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	===First Harlech===		===First Harlech===
−	{{main|First Battle of Harlech (3067)}}	+	{{main|First Harlech}}
	[[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|right|thumb|The [[Waco Rangers]] and their allies struck at Harlech]]		[[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|right|thumb|The [[Waco Rangers]] and their allies struck at Harlech]]
	On 15 October, 3067, Blakist-sponsored mercenaries launched an all-out assault on the Dragoons in their headquarters of Harlech City, the capital of Outreach. Emerging out of TempTown, Harlech's quarter for less-than reputable mercenaries, Waco’s Rangers, Smithson's Chinese Bandits, the [[Tiger Sharks]] and the [[51st Dark Panzer Jaegers]] struck with great ferocity. Several smaller and less reputable groups, other "Temptown Trash", threw their lot in with Waco after the fact. The [[Red Riders]], [[Dark Lloyd's Wild Bunch]], [[Garret's Metalshod]], [[Upshaw's Highland Moors]] and the Terriers were just some of the mercenaries who went rogue in the darkest hour of their trade. With the addition of these and other disgruntled and opportunistic mercenaries, these groups totaled approximately four BattleMech regiments along with supporting units, all ostensibly under the command of Colonel Wayne Waco, who still carried a murderous grudge against the Dragoons from New Aragon. Word of Blake [[ROM]] also had operatives participating in acts of terrorism and sabotage against the Dragoons, as [[Bloody Hand]] agents were found to have destroyed a key power generator station. Colonel Waco and his Rangers led the charge out of TempTown, finally acting on their long-simmering grudge. In one of the most devastating early attacks, the Chinese Bandits used fuel-air bombs on the Home Guard compounds and the spaceport in Harlech, crippling the Dragoons' available aerospace assets. These fighters then dropped cluster bombs on the Dragoon housing complex, killing huge numbers of warriors and their civilian families. The Tiger Sharks, a battalion strong, had been returning from an exercise with the [[Outreach Mercenary Training Command]] when they suddenly overwhelmed their escorts and launched an attack on the Harlech Interplanetary Drop Port, overwhelming the company of Home Guard 'Mechs who tried to oppose them. The Panzers, who had officially been part of the AMC, joined the Rangers and other renegades in an attack on the [[Hiring Hall]], the heart of the mercenary trade. The early attacks proved devastating, with the Blakist mercenaries successfully seizing the Drop Port and destroying both the [[Hiring Hall]], the center of the mercenary trade for thirty years, and [[Wolf Hall]], the headquarters of Wolf's Dragoons. A small contingent of the [[Lone Wolves]], led by an alleged Word of Blake plant, defected to the Waco's forces, attacking the Home Guards' firebase. This led to some of these Wolves siding with the Dragoons and others with the attackers. Although the pro-Waco Lone Wolf forces were ultimately destroyed, the Lone Wolves quickly fled Outreach.		On 15 October, 3067, Blakist-sponsored mercenaries launched an all-out assault on the Dragoons in their headquarters of Harlech City, the capital of Outreach. Emerging out of TempTown, Harlech's quarter for less-than reputable mercenaries, Waco’s Rangers, Smithson's Chinese Bandits, the [[Tiger Sharks]] and the [[51st Dark Panzer Jaegers]] struck with great ferocity. Several smaller and less reputable groups, other "Temptown Trash", threw their lot in with Waco after the fact. The [[Red Riders]], [[Dark Lloyd's Wild Bunch]], [[Garret's Metalshod]], [[Upshaw's Highland Moors]] and the Terriers were just some of the mercenaries who went rogue in the darkest hour of their trade. With the addition of these and other disgruntled and opportunistic mercenaries, these groups totaled approximately four BattleMech regiments along with supporting units, all ostensibly under the command of Colonel Wayne Waco, who still carried a murderous grudge against the Dragoons from New Aragon. Word of Blake [[ROM]] also had operatives participating in acts of terrorism and sabotage against the Dragoons, as [[Bloody Hand]] agents were found to have destroyed a key power generator station. Colonel Waco and his Rangers led the charge out of TempTown, finally acting on their long-simmering grudge. In one of the most devastating early attacks, the Chinese Bandits used fuel-air bombs on the Home Guard compounds and the spaceport in Harlech, crippling the Dragoons' available aerospace assets. These fighters then dropped cluster bombs on the Dragoon housing complex, killing huge numbers of warriors and their civilian families. The Tiger Sharks, a battalion strong, had been returning from an exercise with the [[Outreach Mercenary Training Command]] when they suddenly overwhelmed their escorts and launched an attack on the Harlech Interplanetary Drop Port, overwhelming the company of Home Guard 'Mechs who tried to oppose them. The Panzers, who had officially been part of the AMC, joined the Rangers and other renegades in an attack on the [[Hiring Hall]], the heart of the mercenary trade. The early attacks proved devastating, with the Blakist mercenaries successfully seizing the Drop Port and destroying both the [[Hiring Hall]], the center of the mercenary trade for thirty years, and [[Wolf Hall]], the headquarters of Wolf's Dragoons. A small contingent of the [[Lone Wolves]], led by an alleged Word of Blake plant, defected to the Waco's forces, attacking the Home Guards' firebase. This led to some of these Wolves siding with the Dragoons and others with the attackers. Although the pro-Waco Lone Wolf forces were ultimately destroyed, the Lone Wolves quickly fled Outreach.
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	===The Dark Age and the New Dragoons===		===The Dark Age and the New Dragoons===
−	With their destruction at Mars, Beta Regiment did not face the further horrors of [[Second Battle of Outreach (3067)|Second Harlech]] and the remainder of the Jihad. It would not be until decades later, in the early [[32nd Century]] on the Dragoons' new home of [[Arc-Royal]] that Beta would finally be rebuilt. Although returned to the rolls, the new Beta Regiment was initially a training unit, feeding the Dragoons' active battalions including the [[Spider’s Web Battalion|Spider’s Web]] and the [[Tarantula Battalion|Tarantulas]], independent combined-arms units, and the Black Cats of the reformed Alpha Regiment. In the [[Dark Age era]] of the 3140s, however, having signed a new contract with the Draconis Combine to help invade the [[Draconis Reach]] and later the Federated Suns, Beta Regiment was finally returned to regular active duty as a front-line unit.<ref name=ER3145-7980-WD-1>''Era Report: 3145'', pp. 79-80, Beta Regiment is reactivated</ref> The legend of Wolf's Dragoons, and of Beta Regiment, is not over yet.	+	With their destruction at Mars, Beta Regiment did not face the further horrors of [[Second Harlech]] and the remainder of the Jihad. It would not be until decades later, in the early [[32nd Century]] on the Dragoons' new home of [[Arc-Royal]] that Beta would finally be rebuilt. Although returned to the rolls, the new Beta Regiment was initially a training unit, feeding the Dragoons' active battalions including the [[Spider’s Web Battalion|Spider’s Web]] and the [[Tarantula Battalion|Tarantulas]], independent combined-arms units, and the Black Cats of the reformed Alpha Regiment. In the [[Dark Age era]] of the 3140s, however, having signed a new contract with the Draconis Combine to help invade the [[Draconis Reach]] and later the Federated Suns, Beta Regiment was finally returned to regular active duty as a front-line unit.<ref name=ER3145-7980-WD-1>''Era Report: 3145'', pp. 79-80, Beta Regiment is reactivated</ref> The legend of Wolf's Dragoons, and of Beta Regiment, is not over yet.
	==Officers==		==Officers==

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[[Wolf's Dragoons]]' '''Beta Regiment''' was an elite [[mercenary]] formation. As one of the five front-line [[regiment]]s of the famous Wolf's Dragoons, they were counted among the most prestigious units in the [[Inner Sphere]] for over six decades of service. {{infoBoxMercUnit | image = [[File:Beta Regiment WD.jpg|100px]] | unitname = Beta Regiment<br>The Timber Wolves | year = 3067 | commander = [[Colonel]] [[Anton Rand]] | jumpships = yes | dropships = yes | aero = yes | armor = yes | infantry = yes }} ==Overview== [[File:Wdragoons.gif|left|thumb|[[Wolf's Dragoons]]]] Although Beta Regiment has spent much of its existence in the shadow of the Dragoons' [[Alpha Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Alpha Regiment]], Beta Regiment established itself early on as a crack unit in its own right. Beginning on [[Halloran V]], the first major action seen by the Dragoons in the Inner Sphere, Beta Regiment amassed a string of victorious to establish its reputation among the best of the best. It was Beta Regiment who held the line on [[Crossing]] when the Dragoons were fighting for their very lives, buying [[Colonel]] [[Jaime Wolf]] and the other Dragoons time to regroup. Even in those rare instances when they met defeat, the Beta always gave as good as they got, from [[Hesperus II]] to [[Wapakoneta]] to their desperate defense of the Dragoons' home of [[Outreach]] at the dawn of the [[Jihad]]. It was only during the [[Dragoon Civil War]] that Beta Regiment broke the faith with the Unity, following their commander in siding against Colonel Wolf, the legendary leader of the Dragoons. The crucible that followed saw Wolf, Beta Regiment and the Dragoons reborn stronger and more unified than before. Beta Regiment would regain its prestigious reputation before finally falling in orbit over [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] to [[Word of Blake]] orbital defenses. They would be inactive for nearly fifty years before they were finally reformed during the late [[The Republic of the Sphere|Republic era]]. ==History== ===Formation=== Like the rest of Wolf's Dragoons, Beta Regiment was formed and trained in the [[Clan Homeworlds]], a result of the [[Dragoon Compromise]]. Much of their training was provided by [[Clan Goliath Scorpion]]. Among the warriors selected for Beta at its formation was [[Natasha Kerensky]], one of the few [[Trueborn]] warriors who had volunteered for the assignment. Although she had held the rank of [[Star Colonel]] in [[Clan Wolf]], it was feared that her name would be too obvious a link to [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] of the [[Star League]] if she held a command position, potentially compromising the Dragoons' secrecy. Kerensky consented to a reduction in rank to [[Lieutenant]], commanding only a lance. Colonel [[Jeremy Ellman]] was ultimately chosen to command Beta Regiment, while Colonel Jaime Wolf, a [[freebirth]] and former subordinate to Kerensky in the [[328th Assault (Clan Wolf)|328th Assault Cluster]], would command the Dragoons as a whole. Along with the rest of the Dragoons, Beta Regiment arrived in the Inner Sphere on 11 April [[3005]], appearing in orbit over [[Delos IV]] before signing on with the [[Federated Suns]].<ref name=FMWC106-RY-1>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'', p. 106, "Restless Years", Clan Goliath Scorpion trains the Dragoons</ref><ref name=HBW17-SW-NK-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 17, "The Spider and the Wolf", Natasha Kerensky accepts a demotion to serve in the Dragoons</ref><ref name=HBW20-NR-NK-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 20, "Nova Roma", Natasha Kerensky served with Beta Regiment</ref><ref name=WDS59-CJE-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities", Colonel Jeremy Ellman was Beta's original commander</ref><ref name=WDS6-AAD-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 6, "Arrival at Delos", the Dragoons appear in the Delos system</ref><ref name=WDS6-AAD-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 6, "Arrival at Delos", the Dragoons appear in the Delos system</ref> ===In service to Davion=== ====Halloran V==== Beta Regiment first saw action in February [[3006]] on the [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] world of Halloran V, which had been used as a staging ground to raid Davion planets by [[Marion's Highlanders]] and the [[Blackwind Lancers]]. Beta would join [[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Gamma Regiment]], [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]] and [[Zeta Battalion]] as well as the [[Seventh Kommando]] special forces unit, all under the overall command of Colonel Jaime Wolf.<ref name=WDS7FA-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 7, "First Assignment", the Dragoons are chosen to assault Halloran</ref> The Dragoons achieved total surprise in their initial attacks, using Zeta Battalion's assault 'Mechs as a hammer and forcing the Liao troops to abandon their main base and falling back to the city of Gethin. Colonel Wolf and his staff prepared a two-pronged assault. Beta, Gamma and Zeta would provide the main push on the Capellans' left flank, attempting to overwhelm the Highlanders in their entrenched positions on the slopes of the Shobol River Valley. Meanwhile, Delta Regiment would pressure the Lancers on the opposing flank, preventing them from coming to their comrades' aid. Colonel Ellman led Beta in the initial attack on 13 February, with Gamma and Zeta held in reserve. Ellman aggressively led with an incendiary strike on the forest, followed up with a rapid deployment of Beta's heavy and assault lances. The lead elements of Beta, fresh soldiers in undamaged 'Mechs, engaged the disorganized and overheating Highlanders in a virtual inferno, as oily, black smoke and flames gave the Dragoons excellent cover. The Marion's Highlanders were driven back, with Gamma Regiment called up to press the attack. By nightfall, when the Dragoons finally let up to rest and rearm, the Liao troops seemed on the verge of total collapse. The following day, however, the Highlanders had rallied, holding off further attacks by Beta and Gamma with grit and determination.<ref name=WDS78AH-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 7-8, "Assault on Halloran", Beta Regiment leads the assault on Halloran, drives the Marion's Highlanders back</ref> It was here that the Seventh Kommando came into play, as they created false reports of an enemy formation behind the Blackwind Lancers, leading them to abandon their positions just as Delta Regiment was making a renewed push. The Lancers retreated into the valley where the Highlanders were still holding off the rest of the Dragoons. This threw the Marion's Highlander forces into disarray, allowing Beta and Gamma Regiments to collapse on the Capellan forces. By the time Liao reinforcements arrived, it was all they could do to help the remnants of the Lancers and Highlanders to retreat. In only five days, the Dragoons had routed two regiments and achieved their first real victory, having ended the raiding campaign.<ref name=WDS8CT-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 8, "A Clever Trap", Beta and the other Dragoons take advantage of Delta's actions to end the campaign</ref> ====Weekapaug==== [[File:Federated_Suns_Logo.png|right|thumb|The [[Federated Suns]] were the Dragoons' first employer]] Beta and Alpha Regiments were on [[Weekapaug]] with Colonel Wolf when the five regiments of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] launched a surprise attack on the Dragoons' base world of [[New Valencia]]. The three remaining Dragoon regiments, though heavily outnumbered, held off the Cavalry while Wolf led Alpha and Beta home. Meanwhile, [[First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]] had sent the three regiments of the [[Eridani Light Horse]] to New Valencia as reinforcements. With the Horsemen inbound and unable to break the Dragoons' defenses, Colonel [[Archibald McCarron]] reluctantly ordered the Cavalry to retreat, departing before any of the reinforcements could make planet-fall. Shortly thereafter, elements of the Seventh Kommando and the [[Special Recon Group (Wolf's Dragoons)|Special Recon Group]] conducted a successful reprisal raid against the Cavalry on [[Menke]].<ref name=WDS1011-AONV-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 10-11, "Attack on New Valencia", Beta and Alpha Regiments rush back to New Valencia to face McCarron's Armored Cavalry</ref> In November [[3007]], Beta Regiment repelled a raid on Weekapaug by the [[St. Ives Armored Cavalry]], with assistance from the [[Fire Support Group (Wolf's Dragoons)|Fire Support Group]]. Beta Regiment continued to participate in raids against the Confederation, both large and small, all the while helping to build the Dragoon reputation on both sides of the border.<ref name=WDS11-SOV-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 11, "String of Victories", Beta Regiment's defense of Weekapaug and other actions</ref><ref name=WDS88-FSG-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 88, "Fire Support Group", the Fire Support Group hampers the St. Ives Armored Cavalry in 3007</ref> ====New Aragon==== In March [[3008]], Beta Regiment and virtually all of Wolf's Dragoons were rotated to Halloran, having been chosen to participate in the critical invasion of [[New Aragon]], along with five [[AFFS]] [[Regimental Combat Team|Regimental Combat Teams]]. These forces included the vaunted [[4th Deneb Light Cavalry]], which would accompany the Dragoons, along with elements of the [[Avalon Hussars]] and [[Crucis Lancers]]. The entire campaign was a bloody affair, with Delta Regiment losing its commander and most Dragoon units suffering heavy damage against entrenched commands from the [[1st Kearny Highlanders|1st]] and [[2nd Kearny Highlanders]] and [[McCormack's Fusiliers]] of the famed [[Northwind Highlanders]], as well as the [[Waco Rangers]]. The death of [[John Waco]], the son of Ranger commander Colonel [[Wayne Waco]], sparked a vendetta between the Waco Rangers and the Dragoons that would last six decades. Despite all the adversity, the Dragoons followed Zeta Battalion into El Diablo Pass, overrunning the defending forces. This compromised the positions of the entire Capellan formation, forcing them to retreat. The Dragoons and their AFFS allies would triumph as New Aragon returned to Davion hands.<ref name=WDS1112-BONA-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 11-12, "Battle of New Aragon", The Dragoons join the battle of New Aragon</ref><ref name=WDS13-DCK-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 13, "The Death of Colonel King", Delta Regiment loses Colonel King</ref><ref name=WDS13-TWG-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 13, "The Wolf's Gamble", the Dragoons push through El Diablo Pass</ref><ref name=WDS13-BP-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 13, "Blood Price", John Waco's death sparks a blood feud, the Dragoons triumph on New Aragon</ref> ====Later Actions==== The remainder of 3008 would be relatively quiet for the Dragoons, and in January [[3009]], the Dragoons, with House Davion's permission, went off combat duty for several months, during which they reported their findings to the [[Clans]]. Upon their return, the Dragoons continued to successfully engage House Liao forces in minor raiding operations. In [[3010]], however, with the Dragoons' contract expiring, Colonel Wolf accepted a five year contract with the Capellan Confederation, an arrangement that stipulated they would not be used against House Davion, with whom they had largely enjoyed good relations.<ref name=WDS1314-D-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 13-14, "Departure", further operations in the service of House Davion</ref><ref name=WDS15-ISTL-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 15, "In Service to Liao", the Dragoons sign a contract with the Capellans</ref> ===In service to Liao=== In mid-[[3010]], the Dragoons signed on with the Capellan Confederation. Against the forces of the [[Free Worlds League]], the Dragoons continued to build on their already impressive reputation, although Beta Regiment, for their own part, was primarily confined to garrison duties and relatively minor raids. Wolf's Dragoons had their main headquarters on [[Carver V]], and in May [[3013]] they were rotated to defend [[Principia]] along with Gamma Regiment. Although the [[Free Worlds League Military]] had come to fear the Dragoons, the Capellan High Command seemed hesitant to employ them after the victorious [[Shiro III]] campaign. Beta and the other regiments formed special [[lance|lances]] of MechWarriors who were growing particularly restless at the inactivity.<ref name=WDS15-ISTL-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 15, "In Service to Liao", the Dragoons sign on with House Liao</ref><ref name=WDS16-NOV-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 16, "Nest of Vipers", Beta is rotated to Principia</ref><ref name=MH28-SCL-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 28, "Second Contract: Liao", the Dragoons form lances of troops spoiling for a fight</ref> ===Marik Civil War=== {{main|Marik Civil War}} [[File:Anton Marik.jpg|left|thumb|[[Anton Marik]]]] In early [[3014]], Capellan [[Chancellor]] [[Maximillian Liao]] struck a deal with Duke [[Anton Marik]], brother of [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Janos Marik]], to support Anton's bid for his brother's throne. As part of this agreement, Liao allowed the Dragoons to sign a contract with Anton Marik. The Dragoons entered League space, using [[Campertown]] as a jump-off point. On May 22, 3014, Duke Anton made his claim, declaring himself Captain-General and triggering the [[Marik Civil War]].<ref name=WDS17-PWAM-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 17, "Pact with Anton Marik", the Dragoon join Anton Marik's rebellion</ref><ref name=MH28-SCL-2>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 28, "Second Contract: Liao", Maximillian Liao turns control of the Dragoons over to Anton Marik</ref> ====Nova Roma==== Beta Regiment was assigned Task Force Eagle along with most of the other Dragoon units, with the group's ultimate objective a planned thrust towards [[Atreus (FWL)|Atreus]] itself, the capital of the League. Task Force Eagle struck at [[Nova Roma]] in June 3014, with Beta Regiment leading the way alongside Zeta Battalion, the Seventh Kommando, the Special Recon Group, the [[4th Regulan Hussars]] and the [[3rd Ducal Guard]]. Eagle's ultimate target was Atreus itself, the League's capital.<ref name=HBW20-NR-TFE-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 20, "Nova Roma", Task Force Eagle hits Nova Roma</ref> With Colonel Ellman in command, Beta Regiment and the Fourth Hussars quickly pinned the defending [[9th Marik Militia]], as well as the bulk of six regiments of defending armor and militia units. Meanwhile, the Seventh Kommando slipped into the capital of Constantinople and abducted Governor Irene Constantine, along with most of the cabinet. The Governor was then coerced into ordering her troops to surrender, with most of the militia and conventional units complying. Suddenly badly outnumbered, the Ninth Marik Militia was forced to retreat off-world. Although the rebels had effectively won control of the planet in just three days of fighting, Eagle still needed to root out loyalist resistance units who had fled into the wilderness. Although this took some time, overall casualties to Beta Regiment and Task Force Eagle's other units had been light.<ref name=HBW20-NR-TFE-2>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 20, "Nova Roma", Task Force Eagle takes Nova Roma</ref><ref name=WDS18-FV-NR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 18, "First Victories", rebels take Nova Roma</ref><ref name=HBW35-DT-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 35, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on Nova Roma</ref> One notable setback did occur in the rugged terrain above the Dawn River, where elements of Beta Regiment, particularly Natasha Kerensky's heavy lance, were hunting for loyalist guerrillas. A small mercenary band led by the enigmatic [[Bounty Hunter]] was conducting reconnaissance for the rebels when the Hunter, piloting a ''[[Griffin]]'', signaled Kerensky that the way ahead was clear. As the Beta 'Mechs entered the narrow ravine, loyalist forces appeared and launched a vicious ambush against the Dragoons. The Dragoon 'Mechs were destroyed with only Kerensky and one other warrior surviving. A third warrior was summarily executed by loyalist infantry. The Bounty Hunter claimed Kerensky's salvaged ''[[Marauder]]'' as compensation for turning against the rebels. The Hunter and his small cadre soon fled the planet. In the aftermath of the battle, a Dragoon Board of Inquiry cleared Kerensky of wrong-doing in the incident. On the contrary, Colonel Wolf promoted Kerensky to the rank of [[Captain]] and formed an independent company around her and her lance's other survivor, [[Colin MacLaren]]. This company would be made up of Dragoons who were considered discipline or criminal cases in other units, and were at risk of being booted out of the Dragoons or sent to prison. In addition to Kerensky and MacLaren, Lieutenant [[Takiro Ikeda]] also came to the new company from Beta Regiment, having demonstrated an "extreme aggressiveness" that nearly got him drummed out of the Dragoons.<ref name=HBW20-NR-NK-BH-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 20, "Nova Roma", Kerensky's lance is destroyed by the Bounty Hunter's treachery</ref><ref name=WDS124-TBH-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 124, "The Bounty Hunter", the Bounty Hunter lures Kerensky into an ambush</ref><ref name=WDS124-TBH-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 124, "The Widow Speaks", Natasha Kerensky retells the ambush</ref><ref name=WDS84-BWC-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 84, "Black Widow Company", Wolf gives Kerensky command of an independent company after Nova Roma</ref><ref name=TMOP12-TI-1>''The Memory of Pain'', p. 12, Ikeda gets run out of Beta Regiment</ref> After the conflict had ended, Kerensky's Independent Company would take on an official name, the [[Black Widow Company]], and would go on to become the most famous unit of its size in the Inner Sphere. ====Emris IV==== [[File:Warhammer beta 2.jpg|right|thumb|[[Major]] [[Nikos Palassis]] is ambushed on [[Emris IV]]]] The Ninth Marik Militia, meanwhile, had retreated to [[Emris IV]], joining an armed loyalist camp that waited to meet the advance of Duke Anton's rebels. The Ninth was joined by the [[6th Marik Militia]], its large [[aerospace fighter|aerospace]] contingent, and a full [[brigade]] of Federal infantry, all in entrenched positions around [[StarCorp Industries]]' Ivanograd facility and the [[Holly Industries]] weapon plant in the city of Urseinova. A task force of Dragoons represented the rebels, Beta Regiment joined Alpha and Gamma Regiments, along with Zeta Battalion and the Fire Support Group. In addition, Anton sent along the [[Falcon's Nest (Individual Vengeance-class DropShip)|FWLS ''Falcon’s Nest'']], a ''[[Vengeance (DropShip class)|Vengeance]]''-class [[DropShip]] carrying two crack rebel fighter [[Wing (Military Unit)|wings]]. The rebel and Dragoon fighters easily pushed aside loyalist fighters, allowing the Dragoons to land. Ellman and Beta Regiment would once again take on the Ninth Militia in and around Urseinova, supported by Zeta Battalion and the Fire Support Group. Although they outnumbered the loyalists and the Militia was beaten hard by Zeta early on in the campaign, Beta's advance into the city was bogged down by constant ambushes by the Ninth and loyalist infantry and armor. The fighting was some of the most vicious of the entire conflict, as neither side was willing to surrender an inch, but was determined to make their enemies pay in blood. At the height of the battle, Beta's [[Major]] [[Nikos Palassis]] led Able Battalion, the Cavaliers, into the government district, where they were ambushed by infantry and armor units employing [[Vibrabomb]]s. Palassis' ''[[Warhammer]]'' went down under heavy fire, and the Major had to be evacuated with serious injuries. Captain [[Alicia Fancher]] took acting command of Able after rescuing Palassis, and promptly called in support from Dragoon armor and artillery. Fancher systematically destroyed the enforced buildings the loyalists were using, ultimately forcing the Ninth Militia to withdraw. With Alpha and Gamma Regiments taking Ivanograd, both [[Marik Militia]] units retreated off-world, and Emris became another hard-fought Dragoon victory. Although it had taken two months of heavy fighting, Beta Regiment again escaped with only light damage. Afterwards, Beta and the other Dragoon units remained on Emris, taking time to recover and repair the damage they had sustained.<ref name=HBW2122-E-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 21-22, "Emris IV", the Dragoons fight their way to a victory on Emris IV</ref><ref name=WDS18-FV-E4-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 18, "First Victories", Palassis injured during the battle of Emris IV</ref><ref name=HBW35-DT-BR-E4-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 35, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on Emris IV in July</ref><ref name=HBW37-DT-BR-E4-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 37, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on Emris IV in August</ref> ====Matheran==== In October, Beta and Gamma Regiments were joined by Kerensky's Independent Company to form Task Force Condor, a relief force intended to protect the southern flank of Anton's advance. Condor's first target was [[Matheran]], where the loyalist [[11th Atrean Dragoons]] and mercenary [[Smithson's Chinese Bandits]] had backed the rebel [[12th Atrean Dragoons]] into a corner. Realizing the Dragoons' presence would completely shift the balance of the fighting, the Bandits quickly pulled back away from the Twelfth in good order. The Eleventh Atrean did not recognize that they would soon be trapped between their fellow [[Atrean Dragoons]] and the descending Beta Regiment. Captain Kerensky blocked their line of retreat, and held even in the face of repeated attacks. When they witnessed Beta approaching, they reluctantly surrendered. The Bandits, meanwhile, loaded their DropShips and left Matheran in rebel hands. Beta and Gamma Regiments both took light casualties, having won the battle on their reputations as much as their skill.<ref name=HBW2425-M-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 24-25, "Matheran", the Dragoons take Matheran</ref><ref name=HBW37-DT-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 35, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on Matheran</ref> ====Calloway VI==== [[File:Oriente Hussars -Brigade logo 2765.png|left|thumb|Three regiments of [[Oriente Hussars]] opposed the Dragoons on Calloway VI]] Task Force Condor struck next at [[Calloway VI]], with the remaining troops of the Twelfth Atrean and the 3rd Ducal Guard joining the Dragoons. Calloway was a major loyalist staging ground for the coming counter-offensive against the rebels, and was defended by five frontline regiments; the [[1st Oriente Hussars|1st]], [[2nd Oriente Hussars|2nd]] and [[6th Oriente Hussars]], along with the [[2nd Fusiliers of Oriente]] and the [[6th Defenders of Andurien]]. The loyalist also had a large stockpile of spare parts and ammunition to call upon, the use of the large [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] factory, and sufficient aerospace assets. The task force, already outnumbered, came under attack as soon as they reached the Calloway system, with the Atrean Dragoons losing a company of 'Mechs due to the destruction of their DropShip. Captain Kerensky's Company was able to clear a landing zone for Beta Regiment and the other Dragoons, but the Sixth Defenders, a crack regiment, stood between them and the key factories. Colonel [[Wilhelmina Korsht]] and Gamma Regiment launched a flanking attack against the Sixth, who pulled back before loyalist reinforcements arrived in the form of the Sixth Hussars, who again stood between Beta and the facilities. Beta pushed ahead with Gamma's Baker Battalion in support, pushing through the Sixth Hussars who were shattered against the superior skill and size of the Dragoon 'Mechs. By the time they had defeated the Hussars, however, the Fusiliers had redeployed, halting the Dragoon advance for the third time. Before Colonel Ellman could call up his reserves, the First and Second Hussars arrived, driving a wedge between the Dragoons and the other rebel units. The fighting was virtually non-stop, and eventually resulted in the forced surrender of the Third Ducal. Recognizing his situation was hopeless, Ellman called up his DropShips and ordered a retreat. Beta and Gamma used a leapfrog formation to pullback in good order, using Captain Kerensky's company as a rear guard. Despite facing heavy loyalist pressure the whole way, the Dragoons made it off the planet, regrouping on [[Semenyih]]. Despite fighting elements of five different Marik regiments, Beta made it away with only moderate losses. It was the first real defeat for the Dragoons during the war, as well as the first significant loss attributed to Beta Regiment in their history. Even in defeat, the Dragoons had destroyed the Sixth Hussars and delivered a major setback Janos Marik's time-table for his main attack against the rebels.<ref name=HBW29-C4-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 29, "Calloway VI", the battle of Calloway</ref><ref name=WDS19-LG-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 19, "Last Gasp", the Dragoons are forced to retreat off Calloway VI</ref><ref name=HBW35-DT-C4-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 37, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes moderate losses on Calloway</ref> ====Tiber==== By now, the rebellion was in serious trouble, facing setbacks on every major front. Anton Marik, in an act of near-desperation, ordered an attack on the world of [[Tiber]] in January [[3015]], consisting of Beta Regiment with the support of Zeta Battalion, the Fire Support Group, Kerensky's Independent Company and the [[6th Ducal Guard|6th]] and [[8th Ducal Guard]]. The Ducal forces were new units made up of new recruits and the remnants of other commands that had been destroyed. The rebel forces quickly captured the under-defended planet and its Earthwerks factory. They faced an almost immediate counter-attack, however, in the [[1st Regulan Hussars]] along with the [[1st Orloff Grenadiers|1st]], [[5th Orloff Grenadiers|5th]], [[6th Orloff Grenadiers|6th]] and [[8th Orloff Grenadiers]]. The Hussars, in one of their proudest moments, secured a landing zone for the loyalists despite facing heavy fire from the rest of the Dragoons. Though reduced to a single battalion, the Regulans held and allowed the Grenadiers to make planet fall. The Fifth Grenadiers attempted to advance on the Earthwerks facility, but was blocked by Beta Regiment. The Eighth were likewise ambushed by the 'Mechs of Zeta Battalion. As the fighting dragged on, the First and Sixth Grenadiers pressured the Ducal forces, who were driven back in disarray despite the aid of Captain Kerensky's company. With no reinforcements coming, Ellman, Colonel Wolf and even Duke Anton saw that Tiber could not be held, and ordered a retreat. Zeta Battalion covered the Dragoon withdraw, but both Ducal Guard units were wiped out. Beta Regiment, for its part, took moderate losses in the campaign that had gone on for several weeks. Loyalist forces, meanwhile, had lost nearly 50 percent of the forces they started with. The Dragoons regrouped on [[Sophie's World]].<ref name=HBW30-T-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 30, "Tiber", the battle of Tiber</ref><ref name=HBW39-DT-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 39, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes moderate losses on Tiber</ref> ====McKenna==== After recuperating on Emris IV, April saw the Dragoons deploy virtually their entire command at the same time, including Beta Regiment, for one of the few times in their early history. The elite mercenaries descended upon [[McKenna (system)|McKenna]], to counter-attack against the loyalist First and [[2nd Regulan Hussars]], who had seized the world after forcing off the remnants of the rebel Fifth Hussars. Totally outnumbered, the loyalists retreated with heavy casualties, but even then, the rebel cause was lost. Beta's losses on McKenna were considered light.<ref name=HBW31-OA-M-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 31, "Other Actions", the Dragoons forces the Regulan Hussars off McKenna</ref><ref name=HBW39-DT-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 39, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on McKenna</ref> ====New Delos==== {{main|Battle of New Delos}} With his rebellion crumbling around him, Duke Anton demanded that Colonel Wolf break up his forces to supplement Anton's troops, Wolf refused, citing the Dragoons' contract. In retaliation, Anton arrested Liaison Officer [[Joshua Wolf]], Wolf's brother and second-in-command, and 27 Dragoon dependents on New Delos, keeping them as hostages and demanding Wolf comply. Instead, Wolf sent [[Epsilon Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Epsilon Regiment]], the Special Recon Group and the [[Support Battalion (Wolf's Dragoons)|Dragoons' Support Battalion]] to [[Second Chance]] to protect the other Dragoon dependents.<ref name=HBW3132-FM-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'' pp. 31-32, "Final Mistake", Anton Marik arrests Joshua Wolf, Wolf sends Epsilon to protect his civilians</ref><ref name=WDS19-20B>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 19-20, "Betrayal", Anton Marik arrests Joshua Wolf</ref> He then led the rest his forces back to New Delos to attack en masse. The Dragoons, including Beta Regiment, fell upon Duke Anton's stronghold, despite the Duke's claims that Joshua Wolf and the other prisoners had already been executed. When the Seventh Kommando confirmed the murders, it only pushed the Dragoons into a berserker rage. Defending New Delos were surviving elements of the [[18th Marik Militia]] and the remains of the [[1st Ducal Guard|1st]], [[2nd Ducal Guard|2nd]] and the [[5th Ducal Guard]]. The Dragoons fought with unprecedented fury; elements of the First Ducal Guard quickly seized a DropShip and fled the planet rather than face the mercenaries. They were the only rebels to survive the apocalypse. With the Dragoons' [[AeroSpace Operations Group (Wolf's Dragoons)|AeroSpace Operations Group]] taking control of the skies, Alpha and Gamma Regiments led the assault on Anton's heavily defended mountain fortress at Cienfuegos. Delta Regiment secured other areas of the planet while Beta and Zeta initially remained in reserve. When the Duke set fire to the forests at the rear of his compound to prevent the Dragoons from attacking from that direction, Colonel Wolf called up Beta to exploit any breaches in the enemy lines, while Kerensky's Independent Company planned a drop into the forest fire, attacking from the rear. The plan was successful, as Kerensky's troops destroyed the generator powering Anton's automated defenses. The Ducal forces panicked when they realized they were facing an attack from behind, and the other Dragoons chose that moment to launch an all-out assault, and the defenders collapsed. Duke Anton himself met his death when Natasha Kerensky and her 'Mechs, henceforth known as the Black Widows, destroyed his palace, collapsing it on his head. Within three days, the Dragoons had completely destroyed Anton Marik's support base, his Ducal forces, and the Duke himself.<ref name=HBW3132-ND-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 31-32, "New Delos", the Dragoons destroy Duke Anton Marik and his forces</ref><ref>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 19-20, "Betrayal", the Battle of New Delos ends Anton Marik's rebellion and his life</ref><ref name=HBW35-DT-BR-1>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 35, "Rebels", Beta Regiment takes light losses on Nova Roma</ref><ref name=MOP9-BR-1>''The Memory of Pain'', p. 9, Beta Regiment is called up</ref> Anton's Revolt, the Marik Civil War, was effectively over. ===In service to Marik=== [[File:Free Worlds League logo.png|right|thumb|The [[Free Worlds League]]]] The Dragoons soon came into the employ of their former adversary, Captain-General Janos Marik. What followed became known as the "cattle-raiding" years, as the Dragoons engaged in a series of raids against [[House Steiner]].<ref name=WDS2223-ADP-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 22-23, "A Daring Plan", the Dragoons continue their raids in 3017 and 3018</ref><ref name=MH30-FCM-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 30, "Fourth Contract: Marik", the Dragoons' "cattle-raiding" period</ref> ====Wyatt==== One of the major engagements of this era came in [[3016]], when Beta and Delta Regiments attacked the world of [[Wyatt]], defended by the elite [[11th Lyran Guards]] and the [[17th Arcturan Guards]]. The Dragoons engaged the Lyrans in a deadly game of hide-and-seek, with Weisz once again demonstrating why she was called "the Ghost". Nevertheless, the Lyran defenders were familiar with their home terrain, and they soon had the Dragoons on the defensive. When the Dragoon DropShips landed to extract the two regiments, Lyran aerospace fighters plagued them on their descent, inflicting significant damage. One of Beta's DropShips was destroyed while lifting up, leading to the destruction of an entire battalion.<ref name=WDS21HS>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 21, "Hide and Seek", raid on Wyatt, Beta Regiment loses a battalion when it loses a DropShip</ref> Despite the personnel setbacks on Wyatt, the raid was considered a win by the [[LCCC|Marik High Command]], as it had occupied two of the best Lyran regiments for several weeks, allowing FWLM to raid other worlds.<ref name=WDS22RCR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 22, "Raid and Counter-Raid", Janos Marik congratulates the Dragoons</ref> After these events, Colonel Jeremy Ellman decided to retire. It was only when Jaime Wolf employed his considerable gifts of persuasion that Ellman agreed to stay on with the Dragoons as the new head of the [[Dragoon Training Command]], training future Dragoons from among the families.<ref name=WDS21HS-JE-R-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 21, "Hide and Seek", Colonel Ellman retires</ref><ref name=WDS59-CJE-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities", Colonel Jeremy Ellman retires and takes of the DTC</ref> In his place emerged [[Andrei Shostokovitch]], promoted to Colonel after distinguishing himself as a battalion commander on Wyatt and previously. Shostokovitch's brash but skillful approach made him quickly popular with his troops. After taking the needed time to rebuild, Beta Regiment soon returned to action, launching a successful raid on [[New Kyoto]].<ref name=WDS2223-ADP-1/><ref name=MH30-FCM-1/><ref name=WDS22RCR>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 22, "Raid and Counter-Raid", Shostokovitch takes command, leads a triumphant raid on New Kyoto</ref> ====The Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus==== {{main|Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus}} At the dawn of [[3019]], the Dragoons would begin the boldest campaign of their history up to that point: The attempted conquest of [[Hesperus II]], home of [[Defiance Industries]], the largest BattleMech factory in the Inner Sphere. During the [[Succession Wars era|Succession Wars]], Defiance had held out successfully against twelve major campaigns to take or destroy it, and which had been the foundation for the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]] entire military industry since the fall of the Star League. In a series of raids, the Dragoons made their way through Lyran space, keeping House Steiner off-guard with their seeming odd choice of targets.<ref name=WDS2223-ADP-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 22-23, "A Daring Plan", the Dragoons plan to assault Hesperus II</ref> Most of the raids would go well for the Dragoons, as few Lyran units could stand against them and the Lyran High Command did not know where they would strike next.<ref name=WDS2223-ADP-3>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 22-23, "A Daring Plan", the Dragoons' raiding campaign</ref> Unfortunately for the Dragoons, a spy in the Marik court had revealed to the Lyrans the Dragoons ultimate target.<ref name=WDS23-I-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 23, "Icebox", a traitor in the Marik court reveals their plan</ref> The [[Hesperus II#Thirteenth battle|Thirteenth Battle for Hesperus]] would be a brutal campaign, as the Dragoons faced far greater opposition than predicted. Hesperus II had been reinforced. In addition to the normal garrison of the elite [[6th Lyran Guards|6th]] and [[15th Lyran Guards]], the Dragoons now faced the [[24th Lyran Guards]], the [[3rd Royal Guards]] and the mercenary [[Hsien Hotheads]] and [[Hansen's Roughriders]] regiments. Despite heavy aerospace opposition, Alpha, Beta and Gamma were able to land on the planet mostly intact on 6 June. However, the regiments were scattered in the Harkspur Mountains, far from their objective of Defiance in the Myoo Mountains, giving the Lyrans plenty of room to force the Dragoons into paying for every inch of ground. Delta and Epsilon Regiments were initially held in reserve, but Wolf soon called down Delta when it became apparent that the defenders were far more numerous than expected. The Deltas took losses making planet fall, but still managed to inflict damage to the enemy's rear, giving the Dragoons time to regroup. During one stretch early in the campaign, Beta Regiment was accompanied by Colonel Wolf himself and his reinforced command lance, personally observing their advance while Major [[Kelly Yukinov]] took command of Alpha Regiment.<ref name=WDS24BI-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 24, "Blood and Iron", the Dragoons hit Hesperus and face Lyran reinforcements</ref><ref name=H2-21-1>''Hector (short story) - Part II'', p. 21, Colonel Wolf accompanies Beta Regiment</ref> After returning to Alpha Regiment's position on 14 June, Wolf announced he was calling up Epsilon Regiment and Zeta Battalion and giving Alpha and Beta Regiments two days' rest to refit.<ref name=H2-22-1>''Hector (short story) - Part II'', p. 22, Wolf gives Alpha and Beta two days to recover</ref> Beta's Baker Battalion had distinguished itself in particular, repeatedly striking the defenders in raids and unpredictable strikes. The Lyrans took to calling Baker commander Major Michael Hart the "Blue-Eyed Devil" for his skill.<ref name=WDS59-MMH-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Major Michael Hart", Hart's actions of Hesperus II</ref> After a grueling, two week campaign, the Dragoons had fought their way to the Erewhon River where the regiments regrouped. Beta briefly went offline to rearm while Zeta Battalion and various elements of Alpha, Gamma and Epsilon tried in vain to fight their way across the river. The Dragoons desperately attempted to form a beachhead on the other side, only to be driven back each time with heavy losses.<ref name=WDS2425-RS-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 24-25, "River of Swords", the Dragoon advance is stalled at the Erewhon River</ref><ref name=H3-23-1>''Hector (short story) - Part III'', p. 23, Beta Regiment is offline during the river crossings</ref> It was Captain Natasha Kerensky, the Black Widow, who proposed a solution. Kerensky identified an old fording route, called Tanda's Crossing, an easily crossable shallow stretch of the river which led directly to a narrow passage through the mountains. The shortcut led directly to the Defiance factories, and as it had been classified by the [[LCAF]] centuries before, it was only lightly defended.<ref name=WDS2425RS-NK-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 24-25, "River of Swords", Kerensky finds an opening</ref><ref name=H3-3031-TC-1>''Hector (short story) - Part III'', pp. 30-31, Natasha Kerensky reports on Tanda's Crossing</ref> Kerensky's Black Widow Company would form the tip of the Dragoon spear, while Delta and Epsilon Regiments would follow closely behind. Beta Regiment and Zeta Battalion were called forward to hold the Lyrans' attention, maintaining the illusion that the Dragoons' were still looking to cross near their original position. The Betas ranged up and down their side of the river, distracting the defenders as they feigned a search for a weak spot down river.<ref name=WDS25WC>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 25, "Widow's Crossing", the Dragoons push into the pass</ref><ref name=H3-30-1>''Hector (short story) - Part III'', p. 30, Beta Regiment is called up</ref><ref name=H4-12-1>''Hector (short story) - Part IV'', p. 12, Beta Regiment ranges up and down the river</ref> The beginning of the operation went well, with Kerensky and elements of Alpha Regiment securing a beachhead, Delta and Epsilon Regiments pushed across, following the Black Widows into the passage.<ref name=WDS25WC/> Wolf himself soon arrived at the Crossing, escorted by a battalion from Beta Regiment. The rest of Beta as well as Gamma Regiments moved north, preparing to join the rest of the Dragoons while Alpha Regiment remained at the original river site.<ref name=H4-14-1>''Hector (short story) - Part IV'', p. 14, Beta and Gamma are called north, a battalion of Beta escorts Colonel Wolf</ref> The Lyran commander quickly realized the danger to the factories, however, and dispatched Hansen's Roughriders to stop the Dragoons short of the factories. The Black Widow Company came into range of the Defiance Industries plant when they were attacked by the defending Roughriders. Badly outnumbered, the Widows were forced to pull back. Not even the arrival of Delta and Epsilon Regiments could dislodge the Roughriders. The 24th Lyran had flanked Delta Regiment, linking up with the Sixth Guards and stabilizing the Lyran lines. Kerensky reported in to Colonel Wolf back at the beachhead, having realized the Dragoons couldn't prevail. Further attempts to press the attack forward would be futile. Out of supplies and with major casualties, Wolf reluctantly ordered a retreat. The Beta battalion then escorted Colonel Wolf, his command lance, and the Black Widows back south. Beta Regiment would be the second-to-last command to lift off Hesperus, behind only the remaining elements of Alpha Regiment who served as a rear guard. The Dragoons made their way back to [[Sterling]], their base world in Marik space.<ref name=WDS25OV>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 25, "On the Verge of Victory", the Dragoons are pushed back and forced to retreat</ref><ref name=H4-1617-1>''Hector (short story) - Part IV'', pp. 16-17, the Lyran forces refortify</ref><ref name=H4-18-1>''Hector (short story) - Part IV'', p. 18, Beta begins the journey back</ref><ref name=H4-22-1>''Hector (short story) - Part IV'', p. 22, Beta Regiment boards</ref><ref name=MH30-FCM-2>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 30, "Fourth Contract: Marik", the Thirteenth Battle of Hesperus ends in defeat for the Dragoons</ref> ====Aftermath==== Although the bulk of the Dragoon forces returned to the Free Worlds League to recover and refit, Colonel Wolf and a contingent of his warriors returned to the Clan Homeworlds to report. Six months later, Wolf would return to the Inner Sphere with replacement 'Mechs and equipment. To help replace his lost warriors, Jamie Wolf opened the Dragoons to hiring from outside the unit for the first time. Beta and the other Dragoons saw little action for the remainder of their service to House Marik.<ref name=WDS25-R-C-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 25, "Retreat", Wolf departs and returns</ref><ref name=MH31-IRTTC-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 31, "Interlude: Return to the Clans", the Dragoons return to the Clan Homeworlds for the final time</ref> ===In service to Steiner=== In Spring [[3020]], Wolf's Dragoons signed on with House Steiner's Lyran Commonwealth. [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]], had been impressed with their performance on Hesperus, and sought to use them against the [[Draconis Combine]]. The Dragoons took their post on [[Chukchi III]], their new base world.<ref name=WDS27-S-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 27, "In Service to Steiner", the Dragoons sign with House Steiner</ref> It was during this year that Major Nikos Palassis, long-time commander of Beta Regiment's Able Battalion, retired, to the surprise of many who thought the reckless officer would eventually die in combat. Taking over command of Able was Alicia Fancher, who soon implemented a far more disciplined approach to the Cavaliers, who had previously been known for their reckless daring that had earned them comparisons to Zeta Battalion.<ref name=WDS60-MNP-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 60, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Major Nikos Palassis", Palassis retires</ref><ref name=WDS59-MAF-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Major Alicia Fancher", Fancher's early career and philosophy</ref> During the same year, [[Tara Lucas]], a talented but headstrong young officer in Beta, was reprimanded for insubordination and fighting. She was accepted a transfer to Zeta Battalion, where she and her descendants would serve and excel for decades to come.<ref name=WDS99-TL-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 99, "Zeta Battalion Personalities: Captain Tara Lucas", Lucas is transferred from Beta Regiment around ten years before 3030</ref><ref name=TJTLDOZ-5-TL-1>''Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta'', p. 5, Tara Lucas remembers her grandmother, the original Tara Lucas, fifty years later</ref> Although the continued to help build on the Dragoon reputation, Beta Regiment did not take part in any of the larger operations such as the major offensive on [[Dromini VI]]. ===In service to Kurita=== [[File:Draccombine.gif|left|thumb|The [[Draconis Combine]]]] In early [[3023]], the Dragoons left House Steiner's service, signing on with House Kurita. Tensions had been rising between [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]]'s Draconis Combine and First Prince [[Hanse Davion]]'s Federated Suns, and the Dragoons would soon find themselves in the middle of it.<ref name=WDS29-ETD-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 29, "Enter the Dragon", Wolf's Dragoons signs on with the Draconis Combine</ref> While the rest of the Dragoons engaged in operations on [[Quentin]] and [[Hoff]], Beta Regiment and Zeta Battalion accompanied the Dragoon dependents and support staff to their new base world of [[An Ting]] in the [[Galedon Military District]]. There, they built a bivouac made from prefab buildings, with a command center, housing and 'Mech and DropShip facilities.<ref name=WDS29-ETD-AT-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 29, "Enter the Dragon", Beta Regiment travels to An Ting with the Dragoon dependents</ref> Colonel Andrei Shostokovitch, meanwhile, accompanied Colonel Wolf and his task force to Quentin, where he served as a guide to the Dragoons' new [[Professional Soldiery Liaison|liaison officer]], ''[[Chu-sa]]'' [[Minobu Tetsuhara]]. He also coordinated operations from the Batan Spaceport in Wolf's absence.<ref name=WOTB31344245-AS-1>''Wolves on the Border'', pp. 31, 34, 42-45, Shostokovitch joins the other Dragoons on Quentin</ref> Beta and Gamma Regiments would ultimately garrison [[Misery]] alongside Gamma Regiment. For the next two years, Beta Regiment and the other Dragoon units would participate in raids all across the [[Draconis March]], earning a fierce reputation among the AFFS forces.<ref name=WDS32-SS-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 32, "The Sun and the Sword", Beta begins raiding campaigns, using Misery as a base</ref> In November [[3024]], Beta reported that a shipment of cold-weather gear provided by the [[DCMS]]' [[Procurement Department]] had been defective and inadequate for the cold of Misery. Tetsuhara, as liaison officer, ordered them new equipment.<ref name=WOTB86-1>''Wolves on the Border'', p. 86, Beta reports poor cold-weather gear on Misery</ref> As of 3025, Beta's permanent home remained on Misery alongside Gamma Regiment.<ref name=HKDC135>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'' p. 135, "Mech Unit Deployment Table: Galedon Military District", Beta's assigned homeworld</ref> In one particular raid on the icy world of [[Cylene]], Able Battalion's Third Company successfully ambushed elements of the [[Warren's Weasels]] mercenary company, leading to a route. Afterwards, Able-Third took the nickname "The Snow Leopards".<ref name=WDS61-CWSJ-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 61, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Captain Ward St. John", St. John's Company ambushes Warren's Weasels on Cylene</ref> ====Deshler==== In January [[3025]], as part of an operation to distract House Davion from the upcoming [[Battle of Galtor|Galtor Campaign]], Beta and Gamma Regiments, along with Zeta Battalion, were chosen to invade the world of [[Deshler]], a key border world and site of a former 'Mech factory, the [[Aghama 'Mechworks]], that had long since been damaged but still housed very valuable equipment. While Colonel Wilhelmina Korsht and Gamma attacked the [[Raman DMM]] in Valerian Bay, Beta Regiment moved directly on the factories. Expecting relatively light resistance, Beta instead found themselves up against the elite [[4th Davion Guards|4th Davion Guards RCT]]. Shostokovitch and Beta were forced to land far to northwest of Aghama valley, in the barrens. Beta Regiment was ambushed by Davion armor during their advance, throwing them behind schedule. As the whole regiment advanced into the valley, the Guards appeared to have fallen back. The Fourth, nicknamed "Dragon’s Bane", launched a massive ambush from hidden positions, using their [[combined-arms]] tactics to cut off Beta's heavier elements from their light recon companies. Captain Ramon Magdaleno's Baker-Third company was nearly overwhelmed, surrounded by Davion infantry and unable to withdraw or advance. The Betas would rally, however, around Major [[Anton Ivanovitch]]'s Charlie Battalion, the "Red Guard", one of the most disciplined units within the Dragoons. The Red Guard formed a perimeter, giving Shostokovitch time to regroup and rescue the remnants of Magdaleno's company. The Dragoons slowly advanced, facing heavy resistance the entire way. With the support of Zeta Battalion, they were finally able to take factories in early April, only to find that they'd been stripped of all valuable equipment. Two weeks later, with the aid of elements of the Seventh Kommando, Gamma Regiment was able to force a cessation of hostilities in Valerian Bay, inflicting serious damage on the Fourth Davions' conventional assets. Deshler briefly fell into House Kurita's hands. However, as they Combine attack on [[Marduk]] had failed and the Galtor campaign itself was headed towards disaster, Deshler was at risk of being cutoff. Takashi Kurita reluctantly ordered the Dragoons to withdraw. Although they had taken heavy damage and were unable to hold the planet, the Dragoons had succeeded in their primary task of preventing the Fourth Guards from joining in the defense of Galtor, although the Raman DMM would later see action in that campaign.<ref name=WDS33-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 33, "Wolf in the Fold", Beta and Gamma are chosen to attack Deshler</ref><ref name=WDS33-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 33, "Battle of Deshler", Beta is pushed back by the Fourth Davion Guards</ref><ref name=WDS34-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 34, "Bloody Aghama", the resists Beta's advance at every step of the way</ref><ref name=WDS34-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 34, "Diversion", despite their victory on Deshler the Dragoons are forced to withdraw</ref> Afterwards, Beta Regiment returned to Misery to rest and refit.<ref name=HKDC135/> Later, in December [[3026]], Beta was ordered to rotate to [[Marlowe's Rift]], to serve alongside one of the newly-formed ''[[Ryuken]]'' regiments.<ref name=WOTB186-1>''Wolves on the Border'', p. 186, Beta is rotated to Marlowe's Rift</ref> By all accounts, Beta continued to serve with distinction for the remainder of the Dragoons' contract. ===Misery=== {{main|Battle of Misery}} [[File:Ryuken--Brigade logo.png|right|thumb|150px|The ''[[Ryuken]]'']] In January [[3028]], relations between the Combine and the Dragoons exploded on [[An Ting]] into open violence. Although most of Beta Regiment was not present, the course of the Dragoons was now clear. <ref name=WD3637>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 36-37, "Atrocity", the fighting on An Ting leads to the battle of Misery</ref> In April 3028, Beta Regiment joined the rest of the Dragoon units on Misery. All five Dragoon front-line regiments, along with Zeta Battalion and the Black Widow Company, would face-off against the ''Ryuken'', now built up to four regiments, along with the [[17th Galedon Regulars]], the [[21st Galedon Regulars]], and the elite [[8th Sword of Light]], all commanded by newly-promoted ''[[Tai-sho_(rank)#Draconis_Combine_Mustered_Soldiery|Tai-sho]]'' Minobu Tetsuhara, who knew the Dragoons and Jaime Wolf better than anyone outside the mercenary command.<ref name=WD3637A2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 36-37, "Atrocity", the Combine assembles troops to meet the Dragoons' challenge</ref><ref name=WOTB294>''Wolves on the Border (novel)'' p. 294, Tetsuhara repeats their orders</ref> The [[Battle of Misery]] proved to be one of the largest, most bloody 'Mech battles in history, with neither side giving any quarter.<ref name=WD3738>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 37-38, "Misery", recounting the battle of Misery</ref> Abandoning their original objective, to buy their dependents enough time to escape, the Dragoons attempted to defeat the Kuritan force despite being outnumbered by better than 3-2.<ref name=HTPM14D>''Historical Turning Points: Misery'' p. 14, "Bloody Honor", Defender, 150 percent of attacker's strength</ref> In one of the most famous actions early in the campaign, Captain [[Danielle Rondema]]'s Charlie-First company, a heavy-assault unit, encountered a ''Ryuken'' company at Hamar Valley in the Trolfjel Highlands. Despite the blizzard-like conditions, the Dragoons attacked in earnest, quickly destroying the entire opposing force before a second ''Ryuken'' company could reinforce them. "Rondema's Roughnecks" then turned their attention to the second company, destroying it in short order as well. Rondema's Company earned much acclaim from their fellow Dragoons in Beta Regiment for destroying two companies without suffering more than minor damage. Colonel Wolf personally congratulated the Roughnecks on their prowess.<ref name=WDS38-M-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 38, "Misery", Rondema's Company destroys two ''Ryuken'' companies</ref><ref name=WDS61-CDR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 61, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Captain Danielle Rondema", Rondema's career, attributes and the heroics of her Roughnecks</ref><ref name=HTP12-A-1>''Historical Turning Points: Misery'', p. 12, "Aftermath", Rondema's Company routes two ''Ryuken'' companies</ref> Beta's performance record on Misery, though excellent, was not universally flawless. In one incident, Lieutenant Shannon Vernon of Able-Third company refused a direct order from Major Fancher. Fancher would demote Vernon to Sergeant, a move which many questioned.<ref name=WDS59-MAF-1/>Major Hart of Baker Battalion was killed after ejecting from his destroyed 'Mech when a Kuritan ''Warhammer'' fell on him.<ref name=WDS59-MMH-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Major Michael Hart", Hart's death on Misery</ref> ====Aftermath==== The Dragoons as a whole ultimately emerged victorious from the campaign, though overall losses were staggering, with many units losing over 50 percent combat effectiveness.<ref name=WD3738/> Beta Regiment was reorganized into five provisional companies after Misery, with most of their [[conventional]] elements transferred to the [[Home Guard (Wolf's Dragoons)|Home Guard]] to protect their dependents. In addition to the death of Major Hart, Beta's two surviving battalion commanders, Major Fancher and Major Anton Ivanovitch, both retired after the fighting. In the case of Major Fancher, Colonel Wolf himself convinced her to retire, having found her actions in the Vernon incident to have been in error. As a result, all five of Beta's provisional companies were commanded by Captains, in contrast to most of other regiments which saw Majors commanding many companies.<ref name=WDS59-MAF-1/><ref name=WDS5558BRUR>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55-58, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", Beta is reorganized after Misery</ref> Overall, Beta Battalion fared slightly better than the other Dragoon regiments in terms of losses, with enough warriors and 'Mech intact to field five companies with a command lance.<ref name=WDS5558BRUR/> ===The Fourth Succession War=== {{main|Fourth Succession War}} The Dragoons regrouped and reorganized on [[Robinson]], the capital of the Draconis March. Signing a contract with House Davion, the Dragoons knew their fight against House Kurita was far from over.<ref name=WDS39-FC-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 39, "Full Circle", the Dragoons regroup for the Fourth Succession War</ref> Although Beta Regiment had suffered along with the rest of the Dragoons on Misery, their dogged determination and professionalism would allow them to control themselves even in the face of what they had endured. Morale remained steady as the Dragoons prepared for war.<ref name=OTPDTM13-BR-UA-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 13, "Beta Regiment: Unit Abilities", Beta Regiment remains determined</ref> ====Wapakoneta==== {{main|Battle of Wapakoneta (Fourth Succession War)}} [[File:Galedon Regulars 12th logo 3058.png|left|thumb|The [[12th Galedon Regulars]] fought Beta Regiment on [[Wapakoneta]] and [[Crossing]]]] When the [[Fourth Succession War]] broke out, Beta Regiment defended the Federated Suns world of Wapakoneta alongside Delta Regiment, which was likewise operating well under-strength. Attacking the planet were Kurita's [[3rd Proserpina Hussars]], an elite unit, and [[12th Galedon Regulars]], landing on-planet September 17, 3028. Colonel Shostokovitch and Delta commander [[Kathleen Dumont]] emerged from their planning sessions with a strategy that would take advantage of Wapakoneta's small land mass, using a guerilla warfare defense with hidden supply depots. The Dragoons had thoroughly familiarized themselves as much as possible with the terrain, and were well prepared to defend the continent of New Wisconsin, fighting amongst its vast forests.<ref name=WDS4142W-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 41-42, "Wapakoneta", The Battle of Wapakoneta</ref><ref name=NFSWVI6971-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 69-71, "Wapakoneta", The Battle of Wapakoneta</ref><ref name=4SWSP33-W-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', "Hunting the Predator", the Battle of Wapakoneta</ref> Early in the campaign, Beta's Third Provisional Company, led by Captain Michael Vanduesen, managed to go behind enemy lines along the Sarola River and attacked the Galedon Regulars' main airfield. The Third Provisional destroyed two-thirds of the Kuritan aerospace assets - 25 fighters in all - on the ground, but were themselves annihilated when they were trapped, facing the overwhelming force of the two DCMS regiments. Some of the Dragoons were effectively executed even after their 'Mechs were destroyed, an act that became typical of the fighting on Wapakoneta.<ref name=WDS4142W-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 41-42, "Wapakoneta", Beta's Third Provisional attacks a Kuritan airfield</ref><ref name=NFSWVI6971-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 69-71, "Wapakoneta", Beta's Third Provisional attacks a Kuritan airfield</ref><ref name=OTPDTM2425-W-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', pp. 24-25, "Touchpoint: Wapakoneta", Beta's Third Provisional attacks a Kuritan airfield</ref><ref name=WDS61-CMV-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 61, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Captain Michael Vanduesen", Beta's Third Provisional sacrifices itself to destroy the Combine fighters</ref> Although it was a terrible sacrifice to make, the action did the Dragoons and advantage in air support for the rest of the campaign. The Dragoons were still badly outnumbered, but they were more familiar with the terrain of the world, and received aid from the local citizens. With these factors, they continued to wage a guerilla warfare campaign against the DCMS troops. Also working in their favor was a lack of coordination between the Twelfth Galedon, a green unit that had taken the lead, and the Third Hussars, who were frustrated at the seeming incompetence of the Twelfth's commander.<ref name=4SWSP33-ASF-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', "Hunting the Predator", the Dragoons take an edge in aerospace fighters on Wapakoneta</ref> In the weeks that followed, the Dragoons split into company and lance-sized units, using hit-and-run tactics and refusing to give the Kuritans a pitched battle that would allow them to take advantage of their superior numbers. This approach was usually successful for the Dragoons, chipping away at the Galedon Regulars and further undermining their cooperation with the Proserpina Hussars. Unfortunately, as effective as this tactic was in the forests and mountains, it was less so in the flat plains, where the DCMS troops were able to use their superior numbers. The Dragoons' efforts were aided by the fact that the Regulars' commander, ''[[Sho-sho]]'' Tarsus Bodoli, kept his forces on the main roads in tightly packed convoys, easy prey for small groups of elite Dragoons. The Proserpina Hussars and their commanding officer, ''Sho-sho'' Bruce Lee Bernstein, grew frustrated at this ineffective approach, eventually splitting off his regiment and breaking it into company-sized units. This proved effective when a light company of Hussars trapped Beta Regiment's Fourth Provisional Company at Stiverson Pass near Stiverson City. The Dragoons, mostly former members of Charlie Battalion's Red Guard, had been attempting to attack a light company of the Galedon Regulars, who themselves had been mauling a cavalry unit from the local militia. Outnumbered two-to-one, only five Beta 'Mechs escaped, and it seemed to become a turning point in the campaign, as the Dragoons were forced to retreat more and more in the wake of these new developments.<ref name=WDS4142W-1/><ref name=NFSWVI6971-1/><ref name=NFSWVII79>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 7-9, "Wapakoneta", The Battle of Wapakoneta</ref><ref name=4SWSP33-4PC-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', "Hunting the Predator", the Fourth Provisional Company is cornered on Wapakoneta</ref> Both Dragoon Colonels recognized that a change in approach was called for or they would be destroyed one company at a time. They successfully used Beta's Fifth Provisional Company, under the command of Captain Danielle Rondema, to lure a battalion of the Hussars into a massive ambush, where almost the entirety of the remaining Dragoons attacked. Known as the Fight of Ploven's Fields, Colonel Dumont activated a [[Command-Detonated Mine|minefield]] beneath the Hussars, and a dozen Kuritan 'Mechs were destroyed before they managed to withdraw. The Hussars regrouped with the Galedon Regulars, looking to rest and repair.<ref name=WDS4142W-1/><ref name=NFSWVI6971-1/><ref name=NFSWVII79/><ref name=OTPDTM2425-W-2>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', pp. 24-25, "Touchpoint: Wapakoneta - Aftermath", the Dragoons employ hit and run tactics but are slowly driven back</ref> [[File:3rdproserpina.jpg|right|thumb|The [[3rd Proserpina Hussars]]]] The Dragoons, meanwhile, had decided to make a stand at the city of Hannibal. While pushing towards that city, however, they were blocked by elements of the Twelfth Galedon, who had taken the key town of Bakir, through which the only bridge to cross the Bakir River went through. The Regulars were well-entrenched, with [[artillery]] and aerospace fighter support. With the battle not going well, Colonel Dumont was approached in her 'Mech by an elderly woman, Mavis Greenthorn, who had been an AFFS veteran and who had braved the battlefield to give the Dragoons information about the terrain to help the mercenaries prevail. Revealing a hidden location where the river was shallow enough for 'Mechs to safely cross, the Colonel led the remaining Dragoons across the river, then doubled-back to Bakir, where they surprised the Kuritans from behind. The Regulars quickly withdrew, and the Dragoons would blow the bridge, buying themselves a month worth of time while the Kuritans found a way around the river. Reaching Hannibal was not without cost, however, as Beta's Fifth Provisional Company was intercepted by a superior force. Again facing two-to-one odds, Rondema's Roughnecks attempted to repeat their famous feat from Misery. This time, however, fortune was not on their side. Surrounded by nearly two battalions, the Roughnecks were destroyed, killed to the last man. This further reduced the Dragoons' numbers. Evacuating the civilian population of the city, the Dragoons had until late April to prepare. After the Kuritans established a secure position outside the city, they began a campaign of bombardment with their remaining aerospace fighters. The Dragoon 'Mechs took cover in the city's vast underground mining facilities, avoiding serious damage while the city above was reduced to rubble. When the Kuritan 'Mechs finally attacked on 9 May, the Dragoons used the rubble as natural defensive positions, and the mercenaries and Wapakoneta militia ambushed their enemies repeatedly. Beta's First Provisional Company, led by Captain Susan Flandrey, was able to pick off two recon lances of Kuritans when they were cutoff. The rest of the Dragoons then attacked, destroying several Kuritan 'Mechs and forcing them to pull back. When the DCMS attacked again two weeks later, they did so in lance-sized units. The Dragoons split their remaining forces into three groups; Red Fire, Orange Fire and White Fire. Colonel Shostokovitch commanded Orange Fire with Beta's command lance, the survivors of Beta's Fourth Provisional Company, and Delta's First and Second Provisional Companies. Colonel Dumont, her command lance and Delta's Third and Fourth Provisional Companies would form White Fire. Captain Flandrey would command the Red Fire Group, leading the remnants of Beta's First and Second Provisional Companies. Orange and White Fire would hold the line above, attempting to pickoff individual Kuritan lances. Red Fire attached their 'Mechs to the underground trains and effectively creating a rapid response force that could strike at the attackers from below. The size of Colonel Dumont's 'Mech and several other heavy machines made this difficult, however, as the tunnels had never been designed for their size. This delayed their deployment when the fighting began to turn against the Orange and White Fire Groups. Pursued by the lances of the Proserpina Hussars, Red Fire was chased into the underground caverns. Captain Ramon Magdaleno and his Second Provisional Company led the pursuing Hussars into a side tunnel, where explosives had been set. Realizing they were being setup, the Hussars broke off their pursuit, forcing the Dragoons to detonate earlier than intended. Although they destroyed eleven Hussar 'Mechs, three Dragoons, including Captain Magdaleno, were lost. Magdaleno's last stand allowed most of his remaining warriors to make it out. Demoralized, the Hussars retreated. The White Fire group was able to save Orange Fire when they appeared behind the Galedon Regulars, leading the Twelfth to pull back as well. Although the Dragoons had again taken heavy losses, they remained alive and in control of Hannibal. In the aftermath of the battle, weather conditions made any further Combine attacks impossible for more than a month, with supplies for both sides running low. Using the winter storms as cover, the Dragoons withdrew through the underground tunnels and reached their DropShips, which they used to escape the planet. Of the nine companies of 'Mechs Beta and Delta had entered the battle with, only four had survived. After nine months of the Dragoons holding off two regiments, the battle for Wapakoneta was finally over.<ref name=WDS4142W-1/><ref name=NFSWVI6971-1/><ref name=NFSWVII79/><ref name=WDS61-CDR-1/><ref name=WDS60-CRM-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 60, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Captain Ramon Magdaleno", Magdaleno sacrifices himself to save most of his command</ref><ref name=OTPDTM8-W-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", the battle of Wapakoneta</ref> Although they had fought with great skill and extracted a fearsome price from the DCMS forces, the fighting on Wapakoneta had proven devastating for Beta Regiment. Of the 64 warriors they had at the beginning of the campaign, 43 had been killed.<ref name=WDS5558BRUR-W>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55-58, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", Beta Regiment after Wapakoneta</ref> Captain Magdaleno's sacrifice became so honored among the Dragoons that it became an [[Honorname]] years later, with Magdaleno's genetic heritage becoming part of the Dragoons' [[Iron Womb]] program.<ref name=SWB23-CM-MP-M-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 23, "Calvin Magdaleno: MechWarrior Profile", Ramon Magdaleno was a hero of Deshler and Wapakoneta</ref> ====Crossing==== {{main|Battle of Crossing (Fourth Succession War)}} [[File:Galedon Regulars 16th logo.png|left|thumb|Beta held the line against the [[16th Galedon Regulars]] on Crossing at great cost]] The Dragoons regrouped on Crossing. Where once they had fielded five regiments with full support, now they were reduced to one regiment of 'Mechs, many of which were still showing signs of damage. On September 2, [[3029]], Kurita DropShips neared Crossing's orbit. The Twelfth Galedon Regulars had followed the Dragoons from Wapakoneta, as had the [[5th Galedon Regulars|Fifth]], [[8th Galedon Regulars|Eighth]] and [[16th Galedon Regulars]], units that had fought the other Dragoon regiments on [[Harrow's Sun]] and [[Glenmora]]. Though all four Galedon Regular regiments had taken heavy losses, they had been reinforced by green recruits fresh out of the academy, bringing them up to strength on paper if not in unit quality. The Kuritans had a four-to-one advantage in numbers and had learned a great deal from their previous battles. They were cautious in their approach, weary of ambushes or traps. They were also accompanied by an elite 'Mech company (designated "Sword of the Void") of the [[Draconis Elite Strike Teams|DEST]] that remained in orbit as a reserve force. With such a large numerical advantage, the Combine forces chose not to bring their conventional troops into the battle, as they considered those forces as "worthless distractions", fit only to guard their DropShips. For their part, the Dragoons called up several units of their conventional forces who had been with the Home Guard on Robinson. These included three platoons who had formerly served with Beta Regiment. Colonel Wolf contacted the invading ships and told them where they would meet them. It was essentially a challenge, but it also served to protect the civilian population of Crossing, which was only lightly defended by the [[10th Deneb Light Cavalry]] soldiers who had pulled off Glenmora with Alpha Regiment. The [[Galedon Regulars]] spent three weeks carefully arranging their regiments around the volcano. The true battle finally began on 28 September, as the Kuritan 'Mechs began to make their way up the Caldera. The campaign was long and hard, with the Dragoons making the Galedon Regulars pay for every inch they took in blood. At one point, the DEST team conducted a daring drop in the middle of the Dragoons defense, causing havoc behind the lines. The Dragoons appeared on the verge of collapse.<ref name=WDS4243C>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 42-43, "Crossing", the Battle of Crossing</ref><ref name=NFSWVII3037C>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'' pp. 30-37, "Crossing", the Battle of Crossing</ref><ref name=WDS5558BRUR-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55-58, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", many of Beta's conventional assets are called up for the battle of Crossing</ref> Beta Regiment, though reduced to 21 operational 'Mechs entering the battle, held the line against astronomical odds. Colonel Shostokovitch led the remnants of his command lance and the Dragoons' second provisional company as they hammered into the advancing Regulars. The Dragoon counter-attack finally stalled when Shostokovitch's officers started falling. Shostokovitch ordered his troops to fallback, heroically covering the withdraw himself. Shostokovitch's actions rallied his men, who very nearly saved him before the combined fire of an entire lance of the Sixteenth Galedon slew the Dragoon Colonel in his ''[[Dervish]]''.<ref name=WDS43-BR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' p. 43, "Crossing", Beta's last stand on Crossing</ref><ref name=NFSWVII36-AS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'' p. 36, "Crossing", Shostokovitch is killed by the Sixteenth Galedon Regulars</ref> Just as it seemed the Dragoons might collapse, elements of the Tenth Deneb would surprise the Galedon Regulars from behind, buying the Dragoons time to recover. It was at this point that Zeta Battalion arrived. The assault unit had recovered their strength on Robinson by absorbing other Dragoon elements and had arrived undetected in rented ''[[Mule]]''-class DropShips. As the desperately needed reinforcements fell on the Galedon Regulars from behind, Colonel Wolf and his warriors finally crushed the DEST company, freeing them to turn on the Kuritan forces. The stabilization of the Dragoon lines and the arrival of monsters of Zeta completely demoralized the Kuritan forces. Most of the Fifth Galedon was destroyed climbing the mountain wall in an attempt to retreat, and the Sixteenth's survivors were forced to surrender to Natasha Kerensky. The Eighth and Twelfth were routed by the emboldened Dragoons, harassed by [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]]-rocket wielding infantry using the cover of the mountains. They would flee to their transports. Of the four Battlemech regiments that had attacked Crossing, only 112 Kuritan 'Mechs survived. Wolf's Dragoons had been brought to the edge of destruction, but their reputation was greater than ever. An entire Successor State had devoted all its resources to crushing them, yet they still lived. In the aftermath of the Fourth Succession War, Delta Regiment, like virtually every other Dragoon line unit, was effectively inactive, with losses far too high to field a viable command.<ref name=WDS4243C/><ref name=NFSWVII3037C/> Of the 64 MechWarriors Beta Regiment had fielded at the start of the war, only 13 had survived, with many of those facing serious injury.<ref name=WDS5558BRUR-C>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55-58, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", Beta Regiment after Crossing</ref> ===The Long Road to Recovery=== After the horrors of Misery and the Fourth Succession War, the Dragoons retreated to their new homeworld of Outreach, which had been gifted to them by First Prince Hanse Davion. All of the Dragoons front-line units were effectively inactive this point, with the entire command barely able to field a regiment of BattleMechs. By [[3031]], Colonel Wolf was ready to send a unit out into the field built around Natasha Kerensky's old Black Widow Company. The [[Black Widow Battalion]] drew selected veterans from the Dragoon survivors, giving Wolf the time he needed to begin training the next generation of elite mercenaries. Two MechWarriors and two aerospace pilots were drawn from Beta's survivors to form the new unit, including newly-promoted Captain Darnell Winningham, who had formerly been a MechWarrior in Beta's Able battalion and later received a field promotion to Lieutenant in the First Provisional Company. Winningham, in reality, was [[Mackenzie Wolf]], the son of Colonel Jaime Wolf, who had been living under an alias since at least the Marik Civil War.<ref name=MTBW11-BWB-R-1>''More Tales of the Black Widow'', p. 11, "Black Widow Battalion, 3031", former Beta warriors join the Black Widows</ref><ref name=MTBW6-BWB-TNW-1>''More Tales of the Black Widow'', p. 6, "Black Widow Battalion: The New Widows", Winningham's background is explained</ref><ref name=WOTB94-BR-1>''Wolves on the Border'', p. 94, Jaime Wolf's son serves under an alias in Beta Regiment</ref><ref name=WDS56-BR-DW-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 56, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", Darnell Winningham's roster position with Beta Regiment</ref> In March [[3035]], Beta Regiment became the first Dragoon line unit to return to active duty. Observers speculated that the Black Widow Battalion would form the core of the new regiment, but this was quickly proven false as the Widows did not appear on Beta's roster, and instead withdrew to [[Remus]] where they began training the future Dragoon commands. The newly formed Beta Regiment would earn Wolf's Dragoons keep, formed from an equal combination of combat veterans and untested recruits, particularly war orphans who had been adopted by the Dragoons after the Fourth War. They were also permanently assigned a battalion of [[Combat Vehicle|armored vehicles]], the Long Riders, who had formerly been a company serving with the Dragoons' Support Battalion. Although their overall quality rating temporarily dipped to veteran, Beta was driven to perform beyond their ability, and within two years they had regained their elite status. The new Beta Regiment was distinct from the other rebuilt Dragoon units in that they regained their form in the field rather than through the Black Widows' rigorous training program.<ref name=MTBW20-BWT-1>''More Tales of the Black Widow'', p. 20, "Black Widow Training: Extended TDY", Beta Regiment is deployed</ref><ref name=MH55-34-BR-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 34, "Interlude: Outreach", Beta Regiment is activated</ref><ref name=FMM99-BR-R-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", Beta Regiment is the first regiment to return to duty</ref><ref name=FMM99-BR-TLR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", "The Long Riders", Beta is permanently assigned an armored battalion after Crossing</ref><ref name=WDS9495-SB-TLR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 94-95, "Support Battalion Unit Roster", the Long Riders were a company with the Support Battalion</ref><ref name=SBWB15-M-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 15, "Metamorphosis", Beta Regiment returns to the field as the Black Widows head home</ref> At some point, Alicia Fancher was brought out of retirement by Colonel Wolf, and she would go on to command Beta Regiment.<ref name=WP277-AF-RR-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 277, Wolf recalls Alicia Fancher</ref> ====War of 3039==== In [[3039]], Hanse Davion launched his long-awaited [[War of 3039|offensive against the Draconis Combine]], eager to destroy House Kurita once and for all. Although most of the Dragoon units were still under-strength, Jaime Wolf was nevertheless compelled to include most of them in a massive Dragoon task force rotated to [[Caph]] in preparation for an eventual assault on [[Dieron]]. Beta Regiment and the Black Widow Battalion remained on Outreach, protecting the Dragoon civilians and assets, and so they missed out on the fighting on Caph.<ref name=HW39-141>''Historical: War of 3039'' p. 141, "Deployment Table: Allied Mercenary Forces", Beta Regiment remains on Outreach</ref> Beta Regiment and the rest of the Dragoons would regain their reputation as the best mercenaries in the Inner Sphere over the following years. ===The Clan Invasion Era=== {{main|Clan Invasion}} [[File:Thor vs Scorpion.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]]]] When the [[Clan Invasion]] finally struck in [[3050]], Beta and all other Dragoon line units were recalled to Outreach. After the Dragoons conferred amongst themselves on a course of action, Colonel Wolf invited the leaders of the [[Successor States]] to their homeworld, where he revealed the Dragoons' origins, pledged his troops to the defense of the Inner Sphere against the [[Clans]], and began training their leaders and heirs in tactics to defend their beleaguered realms. Wolf included ''[[Gunji_no_Kanrei#Gunji-no-Kanrei|Gunji-no-Kanrei]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]] and his family among the invitees, despite the Dragoons' dormant feud against the Combine. For much of [[3051]], the Dragoons and the Inner Sphere prepared. Beta and the other line regiments were contracted out to the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=MH55-35FC-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 35, "Eighth Contract: Federated Commonwealth", the Dragoons prepare to face the Clans</ref><ref name=FMM96WD-CI-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 96, "Wolf's Dragoons: Running with the Pack", Wolf prepares the Dragoons for the Clans</ref> ====Luthien==== {{main|Battle of Luthien (3052)}} To the surprise of almost all, Hanse Davion did not send the Dragoons to his own Clan front to oppose the invading [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcons]], but rather deployed the elite mercenaries along with the [[Kell Hounds]] to [[Luthien]] to [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|help defend the Combine's capital]] from [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Clans Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]]. The Dragoons would once again fight at the side of their old enemy, Takashi Kurita, as well as Theodore and [[Hohiro Kurita II|Hohiro Kurita]], and [[Morgan Kell]] and his Kell Hounds. By this point, Beta's quality was such that they were among the best not only among Inner Sphere regiments but within Wolf's Dragoons as well, stacking up against the best mercenary and elite House Kurita regiments on the greatest stage. On 4 January, [[3052]], battle was joined. Beta fought during the titanic struggle in the [[Kado-Guchi Valley]], facing the best Clusters of two invading Clans. Near the climax of the battle, the Nova Cat host poured into the valley and charged towards the city, only to be stopped cold by three regiments of Kell Hounds and Wolf's Dragoons, including Beta Regiment. Virtually all units suffered very heavy losses, with Beta's armored battalion taking particularly serious casualties. Though both the Kuritans and their mercenary allies had all taken heavy losses, they successfully repulsed the invaders in a stunning victory.<ref name=LSP26BR-1>''Luthien (scenario pack)'', p. 26, "Wolf's Dragoons: Beta Regiment", Beta's presence, quality and commander at the Battle of Luthien</ref><ref name=MH3055-35>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'' p. 35, "Eighth Contract: Federated Commonwealth", the Dragoons fight on Luthien</ref><ref name=FMM99-BR-TLR-2>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", "The Long Riders", the Long Riders lose their elite status on Luthien</ref><ref name=IC115-L-BR-1>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', p. 115, "Luthien", the Nova Cats are stopped by Wolf's Dragoons and the Kell Hounds</ref> Jaime Wolf quickly worked to rebuild the Dragoons from their losses, incorporating [[Sibko]] cadets, war orphan trainees who had come of age and captured Clan [[Bondsman|Bondsmen]] taken on Luthien, as well as the children and grandchildren of the "original" Dragoons. For equipment, salvage from the fighting on Luthien and the production lines of [[Blackwell Heavy Industries|Blackwell Corporation]] provided the Dragoons with a wealth of Clan tech equipment, even including Clan OmniMechs.<ref name=MH55-36>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'' p. 35-36, "Open Contracts", Wolf rebuilds the Dragoons once again</ref> ====Morges==== Beta Regiment continued to serve with distinction during the early [[Clan Invasion Era]], both against Clan and Inner Sphere opponents. In [[3053]], Beta Regiment conducted a raid against an unnamed Kurita world, with Colonel Fancher reporting no enemy contract beyond initial skirmishing with the planetary militia, but communications intercepted by the Dragoons indicated aerospace elements hiding beyond the planet's moon.<ref name=WP5253-BR-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 52-53, Beta Regiment's ongoing raid against Kurita</ref> In February [[3054]], Beta joined the [[Spider's Web Battalion]] along with the [[4th Skye Rangers|4th Skye Rangers RCT]] and [[20th Arcturan Guards]] as part of an AFFC counter-offensive at [[Morges]]. The border world had just fallen under attack by [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s [[Vau Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Peregrine Galaxy]], who had just finished defeating the standing garrison when the relief task force arrived. Colonel Wolf himself accompanied the Dragoons, joined by his [[Wolf's Dragoons Command Lance|command and bodyguard lances]]. Although the AFFC troops faced the bulk of the fighting, the Dragoons would make critical contributions with Beta Regiment holding the line and the Spider's Web, under the command of Mackenzie Wolf, fought to flank the Falcons. Realizing the danger, the Falcons proceeded to drop more troops down on Morges that had been waiting in orbit, but Dragoon aerospace fighters harried them the way down. At the climax of the battle, Colonel Fancher radioed the command lance to report a breakthrough north of the city of Josselles where the Dragoons had setup their [[Mobile HQ|headquarters]]. Two [[Stars]] on OmniMechs had breached Beta's lines, and were threatening to open a wedge between the Dragoons and the AFFC troops. With the assistance of Beta's Elementals, Wolf and his command unit were able to repel the Clan warriors, holding them off long enough for Beta's reserves to linkup with FedCom conventional forces, plugging the hole. Fancher continued to command Beta as the battle turned decisively in the Dragoons favor, allowing her executive officer, [[Martin Reed]], to brief Jaime Wolf on the developments. Within a few hours, the battle had been decided, and the Falcons retreated in defeat. Despite serious casualties to all the Inner Sphere forces, Beta Regiment had tallied another victory on its record.<ref name=WP8289-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 82-89, the Dragoons help the AFFC drive off the Falcons at the Battle of Morges</ref><ref name=ER3062-12-1>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 12, "Timeline of Events: 3053-3062", February - Battle of Morges</ref><ref name=JFS33-1>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 33, "Tukayyid Aftermath", Peregrine Galaxy fights the Fourth Rangers and other units on Morges</ref> ===Dragoon Civil War=== {{main|Dragoon Civil War}} [[File:Alicia Fancher.jpg|left|thumb|Colonel [[Alicia Fancher]]]] Beta Regiment, like most of the Dragoon units, would become embroiled in the conflict known as the Dragoon Civil War, or Elson's Challenge, as it became known among the Dragoons themselves. ====Internal Dissent==== As the Dragoons attempted to incorporate personnel from so many different backgrounds, they struggled to socially acclimate. The original Dragoons had all shared a common origin and purpose, with established traditions and protocols. Many of the new Dragoons felt they were disenfranchised either by nepotism or by the younger generation produced by the Dragoon sibkos. These tensions soon began to bleed out, and [[Elson Novacat]], a [[bondsman]] Elemental taken on Luthien, would take advantage, using Colonel Wolf's grandson, the naive [[Alpin Wolf]], as a proxy.<ref name=MH55-36C-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 36, "Crucible", Elson Novacat emerges into the Dragoons' turmoil</ref><ref name=FMM96WD-DIV-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 96, "Wolf's Dragoons: Running with the Pack", divisions within the Dragoons lead to Elson's rise to power</ref> Novacat carefully cultivated allies amongst the Dragoon commanders, drawing Beta Regiment Colonel Alicia Fancher into his web of supporters. Fancher apparently still held a lingering resentment of Colonel Wolf for having dismisses her after Misery nearly 25 years earlier. The former clan warrior even suggested to Fancher that she herself might eventually command the Dragoons someday.<ref name=WP248-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 248, Alicia Fancher joins Elson's supporters</ref> ====Elson's Challenge==== In late October, Beta Regiment, who had been active on [[Vertabren]] on a contract, suddenly returned to Outreach. Shortly thereafter, Colonel Wolf returned after a visit to the Draconis Combine where the Dragoon feud with House Kurita had come to an end with the death of Takashi Kurita. There, with Colonel Fancher in attendance, he was informed of the death of his son, Mackenzie Wolf, on a mission to the [[Periphery]].<ref name=WP248-BR-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 248, Beta Regiment was in action on Vertabren</ref><ref name=WP247250-BR-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 247-250, Jaime Wolf is informed of Mackenzie Wolf's death</ref> On 31 October, 3054, the Dragoons held a session of their Council with the purpose of Jaime Wolf naming a new second-in-command. Due to the machinations of Elson Novacat and his supporters, several key supporters of Jaime Wolf were unexpectedly absent from the meeting. When the Colonel attempted to name Colonel Kelly Yukinov of Alpha Regiment as his second-in-command, Elson Novacat made his move, challenging Wolf for leadership of the Dragoons on Alpin Wolf's behalf. With Fancher's full support, the council voted to sanction the challenge. Novacat defeated [[Pietr Shadd]], Wolf's champion, in a [[Circle of Equals]], and Alpin became the leader of the Dragoons.<ref name=WP265270-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 265-270, Elson Novacat challenges Colonel Wolf</ref><ref name=WP271275-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 271-275, Novacat defeats Shadd</ref> Styling himself [[Khan]], Alpin quickly named Novacat his second-in-command as [[saKhan]]. Jaime Wolf soon rallied most of the Dragoon Home Guard to his cause, setting the stage for the Dragoon Civil War. Beta and Gamma Regiments were both entirely on Outreach, and followed their respective commanders, Colonels Fancher and [[Neil Parella]], in support of Alpin and Elson. Two battalions of Epsilon Regiment were also present under the command of Colonel [[Elizabeth Nichole]], but the unit's support of the new regime remained questionable at best. Nevertheless, Elson's supporters held a huge advantage in men, equipment and skill. With several units away on contract, specifically Alpha and Delta Regiments, Zeta Battalion and the Spider's Web Battalion, the usurpers seemed to hold the edge.<ref name=WP298299-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 298-299, breakdown of Elson's loyalist support</ref> However, the Aerospace Operations Group, particularly the Dragoon [[WarShips]], remained neutral for the conflict, however, ensuring the battle would be won or lost on the ground. Another apparently neutral force was a large group of Kuritan recruits to the Dragoons who had joined Wolf on his recent journey from the Combine. Many of them had served in the original ''Ryuken'', or were the sons of those who had, and they had followed [[Michi Noketsuna]] and [[Kiyomasa Tetsuhara]] to Outreach. Although some had brought their own equipment, many had also been issued Dragoon 'Mechs prior to Jaime Wolf's removal. When the Kuritans attempted to depart [[Harlech City]] via their DropShips, Colonel Fancher impulsively order two Battalions of Beta Regiment into action, attempting to stop them at the spaceport. With the situation spiraling out of control, Novacat countermanded Fancher's orders, pulling Beta and the Seventh Kommando back. In part as a result of this incident, the Kuritans sided with Jaime Wolf in conflict.<ref name=WP308311-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 308-311, Beta Regiment attacks the Kuritan recruits</ref> ====Wolf Pack==== [[File:Elson Novacat.jpg|right|thumb|Major Elson Nova Cat]] {{quote|"We've got another 'Mech force approaching... Frak! It's Wolf!"|Colonel Alicia Fancher, Commander - Beta Regiment, at the final battle of Elson's Challenge<ref name=WP386-Q-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 386, Fancher's reaction to Wolf's appearance</ref>}} The true battle began with Beta Regiment forming a beachhead in Remus' Green Sector, joined by "Khan" Alpin Wolf and supported by [[Iota Battalion|Iota]] and [[Kappa Battalion]]s, auxiliary units formed from mercenaries hoping to win a permanent position within the Dragoons. Iota was soon lured into an ambush in the Hannovassian Highlands by Home Guard armor units and the Spider's Web Battalion, which had since arrived and sided with Wolf. Armed with Clan-tech, the Spider's Web routed the hapless Iotas before Beta could intervene. Beta's second battalion moved to engage while their third battalion attempted to flank, only to see the Spiders pull back with some salvage from the Iotas. Despite the losses, Beta and the Alpin loyalists had their beachhead.<ref name=WP334339-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 334-339, Beta Regiment forms a beachhead but loses Iota Battalion in the process</ref> Beta Regiment and its accompanying units continued to advance into Green Sector even as the defending forces rotated; Beta now faced Home Guard 'Mechs that, through deception, were believed to be commanded by Jaime Wolf, himself. The loyalists following Alpin and Elson, including Beta Regiment, began referring to themselves as "Hunters" just as Colonel Wolf's rebels had styled themselves "Wolf Pack".<ref name=WP355356-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 355-356, Beta Regiment presses on</ref> Elson Novacat joined with Beta Regiment's task force even as Kappa Battalion was rotated to support Gamma Regiment in Orange Sector. Zeta Battalion soon arrived in support of Alpin's claim, and they were assigned to the arid wastelands of Green Sector. The Wolf Pack 'Mechs opposing Beta were primarily led by Captain [[Brian Cameron (31st c.)|Brian Cameron]], Jaime Wolf's communications officer, alongside veteran Dragoon [[Jenette Rand]], who led their Battlegroup with great skill despite being outnumbered and outclassed. When Zeta Battalion arrived, however, they were soon driven back.<ref name=WP361367-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 361-367, Zeta Battalion moves to support Beta Regiment's advance</ref> Meanwhile, Gamma Regiment continued to advance slowly against the Spider's Web Battalion. Epsilon Regiment remained stalled in Blue Sector, having been repulsed by the Kuritans. The deciding battles of the campaign finally came on 15 November [[3055]]. As Beta Regiment continued to hammer the retreating Home Guard forces, the Wolf Pack 'Mechs still managed to give better than they got, falling back towards the [[Tetsuhara Proving Grounds]]. The Wolf Pack 'Mechs attempted to rally at a faux factory complex used for training purposes, only for it to turn into an ambush, as the Wolf Pack unleashed their Elementals, under the command of Pietr Shadd, who were using "[[Zoomer]]" hovercraft stolen from Blackwell Industries in a raid. Wolf's forces were able to jam the communication frequencies with a relay system set up beforehand, creating confusion amidst Beta's forces. When the Wolf Pack 'Mechs pulled out of the complex and continued their retreat towards the training grounds, they seemed to leave their Elementals behind. Colonel Fancher immediately led her 'Mechs in pursuit, leaving her own Elementals behind. The Wolf Pack Elementals promptly boarded their transports and abandoned the training facility, attacking Beta's 'Mechs just as the Home Guard forces turned and suddenly engaged. This temporarily removed Beta's Elementals - and Elson Novacat, in particular - from the fight. Jaime Wolf chose this exact moment to commit his reserves, including his personal command and the Kuritans, to reinforce the suddenly regrouped Wolf Pack. After weeks of fighting, the final battle was nigh.<ref name=WP381386-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 381-386, Beta Regiment is caught without their Elementals</ref> Beta's Elementals desperately attempted to catch up to the battle, but were caught in open areas by Wolf Pack 'Mechs. Novacat was knocked out of the combat when a ''[[Locust]]'' blasted his Elemental suit. Colonel Fancher, still without her communications, attempted to direct her forces with her 'Mechs' hand signals. This made her a target for the remnants of Captain Rand's light company, who personally engaged Fancher, distracting her from commanding the battle. The fighting between Beta and the Wolf Pack forces lasted for hours with both sides taking serious losses. Longtime Dragoon and Wolf bodyguard [[Hans Vordel]] was killed during the fighting. At the climax of the battle, Rand's 'Mechs finally succeeded in downing Fancher's 'Mech, killing Beta Regiment's Colonel. Even with the jamming relays finally collapsing, Martin Reed, Fancher's executive officer, took command of Beta's tattered remnants and pulled them back in good order. This result, combined with the victory of Captain [[Maeve Wolf|Maeve]] over Alpin Wolf in single combat on the other front, gave the Wolf Pack forces the momentum.<ref name=WP391399-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 391-399, the final battle between Beta Regiment and the Wolf Pack</ref><ref name=WP406-AF-D-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 406, Alicia Fancher is confirmed among the dead</ref> Zeta Battalion, which had seen heavy fighting earlier in the campaign, moved to engage Colonel Wolf's forces, but before battle could be joined, Fleet Colonel [[Issola Chandra]] intervened, taking on the responsibility of [[Loremaster]] and declaring Jaime Wolf the victor of his [[Trial of Refusal]]. At long last, the Dragoon Civil War was at an end.<ref name=WP400404-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 400-404, Jaime Wolf emerges victorious</ref><ref name=FMM96WD-DCW-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 96, "Wolf's Dragoons: Running with the Pack", the Wolf Pack succeeds Elson's Challenge</ref><ref name=MH55-3636C-DCW-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', pp. 36-37, "Crucible", Jaime Wolf's forces emerge victorious</ref> ===Back on the Prowl=== [[File:WoB 1st Division logo.png|left|thumb|The Word of Blake [[1st Division (Word of Blake)|1st Division]]]] In the aftermath of the conflict, which came be known as "Elson's Challenge" among the Dragoons, [[Anton Rand]], a young hot-headed officer, emerged as Beta Regiment's new commander, quickly instilling new vitality into the rebuilding Betas. As with all other Dragoon commands, the regiment reorganized under the new doctrine outlined by new Dragoon [[General]] Maeve Wolf, who took over day-to-day command of the Dragoons. Jaime Wolf would take the title of Commander, in overall operational command of both the Dragoons and Outreach operations.<ref name=MH55-41-AR-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 41, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", Beta Regiment's new commander, Colonel Anton Rand</ref><ref name=FMM99-BR-AR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Officers", Anton Rand takes over Beta, bringing a new leadership style</ref><ref name=FMM96-WD-CJW-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 96, "Wolf's Dragoons: Running with the Pack", General Maeve Wolf and Commander Jaime Wolf reorganize the Dragoons</ref> In one of their first assignments after the reorganization, Beta teamed with Delta Regiment on the Federated Commonwealth-Clan Jade Falcon border, supporting the relocation of [[Trellshire Heavy Industries]].<ref name=MH3055-39>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 39, "Table of Organization and Equipment", Beta and Delta assist with the relocation of Trellshire</ref> In general, however, Beta Regiment spent four years rebuilding, building itself up to full strength in terms of quantity and quality. When the Word of Blake, who had seized control of [[Terra]] in [[3058]], began expanding their influence into the [[Chaos March]] to former independent worlds and forming their own [[Word of Blake Protectorate|Protectorate]], Commander Jaime Wolf responded by forming the [[Allied Mercenary Command]] to counter their influence. The Dragoons were joined by such illustrious mercenary commands as the Northwind Highlanders and the [[Dismal Disinherited]] in this new organization, advocating for worlds struggling to remain free of Blakist occupation. Beta Regiment became the Dragoons' trouble-shooter unit through the Chaos March, seeing action on several worlds.<ref name=FMMR112-WDWP-AMC-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 112, "Wolf's Dragoons: Wolf Pack", Dragoons form Allied Mercenary Command</ref><ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-AMC-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment sees action throughout the Chaos March</ref> Around mid-[[3067]], Beta Regiment encountered the Blakists’ [[1st Division (Word of Blake)|1st Division]] (True Devotion IV-Beta) on [[Epsilon Eridani]], and the two elite commands began engaging each other in a back-and-forth struggle for the planet.<ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-1WOB-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment's conflict with the First Division lasts several months</ref> As of 1 September, 3067, Beta Regiment was reportedly still based on Epsilon Eridani, with 20 percent of their equipment composed of Clan technology. The unit was considered 100 percent upgraded with OmniMech comprising 10 percent of their 'Mechs contingent. With the Dragoons expanded organizational structure along with Beta's conventional and aerospace assets, Beta was considered at 140 percent of regimental strength. As they were officially acting on behalf of the Allied Mercenary Command to curtail Word of Blake activities, they were considered uncontracted at the time,<ref name=MSUP70-MER-BR-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental'', p. 70, "Mercenary Employment Roster: Independent/Uncontracted", Beta Regiment's disposition on Epsilon Eridani</ref> although another report claims that their operations on Epsilon Eridani were serving "Capellan interests".<ref name=FMMR112-WDWP-EE-BR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 112, "Wolf's Dragoons: Wolf Pack", Beta Regiment served Capellan interests on Epsilon Eridani</ref> Unfortunately, their lack of permanently attached aerospace assets soon led the campaign to turn decisively against Beta Regiment. During an orbital drop, Beta's DropShips took heavy damage before they even reached the surface, with two ships full of troops lost. The Long Riders, Beta's armored battalion, held the line but suffered the loss of almost their entire heavy tracked contingent. Facing 30 percent casualties and lacking sufficient support in the air or on the ground, Colonel Rand ordered a retreat.<ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-1WOB-2>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment is forced to retreat</ref><ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-TLR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", the Long Riders take heavy losses on Epsilon Eridani</ref> Returning to Outreach, General Maeve Wolf's review of Rand's actions found that he had exercised good judgment, and that the defeat on Epsilon Eridani had been due to an outdated tactical doctrine. To meet this new challenge, General Wolf dramatically increased the standard size of regimental support units, expanding them to brigade size with an emphasis on fighter contingents. Alpha, Gamma and Delta Regiments quickly implemented the new doctrine, increasing their respective aerospace, armor and infantry attachments to regimental strength by drawing on transfers from the aerospace Operations Group and other combat support units, as well as from the Home Guard. Beta Regiment's 'Mechs were likewise quickly brought up to full strength as well without any noticeable drop-off in skill quality. Their supporting units would take longer, however, as the Long Riders had been reduced to two companies and the Kneecappers, Beta's Elemental Battalion, were also under-strength. In order to help bring Beta and Epsilon Regiments up to full strength as quickly as possible, both commands were temporarily issued older equipment such as the GAL-1GLS variant of the ''[[Gallowglas]]'', a Blackwell Corporation 'Mech that was popular with Wolf's Dragoons and other mercenaries. Although somewhat outdated by Dragoon standards, this equipment was still considered upgraded in comparison to the rest of the Inner Sphere. This practice allowed Beta to quickly fill their MechWarriors' ranks. This was intended to be a temporary measure, with newer equipment scheduled to arrive in the following weeks. Beta's regimental command company was also folded into the regiment at one point to ensure they met standard regimental strength. By 1 October, 3067, Beta Regiment's 'Mech contingent was reportedly back up to full strength in line with the Dragoons' organization structure, and oversized in comparison to most regiments. The Timber Wolves had retained their elite status and were reportedly completely upgraded with Clan technology, marking them as the best-equipped mercenary force on record, not counting the other Dragoon units. Only 10 percent of their fielded 'Mech force were OmniMechs, however, which was below the average for a Dragoon line unit. Beta was scheduled to be at full strength, with a regiment each of armored vehicles, infantry and aerospace fighters, by the end of [[3068]]. In the meantime, they would remain on Outreach.<ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-GMW-2>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment works to rebuild once again</ref><ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-BR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment's command company is folded into the regiment</ref><ref name=TRO3055U54-D-1>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 54, "Deployment", older ''Gallowglas'' 'Mechs transferred in</ref><ref name=FMU184-MER-WDBR>''Field Manual: Updates'' p. 184, "Mercenary Deployment Roster: Independent/Uncontracted", Wolf's Dragoons: Beta Regiment, Beta's disposition on 1 October, 3067</ref> ===First Harlech=== {{main|First Harlech}} [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|right|thumb|The [[Waco Rangers]] and their allies struck at Harlech]] On 15 October, 3067, Blakist-sponsored mercenaries launched an all-out assault on the Dragoons in their headquarters of Harlech City, the capital of Outreach. Emerging out of TempTown, Harlech's quarter for less-than reputable mercenaries, Waco’s Rangers, Smithson's Chinese Bandits, the [[Tiger Sharks]] and the [[51st Dark Panzer Jaegers]] struck with great ferocity. Several smaller and less reputable groups, other "Temptown Trash", threw their lot in with Waco after the fact. The [[Red Riders]], [[Dark Lloyd's Wild Bunch]], [[Garret's Metalshod]], [[Upshaw's Highland Moors]] and the Terriers were just some of the mercenaries who went rogue in the darkest hour of their trade. With the addition of these and other disgruntled and opportunistic mercenaries, these groups totaled approximately four BattleMech regiments along with supporting units, all ostensibly under the command of Colonel Wayne Waco, who still carried a murderous grudge against the Dragoons from New Aragon. Word of Blake [[ROM]] also had operatives participating in acts of terrorism and sabotage against the Dragoons, as [[Bloody Hand]] agents were found to have destroyed a key power generator station. Colonel Waco and his Rangers led the charge out of TempTown, finally acting on their long-simmering grudge. In one of the most devastating early attacks, the Chinese Bandits used fuel-air bombs on the Home Guard compounds and the spaceport in Harlech, crippling the Dragoons' available aerospace assets. These fighters then dropped cluster bombs on the Dragoon housing complex, killing huge numbers of warriors and their civilian families. The Tiger Sharks, a battalion strong, had been returning from an exercise with the [[Outreach Mercenary Training Command]] when they suddenly overwhelmed their escorts and launched an attack on the Harlech Interplanetary Drop Port, overwhelming the company of Home Guard 'Mechs who tried to oppose them. The Panzers, who had officially been part of the AMC, joined the Rangers and other renegades in an attack on the [[Hiring Hall]], the heart of the mercenary trade. The early attacks proved devastating, with the Blakist mercenaries successfully seizing the Drop Port and destroying both the [[Hiring Hall]], the center of the mercenary trade for thirty years, and [[Wolf Hall]], the headquarters of Wolf's Dragoons. A small contingent of the [[Lone Wolves]], led by an alleged Word of Blake plant, defected to the Waco's forces, attacking the Home Guards' firebase. This led to some of these Wolves siding with the Dragoons and others with the attackers. Although the pro-Waco Lone Wolf forces were ultimately destroyed, the Lone Wolves quickly fled Outreach. Beta Regiment distinguished themselves relatively early on, and began hammering the ad-hoc rogue mercenary commands by the evening of the fifteenth. Although Beta and Epsilon Regiments were both on Outreach, large portions of each were still on the continent of Remus, the Outback, and had to be recalled to meet the challenge. Only the beleaguered Home Guard, supported by the soon-arriving Zeta Battalion and the Wolf Spiders, were available to immediately flock to Commander Jaime Wolf's call for reinforcements. Beta Regiment, along with Zeta Battalion and the Spiders, would all take very serious losses, either to the initial terrorist-style attacks or to the fighting that followed. For Epsilon Regiment and the Home Guard, it was effectively the end. Epsilon's losses were so devastating that the regiment was considered destroyed, as was the case with the Home Guard ground units on Romulus. The survivors of both were absorbed into units. The Coalition forces supporting the Dragoons also suffered serious losses, as the [[Battle Magic]] mercenary unit, long-time supporters of the Dragoons, were hit hard by Waco's aerospace lances in the opening hours of the fighting, and were ultimately wiped out despite their use of the innovative [[Multi-Missile Launcher]] system which they had developed. The [[Broadsword Legion]], supposedly a band of former [[Com Guards|Com Guard]] warriors, publically sided with the Dragoons but managed to avoid most of the fighting. Independently of the Dragoons and the AMC, Blackwell Industries hired [[Grandin's Crusaders]], a neutral company, to extract one of their vice-presidents from harm's way. The Crusaders ambushed Panzer elements and succeeded in their mission, later standing down to Beta Regiment. At the climax of the battle, Commander Jaime Wolf's command lance met Colonel Wayne Waco leading another charge at the head of a company of his Rangers, near the ruins of the Hiring Hall. The ensuing fight was to the death, as the Dragoons gave better then they received. Colonel Waco's ''[[Battlemaster]]'' charged Wolf's ''[[Archer]]'' in close-range combat. Wolf defeated Waco, slaying the madman, but died of his injuries shortly thereafter. Elementals from the Special Recon Group found him there, still at the controls in his cockpit. In response to this development, Brian Cameron activated [[Condition Feral]], ordering all Dragoon forces to utterly destroy all non-AMC forces that did not immediately stand down, and meeting all resistance with overwhelming and deadly force. Although some neutral mercenaries were inadverdently attacked in the resulting carnage, the order nevertheless pushed the remaining Dragoons into a berserker rage that resulted in the total destruction of all the renegade mercenary forces. The fighting had lasted more than four days, with civilian casualty estimates running towards a quarter of a million. The Dragoons would come to know the devastation as '''The Day''' or '''First Harlech'''.<ref name=DOJ141-A-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 141, "Another Day, Another C-Bill: Aftermath", Beta Regiment responds to the attacks</ref><ref name=TC3940-O-1>''Total Chaos'', pp. 39-40, "Outreach", First Harlech</ref><ref name=SBWB16-WATW-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 16, "The Wolf and the Word", rogue mercenaries and terrorists sponsored by the Word of Blake strike at Outreach</ref><ref name=MSU120-WD-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 120, "Wolf's Dragoons", First Harlech devastates the Dragoons</ref><ref name=MSU15-MMW-WR-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 15, "The Price of Infamy", the Waco Rangers lead the charge</ref><ref name=MSU15-MMW-SCB-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 15, "The Price of Infamy", the Bandits use fuel-air bombs to cripple the Dragoon Home Guard</ref><ref name=MSU88-LW-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 88, "Lone Wolves", the Lone Wolves are split at First Harlech</ref><ref name=MSU11-ROH-BM-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 11, "The Rolls of Honor", Battle Magic is destroyed at First Harlech</ref><ref name=MSU16-MMW-BL-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 16, "The MRBC's Most Wanted: 3071", the Broadsword Legion sees little fighting at First Harlech</ref><ref name=SOF-3-4-M-1>''Shadows of Faith - Volume 3'', p. 4, the TempTown mercenaries who joined Waco are listed</ref><ref name=JHS3070-1112-DD-1>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', pp. 11-12, "The Dragoons Debacles", First Harlech</ref><ref name=TC4243-A-1>''Total Chaos'', pp. 42-43, "Another Day, Another C-Bill: Aftermath", Grandin's Crusaders</ref><ref name=SOF-1-19-BH-1>''Shadows of Faith - Volume 1'', p. 19, Bloody Hands are found in the rubble</ref> In the aftermath of the battle, the Dragoons and their allies attempted to recover as much as they could under the circumstances, with Brian Cameron assuming overall command of Outreach in Jaime Wolf's absence. Colonel Rand of Beta Regiment had survived the fighting, and was now desperately attempting to get Beta Regiment back up to full strength, absorbing survivors from Epsilon Regiment and the Home Guard. Zeta Battalion had reorganized as well, adopting their old battalion-sized formation as they could no longer maintain their reinforced [[Cluster]] strength. The [[Dismal Disinherited]] [[2nd Dismal Disinherited|Second Regiment]] soon arrived, aiding in the cleanup effort on behalf of the AMC. The three commands would spearhead an AMC retaliatory strike against the Word of Blake. Gamma Regiment had been recalled from its post on Tukayyid, and would take up the defense of Outreach alongside the Wolf Spiders and the few remaining elements of the Home Guard and other Dragoon support units. General Maeve Wolf was also quickly retuning to Outreach along with Alpha Brigade from their posting on the Combine-[[Clan Ghost Bear]] border, but they would need several weeks to make the trip. Along with the AMC, the Dragoons decided to strike back right at the Word of Blake's doorstep. Not at Terra itself, but at the Mars colony, headquarters to Word of Blake ROM, among other facilities. Beta Regiment and Zeta Battalion headed to Liberty, where the Task Force armada, code-named [[Battle of Mars (3067)|Vengeance]], would gather.<ref name=DOJ34-MWH-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 34, "Mars: What Happened?", Task Force Vengeance details</ref><ref name=DOJ33-HC-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 33, "Harlech City Under Siege, Supplemental Report", Epsilon's survivors are folded into Beta Regiment</ref><ref name=DOJ3133-DBC-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 31, 33, "Dragoons Break Contract", Alpha and Gamma Regiments are recalled</ref><ref name=SOF-3-27-1>''Shadows of Faith - Volume 3'', pp. 2-7, the aftermath of First Harlech</ref><ref name=LDOZ3-ZB-2>''Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta'', Zeta Battalion returns to using company formations</ref><ref name=LDOZ3-DD-1>''Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta'', the Second Dismal Disinherited helps greatly at Harlech</ref> ===Destruction at Mars=== {{main|Battle of Mars (3067)}} On 7 December, 3067, Task Force Vengeance appeared at a [[Jump Point#Pirate Jump Points|pirate jump point]] within Mars orbit. Beta and Zeta had been joined by the bulk of the remaining Dragoon aerospace fighter assets from Outreach, along with the Second Dismal Disinherited and [[Lindon's Battalion]], both staunch supporters of the Coalition. In addition to the JumpShips and DropShips, two of Wolf's Dragoons' WarShips, the [[Athena (Individual Sovetskii Soyuz-class WarShip)|WDS ''Athena'']] and the [[Beowulf (Individual Congress-class WarShip)|WDS ''Beowulf'']], joined in. It was believed this would be more than enough force to overwhelm whatever defense the Blakists offered. The armada was soon intercepted by a dozens of ''[[Dragau]]'' and ''[[Hive]]'' drones from Mars' [[Caspar II]] [[SDS]] control system. These were supported by scrambling Blakist WarShips, including a ''[[Naga (WarShip)|Naga]]'', and other craft. Although the Dragoons and AMC ships and their accompanying fighter escorts fought with great determination, they were unprepared for such firepower from drone opponents who could sacrifice themselves at will. The fleet was destroyed, with only Zeta Battalion and elements of the Second Dismal Disinherited surviving planet fall intact. Beta Regiment and the other commands were all destroyed above Mars. The Disinherited units, damaged and disorganized, were quickly wiped out by enemy ground forces. Zeta Battalion fought on, but was completely destroyed after two days of fighting, facing the Word of Blake's [[7th Division (Word of Blake)|7th Division]] as well as orbital bombardment from Blakist WarShips.<ref name=DOJ34-MWH-1/><ref name=DOJ34-DOM-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 34, "Debacle Over Mars", Zeta and Second Dismal reach surface; rest of armada destroyed</ref><ref name=SBWB16-DG-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 16, "Death Ground", Task Force Vengeance's disastrous assault on Mars</ref><ref name=MSU120-BR-1>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 120, "Wolf's Dragoons", Beta Regiment was destroyed at Mars along with the rest of the Task Force</ref><ref name=TC41-O-BR-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 41, "Outreach", Beta Regiment and the AMC task force are destroyed</ref><ref name=JHS3070-12-T-BR-1>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 12, "Timeline of the Jihad: 7 December", Beta Regiment and the AMC assault force are destroyed</ref><ref name=LDZ9-BR-1>''Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta'', p. 9, Beta's destruction above Mars is confirmed</ref><ref name=LDZ3-BR-1>''Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta'', p. 3, the Second Dismal Disinherited reach Mars but are quickly destroyed</ref><ref name=THLM12-PJP-1>''The Last Full Measure'', p. 12, Taskforce Vengeance uses a pirate jump point</ref> ===The Dark Age and the New Dragoons=== With their destruction at Mars, Beta Regiment did not face the further horrors of [[Second Harlech]] and the remainder of the Jihad. It would not be until decades later, in the early [[32nd Century]] on the Dragoons' new home of [[Arc-Royal]] that Beta would finally be rebuilt. Although returned to the rolls, the new Beta Regiment was initially a training unit, feeding the Dragoons' active battalions including the [[Spider’s Web Battalion|Spider’s Web]] and the [[Tarantula Battalion|Tarantulas]], independent combined-arms units, and the Black Cats of the reformed Alpha Regiment. In the [[Dark Age era]] of the 3140s, however, having signed a new contract with the Draconis Combine to help invade the [[Draconis Reach]] and later the Federated Suns, Beta Regiment was finally returned to regular active duty as a front-line unit.<ref name=ER3145-7980-WD-1>''Era Report: 3145'', pp. 79-80, Beta Regiment is reactivated</ref> The legend of Wolf's Dragoons, and of Beta Regiment, is not over yet. ==Officers== [[File:Jeremy Ellman.jpg|left|thumb|Colonel [[Andrei Shostokovitch]]]] Colonel Jeremy Ellman was the original commander of Beta Regiment, commanding his unit with courage for many years. Ellman was capable of incredibly innovative acts on the battlefield to bring a victory, as he displayed on Nova Roma in 3014. The blow of losing so many good soldiers over the years took its toll on Ellman and he finally retired in 3016. At the urging of Colonel Wolf, he would be the guiding hand in training the next generation of Dragoons as the head of the Dragoon Training Command. Ellman later went on to command the Home Guard forces, protecting the Dragoons' dependents, and ultimately served as the head of Outreach Training Command.<ref name=HBW20-NR-TFE-2/><ref name=WDS59-CJE-1/> Colonel Andrei Shostokovitch was Beta Regiment's second commander. He was an extremely popular leader, having worked his way up through the ranks. "Shos" had a gruff, brash exterior that concealed a tremendous, if unorthodox, sense of humor. Despite all this, he was an excellent strategist who aggressively pushed his regiment, up to his death on Crossing.<ref name=WDS59-CAS-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 59, "Beta Regiment Personalities: Colonel Andrei Shostokovitch", Shostokovitch is described</ref> Colonel Alicia Fancher first distinguished herself as a company commander during the Marik Civil War, and later commanded Beta's Able Battalion. Fancher's command approach allowed for flexibility and improvisation on her own part, but she absolutely demanded her officers and warriors strictly adhere to her plans and orders. Sometime prior to the Clan Invasion, Fancher took over at the head of Beta Regiment. Although Beta performed well under Fancher, the Colonel's bitterness at being dismissed by after Misery over 25 years before led her to side with Elson and Alpin in their coupe against Jaime Wolf. Fancher may have fostered ambitions to command the Dragoons herself. Her death helped put an end that conflict.<ref name=WDS59-MAF-1/><ref name=WP406-AF-D-1/><ref name=WP248-AF-JW-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 248, Fancher joins Elson out of resentment for Wolf dismissing her</ref> Colonel Anton Rand took over after Elson's Challenge and soon rebuilt Beta Regiment into an elite formation. Although very young to command an elite, reinforced regiment, Rand brought an aggressive, improvisational style that proved popular with his troops, reminding them of Shostokovitch from decades before.<ref name=FMM99-BR-AR-1/> Many warriors who at one point served in Beta achieved greatness without ever rising to command the unit. By far the most famous warrior to ever serve with Beta Regiment was Natasha Kerensky. Holding the rank of Lieutenant at the time, she would go on to become the most famous MechWarrior in the Inner Sphere as the head of the Black Widow Company before rejoining the Clans.<ref name=HBW20-NR-NK-1/> Mackenzie Wolf, son of Jaime Wolf, served for some years in Beta Regiment under the alias of Darnell Winningham, receiving a field promotion to Lieutenant during the Fourth Succession War.<ref name=MTBW6-BWB-TNW-1/><ref name=WOTB94-BR-1/><ref name=WDS56-BR-DW-1/> The junior Wolf would later serve with the Black Widow Battalion and would eventually become his father's second-in-command of the Dragoons.<ref name=MTBW6-BWB-TNW-1/> Tara Lucas was another Beta Regiment officer who only achieved her potential after leaving the command, going on to have a brilliant career in Zeta Battalion.<ref name=WDS99-TL-1/> Lucas' granddaughter of the same name likewise served in Zeta Battalion, winning great fame during the Jihad.<ref name=SBWB18-G-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 18, "Ghosts", Tara Lucas survives Mars and joins the resistance</ref> One of Beta Regiment's most decorated warriors in the fighting against House Kurita was Captain Danielle Rondema, who led her company with such great skill on Misery and Wapakoneta. In an apparent attempt to create a red-herring, Rondema wore a patch connecting her with the infamous [[Minnesota Tribe]] of the [[29th Century]], a group which was almost certainly made up of surviving members of [[Clan Wolverine]]. The Dragoons would no doubt have connected the legend of the Tribe to the Wolverines, and attempted to take advantage of it to throw researchers off to their own origins. Rondema's family would continue to serve with distinction in the Dragoons for decades to come, with her legacy continuing to shine down on them.<ref name=WDS61-CDR-1/><ref name=SBWB24-ER-1>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 24, "Eirene Rondema: MechWarrior Profile", Rondema still regarded as a legend</ref> Elson Novacat was briefly attached to Beta's Elemental units early in his Dragoon career.<ref name=WP8289-1/> ==Tactics== Under Colonel Shostokovitch, Beta gained a reputation for bold and even reckless actions, sometimes leading to resounding failure but more often resulting in spectacular success, as Shostokovitch identified weaknesses in an enemy formation.<ref name=WDS55-BR-T-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 55, "Beta Regiment", Beta's tactics under Shostokovitch are explained</ref> Able Battalion, known at the time as the Cavaliers, was originally an extraordinarily daring unit under the command of Major Palassis. Under Major Fancher, however, Able Battalion remade itself into a highly-disciplined unit, operating by the book.<ref name=WDS55-AB-T-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 55, "Beta Regiment: Able Battalion", Able's tactics evolve over time</ref> Baker Battalion, known as the Heartbreakers, were a versatile command capable of fulfilling any assignment.<ref name=WDS55-BB-T-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 55, "Beta Regiment: Baker Battalion", Baker's tactics</ref> Charlie Battalion, the famed Red Guard, demonstrated an unbreakable will in combat, holding the line when other units would fold.<ref name=WDS55-CB-T-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 55, "Beta Regiment: Charlie Battalion", Charlie's tactics</ref> After Misery, Beta became an even more determined force, engaging in all operations with great determination, as deliberate as an iceberg whether on the offense or defense. This allowed them to force the Galedon Regulars to pay for every inch of ground in blood, and gave them the courage to make their final stand on Crossing.<ref name=OTPDTM13-BR-N-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 13, "Beta Regiment: Notes", Beta Regiment's tactics after Misery</ref> Under Fancher's command, Beta was a well-trained, disciplined and professional command, relying on those core qualities where other units might use bold or creative strategies. Under Colonel Rand, Beta became an effective improvisational command. They would hold their Charlie Battalion, a highly mobile unit called The Guillotine, in reserve, then spring them at an opportune moment. They also utilized a "sucker punch" approach, using their mobile, jump-capable machines to lure an enemy's heavy elements out of position, then reforming with the rest of Beta and destroying the main enemy force before the heavy units could return.<ref name=FMM99-BR-T-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Tactics", Beta Regiment's tactics under Rand</ref> Like all Dragoon units, Beta employed combined-arms tactics throughout their history. ==Composition History== ===3028=== '''Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment''' (3 Battalions)<ref name=WDS5558-BRUR-TOE-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55-58, "Beta Regiment Unit Roster", Beta Regiment's TO&E in detail</ref> * CO: Colonel Andrei Shostokovitch ** Aide : Captain Noah Grimm * Command Company (2 BattleMech lances, 1 infantry platoon, 2 artillery platoons) * Able Battalion ("The Cavaliers") ** CO: Major Alicia Fancher * Baker Battalion ("The Heartbreakers") ** CO: Major Michael Hart * Charlie Battalion ("The Red Guard") ** CO: Major Anton Ivanovitch In addition to their Battlemech forces, Beta Regiment included several attached aerospace, infantry and armor units, usually integrated at the company level. These included two aerospace fighter lances, three infantry [[platoon]]s, six combat vehicle platoons (composed of six machines each) and two [[Artillery]] platoons. Both artillery platoons and one infantry platoon were attached to the regimental command company. After the fighting on Misery, Beta was reorganized into five provisional companies. Much of the Aerospace and conventional forces were transferred to the Home Guard to help protect the Dragoon dependents, but some later rejoined Beta Regiment and saw fighting on Crossing.<ref name=WDS5558-BRUR-TOE-1/> Three ''[[Overlord]]''-class DropShips were permanently assigned to Beta at this point, , along with the ''[[Fortress]]''-class ''Luanda''.<ref name=WDS55-BRUR-TOE-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'' pp. 55, "Beta Regiment: DropShip Assignments", Beta's DropShips</ref> ===3055=== '''Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment''' (1 Command Company, 3 Battalions, 1 Elemental Battalion, 1 Armored Battalion)<ref name=MH55-41-BR-1>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 41, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", Beta Regiment's official composition in 3055</ref> * CO: Colonel Anton Rand * Command Company (1 Battlemech [[Trinary]]) * 1st Battlemech Battalion (1 Command Lance, 3 Battlemech Companies) * 2nd Battlemech Battalion (1 Command Lance, 3 Battlemech Companies) * 3rd Battlemech Battalion (1 Command Lance, 3 Battlemech Companies) * Elemental Battalion (1 Command Elemental Point, 3 Elemental [[Star (Formation)|Stars]]) * Armor Battalion (1 Armor Command Lance, 3 Armor Companies) The ''Fitzlyon'', the ''Kursk'' and the ''Duke Torgal'' remained permanently assigned to Beta over 25 years later. Two ''[[Union]]''-class DropShips, the ''Belfast'' and the ''Cordova'', were also assigned.<ref name=MH55-41-BR-1/> ===3059=== '''Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment''' (Strengthened Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMM99-BR-TRO-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", Beta Regiment's composition</ref> * CO: Colonel Anton Rand ** Aide: Major Kyle Rubinsky * Command Company (Strengthened Mixed Company; one 'Mech lance, two 'Mech Stars, one fighter lance, one Elemental [[Point]], one recon lance) * Able Battalion ("The Horsemen", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Janice Kyomita * Baker Battalion ("The Heartbreakers", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Keith Lomax * Charlie Battalion ("The Guillotine", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Andropov Keigs * "The Long Riders" (Reinforced Armor Battalion) ** CO: Major Reba McClellan * "The Kneecappers" (Reinforced Elemental Battalion) ** CO: Major Rhago ===3067=== '''Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMR115-BRTW-TRO-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 115, "Beta Regiment: Timber Wolves", Beta Regiment's composition</ref> * CO: Colonel Anton Rand ** Aide: Major Kyle Rubinsky * Able Battalion ("The Horsemen", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Janice Kyomita * Baker Battalion ("The Heartbreakers", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Keith Lomax * Charlie Battalion ("The Guillotine", 1 Command Lance, 3 BattleMech Companies) ** CO: Major Andropov Keigs * "The Long Riders" (Two Armor Companies) ** CO: Major Reba McClellan * "The Kneecappers" (Elemental Battalion) ** CO: Major Rhago ==Insignia and Color Scheme== [[File:WD-Beta-Bandits.jpg|thumb|400px|right|[[Bandit]] hovercraft painted in Beta Regiment's colors<br/>© Matt Edwards - All Rights Reserved]] Beta employs a Greek letter ''B'' as its insignia, painted on the left legs of 'Mechs, the left wings of fighters, and the left fenders of their tanks and other vehicles. The Dragoons' Wolf-head emblem appears on the center torsos of 'Mechs and the fuselages of their fighters. They paint their machines an emerald green, aside from their aerospace fighters which are painted bright canary yellow, as per standard Dragoon practice.<ref name=FMM99-BR-ICS-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Beta Regiment: Second to None", Beta's color scheme and insignia</ref><ref name=FMM97-CI-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 97, "Colors and Insignia", Aerospace fighter color scheme</ref> ==Notes== * On page 47 of the ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'', a timeline has Beta Regiment taking part in the battle on Dromini VI in 3020, alongside Alpha and Epsilon Regiments.<ref name=WDS47-T-D-BR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 47, "Timeline", "In Service to Steiner", Beta Regiment fights on Dromini in 3020</ref> The narrative text makes it clear that it was Delta Regiment that joined Alpha and Epsilon. * According to the ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)]]'', Anton Rand already held command of Beta Regiment at the battle of Luthien in early 3052.<ref name=LSP26BR-1/> This is contradicted by many other sources that make clear he did not take command until after the Dragoon Civil War.<ref name=FMM99-BR-AR-1/> * According one mention in the novel ''[[Wolf Pack]]'', [[Dechan Fraser]], hero of Misery and later instructor among the ''Ryuken'', served with Beta Regiment during his time as a Dragoon.<ref name=WP277-DF-BR-1>''Wolf Pack'', p. 277, Dechan Fraser claims to have served in Beta in his inner monologue</ref> This is contradicted by many other sources which place Fraser in Alpha Regiment up until his departure. * Also according to ''Wolf Pack'', Beta had reportedly been engaged on Vertabren just before Elson's Challenge began.<ref name=WP248-BR-1/> The planet Vertabren does not appear in any other work, and may also be considered to be an error. * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' and other sources seem to imply, by omission, that Alicia Fancher survived the Dragoon Civil War and was then ousted from command.<ref name=FMM99-BR-AF-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 99, "Officers", Alicia Fancher is ousted for backing Alpin</ref> This is contradicted by ''Wolf Pack'', which explicitly states that she was killed during the fighting.<ref name=WP406-AF-D-1/> * The operation to relocate Trellshire Industries in 3055<ref name=MH3055-39/> is not supported by other publications. <div class="gamerules"> ===Game Notes=== ====3028==== Prior to the battle of Misery, Beta Regiment's Charlie Battalion, under the Red Guard nickname, were immune to the [[Force the Initiative]] and [[Overrun Combat]] special abilities.<ref name=HTP8BR-R-1>''Historical Turning Points: Misery'', p. 8, "Wolf's Dragoons: Beta Regiment", Beta's unit abilities at Misery</ref> Afterwards, ''[[Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries]]'', based after Misery during the Fourth Succession War, modifies this to grant all Beta units an immunity to Force the Initiative attempts.<ref name=OTPDM13BR-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 13, "Wolf's Dragoons: Beta Regiment", Beta's unit abilities after Misery</ref> ====3052 through 3067==== Beta Regiment units are allowed to employ Off-Boar\d movement. Opposing units are only permitted to exit the map from Beta's home edge.<ref name=ER52-148-WDBR-1>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 148, "Special Command Abilities: Beta Regiment", Beta Regiment's abilities are described</ref> Like all Dragoon units, when using the Random Mapsheet Tables, the Dragoons player may increase or decrease their roll by up to two, and may alter an opponent's roll by one. They may also ignore the +1 to-hit modifier for firing at multiple targets, and may not be intimidated unless three-quarters of their starting force is destroyed.<ref name=ER52-148-WD-1>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 148, "Special Command Abilities: Wolf's Dragoons", Wolf's Dragoons general abilities are described</ref><ref name=FMM130WD>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'' p. 130, "Rules: Wolf's Dragoons", general special rules for Wolf's Dragoons</ref><ref name=FMMR136WD>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'' p. 136, "Rules: Wolf's Dragoons", general special rules for Wolf's Dragoons</ref> During the early Clan Invasion Era, Beta Regiment and all Dragoon units may roll on any Inner Sphere column desired if using the Random Assignment Tables to determine Dragoon ’Mechs. The Dragoons of this era may roll on the [[Clan Wolf]], Smoke Jaguar and Secondary Invading Clan columns up to two times per lance, accounting for origins and salvage taken on Luthien.<ref name=ER52-148-WD-1/> After Elson's Challenge, the Dragoons' Clan equipment situation stabilized. When using Random Mech Assignment Table rules, the Dragoons player may add +1 to their roll. If this puts their roll at 13, the Dragoons player may choose any Inner Sphere or Clan 'Mech from that weight class.<ref name=FMM130WD/><ref name=FMMR136WD/> ====3145==== Like all the Dragoons of the Dark Age era, Beta Regiment is not affected by [[Forced Withdrawal]] rules.<ref name=ER3145-167-WD-1>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 167, "Mercenaries: Wolf's Dragoons", Dragoons not affected by Forced Withdrawal rules</ref> </div> ==References== <references/> ==Bibliography== *''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' *''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' *''[[Era Report: 3145]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]'' *''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' *''[[Hector (short story)]]'' *''[[Historical Turning Points: Misery]]'' *''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]'' *''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' *''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]'' *''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)]]'' *''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]'' *''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' *''[[Luthien (scenario pack)]]'' *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'' *''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]'' *''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' *''[[More Tales of the Black Widow]]'' *''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]'' *''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' *''[[Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries]]'' *''[[Shadows of Faith]]'' *''[[Starterbook: Wolf and Blake]]'' *''[[Tales of the Jihad: the Last Day of Zeta]]'' *''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]'' *''[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]]'' *''[[The Last Full Measure]]'' *''[[The Memory of Pain]]'' *''[[Total Chaos]]'' *''[[Wolf Pack]]'' *''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'' *''[[Wolves on the Border]]''

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