Ice Hellion Sympathy for the devil « on: January 24, 2009, 12:47:13 PM »I am planning on writing little things on a Rim unit that went with the Star League during the Amaris' Coup and kept on serving the Terran Republic.
I do not plan on making it big or 'Mech oriented (more likely with tanks).
For now, I do not have a clear idea of where I should start from or where I should go but I am used to it now.
What do you think?
Takiro Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #1 on: January 24, 2009, 09:45:29 PM »I look forward to it Ice. Wink
Walegrin Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #2 on: January 25, 2009, 02:54:26 AM »Sounds interesting Ice. And armor units are always good.
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #3 on: January 25, 2009, 12:14:17 PM »Do you think they would have access only to Rim designs or they could use Terran designs like the Merkavah?
Takiro Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #4 on: January 25, 2009, 01:22:12 PM »I'd say Rim designs, perhaps a lone Terran or a couple of Star League. Rare.
Walegrin Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #5 on: January 25, 2009, 07:13:12 PM »Perhaps some terran/low end Star League designs. After all wasn't the SL favoring them under Richard?
blacktigeractual Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #6 on: January 25, 2009, 10:20:16 PM » If they fought in the Liberation then perhaps they have only Star League designs by now as attrition must have killed off most of thier Rim equipment. Maybe some elements use salvaged and rebuilt RWRM stuff but it would likely have been beaten to hell. Although possibly a lot of Great House supplied armor as we know Davion Liao and Stiener were supplying the SLDF to certain extent.
The irony of a RWR unit using LCAF gear is cute.
Walegrin Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #7 on: January 25, 2009, 10:26:37 PM » If they fought in the Liberation then perhaps they have only Star League designs by now as attrition must have killed off most of thier Rim equipment. Maybe some elements use salvaged and rebuilt RWRM stuff but it would likely have been beaten to hell. Although possibly a lot of Great House supplied armor as we know Davion Liao and Stiener were supplying the SLDF to certain extent.
The irony of a RWR unit using LCAF gear is cute.
I'll agree with BTA. And yes the irony would be.... ironic. Tongue
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #8 on: January 26, 2009, 03:25:23 PM »Since we don't know exactly what a Rim Worlds design was...
Okay, no Merkavah or other Star League advanced designs but what would be good designs for the RWR, the FS, the LC or the CC (and no Vedette, I look for something that looks cool to me Tongue)?
I looked in TRO 3075 and 3039 and found nothing (the LC tank in TRO 3075 was no longer in production Sad).
If nothing came out, I can always go for an ICE variant of the Patton/Rommel.
Knightmare Re: Sympathie for the devil « Reply #9 on: January 26, 2009, 03:53:57 PM »I am planning on writing little things on a Rim unit that went with the Star League during the Amaris' Coup and kept on serving the Terran Republic.
I do not plan on making it big or 'Mech oriented (more likely with tanks).
For now, I do not have a clear idea of where I should start from or where I should go but I am used to it now.
What do you think?
If the unit went AWOL from the RWR at the start of the Coup (and managed to survive leaving RWR space & contact with the invading SLDF) then it'd probably be outfitted with Inner Sphere/Periphery standard technology.
Prior to the 2766 Coup, Amaris would have been "gifted" bits and pieces of advance tech by an adoring Richard Cameron, who in turn would then hand over to the material to the future Emperor's most trusted regiments, (what better way to trickle down some favor) but certainly not a regiment of potentially dubious or fickle loyalty. Let alone a regiment not moving into the Hegemony. This kind of tech, prior to 2766 are high visibility items, ones you'll want to show off and parade about. Not ship off to the middle of nowhere.
Once the Coup is in full swing, all bets are off for RWR units stationed in occupied Hegemony space, (they'll get all the goodies!) but those few regiments left in the Republic, ostensibly like this one, will still be left utilizing standard equipment. Furthermore, although it doesn't explicitly say it, given that the number of RWR "defectors" who joined Kerensky came from RWR units stationed in the Republic, I'm guessing these regiments weren't as loyal or prestigious as the divisions Amaris assigned to "garrison" the Hegemony. Another mark against Amaris outfitting these regiments with precious Terran equipment prior to the Coup.
There's also an issue with service.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that no regular RWR units served with the SLDF against the Usurper. Individuals yes, but only after repeatedly reinforcing and proving their loyalty to Kerensky. (These people consequently left with the Exodus) It just strikes me as poor judgment on Kerensky's part to accept a whole RWR regiment lock & stock, as is, to fight for him. That's just asking for trouble. IF anything this unit would be asked to surrender on-sight and stripped of its weapons. Most would languish throughout the war as "guests", but perhaps some would be able to fight, maybe even join the mixed Volunteer regiments but the shear level of suspicion associated with a whole RWR regiment going willy-nilly to fight their former countrymen may be a bit much to simply ignore for the sake of ignoring.
But for fiction purposes say Kerensky does decide to allow this unit to fight, it'll be using Inner Sphere/Periphery standard equipment: circa 2750. So Level 1.
Personally, I'm far more interested in reading what happens to these soldiers once the Civil War's over. They'll never be able to go home again, and will probably face prejudice around every corner in the Republic. (So what if the Army's nice to them, the average Terran is going to have a pathological hatred of anything RWR. Makes the relocation of Republican citizens interesting. If there's ever an avenue of discontent worth exploiting...) Grin
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #10 on: January 26, 2009, 05:36:05 PM »Who said they had to be trusted?
I do agree about the distrust by many (probably including the Terran Republic) and I could imagine something like the Commissars (Ã la Warhammer 40K).
I also never talked about a regiment. Maybe some individuals could go into volunteers units (facing hardships and difficulties) and then after the Coup is over receive the right to form their own unit (strength not decided yet).
I do not ask for shiny new equipments but I ask for cool-looking tanks (I know cool-looking depends on the person you are talking to but I do not care).
However, the distrust and the lack of new equipment could explain the use of some of the oldest designs available to the LCAF, the FSAF or the CCAF.
And if you think I am going to far, look at the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.
Knightmare Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #11 on: January 26, 2009, 06:05:16 PM »Too true Ice.
Casualties are going to be horrendous. Converts always fight with great zeal and the occasional suicidal tendency.
That being said, I'd pick mostly wheeled and tracked units to flesh out the armored regiment. Lyran designs would be a pretty easy to populate, as would some DC produced varieties. But given the general entente between the RWR and the Star League, it's safe to assume the regiment could be filled with just about any standard vehicle produced in the Inner Sphere by the 27th century. (Minus advanced Terran designs.)
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #12 on: January 27, 2009, 04:33:00 PM »Okay then I will go that way.
I also thought today that having only ballistic or missile weapons and a logistical corps under complete supervision of the Terran Republic (with vehicles being only provided with ammo when entering a battle) could be another option.
And for vehicles, why not go for wheeled like the EE-9 Cascavel, the AMX 10 RC or the ERC 90?
Knightmare Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #13 on: January 27, 2009, 06:21:43 PM »You could definitely run with a strictly wheeled setup, but I'd run with the Inner Sphere standard, and provide the regiment with an even mix of vehicle types. Since this regiment is probably a lesser frontline, or second-line unit consider running cheaper designs like LRM carriers and even older type Marsdens (bought from the LC.) You might also want to include, in the original TO&E, some infantry. However, larger units are notoriously difficult to explain defecting wholesale without internal discord, conflict or bloodshed.
blacktigeractual Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #14 on: January 28, 2009, 10:47:48 AM » You could always use the Po, just renamed, it's about the most basic design for an MBT out there. Forget the new age CapCon fluff how many times would you think this machine was cloned?
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #15 on: January 28, 2009, 03:38:15 PM »I will look at my TRO and see what I can find there.
Rainbow 6 Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #16 on: February 01, 2009, 03:05:03 AM »How about giving them Hover Tanks like the J. Edgar?
Knightmare Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #17 on: February 01, 2009, 09:29:31 AM »Conversely you could always design your own. Just like the other "retro" designs from TRO 3075, there's no reason you can't add a few more.
blacktigeractual Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #18 on: February 01, 2009, 08:48:59 PM » I took the liberty here Ice, hope you like.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Type/Model: Backbone MBT
Tech: Inner Sphere / 2750
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 1, Standard design
Mass: 65 tons
Power Plant: 260 RWA 260 ICE I.C.E.
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor Type: Garbonne Aegis Plate 7 Standard
Armament:
1 Halta Mk X Class 10 Autocannon/10
2 Halta MGTurret Machine Guns
Manufacturer: United Mechanics LLC
Location: Apollo
Communications System: FR-es Line IV
Targeting & Tracking System: Lester MBT-7a1
==Overview:==
Designed to deal with House Stiener's ubiquitous Mardsen MBT, the aptly named Backbone has been in production for over a hundred years. Faster and cheaper than the Lyran design the Rim Worlds Republic produced hundreds of these tanks right up to the Republic's occupation by the SLDF. Cashing in on the brisk illegal arms trade millitaries as far away as the Magestry of Canopus fielded the Backbone. The tanks notariety was such that an unnamed LCAF armor officer was heard to quip that even though the Rim Worlds were now a memory thier bones would be turning up till Judgement Day.
==Capabilities:==
Despite having only one main gun and somewhat lighter armor than its Lyran adversary the heavy bore Halt MK X autocannon has twice the punch for only a 90 meter range deficiency. The higher speed of the Backbone allowed the Rim Worlds crews the ability to close the distance quckly and the sheer number produced meant that in an unprecidented turn of events the Periphery troops had more heavy tanks on the field than thier Great House adversary.
A pair of Halta 12.7mm machine guns one in a remote turret over the commanders position and one mounted coxalaly to the main gun round out the unoriginal but time tested weapons load.
Three items of note stand out about the Backbone.
First its low profile in an age of armor designed as BattleMech support such as the Puma or Manticore which would have given armor crews fits before the invention of the 'Mech. Exploiting the ease with which the design goes "hull down" and even the slightly reduced vertical rise on the main gun, Rim Worlds crews when engaged by BattleMechs, often deliberately targeted only the legs of thier opponents.
As Republican commanders often placed bounties on BattleMechs crippled and taken as salvage as opposed to destroyed, Backbone crews kept a separate tally of "Prize Kills".
Second harking back to an earlier era the 65 ton tank carries only a crew of three; gunner, driver and commander while contemprary designs may have twice as many. This adds to the low cost of the design as the same number of men can crew twice as many machines.
Third is that the drive train, engine and other structural components are either common to civillian engineering vehicles across the Human Sphere or can be easily replaced by ones that are. Likewise the Backbone can use any number of common synthetic or organic combustables for fuel.
==Battle History:==
During the Reunification war, Lyran forces raiding Apollo came under fire from a hull down heavy armored battalion made up of Backbones. Using a four platoon company, the Republican troops devoted an entire platoon to each BattleMech. The Lyrans who hadn't even spotted the camolauged tanks lost two lances before the bewildered Lyran Gaurd could withdraw.
In a unique twist a resistance group on Carver V liberated a full company of Backbones from the 11th Rim Worlds Regulars. Using similar tactics the geurillas cost the Regulars seven light and medium BattleMechs before the Eleventh's air wing tracked them down. Despite the destruction of their tanks five of the resistance members did escape with footage from the event.
==Variants:==
In service with the Amaris House Gaurds and the Amaris Huscarl Dragoons a revamped verion using the new LBX series of cannon, 30 cassettes of ammunition and an extra ton of armor made an appearance. The "Bone Shard" caused an unreasonable amount of havoc during the retaking of the Hegemony, but was a field kit model not one under production.
==Deployment==
The Backbone was mainly deployed with the House Amaris Millitary up till its destuction by the vengeful Star League Defense Force. Export versions found service from Taurus to Canopus.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Backbone MBT
Mass: 65 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 35 pts Standard 0 6.50
Engine: 260 I.C.E. 0 27.00
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 0 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 3.50
Crew: 3 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 1.50
Armor Factor: 160 pts Standard 0 10.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 7 48
Left / Right Sides: 7 32/32
Rear: 7 21
Turret: 7 27
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Autocannon/10 Turret 0 30 2 15.00
1 Machine Gun Turret 0 100 2 1.00
1 Machine Gun Turret 0 1 .50
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 0 5 65.00
Items & Tons Left: 13 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 1,184,150 C-Bills
Battle Value: 371
Cost per BV: 3,191.78
Weapon Value: 272 / 272 (Ratio = .73 / .73)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 10; MRDmg = 5; LRDmg = 1
BattleForce2: MP: 4T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 7
Damage PB/M/L: 1/1/-, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 4
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #19 on: February 02, 2009, 03:29:35 PM »The stats look good.
I will read on another screen the fluff.
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #20 on: February 20, 2009, 01:04:10 PM »The nice part with travelling in trains is that you have time to work and write things done for other things than work.
So I used the available time I had on Tuesday and Wednesday to work a bit on the Underworld sourcebook (more to come later) and on the Sympathy for the Devil.
Remember those are just notes and sometimes I did not make my mind about where I should head.
Name: 666th Independent Battalion
Nickname: Sympathy for the Devil
Logo: Red pentagram with a Devil's head in the middle against a black background
Recruitment/Origin:
3 different sources
1. Former defenders of the Rim Worlds Republic that decided to join the Star League Defence Forces during the invasion.
After much debate, they were accepted but split among different non BatteMech Loyalist units.
After the war, the question was what should we do with them?
On Earth and in the Rim Worlds, they are just reminders of bad times and are still not trusted by the military.
2. Survivors of the occupying Aramis' forces. Those guilty of war crimes were judged but for the others?
3. Some youngsters from the Rim Worlds are eager to join the Terran Republic to clean the taint on the Rim name.
Can they be trusted and if so what should be done with them?
The solution was simple: gather them into a specific "meat" unit kept under tight control.
Organisation:
The common elements to my different ideas are that all the logistics and Dropships are in the hand of the Terran Republic and that there are "commissars" in every lance/platoon to ensure that they are moving in the right direction.
- HQ + 2 tank companies made of Backbone + 1 company of mechanised infantry
- Mountaineer unit (not found any TO&E yet)
- Command unit (HQ+engineers+supply) + Scout/Support Company (with Marechal Saxe) + 3/4 Infantry Companies. The idea here is to make the unit along the lines of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment
- or go for a small specialised 'Mech unit.
blacktigeractual Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #21 on: February 20, 2009, 08:35:31 PM » Looks good so far, hope to see some fiction on them, some fertile ground here.
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #22 on: February 21, 2009, 11:05:31 AM »Looks good so far, hope to see some fiction on them, some fertile ground here.
Exactly what I am trying to do but I need a clear idea of who they are.
As you can see, I did not make my mind yet and today I thought of them flying Fighters (either Conventional or Aerospace), which would explain why they are so few of them.
See I really need things to mature a little.
blacktigeractual Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #23 on: February 21, 2009, 09:28:22 PM » Thinking on this not knowing who they really are can be part of the story. They themselves have no identity yet as a unit. Thus thier journey is one of identity as well as redemption or pride as a unit.
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #24 on: February 22, 2009, 12:54:08 PM »You are right but I was misunderstood (my fault): I wanted to say that I had to find out what kind of unit they might be before writing things down.
Ice Hellion Re: Sympathy for the devil « Reply #25 on: February 22, 2009, 02:32:23 PM »I was browsing through TRO 3025 for my Victor IIC and I found the perfect thing for this unit: the Lucifer Cool
I think the Star League used it but I could not find any confirmation.
Can anyone confirm it?
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