Editing Northwind Highlanders
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Line 1: − {{Update Needed|[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]|[[Shattered Fortress]]|[[Grey Watch Protocol]]|[[Rock of the Republic]]}} + {{cleanup}} − {{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}+ {{Update Needed|[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]], [[Shattered Fortress]], [[Grey Watch Protocol]], [[Rock of the Republic]]}} {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | image = [[Image:NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Emblem of the Northwind Highlanders|200px]] | image = [[Image:NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Emblem of the Northwind Highlanders|200px]] Line 8:
Line 8: | Previous Designation = | Previous Designation = | Nickname = | Nickname = − | Affiliation = [[Republic of the Sphere]] (3081 - 3151);<br />[[Mercenary]] (2362–3081) (3152 - present) + | Affiliation = [[Republic of the Sphere]] (3081 - present);<br />[[Mercenary]] (2362–3081) | Parent Command = Independent | Parent Command = Independent − | Sub-Command = [[1st Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[2nd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[3rd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[Northwind Fusiliers]],<br>[[Northwind Hussars]],<br>[[MacLeod's Regiment]],<br>[[Marion's Highlanders]],<br>[[Stirling's Fusiliers]],<br>[[Republican Guards (Republic of the Sphere)|Republican Guards]],<br>[[Stuart's Highlanders]],<br>[[1st Gurkhas]] + | Sub-Command = [[1st Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[2nd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[3rd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[Northwind Fusiliers]],<br>[[Northwind Hussars]],<br>[[MacLeod's Regiment]],<br>[[Marion's Highlanders]],<br>[[Stirling's Fusiliers]],<br>[[Republican Guards (RotS)|Republican Guards]],<br>[[Stuart's Highlanders]],<br>[[1st Gurkhas]] }} }} The '''Northwind Highlanders''' are amongst the largest, longest-lived, and most respected [[mercenary]] commands of all time; a storied unit with the roots of their history in the ancient [[Terra]]n nation of Scotland.<ref name=NH6>''Northwind Highlanders'', p. 6</ref> The '''Northwind Highlanders''' are amongst the largest, longest-lived, and most respected [[mercenary]] commands of all time; a storied unit with the roots of their history in the ancient [[Terra]]n nation of Scotland.<ref name=NH6>''Northwind Highlanders'', p. 6</ref> Line 23:
Line 23: ===Succession Wars=== ===Succession Wars=== − Throughout the centuries, the Highlanders earned a reputation as an elite unit with high standards and morals that were not for sale, but even before [[Operation EXODUS]], the Highlanders regiments had grown apart from Northwind clan elders and accepted a contract with the [[Capellan Confederation]], in what was essentially an exclusive contract. When the [[Federated Suns]] invaded Northwind and destroyed two Highlander regiments recently founded, the Highlanders regiments accepted it with stoicism, and during the Succession Wars, served House Liao with honor and loyalty, as when the Second Kearny spent forty years hunting down every member of [[Gladstone's Gladiators]], a mercenary command that had breached their contract with the Confederation, or when the First Kearny faced down and defeated [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[Zeta Battalion]].<ref>''Combat Manual Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> The situation changed, however, when Prince [[Hanse Davion]] of the Federated Suns decided to invade the Capellan Confederation in what would become known as the [[Fourth Succession War]]. + Throughout the centuries, the Highlanders earned a reputation as an elite unit with high standards and morals that were not for sale, but even before [[Operation EXODUS]], the Highlanders regiments had grown apart from Northwind clan elders and accepted a contract with the [[Capellan Confederation]], in what was essentially an exclusive contract. When the [[Federated Suns]] invaded Northwind and destroyed two Highlander regiments recently founded, the Highlanders regiments accepted it with stoicism, and during the Succession Wars, served House Liao with honor and loyalty, as when the Second Kearny spent forty years hunting down every member of [[Gladstone's Gladiators]], a mercenary command than had breached contract with the Confederation, or when the First Kearny faced down and defeated [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[Zeta Battalion]].<ref>''Combat Manual Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> The situation changed, however, when Prince [[Hanse Davion]] of the Federated Suns decided to invade the Capellan Confederation in what would become known as the [[Fourth Succession War]]. − A turning point in Highlanders history was when Davion contacted them and promised them a home on their ancestral homeworld, Northwind, and they accepted, signing the [[Northwind Agreement]]. The vast majority of the Highlanders chose to abandon the Capellan Confederation and took up station on Northwind. Some Highlanders chose to stay, however, creating rifts in some families. They successfuly took Northwind, but more than four hundred of their warriors died in the battle. The Highlanders ably served the [[Federated Commonwealth]], fighting into the [[War of 3039]], losing about five hundred of their people, and later served along the Clan front.<ref>''Highlander Gambit'', ch. 10</ref> + A turning point in Highlanders history was when Davion contacted them and promised them a home on their ancestral homeworld, Northwind, and they accepted, signing the [[Northwind Agreement]]. The vast majority of the Highlanders chose to abandon the Capellan Confederation and took up station on Northwind. Some Highlanders chose to stay, however, creating rifts in some families. The Highlanders ably served the [[Federated Commonwealth]], including service along the Clan front. ===Clan Invasion and FedCom Civil War Eras=== ===Clan Invasion and FedCom Civil War Eras=== Another turning point occurred in [[3057]], when Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] sent [[Loren Jaffray]], a Death Commando whose grandfather was a Highlander who remained in the Confederation, to Northwind to offer the Highlanders their independence. Coinciding with the Marik-Liao invasion, the Highlanders were tied up as they fought a minor civil war, then debated whether or not to accept the Chancellor's proposal. Colonel [[William McLeod]], the ranking Highlander on planet, was able to reunite his troops and ultimately they chose to fight for their independence, and with the arrival of [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] sent the [[Lyran Alliance|Lyran]] [[3rd Royal Guards]] packing. Though Jaffray's mission was supposedly to destroy the Highlanders for their betrayal of Sun-Tzu's grandfather, Liao seemed content to have deprived the Federated Commonwealth of them and accepted the Death Commando's defection to the Highlanders with nary a second thought. Another turning point occurred in [[3057]], when Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] sent [[Loren Jaffray]], a Death Commando whose grandfather was a Highlander who remained in the Confederation, to Northwind to offer the Highlanders their independence. Coinciding with the Marik-Liao invasion, the Highlanders were tied up as they fought a minor civil war, then debated whether or not to accept the Chancellor's proposal. Colonel [[William McLeod]], the ranking Highlander on planet, was able to reunite his troops and ultimately they chose to fight for their independence, and with the arrival of [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] sent the [[Lyran Alliance|Lyran]] [[3rd Royal Guards]] packing. Though Jaffray's mission was supposedly to destroy the Highlanders for their betrayal of Sun-Tzu's grandfather, Liao seemed content to have deprived the Federated Commonwealth of them and accepted the Death Commando's defection to the Highlanders with nary a second thought. − Jaffray proved his loyalty to the Highlanders soon enough in a raid against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. In the aftermath of the [[Battle of Wayside (3058)]], Jaffray was put in command of the [[Northwind Hussars]], a new unit formed specifically to counter Clan tactics.<ref>''Northwind Highlanders''</ref> (Interestingly, the same concept had been proposed much earlier to the Highlanders by [[Jeremiah Rose]], who was rebuffed due to the objections of his own father.)<ref>''Main Event''</ref> + Jaffray proved his loyalty to the Highlanders soon enough in a raid against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. In the aftermath of this operation, Jaffray was put in command of the [[Northwind Hussars]], a new unit formed specifically to counter Clan tactics.<ref>''Northwind Highlanders''</ref> (Interestingly, the same concept had been proposed much earlier to the Highlanders by [[Jeremiah Rose]], who was rebuffed due to the objections of his own father.)<ref>''Main Event''</ref> In [[3059]], the Highlanders contributed forces to [[Task Force Serpent]], a [[Star League]] force sent to destroy Clan Smoke Jaguar on their homeworld of [[Huntress]]. In [[3059]], the Highlanders contributed forces to [[Task Force Serpent]], a [[Star League]] force sent to destroy Clan Smoke Jaguar on their homeworld of [[Huntress]]. Line 58:
Line 58: In 3133, over the course of nine months, elements of the Highlanders would face multiple invasions of Northwind by the [[Steel Wolves]], which left Northwind with a considerable amount of damage. Despite this, Campbell redeployed the Northwind Highlanders to search for the Steel Wolves. By April, intelligence reports led the regiment to [[Terra]], where they would face off and repel the Clan force with the aid of the [[Tenth Principes Guards]].<ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: "Brief information of the Highlanders and Tara Campbell's efforts to fight off Steel Wolves on Northwind and Terra</ref> In addition, the Highlanders sent a detachment of troops to [[Irian]] to oppose [[Bannson's Raiders]] on the world, but after two weeks of fighting they were ordered to leave.<ref>''Turning Points: Irian'', p. 8</ref> In 3133, over the course of nine months, elements of the Highlanders would face multiple invasions of Northwind by the [[Steel Wolves]], which left Northwind with a considerable amount of damage. Despite this, Campbell redeployed the Northwind Highlanders to search for the Steel Wolves. By April, intelligence reports led the regiment to [[Terra]], where they would face off and repel the Clan force with the aid of the [[Tenth Principes Guards]].<ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: "Brief information of the Highlanders and Tara Campbell's efforts to fight off Steel Wolves on Northwind and Terra</ref> In addition, the Highlanders sent a detachment of troops to [[Irian]] to oppose [[Bannson's Raiders]] on the world, but after two weeks of fighting they were ordered to leave.<ref>''Turning Points: Irian'', p. 8</ref> − Prefect Campbell became a media darling and turned down a position as [[Paladin of the Republic|Paladin]] after her successful defense of Terra. The Highlanders were used within the Republic as a sort of troubleshooting unit, constantly heading to hotspots. [[3134]] saw them garrisoning [[Addicks]] and [[Small World]] in addition to their homeworld.<ref>''Truth and Shadows'', p. 108</ref> + Prefect Campbell became a media darling and turned down a position as [[Paladin (rank)|Paladin]] after her successful defense of Terra. The Highlanders were used within the Republic as a sort of troubleshooting unit, constantly heading to hotspots. [[3134]] saw them garrisoning [[Addicks]] and [[Small World]] in addition to their homeworld.<ref>''Truth and Shadows'', p. 108</ref> Within two months of repelling the Steel Wolves, the Northwind Highlanders were called to [[Skye]], where they would end up mounting defenses against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of Prefecture IX, which would lead to the Highlanders being allied with the remaining Prefecture forces and splinter groups, including the [[Stormhammers]] and Steel Wolves. The Jade Falcons Expedition would ultimately succeed in taking Skye in the second battle.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: Falcon Descent "Brief details of the Highlanders efforts to defense Prefecture IX in the two battle for Skye."</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: brief information of the Northwind Highlanders efforts to defended against the Falcons with unlikely allies</ref> Within two months of repelling the Steel Wolves, the Northwind Highlanders were called to [[Skye]], where they would end up mounting defenses against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of Prefecture IX, which would lead to the Highlanders being allied with the remaining Prefecture forces and splinter groups, including the [[Stormhammers]] and Steel Wolves. The Jade Falcons Expedition would ultimately succeed in taking Skye in the second battle.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: Falcon Descent "Brief details of the Highlanders efforts to defense Prefecture IX in the two battle for Skye."</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: brief information of the Northwind Highlanders efforts to defended against the Falcons with unlikely allies</ref> Line 66:
Line 66: === Battle of Northwind === === Battle of Northwind === − In [[3150]], when [[The Wall]] fell, Republic space was invaded by the Combine, the Capellan Confederation and Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon. Northwind was attacked by forces of the Capellan Confederation, in [[Operation CLARITY]]. They wanted to take the planetary [[HPG]] intact. The Highlanders held their ground, but the Capellan attacks forced them to use their secret reserve, the Grey Watch. However, the battle stalled until the Combine sent help. Luckily for the Highlanders, the enemy forces never cooperated, and, with a little of help from a Republic agent, finally engaged each other. In a three-way battle, the Highlanders faked the HPG's destruction, which made the invaders break off their attack and leave the planet.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 97</ref> + In [[3150]], when [[The Wall]] fell, Republic space was invaded by the Combine, the Capellan Confederation and Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon. Northwind was attacked by forces of the Capellan Confederation, in [[Operation CLARITY]]. They wanted to take the planetary [[HPG]] intact. The Highlanders held their ground, but the Capellan attacks forced them to use their secret reserve, the Grey Watch. However, the battle stalled until the Combine sent help. Luckily for the Highlanders, the enemy forces never cooperated, and, with a little of help from a Republic agent, finally engaged each other. In a three-way battle, the Higlanders faked the HPG's destruction, which made the invaders break off their attack and leave the planet.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 97</ref> ====Terra==== ====Terra==== Line 72:
Line 72: ===ilClan Era=== ===ilClan Era=== − The Wolves let the surviving Highlanders depart unmolested. After they returned to Northwind, now an independent world, which had been harassed nonstop from Capellan-mercenaries, they dissolved the Twelfth Hastati to return the First Kearny to a full regiment. The again-mercenary Highlanders formed an alliance with the Duke of [[Tybalt]], who contracted them to protect his world.<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, pp. 78–79</ref> + The Wolves let the surviving Highlanders depart unmolested. After they returned to Northwind, now an independent world, they dissolved the Twelfth Hastati to return the First Kearny to a full regiment. The again-mercenary Highlanders formed an alliance with the Duke of [[Tybalt]], who contracted them to protect his world.<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, pp. 78–79</ref> ==Officers== ==Officers== Line 85:
Line 85: |||[[Tara Campbell]]||[[3132]]-[[3151]] |||[[Tara Campbell]]||[[3132]]-[[3151]] |- |- − |||[[Arabell Campbell-Stewart]]||[[3151]]-present<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, p. 78</ref> + |||[[Arabell Campbell-Stewart]]||[[3151]]-[[3152]]<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, p. 78</ref> |- |- |} |} − − ==Traditions== − The Highlanders were divided into clans of families. Each one has an Elder which represents them all. As the name suggest, they usually are the oldest of each Clan. The Elders and key officers gather in meetings in the forest, or ''Conclaves'' to discuss key matters in special occasions.<ref>''Grey Watch Protocol'', p. 27</ref> − There they also have ''Assemblies of Warriors'', composed by all their units' key officers, to make decisions key to Northwind, like the ''Homecoming'', when they abandoned the service to the Capellan Confederation, and the one in [[3057]] when they declared their planet's independence. They were made in a special building in ''The Fort'' of Tara, and cannot be made without all the regiments on planet. Without them, they could do other similar meetings, the ''Warrior's Cabel''. These were made in the forest, not in the Fort. Cabels, apparently similar to Conclaves, were very rare, and their votes weren't binding. The highest rank Highlander on planet could call them in times of need.<ref>''Highlander Gambit'', p. 54-56</ref> − − By [[3136]], the Highlanders held an annual golf tournament.<ref name=DALNp43>''Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136)'', p. 43: "Transcript of the Northwind Highlanders Annual Golf Tournament"</ref> − − ==Clans of Northwind Highlanders== − * [[House Campbell]] − * [[House Casey]] − * [[House Jaffray]] − * [[House MacLeod]] − * [[House McNamara]] − * [[House Rose]] − * [[House Stirling]] ==Tactics== ==Tactics== Line 120:
Line 105: * [[Marion's Highlanders]] * [[Marion's Highlanders]] * [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] - (formerly ''McCormack's Fusiliers'') * [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] - (formerly ''McCormack's Fusiliers'') − * [[Republican Guards (Republic of the Sphere)|Republican Guards]] + * [[Republican Guards (RotS)|Republican Guards]] * [[Stuart's Highlanders]] - (destroyed in [[2841]]) * [[Stuart's Highlanders]] - (destroyed in [[2841]]) * [[First Gurkhas]] * [[First Gurkhas]] Line 139:
Line 124: Liaouniform3025nhnurse.png|Entertainer / Nurse Liaouniform3025nhnurse.png|Entertainer / Nurse Camomercsnorthwindhiglanders.png|''[[Catapult]]'' 'Mech in Highlander colors Camomercsnorthwindhiglanders.png|''[[Catapult]]'' 'Mech in Highlander colors − Northwind Highlander cover promo.jpg|A range of ''[[Highlander]]s'', highly decorated.+ HighLander.jpg|A range of ''[[Highlander]]s'', highly decorated. − Northwind Highlanders at Dumfries ilClan.jpg|The Highlanders on Terra, during the Battle of Dumfries </gallery> </gallery> ===Unit Insignias=== ===Unit Insignias=== Line 153:
Line 137: NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Stuart's Highlanders NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Stuart's Highlanders NorthwindHighlanders.gif|1st Gurkhas NorthwindHighlanders.gif|1st Gurkhas − + </gallery> + <gallery> Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|Insignia of the Northwind Highlanders under the Republic of the Sphere Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|Insignia of the Northwind Highlanders under the Republic of the Sphere 1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) 1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) Line 165:
Line 150: [[Ford's Falcon-Killers]] is a related unit of former Highlanders. [[Ford's Falcon-Killers]] is a related unit of former Highlanders. + ==Other Appearances== + {{ApocryphalContentStart}} + The Northwind Highlanders appear in the [[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]] PC game as potential sponsors. Units sponsored by the Highlander would gain additional C-bills per mission. + {{ApocryphalContentEnd}} − ==Notes== + == Notes == − * The Northwind Highlanders appear in the ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries]]'' video game as potential sponsors. Units sponsored by the Highlander would gain additional C-bills per mission. − * The current publishers state that in many of the earlier publications based in the [[3025]] era, the Highlanders had apparently been serving [[House Liao]] for so long they were no longer considered mercenary, but closer to regular House troops. [[CCAF]] Regular army recruits and academy graduates were frequently assigned to Highlander regiments, including a young [[Wayne Waco]].<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 86</ref><ref>''Succession Wars''</ref> Actually, this is not correct, since several of the original Highlander regiments originated in the Capellan Confederation even before the Star League era. [[Marion's Highlanders]] originated from St. Ives Militia units, and [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] were bloodied in the defense of the Capellan planet [[Tikonov]]. The [[1st Kearny Highlanders]] fought for House Liao during the First Andurien War.<ref>''House Liao: The Capellan Confederation'', pp. 81–83</ref> * The current publishers state that in many of the earlier publications based in the [[3025]] era, the Highlanders had apparently been serving [[House Liao]] for so long they were no longer considered mercenary, but closer to regular House troops. [[CCAF]] Regular army recruits and academy graduates were frequently assigned to Highlander regiments, including a young [[Wayne Waco]].<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 86</ref><ref>''Succession Wars''</ref> Actually, this is not correct, since several of the original Highlander regiments originated in the Capellan Confederation even before the Star League era. [[Marion's Highlanders]] originated from St. Ives Militia units, and [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] were bloodied in the defense of the Capellan planet [[Tikonov]]. The [[1st Kearny Highlanders]] fought for House Liao during the First Andurien War.<ref>''House Liao: The Capellan Confederation'', pp. 81–83</ref> − * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' notes the First Kearny Highlander regiment being absorbed by the Republic Armed Forces behind the Republic wall. However, there is no mentions of the fates of the newly raised Northwind Fusiliers and Republic Guard regiments. Also, listed among the Armed Forces of the [[Republic Remnant]], is a single Battalion listed simply as the "Highlander Battalion." It is not clear in the text of the Field Manual: if this unit is related to the Northwind Highlanders.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 145: Republic Remnants - Highlanders Battalion "Unit listed by Highlanders Battalion, not clear if these are related to the Northwind Highlanders."</ref> + * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' notes the First Kearny Highlander regiment being absorbed by the Republic Armed Forces behind the Republic wall. However, there is no mentions of the fates of the newly raised Northwind Fusiliers and Republic Guard regiments. Also, listed among the Armed Forces of the [[Republic Remnant]], is a single Battalion listed simply as the "Highlander Battalion". It is not clear in the text of the Field Manual: if this unit is related to the Northwind Highlanders.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 145: Republic Remnants - Highlanders Battalion "Unit listed by Highlanders Battalion, not clear if these are related to the Northwind Highlanders."</ref> − * The Northwind Highlanders especially favored their namesake BattleMech, the [[Highlander]]. In fact, during the Succession Wars, they were the only Inner Sphere army who kept a large number of them operative, along with [[ComStar]], most of them with Star League-era weaponry and components, contributing greatly to their successes in battle.<ref name=ACtA012>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> + * The Northwind Highlanders especially favored their namesake BattleMech, the [[Highlander]]. In fact, during the Succession Wars, they were the only Inner Sphere army who kept a large number of them operative, along with [[ComStar]], most of them with Star League-era weaponry and components, contributing greatly to their successes in battle. The Highlanders are especially skilled in delivering the famed [[Highlander Burial]] maneuver.<ref name=ACtA012>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> ==References== ==References== Line 179:
Line 166: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − {{div col|colwidth=25em}}+ <div class="desktop-3-col"> * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' − * ''[[Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136)]]'' * ''[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]'' * ''[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]'' * ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' * ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' Line 197:
Line 183: * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' + * ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/dark_age_31.pdf Northwind Highlanders - Tara Bishop's Dossier]'' * ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)|Northwind Highlanders]]'' * ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)|Northwind Highlanders]]'' * ''[[Shrapnel Issue 11]]'' * ''[[Shrapnel Issue 11]]'' Line 203:
Line 190: * ''[[Truth and Shadows]]'' (novel) * ''[[Truth and Shadows]]'' (novel) * ''[[Turning Points: Irian]]'' * ''[[Turning Points: Irian]]'' − {{div col end}}+ </div> + [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] [[Category:Republic of the Sphere Commands]] [[Category:Republic of the Sphere Commands]]
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| − | {{Update Needed|[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]] | + | {{cleanup}} |
| − | + | {{Update Needed|[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]], [[Shattered Fortress]], [[Grey Watch Protocol]], [[Rock of the Republic]]}} | |
{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | ||
| image = [[Image:NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Emblem of the Northwind Highlanders|200px]] | | image = [[Image:NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Emblem of the Northwind Highlanders|200px]] | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
| Previous Designation = | | Previous Designation = | ||
| Nickname = | | Nickname = | ||
| − | | Affiliation = [[Republic of the Sphere]] (3081 - | + | | Affiliation = [[Republic of the Sphere]] (3081 - present);<br />[[Mercenary]] (2362–3081) |
| Parent Command = Independent | | Parent Command = Independent | ||
| − | | Sub-Command = [[1st Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[2nd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[3rd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[Northwind Fusiliers]],<br>[[Northwind Hussars]],<br>[[MacLeod's Regiment]],<br>[[Marion's Highlanders]],<br>[[Stirling's Fusiliers]],<br>[[Republican Guards ( | + | | Sub-Command = [[1st Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[2nd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[3rd Kearny Highlanders]],<br>[[Northwind Fusiliers]],<br>[[Northwind Hussars]],<br>[[MacLeod's Regiment]],<br>[[Marion's Highlanders]],<br>[[Stirling's Fusiliers]],<br>[[Republican Guards (RotS)|Republican Guards]],<br>[[Stuart's Highlanders]],<br>[[1st Gurkhas]] |
}} | }} | ||
The '''Northwind Highlanders''' are amongst the largest, longest-lived, and most respected [[mercenary]] commands of all time; a storied unit with the roots of their history in the ancient [[Terra]]n nation of Scotland.<ref name=NH6>''Northwind Highlanders'', p. 6</ref> | The '''Northwind Highlanders''' are amongst the largest, longest-lived, and most respected [[mercenary]] commands of all time; a storied unit with the roots of their history in the ancient [[Terra]]n nation of Scotland.<ref name=NH6>''Northwind Highlanders'', p. 6</ref> | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
===Succession Wars=== | ===Succession Wars=== | ||
| − | Throughout the centuries, the Highlanders earned a reputation as an elite unit with high standards and morals that were not for sale, but even before [[Operation EXODUS]], the Highlanders regiments had grown apart from Northwind clan elders and accepted a contract with the [[Capellan Confederation]], in what was essentially an exclusive contract. When the [[Federated Suns]] invaded Northwind and destroyed two Highlander regiments recently founded, the Highlanders regiments accepted it with stoicism, and during the Succession Wars, served House Liao with honor and loyalty, as when the Second Kearny spent forty years hunting down every member of [[Gladstone's Gladiators]], a mercenary command | + | Throughout the centuries, the Highlanders earned a reputation as an elite unit with high standards and morals that were not for sale, but even before [[Operation EXODUS]], the Highlanders regiments had grown apart from Northwind clan elders and accepted a contract with the [[Capellan Confederation]], in what was essentially an exclusive contract. When the [[Federated Suns]] invaded Northwind and destroyed two Highlander regiments recently founded, the Highlanders regiments accepted it with stoicism, and during the Succession Wars, served House Liao with honor and loyalty, as when the Second Kearny spent forty years hunting down every member of [[Gladstone's Gladiators]], a mercenary command than had breached contract with the Confederation, or when the First Kearny faced down and defeated [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[Zeta Battalion]].<ref>''Combat Manual Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> The situation changed, however, when Prince [[Hanse Davion]] of the Federated Suns decided to invade the Capellan Confederation in what would become known as the [[Fourth Succession War]]. |
| − | A turning point in Highlanders history was when Davion contacted them and promised them a home on their ancestral homeworld, Northwind, and they accepted, signing the [[Northwind Agreement]]. The vast majority of the Highlanders chose to abandon the Capellan Confederation and took up station on Northwind. Some Highlanders chose to stay, however, creating rifts in some families | + | A turning point in Highlanders history was when Davion contacted them and promised them a home on their ancestral homeworld, Northwind, and they accepted, signing the [[Northwind Agreement]]. The vast majority of the Highlanders chose to abandon the Capellan Confederation and took up station on Northwind. Some Highlanders chose to stay, however, creating rifts in some families. The Highlanders ably served the [[Federated Commonwealth]], including service along the Clan front. |
===Clan Invasion and FedCom Civil War Eras=== | ===Clan Invasion and FedCom Civil War Eras=== | ||
Another turning point occurred in [[3057]], when Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] sent [[Loren Jaffray]], a Death Commando whose grandfather was a Highlander who remained in the Confederation, to Northwind to offer the Highlanders their independence. Coinciding with the Marik-Liao invasion, the Highlanders were tied up as they fought a minor civil war, then debated whether or not to accept the Chancellor's proposal. Colonel [[William McLeod]], the ranking Highlander on planet, was able to reunite his troops and ultimately they chose to fight for their independence, and with the arrival of [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] sent the [[Lyran Alliance|Lyran]] [[3rd Royal Guards]] packing. Though Jaffray's mission was supposedly to destroy the Highlanders for their betrayal of Sun-Tzu's grandfather, Liao seemed content to have deprived the Federated Commonwealth of them and accepted the Death Commando's defection to the Highlanders with nary a second thought. | Another turning point occurred in [[3057]], when Chancellor [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] sent [[Loren Jaffray]], a Death Commando whose grandfather was a Highlander who remained in the Confederation, to Northwind to offer the Highlanders their independence. Coinciding with the Marik-Liao invasion, the Highlanders were tied up as they fought a minor civil war, then debated whether or not to accept the Chancellor's proposal. Colonel [[William McLeod]], the ranking Highlander on planet, was able to reunite his troops and ultimately they chose to fight for their independence, and with the arrival of [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] sent the [[Lyran Alliance|Lyran]] [[3rd Royal Guards]] packing. Though Jaffray's mission was supposedly to destroy the Highlanders for their betrayal of Sun-Tzu's grandfather, Liao seemed content to have deprived the Federated Commonwealth of them and accepted the Death Commando's defection to the Highlanders with nary a second thought. | ||
| − | Jaffray proved his loyalty to the Highlanders soon enough in a raid against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. In the aftermath of | + | Jaffray proved his loyalty to the Highlanders soon enough in a raid against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]. In the aftermath of this operation, Jaffray was put in command of the [[Northwind Hussars]], a new unit formed specifically to counter Clan tactics.<ref>''Northwind Highlanders''</ref> (Interestingly, the same concept had been proposed much earlier to the Highlanders by [[Jeremiah Rose]], who was rebuffed due to the objections of his own father.)<ref>''Main Event''</ref> |
In [[3059]], the Highlanders contributed forces to [[Task Force Serpent]], a [[Star League]] force sent to destroy Clan Smoke Jaguar on their homeworld of [[Huntress]]. | In [[3059]], the Highlanders contributed forces to [[Task Force Serpent]], a [[Star League]] force sent to destroy Clan Smoke Jaguar on their homeworld of [[Huntress]]. | ||
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In 3133, over the course of nine months, elements of the Highlanders would face multiple invasions of Northwind by the [[Steel Wolves]], which left Northwind with a considerable amount of damage. Despite this, Campbell redeployed the Northwind Highlanders to search for the Steel Wolves. By April, intelligence reports led the regiment to [[Terra]], where they would face off and repel the Clan force with the aid of the [[Tenth Principes Guards]].<ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: "Brief information of the Highlanders and Tara Campbell's efforts to fight off Steel Wolves on Northwind and Terra</ref> In addition, the Highlanders sent a detachment of troops to [[Irian]] to oppose [[Bannson's Raiders]] on the world, but after two weeks of fighting they were ordered to leave.<ref>''Turning Points: Irian'', p. 8</ref> | In 3133, over the course of nine months, elements of the Highlanders would face multiple invasions of Northwind by the [[Steel Wolves]], which left Northwind with a considerable amount of damage. Despite this, Campbell redeployed the Northwind Highlanders to search for the Steel Wolves. By April, intelligence reports led the regiment to [[Terra]], where they would face off and repel the Clan force with the aid of the [[Tenth Principes Guards]].<ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: "Brief information of the Highlanders and Tara Campbell's efforts to fight off Steel Wolves on Northwind and Terra</ref> In addition, the Highlanders sent a detachment of troops to [[Irian]] to oppose [[Bannson's Raiders]] on the world, but after two weeks of fighting they were ordered to leave.<ref>''Turning Points: Irian'', p. 8</ref> | ||
| − | Prefect Campbell became a media darling and turned down a position as [[Paladin | + | Prefect Campbell became a media darling and turned down a position as [[Paladin (rank)|Paladin]] after her successful defense of Terra. The Highlanders were used within the Republic as a sort of troubleshooting unit, constantly heading to hotspots. [[3134]] saw them garrisoning [[Addicks]] and [[Small World]] in addition to their homeworld.<ref>''Truth and Shadows'', p. 108</ref> |
Within two months of repelling the Steel Wolves, the Northwind Highlanders were called to [[Skye]], where they would end up mounting defenses against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of Prefecture IX, which would lead to the Highlanders being allied with the remaining Prefecture forces and splinter groups, including the [[Stormhammers]] and Steel Wolves. The Jade Falcons Expedition would ultimately succeed in taking Skye in the second battle.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: Falcon Descent "Brief details of the Highlanders efforts to defense Prefecture IX in the two battle for Skye."</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: brief information of the Northwind Highlanders efforts to defended against the Falcons with unlikely allies</ref> | Within two months of repelling the Steel Wolves, the Northwind Highlanders were called to [[Skye]], where they would end up mounting defenses against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of Prefecture IX, which would lead to the Highlanders being allied with the remaining Prefecture forces and splinter groups, including the [[Stormhammers]] and Steel Wolves. The Jade Falcons Expedition would ultimately succeed in taking Skye in the second battle.<ref>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 15: Falcon Descent "Brief details of the Highlanders efforts to defense Prefecture IX in the two battle for Skye."</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', pp. 8–9: brief information of the Northwind Highlanders efforts to defended against the Falcons with unlikely allies</ref> | ||
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=== Battle of Northwind === | === Battle of Northwind === | ||
| − | In [[3150]], when [[The Wall]] fell, Republic space was invaded by the Combine, the Capellan Confederation and Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon. Northwind was attacked by forces of the Capellan Confederation, in [[Operation CLARITY]]. They wanted to take the planetary [[HPG]] intact. The Highlanders held their ground, but the Capellan attacks forced them to use their secret reserve, the Grey Watch. However, the battle stalled until the Combine sent help. Luckily for the Highlanders, the enemy forces never cooperated, and, with a little of help from a Republic agent, finally engaged each other. In a three-way battle, the | + | In [[3150]], when [[The Wall]] fell, Republic space was invaded by the Combine, the Capellan Confederation and Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon. Northwind was attacked by forces of the Capellan Confederation, in [[Operation CLARITY]]. They wanted to take the planetary [[HPG]] intact. The Highlanders held their ground, but the Capellan attacks forced them to use their secret reserve, the Grey Watch. However, the battle stalled until the Combine sent help. Luckily for the Highlanders, the enemy forces never cooperated, and, with a little of help from a Republic agent, finally engaged each other. In a three-way battle, the Higlanders faked the HPG's destruction, which made the invaders break off their attack and leave the planet.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 97</ref> |
====Terra==== | ====Terra==== | ||
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===ilClan Era=== | ===ilClan Era=== | ||
| − | The Wolves let the surviving Highlanders depart unmolested. After they returned to Northwind, now an independent world | + | The Wolves let the surviving Highlanders depart unmolested. After they returned to Northwind, now an independent world, they dissolved the Twelfth Hastati to return the First Kearny to a full regiment. The again-mercenary Highlanders formed an alliance with the Duke of [[Tybalt]], who contracted them to protect his world.<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, pp. 78–79</ref> |
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
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|||[[Tara Campbell]]||[[3132]]-[[3151]] | |||[[Tara Campbell]]||[[3132]]-[[3151]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |||[[Arabell Campbell-Stewart]]||[[3151]]- | + | |||[[Arabell Campbell-Stewart]]||[[3151]]-[[3152]]<ref>''Unit Digest: First Kearny Highlanders'' in ''Shrapnel'', issue #11, p. 78</ref> |
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==Tactics== | ==Tactics== | ||
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* [[Marion's Highlanders]] | * [[Marion's Highlanders]] | ||
* [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] - (formerly ''McCormack's Fusiliers'') | * [[Stirling's Fusiliers]] - (formerly ''McCormack's Fusiliers'') | ||
| − | * [[Republican Guards ( | + | * [[Republican Guards (RotS)|Republican Guards]] |
* [[Stuart's Highlanders]] - (destroyed in [[2841]]) | * [[Stuart's Highlanders]] - (destroyed in [[2841]]) | ||
* [[First Gurkhas]] | * [[First Gurkhas]] | ||
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Liaouniform3025nhnurse.png|Entertainer / Nurse | Liaouniform3025nhnurse.png|Entertainer / Nurse | ||
Camomercsnorthwindhiglanders.png|''[[Catapult]]'' 'Mech in Highlander colors | Camomercsnorthwindhiglanders.png|''[[Catapult]]'' 'Mech in Highlander colors | ||
| − | + | HighLander.jpg|A range of ''[[Highlander]]s'', highly decorated. | |
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Unit Insignias=== | ===Unit Insignias=== | ||
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NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Stuart's Highlanders | NorthwindHighlanders.gif|Stuart's Highlanders | ||
NorthwindHighlanders.gif|1st Gurkhas | NorthwindHighlanders.gif|1st Gurkhas | ||
| − | + | </gallery> | |
| + | <gallery> | ||
Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|Insignia of the Northwind Highlanders under the Republic of the Sphere | Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|Insignia of the Northwind Highlanders under the Republic of the Sphere | ||
1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) | 1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) logo.png|1st Kearny Highlanders (RotS) | ||
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[[Ford's Falcon-Killers]] is a related unit of former Highlanders. | [[Ford's Falcon-Killers]] is a related unit of former Highlanders. | ||
| + | ==Other Appearances== | ||
| + | {{ApocryphalContentStart}} | ||
| + | The Northwind Highlanders appear in the [[MechWarrior IV: Mercenaries]] PC game as potential sponsors. Units sponsored by the Highlander would gain additional C-bills per mission. | ||
| + | {{ApocryphalContentEnd}} | ||
| − | ==Notes== | + | == Notes == |
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* The current publishers state that in many of the earlier publications based in the [[3025]] era, the Highlanders had apparently been serving [[House Liao]] for so long they were no longer considered mercenary, but closer to regular House troops. [[CCAF]] Regular army recruits and academy graduates were frequently assigned to Highlander regiments, including a young [[Wayne Waco]].<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 86</ref><ref>''Succession Wars''</ref> Actually, this is not correct, since several of the original Highlander regiments originated in the Capellan Confederation even before the Star League era. [[Marion's Highlanders]] originated from St. Ives Militia units, and [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] were bloodied in the defense of the Capellan planet [[Tikonov]]. The [[1st Kearny Highlanders]] fought for House Liao during the First Andurien War.<ref>''House Liao: The Capellan Confederation'', pp. 81–83</ref> | * The current publishers state that in many of the earlier publications based in the [[3025]] era, the Highlanders had apparently been serving [[House Liao]] for so long they were no longer considered mercenary, but closer to regular House troops. [[CCAF]] Regular army recruits and academy graduates were frequently assigned to Highlander regiments, including a young [[Wayne Waco]].<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 86</ref><ref>''Succession Wars''</ref> Actually, this is not correct, since several of the original Highlander regiments originated in the Capellan Confederation even before the Star League era. [[Marion's Highlanders]] originated from St. Ives Militia units, and [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] were bloodied in the defense of the Capellan planet [[Tikonov]]. The [[1st Kearny Highlanders]] fought for House Liao during the First Andurien War.<ref>''House Liao: The Capellan Confederation'', pp. 81–83</ref> | ||
| − | * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' notes the First Kearny Highlander regiment being absorbed by the Republic Armed Forces behind the Republic wall. However, there is no mentions of the fates of the newly raised Northwind Fusiliers and Republic Guard regiments. Also, listed among the Armed Forces of the [[Republic Remnant]], is a single Battalion listed simply as the "Highlander Battalion. | + | * ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]'' notes the First Kearny Highlander regiment being absorbed by the Republic Armed Forces behind the Republic wall. However, there is no mentions of the fates of the newly raised Northwind Fusiliers and Republic Guard regiments. Also, listed among the Armed Forces of the [[Republic Remnant]], is a single Battalion listed simply as the "Highlander Battalion". It is not clear in the text of the Field Manual: if this unit is related to the Northwind Highlanders.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 145: Republic Remnants - Highlanders Battalion "Unit listed by Highlanders Battalion, not clear if these are related to the Northwind Highlanders."</ref> |
| − | * The Northwind Highlanders especially favored their namesake BattleMech, the [[Highlander]]. In fact, during the Succession Wars, they were the only Inner Sphere army who kept a large number of them operative, along with [[ComStar]], most of them with Star League-era weaponry and components, contributing greatly to their successes in battle.<ref name=ACtA012>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> | + | * The Northwind Highlanders especially favored their namesake BattleMech, the [[Highlander]]. In fact, during the Succession Wars, they were the only Inner Sphere army who kept a large number of them operative, along with [[ComStar]], most of them with Star League-era weaponry and components, contributing greatly to their successes in battle. The Highlanders are especially skilled in delivering the famed [[Highlander Burial]] maneuver.<ref name=ACtA012>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | + | <div class="desktop-3-col"> | |
* ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | ||
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | * ''[[Blake Ascending]]'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]'' | * ''[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]'' | ||
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' | * ''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' | ||
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* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' | * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' | ||
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' | * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' | ||
| + | * ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/dark_age_31.pdf Northwind Highlanders - Tara Bishop's Dossier]'' | ||
* ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)|Northwind Highlanders]]'' | * ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)|Northwind Highlanders]]'' | ||
* ''[[Shrapnel Issue 11]]'' | * ''[[Shrapnel Issue 11]]'' | ||
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* ''[[Truth and Shadows]]'' (novel) | * ''[[Truth and Shadows]]'' (novel) | ||
* ''[[Turning Points: Irian]]'' | * ''[[Turning Points: Irian]]'' | ||
| − | + | </div> | |
| + | |||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands]] | ||
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere Commands]] | [[Category:Republic of the Sphere Commands]] | ||