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Line 1: {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand − | image = [[File:Crater Cobras logo.png|191px|Insignia of the Crater Cobras]] + | image = [[File:Crater Cobras.jpg|150px]] | Designation = Crater Cobras | Designation = Crater Cobras | formed = | formed = Line 7:
Line 7: | Nickname = Fangs of Fate | Nickname = Fangs of Fate | Affiliation = Mercenary | Affiliation = Mercenary − | Parent Command = Independent + | Parent Command = N/A | Sub-Command = | Sub-Command = }} }} ==History== ==History== ===First Succession War=== ===First Succession War=== − Formed during the [[First Succession War]] from the remnants of several [[SLDF]] regular army units as Baldwin's Cobras Heavy [[Brigade]], the unit found their reliance on [[artillery]] frequently earned them the nickname "Crater Makers;" Alexander Baldwin responded by naming the [[Brigade]] the Crater Cobras.<ref name="FM:Mrp52">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 52</ref><ref name="MSp29">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 29</ref> + Formed during the [[First Succession War]] from the remnants of several [[SLDF]] regular army units as Baldwin's Cobras Heavy [[Brigade]], the unit found their reliance on [[artillery]] frequently earned them the nickname "Crater Makers"; Alexander Baldwin responded by naming the [[Brigade]] the Crater Cobras.<ref name="FM:Mrp52">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 52</ref><ref name="MSp29">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 29</ref> ===Second Succession War=== ===Second Succession War=== − The [[Second Succession War]] took a heavy toll on the [[Brigade]], which barely survived with the '''789th Striker Regiment''' and the '''Black Cobra Regiment''' intact. The weakened command was hired by the [[Federated Suns]] in the wake of the Second Succession War, and found itself stationed on [[Deneb Kaitos]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Not only did the Cobras refuse employment from the [[Draconis Combine]], whose [[House Kurita|ruling House]] the command blamed for the collapse of the [[Star League]], but their contract to the Federated Suns saw them engaged in numerous conflicts with Kuritan units.<ref name="FM:Mrp52"/> One [[DCMS]] unit, the [[Thirtieth Dieron Regulars]], initiated a blood feud with the Cobras, which eventually led to the complete destruction of the Thirtieth.<ref name="MSp29"/> + The [[Second Succession War]] took a heavy toll on the [[Brigade]], which barely survived with the '''789th Striker Regiment''' and the '''Black Cobra Regiment''' intact. The weakened command was hired by the [[Federated Suns]] in the wake of the Second Succession War, and found itself stationed on [[Deneb Kaitos]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Not only did the Cobras refuse employment from the [[Draconis Combine]], whose [[House Kurita|ruling House]] the command blamed for the collapse of the [[Star League]], but their contract to the Federated Suns saw them engaged in numerous conflicts with Kuritan units.<ref name="FM:Mrp52"/> One [[DCMS]] unit, the [[30th Dieron Regulars]], initiated a blood feud with the Cobras, which eventually led to the complete destruction of the 30th.<ref name="MSp29"/> ===Third Succession War=== ===Third Succession War=== − In [[3025]], the Crater Cobras were working for the Federated Suns and were based on Deneb Kaitos in the [[Draconis March]].<ref name="HD:TFSp136">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136</ref> A combined-arms unit at this point, the Cobra [[BattleMech|'Mechs]] were a mixture of medium and assault weight 'Mechs, supported by medium weight [[aerospace fighter|fighters]], [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="HD:TFSp151">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 151</ref> + In [[3025]], the Crater Cobras were working for the Federated Suns, and were based on Deneb Kaitos in the [[Draconis March]].<ref name="HD:TFSp136">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136</ref> A combined-arms unit at this point, the Cobra [[BattleMech|'Mechs]] were a mixture of medium and assault weight 'Mechs, supported by medium weight [[aerospace fighter|fighters]], [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="HD:TFSp151">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 151</ref> ===Fourth Succession War=== ===Fourth Succession War=== − The [[Fourth Succession War]] found the Crater Cobras redeployed during [[Operation RAT]] from Deneb Kaitos to [[Nopah]] alongside the [[Blue Star Irregulars]], [[Redfield Renegades]], [[Fourth Davion Guards]] [[RCT]], [[Thirty-third Avalon Hussars]] RCT and [[Fourth Deneb Light Cavalry]] RCT. The Crater Cobras remained on Nopah during the first four waves of Operation RAT,<ref name="NMAv1p12">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 12–13</ref> but were soon deployed after the mid-war lull. + The [[Fourth Succession War]] found the Crater Cobras redeployed during [[Operation Rat|Operation RAT]] from Deneb Kaitos to [[Nopah]] alongside the [[Blue Star Irregulars]], [[Redfield Renegades]], [[4th Davion Guards]] [[RCT]], [[33rd Avalon Hussars]] RCT and [[4th Deneb Light Cavalry]] RCT. The Crater Cobras remained on Nopah during the first four waves of Operation RAT,<ref name="NMAv1p12">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 12–13</ref> but were soon deployed after the mid-war lull. − In early [[3029]], the Crater Cobras, the [[Screaming Eagles]] Second [[Regiment]], [[Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers]] RCT and fifteen assorted conventional regiments were assigned to the invasion of [[Sarna]]. The capital of the former [[Sarna Supremacy]], and perhaps the most important target of the second half of the war for the Federated Suns, Sarna maintained a political and symbolic importance within the [[Sarna Commonality]], and was far from the front lines established during the fourth wave of Operation RAT.<ref name="NMAv2p44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 44–45</ref> + In early [[3029]], the Crater Cobras, the 2nd [[regiment]] of the [[Screaming Eagles]], [[5th Syrtis Fusiliers]] RCT and 15 assorted conventional regiments were assigned to the invasion of [[Sarna]]. The capital of the former [[Sarna Supremacy]], and perhaps the most important target of the second half of the war for the Federated Suns, Sarna maintained a political and symbolic importance within the [[Sarna Commonality]], and was far from the front lines established during the fourth wave of Operation RAT.<ref name="NMAv2p44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 44–45</ref> − Unfortunately, the attack on Sarna didn't go as planned; if it wasn't for the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers deliberately approaching Sarna faster than dictated within the original plan and triggering the [[Capellan]] ambush, all of the Federated Suns units dispatched to attack Sarna might well have been lost. As it was, the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers were almost completely wiped out, but their actions – and their fate – alerted the [[Screaming Eagles]] and Crater Cobras to the presence of all five regiments of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] on Sarna.<ref name="NMAv2p48">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 48</ref> + Unfortunately, the attack on Sarna didn't go as planned; if it wasn't for the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers deliberately approaching Sarna faster than dictated within the original plan and triggering the [[Capellan]] ambush, all of the Federated Suns units dispatched to attack Sarna might well have been lost. As it was, the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers were almost completely wiped out, but their actions – and their fate – alerted the [[Screaming Eagles]] and Crater Cobras to the presence of all 5 [[regiment|regiments]] of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] on Sarna.<ref name="NMAv2p48">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 48</ref> − Because their contracts for this particular mission were explicit, the two mercenary units could not back out of this. Rather than abandon the attack and face censure, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles decided to go ahead with the attack on Sarna, but altered the attack plan to drop several hundred miles away from the original drop zone, in a position that would allow them and the remaining attached conventional regiments to prepare defenses and hold out for reinforcements. The situation was compounded because the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers had sent messages to their supporting [[JumpShip]] fleet indicating that the attack was going to plan, which led to them jumping out of the system, leaving the mercenaries stranded.<ref name="NMAv2p49">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 49</ref> + Because their contracts for this particular mission were explicit, the two mercenary units could not back out of this. Rather than abandon the attack and face censure, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles decided to go ahead with the attack on Sarna, but altered the attack plan to drop several hundred miles away from the original drop zone, in a position that would allow them and the remaining attached conventional regiments to prepare defenses and hold out for reinforcements. The situation was compounded because the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers had sent messages to their supporting [[JumpShip]] fleet indicating that the attack was going to plan, which led to them jumping out of the system, leaving the mercenaries stranded.<ref name="NMAv2p49">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 49</ref> − The combined mercenary and [[AFFS]] forces manage to hold out for several months, inflicting more casualties on McCarron's Armored Cavalry than they received. Neither side at first was sure exactly what they were up against and neither side could send a message off planet because of a ComStar communications interdiction. After many months, the MAC began to escalate their attacks as they finally were able to get a picture of what they were up against. The Screaming Eagle and Crater Cobras began to consolidate their strength, but had their defenses breached and were on the verge of being overwhelmed when relief forces arrived in the form of the Assault and Light Brigades of the elite Davion Guards. The relief forces didn't realize that they ''were'' relief forces until frantic messages from the Cobras and the [[Screaming Eagles|Eagles]] reached them mid-deployment, but their arrival managed to save the mercenary units.<ref name="NMAv2p51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 51</ref> + The combined mercenary and [[AFFS]] forces manage to hold out for several months, inflicting more casualties on McCarron's Armored Cavalry than they received. Neither side at first was sure exactly what they were up against and neither side could send a message off planet because of a ComStar communications interdiction. After many months, the MAC began to escalate their attacks as they finally were able to get a picture of what they were up against. The Screaming Eagle and Crater Cobras began to consolidate their strength, but had their defenses breached and were on the verge of being overwhelmed when relief forces arrived in the form of the Assault and Light Brigades of the elite Davion Guards. The relief forces didn't realize that they ''were'' relief forces until frantic messages from the Cobras and the [[Screaming Eagles|Eagles]] reached them mid-deployment, but their arrival managed to save the mercenary units.<ref name="NMAv2p51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 51</ref> − Realizing that they had lost Sarna, Colonel [[Archibald McCarron]] made the hard choice to abandon the planet. With the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles advancing to pincer the MAC forces as they attempted to load up as much as they could before fleeing, Colonel [[Marcus Barton]] led his Second Regiment in a counterattack against the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles. This surprised the Davion mercenaries, as they outnumber Barton's force 2-to-1, but with Davion High Command wanting Barton killed for all the damage Barton had done to the Federated Suns over the years, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles met Barton head-on. The resulting battle lasted several hours and was one of the most brutal of the Fourth Succession War. By the time it was over, Barton had lost over half his force, but he managed to knock out 2/3 of the Crater Cobras and 3/4 of the Screaming Eagles. This battle gave the McCarron's Armored Cavalry the time they needed to finish loading their DropShips and escape, with the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles able to claim they had driven off the MAC.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 10</ref> + Realizing that they had lost Sarna, Colonel [[Archibald McCarron]] made the hard choice to abandon the planet. With the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles advancing to pincer the MAC forces as they attempted to load up as much as they could before fleeing, Colonel [[Marcus Barton]] led his 2nd Regiment in a counterattack against the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles. This surprised the Davion mercenaries, as they outnumber Barton's force 2-to-1, but with Davion High Command wanting Barton killed for all the damage Barton had done to the Federated Suns over the years, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles met Barton head-on. The resulting battle lasted several hours and was one of the most brutal of the Fourth Succession War. By the time it was over, Barton had lost over half his force, but he managed to knock out 2/3 of the Crater Cobras and 3/4 of the Screaming Eagles. This battle gave the McCarron's Armored Cavalry the time they needed to finish loading their DropShips and escape, with the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles able to claim they had driven off the MAC.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 10</ref> ===Clan Invasion=== ===Clan Invasion=== − On the eve of the [[Clan invasion]], the Crater Cobras were deployed on two worlds in the [[Free Worlds League]]; the 789th Striker were on [[Megrez]], whilst the Black Cobras were on Cascade.<ref name="20Yup57">''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> The Crater Cobras were still in place in [[3054]], although by this point [[Colonel]] Richard Burr had taken over from Colonel [[Thomas Rabelais]] as the commanding officer of the Black Cobra regiment.<ref name="ORp39">''Objective Raids'', p. 39</ref> + On the eve of the [[Clan invasion]], the Crater Cobras were deployed on two worlds in the [[Free Worlds League]]; the 789th Striker were on [[Megrez]], whilst the Black Cobras were on Cascade.<ref name="20Yup57">''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> The Crater Cobras were still in place in [[3054]], although by this point [[Colonel]] Richard Burr had taken over from Colonel Thomas Rabelais as the commanding officer of the Black Cobra regiment.<ref name="ORp39">''Objective Raids'', p. 39</ref> Following the damage inflicted on the Crater Cobras in the Fourth Succession War the unit took up service with the Free Worlds League. This was the beginning of a two-decade-long period of service that would only end after [[Operation Guerrero|Operation GUERRERO]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Following the damage inflicted on the Crater Cobras in the Fourth Succession War the unit took up service with the Free Worlds League. This was the beginning of a two-decade-long period of service that would only end after [[Operation Guerrero|Operation GUERRERO]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Line 54:
Line 54: Surviving the Jihad and remaining in the employ of the Combine, despite House Kurita's renewed anti-mercenary view, as of [[3079]] the Cobras were stationed on [[Alnasi]] alongside the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]].<ref name=FDDCMS-20>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 20: "Irregular Forces - Mercenaries"</ref> Surviving the Jihad and remaining in the employ of the Combine, despite House Kurita's renewed anti-mercenary view, as of [[3079]] the Cobras were stationed on [[Alnasi]] alongside the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]].<ref name=FDDCMS-20>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 20: "Irregular Forces - Mercenaries"</ref> − The unit was stationed on [[Yamarovka]] in [[3147]] when the planet was raided by the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Rasalhague Dominion)|Eighth Bear Cuirassiers]].<ref name="TRO:3150p132">''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 132: "PXH-11K Phoenix Hawk L"</ref> + The unit was stationed in [[Yamarovka]] in [[3147]] when the planet was raided by the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Rasalhague Dominion)|Eighth Bear Cuirassiers]].<ref name="TRO:3150p132">''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 132: "PXH-11K Phoenix Hawk L"</ref> At some point following the ''[[Rime Otter|Rime Otter's]]'' debut in [[3146]], the Crater Cobras raided [[Soverzene]] and engaged the [[6th Bear Regulars (Rasalhague Dominion)|Sixth Bear Regulars]] there. Despite taking heavy damage the Sixth's sole ''Rime Otter'' continued fighting day after day, frustrating the Cobras no end.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19'', p. 4</ref> At some point following the ''[[Rime Otter|Rime Otter's]]'' debut in [[3146]], the Crater Cobras raided [[Soverzene]] and engaged the [[6th Bear Regulars (Rasalhague Dominion)|Sixth Bear Regulars]] there. Despite taking heavy damage the Sixth's sole ''Rime Otter'' continued fighting day after day, frustrating the Cobras no end.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19'', p. 4</ref> − − ===IlClan Era=== − The dawn of the [[IlClan Era]] found the Cobras garrisoning the planet [[Yamarovka]], having barely a half regiment. On June [[3152]], they faced a [[Rasalhague Dominion]] invasion of the [[3rd Freemen (Rasalhague Dominion)|Third]] and [[4th Freemen (Rasalhague Dominion)|Fourth Freemen]] Clusters. Both units attacked the planet, where after a series of set-piece battles, the outnumbered Cobras were forced off-planet. The Cobras suffered losses, and the survivors retreated to [[Avon]], though the invasion initially stopped before reaching that planet.<ref>''Dominions Divided'', p. 87</ref> ==Officers== ==Officers== Line 76:
Line 73: | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Crater Cobras''' | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Crater Cobras''' |- |- − | [[Colonel]]||[[Richard Westrick]]||[[3025]]<ref name="HD:TFSp136"/> + | [[Colonel]]||[[Richard Westrick]]||[[3025]]<ref name=HD:TFSp136a>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136 (PDF version): "Addicks PDZ"</ref> |- |- | Colonel||[[Shelly Trudeau]]||[[3067]]<ref name="MSp29"/> | Colonel||[[Shelly Trudeau]]||[[3067]]<ref name="MSp29"/> |- |- − | Colonel||[[Emil Barclay]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160</ref> + | Colonel||[[Emil Barclay]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref> |- |- | Colonel||[[Alma Smith]]||[[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p182"/> | Colonel||[[Alma Smith]]||[[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p182"/> Line 106:
Line 103: ==Mercenary Rating== ==Mercenary Rating== ===3059=== ===3059=== − '''Dragoon Rating: A-'''<ref name=FM:M106>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> + '''Dragoon Rating: A-'''<ref name="FM:Mp106">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> ===3067=== ===3067=== Line 122:
Line 119: '''Baldwin's Cobras''' (3 regiments) '''Baldwin's Cobras''' (3 regiments) :'''79th Striker''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138">''First Succession War'', p. 138</ref> 42% :'''79th Striker''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138">''First Succession War'', p. 138</ref> 42% − :: In 2821, the command was reduced to 42 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Mosiro]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> + :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 42 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Mosiro]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> :'''Alexander's Asps''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> :'''Alexander's Asps''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> − :: In 2821, the command was reduced to 44 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Kalmar (FWL)|Kalmar]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> + :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 44 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Kalmar]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> :'''Black Cobra''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> :'''Black Cobra''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> − :: In 2821, the command was reduced to 43 percent of its strength and was deployed on Kalmar.<ref name="FSWp-138"/> + :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 43 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Kalmar]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> ===3025=== ===3025=== Line 140:
Line 137: '''The Crater Cobras''' (2 Regiments)<ref name="20Yup57"/> '''The Crater Cobras''' (2 Regiments)<ref name="20Yup57"/> − '''789th Striker ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> + '''789th Striker ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57: "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"</ref> − :* CO: Colonel [[Stephen Prynne]]<ref name=20YU57/> + :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne<ref name=20YU57/> : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Megrez.<ref name=20YU57/> : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Megrez.<ref name=20YU57/> '''Black Cobras ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> '''Black Cobras ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> Line 155:
Line 152: ===3059=== ===3059=== − '''Crater Cobras (789th Striker Regiment)''' (1 Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FM:M106/> + '''Crater Cobras (789th Striker Regiment)''' (1 Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMMercsp106/> − :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne<ref name=FM:M106/> + :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne)<ref name=FMMercsp106/> − : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Albiero]].<ref name=FM:M106/> + : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Albiero]].<ref name=FMMercsp106>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> ===3067=== ===3067=== Line 189:
Line 186: ==Color Scheme== ==Color Scheme== − The Cobras paint their 'Mechs' lower torso and legs a forest green camouflage pattern and upper torso, arms and head in a muted robin's-egg blue.<ref name="MSp29"/> + The Cobras paint their 'Mechs' lower torso and legs a forest green camouflage pattern and upper torso, arms and head in a muted robin egg blue.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 29</ref> + + ==Rules== + <div class="gamerules"> − ==Notes== + ===3067 to 3072=== − * Although they were in [[Free Worlds League]] service after the [[Fourth Succession War]], they do not appear in the unit breakdown in either ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]'' or ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''. + * When randomly generating force composition, the Crater Cobra player may roll 1 [[BattleMech]] using the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bear]] column of the Random 'Mech Assignment Table: Warden Clan Front Line (see p. 212, ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'') per company of total force fielded.<ref name="MSp74">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 74</ref> − * Special Rules can be found for the Crater Cobras on ''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 74.+ * The Crater Cobras receive a +2 Initiative bonus against the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bears]].<ref name="MSp74"/> + * The Crater Cobras receive a +1 Initiative bonus against any other [[Clan]] force.<ref name="MSp74"/> + * The Crater Cobras do not succumb to any form of intimidation by [[Clan]] or [[Inner Sphere]] forces.<ref name="MSp74"/> + * [[Clan]] units must accept any challenge for an Honor Duel at Level 2 rules of engagement when challenged by a Cobra unit.<ref name="MSp74"/> + * Cobra units receive an additional -1 to-hit modifier when attacking any building.<ref name="MSp74"/> + </div> ==References== ==References== <references /> <references /> + + ==Notes== + + Although they were in [[Free Worlds League]] service after the [[Fourth Succession War]], they do not appear in the unit breakdown in either ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]'' or ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''. ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' * ''[[Bred for War]]'' * ''[[Bred for War]]'' − * ''[[Dominions Divided]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]'' Line 219:
Line 226: * ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' * ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]'' − {{div col end}}+ [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Crater Cobras]] [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Crater Cobras]]
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | ||
| − | | image = [[File:Crater Cobras | + | | image = [[File:Crater Cobras.jpg|150px]] |
| Designation = Crater Cobras | | Designation = Crater Cobras | ||
| formed = | | formed = | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| Nickname = Fangs of Fate | | Nickname = Fangs of Fate | ||
| Affiliation = Mercenary | | Affiliation = Mercenary | ||
| − | | Parent Command = | + | | Parent Command = N/A |
| Sub-Command = | | Sub-Command = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===First Succession War=== | ===First Succession War=== | ||
| − | Formed during the [[First Succession War]] from the remnants of several [[SLDF]] regular army units as Baldwin's Cobras Heavy [[Brigade]], the unit found their reliance on [[artillery]] frequently earned them the nickname "Crater Makers; | + | Formed during the [[First Succession War]] from the remnants of several [[SLDF]] regular army units as Baldwin's Cobras Heavy [[Brigade]], the unit found their reliance on [[artillery]] frequently earned them the nickname "Crater Makers"; Alexander Baldwin responded by naming the [[Brigade]] the Crater Cobras.<ref name="FM:Mrp52">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 52</ref><ref name="MSp29">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 29</ref> |
===Second Succession War=== | ===Second Succession War=== | ||
| − | The [[Second Succession War]] took a heavy toll on the [[Brigade]], which barely survived with the '''789th Striker Regiment''' and the '''Black Cobra Regiment''' intact. The weakened command was hired by the [[Federated Suns]] in the wake of the Second Succession War, and found itself stationed on [[Deneb Kaitos]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Not only did the Cobras refuse employment from the [[Draconis Combine]], whose [[House Kurita|ruling House]] the command blamed for the collapse of the [[Star League]], but their contract to the Federated Suns saw them engaged in numerous conflicts with Kuritan units.<ref name="FM:Mrp52"/> One [[DCMS]] unit, the [[ | + | The [[Second Succession War]] took a heavy toll on the [[Brigade]], which barely survived with the '''789th Striker Regiment''' and the '''Black Cobra Regiment''' intact. The weakened command was hired by the [[Federated Suns]] in the wake of the Second Succession War, and found itself stationed on [[Deneb Kaitos]].<ref name="MSp29"/> Not only did the Cobras refuse employment from the [[Draconis Combine]], whose [[House Kurita|ruling House]] the command blamed for the collapse of the [[Star League]], but their contract to the Federated Suns saw them engaged in numerous conflicts with Kuritan units.<ref name="FM:Mrp52"/> One [[DCMS]] unit, the [[30th Dieron Regulars]], initiated a blood feud with the Cobras, which eventually led to the complete destruction of the 30th.<ref name="MSp29"/> |
===Third Succession War=== | ===Third Succession War=== | ||
| − | In [[3025]], the Crater Cobras were working for the Federated Suns and were based on Deneb Kaitos in the [[Draconis March]].<ref name="HD:TFSp136">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136</ref> A combined-arms unit at this point, the Cobra [[BattleMech|'Mechs]] were a mixture of medium and assault weight 'Mechs, supported by medium weight [[aerospace fighter|fighters]], [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="HD:TFSp151">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 151</ref> | + | In [[3025]], the Crater Cobras were working for the Federated Suns, and were based on Deneb Kaitos in the [[Draconis March]].<ref name="HD:TFSp136">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136</ref> A combined-arms unit at this point, the Cobra [[BattleMech|'Mechs]] were a mixture of medium and assault weight 'Mechs, supported by medium weight [[aerospace fighter|fighters]], [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="HD:TFSp151">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 151</ref> |
===Fourth Succession War=== | ===Fourth Succession War=== | ||
| − | The [[Fourth Succession War]] found the Crater Cobras redeployed during [[Operation RAT]] from Deneb Kaitos to [[Nopah]] alongside the [[Blue Star Irregulars]], [[Redfield Renegades]], [[ | + | The [[Fourth Succession War]] found the Crater Cobras redeployed during [[Operation Rat|Operation RAT]] from Deneb Kaitos to [[Nopah]] alongside the [[Blue Star Irregulars]], [[Redfield Renegades]], [[4th Davion Guards]] [[RCT]], [[33rd Avalon Hussars]] RCT and [[4th Deneb Light Cavalry]] RCT. The Crater Cobras remained on Nopah during the first four waves of Operation RAT,<ref name="NMAv1p12">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 12–13</ref> but were soon deployed after the mid-war lull. |
| − | In early [[3029]], the Crater Cobras, the [[ | + | In early [[3029]], the Crater Cobras, the 2nd [[regiment]] of the [[Screaming Eagles]], [[5th Syrtis Fusiliers]] RCT and 15 assorted conventional regiments were assigned to the invasion of [[Sarna]]. The capital of the former [[Sarna Supremacy]], and perhaps the most important target of the second half of the war for the Federated Suns, Sarna maintained a political and symbolic importance within the [[Sarna Commonality]], and was far from the front lines established during the fourth wave of Operation RAT.<ref name="NMAv2p44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 44–45</ref> |
| − | Unfortunately, the attack on Sarna didn't go as planned; if it wasn't for the | + | Unfortunately, the attack on Sarna didn't go as planned; if it wasn't for the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers deliberately approaching Sarna faster than dictated within the original plan and triggering the [[Capellan]] ambush, all of the Federated Suns units dispatched to attack Sarna might well have been lost. As it was, the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers were almost completely wiped out, but their actions – and their fate – alerted the [[Screaming Eagles]] and Crater Cobras to the presence of all 5 [[regiment|regiments]] of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] on Sarna.<ref name="NMAv2p48">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 48</ref> |
| − | Because their contracts for this particular mission were explicit, the two mercenary units could not back out of this. Rather than abandon the attack and face censure, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles decided to go ahead with the attack on Sarna, but altered the attack plan to drop several hundred miles away from the original drop zone, in a position that would allow them and the remaining attached conventional regiments to prepare defenses and hold out for reinforcements. The situation was compounded because the | + | Because their contracts for this particular mission were explicit, the two mercenary units could not back out of this. Rather than abandon the attack and face censure, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles decided to go ahead with the attack on Sarna, but altered the attack plan to drop several hundred miles away from the original drop zone, in a position that would allow them and the remaining attached conventional regiments to prepare defenses and hold out for reinforcements. The situation was compounded because the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers had sent messages to their supporting [[JumpShip]] fleet indicating that the attack was going to plan, which led to them jumping out of the system, leaving the mercenaries stranded.<ref name="NMAv2p49">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 49</ref> |
| − | The combined mercenary and [[AFFS]] forces manage to hold out for several months, inflicting more casualties on McCarron's Armored Cavalry than they received. Neither side at first was sure exactly what they were up against and neither side could send a message off planet because of a ComStar communications interdiction. After many months, the MAC began to escalate their attacks as they finally were able to get a picture of what they were up against. The Screaming Eagle and Crater Cobras began to consolidate their strength, but had their defenses breached and were on the verge of being overwhelmed when relief forces arrived in the form of the Assault and Light Brigades of the elite Davion Guards. The relief forces didn't realize that they ''were'' relief forces until frantic messages from the Cobras and the [[Screaming Eagles|Eagles]] reached them mid-deployment, but their arrival managed to save the mercenary units.<ref name="NMAv2p51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 51</ref> | + | The combined mercenary and [[AFFS]] forces manage to hold out for several months, inflicting more casualties on McCarron's Armored Cavalry than they received. Neither side at first was sure exactly what they were up against and neither side could send a message off planet because of a ComStar communications interdiction. After many months, the MAC began to escalate their attacks as they finally were able to get a picture of what they were up against. The Screaming Eagle and Crater Cobras began to consolidate their strength, but had their defenses breached and were on the verge of being overwhelmed when relief forces arrived in the form of the Assault and Light Brigades of the elite Davion Guards. The relief forces didn't realize that they ''were'' relief forces until frantic messages from the Cobras and the [[Screaming Eagles|Eagles]] reached them mid-deployment, but their arrival managed to save the mercenary units.<ref name="NMAv2p51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 51</ref> |
| − | Realizing that they had lost Sarna, Colonel [[Archibald McCarron]] made the hard choice to abandon the planet. With the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles advancing to pincer the MAC forces as they attempted to load up as much as they could before fleeing, Colonel [[Marcus Barton]] led his | + | Realizing that they had lost Sarna, Colonel [[Archibald McCarron]] made the hard choice to abandon the planet. With the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles advancing to pincer the MAC forces as they attempted to load up as much as they could before fleeing, Colonel [[Marcus Barton]] led his 2nd Regiment in a counterattack against the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles. This surprised the Davion mercenaries, as they outnumber Barton's force 2-to-1, but with Davion High Command wanting Barton killed for all the damage Barton had done to the Federated Suns over the years, the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles met Barton head-on. The resulting battle lasted several hours and was one of the most brutal of the Fourth Succession War. By the time it was over, Barton had lost over half his force, but he managed to knock out 2/3 of the Crater Cobras and 3/4 of the Screaming Eagles. This battle gave the McCarron's Armored Cavalry the time they needed to finish loading their DropShips and escape, with the Crater Cobras and Screaming Eagles able to claim they had driven off the MAC.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 10</ref> |
===Clan Invasion=== | ===Clan Invasion=== | ||
| − | On the eve of the [[Clan invasion]], the Crater Cobras were deployed on two worlds in the [[Free Worlds League]]; the 789th Striker were on [[Megrez]], whilst the Black Cobras were on Cascade.<ref name="20Yup57">''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> The Crater Cobras were still in place in [[3054]], although by this point [[Colonel]] Richard Burr had taken over from Colonel | + | On the eve of the [[Clan invasion]], the Crater Cobras were deployed on two worlds in the [[Free Worlds League]]; the 789th Striker were on [[Megrez]], whilst the Black Cobras were on Cascade.<ref name="20Yup57">''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> The Crater Cobras were still in place in [[3054]], although by this point [[Colonel]] Richard Burr had taken over from Colonel Thomas Rabelais as the commanding officer of the Black Cobra regiment.<ref name="ORp39">''Objective Raids'', p. 39</ref> |
Following the damage inflicted on the Crater Cobras in the Fourth Succession War the unit took up service with the Free Worlds League. This was the beginning of a two-decade-long period of service that would only end after [[Operation Guerrero|Operation GUERRERO]].<ref name="MSp29"/> | Following the damage inflicted on the Crater Cobras in the Fourth Succession War the unit took up service with the Free Worlds League. This was the beginning of a two-decade-long period of service that would only end after [[Operation Guerrero|Operation GUERRERO]].<ref name="MSp29"/> | ||
| Line 54: | Line 54: | ||
Surviving the Jihad and remaining in the employ of the Combine, despite House Kurita's renewed anti-mercenary view, as of [[3079]] the Cobras were stationed on [[Alnasi]] alongside the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]].<ref name=FDDCMS-20>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 20: "Irregular Forces - Mercenaries"</ref> | Surviving the Jihad and remaining in the employ of the Combine, despite House Kurita's renewed anti-mercenary view, as of [[3079]] the Cobras were stationed on [[Alnasi]] alongside the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]].<ref name=FDDCMS-20>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 20: "Irregular Forces - Mercenaries"</ref> | ||
| − | The unit was stationed | + | The unit was stationed in [[Yamarovka]] in [[3147]] when the planet was raided by the [[8th Bear Cuirassiers (Rasalhague Dominion)|Eighth Bear Cuirassiers]].<ref name="TRO:3150p132">''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 132: "PXH-11K Phoenix Hawk L"</ref> |
At some point following the ''[[Rime Otter|Rime Otter's]]'' debut in [[3146]], the Crater Cobras raided [[Soverzene]] and engaged the [[6th Bear Regulars (Rasalhague Dominion)|Sixth Bear Regulars]] there. Despite taking heavy damage the Sixth's sole ''Rime Otter'' continued fighting day after day, frustrating the Cobras no end.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19'', p. 4</ref> | At some point following the ''[[Rime Otter|Rime Otter's]]'' debut in [[3146]], the Crater Cobras raided [[Soverzene]] and engaged the [[6th Bear Regulars (Rasalhague Dominion)|Sixth Bear Regulars]] there. Despite taking heavy damage the Sixth's sole ''Rime Otter'' continued fighting day after day, frustrating the Cobras no end.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19'', p. 4</ref> | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
| Line 76: | Line 73: | ||
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Crater Cobras''' | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Crater Cobras''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | [[Colonel]]||[[Richard Westrick]]||[[3025]]<ref name= | + | | [[Colonel]]||[[Richard Westrick]]||[[3025]]<ref name=HD:TFSp136a>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 136 (PDF version): "Addicks PDZ"</ref> |
|- | |- | ||
| Colonel||[[Shelly Trudeau]]||[[3067]]<ref name="MSp29"/> | | Colonel||[[Shelly Trudeau]]||[[3067]]<ref name="MSp29"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Colonel||[[Emil Barclay]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160</ref> | + | | Colonel||[[Emil Barclay]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref> |
|- | |- | ||
| Colonel||[[Alma Smith]]||[[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p182"/> | | Colonel||[[Alma Smith]]||[[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p182"/> | ||
| Line 106: | Line 103: | ||
==Mercenary Rating== | ==Mercenary Rating== | ||
===3059=== | ===3059=== | ||
| − | '''Dragoon Rating: A-'''<ref name=FM: | + | '''Dragoon Rating: A-'''<ref name="FM:Mp106">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> |
===3067=== | ===3067=== | ||
| Line 122: | Line 119: | ||
'''Baldwin's Cobras''' (3 regiments) | '''Baldwin's Cobras''' (3 regiments) | ||
:'''79th Striker''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138">''First Succession War'', p. 138</ref> 42% | :'''79th Striker''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138">''First Succession War'', p. 138</ref> 42% | ||
| − | :: In 2821 | + | :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 42 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Mosiro]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> |
:'''Alexander's Asps''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> | :'''Alexander's Asps''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> | ||
| − | :: In 2821 | + | :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 44 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Kalmar]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> |
:'''Black Cobra''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> | :'''Black Cobra''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name="FSWp-138"/> | ||
| − | :: In 2821 | + | :: Note: In 2821 the command was reduced to 43 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Kalmar]].<ref name="FSWp-138"/> |
===3025=== | ===3025=== | ||
| Line 140: | Line 137: | ||
'''The Crater Cobras''' (2 Regiments)<ref name="20Yup57"/> | '''The Crater Cobras''' (2 Regiments)<ref name="20Yup57"/> | ||
| − | '''789th Striker ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> | + | '''789th Striker ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57: "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"</ref> |
| − | :* CO: Colonel | + | :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne<ref name=20YU57/> |
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Megrez.<ref name=20YU57/> | : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Megrez.<ref name=20YU57/> | ||
'''Black Cobras ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> | '''Black Cobras ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> | ||
| Line 155: | Line 152: | ||
===3059=== | ===3059=== | ||
| − | '''Crater Cobras (789th Striker Regiment)''' (1 Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name= | + | '''Crater Cobras (789th Striker Regiment)''' (1 Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMMercsp106/> |
| − | :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne<ref name= | + | :* CO: Colonel Stephen Prynne)<ref name=FMMercsp106/> |
| − | : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Albiero]].<ref name= | + | : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Albiero]].<ref name=FMMercsp106>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 106</ref> |
===3067=== | ===3067=== | ||
| Line 189: | Line 186: | ||
==Color Scheme== | ==Color Scheme== | ||
| − | The Cobras paint their 'Mechs' lower torso and legs a forest green camouflage pattern and upper torso, arms and head in a muted robin | + | The Cobras paint their 'Mechs' lower torso and legs a forest green camouflage pattern and upper torso, arms and head in a muted robin egg blue.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 29</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | ==Rules== | ||
| + | <div class="gamerules"> | ||
| − | == | + | ===3067 to 3072=== |
| − | * | + | * When randomly generating force composition, the Crater Cobra player may roll 1 [[BattleMech]] using the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bear]] column of the Random 'Mech Assignment Table: Warden Clan Front Line (see p. 212, ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'') per company of total force fielded.<ref name="MSp74">''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 74</ref> |
| − | + | * The Crater Cobras receive a +2 Initiative bonus against the [[Clan Ghost Bear|Ghost Bears]].<ref name="MSp74"/> | |
| + | * The Crater Cobras receive a +1 Initiative bonus against any other [[Clan]] force.<ref name="MSp74"/> | ||
| + | * The Crater Cobras do not succumb to any form of intimidation by [[Clan]] or [[Inner Sphere]] forces.<ref name="MSp74"/> | ||
| + | * [[Clan]] units must accept any challenge for an Honor Duel at Level 2 rules of engagement when challenged by a Cobra unit.<ref name="MSp74"/> | ||
| + | * Cobra units receive an additional -1 to-hit modifier when attacking any building.<ref name="MSp74"/> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Notes== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Although they were in [[Free Worlds League]] service after the [[Fourth Succession War]], they do not appear in the unit breakdown in either ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]'' or ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''. | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | ||
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | ||
* ''[[Bred for War]]'' | * ''[[Bred for War]]'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]'' | ||
* ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]'' | * ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]'' | ||
| Line 219: | Line 226: | ||
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' | * ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' | ||
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]'' | ||
| − | + | ||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Crater Cobras]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Crater Cobras]] | ||