Erik Sandoval-Groell

Erik-Sandoval-Groell.png
Erik Sandoval-Groell
Character Profile
Born 3105[1]
Affiliation House Sandoval
Title(s) Duke of Robinson
Position Prince's Champion
Profession MechWarrior

Erik Sandoval-Groell (b. 3105 - d.3???) was the chief adviser to Duke Aaron Sandoval and the Swordsworn which culminated into him becoming the Prince's Champion for First Prince Caleb Davion.[1]

History

Erik was born on Robinson and was the great-grandson of Jessica Sandoval-Groell. Erik was not in line for the heir of the Draconis March, but he was still considered part of the dynasty. While growing up, he was close to his older cousin Aaron Sandoval which would be beneficial once the HPG network crashed.[1]

Swordsworn Activities

Mara

Once the HPG's went down, Duke Corwin Sandoval sent Erik to reclaim the Republic world of Mara which used to be a possession of the Sandoval dynasty. He failed to secure the planet due to another cousin of his, Christine Sandoval, interfering.[1] His defeat at the hands of his cousin, who sided with the natives of Mara, sent him back to the Draconis March in disgrace.[2]

Achernar

When he returned back to report to his cousin, Aaron immediately sent him to secure Achernar because of the working HPG station.[3] There he noticed that his force was small compared to the forces of both the Republic militia and the forces of the Steel Wolves; the Wolves were on the world for the same reason as Erik's Swordsworn, the control of the working HPG.

Erik was able to persuade the Republican Knight on the world, Kyle Powers, to see his force as an ally against the Wolves. He used this new alliance to position his force as a reserve between every engagement between the militia and Wolf forces in order to save his strength and sap both of theirs to make it easier to turn on both of them to take control of the world. A hitch in his plan arose when both sides went to a wait and see approach. He needed both sides to destroy each other so he decided to go ahead and goad the Wolves. Erik concentrated a portion of his force to attack and destroy one of the Wolves salvage teams.[4] With the attack on mainly non-warrior, Erik hoped that Torrent would demand retribution from Sir Powers since he agreed to have the Swordsworn act as allies to the militia; their fight would help to reduce their strength even more.

During the final pitched battle for control of the world, Erik's men came under attack from Raul Ortega's forces which gave Erik the opportunity he was searching for; he was now free to attack both of his enemies. When the battle left the city and made its way to the spaceport, the forces of the Swordsworn and Steel Wolves pushed closer and closer to the line of the Republican militia; until it became too crowded to which it became a brutal three way fight.

Erik would go on to concede the battlefield to the militia forces when there was no longer a military objective for Achernar. Erik realized too late that Raul had forces sneak into the HPG building and plant explosives to destroy the compound, removing all importance for the world.[5] Erik left Achernar and returned to Tikonov as a hero because he was able to complete one of his objectives, to prevent the Steel Wolves from obtaining a working HPG station.[6]

New Aragon

After those two defeats, Erik participated in a major Swordsworn victory against House Liao on the world of New Aragon, alongside elements of the Davion Guards and the Ghost Legion (elite and veteran Swordsworn regiments). Duke Aaron Sandoval left Erik in charge of mopping up the remaining hostile forces, a duty that he performed well. During this last operation, Erik was noted for successfully leading a search and destroy party of Swordsworn ’Mechs against a heavier Liao Tundra Wolf.[citation needed]

New Canton

After learning of the failed attempt to kill his Uncle in New Canton, Erik was sent to the world of Shensi to gather their support in forming a coalition of worlds against House Liao, while Aaron Sandoval negotiated with other worlds. On Shensi Erik found a political bureaucratic nightmare that made it seem impossible to sign any agreement; unbeknownst to him, his uncle hired Liao mercenaries to carry out a surprise attack while Erik was on the planet. As a result of the attack Erik managed to get the agreement signed and left the planet to report his success to his uncle.[citation needed]

St. Andre

While Aaron Sandoval was gathering aid for his coalition from other nearby worlds, Erik was put in charge of the defense of St. Andre, an important world already under heavy attack from Capellan forces. He took command of all Swordsworn forces on the planet, but learned that the Capellan forces were vastly superior to his own and would overwhelm his army. When House Liao launched a massive attack Swordsworn forces put up a determined resistance, inflicting serious losses on the attackers, but the prolonged fight took a toll on Erik's forces; just when all hope seemed to be lost, Aaron Sandoval arrived with reinforcements from other worlds and wiped out the Capellan forces with the aid of Erik’s battered forces. Erik was recognized as having led a very good defense with the forces he had available.[citation needed]

After the hard-fought victory on St. Andre and upon learning of his uncle's involvement on the Shensi attack Erik's point of view changed and he decided to make his own path in life instead of following the Duke.

New Hessen

On New Hessen, Erik saved First Prince Caleb Davion from both Liao and Republic forces.[7] After he saved Caleb, Erik was anointed as Prince's Champion.[1]

Federated Suns Activites

As the Champion, he was placed in charge of all Armed Forces of the Federated Suns units within the Tikonov region with the purpose of retaking all former Davion worlds from the Republic.[1]

When Caleb was killed in 3144, the Privy Council elected Erik to act as Regent of the Federated Suns due to the new First Prince, Julian Davion, was fighting in the Lyran Commonwealth against both Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Wolf.[1]

BattleMechs

Titles and Positions

Preceded by Duke of Robinson
3144-????
Succeeded by
????
Preceded by Prince's Champion
3144 - ????
Succeeded by
????

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Era Report: 3145, p. 93, "Erik Sandoval-Groell profile"
  2. A Call to Arms p. 44
  3. A Call to Arms p. 45
  4. A Call to Arms p. 143-148
  5. A Call to Arms p. 281
  6. A Call to Arms p. 300
  7. Fortress Republic p.?[citation needed]

Bibliography