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CISA – Year in Review – 3023 is © 3023 by the Centre for Interstellar Strategic Analysis. Any comments should be directed to your nearest CISA office, located on most major worlds.
Making sense of that which is not readily apparent
NOTE TO THE READER This is a background document to the fan fiction story The Other Option – Kapteyn’s First Strike. You can find the story on the fan fiction boards of the BattleTech site. I started the story in 2009 and found the need to sort out all the background material, so that I did not start contradicting myself as I wrote the story. This is the first result of that effort and one for each year of story time will follow, each a lot simpler and smaller than this beast. This is not BattleTech canon material in any way, shape or form, it is part of an Alternate Universe setting for the purpose of gaming out and writing a What If scenario for the 4th Succession War. If you have serious issues with the events described here, I don’t care, it’s an Alternate Universe, things are different here, if you want canon, read canon, if not, I really hope you enjoy this. If, on the other hand, you find general errors, or have ideas, or thoughts about the work, I am more than happy to chat away over email and answer your questions and discuss ideas. I can be reached at [email protected] SPECIAL THANKS Special thanks must go to both Alan Brundage (Jaim_Magnus) and Jon (Takiro – master of the Shattered Dawn site) for there efforts in helping with what we have started calling the Kapteyn Universe, a name that I expect will change. Alan has been a great sounding board for future story ideas and to bounce random thoughts off, some of which must have been a little disturbing. John has gone out of his way to blast out dozens of mercenary commands or let me use the Shattered Dawn units, something that has made my life a hell of a lot easier. BlackTigerActual has also been nice in lending the Black Tigers to the universe, although I did not promise to be gentle with them. Thanks must also go to my new Fiancé, Andrea, who puts up with the combination of BattleTech and Rugby ruling much of my time. Additionally, thanks to anyone reading this or the story and to those who have taken the time to write a few words of encouragement on the boards as the story progresses. The following people have been of invaluable assistance in getting this game up and going and have assisted greatly in improving the system and the methods of implementing it. Rules and Technical Assistance Jason Wiser, “Panzerfaust150”, Bruce Jensen, “Kwic” Although all the players have made suggestion here and there, the input of Jason and Bruce has been invaluable in the ongoing improvement and refining of the SL system. Jason’s step up to co‐GM was also a life saver and allowed me to again partake in a normal life. Bruce has also been pottering away with game aids, such as the excellent repair function amongst, hopefully, other automated function. Play Testing Jason Wiser, “Panzerfaust150”, Nathan Baxter “Valles”, Jason Fraser, “VhenRa”, Michael Brown, “Drakensis”, Dan Waugh, “Coriendal”, Chris Marti "Alex Knight", Glen Millar “Rainbow 6”, Robert Johnson, “Chaosextreme”, Eugene Klopper, “Centurion03”, Xavier Lugherini, “Ice Hellion”, Andrea Hamann “Fiancé”, Glenn Miller, “Rainbow 6”, Bruce Jensen, “Kwic”, John Almond, “Col. Chiang”, Christopher Damour and Tony Crum.
Thanks Again ‐ Matt
CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
Table of Contents
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 3023...... 6
Introduction ...... 6 The Inner Sphere ...... 6 The Periphery ...... 6 Mercenaries ...... 6 Growth in Military Production Since 3000 ...... 6
THE STATES OF 3023 ...... 7
Lyran Commonwealth ...... 10 Major Changes...... 10 Economics ...... 10 Military ...... 11 Conclusions ...... 12 Draconis Combine ...... 13 Major Changes...... 13 Provinces...... 13 Economics ...... 13 Military ...... 13 Conclusions ...... 15 Federated Suns...... 16 Major Changes...... 16 Economics ...... 16 Military ...... 16 Conclusions ...... 18 Capellan Confederation...... 19 Major Changes...... 19 Economics ...... 19 Military ...... 19 Conclusions ...... 21 Free Worlds League...... 22 Major Changes...... 22 Economics ...... 22 Military ...... 22 Conclusions ...... 25 ComStar...... 26 Major Changes...... 26 Economics ...... 26 Military ...... 26 Conclusions ...... 30 Taurian Concordat...... 31 Major Changes...... 31 Economics ...... 31 Military ...... 31 Conclusions ...... 32
1 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
Magistracy of Canopus ...... 35 Major Changes...... 35 Economics ...... 35 Military ...... 35 Conclusions ...... 35 Outworlds Alliance ...... 36 Major Changes...... 36 Economics ...... 36 Military ...... 36 Conclusions ...... 36 Oberon Confederation...... 39 Major Changes...... 39 Economics ...... 39 Military ...... 39 Conclusions ...... 39 Marian Hegemony...... 40 Major Changes...... 40 Economics ...... 40 Military ...... 40 Conclusions ...... 40 Circinus Federation...... 42 Major Changes...... 42 Economics ...... 42 Military ...... 42 Conclusions ...... 42 Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate...... 43 Major Changes...... 43 Economics ...... 43 Military ...... 43 Conclusions ...... 43 Tortuga Dominions...... 44 Rim Collection ...... 44 Mica Majority...... 44 Major Changes...... 44 Economy...... 44 Conclusions ...... 44 Independent Powers ...... 44
Mercenary REVIEW...... 47
Current Contract Listings...... 54
INDUSTRIES REVIEW ...... 56
CAPELLAN CONFEDERATION...... 56 CAPELLAN COMMONALITY...... 56 SARNA COMMONALITY...... 56 TIKONOV COMMONALITY...... 56 SIAN COMMONALITY...... 57 ST.IVES COMMONALITY ...... 57
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
THE DRACONIS COMBINE ...... 58 BENJAMIN MILITARY DISTRICT...... 58 DIERON MILITARY DISTRICT ...... 58 GALEDON MILITARY DISTRICT ...... 59 PESHT MILITARY DISTRICT...... 59 RASALHAGUE MILITARY DISTRICT ...... 60 THE FEDERATED SUNS ...... 61 CAPELLAN MARCH ...... 61 CRUCIS MARCH...... 61 DRACONIS MARCH...... 62 PERIPERY MARCH ...... 63 THE FREE WORLDS LEAGUE ...... 64 DIEUDONNE COMMAND...... 64 GRANERA COMMAND...... 65 HOLT COMMAND...... 65 KENDALL COMMAND...... 66 STERLING COMMAND...... 66 THE LYRAN COMMONWEALTH ...... 67 ALARION PROVINCE...... 67 BOLAN PROVINCE ...... 67 COVENTRY PROVINCE ...... 67 DONEGAL PROVINCE...... 68 FEDERATION OF SKYE ...... 68 TAMAR PACT ...... 69 THE MAGISTRACY OF CANOPOUS...... 70 THE OUTWORLDS ALLIANCE ...... 71 THE TAURIAN CONCORDAT ...... 72 MARIAN HEGEMONY...... 73 CIRCINUS FEDERATION ...... 74 OBERON CONFEDERATION ...... 75 LOTHIAN LEAGUE ...... 76 ILLYRIAN PALITINATE...... 77 MICA MAJORITY ...... 78
3023 TECHNICAL ADDENDUM .. 79
BattleMechs ...... 79 SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS ...... 80
3023 COMBAT BRIEFS ...... 82
Taurian Colonial Campaign ...... 82 January 3023 ...... 82 February 3023...... 82 March 3023 ...... 82 April 3023...... 83 May 3023 ...... 83 June 3023 ...... 83 July 3023 ...... 84
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
September 3023 ...... 84 October 3023...... 84 November 3023 ...... 84 Magistracy Colonial War...... 84 January 3023 ...... 84 March 3023 ...... 85 April 3023...... 85 June 3023 ...... 85 August 3023...... 85 September 3023 ...... 85 October 3023...... 86 December 3023 ...... 86 Oberon Anti‐Pirate Campaign...... 86 January 3023 ...... 86 February 3023...... 86 March 3023 ...... 87 April 3023...... 87 May 3023 ...... 88 June 3023 ...... 88 July 3023 ...... 88 August 3023...... 88 October 3023...... 89 December 3023 ...... 89 Marian Re‐Integration ...... 89 January 3023 ...... 89 February 3023...... 90 March 3023 ...... 90 October 3023...... 90 November 3023 ...... 91 The Andrion Confrontation...... 91 January 3023 ...... 91 February 3023...... 91 March 3023 ...... 91 April 3023...... 92 The Franklin Annexation...... 92 January 3023 ...... 92 The Tortugan War...... 92 January 3023 ...... 92 February 3023...... 93 June 3023 ...... 93 July 3023 ...... 94 August 3023...... 94 September 3023 ...... 95 Outworlds Antallos Campaign ...... 95 March 3023 ...... 95 April 3023...... 95 May 3023 ...... 95 Pirates Actions...... 96 January 3023 ...... 96 July 3023 ...... 96 October 3023...... 96
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
December 3023 ...... 96 Rim Collection Foundation Campaign ...... 96
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 attained, such as salvage, pay and escapes clauses for use against the company store syndrome. Welcome to the summary of the CISA Year in Review for 3023. Although employers were unhappy, to say the least, the number Clients who wish to access the full review should contact their of mercenaries supporting the scheme saw it adopted almost local CISA representative to organise a premium membership. universally for larger commands. The major knock on effect of This review can be reproduced free of charge as long as this movement, was the sudden realisation by smaller commands references to CISA are maintained. of the fact that they were now second class citizens. Within weeks of the Contract Minimums becoming standard, a whole Introduction host of smaller commands began to integrate and combine to assure themselves the protection of the minimums. 3023 saw some interesting developments in both the Inner Sphere and Periphery, as the powers that be began to shake off The minimums have seen a decline in small mercenary forces of the lethargy of the 3rd Succession War. Many new regiments, 45% in two years, with a similar surge in the number of larger both line and mercenary have appeared, and it would seem that commands. Although this has benefited the Periphery realms a new arms race has begun. Normally, these developments and the armies of the Successor States, the small employer is would be enough to get the pundits talking, however, events in finding a tough seller’s market in operation, as the remaining the Periphery have been just as interesting. smaller commands demand exorbitant prices for their services, deriving an indirect benefit from the minimums. The Inner Sphere A second unexpected creation of the minimums was the Solaris The Inner Sphere of 3023 has seen developments the likes of Regiments, all started because of several enterprising which have not been witnessed in centuries, with several new cooperative MechWarriors. Looking for assistance in creating a production complexes for military hardware opening and all the collective of nine commands to create a new 2 Battalion unit, the main powers beginning to put substantial money into various commanders of these small units contracted the redeveloping the civilian industrial base. Though only a small Renegade Cooperative from Solaris to assist in creating a good increase in consumer and non‐military industrial products was command structure. Impressed by what they saw, the generated, the overall increase in funding bodes well for the Renegades eventually joined the unit as a business partner and shattered infrastructure of the Inner Sphere. used it as a feeder for new Solaris warriors and a place for Solaris warriors to go for a break. The main talking point of the year was the creation of no less the thirty four new line BattleMech regiments, a scale of new The new unit was, unsurprisingly, called the Renegade’s and regiment creation not seen since the start of the Succession fights under the Cooperatives banner. The raging success of this Wars. This sudden surge in the line formations of the Great venture, both within the arenas and on the battlefield, led to Houses has led to the fear of a pre‐war arms race, which seems other cooperatives, then the Stables themselves, to get in on the to becoming a fact of life. Should this build up continue, we here act, providing start up capital to assist the creation of new at CISA believe that a renewed war in 3026 is a distinct commands that would fight under their banner. This unexpected possibility. turn of the Contract Minimums Movement has taken the Gladiator mentality of Solaris out into the battlefields and The Periphery created a massive new source of revenue and a whole new Beginning with the Taurian’S Colonial War and the efforts of King ranking system. Grimm of Oberon to bring peace to his backyard, the Periphery The driving force behind the minimums was a group of five exploded into various small scale wars that have seen the individuals, each bringing their own skills and experience to the elimination of several well known Pirate bands and a general group and enabling the minimums to become the norm. The expansion and stabilisation of the larger Periphery realm’s initial group consisted of: Alaric Gorden, a former mercenary of territories. Although some Inner Sphere analysts have been 50 years experience; David Skyle, one of the best mercenary alarmed at the phenomenon, CISA believes that the actions in contract negotiators currently operating; Tamara Chin, an the Periphery are localised, as well as too the benefit of both experienced mercenary financer; Sato Hikagawa, a notable Periphery and Inner Sphere citizens. venture capitalist; and Raymond Airnen, a former Colonel in the Lexington Combat Group. These were the five individuals who Mercenaries made the minimums possible for so many others. Despite the In late 3021, an impromptu gathering of mercenary commanders group’s skills and standing, ComStar was ill disposed at first, as on Galatea saw the beginning of a campaign to ensure minimum were potential employers. ComStar did not give its support, rights for mercenary commands of at least Battalion strength. through the Mercenary Review Board, until the MM gave notice Called the Minimums Movement, the MM was able to get the that it did not wish to supplant the existing mercenary contracts support of 95% of formations of regiment size and larger and and review structure. Once ComStar was on board, despite 75% of Battalion size mercenary units. A small executive was rumours of Primus Tiepolo’s personal disapproval, the major established, which became the clearing house for contracts employers had little option but to follow suit. made by larger commands and ensured certain minimums were Growth in Military Production Since 3000
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
The year 3000 not only marked the beginning of a new millennia, but also the beginning of the real recovery from the Succession Wars. One of the major indicators of this trend has been the reopening or building of many new production lines for ‘Mechs, tanks and fighters. One of the big winners from this increase in production has been the Periphery. Many Inner Sphere companies were thinking of expanding their facilities during the first two decades of this century, but were stymied by the fact that most government funds were going into the maintenance of the forces at war. To get around this hurdle, many approached Periphery realms, who were more than willing to share the burden, if it meant jobs for their people and more military production. With the windfalls and examples gained from the investment in the Periphery, some firms began using their additional funds to upgrade or build new facilities in the Inner Sphere. The Successor State governments then got on board and further assisted other firms and this process has seen a 15% increase in production across the Inner Sphere, with many designs that may have been on the road to oblivion, now back in production. THE STATES OF 3023 Currently CISA looks at the fortunes of sixteen nation states, a larger number than many other analysts. We believe that the strategic balance is more than that of just the Great Houses, allowing CISA to provide a better balanced and more accurate evaluation of the state of known space.
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
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Lyran Commonwealth Tamar to take pause, as they have little trust in the Grimm line, after many years of Oberon attacks on their worlds. “The Foundation of our strength is our industry and economy and no threat, no matter how immediate or severe, Skye, long the bane of the Steiner Archons, is undergoing a small should detract from our continued efforts to lead the Sphere in economic boom, fuelled by the Alliance and the social changes the economic race.” wrought by Duchess Aten of Skye. The addition of two regiments of long fallen Skye Rangers has also helped the Archon’s image ‐ Olsfvik Torson, Representative for Duran. immensely. Although the common man of Skye seems willing to accept Katrina as an Archon to be supported, many of Skye’s Major Changes nobles still stand in opposition to her and have the potential, The major changes within the Lyran Commonwealth, over the under the hand of Aldo Lestrade, to be a significant problem in course of 3023, have been caused not by internal factors, but by any future crisis. the impact caused by the growing arms race upon the Lyran Interstellar Relations military‐industrial psyche. The potential effects of a Kapteyn power block which can out produce the vaunted strength of The Lyrans enjoy strong relationships with several states, most Lyran industry, has sent tremors throughout the Lyran industrial notably the Federated Suns. Relations with the Kapteyn powers elite. Tremors which have resulted in many late sessions of the and the Taurians has continued to decline over the last two Estate General and a multitude of petitions to Archon Katrina years, but this has been balanced by improving relations with Steiner, urging her to immediate action on behalf of the Lyran Canopus, Alpheratz and Oberon. The Lyran’s traditional stance people’s greatest asset. of viewing ComStar as a business and no more continues to cause friction. Leaders Economics The rule of Katrina Steiner has firmed over the last year, as the obvious benefits of the alliance with the Federated Suns, coupled The Lyran economy remains, and will do so for the foreseeable with the continued period of peace, has allowed economic future, the predominant economic power within the Inner rd recovery from the 3 Succession War to increase in pace. The Sphere. The Lyran state’s ability to quickly recover from the 3rd st nd Archon’s actions in the recreation of the 1 and 2 Skye Rangers, Succession War, has already put the other major states on nd the Tamar Tigers and 2 Winfield’s Brigade, have brought notice; That unless the Lyran economic juggernaught is slowed in further good will from the two areas of the realm traditionally the next decade, there will be little any other state can do to pull lukewarm to the Steiner’s rule: the Isle of Skye and the Tamar them back. Pact. That Aldo Lestrade and Frederick Steiner were publically forced to support these moves has caused them no small Industry amount of discomfort and eased the Archon’s position over the Lyran industry is still well in advance of its neighbours, in regards short term. The Archon’s other major opponent, Alessandro to total output of both the civilian and military sectors. Recent Steiner, has been eerily quite, a situation that bears watching, as factors not withstanding, CISA believes that the apparent surge the former Archon is never far from political mischief. The in Kapteyn production is a temporary phenomenon, whose Archon’s supporters have also been aided by the return of the eventual source will become clear over time. That said, the dynamic and legendary Morgan Kell, whose recent presence on Lyran Commonwealth should be able to maintain a significant, Tharkad gave quite pause to many of those in court who had and potentially growing, lead in industrial output from both fallen afoul of the Duke in the past. civilian and military industry. The flip side to this advantage, is Provinces the reality that to constrain Lyran growth, the states enemies may have to resort to the tactics of the 1st and 2nd Succession The Protectorate of Donegal continues to lead the Wars in order to halt this critical Lyran advantage. Commonwealth in the ongoing recovery, with the planet Australia the biggest winner of all. The ongoing loyalty and Civilian dedication of this world, in the face of often complete disregard The Lyran civilian industrial sector is one of the keystones of the from Tharkad, has led to Katrina Steiner honouring the world’s Lyran state’s prosperity, as well as one of the major factors which contributions, by placing the first new armour and aerospace ensure the predominance of the Kroner on the interstellar construction facilities of her new industrial program there. This market. With an 11% output advantage over the Free Worlds recognition of the less developed sections of the Protectorate and a 67% advantage over the Federated Suns, the Lyran people has garnered the Archon much positive press. have come to expect a certain level of consumer comfort, The Tamar Pact has long been calling for greater assistance broking no changes in the government’s reinvestment into the against the Dragon and recent months have seen these calls civilian sector. Understanding this, and pandering to the Lyran answered. The rebuilding of the Tamar Tigers and 2nd Winfield’s, desire for prosperity, has been one of the hallmarks of Archon has done more good in a few months than three years of Katrina’s reign. economic reconstruction. However, the Tharkad government’s increasing good will towards Oberon has caused a few within
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Military faster, and more effectively, to any major assault undertaken by its neighbours. The military industrial complex of the Lyran realm has been in a state of panic over the last year, as the powers of the Kapteyn Forces Alliance seem able to match the output of the Lyran factories. The Lyran Commonwealth can call on a substantial number of CISA believes that this will be a short term phenomenon and one line formations outlined below, which are noticeably heavy in which will assist, rather than hinder, Lyran military industry. CISA composition and which have created the image of a slow moving, has seen no major expansion of the Kapteyn civilian industrial yet unbendable force. This impression is slowly changing, as base to support any massive expansion of those realm’s military Davion methods and ‘Mechs begin to see introduction into the industries, nor have we observed a large amount of funds being Lyran military machine. poured into the three nation’s military industrial sector. CISA The Lyran BattleMech forces stand, at the end of 3023, at 106 therefore sees any increased output as a temporary event, regiments, with 77 of these being line forces and 29 of hired whose source will become known over time. However, this mercenary troops. The make up of these forces are 6 light increased output has led to the Lyrans increasing the speed of regiments (5 regular and 1 mercenary), 27 medium regiments (14 their construction of new aerospace and armour factories and regular and 13 mercenary), 30 heavy regiments (19 regular and forced them to consider expanding on their already significant 11 mercenary) and 26 assault regiments (22 regular and 4 lead in BattleMech production. mercenary). Revenue The conventional forces currently number 157 conventional The Lyran revenue stream, once funds for the military and brigades assigned to BattleMech units, Panzer Divisions or industrial sectors has been accounted for, is still substantial and independently. Supporting the ground forces are a total of 109 has allowed the government of Archon Katrina to begin research aerospace wings. This low ratio of conventional and aerospace into several lost technologies, as well as supporting the forces is currently being addressed by the LCAF, but will likely governments of Oberon and the Rim Collection in their efforts to take at least a decade to redress, especially as more and more curb piracy in the coreward regions. Additionally, the Lyrans units are absorbed into RCT’s. spare monies have allowed them to secure the services of New Units several solid mercenary commands, which have gone some way to addressing the gains made by the Kapteyn powers. The LCAF formed only four new units in 3023, an effort that seemed to fall well short of what Lyran capabilities could truly Economic Forecast for 3024 be. This number is deceiving, as Katrina Steiner intended it to be. All in all, despite the recent scare that has Lyran industrialists in a Whilst the line BattleMech forces only grew by four regiments, twist, the Lyran economy is project to grow over 3024 by at least the conventional and aerospace arms of the LCAF will soon see a 3% and possibly as high as 5%, ensuring that the Lyran people large jump in numbers. continue to have access to the lifestyle they have become The LCAF raised four long lost regiments in regions that had accustomed to and that the reign of Katrina Steiner will continue previously been seen to be less than total in their support of the to receive wide spread support. Commonwealth. Although her advisors were against the new Military units initially, the staffing of all four units with soldiers primarily loyal to Tharkad first and any other capital second, with a liberal The LCAF, never the powerhouse the likes of which the AFFS and sprinkling of LIC agents thrown in, has the naysayers content to DCMS have become, nevertheless remains a potent force, limit their objections. through its core of heavy and assault weight BattleMech regiments and a long term group of experienced mercenary The aerospace arm of the Lyran Commonwealth, always small in commands who add flexibility to a military that is oft times comparison to the rest of the LCAF, was pleasantly surprised described as ponderous. when told to prepare for the formation of fourteen new wings. The down side was that fourteen of the current, and few, The major area of concern for the LCAF’s neighbours, is the Independent Aerospace Wings were to be incorporated into the continuing program of adopting AFFS style tactics and Lyran Guards, in their expansion to full RCT status. The same organisation, which is leading to a quite renaissance in Lyran request, and reasoning, was given to the commanders of the military fortunes. This, coupled with the current reorganisation independent conventional brigades, who are also to give up of the Lyran Guards into RCT’s, is creating a stir, both within and fourteen of their best to the Guards. without the Commonwealth. The expansion of the Lyran Guards to full RCT status could lead Current Stance to an underestimation of the LCAF’s actual power by some. The current stance of the LCAF is largely defensive, with most Although the Lyrans are still coming to grips with the principles reserve forces positioned well away from border areas and of RCT organisation and combat, the sheer power that these raiding reduced to what are considered base minimums for formations possess is enough to give an opponent pause. intelligence needs. That said, the Lyran militaries access to a large civilian merchant fleet would enable it to theoretically react
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Skye Rangers: Pride of Skye 2nd in 3023, and sent nearly a battalion of officers and men to help assist the new unit in getting on its feet. The Skye Rangers have long been the bulwark of opponents of the Steiner family within the LCAF. The insignia of the brigade is a green Winfield Wasp over the Despite this opposition to the government, the planet Winfield. Winfield’s Brigade uses a green and black colour Rangers are, nevertheless, a powerful and scheme, derived from its home world’s colours. dedicated force that is more than willing to hand out death and 2nd Winfield’s Brigade: Returning the Favour destruction to the Commonwealth’s foes. The newly formed 2nd Brigade has taken to its task of In an effort to instil a greater sense of loyalty to the Archon gaining combat readiness with relish. The core of officers within the Skye Rangers Brigade, Archon Katrina reformed the and men from the 1st Brigade has managed to weld the two oldest Skye Ranger units and staffed them with troops new recruits from Blackjack and other nearby worlds, whose loyalty could be counted on. With both new units into a so far effective new force. The 2nd have adopted stationed on Skye and generating much good will for the Archon, the flag of Winfield as their regimental insignia and use the Duke Aldo Lestrade has been backed into a corner. Units that standard Brigade colour scheme. should be loyal to him, and which publicly he must totally support, have been placed in the heart of his power base in an Tamar Tigers: Glory of Old effort to stymie his freedom of action. The Tamar tigers are the most famed of all the The Rangers' insignia takes the form of a disc, upon which is a regiments of the Tamar district and their yellow sun in a blue sky, partly obscured by wisps of white cloud. reformation has been a public relations bonanza for The colour scheme used on Rangers vehicles for parades is the Archon within the Tamar district. The new Tigers principally dark red, with arms (or turrets/rudders) painted black. have been primarily drawn from Tamar, but were well screened for loyalty to the Archon before final assignment. Although only a 1st Skye Rangers: Pride of the Aten’s year old, they have been involved in several well publicised raids Assigned as the personal guards of Duchess Aten into the Combine. The Tigers have been temporarily assigned to of Skye, a stalwart supporter of the Archon and the Winfield Corps for organisational reasons. champion of the common man, the 1st have embraced their noble ruler’s ideals and become Strategic Outlook true champions of the down trodden. The media value of the The strategic outlook for the Lyran Commonwealth is one of massive assault Mechs of the 1st engaged in public works and guarded optimism. CISA has no doubts about the intentions of charity constructions, has rocked the 1st to fame with the the Kapteyn powers, they will strike at some stage over the next ordinary citizens of Skye and the surrounding worlds. Suffice to three years, however, the Lyrans have long term advantage that say, the 1st are the most taboo subject within the walls of Castle no other state can claim. Although the Lyran military will suffer Lestrade on Summer and within the ranks of the 10th Skye during the coming war, if it cam hold with few losses in territory Rangers. The 1st has reached regular status in the last month and and industry, it will quickly recover and come to dominate its have taken to painting gold highlights on their Mechs and neighbours. vehicles. Conclusions 2nd Skye Rangers: Knights of Skye The Lyran Commonwealth stands at a rare place in its history, The 2nd have not garnered the fame of the 1st Rangers one where it has the potential to come to dominate its as yet, taking a more traditional garrison posting on neighbours should it be able to overcome the potential short Skye and not seeing as much of the lime light as their term dangers that CISA currently sees on the realms horizon. fellows in the 1st. this has allowed the heavy Mechs of Short of a complete military collapse, CISA sees that coming the 2nd to rapidly form into a unit of proven potency years as ones more and more influenced by Lyran economic and solid skill. The 2nd Rangers have already requested might. permission from the LCAF to begin raiding into the Combine. The 2nd paints its Mechs with bright red highlights. Winfield’s Brigade: Deadly Simplicity Winfield’s Brigade has prided itself on getting the job done right the first time, every time. With many graduates from the eccentric Blackjack School of Combat and a hard and relentless internal training scheme, the Brigade has managed to maintain its elite status for many years. As one of the few units in the LCAF truly capable of effective fast raids and strikes, the Brigade has won acclaim within the Commonwealth for its actions over the years. The Brigade was elated to hear of the reformation of the
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Draconis Combine large number, comparatively, of merchant ships now plying the trade lanes has brought a hint of better times to the general “The role of the Samurai is to serve. Should the Coordinator so population, something Theodore plans to use to best advantage. wish it, a Samurai must place his honor second to that of the Combine, for without the Combine their can be no honour.” Industry ‐ Gunji‐no‐Kanrei Yorinaga Kurita With a civilian industrial base not much better than that of the Capellan Confederation, the Combine has always had difficulty in Major Changes improving the lot of its people. However, Theodore’s programs will see an increase in the civilian sector over the next decade as As changes go, the Combine has seen its fair share in the last few his reforms take hold. months, as Theodore stepped into his father’s place and began a swathe of changes that will either bring a renaissance or new Civilian dark era for the Combine. Those believing in the former see The Civilian industrial base is being prepped for a rapid Theodore’s changes as a desperately needed modernisation of expansion in an attempt to close the gap with the Combine’s Combine practices, whilst others see Theodore destroying the rivals. In order to placate the industrial leaders of the realm, very heart of what the Dragon is. This later group has spawned Theodore has promised them a controlling stake in any new what is becoming known in the shadow world as the Black venture. How this will benefit the masses is any bodies guess, Dragon Society. What this group plans is not currently known, but it will get the program started. however, their opposition to Theodore seems clear enough. Military Leaders The military of the DCMS has begun an experiment, one they Theodore Kurita quickly moved to secure his place on the Dragon seem to want to see fail. Never a large user of medium ‘Mechs, throne and saw to it that those of the old guard in places of importing all they use, the DCMS has begun production of the sensitive power were quickly removed. Vasily Cherenkoff and Whitworth on Nirasaki as a test bed for further medium Mech Grieg Samsonov were disposed of within weeks, the first production. Why the DCMS chose to use this mediocre platform indication of Theodore’s plans. is not known to CISA, but it will do little to improve the class’s Their replacements were nothing short of remarkable; Yorinaga reputation amongst the DCMS’s Mech Warriors. Kurita and Minobu Tetsuhara. These two men, along with others Revenue of similar ilk, have been given the task of reforming the DCMS whilst Theodore reforms the Combine as a whole. So far, their The Draconis Combine does not have the revenue stream of efforts have met with moderate success, built will only truly be some other powers and as such, is more circumscribed in its tested once battle in joined. Additionally, the speed of investments. Theodore’s plans for the civilian industrial sector Theodore’s moves has caught his rivals for the Dragon throne flat will impact this in a major way and will no doubt drive others footed and his success has kept them quiet so far. into the camp of the ever growing Black Dragons. Provinces Economic Forecast for 3024 There has been little change to the provinces under Theodore, The Combine economy did not grow during 3023, but is expected with the major alterations coming at the top of the power to begin a growth spurt as the civilian merchant fleet and civilian structure a filtering down. Dieron and Galedon have been industrial development take hold. rejuvenated, through the new commanders they have received and the other three provinces are also showing some signs of Military revival with the proposed reforms. However, it will be some The DCMS is well positioned for any coming conflict through its time before these changes show whether they are lasting, or recent expansion. Eight new commands have been raised, most merely fleeting. of which are dedicated to Theodore’s new ways. The DCMS is Interstellar Relations ranked second only to the AFFS, a gap that has closed over the last year as the DCMS relative strength has grown by 11%, The Combine has gained a growing and improved relationship compared to 5% for the AFFS. with its Kapteyn allies as time progresses and its usual stare off with ComStar has eased somewhat. Other relations saw little Current Stance change over the year, except in the case of Oberon, where The DCMS has much of its power focused either on the border, growing friendliness to the Lyrans is causing concern. or in two general classes of reserves. Each of the frontline Economics Military Districts has a small, but potent, force of units for local strikes and counter‐attacks, with a larger force held in the Pesht With a GDP only half that of the Lyrans, the Combine has long District as a general strategic reserve. The DCMS also has more needed to be austere and ensure that there is little waste. The fire power forward positioned than most other large states. reprieve from war, brought about by the end of the 3rd Succession War, has been of critical importance to many Combine worlds which were close to economic collapse. The
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Forces there as its whetstone, in an effort to become an effective formation. Under the guidance of Minobu Tetsuhara, recently The DCMS is a huge force, able to out muscle its opponents over appointed to command the Galedon District, the Ryuken have the long term. The addition of powerful mercenary units, like wanted for nothing and have begun to repay the faith shown in Wolf’s Dragoons, only adds the massive power that DCMS them, with each regiment rated at least regular by the DCMS. offensives can bring to bear. The Ryuken apply the Kurita Dragon crest to their BattleMechs The DCMS consists of 111 regiments, 93 House and 18 on the left leg just above the knee and near the exhaust ports of mercenary. The weight distribution is evenly spread in the house fighters. The Ryuken insignia is a dragon curling around a katana, units, with on the assault category ignored, with hard hitting both drawn with rich detail. All Ryuken units paint their mercenaries the preferred type. The DCMS has 18 light BattleMechs charcoal gray, with each regiment accenting the regiments (17 Regular, 1 Mercenary), 26 medium regiments (23 base in its own colour. Regular, 3 Mercenary), 36 heavy regiments (25 Regular, 11 Mercenary) and 5 assault regiments (2 Regular, 3 Mercenary). Ryuken‐ichi: Hachiman Taro These BattleMech forces are backed by 200 conventional As the first of the new Ryuken regiments, Ryuken‐ brigades, of which 120 are deployed separately from other ichi have embraced their role and duties to such an formations, one of the largest such independent conventional extent that many think they have fallen into the old arms in the Inner Sphere. 176 aerospace wings, 101 of them ways of Takashi Kurita’s time. However, this independent, support the ground forces. Unlike other armies, misconception is rapidly expelled once an opponent the DCMS does not form its conventional and aerospace forces meets ichi on the battlefield, where they are quickly given a into larger units, assigning them independently to the various lesson in battlefield deception and non‐direct methods of Military Districts. warfare. It has been ichi’s ability to disappear into to almost any landscape which has already earned them a veteran ranking, New Units something they lord over their brother regiments and demand The DCMS has grown its strength in a way that may well prove be matched. Ryuken‐ichi highlights their Mechs with narrow lines the most efficient of all. The DCMS, instead of raising units of of gold. green troops to man their new regiments and training them from Ryuken‐ni: Minobu’s Dutiful Sons scratch, sought to people its new formations with as many experienced soldiers as possible. Ryuken‐ni have taken to their task almost as quickly as Ryuken‐ichi, however, they refuse to blindly The DCMS, through long defence of the realm, has become a follow every order, as does their sister regiment. force of high skill and dedication, something that both Ryuken‐ni is quickly establishing a reputation for Coordinator Theodore and Kanrei Yorinaga have attempted to detailed planning and preparation, something that many see as a instil in the new regiments. Both men realise that their plans for sign of weakness. However, once battle is joined, opponents find modernising the DCMS rest with the success of these new ni a difficult nut to break, as they move from prepared position formations, whose success or failure will be seen as that of the to prepared position. Ryuken‐ni has also been given the task of Coordinator himself. honor guards to the Warlord of Galedon, their former Many of Takashi Kurita’s former favourites have begun agitating commanding officer, Minobu Tetsuhara. Ryuken‐ni accents their against the new units, causing constant low level trouble for the vehicles in silver. Kanrei and his staff, however, the formation of a new sink unit Ryuken‐san: Silent Death for the ultra diehards and the use of several others in the same capacity, has allowed the new commander of the DCMS some Ryuken‐san has picked up a most peculiar trait, one flexibility. that has given other regiments assigned to operate with them no end of distress. Ryuken‐san accepts Despite the success of the new units, their formation and all orders as given, them and then go about their methods have become a lightning rod for opposition to business with no fanfare and no communication Theodore. The Ryuken and Genyosha have antagonised the old with other regiments. In any other formation, this would cause guard and Sword of Light regiments in particular, a situation that the unit great troubles from above, however, Ryuken‐san’s will need mending soon, whilst the Dragon’s Claws have gone ability to get the job done, despite what their companion out of their way to offend the household guards, with both units regiments might achieve has staved of criticism so far. However, coming to blows on several occasions. should they fail at their duties, Ryuken‐san would quickly be Ryuken: Dragon’s Sword brought to heel. Ryuken‐san do not accent their vehicles. The Ryuken have been formed with the express Ryuken‐yon: Analyse Always intention of becoming clones of Wolf’s Dragoons, Ryuken‐yon are very different from regiments like ensuring that the skills and methods of the Ryuken‐ichi or –ni, they question every order Dragoons are not lost when they one day move passed to them to ensure that they will not be onto new employment elsewhere in the Inner Sphere. Each unit placed in a disadvantageous position, or exposed to inadequate has used the world of An Ting and the Dragoon forces stationed leadership. This personality trait of the regiment has, more than
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any other of any Ryuken unit, infuriated old school officers, who in black, the opposite of the Otomo, something that the Otomo see Ryuken‐yon’s questioning of their orders tantamount to have taken as a deep offence. rebellion. Ryuken‐yon have suffered accordingly, with officers in Strategic Outlook the DCMS procurement office doing all they can to hinder the units combat readiness. Ryuken‐yon highlights its units in dark The strategic outlook for the Combine is generally good, with the blue. military strengthened and the economy to be boosted in 3024. What the Combine needs, and what it will not get, is an extended Ryuken‐go: Perfection of Movement period of peace in which the needs of the military are placed a Ryuken‐go’s MechWarriors have become masters of distant second to those of the citizens. their machines, dedicating themselves to the thought of becoming one with them during combat. Conclusions Each warrior of the regiment spends hours in the The Combine, through the DCMS, has the potential to influence cockpit undertaking the simplest movements over and over events in the short term, and must do so to ensure that the again, to attain a perfect feel for their machine. Although this has growing Lyran economy and the large AFFS cannot be used to led to the pilots of Ryuken‐go having excellent piloting skills, bring the Dragon to its knees. The Concord of Kapteyn may be their overall battlefield coordination is still somewhat lacking. the last hope for the Dragon’s plans for becoming the dominant Ryuken‐go high light their vehicles with a metallic blue. power in the Inner Sphere. Ryuken‐roku: Flawless Victory Ryuken‐roku has begun the detailed analysis of every battlefield situation they have been in, or plan to engage in, in the near future. Ryuken‐roku analyse each plan and then attempt to beat it, developing numerous counters for every conceivable battlefield situation. This ability to think through the battle led to their defeat of Wolf’s Dragoons Alpha regiment in exercises six months ago. However, as Alpha showed in devastating fashion the following day, when a situation that Ryuken‐roku has not trained for is thrown at them, they quickly fall apart. Ryuken‐roku accents their Mechs in red. Genyosha: Black Ocean The Genyosha have been formed to emulate the skills and experience of Yorinaga Kurita, Gunji‐no‐ Kanrei of the DCMS. Personnel for the new regiment were hand picked by Yorinaga from across the Combine and have been involved in intensive exercises ever since. The unit, remarkably so, has already been rated elite by the DCMS, although some claim this is a fop to the Kanrei. The unit’s skills cannot, however, be underrated in any way, as they have demonstrated amazing battlefield abilities in multiple exercises. The Genyosha currently travel with Yorinaga, making them something of an honour guard at present, a fact that has infuriated the Sword of Light regiments in particular. All Genyosha Mechs are painted ash grey, with no accents. Dragon’s Claws: Takashi’s Old Guard The Dragon’s Claws were formed by Yorinaga and Theodore, as a place to put the most hardline supporters of Takshi and keep them in one place under observation. These old school Samurai are hell bent on proving Theodore’s new ways wrong and are champing at the bit, demanding they be released to bring death to the Dragon’s enemies. Theodore and Yorinaga are more than happy to allow the Dragon’s Claws to wipe themselves out, however, it will be at the time and place of the Coordinator’s choosing, in order for their efforts to serve the new ways interests. The Dragon’s Claws use a gold paint scheme, accented
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Federated Suns resources, following the stand down from the 3rd Succession War, has allowed the government on New Avalon to begin a “I am honoured by the actions of the soldiers of our newest limited program of reinvestment in the economy. March and know that the future of peace safety they have provided to the people of the Federated Suns will be remembered Industry for many years.” The Federated Suns has one of the most dispersed industrial ‐ First Prince Hanse Davion, during the bases in the Inner Sphere. Despite its relatively good size, this announcement of the occupation of the Tortuga industry is mainly concentrated in a few key worlds, whilst the Dominions. rest of the Federated Suns languishes with little indigenous industry. Major Changes Civilian The major changes that have occurred in the Federated Suns With an industrial average per world half that of it Lyran ally, the have been those suggested for many years. Firstly, the Alliance Federated Suns is now trying to make up the shortfall with New with the Lyrans was built on long term good relations and the Avalon heavily investing in the new Periphery March. This topic of alliance has been discussed several times in the Davion investment, whilst warmly welcomed in an area often ignored, inner circle during the Succession Wars. The re‐formation of the has mainly gone to worlds with existing industry. This has Periphery March has also been requested by the outback worlds assured the current centres of power in the outback remain so for many years and its creation has led to a massive up swell of and done little fore the vast majority of worlds. good will towards New Avalon. The release of the new Marches main combat formations upon the Tortuga Dominions has added Military more good will to that already garnered, as well as driving off Lady Death and creating a new bastion of Davion civilisation in The Federated Suns has a strong military industry, almost the Periphery. equalling the output of the more industrialised Free Worlds League. However, the competing demands of the current tense Leaders inter‐stellar situation have not seen New Avalon expand any of its current facilities. The High Command of the AFFS is keen to The death of Michael Hasek‐Davion and his replacement by his redress this course, and is putting pressure on the First Prince to son Morgan, has taken much of the ongoing pressure off Hanse begin a large expansion of military industry. Davion. The long time Morgan has spent on New Avalon, has allowed the young man to develop under the eye of Hanse and Revenue his advisors. With Justin Allard and Ardan Sortek at his side, he has reined in many of his fathers more rabid supporters and The revenue of the Federated Suns sits squarely in the middle of brought the March firmly back into the Davion fold. Hanse that garnered by the other four states. This allows the Davions Davion actually has the luxury of not having any significant some measure of freedom in their spending, but does not allow internal opposition for the short term, something many leaders for mad cash splashes, the like of which the Lyrans have indulged wish for, but rarely ever see. in from time to time. Provinces Economic Forecast for 3024 The newly formed Periphery March has been able to gain its feet Should New Avalon continue to fund the civilian sector the in a remarkably short time, due mainly to its constituent sub‐ economy could grow as much as 7% in 3024, as more and more divisions long semi‐independent ways. With the capital at Filvet, Lyran investment is drawn in through government contracts. most of the central commands now have access to their March However, the AFFS High Command want this program scaled Lord, whilst those towards the flanks are still looking to Robinson back in favour of more military production, to halt the growing and New Syrtis, despite those seats of power being happily rid of lead of the Kapteyn power in the arms race. them. All in all, the re‐formation of the Periphery March has Military done much to streamline the Federated Suns organisation and lead to some to call for a reformation of the old Terran March. The AFFS is a massive force, the juggernaught of the Inner Sphere militaries and a force with not only the power to take Interstellar Relations worlds, but to hold them permanently. No other state is able to The interstellar relation of the Federated Suns saw little change match the AFFS, should it wish to strike in force, however, the during 3023, with their major foreign policy action being the exceptionally long borders of the Federated Suns do go some complete subjugation and integration of the Tortuga Dominions way in dispersing this firepower. into the Periphery March. Few have mourned the passing of this Current Stance Pirate state. The AFFS maintains a stance of guarded peace, with substantial Economics forces held back for use in counter‐attacks, or in assaults upon The economy of the Federated Suns has undergone a solid their enemies, should they become necessary. revival as the effects of interstellar trade with the Lyran Commonwealth make themselves felt. The freeing up of
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Forces successful, limiting somewhat the hostility these units have garnered from more traditionalist commanders in the AFFS. The AFFS has a massive number of regiments to call upon, many part of the AFFS’s effective RCT system. This system’s combined The colours of the Light Cavalry are a deep orange, highlighted in arms doctrine is one of the major factors in the success of the brown. The insignia of the Light Cavalry is a brown bordered, Federated suns during the course of the 3rd Succession War. gold shield, with the Federation sunburst over a red star. A unit’s numeral is displayed below the star. The BattleMech arm of the AFFS consists of 126 regiments, of which 81 are house regulars and 45 are mercenary. The 1st Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Kittery Hussars mercenary forces of the AFFS represent the largest concentration Formed around the Kittery Training Battalion, and of mercenary troops in the Inner Sphere. The force breakdown is remaining stationed on that world, the 1st Light 27 light regiments (17 regular, 10 mercenary), 54 medium Cavalry have become the showpiece unit of the new regiments (45 regular, 9 mercenary), 29 heavy regiments (14 Corps. Additional units for the new formation came regular, 15 mercenary) and 17 assault regiments (6 regular, 11 from the Alcyone PDZ, in the form of several militia detachments mercenary), from nearby worlds, which were already familiar with the The AFFS also maintains an enormous conventional force of 240 training unit. The new unit also drew in several regular army brigades of witch only a paltry 56 are not attached to other conventional units, which were instrumental is allowing the new regiments or RCT’s. Covering the ground forces are 164 formation to recently attain a regular experience rating, aerospace wings, of which only 40 are independent. something not often accomplished by a training command. New Units 2nd Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Brumbies of Bell The AFFS undertook a smaller build up during 3023 than any The Brumbies are the least cohesive of the new major Inner Sphere power. There were two major reasons for commands, having suffered the loss of a conventional this limited expansion in the rosters of the AFFS. Firstly, the AFFS regiment in a DropShip accident, the death of the has a distinct numerical advantage over both its neighbours, unit XO in a training exercise and the outright allowing it the luxury of taking time to focus on other urgent hostility of the Alcyone PDZ XO, Marshal Kinsley Crossburns, who concerns before undergoing a rapid expansion. Hanse Davion has gone out of his way to limit supplies and support to the new was unwilling to begin any such expansion before 3026‐3027, as units. The 2nd are endeavouring, as best they can, to build their the Federated suns still required time to properly recover from reputation against such hurdles, but already morale in some sub‐ the 3rd Succession War. units is on the decline. Secondly and perhaps more importantly, Hanse Davion appeared 3rd Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Brockton Light Horse to have no plans for offensive action before 3028. Any build up Being stationed on Filvet has given the 3rd the honour before this time was, as noted above, not in the best interests of of garrisoning the new capital of the Periphery March the Federated Suns. As budgetary requirements are worked out and has led to them to becoming the darling of the years in advance, the nature of the Federated Suns national Filvet press. The 3rd also instigated a policy of budget only had enough leeway built into the system from 3023‐ drawing from as wide as possible number of Periphery March 3025 to allow the expansion of the existing Training Battalions, worlds, giving them a deep and mutual feeling of devotion to using militia formations that had been nationalised. Although an their homeworlds. The 3rd are so intent on becoming the show effective stop gap measure to match the expansion of the piece of the March, that they have begun petitioning the AFFS Kapteyn powers growth, The Federated Suns Light Cavalry RCT’s High Command for permission to begin raiding the Tortuga were not, in any way, intended for rigorous front line service. Dominions. There wish was granted in mid‐3023, when they The Federated Suns Light Cavalry: Training for the Future formed part of the AFFS task force sent into Tortuga. Although arriving late in the battle, the 3rd tipped the scales in favour of The brainchild of Hanse Davion, in response to the the AFFS dramatically and the efforts of their two air wings have pressures of the rapid Kapteyn military build up, the rd garnered them the nickname of The Turkey Shooters. The 3 are Federated Suns Light Cavalry have come together now part of the occupation force that is integrating Tortuga into remarkably quickly since their inception in early 3023. the Federated Suns. The premise of these units, basically large combined arms training formations, is to provide both an effective training 4th Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Conroe Cavaliers organisation for future AFFS commanders and soldiers, as well as As the former home of the new Corps Commander, providing a credible deterrent to enemies seeking to do harm to General Vasos, the 4th have striven to adopt his the Federation. requirements and commands, more than any of the The Light Cavalry are commanded by General Harry Vasos, other Light Horse units. This has led to an former commander of the Conroe Training Battalion. Vasos has atmosphere of only tolerating perfection and adherence to made sure that each new unit has formed itself quickly and regulations within the unit, which has caused the other Light begun intensive training to ensure the new formations learn to Cavalry RCT’s to nickname the 4th, Vasos’s Pet Ponies. Suffice to work as a whole. So far, Vasos’s methods have proved say, this has led to some ugly incidents between cadets of the 4th and other Light Cavalry troops. However, the 4th’s attitude has
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garnered it more support than the other three RCT’s from the AFFS High Command, allowing them to become the best equipped of the four units. Strategic Outlook As demonstrated on Tortuga, when the AFFS wants something, it usually gets it. However, for the first time in its history the AFFS may face the nightmare scenario of all its borders not just erupting in war, but a coordinated war, designed to bring the nation to its knees. Conclusions The Federated Suns is in a strong overall position and barring a major catastrophe should remain so. As the alliance with the Lyrans grows in strength, with the AFFS maintaining a sufficient reserve of forces, the Federated suns is well positioned to ensure the continued rise of the Davion line.
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Capellan Confederation Industry “No longer will we suffer the oppression brought on by the arvice The Capellan industry is heavily concentrated in the core of the of our foes. Instead we will usher in a new era of prosperity and realm, with a recent expansion seen within St. Ives and nearby strength for all Capellan people.” worlds, due to Candace Liao’s intent to revitalise her duchy and the rest of the Confederation through innovative means. ‐ Chancellor Maximillian Liao – Address to the House of Scions. Civilian Major Changes With 85 worlds within the Confederation as net exporters of industrial products and the Confederation’s industrial base about The Confederation of recent months has begun to experience a 80% that of the Combine, the Capellan realm has the potential to phenomenon not often known by the Capellan people: Hope. became quite successful in any plans for expansion. However, The rhetoric from Sian has developed a different character, any further losses of these important worlds would see a rapid leading many to speculate that the Liao family may be on the decline in Capellan strength. verge of turning the Confederation’s fortunes around. On the Military downside however, the escalating feud between Candace and Romano that has the potential to severely disrupt Capellan Militarily, the Confederation has, like many other states, been planning and operations. slowly building up its production base since 3000. However, recent trends have seen a drop in investment in this sector, as Leaders more resources are poured into the main line forces. The attempted poisoning of the Liao family, bar Tormana, in late Revenue July, has caused a subtle but definite shift in the power structure of the ruling family. The conflict between Candace and Romano, The Capellans, like the Combine, do not have the luxury of although initially going in favour of Candace, seems to be moving spending their funds on whatever takes their fancy. The back towards Romano. Romano, in league with Pavel Ridzik, Capellan state is noted for its thrift and forward planning, with seems to be mounting a concerted campaign to discredit her 3023 another example of this, as most extra money was elder sister and have her put in a place similar to Tormana. funnelled into industrial development in St. Ives by Duchess However, to discount Candace as impotent to affect the future of Candace. the Confederation, is an assumption the CISA will not make. Economic Forecast for 3024 Provinces Moderate growth in the Capellan economy of 3‐4% can be Little has changed in the Confederation over the past year, expected for 3024, as the Capellan merchant sector responds to although talk of creating a new Commonality from the rimward the Capellan Defence Force’s freeing up of certain number of areas of the Sian Commonality continues to gain ears within the Jumpships for commercial use. Capellan bureaucracy. Discussions on recreating the Chesterton Commonality continue, however, without physical possession of Military any of the Chesterton worlds, the subject is of little value. The Capellan Confederation Armed Forces have been ravaged by Interstellar Relations the Succession Wars, but recent developments have seen an improvement in their fortunes. Although seeing a lesser The Capellan’s relations with both ComStar and the Draconis expansion than the other Kapteyn powers, the CCAF has grown Combine have strengthened over the past year, whilst those with in its base strength by a massive 16%, through the raising of new the League remain little better than cool and watchful, despite regiments and the hiring of several mercenary commands. what the new alliance states. Relations with the Lyrans, never warm, but always businesslike, have deteriorated, forcing the Current Stance Capellans to foster relations with several Periphery powers, The CCAF is currently poised with half its forces in light garrison notably the Outworlds Alliance, Marian Hegemony and Oberon holdings, whilst heavier response forces are positioned on Confederation. important interior worlds. Although the CCAF can launch strikes Economics when needed, it lacks the strength to unleash a full force assault on either of its main foes. The economy of the Confederation is not all that far behind that Forces of the Combine, due to the more pragmatic view the Confederation has taken in its need for trade and industrial The CCAF has just enough force to maintain its borders against support. Although most of the industrial output is sent to the those who would test them. However, the CCAF has lacked military, there is sufficient industry in the core worlds to support enough force to mount an effective assault for many years. a vibrant civilian sector, something recently discussed openly by However, the fact remains that any force not paying respect to Duchess Candace, much to the annoyance of her father. the CCAF will learn the hard way that lack of numbers does not equate to lack a of skill.
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The BattleMech arm of the CCAF consists of 63 regiments of 1st Grenadiers: The Duchess Candace’s Own Grenadiers which 16 Regiments, 9 Battalions are mercenary. The force The first Genadier unit to form, the 1st have breakdown is 12 light regiments (8.6 regular, 3.3 mercenary), become the showpiece unit of the Corps, viying 22.3 medium regiments (17 regular, 5.3 mercenary), 21 heavy with the 6th for overall acclaim. The 1st is raised regiments (14.6 regular, 6.3 mercenary) and 7.6 assault mainly from the St.Ives region, ensuring that their regiments (3.6 regular, 4 mercenary), loyalty is to Candace Laio first and any other power The CCAF also maintains a strong conventional force of 162 a distant second. The first unit to reach brigades of which 102 are not attached to other regiments. operational efficiancy, the 1st have also gained a Covering the ground forces are 78 aerospace wings, of which regular rating from the CCAF. An honour guard of the 1st only 14 are independent, a tiny number compared to other accompanies Duchess Liao at all times, another factor that has states. However, these 14 units are maintained and triple the led to Romano Liao to question her sisters motivations. The 1st strength of other realms independent wings. paint their nova in bright blue. New Units 2nd Grenadiers: Tikonov’s Grand Union The Capellan Confederation Armed Forces saw the smallest Formed from the worlds of the Tikonov expansion of all three Kapteyn militaries during 3023. Commonality, the name of the 2nd represents the Nevertheless, the Capellans, ever the masters of doing more with early days of their homeland and their desire to less, produced six new combat commands, who have quickly return it to its former glory. The 2nd have worked established a reputation for dedication and excellence. hard to bring their various units together and have begun to show a pechant for defensive operations. To form and train these new regiments, Duchess Candace Liao, This has caused problems with the Corps under orders from her father, Chancellor Maximillian, turned the command, as all Grenadiers units are expected to be offensively world of Hexare into a massive training camp and live fire range. minded. Colonel Wei is seeking to modify his regiments Hexare first saw the BattleMech units, then the aerospace and tendencies with an especially sever round of planetary assault conventional forces of each command raised and trained, before nd retraining. The 2 paints its nova bright red. being assigned to their new postings. 3rd Grenadiers: Capella’s Return The Chancellors Own Capellan Grenadiers: Restoring the Realm The 3rd Grenadiers are already the black sheep of The Chancellor’s Own Capellan Grenadiers are the the family, having only recently gained active brainchild of Duchess Candace Liao, created in status. Six months after the units formation, honor of her father, Chancellor Maximillian Liao. several Davion agents were located within both the The mandate of the six new regiments is the regiments command and in the general ranks, restoration of the former territorial holdings of the leading to the arrest and execution of nearly a third Capellan Confederation, by any means necessary. of the regiment, includung the commanding With each regiment raised primarily from a single officer. This action led to every member in the regiment viewing region, the new units have become the focus of regional pride, their companions either as Davion spies, or as informers, especially so since the airing of the holo‐documentary destroying unit cohesion. Colonel de Ruyter, recently promoted, Chancellors Own. The documentary followed the formation of has worked miricales to bring the unit into some form of order, the new units, and has led to them attaining a public profile as but still faces a daunting challenge, as many in the unit still high as that of the Warrior Houses and Capellan Hussars, a fact refuse to speak to each other. [Editor’s Note: Apparently the that has ruffled more than a few feathers. “spies” were agents of Romano Liao, possibly even Thuggee The Grenadiers are nominally commanded by Duchess Candace, cultists, being labelled as Davion agents in order to prevent a civil rd but will in time report to their respective local area commanders. war between the two sisters.] The nova of the 3 is emerald The success Candace has had with the formation of these units green. has led some, most notably her sister Romano, to voice concerns th 4 Grenadiers: Sarna’s Own Grenadiers over Candace’s methods, techniques and motivations. Each of the other five commands were raised from The overall insignia of the Grenadiers is a rectangular, two tone an entire district, however, the people of the grey field, with a map of the Confederations greatest territorial th planet Sarna provided the entire roster of the 4 , extents in jade imposed over it. A bright white supernova th giving it a very distict personality. The 4 has radiates from Sian, all are overlayed by the Capellan coat of arms rapidly become the rapid reaction and raiding force in a mottled gold and black. Each regiment replaces the main of the Grenadiers, specialising in rapid strikes and nova with its own, designating the capital world of the region it flaking assaults, as well as fast insertions from represents in the units secondary colour. th orbit. Most observers believe that the 4 will be given its regular The colours of the Grenadiers are a mottled jade green, with grey rating within the next few months, due to their quick mastery of th highlights. Each regiment then paints a bright nova burst on the often difficult tactics. The nova of the 4 is bright purple. centre of a Mech’s chest, or vehicles centre, in the regiments own nova colour.
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5th Grenadiers: Light in the Darkness The 5th Grenadiers have taken their oath to recover lost territory more seriously than the other regiments. As the representatives of the periphery border worlds of the Confederation, the 5th look to the worlds abandonded to the periphery during the Succession Wars as viable targets for reintergration. To this end, the 5th have begun recruiting planetary scientists and colonial settlement experts to assit them in relocating and reintergrating abandoned former Capellan worlds that still have viable ecosystems and settlements. The 5th’s nova is a radiant yellow. 6th Grenadiers: Maximillian’s Own Castrovian Grenadiers The 6th have been formed from the Sian Commonality, with a large number of recruits from Castrovia, Maximillian Liao’s Ducal holding. This action by Candace, on behalf of her father and in honor of him, has delighted Maximillian no end. In order to strengthen his new play thing, the Chancellor has transferred several offciers from the Death Commandos and the Capellan Hussars to assist the new unit in finding its feet. The effort has so far been successfal, as the 6th reached combat readiness and regular status, in half the time that the 1st Grenadiers took to reach similar benchmarks. This had led to an intense rivalry between the two units, with training engagements between the two being fought with an almost reckless abandon.. The nova of the 6th is a bright orange. Strategic Outlook The CCAF has increased in strength in a remarkable way in the last twelve months, something that will continue in 3024, albeit at a lower rate. CISA predicts the CCAF to be at 125% of its 3022 strength by the end of 3024. No mean achievement for a force that has long been derided by the other great powers. Conclusions The Confederation, as part of the Kapteyn power block, has an opportunity that it has not had for many years, that of being able to influence events on the wider scale. Should the Confederation be able to take advantage of events to suit itself, the Capellan state may emerge from centuries of decline.
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Free Worlds League Economics “That stinking rat bastard Janos has managed to set us back The League economy has always been strong, second only to centuries. Unfortunately, the Mariks can now swarm us under, that of their great rivals, the Lyrans. The League Eagle is currently as they can any opposition.” trading .89 Kroner and 1.57 C‐Bills, a height that owes much to the new alliance. ‐ Attributed to the Prince of Regulus. Industry Major Changes League industry has long been a power house, with its average The Free Worlds League has changed forever. The reforms output per world exceeding that of the Lyran Commonwealth by instituted by Janos and Thomas Marik have not only redrawn the 13.5%. Despite this lead, the Commonwealth is able to produce administrative map of the League, but redrawn the power 11.5% more than the FWL, by virtue of its larger size. structure of both the League itself and the Inner Sphere. The Nevertheless, League industry is a powerful tool and one that the League now finds itself both militarily and politically stronger, Marik’s ensure is well looked after. and is fast becoming the, not the understudy to the Draconis Combine in the Kapteyn Alliance. Civilian Leaders With the worlds of New Olympia, Loyalty, Paradise, Carbonis, Vanra, Calloway VI, Fletcher, Fujidera, Oriente and Shenwan all Janos Marik, long thought by many to be on the decline, has re‐ seeing large, government assisted, economic growth, the future emerged from 3023 as a greatly different man, acting much like of the League civilian sector is set to grow rapidly over the he had twenty years before. Gone are the bowed shoulders and coming years. worn look, replaced by a man of strong bearing and incisive decision making. Military Most of the reason for this revival of the Captain‐General can be The military industrial base has not seen significant growth over laid at the feet of his son, the recently returned Thomas Marik, the past year, however, that may change as 3024 progresses and the man now officially declared his heir. Thomas’s support has the massive growth in the FWLM begins to slow, and the needs been fundamental in resurrecting, not only his fathers career, of its service support arms becomes apparent. but also in assuring the dominance of the Marik family for the Revenue next generation. Only 3.75% less revenue is raised by the League than its trading The opposition to the Mariks, from both within the family and rival, the Lyran Commonwealth, yet inefficiencies in the League from their opponents in the League, has been temporarily see this gap widen to 10.8% when it comes time to actually see disabled by the actions of the two leading men of the realm. the money used effectively. Should the League be able, through CISA predicts that 3024 will see the two men riding the crest of the current reforms, to streamline its huge machine of state, it success’s wave and it will not be until 3025 that effective may one day truly rival the Lyran Commonwealth. resistance will re‐emerge within the League and the Marik family. Economic Forecast for 3024 Provinces The Free Worlds League economy has expanded by 19% on its year 3000 base, an achievement that is ever accelerating. CISA The provincial map of the Free Worlds League was redrawn by expects another year of strong growth from the League Janos and Thomas to support the effects of the Affirmation of economy, with investment in industry and trade likely to be the the Home Defence Act. Major League administrative and primary divers of growth. military powers, along with some taken from the provinces, have been concentrated on five key worlds. The worlds of Dieudonne, Military Holt, Granera, Stirling and Kendall are now the main centres of The Free Worlds League Military has emerged from decades of non‐provincial power in the League. This stripping of power poor performance and bitter regional divisions over the last year, from the provinces has led to CISA re‐designating the old to become a force to be reckoned with. Gone are the provincial provincial capitals as regional centres. divides, replaced by a newly invigorated Federal force, backed by Interstellar Relations loyal Provincial troops and able to face down opponents, both at home and abroad. The FWLM has undergone the largest The League has not seen any real change to its interstellar numerical expansion of any military in 3023, adding twelve full relations, despite the change brought on by the Concord of combat commands to the Federal forces and seven mercenary Kapteyn. The major foreign policy issue at the present time is regiments to its rosters, raising the overall strength of the FWLM that regarding the rapid expansion of the Marian Hegemony, an by 18%. expansion that could conceivably threaten the Periphery border. Current Stance
The FWLM is currently redeploying forces all across it borders and CISA has been hard pressed to keep track of these
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movements. As such, it is difficult to predict what type of stance The insignia of the Free Worlds Guards is a yellow, red and black the newly invigorated FWLM will take up once the movements shield held aloft by silver wings. All Guards units carry this are complete. marking, on the right leg of 'Mechs, the tail plane of aerospace craft or the forward glacis of vehicles. The parade colours of the Forces Guards are a mix of white and purple panelling, with black The FWLM has become a potent force in the last year, with many accents. line forces now freed up and supported by loyal provincial forces. 4th Free Worlds Guards: Back to Basics With the questionable forces of the Mariks opponents now concentrated in their home territories, the FWLM has a flexibility The newly reconstiuted 4th Guards are an it has not had for many years. introspective lot, embracing their role as the first of the old guard of Federal forces to be rebuilt The BattleMech arm of the FLWM consists of 87 regiments of and one of the rare Assault weight regiments of which 37 are Federal Regiments, 32 (11 loyal) are Provincial and th the League. The 4 have excercised tirelessly to 18 are mercenary. The force breakdown is 19 light regiments (12 repay the honor done to them and have, more than any other regular, 9 provincial), 37 medium regiments (13 regular, 15 nd new unit, bar perhaps the 2 Atrean Hussars, been the avatars provincial, 9 mercenary), 27 heavy regiments (9 regular, 10 th of the new will of the Marik family. The 4 have been accorded provincial, 8 mercenary) and 4 assault regiments (3 regular, 1 the honour of garrisoning the planet Marik and as such, have mercenary), th become further dedicated to the Mariks. The symbol of the 4 is The FWLM also maintains a conventional force of 179 brigades of the original crest of the Free Worlds League. which only 31 Federal and 43 provincial are not attached to th 5 Free Worlds Guards: Embodiment of Energy other regiments. Covering the ground forces are a massive 228 aerospace wings, of which 55 Federal and 66 provincial are The heavy weight 5th Guards are now the independent. prime honor guard of Atreus, retaking their ancient role from the 4th Oriente Hussars. The New Units th 5 have been slower to come to combat th th The Free Worlds League Military saw the greatest expansion of readiness than the 4 and 6 Guards, due to the fact that their all the major armed forces during 3023. Three major factors ceremonial duties have prevented the unit from excercising in influenced this huge buildup of forces, unprecedented in the full as often as the LCCC would like. This should not be taken as a th Free Worlds since the First Succession War. Firstly, as for the statement of weakness for the 5 , as they remain one of the other Kapteyn powers, an unknown source of supply has best equipped and staffed regiments in the League. The symbol th surfaced and was responsible for much of the buildup. of the 5 is the standard Free Worlds crest, with the Marik Eagle crisscrossed with bands of lightning. Secondly, the massive industrial potential of the Free Worlds th League, second only to the Lyran Commonwealth, allowed for 6 Free Worlds Guards: Shield of the League the Captain‐General to form another four regiments. In normal th The 6 Guards have taken to their tradditional roles as both a times, even this number of new regiments would have been an representative of all the Provonces of the Free Worlds and as a acute stress on the LCCC logistics networks, however, the th dangerous mid‐weight regiment of fast hitting power. The 6 ongoing supply of unknown resources allowed Janos Marik to do have gone a long way to mollifying some of what was needed. Janos Marik’s parlimentary critics, as they Thirdly, the will of Captain‐General Janos Marik, bolstered and contain the best and brightest from across the buttressed by his son Thomas’s presence, was paramount in League and are loyal to Parliament first and seeing the plan through. Without the new acts passed by the the Mairk family second. The insignia of the th Free Worlds Parliament, the new regiments would have been 6 in a gold shield with the five major crests of little more than a dream, as the largess from the unknown supply the League, set over a purple field. source would have been frittered away piecemeal to the Atrean Dragoons: Rebuilding a Legacy provinces. Beaten down to three regiments from their Free Worlds Guards: Old Glory – New Drive original fourteen over the course of the The Free Worlds Guards are the showcase Succession Wars, the Dragoons were a prime unit of the Federal forces of the FWLM. candidate for the Marik’s plans. The Dragoons Ever accorded the highest honours, best have long been the go to regiments of the equipment and most promising troops, the Federal forces, and each of the three new Guards symbolise the power of the regiments embrace this ideal of undertaking any mission in any Captain‐General and the League. Janos conditions. and Thomas Marik knew that no The Dragoon’s insignia is a shield, fading from gold to red, expansion of the League Federal forces could be undertaken emblazoned with a blue white and black rectangle. White without an expansion of the Guards. numerals above the insignia denote individual regiments. The unit's motto is inscribed beneath the Atrean Dragoons' insignia.
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The parade colours of the Dragoons are a light gray base with 3rd Marik Militia: Grey Ghosts green accents. Individual panels may be highlighted in solid The 3rd Militia were destroyed defending green. Barlaston from a long range strike by the Capellan 2nd Atrean Dragoons: Second Chance Confederation late in the First Succession War. The 3rd had gained a reputation as expert raiders Annihilated defending Bolan from the Lyran 2nd and masters of the art of dissapearing on the Commonwealth in the First Succession War, rd battlefield, hence their name. The new 3 , a medium weight the new 2nd Dragoons, although honoured by unit, have attempted to emulate their namesakes, and although their refounding, are at odds with the LCC nd somewhat ham fisted in their attempts so far, show great already. The origional 2 were famed for rd promise. The 3 are stationed on Shuen Wan, where they plan Fidelitas quod Vires their heavy Mechs and hatred of the Lyrans, to one day seek revenge for the loss of their forebears. so the light weight composition of the new 2nd and their assignment to Romita, has caused morale to be unstable and the 7th Marik Militia: Desert Rats LCC to list the unit as unreliable. The old 7th were famed desert fighters, 3rd Atrean Dragoons: Merchant Marines claiming an unbroken lineage to a famed th nd rd unit of ancient Terra. The new 7 , whilst Unlike the 2 , the new 3 Dragoons could th 3rd reviving the old 7 Militia’s insignia, have not be happier with their assignment to the had little chance to train as a unit, being the periphery of the League and their fast last regiment certified combat ready by the LCC. The reason for medium Mechs. Long famed as expert th this is the 7 ’s assignemt across half the Canopian border, where escorts and pirate hunters, until lost in an they have begun patroling various systems and rarely operating Vox quod Veneratio engagement with Capellan naval assests early above battalion level. in the Second Succession War, the 3rd has enmbraced its past and has been warmly welcomed by the citizens of Kendall and the 11th Marik Militia: Athena’s Regiment sorrunding systems. Despite this, the 3rd’s conventionl units The 11th were never really destroyed, they just were roughly handled by the pirate group The Longboatmen on ceased to exist during the mid‐Third Succession Jubka, when the pirates raided the world successfully. War, victims of shattered supply lines and ever 4th Atrean Dragoons: Border Rangers mounting losses. The remainder of the 11th was th th absorbed into the 5 Marik Milita, who provided a Another medium unit, the 4 have been th th 4th compnay to reform the 11 in 3024. The 11 assigned to their old station of the Magistracy th have been stationed on Harsfield, close by the 5 , border, where their forebears saw much th where both units have worked together to bring the 11 back up action at the end of the Star Laegue period. to operational standards. The 4th have taken up primary station on Victoria quod Palma Temetagi and as such, have been able to 12th Marik Militia: The Shattered Made Whole assist Nimachi Fusion Products in testing their Spiders, also The origional 12th were hunted to extermination allowing the unit access to additional technical staff. by Lyran forces during the Second Succession War. Marik Militia: Re‐mailed Fist No survivors were found and all that remained of the regiment were shattered and broken Long the workhorse unit of the League, the roster th machines. The new 12 honors the loss of its of the Marik Militia has been riddled with holes, namesake in its insignia, the Marik Miliat crest assembled from due to the ever increasing depredations of the th pieces of stained glass. Assigned to Second Chance, the 12 Succession Wars. The Captain‐General knew from have shown a marked preference for stand up fights. the outset, that the Militia would form the cornerstone of any rebuilding project and set out to reward the 16th Marik Militia: The Peacemakers long years of service the Brigade has provided. Five lost The 16th are a regiment traditionally raised from regiments have been resurrected on the roles, and this simple the planet Marik. The first incarnation of the action has led to a massive upswing in support for The Marik 16th was first assigned to pacification of newly within the other Marik Militia regiments. won territories and so picked up its nickname Each 'Mech displays the Marik Militia crest ‐ a stylized Marik from there. Over the years the name stuck, as Eagle on a red and blue background ‐ on its left arm or weapons the 16th brought peace through superior pod. The Marik Militias use a colour scheme first seen in 2620‐‐ firepower to many battlefields. Although the current 16th is purple with red accents on the right side and blue on the left. much lighter than the old, it has shown promise as a light strike formation.
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Atrean Hussars: A New Phoenix Long maligned as no hopers and the Captain‐Generals pets, the 1st Hussars have languished for many years. The choice of Janos Marik to build a new Hussars regiment surprised many, most of all the 1st Hussars. The success of this new formation has spurred the 1st regiment to finally throw off their lacklustre performances and endeavour to outshine their new companion regiment. The brigade’s insignia is a stylized eight‐pointed star over a black disc. Atrean Hussar war machines use blue and white parade colours‐‐the upper section of each 'Mech, vehicle or fighter is white, the lower is blue. 2nd Atrean Hussars: Steel Hearts The 2nd Hussars have taken the LCCC by surprise: Firslty by their formation; secondly by the man appointed to command them; through their rapid coming together and advancemant; and fourth, their performance in excercises, most noteably their severe handeling of the 4th Orients Hussars on New Olympia in April 3023. Colonel James Hudson is credited with being the man who has almost single handedly turned arroiund the entire fortune of the Atrean Hussars Brigade. His outspoken nature, obvious skill handeling his heavy unit and his charming manner with the press, have garneder the 2nd no small amount of fame. Strategic Outlook The FWLM military is now in a position of strength, not experienced since the beginning of the Succession Wars. Should the new deployment and organisation succeed, the FWLM will be a bane for the LCAF and the CCAF, should the Kapteyn alliance fail. Conclusions The Free Worlds League is in a position to become one of the leading powers over the coming years, emerging from a century of stagnation and putting pressure on its neighbours in ways that will force them to rethink their views towards, and actions regarding ,the Free Worlds League.
25 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 It is best for our Blessed Order that we increase surveillance of this CISA organisation. They are becoming a little too good at their job. Their conclusions regarding our Order here, are ComStar beginning to concern ROM and the First Circuit. cause, it remains another grey area of concern in the stream of They may need to be dealt with permanently. unusual occurrences of the last year. “ComStar is dedicated to its ongoing place of neutrality and in providing cheap and effective communications to all mankind Military without bias.” The small ComStar Guards and Militia and the Terran Security ‐ Precentor Dieron, Myndo Waterly. Forces are an area where no information is forthcoming. What they command and where they are stationed remains a mystery. Major Changes However, as always, CISA is of the opinion that this shadow force remains a dangerous unknown at the heart of the Inner Sphere. Like most groups who watch the play of the great power, CISA has great difficulty in peering into the depths of ComStar’s I have appended the following information from the Precentor Martial in order to provide a shadows. However, it would appear, through inferring motives complete picture as to our capabilities and their current relationship to those of the other and moves from much data, that ComStar may well be behind powers. many of the developments of the last few years. Why they The ComGuards have undergone a rapid and enormous would take such action is unclear, despite the mounting evidence expansion over the last year, in line with Primus Waterly’s that they have, and will, continue to move and shake behind the directive: To ensure that the safety of the Order and Terra for the scenes. foreseeable future. Precentor Martail Angus Hamilton has been Leaders ably assisted by Precentor Naval Graham Neville and Precentor Patrick Millray in organising and equipping the multitude of new Primus Julian Tiepolo leads the more moderate faction of formations and ships. ComStar, one that has held sway for some time now, ably supported by Huthrin Vandel and Ulthan Everson. The Primus’s The ComGuards ground forces have now abandoned the position has been weakened somewhat by the loss of Villius Tejh experiment with the base six formations and have adopted a cut for reasons unknown, however, his position seems to be secure down version of the Federated Suns RCT. Each gathering of a for the time being. Opposition to the Primus appears to be BattleMech Regiment, Conventional Brigade and Aerospace coalescing around his former protégé, Myndo Waterly, Precentor Wing is designated a Combat Brigade Group (CBG). of Dieron, who represents are far more radical group within the Additionally, the ComGuard fleet has undergone a huge increase order. That they are threatened by the Precentor’s vision shows in numbers and tonnage, which has so far exceeded the initial their own lack of foresight. However, their perceptions, as to Interstellar Relations our inner workings, are most disturbing. ROM should projections that the naval staff provided on refitting mothballed begin an investigation into potential leaks immediately. ships. ComStar outwardly maintains friendly relations with all the powers of the Inner Sphere. The reality, at least that which CISA Combat Brigade Groups: A New Way of Thinking can determine, is far more complex. It would appear that the The new Brigade groups are now the most un‐ moderate faction of ComStar supported both the F‐C Alliance ComStar part of ComStar, something that has and the Concord of Kapteyn, as methods to maintain balance caused no small amount of uneasiness at the within the Inner Sphere, with the periphery tolerated, yet largely highest levels of the Order. ignored. The rising faction of Myndo Waterly, however, seems to be more in favour of support for the periphery and the weaker Nonetheless, the massive effort continues Kapteyn power block, in order to bring balance on different apace, with eleven CBGs formed to date and terms. The factional in fighting may lead to ComStar pushing the many more in the process of coming together. This program is states of the Inner Sphere into positions they might not expected to continue over the foreseeable future as the targets otherwise have moved to, causing unforeseen results. initially set are far from being met. This analysis bears watching. They seem to know too much Economics The CBGs insignia takes the form of a disc, upon which three already. triangles are set, their points meeting in the centre of the disc. The ComStar economy, based on its HPG network, interstellar The symbol represents the meeting of Mech, Aerospace and trade fleet and limited exports from the Terran system, is a Conventional forces as one. Every CBG fills each of the triangles difficult web to unravel. ComStar releases little hard data, so in a different colour, with each badge becoming a distictive mark most conclusions have to be inferred from other information. for the Brigade. The insignia is awarded to each CBG upon its What is known is that the C‐Bill has undergone a rapid decline in official activation. The colour scheme used on CBG vehicles for value over the last 18 months, for reasons unknown. Once only parades is white with highlights and accents in the colours of the eclipsed in value by the Lyran Kroner, then only fractionally, the unit’s triangles. C‐Bill can now only buy 0.57 Lyran Kroner, 1.05 Combine Ryu, st 0.81 Davion Pounds, 1.38 Capellan Yuan and 0.64 Marik Eagles. 1 Combat Brigade Group: First of All Composed primarily of ex‐1st Division troops, That the C‐Bill can decline so precipitously is worrying to many st financial analysts, but the cause remains a mystery. Many point the 1 have maintained their status as the out that it may be from the increasing strength of the Inner elite of the ComGuard forces. Although Sphere economies, as they recover from the 3rd Succession War hesitant to drop the base six formations, that the 1st had originally created, the 1st through trade and increased industrial output. Whatever the 1 Should CISA learn to true reason for the decline of the C-Bill, the future of the Order would be in peril. Have ROM check and re-check all current security measure within the Terran system. 26 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
have, nonetheless, become the leading practitioners of the new has begun to use the actions of the 11th as a training aid at ComStar CBG style deployment and the techniques that are Sandhurst, much to the pleasure of the 11th CBG. required to gain the most from it. The 1st are, surprisingly, a light 12th Combat Brigade Group: Dirty Dozen weight regiment who are experts in fast raids and strikes, something that service during the war against the Periphery The 12th, last of the CBGs to fully form from an Pirates had taught them. old Division, are a veteran, light weight unit, nd which has developed a taste for fighting in 2 Combat Brigade Group: Second to None 1 2 terrain which other units consider The second make up for their lesser impassable, especially swamps. The 12th‘s experience, when compared to the 1st, posting to the Amazonian Delta, has allowed through the pre‐ponderous mass of their it to fine tune its methods and become a assault Mechs. The 2nd are a slow moving yardstick for other units seeking to gain their difficult terrain wall of steel, which although not particularly rating. 2 hard to avoid, are devastating when they th nd 13 Combat Brigade Group: Lucky You finally come into range. The 2 ’s command is trying, some believe vainly, to improve the ability of the unit to The 13th Division was used to fill holes in the bring itself to bear. other CBGs rosters, leaving it with a very thin th th roster when reformed as the 13 CBG. As 4 Combat Brigade Group: Fourth of Firth 1 3 the first unit to accept new recruits, the 13th The 4th, decedents of the old 4th Division, have went onto become the champion of the new adopted the practices of the ancient Scottish system and has dedicated itself to the pursuit Clansmen whose lands they garrison. They of perfection in the new CBG techniques. This attack first and ask questions later. The drive has allowed the 13th to attain its veteran rating, making it reckless abandon of the 4th allows it to fight one of the top four CBGs in the ComGuards. 4 much more powerful opponents and shock st nd 31 Combat Brigade Group: New Vision them into hasty retreats. However, as the 2 th CBG demonstrated, when an opponent refuses to budge, the 4 The first new brigade, with no ties to former can be placed into a poor position quickly and punished. ComGuard Divisions, the 31st has become one th of the primary showcase units for the people 6 Combat Brigade Group: Taipan Brigade 3 1 of Terra. The unit has partaken in many The Taipan CBG has taken the extremely parade displays all across the world and as a venomous Taipan as its namesake, seeking to result, the 31st is a popular and well emulate its ability to strike from cover and recognised formation. This PR campaign has kill instantly. As an assault weight regiment, limited the 31st’s chances to train, but has made its troops it can achieve this over most opponents, experts in moving large formations quickly, resulting in the 6 finding that luring enemies into the trap is the ComGuard High command awarding the unit its regular rating. most difficult task to master. The highlight of th th 34 Combat Brigade Group: Pathfinders the 6 ’s career so far was the heavy mauling they handed out to st the 1 CBG in late 3023. The heavy Mechs of the 34th have become the th ComGuards orbital insertion specialists, albeit 9 Combat Brigade Group: Ninth Level of Hell at company level and below. Individual 34th The 9th have become an early problem unit for 3 4 CBG units are highly adept at locating and the Precentor Martial, finding the transition securing landing zones for other formations, to the new formations difficult and causing but suffer from lack of coordination when numerous problems on and off the training they try to operate above battalion level. The field. Much of this opposition has come Precentor Martial is toying with the idea of remaking the 34th as 9 from die hard true believers, who see the a Pathfinder Command and raising a new CBG to replace it. secularisation of the ComGuards as an affront to 39th Combat Brigade Group: The Antarctica Brigade their history. th th The 39 have been stationed on Antarctica 11 Combat Brigade Group: Panhard’s Panzers since shortly after their commissioning and as th The heavy Mechs of Precentor Panhard’s 11 CBG 3 9 such, are the best cold weather warriors in are rapidly becoming known for their precise the ComGuards. The survival skills of the application of the ancient art of Blitzkrieg. 39th are second only to those found in the 1 1 The 11th are able to mass a surprising SAS and no unit, not even the famed 1st CBG, number of troops on a narrow front, smash can face them on the cold barren plains of the through an enemies’ line and begin to create southern continent and win. chaos in their rear areas. Precentor Millray
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Ships of the Line: The Ultimate Defence Avenging Sword ComGuard Avenging sword aegis navy The CSS Avenging Sword, an Aegis class Cruiser, is one of the most proficient ships in the fleet. The Sword currently holds the premiere place amongst cruisers within the ComGuard fleet, The ComGuard Warship fleet is now an impressive weapon of something the crew and Captain work hard to maintain. war, designated as the initial defence against any incursion into Terran space by a hostile intruder. Originally only numbering Bordeaux twelve vessels, the fleet now consists of twenty seven ships, seven more than originally anticipated in the fleet expansion Bordeaux program. Dante In addition to these new ships, the ComGuards fleet has The three Dante class Frigates have been re‐classified as Cruisers redesignated several classes using a new system. Ships are no under the new ComGuard system. CSS Bordeaux, along with her longer assigned a class based on an arbitrary decision; instead sister ships, is working hard to make a name for themselves as they are assigned to one of five classes based on mass. This has the core of the cruiser fleet. upset many within the ComGuards Naval Arm, as they are traditionalists to the bone, however, it has made life easier on Montpellier the shipyard planners and overseers who have to manage the Montpellier flow of tonnage through there facilities. Dante The new symbol of the Naval arm is a two tone blue rectangle, with a white star at each end. Each ship replaces the ComGuard The CSS Montpellier, despite its relatively young age was, like the – Navy section of the banner, with its name and class. Narbonne, mothballed for many years. Recommissioned in late 3023, the Montpellier’s crew is working hard to bring the ship up Invisible Truth to the standards set by the Bordeaux.
Invisible truth Narbonne
Cameron Narbonne
Once the largest ship in the fleet and the only Battlecrusier on Dante active service, the Cameron class CSS Invisible is now one of several Battlecrusiers active within the fleet. Although the The CSS Narbonne had its refit completed in late 3023 and since Invisible Truth will no longer the flag vessel of the fleet when the then has established a reputation as a well run ship. Although Blake’s Sword enters service, she is still the best trained and the crews overall experience is still low, they show great promise crewed ship the ComGuards field. as a leading ship of the future. Blake Ascendant Righteous Fury
Righteous fury Blake ascendant
aegis Black lion Recommissioned in early 3023, the Black Lion class Battlecrusier The second Aegis cruiser in the fleet, the CSS Righteous Fury was CSS Blake Ascendant has been diligent in attaining full combat refitted in late 3022. The ships age has led to numerous ongoing capability and living up to the standards set by the Invisible problems due to several cases of degrading structural members Truth. Already rated as regular, many expect the Ascendant to that were missed in the initial overhaul. The ship is due back at join the Truth in a veteran rating sooner rather than later. the Titan yards in the next month for further work. Blake’s Strength Enlightened Pursuit
Enlightened Blake’s strength pursuit
Quixote Black lion Recommissioned in late 3023, the CSS Blake’s Strength is another ComStar had been experimenting with the CSS Enlightened Black Lion. The reactivation was plagued with problems which Pursuit prior to the build‐up and so the ship was brought online continue to effect the functioning of the ship. Unless the very quickly once the orders were given. The benefits of the problems are brought under control, the Strength will be sent experiments on the Pursuit made the refit of the Path a less back to the Titan yards for further work. taxing experience than would otherwise have been the case.
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Enlightened Path Defender of Versailles
Enlightened path Defender of Versailles Quixote Essex CSS Enlightened Path is one of the two recommissioned Quixote The Essex classs CSS Defender of Versailles has been one of the class ships. Despite their age, they have been modernised and principle lines of defence within the Terran system for decades. look to see good service as system defence ships over Terra. The Being in the system constantly requires deft manoeuvring to refit was completed in early 3023. ensure that the ship is never seen, giving the crew the reputation All Seeing Eye of possessing some of the finest helmsmen in the fleet. End of Wisdom All seeing eye
Essex End of wisdom The CSS All Seeing Eye was originally the SLS Dresden, an Essex Lola III class Destroyer. The ships refit was completed in Early 3023 and The CSS End of Wisdom, formerly the Lola III class Destroyer SLS the Eye now patrols the Ross 248 system, in conjunction with the Newcastle, was recovered from the Caph system’s Oort cloud other ships of the Ross squadron. and refitted in early 3023. The ship has proved a bad luck ship, Tiberias as there have been three deaths and numerous injuries on board already. Tiberias Essex Essex Essex The CSS Tiberias is an Essex hull that had long served as a training monitor in the Lyuten system. Bringing the Tiberias back to full Essex operational service was a relatively easy task and was completed The CSS Essex, first of her class when built in 2711, was thought even before the main Warship program began. The crews’ long lost forever during the battle for Terra at the end of the Star experience with the ship has the Tiberias holding the honor of League. The ship, though extensively damaged, was apparently best Destroyer in the fleet. overlooked during the Exodus and remained in the main Asteroid Blake’s Vision belt until refitted by ComStar over the course of 3023. Fire Star Blake’s Vision
Lola III Fire star The Lola III class CSS Blake’s Vision was part of the pre‐build‐up whirlwind fleet and continues to serve with distinction in the Ross The CSS Fire Star is a rare Whirlwind class Destroyer, apparently squadron. the only one not to accompany Kerensky on his Exodus. The ship Brandenburg Crusader was refitted in early 3024 and has demonstrated the class’s great speed and agility in exercises since then. Brandenburg Crusader Light of Hope
Essex Light of hope
Another Essex class Destroyer, the CSS Brandenburg Crusader baron has long garrisoned the Ross system for the fleet. In fact, the Crusader is the only ship to have fired its guns in anger in the last The CSS Light of Hope is an old Baron class Destroyer, pulled out 50 years, doing so when a DCMS transport jumped into the of a very old SLDF warship cache whose location remains a very system in 2993. closely guarded secret. The Light’s refit was completed in early 3023. Deathblow Magdeburg Deathblow Magdeburg Essex Lola III Another Essex class Destroyer, the CSS Deathblow has been a resident of the Lyuten system since the days of the First The CSS Magdeburg was pulled out of the same location as the Succession War. In fact, many of the crew were born in the End of Wisdom and brought back into service in late 3023. The system, where it is considered a high honour to be accepted for ship is another Lola III, but does not share the same bad luck as service aboard the ship. her sister.
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Righteous Honor Conclusions
Righteous Honor ComStar, always trying to be the grand puppet master, may be finding it’s strings fraying at the present time, as forces within Essex the order and across known space bring unbefore known The CSS Righteous Honor was also brought back into service in pressure to weak points in the orders structure. CISA will be late 3023, another of ComStar’s many Essex class Destroyers. watching developments within ComStar as closely as possible The Honour has so far had an undistinguished career. over the coming year. Serendipity And we will watch CISA
Serendipity
Naga The CSS Serendipity is the first of the three Naga class Destroyers to be refitted, all of which were left in orbit around Neptune for many years. Expected to be expensive and time consuming to repair, these ships proved, in the end, to be in better condition than first believed. The Serendipity re‐entered service in late 3023. Alacrity
Alacrity
Vincent MK.40 The only pre‐build‐up ship of the new Corvette grouping, the CSS Alacrity is the best Vincent class ship in the fleet. Unlike the other experienced crews in the fleet, who have been helping their new associates, the crew of the Alacrity have taken to humiliating the other corvettes wherever possible. Blake’s Redemption
Blake’s Redemption
Vincent MK.40
The CSS Blake’s Redemption was brought into service almost immediately as it, like the Determination was held in a short refit status for the last 50 years. More than any other Corvette, the crew of the Redemption is determined to knock the Alacrity of its pedestal. Determination
Determination
Vincent MK.40 The other quick refit Vincent class corvette, CSS Determination, has not had the success the Redemption has had in giving stick back to the Alacrity. However, the Determination has taken more time to assist the Sheridan to get up to speed. Sheridan
Sheridan
Vincent MK.40 The CSS Sheridan, another Vincent, only returned to service in late 3023 and has been mercilessly harassed by the Alacrity. The Sheridan’s crew are at the point where they are more than willing to fire on the Alacrity, just to gain some peace and quite.
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Taurian Concordat Civilian “Give the masses a minor victory and they will laud you, give The Civilian industrial base has been instrumental in assuring the them dozens and they will think you a master of the arts of war Taurian Concordat has remained an effective society, which has and follow you anywhere.” been able to meet the needs of its people and also export its surplus. The Taurian government recognises this, and it is ‐ Protector Thomas Calderon, December expected that the Protector will continue to encourage growth in 3023. this sector. Major Changes Military The Concordat has led the recent revival in the Periphery in Taurian military industry always grows in fits and starts and is technical development, colonisation and military and territorial presently in a position of relative strength compared to years expansion. The recent surge of activity by Protector Calderon, in past. The only real weakness of the Taurian military industrial response to the under the table colonisation movement, has sector is lack of Assault Mech facilities and JumpShip yards. been both sudden and surprising. Revenue Leaders The Taurian Concordat, as the wealthiest of the Periphery Precentor Thomas Calderon has taken a more direct and realms, seems at times awash in options, however, when the controlling hand in the operations of the Taurian state over the Taurian income stream is compared to that of the Capellans it last year. With the revelation that the Far Lookers had been amounts to only 40% of the weakest of the Inner Sphere powers. funnelling funds into an under the table colonisation effort, the Despite this handicap, the Taurians are masters at getting more Protector lost no time in both eliminating this opposition, whilst with less, and should present trends continue, emerge as a at the same time launching a campaign to bring these worlds into strong and competitive economy over the coming half century. the Concordat proper. Military Although the campaign is still in progress, the elimination of the Far Lookers leadership has effectively destroyed any hope of the The Taurian Defence Force is the most powerful of the Periphery far flung worlds mounting a coordinated defence, allowing the militaries and had demonstrated this fact over the last year by TDF to take an almost leisurely approach to the fighting. the annexing of eighteen worlds over an area of space 380LY by 150LY. The TDF was able to mange this feat with only 18% of its Interstellar Relations line forces, ensuring that the Inner Sphere border, especially that with the Federated Suns, remained heavily garrisoned. The Taurians relations with the other powers have seen some changes in the last year. Relationships with the Lyran Current Stance Commonwealth continue to cool, as the F‐C Alliance rears its head. The Taurians have applauded the destruction of Tortuga, The TDF forces on the Inner Sphere border are on a state of whilst deploring Davion imperialism and their inability to get heightened readiness as the colonies campaign continues, in Lady Death herself. The most damming change to Taurus’s case the AFFS moves to take advantage of the situation. Those foreign relations is the war of words with the Magistracy over units involved in the campaign are conducting a rapid series of the colonial territories between them. Although both sides have assaults and then allowing pacification and integration units to respected old borders, tensions are at a high not seen in over a move in behind them and free them for further assaults. The century. campaign will likely last most of 3024 and see the integration of a further eight worlds, one of which, Mirfak, is already under Economics attack. As the strongest of the Periphery economies, Taurus is often Forces seen as the trend stetter and the lesser of two evils when the The TDF is a well balanced and professional force, which utilises smaller powers are looking for trading opportunities. This has the services of several mercenary commands, so that the line allowed Taurus to expand their industrial output by 4% over regulars can maintain their watch on House Davion. 3023, a trend that looks set to continue. Trade is also increasing as the Taurian merchant fleet looks to assist in the support of the The BattleMech arm of the TDF consists of 41 Battalions of which new colonies. Additionally, to placate those supporters of the 27 are line Regiments and 14 are mercenary. The force Far Lookers, the Protector gave funding for the resettlement of breakdown is 4 light Battalions (2 regular, 2 mercenary), 23 Magaris. medium Battalions (15 regular, 8 mercenary), 11 heavy Battalions (7 regular, 4 mercenary) and 9 assault Battalions (all Industry regular). The TDF also maintains a conventional force of 27 The worlds of Taurus, Pinard and Sterope have led the way in the brigades and 24 aerospace wings. This includes the formation of reinvigoration of the Taurian industrial base. The heart of the the new 65th, 66th and 67th Taurian Armoured Brigades during Concordat, the Hyades Cluster, has long been the driving force in 3023. the Taurian economy and it continues to be so.
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Strategic Outlook With the colonial campaign looking towards a successful conclusion and the AFFS occupied elsewhere, the TDF should be well placed to strengthen itself over the coming year, no doubt looking to additional mercenaries, following the success of so many in the current actions. Conclusions The Concordat, if patient and smart will continue to emerge as a viable counter weight to Davion and Liao ambitions along the spinward border areas. It will be up to the Taurians to ensure that this influence is used wisely and not seen as a potential threat by their neighbours.
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Magistracy of Canopus Military “For centuries our realms have lived in peace and harmony Canopian military industry is much like its civilian counterpart; together, however, that does not mean that the Magistracy will weak and lacking in many vital areas. With the only major sit quietly by whilst the concordat cuts a path of conquest across production centres on Canopus IV and Dunianshire, the traditional Canopian territories.” Canopians also have the problem of having all their eggs in one basket. ‐ Magestrix Kyalla Centrella in her official statement regarding the Taurian’s Colonial Military War. The MAF has responded well to the recent call for action and has Major Changes shown the weaknesses of the ad hoc system of battlegroups the Taurians are using in their own colonial campaign. Each The major motivator in 3023 for the Magistracy was their sudden Canopian battlegroup contains an aerospace wing, conventional and pressing need to send forces into action, to prevent both the brigade and ‘Mech unit, allowing it to deal with any task that Marian Hegemony and Taurian Concordat from taking over may arise. worlds who had traditionally looked to Canopus for guidance and protection. However, these worlds did not appreciate the Current Stance sudden decent of Canopian troops and fighting erupted on most The current stance of the MAF is similar to that of the TDF, a wall worlds. However, the quick success of the campaigns has limited along the Inner Sphere border, with rapid strikes taking place in opposition at home. the colonial regions. Leaders Forces Magestrix Kyalla Centrella has looked for an excuse to use the The BattleMech arm of the MAF consists of 10 regiments and 8 MAF in anger for some time and demonstrated a ruthless streak mercenary battalions. The force breakdown is 4 light regiments, and opportunism more akin to that found in the bandit 4 medium regiments and 5 mercenary battalions, 2 heavy kingdoms. However, her success at blunting both Taurian and regiments and 1 mercenary battalion and 1 assault regiment and Marian ambitions, has gone a long way to ensuring her people 1 mercenary battalion. The MAF also maintains a conventional believe they have a strong and incisive leader. force of 27 brigades and 18 aerospace wings. Interstellar Relations Strategic Outlook Canopus is developing closer relations with both the Lothian The MAF is demonstrating a good appreciation of well panned, League and the Illyrian Palatinate, as the Marian threat quick reaction, combined arms operations in a manner that increases. This has been countered by the recent war of words should give any potential opponent pause. with the Taurians over the Colonial campaigns of both realms. Conclusions Economics The Magistracy is in a position where it is not a good enough The ongoing increase in merchant ship availability across the target to waste energy on, but strong enough to develop at its Inner Sphere has seen the ready income of the Magistracy own pace and protect that which is its own. explode, as the pleasure circus industry is again able to ply its trade across the stars. Assisted by a boom in the export of medical services, the Canopian economy is experiencing a major period of expansion. Industry The industry of the Canopian state has long been the major weakness of any plans for expansion, as it is so woefully small for such a large periphery realm. Currently the Magistracy has the lowest per capita ratio of industrial output of all the states reviewed. Civilian The civilian industrial sector is the Achilles heal of Canopus and needs serious addressing, should the Canopian leaders ever wish to have a greater influence on foreign affairs. Although the last year has seen a 2% increase in production, much more needs to be done for the realm to keep up with, let alone catch, other states development.
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Outworlds Alliance Forces “Rejoice people of the Alliance, rejoice and be happy, for today The BattleMech arm of the AMF consists of 9 Battalions. The we have dispatched of a scourge that long brought us suffering force breakdown is 1 light Battalion, 2 medium Battalions, 3 and despair.” heavy Battalions and 3 assault Battalions. This increase in weight classes has been due to the investment by a Defiance/Olivetti ‐ Part of the official Outworlds transcript joint venture in, Alliance Defenders Unlimited, on Alpheratz in announcing the conquest of Antallos. 3012, allowing the AMF to access Banshees, Thunderbolts, Warhammers and Griffins, whilst selling many in the mercenary Major Changes market. The MAF also maintains a conventional force of 8 The Outworlds Alliance has undergone limited change over the brigades and 15 aerospace wings. past year, simply growing where it could and finally acting in a Conclusions concerted way to protect its people from the depredations of the nearest bandit haven. The Outworlders’ assault on Antallos The Alliance has sent a message to the pirate groups in its region: represents the realms single largest military action in over two it will no longer wait for them, but go out and destroy them centuries. where they reside. This confidence, high after Antallos, along with the slowly improving economy has confidence amongst the Leaders citizens climbing. Neil Avellar seems to have gained a new lease on life, some pundits claiming it has to do with a romantic liaison. Whatever the reason may be, the President has stopped spending so much time in consultation and begun to act like a leader should: decisively. His recent actions, although stirring the ire of those opposed to a strong military, have garnered him great support among the people, who are tired of the constant attacks of pirates and raiders. Interstellar Relations The Outworlds, at all times tries to maintain good relations with all its neighbours and continue to do so. Economics The Outworlds economy is benefiting from the increased trade flowing from the Inner Sphere and has begun to see continued economic growth over most sectors, albeit in small amounts so far. The slow and steady method of development, aided here and there by the Federated Suns, ComStar and the Draconis Combine, is assisting the small nation in redeveloping itself. Industry Although the industry of the Alliance is weak at best, it is specialised, with the realm’s primary output, both military and civilian aerospace technologies, a sought after commodity. The most recent export was to the Oberon Confederation, who took delivery of 25 Aerospace fighters in the second half of the year. The Outworlds has also benefited from foreign investment recently, allowing several Inner Sphere firms to set up shop on various Alliance worlds. Military The Alliance Military Forces are noted for their aerospace bias and lack of any real sting in their ground arm. This was amply demonstrated by the heavy losses the ground forces suffered on Antallos against a numerically inferior foe. Nevertheless, the experience was needed and has provided the AMF ground arm with many lessons that needed to be learned.
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38 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Oberon Confederation construction program and opened a new Mech factory on Oberon in 3021. “I intend to ensure the peace and prosperity of every man, woman and child Military who lives within five jumps of Oberon. It’s time we stoped living like The Oberon Guards have shown that they are a highly efficient military savages and became what we should be – proud citizens of a new and machine, which has learned the tenants of modern warfare well. Their prosperous realm.” ability to mount their current campaign, against varied foes, over a large ‐ Prince Hendrik of Oberon area of space, is testament to their abilities. The hiring of The Regulators mercenary regiment has assisted Oberon in bring order to the region, as Major Changes the reputation of this old periphery based force has done much to bring several worlds into the Confederation peacefully. Prince Hendrik Grimm, one day to be King Hendrik IV, has given his father the gift he always desired, a true empire. The younger Grimm’s days at The BattleMech arm of Oberon consists of 4 regiments of the Oberon Tharkad University and his time in the LCAF on the Marik border, have Guards themselves, 2 medium and 2 heavy, the BattleMech forces of the given him insights which have allowed him to marshal his father’s forces Chainlaine World of Castille, a little over a battalion in strength and The into a powerful weapon of conquest. Regulators regiment. Oberon also maintains a conventional force of 9 brigades and 6 aerospace wings. Since January of 3023, the Oberon Guards, supported by their newly strengthened conventional forces, have surged out from Confederation The greatest weakness of the Guards is their lack of Assault Mechs and a space in a blitzkrieg, which has overwhelmed the nearby bandit kingdoms. ready supply of Aerospace fighters. Only the surrender and later incorporation of the air wings from Star’s End has enabled the Guards to Leaders put off the requirement for the construction of aerospace facilities in If King Hendrik Grimm III is considered progressive, then his son can be Oberon space. considered revolutionary. Upon his return to his father’s side three years Strategic Outlook ago, the young Grimm has redeveloped his nation’s outlook and structure, all with his father’s blessing. Prince Grimm’s education on Tharkad and in Although the war in Chainlaine looks set to increase in intensity, the LCAF, has given him the skill necessary to take the Confederation from Oberon/Regulator forces, with allied Chainlaine troops, should be able to a second rate power to one that seems fully capable of reinvigorating this bring order to the region by the end of 3024. Whether or not the plan to once active region of space. create a new capital for the Chainlaine worlds and allow limited self government as part of Oberon will work, remains to be seen. However, Provinces only Santander V now survives as any long term pirate threat to the region. The new territories of the Confederation are still primarily run from Oberon Conclusions itself, however, the growing size of the realm and the Prince’s influence, have seen three regional centres set up to assist in the process of watching Oberon has been the unquestioned success story of 3023, despite several over the new territories. Elissa, Von Strang’s World (now re‐renamed Erin) other notable developments across the Inner Sphere. How Oberon deals and Butte Hold are the regional centres for the time being, chosen for their with the integration of so many new peoples over the coming years will be position and resources. the true test of this ascendant nation’s mettle. Interstellar Relations Oberon continues to draw support from the Lyran government and through the Lyrans from the Federated Suns. Additionally, the Combine and League seek to counter this and have tried to cultivate good relations as well. ComStar is also seeking the small realms favour, leaving King Grimm in the comfortable position of having everyone of substance wishing to do well by him. Economics Due to farsighted polices and King Grimm’s efforts at encouraging foreign investment, the Oberon economy has doubled in strength since the year 3000. This increase has done wonders for both the people of Oberon and the industrial base of this once impoverished region. The interest from Lyran firms has been the major driving factor, bringing Davion business, as well as forcing Kurita investment, in an effort to stymie Lyran influence. Industry The Grimm’s best effort so far has been the way in which they handled the ever slippery Quickscell Company. Offering no set up costs or government oversight, King Grimm was able to get Quickscell to set up shop on Oberon VI and begin the production of several classes of armoured vehicle in 3016. AS these units began to see service in Oberon growing conventional forces, and the severe lack of quality control that Quickscell is known for came to be apparent, Grimm seized the factories and deported the Quickscell executives. The Lyran state ignored the pleas of the company, happy to see them receive their long overdue accounting for their practices, leaving Grimm in possession of a big bargaining chip. Grimm then offered the factories to Olivetti Weaponry for a nominal price, on the condition that they expand production and construct a Mech factory. After two years negotiation, and some assurances from Grimm, Olivetti, with assistance from Coventry Meatalworks, undertook a two year 39 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Marian Hegemony “You can either join the Hegemony willingly or as slaves. The choice is yours. No longer should you be allowed to horde your technologies without benefiting those others who reside in the periphery with you.” ‐ Part of the broadcast to the Niops Association by Hegemony troops in 3023. Major Changes The major change in the Marian state over 3023 was the move from talking about conquest, to actually undertaking it. The Marians have had a small drain on population over time, as disaffected citizens move to nearby worlds to be free of the Caesar’s grasp. The period of exile is now over, as the Marian Legions have not only shown they can beat up small isolated worlds, but take on technologically well equipped powers and win. Leaders Caesar Sean O’Rielly has led from the front during the recent Territory Wars, as they have come to be called. From all accounts, the Caesar holds a rather inflated opinion of himself, and is willing to entertain the notion that his army can now roll over the Lothians, Illyrians and Circinians in one fell swoop. Unfortunately for the Caesar, this has galvanised his opponents into closer ties, leading the two nearest states to prepare for the worst. Interstellar Relations The Marians have no real friends, their actions preclude them. However, the Capellan Confederation is watching the Hegemony closely, as a possible future counterweight to the League and has dispatched diplomatic missions to Alphard in the last year. Economics Irian Battlemechs Unlimited was quick to take up the offer of unfettered access to the Marian Germanium mines, if they assisted the Caesar in building the factories he would need for war. Since 3022, these industriplexs have been putting a spine of heavy steel into the legions, as well as invigorating the trade and associated industries around them. Accordingly, and with the bounty from the newly won worlds, the Marian economy is riding high. Military The BattleMech arm of the Legions consists of 2 assault and 1 medium legion (approximately 3 regiments) and 4 Battalions of mercenaries. The Legions also maintain a conventional force of 3 brigades and 3 aerospace wings. Strategic Outlook Currently, most Marian Mech forces are massed on Stafford, within striking range of both the Lothian League and the Illyrian Palatinate. With Circinus making noises about assisting the two realms and the Lothian/Illyrian forces cooperating, the Caesar will be hard put to it to ensure that his forces can continue to be victorious. Conclusions The Hegemony has suddenly burst forth, bringing the widespread violence it has always threatened. However, with Canopus on one side and a growing coalition on the other, the future may be rougher on the Hegemony than otherwise planned.
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41 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Circinus Federation “Repeat, major Lyran forces in system, multiple DropShip and fighter contacts consistent with a full regimental battlegroup.” ‐ Communications traffic from Andrion Space control. Major Changes The two major changes faced by Circinus during 3023 was the retaliation of the Lyran Commonwealth for one raid too many and the potential need to assist the Lothians in driving off the Marian threat. These two issues have come to dominate Circinian thinking. Leaders The head of the Black Warriors, Adam Cirion, and the President, C J McIntyre, are currently at odds with each other. The President blames the Black Warriors for the loss of Andrion, whilst the black Warriors believe that they are being starved of funds that could be used to bolster the military. It seems a clash between the two groups could be in the offering. Interstellar Relations Circinus desperately needs friends and may look to closer ties with Illyria and the Lothians despite past differences. In the long term however, Circinian history leaves few willing to trust this small nation. Economics The loss of Andrion and the disruption to trade brought on by fears of further Lyran, or even Marian attacks, have caused the Circinian economy to start to decline. Current income for the government is only 80% of that a year ago, and few see much chance of improvement in the near future. The only bright spot is the income generated by the new Earthworks facility on Circinus, the only part of the economy that seems to be heading in the right direction. Military The Circinian military consists of the Black Warriors, a heavy Mech Regiment, an Aerospace Wing and the Circinian Home Guard of 2 Conventional brigades. Conclusions Should the Circinians sought out their internal troubles and actively participate in opposing the Marians, they should be able to redress their recent losses and continue the development they have experienced for the last 30 years.
42 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate “We will not bow to any Caesar, no matter the cost.” ‐Joint statement from the Lothian and Illyrian Governments. Major Changes Long close friends, recent developments seem to be pushing the two realms closer to a formal alliance and merger, as many see this as the only way to survive the predicted onslaught of the Marian Hegemony. As CISA believes that a merger is the only way these two states can survive, we will treat them as one. Leaders The major trading families of Illyria are happy to have Lisa Logan as a nominal head of state should any merger occur, as long as they are given strong positions of authority and their voices heard in the privy Council. Dame Lisa is cautiously optimistic about the Illyrian offer, but does not wish to see either realms unique character absorbed by the other’s. Provinces Both realms are bracing their people for the expected assault and are enacting measures and media efforts to generate support for a closer union of the two realms. Although only beginning two months ago, the campaign so far has received wide spread support, driven mainly be fear of the Marians. Economics The fear of the Marians and the chance of a merger have counter‐acted each other and kept both realms economies stable. Economic support from several foreign firms, StarCorps in particular, have enabled both realms to ride out the storm. The new StarCorps facilities on Illyria and Lothario, although mainly selling to the mercenary market, have greatly assisted in the strengthening of both realms’ forces. Military The combined military consists of a BattleMech Battalion, a Conventional Brigade and an Air Wing from the League and 2 BattleMech Battalions, a Conventional Brigade and an Air Wing from the Palatinate. Conclusions The only way forward for these two small realms is to unite and beg assistance from both the Circinus Federation and Free Worlds League. Any other option will see them taken down one at a time by the Marians and added to that states ever growing empire.
43 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Tortuga Dominions “Tortuga is your end, come get us if you can.” ‐ Radio transmission from Lady Death to AFFS Task Force Tortuga 1 during its in run. The major change for Tortuga in 3023, was its rapid defeat and integration into the Federated Suns. With this pirate haven gone, many in the Federated Suns have breathed a sigh of relief. The only downside to the victory over Tortuga was the escape of Lady Death. Her penchant for bloody revenge dictates that soon she will remerge and bring fire to those who wronged her. For more detail on the campaign that saw her fall, see the Combat Briefs.
Rim Collection “Today we continue the process of rebuilding our worlds together, not apart as we have done for so long.” ‐ Gregor Althing, 1st President of the Collective. Not much can be said about this little realm, which appeared suddenly in late 3023. CISA must admit that we were caught by surprise and have little solid information so far. What is known is that the President pro‐tem Gregor Althing will hold power for 3024, until the elections for a more permanent body politic in January 3025. The small state has acted quickly to guarantee its safety, hiring the Ghost Dogs mercenary Battalion to assist in hunting down pirate bands in the near vicinity.
Mica Majority “We did not take Novo Franklin because we are thugs. We took it, because if we did not we would have died off.” ‐ Mican Soldier on Novo Franklin. Major Changes The Micans have long looked only to themselves, but dwindling resources have seen them stretch out and take the world of Novo Franklin to prevent their eventual extinction. The beneficial spin off of the sudden assault was that peace has finally been brought to the long troubled world of Novo Franklin. Leaders Senior Director Vito Michales has been lauded as a hero by other Micanites. However, as the dust settles, it remains to be seen if the Senior Director can keep the various Mican settlements agreeing, or whether he will quickly loose his place to other ambitious faction leaders. Economy The Mican economy has rebounded with the advent of a ready source of raw material and food stuffs, with both Novo Franklin and the Mican worlds quickly enjoying the benefits of each others needs. Conclusions Nothing much is expected from the Micans in coming years, although there has been talk of initiating a colonial effort, peopled by those wishing to leave the Inner Sphere.
Independent Powers The Independent small powers of the Periphery were quite over 3023, with only a few pirate groups willing to stick there necks out. These raids in the Combine and Free Worlds were of a minimal nature and did not contribute in any way to the overall picture of the year. 44 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
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46 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 MERCENARY REVIEW Michael’s Men This new group of independent Capellan March A multitude of new battalion sized and larger mercenary warriors despise Morgan Hasek‐Davion and his formations entered the market in 3023, either coming of “Davion ways.” The new unit will not fight the contract, or newly formed due to the Minimums Movement. The Federated Suns, but they won’t work for them following briefs will assist our clients in identifying the many new either. Many AFFS soldiers, especially those of the Syrtis formations. Fusiliers, have been quietly sent on their way to join Michael’s The Leprechauns Men. This has helped Morgan clean house quietly, but has done nothing to endear him to his father’s former loyalists. Formed as part of the Minimums Movement, the Leprechauns are noted for extreme eccentricity. Blacknovas This is to be expected, as they were founded by a For several members of the Australian Planetary former battalion commander of the Mad Hatters, Militia the signing of the Federated Commonwealth along with several other members of the 8th Lyran Regulars. Alliance Document in 3022 came two years to late. Lacedaemon Lancers Since the founding of their proud homeworld these hardy people had faithfully served House Steiner, Formed as part of the Minimums Movement, in an contributing invaluably towards its defence. The fall of the Star effort to try and form an honourable unit out of the League saw a return of the Social General phenomenon across mad grab for troops by all the new commands. the LCAF, something that angered many Australians, whose Noble sentiments have been attained, but the new practicality in warfare and contempt for those who place airs and unit is short on skills. This sentiment and skill set graces above good leadership is renowned. As their sterling are similar to that displayed by the Knights of St. Cameron. The service to Tharkad was continually overlooked discontent grew, Lancers have signed with the FWLM and have been posted to until eventually a sizeable portion of the Militia up and left the Marik. LCAF to do things the right way. These became the core of the Hellfire Hussars new Blacknovas mercenary command, which has recently entered the market. The LCAF, despite its misgivings, has hired This old Battalion sized unit was able to get in early the unit to protect the new factories on their homeworld. during the Minimums Movement and hired numerous new soldiers. The Hussars have been The Infernals one of the most notable success stories of the Not everyone in the Federated Suns was thrilled movement, possessing an ability to incorporate with the prospects of alliance with the Lyrans. new soldiers and have them quickly trained in the Hussars Many ardent patriots chose to resign from the AFFS techniques. and travel to Galatea to form a new mercenary The Jolly Rogers command. These skilled warriors range from Special Forces Operatives to Aerojocks and include several Mech This unit was formed from the remnants of lances. The group intends to expand by recruiting fellow Tortugan, Antallos, Butte Hold, Stars End and disaffected Davion citizens and training them from scratch if Valkyrate pirates, all refugees from the sudden necessary. Nearly every officer in this command bares some sort upswing in Pirate hunting by the Periphery realms. of grudge towards the Lyran Commonwealth. These former corsairs have formed one of the most hated, disreputable merc outfits around. It is said by many that these The Paragons guys make McCarron smell like Roses. The Jolly Rogers have To maximize their war effort, House Liao decided to signed with the FWLM and have been posted to Zion, where they militarize their Solaris Mechwarriors into a charted are a constant threat to Capellan ambitions in the area. mercenary force. While the other Houses followed The Co‐op suit, none have gone to the lengths that the Chancellor has to assemble such a unit. In addition Simply said, the most mercenary of mercenary to many Liao Gladiators from Solaris (including commands and the ultimate expression of what the Tandrek and Zelazni Stables), specially chosen “volunteers” from Minimums Movement can produce, where the CCAF joined other high profile natives of the Confederation everything is for sale and money is the only thing to fill out this new Mech regiment. This included high ranking that talks. The Co‐op has gained a reputation as nobles and past champions from Capellan ‘Mech Games held on sharp dealers and any contract signed with this unit best be Westerhand and New Hessen. It appears that the Capellans will ironclad. The Co‐op have signed with the FWLM and have been attempt to maximize the propaganda value of this patriotic posted to Tamarind, where there attitude is ruffling more than a endeavour by publicizing its every move. Given the individual few feathers. nature of Solaris “combat” and certain Stable rivalries, some question this unit’s cohesiveness and true battlefield value. The unit has taken up station on Westerhand near the volatile Andurien region.
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The Ronin the so‐called “Freedom Fighters” in the Periphery for years, wining and losing battles and men in what seemed like a never Kurita Mechwarriors from the Game World quickly ending war. The legion suffered greatly during the Succession followed the Capellan mobilization with a stunning Wars, being beaten down time and again, but always surviving. announcement of their own. They announced the The Legion has recently taken employ with the TDF, where they formation of a mercenary unit which would follow have had notable success assisting in the Colonial Campaigns, in the proud tradition of their ancestors, who with the Legion seeing action on Argos, Carthage and Hellespont. fought SLDF Gunslingers in some of Solaris’s first matches. The assembly of the Ronin quickly captured the imagination of the Black Tigers Draconis Combine, which hastily signed them to a contract. Word Originally the 90th Heavy Assault regiment, an of the rebirth of the legendary Ronin was a public relations coup independent combined arms regiment of the SLDF, for the Voice of the Dragon. Massive cultural appeal has boosted the Black Tigers of New Vandenburg gained a recruitment for the Pillar of Steel and has even attracted the reputation for ferocity in combat, which earned attention of other masterless samurai. Together with the them respect and even fear of its opponents during warriors of Silver Dragon and DeLon Stables, they have created the waning years of the Star League. Earning their name from an entire Mech regiment almost overnight. Of course, the DCMS their role in the suppression of the New Vandenburg revolt, the establishment isn’t that happy with such developments as the 90th's reputation alone led to the surrender of several Rim value of these warriors is dubious at best. The Ronin however, Worlds units during the Amaris campaign. Always noted for their maybe here to stay, as they are the one Solaris mercenary band abilities and effectiveness, the Black Tigers were keenly sought to assemble without any direct assistance from their respective following their year long furlough in 3022, where they added a nation. That, along with the special place that the concept holds fifth battalion to the unit. They now guard Chesterton as part of in Draconis society, may see this unit become a fixture in the the AFFS ready reserve in the Terran regions. mercenary community for sometime to come. Due to popular sentiment, The Ronin have been hired by the DCMS, but posted Freelances to the Provincial capital of Benjamin, where they can be watched carefully. The 11th Royal Heavy Assault Regiment was one of the very best independent regiments The Sentinels fielded by the SLDF. As a Royal unit of the Star League it was composed solely of As the Great Houses conscripted their Solaris Terran citizens and equipped with the finest weaponry available. Gladiators into their armed forces, House Steiner Stationed in the Lyran Commonwealth as part of the XXVII Corps followed suit, although it was the last nation to do of the Eleventh Army, the unit worked closely with House so, and this action was largely symbolic. Steiner. Redeployed to protect the heart of Commonwealth Mechwarriors from Oonthrax, Lion City, and space after the Amaris Coup, the unit began its transformation Overlord Stables were lumped together with the Planetary into a full fledged group of mercenaries. Evidently, General Militia into a single combat command named the Sentinels. The Kerensky had counted on the Eleventh’s close ties to the LCAF to LCAF has no plans for this force, other than the defence of Solaris insure its continued support during the war. However, this against assault, if such an unlikely event takes place. As the assignment cut both ways, as the members became more and Game World is considered largely neutral, many consider such an more Lyran. The Freelancers have used their connections with attack improbable, despite the world’s location along the Marik the LCAF to be one of the best supported and financial units of border. As such, the High Command has ignored their the Succession Wars, often having the luxury of standing down commitment to military service, which seems to be lacking. The for prolonged periods for rest and repair, making them the envy Sentinels do have two things going for them however; They are of most other mercenaries. The Freelancers have re‐signed with extremely familiar with the terrain of their homeworld and lack the LCAF and are stationed on Donegal as a general reserve. of current competition has seen Steiner come to dominate the Games, which is a plus among the citizenry. Regulators Foreign Legion Since the Succession Wars began, rumors have abounded of secret forces roaming the Periphery. The French Corps of the SLDF survived as a single Usually these are fanciful tales of fiction, or unit until the Reunification War, when its expertise misidentified pirate bands roaming the fringes of at counter‐guerilla and independent operations the Human Sphere. However, late in 3022, stories became necessary, as the toll on Regular Line units, of a surviving Star League command seemed to come true. The through their horrendous supply and logistics needs increased. Regulators are descended from the unheralded Deep Space Therefore, each French Regiment went its way and did Cavalry (DSC), which once defended the League’s most distant surprisingly well. It is said that they were the original basis for rd settlements. Nearly destroyed by the Periphery Uprising, the highly successful Striker Regiments of that war. The 3 elements of the Cavalry regrouped over time and continued to French Infantry Regiment was later assigned to the Draconis carry on their mission to safeguard Periphery worlds. During this Combine, where its prestige brought it more than its share of ongoing quest they achieved almost mythical status among the fights during the Hidden Wars. When the Amaris Coup began the rd denizens of the outer worlds. With the focus of the Inner Sphere 3 , like all its sister‐regiments, had already been fighting against
48 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 remaining on the endless conflicts of the Succession Wars, these Packrats fantastic stories were chalked up as backwoods fiction, without As the 3rd Succession War began, a new mercenary so much as a second thought. The destruction of a renegade command debuted that would come to typify the force of corsairs raiding the distant Draconis world of Rockland salvage culture that took hold over the entire Inner by the Regulators changed all that thinking and even attracted Sphere. Their detractors claim this bunch of employment interest from the Oberon Confederation. Their hoarders is the dirtiest bunch of hired soldiers and appearance in force, sent every intelligence agency into one that knows no boundaries. While their behaviour could be overdrive, in an attempt to find out just what was going on. termed crude at times, the Rats unconventional tactics often Unfortunately, the vastness of space and closed‐mouthed nature carry the day. In spite of this, they tend to have a bad reputation of the unit, has so far thwarted all attempts to obtain further and they frequently drift from job to job. Thieves beware, the details. Apparently, the Regulators are at regimental strength Packrats jealously guard their “junk”. All sorts of disaffected and are unusually well equipped for a Periphery command. As a idealists, free thinkers, revolutionaries, and political dissidents result, wild speculation, including ties to the Wolf Dragoons, the have been cast out of mainstream circles and a collection of SLDF, or even ComStar swirls around them. Until something these intellectual misfits managed to form a mercenary more concrete materializes, any perspective employer will have command primarily to protect themselves from ever present to live with this uncertainty. The actions of The Regulators in agents of the House Lords. The Packrats hired on with the TDF in Oberon over the last few months has again demonstrated their February 3023, where they were first sent to Taurus. In March skill and the units dedication to its principles. they joined colonies campaign and attacked Davetal II in April, SOAR but lost 47 Mechs in a JumpShip accident. The TDF, needing them in the line, fully replaced their losses and assigned new Once hidden amongst the shadows of the SLDF transport. They also saw action on Davetal III in June, Gant in late were the men and women of the Special Operations August, Celano in October and are currently assaulting Mirfak. Aerospace Regiments. The SOAR regiments had The generosity shown by the TDF has generated a great deal of been one of the best kept secrets of the SLDF and support within the unit and most expect the Packrats to resign these ten independent regiments were stationed throughout the with the TDF. various houses and periphery realms – positioned there for quick response actions. Used for mainly black op missions, these units Chaos Incorporated were always on high alert status, as they had to be prepared for Some people just like to see the world burn and lightning‐quick deployment. Severe losses during the Liberation sadly, the Succession Wars have bought such of Terra left few survivors behind when Kerensky departed. lawless individuals into the military. From soldiers However, the unit has managed to survive, and remains one of who simple like to stir the pot to outright discipline the more effective Aerospace mercenary units. problems, many of these individuals typically end up in the Turin Light Cavalry mercenary community. However, a band of these destabilizing hired guns gradually came together over the years to advance The success of the Star League RCT model, their fortunes in a loose confederation. In spite of lacking any combined with the legendary exploits of Eridani kind of recognizable command structure, this unit has enjoyed its Light Horse, inspired the Capellans to create such fair share of success through outright ruthlessness. a unit for themselves. However, in order to properly assemble the Turin Light Cavalry, the Confederation Fallen Stars would have to recruit the right kind of personnel. Unfortunately, The people of the former Terran Hegemony have seen these outsiders could not be incorporated into the CCAF and so generations of suffering following the Amaris Coup. Ever the decision was made to finance the formation as a mercenary since the Usurper used their homelands as the command. Liao volunteers, along with recruits from all over the battlegrounds of countless conflicts, they have hoped for Inner Sphere, quickly gathered an effective regiment together at better. Some refused to forget their national heritage, or forgive little cost to the CCAF. While the Chancellor was impressed by the actions of the House Lords and took up arms as early as the this rapid mobilization, many within the Capellan military remain First Succession War. Hailing from the state that gave birth to the wary of this questionable force now under their service. BattleMech gave them a strong foundation, but every Great Warbirds House and ComStar has reason to curb any success. As such, they have struggled through the Succession Wars, never giving up on This is a combination of two Star League aerospace their dream of a reborn Terran Hegemony. The Fallen Stars units which combined to form a single merc recently accepted a contract with ComStar. aerospace unit. The 963rd Independent Aerospace Wing (the Firebirds) and the 802nd Independent Weymouth’s Warriors Aerospace Wing (the Warhawks), combined during nd A company sized command that has existed for the 2 Succession War due to attrition. Together they barely 72 years, Weymouth’s were one of the earlier maintain a wing of fighters, but are still one of the largest merc beneficiaries of the Minimums Movement, aeroforce units around moving quickly to secure a place in the market
49 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 for larger commands. However, they have been unable to secure Insect Brigade a contract and are beginning to fracture because of it. A light Mech force commanded by Walter Rhavannion Dinsdale’s Desperados III, the Brigade specialises in light Mech assault tactics and has become surprisingly good at it, vindicating the Once a middle of the road command, the original Rhavannion’s theories. Currently in a period of Desperados have become a band of thieves rest and refit, the Brigade is assured of work once it is ready to and killers since the Minimums Movement take the field again. The only recent mercenary signing by the began. Few employers want to touch the TDF not involved in the Colonial Campaign, the Brigade has been unit, but their willingness to get the job done in any way, has posted to Pinard. meant that they have secured several lucrative, if very grey contracts. Legion of the Rising Sun Lone Wolves The wake of Takashi Kurita’s death has lead to a mass exodus of small hard line noble house In some ways, the drawn out, low‐intensity warfare Samurai units from the Draconis Combine, many of so common in the Third Succession War was harder which had decades‐long ties to the Combine. These on the soldiers who fought it than the swift ferocity exiles made their way to Galatea, and a host of other mercenary of the first two conflicts, as constant fighting can worlds where they struggled to survive. On Galatea, a number of destroy a warrior’s nerves. Most persevere, but such groups came together in the mid 3020s, under the some snap, refusing to follow orders they don’t like or simply leadership of Jürgen Petersen, a Kuritan of Rasalhague heritage. running off in the heat of battle. A group of such warriors from Petersen dubbed this hybrid ’Mech force the Legion of the Rising various Houses met on Galatea sometime in the mid‐thirtieth Sun. They are still awaiting their first operational deployment. century, fomring the unique and unconventional Lone Wolves mercenary command. Over time, their infamy grew, and Terrible Treads oftentimes rebellious soldiers would be told by their Formerly a Tank unit, but now mixed with commanders to “go and join the Lone Wolves” as a polite way of many formerly independent Mech units, the kicking them out of their units. Signing with the FWLM, the Lone Terrible Treads are not as fearsome as they Wolves have been assigned to the new command centre of sound. Although impressive on paper and Dieudonne. the exercise field, they routinely come apart in combat situations Moroushi's Independent Assault Battalion and are finding new contracts difficult to come by. Gaining much fame for their action in service to Bullson’s Hussars House Kurita during the Galtor Campaign, The Hussars are an example of how to effectively form a Moroushi’s Battalion are a well coordinated mass new unit from several predecessors, successfully making of steel and terror. With no Mech massing under the transition over the past year. Many expect the 80 tons, the battalion is a force to be reckoned with on any Hussars to become a regimental command, sooner rather battlefield. Unlike many other commands, Moroushi’s has not than later, as their success continues to attract more attempted to increase its size through incorporating smaller small commands to their banner. commands. The unit has signed with the Marian Hegemony and currently garrisons Alphard. Gotterdammerung Society Sandoval’s Slashers Made up of Rasalhaguian expatriates, the Society is ruthless and determined when opposing the A group of former Draconis March veterans, the Combine. Unfortunately, the unit is suspected of slashers act as a nominal AFFS reserve force for committing war crimes and few reputable actions against the Combine when deniability is employers will come near them. Some think the required. Experts in sneak raids and snatch and unit may go rouge and set up pirate operation in or near the grab, the Slashers have a dark reputation along the Combine. Combine border. Meriadoc’s Malcontents Cameron’s Legion Another beneficiary of the Minimums Movement, Sick of the average skills and poor performance of the Malcontents are a middle of the road troops in the Knight’s of St. Cameron, where example of what can be expected from the nobility of character was more important than amalgamation of disparate units. Although not shooting, Captain Ryan Agar set off with others excelling at any one battlefield technique, they are able to fill a from the unit who believe a MechWarriors first job number of roles with the former independent units that make up was to shoot. The unit still honours the ways of the Cameron’s, the command. but balances this with an attitude to combat that is not limited by overzealous sensibilities.
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Quint’s Quartet reputed unit from the past in an effort to bolster their own reputation. Specialists in reconnaissance, the Shamrocks’ last Quint's Quartet have served their employers with Circinus contract was to be the recon unit for the Black Warrior’s what can best be termed impeccable st 1 Battalion’s raids on Raikot, Binyang and Al Jafr. Although professionalism. After spending roughly twenty‐ fulfilling their contract, the Shamrocks were accused of lacklustre odd years in the employ of various minor Periphery st performance, due to losses sustained by the 1 through tactical realms, the Quartet signed a contract with the blunders. The Shamrocks have left Circinus space and taken over Circinus Federation at the start of the 3020. At the end of their several other small commands. This has diluted their skills contract in 3023, the Quartet — who had previously expressed a somewhat and many question whether the unit will be able to desire to return to the Inner Sphere mercenary market, did so, maintain cohesion in battle. Despite this, the Shamrocks have and were one of the small units to take advantage of the been hired by the Capellans and posted to Sarna. Minimum’s Movement to absorb several other small commands. Hired by the DCMS, they have been posted to Benjamin. Gabhardt’s Carabineers Sathens’ Snipers A veteran command dating back to the Second Succession War, Gabhardt’s Carabineers have been Sathen’s Snipers has an interesting history, hanging on by their fingernails for decades. Caught which until recently has been shrouded in in a vicious spiral of competing with better‐ mystery. The unit formed from a garrison equipped foes, while lacking the funds to acquire battalion stationed on New Delos when the new machines, the Carabineers were facing dissolution. Only the Marik Civil war broke in 3014. Force Commander Branden infusion of troops and equipment accompanying the Minimums Kesteel found himself in a precarious position trying to decide Movement has saved the unit, which for the first time in decades which side to join. In the end, instead of declaring allegiance to is back up to operational strength. This revival was seen as an any one party, he simply stated he would maintain his post. His opportunity by the AFFS, who hired the unit and posted it to New stand slid his unit away from the regular army. When the Wolf’s Syrtis. Dragoons assaulted New Delos in revenge of the murder of Joshua Wolf, Kesteel’s unit was put to the test. Although Waystars suffering heavy losses at the hands of the Dragoons, the Snipers One of the oldest privateer groups still in existence, the held the spaceport until word arrived that loyalist forces were Waystars date back to the founding of the Free not giving quarter to any military personnel who did not directly Worlds League. House Marik used these Roma oppose Anton Marik. They were left with only a single option. space farers to gradually expand its growing Quickly combining forces with a JumpShip crew and her interstellar empire. Possessing a unique skill set in compliment of DropShips, the Snipers departed the system; all their native environment, the Waystars have been extremely were thought destroyed. Using the confusion of the final days of successful over the ages. Living among the stars, these nomads the war, Kesteel and his men managed to secretly bring most of move from system to system, never settling in any single area for their family members with them into exodus; since the unit was long. Their wandering nature, combined with the fact that they simply a garrison battalion and not a main‐line regiment, the aren’t a standing military unit, which often disbands depending questions its disappearance might have aroused did not raise upon circumstances, hampers their reputation. As they don’t enough red flags to lead to a full investigation. Kesteel’s act of possess BattleMechs and fail to operate as a standard run‐of‐the‐ bravery and loyalty has inspired a sense of family that is the mill mercenary command, they are often overlooked by the cornerstone of the Snipers’ strength today. community at large. However, this naval clan is outfitted with Dedrickson’s Devils Marines, Aerospace Fighters, Small Craft, Dropships, and Jumpships, which it uses with deadly effectiveness. Long a well respected mercenary unit of small size, the Devils have taken onboard many other small Bolan Scouts commands to ensure they all can attain the The third incarnation of this storied military formation Minimums. So far the unit has had no major issues was recently reformed by Bolan natives, many of with the integration, unlike some commands and looks to whom served with the LCAF. Their mysterious continue its successful ways. sponsor, who arranged for transportation and Fighting Shamrocks covered other expenses, may in fact be a Marik agent. Although currently unaffiliated, both the Free Worlds League and Though accounts of a Fighting Shamrocks the Lyran Commonwealth are engaged in a bidding war for this mercenary command may be found as far back as unit in hopes of winning the Scout’s loyalty. Keenly aware that two centuries ago, the unit that today carries the choosing sides has its consequences, the unit may opt for a name bears no direct relation the original, which contract with a third party. This proved true when the Scouts apparently vanished during the early Succession Wars, while surfaced on Sarna in service to the CCAF. operating along the border between the Lyran and Free Worlds states. Sufficient evidence exists to suggest that the mercenaries who recently served the Circinus Federation, formed less than forty years ago, having simply co‐opted the name of a well‐
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Snowcats Pathfinders These arctic warfare specialists hail almost The premier mercenary scout team in the Inner exclusively from the Principality of Rasalhague. Sphere specializes in recon missions. Because Self described freedom fighters that usually grew they like to operate with little fanfare and often up on colder worlds, they are accustomed to these undertake secret missions, they are little known frigid conditions. With no love of the Draconis outside the professional community. Often Combine, which has pronounced them rebels, they live from recruiting personnel who have an instinctual knack for tracking contract to contract, hoping to one day return home and free and infiltration, the Pathfinders seem to have a natural aptitude their worlds from the tyranny of the Dragon. for scouting. They are technically proficient and possess ample resources, making them an extremely dangerous foe on the Masters of Disaster battlefield. However, the Pathfinders strive to go unnoticed and This unit has a reputation for getting the job a successful contract for them often goes without incident. done, if you don’t mind a great deal of Warwalkers collateral damage. Their penchant for breaking stuff, which may have been unduly The Warwalkers are an ancient Mechwarrior society, exaggerated by a couple of very public whose fortunes have waxed and waned over time. incidents, has got them blackballed by many employers. The Many of the Warwalkers members often hail from regiment can still get contracts because of their “successes”, but Terran or Davion space, where ancient Mechwarrior a lack of funds caused by this contract shortage has affected Cabals had widespread influence at one time. Taking advantage their BattleMechs, many of which are run down. Complaints by of the recent jump in the market, the unit has recently several Techs who have worked on their equipment have also expanded, but has strict rules for membership. For example, a unfortunately added to their destructive reputation. potential candidate must have been from a Mechwarrior family of several generations. Composed exclusively of BattleMechs, Red Guard the group usually takes contracts from any House except Davion. The Red Guards are Neo communists, who The Black Hills Regiment fight for money, which they use to further their revolutionary goals. Of course, this Formed from the Blackstar, Starlight and White Hand makes any House Lord or Noble reluctant to stables, The Black Hills Regiment is a mercenary unit hire them. Typically, only desperate to the core. All command positions, even the units employers hire the Guard and then must contend with these logo, were competed over during the units’ formation. agitators. While the unit’s founders hail from Odessa, in the Starlight stable, although winning the fewest command slots, Lyran Commonwealth, its membership is truly interstellar. managed to win the right to display its badge as the unit’s Extremely devoted to their beliefs, they often really on massed emblem. infantry attacks to support their limited Mech assets. Bromley’s Eagles Mechmasters Formed from the warriors of Bromley stable, this new This Mech gang is primarily composed of Solaris unit is already feuding, as is to be expected, technophiles who have a somewhat seedy with the rival unit of Fitzhugh stables. However, the reputation. Many employers have accused them Eagles do not have the problem of factional of thievery and other criminal activity which they infighting that plagues the Fitzhugh unit and have use to finance their customized rides. While the gang also is shown a far higher competence level in combat trials. Hired by known for their tough guy attitude outside their ‘Mechs, they the FWLM, the Eagles are stationed on Suzano. don’t like to damage their equipment in battle. These reasons League of Tigers often cause employers to bypass them in search of hard fighting commands, who they can better spend their money on. Formed in fervent opposition to the Bromley regiment, this new Solaris formation is already at Ghost Dogs war with itself and anyone else who cares to join. Born in the poverty stricken conditions of the Regulan and Andurien interests dominate the inter‐unit Succession Wars, this unit has gradually worked their rivalries, with individuals from other League provinces simply way up from nothing. Salvaging all their equipment adding to the chaos. How this unit can possibly function on the from the battlefields that litter the Inner Sphere, these battlefield in not known at this time. Hired by the FWLM, the mercenaries have continued to fight and claw. While some call Tigers are stationed on Amity. them crazy no one calls them lazy, as they routinely take some of Black Lion Co‐op the hardest jobs for little money. Continuing with this trend, the Dogs hired on to help the recently formed Rim Commonality. Seeing the benefits in the new system early, the Black Lions moved into the market, not long after
the Renegades and have been almost as successful as their coop rivals. Despite their success, they have
52 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 remained in the shadows of the Renegades, but do not seem to Burrows' Crashing Thunder Regiment be bothered by the lack of attention. This unit participated in an attack on Travis V in the The Dispossessed Co‐op summer of 3024 where they deployed Stalkers to storm a city, demonstrating an excellent grasp of Unfortunately for the Dispossessed, they have not assault tactics. The regiment strengthened itself managed to take advantage of the new reality on during the Minimums Movement and has improved Solaris and were forced into taking many warriors its numbers and overall skill appreciably. they may otherwise have turned down. Losses in the areas are mounting and the unit seems unable to master Cady's Regiment battlefield tactics. The Dispossessed have signed with the CCAF Hired by House Marik in 3002 for their and taken up station on Jonothan. experience in fighting Lyran 'Mechs, Cady's Hangmen Co‐op Regiment had previously served the Draconis Combine, but run afoul of the ISF. They were part of a strike The Hangmen are currently lobbying the Solaris Planetary force sent for Loric and suffered significant causalities. Leaving Government to allow for Stable on Stable, day long battles. Marik service they have rebuilt using numerous small commands Although there has been some interest, few believe that the seeking the protection of the minimums. penny pinching stable owners would be willing to risk all in large scale battles, despite the promise of huge payouts and Falkener's Hussars salvage. The Hussars are a newly raised mercenary unit in Renegades C‐op employ of House Davion, which unsuccessfully tried to seize an underground supply depot on First of the Solaris regiments to form, the New Hessen two days before Christmas in 3002, Renegades have set the bar for the other units to inflicting heavy damage on the defenders follow. In addition to coming together quickly and nevertheless. The unit has seen several small and easy contracts painlessly, the new arrangement has allowed the since then and was trying to find more challenging work. cooperative to increase its standing in the areas substantially [EDITOR’S NOTE: The Hussars found their challenge when the unit over the last twelve months. was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023]. Beaufort's Cossacks Gordon's Highland Light Noted for a curious munity while in House Davion The Highland Light lost a full company of 'Mechs to employ in 2970, when they went on a rampage in a House Liao's St. Ives Armoured Cavalry whilst suburb of New Defiance City on Moravian. Their defending Pinard in 3002. Twelve Panthers were contract specified that the unit would get free meals salvaged as booty by the Armoured Cavalry and the twice a week at the local Triple‐F Restaurant (the Federated Highland Light have been slowly rebuilding ever since. [EDITOR’S Suns' most popular food chain). They used this and a Capellan NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in blockade, which prevented the import of certain ingredients, as June 3023]. an excuse to go on a shooting spree, although they demanded items that were not served at Triple‐F anyways (such as lettuce), Kelly's Killers suggesting that they even mixed Triple‐F up with a competing Destroyed as an effective unit when the Federated chain. Nobody was hurt in the incident and no disciplinary action Suns invaded New Mendham, the remains of the was taken. The unit continues to maintain a somewhat odd nd unit have amalgamated with other small reputation. Having recently commissioned a 2 Regiment, the commands, but the relationships are dicey and the Cossacks have taken a contract with the FLWM to garrison Sierra rebuilt command is not expected to survive its first battle. and the other South‐Western worlds. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey Black Cats shoot in June 3023]. An infantry‐only mercenary unit who managed to Laws Flight defend a city against an attack by a BattleMech unit A minor mercenary unit composed exclusively of that posed as the Black Widow Company, the Black helicopters, famous for their defence of Kimball in Cats have managed to use the Minimums 3021. They employ the Warrior H‐7 helicopter in Movement to expand and incorporate significant BattleMech large numbers and now also field Mechs and Tanks assets. They have developed a style of combat similar to the thanks to the benefits of the Minimums Movement. [EDITOR’S Grey Death Legion. NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].
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Mathias's Forlorn Hope Unit Employer The Forlorn Hope were a mercenary unit in the employ of the Federated Suns until 3022, when Team Banzai AFFS they were on R&R on McHenry. They were The Black Tigers AFFS surprised by an attack from McCarron's Armoured The Dioscuri ‐ Castor Regiment AFFS Cavalry, with over two thirds of the unit being destroyed before The Dioscuri ‐ Pollux Regiment AFFS they realized what was happening and surrendered, gaining their The Dragonslayers AFFS freedom at the cost of four new Crusaders. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ 8th Striker AFFS unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023]. The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ Bar Hounds AFFS The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ Sluggers AFFS Team Venom Wylie's Coyotes AFFS Team Venom were effectively destroyed during a 15th Dracon CCAF recon raid on Vega in 3020. Unit CO Holly Harris has 4th Tau Ceti Rangers CCAF slowly rebuilt the unit and sworn an oath to do Ambermarle's Highlanders CCAF anything to revenge her fallen comrades and bring ruin Bolan Scouts CCAF to House Kurita. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Bullard's Armoured Cavalry CCAF Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023]. Fighting Shamrocks CCAF Hamptons Hessens ‐ 1st Regiment CCAF Current Contract Listings Hamptons Hessens ‐ 2nd Regiment CCAF Hamptons Hessens ‐ 3rd Regiment CCAF Unit Employer Khrosakov's Kossacks ‐ 1st Regiment CCAF Khrosakov's Kossacks ‐ 2nd Regiment CCAF 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Alpha Regiment AFFS Laurel's Legion CCAF 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Beta Regiment AFFS Lockhardt's Ironsides CCAF 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Delta Regiment AFFS Marshigama's Legionnaires CCAF 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Gamma Regiment AFFS McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ Nightriders CCAF Blue Star Irregulars ‐ 1894th Light Horse AFFS McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ Renegades CCAF Blue Star Irregulars ‐ 21st Rim Worlds AFFS McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Cavaliers CCAF Blue Star Irregulars ‐ Avatar's of Painful Death AFFS McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Regiment CCAF Crater Cobras ‐ 789th Striker Regiment AFFS McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Wild Ones CCAF Crater Cobras ‐ Black Cobras AFFS Rivaldi's Hussars CCAF Cunningham's Commandos AFFS St. Cyr's Armoured Grenadiers CCAF Dismal Disinherited ‐ Hostile LAM's AFFS The Dispossessed Co‐op CCAF Dismal Disinherited ‐ Krypt Kickers AFFS The Leprechauns CCAF Dismal Disinherited ‐ Plague of Locusts AFFS The Paragons CCAF Eridani Light Horse ‐ 151st Light Horse AFFS Fallen Stars CG Eridani Light Horse ‐ 21st Striker AFFS 51st Dark Panzer Jaegers DCMS Eridani Light Horse ‐ 71st Light Horse AFFS Brion's Legion DCMS Gabhardt's Carabiniers AFFS Helmut's Hermits DCMS Greenburg's Godzillas AFFS Kingston's Cabarellos DCMS Grey Death Legion AFFS Lone Star Regiment DCMS Grim Determination AFFS McGhee's Cutthroats DCMS Harlock's Warriors AFFS Quint's Quartet DCMS Hell's Black Aces AFFS St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group DCMS Icillian Lancers ‐ 21st Rangers AFFS The Ronin DCMS Icillian Lancers ‐ 4th Rangers AFFS Tooth of Ymir DCMS Icillian Lancers ‐ 59th Striker AFFS Vandeley's Valkyries DCMS Icillian Lancers ‐ 9th Rangers AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Alpha Regiment DCMS Lexington Combat Group ‐ 32nd Recon AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Beta Regiment DCMS Lexington Combat Group ‐ Gazelles AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Black Widow's DCMS Lexington Combat Group ‐ Golden Hammers AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Delta Regiment DCMS Lindon's Battalion AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Epsilon Regiment DCMS Markson's Marauders AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Gamma Regiment DCMS Miller's Marauders AFFS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Zeta Battalion DCMS Redfield Renegades AFFS 21st Centauri Lancers FWLM Screaming Eagles ‐ 101st Airborne AFFS Beaufort's Cossacks ‐ 1st Regiment FWLM Screaming Eagles ‐ 81st Airborne AFFS Beaufort's Cossacks ‐ 2nd Regiment FWLM Swann's Cavaliers AFFS Bromley’s Eagles FWLM
54 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
Unit Employer Unit Employer
Caesar's Cohorts FWLM The Foreign Legion TDF Carson's Renegades FWLM The Packrats TDF Clifton's Rangers FWLM Black Lion Co‐op Unhired League of Lions FWLM Black Omen Unhired Fuchida's Fusiliers FWLM Bronson's Horde Unhired Head Hunters FWLM Bullson's Hussars Unhired Lacedaemon Lancers FWLM Burrow's Crashing Thunder Regiment Unhired Langendorf Lancers FWLM Cady's Regiment Unhired Lone Wolves FWLM Camancho's Cabarellos Unhired Martian Cuirassiers FWLM Cameron’s Legion Unhired Smithson's Chinese Bandits FWLM Chaos Inc Unhired The Co‐op FWLM Dedrickson's Devils Unhired The Jolly Rogers FWLM Dinsdale's Desperados Unhired The Wild Geese FWLM Fist of Mokal Unhired 12th Star Guards ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Gotterdammerung Society Unhired 12th Star Guards ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Hangmen (co) Unhired 12th Star Guards ‐ 3rd Regiment LCAF Hellfire Hussars Unhired 12th Star Guards ‐ 7th Regiment LCAF Killer Bees Unhired Always Faithful LCAF Legion of the Rising Sun Unhired Bad Dream LCAF Masters of Disaster Unhired Barrett's Fusiliers LCAF Mechmasters Unhired Black Hearts LCAF Meriadoc's Malcontents Unhired Blacknovas LCAF Michael's Men Unhired Cranston Snord's Irregulars LCAF Olson's Rangers Unhired Dragon's Breath LCAF Pathfinders Unhired Filthy Lucre LCAF Red Guard Unhired Freelancers ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Renegades (co) Unhired Freelancers ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Sandoval's Slashers Unhired Freelancers ‐ 3rd Regiment LCAF Sathen's Snipers Unhired Grave Walkers ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF SOAR Unhired Grave Walkers ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Terrible Treads Unhired Gregg's Long Striders LCAF The Black Cats Unhired Hansen's Roughriders LCAF The Black Lions (co) Unhired Hsien Hotheads LCAF The Furies Unhired Kell Hounds ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF The Green Machine Unhired Knights of St. Cameron ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF The Hangmen Co‐op Unhired Knights of St. Cameron ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF The Infernals Unhired Little Richard's Panzer Brigade LCAF The Renegades Co‐op Unhired Mobile Fire LCAF The Sentinels Unhired Narhal's Raiders ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF The Thumpers Unhired Narhal's Raiders ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Turin Light Cavalry Unhired Stealthy Tigers LCAF Vinson's Vigilantes Unhired Waco Rangers LCAF Wannamaker’s Widowmakers Unhired Canopian Highlanders MAF Warbirds Unhired Harcourt's Destructors MAF Warwalkers Unhired Hudson's Red Devils MAF Waystars Unhired Ramillie's Raiders MAF Weymouths Warriors Unhired Blackstone Highlanders MH The Black Hills Regiment Unhired Moroushi's Independent Assault Battalion MH Wilson's Hussars Unhired Regulators OG Wolverton's Highlanders Unhired Ghost Dogs RC Falkener's Hussars Destroyed Bannockburn’s Bandits TDF Gordon's Highland Light Destroyed Free Radicals TDF Kelly's Killers Destroyed Gordon's Armoured Cavalry TDF Law's Flight Destroyed Insect Brigade TDF Mathais's Forlorn Hope Destroyed Longwood's Bluecoats TDF Team Venom Destroyed
55 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 INDUSTRIES REVIEW RASHPUR‐OWENS INC. Merchant class JumpShip – 3 Lines The military industries of each of the great powers are the back bone of their military’s strength, as well as being the yard stick Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines by which their future potential can be measured. CISA prepares Monolith class JumpShip – 3 Lines this briefing once a year, to assist our readers in gaining an accurate understanding of the structure of each nation’s Achilles class Dropship industries, as well as the development across the entire sector over the past year. Triumph class Dropship – 2 Lines CISA is proud to present our latest edition of this volume, which Excalibur class Dropship – 2 Lines tracks the ever accelerating industrial recovery and the massive Avenger class Dropship changes in the Periphery.
CAPELLAN CONFEDERATION SARNA COMMONALITY The Capellan Confederation has seen an increase in production COREY of military items that has steadily increased, like all the powers, since 3000. Currently the CCAF is receiving 60 Light Mechs, 84 HOLLIS INCORPORATED Medium Mechs, 108 Heavy Mechs and 48 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 300 Mechs per year. Additionally, 168 Catapult Heavy Mech Aerospace Fighters and 1,260 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 42 DropShips and 9 JumpShips are also produced. SARNA CAPELLAN COMMONALITY TENGO AEROSPACE Thrush Aerospace Fighter ARES Cheetah Aerospace Fighter The facilities on Ares have been upgraded over the last few years, with production at Bergan Industries doubling and the Lightning Aerospace Fighter new Earthworks shipyards starting operations in 3022. Funded by Earthworks Periphery ventures, as well as the Capellan Seeker class Dropship Government, the new shipyards will be critical to the CCAF. Mule class Dropship BERGAN INDUSTRIES Mammoth class Dropship Locust Light Mech Stinger Light Mech STYK EARTHWERKS LTD. TAO ‘MECHWORKS Union class Dropship Victor Assault Mech Overlord class Dropship QUICKSCELL COMPANY TIKONOV COMMONALITY Scorpion Tank Light Vehicle BRYANT Bulldog Tank Medium Vehicle – 6 Lines Desperate for new Mech lines, the Confederation finally bit the LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines bullet and began the slow process of doming Bryant’s deactivated but intact Grasshopper line. Now in operation, the SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines facility is seen as a useful penal posting, effecting product quality Manticore Tank Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines somewhat. LANTREN CORPORATION CAPELLA Grasshopper Heavy Mech CERES METALS INDUSTRIES Vindicator Medium Mech Transit Medium Aerospace Fighter
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NANKING GRAND BASE Tengo Aerospace was given subsidies by the Capellan EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Government in 3017 to enable it to expand its operations Stinger Light Mech through the construction of facilities over Nanking. Now in operation for 18 months, the new facilities are contributing Shadow Hawk Medium Mech greatly to alleviating the growing unemployment that had been threatening Nanking’s stability. Cataphract Heavy Mech KALLON INDUSTRIES Archer Heavy Mech Wolverine Medium Mech Partisan Assault Tank – 9 Lines SIAN Ontos Assault Tank – 8 Lines HELLESPONT INDUSTRIALS TENGO AEROSPACE Vedette Light Tank – 8 Lines Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter Scorpion Light Tank – 8 Lines Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter Pegasus Light Scout Tank – 8 Lines Mule class Dropship Maxim Medium Hover Transport – 8 Lines HELLESPONT ‘MECH‐WORKS TIKONOV Wasp Light Mech Tikonov has largely been passed over for industrial development Raven Light Mech in recent times, being seen as too exposed for major expansion SAROYAN SPECIAL PRODUCTIONS to be viable. Only a slight increase in aerospace fighter production has been authorised. Transgressor Heavy Aerospace Fighter EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Cataphract Heavy Mech – 3 lines ST.IVES COMMONALITY Thunderbolt Heavy Mech ‐ 2 Lines INDICASS Thug Assault Mech CERES METALS INDUSTRIES Longbow Assault Mech Swift Wind Light Scout Car – 4 Lines Thrush Light Aerospace Fighter Galleon Light Tank – 3 Lines Transit Medium Aerospace Fighter Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun – 9 Lines CERES METALS INDUSTRIES Vindicator Medium Mech – 2 Lines ST.IVES RASHPUR‐OWENS INC. CERES METALS INDUSTRIES Leopard class Dropship Vindicator Medium Mech– 2 Lines Union class Dropship HILDCO INTERPLANETARY Victor Assault Mech SIAN COMMONALITY MUJIKA AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES BETELGEUSE Guardian Light Fighter ALDIS INDUSTRIES TENGO AEROSPACE Demolisher Assault Tank – 4 Lines Thrush Light Aerospace Fighter Schrek Assault PPC Carrier – 4 Lines Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter Behemoth Assault Tank – 4 Lines Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter
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TEXLOS SCARBOROUGH MANUFACTURERS HILDCO INTERPLANETARY Pegasus Light Scout Hover Tank – 2 Lines Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter Saracen Light Hover Tank – 2 Lines Saladin Light Hover Tank – 2 Lines THE DRACONIS COMBINE Scimitar Light Hover Tank – 2 Line The Draconis Combine has seen a large increase in production Maxim Light Hover Transport – 2 Lines rd across the board, as the effects of the 3 War recede and Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines industry is able to rebuild facilities that were otherwise near operational, but to hard to fix during wartime. BattleMech Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle production is up 38% from 3000, Aerospace 11%, transports 16% and armoured vehicle production 27%. Currently the DCMS is receiving 132 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs, 192 Heavy Mechs ALTAIR and 84 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 442 Mechs per year. KURITA COMBINE MUNITIONS CORPORATION Additionally, 240 Aerospace Fighters and 1,248 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 30 DropShips and 15 Riever Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines JumpShips are also produced.
KESSEL BENJAMIN MILITARY DISTRICT Kessel was chosen as the site for the new, government DOVER sponsored aerospace fighter, which was surprisingly given to KCMC to put into production. Rumours are still flying about how WAKAZASHI ENTERPRISES and why this happened, in addition to the worlds new armour Slayer Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines factory. HINSDALE ELEC KURITA COMBINE MUNITIONS CORPORATION Condor class Dropship Samurai Medium Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines SCARBOROUGH MANUFACTURERS LAPIDA II “TEMATAGI MINOR” Pegasus Light Scout Hover Tank One of the benefits of the Kapteyn alliance has been the flow of Saracen Light Hover Tank trade between the Combine and League. The most prominent Saladin Light Hover Tank offshoot of this has been the commencement of production of the Spider on Lapidia II. Scimitar Light Hover Tank NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS LTD. Maxim Light Hover Transport Spider – 2 Lines NIRASAKI PROSERPINA Why the DCMS chose to produce the Whitworth, of all mediums, to test the classes viability is beyond knowing. Perhaps the BULLDOG ENTERPRISES DCMS wishes to show the entire class as a waste and so chose Bulldog Medium Tank – 3 Lines the mediocre Whitworth as the test vehicle. Whatever the case, WSM have jumped at the chance to expand to production, from Tokugawa Heavy Tank – 3 Lines just servicing and are making a handsome profit already. Manticore Heavy Tank – 2 Lines WHITWORTH SPECIALITY MANUFACTURING Whitworth Medium Mech – 2 Lines DIERON MILITARY DISTRICT AL NA’IR YORII ‘MECH WORKS Atlas Assault Mech – 4 Lines
58 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
GALEDON MILITARY DISTRICT LEXATECH INDUSTRIES MIDWAY Wasp Light LAM One of the most important new facilities in the Combine, the Stinger Light LAM shipyards over Midway are slated for ongoing expansion over the Phoenix Hawk Medium LAM next decade.
MIDWAY SHIPYARDS INC. LUTHIEN Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines LAW, as the primary manufacturer of BattleMechs for the DCMS,
was able to secure funding to increase production of the Grand NEW SAMARKAND Dragon, as well as open lines for a variant of the Charger. Additional and unconfirmed reports also indicate that a radically New Samarkand Metals has been able to use DCMS funding to altered version of the Charger may be in development. Buda increase output by 50% over the last five years. Imperial Vehicles has also expanded production of its armoured NEW SAMARKAND METALS vehicles, benefitting from its proximity to the throne. Demolisher Assault Tank – 4 Lines LUTHIEN ARMOR WORKS Schrek Assault PPC Carrier – 4 Lines Jenner Light Mech Behemoth Assault Tank – 4 Lines Wolf Trap Medium Mech Grand Dragon – 8 Lines PESHT MILITARY DISTRICT Quickdraw – 3 Lines AVON Charger (LRM variant) – 2 Lines MATABUSHI, INC. BBP INDUSTRIES Union class Dropship Triumph class Dropship Overlord class Dropship Excalibur class Dropship Intruder class Dropship CHATHAM BUDA IMPERIAL VEHICLES With the Aerospace facilities at Schulyer working at maximum Lifesaver Light Coolant Truck – 5 Lines capacity, the lines at Chatham have been expanded to take up Tokugawa Heavy Tank – 5 Lines the inflow of resources into this sector. Daimyo Medium Headquarters Unit – 5 Lines WAKAZASHI ENTERPRISES
Shilone Heavy Aerospace Fighter– 3 Lines SCHUYLER Lucifer II Heavy Aerospace Fighter– 3 Lines WAKAZASHI ENTERPRISES STELLAR TREK Shologar Light Aerospace Fighter ‐ 6 Lines Merchant class JumpShip – 3 Lines GALILEO INSTRUMENTS Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines Achilles class Dropship Monolith class JumpShip – 3 Lines Monarch class Dropship TOMORI TRANS INDUSTRIAL Behemoth class Dropship Vengeance class Dropship DHARMA HYPERSPACE
Scout class JumpShip – 3 Lines IRECE
Long the only source of LAM parts, Lexatech took the gamble to bring both the Wasp and Phoenix Hawk LAMs back into production. The gamble has paid off, with orders now received that cannot be filled until the end of 3027.
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RASALHAGUE MILITARY DISTRICT JARRETT GORTON, KINGSLEY & THORPE ENTERPRISES ALSHAIN Panther Light Mech ALSHAIN BATTLWORX Grand Dragon Heavy Mech – 2 Lines RASLAHAGUE BERGAN INDUSTRIES JOINT EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS Locust Light Mech Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun – 3 Lines GORTON, KINGSLEY & THORPE ENTERPRISES LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 3 Lines Panther Light Mech – 2 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 3 Lines JOINT EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS Skulker Light Scout Tank – 2 Lines SPITTAL Scorpion Light Tank – 2 Lines BENSON & BJORN Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun – 4 Lines Tracked APC Light Vehicle – 3 Lines LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 4 Lines Scorpion Light Tank – 3 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 4 Lines Vedette Light Tank – 2 Lines
KRENICE TRONDHIEM Producers from across the Combine were told to produce SWEDENBORG HEAVY INDUSTRIES schematics for their vehicles for production at the new SHI plant Demolisher Assault Tank – 2 Lines on Krenice. The new facility is producing nearly 150 tanks a year for the DCMS, with many going to units in the Rasalhague and Schrek Assault PPC Carrier – 2 Lines Benjamin Districts. Behemoth Assault Tank– 2 Lines SWEDENBORG HEAVY INDUSTRIES Scorpion Light Tank – 2 Lines Vedette Light Tank– 2 Lines Skulker Light Scout Tank – 2 Lines Scorpion Light Tank Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun Demolisher Assault Tank Schrek Assault PPC Carrier – 2 Lines Behemoth Assault Tank – 2 Lines
NEW OSLO GORTON, KINGSLEY & THORPE ENTERPRISES Panther Light Mech Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech Archer Heavy Mech
60 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 THE FEDERATED SUNS TALON The AFFS has focused on an expansion of DropShip and Mech Kallon have used strong sales to mercenary forces to gather the production, with a commensurate rise in tank production. funds required for an expansion of the JagerMech lines. This BattleMech production is up 36% from 3000, transport 28% and expansion has mainly been used to bolster Capellan March armoured vehicle production 25%. Currently the AFFS is receiving formations who, like many in the AFFS, appreciated the 60 Light Mechs, 180 Medium Mechs, 96 Heavy Mechs and 72 JagerMechs abilities. Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 408 Mechs per year. KALLON INDUSTRIES Additionally, 204 Aerospace Fighters and 1,308 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 57 DropShips and 12 Hornet Light Mech JumpShips are also produced. Enforcer Medium Mech Wolverine Medium Mech CAPELLAN MARCH Rifleman Heavy Mech AXTON JagerMech Heavy Mech – 2 Lines WANGKER AEROSPACE Union class Dropship Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines Eagle Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines CRUCIS MARCH Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines BELLADONNA CAL‐BOEING OF DORWINION KATHIL Ferret VTOL – 6 Lines Kathil has seen GM begin an expansion of their APC facilities, Wild Weasel VTOL – 6 Lines producing a plethora of variants, machines that are always welcome in the combined arms minded AFFS. Marten VTOL – 6 Lines GENERAL MOTORS Marauder Heavy Mech – 3 Lines DELAVAN GENERAL MOTORS OF KATHIL The facilities above Delevan were in a poor state of repair and able to produce only limited numbers of ships. The last decade Darter Light Scout Car – 5 Lines has seen the yards completely restored and back to full APC Light Vehicle – 10 Lines production. MCKENNA SHIPYARDS, KATHIL SHIPWORKS UNIVERSAL AIR Mule class Dropship Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines Seeker class Dropship Star Lord class JumpShip – 3 Lines Mammoth class Dropship DYNAMICO LTD. Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines Avenger class Dropship Buccaneer class Dropship NEW SYRTIS JOHNSTON INDUSTRIES GALAX Goblin Medium Tank – 4 Lines FEDERATED‐BOEING INTERSTELLAR, POINT SIMON YARDS NEW SYRTIS SHIPYARDS Gazelle class Dropship Gazelle class Dropship Leopard class Dropship Monarch class Dropship Leopard CV class Dropship Mammoth class Dropship Union class Dropship Overlord class Dropship – 2 Lines Mule class Dropship
61 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
Seeker class Dropship Centurion Medium Mech Mammoth class Dropship LYCOMB‐DAVION INTRATECH Stuka Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines GULKANA Lightning Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines QUICKSCELL COMPANY Hellcat Medium Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 2 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 2 Lines SALEM Scorpion Light Tank – 2 Lines GENERAL MOTORS Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines JOHNSONDALE Heavy Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines VALIANT VEHICLES Pegasus Light Hovertank – 4 Lines TALCOTT GENERAL MOTORS KIRKLIN SP Artillery Assault Vehicle – 9 Lines KALLON WEAPONS INDUSTRIES Partisan Assault Tank – 4 Lines DRACONIS MARCH OZAWA LAYOVER A secret project, started in 3011 and completed in 3021, has seen the severely damaged facilities on Ozawa brought back into QUICKSCELL COMPANY use. The Star League era Mechs produced, although using LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines current technology, are a great boon for AFFS forces in the Draconis March. SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines MALTEX CORPORATION Scorpion Light Tank – 4 Lines Wyvern Medium Mech Vedette Light Tank – 4 Lines Thug Assault Mech – 2 Lines SALVATORE, INC.
Seeker class Dropship MARDUK
NORSE BATTLEMECH WORKS NEW AVALON Griffin Medium Mech – 2 Lines Both Achernar and Corean have been using government funds to increase production of their Medium Mech models, as these are Wolverine Medium Mech – 3 Lines the most versatile and prized products for the AFFS from these facilities. QUENTIN ACHERNAR BATTLEMECHS Independence has been able to slightly increase production over Locust Light Mech the last five years without any government assistance. Future Wasp Light Mech growth will, however, need such assistance as the coffers of the company are nearly dry. Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech INDEPENDENCE WEAPONRY Enforcer Medium Mech JagerMech Heavy Mech Dervish Medium Mech Marauder Heavy Mech COREAN ENTERPRISES Victor Assault Mech Valkyrie Light Mech ‐ 2 Lines Atlas Assault Mech
62 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
ROBINSON In order to assist in the reequipping of RCT’s in the Draconis March, RSB was founded to produce APC’s and IFV’s. The large facility is capable of producing over 200 vehicles a year. ROBINSON STANDARD BATTLEWORKS APC and IFV Light Vehicles – 17 Lines
PERIPERY MARCH CROFTON STARCORPS INDUSTRIES Longbow Assault Mech – 2 Lines
PANPOUR JALASTAR AEROSPACE Centurion Medium Mech – 3 Lines Sparrowhawk Light Aerospace Fighter Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter Manticore Heavy Tank – 8 Lines CHALLENGE SYSTEMS Monolith class JumpShip – 3 Lines
63 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 THE FREE WORLDS LEAGUE IMSTAR AEROSPACE The League has endeavoured, over the last few years, to increase Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines BattleMech production, at the expense of nearly every other sector. BattleMech production is up 18% from 3000, with only transport production seeing any growth as well at 3%. Much KALIDASA growth has been funnelled into the periphery and then KALI YAMA WEAPONS INDUSTRIES INC. imported, or sold to mercenaries, a situation that makes tracking FWLM strength difficult. Currently, the FWLM is receiving 156 Wasp Light Mech Light Mechs, 228 Medium Mechs, 156 Heavy Mechs and 96 Trebuchet Medium Mech Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 656 Mechs per year. Additionally, 432 Aerospace Fighters and 912 Tanks are produced Hunchback Medium Mech to support the Mech formations. 75 DropShips and 9 JumpShips Orion Heavy Mech are also produced. QUIKSCELL COMPANY
Hetzer Wheeled Medium Assault Gun – 14 Lines DIEUDONNE COMMAND Scorpion Light Tank – 13 Lines AMITY
IMSTAR AEROSPACE KEYSTONE Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines Due to it position at the centre of the League, the Earthworks facility at Keystone was selected to receive a massive injection of ATREUS government funding. This has enabled the facility to double output to 120 Mechs per year. IMSTAR AEROSPACE EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter – 5 Lines Stinger Light Mech – 2 Lines DELLER, BINGHAM, & FOUTS Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech – 2 Lines Gazelle class Dropship – 3 Lines Griffin Medium Mech – 2 Lines Mammoth class Dropship – 2 Lines Thunderbolt Heavy Mech – 2 Lines
Battlemaster Assault Mech – 2 Lines CONNAUGHT EXETER ORGANIZATION The League government has assisted Kong Interstellar in getting the production facilities back in working order. Additional Pegasus Light Scout Tank – 6 Lines funding is expected to assist is bring both the Ostroc and Ostsol back into production as well. MARIK KONG INTERSTELLAR CORPORATION IMSTAR AEROSPACE Ostsol Heavy Mech Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter ‐ 2 Lines
Planetlifter Light Air Transport ‐ 2 Lines IRIAN
IRIAN BATTLEMECHS UNLIMITED OLIVER Hermes Light Mech – 2 Lines BRIGADIER CORPORATION Hermes II Medium Mech – 2 Lines Griffin Medium Mech Trebuchet Medium Mech Crusader Heavy Mech Awesome Assault Mech QUIKSCELL COMPANY BROOKS INCORPORATED LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 3 Lines Galleon Light Tank – 5 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 3 Lines Harasser Light Missile Platform – 5 Lines
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SAVANNAH Hermes II Medium Mech TECHNICRON MANUFACTURING Stalker Assault Mech ‐ 2 Lines Quickdraw Heavy Mech GRUMMAN AMALGAMATED Awesome Assault Mech Ontos Assault Tank – 5 Lines
STEWART TEMATAGI COREAN ENTERPRISES, MACADAMS‐SUHARNO NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS Locust Light Mech Spider Light Mech – 2 Lines Trebuchet Medium Mech Vulcan Medium Mech Goliath Assault Mech WALLIS GRANERA COMMAND RONIN, INC. Warhammer Heavy Mech ANDURIEN Marauder Heavy Mech ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES) HOLT COMMAND Stingray Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines
Riever Assault Aerospace Fighter – 6 Lines ASUNCION Intruder class Dropship – 2 Lines KALLON INDUSTRIES BROOKS INCORPORATED Crusader Heavy Mech Galleon Light Tank – 6 Lines EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Harasser Light Missile Platform – 6 Lines Flea Light Mech
DALTON BERNARDO NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS LTD. KALLON INDUSTRIES Condor class Dropship – 2 Lines Crusader Heavy Mech
EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED LOPEZ Flea Light Mech ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE
INDUSTRIES) MAGNA METALS CALLOWAY VI Stingray Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Riever Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines Stinger Light Mech
Shadow Hawk Medium Mech SHIRO III Archer Heavy Mech Desperate to increase Assault Mech production, the League was more than willing to throw money at Andurien, if it meant more Stalkers in the ranks. EMRIS IV IRIAN BATTLEMECHS UNLIMITED STARCORPS INDUSTRIES Wasp Light Mech Longbow Assault Mech
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KENDALL COMMAND LOYALTY KALLON INDUSTRIES CLIPPERTON Partisan Assault Tank – 5 Lines IRIAN TECHNOLOGIES Vengeance class Dropship – 2 Lines Leopard class Dropship – 2 Lines SELASYS INC. Leopard‐CV class Dropship Star Lord class JumpShip – 3 Lines Union class Dropship – 2 Lines Scout class JumpShip – 6 Lines MACKENZIE BRIGADIER CORPORATION GIBSON Behemoth class Dropship ‐ 2 Lines Production of both the Cicada and Wolverine has doubled over the past few years, with most of the funding coming from WESTOVER Regulan interests. ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE GIBSON FEDERATED BATTLEMECHS (A DIVISION OF FREE INDUSTRIES) WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES) Stingray Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines Locust Light Mech Riever Assault Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines Cicada Medium Mech – 2 Lines
Wolverine Medium Mech STERLING COMMAND Marauder Heavy Mech TAMARIND BRIGADIER CORPORATION Increases in efficiencies have seen the yards over Tamarind now Fury class Dropship – 2 Lines able to produce 3, instead of 2, ships per year. Buccaneer class Dropship – 2 Lines TECHNICRON MANUFACTURING/FORERUNNER A.G. Monarch class Dropship – 3 Lines Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines
KARACHI THERMOPOLIS Brigadier has been trying to resurrect its once proud business KALLON INDUSTRIES empire and until recently has meet with little success. Hoarding its small profits over the years, the company has finally Wolverine Medium Mech succeeded in bringing one of its wrecked BattleMech plants back to life. Although only producing 12 Griffins a year, this first step Rifleman Heavy Mech in recover has done wonders for the companies share price and morale. The Griffin version produced here, the 1M, trades out the PPC for a Large Laser and 2 tons more armour, which is also TRELLISANE better placed. GUTIERREZ AEROSPACE BRIGADIER CORPORATION Stingray Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines Griffin Medium Mech
KENDALL KALI YAMA/ALPHARD TRADING CORP. Orion Heavy Mech BROOKS INCORPORATED Galleon Light Tank – 5 Lines
66 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 THE LYRAN COMMONWEALTH BOLAN PROVINCE The Lyran Commonwealth, as the industrial powerhouse of the CHUKCHI III Inner Sphere, has been expanding all sectors of its military Part of the Archons massive upgrade plan for the under industry in line with Katrina Steiner’s dictates. The big winners represented conventional forces, was to expand production of have been the aerospace and tank producers, who were often the new Rommel and Patton tanks, who effectiveness is readily left out in the cold in favour of ‘Mechs and transports. apparent. BattleMech production is up 17% from 3000, Aerospace 32%, transport production at 22% and tank production up 15%. Lyran DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II corporations have also been very active in periphery investment. Rommel Tank – 1.5 Lines Currently the LCAF is receiving 84 Light Mechs, 144 Medium Mechs, 240 Heavy Mechs and 300 Assault Mechs per year, for a Patton Tank – 1.5 Lines total of 768 Mechs per year. Additionally, 300 Aerospace
Fighters and 1 920 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 57 DropShips and 29 JumpShips are also produced. FURILLO DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II ALARION PROVINCE Locust Light Mech ALARION Wasp Light Mech IOTO GALACTIC ENTERPRISES Zeus Heavy Mech Scout class JumpShip – 6 Lines LOCKHEED/CBM CORP. Invader class JumpShip – 6 Lines Warrior Light Attack VTOL – 5 Lines Monolith class JumpShip – 3 Lines BOWIE INDUSTRIES GALLERY Archer Heavy Mech As part of the Steiner land hold, Gallery found securing a place in the new industries plan quite easy. However, in order to limit Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines public displeasure, no new designs will be produced here. Leopard class Dropship DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II Leopard CV class Dropship Hunter Light Tank Union class DropShip – 2 Lines Manticore Heavy Tank
CARLISLE GIENAH Bowie Industries have used funds gained in the periphery to GIENAH COMBAT VEHICLES expand Mech production on Carlisle. Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 4 Lines BOWIE INDUSTRIES Heavy Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 4 Lines Archer Heavy Mech Centipede Light Scout Car – 4 Lines Marauder Heavy Mech Pack Rat Light Long Range Patrol Vehicle – 3 Lines Pack Rat Light Long Range Recon Vehicle – 5 Lines
S. L. LEWIS INCORPORATED COVENTRY PROVINCE Savannah Master Light Hovercraft – 5 Lines AUSTRALIA
One of the few Archons to pay this difficult to deal with (at least SON HOA from a Lyran point of view) world any attention, Katrina is seen STARCORPS INDUSTRIES as the greatest of the Archons by allowing the new facilities to be built on the world. Members of the planetary nobility and Longbow Assault Mech – 2 Lines Estates General membership are now knocking on Coventry Highlander Assault Mech Metalwork’s doors to drum up interest in a Mech factory.
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BOWIE INDUSTRIES GIBBS Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines LOCKHEED/CBM CORPORATION DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II Eagle Heavy Aerospace Fighter Rommel Heavy Tank – 1.5 Lines Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter Patton Heavy Tank – 1.5 Lines IOTO GALACTIC ENTERPRISES Merchant class JumpShip – 3 Lines COVENTRY COVENTRY METAL WORKS THARKAD Stinger Light Mech – 2 Lines As the capital of the Commonwealth, Tharkad had the inside running for any new programs. Using its influence, the Tharkad Commando Light Mech – 2 Lines Industries Group was able to see upgrades to its orbital facilities Firestarter Light Mech – 2 Lines realised. Vulcan Medium Mech – 2 Lines THARKAD AEROSPACE GROUP (TAG) Phoenix Medium Mech – 2 Lines Intruder class Dropship Fortress class Dropship DONEGAL PROVINCE Behemoth class Dropship AUR THARHES INDUSTRIES Gienah Combat Vehicles was not initially looked at for the new Wolfhound Light Mech – 2 Lines program, but their persistence paid off when the new facility on Crusader Heavy Mech – 2 Lines Aur was authorised. LOCKHEED/CBM CORPORATION GIENAH COMBAT VEHICLES Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines Tracked APC Light Vehicle Hellcat Heavy Aerospace Fighter Heavy Tracked APC Light Vehicle Monarch class Dropship Hover APC Light Vehicle SEMIER DATA TRON Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle Seeker class Dropship
Fortress class Dropship DONEGAL Excalibur class Dropship As the heart of the Aerofighter industry of the Commonwealth, Donegal was always going to get funds. What it did not expect was the opening of the new IOTO yards. FEDERATION OF SKYE LOCKHEED/CBM CORPORATION EDASICH Lucifer Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines Edasich lobbied long and hard to get the Defiance Demolisher Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines line built on the world, starting a feud with nearby Nekkar. Centurion Light Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter Demolisher Assault Tank IOTO GALACTIC ENTERPRISES Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines HESPERUS II Mule class Dropship With massive expansion going on in their conventional armament lines, and with money flowing in from investment in
the Periphery, Defiance was able to put the new Hatchetman into production and licence the Valkyrie and Enforcer models from the Federated Suns.
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DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II CYCLOPS INCORPORATED Valkyrie Light Mech Drillson Medium Hovertank – 8 Lines Hatchetman Medium Mech Maxim Medium Hover Transport – 7 Lines Enforcer Medium Mech Griffin Medium Mech – 2 Lines WYATT Archer Heavy Mech – 8 Lines BOWIE INDUSTRIES Zeus Assault Mech – 8 Lines Archer Heavy Mech Banshee Assault Mech – 4 Lines Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter Atlas Assault Mech – 6 Lines Hunter Light Tank – 4 Lines TAMAR PACT Manticore Heavy Tank – 4 Lines PANDORA Rommel Heavy Tank – 5 Lines RED DEVIL INDUSTRIES Patton Heavy Tank – 5 Lines Rifleman Heavy Mech Demolisher Assault Tank – 4 Lines BattleMaster Assault Mech Avenger class DropShip Pegasus Light Hovertank – 5 Lines Condor Medium Hovertank – 5 Lines NEW EARTH Centipede Light Scout Car – 5 Lines NEW EARTH TRADING COMPANY QUICKSCELL COMPANY Karnov Light UR Transport – 5 Lines Scorpion Light Tank – 5 Lines Vedette Medium Tank – 5 Lines LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 8 Lines Manticore Heavy Tank – 5 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 7 Lines
NEW KYOTO SUDETEN The largest of Defiance’s new facilities, the New Kyoto plant is OLIVETTI WEAPONRY almost able to rival Hesperus II in numbers of vehicles produced. Thunderbolt Heavy Mech DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II Warhammer Heavy Mech Hunter Light Tank – 2 Lines Hunter Light Tank – 5 Lines Manticore Heavy Tank – 2 Lines J. Edgar Light Hovertank – 5 Lines Rommel Heavy Tank – 2 Lines TRELLSHIRE HEAVY INDUSTRIES Patton Heavy Tank – 2 Lines Sturmfeur Assault Tank – 5 Lines
Demolisher Assault Tank – 5 Lines SKYE
Shipl got in early on the new facilities program and managed to secure funding to double production, not hard considering the TWYCROSS cheapness of the Seydlitz fighter. TRELLSHIRE HEAVY INDUSTRIES SHIPIL COMPANY Rifleman Heavy Mech – 2 Lines Seydlitz Aerospace Fighter – 6 Lines BattleMaster Assault Mech Overlord class Dropship – 5 Lines Stalker Assault Mech
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THE MAGISTRACY OF CANOPOUS Longbow Assault Mech The Magistracy long suffered from limited output and a San Andreas Assault Mech production base that focused on light weight machines. Thanks LYCOMB‐DAVION INTRATECH to the recent investment of Inner Sphere firms in the Periphery, the Magistracy is beginning to bring its military industry out of Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines the dark ages. BattleMech production is up 75% from 3000, with Stuka Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines Aerospace and transport production having doubled, all thanks to foreign investment. Although the price of this investment sees much profit and production lost, the MAF is glad to have the new units, even in limited numbers. Currently the MAF is receiving 36 Light Mechs, 12 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 12 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 84 Mechs per year. Additionally, 72 Aerospace Fighters and 192 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 18 DropShips are also produced.
CANOPUS IV MMM has managed to use funds from the Royal Purse to begin production of the Marauder, with the plans purchased from Bowie Industries. MAJESTY METALS & MANUFACTURING Locust Light Mech Stinger Light Mech Wasp Light Mech Marauder Heavy Mech
DUNIANSHIRE MMM was forced to loose part of its aerospace facilities to allow LDI the space to start operations. Investments from Bowie, Rashpur‐Owens and Federated Bowing have seen the Mule and Union begin production as well. The new LDI facility is now at full production, with the StarCorps facility to reach full production by years end. In January of 3024, SCI will begin producing limited numbers of the San Andreas under exclusive licence to the MAF, cutting production of the Longbow in half. MAJESTY METALS & MANUFACTURING Shadow Hawk Medium Mech Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines Pike Heavy Support Vehicle – 5 Lines Manticore Heavy Tank – 5 Lines Leopard class Dropship – 2 Lines (down 1) Mule class Dropship – 2 Lines Union class Dropship – 2 Lines STARCORPS INDUSTRIES Warhammer Heavy Mech
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THE OUTWORLDS ALLIANCE UNITED OUTWORLDERS CORPORATION The Outworlds has been desperate to improve its BattleMech Hunter Light Tank forces for years, with its prayers finally answered by a Vedette Medium Tank Defiance/Olivetti conglomerate, flush with Lyran cash. The results of this investment have allowed for an increase of fighter and tank production, but most importantly, the beginnings of PRAXTON limited use of the derelict shipyards over Cerberus. BattleMech production is has doubled from 3000, with Aerospace up 9% and UNITED OUTWORLDERS CORPORATION transport production beginning anew, with armoured vehicle Shilone Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines output up 30%. Currently the AMF is receiving 36 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 12 Assault Mechs per Slayer Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines year, for a total of 96 Mechs per year. Additionally, 144 UNITED OUTWORLDERS CORPORATION Aerospace Fighters and 156 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 Scout JumpShips are also produced. Manticore Heavy Tank
ALPHERATZ RAMORA Defiance‐Olivetti Industrials new Alpheratz facility is not only Production of the Lightning now matches the Seydlitz in vital to the AMF, but is forcing the local industrial sector to numbers. upgrade to meet the needs of the new facility. This is having a UNITED OUTWORLDERS CORPORATION large knock on effect in the rest of the Outworlds economy. Seydlitz Light Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines ALLIANCE DEFENDERS LIMITED Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter – 5 Lines Locust Light Mech Stinger Light Mech Wasp Light Mech DEFIANCE‐OLIVETTI INDUSTRIALS Griffin Medium Mech Thunderbolt Heavy Mech Warhammer Heavy Mech Banshee Assault Mech MOUNTAIN WOLF BATTLEMECHS Merlin Heavy Mech
CERBERUS Federated Boeing and Ioto Galactic Industries have been instrumental in getting the old yards working, albeit if it is only a small portion of the once large facilities. However, many locals are unhappy at the influence the two companies now wield in local affairs. ALLIANCE DEFENDERS LIMITED Scout class JumpShip – 3 Lines
MITCHELLA The Outworlds government has improved productivity at the Mitchella plant by 30%.
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THE TAURIAN CONCORDAT PERDITION Long the strongest of the Periphery industrial powers, the PINARD PROTECTORATES LIMITED Concordat has had it lead eroded in recent years, due the effects Wasp Light Mech – 3 Lines of the Far Lookers siphoning of funds. Due to this BattleMech production has only increased 6% from 3000, with Aerospace up Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter not at all with armoured vehicle output up only 6%. However, J. Edgar Light Hovertank – 5 Lines Far Lookers influence saw transport production jump 33%. Currently the TDF is receiving 108 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Light SRM Carrier Medium Vehicle – 4 Lines Mechs and 96 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 228 Mechs Vedette Medium Tank – 4 Lines per year. Additionally, 96 Aerospace Fighters and 432 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 24 DropShips are also produced. PINARD
VANDENBURG MECHANIZED INDUSTRIES ILLIUSHIN Thunderbolt Heavy Mech Coventry Metalworks invested in a 30% share of VMI and saw to Warhammer Heavy Mech it that the Lyran Commando Mech would start production. Additionally, Far Lookers funds saw a tripling of DropShip Vedette Medium Tank – 3 Lines production from the companies orbiting facilities. Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines VANDENBURG MECHANIZED INDUSTRIES PINARD PROTECTORATES LIMITED Commando Light Mech Marauder Heavy Mech Griffin Medium Mech
Union class Dropship – 3 Lines STEROPE
TAURUS TERRITORIAL INDUSTRIES MACLEOD’S LAND Seydlitz Light Aerospace Fighter – 2 lines PINARD PROTECTORATES LIMITED Hunter Light Tank – 5 Lines Locust Light Mech Tracked APC Light Vehicle – 5 Lines Stinger Light Mech Union class Dropship – 2 Lines
NEW VANDENBURG TAURUS The only other plant to see production increase in the last few TAURUS TERRITORIAL INDUSTRIES years, VMI has started production of the successful Hunter Tank. Locust Light Mech VANDENBURG MECHANIZED INDUSTRIES Wasp Light Mech Stinger Light Mech Hatchetman Medium Mech Archer Heavy Mech Thunderbolt Heavy Mech Marauder Heavy Mech Warhammer Heavy Mech Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter Marauder Heavy Mech Hunter Light Tank Lightning Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 lines
Leopard class Dropship – 3 lines ORGANO
PINARD PROTECTORATES LIMITED Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines
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MARIAN HEGEMONY When you’ve got it flaunt it. So the Hegemony did, using its massive Germanium reserves to practically bribe IBU into building extensive facilities on the capital world of Alphard. Following the annexing of Niops, IBU personnel have been assisting in increasing the somewhat limited output of the Niopian factories. Currently the Legions receive 36 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 36 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 96 Mechs per year. Additionally, 12 Aerospace Fighters and 76 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 DropShips and 3 JumpShips are also produced.
ALPHARD The FWLM military has its nose somewhat out of joint; over the fact the IBU can jump start Assault Mech production on Alphard, but not at its facilities in the League. Irian’s answer was simple – Show us the Money! IRIAN BATTLEMECHS UNLIMITED Hermes II Medium Mech Warhammer Heavy Mech Orion Heavy Mech Awesome Assault Mech Stalker Assault Mech Goliath Assault Mech Tracked APC Light Vehicle – 3 Lines J. Edgar Light Hovertank – Lines
NIOPS IRB has been given exclusive access to recovered technology from Niops on the condition that it first improves production from the old factories and shares any finds with the Hegemony. NIOPS FEDERAL ARMAMENTS Wyvern Medium Mech Kintaro Medium Mech Spad Aerospace Fighter Gotha Aerospace Fighter Union class DropShip Scout class JumpShip – 3 Lines
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CIRCINUS FEDERATION Not wanting to be outdone by their rivals at Irian, Earthworks jumped at the opportunity that Circinus was offering. Since establishing the facilities, Earthworks has become deeply involved in Circinian politics. Currently the Black Warriors receive 12 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs and 12 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 48 Mechs per year. Additionally, 96 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations.
Circinus The new facility is the crown jewel of Circinus and shaping up as the centre point of the rivalry between the President and the Black Warriors. The new facility for McIntyre Machinery has been fifteen years in the making. EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED Flea Light Mech Griffin Medium Mech Thunderbolt Heavy Mech Marauder Assault Mech Galleon Light Tank – 4 Lines Hunter Light Tank – 4 Lines
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OBERON CONFEDERATION STAR’S END Oberon took swindling to a whole new interstellar level in getting Far more extensive than once believed, the yards in the Star’s their military industries off the ground. Offering no set up costs, End asteroid field are proving a boon to the Oberon military and or government oversight, King Grimm was able to get Quickscell economy. to set up shop on Oberon VI and begin the production of several JOLLY ROGER SHIPPING classes of armoured vehicle in 3016. Once these units began to see service in Oberon’s growing conventional forces, and the Merchant class JumpShip severe lack of quality control that Quickscell is known for came to be apparent, Grimm seized the factories and deported the Quickscell executives. The Lyran state ignored the pleas of the ERIN (Von Strang’s World) company, happy to see them receive their long overdue This ancient facility, several centuries old, still produces a few accounting for their shoddy business practices, leaving Grimm in tanks a year for whoever owns the facility at the time. possession of a big bargaining chip. RIM WORLDS MANUFACTURING Grimm then offered the factories to Olivetti Weaponry for a nominal price, on the condition that they expand production and Von Luckner Heavy Tank construct a Mech factory. After two years negotiation, and some assurances from Grimm, Olivetti, with assistance from Coventry Meatalworks, undertook a two year construction period and opened their new Mech factory on Oberon in 3021. Additional gains at Star’s End and Von Strang’s World have assisted in providing a solid industrial base for the Oberon Guards. Currently the Guards receive 24 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs and 24 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 72 Mechs per year. Additionally, 180 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 JumpShips are also produced.
OBERON VI The new company is owned 60/40 between the Grimm family and Olivetti Weaponry. As the heart of the Oberon military, the facility is well guarded. RED EYE HEAVY INDUSTRIES Locust Light Mech – 2 Lines Wolverine Medium Mech – 2 Lines Rifleman Heavy Mech – 2 Lines Galleon Light Tank – 2 Lines Scorpion Light Tank – 2 Lines Tracked APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines
ELISSA Only recently opening, the new facility is not popular with the local pacifists. RED EYE HEAVY INDUSTRIES Galleon Light Tank – 2 Lines Scorpion Light Tank – 2 Lines
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LOTHIAN LEAGUE Desperate for assistance, the Lothians have been accused of selling their souls to Wallis Inc, who drove such a hard bargain, that the Lothians may see war machines from their new facility, but little profit. However, the facility is desperately needed with Marian forces now so near.
LOTHARIO LOTHIAN – WALLIS Inc Clint Medium Mech Hellcat Heavy Aerospace Fighter Striker Light Tank – 3 Lines
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ILLYRIAN PALITINATE In a similar position to the Lothian League, the Illyrians were far smarter, managing to engage a consortium of firms on a relatively good deal. Although, a small facility, it is desperately needed addition to the national defence.
ILLYRIA THOR’S BATTLE TECHNOLOGY Stalker Assault Mech BattleMaster Assault Mech Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter Harasser Light Missile Platform – 3 Lines
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MICA MAJORITY Long producing a few tanks each year, MFA continues to sell to small periphery worlds that need a cheap and easily maintained armoured vehicle.
MICA V MICA FEDERAL ARMAMENTS Galleon Tank – 3 Lines
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3023 TECHNICAL ADDENDUM CISA has not had much chance over the course of the last few decades to undertake work for the Technical Addendums, sections of the review that were once well populated. However, we are proud to present the first new battlefield unit to see service since the Outworlds Merlin ‘Mech entered service.
BattleMechs BattleMechs have always been the preferred unit for use on the modern battlefield, and it is fitting that the first new ‘Mech in many years is likely to become one of the kings of the class, the 100 ton San Andreas, product of the recently built StarCorps facility on Dunianshire .
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SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS Named for the famous fault line that destroyed the city of and the PPC's at range, allow a smart and patient pilot to Los Angeles on Terra in 2085, the San Andreas is a rival to manage heat build up easily. MAF/StarCorps design Mass: 100 Tons the Atlas in sheer fire power and armoured strength. philosophy came down to this – so few SAN‐01C’s would Cruising Speed: 32.25 kph Utilising many of the components and jigs that existed on be built, that they must come home from the battlefield Maximum Speed: 53.75 kph the Longbow line at Dunianshire, and borrowing from the every time. Jump Capacity: None Warhammer as well, the San Andreas has an unusual DEPLOYMENT Armament: 1 Dunianshire Demon Autocannon 20 appearance, somewhere between a stretched Longbow 2 Magna Hellstar PPC’s cross a Warhammer. First walking of the lines of the new StarCorps plant on 3 Martel Medium Lasers Dunianshire late in 3023, the SAN‐01C was considered a CAPABILITIES Deployed By: Magistracy Armed Forces – Pre‐ nightmare project by the StarCorps engineers, who had to production prototypes only The San Andreas is designed, first and foremost, to be the halve the Longbow production sequence to fit the new Designer: StarCorps Industries/Magistracy defensive anchor of Canopian line regiments, carrying an machine in. This caused the production costs of both Design Bureau impressive 18 tons of armour, which allows the SAN‐01 to models to sky rocket, and limited the company’s profits Entered Service: 3024 absorb at least four PPC hits to the centre torso before and output of both models to just 1 every two months. Primary Factories: Dunianshire (StarCorps) losing all protection. However, the MAF does not give a flying hoot for the Variants: SAN‐01A, SAN‐01B, SAN‐01C, SAN‐01D Speed was seen as a secondary consideration, following financial troubles the ‘Mech has caused, as the first three Cost: 9,488,000 C‐bills (SAN‐01C) the failure of the ‐01A, which was meant to pace the production models, that will enter service in January
lighter Canopian Mechs. This role was seen as best left to 3024, proved themselves devastating machines in trial OVERVIEW the hordes of Canopian Light ‘Mechs, allowing as much exercises in the 1st Canopian Fusiliers, where they will be tonnage as possible to be devoted to offensive systems. assigned. Kyalla Centrella, ever the closet megalomaniac, had for The San Andreas's designers opted to leave missile many years wished to strengthen the MAF BattleMech The 1st Canopian Fusiliers have been putting the San support to the Longbow, recently beginning production at arm. It would take many years to realise her vision of Andreas through a gruelling series of exercises under the the same plant, and based the weapons load out closely more powerful Mechs for her forces, however, her watchful eyes of MAF senior officers and StarCorps on that of the Marauder and Warhammer designs also designers began work in 3015, planning for the future. engineers, who all report directly to Kyalla Centrella produced for the MAF. herself. The original design of the San Andreas, the SAN‐01A, was The ammunition dependent ‐01B, with its twin class 10 an unmitigated disaster, taking the failures of the Charger VARIANTS Autocannon and single class 20, was not only limited to a and Banshee models and sticking them in a larger frame. minutes worth of ammunition, but carried 16 tons of Five variants currently exist, with the initial model, the Later designs, namely the SAN‐01B, rectified this error, armour, making ammunition explosions a problem. The ‐ SAN‐01A, planned as an assault ‘Mech with great speed, but the focus on an all auto‐cannon armament limited the 01C, was to become far more survivable, with all but the seeing the use of a highly inefficient 400 rated engine, design in combat endurance and survivability. class 20 dropped and two more tons of armour added. however, saner heads prevailed and later models dropped Once StarCorps had set up shop on Dunianshire, as part of this unfeasible idea. The use of a 300 rated engine (SAN‐ The SAN‐01C is built around a massive class 20 Canopus’s part in the luring of manufacturers to the 01B) freed up a great amount of mass, adding two class Autocannon, which is supported by 2 forward firing and Periphery, the Warhammer and Longbow Mechs began to 10 autocannon and upgrading the torso mount cannon one rear firing medium laser for close in support, and see production. The acquisition of these models stalled from the 01A’s class 10 to a class 20. supplied with 10 rounds of cassette ammunition. As the need for a home grown assault chassis, even less so enemy forces attempt to move out of the range of the The next two models also added armour and heat sinks, when Majesty Metals gained the licence to the Marauder. deadly Autocannon, the twin PPC arrangement, taken with the SAN‐01B gaining 2 tons on the original. The SAN‐ However, StarCorps personnel saw great promise in the directly from the Marauder/Warhammer designs, 01C, the primary pre‐production model, drops the class San Andreas and proposed a redesign which would maintains the primary damage curve. 10 autocannon for PPC’s and adds more armour and heat produce a survivable and powerful Mech. Officially sinks. The MAF, realising the need for extended operations in designed “personally by the Magestrix”, but more likely the Periphery, limited ammunition carrying weapons to Field testing by Captain Waugh has also provided two by StarCorps personnel, to take advantage of the new the main class 20 weapon, but in doing so created a high additional models, the SAN‐01D and SAN‐01E. The D StarCorps Industries plant on Dunianshire, the SAN‐01C heat burden should pilots engage in an Alpha Strike. model moves a tiny amount of armour from the arms to San Andreas was designed to be a symbol of the revitalised strength of the Canopian state. However, the use of the Autocannon and lasers in close 80 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 the legs, drops the rear firing laser and adds another heat Model: SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS sink. Technology Base: Standard The E model, a more extreme revision, drops two heats Tonnage: 100 sinks for two additional forward facing medium lasers in the arms. This model has a higher heat curve, but greater Equipment Mass short range firepower. Internal Structure: 10 Sources in the Magistracy are hinting that the C, D and E Engine: 300 19 models will go into production together, being deployed Walking MPs: 3 to regiments in threes, one of each model. This idea, Running MPs: 5 rumoured to be the Magestrix’s, has StarCorps Jumping MPs: 0 technicians and MAF Quartermasters pulling their hair Heat Sinks: 24 14 out. Gyro: 3 Cockpit: 3 NOTABLE PILOTS Armour Factor: 286 18 Internal Armour Phillip Waugh Structure Value Rare is the man who rises to rank in the MAF, but the Head 3 9 dedication and drive of Phil Waugh has been the example Centre Torso 31 45 used as one to emulate by the MAF training command. Centre Torso (Rear) 14 Assigned the first SAN‐01C to come off the production L/R Torso 21 29 line, Waugh has used the Mech to great effect in exercises L/R Torso (Rear) 10 to date. Some comment that Waugh was given the San L/R Arm 17 31 Andres to test for the simple reason that he, more than L/R Leg 21 39 any other Canopian MechWarrior, actually looks like the San Andreas 'Mech. His suggestion to the review board Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Mass have resulted in the D and E models, both of which he has Autocannon 20 RT 10 14 also tested. Ammo (AC20) RT 2 2 PPC RA 3 7 PPC LA 3 7 Medium Laser RA 1 1 Medium Laser LA 1 1 Medium Laser CT (R) 14 1
81 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
3023 COMBAT BRIEFS WORLD: Orkney ATTACKER: 30th Taurian Armoured Brigade CISA provides the following summaries of the major conflicts of the past year, in order to assist out readers in examining the DEFENDER: Militia trends and results of the actions of the major militaries. RESULTS: The 30th took time to come to terms with the The briefs are broken down by front, and month, with each terrain and their opponent, but by months end, had the militia world being listed in each month that combat occurred. crushed.
Taurian Colonial Campaign February 3023 The Taurian Concordat, under orders from the Protector, began their Colonial Campaign, striking at Far Lookers base worlds, each WORLD: Spitz of which was located close to Taurian space. ATTACKER: 24th Taurian Armoured Brigade
DEFENDER: Militia January 3023 RESULTS: The 24th continued to be out foxed by the militia, who refused to fight. However, the 24th was able WORLD: Aea to root out agitators within the urban areas, giving them effective control of the world and limiting th ATTACKER: 39 Taurian Armoured Brigade, Concordat losses. Despite this semblance of control, orders th Jaegers ‐ 1st Battalion and the 28 Taurian from the High Command made it clear that the Space Defence Wing. militia were to be found and eliminated ASAP. DEFENDER: Aea Militia RESULTS: Although it took two weeks, the battlegroup WORLD: Regis Roost eventually hunted down and eliminated the st th Aea militia, albeit at the surprising cost of 2 ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers – 1 Battalion and the 28 Mechs, 2 fighters and six tanks. Taurian Space Defence Wing DEFENDER: Militia WORLD: Spitz RESULTS: Jumping onwards from Aea, the combined assault by the two Taurian units, was too much for the th ATTACKER: 24 Taurian Armoured Brigade inexperienced militia, who rapidly folded under the assault. DEFENDER: Spitz Militia
RESULTS: The Spitz Militia vanished into the wilderness as the local citizens started an underground fight March 3023 that cost the 24th nearly 15% of its forces for little gain. Nevertheless, the superior numbers of the th 24 were slowly leaching the will to carry on from WORLD: Spitz the Militia. ATTACKER: 24th Taurian Armoured Brigade
DEFENDER: Militia WORLD: Cadiz th th RESULTS: The 24 finally made a push that forced and an ATTACKER: 26 Taurian Armoured Brigade engagement with the militia driving them to half DEFENDER: Militia strength and finally forcing their surrender. RESULTS: The 26th made short work of the militia on Cadiz.
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WORLD: Argos June 3023 ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion DEFENDER: Militia WORLD: Carthage RESULTS: The two newly hired Merc units were thrown ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion straight into the Colonial Campaign. Despite landing and engaging the Argosian Militia in a DEFENDER: Carthage Militia straight up fight, that saw 2/3 of the militia wiped RESULTS: A botched landing cost the invaders a company of out, the Mercs were unable to pacify the world as Mechs and it would take a week for the scattered the remainder of the militia went to ground. forces to coalesce into a force strong enough to attack. Once organised, the two Battalions dealt heavy damage to the militia, who surrendered April 3023 once the real strength of the Mercenaries was shown.
WORLD: Argos WORLD: Charlestown ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 30th Taurian DEFENDER: Militia th Armoured Brigade and 20 Taurian Space Defence RESULTS: The militia battled on for another month before Wing finally folding. DEFENDER: Charlestown Militia
RESULTS: Charlestown was the first leg of the Spinward WORLD: Davetal II assaults, which were planned to one day reach out towards Randis. Despite being reduced to less ATTACKER: The Packrats than 20% strength in two savage battles and DEFENDER: Militia completely outclassed, the Charlestown Militia refused to surrender. RESULTS: The Mercenaries, brought in like other merc units for the Colonial Campaign started well, nearly annihilating the militia within a week. WORLD: Davetal III ATTACKER: The Pack Rats May 3023 DEFENDER: Davetal III Militia RESULTS: The Davetal militia, knowing what had happened WORLD: Carvajal on Davetal II, went to ground and forced the mercenaries to hunt them out. By the end of the th ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion and the 20 month, 2/3 of the world had been secured. Space Defence Wing
DEFENDER: Militia WORLD: Rockwellan RESULTS: Having learnt their lessons on Charlestown, the st th TDF units gave the Carvajal Militia no quarter or ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers – 1 Battalion, 28 Taurian chance and finished them off quickly. Space Defence Wing DEFENDER: Rockwellan Militia WORLD: Gant RESULTS: The Jaeger Battle Group continued their victorious ways, with one savage and brutal engagement all ATTACKER: Pack Rats it took for the Militia to be crushed. DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: The Packrats continued to show their inability to truly come to terms with fighting militia and although dealing severe losses to the defenders lost seven Mechs in needless losses. The militia were again able to hold the world in some areas.
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July 3023 October 3023
WORLD: Charlestown WORLD: Celano ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 30th Taurian ATTACKER: Pack Rats Armoured Brigade and 20th Taurian Space Defence DEFENDER: Militia Wing RESULTS: The Packrats went for the throat on Celano, DEFENDER: Charlestown Militia obliterating the majority of the militia in one RESULTS: The militia was hunted down and destroyed by savage engagement. the middle of the month.
WORLD: Hellespont WORLD: Davetal III ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion ATTACKER: The Pack Rats DEFENDER: Militia DEFENDER: Davetal III Militia RESULTS: Despite displaying a high level of skill and RESULTS: The Packrats were forced to kill the fanatical destroying over a company of mercenary Mechs, militia almost to a man, loosing 18 Mechs in the the militia never had much heart for a fight and process and becoming somewhat disillusioned surrendered late in October. with their new contract.
November 3023 September 3023 WORLD: Micros III
ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion and WORLD: Gant 20thTaurian Space Defence Wing ATTACKER: Pack Rats DEFENDER: Militia DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: A surprise assault in the small hours of the morning crashed resistance before it could begin. RESULTS: The Packrats seemed finally to work out how to deal with militia and completely annihilated the remaining forces. Magistracy Colonial War
Hearing word of the Taurians plans for the regions independent WORLD: Portland colonies, the Magestrix moved quickly to secure those worlds ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers ‐ 1st Battalion and 28th Taurian which were within the Canopian sphere of influence. Space Defence Wing DEFENDER: Militia January 3023 RESULTS: The two units continued to work well together,
quickly taking control of the world. WORLD: Vixen
ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th WORLD: Hellespont th Canopian Armoured Brigade, 19 Canopian th ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion Armoured Brigade, 15 Canopian Fighter Group, 12th Canopian Fighter Group DEFENDER: Militia DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: The two merc battalions landed late in the month, again botching their landing and ending up over RESULTS: The militia of Vixen stood no chance against the 1,000km from their targets. They accomplished massed Canopian Battlegroup. little by months end.
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March 3023 June 3023
WORLD: Thraxa WORLD: Independence ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 20th Canopian Fighter ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47th Canopian Armoured Group and the 19th Canopian Armoured Brigade Brigade and 26th Canopian Fighter Group DEFENDER: Militia DEFENDER: Independence Militia RESULTS: Although the powerful battlegroup destroyed 2/3 RESULTS: Despite putting up a valiant fight, the militia were of the militia, the defenders refused to surrender. in no way able to prevent the large Canopian force from taking the world.
WORLD: Fronc th August 3023 ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 26 Canopian Fighter th Group and 47 Canopian Armoured Brigade DEFENDER: Militia WORLD: Ballad II RESULTS: The militia proved no match for the Canopian ATTACKER: 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th Canopian Armoured forces. Brigade and the 16th Canopian Fighter Wing. DEFENDER: Militia April 3023 RESULTS: The sudden strike by the Canopians was devastating, wiping the militia out.
WORLD: Crawford’s Delight st September 3023 ATTACKER: Harcourt's Destructors ‐ 1st Battalion, 41 th Canopian Fighter Group and 38 Canopian Armoured Brigade WORLD: McEvan’s Sacrifice DEFENDER: Militia ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47th Canopian Armoured RESULTS: The militia made a token resistance before Brigade and the 26th Canopian Fighter Group surrendering. DEFENDER: Militia
RESULTS: With Taurian forces in the vicinity, the Canopian WORLD: Thraxa troops took a slow and measured approach to nd th McEvan’s, taking possession of 75% of the world ATTACKER: 2 Canopian Fusiliers, 20 Canopian Fighter th in September, with few losses. Group and 19 Canopian Armoured Brigade WORLD: Wildwood DEFENDER: Militia ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 19th Canopian Armoured RESULTS: The Canopian forces wiped out the militia by Brigade and 20th Canopian Fighter Group months end. DEFENDER: Militia
RESULTS: The world was brought quickly under control. WORLD: Helios rd th ATTACKER: 3 Canopian Fusiliers, 15 Canopian Fighter Group and 16th Canopian Armoured Brigade DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: The 3rd Fusiliers Battlegroup made short work of the Helios militia and rapidly took the planet.
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October 3023 Oberon Anti‐Pirate Campaign Oberon’s “anti‐pirate” campaign was anything but, though it can WORLD: McEvan’s Sacrifice be argued that this was a secondary goal of the operation. The main aim was to secure territory and size JumpShips, all to aid in th ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47 Canopian Armoured further expansion of the realm. Brigade and the 26th Canopian Fighter Group
DEFENDER: Militia January 3023 RESULTS: It took little effort to subdue the final on world resistance. WORLD: Butte Hold st st nd rd th th WORLD: Joppa ATTACKER: 1 Oberon Guards, 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 6 Oberon Cavaliers and 1st Oberon Air Guards. ATTACKER: Harcourt's Destructors ‐ 1st Battalion, 38th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 41st DEFENDER: Ryan’s Rebels, 44 Mechs and 15 Aerospace Canopian Fighter Group Fighters. DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: For all the twisting and turning, the air battle during the in run cost the Guards only 2 fighters, RESULTS: The Canopian units took rapid control of the for one Air Rebel fighter shot down. The large world. battlegroup was able to land unmolested and moved out against the Rebels Battalion en masse. December 3023 The main assault took the Rebels by surprise, as the mass of tanks and infantry surrounded them, preventing any chance of escape. The 1st Guards and 1st and 2nd Cavaliers then moved in to finish WORLD: Weisthiemier them off. The remaining 14 fighters were ATTACKER: 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th Canopian Armoured captured on the ground, along with the 4 Rebel Brigade and the 15th Canopian Fighter Group transports, 13 salvageable heavy ‘Mechs, 5 damaged fighters and a large amount of stolen DEFENDER: Militia goods. RESULTS: Overwhelming force showed why it is so effective.
February 3023
WORLD: Last Chance ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards, 2nd Oberon Air Guards, 5th Oberon Cavaliers DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: The massed force of two BattleMech units and their supporting forces quickly crushed the company of Valkyrate Mechs stationed on the planet, although a ship in system jumped away before being captured. The group then dug in, waiting for the expected counter‐attack.
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March 3023 WORLD: Last Chance ATTACKER: Greater Valkyrate (92 Mechs and 30 fighters) nd rd nd WORLD: Star’s End DEFENDER: 2 and 3 Oberon Guards, 2 Oberon Air Guards, 5th Oberon Cavaliers ATTACKER: 1st Oberon Guards, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th Oberon Cavaliers and the 1st and 3rd Oberon Air Guards RESULTS: The defenders allowed the pirates to land unmolested, preferring to strike out against their DEFENDER: Belt Pirates (108 Mechs and 72 Aerospace LZ with all force at their disposal. The tactic payed Fighters) off, with the elite pirate unit unable to bring its RESULTS: The Oberon Guards jumped into the Star’s End manoeuvrability into play, instead being pinned system, bringing an extra aerospace wing to assist down and suffering 20% losses. in subduing the powerful aerospace assets of the The situation when from bad to worse for the Belt Pirates. Pirates, who were hemmed in and pounded by The extra assistance paid off, as the Oberon superior numbers time and again, unable to break fighters kept the interceptors off the transports out, or engage the Oberon forces in the open, as during the in run. As the air battle developed, the they preferred. pirate pilots began to show their superior abilities, By the time they pulled of world, little more than downing twenty Oberon fighters, for the loss of 2 companies survived, escorted out by 10 fighters. seven of their own. The Oberon forces had suffered little more than However, the Pirate Mechs, totally unaccustomed light losses. to facing a force as large as the one arrayed against them, made several fatal errors of deployment, suffering devastating losses at the April 3023 hands of the Oberon Guards and their supporting
units. nd WORLD: Gotterdammerung The surrender of the savaged 2 Pirate battalion let the Oberon forces into the main Pirate ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards and 3rd Oberon Air settlement, cutting the others off from any chance Guards of escape. The remaining forces surrendered soon after. DEFENDER: Valkyrate Pirates (47 Mechs and 16 Fighters) However, in an act even handedness, Hendrik RESULTS: With the victory on Last Chance, the Oberon Grimm offered the remaining pirates the chance forces in the Valkyrate could now move in for the to become the nucleus of the 4th Guards, if they kill, striking at Gotterdammerung itself. The few left Star’s End and came with him. The same offer fighters of the Valkyrate, though doing some was made to the fighter units, who would become damage to the escorts, were too few in number to the 4th and 5th Air Guards. The offer was threaten the two Mech Regiments transports. accepted, with two Conventional Brigades The reinforced Battalion of the Valkyrate had also remaining on Stars End with the 1st and 3rd Air called up the twenty six rag tag militia infantry Guards. The other forces left with Grimm. companies of the world, but was prepared to flee again, should the force arrayed against them prove too great. The battle saw the more numerous Oberon ‘Mechs being held in place by the militia, and then struck at by the fast moving Valkyrate Mechs. This caused massive losses in the infantry, seven battalions being destroyed, but allowed the Valkyrate to inflict moderate losses on the invaders. By months end, the battle hung in the balance.
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May 3023 WORLD: Erewhon nd ATTACKER: 2 Oberon Guards WORLD: Gotterdammerung DEFENDER: Erewhon Militia nd ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards and 3rd Oberon Air RESULTS: The 2 made short work of the Militia. Guards
DEFENDER: Valkyrate Pirates (47 Mechs and 16 Fighters) WORLD: Lackhove RESULTS: Neither Air group was able to influence the rd ATTACKER: 3 Oberon Guards ground battle in any meaningful way, which left both sides to hammer at each other. By the DEFENDER: Lackhove Militia months end, the remaining company and a half of RESULTS: The Lackhove Militia proved resourceful, dancing Mechs was cut off and surrendered, quickly around the heavy Mechs of the 3rd and not followed by the militia. The battle had cost the allowing them to bring their firepower to bear. Guards over 30% of their strength.
WORLD: Von Strang’s World July 3023 ATTACKER: 1st and 4th Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon th th Cavaliers and 4 and 5 Oberon Air Guards. WORLD: Lackhove DEFENDER: Von Strang’s Guards Division (132 Mechs, 44 ATTACKER: 3rd Oberon Guards Fighters and 13 Regiments of militia) DEFENDER: Lackhove Militia RESULTS: King Hendrik had always disliked the Von Strang’s RESULTS: The Lackhove Militia continued their dancing and and their arrogance, planning to make his rd campaign on their world an abject lesson in the heavy Mechs of the 3 made little progress. humility. After another inconclusive Oberon air battle, the August 3023 Ground forces began a brutal battle of attrition, as the Oberon ‘Mechs and tanks forced their way into Amaris city. By the end of the month, nearly WORLD: Twilight a third of the defenders had fallen, but at a cost of nearly 15% of the attacking force. ATTACKER: The Regulators DEFENDER: Black Death Pirates June 3023 RESULTS: The Regulators, a mysterious Periphery mercenary force, joined the Confederation in August in order to get Oberon to move into the Chainlaine Isles to WORLD: Von Strang’s World bring peace to that warring region. The first stepping stone to Chainlaine was Twilight. ATTACKER: 1st and 4th Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon Cavaliers and 4th and 5th Oberon Air Guards. The Black Death, a company of Pirate Mechs, made life difficult for the Regulators, who arrived DEFENDER: Von Strang’s Guards Division (132 Mechs, 44 to free the small population from the Corsairs and Fighters and 13 Regiments of militia) bring them into the Confederation. Despite RESULTS: The Air battle continued to be a stalemate, as several ambushes, which cost the Regulators both sides losses mounted over to a dozen seven ‘Mechs, the Pirates were wiped out. The aircraft, doing little to support the ground battle. small communities on Twilight welcomed the However, the brutal battle on the ground came to chance of permanent protection and a chance to a quicker than expected conclusion, when Baron get on with their lives. Von Strang was killed in his cockpit and his troops quickly surrendered.
88 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023
WORLD: Lackhove December 3023 rd ATTACKER: 3 Oberon Guards The Regulators passed through Normandy in November, receiving a frosty welcome and headed onto Castille, where DEFENDER: Lackhove Militia those Chainlaine lords who had sworn to support Oberon were RESULTS: After three months of being frustrated by the gathering. At the same time, King Grimm landed his main assault militia, the 3rd went after the main settlement of force on Normandy, one of the strongest of the opposition Lackhove, Alphdale with a vengeance. This Chainlaine worlds. prompted the militia to finally face them in two
stand‐up fights that were both handily won by the rd 3 Guards. WORLD: Normandy rd Despite pacifying the planet, the 3 was criticized ATTACKER: 1st Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon Cavaliers for its handling of the situation, especially in the and the 4th and 5th Oberon Air Guards assaults upon civilian centres and infrastructure. Much of the criticism came from the Regulators, DEFENDER: Army of Normandy (38 fighters, 60 Mechs, 36 who pointed to the 3rd’s actions as indicative of tanks and 12 infantry battalions). the problems of the Periphery and a sure way to RESULTS: The first major step in the Chainlaine War, would alienate those that Oberon sought to assist. be the subjugation of Normandy as a base for The 3rd Guards stated that “…hell would have to connecting up with the allied Chainlaine forces. freeze over before they used the group hug, Koom The in run of the Oberon forces was well covered bi ya love in, herbal tea methods of the by the former Star End flyers who accounted for Regulators.” The Regulators merely responded 13 defending fighters for the loss of four of their that their tactics had accomplished in two weeks own. what it had taken the 3rd three months to do and at a far lower cost. This small piece of information The Oberon forces, hardened from a year of heavy only served to pour fuel on the fire and a feud combat, smashed the defenders forces in their looks set to develop between the two units with first engagement, handing out severe causalities both sides openly criticising each other. for little loss in return. Despite these losses the Duke exhorted his loyal followers to fight to the death and fight they did. October 3023 Another 10 Normandy fighters fell and the ground forces were effectively wiped out. The Oberon
forces had their demonstration of fire power, WORLD: Botany Bay something that was not lost on those Chainlaine lords attending the meeting on nearby Cavellar. ATTACKER: 5th Oberon Cavaliers
DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: Botany Bay was the last remaining outpost of the Marian Re‐Integration Greater Valkyrate and little resistance was The Caesar planned to pull the independent Marian worlds back expected. However, the assault by the militia on th into the fold, in preparation for a grander campaign of conquest the 5 ’s landing zone, cost the assault force a along the anti‐spinward borders. battalion of troops, but was also costly for the militia, who lost four companies. The 5th managed to maintain contact with the militia for the rest of January 3023 the battle, not allowing them to fall back into their prepared positions. The militia surrendered on the 27th, a spent force. WORLD: New Venice
ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Secunda Cohors DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: After facing the assault Mechs of the Marians the locals quickly gave up.
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WORLD: Horatius October 3023 ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Tertia Cohors Following the capture of the independent worlds around the Hegemony, the Caesar massed nearly all his forces on Alphard, DEFENDER: Militia before striking out at Niops in a massive show of force. RESULTS: Despite destroying 2/3 of the militia, the Tertia
Cohors could not bring them to heal. WORLD: Niops System
ATTACKER: I Legio Martia Vitrix, II Legio Cataphracti, III Legio February 3023 Limitanei, Blackstone Highlanders, I Ala Albus, II Ala Atra and III Ala Rufus st nd rd th WORLD: Horatius DEFENDER: Niops Air Division (120 fighters), 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5th Niops Ground Divisions (132 Mechs, 120 ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Tertia Cohors Tanks, 2 Mechanised Infantry Regiments and 5 DEFENDER: Militia mixed militia Divisions). RESULTS: The militia were finished off in early February, RESULTS: The in run for the Marian forces was hotly with few survivors. contested with a full aerospace regiment available to the Marians and a reinforced unit available to the Niops Association, who also had a WORLD: Paulinus technological edge. Losses in the air were lopsided, with only 3 Niops fighters falling for 19 ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Secunda Cohors Marian. The Niops fighters were also able to DEFENDER: Militia severely damage the command ship of Legio I, nearly killing the Caesar. RESULTS: Unlike the New Venice Militia, the Militia of Paulinus did not fold on the Marian’s arrival. A The Niops command had mustered all available nasty hit and run fight broke out that cost the units on Niops V, seeing that an all or nothing militia 20% of its strength for the cost of 4 Marian defence would be needed to halt the Marian ‘Mechs. The fight looked like it could drag on for advance, braking one wing away from the air some time to come. battle for ground support role. However, once the four regiments of Marian Mechs reached the ground, the Niopian forces March 3023 were put under immense pressure, despite their numerical superiority. As the month wore on, the
more experienced Marian ground forces WORLD: Marius’s Tears hammered mercilessly against the rapidly thinning ranks of the Niopian defenders. ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Tertia Cohors The efforts of the Niops forces were further set DEFENDER: Militia back when Legio I broke the 2nd Division and sent RESULTS: The militia were beaten into submission after the it from the field. This advance of the Marians lead landing of the Legion in late March. unit set up a position from which they could envelop and crush the remaining Niopian forces.
WORLD: Paulinus ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Secunda Cohors DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: Despite their success against the Marian’s, having destroyed nearly two lances of ‘Mechs in March, the leadership of the militia lost heart and surrendered, whilst still more than half the militia survived.
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November 3023 The Andrion Confrontation The Black Warriors, as was their style, began a long range series WORLD: Niops System of raids into the Lyran’s Alarion Province. However, the LCAF commanders in the area had finally had enough of such actions ATTACKER: I Legio Martia Vitrix, II Legio Cataphracti, III Legio and struck back hard, aiming to teach the Circinians a lesson. Limitanei, Blackstone Highlanders, I Ala Albus, II Ala Atra and III Ala Rufus DEFENDER: Niops Air Division (120 fighters), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th January 3023 th and 5 Niops Ground Divisions (132 Mechs, 120 Tanks, 2 Mechanised Infantry Regiments and 49 militia units). WORLD: Raikot (Raid) st RESULTS: The Niopians threw their air arm into an all out ATTACKER: Black Warriors – 1 Battalion ground assault, in order to try and bring stability DEFENDER: Militia to the battle, dragging the Marian air units into the maelstrom of the low level battlefield. RESULTS: The initial strike was highly successful, with $100 million in booty quickly secured before the Despite this desperate action, the Niopians only Planetary Militia, over five regiments strong, could managed to bring about a bloodbath for both react. The militia got into action later in the their air and ground forces, as the better trained month, catching a second attempt at further and more mobile Marian forces shattered unit raiding and destroying a lance of ‘Mechs for the after unit. loss of nine tanks. The Black warriors pulled of By the 12th of November, most of the Niopian with $110 Million. troops had surrendered after suffering losses of
nearly 75%. The victory was costly for the Marians who lost 97 Mechs, with another 30 February 3023 mercenary machines lost, but only 25 fighters as, they held back above the carnage of the low level battle and picked off Niopian bombers who were WORLD: Binyang (Raid) desperately to get their payloads to the battlefield st and became easy pickings. ATTACKER: Black Warriors – 1 Battalion The Marians allowed the mercenaries to take the DEFENDER: Militia pick of battlefield salvage, ensuring their loyalty. RESULTS: The nine regiments of militia had little Following the battle and the arrival of support forewarning of the Black Warriors attack and a forces for garrison duties, most of the Marian battalion was lost defending the small port of ‘Mech forces de[parted for Paulinus, in Bintang. The Black Warriors added a transport preparation for the war with Lothia and Illyria. group to their small fleet and struck again. The second advance was stymied by the militia and the Black Warriors left with what they had, having lost a lance.
March 3023
WORLD: Al Jafr (Raid) ATTACKER: Black Warriors – 1st Battalion DEFENDER: Militia RESULTS: The sixteen militia regiments knew the Black Warriors could strike and where well prepared for them. Although the raiders got away with $20 million worth of materials and shattered two militia regiments, they lost seven Mechs, making the raid a failure.
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April 3023 The Tortugan War Lady Death planned to welcome the new Periphery March in the WORLD: Andrion Federated Suns, with a devastating series of raids, even going so far as to hire several desperate mercenary units to assist in the th ATTACKER: 7 Donegal Guards (Mech, Aero and campaign. However, Lady Death was not prepared for the Conventional) reaction she received from the new Provincial Administration on st st Filvet. DEFENDER: 1 Regiment – 1 Circinian Home Guards
RESULTS: Despite their status as the elite of the Circinian conventional military and with the assistance of January 3023 the militia, the Home Guards were overwhelmed and crushed by the 7th Donegal, who quickly took command of the world and began making it part WORLD: Broken Wheel of the Commonwealth. ATTACKER: Death’s Consorts – 4 ‘Mech Battalions and 2 Aerospace Wings The Franklin Annexation DEFENDER: Argyle Lancers ‐ 1 ‘Mech Regiment, 1 Conventional Brigade and 1 Aerospace Wing, The Micans were desperate for new sources of materials and Broken Wheel Militia lands that could produce food for their growing population. Novo Franklin therefore made a tempting target. RESULTS: Despite possessing a 2:1 aerospace superiority, the Consorts were unable to gain a superior
position over the Lancer Air wing, who managed January 3023 to run in on an near perfect intercept vector. Despite the skill of the Consorts and the approach of the Lancers, the air battle was completely WORLD: Novo Franklin inconclusive. ATTACKER: 1st Mican Armoured Regiment The land forces of the Pirates were hit in their LZ, a factor that led to the loss of nearly two pirate DEFENDER: Militia companies. The Consorts however, were able to RESULTS: The Micans, landing late in the month, took the drive off the mixed regiment sent against the LZ locals by surprise and smashed their one attempt and move out to spread havoc. As the battle to push them off world. developed, the Air Lancers denied the Consorts the ability to do any real harm by staying well hidden in their hardened shelters and avoiding air combat in most instances. This drove the pirate pilots wild and prevented their focusing on the ground battle. The advantage allowed the Lancers to only commit to battle they could win, fighting a battle of attrition that had the Pirates suffering 15% losses by months end and with the Lancers barely having suffered 5%. However, Colonel Matt Preston knew how deadly the Death’s Consorts could be and called to Filvet for additional forces.
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February 3023 June 3023 It took the March Command two months to organise replacements and additional troops, departing for Tortuga in WORLD: Broken Wheel May, in order to finally bring the threat of Lady Death to an end. ATTACKER: Death’s Consorts – 4 Mech Battalions and 2 The assault was given the full support of the AFFS High Command Aerospace Wings and sent with Prince Davion’s blessing. DEFENDER: Argyle Lancers ‐ 1 Mech Regiment, 1 Conventional Brigade and 1 Aerospace Wing. Reinforced by WORLD: Tortuga both regiments of the Screaming Eagles ATTACKER: Screaming Eagles (both regiments), Argyle RESULTS: The Pirates, enraged by the Lancers tactics, made rd Lancers, reinforced mid‐month by the 3 Light the fatal mistake of staying on Broken Wheel, Cavalry RCT and at months end by the Broken allowing the AFFS to dispatch the Screaming Wheel PMM. Eagles in an attempt to finish the Pirates off. DEFENDER: Deaths Consorts (94 Mechs, 61 Fighters), all 7 The Pirates were unable to pull away from the Tortugan Reserve Regiments and the Tortuga Argyle fighters, as they finally came out to fight, Prime Militia allowing the Eagles to land unopposed. RESULTS: The Argyle fighters allowed the AFFS battlegroup The effects of the extra Mechs began to be rapidly to land on top of Raider’s Roost, ensuring that felt, pressing the pirates hard as they attempted Lady Death and her Mech force could not easily to disengage and flee. The Lancer pilots, although escape. The AFFS made an immediate direct badly mauled and down to two companies, assault, attempting to encircle the city with continued to fight above their weight and deny inferior numbers. That they succeed was beyond the Tortugans real control of the skies. The doubt, however, it was at a high cost. pirates managed to finally fight their way free late Nevertheless, Task Force 1 had done its job, as the in March, after loosing 45% of their Mechs and first elements of Task Force 2 arrived to help seal 25% of their fighters. the Pirates in their coffin. However, the AFFS had suffered over 20% losses The arrival of the two RCT wings caused the air and lost much more in total equipment. However, war to heat up with 14 pirate and 16 AFFS fighters the Tortugans had suffered losses that would limit falling. However, the 3 AFFS Wings ensured their effectiveness for many months to come aerospace superiority over the battlefield. The rd arrival of the green 3 RCT caused more issues than it solved, with the pirates taking advantage to hit the newcomers hard. Although they dealt out more damage overall, comparative losses were similar and with the Broken Wheel PMM appearing in system at the end of the month, the Tortugans were in dire straights.
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July 3023 August 3023 The AFFS, with Tortuga Prime under control and Lady Death running, planned to take control of the rest of Tortugan space. WORLD: Tortuga Before they could even set out, the worlds of Morgan’s Holdfast ATTACKER: Screaming Eagles (both regiments), Argyle and Fletcher’s Feast willingly joined Federated Suns, attempting Lancers, 3rd Light Cavalry RCT and the Broken to prevent bloodshed on their worlds. Wheel PMM.
DEFENDER: Deaths Consorts (94 Mechs, 61 Fighters), all 7 WORLD: New Gascony Tortugan Reserve Regiments and the Tortuga Prime Militia. Reinforced by the mercenary ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Baker Brigade Battalions: Falkener's Hussars; Gordon's Highland DEFENDER: Militia Light; Kelly's Killers; Law's Flight; Mathais's Forlorn Hope; and Team Venom RESULTS: Baker Brigade was very cautious in their campaign, apparently believing that some parts of RESULTS: The reason for the lack of concern from Lady the Tortugan Mech force may have been on Death over the assault on Tortuga became planet. Their timidity allowed the militia to string apparent in early July. The Tortugans had hired out the battle for the world, despite suffering several desperate mercenary commands to assist heavy losses. in the planned assault on Filvet. When that did not eventuate, the mercenaries were rerouted from their holding position near Filvet to assist with the defence of Tortuga. WORLD: New Hati However, their appearance was not the ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Mech Regiment, Alpha masterstroke that was hoped for as the escorts of Brigade and Alpha Wing the Broken Wheel PMM wheeled about and struck DEFENDER: Militia at them, as the other air wings held the Tortugan fighters at bay. It was a slaughter, as the RESULTS: The seventeen militia companies of New Hati transports bringing in the mercenaries were little were confident in their ability to drive off the better than merchantmen. Not a single one of the PMM, having only heard tales of a poor unit that 240 BattleMechs reached the world, most was easy pickings for Deaths Consorts. The reality annihilated when their transports were destroyed. was somewhat different. The six hour open field battle saw little more than three shattered militia The loss of the mercenaries left the Tortugans companies survive, having taken down 12 AFFS badly exposed and they suffered grievous losses. tanks, 5 Mechs and a single fighter. The world The Tortugan Mechs broke for their transports as was rapidly brought under Federated Suns st nd th th did 1 , 2 , 4 and 5 Reserve Regiments. The control. militia lost all cohesion as the 2nd and 6th Reserve Regiments tried to give Lady Death the time she th needed to escape. The Mechs and the1st and 4 WORLD: New Port Royal Battalions, or what was left of them, made their rd transports and began to head out system. ATTACKER: 3 Light Cavalry RCT – Mech Regiment, Both However, their small escort of the 33 remaining Wings and Able Brigade. Tortugan fighters had to hold off 110 AFFS pilots DEFENDER: Militia intent on finishing the job. The Tortugan fighters kept the AFFS forces largely off the Transports and RESULTS: Although putting up a better fight than the ill limited losses. Seeing that Lady Death had advised moves of the New Hati Militia, the Port jumped away, the resistance on Tortuga largely Royal Militia was just as sorely outclassed. Two rd collapsed. The victorious AFFS troops renamed weeks of warfare, overseen by the 3 ’s aerospace the planet Hanse’s World, in order to honour the umbrella, was enough to see the effective end of Prince. the militia after more than half its forces were destroyed.
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September 3023 April 3023
WORLD: New Gascony WORLD: Antallos ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Baker Brigade ATTACKER: The Alliance Grenadiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, The Alliance Borderers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Regiment DEFENDER: Militia th st ‐ 1st Air Wing, 4 Air Regiment ‐ 3rd Air Wing, 1 st rd RESULTS: With news of their complete abandonment by Alliance Reserve Brigade ‐ 1 Regiment, 3 th Lady Death finally arriving, the militia quickly Alliance Reserve Brigade, 8 Alliance Reserve folded. Brigade DEFENDER: Various Pirates, totalling 12 Mech companies and 48 Aerospace Fighters Outworlds Antallos Campaign RESULTS: The beginning of April saw the fighting on Antallos The Outworlds Alliance had finally had enough of the bog down, as the Pirates withdrew into the city of depredations of the Pirates of Antallos and sought to end the Port Krin and started fighting house to house. threat for good. The AMF massed forces over the abandoned These tactics forced the Outworlders in close and world of Greypearl for two months, before striking at Antallos. saw 15% of their forces fall. However, their infantry came into their own and by the middle of
the month the Pirates were down to less then half March 3023 strength. The fight ground on throughout the rest of the month, but the writing was on the wall, the pirates days were numbered, despite the damage WORLD: Antallos they were doing. ATTACKER: The Alliance Grenadiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, The nd st Alliance Borderers ‐ 2 Battalion, 1 Air Regiment May 3023 ‐ 1st Air Wing, 4th Air Regiment ‐ 3rd Air Wing, 1st Alliance Reserve Brigade ‐ 1st Regiment, 3rd Alliance Reserve Brigade, 8th Alliance Reserve WORLD: Antallos Brigade ATTACKER: The Alliance Grenadiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, The DEFENDER: Various Pirates, totalling 12 Mech companies and Alliance Borderers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Regiment 48 Aerospace Fighters ‐ 1st Air Wing, 4th Air Regiment ‐ 3rd Air Wing, 1st RESULTS: The largest Alliance Battlegroup in several Alliance Reserve Brigade ‐ 1st Regiment, 3rd centuries was established to end the threat of Alliance Reserve Brigade, 8th Alliance Reserve Antallos once and for all. Two air wings, including Brigade the elite 1st of the 1st, two Mech Battalions and DEFENDER: Various Pirates, totalling 12 Mech companies and seven conventional regiments were sent to get 48 Aerospace Fighters the job done. The air combat before landing was largely ineffective, with few fighters on either side RESULTS: The last air battles were fought in May, with the falling and with only slight damage to one of the final tally being 30 kills each, something which was 3rd Reserve Brigade’s transports. a disappointment to the better trained Alliance pilots. The pirate’s air base was overrun in May The ground battle saw the scattered groups of and their fighters immediately pressed into Pirates, unused to working together, being picked service. The loss of their air support saw the apart by superior numbers time and again. As the Pirates loose heart quickly and fold up by the 15th month wore on, the Alliance force was able to of May. The final cost was heavy for the Alliance, show its aerospace fighter superiority, claiming who lost over 20 Mechs, 200 tanks and APC’s, 30 nine enemy fighters for the loss of four. The fighters, with nearly 600 dead and 1,200 remaining Pirates, a little over two battalions, wounded. Nevertheless, the scourge of their managed to put up a better fight by the end of the worlds was destroyed. month, loosing only another two Mechs whilst destroying a lance of Outworlds Mechs and a battalion of armour.
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Pirates Actions December 3023
January 3023 WORLD: Rockland ATTACKER: Reign of Death (80 Mechs and 20 fighters) WORLD: Richmond (DC) DEFENDER: Rockland Militia ATTACKER: Riker’s Raiders (24 Light Mechs and 24 Fighters) RESULTS: The militia were able to prevent the pirates from gaining much success, although they took $20 DEFENDER: Richmond Militia (4 Militia Battalions) million worth of goods. RESULTS: The Pirates used their air assets well and made off with $100 Million for no loss, completely embarrassing the defenders. WORLD: New Vandenburg ATTACKER: LaSalle’s Corsairs (40 Mechs and 40 fighters) July 3023 DEFENDER: New Vandenburg Militia, Gordon's Armoured Cavalry – 3rd Battalion and the 65th Taurian Armoured Brigade WORLD: Leyland RESULTS: Assault ‘Mechs are not good raiders, as shown by the damage the pirates handed out, and the meer ATTACKER: The Killers (40 light Mechs and 10 Fighters) 3 Mechs they managed to take. The loss of 2 DEFENDER: Leyland Militia Mechs and 2 fighters outweighed any gains. RESULTS: The Killers pulled off a textbook raid, landing on the militias main HQ and shattering the commands control centres. With the militia out of Rim Collection Foundation Campaign the fight for a while, the pirates cleaned out the For the newly formed collection to have any chance of surviving, planets high tech storehouses and left with the Red Corsair, located within the Collection’s borders, would minimal losses. need to be eliminated.
October 3023 WORLD: Sidon ATTACKER: Ghost Dogs, 1st Rim Federal Guards, 1st Rim st WORLD: Joppa Reserve Regiment and 1 Wing ATTACKER: The Longboatmen (40 medium Mechs and 40 DEFENDER: Red Corsair (108 Mechs and 72 fighters) fighters) RESULTS: Using local knowledge of the system allowed the DEFENDER: 3rd Atrean Dragoons Conventional Brigade and the Rim forces to land undetected and deal a heavy Jubka Militia (4 regiments) blow to the defenders before the battle line could properly form, turning the slight numerical RESULTS: The heavily industrialised world of Jubka had a disadvantage the attackers possessed into a slight solid militia force to defend it and this home guard advantage. was backed up by the recently raised 3rd Atrean Dragoons Conventional Brigade. However, the The fighting then proceeded to bog down, as the raid was a stunning success with $20 0 million pirates organised themselves. By the end of the being taken, whilst the militia and Atreans took month, the Rim forces had lost 10% of their 20% losses when they tried to prevent the forces, whilst reducing the defenders by nearly attackers escape. The attackers lost less then 5% 30%. of their forces.
96 CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023