Difference between revisions of "2nd Sword of Light"

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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
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| image         = [[File:Sword of Light 2nd logo.png]]
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| image   = [[File:Sword2.png]]
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| Designation    = Second Sword of Light
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| nickname = "The Steel Dragon"
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| formed        =
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| parent formation = [[Sword of Light]]
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| Disbanded      =
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| formed  = unknown
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| Previous Designation =
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| year    = 3145
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| Nickname      = The Steel Dragon
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| unitname = Second Sword of Light BattleMech Regiment
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| Affiliation    = [[Draconis Combine]]
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| Parent Command = [[Sword of Light]]
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| Sub-Command    =  
 
}}
 
}}
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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Representing the Pillar of Steel, or the military, in Combine society, the '''Second Sword of Light''' was one of the most prestigious units in the [[DCMS]]. The elite Second took part in some of the most notable Combine military actions, but also had been involved in some of their darkest moments, including the [[Kentares Massacre]] and an attempted coup against the [[Coordinator]] that led to the unit being disbanded. However the regiment was reborn in the [[Dark Age]]
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Representing the Pillar of Steel, or the military, in Combine society, the '''Second Sword of Light''' was one of the most prestigious units in the [[DCMS]]. The elite Second took part in some of the most notable Combine military actions, but also had been involved in some of their darkest moments, including the [[Kentares Massacre]] and an attempted coup against the [[Coordinator]] that led to the unit being disbanded. However the regiment was reborn in the [[Dark Age]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Line 17: Line 20:
  
 
===Age of War===
 
===Age of War===
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In [[2475]], the first use of [[BattleMech]]s by the [[Draconis Combine]] against another BattleMech force was a failure of spectacular proportions. After this defeat, the Second was issued the Combine's first "modern" BattleMech, the ''[[Von Rohrs (BattleMech)|Von Rohrs]]'', and assigned to the command of Colonel [[Ibis Von Rohrs]].<ref name="TRO3075p208">''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 206, "4RH-5 Von Rohrs / Hebi"</ref> <ref name=HHK-27>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 27 "History of the Nation - The Age of Dishonor - Blood Poisoning"</ref>
+
In [[2475]], the first use of [[BattleMech]]s by the [[Draconis Combine]] against another BattleMech force was a failure of spectacular proportions. After this defeat, the Second was issued the Combine's first "modern" BattleMech, the ''[[Von Rohrs (BattleMech)|Von Rohrs]]'', and assigned to the command of Colonel [[Ibis Von Rohrs]].<ref name="TRO3075p208">''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 206: "4RH-5 Von Rohrs/Hebi"</ref><ref name=HHK-27>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 27: "History of the Nation - The Age of Dishonor - Blood Poisoning"</ref>
  
 
===Reunification War===
 
===Reunification War===
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The Second Sword of Light was one of four regiments assigned by the [[DCMS]] to the [[Draconis Auxiliary Corps]]<ref name="H:RWp152">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 152, "Rim Worlds Republic Front (Jump-Off - 2587)"</ref> formed in the early 2580s as a contribution towards [[Operation MAILED FIST]], the [[Star League]] intervention in the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] Civil War.<ref name="H:RWp131">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 131, "False Starts (2579-81)"</ref> The Second Sword was assigned to [[Task Force MAILED FIST]] alongside the [[7th Sword of Light|Seventh Sword of Light]], [[4th Proserpina Hussars|Fourth Proserpina Hussars]] and the [[1st Arkab Legion|First Arkab Legion]].<ref name="H:RWp152"/>
+
The Second Sword of Light was one of four regiments assigned by the [[DCMS]] to the [[Draconis Auxiliary Corps]]<ref name="H:RWp152">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 152: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (Jump-Off - 2587)"</ref> formed in the early 2580s as a contribution towards [[Operation MAILED FIST]], the [[Star League]] intervention in the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] Civil War.<ref name="H:RWp131">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 131: "False Starts (2579-81)"</ref> The Second Sword was assigned to [[Task Force MAILED FIST]] alongside the [[Seventh Sword of Light]], [[Fourth Proserpina Hussars]] and the [[First Arkab Legion]].<ref name="H:RWp152"/>
  
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The Second Sword of Light began operations in the Rim Worlds Republic as a part of Battle Group Timbuktu in [[2584]] with the campaign to secure [[Nightwish]] and the [[2nd Amaris Dragoons|Second Amaris Dragoons]], and were soon well known for their arrogance, brutality and inhumane methods.<ref name="H:RWp36">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 36, "Second Sword of Light"</ref> Unimpeded by the [[Ares Conventions]] as a result of the declaration by [[First Lord]] [[Ian Cameron]] in [[2578]] that [[SLDF]] operations in the [[Periphery]] would not be bound by the Conventions,<ref name="H:RWp21">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 21, "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges"</ref> the Second Sword caused carnage on Nightwish, shelling inhabited areas to drive out hidden [[Rim Worlds Army]] forces and torturing prisoners for information. When the overall commander of Battle Group Timbuktu, [[Duke]] [[Narinder Selaj]] of the [[Principality of Regulus]], challenged the DCMS units over their tactics, he was rebuffed with the reply that the tactics were efficient and saved troops and resources. On paper, this was true; the DCMS forces lost 42 personnel - including 7 [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] - in the conquest of Nightwish, whereas casualties on the opposing side exceeded 10,000 people.<ref name="H:RWp133">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134, "Helbrent to Nightwish (July 2582 - November 2584)"</ref>
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The Second Sword of Light began operations in the Rim Worlds Republic as a part of Battle Group Timbuktu in [[2584]] with the campaign to secure [[Nightwish]] and the [[Second Amaris Dragoons]], and were soon well known for their arrogance, brutality and inhumane methods.<ref name="H:RWp36">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 36: "Second Sword of Light"</ref> Unimpeded by the [[Ares Conventions]] as a result of the declaration by [[First Lord]] [[Ian Cameron]] in [[2578]] that [[SLDF]] operations in the [[Periphery]] would not be bound by the Conventions,<ref name="H:RWp21">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 21: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges"</ref> the Second Sword caused carnage on Nightwish, shelling inhabited areas to drive out hidden [[Rim Worlds Army]] forces and torturing prisoners for information. When the overall commander of Battle Group Timbuktu, [[Duke]] [[Narinder Selaj]] of the [[Principality of Regulus]], challenged the DCMS units over their tactics, he was rebuffed with the reply that the tactics were efficient and saved troops and resources. On paper, this was true; the DCMS forces lost 42 personnel - including 7 [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] - in the conquest of Nightwish, whereas casualties on the opposing side exceeded 10,000 people.<ref name="H:RWp133">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134: "Helbrent to Nightwish (July 2582 - November 2584)"</ref>
  
−
The Second's actions on Nightwish earned them a new nickname - the "Blood Snakes" - and led to them being despised by the Rim Worlds Army, the [[Rift Republican Army]]... and their own allies in the SLDF. Soon all of the Task Force MAILED FIST forces were being tarred with the same brush; both the RWA and RRA put the DCMS units on automatic kill lists - with the notable exception of the First Arkab Legion, who in contrast with their DCMS fellows were accorded a grudging respect for their compassion when dealing with prisoners of war<ref name="H:RWp36A">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 36, "First Arkab Legion"</ref> - and resistance on Republic worlds increased sharply, both from the various military units and from the growing civilian partisan movements<ref name="H:RWp134">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134, "Arlina to Viborg (December 2584 - September 2588)"</ref> with hidden bunkers and weapon emplacements becoming both increasingly common and increasingly cynical in their placement, not that this prevented the Second Sword from removing such sites through heavy weapons and shelling even as the Republic forces began locating complexes under schools, hospitals and other such sites.<ref name="H:RWp134A">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134A, "Busting Bunkers"</ref>
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The Second's actions on Nightwish earned them a new nickname - the "Blood Snakes" - and led to them being despised by the Rim Worlds Army, the [[Rift Republican Army]]... and their own allies in the SLDF. Soon all of the Task Force MAILED FIST forces were being tarred with the same brush; both the RWA and RRA put the DCMS units on automatic kill lists - with the notable exception of the First Arkab Legion, who in contrast with their DCMS fellows were accorded a grudging respect for their compassion when dealing with prisoners of war<ref name="H:RWp36A">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 36: "First Arkab Legion"</ref> - and resistance on Republic worlds increased sharply, both from the various military units and from the growing civilian partisan movements<ref name="H:RWp134">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134: "Arlina to Viborg (December 2584 - September 2588)"</ref> with hidden bunkers and weapon emplacements becoming both increasingly common and increasingly cynical in their placement, not that this prevented the Second Sword from removing such sites through heavy weapons and shelling even as the Republic forces began locating complexes under schools, hospitals and other such sites.<ref name="H:RWp134A">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 134: "Busting Bunkers"</ref>
  
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The Draconis Auxiliary Corps fought as a complete formation against local militia forces during the occupation of [[Milvano]] in [[2586]]<ref name="H:RWp152"/> and against the loyalist [[7th Amaris Dragoons|Seventh Amaris Dragoons]] on [[Timbuktu]] in [[2588]].<ref name="H:RWp153">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 153, "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"</ref><ref name="H:RWp155">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 155, "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"</ref> The conquest of Milvano took more than a year, considerably longer than originally planned, thanks to ongoing bouts of civil unrest despite the brutality with which the Second Sword and other DCMS units put down such actions.<ref name="H:RWp134"/>
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The Draconis Auxiliary Corps fought as a complete formation against local militia forces during the occupation of [[Milvano]] in [[2586]]<ref name="H:RWp152"/> and against the loyalist [[Seventh Amaris Dragoons]] on [[Timbuktu]] in [[2588]].<ref name="H:RWp153">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 153: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"</ref><ref name="H:RWp155">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 155: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"</ref> The conquest of Milvano took more than a year, considerably longer than originally planned, thanks to ongoing bouts of civil unrest despite the brutality with which the Second Sword and other DCMS units put down such actions.<ref name="H:RWp134"/>
  
−
The campaign for Timbuktu saw the Draconis Auxiliary Corps fighting alongside the elite [[11th Royal Division|Eleventh Royal Division]], an SLDF [[division]] from [[IV Corps (Star League)|IV Corps]], and the combined forces made short work of the defenses prepared by the Seventh Dragoons. [[Colonel]] [[Samuel Macao]] withdrew his forces to the more sparsely-populated Hades continent, intent on using the mining complexes there for cover, but reports of the harsh treatment of Republic citizens at the hands of the DCMS forces provoked him into strikes that cost him much of his unit; the Seventh Dragoons were then subjected to nineteen days of merciless bombardment until the survivors surrendered.<ref name="H:RWp135">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 135, "Timbuktu (July 2588)"</ref>
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The campaign for Timbuktu saw the Draconis Auxiliary Corps fighting alongside the elite [[Eleventh Royal Division]], an SLDF [[division]] from [[IV Corps (Star League)|IV Corps]], and the combined forces made short work of the defenses prepared by the Seventh Dragoons. [[Colonel]] [[Samuel Macao]] withdrew his forces to the more sparsely populated Hades continent, intent on using the mining complexes there for cover, but reports of the harsh treatment of Republic citizens at the hands of the DCMS forces provoked him into strikes that cost him much of his unit; the Seventh Dragoons were then subjected to nineteen days of merciless bombardment until the survivors surrendered.<ref name="H:RWp135">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 135: "Timbuktu (July 2588)"</ref>
  
−
The last campaign of the Reunification War for the Second Sword was the conquest of [[Ormstown]] in [[2590]], in which the Second Sword fought alongside the Seventh Sword against local militia forces.<ref name="H:RWp153"/> The Draconis Auxiliary Corps was withdrawn from Operation MAILED FIST in [[2591]] as the various District Warlords of the [[Draconis Combine]] attempted to compensate for the erratic actions of [[Coordinator]] [[Leonard Kurita]].<ref name="H:RWp138">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 138, "Leonard the Debauched"</ref>
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The last campaign of the Reunification War for the Second Sword was the conquest of [[Ormstown]] in [[2590]], in which the Second Sword fought alongside the Seventh Sword against local militia forces.<ref name="H:RWp153"/> The Draconis Auxiliary Corps was withdrawn from Operation MAILED FIST in [[2591]] as the various District Warlords of the [[Draconis Combine]] attempted to compensate for the erratic actions of [[Coordinator]] [[Leonard Kurita]].<ref name="H:RWp138">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 138: "Leonard the Debauched"</ref>
  
 
===Star League Era===
 
===Star League Era===
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In 2765 the Second Sword of Light was stationed on [[Luthien]].<ref>''[[Field Report 2765: Draconis Combine]]'', p. 8</ref>
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In 2765 the Second Sword of Light was stationed on [[Luthien]].<ref>''Field Report 2765: DCMS'', p. 8</ref>
  
 
===Third Succession War===
 
===Third Succession War===
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In [[2872]] the Second Sword of Light would successfully eject Davion forces that had captured the Combine world of [[Deshler]]. <ref name=HHK-195>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p .195 "Rules Annex - BattleTech Rules - Wakamiya Salvage Destroyer"</ref>
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In [[2872]] the Second Sword of Light would successfully eject Davion forces that had captured the Combine world of [[Deshler]].<ref name=HHK-195>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 195: "Rules Annex - BattleTech Rules - Wakamiya Salvage Destroyer"</ref>
  
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In [[2910]] during a standard routine maintenance cycle on Luthien, mechanics from the Second stumbled across the [[Daimyo HQ 67-K]] that had leaked detailed video of the [[Kentares Massacre]] to [[ComStar]], transported without record and left to rot in a motor pool on the capital. The Second's techs made the unit's command staff aware of the vehicle's history, despite the dishonor attached to it.  From then on, the Second Sword of Light used it every battle as a reminder of a particularly dark part of Sworder history, with crews volunteering for assignment to the mobile HQ.<ref name=HHK-42>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 42 "History of the Nation - The First Succession War - Unforgiving Blood - The Honor of the Daimyo"</ref>
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In [[2910]] during a standard routine maintenance cycle on Luthien, mechanics from the Second stumbled across the [[Daimyo HQ 67-K]] that had leaked detailed video of the [[Kentares Massacre]] to [[ComStar]], transported without record and left to rot in a motor pool on the capital. The Second's techs made the unit's command staff aware of the vehicle's history, despite the dishonor attached to it.  From then on, the Second Sword of Light used it every battle as a reminder of a particularly dark part of Sworder history, with crews volunteering for assignment to the mobile HQ.<ref name=HHK-42>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 42: "History of the Nation - The First Succession War - Unforgiving Blood - The Honor of the Daimyo"</ref>
  
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In the second decade of the 30th century, the Second Sword, along with the [[20th Dieron Regulars]] and [[4th Proserpina Hussars]], headed a massive multi-regiment assault on the [[Tamar Pact]], under the overall command of General [[Tugima Travison]].<ref name=HK1>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 81</ref><ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 72</ref>
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In the second decade of the [[thirtieth century]], the Second Sword, along with the [[Twentieth Dieron Regulars]] and [[Fourth Proserpina Hussars]], headed a massive multiregiment assault on the [[Tamar Pact]], under the overall command of General [[Tugima Travison]].<ref name=HK1>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 81</ref><ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 72</ref>
  
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As a young officer, future Coordinator [[Takashi Kurita]] rose to fame in the Second Sword with his leadership and battlefield prowess at the controls of his family's ''[[BattleMaster]]'', inspiring the already elite unit to even greater heights. Takashi eventually rose to command the regiment's heavy assault battalion prior to his promotion to the ''[[Otomo]]'' in [[3000]].<ref name=HK2>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 87</ref> <ref name=HHK-61>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 61 "History of the Nation - Dragon Afire - New Dawn for the Dragon - The Young Drake"</ref>
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As a young officer, future Coordinator [[Takashi Kurita]] rose to fame in the Second Sword with his leadership and battlefield prowess at the controls of his family's ''[[BattleMaster]]'', inspiring the already elite unit to even greater heights. Takashi eventually rose to command the regiment's heavy assault battalion prior to his promotion to the ''[[Otomo]]'' in [[3000]].<ref name=HK2>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 87</ref><ref name=HHK-61>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 61: "History of the Nation - Dragon Afire - New Dawn for the Dragon - The Young Drake"</ref>
  
 
====Third Battle of Mallory's World====
 
====Third Battle of Mallory's World====
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The Second Sword was one of the more notable units to take part in the [[Third Battle of Mallory's World|Third Battle]] of [[Mallory's World]] in [[3013]], eventually being driven back after the death of [[First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]].<ref name=HK3>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 89</ref> They faced the [[4th Davion Guards]] during this fight.<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 10</ref> During the later fighting, Ian Davion destroyed a lance of assault 'Mechs piloted by the Second's command company. Prince Davion engaged each warrior in single combat, eventually losing to [[Yorinaga Kurita]]. They were then rotated off Mallory's World and replaced by the [[Second Legion of Vega]].<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 14</ref> <ref name=HHK-63>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 63 "History of the Nation - Mustering the Dragon's Might - Halstead Station"</ref>
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The Second Sword was one of the more notable units to take part in the [[Third Battle of Mallory's World|Third Battle]] of [[Mallory's World]] in [[3013]], eventually being driven back after the death of [[First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]].<ref name=HK3>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 89</ref> They faced the [[Fourth Davion Guards]] during this fight.<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 10</ref> During the later fighting, Ian Davion destroyed a lance of assault 'Mechs piloted by the Second's command company. Prince Davion engaged each warrior in single combat, eventually losing to [[Yorinaga Kurita]]. They were then rotated off Mallory's World and replaced by the [[Second Legion of Vega]].<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 14</ref><ref name=HHK-63>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 63: "History of the Nation - Mustering the Dragon's Might - Halstead Station"</ref>
  
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===Battle of Halstead Station===
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====Battle of Halstead Station====
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In [[3014]] upon learning Prince [[Hanse Davion]] was pinned down during his attempted escape from [[Halstead Station]], Takashi personally led the Second Sword in an attempt to capture or kill his honored foe.<ref name=HK4>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 90</ref> <ref name=HHK-63/>
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In [[3014]] upon learning Prince [[Hanse Davion]] was pinned down during his attempted escape from [[Halstead Station]], Takashi personally led the Second Sword in an attempt to capture or kill his honored foe.<ref name=HK4>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 90</ref><ref name=HHK-63/>
  
 
====Fourth Battle of Mallory's World====
 
====Fourth Battle of Mallory's World====
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The Second, under the command of Lord Yorinaga Kurita, returned to Mallory's World in [[3016]], with the [[Thirty-sixth Dieron Regulars]]. ''Tai-sa'' Kurita attempted to avenge himself on Colonel [[Morgan Kell]] for stopping him from taking the body of Ian Davion three years earlier. During the assault, the Thirty-sixth Dieron managed to pin down the first battalion of the Hounds, while Lord Kurita led the Second Sword to attempt to destroy Morgan Kell's Second Battalion.  After Kurita discovered Kell's location in a defensive fortification, Kell challenged him to samurai's duel.  Honor bound by such an act, ''Tai-sa'' Kurita agreed. The two dueled, ending in a draw in a fashion that forced Kurita to withdraw.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'' p. 62: Yorinaga retells story of his battle with Colonel Morgan Kell during the Fourth Battle for Mallory's World</ref><ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 21</ref>
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The Second, under the command of Lord Yorinaga Kurita, returned to Mallory's World in [[3016]], with the [[Thirty-sixth Dieron Regulars]]. ''Tai-sa'' Kurita attempted to avenge himself on Colonel [[Morgan Kell]] for stopping him from taking the body of Ian Davion three years earlier. During the assault, the Thirty-sixth Dieron managed to pin down the first battalion of the Hounds, while Lord Kurita led the Second Sword to attempt to destroy Morgan Kell's Second Battalion.  After Kurita discovered Kell's location in a defensive fortification, Kell challenged him to samurai's duel.  Honor bound by such an act, ''Tai-sa'' Kurita agreed. The two dueled, ending in a draw in a fashion that forced Kurita to withdraw.<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', p. 62: Yorinaga retells story of his battle with Colonel Morgan Kell during the Fourth Battle for Mallory's World</ref><ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 21</ref>
  
 
====Dromini VI====
 
====Dromini VI====
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In late [[3021]] the Second suffered severe casualties assisting in the defense of the [[Kurita]] world of [[Dromini VI]] against large scale operations by the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[mercenary unit]], in the employ of [[House Steiner]]. However, at one point they did manage to maneuver a Dragoons regiment into an ambush that inflicted serious losses, and remain one of the few units to have ever done so. During the fighting, a light Kurita scout lance led by [[Tai-i]] [[Minobu Tetsuhara]] encountered [[Jaime Wolf]] himself, whose BattleMech (an ''[[Archer]]'' painted in blue and gold) was seriously damaged and overheated. Following the warrior code of [[Bushido]], Tetsuhara allowed the respected enemy to withdraw instead of finishing him off in an uneven battle<ref name=WD-SB1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 27 </ref>.
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In late [[3021]] the Second suffered severe casualties assisting in the defense of the [[Kurita]] world of [[Dromini VI]] against large scale operations by the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[mercenary unit]], in the employ of [[House Steiner]]. However, at one point they did manage to maneuver a Dragoons regiment into an ambush that inflicted serious losses, and remain one of the few units to have ever done so. During the fighting, a light Kurita scout lance led by ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Minobu Tetsuhara]] encountered [[Jaime Wolf]] himself, whose BattleMech (an ''[[Archer]]'' painted in blue and gold) was seriously damaged and overheated. Following the warrior code of ''[[bushido]]'', Tetsuhara allowed the respected enemy to withdraw instead of finishing him off in an uneven battle.<ref name=WD-SB1>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 27</ref>
  
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===End of the Third Succession War===
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====End of the Third Succession War====
 
In [[3025]] the unit was stationed on [[Buckminster]].<ref name=HKDCp135/>
 
In [[3025]] the unit was stationed on [[Buckminster]].<ref name=HKDCp135/>
  
 
===Fourth Succession War===
 
===Fourth Succession War===
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{{Sectionstub}}
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The Second fought a successful defense of [[Buckminster]] against the [[Third Royal Guards]].
 +
 
 +
===Ronin War===
 +
During the [[Ronin War]] the Second landed on [[Predlitz]] in July [[3034]] to assist the [[First Tyr]] in defeating the [[Eighth Rasalhague Regulars]] and the [[Twelfth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]].<ref name=H:BWp111>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 111: "Predlitz"</ref> Resistance collapsed on 5 August, and the Second moved on.<ref name=H:BWp115>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 115: "Predlitz"</ref> On 12 August, a portion of the Second arrived in the [[Kempten]] system where half of the ''ronin'' [[Seventeenth Rasalhague Regulars]] and [[First Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]] committed ''seppuku'' rather than face the elite unit. The other surviving half were arrested and executed for treason.<ref name=H:BWp117>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 117: "Kempten"</ref>
  
 
===War of 3039===
 
===War of 3039===
 
During the [[War of 3039]] the Second Sword of Light landed on [[Kessel]] along with the [[Fifth Sun Zhang Cadre]] and [[Twelfth Sun Zhang Cadre]]. They faced the [[Eleventh Lyran Regulars]], [[Second Donegal Guards]], and [[fourth Skye Rangers]], all under the command of [[Caesar Steiner]].<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 76</ref> They nearly destroyed the Eleventh Lyran Regulars, but were forced to withdraw from that fight under heavy pressure from the other two commands. The two armies spent several months engaging in smaller pin-prick attacks and raids, but eventually the [[LCAF]] was driven from Kessel.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 80</ref>
 
During the [[War of 3039]] the Second Sword of Light landed on [[Kessel]] along with the [[Fifth Sun Zhang Cadre]] and [[Twelfth Sun Zhang Cadre]]. They faced the [[Eleventh Lyran Regulars]], [[Second Donegal Guards]], and [[fourth Skye Rangers]], all under the command of [[Caesar Steiner]].<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 76</ref> They nearly destroyed the Eleventh Lyran Regulars, but were forced to withdraw from that fight under heavy pressure from the other two commands. The two armies spent several months engaging in smaller pin-prick attacks and raids, but eventually the [[LCAF]] was driven from Kessel.<ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 80</ref>
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===Ronin Wars===
 
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{{Sectionstub}}
 
  
 
===Clan Invasion===
 
===Clan Invasion===
 
Elements of the Second Sword of Light would help defend the Combine capital during the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] [[Operation Dragonslayer|assault]] in [[3051]], most notably the dishonored Daimyo mobile HQ operated by the unit. During the later stages of the battle both Coordinator Takashi Kurita and [[Shin Yodama]] commanded from the vehicle; after seeing the crew operate with no regard for their personal safety, Takashi declared the vehicle cleansed of its historic stain. The Coordinator would personally pay for the vehicle's repair and refurbishment, the redeemed Daimyo occupying a place of pride in the Second Sword of Light's order of battle.<ref name=HHK-42/>
 
Elements of the Second Sword of Light would help defend the Combine capital during the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] [[Operation Dragonslayer|assault]] in [[3051]], most notably the dishonored Daimyo mobile HQ operated by the unit. During the later stages of the battle both Coordinator Takashi Kurita and [[Shin Yodama]] commanded from the vehicle; after seeing the crew operate with no regard for their personal safety, Takashi declared the vehicle cleansed of its historic stain. The Coordinator would personally pay for the vehicle's repair and refurbishment, the redeemed Daimyo occupying a place of pride in the Second Sword of Light's order of battle.<ref name=HHK-42/>
  
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In late 3051, the unit was assigned to help defend the [[Alshain Military District|district capital]] [[Alshain]] against [[Clan Ghost Bear]] during the Fifth Wave of [[Operation Revival]]. Using mobile tactics, the Second was able to do severe damage to the invading forces, and made successful use of several traps, at one point nearly destroying the [[3rd Bear Guards (Clan Ghost Bear)|Third Bear Guards]]. Ultimately, they were forced to retreat off-world, but did so in good order.<ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'' pp. 27-28</ref> Their tactics and skill saved other DCMS units.<ref name=er3052-28>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 28</ref>
+
In late 3051, the unit was assigned to help defend the [[Alshain Military District|district capital]] [[Alshain]] against [[Clan Ghost Bear]] during the Fifth Wave of [[Operation Revival]]. Using mobile tactics, the Second was able to do severe damage to the invading forces, and made successful use of several traps, at one point nearly destroying the [[Third Bear Guards (Clan Ghost Bear)|Third Bear Guards]]. Ultimately, they were forced to retreat off-world, but did so in good order.<ref>''Invading Clans'', pp. 27–28</ref> Their tactics and skill saved other DCMS units.<ref name=er3052-28>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 28</ref>
  
 
===Operation Bulldog===
 
===Operation Bulldog===
−
The Second Sword participated in [[Operation Bulldog]] in [[3059]], where it retook the world of [[Hyner]] from the [[3rd Jaguar Cavaliers (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Third Jaguar Cavaliers]].  The unit then moved to garrison the world of [[Albiero]].
+
The Second Sword participated in [[Operation Bulldog]] in [[3059]], where it retook the world of [[Hyner]] from the [[Third Jaguar Cavaliers (Clan Smoke Jaguar)|Third Jaguar Cavaliers]].  The unit then moved to garrison the world of [[Albiero]].
  
 
===Dominion War===
 
===Dominion War===
−
In [[3062]], the Second Sword was relieved by the heavily damaged [[Twenty-second Dieron Regulars]] from garrison duty on Albiero, to participate in [[1st Dominion-Combine War|war]] against the [[Clan Ghost Bear]]. The Second Sword struck the [[283rd Battle (Clan Ghost Bear)|283rd Battle Cluster]] on [[Garstedt]] with only half its forces., as the other half was used to strike the [[Ghost Bear Dominion]]'s world of [[Constance]], in order to lure some of Ghost Bear units back from the Combine.  Elements of the Second on Garstedt braved the Clan's onslaught until the [[10th Ghost|Tenth Ghost Regiment]] arrived to assist in the fighting. Though extremely damaged, tradition kept the unit from being decommissioned<ref name=FM-U111>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 111, "Second Sword of Light" unit profile.</ref>.
+
In [[3062]], the Second Sword was relieved by the heavily damaged [[Twenty-second Dieron Regulars]] from garrison duty on Albiero, to participate in [[First Dominion-Combine War|war]] against [[Clan Ghost Bear]]. The Second Sword struck the [[283rd Battle (Clan Ghost Bear)|283rd Battle Cluster]] on [[Garstedt]] with only half its forces., as the other half was used to strike the [[Ghost Bear Dominion]]'s world of [[Constance]], in order to lure some of Ghost Bear units back from the Combine.  Elements of the Second on Garstedt braved the Clan's onslaught until the [[Tenth Ghost Regiment]] arrived to assist in the fighting. Though extremely damaged, tradition kept the unit from being decommissioned.<ref name=FM-U111>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 111: "Second Sword of Light" unit profile</ref>
  
 
===Federated Suns Incursion===
 
===Federated Suns Incursion===
Line 83: Line 86:
  
 
===Jihad===
 
===Jihad===
−
====Battle of Luthien (3067-3074)====
+
====Battle of Luthien (3067–3074)====
−
::''See also: [[Battle of Luthien (Jihad)]]
+
::''See also: [[Battle of Luthien (3067)]]
−
[[Li Sak To]] became embittered by what he perceived as a lack of support from the [[DCMS]] during the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]] and he tolerated sentiments propagated by the [[Black Dragon Society]] within the unit.  In December [[3067]] and under the direction of the Society, To initiated a coup on [[Luthien]], with the support of a majority of the Second Sword. ''Tai-sa'' [[Kiko Samohira]] led almost a battalion's worth of Loyalist MechWarriors and support crews in a mutiny against To's authority. Very few Loyalists survived through the battle's conclusion in [[3074]], due to their exuberance in seeking retaliation against the Black Dragons of the unit. <ref name=JTPL_6-7>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 6-7, "Combatants"</ref>  
+
[[Li Sak To]] became embittered by what he perceived as a lack of support from the [[DCMS]] during the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]] and he tolerated sentiments propagated by the [[Black Dragon Society]] within the unit.  In December [[3067]] and under the direction of the Society, To initiated a coup on [[Luthien]], with the support of a majority of the Second Sword. ''Tai-sa'' [[Kiko Samohira]] led almost a battalion's worth of Loyalist MechWarriors and support crews in a mutiny against To's authority. Very few Loyalists survived through the battle's conclusion in [[3074]], due to their exuberance in seeking retaliation against the Black Dragons of the unit.<ref name=JTPL_6-7>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 6–7: "Combatants"</ref>
  
−
In the last week of 3067, the Black Dragon Sworders captured the [[Voice of the Dragon]] compound and then, along side the allied [[Sathen's Snipers]], the [[Imperial Palace]] on [[Battle for the Imperial Palace (3068)|New Year's Day]] morning, [[3068]], capturing [[Franklin Sakamoto]], killing [[Griffon Meshune]] and decimating the [[Otomo]] and [[Izanagi Warriors]].<ref name=JTPL8>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 8, "Traitor's Kiss"</ref> When To attempted to execute number of captured members of the Otomo one of his own officers defied him. ''[[Chu-i]]'' [[Takiro Hutchinson]] recognized that Li Sak To's actions were wrong, and in an act of defiance maneuvered his ''[[Katana]]'' between To's ''[[Akuma]]'' and the prisoners, preventing him from murdering them in cold blood. To and Hutchinson then fought each other savagely, a battle that polarized the Second Sword of Light and gave the prisoners time to escape. Although many of the prisoners including Franklin Sakamoto were subsequently recaptured they were able to sound the alarm and thereby alert the [[First Genyosha]]. Following the battle fragments of the armor from Hutchinson's ''Katana'' were carried by the other members of his lance as reminders of their duty to the Dragon.<ref name="TRO:3050Up94">''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 94, "CR K-5003-2 Katana (Crockett)"</ref>
+
In the last week of 3067, the Black Dragon Sworders captured the [[Voice of the Dragon]] compound and then, alongside the allied [[Sathen's Snipers]], the [[Imperial Palace]] on [[Battle for the Imperial Palace (3068)|New Year's Day]] morning, [[3068]], capturing [[Franklin Sakamoto]], killing [[Griffon Meshune]] and decimating the [[Otomo]] and [[Izanagi Warriors]].<ref name=JTPL8>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 8: "Traitor's Kiss"</ref> When To attempted to execute a number of captured members of the Otomo one of his own officers defied him. ''[[Chu-i]]'' [[Takiro Hutchinson]] recognized that Li Sak To's actions were wrong, and in an act of defiance maneuvered his ''[[Katana (BattleMech)|Katana]]'' between To's ''[[Akuma]]'' and the prisoners, preventing him from murdering them in cold blood. To and Hutchinson then fought each other savagely, a battle that polarized the Second Sword of Light and gave the prisoners time to escape. Although many of the prisoners including Franklin Sakamoto were subsequently recaptured they were able to sound the alarm and thereby alert the [[First Genyosha]]. Following the battle fragments of the armor from Hutchinson's ''Katana'' were carried by the other members of his lance as reminders of their duty to the Dragon.<ref name="TRO:3050Up94">''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 94: "CR K-5003-2 Katana (Crockett)"</ref>
  
 
In June [[3068]], the [[Sixth Benjamin Regulars]] arrived on Luthien to reinforce the Second Sword.<ref name=JTPL_6-7/>
 
In June [[3068]], the [[Sixth Benjamin Regulars]] arrived on Luthien to reinforce the Second Sword.<ref name=JTPL_6-7/>
  
−
On 18 July [[3069]], the Second Sword, along with the Sixth Benjamin Regulars and [[Fortieth Dieron Regulars]], moved to disrupt the effectiveness of the Loyalist forces operating in the vicinity of the [[LAW City]] ruins on [[Guthry Island]]. Prematurely alerted to their presence by an engagement with an encountered Word of Blake salvage team, the First Genyosha levied heavy casualties on the Sixth, scoring a [[Battle of the LAW City Ruins|victory]] for the Loyalists.<ref name=JTPL89>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 8-9, "Bullet In the Blue Sky"</ref>
+
On 18 July [[3069]], the Second Sword, along with the Sixth Benjamin Regulars and [[Fortieth Dieron Regulars]], moved to disrupt the effectiveness of the Loyalist forces operating in the vicinity of the [[LAW City]] ruins on [[Guthry Island]]. Prematurely alerted to their presence by an engagement with an encountered Word of Blake salvage team, the First Genyosha levied heavy casualties on the Sixth, scoring a [[Battle of the LAW City Ruins|victory]] for the Loyalists.<ref name=JTPL89>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 8–9: "Bullet In the Blue Sky"</ref>
  
−
On 28 November 3073, the [[32nd Division (Word of Blake)|Thirty-second Division]] [[First Battle of the Takashi Memorial Spaceport|pushed]] against ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' forces located in the vicinity of the [[Takashi Memorial Spaceport]]'s customs annex, securing at least one ingress to the underground complex. By destroying the main headquarters compound located there, they forced the Fortieth Dieron Regulars and Second Sword of Light out into the local neighborhoods. The Thirty-second lost a Command [[Level II]] and an ''[[Overlord]]'' class [[DropShip]] to a booby-trap.<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 10, "Tunnel Rats"</ref>  
+
On 28 November 3073, the [[Thirty-second Division (Word of Blake)|Thirty-second Division]] [[First Battle of the Takashi Memorial Spaceport|pushed]] against ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' forces located in the vicinity of the [[Takashi Memorial Spaceport]]'s customs annex, securing at least one ingress to the underground complex. By destroying the main headquarters compound located there, they forced the Fortieth Dieron Regulars and Second Sword of Light out into the local neighborhoods. The Thirty-second lost a command [[Level II]] and an ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] to a booby trap.<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 10: "Tunnel Rats"</ref>
  
−
On March 14th [[3074]], the Word of Blake [[ROM]] had leaked information regarding the presence of [[Buda Weapons]] Chief Researcher [[Hideoshi Yamika]] and his prototype [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' as a means of wearing down Loyalist defenders in [[Skytower City]]. The resulting [[Battle of Skytower City|battle]] ended with Yamika and his prototypes being hustled aboard a Blakist [[DropShip]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10-11, "Light Machine"</ref>  
+
On March 14th [[3074]], the Word of Blake [[ROM]] had leaked information regarding the presence of [[Buda Weapons]] Chief Researcher [[Hideoshi Yamika]] and his prototype [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] to the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' as a means of wearing down Loyalist defenders in [[Skytower City]]. The resulting [[Battle of Skytower City|battle]] ended with Yamika and his prototypes being hustled aboard a Blakist [[DropShip]].<ref name=JTPL-10/11>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', pp. 10–11: "Light Machine"</ref>
  
−
By the end of the fighting on Luthien in early [[3075]], over 90% of the regiment had been destroyed. The remaining Black Dragon sympathizers surrendered and were executed without trial shortly thereafter. The Coordinator then took the unprecedented move of striking the dishonored Second Sword of Light from the rosters of the DCMS, forming in its place the [[Ninth Sword of Light]] around the handful of Loyalist survivors.<ref name=M&M>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 29, "The Dragon's Teeth: Key Military Commands - Sword of Light"</ref><ref name=JTPL_6-7/> The dishonor inflicted on the Second was such that when the Coordinator struck the Second Sword of Light from the rolls of the DCMS, he instructed that at least two generations must pass before the regiment could be reconstituted. Those few members of the Second Sword who remained loyal and were incorporated into the newly formed Ninth Sword and would remain under close watch at the hands of the ISF. The scrutiny under which they were held was such that when not on duty, the warriors were kept in a constant state of house arrest. News of the Second's dishonor had a profound effect on the warriors of the other Sword regiments; many used the news to drive them to act with greater fervor in the efforts against the enemies of the combine, while many others chose to attempt to atone for the dishonor by committing seppuku. This had the knock-on effect of reducing the combat strength of the other Sword regiments, even those which saw relatively little action during the Jihad.<ref name="FR:DCMSp13">''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 13, "Sword of Light"</ref>
+
By the end of the fighting on Luthien in early [[3075]], over 90% of the regiment had been destroyed. The remaining Black Dragon sympathizers surrendered and were executed without trial shortly thereafter. The Coordinator then took the unprecedented move of striking the dishonored Second Sword of Light from the rosters of the DCMS, forming in its place the [[Ninth Sword of Light]] around the handful of Loyalist survivors.<ref name=M&M>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 29: "The Dragon's Teeth: Key Military Commands - Sword of Light"</ref><ref name=JTPL_6-7/> The dishonor inflicted on the Second was such that when the Coordinator struck the Second Sword of Light from the rolls of the DCMS, he instructed that at least two generations must pass before the regiment could be reconstituted. Those few members of the Second Sword who remained loyal and were incorporated into the newly formed Ninth Sword and would remain under close watch at the hands of the ISF. The scrutiny under which they were held was such that when not on duty, the warriors were kept in a constant state of house arrest. News of the Second's dishonor had a profound effect on the warriors of the other Sword regiments; many used the news to drive them to act with greater fervor in the efforts against the enemies of the combine, while many others chose to attempt to atone for the dishonor by committing ''seppuku''. This had the knock-on effect of reducing the combat strength of the other Sword regiments, even those which saw relatively little action during the Jihad.<ref name="FR:DCMSp13">''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 13: "Sword of Light"</ref>
  
 
===Dark Age===
 
===Dark Age===
 
Some time prior to [[3135]] the Second Sword of Light was reactivated by Coordinator [[Vincent Kurita (31st c.)|Vincent Kurita]]. When questioned about reactivating a "tainted" unit, the Coordinator declared that those who had caused the taint were long dead along with their perverting influence. The DCMS High Command quickly transferred in the best soldiers they could and the Second rejoined the Dragon's Claws.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 58</ref>
 
Some time prior to [[3135]] the Second Sword of Light was reactivated by Coordinator [[Vincent Kurita (31st c.)|Vincent Kurita]]. When questioned about reactivating a "tainted" unit, the Coordinator declared that those who had caused the taint were long dead along with their perverting influence. The DCMS High Command quickly transferred in the best soldiers they could and the Second rejoined the Dragon's Claws.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 58</ref>
  
−
In 3135 the DCMS launched an attack into the [[Republic of the Sphere]] to reclaim systems traditionally held by the Combine. They hit [[Biham]]<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 146</ref> and [[Deneb Algedi]]. During their time on Deneb Algedi, they suffered serious losses when Republic partisans crashed a DropShip into their garrison.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 148</ref> On Biham, they faced the [[2nd Triarii Protectors]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine'', p. 14</ref>
+
In 3135 the DCMS launched an attack into the [[Republic of the Sphere]] to reclaim systems traditionally held by the Combine. They hit [[Biham]]<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 146</ref> and [[Deneb Algedi]]. During their time on Deneb Algedi, they suffered serious losses when Republic partisans crashed a DropShip into their garrison.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 148</ref> On Biham, they faced the [[Second Triarii Protectors]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine'', p. 14</ref>
  
 
==Officers==
 
==Officers==
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
|-  
+
|-
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Second Sword of Light'''
+
| colspan="3" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Second Sword of Light'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Colonel]]||[[Ibis Von Rohrs]]||[[2475]] - 2???<ref name="TRO3075p208"/>
 
| [[Colonel]]||[[Ibis Von Rohrs]]||[[2475]] - 2???<ref name="TRO3075p208"/>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||''Sanaka''||[[2722]]<ref name=FotE-6>''The Face of the Enemy'', p. 6</ref>
+
| ''Tai-sa''||''Sanaka''||[[2722]]<ref name=FotE-6>''The Face of the Enemy'', p. 6</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Tai-sa]]||[[Aritomo Goto]]||???? - [[3013]]<ref name=HTP-MW11>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 11</ref>
+
| ''[[Tai-sa]]''||[[Aritomo Goto]]||???? - [[3013]]<ref name=HTP-MW11>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 11</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||[[Yorinaga Kurita]]||3013 - [[3016]]<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 62-64: Yorinaga tells his son of his battle against Morgan Kell, while in command of the Second Sword of Light</ref>
+
| ''Tai-sa''||[[Yorinaga Kurita]]||3013 - [[3016]]<ref>''Warrior: Coupé'', pp. 62–64: Yorinaga tells his son of his battle against Morgan Kell, while in command of the Second Sword of Light</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[General]]||[[Goshi Tengwan]]||[[3025]] - [[3028]]<ref name=HK5>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 137</ref><ref name=NAIS1-119>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p 119</ref>
+
| [[General]]||[[Goshi Tengwan]]||[[3025]] - [[3039]]<ref name=HK5>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 137</ref><ref name=NAIS1-119>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 119</ref><ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 75</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||[[Kelly Tok Do]]||[[3050]] - [[3054]]<ref name=ORp27>''Objective Raids'', p. 27, "DCMS Deployment Table - 3054"</ref>
+
| ''Tai-sa''||[[Kelly Tok Do]]||[[3050]] - [[3054]]<ref name=ORp27>''Objective Raids'', p. 27: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3054"</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||[[Saruji Hiromassu]]||[[3059]] - ????<ref name=FM-DC85>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 85 "Second Sword of Light" unit profile.</ref>
+
| ''Tai-sa''||[[Saruji Hiromassu]]||[[3059]] - ????<ref name=FM-DC85>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 85: "Second Sword of Light" unit profile</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||[[Li Sak To]]||[[3067]]<ref name=FMUp119>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 119, "DCMS Deployment Table - 3067"</ref>.
+
| ''Tai-sa''||[[Li Sak To]]||[[3067]]<ref name=FMUp119>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 119: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3067"</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tai-sa||[[Seishiro Itagaki]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM3145p67>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 67, "DCMS Deployment Table - 3145"</ref>
+
| ''Tai-sa''||[[Seishiro Itagaki]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM3145p67>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 67: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3145"</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Other Officers ==
 
== Other Officers ==
−
* ''[[Chu-i]]'' [[Takiro Hutchinson]] during the Black Dragon's Rebellion.<ref name="TRO:3050Up94"/>
+
* ''[[Chu-i]]'' [[Takiro Hutchinson]] during the Black Dragons' Rebellion.<ref name="TRO:3050Up94"/>
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
−
The "Steel Dragon" preferred open set actions. As they were the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and Aerospace assets, however, they were also very skilled in modifying their tactics to keep their adversaries off-balance. Their "lesser" units were the equal of the 'Mech forces.<ref name=er3052-28/>
+
The "Steel Dragon" preferred open set actions. As they were the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, however, they were also very skilled in modifying their tactics to keep their adversaries off-balance. Their "lesser" units were the equal of the 'Mech forces.<ref name=er3052-28/>
−
 
 
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 
===2765===
 
===2765===
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded [[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=fr2765DCMSp08>''Field Report 2765: Draconis Combine'', p. 8</ref>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded [[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=fr2765DCMSp08>''Field Report 2765: DCMS'', p. 8</ref>
 
:Note: At this point in time command was stationed on [[Luthien]].<ref name=fr2765DCMSp08/>
 
:Note: At this point in time command was stationed on [[Luthien]].<ref name=fr2765DCMSp08/>
  
−
=== 2786 ===
+
=== 2786–2821 ===
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="FSWp137">''First Succession War'', p. 137, "Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS)"</ref>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="FSWp137">''First Succession War'', p. 137: "Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS)"</ref>
−
:- At this point in time the Second Sword was a medium-weight regiment operating at a strength of four battalions and stationed on Luthien.<ref name="FSWp137"/>
+
:- At this point in time the Second Sword was a medium-weight regiment operating at a strength of four battalions and stationed on Luthien.<ref name="FSWp137"/> In 2821 the unit was operating at just over three-quarters of full strength and stationed on [[Arlington]].<ref name="FSWp137"/>
  
−
=== 2821 ===
 
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name="FSWp137">''First Succession War'', p. 137, "Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS)"</ref>
 
−
:- At this point in time the Second Sword was a medium-weight regiment operating at just over three-quarters of full strength and stationed on [[Arlington]].<ref name="FSWp137"/>
 
 
=== 2830 ===
 
=== 2830 ===
−
'''2nd Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical) <ref name=2ndSSp97>’’ Second Succession War’’, p. 97 </ref>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=2SWp97>''Second Succession War'', p. 97</ref>
−
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Mara]] with an operational readiness of 129 percent. <ref name=2ndSSp97/>
+
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Mara]] with an operational readiness of 129 percent.<ref name=2SWp97/>
−
=== 2864 ===
+
 
−
'''2nd Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable) <ref name=2ndSSp97/>
+
=== 2864 ===
−
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Robinson]] with an operational readiness of 56 percent. <ref name=2ndSSp97/>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=2SWp97/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Robinson]] with an operational readiness of 56 percent.<ref name=2SWp97/>
  
 
===3013===
 
===3013===
 
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment)
 
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment)
−
** "Zakahashi's Zombies"<ref name=KHp33>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 33</ref>
+
* "Zakahashi's Zombies"<ref name=KHp33>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 33</ref>
−
***Assault Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
+
**Assault Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
−
***Support Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
+
**Support Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
−
***Light Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
+
**Light Lance<ref name=KHp33/>
  
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
−
''' Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded [[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=HBHSp137>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 137 </ref>
+
''' Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded [[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=HBHSp137>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 137</ref>
−
* CO: ''General'' Goshi Tengwan
+
:* CO: ''General'' Goshi Tengwan
−
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Buckminster]]. <ref name=HKDCp135> House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p.135 </ref> The command includes 3 light, 6 heavy and 3 assault companies. The unit has also a double strength air support.<ref name=HSDCp143>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p.143 </ref>
+
:Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Buckminster]].<ref name=HKDCp135>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 135</ref> The command includes 3 light, 6 heavy and 3 assault companies. The unit has also a double strength air support.<ref name=HSDCp143>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 143</ref>
  
 
===3027===
 
===3027===
Line 178: Line 178:
  
 
===3028===
 
===3028===
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' (BattleMech Regiment/Elite) <ref name=NAIS1-119/>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (BattleMech Regiment/Elite)<ref name=NAIS1-119/>
−
* CO/1st Battalion: ''General'' Goshi Tengwan
+
* CO/First Battalion: ''General'' Goshi Tengwan
−
* 2nd Battalion
+
* Second Battalion
−
* 3rd Battalion
+
* Third Battalion
  
 
===3040===
 
===3040===
−
''' Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical) <ref name = HWo3039p139/>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=HWo3039p139/>
−
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Baldur]]. <ref name = HWo3039p139>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 139 >''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 139 </ref>
+
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Baldur]].<ref name=HWo3039p139>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 139</ref>
  
−
===3050-3054===
+
===3050–3054===
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' ([[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup41>''20-Year Update'', p. 41</ref> <ref name=ORp27/>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' ([[Regiment]]/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=20yup41>''20 Year Update'', p. 41</ref><ref name=ORp27/>
 
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' Kelly Tok Do
 
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' Kelly Tok Do
−
 
+
: Note: At this point in time (3050) the unit was stationed on Baldur.<ref name=20yup41/> The Second Sword of Light was the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and aerospace assets.<ref name=er3052-28/>
−
: Note: At this point in time (3050) the unit was stationed on Baldur. <ref name=20yup41/>. The Second Sword of Light was the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and Aerospace assets.<ref name=er3052-28/>
 
  
 
===3059===
 
===3059===
−
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM-DC85></ref>
+
'''Second Sword of Light''' (Expanded Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM-DC85 />
−
* CO/1st [[Battalion]]: ''Tai-sa'' Saruji Hiromassu
+
* CO/First [[Battalion]]: ''Tai-sa'' Saruji Hiromassu
 
: XO: ''Tai-sa'' Drake Namakatsi
 
: XO: ''Tai-sa'' Drake Namakatsi
−
* 2nd Battalion: ''[[Chu-sa]]'' Kevin Samuels
+
* Second Battalion: ''[[Chu-sa]]'' Kevin Samuels
−
* 3rd Battalion: ''Chu-sa'' Li Sak To
+
* Third Battalion: ''Chu-sa'' Li Sak To
−
* 4th Battalion: ''Chu-sa'' Kiko Samohira
+
* Fourth Battalion: ''Chu-sa'' Kiko Samohira
−
- Of the 72 OmniMechs, many are heavies with a few lighter units for scout missions. Through the 'first salvage' right after each battle, many 'Mechs feature clan weapons.
+
- Of the 72 OmniMechs, many are heavies with a few lighter units for scout missions. Through the 'first salvage' right after each battle, many 'Mechs feature Clan weapons.
  
−
'''[[43rd Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|Forty-third Aerospace Wing: Striking Serpents]]''' (2 [[Wing (Military Unit)|Wing]]s /Elite/Reliable)
+
'''[[Forty-third Aerospace (Draconis Combine)|Forty-third Aerospace Wing: Striking Serpents]]''' (2 [[Wing (Military Unit)|Wing]]s /Elite/Reliable)
 
* Wing Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Xavier Manoku
 
* Wing Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Xavier Manoku
  
−
'''[[3rd Luthien Guards|Third Luthien Guard: The Stormwalkers]]''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)
+
'''[[Third Luthien Guards|Third Luthien Guard: The Stormwalkers]]''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)
 
* Armor Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Sato Moyagi
 
* Armor Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Sato Moyagi
  
−
'''[[71st Mechanized Infantry (Draconis Combine)|Seventy-first Mechanized Infantry]]''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)
+
'''[[Seventy-first Mechanized Infantry (Draconis Combine)|Seventy-first Mechanized Infantry]]''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)
 
* Troop Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Earl Washington
 
* Troop Commander: ''Tai-sa'' Earl Washington
  
Line 229: Line 228:
  
 
'''Eighth Luthien Aerospace''' (Wing/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
 
'''Eighth Luthien Aerospace''' (Wing/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
−
* CO: ''[[Sho-sa]]'' Rudolph Dunlap
+
* CO: ''[[Sho-sa]]'' [[Rudolph Dunlap]]
  
 
'''Twelfth Luthien Heavy Armor''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
 
'''Twelfth Luthien Heavy Armor''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
−
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' Henry Herrera
+
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' [[Henry Herrera]]
  
 
'''Sixth Luthien Battlesuit Infantry''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
 
'''Sixth Luthien Battlesuit Infantry''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3145p67/>
−
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' Danilo Torres
+
* CO: ''Tai-sa'' [[Danilo Torres]]
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
All Sword of Light regiments used a flat red paint scheme in the field and on parade. The Second Sword used a steel colored Kurita crest to denote their regiment, painted on each BattleMech's left shoulder. The symbol of the regimental division, a blazing sword, appeared on every 'Mech's back and on the front of the right leg.
 
All Sword of Light regiments used a flat red paint scheme in the field and on parade. The Second Sword used a steel colored Kurita crest to denote their regiment, painted on each BattleMech's left shoulder. The symbol of the regimental division, a blazing sword, appeared on every 'Mech's back and on the front of the right leg.
  
−
In addition to the House Kurita crest and regimental symbol, the Second Battalion of the Second Sword of Light wore the flag of Kentares IV on its 'Mechs. Ever since the Second Battalion's participation in the long-ago Kentares Massacre, its MechWarriors had painted the flag of Kentares IV on the back upper-right torso of their BattleMechs as a reminder of their predecessors' willingness to sacrifice their own honor in service to House Kurita and the Draconis Combine<ref name=FM-DC85b>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 85</ref>.
+
In addition to the House Kurita crest and regimental symbol, the Second Battalion of the Second Sword of Light wore the flag of Kentares IV on its 'Mechs. Ever since the Second Battalion's participation in the long-ago Kentares Massacre, its MechWarriors had painted the flag of Kentares IV on the back upper-right torso of their BattleMechs as a reminder of their predecessors' willingness to sacrifice their own honor in service to House Kurita and the Draconis Combine.<ref name=FM-DC85b>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 85</ref>
−
 
 
−
==Rules==
 
−
<div class="gamerules">
 
−
 
 
−
===Reunification War===
 
−
* The Second Sword of Light may Force the Initiative.<ref name="H:RWp182">''Historical: Reunification War'', p. 182, "Sword of Light"</ref>
 
−
* The Second Sword of Light may use Overrun Combat.<ref name="H:RWp182"/>
 
−
* Opponents fighting against the Second Sword of Light suffer a -1 penalty to all morale checks.<ref name="H:RWp182"/>
 
−
 
 
−
=== First Succession War ===
 
−
* Between [[2786]] and [[2807]], the composition of randomly-generated lances from the Second Sword of Light are determined using a single roll on the Random Unit Assignment Tables per lance, with all of the lance 'Mechs being the resulting type. Between [[2808]] and [[2819]], the lance composition is determined using two rolls on the Random Unit Assignment Tables per lance, and from [[2820]] lance composition is determined using one roll per 'Mech per lance.<ref name="FSWp147">''First Succession War'', p. 147, "Force Compositions"</ref>
 
−
* When generating Second Sword of Light forces using Random Unit Assignment Tables during the First Succession War, the Sword of Light receives a +4 modifier to each roll on the appropriate table.<ref name="FSWp147B">''First Succession War'', p. 147, "RAT Die Roll Modifiers by Combat Command Table"</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===Third Succession War===
 
−
* On Mallory's World, the Second's soldiers were highly skilled, and enjoyed single combat though they had few opportunities to do so. If a Sword MechWarrior engages in an honor duel, they add +1 to their Initiative rolls and +1 to any Piloting Skill Roll. When the Second Sword of Light starts a fight at 1:1 odds they cancel any Initiative bonuses or abilities possessed by their opponents.<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World'', p. 9</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===Jihad===
 
−
*The [[Black Dragon Society]] followers of the unit (during the [[Battle of Luthien (Jihad)|Battle of Luthien]]) enjoy a modifier to all initiative rolls and when they outnumber their opponents, they always win initiative.
 
−
*During the Luthien campaign, the Loyalists get modifiers in all Ranged Combat and Physical Attacks when facing a Black Dragon member of the unit.
 
−
</div>
 
−
 
 
−
==Images==
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:2nd_Sword_Of_Light_2596.png|Unit logo ca. 2596
 
−
Image:Sword2.png|Unit logo ca. 3075
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 272: Line 245:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
 
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
 +
* ''[[Combat Manual: Kurita]]''
 
* ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
 
* ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
 
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
 
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
 
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''
 
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''
 +
* ''[[The Face of the Enemy]]'' (short story)
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
−
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 
 
* ''[[Field Report: DCMS]]''
 
* ''[[Field Report: DCMS]]''
−
* ''[[First Succession War (Source Book)|First Succession War]]
+
* ''[[Field Report 2765: DCMS]]''
 +
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]
 
* ''[[Handbook: House Kurita]]''
 
* ''[[Handbook: House Kurita]]''
 +
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
 
* ''[[Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World]]
 
* ''[[Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World]]
−
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
 
 
* ''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]''
 
* ''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]''
 
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
 
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
 
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]''
 
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]''
−
* ''[[Irreplaceable]]''  
+
* ''[[Irreplaceable]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Luthien]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Luthien]]''
 
* ''[[The Kell Hounds]]''
 
* ''[[The Kell Hounds]]''
Line 294: Line 271:
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
−
* ''[[Second Succession War (Sourcebook)| Second Succession War]]''
+
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine]]''
−
* ''[[The Face of the Enemy]]'' (Battlecorps Fiction)
 
 
* ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]''
 
* ''[[Warrior: Coupé]]''
−
* ''[[Wolves on the Border]]''
 
 
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
 
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
 +
* ''[[Wolves on the Border]]''
 +
</div>
 +
  
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine Commands|Sword of Light, 02nd]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine Commands|Sword of Light, 02nd]]

Latest revision as of 23:25, 12 January 2024

Sword of Light 2nd logo.png
Second Sword of Light
Nickname The Steel Dragon
Affiliation Draconis Combine
Parent Command Sword of Light

Overview[edit]

Representing the Pillar of Steel, or the military, in Combine society, the Second Sword of Light was one of the most prestigious units in the DCMS. The elite Second took part in some of the most notable Combine military actions, but also had been involved in some of their darkest moments, including the Kentares Massacre and an attempted coup against the Coordinator that led to the unit being disbanded. However the regiment was reborn in the Dark Age.

History[edit]

Formation[edit]


Age of War[edit]

In 2475, the first use of BattleMechs by the Draconis Combine against another BattleMech force was a failure of spectacular proportions. After this defeat, the Second was issued the Combine's first "modern" BattleMech, the Von Rohrs, and assigned to the command of Colonel Ibis Von Rohrs.[1][2]

Reunification War[edit]

The Second Sword of Light was one of four regiments assigned by the DCMS to the Draconis Auxiliary Corps[3] formed in the early 2580s as a contribution towards Operation MAILED FIST, the Star League intervention in the Rim Worlds Republic Civil War.[4] The Second Sword was assigned to Task Force MAILED FIST alongside the Seventh Sword of Light, Fourth Proserpina Hussars and the First Arkab Legion.[3]

The Second Sword of Light began operations in the Rim Worlds Republic as a part of Battle Group Timbuktu in 2584 with the campaign to secure Nightwish and the Second Amaris Dragoons, and were soon well known for their arrogance, brutality and inhumane methods.[5] Unimpeded by the Ares Conventions as a result of the declaration by First Lord Ian Cameron in 2578 that SLDF operations in the Periphery would not be bound by the Conventions,[6] the Second Sword caused carnage on Nightwish, shelling inhabited areas to drive out hidden Rim Worlds Army forces and torturing prisoners for information. When the overall commander of Battle Group Timbuktu, Duke Narinder Selaj of the Principality of Regulus, challenged the DCMS units over their tactics, he was rebuffed with the reply that the tactics were efficient and saved troops and resources. On paper, this was true; the DCMS forces lost 42 personnel - including 7 MechWarriors - in the conquest of Nightwish, whereas casualties on the opposing side exceeded 10,000 people.[7]

The Second's actions on Nightwish earned them a new nickname - the "Blood Snakes" - and led to them being despised by the Rim Worlds Army, the Rift Republican Army... and their own allies in the SLDF. Soon all of the Task Force MAILED FIST forces were being tarred with the same brush; both the RWA and RRA put the DCMS units on automatic kill lists - with the notable exception of the First Arkab Legion, who in contrast with their DCMS fellows were accorded a grudging respect for their compassion when dealing with prisoners of war[8] - and resistance on Republic worlds increased sharply, both from the various military units and from the growing civilian partisan movements[9] with hidden bunkers and weapon emplacements becoming both increasingly common and increasingly cynical in their placement, not that this prevented the Second Sword from removing such sites through heavy weapons and shelling even as the Republic forces began locating complexes under schools, hospitals and other such sites.[10]

The Draconis Auxiliary Corps fought as a complete formation against local militia forces during the occupation of Milvano in 2586[3] and against the loyalist Seventh Amaris Dragoons on Timbuktu in 2588.[11][12] The conquest of Milvano took more than a year, considerably longer than originally planned, thanks to ongoing bouts of civil unrest despite the brutality with which the Second Sword and other DCMS units put down such actions.[9]

The campaign for Timbuktu saw the Draconis Auxiliary Corps fighting alongside the elite Eleventh Royal Division, an SLDF division from IV Corps, and the combined forces made short work of the defenses prepared by the Seventh Dragoons. Colonel Samuel Macao withdrew his forces to the more sparsely populated Hades continent, intent on using the mining complexes there for cover, but reports of the harsh treatment of Republic citizens at the hands of the DCMS forces provoked him into strikes that cost him much of his unit; the Seventh Dragoons were then subjected to nineteen days of merciless bombardment until the survivors surrendered.[13]

The last campaign of the Reunification War for the Second Sword was the conquest of Ormstown in 2590, in which the Second Sword fought alongside the Seventh Sword against local militia forces.[11] The Draconis Auxiliary Corps was withdrawn from Operation MAILED FIST in 2591 as the various District Warlords of the Draconis Combine attempted to compensate for the erratic actions of Coordinator Leonard Kurita.[14]

Star League Era[edit]

In 2765 the Second Sword of Light was stationed on Luthien.[15]

Third Succession War[edit]

In 2872 the Second Sword of Light would successfully eject Davion forces that had captured the Combine world of Deshler.[16]

In 2910 during a standard routine maintenance cycle on Luthien, mechanics from the Second stumbled across the Daimyo HQ 67-K that had leaked detailed video of the Kentares Massacre to ComStar, transported without record and left to rot in a motor pool on the capital. The Second's techs made the unit's command staff aware of the vehicle's history, despite the dishonor attached to it. From then on, the Second Sword of Light used it every battle as a reminder of a particularly dark part of Sworder history, with crews volunteering for assignment to the mobile HQ.[17]

In the second decade of the thirtieth century, the Second Sword, along with the Twentieth Dieron Regulars and Fourth Proserpina Hussars, headed a massive multiregiment assault on the Tamar Pact, under the overall command of General Tugima Travison.[18][19]

As a young officer, future Coordinator Takashi Kurita rose to fame in the Second Sword with his leadership and battlefield prowess at the controls of his family's BattleMaster, inspiring the already elite unit to even greater heights. Takashi eventually rose to command the regiment's heavy assault battalion prior to his promotion to the Otomo in 3000.[20][21]

Third Battle of Mallory's World[edit]

The Second Sword was one of the more notable units to take part in the Third Battle of Mallory's World in 3013, eventually being driven back after the death of First Prince Ian Davion.[22] They faced the Fourth Davion Guards during this fight.[23] During the later fighting, Ian Davion destroyed a lance of assault 'Mechs piloted by the Second's command company. Prince Davion engaged each warrior in single combat, eventually losing to Yorinaga Kurita. They were then rotated off Mallory's World and replaced by the Second Legion of Vega.[24][25]

Battle of Halstead Station[edit]

In 3014 upon learning Prince Hanse Davion was pinned down during his attempted escape from Halstead Station, Takashi personally led the Second Sword in an attempt to capture or kill his honored foe.[26][25]

Fourth Battle of Mallory's World[edit]

The Second, under the command of Lord Yorinaga Kurita, returned to Mallory's World in 3016, with the Thirty-sixth Dieron Regulars. Tai-sa Kurita attempted to avenge himself on Colonel Morgan Kell for stopping him from taking the body of Ian Davion three years earlier. During the assault, the Thirty-sixth Dieron managed to pin down the first battalion of the Hounds, while Lord Kurita led the Second Sword to attempt to destroy Morgan Kell's Second Battalion. After Kurita discovered Kell's location in a defensive fortification, Kell challenged him to samurai's duel. Honor bound by such an act, Tai-sa Kurita agreed. The two dueled, ending in a draw in a fashion that forced Kurita to withdraw.[27][28]

Dromini VI[edit]

In late 3021 the Second suffered severe casualties assisting in the defense of the Kurita world of Dromini VI against large scale operations by the Wolf's Dragoons mercenary unit, in the employ of House Steiner. However, at one point they did manage to maneuver a Dragoons regiment into an ambush that inflicted serious losses, and remain one of the few units to have ever done so. During the fighting, a light Kurita scout lance led by Tai-i Minobu Tetsuhara encountered Jaime Wolf himself, whose BattleMech (an Archer painted in blue and gold) was seriously damaged and overheated. Following the warrior code of bushido, Tetsuhara allowed the respected enemy to withdraw instead of finishing him off in an uneven battle.[29]

End of the Third Succession War[edit]

In 3025 the unit was stationed on Buckminster.[30]

Fourth Succession War[edit]

The Second fought a successful defense of Buckminster against the Third Royal Guards.

Ronin War[edit]

During the Ronin War the Second landed on Predlitz in July 3034 to assist the First Tyr in defeating the Eighth Rasalhague Regulars and the Twelfth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre.[31] Resistance collapsed on 5 August, and the Second moved on.[32] On 12 August, a portion of the Second arrived in the Kempten system where half of the ronin Seventeenth Rasalhague Regulars and First Sun Zhang Academy Cadre committed seppuku rather than face the elite unit. The other surviving half were arrested and executed for treason.[33]

War of 3039[edit]

During the War of 3039 the Second Sword of Light landed on Kessel along with the Fifth Sun Zhang Cadre and Twelfth Sun Zhang Cadre. They faced the Eleventh Lyran Regulars, Second Donegal Guards, and fourth Skye Rangers, all under the command of Caesar Steiner.[34] They nearly destroyed the Eleventh Lyran Regulars, but were forced to withdraw from that fight under heavy pressure from the other two commands. The two armies spent several months engaging in smaller pin-prick attacks and raids, but eventually the LCAF was driven from Kessel.[35]

Clan Invasion[edit]

Elements of the Second Sword of Light would help defend the Combine capital during the Clan Smoke Jaguar and Nova Cat assault in 3051, most notably the dishonored Daimyo mobile HQ operated by the unit. During the later stages of the battle both Coordinator Takashi Kurita and Shin Yodama commanded from the vehicle; after seeing the crew operate with no regard for their personal safety, Takashi declared the vehicle cleansed of its historic stain. The Coordinator would personally pay for the vehicle's repair and refurbishment, the redeemed Daimyo occupying a place of pride in the Second Sword of Light's order of battle.[17]

In late 3051, the unit was assigned to help defend the district capital Alshain against Clan Ghost Bear during the Fifth Wave of Operation Revival. Using mobile tactics, the Second was able to do severe damage to the invading forces, and made successful use of several traps, at one point nearly destroying the Third Bear Guards. Ultimately, they were forced to retreat off-world, but did so in good order.[36] Their tactics and skill saved other DCMS units.[37]

Operation Bulldog[edit]

The Second Sword participated in Operation Bulldog in 3059, where it retook the world of Hyner from the Third Jaguar Cavaliers. The unit then moved to garrison the world of Albiero.

Dominion War[edit]

In 3062, the Second Sword was relieved by the heavily damaged Twenty-second Dieron Regulars from garrison duty on Albiero, to participate in war against Clan Ghost Bear. The Second Sword struck the 283rd Battle Cluster on Garstedt with only half its forces., as the other half was used to strike the Ghost Bear Dominion's world of Constance, in order to lure some of Ghost Bear units back from the Combine. Elements of the Second on Garstedt braved the Clan's onslaught until the Tenth Ghost Regiment arrived to assist in the fighting. Though extremely damaged, tradition kept the unit from being decommissioned.[38]

Federated Suns Incursion[edit]


Jihad[edit]

Battle of Luthien (3067–3074)[edit]

See also: Battle of Luthien (3067)

Li Sak To became embittered by what he perceived as a lack of support from the DCMS during the Combine-Ghost Bear War and he tolerated sentiments propagated by the Black Dragon Society within the unit. In December 3067 and under the direction of the Society, To initiated a coup on Luthien, with the support of a majority of the Second Sword. Tai-sa Kiko Samohira led almost a battalion's worth of Loyalist MechWarriors and support crews in a mutiny against To's authority. Very few Loyalists survived through the battle's conclusion in 3074, due to their exuberance in seeking retaliation against the Black Dragons of the unit.[39]

In the last week of 3067, the Black Dragon Sworders captured the Voice of the Dragon compound and then, alongside the allied Sathen's Snipers, the Imperial Palace on New Year's Day morning, 3068, capturing Franklin Sakamoto, killing Griffon Meshune and decimating the Otomo and Izanagi Warriors.[40] When To attempted to execute a number of captured members of the Otomo one of his own officers defied him. Chu-i Takiro Hutchinson recognized that Li Sak To's actions were wrong, and in an act of defiance maneuvered his Katana between To's Akuma and the prisoners, preventing him from murdering them in cold blood. To and Hutchinson then fought each other savagely, a battle that polarized the Second Sword of Light and gave the prisoners time to escape. Although many of the prisoners including Franklin Sakamoto were subsequently recaptured they were able to sound the alarm and thereby alert the First Genyosha. Following the battle fragments of the armor from Hutchinson's Katana were carried by the other members of his lance as reminders of their duty to the Dragon.[41]

In June 3068, the Sixth Benjamin Regulars arrived on Luthien to reinforce the Second Sword.[39]

On 18 July 3069, the Second Sword, along with the Sixth Benjamin Regulars and Fortieth Dieron Regulars, moved to disrupt the effectiveness of the Loyalist forces operating in the vicinity of the LAW City ruins on Guthry Island. Prematurely alerted to their presence by an engagement with an encountered Word of Blake salvage team, the First Genyosha levied heavy casualties on the Sixth, scoring a victory for the Loyalists.[42]

On 28 November 3073, the Thirty-second Division pushed against Kokuryu-kai forces located in the vicinity of the Takashi Memorial Spaceport's customs annex, securing at least one ingress to the underground complex. By destroying the main headquarters compound located there, they forced the Fortieth Dieron Regulars and Second Sword of Light out into the local neighborhoods. The Thirty-second lost a command Level II and an Overlord-class DropShip to a booby trap.[43]

On March 14th 3074, the Word of Blake ROM had leaked information regarding the presence of Buda Weapons Chief Researcher Hideoshi Yamika and his prototype Large X-Pulse Laser to the Kokuryu-kai as a means of wearing down Loyalist defenders in Skytower City. The resulting battle ended with Yamika and his prototypes being hustled aboard a Blakist DropShip.[44]

By the end of the fighting on Luthien in early 3075, over 90% of the regiment had been destroyed. The remaining Black Dragon sympathizers surrendered and were executed without trial shortly thereafter. The Coordinator then took the unprecedented move of striking the dishonored Second Sword of Light from the rosters of the DCMS, forming in its place the Ninth Sword of Light around the handful of Loyalist survivors.[45][39] The dishonor inflicted on the Second was such that when the Coordinator struck the Second Sword of Light from the rolls of the DCMS, he instructed that at least two generations must pass before the regiment could be reconstituted. Those few members of the Second Sword who remained loyal and were incorporated into the newly formed Ninth Sword and would remain under close watch at the hands of the ISF. The scrutiny under which they were held was such that when not on duty, the warriors were kept in a constant state of house arrest. News of the Second's dishonor had a profound effect on the warriors of the other Sword regiments; many used the news to drive them to act with greater fervor in the efforts against the enemies of the combine, while many others chose to attempt to atone for the dishonor by committing seppuku. This had the knock-on effect of reducing the combat strength of the other Sword regiments, even those which saw relatively little action during the Jihad.[46]

Dark Age[edit]

Some time prior to 3135 the Second Sword of Light was reactivated by Coordinator Vincent Kurita. When questioned about reactivating a "tainted" unit, the Coordinator declared that those who had caused the taint were long dead along with their perverting influence. The DCMS High Command quickly transferred in the best soldiers they could and the Second rejoined the Dragon's Claws.[47]

In 3135 the DCMS launched an attack into the Republic of the Sphere to reclaim systems traditionally held by the Combine. They hit Biham[48] and Deneb Algedi. During their time on Deneb Algedi, they suffered serious losses when Republic partisans crashed a DropShip into their garrison.[49] On Biham, they faced the Second Triarii Protectors.[50]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the Second Sword of Light
Colonel Ibis Von Rohrs 2475 - 2???[1]
Tai-sa Sanaka 2722[51]
Tai-sa Aritomo Goto ???? - 3013[52]
Tai-sa Yorinaga Kurita 3013 - 3016[53]
General Goshi Tengwan 3025 - 3039[54][55][56]
Tai-sa Kelly Tok Do 3050 - 3054[57]
Tai-sa Saruji Hiromassu 3059 - ????[58]
Tai-sa Li Sak To 3067[59]
Tai-sa Seishiro Itagaki 3145[60]

Other Officers[edit]

Tactics[edit]

The "Steel Dragon" preferred open set actions. As they were the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, however, they were also very skilled in modifying their tactics to keep their adversaries off-balance. Their "lesser" units were the equal of the 'Mech forces.[37]

Composition History[edit]

2765[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Expanded Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[61]

Note: At this point in time command was stationed on Luthien.[61]

2786–2821[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[62]

- At this point in time the Second Sword was a medium-weight regiment operating at a strength of four battalions and stationed on Luthien.[62] In 2821 the unit was operating at just over three-quarters of full strength and stationed on Arlington.[62]

2830[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[63]

Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on Mara with an operational readiness of 129 percent.[63]

2864[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[63]

Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on Robinson with an operational readiness of 56 percent.[63]

3013[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment)

3025[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Expanded Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[65]

  • CO: General Goshi Tengwan
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Buckminster.[30] The command includes 3 light, 6 heavy and 3 assault companies. The unit has also a double strength air support.[66]

3027[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment)

3028[edit]

Second Sword of Light (BattleMech Regiment/Elite)[55]

  • CO/First Battalion: General Goshi Tengwan
  • Second Battalion
  • Third Battalion

3040[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[69]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Baldur.[69]

3050–3054[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[70][57]

  • CO: Tai-sa Kelly Tok Do
Note: At this point in time (3050) the unit was stationed on Baldur.[70] The Second Sword of Light was the only Sword of Light unit with permanently assigned infantry, armor, and aerospace assets.[37]

3059[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Expanded Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[58]

XO: Tai-sa Drake Namakatsi
  • Second Battalion: Chu-sa Kevin Samuels
  • Third Battalion: Chu-sa Li Sak To
  • Fourth Battalion: Chu-sa Kiko Samohira

- Of the 72 OmniMechs, many are heavies with a few lighter units for scout missions. Through the 'first salvage' right after each battle, many 'Mechs feature Clan weapons.

Forty-third Aerospace Wing: Striking Serpents (2 Wings /Elite/Reliable)

  • Wing Commander: Tai-sa Xavier Manoku

Third Luthien Guard: The Stormwalkers (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)

  • Armor Commander: Tai-sa Sato Moyagi

Seventy-first Mechanized Infantry (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)

  • Troop Commander: Tai-sa Earl Washington

3067[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Expanded BattleMech Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[59]

  • CO: Tai-sa Li Sak To

Forty-third Aerospace Wing: Striking Serpents (2 Wing's/Elite/Reliable)[59]

  • CO: Tai-sa Oswald Lesko

Third Luthien Guard: The Stormwalkers (2 Armor Battalions/Elite/Fanatical)[59]

  • CO: Tai-sa Henri Wabanu

Seventy-first Mechanized Infantry (Battalion/Elite/Fanatical)[59]

  • CO: Chu-sa Renee Al-Lanna

3145[edit]

Second Sword of Light (Elite/Fanatical)[60]

  • CO: Tai-sa Seishiro Itagaki

Eighth Luthien Aerospace (Wing/Elite/Fanatical)[60]

Twelfth Luthien Heavy Armor (Elite/Fanatical)[60]

Sixth Luthien Battlesuit Infantry (Elite/Fanatical)[60]

Notes[edit]

All Sword of Light regiments used a flat red paint scheme in the field and on parade. The Second Sword used a steel colored Kurita crest to denote their regiment, painted on each BattleMech's left shoulder. The symbol of the regimental division, a blazing sword, appeared on every 'Mech's back and on the front of the right leg.

In addition to the House Kurita crest and regimental symbol, the Second Battalion of the Second Sword of Light wore the flag of Kentares IV on its 'Mechs. Ever since the Second Battalion's participation in the long-ago Kentares Massacre, its MechWarriors had painted the flag of Kentares IV on the back upper-right torso of their BattleMechs as a reminder of their predecessors' willingness to sacrifice their own honor in service to House Kurita and the Draconis Combine.[71]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 206: "4RH-5 Von Rohrs/Hebi"
  2. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 27: "History of the Nation - The Age of Dishonor - Blood Poisoning"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Historical: Reunification War, p. 152: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (Jump-Off - 2587)"
  4. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 131: "False Starts (2579-81)"
  5. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 36: "Second Sword of Light"
  6. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 21: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges"
  7. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 134: "Helbrent to Nightwish (July 2582 - November 2584)"
  8. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 36: "First Arkab Legion"
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Historical: Reunification War, p. 134: "Arlina to Viborg (December 2584 - September 2588)"
  10. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 134: "Busting Bunkers"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Historical: Reunification War, p. 153: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"
  12. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 155: "Rim Worlds Republic Front (2588-2596)"
  13. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 135: "Timbuktu (July 2588)"
  14. ↑ Historical: Reunification War, p. 138: "Leonard the Debauched"
  15. ↑ Field Report 2765: DCMS, p. 8
  16. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 195: "Rules Annex - BattleTech Rules - Wakamiya Salvage Destroyer"
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 42: "History of the Nation - The First Succession War - Unforgiving Blood - The Honor of the Daimyo"
  18. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 81
  19. ↑ House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 72
  20. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 87
  21. ↑ Handbook: House Kurita, p. 61: "History of the Nation - Dragon Afire - New Dawn for the Dragon - The Young Drake"
  22. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 89
  23. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World, p. 10
  24. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World, p. 14
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Handbook: House Kurita, p. 63: "History of the Nation - Mustering the Dragon's Might - Halstead Station"
  26. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 90
  27. ↑ Warrior: Coupé, p. 62: Yorinaga retells story of his battle with Colonel Morgan Kell during the Fourth Battle for Mallory's World
  28. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World, p. 21
  29. ↑ Wolf's Dragoons, p. 27
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 135
  31. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, p. 111: "Predlitz"
  32. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, p. 115: "Predlitz"
  33. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, p. 117: "Kempten"
  34. ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 76
  35. ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 80
  36. ↑ Invading Clans, pp. 27–28
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Era Report: 3052, p. 28
  38. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 111: "Second Sword of Light" unit profile
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, pp. 6–7: "Combatants"
  40. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 8: "Traitor's Kiss"
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 94: "CR K-5003-2 Katana (Crockett)"
  42. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, pp. 8–9: "Bullet In the Blue Sky"
  43. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 10: "Tunnel Rats"
  44. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, pp. 10–11: "Light Machine"
  45. ↑ Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 29: "The Dragon's Teeth: Key Military Commands - Sword of Light"
  46. ↑ Field Report: DCMS, p. 13: "Sword of Light"
  47. ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 58
  48. ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 146
  49. ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 148
  50. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 14
  51. ↑ The Face of the Enemy, p. 6
  52. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Mallory's World, p. 11
  53. ↑ Warrior: Coupé, pp. 62–64: Yorinaga tells his son of his battle against Morgan Kell, while in command of the Second Sword of Light
  54. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 137
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 119
  56. ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 75
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 Objective Raids, p. 27: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3054"
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 85: "Second Sword of Light" unit profile
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 59.4 Field Manual: Updates, p. 119: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3067"
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 60.3 60.4 Field Manual: 3145, p. 67: "DCMS Deployment Table - 3145"
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 Field Report 2765: DCMS, p. 8
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 First Succession War, p. 137: "Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS)"
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 Second Succession War, p. 97
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 64.3 The Kell Hounds, p. 33
  65. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 137
  66. ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 143
  67. ↑ The Kell Hounds, p. 43
  68. ↑ The Kell Hounds, p. 41
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 139
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 20 Year Update, p. 41
  71. ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 85

Bibliography[edit]

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