OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Alternate Universe => Salient Horizon => Topic started by: Takiro on February 23, 2021, 07:43:54 AM
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I've got a list going of some minor mercenaries of the Salient Horizon universe who will be factoring in events to coming. These units are small, typical company sized in terms of Mech strength, but could play significant roles in events to come. Hope you enjoy them!
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Zenmasters
The Zenmasters are a small mercenary company composed of devout Mechwarriors whose mental discipline and calm focus make them deadly opponents. With a long tradition stretching back through the Succession Wars this highly skilled company sized unit is extremely close knit. While membership is opened to any invited Mechwarrior a majority of their personnel have always been drawn from the Draconis Combine. This had led to rumored connections with the Order of Five Pillars (O5P) and lingering suspicions from the Federated Commonwealth realms which have rarely trusted them with a contract. Even Takashi Kurita’s ‘Death to Mercenaries’ edict did little to dampen such rampant speculation. Regardless of this innuendo their high level of service earned them a fanatical loyalty rating from the Mercenary Review Board which has never been questioned. Invitees train extensively and often serve for years in supporting roles before rising to become a Zenmaster (Mechwarrior). Dispossessed usually accepted these steep terms of service without question before the Clans but increased ‘Mech production has recently thinned their ranks somewhat. Two lances of the group have always been composed of Marauders, Ostrocs, and Ostols but recently the commander purchased a Marauder II from which he leads. A rare Ostscout lance rounds out the company and serves as the capable seekers for the heavier lances. The venerable Union class Sky Temple serves as the unit’s mobile home and headquarters.
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Battlegroup Alpha
Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Cory Masterson of Elbar this combined arms battalion is known for its high degree of professionalism. Masterson, whose family traditions date back to the Terran Hegemony, retired from the AFFC following the War of 3039. Assembling this unit on Outreach took most of his private fortune and substantial investment by other unknown parties. Some believe the Wolf Dragoons were involved, others a powerful FedCom nobles, but whatever the case the unit filled out quickly. Mostly composed of former AFFC troopers the Battlegroup incorporates soldiers from many different backgrounds. Members hail from as far away as the Periphery but also include rebels from the Defenders of Andurien and recently even a former member of the ComGuards has joined their ranks. They have mainly performed training duty in the service of the Federated Commonwealth over their brief decade of service earning the Battlegroup the derisive moniker of ‘Cadre Queens’. While openly scorned by old school mercenaries, Lyran Social Generals, and Draconis traditionalists they have earned a solid reputation for their veteran skill level and high reliability. Command of the Alphas is overseen by Masterson who is a retired Mechwarrior and his similarly retired Armor and Infantry Majors. Captains of the force make up the active Field Command which is composed of eleven officers joined by the Aerospace Lieutenant. They have a large degree of flexibility but their familiarity with the combined arms doctrine makes them function seamlessly on the battlefield. The expense of enlarging the unit is probably prohibitive as their Dropships, the Core Charge a Union and the True Value a Triumph, alone have set them back quite away.
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Can we post ideas or do you have enough already?
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I'd love to see submissions for small mercenary units from others. So yes, please!
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Tsuchigumo
This BattleMech company specializing in highly mobile urban warfare is based around a single BattleMech design, the Spider. Assembled in late 3035 by rogue Draconis Mechwarriors who mainly served with the Rasalhague Regulars they took their name from ancient Japanese renegade clans. Two lances composed mainly of Spiders with two aerospace fighters in support quickly came together on Galatea. Signed by House Liao to extensively raid Canopian and Andurien planets in the wake of their failed invasion the unit performed admirably. Following the cessation of hostilities these ronin were signed by Corean Enterprises of Stewart to provide security and test new designs based on the Spider. Since then, they have grown to company strength and perhaps could have continued to expand if not for the Clan Invasion cutting off their primary recruiting grounds. Their Spiders are now accompanied by only new Tarantula and Venom BattleMechs on the ground while a pair of Shilone AeroFighters fly cover over head. They despise the Wolf Dragoons, the Kell Hounds, and most other mercenaries of their ilk while dreaming of a return home one day to Rasalhague in service of the Dragon.
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Strongbows
The Strongbows are a heavy BattleMech company composed of Archers and Longbows who specialize in long range fire support. The unit was assembled in 3041 on Solaris by former Free Worlds League Mechwarriors who sought to make a profit on their military expertise. With experience stretching from the Andurien Wars all the way back to the 4th Succession War the group was readily acknowledged as professionals despite some security concerns. Reports of misconduct while serving with the FWLM and scrutiny of certain individuals by SAFE has pervaded the Strongbows leading most to label their loyalty as questionable. In spite of these concerns a host of successful single mission contracts and gladiatorial combat led a corporate sponsorship by StarCorps Industries. This arrangement kept them on Solaris throughout the Clan Invasion testing new design variants for simulated battlefield conditions in the arenas. With the breakdown of order in the Free Worlds League the unit was recalled to station the rebuilding StarCorps facility still under construction on Emris IV in Oriente space. Their insignia is a purple Archer on a white circular background and they tend to paint their machines in urban camouflage due to their time on Solaris.
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Harrison’s Hindmost
The Free Worlds League was home to the only Quad Mech factories for most of the 3rd Succession War. While the 4th Succession War changed that some thirty years ago some within House Marik have gone out of their way to maintain their dominance. Captain Arthur Harrison is perhaps chief among those founding a loyal mercenary unit after the loss of Oliver. The Mechwarriors of the Hindmost like their commander all hail from proud families who owned either a Scorpion or a Goliath BattleMech throughout the Succession Wars. Strong advocates for the Quads’ unique battlefield abilities they were quickly hired by Corean Enterprises on Stewart as test pilots and guardians. Stationed at the MacAdams-Suharno plant as quality control experts these employees also train would be Quad owners. Together with Corean and the Stewart authorities they have also designed several hardpoints around the factory capable of enhancing hull down defenses of the site should raiders dare try to breach the defenses. While three decades of cadre and garrison have dulled their off-world deployment capabilities none should doubt their well-honed veteran knowledge or the loyalty these troops have for their way of life.
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Finders Keepers
Exploration of the unknown was long a victim of the Succession War but that began to gradually change following the 4th Succession War. One of the first groups dedicated to the pursuit of the unknown were these Lyran veterans hailing from the Alarion Province. Sick of war as usual this well-funded unit assembled to scout destinations in the far-off Periphery with an eye toward undiscovered riches. Based on the ancient Fortress class Dropship, the Early Bird, these privateers make up a combined arms battalion based around a ‘Mech company (Commandos, Firestarters, Vulcans, and Griffins). While the lostech renaissance swept the InnerSphere they have been working beyond the fringes of civilization looking for new adventures and so have larger lacked upgraded tech packages. Sweeping the vast Anti-Spinward Reaches this group has several recorded contracts with ComStar, the Federated Commonwealth, and the Free Worlds League usually focused on pirate hunting or escort duties. Their activities have not been without controversy as several Periphery advocates have charged them with theft which the Keepers vehemently deny. Their insignia is a yellow northstar compass set against a blue square.
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Fraser’s Foragers
Salvaging battlefield materiel became an art form during the Succession Wars which few mercenaries managed to do like Fraser’s Foragers. An old private military company dating back to 2800s who specialize in loss recovery these ‘Mech-Techs who hailed primarily the Federated Suns could incredibly make something out of nothing. With a win some loss some record they have operated in and around humanity’s old core worlds for the last two centuries. Working in the war-torn lands of the ancient Terran Hegemony for all the Great Houses at one time or another has always kept them busy. While never on good terms with House Kurita this mixed battalion has a solid reputation for service often in support of larger operations. Some deride them as battlefield scavengers or junkyard merchants who show up after the real fighting has ended. They’ve survived nonetheless and even though the new-fangled technological recovery has dimmed their accomplishments a need will always remain for these salvage experts so long as combat takes place. Based on Galatea they are decidedly old school and cautious in their approach.
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Fallen Stars
The people of the former Terran Hegemony have seen nearly three centuries of suffering following the Amaris Coup. Since the Usurper’s great betrayal their homelands have served as the battlegrounds in countless conflicts. Some refused to forget their national heritage or forgive the actions of the House Lords and took up arms as early as the First Succession War. Hailing from the state that gave birth to the BattleMech gave them a strong foundation but every Great House and ComStar has reason to curb any success. Nearly destroyed as part of the Order’s Black December crackdown of 2877 they’ve always managed to survive. While a concerted effort likely could have eliminated them by now each Successor State has seen a reason to patronize the group from time to time. Most recently the Capellan Confederation has financed their operations in order to destabilize the Terran Corridor now largely controlled by the Federated Commonwealth. It is suspected they eke out a living on dead or abandoned worlds within the old Hegemony thus far eluding all efforts to eradicate them completely. As such they have struggled on throughout the Succession Wars never giving up on their dream of a reborn Terran Hegemony. This rag tag near bandit unit typically fields Star League designs (TRO2750) with their strength varying wildly over the years. It is suspected they have as much as a battalion of ‘Mechs under arms along with an aerospace squadron but infantry have also been observed operating alongside them.
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Dirty Deeds
Rough and tumble rockers who party hard and fight even harder sums up this heavy BattleMech band who hail from the Federated Commonwealth. Employers should beware that these young Mechwarriors have never had any formal military education. So, it comes as no surprise that they are undisciplined and unconventional to say the least. Family training, inherited skills, natural gifts, and pure luck account for their battlefield success. With a few effective missions already under their belt this brash group continues their reckless tour of the InnerSphere. Their charging Thunderbolt and Awesome BattleMechs fearlessly storming enemy positions has caused some to question their sanity. Accusations of drug abuse, excessive damage, and insubordination have of course had them labelled a unit of questionable loyalty. The Union class Tour Bus is currently their only home as they look to traverse the entire Human Sphere while rocking every world. Dirt cheap prices are perhaps the most attractive value to potential employers who have few other choices.
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Ladybugs
The call to liberate Canopian worlds long under the yoke of the Free Worlds League has been taken up by this new group of female Mechwarriors. Utilizing Bug ‘Mechs (Locust, Stingers, and Wasps) this independent volunteer unit has already reached battalion strength. Despite their inexperience (Green combat rating) these mercenaries are fanatical devoted to their cause. Handsomely supplied by the Magistracy through various aid organizations and charities they have given hopes to revolutionaries on occupied worlds within the League. Their official status as mercenaries working for the people of the Liberation Zone has so far avoided open warfare between the Magistracy and the League. While very light they are extremely mobile and can threaten most League Militias, which are only conventional in nature, in the area by their simple swarm tactics. Further growth of this troop is likely given their early successes, simple equipment, and high public awareness. Marik frustration with these pests is sharply increasing and may lead to the deployment of a League regiment soon despite the growing unrest throughout the nation.
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Ladybugs
Mercer Ravannion is back.
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Too true.
As for unit submission, I have an idea or two.
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Good call Ice!
They aren't really made to stand up to another Mech unit per say.
Great to hear it Abele, only one or two units left for me.
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Too true.
As for unit submission, I have an idea or two.
Me too.
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Can't wait to see them guys!
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Didn't we do minor mercenaries, especially directed towards FWL Civil war. Are these ones throughout the Inner Sphere now?
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Chessmen
Stylizing themselves after the pieces from the ancient game of Chess, the Chessmen are a highly trained but small mercenary unit that has served various nobles and houses across the Inner Sphere since the initial stages of the Amaris Coup. Formed originally from an instructor an his students that were on a field trip from Sandhurst Military Academy on Terra who were in the Federated Suns for an interplanetary Chess tournament. Being granted asylum by the Federated Suns and assigned positions as temporary advisors to Federated Suns training cadres. Serving with excellence for a handful of years the group was able to lay hands on enough supplies and equipment to form their own independent battalion that joined with the Star League forces fighting Amaris. Like all forces engaged in the Civil War losses were plenty and at the end they were left with only a reinforced company at the end. With little to return to after the war the group formally established themselves as mercenaries and have been able to maintain their 'Mech strength through salvage and well made contracts throughout the Succession Wars. Throughout the years the families of the 36 original students have continued to assist the unit in one way or another, whether as support staff, combat staff or financial backers. No one is allowed into the combat or support roles that is not part of the original families. With a ranking structure modeled after the ancient names for chess pieces, the rank of Shah is gifted to the leader of the group. Strong tactical skills is ingrained into their combat structure, but their equipment has begun to see degradation and they are currently looking for a new contract that can assist them in this area as much as possible.
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Didn't we do minor mercenaries, especially directed towards FWL Civil war. Are these ones throughout the Inner Sphere now?
These are those my friend. Many if not most will take part in the 3rd Marik Civil War.
A nice unit bud!
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BTW, I did obtain permission to use the Night Legion created by Liam's Ghost in our little universe here. Their independent companies working for different employers at the same time should be interesting.
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/non-canon-units/night-legion-morally-agnostic-religiously-capitalist/msg1209715/#msg1209715
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Doom Warriors
This group of "warrior" run a Merc unit from their Union (okay really a Trojan) Dropship "Humungus". Commanded by Col. Vernon Nillsson in his Warhammer 6D, he served in the Lryan Military. His 2nd is Max Zetta piloting a Centurion AL model. The remaining of their units are mix/match of mostly medium and light machines, more Frankenmech then stock designs. They also have 2 company of "mobile" infantry/raiders.
Think of them as a Mad Max style unit with motorcycle inf
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A ragged edge there DOC Agren
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Churila's Bogatyr: Formed after the 4SW, the Bogatyr are what is left over from several former Capellan units. Forced to flee away their beloved Capellan homes by the advancing Davion hordes and vengeful Maskirovka agent, they found each other on Galatea and formed what has become the current unit. Fortune has not been as kind as they would hope as they have barely managed to squeak by a continuing existence. They recently had to sell off a lance's worth of Mechs to keep the rest of the unit going. A reinforced company dived into three lances plus a tech staff that can provide 60% of the units needs. They have two Dropships, A Union and a Leopard.
Command Lance
Capt.. Alexander Churila - EMP-5A Emperor
Lt. Maxim Peresvetski - MAD-3R Marauder
MW Samson Njoku - SHD-2H Shadow Hawk
MW Neysa Quisa - DV-6M Dervish
MW Percy Aldershot - VL-2T Vulcan
Battle Lance
Senior Lt. Ilyanna Murometskaia - RFL-3N Rifleman
MW Sgt. Olga Suvorova - ENF-4R Enforcer
MW Vasili Buslayev - ARC-2R Archer
MW Annika Langsdorf - CRD-3R Crusader
MW Danilo Ivanoff - WVR-6R Wolverine
Recon Lance
Lt.. Aloysha Popov - PXH-1K Phoenix Hawk
MW Sgt. Istvan Togarev - CLN-7V Chameleon
MW Gavril Brankovic - SDR-5V Spider
MW Romana Brankovic - LCT-1V Locust
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The Alpha Dogs: A misfit unit made up of mostly heavy Mechs who have operated in the Periphery out of the world of Herotitus. Usually they take contracts as pirate hunters or as raiders. They have extremely limited access to advanced equipment. None of the Mechs in the company is fitted out as originally built due to working with limited replacement parts available from what sources are available in the periphery. The Brass Ass, a modified Mule-class DropShip (fitted out with 12 Mech cubicles (non-drop)) is their means of transport.
Command Lance
Commander Vinnie Caputo, Zeus
Cyd Deslauriers, Thunderbolt
Barbara Olsen, JagerMech
Carlos Arguello, Catapult
Battle Lance
Lieutenant Anders Forsberg, Orion
Bitsey Liang, Catapult
Simon Chuong, Rifleman
Benji Horvath, Dragon
Scout Lance
Lieutenant Chandra Bellows, Assassin
Kyoko Hinada, Trebuchet
Andy Chen, Spider
Maurice Callahan, Javelin
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Two good ones Abele!
Any idea who they will fight for?
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Whomever you like, though the Bogatyr would more than likely avoid Capellan employment.
Bogatyr: Marik space, likely
Alpha Dogs: anyone
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A ragged edge there DOC Agren
Someone has to give Wilson Hussars a run for their money
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Same question Doc, who do you see the Warriors fighting for?
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Same question Doc, who do you see the Warriors fighting for?
anyone who can give them C-Bills or repairs!!!
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anyone who can give them C-Bills or repairs!!!
High standards indeed, LOL! ;D
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Dragonkind
Sun Tzu and Isis built on their renewal of the Concord of Kapetyn with an announcement seeking Draconis to aid her rightful claim to the Atrean throne. While no response ever came from Luthien neither likely suspected any direct aid from House Kurita but rather send a powerful symbolic message to would be allies. Generous support went to any Combine native who joined their cause and despite a low initial turnout enough supporters were gathered to form a small mercenary unit called the Dragonkind. This BattleMech company which operates in support of the main advance hopes to grow larger with future recruitment and aid from other Draconians. Given that the quality and reputation of these warriors is dubious to say the least such expansion maybe unfeasible but only time will tell.
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Tagged firstly I missed this post before I'm wondering how
Secondly I'll be submitting one if you still need any
Third general ask here could I base units off some of these for my own AU? Merc units are handy
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anyone who can give them C-Bills or repairs!!!
High standards indeed, LOL! ;D
Hey the Col. Vernon Nillsson (https://g4sky.net/wa-data/public/photos/87/70/7087/7087.970.jpg) of Doom Warriors has the high standards, just when your mechs are in the mad max style you have to be honest with what you will work for.
Scout Lance Lt. Susan "CLAWS" Jurkins (https://i.all3dp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/27131132/vaugn-2.jpg)
1 Jenner LL and 2 ML
2 Stinger/Wasp FrankenMechs. 1ML and 1 Flamer
1 Assassin 2 ML LRM5
Battle Lance Lt. Alex Conant (https://project-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Indy-Mad-Max-Run-IndyMadMaxRun-Mad-Max-Mad-Max-Fury-Road-Fury-Road-post-apocalyptic-apocalypse-cosplay-biker-Harley-Davidson-Harley-bike-babes-morocycles-12.jpg)
1 Gladiator
1 55 ton Frankenmech.5/8/5. LL, 2 ML 1 LRM5
1 Wolfman (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolfman_(BattleTechnology_BattleMech))
1 Chameleon
Command Lance
1 Blackjack
1 Hunchback AC10, 2 ML, 2 Flamers, 1 SL
1 Centurion AL model Max Zetta (https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/0TxDhEGQh8xg4F5mCATswWSqtag/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2015/09/30/843/n/1922507/2afd6b503f6f5b5a_Screen_Shot_2015-09-30_at_11.05.09_AM/i/Goggles-outback-inspired-hat-mandatory-eye-grease-make.png)
and our CO Warhammer 6D
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Third general ask here could I base units off some of these for my own AU? Merc units are handy
you are welcome to use my Doom Warriors, for they are the bastion of professionalism and proper equipment :o :o :o 8)
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The more the merrier Dragon Cat!
Please give me a little about your unit such as a roster or its size, commander, place of origin, history, base (Outreach, Galatea, other), and perhaps a clue of what you'd like to see them doing in the wars to come. You know how I like a little fluff. ;)
I sure don't mind crossovers if you don't DC.
The Doom Warriors look good Doc, do you have a little fluff?
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Is this what you need?
Doom Warriors
Well this is a group of "Mercs/Pirates/Rebels", is a group who has to look up to Wilson's Hussars.
Commanded by Col. Vernon Nillsson in his Warhammer 6D, he served in the Lryan Military. Okay really Capt. Vernon Nillsson but Col sound better as a Merc spent his time in the 3rd Lyran Regulars, before getting out and with his Sgt Max Zetta set out to form a Merc Unit. They have grown/expanded and shrunk with who they can recruit/contracts need.
The unit has never gotten "big name status" or that big contract. It might help if Vernon didn't trust him and Max to read the contract for fine print. You won't find any perfect mech here most are fixed with whatever can fit in the place.
Their Infantry is mostly outfited to be moved by dirt bikes and either function as base security or light raiders. Not sure if I would trust them not to liberate anything not nailed down where they are assigned
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Technicals. For real bottom-of-the-barrel and Mad Max aesthetic, you want technicals 8)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_(vehicle)
Might be cheaper to maintain than a fleet of dirt bikes, and also allows you to transport your heavier infantry 'support' weapons, while still counting as mechanized infantry.
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Thanks for the additional info Doc on the Doom Warriors.
Interesting idea fabulousorcboy. I'd probably think that such equipment would be more common as militia weaponry than mercs.
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Oh, technicals are definitely the ideal militia weapon. But their super low-end cost is also ideal for emphasizing just how low-budget a merc outfit like (for example) the Doom Warriors really are. Plus, if you're motivated, you can really pack quite a few light trucks into a very tight space, like a garage, or one corner of a warehouse or shipyard, or the interior of a dropship. It helps that as light trucks, you can pile a lot of cr... gear on the bed of the truck 8)
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I always picture the rebels fighting the Terran Alliance with such improvised weapons and vehicles.
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Sanderson's Lance
This unit originates from the original Star League era from the world of Wynn's Roost in the Outworlds Alliance. During the years they have traveled through the Draconis Combine to their present location in the Lyran Commonwealth and they haven't looked back. Gone are the days when the unit was filled with primitive BattleMechs and now it sports a single lance of modern BattleMechs which specialize in raiding operations.
The unit has two DropShips the ancient Ormen Lange dates back to the first Star League era, as does its two escort fighters two Vulcan craft. The Zeemeeuw, a Condor-class vessel, is of newer construction and carries the majority of the unit's infantry and dependents.
While the "Zee" could carry 12 platoons of infantry the unit only ever fields six and mostly in security/base defence and construction roles. The twenty vehicles carried are made up of Infantry Support vehicles and vehicles used to either house or transport their support staff when they are separated from their DropShips.
Ormen Lange, Leopard-class DropShip
Lieutenant Tom Sanderson Phoenix Hawk
MechWarrior Sarah Hoffmann Dervish
MechWarrior Lilly Aspell Wasp
MechWarrior Gianpietro Comotti Stinger
Pilot Jin So-joo VLC-3M Vulcan
Pilot Zhao So-joo VLC-3M Vulcan
Zeemeeuw, Condor-class DropShip
20 Vehicles
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Nice addition to our minor mercs, thanks DC!
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Just found this future canon one today while researching Andurien worlds and thought I'd add it here. I like the concept I must say.
Ogoun's Machete (‘Mech company)
This indigenous BattleMech company was long an unknown factor on the quiet rocky world of Siendou. This resource rich planet was colonized during the height of the Star League by Senegalese settlers who established a constitutional theocracy in the Duchy of Andurien. Their global faith known as Siva Lwa prohibits service in a national military and so most outsiders presume this mining world has no defenders. This assumption went unchallenged until the Third Marik Civil War when a small bandit group, Harper’s Renegades, attempted to raid Siendou. To their shock the were quickly set upon by this previously unidentified force of native Mechwarriors. Harper and his men were soundly defeated by these Siva Lwa adherents who demonstrated for all that practicing warfare as a trade is not forbidden by their religion. Despite their surprising appearance none have dared approach them yet about an outside contract since they are unregistered as mercenaries. Negotiators are wary to approach them as regular soldiers of fortune fearing it may be offensive to the unit or their religion. It could be more accurate to describe them as a private military force who defends Siendou from threats.