointed Colonel Sir [[Paul Masters]] as Star League ambassador to the Clans, even though the two did not see eye-to-eye on almost anything. Victor left Huntress for the Inner Sphere on 18 July 3060.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 135–152</ref><ref name=HBHSSSL /><ref name=ERDSJ /><br />
<br />
====The Return Home====<br />
On 1 November, the Star League Expeditionary Force stopped at an uninhabited system to check for fleeing Smoke Jaguar warriors. Working with his knowledge of Inner Sphere politics, Victor was able to determine that Morgan Hasek-Davion's assassin, [[Lucas Penrose]], was ultimately working for Word of Blake, though he could not figure out the exact reason why the schismatics wanted Morgan dead. Nonetheless, he crafted a story to be released to the public that fingered Penrose as a lone operative.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 170–179</ref><br />
<br />
Victor would not learn for years that he had actually impregnated Omi Kurita. She quietly gave birth to [[Kitsune Kurita]] while Victor was gone.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 126–127</ref><br />
<br />
===Deposed===<br />
Upon his return to the Inner Sphere, the force was ordered to travel to the Combine capital under radio silence. Once on Luthien in March [[3061]], Victor was greeted by Theodore and Omi Kurita in a carefully staged ceremony. It was only once they reached the Palace of Unity that Victor encountered his sister Yvonne, who conveyed to him the simple message that she had lost his realm. Theodore offered to help Victor eject Katherine from New Avalon, but Victor demurred, stating that he had seen a lot of combat recently and had no desire for war. After two weeks to recharge with Omi and her garden, Victor gave a speech to the soldiers that returned from Clan space with him, thanking them for their service and their offers to go to war with Katherine for him, but he rejected those offers. He stated his belief that their duty was to protect the people of the Inner Sphere, not bring war to their doorsteps. He announced his resignation from the Star League Defense Force. After the emotional speech, Victor was met by Curaitis and Francesca Jenkins, who had been working to uncover more evidence of Katherine's involvement in Melissa Steiner's assassination. They were able to gain a number of documents from the late [[Sven Newmark]] that detailed how the plot worked, but there was not enough to convict her. Victor spent more time with the garden, behaving in some ways like an ordinary citizen. He received a commendation for his command against the Clans from First Lord Sun-Tzu Liao that was brief and unflattering.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 199–207, 217–244</ref><br />
<br />
The Second Whitting Conference opened in November 3061. There, Kai was able to rally the Star League Council to pass a resolution requiring Sun-Tzu to send Victor a longer message with more praise for Victor. At that conference, Katherine was nominated for the position of First Lord, and it fell to ComStar to cast the tiebreaking vote. Rather than insert himself in politics, Precentor Martial Focht abruptly announced his retirement. In dramatic fashion, Victor revealed himself to be Focht's successor and voted against Katherine. While Victor's friends believed he had gone to a rustic retreat on Luthien, he had actually arrived on Tharkad before they did. ComStar rerouted messages to him and allowed him to return them as if he were still there. Theodore Kurita was elected first lord and appointed Victor Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force.<ref>''Prince of Havoc'', pp. 257–261, 272–276</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 16–17: "Countdown"</ref><ref>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 110: "Precentor Martial Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor's appointment led to a new wave of defections from the Com Guards to Word of Blake. Victor worked to stanch the defections.<ref>''Field Manual: ComStar'', pp. 14, 18–19: "Wheels within Wheels" and "Precentor Martial Prince Victor Steiner-Davion"</ref> The appointment of Victor also soured ComStar's relations with the [[Taurian Concordat]] because of [[Protector of the Realm|Protector]] [[Grover Shraplen]]'s anti-Davion stance.<ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 111</ref><br />
<br />
===FedCom Civil War===<br />
After the conference, Victor returned to Tukayyid where he spent Christmas with Omi, Yvonne, and [[Tancred Sandoval]]. In February [[3062]], Victor introduced Tancred to ComStar's latest 'Mech simulators, earning a draw with the heir to the Draconis March. With Katherine beginning to resort to military means to bring worlds disloyal to her in line, Victor was already worried for his subjects. He asked Tancred to check up on his little brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]], who was stirring up the Draconis March against the Combine, and sent Yvonne to Tharkad.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 3–11, 29–40</ref><br />
<br />
In May, Precentor [[Gavin Dow]] arranged for Victor to visit Com Guard units in the Lyran Alliance, which he informed Victor of during a meeting of the First Circuit. In July on [[A Place]], Victor met with Morgan Kell, who surprised him with the news that Omi was also on-world. Victor then visited the [[90th Division (ComStar)|Ninetieth Division]] on [[Pasig]], then traveled to [[Mogyorod]] to check up on the [[244th Division (ComStar)|244th Division]], nicknamed The Prince's Men. Omi accompanied him, but he was also shadowed by a Word of Blake JumpShip. On 11 October Victor was also joined by Isis Marik, who had been banished from the Capellan Confederation by Sun-Tzu Liao after a ten-year engagement.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 57–62, 71–77, 90–97</ref><ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 20: "The Wedding Is Off"</ref><br />
<br />
In November 3062, word reached Victor of fighting on Kathil between military commands loyal and opposed to Katherine's reign and a Katherine-supported coup against the ruling Dresari family of [[Kentares IV]]. Neither Victor nor his assembled advisers could come up with a solution that did not involve direct military action. On 5 December, a bomb blast apparently killed Arthur Steiner-Davion. Victor immediately blamed Katherine, and his advisers counseled action, especially with word that Katherine had given local commanders broad authority to deal with dissent and the apparent slide towards war as Duke [[James Sandoval]] blamed the Draconis Combine for the assassination. On 8 December, from Mogyorod, Victor gave a speech in which he publicly accused his sister of murder and set himself up as the figurehead of the resistance to her rule.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 126–131, 136–137, 140–150</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 17: "Fateful Straws"</ref><br />
<br />
In order to take the reins of the rebellion, and in light of the geopolitical situation, Victor temporarily set aside his role as Precentor Martial in [[3063]]. Precentor Martial Pro-Tem Gavin Dow issued orders denying Victor access to Com Guard facilities, though Precentor [[Raymond Irelon]], commander of The Prince's Men, ignored the order. In addition to worlds and military commands who declared their support for Victor, a number of smaller commands and individuals from across the Inner Sphere and Periphery flocked to Victor's banner. Jerry Cranston organized them into the [[Outland Legion]], which was under his command.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 181–189</ref><br />
<br />
====Newtown Square====<br />
Upon leaving Mogyorod, Victor's force headed to [[Newtown Square]] to secure the support of the [[Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars]] RCT, arriving on 2 April. He was surprised, however, to find that the [[Fourteenth Donegal Guards]] under the command of [[Adam Steiner]] were already secretly on-world. Steiner pinned the Hussars in place with his Guards, which was made easier by the fact that the Thirty-ninth was spread-out pursuing the remnants of the [[Deep Hunters]] mercenary unit. The bulk of the Guards assaulted the capital city Market, where Victor had located his headquarters, while token forces kept the Hussars engaged and unable to reinforce their commanders. Faced with overwhelming force, Victor was forced to quit the capital, abandoning his [[DropShip]]s in the process. Adam's Guards chased Victor's troops across the Plains of Culd. On 20 April, a portion of the Guards [[combat vehicle]] contingent raided the Hussars [[aerospace fighter]]s, catching them on the ground, giving the Guards air superiority. When the 244th Division appeared on the scene, Adam pressed the attack. The Guards shattered Victor's command company and took down ''Prometheus''. Victor survived, but was wounded, including a broken collarbone, fractured ribs, and a concussion. Adam surrendered the Guards shortly after.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 202–208</ref><ref name=FCCW66>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 66–67: "Newtown Square"</ref><br />
<br />
After Victor had two weeks to recover, he was able to return to the command post, where he was confronted by Adam. Victor began to sway his stubborn cousin, though Adam remained unconvinced due to Victor's failure to produce incontrovertible proof. Victor informed Adam that he was taking enough to resupply and repair his forces and leaving enough for the Guards to do the same. Though he took some of the Guards' transportation, he left Adam enough to move half of his RCT; enough to defend nearby worlds against Clan Jade Falcon, but not enough to pursue Victor. He left on 15 May at the head of the Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars and 244 Division.<ref name=FCCW66 /><ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 215–220</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 68: "Hood IV"</ref><br />
<br />
====Hood IV, Winter, and New Capetown====<br />
After leaving Newtown Square, Victor arrived on [[Hood IV]] a week later with a token bodyguard. He failed to convince the [[Fifteenth Lyran Regulars]] to join his cause. Though Colonel [[Lisa Orsini]] said that she wanted to watch the Falcon border, Victor's advisers believed that she no longer had the stomach for the fight. Victor subsequently traveled to [[Winter]], landing with a full battalion. His caution was unwarranted, however. The [[Seventh Crucis Lancers]] organized a parade review and joined his force. He was joined by the ''[[Avalon]]''-class [[WarShip]] ''[[Melissa Davion (Individual Avalon-class WarShip)|Melissa Davion]]''. After that he went to [[New Capetown]] in August, where he attempted to convince the [[Royal New Capetown Academy]] to support him. He failed to consider their anti-Clan prejudice, however, allowing Tiaret to appear next to him. He left New Capetown behind on 14 September.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 222–223, 232–236</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 68–69: "Hood IV", "New Capetown", and "Winter"</ref><br />
<br />
====Coventry====<br />
Victor landed on Coventry on 17 October. Katherine told Colonel [[Jason Walker]] that Victor had ordered the death of the [[First Coventry Jaegers]] for their role in the massacre of the Coventry militia. He actually did not want to decimate the Jaegers, though he was counseled to do so by Duke [[Thomas Frederick Bradford]]. After months of herding, the Jaegers broke against the Thirty-ninth Hussars. The loyalist command overrode the safety protocols on their 'Mechs, giving and accepting no quarter. After the fourteen living soldiers were taken prisoner, a captain remained unconvinced that Victor would not take revenge on them for executing the [[Coventry Coventry Province Militia]] and spit in his face.<ref>''Patriots and Tyrants'', pp. 248–254</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 85: "Coventry"</ref><br />
<br />
====Alarion and York====<br />
Victor sent the Thirty-ninth Hussars and [[Sixth Crucis Lancers]] to [[Alarion]], which they took without a fight. Victor moved on to [[York (LC)|York]], landing with the 244th, Sixth Lancers, and Outland Legion. After allowing them to establish supply bases, the [[Alarion Alarion Province Militia]] and [[Carlisle APM]] attacked. Once the Sixth was strung out in pursuit, Victor was surprised to see the [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]] under the command of [[Linda McDonald]] dropping from orbit. The Eleventh grounded between the two forces, though the Lancers retreated successfully. By 13 March [[3064]] Victor was leading a fighting retreat, trying get away from the superior numbers of the loyalist force. When they received word that the [[First Alarion Jaegers]] had slipped in via pirate point with two WarShips, Irelon convinced Victor to leave York. He managed to get away, though at a significant cost. The trap was set by the commanding officer of the Eleventh, [[Maria Esteban]].<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 11–22, 43</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 100, 102: "Alarion" and "York"</ref><br />
<br />
Though Victor did not know it, Omi Kurita was assassinated by the same man who had assassinated Melissa and Ryan Steiner on 15 March 3064.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 22–28</ref> He had been hired by Katherine, who hoped that Omi's death would strike a killing blow to Victor's psyche. The Combine quickly went on a communications blackout to avoid word getting to Victor.<br />
<br />
====Halfway====<br />
After fleeing York, Victor's force retreated to [[Halfway]], grounding on 11 May. They faced a determined but small militia force that they quickly dispatched. They appropriated a whorehouse as their command post to throw off loyalist headhunter units. It was here that Victor's command staff was joined by Morgan and Phelan Kell and Carardoc Trevena on 23 May. They were trying to decide their next target when word came that the Jade Falcons had invaded the Alliance. Even though Victor had built his legacy defeating the Clans, he knew that it was more important to prosecute the civil war, so he dispatched General [[Archer Christifori]] to deal with them. Victor abandoned Halfway, but left aerospace fighters in-system to oppose Esteban's forces, which convinced her that he was still on-planet. It was only when they grounded that they realized Victor had tricked them, which left Esteban and McDonald guessing about his next target.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 31–32, 39–50, 68–82</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 103: "Halfway"</ref><br />
<br />
====Clinton and Thorin====<br />
After leaving Halfway, Victor went to [[Clinton]] where he met with [[Cranston Snord]]. Victor asked Duke [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]] permission to attack [[Hesperus II]], which he flatly refused. Victor planned for that, however, knowing that word would leak to Katherine. Instead, Victor's forces enacted Operation Scatter, striking a variety of targets in the Alliance including [[Furillo]], [[Aristotle]], [[Gallery]], [[Thuban]], [[Soilihull]], [[Drosendorf]], [[Gypsum]], [[Bolan]] [[Eidsfoss]], and [[Ciotat]]. Victor moved on [[Dar-es-Salaam]] with a small raiding force. When the local militia realized that the invaders were not large enough to take and hold the planet, they pressed Victor. Instead of retreating, Victor's Outland Legion punched through and left the militia badly damaged.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 83–94, 103–110</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 104: "Operation Scatter"</ref><br />
<br />
The distraction raids allowed Victor to gather his forces on [[Thorin]]. He petitioned Captain-General Thomas Marik for permission to attend the Whitting Conference on [[Marik]]. Thomas agreed, but made Victor promise that he would only involve himself in matters that directly involved Katherine.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 122–129</ref><br />
<br />
====Third Whitting Conference====<br />
Victor attended the opening ball for the conference on 4 November 3064 where he reacquainted himself with Thomas Marik, Candace Liao, Morgan Kell, and Tancred Sandoval. On the 10th, he attended a meeting with Theodore Kurita and Thomas Marik regarding Marik's motion to admit Word of Blake to the Star League. Victor was there as a representative of ComStar, even though he was not active with the organization at that moment. Word of Blake had expanded quickly, so ComStar and the Star League had questions about how they were being financed. Marik agreed to allow ComStar to audit their books. When Victor inquired about Omi, Theodore told him that she was resting on Luthien.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 133–141, 156–161</ref><br />
<br />
When Katherine nominated herself to be the new first lord, Thomas sponsored Victor to speak against her. He accused her of assassinating Melissa Steiner, which caused Prince [[Christian Månsdottir]] of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] to withdraw his support for her nomination. Månsdottir was elected to succeed Theodore Kurita. Before Victor left the hall, over the protests of Theodore and Hohiro, Katherine told him that Omi had died.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 186–194</ref><br />
<br />
====Tikonov and Muphrid====<br />
While Victor was on Marik, his troops penetrated the Federated Commonwealth and struck [[Tikonov]], arriving on 11 November. They were followed by Esteban's task force, however. The news of his love's death rocked him, however, and his forces began to think about retreat in January [[3065]]. Victor sent the [[Davion Assault Guards]] to assist against the DCMS on [[Addicks]] in late January. By early February, Victor was directing the conflict on Tikonov with Morgan Kell's assistance, but was getting very little sleep. He was soon in no condition to lead, so Kell left enough force on Tikonov to harass Katherine's loyalists and pulled Victor back to the Alliance world [[Muphrid]], where he was joined by Kai Allard-Liao. Much as he had when his mother was assassinated, Victor could do little other than obsess over the assassin. He dispatched Jerry Cranston to Luthien in April because he believed that the man was still on the Combine capital. Only the [[Twenty-third Arcturan Guards]] remained on Muphrid; the bulk of Victor's forces were on Thorin to distract from his actual location. Isis Marik arrived from Luthien in August. After being put off for over a week, Isis insisted that Victor accompany her to dinner. Isis pushed Victor to remember that his subjects needed him to lead and managed to knock him out of his funk.<ref>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 168–177, 197–203, 210–215, 222–230, 257, 268–272</ref><ref>''Personal Best'', pp. 6–10</ref><ref>''Endgame'', pp. 22–29, 41–48</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov"</ref><br />
<br />
====Back to Thorin====<br />
In January [[3066]] Victor arrived on Thorin to relieve the beleaguered troops there. With the death of Raymond Irelon, Victor promoted [[Rudolf Shakov]] to Precentor and gave him command of the 244th. Victor planned with Morgan Kell, Shakov, Tiaret, and his sister Yvonne. The war entered a new phase, with Victor planning to secure worlds where fighting was already, rather than start new battles. He ordered Thorin and Muphrid and their Lyran supply train abandoned. Instead, they planned to push on to the Commonwealth and take Tikonov and [[Kathil]]. Meanwhile, Morgan returned to the Arc-Royal Defense Cordon to prepare for a strike on Tharkad. Victor coordinated with Tancred, who was getting ready to journey to [[Robinson]], by inserting information in Yvonne's personal messages to him in an attempt to throw off ComStar, who might have provided that intelligence to Katherine. Victor left Thorin on 26 January.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 69–84, 92</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 149: "Thorin"</ref><br />
<br />
====Back to Tikonov====<br />
Once again at the head of the Tenth Lyran Guard, Victor led his forces back to Tikonov in May. The Tenth and 244th quickly assaulted the loyalists in Tikograd, then forced the [[Third Republican]] to surrender on 27 May. Though he tried to limit damage to the city, it was about twenty percent destroyed. On 23 July 3066, after the loyalist commands left the planet, Victor declared Tikonov pacified at a ceremony in which he awarded the [[Golden Sunburst]] to [[Christoffer Pierce]]. In September, Victor commandeered a suburban stadium to house all of the command staff members he now had, including Colonel [[Warner Doles (Blackwind Lancers)|Warner Doles]] of the [[Blackwind Lancers]]. He even accepted help from Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao in the form of [[House Dai Da Chi]], which he left behind to garrison Tikonov. He dispatched the 244th and Blackwind Lancers to [[Marlette]] to pin Katherine's forces there.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 109–114, 125–130, 147–156</ref><ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 158–159</ref><br />
<br />
====New Avalon====<br />
In November 3066, Victor jumped into the [[New Avalon]] system with the FCS ''Melissa Davion'', three ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class corvettes (''[[Admiral Corinne Donnings]]'', ''[[Kentares (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|Kentares]]'', and ''[[Robinson (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|Robinson]]''), and seventy-nine JumpShips. His naval assets carried the day, clearing the way for his ground forces. He landed on the continent of Brunswick, securing it by mid-December. Victor linked up with Tancred Sandoval and [[Ardan Sortek]] later in December, assisting them with the liberation of Rostock. Archer Christifori and his Avengers covertly landed on New Avalon on 29 December, whereupon Victor used Archer's well-known hatred of Katherine to distract her from his plans. In March [[3067]] Victor received word that Warrior House Dai Da Chi defeated the other forces he had left behind and claimed Tikonov for the Capellan Confederation. Shakov left Marlette to Doles and joined Victor on New Avalon. Victor arranged for his accumulated evidence against Katherine to be delivered to [[Marshal of the Armies]] [[Jackson Davion]], who resigned in late March 3067 after reviewing and confirming it. After a month of preparations, Victor's forces assaulted Albion and Avalon Island in April, exploiting the beachhead opened up in February. Victor's forces reached Avalon City on the 20th. Victor reached Sortek near the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] campus, where an artillery barrage virtually wiped out the [[First NAIS Cadet Cadre]]. Angered by the display, and his sister's willingness to use artillery against her own people on the capital world, Victor drove on the palace. Though Katherine's units repeatedly tried to ensnare Victor, he managed to avoid them, though escape came at the cost of Sortek and his ''[[Templar]]''.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 174–184, 192–198, 226–233, 240–251, 255, 258</ref><ref name=FCCW171>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 170–171</ref><ref>''The Longest Road'', pp. 6–10, 39, 44–45</ref><br />
<br />
Faced with her imminent loss, Katherine surrendered on 20 April 3067 through Jackson Davion. Victor's address to the nations that once made up the Federated Commonwealth four days later called on everybody to lay down arms, declaring the war over. He disbanded the Commonwealth and announced that he was renouncing his claim to the throne of both nations, leaving Peter as archon and Yvonne as the ruler of the Federated Suns. Yvonne banished Katherine from the Suns, placing her in Victor's custody. Peter also issued a similar edict. Victor now had enough evidence to convince her supporters that she was guilty of assassinating Melissa Steiner.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 256–263</ref><ref name=FCCW171 /><br />
<br />
====Aftermath====<br />
Victor escorted her to Arc-Royal, though Katherine's supporters tried to stir up trouble in some of the systems they traveled through. Only in [[Blue Diamond]] was there any actual threat when an aerospace fighter pilot attempted a suicide run to kill Victor. He turned her over to Clan Wolf-in-Exile, who constructed a facility in the Grungurtel Jungle to house her. On 26 August, however, Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf personally traveled to Arc-Royal to take possession of Katherine. He threatened to renew the invasion, since the Truce of Tukayyid had expired, if Victor did not agree to turn her over to him. With the promise not to interfere in the affairs of the Successor States looming over him, Victor agreed, though he did not know why Vlad had come for her. After the tense meeting, Galen informed Victor of something he had learned while investigating Omi's assassination. Omi had given birth to a child.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 267–276</ref><br />
<br />
===Precentor Martial===<br />
Once Victor returned to ComStar as the Precentor Martial, he had to deal with Gavin Dow who was now in the role of First Precentor, with authority over Victor. Dow claimed that Victor's actions had damaged the perception of ComStar's neutrality. For his part, Victor had to swear an oath to never again put his personal interests ahead of his responsibilities to the Com Guard again in order to be reinstated.<ref>''Endgame'', pp. 268–270</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', pp. 81–82</ref><br />
<br />
Victor remained on Arc-Royal and celebrated Halloween there. He departed for the Whitting Conference on Tharkad a few days later. Victor arrived at the Triad on 27 November to much pomp and circumstance as part of ComStar's delegation, subordinate to Dow. Victor's plain robes made his escort, Isis Marik, seem all the more glamorous. He offered to escort Isis as a friend so that she did not have to suffer the indignity of going solo as part of the Marik delegation. He even pulled her into a surprise private meeting with Peter, who did not want to see his brother for the first time in eleven years in a formal setting. Peter apologized to Victor for the trouble he had caused over a decade ago, seeking to be on good terms, something that Victor was only too happy to oblige him in. Victor again renewed the acquaintance of his friends and allies who made the journey at the opening ball.<ref>''Shadows of Faith'', Vol. 2, pp. 2–16; Vol. 4, pp. 2–10; Vol. 5, pp. 2–11</ref><ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 40: "On the Red Carpet"</ref><br />
<br />
On 30 November the Star League failed a no-confidence vote and disbanded despite Victor's attempts to keep it together. The Capellan Confederation delegation did not show and both the Suns and Alliance, realms now ruled by Victor's siblings, pulled out claiming financial constraints in the wake of the civil war.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 42, 64: "Star League Disbands" and "Star League Disbands"</ref><br />
<br />
===Jihad===<br />
Not long after this, the [[Word of Blake]] launched their [[Jihad]], bringing destruction to much of the Inner Sphere. Victor, as Precentor Martial of ComStar, was a leader in this conflict.<br />
<br />
Following the Blakist attack on Tharkad after the abrupt end to the Whitting Conference, Victor evacuated aboard the ''[[Invisible Truth]]''. There, he met with "Thomas Marik" before heading for [[Orestes]]. At Focht's winter home he attended another summit with the Kuritas and Yvonne and Tancred at the end of 3067.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', p. 45: "Summit of Light"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor attempted to lead the Com Guard in the assault on the Word of Blake stronghold of [[Terra]] in [[3068]], but the so-called "[[Case White (event)|Case White]]" force was destroyed while Victor and the [[Invisible Truth|CSV ''Invisible Truth'']] were delayed by an ambush while traveling to the Case White staging grounds. He arrived in the Sol system to find the fleet annihilated and barely escaped.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'' and ''Blake Ascending'', pp. 46, 84, 88–89</ref><ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 15 and ''Blake Ascending, p. 175: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp45">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 45: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor attempted to coordinate a combined defense against the Word of Blake following the Case White debacle, meeting with Lyran General of the Armies [[Adam Steiner]] and Khan [[Phelan Kell]] of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] on [[Arc-Royal]] in January [[3071]];<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', pp. 35–36: "Arc-Royal Summit Threatened"</ref><ref name="J:FRp49">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 49: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> it was Victor who led a coalition of [[LAAF]], Wolf-in-Exile and Com Guard troops to break the siege of [[Donegal]] in February [[3072]],<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', pp. 71–72: "St. Valentine's Day Victor"</ref><ref name="J:FRp50">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 50: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> and he used the [[Free Worlds Resistance]] victory on [[New Home]] in November 3072 as another rallying call to bring leaders from across the Inner Sphere to Arc-Royal in hopes of building an allied coalition. That conference was bombed, however, on 22 January [[3073]] by the Word of Blake, who turned [[Fritz Donner]] into a living explosive.<ref name="J:FRp51">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 51: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 117: "Broken Hope, Shattered Dreams"</ref><br />
<br />
Following the Arc-Royal bombing and the resulting disruption of the conference there, Victor was responsible for leading Lyran, Wolf-in-Exile and ComStar representatives to meet with [[Devlin Stone]] on Tukayyid in October 3073 as Stone assembled a coalition against the Blakists. They later met with Hohiro Kurita.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 96–97</ref><ref name="J:FRp52">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 52: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> Victor served as a part of the senior command of the allied coalition throughout the campaign to liberate the [[Word of Blake Protectorate]] and was serving in that capacity when former [[AFFS]] and [[AFFC]] General [[Andrew Redburn]] was found alive in a prison camp in [[3077]], a decade after being presumed dead. Victor took Redburn on as an aide up until Redburn transferred to serve as executive officer to General [[Belle Lee]].<ref name="J:FRp57">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 57: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><br />
<br />
As the coalition turned to Terra in [[3078]], Victor took on a central role, attempting to keep the coalition partners working together under Stone's command. Victor's past successes against the Clans were vital in keeping them out of the assault, which was necessary because the Clans still wanted to possess Terra to determine the ilClan.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', pp. 7–8, 91–92, 108, 133</ref><br />
<br />
In March [[3079]] Victor was one of those present at the deathbed of his longtime friend [[Andrew Redburn]] when Redburn succumbed to the virus that would later bear his name.<ref name="J:FRp12">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 12: "Funeral For A Hero"</ref> In the closing years of the Jihad between 3079 and [[3081]] Victor became a notable supporter of the idea of the Republic of the Sphere, campaigning tirelessly alongside others such as [[David Lear]] and [[Melissa Allard-Liao]].<ref name="J:FRp13">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 13: "The Best Of Times"</ref><br />
<br />
===Republic Era===<br />
While the Republic of the Sphere was establishing itself in the early [[3080]]s Victor was offered the post of Commanding General of the new [[Republic Armed Forces]]. Victor was the second choice, behind General Belle Lee, but despite being the second choice he was well regarded by David Lear, who recommended Victor to Devlin Stone for the post. Stone was concerned about Victor leading the fledgling RAF because he was also slated to be one of the first Paladins. Lear acknowledged that there were many who would view Victor negatively, with reactions varying from suspicion to outright hostility, but he also highlighted that Victor had experience at melding forces of differing origins into a cohesive organization, in addition to being an excellent commander. While Victor was apparently reluctant to accept the post, Lear evidently regarded Victor as a good choice to fill the post while a long-term decision could be made on his permanent successor.<ref name="J:FRp103">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 103: "Leadership"</ref><br />
<br />
Victor was involved with the establishment of the Republic system of Knights within the Republic Armed Forces, working with a team of advisors to generate a list of suitable candidates to be recognized in the first batch.<ref name="J:FRp104+">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 104–106: "Knights"</ref> Victor was also firmly opposed to the idea of releasing information regarding the Word of Blake that could result in them becoming perceived as another looming threat waiting to manifest again in the future; he felt that to do so would reduce the idea of the Republic of the Sphere to nothing more than the equivalent of another Great House, controlling citizens through the fear of vengeful forces returning, rather than maintaining the original intent of the Republic.<ref name="J:FRp125">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 125: "Legacies Of The Word"</ref><br />
<br />
At Stone's request, Victor stepped down as Commanding General in [[3083]] so that Belle Lee could succeed him.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 167: "Commanding General"</ref><br />
<br />
===Dark Age Era===<br />
In his nineties, Victor had hip replacement surgery. He had rehabbed the hip enough to walk without a cane by his hundredth birthday, though he needed it again a few years later. He lived in Santa Fe on Terra, but could not travel by [[3134]]. He took on [[Mason Dunne]] as a project, likely because he reminded Victor of Phelan Kell, and guided him to become a [[Ghost Knight]].<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 89–91, 94–95</ref><ref>''The Scorpion Jar'', p. 51</ref><br />
<br />
Despite his advanced age, Victor was actively working on the [[Blackout]] of [[3132]].<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 89–99, 135–139</ref><br />
<br />
===Death===<br />
Investigation of the Blackout was not Victor's only project, however. He discovered an elaborate plot by The Republic's Senators to sponsor promising young warriors and, through them, take control of the Republic's government. Because of that, he was murdered on 26 November [[3134]], on the orders of a cadre of Republic Senators, led by [[Geoffrey Mallowes]] of [[Skye]], in Sante Fe on [[Terra]]. He was one hundred and four years old.<ref>''The Scorpion Jar'', pp. 1–4, 39–40, 53–59, 65–67, 247–248</ref><ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: "Vultures Circling"</ref><br />
<br />
==Marriage and Children==<br />
Victor had one illegitimate child with [[Omiko Kurita]] and at least three children with his wife, [[Isis Marik]], which led to an unknown number of grandchildren and at least one great grandchild.<ref name=Sword>''Sword of Sedition, p. 266</ref><br />
* Sir [[Kitsune Kurita]] was hailed as a contender for the throne until the [[Draconis Combine]] nobles who backed him found out who his father was. Kitsune revealed this information to Victor when his father made him a Knight of the Sphere.<ref>''Ghost War'', pp. 126–127</ref><br />
* [[Jade Davion]] (born in [[3068]])<ref name=JHS76-15>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 15</ref><br />
* [[Burton Davion]] (born in [[3072]])<ref name=JHS76-15/> - died in the [[Capellan Crusades]] with [[Kai Allard-Liao]], but not before giving Victor grandchildren; [[Gavin Marik-Davion]], [[Simone Davion]],<ref name=Sword/> and [[Nessa Davion]], his youngest granddaughter.<ref>''Ghost War'', p. 99</ref><br />
* [[Lee Davion]] (born in [[3072]]) twin brother to Burton<ref name=JHS76-15/><br />
* Unbeknownst to Victor, his sister Katherine combined their DNA to produce an [[iron womb]]-born warrior, [[Alaric Wolf]].<ref>http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,19332.0.html (dead link)</ref><ref>''Masters of War''</ref><br />
* It has been claimed that during his training on Outreach, genetic material was secretly taken from Victor for use in the Dragoon [[Trueborn]] program. Given Victor's later military successes, it seems likely his material would have been used. Although these facilities were destroyed in 3067, it is possible they produced surviving offspring of Victor.<ref>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 102</ref><br />
<br />
==BattleMechs==<br />
At the start of his [[AFFC]] career, Victor piloted his namesake 'Mech, a ''[[Victor]]'', which he used through the battle of Trell I up to the [[Battle of Twycross]]. His sister Katherine would later sell it to the [[Black Heart Roses]].<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update: "Force Briefs Updates - Black Heart Roses"'' p. 33</ref> <br />
<br />
Later, in Outreach, he received a ''[[Dire Wolf|Daishi]]'' [[OmniMech]] from [[Jaime Wolf]], which he named ''Prometheus'', and he piloted this 'Mech throughout the rest of his career and into the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'' p. 240</ref><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
''"The invasion has ended, but not so our contact and our futures. There are countless individuals in the Inner Sphere who have learned to hate you, but we do not intend to prosecute a war against you - at least, not as the Star League. As the Star League, we invite you back to the Inner Sphere, to allow your people and ours to become acquainted. We have things to offer you, as you have to offer us. Beneath this umbrella of peace there are many new possibilities. We invite you to explore them."<ref>''The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky'', p. 26: "End of an Era"</ref><br />
<br />
-Victor Steiner-Davion addresses the [[Grand Council]] of the [[Clans]] in the [[Hall of Khans]] on [[Strana Mechty]] immediately following the [[Great Refusal]], late April [[3060]].<br />
<br />
'''Giving In To Fate'''<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 19–20</ref><br />
<br />
''"Good citizens of the Federated Commonwealth, I could wish many things for us. That the great union of two nations which my parents forged would not have foundered. That I would never have found it necessary to leave you while fighting to end the Clan invasion. That my sister, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], could have quelled her hunger for power, no matter what the price.''<br />
<br />
''"But wishing will not make it so. Such dreams have already died.''<br />
<br />
''"And any hope I might have had for peace between the two realms I once led died with my brother [[Arthur Steiner-Davion|Arthur]], who was killed two days ago in a vicious terrorist attack.''<br />
<br />
''"Arthur was a soldier, a good man, and he was learning to become a leader of men, women and worlds. For that, someone decided that he had to die. Arthur's death convinced me that my duty to protect the Commonwealth can no longer be denied. The troubles on [[Solaris VII|Solaris]] were a harbinger of things to come, and Arthur's violent death underscores the fighting already taking place on worlds such as [[Kathil]], [[Robinson]] and [[Kentares IV|Kentares]].''<br />
<br />
''"His death will not be in vain. No longer will an unfit and unjust ruler sit on the thrones of the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]], one who has seen fit to bring violence against her own family, betraying the memory of our [[Hanse Davion|father]], our [[Melissa Steiner-Davion|mother]] and the trust of the people of both realms. There is blood on Katherine's hands, and no amount of propaganda will wash them clean.''<br />
<br />
''"None of us wishes to see more conflict, but we can no longer ignore the problems plaguing us. Now we must live with the results, however painful, as we acknowledge the irreconcilable differences that continue to divide my sister from me. It is no longer possible for me to stand back in the interests of peace. The time has come, my people, where no other choice remains.''<br />
<br />
''"None but war.''<br />
<br />
''"This mandate has been pressed upon me by Katherine's tyrannical actions, and by the sacrifices of patriots already fighting on the worlds of Kathil, [[Benet III|Benet]], Kentares, [[Demeter]], [[Bromhead]], and others yet unreported. We will resist with any and all means at our disposal the efforts to subjugate and enslave our freedoms. We fight with the truth on our side, and we simply ask that everyone listen and judge accordingly.''<br />
<br />
''"In the end, I know we shall be victorious, reestablishing a trustworthy and accountable government among our people, worlds and nations."''<br />
<br />
-Prince Victor in a broadcast to the people of the former Federated Commonwealth, December 8, [[3062]].<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Victor-davion-19.jpg|In 3050<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ER3052.jpg|Victor at age 20 from ''[[Era Report: 3052|ER:3052]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion DR.jpg|Victor at age 29 from ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ER3062.jpg|Victor at age 30 from ''[[Era Report: 3062|ER:3062]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion ShSphere.jpg|Victor at age 31 from ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion MM.jpg|Victor at age 47 from ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers|Masters and Minions]]''<br />
Victor_Steiner-Davion_HWotRE.jpg|Victor at age 81 from ''[[Historical: Wars of the Republic Era]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion BTLegends.jpg|Victor from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion PVSD BTCCG.jpg|Victor from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|BTTCG]]''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion HDL BTTCG.jpg|Victor from ''BTTCG''<br />
Victor Steiner-Davion VSD BTTCG.jpg|Victor from ''BTTCG''<br />
Sword of Sedition.jpg|Victor Steiner-Davion's burial on Terra.<br />
Dire Wolf (Prometheus) BTLegends.jpg|Victor's ''Daishi'' ''Prometheus'' from ''BT:Legends''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)|1st Somerset Strikers]]''<br />
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''<br />
* ''[[Assumption of Risk]]''<br />
* [[BattleTechnology#Issue 16|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #16]]<br />
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]''<br />
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''<br />
* ''[[Bred for War]]''<br />
* ''[[Chaos March]]''<br />
* ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]''<br />
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''<br />
* ''[[Endgame]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3062]]''<br />
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''<br />
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''<br />
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''<br />
* ''[[Ghost War]]''<br />
* ''[[Grave Covenant]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]''<br />
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''<br />
* ''[[Invading Clans]]''<br />
* ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3076]]''<br />
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''<br />
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]''<br />
* ''[[The Longest Road]]''<br />
* ''[[Lost Destiny]]''<br />
* ''[[Malicious Intent]]''<br />
* ''[[Masters of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Natural Selection]]''<br />
* ''[[Patriots and Tyrants]]''<br />
* ''[[Personal Best]]''<br />
* ''[[Prince of Havoc]]''<br />
* ''[[The Scorpion Jar]]''<br />
* ''[[Shadows of Faith]]''<br />
* ''[[Shadows of War]]''<br />
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''<br />
* ''[[Storms of Fate]]''<br />
* ''[[Sword of Sedition]]''<br />
* ''[[Wolf Pack]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Federated Suns Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:First Princes|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Archons|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:ComStar Characters|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Federated Suns Rulers]]<br />
[[Category:Notable Dire Wolf (Daishi) Pilots|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]<br />
[[Category:Nagelring Alumni|Steiner-Davion, Victor]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Ares_(OmniMech)&diff=1060550Ares (OmniMech)2024-03-15T18:47:39Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Operational History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 135-ton OmniMech|other uses|Ares}}<br />
{{InfoBoxBattleMech|<br />
|image= Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg<br />
|name= ''Ares''<br />
|manufacturer= [[Rhodes Foundry]]<ref name=trotr3145p40>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', pp. 46–48: "Ares"</ref><br />
|production year=3136<br />
|year reference= <ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6685/ares-ars-v1-zeus MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']</ref><br />
|model= ARS-V1<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|Tech Base= Mixed<br />
|mech type= OmniMech<br />
|feet= 3<br />
|mass= 135<br />
|chassis= [[Rhodes-M Endo-Composite]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|armor= [[Maximillian 320]] w/ [[CASE II]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|engine= [[PlasmaStar 270]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|comsys= [[Titan's Shout Mk. IVA]]<br />
|T&T= [[Titan's Vantage Mk. II]]<br />
|heat sinks= 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]<br />
|speed= 32<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|armament=<br />
*2x [[ER PPC|Clan ER PPC]]<br />
*3x [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]]<br />
Fixed (All Configurations):<br />
*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*3x [[ER Small Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*2x [[LRM 5]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*3x [[SRM 2]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*6x [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|BV (2.0) = 3,653<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 397</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 48: ''Ares'' - BV2</ref> <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
The '''''Ares''''' is a Superheavy Class Tripod [[OmniMech]], which was first produced by the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Produced in secret as part of the Republic's [[Rhodes Project]], the ''Ares'' was based on development of the ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' Superheavy Tripod. The 'Mech was conceived as an OmniMech, to allow it to be easier for its maintenance crew to service it and allow it to transport [[battle armor]] support elements. The ''Ares'' was so large that it had a crew of three: a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] as pilot, a gunner, and a technician to repair it and keep it operational.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==Operational History==<br />
The 'Mech's development began as ''Poseidon'' prototypes finished their trial runs in [[3135]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 44: ''Poseidon'' - ''Poseidon'' was noted fighting Senate Alliance on Terra which occurred in 3135.</ref> The ''Ares' '' appearance is due, in part, to its development cycle, which took place at nearly the same time as that of the ''Poseidon''.<br />
<br />
The ''Ares' '' origins were virtually unknown during its initial deployment with the Republic's [[Stone's Brigades]] and units stationed at its factory world on [[Devil's Rock]]. During the 3140s, the ''Ares'' had been deployed to various worlds neighboring the Republic's in covert raids and recon missions as part of the nation's efforts to keep potential invaders off guard. Production of the 'Mech and its sister design, the ''Poseidon'', continued on Devil's Rock at Rhodes Foundry. By 3145, the location of the factory had become a frontline world in danger of falling to a potential [[Clan Wolf]] invasion. Additional production was planned for [[Terra|Mars]], with the facilities on Devil's Rock set to be razed should invasion forces arrive on world.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 46: ''Ares'' Background.</ref><br />
<br />
A single ''Ares'' of uncertain configuration saw deployment in [[3146]] as part of [[Julian Davion]]'s Dawn Guards. Upon gifting Julian the 'Mech, [[Devlin Stone]] warned him that keeping the machine in fighting trim was "a nightmare."<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 7: "Bring the Dawn"</ref> Several ''Ares'' 'Mechs were deployed to [[Callison]] in [[3149]].<ref>''Rock of the Republic'', p. 87</ref><br />
<br />
The Republic made extensive use of the ''Ares'' during the [[Battle of Terra (3151)|Battle of Terra]], especially in ''Operation Four Horsemen'', against Clan Wolf. They proved to be a serious threat, stopping and even managing to make the Clanners retreat, but after the Wolves adjusted their tactics to them, all fell, one after another.<ref>''BattleTech IlClan: Sorcebook'', pp. 41–42</ref><br />
<br />
During Terra's conquest, the Wolves salvaged an unknown number of ''Areses'', managing to rebuild and repair some, using them in their [[IlClan Trial]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]; most of them, ironically, were crewed by former bondsmen of the RAF.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', pp. 232–233</ref> After the Trial, [[Wolf's Dragoons]] salvaged a number of ''Areses'' from the battlefield, disassembling some to study and replicate them. The new Dragoons leader, Colonel [[Henry Kincaid]], gave six functional units, along with intel about them, to the [[Free Worlds League]] [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik]], though they still retained some for themselves.<ref>''Redemption Rites'', p. 310</ref><br />
<br />
That same year, the League's [[First Free Worlds Guards]] fielded a full company of ''Areses'' when deployed on [[Marik]], twice as many as the Dragoons gave Nikol. Some were newly manufactured, which made the League the first Inner Sphere state to build them since the fall of the Republic.<ref>''Empire Alone'', p. 47</ref><br />
<br />
On the opposite side of the Inner Sphere, [[Julian Davion]] also fielded at least a full lance of ''Ares'', gifted by Stone, and used them with great success during [[Operation DAWN]]. The [[Dawn Guards]] which fielded them, even created their own hard-hitting configuration: the ''Apollo''.<ref>''Dominions Divided'', p. 152</ref><br />
<br />
The ''Ares'' was so advanced than, in 3151, on the planet [[Yorii]], a three sides battle was fought between a group of ''Fides'' survivors from the Republic, a attack force from the [[Capellan Confederation]] and a [[mercenary]] unit working apparently for [[Clan Sea Fox]] only to capture an Ares and, it is implied, replicate it.<ref>''Picking the Bones''</ref><br />
<br />
==Weapons and Equipment==<br />
Designed as a Tripod, the 'Mech's unique method of movement gives the ''Ares'' the ability to handle turns without having to slow its pace. This is a benefit to the design due to its slow speed. Its lower rated engine and Endo-Composite construction allows the 'Mech to carry 41 tons of [[OmniPod]] encased weapons and equipment. The 'Mech is protected by 28.5 tons of Maximillian 320 [[standard armor]], giving it hefty protection against enemy fire. Like all Superheavy Tripods, the ''Ares'' has a 3-man cockpit, which allows the 'Mech to perform better in combat than a normal single MechWarrior. This allows it to be able to target multiple enemies without penalty, a pilot focused on navigating the machine, and gaining a tactical advantage to allow it to serve as a command vehicle in battle.<br />
<br />
Each ''Ares'' carries a fixed array of weapons: on each leg a pair of [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s. On the 'Mech's torso each version of the ''Ares'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Medium Laser]]s, three Clan [[ER Small Lasers]], three [[SRM 2]] launchers, and a pair of [[LRM 5]] launchers, giving the ''Ares'' series of 'Mechs a well-rounded base platform to start with.<ref name=trotr3145p40/><ref>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 253</ref><br />
<br />
Each of the versions of the ''Ares'' carries a named weapons load for each Omni Configuration. Republican pilots of the ''Ares'' had undertaken the practice of naming the <i>Ares'</i> configuration, which helped confuse enemies encountering them. <br />
<br />
Its Primary Configuration, named "Zeus," is a generalist combatant. Along with its fixed-weapon systems, the "Zeus" has a pair of Clan tech [[ER PPC]]s in the left arm, while 3 additional [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]] are fitted to the right. The 4 tons of missiles are protected by the addition of [[CASE II]]. With the addition of 11 [[Double Heat Sink]]s, a [[Targeting Computer]] is added precision to both OmniPod and fixed energy weapons found through the 'Mech.<br />
<br />
==Alternate Configurations==<br />
*;ARS-V1A : A configuration, codenamed ''Hera'', is noted for its right arm mounted [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] with 6 tons of ammunition in the neighboring side-torso. Three additional Clan ER Medium Lasers are mounted in the left arm. The right arm is fitted with a [[CASE II]] to prevent a weapon explosion from taking out the entire machine. Seven additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted as well. BV (2.0)= 3,320<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 398: ''Ares'' - A/Hera Configuration</ref> <br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1B : B configuration is named ''Hades'', and is a heavy missile configuration. Designed to engage in intermediate combat ranges, the ''Hades'' has a pair of [[Apollo FCS]] guided [[MRM-20|20-tubed Medium Range Missile Launchers]], one in each arm. In addition to its missiles, the ''Hades'' also has a Clan grade [[UAC/10|Ultra Class 10 Autocannon]] in left arm and a [[TSEMP]] in the right. Its ammunition is stored in the arms where their parent weapons are located, each having [[CASE II]] for additional protection. Two additional [[Double Heat Sinks]] are present to help cope with weapons heat. BV (2.0)= 3,204<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 399: ''Ares'' - B/Hades Configuration</ref><br />
<br />
*; ARS-V1C : The C configuration is known as ''Aphrodite''. It is configured to serve as a command unit for a C3 Network. Its most noted feature is its two [[C3 master computer]]s and its [[Angel ECM]]. Its weaponry includes 3 Clan [[Streak LRM-5|5-tubed Streak LRM Launchers]] and a Clan [[Rotary AC/5|Class 5 Rotary Autocannon]]. The 2 tons of LRM and 2 tons of Autocannon ammunition with its parent weapons and they are protected by CASE II. Five additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted to this configuration. BV (2.0)= 3,276<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 400: ''Ares'' - C/Aphrodite Configuration.</ref><br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1D : The D or ''Hephaestus'' configuration is a generalist which can act as part of a C3 network. With its C3 Slave unit, the ''Hephaestus'' can bring its laser-based arsenal to bear on an opponent with the aid of a network mate. The ''Hephaestus'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Large Lasers]] in the left arm, while the right has a pair of Clan [[Large Pulse Lasers]] and single [[Light PPC]]. With its high burden, the ''Hephaestus'' is given additional of 13 Double Heat Sinks and an advanced [[Radical Heat Sink System]]. BV (2.0)= 3,337<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 401: ''Ares'' - D/Hephaestus Configuration</ref><br />
<br />
*;Cronus: This was a failed prototype configuration, which was plagued with all manner of problems, from software to mechanical issues. The configuration was so burdening on the baseline chassis that it would require complete overhaul (essentially a total rebuild) after each use. The Republic decision makers soon deemed it too expensive of a weapons layout to utilize and development was abandoned.<ref name=tro3145rotsp47>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 47: ''Cronus''</ref><br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1E: The E or ''Apollo'' Configuration created by the Dawn Guards. Designed to engage their enemies from large range, it had an [[Imperator Titan's Wrath]] Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle, a [[Type SF5]] Rotary-5 Autocannon, two [[Hyperion Lance]] Extended-Range Medium Lasers, 3 [[Hyperion Ray]] Extended-Range Small lasers, 2 [[LongFire Light]] LRM 5 Launchers, 3 [[Harvester 2K]] SRM 2 Launchers, and 6 [[Titan's Tread]] A-Pods. BV (2.0)= 2,986 <ref>''Dominions Divided'', pp. 152–153</ref><br />
<br />
==Design Quirks==<br />
The ''Ares'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<br />
*[[Command BattleMech]]<br />
*[[Distracting]]<br />
*[[Searchlight (Design Quirk)|Searchlight]]<br />
<br />
==Notable Pilots==<br />
* [[Captain]] [[Jack Traver]] was a Republic MechWarrior, later Clan Wolf ''bondsmen'' and finally [[Mercenary]]. He fought through all Terra's campaign on an ''Ares''.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The ''Ares'' was originally conceived by [[WizKids]]' [[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures]] game as a part of its ''BattleForce'' expansion set. At the time, it was not clear if the ''Ares'' was in fact an OmniMech. So each variant which appeared was known as the ''Ares'' '<variant name>' when it was introduced to WizKids' game. The figures would be used as a unique BattleMechs in the CMG. The 'Mech would be later adapted by [[Catalyst Game Labs]] and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to [[3145]].<br />
<br />
* The ''Ares'' and its variants were originally described on the WizKids website, which is no longer available.<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|ARS-V1 ''Ares'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere|TRO:3145 RotS]]''<br />
Rhodes Project logo.png|[[Rhodes Project]] logo<br />
Ares-Zeus-Config.png|ARS-V1 ''Zeus'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hera-Config.png|ARS-V1A ''Hera'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hades-Config.png|ARS-V1B ''Hades'' configuration<br />
Ares-Aphrodite-Config.png|ARS-V1C ''Aphrodite'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hephaestus-Config.png|ARS-V1D ''Hephaestus'' configuration<br />
Ares Apollo DD.jpg|A ''Dawn Guards'' ''Apollo'' in combat<br />
Wizkids MWDA - Ares video Snap Shot (Atlas III with Ares).png|A snapshot from the 2006 WizKids teaser video featuring the ''Ares'' and ''[[Atlas III]]''<br />
ARS-V1B Hades ER3145.jpg|An ARS-V1B "Hades" being escorted by an ''[[Atlas III]]'' (homage to WizKids' video)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''<br />
* ''[[Dominions Divided]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Empire Alone]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[IlClan (sourcebook)|IlClan]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''<br />
* ''[[Picking the Bones]] in [[Shrapnel Issue 15]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''<br />
* ''[[Redemption Rites]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Rock of the Republic]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:'Mechs]]<br />
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere BattleMechs]]<br />
[[Category:Tripod]]</div>Fredericmorahttps://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Ares_(OmniMech)&diff=1060549Ares (OmniMech)2024-03-15T18:47:09Z<p>Fredericmora: /* Bibliography */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{otheruses|the 135-ton OmniMech|other uses|Ares}}<br />
{{InfoBoxBattleMech|<br />
|image= Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg<br />
|name= ''Ares''<br />
|manufacturer= [[Rhodes Foundry]]<ref name=trotr3145p40>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', pp. 46–48: "Ares"</ref><br />
|production year=3136<br />
|year reference= <ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6685/ares-ars-v1-zeus MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']</ref><br />
|model= ARS-V1<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|Tech Base= Mixed<br />
|mech type= OmniMech<br />
|feet= 3<br />
|mass= 135<br />
|chassis= [[Rhodes-M Endo-Composite]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|armor= [[Maximillian 320]] w/ [[CASE II]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|engine= [[PlasmaStar 270]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|comsys= [[Titan's Shout Mk. IVA]]<br />
|T&T= [[Titan's Vantage Mk. II]]<br />
|heat sinks= 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]<br />
|speed= 32<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|armament=<br />
*2x [[ER PPC|Clan ER PPC]]<br />
*3x [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]]<br />
Fixed (All Configurations):<br />
*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*3x [[ER Small Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*2x [[LRM 5]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*3x [[SRM 2]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
*6x [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/><br />
|BV (2.0) = 3,653<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 397</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 48: ''Ares'' - BV2</ref> <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
The '''''Ares''''' is a Superheavy Class Tripod [[OmniMech]], which was first produced by the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Produced in secret as part of the Republic's [[Rhodes Project]], the ''Ares'' was based on development of the ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' Superheavy Tripod. The 'Mech was conceived as an OmniMech, to allow it to be easier for its maintenance crew to service it and allow it to transport [[battle armor]] support elements. The ''Ares'' was so large that it had a crew of three: a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] as pilot, a gunner, and a technician to repair it and keep it operational.{{cn}}<br />
<br />
==Operational History==<br />
The 'Mech's development began as ''Poseidon'' prototypes finished their trial runs in [[3135]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 44: ''Poseidon'' - ''Poseidon'' was noted fighting Senate Alliance on Terra which occurred in 3135.</ref> The ''Ares' '' appearance is due, in part, to its development cycle, which took place at nearly the same time as that of the ''Poseidon''.<br />
<br />
The ''Ares' '' origins were virtually unknown during its initial deployment with the Republic's [[Stone's Brigades]] and units stationed at its factory world on [[Devil's Rock]]. During the 3140s, the ''Ares'' had been deployed to various worlds neighboring the Republic's in covert raids and recon missions as part of the nation's efforts to keep potential invaders off guard. Production of the 'Mech and its sister design, the ''Poseidon'', continued on Devil's Rock at Rhodes Foundry. By 3145, the location of the factory had become a frontline world in danger of falling to a potential [[Clan Wolf]] invasion. Additional production was planned for [[Terra|Mars]], with the facilities on Devil's Rock set to be razed should invasion forces arrive on world.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 46: ''Ares'' Background.</ref><br />
<br />
A single ''Ares'' of uncertain configuration saw deployment in [[3146]] as part of [[Julian Davion]]'s Dawn Guards. Upon gifting Julian the 'Mech, [[Devlin Stone]] warned him that keeping the machine in fighting trim was "a nightmare."<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 7: "Bring the Dawn"</ref> Several ''Ares'' 'Mechs were deployed to [[Callison]] in [[3149]].<ref>''Rock of the Republic'', p. 87</ref><br />
<br />
The Republic made extensive use of the ''Ares'' during the [[Battle of Terra (3151)|Battle of Terra]], especially in ''Operation Four Horsemen'', against Clan Wolf. They proved to be a serious threat, stopping and even managing to make the Clanners retreat, but after the Wolves adjusted their tactics to them, all fell, one after another.<ref>''BattleTech IlClan: Sorcebook'', pp. 41–42</ref><br />
<br />
During Terra's conquest, the Wolves salvaged an unknown number of ''Areses'', managing to rebuild and repair some, using them in their [[IlClan Trial]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]; most of them, ironically, were crewed by former bondsmen of the RAF.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', pp. 232–233</ref> After the Trial, [[Wolf's Dragoons]] salvaged a number of ''Areses'' from the battlefield, disassembling some to study and replicate them. The new Dragoons leader, Colonel [[Henry Kincaid]], gave six functional units, along with intel about them, to the [[Free Worlds League]] [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik]], though they still retained some for themselves.<ref>''Redemption Rites'', p. 310</ref><br />
<br />
That same year, the League's [[First Free Worlds Guards]] fielded a full company of ''Areses'' when deployed on [[Marik]], twice as many as the Dragoons gave Nikol. Some were newly manufactured, which made the League the first Inner Sphere state to build them since the fall of the Republic.<ref>''Empire Alone'', p. 47</ref><br />
<br />
On the opposite side of the Inner Sphere, [[Julian Davion]] also fielded at least a full lance of ''Ares'', gifted by Stone, and used them with great success during [[Operation DAWN]]. The [[Dawn Guards]] which fielded them, even created their own hard-hitting configuration: the ''Apollo''.<ref>''Dominions Divided'', p. 152</ref><br />
<br />
The ''Ares'' was so advanced than, in 3151, on the planet [[Yorii]], a three sides battle was fought between a group of ''Fides'' survivors from the Republic, a attack force from the [[Capellan Confederation]] and a [[mercenary]] unit working apparently for [[Clan Sea Fox]] only to capture an Ares and replicate it.<ref>''Picking the Bones''</ref><br />
<br />
==Weapons and Equipment==<br />
Designed as a Tripod, the 'Mech's unique method of movement gives the ''Ares'' the ability to handle turns without having to slow its pace. This is a benefit to the design due to its slow speed. Its lower rated engine and Endo-Composite construction allows the 'Mech to carry 41 tons of [[OmniPod]] encased weapons and equipment. The 'Mech is protected by 28.5 tons of Maximillian 320 [[standard armor]], giving it hefty protection against enemy fire. Like all Superheavy Tripods, the ''Ares'' has a 3-man cockpit, which allows the 'Mech to perform better in combat than a normal single MechWarrior. This allows it to be able to target multiple enemies without penalty, a pilot focused on navigating the machine, and gaining a tactical advantage to allow it to serve as a command vehicle in battle.<br />
<br />
Each ''Ares'' carries a fixed array of weapons: on each leg a pair of [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s. On the 'Mech's torso each version of the ''Ares'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Medium Laser]]s, three Clan [[ER Small Lasers]], three [[SRM 2]] launchers, and a pair of [[LRM 5]] launchers, giving the ''Ares'' series of 'Mechs a well-rounded base platform to start with.<ref name=trotr3145p40/><ref>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 253</ref><br />
<br />
Each of the versions of the ''Ares'' carries a named weapons load for each Omni Configuration. Republican pilots of the ''Ares'' had undertaken the practice of naming the <i>Ares'</i> configuration, which helped confuse enemies encountering them. <br />
<br />
Its Primary Configuration, named "Zeus," is a generalist combatant. Along with its fixed-weapon systems, the "Zeus" has a pair of Clan tech [[ER PPC]]s in the left arm, while 3 additional [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]] are fitted to the right. The 4 tons of missiles are protected by the addition of [[CASE II]]. With the addition of 11 [[Double Heat Sink]]s, a [[Targeting Computer]] is added precision to both OmniPod and fixed energy weapons found through the 'Mech.<br />
<br />
==Alternate Configurations==<br />
*;ARS-V1A : A configuration, codenamed ''Hera'', is noted for its right arm mounted [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] with 6 tons of ammunition in the neighboring side-torso. Three additional Clan ER Medium Lasers are mounted in the left arm. The right arm is fitted with a [[CASE II]] to prevent a weapon explosion from taking out the entire machine. Seven additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted as well. BV (2.0)= 3,320<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 398: ''Ares'' - A/Hera Configuration</ref> <br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1B : B configuration is named ''Hades'', and is a heavy missile configuration. Designed to engage in intermediate combat ranges, the ''Hades'' has a pair of [[Apollo FCS]] guided [[MRM-20|20-tubed Medium Range Missile Launchers]], one in each arm. In addition to its missiles, the ''Hades'' also has a Clan grade [[UAC/10|Ultra Class 10 Autocannon]] in left arm and a [[TSEMP]] in the right. Its ammunition is stored in the arms where their parent weapons are located, each having [[CASE II]] for additional protection. Two additional [[Double Heat Sinks]] are present to help cope with weapons heat. BV (2.0)= 3,204<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 399: ''Ares'' - B/Hades Configuration</ref><br />
<br />
*; ARS-V1C : The C configuration is known as ''Aphrodite''. It is configured to serve as a command unit for a C3 Network. Its most noted feature is its two [[C3 master computer]]s and its [[Angel ECM]]. Its weaponry includes 3 Clan [[Streak LRM-5|5-tubed Streak LRM Launchers]] and a Clan [[Rotary AC/5|Class 5 Rotary Autocannon]]. The 2 tons of LRM and 2 tons of Autocannon ammunition with its parent weapons and they are protected by CASE II. Five additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted to this configuration. BV (2.0)= 3,276<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 400: ''Ares'' - C/Aphrodite Configuration.</ref><br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1D : The D or ''Hephaestus'' configuration is a generalist which can act as part of a C3 network. With its C3 Slave unit, the ''Hephaestus'' can bring its laser-based arsenal to bear on an opponent with the aid of a network mate. The ''Hephaestus'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Large Lasers]] in the left arm, while the right has a pair of Clan [[Large Pulse Lasers]] and single [[Light PPC]]. With its high burden, the ''Hephaestus'' is given additional of 13 Double Heat Sinks and an advanced [[Radical Heat Sink System]]. BV (2.0)= 3,337<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 401: ''Ares'' - D/Hephaestus Configuration</ref><br />
<br />
*;Cronus: This was a failed prototype configuration, which was plagued with all manner of problems, from software to mechanical issues. The configuration was so burdening on the baseline chassis that it would require complete overhaul (essentially a total rebuild) after each use. The Republic decision makers soon deemed it too expensive of a weapons layout to utilize and development was abandoned.<ref name=tro3145rotsp47>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 47: ''Cronus''</ref><br />
<br />
*;ARS-V1E: The E or ''Apollo'' Configuration created by the Dawn Guards. Designed to engage their enemies from large range, it had an [[Imperator Titan's Wrath]] Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle, a [[Type SF5]] Rotary-5 Autocannon, two [[Hyperion Lance]] Extended-Range Medium Lasers, 3 [[Hyperion Ray]] Extended-Range Small lasers, 2 [[LongFire Light]] LRM 5 Launchers, 3 [[Harvester 2K]] SRM 2 Launchers, and 6 [[Titan's Tread]] A-Pods. BV (2.0)= 2,986 <ref>''Dominions Divided'', pp. 152–153</ref><br />
<br />
==Design Quirks==<br />
The ''Ares'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<br />
*[[Command BattleMech]]<br />
*[[Distracting]]<br />
*[[Searchlight (Design Quirk)|Searchlight]]<br />
<br />
==Notable Pilots==<br />
* [[Captain]] [[Jack Traver]] was a Republic MechWarrior, later Clan Wolf ''bondsmen'' and finally [[Mercenary]]. He fought through all Terra's campaign on an ''Ares''.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', p. 45</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The ''Ares'' was originally conceived by [[WizKids]]' [[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures]] game as a part of its ''BattleForce'' expansion set. At the time, it was not clear if the ''Ares'' was in fact an OmniMech. So each variant which appeared was known as the ''Ares'' '<variant name>' when it was introduced to WizKids' game. The figures would be used as a unique BattleMechs in the CMG. The 'Mech would be later adapted by [[Catalyst Game Labs]] and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to [[3145]].<br />
<br />
* The ''Ares'' and its variants were originally described on the WizKids website, which is no longer available.<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|ARS-V1 ''Ares'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere|TRO:3145 RotS]]''<br />
Rhodes Project logo.png|[[Rhodes Project]] logo<br />
Ares-Zeus-Config.png|ARS-V1 ''Zeus'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hera-Config.png|ARS-V1A ''Hera'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hades-Config.png|ARS-V1B ''Hades'' configuration<br />
Ares-Aphrodite-Config.png|ARS-V1C ''Aphrodite'' configuration<br />
Ares-Hephaestus-Config.png|ARS-V1D ''Hephaestus'' configuration<br />
Ares Apollo DD.jpg|A ''Dawn Guards'' ''Apollo'' in combat<br />
Wizkids MWDA - Ares video Snap Shot (Atlas III with Ares).png|A snapshot from the 2006 WizKids teaser video featuring the ''Ares'' and ''[[Atlas III]]''<br />
ARS-V1B Hades ER3145.jpg|An ARS-V1B "Hades" being escorted by an ''[[Atlas III]]'' (homage to WizKids' video)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}<br />
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''<br />
* ''[[Dominions Divided]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Empire Alone]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[IlClan (sourcebook)|IlClan]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''<br />
* ''[[Picking the Bones]] in [[Shrapnel Issue 15]]'' (short story)<br />
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''<br />
* ''[[Redemption Rites]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Rock of the Republic]]'' (novela)<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145]]'' (sourcebook)<br />
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere]]''<br />
{{div col end}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:'Mechs]]<br />
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere BattleMechs]]<br />
[[Category:Tripod]]</div>Fredericmora