Difference between revisions of "Raventhir's Iron Hand"
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{{infoBoxStateUnit
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
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| image   = [[File:Raventhi's Iron Hand (Color).JPG|191px]]
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| image         = [[File:Raventhirs Iron Hand logo.png|150px|Insignia of Raventhir's Iron Hand]]
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| nickname = Undying Service
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| Designation    = Raventhir's Iron Hand
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| motto = Undying Service
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| formed        = 2579
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| parent formation = [[Magistracy Royal Guards]]
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| Disbanded      =
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| formed  = 2579
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| Previous Designation =
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| year    = 3077
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| Nickname      = Undying Service
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| unitname = Raventhir's Iron Hand
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| Affiliation    = Magistracy of Canopus
 +
| Parent Command = [[Magistracy Royal Guards]]
 +
| Sub-Command    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Unit Description==
+
The '''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' is a unit with the Magistracy of Canopus' military commands. Usually consisting of the MAF's most fanatical pilots in defending the Magistracy's capital world of [[Canopus IV]].
−
The Raventhir's Iron Hand is a unit with the Magistracy of Canopus's military commands. Usually consisting of the MAF's most fanatical pilots in defending the Magistracy's capital world of [[Canopus IV]].  
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Formation in the Reunification War===
 
===Formation in the Reunification War===
−
The unit began found in [[2579]] as a ad-hoc BattleMech battalion created from the remains of MAF military units. The nameless battalion was used as a quick-response defence force created in wake of [[Star League|Star League's]] invasion of Magistracy during the [[Reunification War]] in [[2577]]. In [[2580]], the unit proved it mettle defending the world of [[Cranston]] against the elements [[SLDF]]'s of [[VII Corps (Star League)|Seventh Corps]] and soundly defeated them.  The MAF christen the unit with name "Magistracy Guards" in honor of their victory in hard struggle.  Later in [[2584]], the unit name would be changed to Royal Magistracy Guards after valiant defense of Canopus IV. The unit was disbanded in [[2588]]<ref>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 22 "Succession Wars Era" - Correct date of Magistracy's defeat by the SLDF, Field Manual: Periphery incorrectly lists year 2888 as date of conquest by the Star League.</ref> after Canopus was conquered by the Star League.
+
The unit was founded in [[2579]] as an ad hoc BattleMech battalion created from the remains of MAF military units. The nameless battalion was used as a quick-response defense force created in the wake of the [[Star League|Star League's]] invasion of the Magistracy during the [[Reunification War]] in [[2577]]. In [[2580]], the unit proved its mettle by defending the world of [[Cranston]] against elements of the [[SLDF]] of [[VII Corps (Star League)|Seventh Corps]] and soundly defeating them.  The MAF christened the unit with the name "Magistracy Guards" in honor of their victory in hard struggle.  Later in [[2584]], the unit's name would be changed to the Royal Magistracy Guards after valiant defense of Canopus IV. The unit was disbanded in [[2588]]<ref>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 22 "Succession Wars Era"</ref> after Canopus was conquered by the Star League.
  
 
===Reconstituted, the Succession Wars===
 
===Reconstituted, the Succession Wars===
−
The Guards were reformed in [[2786]] when [[Magestrix]] [[Janina Centrella]] declared Magistracy independence.  The unit gained its current name, Raventhir's Iron Hand, throught the actions of its commander Jason Raventhir.  He leads the regiment to break the [[House Marik|Marik]] seige of [[Thurrock]] at end of the [[First Succession War]].  The unit was renamed in his honor for this achivement.  
+
The Guards were re-formed in [[2786]] when [[Magestrix]] [[Janina Centrella]] declared Magistracy independence.  The unit gained its current name, Raventhir's Iron Hand, through the actions of its commander [[John Raventhir III]].  He led the regiment to break the [[House Marik|Marik]] siege of [[Thurrock]] at end of the [[First Succession War]].  The unit was renamed in his honor for this achievement. For most of the Succession Wars, the unit was stationed at the Palace of the Magestrix in the city of Crimson.<ref name=FMPp30>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 30, "Raventhir's Iron Hand unit profile"</ref>
  
−
For most of the Succession Wars, the unit was stationed at the Palace of the Magestrix in city of Crimson.<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 30 - "History of its Reformation and its earning its current name".</ref>
+
===Liao Raid on Canopus===
−
 
+
In May of [[3035]], the [[Andurien Secession|Andurien-Canopus campaign]] to conquer [[House Liao|Liao]] had ended in defeat. Raventhir's Iron Hand surprised when Canopus was assaulted by [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry|McCarron's Armored Cavalry's 4th Regiment]], ''Leo's Demons''. As part of a raid to remind the Canopian government that they were not safe from Liao. The Iron Hand was nearly overrun by the ferocity of the mercenaries, but they were saved by the leadership of [[Emma Centrella]]. She led the counteroffensive with the Iron Hand and other Magistracy Guard units to blunt the attack.<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 67-68, "Object Lessons".</ref>
−
===Liao Raid of Canopus===
 
−
 
 
−
In May of [[3035]], the [[Andurien Secession|Andurien-Canopus campaign]] to conqueor [[House Liao|Liao]] had ended in defeat. The Raventhir's Iron Hand surprised when the Canopus was assaulted by [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry|McCarron's Armored Caverly's 4th Regiment]], the ''Leo's Demons''. As part of a raid to remind the Canopian government that they were not safe from Liao. The Iron Hand was nearly overrunned by the ferocity of the mercenaries, but they were saved by the leadership of [[Emma Centrella]]. She lead the counter-offensive with Iron Hand and other Magistracy Guard units to blunted the attack.<ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 67-68 - "Object Lessons".</ref>
 
  
 
===Early 3060s===
 
===Early 3060s===
−
 
+
As of [[3064]], the unit was barely veteran status, having not seen combat since 3035, Andurien Secession conflict.<ref name=FMPp30/> The unit became unlike a parade unit, with few technology upgrades among their troops. Only its commanding officer had been issued a new Capellan ''[[Yu Huang]]'' Assault 'Mech.<ref name=FMPp30/> Efforts had been made to upgrade the force, including a new Armor Battalion consisting of [[Heavy LRM Carrier]]s and [[Light SRM Carrier]]s. Despite the majority of the unit slowly losing its skills, the infantry battalion had retained its elite status, since it was consistently being rotated into frontline forces every six months.  The Infantry was employed to protect the Magestrix herself.
−
As of [[3064]], the unit was barely veteran status, having not seen combat since 3035, Andurien Succession conflict.<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 30 - "Tactics" - Unit noted for not seeing combat for decades. The listing errantly leaves out the 3039 raid on Canopus since it was had not been written until after Historical: Brush Wars was published.</ref> The unit became unlike a parade unit, with few technology upgrades among their troops. Only its Commanding Officer, had been issued a new Capellan [[Yu Huang]] Assault 'Mech.<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p.?? - "Regiment info" - Raventhir fallen into obsoletion among other MoC units.</ref> Efforts had been upgrade the force, including new Armor Battalion consisting of [[Heavy LRM Carrier|Heavy LRM Carriers]] and [[Light SRM Carrier|Light SRM Carriers]]. Despite major of the unit slowly lossing its skills, the infantry battalion had remained elite status, since it consistently being rotated into frontline forces every six months.  The Infantry was employed to protect the Magestrix herself.
 
  
 
===Blakist Invasion of Canopus===
 
===Blakist Invasion of Canopus===
 +
In May [[3068]], the [[Word of Blake|Word of Blake's]] [[34th Division (Word of Blake)|34th Division]] conducted an assault against Canopus.  The Iron Hand moved to meet them in outskirts of the capital city of Crimson.  The Iron Hands managed to battle the 34th Division from the emplacement bunkers.  The bunkers allowed the outnumbered Iron Hands to fight Blakist to a standstill briefly with its 'Mech and Armored Vehicle formations.  However, Raventhir's Infantry Guard was not at the battle itself. They were guarding the [[Emma Centrella|Magestrix]] and other VIPs. Blakist Infantry of the 34th Division inserted themselves in complex where the Magestrix was located and slaughter Iron Hand Infantry and captured their charges. The main unit itself was overwhelmed eventually, with only a few of its MechWarriors managing to escape the unit's destruction.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 170, "Bloody and Blind"</ref>
  
−
In May [[3068]], [[Word of Blake|Word of Blake's]] [[34th Division (Word of Blake)|34th Division]] conducted assaulted against Canopus. The Iron Hand moved to meet them in outskirts of the capital city of Crimson.  The Iron Hand managed to battle the 34th Division from the emplacement bunkers.  The bunkers allowed the outnumber Iron Hands to fight Blakist to a stand still briefly with its 'Mech and Armored Vehicle formations.  However, its Raventhir's Infantry Guard, was not at the battle itself. They were guarding the [[Emma Centrella|Magestrix]] and other VIPs. Blakist Infantry of the 34th Division inserted themselves in complex where Magestrix was located and slaughter Iron Hand Infantry and captured their charges. The main unit itself was over whelmed eventually, with only few its 'Mech Warriors managing to escape the unit's destruction.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 170 - "Bloody and Blind" - Raventhir's defeat outside of Crimson and its apparent destruction.</ref>
+
As of [[3077]], survivors of the Iron Hand were transferred to rebuild the [[1st Canopian Cuirassiers|First Canopian Cuirassiers]]. With the Iron Hand's last commanding officer, Jason Raventhir, missing and presumed dead, the unit was at the time not being considered to be rebuilt.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 179, "Royal Magistracy Guards"</ref>
  
−
As of [[3077]], survivors of the Iron Hand were transfered to rebuild the [[1st Canopian Cuirassiers|First Canopian Cuirassiers]]. With Iron Hand's last commanding officer, Jason Ravethir, missing and persumed dead, the unit was at the time not being considered to be rebuilt.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 179 - "Royal Magistracy Guards" - Iron Hand considered destroyed, survivors moved to be the core of rebuilding of the 1st Canopian Cuirassiers.</ref>
+
===Rebuilding===
 +
While Raventhir's Iron Hand hadn't been rebuilt by [[3079]],<ref name="FR:Pp10">''Field Report: Periphery'', p. 10, "Magistracy of Canopus"</ref> Magestrix [[Naomi Centrella]] ordered the rebuilding of the Iron Hand immediately following the end of the [[Jihad]]. The Magestrix appointed [[Major]] [[Jeremy Raventhir]] of the [[1st Raventhir Cuirassiers]] as commanding officer of the reconstituted Raventhir's Iron Hand, rebuilding the unit using a combination of the top-ranking cadets from the [[Emma Centrella Martial Academy]] and a cadre of elite veterans drawn from regiments throughout the Magistracy Armed Forces.<ref name="FM:3085p137">''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 137, "Magistracy Royal Guards Brigade"</ref>
  
−
==Officers==
+
=== The Dark Age ===
−
*As of [[3025]], the Commanding Officer was Major Vernyce Alkobar<ref>''The Periphery (1988)'', p. 99 - "Major Alkobar listed as the Raventhir's Commanding Officer as of 3025".</ref>
+
Having rebuilt to battalion strength, the Iron Hand promptly resumed their standard pattern of duties; two companies of the Iron Hand assumed guard duty on Canopus IV and at the Palace of the Magestrix, while a third company rotated out onto various Canopian border worlds to gain experience. The Iron Hand was soon proving its mettle against those who would harm the Magistracy; the Third Company had only recently mustered to full strength and deployed to the world of [[Bass]] in July [[3085]] when the planet was attacked by a raiding party numbering at least two companies in strength. The raiders, believed to originate from [[Astrokaszy]], expected Bass to be unguarded and had arrived with the intent of capturing and enslaving a number of the locals. The Third Company violently disabused the raiders of this notion, slamming into the enemy landing zone and pushing them back. The raiders tried to fall back to their [[DropShips]], only to have the Iron Hand attack and disable the DropShips in turn. Choosing to surrender, the raiders were subsequently executed outside the rebuilt provincial academy in Magestrix Square.<ref name="FM:3085p137"/>
  
−
*As of [[3050]], the Commanding Officer was Major Mariann Tudor<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 78 - "Periphery deployment table" - Unit co for 3050 listed.</ref>
+
In the 3120s the Iron Hand shifted away from recruiting the best graduates from the Emma Centrella Martial Academy, instead recruiting more and more graduates from the [[Canopian Institute of War]], which had been rebuilt after the Jihad. By [[3145]] almost all of the Iron Hand's intake of recruits was being drawn from the CIW. The Iron Hand continued to be based on Canopus - and continued to receive the best equipment [[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]] produced. However, while the bulk of the regiment remained on Canopus, following the marriage of Magestrix [[Ilsa Centrella]] to the ruler of the [[Duchy of Andurien]] a company from the Iron Hand was assigned to postings in the Duchy, with the chosen company rotating every three months, helping the Iron Hand to maintain their combat skills.<ref name="FM:3145p191">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 191, "Magistracy Royal Guards Brigade"</ref>
  
−
*As of [[3064]], the Commanding Officer was Colonel Jason Raventhir<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 30 - "Commanding Officers".</ref>
+
==Officers==
−
**Serving as the Iron Hand's Executive Office was Major Karla Delther.
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Raventhir's Iron Hand'''
 +
|-
 +
| [[Major]]||[[Vernyce Alkobar]]||[[3025]]<ref name=TPp99>''The Periphery (1988)'', p. 99, "Unit Deployment Table - 3025"</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| Major||[[Mariann Tudor]]||[[3050]]<ref name=20Yp78>''20 Year Update'', p. 78, "MAF Deployment Table - 3050"</ref><ref name=ORp47>''Objective Raids'', p. 47, "MAF Deployment Table - 3054"</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| [[Colonel]]||[[Jason Raventhir]]||[[3064]] - [[3067]]<ref name=FMPp30/><ref name=FMUp201>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 201, "MAF Deployment Table - 3067"</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| Colonel||[[Jeremy Raventhir]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p149>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 149, "MAF Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| Colonel||[[Kaci Dotson]]||[[3145]]<ref name=FM:3145p200>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 200, "Magistracy Royal Guards"</ref>
 +
|}
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
−
As of 3064, the unit was trained in defensive actions.<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 30 - "Tactics, unit only knows defensive actions and is out practice".</ref>
+
The unit was trained in defensive actions.<ref name=FMPp30/>
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 
===2580===
 
===2580===
−
*Magistracy Guards ([[BattleMech]] [[Battalion]])<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 31 - "Raventhir's Iron Hand" - Unit history describes the unit's original formal name as being Magistracy Guards.</ref>
+
'''Magistracy Guards''' ([[BattleMech]] [[Battalion]])<ref>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 31, "Raventhir's Iron Hand" - Unit history describes the unit's original formal name as being Magistracy Guards.</ref>
 +
 
 +
=== 2786 - 2821===
 +
'''Magistracy Guards ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name= FSSp140 >''First Succession War'', p. 140</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Canopus IV]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 47 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Canopus IV]].<ref name= FSSp140/>
 +
=== 2830 ===
 +
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=2ndSSp100>''Second Succession War'', p. 100</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Canopus IV]] with an operational readiness of 78 percent.<ref name=2ndSSp100/>
 +
=== 2864 ===
 +
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=2ndSSp100/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the assault-weight unit was stationed on [[Canopus IV]] with an operational readiness of 37 percent.<ref name=2ndSSp100/>
  
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
−
*Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment)
+
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=TPp99/>
 +
* CO: Major Vernycö Alkebar
 +
=== 3028 ===
 +
'''Raventhir’s Iron Hand''' (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name =HBSp87/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Canopus IV]].<ref name =HBSp87>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p.87</ref>
 +
 
 +
===3050-3054===
 +
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (BattleMech [[Regiment]])<ref name=20Yp78/><ref name=ORp47/>
 +
* CO: Major Mariann Tudor
 +
 
 +
===3064-3067===
 +
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (BattleMech Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMPp30/><ref name=FMUp201/>
 +
* CO: [[Colonel]] Jason Raventhir
 +
:* XO/1st Battalion: [[Force Major]] Karla Delther
 +
* 2nd Battalion: Major Forrest Smith
 +
* 3rd Battalion: Major Andrea Carlson
  
−
===3050===
+
'''Raventhir's Air Guard''' ([[Air Lance]]/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMPp30/><ref name=FMUp201/>
−
*Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment)
+
* CO: [[Captain#Magistracy of Canopus|Commander]] Jak Vargas
  
−
===3064===
+
'''Raventhir's Armor Guard''' (2 [[Battalions/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMPp30/><ref name=FMUp201/>
−
*Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment)
+
* CO: Force Major Joshua Nielson II
−
**1st Battalion - CO: Major Karla Delther
 
−
**2nd Battalion - CO: Major Forrest Smith
 
−
**3rd Battalion - CO: Major Andrea Carlson
 
  
−
*Raventhir's Air Guard ([[Air Lance]]) - CO: Commander Jak Vargas
+
'''Raventhir's Infantry Guard''' (Battalion/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FMPp30/><ref name=FMUp201/>
−
*Raventhir's Armor Guard (2 [[Battalion|Battalions]] - CO: [[Force Major]] Joshua Nielson II
+
* CO: Colonel David Collins
−
*Raventhir's Infantry Guard (Battalion) - CO: [[Colonel]] David Collins
 
  
−
===3067===
+
===3085===
−
*Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment) - CO: Colonel Jason Raventhir
+
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p149/>
−
*Raventhir's Air Guard ([[Air Lance]]) - CO: Commander Jak Vargas
+
* CO: Colonel Jeremy Raventhir
−
*Raventhir's Armor Guard (2 [[Battalion|Battalions]] - CO: [[Force Major]] Hoshua Nielson II
+
 
−
*Raventhir's Infantry Guard (Battalion) - CO: [[Colonel]] David Collins
+
'''Raventhir's Air Guard''' (1 [[Squadron]]/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p149/>
 +
* CO: Commander Akane Sato
 +
 
 +
'''Raventhir's Armor Guard''' (Regular/Reliable)<ref name=FM3085p149/>
 +
* CO: Force Major David Dirix
 +
 
 +
'''Raventhir's Infantry Guard''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p149/>
 +
* CO: Colonel Emmet Phil
 +
 
 +
===3145===
 +
'''Raventhir's Iron Hand''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p200/>
 +
* CO: Colonel Kaci Dotson
 +
 
 +
'''Raventhir's Air Guard''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p200/>
 +
* CO: Colonel Elva Berryman
 +
 
 +
'''Raventhir's Armor Guard''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p200/>
 +
* CO: Colonel Keith Rivers
 +
 
 +
'''Raventhir's Infantry Guard''' (Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=FM:3145p200/>
 +
* CO: Colonel Walker Chappell
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 +
Commander Asia Bannor led the glory parade of the first [[Martial Olympiad]] to take place since the fall of the first [[Star League]].<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 5</ref>
 +
 +
<div class="gamerules">
 +
== Game Rules ==
 +
=== 3145 ===
 +
* When rolling to determine skill levels randomly Raventhir's Iron Hand adds a +1 bonus to the result of the dice roll.<ref name="FM:3145p210">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 210, "Magistracy of Canopus"</ref>
 +
* When units from the Raventhir's Iron Hand are being determined randomly one unit out of every four may be generated from the Duchy of Andurien/Free Worlds League RAT.<ref name="FM:3145p210"/>
 +
</div>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 78: Line 143:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''
+
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
−
*''[[The Periphery (1988)]]''
+
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''
−
*''[[Field Manual: Periphery]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
−
*''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
−
*''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Periphery]]''
−
 
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
 +
* ''[[Field Report: Periphery]]''
 +
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]''
 +
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 +
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 +
* ''[[The Periphery (1988)]]''
 +
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]]''
  
−
[[Category:Magistracy of Canopus Commands]]
+
[[Category:Magistracy of Canopus Commands|Magistracy Royal Guards, Raventhir's Iron Hand]]

Revision as of 20:30, 27 December 2022

Insignia of Raventhir's Iron Hand
Raventhir's Iron Hand
Formed 2579
Nickname Undying Service
Affiliation Magistracy of Canopus
Parent Command Magistracy Royal Guards

The Raventhir's Iron Hand is a unit with the Magistracy of Canopus' military commands. Usually consisting of the MAF's most fanatical pilots in defending the Magistracy's capital world of Canopus IV.

History

Formation in the Reunification War

The unit was founded in 2579 as an ad hoc BattleMech battalion created from the remains of MAF military units. The nameless battalion was used as a quick-response defense force created in the wake of the Star League's invasion of the Magistracy during the Reunification War in 2577. In 2580, the unit proved its mettle by defending the world of Cranston against elements of the SLDF of Seventh Corps and soundly defeating them. The MAF christened the unit with the name "Magistracy Guards" in honor of their victory in hard struggle. Later in 2584, the unit's name would be changed to the Royal Magistracy Guards after valiant defense of Canopus IV. The unit was disbanded in 2588[1] after Canopus was conquered by the Star League.

Reconstituted, the Succession Wars

The Guards were re-formed in 2786 when Magestrix Janina Centrella declared Magistracy independence. The unit gained its current name, Raventhir's Iron Hand, through the actions of its commander John Raventhir III. He led the regiment to break the Marik siege of Thurrock at end of the First Succession War. The unit was renamed in his honor for this achievement. For most of the Succession Wars, the unit was stationed at the Palace of the Magestrix in the city of Crimson.[2]

Liao Raid on Canopus

In May of 3035, the Andurien-Canopus campaign to conquer Liao had ended in defeat. Raventhir's Iron Hand surprised when Canopus was assaulted by McCarron's Armored Cavalry's 4th Regiment, Leo's Demons. As part of a raid to remind the Canopian government that they were not safe from Liao. The Iron Hand was nearly overrun by the ferocity of the mercenaries, but they were saved by the leadership of Emma Centrella. She led the counteroffensive with the Iron Hand and other Magistracy Guard units to blunt the attack.[3]

Early 3060s

As of 3064, the unit was barely veteran status, having not seen combat since 3035, Andurien Secession conflict.[2] The unit became unlike a parade unit, with few technology upgrades among their troops. Only its commanding officer had been issued a new Capellan Yu Huang Assault 'Mech.[2] Efforts had been made to upgrade the force, including a new Armor Battalion consisting of Heavy LRM Carriers and Light SRM Carriers. Despite the majority of the unit slowly losing its skills, the infantry battalion had retained its elite status, since it was consistently being rotated into frontline forces every six months. The Infantry was employed to protect the Magestrix herself.

Blakist Invasion of Canopus

In May 3068, the Word of Blake's 34th Division conducted an assault against Canopus. The Iron Hand moved to meet them in outskirts of the capital city of Crimson. The Iron Hands managed to battle the 34th Division from the emplacement bunkers. The bunkers allowed the outnumbered Iron Hands to fight Blakist to a standstill briefly with its 'Mech and Armored Vehicle formations. However, Raventhir's Infantry Guard was not at the battle itself. They were guarding the Magestrix and other VIPs. Blakist Infantry of the 34th Division inserted themselves in complex where the Magestrix was located and slaughter Iron Hand Infantry and captured their charges. The main unit itself was overwhelmed eventually, with only a few of its MechWarriors managing to escape the unit's destruction.[4]

As of 3077, survivors of the Iron Hand were transferred to rebuild the First Canopian Cuirassiers. With the Iron Hand's last commanding officer, Jason Raventhir, missing and presumed dead, the unit was at the time not being considered to be rebuilt.[5]

Rebuilding

While Raventhir's Iron Hand hadn't been rebuilt by 3079,[6] Magestrix Naomi Centrella ordered the rebuilding of the Iron Hand immediately following the end of the Jihad. The Magestrix appointed Major Jeremy Raventhir of the 1st Raventhir Cuirassiers as commanding officer of the reconstituted Raventhir's Iron Hand, rebuilding the unit using a combination of the top-ranking cadets from the Emma Centrella Martial Academy and a cadre of elite veterans drawn from regiments throughout the Magistracy Armed Forces.[7]

The Dark Age

Having rebuilt to battalion strength, the Iron Hand promptly resumed their standard pattern of duties; two companies of the Iron Hand assumed guard duty on Canopus IV and at the Palace of the Magestrix, while a third company rotated out onto various Canopian border worlds to gain experience. The Iron Hand was soon proving its mettle against those who would harm the Magistracy; the Third Company had only recently mustered to full strength and deployed to the world of Bass in July 3085 when the planet was attacked by a raiding party numbering at least two companies in strength. The raiders, believed to originate from Astrokaszy, expected Bass to be unguarded and had arrived with the intent of capturing and enslaving a number of the locals. The Third Company violently disabused the raiders of this notion, slamming into the enemy landing zone and pushing them back. The raiders tried to fall back to their DropShips, only to have the Iron Hand attack and disable the DropShips in turn. Choosing to surrender, the raiders were subsequently executed outside the rebuilt provincial academy in Magestrix Square.[7]

In the 3120s the Iron Hand shifted away from recruiting the best graduates from the Emma Centrella Martial Academy, instead recruiting more and more graduates from the Canopian Institute of War, which had been rebuilt after the Jihad. By 3145 almost all of the Iron Hand's intake of recruits was being drawn from the CIW. The Iron Hand continued to be based on Canopus - and continued to receive the best equipment Majesty Metals and Manufacturing produced. However, while the bulk of the regiment remained on Canopus, following the marriage of Magestrix Ilsa Centrella to the ruler of the Duchy of Andurien a company from the Iron Hand was assigned to postings in the Duchy, with the chosen company rotating every three months, helping the Iron Hand to maintain their combat skills.[8]

Officers

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Raventhir's Iron Hand
Major Vernyce Alkobar 3025[9]
Major Mariann Tudor 3050[10][11]
Colonel Jason Raventhir 3064 - 3067[2][12]
Colonel Jeremy Raventhir 3085[13]
Colonel Kaci Dotson 3145[14]

Tactics

The unit was trained in defensive actions.[2]

Composition History

2580

Magistracy Guards (BattleMech Battalion)[15]

2786 - 2821

Magistracy Guards (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[16]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Canopus IV. In 2821 the command was reduced to 47 percent of its strength and was deployed on Canopus IV.[16]

2830

Raventhir's Iron Hand (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)[17]

Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on Canopus IV with an operational readiness of 78 percent.[17]

2864

Raventhir's Iron Hand (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[17]

Note: At this point in time the assault-weight unit was stationed on Canopus IV with an operational readiness of 37 percent.[17]

3025

Raventhir's Iron Hand (Veteran/Fanatical)[9]

  • CO: Major Vernycö Alkebar

3028

Raventhir’s Iron Hand (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[18]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Canopus IV.[18]

3050-3054

Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment)[10][11]

  • CO: Major Mariann Tudor

3064-3067

Raventhir's Iron Hand (BattleMech Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[2][12]

  • 2nd Battalion: Major Forrest Smith
  • 3rd Battalion: Major Andrea Carlson

Raventhir's Air Guard (Air Lance/Veteran/Fanatical)[2][12]

Raventhir's Armor Guard (2 [[Battalions/Regular/Fanatical)[2][12]

  • CO: Force Major Joshua Nielson II

Raventhir's Infantry Guard (Battalion/Elite/Fanatical)[2][12]

  • CO: Colonel David Collins

3085

Raventhir's Iron Hand (Veteran/Fanatical)[13]

  • CO: Colonel Jeremy Raventhir

Raventhir's Air Guard (1 Squadron/Veteran/Fanatical)[13]

  • CO: Commander Akane Sato

Raventhir's Armor Guard (Regular/Reliable)[13]

  • CO: Force Major David Dirix

Raventhir's Infantry Guard (Elite/Fanatical)[13]

  • CO: Colonel Emmet Phil

3145

Raventhir's Iron Hand (Elite/Fanatical)[14]

  • CO: Colonel Kaci Dotson

Raventhir's Air Guard (Elite/Fanatical)[14]

  • CO: Colonel Elva Berryman

Raventhir's Armor Guard (Veteran/Fanatical)[14]

  • CO: Colonel Keith Rivers

Raventhir's Infantry Guard (Elite/Fanatical)[14]

  • CO: Colonel Walker Chappell

Notes

Commander Asia Bannor led the glory parade of the first Martial Olympiad to take place since the fall of the first Star League.[19]

Game Rules

3145

  • When rolling to determine skill levels randomly Raventhir's Iron Hand adds a +1 bonus to the result of the dice roll.[20]
  • When units from the Raventhir's Iron Hand are being determined randomly one unit out of every four may be generated from the Duchy of Andurien/Free Worlds League RAT.[20]

References

  1. ↑ BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction, p. 22 "Succession Wars Era"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Field Manual: Periphery, p. 30, "Raventhir's Iron Hand unit profile"
  3. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, pp. 67-68, "Object Lessons".
  4. ↑ Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 170, "Bloody and Blind"
  5. ↑ Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 179, "Royal Magistracy Guards"
  6. ↑ Field Report: Periphery, p. 10, "Magistracy of Canopus"
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 137, "Magistracy Royal Guards Brigade"
  8. ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 191, "Magistracy Royal Guards Brigade"
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 The Periphery (1988), p. 99, "Unit Deployment Table - 3025"
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 20 Year Update, p. 78, "MAF Deployment Table - 3050"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Objective Raids, p. 47, "MAF Deployment Table - 3054"
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Field Manual: Updates, p. 201, "MAF Deployment Table - 3067"
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Field Manual: 3085, p. 149, "MAF Deployment Table - 3085"
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Field Manual: 3145, p. 200, "Magistracy Royal Guards"
  15. ↑ Field Manual: Periphery, p. 31, "Raventhir's Iron Hand" - Unit history describes the unit's original formal name as being Magistracy Guards.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 First Succession War, p. 140
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Second Succession War, p. 100
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Historical: Brush Wars, p.87
  19. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 5
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Field Manual: 3145, p. 210, "Magistracy of Canopus"

Bibliography

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