OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Canon Inspired => Units => Topic started by: Ice Hellion on December 03, 2019, 04:27:57 PM
-
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Please enter password: ******
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
User recognised.
Welcome Precentor Tau-IX Elias Linch
You have one message.
Do you want to read it? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Confidential: Eyes only
From: Precentor ROM Thomas Miller
Date: 20 May 3067
Good morning my friend,
Through extensive researches through several databases and after battle reports, I managed to find some more data about Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen prior to their participation in the Andurian-Canopian War.
I managed to put back together their complete TO&E as well as information on people who died during this fight.
Make good use of this knowledge my friend.
“ If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.â€- Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Ancient Terra.
Do you want to open the attached file? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen as of 3031
Organisation:
Mech company:
• Close Support Lance 1:
GRF-1MCA Griffin, “Ladyhawkeâ€, Commander Heinz “Eismann†Bileygr, LC, unit commander
BHD-3E Blood Hawk, “On the Jazzâ€, Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith, FS, tactical adviser
TBT-5S Trebuchet, “Bugsâ€, Ensign Alexandra “Bunny†Rosen, LC
VLK-QMC Valkyrie, “Mustangâ€, Mechwarrior Sandra “Crazy Eagle†Twoyoungwoman, FS
• Close Support Lance 2:
DRG-1MC Dragon, “Mushinâ€, Commander Auliya “Kitsune†Chouada, DC, lance commander
BHD-3E Blood Hawk, “Katiouchaâ€, Mechwarrior Andreï “Zvierboy†Suvorov, CC
TBT-5S Trebuchet, “Un-Birthdayâ€, Mechwarrior Jervis “Mad Hatter†Becket, FWL
VLK-QMC Valkyrie, “Lasalleâ€, Mechwarrior André “Shovel†Ducheval, TC
• Fire Support Lance:
SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk, “Recuerdoâ€, Commander Estrella “Matador†Lagrimas, MoC, lance commander
DV-6MC Dervish, “Nebelweferâ€, Ensign Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau, TC
TBT-5J Trebuchet, “NURVâ€, Mechwarrior Lisa “Mystic†Calighan, LC
VLK-QA Valkyrie, Nothung, Mechwarrior Michael “Siegfried†Newburgh, FS
Vehicle company:
• Vehicle Lance 1:
Savannah Master, “Saintâ€, Ensign Mary “Magdalene†Covendale, LC, lance commander
Savannah Master, “Right on Timeâ€, Vehicle Commander Luke “Patcher†Simms, FS
Savannah Master, “Beershebaâ€, Vehicle Commander Nicole “Aussie†Chauvell, LC
Savannah Master, “Where’s Sam?â€, Vehicle Commander Samantha “Sam†Carter, FS
• Vehicle Lance 2:
Saracen, “Marshallâ€, Commander Ace “Tombstone†Holiday, FS, company commander
Saracen, “Sugarâ€, Vehicle Commander Sharon “Lollypop†Harton-Winters, MoC
Saracen, “Medicineâ€, Vehicle Commander Monica “Doc†Spencer, LC
Saracen, “Trainâ€, Vehicle Commander David “Sidewire†Lange, LC
• Vehicle Lance 3:
Harasser, “Katanaâ€, Ensign Alys “Sake†Grant, DC, lance commander
Harasser, “Daggerâ€, Vehicle Commander Doreen “Dirk†Gold, FS
Harasser, “Polisherâ€, Vehicle Commander Parker “Slick†Matheson, LC
Harasser, “Compactorâ€, Vehicle Commander Harold “Blacksmith†Wilkesom, LC
Infantry company:
• Command Squad:
Commander Erich “Teddy†Bär, LC, company commander
• Platoon 1:
Squad 11, Star Corporal Maria “Rya†Mendez, MoC, platoon commander
Squad 12, Lance Corporal Ken “Shield†Sköld, LC, squad commander
Squad 13, Lance Corporal Edouard “Ponch†Ponchardain, TC, squad commander
• Platoon 2:
Squad 21, Star Corporal Acady “Black†Noiré, TC, platoon commander
Squad 22, Lance Corporal Audrey “Blood Rose†Branard, LC, squad commander
Squad 23, Lance Corporal James “Waxfire†Osborne, FS, squad commander
• Platoon 3:
Squad 31, Star Corporal Han “Hot Soup†Tzu, CC, platoon commander
Squad 32, Lance Corporal Elisabeth “The Queen†Cook, MoC, squad commander
Squad 33, Lance Corporal Paul “L’Ange Bleu†Lalonde, TC, squad commander
• Heavy weapon platoon:
Heavy Squad 1, Ensign Jasper “Magic†Maskelyne, LC, platoon commander
Heavy Squad 2, Star Corporal Thomas “Crazy Tom†Guodan, LC, squad commander
Heavy Squad 3, Lance Corporal Delmar “VR†Chang, CC, squad commander
Some biographies:
Thomas "Crazy Tom" Guodan always wanted to be a soldier. Unfortunately, his parents were not very fortunate and the only way he could find to fulfil his dream was to enlist in the local militia in the infantry.
Being gifted with a sharp mind, Private Guodan went through the ranks as a meteor being promoted as a Leutenant in the Steiner regular forces in less than two years.
His main problem was that although (or maybe because) he was good and had a sharp mind, he could not stand it when somebody above him was stupid and unfair. And when he got pissed off, he really went off. Ranting, throwing things, tearing bedding off every bed in his barracks once, writing a message about what an idiot his commander was and mailing it to every officer in his regiment. Officers there still say that it was the hottest thing they ever read.
His manners and temperament made him the soldier with the unenviable record of being the most transferred soldier in the history of House Steiner.
He ended working in the support teams along with the 24th Lyran Guards. This is where he met the then Hauptmann Bileygr. When this one picked up the names of decent soldiers he wanted to go with him as leaders, "Crazy Tom" was on the top list and readily left this "******* military where so called generals are so inept as to send militia infantry companies against elite 'Mechs battalions and then send to trial the Hauptmann in charge for waste of life. They should be the ones killed."
He was not awarded a platoon as his sometimes disruptive behaviour could make bad impression on the Canopian officers. However due to the decentralised organisation of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen, he was already used several times as a leader of combined arms teams and his gift with infantry meant more than once that the enemy ran into real death fields.
Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau is coming from the Taurian Concordat where he followed the classes for becoming a ‘Mechwarrior before being thrown out for some mysterious story (one version involves some black market deal). He then went to the Magistracy where he hoped to have an easy life. However after a few months, he was short of everything except troubles. At that time (through some game connection in Canopian Retrofitted Designs), he managed to enlist in Bilfeygr’s Kampfgruppen and showed a real flavour for missiles and all artillery guns.
This is the official story told by Jean Bureau. As could be expected, it is not really the truth or at least not completely.
“Gribeauval†was indeed born in the Taurian Concordat and followed the classes for becoming a ‘Mechwarrior but he was not thrown out of the training. Instead he graduated with honour as a Cornet and became an expert in all artillery and missile problems (hence his nickname). However, he also got bored with normal military life.
This is why he gladly accepted the opportunity offered by the Taurian intelligence to get a mole inside the army of the Magistracy of Canopus. Even if his superiors did not agree with this plan, they had no real choice but to let him go.
However the plan partly backfired as the MIM quickly found out about this intent and decided to watch over the intruder. When they discovered what his real mission was, they arranged for him to make his way into a high risk unit where he could get killed at any moment and where they could control the information he got access to.
The MIM did not warned Commander Bilfeygr of the true motivation of Jean Bureau but instead told him that they had found out an useful expert that would be glad to join his unit.
It seems that Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau likes the liberty he has in the mercenaries and the responsibilities he has sometimes. Only time will tell where is loyalty really lies.
Estrella Lagrimas is the example of what wealth and ancestors can do in the Magistracy. Being the only child of a minor noble, all her whims were always answered. At the age of 20, she decided to become a soldier and her daddy bought her a charge of commander of a fire support company in a line regiment.
Her first campaign was a disaster, she managed to lose all her company both due to the attacks of the pirates and to her inept orders. She was not happy when her unit was sent to repair and refit on some retired world, she immediately asked for a transfer to a more active unit. Unwilling to sacrifice any further Canopian to her incompetence, her commanding officer asked for any mercenary unit that was in need of soldiers: Bilfeygr’s Kampfgruppen was high on the list and had the obligation to welcome a few Canopian soldiers for training and teaching.
She jumped on the opportunity to be involved in combat once more and was quickly transferred, acting as the commanding officer of the fire support lance of the mercenaries. However her first mission was another complete disaster. She even faced court-martial for disobeying direct orders during combat.
At that point, for an unknown reason, Commander Bilfeygr testified in her favour and had the punishment changed to permanent assignment to his unit until he felt that the loses had been repaid. Relieved not to have to deal with a harder punishment, the Crimson Council agreed with the idea.
Honour bounded, Commander “Matador†swore that she would repay “Eismann†for this favour.
Commander Auliya “Kitsune†Chouada is a mystery even for her comrades-in-arms. What is know for sure is that she is an Arkab that left the Combine for a mercenary life. She was recruited on Solaris VII by Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith while he was on his way to join the unit.
The truth is a secret known only to John Smith and to Heinz Bileygr. She is Arkab by her mother but a Davion by her father, an officer that somehow seduced her mother and left her pregnant. Ostracised for this within the Combine, she tried to buy back the fault of her mother by swearing to serve faithfully the Combine in the Steel Pillar.
However, she soon found out that she was facing three different challenges: being half Davion, a woman and an Arkab. Unable to find a way into the teaching system, she had to rely on retired warriors that agreed to pass her some of their experience. But even after several successful mock trials to prove her value, she was laughed at and her intents to prove her being a loyal Daughter of the Dragon were despised.
Eager to find a solution to that, she travelled to Solaris VII hoping to fight against for the glory of the Dragon. Although, people were a bit more open-minded there than in the Draconis Combine, the Kuritans still hold firm in their antic beliefs.
Unable to find an opportunity to prove her worth, she considered committing suicide until John Smith found her and seeing a potential recruit managed to convince her to join the mercenaries. Although, she dislikes what she has become, she is grateful to John Smith and to Heinz Bileygr to give her the opportunity to prove anyone that she is as deadly as anybody else inside a ‘Mech.
Eric “Teddy†Bär is absolutely unlike what his nickname suggest. He is a huge bearded men really akin to what would be a human grizzly. He was the perfect football player and led his regiment team to many victories. Furthermore, he was always kind to his men (hence his nickname) and full of hate for his enemies, nearly on the verge of going berserk at some point. The problem was that officers issuing orders that greatly threaten the men under his command were becoming enemies for him.
In order to keep his coolness when out of the battlefield, he had to use all kind of tranquillisers available to him and over the years his needs increased until he was caught by the Steiner military police forces. He was convinced of taking drugs and putting all the men under his command in great danger. Enraged by what he felt as being unfair treatment, Eric Bär went berserk in the middle of the court martial and attacked the judges. The surviving judges sentenced him to life into a psychiatric house.
Just before resigning and moving to the Magistracy, Hauptmann Bileygr defended one Steiner world against a Kurita invasion. During the heavy fighting, the psychiatric house was used as a fortress by the Lyran infantry. Unfortunately, some shots destroyed one wing of the house killing the main officers and freeing some madmen. Seeing some of his fellow Lyran soldiers in dire strait, Eric “Teddy†Bär took command of one platoon and managed to keep the Combine soldiers out of the house.
After the battle, the commander of the Steiner force did not know how to reward “Teddyâ€. Seeing an opportunity to make the best of this powerful yet unstable commanding officer, Hauptmann Bileygr proposed to free him while keeping him under his personal custody.
This is how Commander Bär joined Bilgeyr’s Kampfgruppen. Fully conscious of his potential, Commander Bileygr made the best use of the Canopian medical system to both provide him the needed drugs to keep “Teddy†under control and to free him from his hatred on anything else than the enemy. So far, the progresses have been slow but Commander Eric Bär integrated itself well into his new unit.
Little is known about the man called John Smith.
He is a brilliant tactician having earned his nickname of Hannibal thanks his numerous tricks on the battlefield. However, nothing is known about his past, his studies or his home planet; he seems to have materialised as a Senior Sergeant Major in the 24th Lyran Guards regiment around ten years ago. He served under several Hauptmanns until he met Hauptamnn Bileygr with whom he developed a solid friendship over the 5 years they served together. When Bileygr asked John Smith if he would join him in a mercenary unit, he gladly accepted. Unfortunately for the first battles of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen, Command Sergeant John Smith had still one last tour of duty to perform before being freed of the Lyran Armed Forces. As soon as he could, he joined the mercenaries and helped them with his expertise.
Some rumours heard by agents of our Holy Order only increase the mystery surrounding Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith. He would have been a top analyst in the Federated Suns MI-2 and send on a loan to House Steiner to help it increase the efficiency of its armed forces. If this is true, the alliance between House Davion and House Steiner might have begun earlier than we thought.
One of the main drawbacks of this theory is that John “Hannibal†Smith speaks with a strong and “perfect†Steiner accent and has been known to swear in purely Steiner ways. Obviously, if he is the top analyst described by our informers, the faking of such an accent would be an easy thing for him. Another problem if this was true is why would have the MI-2 agreed on one of their agent leaving his assignment to go on a personal mission? Personal as after all, the Federated Suns never showed any interest in the Magistracy of Canopus before. Why should it start now all of a sudden?
Jervis Becket is known as the “Mad Hatter†for three main reasons: his love of funny hats, his love of a strange old book (nothing is known except that is all about a girl who get lost in a hole following some rabbit with a clock, this story seems to have no sense at all) and the strange tactical ideas that comes out of his mind at all time.
However these strange habits are perfectly normal when one considers the unit Jervis Becket served in the longest time: the Second Oriente Hussars. As this unit is known to have taken the normal craziness of the lifestyle of ‘Mechwarriors one step further, the strange ways of “Mad Hatter†would have been seen as perfectly suited to any good ‘Mechwarrior. Furthermore, his tactical “genius†(nobody can still agree if it is genius or pure madness) might be the results of him being taught by “Silent Calâ€.
A few years ago, Jervis Becket was sent for a tour of duty to serve as one of the tactical advisers of the Martian Cuirassiers, a mercenary unit in service of the Free Worlds League. Their main mission was to try to make the mercenaries act more aggressively. They together devised a plan for making small raids about a company size against lightly defended worlds to blood the unit. This plan was used but was not popular with the mercenaries that frequently disregarded the advises given to them and relegated soldiers from the Free World Leagues to rearguard positions.
It was during one such raid on Bass that Jervis Becket was taken as a prisoner by Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. After interrogating him, Commander Bileygr found out that he could be useful to the unit and offered him (against the instructions of the MIM) a place as a free member in the unit in exchange for his words not to try to break away.
Impressed by this show of confidence and loyalty, “Mad Hatter†agreed and so far kept his word even when fighting against fellow Mariks. However, the only true loyalty test will come if the mercenaries ever face the Second Oriente Hussars.
Little is known about Han Tzu’s past as he only talked about it to Commander Bileygr before joining Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen.
From what is known, Han Tzu is the typical example of how the Capellan Confederation periodically wastes some of its finest warriors. He went through one of the Martial Training Academies and was posted to the infantry of a Confederation Reserve Regiment. He was seen as a rising star in the remaining military forces of House Liao.
This all ended when he was sent with his unit on a raid against a secret research facility of the Federated Suns. The target was not as lightly defended as they were told by Maskirovka and they were caught in an ambush that destroyed all his unit except him. After managing to escape from the ambush site and making his way back to the Dropship awaiting him, he was surprised to be arrested and treated like a traitor. As the agents that arrested him explained, the Maskirovka had learned that there was a mole in his unit that had passed several times vital information to the Department of Military Intelligence. The only way to find it was to send the unit on a suicide mission against House Davion and see who would come alive of it.
All Han Tzu knew was that he was innocent but that would not matter if he was kept in custody. In order to proof that he was innocent, he needed to escape and find about the real traitor. By mere talent and with a bit of luck, he managed to escape and to make his way back incognito to the nearest ComStar facility.
Looking at the opportunities he had, he decided to go to the Magistracy of Canopus, the least suspicious move he could make. When he arrived there, he knew he had to find a job to survive. After looking at the opportunities he had, he learned about a mercenary unit that was recruiting experimented people and went to see if he could have a position there. Eager to develop his infantry company, Commander Bileygr readily agreed to hire him as a platoon commander until Han Tzu had enough money to begin his own investigation. After having some problems dealing with his Chinese name, his men nicknamed him “Hot Soup†and this nickname spread in all the mercenary unit.
The first look can be deceptive and this is what happens when looking at Commander Heinz Bileygr. There is nothing extraordinary about him: an average sized man with short grey hair, only one valid eye left and with a scar running through his face and his closed eye. No one could conceive that he is one of the best (if not the best) Commanders available to the Magistracy of Canopus.
Both his parents were mercenaries from Rasalhague, their family having fled the Combine several years ago. Heinz was sent to school in the friendlier State, those mercenaries could think of: the Lyran Commonwealth. Through some relations and money, he was awarded the right to go to the Nagelring where he received a first rate military education completed by readings of everything he could get his hands on about military theories and history. At the end of his training period, he was approached by recruiting officers from the “Slashers†and offered a place in this regiment as Leutenant. His successful missions soon provided him with a promotion to First Leutenant
Over the following 5 years, he was used several times in forlorn hope missions with his lance where he lost several ‘Mechs (both heavy and assaults). However, his superiors seemed always to appreciate his performance and always gave him one new. It is during one of these missions that he lost his eyes to a Kurita attack while covering the withdrawal of a light lance.
Trusted for his coolness in combat situations and tactical evaluations (this coupled with the difficulty to read any emotion on his face earned him his nickname of Eissmann) and his eagerness to protect the lives of those under him, he became Hauptmann and trained his heavy company in the cavalry style he favoured.
In 3019, he faced with the rest of the 24th Lyran Guards the Wolf’s Dragoons on Hesperus and although his regiment was victorious at the end, he issued an internal note assessing the recent victory and stating that several things needed to be changed in the Steiner military forces to be able to deal with modern warfare. This note was not well received by the social generals and Hauptmann Bileygr was told that he could forget about getting any promotion.
After contributing to the rebuilding of the 24th, he was approached by messengers from the Magistracy and after some negotiation, he accepted their offer and resigned his commission and left his ‘Mech behind to create a mercenary unit employed by the Magistracy. This is how Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen came alive.
Harold “Blacksmith†Wilkesom was a Lyran field tech genius able to repair anything at incredible speeds but that for some reasons seemed always to refuse any offer he was made to work for the Lyran Commonwealth.
When Canopian Retrofitted Designs was created, they tried also to recruit him. They came to him asking what he wanted to come to Canopus IV and work for them. His only condition, which is why he never worked for any company or regiments was that he would not stay out of the big picture. In other words, he wanted to be part of the combat arm.
After some thoughts on it, the executive committee of Canopian Retrofitted Designs and Commander Bileygr agreed to have him integrated within the Kampfgruppen in the combat units but at the conditions that he should undergo some military training and that once in the unit, he would not disagree with making also maintenance work.
Agreeing on these two conditions, “Blacksmith†went to the Blackjack School of Conflict thanks to the money earned by the unit in their first battles. There he learned some useful tricks for surviving in and outside the field. After that, he joined the unit where he used to the best his abilities both as a vehicle commander, as a tech and as someone able to find anything needed by anyone earning him some reputation outside of the unit. At the end, Canopian Retrofitted Designs is really pleased with the deal as they have at any moment a competent technician within the unit that can see from first hand what is wrong and give them his feedback and ideas based also on his experience as a soldier.
Sharon Harton-Winters is the heir to a commercial empire within the Magistracy of Canopus. One day, she decided to throw everything away and to become a soldier. Her mother thought that this was just another crazy idea she had and that it would disappear as the previous ones she had had and that her “Lollypop†should not mix with this brainless soldiers.
After some search, Sharon decided to chose Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen for two reasons. First, it was the only Canopian related unit that would not allow her to buy any rank she wished and that would ask her to prove her worth before accepting her within the unit. Second, it was a front-line unit always sent on “firemen†missions and therefore the less likely place her mother would like her to be.
Reluctant at first to recruit such a baby-doll in his unit, Commander Bileygr finally agreed as he saw her as a way to attract more recruits from the Magistracy in the future as the outside source might not last forever.
To everyone surprise, “Lollypop†adapted rather well to the unit and rose in rank to take the command of a vehicle. The only annoying point from her recruitment is the mess created by her mother to recover her, she has already tried kidnapping (repelled with the less amount of violence available) and has began several trials against the unit and Commander Bileygr on supposed charges of corruption and so on. So far, the line of defence of “Eismann†and therefore of the unit has been simple: “Miss Sharon Harton-Winters came to this unit on her free will, was tested like anybody else and signed a contract before testimonies. She is now a full time member of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen and as such cannot be kidnapped or threatened in any ways.â€
Not to say, this statement had two effects. On the one hand, it increased the morale of the unit members who saw that once they were in, “Eismann†would not let them down and on the other hand the Harton-Winters family is doing whatever they can to make the life of the mercenaries more difficult.
Ace “Tombstone†Harley was until recently a Vehicle Commander in the 1st Capellan Dragoons and a real sharpshooter able to defeat most ‘Mechs through some few well-placed shots. He seemed promised to a bright future under the banner of the Federated Suns. Unfortunately for him, he was always subject to bursts of rage when provoked and this is exactly what happened.
When stationed on New Syrtis, he was insulted by several ‘Mechwarriors from the 6th Syrtis Fusiliers loyal to Duke Michael Hasek Davion and further to that they also insulted Prince Hanse Davion, something that Ace could really not stand. He challenged to a duel of one against one. Since the more experimented ‘Mechwarrior was a Locust pilot, he chose his favourite ‘Mech and as a way to being fair to Harley proposed him a Savannah Master.
The poor ‘Mechwarrior never stood a chance. Displaying his usual abilities, “Tombstone†quickly destroyed the Locust without being ever touched and with that he thought that the matter was clear once for all. However, the following morning, he was arrested and tried for murder. With the court being already bought, Ace Harley never stood a chance. However due to his behaviour during his service in the army, he was only dishonourably discharged.
In order to avoid any further immediate problems, he left New Syrtis in the first commercial Dropship he could find but before he left, he made sure to warn the other ‘Mechwarriors that he would have his revenge. He then headed to the Periphery in order to have time to plan his revenge unnoticed.
Unable to do anything else than being a soldier and unwilling to swear loyalty to another one than Prince Hanse Davion, he agreed on the offer made by Commander Bileygr. This last one was really pleased to find such an experimented recruit in the Periphery and made him the Commander of the Vehicle Company.
It is really a strange thing that a devout woman like Mary Covendale is leading a vehicle into combat but as she says sometimes: “The Lord moves in mysterious ways.â€
Born in the Lyran Commonwealth, she was a Vehicle Commander in the Defiance Self-Protection Force in 3019. Her pious behaviour had earned her in the unit the nickname of “Magdaleneâ€. She participated with the 24th Lyran Guards to the defence of Hesperus II against the feared Wolf’s Dragoons. It is during those desperate times that she went to know Hauptmann Bileygr who was with his company acting as part of the fire brigade of his regiment.
Wounded during the fight, she was honourably discharged but was stilling to serve what she saw as the greater good since she felt gifted for vehicle combat and not making use of this would have been a sin. That’s why she agreed to the proposal made by Commander Bileygr to join his unit.
She joined the unit as Ensign and soon began to rule her unit with an iron but fair hand and surprisingly is not trying to convert anyone. The only thing she strongly insist on is for her unit (in fact, whoever is placed under her command) not to swear or use His name in vain.
During the battle, she lead from the front with a blind confidence as “If God is on our side, who can be against us?â€
Jasper Maskelyne is one generation more of Maskelyne to serve within the infantry. As most of them, he has a unique touch for infantry tactics as well as a taste for magic.
He met “Hannibal†while he was in a boot camp in the Lyran Commonwealth. John Smith was so impressed that when Commander Bileygr looked for someone for the heavy weapons platoon, “Hannibal†convinced “Eismann†to have “Magic†joined the unit.
Jasper Maskelyne quickly approved as he saw his chance to truly shine and to model an unit according to his views (something he felt he would never be allowed to do in the conservative Steiner army). Although his family disapproved and considers him a deserter, Jasper did not care for one second.
Commander Bileygr did not exactly allow him to do what he wanted but agreeing with Commander Bär, he allowed him to model his heavy weapons platoon as he saw the best and gave him also a free hand on everything related to infantry training (including the one for the other branches).
Thanks to the decentralised nature of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen, he also managed to lead other arms than his usual infantry.
However “Magic†is not satisfied yet with the situation but he knows that it is much better than the previous one and more important to him, if he comes with a clever idea, he will be listened to before any answer is given.
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Please enter password: ******
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
User recognised.
Welcome Precentor Tau-IX Elias Linch
You have one message.
Do you want to read it? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Confidential: Eyes only
From: Precentor ROM Thomas Miller
Date: 16 May 3067
Good morning my friend.
Do you remember this unit I sent you some information on a couple of weeks ago? I was lucky and thanks to a secret access to the archive of units in the Magestrix Command Center, I got some more details for the period between 3027 and 3032. I have no further information on this unit after that, which is quite a problem.
However, my informant is really afraid of being discovered and I do not think that I will be able to use it any longer without having him report to the Magistracy Intelligence Ministry (a thing I cannot let happen).
Make good use of this knowledge my friend.
“ If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.â€- Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Ancient Terra.
Do you want to open the attached file? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen
Main Battles:
3027
Vixen: Victory. Sent as a relief force against a raid by pirate forces that tried to take hostages on this winter sport planet with no defensive force to use. Completely destroyed the outmanoeuvred pirate forces with no casualty for the hostages or the rescue force.
After this, the Magestrix Command Center decided once for all to destroy these pirates and gave this mission to Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. The order was simple: “hunt them down and let no one stops youâ€.
3027-3031: The Pirate Campaign
Gambilon (3027)
Maranthon (3027)
Afarsin (3028)
Booker (3028)
Bass (3029)
Regum I (3030)
Regum II (3031)
Being totally free of any outside influence and having managed to “found†enough ships to increase the mobility of his force, Commander Bileygr devised his campaign with cleaning only one planet after another and no move until a militia was raised and able to defend itself (even if only with guerrilla warfare).
Although this was a slow approach, it ensured that the pirates were slowly deprived of their freedom of action. This effect was increased by the tactical flexibility enjoyed by the mercenaries. This involved fake retreats (even off-world) to lure the pirates out of their hiding places followed by quick comebacks, striking from different directions, changing the composition of the Kampfgruppen on a regular basis to keep the enemy guessing about who they were facing.
At the same time as the unit was destroying the different pirate forces one after another, reinforcements kept on coming bringing the unit to the strength of a battalion just prior the assaults on the pirate main bases in Regum I and Regum II.
Although the fighting was fierce, thanks to the previous piecemeal defeats of pirate forces, their remaining forces were no match for a full battalion and no casualty was taken on the side of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. It was estimated that although some pirates had managed to escape by foot, more than 95% of their forces and all their heavy assets were destroyed.
This meant that the Pirate Campaign was a complete victory.
3032: Andurian-Canopian War
After their successful and long campaign, the unit hoped to have a rest and refit period as garrison as planned. Instead of that they were rushed into all Dropships and Jumpships and send as a relief force to New Roland.
The campaign that had begun so well was beginning to look more like a nightmare with the rout of the 2nd Canopian Cuirassiers in front of House Dai Da Chi. Only the resistance of the 2nd Canopian Fusiliers allowed the Canopian forces to still maintain a front.
The priority of the Magestrix Command Center was to allow their men to escape but the only unit available was Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. Therefore the mercenaries were sent in a forlorn hope mission to prevent the surrounding of the two Canopian regiments and to allow them to escape.
Thanks to the lack of fighter support from the Liao side, they were able to make a combat drop unopposed upon one supply site of House Dai Da Chi. With this, they threw part of the enemy offensive off balanced. However Commander Bileygr knew too well that this would not last long and that his best chance was to make the best use of the mobility and the flexibility of his unit to keep Capellan forces guessing about what was going on and who they were facing.
Commander Bileygr refused to take a direct approach to the rendezvous point, instead taking a more indirect approach, which allowed the Kampfgruppen to make successful hit and run attacks and to make House Dai Da Chi sent several lances in search for units that no longer existed.
At the meeting with the Canopian officers, the mercenaries were ordered to keep the “door†they had managed to create in the enemy line open. While performing their mission, they took heavy casualties but managed to keep it open for 10 days before being ordered to pull back.
Less than 40% of the mercenaries managed to get off world, all badly injured and with no heavy gear. It is however to be noted that House Dai Da Chi did not manage to capture any mercenaries or any piece of their equipment.
Although the campaign was a defeat, Bileygr’s Kampgruppen was awarded for their exceptional behaviour heavy combat primes and the unit was given the Canopus Cluster with no upgrade, an exceptional reward for any unit. Together with this came a new contract and a period of R&R of one year to get back to company strength.
With the number of messages exchanged between Commander Bileygr’s hospital room and Canopian Retrofitted Designs, it seems that things might move earlier than expected.
Honoured fallen:
“Keep us a good seat in the best bar in Hell as we will join you sooner or later, meanwhile we will drink for you here.â€
• Alexandra “Bunny†Rosen, Lyran Commonwealth, Ensign, TBT-5S Trebuchet, killed on New Roland while attracting fire away from Canopian soldiers. “Nothing anymore will be up, Docâ€
• Sandra “Crazy Eagle†Twoyoungwoman, Lyran Commonwealth, Mechwarrior, VLK-QMC Valkyrie, killed on New Roland while attacking a heavy ‘Mech to open the “doorâ€. “Too crazy to know that you do not face an Assault ‘Mech with a light one, even a Valkyrieâ€
• Auliya “Kitsune†Chouada, Draconis Combine, Commander, DRG-1MC Dragon, killed on New Roland while covering infantry. “You were truly a fine samurai-ko, the Snakes will miss you for sureâ€
• Andreï “Zvierboy†Suvorov, Capellan Confederation, Mechwarrior, BHD-3E Blood Hawk, killed on New Roland during the initial assault on the supply depot. “Who is going to hunt the deer for us, now?â€
• Jervis “Mad Hatter†Becket, Free Worlds League, Mechwarrior, TBT-5S, killed on New Roland while protecting Commander Bileygr’s back. “This was really your craziest idea of allâ€
• André “Shovel†Ducheval, Taurian Concordat, Mechwarrior, VLK-QMC Valyrie, killed on New Roland while luring enemy away from the main forces. “You died before 30, therefore you are not a blackguardâ€
• Lisa “Mystic†Calighan, Lyran Commonwealth, Mechwarrior, TBT-5J Trebuchet, killed on New Roland while guiding Canopian soldiers out of the enemy ring. “This time your radical vision did not protect youâ€
• Michael “Siegfried†Newburgh, Federated Suns, Mechwarrior, VLK-QA Valkyrie, killed on New Roland from a shot in the back while fighting. “You truly lived up to your nickname, ending in the same way while fighting a dragonâ€
• Luke “Patcher†Simms, Federated Suns, Vehicle Commander, Savannah Master, killed on New Roland while acting as a screen for escaping troops. “As always, you were right on time to meet the Reaperâ€
• Nicole “Aussie†Chauvell, Lyran Commonwealth, Vehicle Commander, Savannah Master, killed on New Roland while charging enemy ‘Mechs. “This time, no Beerhseba for the Australiansâ€
• Samantha “Sam†Carter, Federated Suns, Vehicle Commander, Savannah Master, killed on New Roland in an ambush. “This time someone managed to know where Sam was and scored a hitâ€
• Monica “Doc†Spencer, Lyran Commonwealth, Vehicle Commander, Saracen, killed on New Roland while acting as a decoy. “Who would have thought that we would survive you and your miracle pills?â€
• David “Sidewire†Lange, Lyran Commonwealth, Vehicle Commander, Saracen, killed on New Roland while surrounded. “Who will now transmit the information at the speed of a train?â€
• Alys “Sake†Grant, Draconis Combine, Ensign, Harasser, killed on New Roland while creating a breach for other troops to flee. “Sayonara my friend and do not drink all the sake while waiting for usâ€
• Doreen “Dirk†Gold, Federated Suns, Vehicle Commander, Harasser, killed on New Roland while duelling a heavy ‘Mech. “If you ever come back to life, do not forget that a dagger is meant to strike fast and in the backâ€
• Parker “Slick†Matheson, Lyran Commonwealth, Vehicle Commander, Harasser, killed on New Roland by an artillery raid. “I told you not to polish too much your vehicle, I am sure that it betrayed your positionâ€
• Maria “Rya†Mendez, Magistracy of Canopus, Star Corporal, killed on New Roland in the heavy fights for opening the “doorâ€. “You forgot the first lesson for infantry: if it’s bigger than you, just hide to fight another dayâ€
• Ken “Shield†Sköld, Lyran Commonwealth, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland while performing a headhunter assignment. “Too bad your shield failed you at the last momentâ€
• Edouard “Ponch†Ponchardain, Taurian Concordat, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland during a raid on the supply depots. “I am sure that you found some ponch and died in order not to share it. You should be ashamedâ€
• Acady “Black†Noiré, Taurian Concordat, Star Corporal, killed on New Roland during a night assault. “Once in your life, the night betrayed you. You should not have trusted it like thatâ€
• Audrey “Blood Rose†Branard, Lyran Concordat, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland while protecting the escape Dropships. “The roses will not be the only ones to cry tears of blood for youâ€
• James “Waxfire†Osborne, Federated Suns, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland in the fights in the mountains. “Who will set the fire to our nights now?â€
• Elisabeth “The Queen†Cook, Magistracy of Canopus, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland during an infantry attack. “It seems that the bullets did not make any special distinction for Your Highnessâ€
• Paul “L'Ange Bleu†Lalonde, Taurian Concordat, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland while clearing a minefield. “Now, we have a problem: how can we win the next diving championship without you?â€
• Delmar “VR†Chang, Capellan Confederation, Lance Corporal, killed on New Roland while covering the retreat of Canopian ‘Mechs. “This was not virtual reality, people can really die hereâ€
Main members:
• Commander Heinz “Eismann†Bileygr, GRF-1MC Griffin “Ladyhawkeâ€, Close Support Lance 1, Lyran Commonwealth, commander of Bilgeyr’s Kampfgruppen
• Commander Estrella “Matador†Lagrimas, SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk “Recuerdoâ€, Fire Support Lance, Magistracy of Canopus, commander of Fire Support Lance
• Commander Erich “Teddy†Bär, Infantry Squad, Lyran Commonwealth, commander of Infantry Company
• Commander Ace “Tombstone†Harley, Vehicle Lance 2, Saracen “Marshallâ€, Federated Suns, Commander of Vehicle Company
• Ensign Jasper “Magic†Maskelyne, Heavy Infantry Squad, Lyran Commonwealth, leader of Heavy Platoon
• Ensign Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau, DV-6MC Dervish “Nebelwerferâ€, Fire Support Lance, Taurian Concordat
• Ensign Mary “Magdalene†Covendale, Vehicle Lance 1, Savannah Master “Saintâ€, Lyran Commonwealth, Commander of Vehicle Lance 1
• Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith, BHD-3E Blood Hawk “On the Jazzâ€, Close Support Lance 1, Lyran Commonwealth
• Star Corporal Han “Hot Soup†Tzu, Infantry Squad, Capellan Confederation, leader of Platoon 3
• Star Corporal Thomas “Crazy Tom†Guodan, Heavy Infantry Squad, Lyran Commonwealth, member of Platoon 4
• Vehicle Commander Harold “Blacksmithâ€, Vehicle Lance 3, Harasser “Compactorâ€, Lyran Commonwealth
• Vehicle Commander Sharon “Lollypop†Harton-Winters, Vehicle Lance 2, Saracen “Sugarâ€, Magistracy of Canopus
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Please enter password: ******
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
User recognised.
Welcome Precentor Tau-IX Elias Linch
You have one message.
Do you want to read it? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Confidential: Eyes only
From: Precentor ROM Thomas Miller
Date: 25 April 3067
I hope everything is fine with you. I know that you are really busy trying to gather all the information we had before the World of Blake hit Terra and destroyed or captured our data.
I have recently managed to discover some information on an old mercenary that has been working for the Magistracy of Canopus since 3025.
What happened to the unit is for now unknown but as soon as I manage to find information in spite of the Magistracy Intelligence Ministry, I will let you know.
Make good use of this knowledge my friend.
“ If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.â€- Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Ancient Terra.
Do you want to open the attached file? Yes/No
Yes
Logging-in….. Please wait….
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen
Motto:
Mobilis in mobile
Origins:
In 3022, Heinz Bilgeyr, then a Hauptmann in the 24th Lyran Guards of House Steiner, was approached by envoys from the Magistracy of Canopus. They told him that the Magestrix Command Center (MCC) had made an analysis of their current strengths and weaknesses and had found out that they needed an intervention unit that would be used to perform the missions of an Assault unit (i.e. attacking and defending in strongly fortified areas or being sent in missions to allow Canopian forces to withdraw). A second analysis enabled them to understand that this could not be done within the Magistracy Armed Forces (MAF) because of their current use and small size. This meant that a mercenary unit was needed and to ensure its stay in the Magistracy of Canopus, it had to be created with the help of both the MAF, the Magestrix and the future commanding officer.
At that point of the story, Hauptmann Bileygr asked them the reasons for choosing him; after all, he was just an obscure Hauptmann in one of the regiment of the Lyran Commonwealth. They answered that after making a search through the different but fragmented databases owned by the Magistracy Intelligence Ministry and that very few names came out for an officer able to manage these missions with Medium ‘Mechs and come back from it alive and that his was one of those. Thinking quickly, Hauptmann Bileygr answered with the calm that had earned his nickname of “Eismann†that he agreed but on his own terms and that he needed both time to negotiate, find suitable candidates and resign from his regiment.
Among the main terms he imposed were the creation of Canopian Retrofitted Designs, the access to some Union Dropships, the purchase of some positions for his men and a number of other non disclosed terms.
After agreeing on that, he resigned from the Steiner troops and went into a recruiting trip within the Inner Sphere. His main focus knowing the level of development in the Periphery States was to develop the engineering and technical support his unit would need and make sure that a small manufacture was built on Canopus IV. For him, recruiting soldiers was secondary to this.
In 3025, he gathered his unit on Canopus IV for some training sessions before the real things began. At that time, he had managed to put together one lance of Galleons, 5 squads of infantry, one Valkyrie and himself waiting for Canopian Retrofitted Designs to produce his own ‘Mech. After intensive repairing and training sessions, Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen were ready and they were called on their first mission.
Main Battles:
3025
Bass : Victory. Sent as a relief force against a raid by the Free Worlds League. First appearance of the GRF-1MC Griffin. Destroyed a support lance and the support base of the invading force. Captured a damaged TBT-5N Trebuchet. One infantry squad and two GAL-100 Galleons were lost.
Regum II: Defeat. Sent on a raid against a pirate base. First appearance of the SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk. Captured one heavily damaged DV-6M Dervish. Enthusiastic troops were carried away and driven into a trap. Heavy casualties were taken while retreating (2 infantry squads, 2 GAL-100 Galleons, 1 DV-6M Dervish).
Regum II: Draw. Sent as a support unit for an unit of the Magistracy Armed Forces. First appearance of the DVD-6MC Dervish. Successful ambush of the rearguard units that destroyed one pirate lance. Remaining of the pirate forces went into hidden. Magestrix Command Center called it a victory although no concrete results were achieved.
Krimari: Victory. Sent to retake the main city and capture the rebel leaders. First appearance of the DGR-1MC Dragon. Unsuccessful surprise assault due to a traitor. Easy cleaning of the city thanks to the early destruction of the heaviest opponent ‘Mechs.
3026
Gambilon: Defeat. Sent to protect the planet from pirate raids. First appearance of the VLK-QMC Valkyrie. Used by the governor to protect himself and the main cities. First raids against the cities easily repelled but the pirates wiped out the militia and captured the supplies in the factories. Destroyed one lance of light ‘Mechs and their support infantry.
Affarsin: Victory. Sent as a rescue force for Canopian units cornered by Marik troops. First use of the BHD-3E Blood Hawk. Successfully broke a well entrenched combined force thanks to an outflanking followed by a bold pursuit. Managed to extract the main officers from the trap. Destroyed in the main fight a QKD-4G Quickdraw, a SRM Carrier and several infantry squads. An unknown number of Marik troops were destroyed in the pursuit.
Appearance:
The different units are using camouflage patterns according to the terrain they are excepting to fight on. When out of the field, they are usually wearing the latest pattern used.
The logo of the unit showing the head of a heavy trooper with a fire background is displayed on the left shoulder while the symbol of the employer (currently the Magistracy of Canopus) is on the right one. The only other mark of identification is a number on the left knee indicating which Kampfgruppe they are temporarily in. As this changes on a regular basis and quite quickly, the enemy forces have more than once been confused with the appearance of “new†units (merely changed Kampfgruppen) and have been lured into thinking that the mercenaries were more numerous than their actual numbers.
Combat Doctrine:
Due to the lightness of his forces and their small numbers, Commander Bileygr insisted that all operations at any level and under all circumstances should rest on four pillars: flexibility, decentralisation, combined arms and offensive.
Due to the missions they have to perform and the closed terrain they would usually fight on, the mercenaries are relying mostly on close-combat designs with longer range designs in support.
As advocated by its founder, no set of predefined tactics is preferred by the unit. The different forces are constantly adapting to their opponent. This fact when coupled with the ever changing Kampfgruppen implies that no stereotyped answers can be given to a specific situation as the same commanding officer will be really unlikely to have twice the same units under him.
However a common set of practices has been observed: the use of mobility to strike from unexpected areas, the reliance on short and devastating offensives even when being forced on the defensive and a willingness to commit reserves to exploit success.
This last trait means that no insurance is available against disaster. This tendency to gamble is increased by the noted practice of allowing non successful units to leave their own sector and follow in the wake of whatever neighbour is successful. It seems that the important thing is not the width of a breach but the rapidity with which it is exploited.
Organisation:
Although, Bileygr’s Kapfgruppen is organised on the paper like any normal unit with 4 lances making a company and three companies a battalion (size, the unit is aiming at for now), this organisation is not used in battles.
This is mainly due to two reasons. The first one being the incomplete state of the unit with no lance at full strength. The second and perhaps more valid reason lies in the tactics advocated and in the name of the unit.
Rather than relying on classical military organisation, Commander Bileygr chose to allow for the creation of ad-hoc combat teams. This aimed at maximising the resources available to him and allowing the maximum flexibility when performing a certain mission.
The result is that the different Kampfgruppen are better used to work as a whole and to incorporate themselves quickly in any military force they are send to than normal other unit.
Recruiting process:
Obviously the tactics advocated can only work provided that the leading officer or NCO or even simple soldier is aware of the overall context of the battle and is willing to accept responsibilities. Unfortunately, this kind of person is rather rare in the Inner Sphere.
This means that Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen can only increase step by step and rather slowly as Commander Billeygr is not willing to include any new member that would not match the high standards he set. This strict policy is applied at all the levels from the highest officer to the common First Ranker.
To ensure that his unit remains in top condition, all his members have to pass different tests every term. Those that cannot pass the tests have to leave the unit without their equipment.
Although this harsh policy means that many suitable mercenaries are not recruited or could be washed out (so far this did not happen), the positive aspect is that all members are usually quite able soldiers ready to face anything and willing to prove to the outer world that they are among the best..
Honoured fallen:
“Keep us a good seat in the best bar in Hell as we will join you sooner or later, meanwhile we will drink for you here.â€
• Dwight “Howlin’ Mad†Peck, Federated Suns, Lance Corporal, killed on Bass while urging his men to take cover. “The crazy fool, we will miss your mental stateâ€
• William “Knight†Xia Shan, Capellan Confederation, Vehicle Commander, GAL-100 Galleon, killed on Bass while attracting the fire away of a damaged Galleon. “You should have known that only in tales is the white knight escapingâ€
• Richard “Kamikaze Cowboy†Brown, Federated Suns, Vehicle Commander, GAL-100 Galleon, killed on Bass after rushing on a damaged ‘Mech. “You should have warned us that it was the last charge of the Kamikaze Cowboy, we had no trumpets for youâ€
• William “Seer†Hunt, Lyran Commonwealth, Commander, GAL-100 Galleon , killed on Regum II while creating the breach that allowed the rest of his combat team to escape. “Too bad, you did not see it comingâ€
• Nathan “Piranha†Grant, Lyran Commonwealth, Lance Corporal, killed on Regum II while leading the initial assault that captured the two Dervishes. “Only the cook is not missing youâ€
• Etienne “Chanteur†Lapointe, Taurian Concordat, Vehicle Commander, GAL-100 Galleon, killed on Regum II after being isolated. “No hope of winning the singing contest without youâ€
• Juan “Johnny†Rico, Magistracy of Canopus, Mechwarrior, DV-6M Dervish, killed on Regum II while bringing one of the captured Dervishes to the Dropships. “If you ever get a second chance, try choosing a ‘Mech with ammo next timeâ€
• Bill “Too Tall†Folley, Lyran Commonwealth, Lance Corporal, killed on Regum II while covering the retreat of the infantry. “The infantry ‘Mech is no more, how will we impress the enemy now?â€
Main members:
• Commander Heinz “Eismann†Bileygr, GRF-1MC Griffin “Ladyhawkeâ€, Close Support Lance 1, Lyran Commonwealth, commander of Bilgeyr’s Kampfgruppen
• Commander Estrella “Matador†Lagrimas, SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk “Recuerdoâ€, Fire Support Lance, Magistracy of Canopus, commander of Fire Support Lance
• Commander Auliya “Kitsune†Chouada, DRG-1MC Dragon “Mushinâ€, Close Support Lance 2, Draconis Combine, commander of Close Support Lance 2
• Commander Erich “Teddy†Bär, Infantry Squad, Lyran Commonwealth, commander of Infantry Company
• Ensign Jasper “Magic†Maskelyne, Heavy Infantry Squad, Lyran Commonwealth, leader of Heavy Platoon
• Ensign Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau, DV-6MC Dervish “Nebelwerferâ€, Fire Support Lance, Taurian Concordat
• Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith, BHD-3E Blood Hawk “On the Jazzâ€, Close Support Lance 1, Lyran Commonwealth
• Star Corporal Maria “Rya†Mendez, Infantry Squad, Magistracy of Canopus, leader of Platoon 1
• Star Corporal Acady “Black†Noiré, Infantry Squad, Taurian Concordat, leader of Platoon 2
• Star Corporal Han “Hot Soup†Tzu, Infantry Squad, Capellan Confederation, leader of Platoon 3
• Star Corporal Thomas “Crazy Tom†Guodan, Heavy Infantry Squad, Member of Platoon 4
• Mechwarrior Jervis “Mad Hatter†Becket, TBT-5S Trebuchet “Un-Birthdayâ€, Close Support Lance 2, Free Worlds League
• Mechwarrior Michael “Siegfried†Newburgh, VLK-QA Valkyrie “Nothungâ€, Fire Support Lance, Federated Commonwealth
• Mechwarrior Sandra “Crazy Eagle†Twoyoungwoman, VLK-QMC Valkyrie “Mustangâ€, Close Support Lance 1, Lyran Commonwealth
-
Great Ice, look forward to reading all of this later.
-
Great Ice, look forward to reading all of this later.
I will in the coming days add the armoury and the designs.
-
Awesome, can't wait!
-
Canopian Retrofitted Designs
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.users.on.net%2F%7Ejasemate%2Fbooks%2Frealm%2FSC-Anvil.gif&hash=0b3d251d2a248fadf1a9e10edbb53a46c0fc92b2)
Following the 3025 agreement between the Magestrix Command Center and Hauptmann Bileygr for the creation of the mercenary unit known as Bileygr's Kampfgruppen, technicians and engineers from different Inner Sphere weapon manufacturers were contacted to work for a new company: Canopian Retrofitted Designs. Its aims are simple: to design the ‘Mechs to be used by the mercenary unit (and eventually by the Canopian Armed Forces for as long as the mercenaries remain under Canopian contract), to organise the technical support for the unit both on and outside of the field (the high risk wages promised were really often the main reason for the change of company and trying) and to develop the teaching of technical and engineering subjects in the Magistracy. A further and more long-term goal was added in the final agreement: to contribute to the development of the national weapon industry by using, whenever possible, weapons produced within the Magistracy bought at a preferential rate (Hauptmann Bileygr must have bargained quite efficiently to have this preferential system ensured). Since both the technical facilities on Canopus IV and the capacity to invest of the now Commander Bileygr are quite limited, the maximal weight for a ‘Mech produced at Canopian Retrofitted Designs is 60 tons. Although this would be a major limitation for a Successor State, for a mercenary unit and a Periphery State, it is not. Due to the limited resources available for now, the focus is for now to repair and retrofit the ‘Mechs and vehicles bought to be used by Bileygr's Kampfgruppen. It is hoped that in a near future, the company will be able to begin the production of ‘Mechs and vehicles and eventually to create and build new designs. Only time will tell if Canopian Retrofitted Designs will succeed in its audacious bet.
-
Like the insignia. An interesting joint technical endeavor in 3025. Pretty tough to keep anything sophisticated nice in the Periphery.
-
Like the insignia. An interesting joint technical endeavor in 3025. Pretty tough to keep anything sophisticated nice in the Periphery.
It isn't that sophisticated. They are at first mostly retrofit.
-
Very good, looking forward to seeing what you got!
-
Griffin GRF-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 55 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE OCTOBER 23, 3025
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 275 15.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 5 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 13 3T
11 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5.5 11.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26/9
L/R Torso 13 20/6
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 26
Standard
Battle Value: 983
C-Bill Cost: 4,950,906
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
2 SRM-4 LT 2 4
1 Ammo (SRM-4) 25 LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Medium Laser H 1 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
2 SRM-4 RT 2 4
1 Ammo (SRM-4) 25 RT 1 1
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
Totals
14 13.5
[b]Overview:[/b]
The Griffin was the first design to be rebuilt and retrofitted by Canopian Retrofitted Designs. It was chosen simply because it is the chosen ‘Mech of now Commander Bileygr. This class of ‘Mech is quite old with the first ones being built in 2492. At the beginning, it was considered as an Assault ‘Mech but over the years its role changed to providing long-range support in medium lances. Although this role would perfectly match the needs of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen, it did not match those of Commander Bileygr. A former Hauptmann of an Assault company in the Tyr Regiment, he knew that although a Medium ‘Mech was more adapted to the missions his unit was to perform, it could not be expected to perform as well as an Assault ‘Mech. he felt the need for a close range firepower nearly as strong as the one of an Assault ‘Mech if he intended to lead from the front as he used to. The engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs had no choice but to try to reach this goal. The GRF-1MC Griffin is the result of their intent.
[b]Capabilities:[/b]
The approach chosen was to take the exact opposite of the classical GRF-1N, whereas this last needs support from its team-mates at close range, the GRF-1MC has no long range weapons, relying on its mobility, protection and the ability of its pilot to get close to the enemy and deliver its volley The first step taken was to strip the ‘Mech of all its weapons and to replace them. After looking to most of the combinations available, the engineers decided to go for a fully short-range firepower, with all weapons having a great damage potential and a similar range. The missile boat side was kept with the use of 4 Shannon Fore SRM-4, a proven weapon used on the Commando version of the Taurian Concordat. These sleeker SRM systems were put in each torso by groups of 2 in order to prevent a lucky shot to destroy the main offensive weapons. Each group is supplied by a ton of ammo. This might seem low for long campaigns but the focus of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen is more on "firemen" missions, meaning short and violent combats (both when attacking and defending) rather than on long running campaigns. However, to ensure that the ‘Mechwarrior could still be able to fight with something else than the massive battle fists when all his ammo is depleted, a head-mounted Martell Model 5 Medium Laser already used on the Canopian Locust was added. Foreseeing the heavy fights the GRF-1MC was going to face, the armour was increased by two tons, bringing it to the maximum allowed by the structure of the ‘Mech: 11.5 tons. This is the exact amount of armour carried by proven Assault ‘Mechs such as the VTR-9B Victor or the ZEU-6S Zeus. It is hoped that this heavy protection will be enough to keep the pilot out of harm during the combat. The strengthening of the armour allowed for the removal of the false baffles that limited the peripheral vision of the ‘Mech. The heat capacity was also increased by the addition of one more heat sink. However, this does not solve the usual heat problems of the Griffin and any pilot should be careful when firing and moving as this can quickly overheat the GRF-1MC and shut it down.
[b]Configuration / Variants:[/b]
As this is already a retrofit from the GRF-1N, any variant will more likely be based on the original design rather than on the modified variant.
[b]Battle History:[/b]
Even before Bileygr's Kampfgruppen was fully operational, it was called to the rescue of Bass, a Canopian world raided by some troops from the Free Worlds League. Gathering whatever troops were available (his own ‘Mech, a VLK-QA Valkyrie, three squads of infantry and a lance of Galleons) into a improvised Kampfgruppe or Combat Team, Commander Bileygr rushed on the heavily mountainous world and thinking that the best defence was a strong offence headed straight on to the base camp of the invading troops. Finding a Support Lance rearming under the protection of a squad of infantry, he decided to take advantage of the treacherous ground to divide the enemy forces by sending the light tanks into one direction, the infantry in another, the Valkyrie in a third and then using his superior mobility to support the infantry and armour into destroying the opponents before destroying the infantry. The first to fall was the Centurion facing the Valkyrie, the 'Mechwarrior probably did not understood where the crossfire was coming from. The Valkyrie then went to help the infantry. Commander Bileygr then turned his attention to the heaviest 'Mech of the enemy, the Archer, which was standing in a central position, reloading and ready to cover any lance mate that might need it. Using the superior mobility of its design and the cover provided by the landscape, he managed to get close to the Archer with a dodging efficiency close to 75%. When the Archer began firing its Medium Lasers, Commander Bileygr rushed towards his opponent in an effort to increase the efficiency of his weapons, confident that the increased armour of the Lady Hawke would protect him. At rather close range, he opened fire and managed to score several hits, including one lucky shot in an ammunition store still left open by the supply crew. The explosion destroyed completely the Archer, leaving only scared pieces of metal. The Valkyrie, the infantry and Commander Bileygr then rushed to help the Galleons that were cornered and severely mauled by the remaining Trebuchet and the infantry. After a brief fight, which damaged the Trebuchet, they quickly surrendered. The Trebuchet was taken by Canopian Retrofitted Designs to see if they could repair it and do something out of it. After the capture of their logistical base and unable to take any supplies, the Marik invaders withdraw quickly. Although the Magestrix Command Center was more than pleased by the performance of the mercenaries, Commander Bileygr was not. This was due to the heavy casualties faced by the infantry and armoured vehicles. The solution might lie in more training and more use of combined arms. Concerning the Griffin GRM-1MC, the repair crew was amazed by the damage taken, which would have meant the end for a normal Griffin. Commander Bileygr was enthusiastic about the protection, firepower and mobility of his “Ladyhawke†and personally thanked the design and retrofit teams for this "little wonder".
[b]Deployment:[/b]
So far only one GRF-1N has been retrofitted into a 1MC variant for the use of Commander Bileygr. This 'Mech has been christened “Ladyhawkeâ€. Having found a ‘Mech that perfecly suit their role as a “firemen†brigade, Bileygr's Kampfgruppen will do its best to keep the design inside their unit for as long as possible.
-
Interesting Griffin SRM boat there. Could probably do a bunch of damage in an urban area where its mobility and close in firepower could wreck opponents.
It is difficult to read your fluff in the code format though. Everything gets stretched into a mile long single line. Plus it doesn't recognize bold either. I'd recommend just a quote box.
-
It is difficult to read your fluff in the code format though. Everything gets stretched into a mile long single line. Plus it doesn't recognize bold either. I'd recommend just a quote box.
True. I will repost it.
-
Griffin GRF-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 55 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE OCTOBER 23, 3025
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 275 15.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 5 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 13 3T
11 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5.5 11.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26/9
L/R Torso 13 20/6
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 26
Standard
Battle Value: 983
C-Bill Cost: 4,950,906
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
2 SRM-4 LT 2 4
1 Ammo (SRM-4) 25 LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Medium Laser H 1 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
2 SRM-4 RT 2 4
1 Ammo (SRM-4) 25 RT 1 1
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
Totals
14 13.5
Overview:
The Griffin was the first design to be rebuilt and retrofitted by Canopian Retrofitted Designs. It was chosen simply because it is the chosen ‘Mech of now Commander Bileygr. This class of ‘Mech is quite old with the first ones being built in 2492. At the beginning, it was considered as an Assault ‘Mech but over the years its role changed to providing long-range support in medium lances. Although this role would perfectly match the needs of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen, it did not match those of Commander Bileygr. A former Hauptmann of an Assault company in the Tyr Regiment, he knew that although a Medium ‘Mech was more adapted to the missions his unit was to perform, it could not be expected to perform as well as an Assault ‘Mech. he felt the need for a close range firepower nearly as strong as the one of an Assault ‘Mech if he intended to lead from the front as he used to. The engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs had no choice but to try to reach this goal. The GRF-1MC Griffin is the result of their intent.
Capabilities:
The approach chosen was to take the exact opposite of the classical GRF-1N, whereas this last needs support from its team-mates at close range, the GRF-1MC has no long range weapons, relying on its mobility, protection and the ability of its pilot to get close to the enemy and deliver its volley The first step taken was to strip the ‘Mech of all its weapons and to replace them. After looking to most of the combinations available, the engineers decided to go for a fully short-range firepower, with all weapons having a great damage potential and a similar range. The missile boat side was kept with the use of 4 Shannon Fore SRM-4, a proven weapon used on the Commando version of the Taurian Concordat. These sleeker SRM systems were put in each torso by groups of 2 in order to prevent a lucky shot to destroy the main offensive weapons. Each group is supplied by a ton of ammo. This might seem low for long campaigns but the focus of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen is more on "firemen" missions, meaning short and violent combats (both when attacking and defending) rather than on long running campaigns. However, to ensure that the ‘Mechwarrior could still be able to fight with something else than the massive battle fists when all his ammo is depleted, a head-mounted Martell Model 5 Medium Laser already used on the Canopian Locust was added. Foreseeing the heavy fights the GRF-1MC was going to face, the armour was increased by two tons, bringing it to the maximum allowed by the structure of the ‘Mech: 11.5 tons. This is the exact amount of armour carried by proven Assault ‘Mechs such as the VTR-9B Victor or the ZEU-6S Zeus. It is hoped that this heavy protection will be enough to keep the pilot out of harm during the combat. The strengthening of the armour allowed for the removal of the false baffles that limited the peripheral vision of the ‘Mech. The heat capacity was also increased by the addition of one more heat sink. However, this does not solve the usual heat problems of the Griffin and any pilot should be careful when firing and moving as this can quickly overheat the GRF-1MC and shut it down.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is already a retrofit from the GRF-1N, any variant will more likely be based on the original design rather than on the modified variant.
Battle History:
Even before Bileygr's Kampfgruppen was fully operational, it was called to the rescue of Bass, a Canopian world raided by some troops from the Free Worlds League. Gathering whatever troops were available (his own ‘Mech, a VLK-QA Valkyrie, three squads of infantry and a lance of Galleons) into a improvised Kampfgruppe or Combat Team, Commander Bileygr rushed on the heavily mountainous world and thinking that the best defence was a strong offence headed straight on to the base camp of the invading troops. Finding a Support Lance rearming under the protection of a squad of infantry, he decided to take advantage of the treacherous ground to divide the enemy forces by sending the light tanks into one direction, the infantry in another, the Valkyrie in a third and then using his superior mobility to support the infantry and armour into destroying the opponents before destroying the infantry. The first to fall was the Centurion facing the Valkyrie, the 'Mechwarrior probably did not understood where the crossfire was coming from. The Valkyrie then went to help the infantry. Commander Bileygr then turned his attention to the heaviest 'Mech of the enemy, the Archer, which was standing in a central position, reloading and ready to cover any lance mate that might need it. Using the superior mobility of its design and the cover provided by the landscape, he managed to get close to the Archer with a dodging efficiency close to 75%. When the Archer began firing its Medium Lasers, Commander Bileygr rushed towards his opponent in an effort to increase the efficiency of his weapons, confident that the increased armour of the Lady Hawke would protect him. At rather close range, he opened fire and managed to score several hits, including one lucky shot in an ammunition store still left open by the supply crew. The explosion destroyed completely the Archer, leaving only scared pieces of metal. The Valkyrie, the infantry and Commander Bileygr then rushed to help the Galleons that were cornered and severely mauled by the remaining Trebuchet and the infantry. After a brief fight, which damaged the Trebuchet, they quickly surrendered. The Trebuchet was taken by Canopian Retrofitted Designs to see if they could repair it and do something out of it. After the capture of their logistical base and unable to take any supplies, the Marik invaders withdraw quickly. Although the Magestrix Command Center was more than pleased by the performance of the mercenaries, Commander Bileygr was not. This was due to the heavy casualties faced by the infantry and armoured vehicles. The solution might lie in more training and more use of combined arms. Concerning the Griffin GRM-1MC, the repair crew was amazed by the damage taken, which would have meant the end for a normal Griffin. Commander Bileygr was enthusiastic about the protection, firepower and mobility of his “Ladyhawke†and personally thanked the design and retrofit teams for this "little wonder".
Deployment:
So far only one GRF-1N has been retrofitted into a 1MC variant for the use of Commander Bileygr. This 'Mech has been christened “Ladyhawkeâ€. Having found a ‘Mech that perfecly suit their role as a “firemen†brigade, Bileygr's Kampfgruppen will do its best to keep the design inside their unit for as long as possible.
-
A much easier read, thank you!
Built like an Assault Mech concerning the Griffin makes sense with this type of weapon loadout. If paired with a long range design like the Valkyrie it would make an excellent pairing.
Your Combat Team organization intrigues me. Do you have rosters for this unit at different times throughout its history??
-
Your Combat Team organization intrigues me. Do you have rosters for this unit at different times throughout its history??
Only those published in the first posts here.
The idea was to allow the unit to be tailor-customised for each mission.
I will post more designs when I get back to home and get access to my external hard-drive.
-
Shadow Hawk SHD-2MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 55 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE JANUARY 30, 3025
** FOR HEIMDAL USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 275 15.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 3 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
10 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5.5 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 23/8
L/R Torso 13 18/6
L/R Arm 9 16
L/R Leg 13 16
Standard
Battle Value: 964
C-Bill Cost: 4,639,356
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Jump Jets LT 1 0.5
1 Autocannon/5 LT 4 8
2 Ammo (Autocannon/5) 20 LT 2 2
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
1 Jump Jets RT 1 0.5
1 PPC RA 3 7
Totals
12 18.5
Overview:
Thanks to the retrofit of the Marik TBT-5N captured earlier into a TBT-5S, Commander Bileygr agreed that he had enough close combat ‘Mechs for now especially when he thought about the next assignment that awaited his unit: to hit a fortified pirate base and clean it once for all. Although he knew that once the fight broke at close range it would not be a problem, he felt that some covering long range fire was needed to supplement the Valkyrie already owned by the mercenaries. With some 15 days before the unit had to move, Commander Bileygr asked Canopian Retrofitted Design to come up with a solution. With no ‘Mech in store, really low stocks of fundamental spare parts (preventing them to produce anything yet) and no time to buy a second-hand ‘Mech anywhere, they had to ask to the Magistracy Army for a replacement ‘Mech and a pilot for it. Due to the limited production capacity, the choice was between a Locust, a Stinger, a Wasp and a Shadow Hawk. After some thoughts about it, the Shadow Hawk was finally adopted. The engineering team then worked on how to provide Bileygr's Kampfgruppen with what they had asked for.
Capabilities:
The SHD-2H has always been considered as one of the most outstanding examples of how to design a well balanced ‘Mech. Canopian Retrofitted Design decided to destroy this balance in favour of more long range firepower. Surprisingly enough the first step taken was to throw away the Holly LRM-5 with its ammo. The reason for this was simple: the engineers wanted to use only direct fire weapons, more precise than the indirect fire-weapons commonly used on support ‘Mechs. Because of the intended role as a fire support ‘Mech, the Marklin Mini Missile Pack was also discarded as was the Martell Medium Laser This left plenty of weight available for more weapons. The chosen weapon to complement the Armstrong J-11 Autocannon was a Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon, a proven PPC used on the Manticore tank. Two things made this weapon the chosen one. First, the range was the same as the Armstrong and second, this weapon did not need any ammunition to fire. However, even with all the space made available, the weapon was still too bulky to fit into the ‘Mech and the only solution found was to get rid of one more heat sink. The PPC was put into the right arm instead of the Medium Laser. Trying to increase the endurance of the ‘Mech, the engineers decided to replace one more heat sink with one ton of ammo. Although this increased the heat management problems of the SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk, it also increased the time this design can stay on the field. The trade-off between both issues was considered satisfactory by Commander Bileygr when he was presented with the ‘Mech, until further testing cleared that issue.
Configuration / Variants:
The SHD-2MC is a variant of the SHD-2H Shadow Hawk and as such any variant from it is more likely to be based on the original version.
Battle History:
The SHD-2MC was ready to be used just in time for the raid against the pirate base on Regum II. And so was Commander Estrella Lagrimas, the Canopian officer on “loan†to Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. At first, everything went well and the surprise attack allowed two Dervish to be captured intact. However, soon some of the most junior troops including Commander Lagrimas were carried on by the success encountered so far and started to push deeper than the rest of the unit. The pirates used perfectly this error and surrounded the different elements. Faced with this, Commander Bileygr calmly ordered a retreat to the Dropships with all the ‘Mechs covering their lesser team-mates. All the close range ‘Mechs were to open the road and the long-range ones were to prevent the pirates from closing the gaps. Fulfilling the orders this time, the SHD-2MC delivered a heavy barrage on any pirate ‘Mech foolish enough to try to get into the back of the retreating troops. She used the mobility of her ‘Mech and concentrated long range firepower to repeatedly hit several pirate ‘Mechs. At the end of the fight, the SHD-2MC, the engine was hit and the continuous jumping and firing became problematic. Just when the pirates had her cornered, the closest one suddenly exploded, both “Ladyhawke†and the Valkyrie had came to rescue her. The raid was not recognised a success. Furthermore, during this retreat, one of the Dervish captured earlier was destroyed and the other was severely damaged with both its LRM-10 being destroyed. However, the SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk performed well under difficult conditions and proved to be as efficient in a fire-support role as the engineers had planned (provided that no enemy could get close to it). Facing martial court for disobeying direct orders and putting the mission into balance, Commander Estrella Lagrimas, at the request of Commander Bileygr, was sentenced to serve in his unit until they left the service of the Magistracy. To acknowledge the debt she had just contracted, she re christened her ‘Mech “Recuerdoâ€.
Deployment:
So far, only one SHD-2MC Shadow Hawk has been retrofitted. It is believed that the problems of heat management are too much for any military force including the Magistracy Army to decide to use it. Another possible reason is the lack of production facility in the Periphery preventing any marginal variant to be seriously tested.
-
Dervish DV-6MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 55 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE AUGUST 17, 3025
** FOR WORD OF BLAKE USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 275 15.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 5 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
10 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5.5 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 20/7
L/R Torso 13 17/7
L/R Arm 9 16
L/R Leg 13 18
Standard
Battle Value: 937
C-Bill Cost: 4,896,966
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Medium Laser LA 1 1
1 SRM-2 LA 1 1
1 Ammo (SRM-2) 50 LA 1 1
2 LRM-5 LT 2 4
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
2 LRM-5 RT 2 4
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
1 SRM-2 RA 1 1
1 Ammo (SRM-2) 50 RA 1 1
Totals
17 18.5
Overview:
Long the workhorse of the Successor States' militaries, the Dervish has a truly lack of prestigious combat records. However, being a rather new mercenary unit, Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen could not afford to be really selective. Understanding that part of the failure that had cost the unit its lance of Galleons in the recent mission was due to the inability of the ‘Mechs to provide a decent long range suppressing cover for all units, Commander Bileygr decided to expand as quickly as possible the Fire Support Lance and he once more asked Canopian Retrofitted Designs to make the best out of the much damaged Dervish taken during the last failed operation.. Analysing the long history of the DV-6M, the engineering team found out that when used properly, the Dervish was really efficient even if it lacked the glamour of other ‘Mechs. The main problem was indeed the widespread belief that a support ‘Mech had to be used like a front-line one. In these cases, the armour began to be a problem for the Dervish. The DV-6MC was developed for a specialised role: providing a enduring mobile fire support and suppression platform within the different combat teams. This new version makes the best of the Dervish's speed and jump jets to avoid enemy fire while exploiting optimal positions for offensive and defensive fire support.
Capabilities:
Following the retreat on Regum II, the engineers were left with a Dervish with no torso weapons as they had been damaged during the fighting but no other important problems. Looking at the different weapons available to replace the LRM-10, they found out that twin Holly LRM-5 (produced locally) fitted perfectly in each torso, allowing the ‘Mech to deliver the same rain of missiles as the previous unique system while decreasing the vulnerability of the system to lucky shots such as those suffered recently. Furthermore, the new systems did not increase the heat burden and allowed each LRM to have the same amount of ammunitions as the original. Another positive result of this change in weaponry was that it allowed for the increase of armour by more than 25% to a respectable 9.5 tons (the same amount as the classical Wolverine, Griffin or Shadow Hawk). This seriously increased the survival ratio of the DV-6MC and addressed one of the main critics of the DV-6M: its reduced protection. The rest of the Dervish was left unchanged retaining its overall mobility and its close combat capacities. The main reason for it was that in the mobile battles fought by Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen, close combat is likely to happen and a pure long range missile boat would have been nothing more than a target there, something that the unit could not afford. The main consequence is that the heat problems usual in a Dervish are still there. However, a good pilot through the careful selection of its firing weapons should have no major problem.
Configuration / Variants:
Since no other Dervish were available to make a peculiar retrofit, Canopian Retrofitted Designs did not go further into their studies, although it is rumoured that they made some plans for a close range version of the DV-6MC.
Battle History:
The “new†Dervish was available just before the start of a new raid against the pirates by the Canopian forces with some support by the mercenaries. Following the plan devised by some new Major and acting against the will of the officers from the mercenary unit , the majority of the units was scattered on all the planet, searching for the pirates. The only thing left to guard the base camp was the DV-6MC with the Kampfgruppen infantry. As could be excepted, the pirates let the main forces go through their positions and then split their forces in order to smash the base and all the isolated units one by one. Upon detection by the sensors of the Dropships, the newly recruited Ensign Jean Bureau agreeing with the infantry leaders decided to try to buy time for both the infantry to move in ambush position and the main body of the forces to come back. Using the hilly terrain and the mobility of his ‘Mech, he used hit and runs attacks to lure the attacking lance into wrong directions and to reduce their efficiency. Upon reaching the ambush point, he decided to help the infantry and made a stand, making fall a rain of missiles upon the enemy lance. This coupled with the infantry fire and the earlier damages sealed the fate of the pirate lance. No survivors were found. Hearing about the destruction of one of their lance, the rest of the pirate force (barely more than a lance) decided to withdraw and go into hiding. Unwilling to spend more time on this "back-watered" planet, the Major called the raid a success. Commander Bileygr could not calm down until he received the after-action report from Ensign Jean Bureau, saying that the DV-6MC was perfectly suited for fire-support missions and that it had acted like a perfect “Mist Trowerâ€. Giving no further explanation, he decided to name his ‘Mech “Nebelwerferâ€.
Deployment:
Only one retrofit has been used but it is rumoured that following its successful display and the after-action report made by Ensign Jean Bureau, the Taurian Defense Force has expressed interest to Canopian Retrofitted Designs for the Dervish DV-6MC. As agreed, the company passed the demand to the Magestrix Command Center, letting them examine if this variant should be made available to foreigners.
-
Two more reposts.
I don't remember the original order of the designs since I designed them a long long long time ago and I do hope I don't bring them back in the wrong order.
-
Commander COM-3MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 25 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
Taurian Concordat Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE JULY 14, 3025
** FOR WOLF'S DRAGOONS USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 150 5.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 6 MP
Run: 9 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
6 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 2.5 5
Head 3 8
Center Torso 8 10/6
L/R Torso 6 8/4
L/R Arm 4 7
L/R Leg 6 9
Standard
Battle Value: 553
C-Bill Cost: 1,861,250
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
2 Heat Sink CT 2 2
1 PPC RA 3 7
2 Heat Sink RA 2 2
Totals
7 7
Overview:
The Commander COM-3MC was designed after former Tai-i and now Commander Scope Kinugau issued a call for tenders for a light ‘Mech based on the Commando but able to provide long range firepower and command capacities to the numerous light units available to the Magistracy. With this, he thought not only would they be able to carry on better scouting missions but also more missions. The winner of the contest was Canopian Retrofitted Designs, a new company at that time, that had only produced one type of ‘Mech. They asked for the permission to give the name Commander to their new design as a tribute to the Commanders within the Magistracy, a way to show what its role would be and a camouflage as its model name would then be COM-3MC, meaning that for some time, it could mislead the enemies into believing they were facing a standard Commando.
Capabilities:
The design was based on the Commando COM-2D but also on the original version with a Large Laser instead of the different short range missiles systems. The first step was to decide about the speed. Since, it was going to act with designs such as the Stinger, the Wasp, the Commando and other similar ones, the original speed of the Commando had to be retained. The engineers working on the design found out that the problem with the right hand could be solved with a better cooling system and also a better thermal isolation of the weapon. Looking at the different weapons available for long range sniping that had good thermal isolation, they found out that the Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon PPC, already used in the Manticore was perfect for that need. No secondary weapon was provided this would prevent Commanders from being tempted to fight close and personal (something this design is not meant for). The remaining weight was put into armour in order to protect the Commander from being shot easily. To help the design fulfil its role of commanding light units, the most advanced tracking and communication systems available were added, giving the Commander an unique edge for the Periphery. In order to honour Commander Scope Kinugau and to further confuse the opponents, the external appearance was remodelled to look like a Panther. To add to this similitude, a new cooling system is being tested within the centre torso that uses two cooling plugs in one heat sink. So far the only result was a really small increase in the cooling capacity but not worth the investments made. However, the external look of the two heat sinks in the centre torso is just like the SRM-4 found in the Panther.
Configuration / Variants:
The only variant produced so far is being used by Commander Inka Paajanen after her show on Bass. Her COM-31MC is using a salvaged Tacticon B-2000 that should be able to monitor and co-ordinate several lances of light ‘Mechs. The true efficiency of this computer in such a light frame (and with the code rewriting of Canopian Retrofitted Designs) has not been tested in combat but is expected to perform well. However, this variant is likely to remain unique as this advanced battle computer is not produced in the Magistracy and all of them are used on the Cyclop.
Battle History:
Several raids have seen the use of the Commander both in attack and in defence. One of the earliest was a winter defence of Bass in 3025 by elements of the 1st Canopian Fusiliers led by Commander Inka Paajanen. Outnumbered by the heavy forces set up by the pirates (mostly wheeled vehicles), she ordered her force to split and attract as much as the pirates away while regrouping further away. After that, she used the heavy woods of that part of Bass at her advantage to destroy piece by piece, the separated pirates. The ambushes were co-ordinated thanks to the advanced system and took advantage of the difficult ground for wheeled vehicles to block them on the roads and then destroy them piece by piece. The Commander occasionally brought its long range firepower to soften up some targets. At the end of the two days, what was left of the pirate force was a light lance led by a Charger. Seeing that her battered force needed heavily repairs and that this fight might cost precious lives, Commander Paajanen issued a challenge against the Charger in her COM-3MC. Thinking that this was just another version of the Commando with only short range firepower, the pirate went forward and found himself caught in a game he could not win. Staying at long range and using the Commander better speed to keep it that way, Commander Paajanen destroyed the Charger with a few aimed shots, which could not score a hit. Seeing what had happened to the heaviest member of their lance, the other pirates quickly surrendered, much to the relief of the Canopian officer.
Deployment:
This ‘Mech is the only mass produced by Canopian Retrofitted Designs and as such is being sent to all light units commanders to help these units perform more missions and leave only the heaviest fighting to the barely available heavier ‘Mechs. Some talks have been going on with the Taurian Concordat and it is rumoured that several Commander have already been shipped to them for evaluation.
-
Valkyrie VLK-QMC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 30 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE MARCH 5, 3026
** FOR MI2 USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 150 5.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 5 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 12 2T
6 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 3 6
Head 3 8
Center Torso 10 14/4
L/R Torso 7 12/2
L/R Arm 5 9
L/R Leg 7 12
Standard
Battle Value: 576
C-Bill Cost: 2,213,120
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
2 Heat Sink LT 2 2
1 SRM-6 LT 2 3
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
2 Heat Sink RT 2 2
2 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 RT 2 2
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
Totals
16 8.5
Overview:
In 3026, Commander Bileygr was approached by Sandra “Crazy Eagle†Twoyoungwoman, a mercenary Lyran Mechwarrior with access to a much battered VLK-QA Valkyrie. After interviewing her and making her pass different tests, Commander Bileygr offered her a job in his mercenary unit. However her ‘Mech had to be rebuilt completely before any it could be used in combat. Taking a new approach to the repairs, the technical team at Canopian Retrofitted Designs interviewed Mechwarrior Sandra Twoyoungwoman to know more about her favoured combat style and weapons. They found out that she liked nothing more than to hunt heavy ‘Mechs and especially Marauders at close range and to perform Death from Above tactics to destroy them. These were the reasons for both the battered state of her ‘Mech and her nickname. Basing themselves on the information provided, the technical team decided to create a completely different Valkyrie to suit their new Mechwarrior. The final result was the VLK-QMC.
Capabilities:
Already known for its manoeuvrability, armour and speed, it was difficult to make any change there. The Sutel IX Medium Laser was also kept as it was a reliable weapon and it provided an important close range firepower. Seeing that it was impossible for a Valkyrie to be as efficient in long range combat as a heavy ‘Mech, the engineers saw that the only possibility of improvement was to increase the short range firepower beyond the original Medium Laser. This was done by exchanging the Devastator 07 LRM-10 system for some short range system. After looking at the different systems available, it was decided to use the Marklin 6 Pack already used in the Manticore. This system was given two tons of ammo to allow it to fire 30 salvos before running out of ammo (this number was seen as perfectly adequate for the kind of short missions fought by Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen). One heat sink was also added to keep the capability of the Valkyrie to jump and fire without any heat problem. The reputation of the VLK-QA to “fight until one of the opponents goes down†was therefore kept by the VLK-QMC. The final result was a ‘Mech designed only with close combat in mind but with the capacity to jump from cover to cover to take any opponent by surprise. Only time will tell if the sacrifice of the long range firepower is really interesting. One thing is already sure: a special breed of pilot is needed to take full advantage of the VLK-QMC and survive.
Configuration / Variants:
Since this is a version of the VLK-QA Valkyrie, every variant of the VLK-QMC will be more likely to be based on the original design.
Battle History:
The first battle of the VLK-QMC Valkyrie was on Gambilon, a Canopian urban world. Bilgeyr’s Kampfgruppen was sent there to protect the world against raids from pirate units. However, the governor, a corrupted politician, used the unit to guard the main urban areas, sending the local militia against the pirates. The final result was that after some initial raids against the urban areas that were easily repelled, the pirates targeted the industrial plants and severely crippled the militia. Even if nothing was said against the mercenary unit, Commander Bilgeyr felt that this campaign was a crushing defeat and asked for a change in the contract, allowing the unit to act against orders in some cases. While on patrol in her “Mustangâ€, “Crazy Eagle†detected two unknown PNT-9R Panthers approaching from her position. Knowing that they did not belong to her side, she quickly devised a plan involving the nearest heavy infantry squad. Rushing like a mad on the pair of Panther, she disabled the legs of one of them before withdrawing suddenly. The remaining Panther began to hunt her and although the pilot managed to score a few hits, she managed to avoid most of the PPC shots and to score some hits. Making a final jump, Sandra Twoyoungwoman landed in a street with no escape. Feeling he had cornered the evasive ‘Mech, the pirate approached hoping to bring it within the range of his PPC. Just when he was ready to shot, he was hit by several shots. Sizing the opportunity, the “Mustang†ignited its jump jets and performed a perfect Death from Above that completely destroyed the enemy ‘Mech. The other Panther was sold in order to pay for the damage suffered by the VLK-QMC in the battle.
Deployment:
So far only one VLK-QMC is available and is used by Mechwarrior Sandra “Crazy Eagle†Twoyoungwoman from the mercenary unit Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. However due to the positive feedback received from the first combat, the production team at Canopian Retrofitted Designs is looking for another VLK-QA to transform it into a VLK-QMC.
-
Wehshi WHI-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 30 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE FEBRUARY 2, 3034
** FOR THE WATCH USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 180 7T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 6 MP
Run: 9 MP
Jump: 4 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
7 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 3 6
Head 3 8
Center Torso 10 14/4
L/R Torso 7 12/2
L/R Arm 5 9
L/R Leg 7 12
Standard
Battle Value: 589
C-Bill Cost: 2,193,620
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Hatchet LA 2 2
1 SRM-6 LT 2 3
1 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 LT 1 1
2 Heat Sink LT 2 2
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
Totals
13 9
Overview:
After seeing several fire support designs being produced, Commander Bileygr ordered Canopian Retrofitted Designs to work on more close combat designs as defensive operations in restricted areas were likely to erupt in the coming months. Hearing rumours about a new Lyran design displaying a hatchet that could be used in close combat, the engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs decided to go ahead and to design a new ‘Mech based on this concept. They were unwilling however to start designing a completely new BattleMech, they decided to use the homegrown VLK-QMC as the basis. With the use of hatchets being an alien concept to the Magistracy Forces, the new ‘Mech was christened the WHI-1MC Wehshi or Barbarian.
Capabilities:
Since it was supposed to be a close combat fighter, the speed of the Wehshi was increased to a maximum of 97 kph. This was made possible by the use of a Warner 180N engine produced in the Taurian Concordat. Not willing to become even more dependent, the Magestrix Command Center agreed on an experimental purchase of a restricted number of such engines before giving or not the final go ahead. In order to be able to add the hatchet, one ton of ammo for the Marlin 6 Pack was removed from the ‘Mech together with two heat sinks. However, the Marlin 6 Pack and the Sutel IX Medium Laser (placed instead of the right arm as in all variants of the Valkyrie) were kept to provide an added punch to the Wehshi. To increase the mobility, 4 jump jets were added, providing the design with a 120 meters jumping capacity. The final result was a ‘Mech that went a step further into the close combat option of the VLK-QMC but that had really the potential to hunt efficiently most light and medium ‘Mechs (the hatchet being too light to fight efficiently heavy and assault 'Mechs). The Wehshi can use its ground speed, jumping capacity and the cover to come within short range of any design and destroy them with the hatchet and the Medium Laser. The decrease in ammo for the SRM-6 means that it can only be used in really short operations even by standards of operations within the mercenaries or as a back-up weapon when facing an unexpected foe too heavy for its hatchet.
Configuration / Variants:
Since this is a rather new ‘Mech, no variant has been produced so far.
Battle History:
Acting under orders from the 2nd Canopian Light Horses to help it repel a major attack from the Capellan Confederation on the new Canopian world of Andarmax, Commander Bileygr recalled all its Kampfgruppen including the new recruits and a new design the WHI-1MC Wehshi called “El Mio Cid†piloted by ‘Mechwarrior Diego “Buch†Carnicero, his latest Canopian recruit. During the first part of a three months battle, the Wehshi as all Bileygr’s Kamfgruppen was sent on deep raids within the Liao area. Due to the peculiar profile of its ‘Mech, Commander Bileygr did not give to “Buch†any peculiar instructions but rather insisted on him causing the maximum havoc within the light and medium ‘Mech forces facing them. This is what he did, hunting through night raids any isolated ‘Mechs from the Kincade’s Rangers that he could found. He was so successful that several scout-hunters Scorpions were sent to hunt the unknown ‘Mech operating in their rear area. The climax was reached when one Scorpion cornered the Wehshi, only to find it running straight ahead with the hatchet ready to be used. The last thing heard from that Scorpion was “Manziâ€, an old term used for the Southern Barbarians in the old Chinese Empire. Diego Carnicero emerged within the Canopian zone several days later with a ‘Mech barely able to move (a testimony to the survivability potential of the design) but three kills certified, one of them being stylised as a stinger.
Deployment:
Due to the special profile of this headhunting unit, no further ‘Mech has been produced so far.
-
That Commando has got a big gun!
-
That Commando has got a big gun!
And you should see when they act in packs.
-
No thanks, I don't like lightning storms!
And there is the Wehshi again, very nice bud. I could certainly see the Magistracy of Canopus undertaking something like this.
-
Dragon DRG-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 60 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE JULY 14, 3025
** FOR WOLF'S DRAGOONS USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 300 19T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 4 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 16 6T
12 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 6 10
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 27/12
L/R Torso 14 16/8
L/R Arm 10 14
L/R Leg 14 18
Standard
Battle Value: 1058
C-Bill Cost: 5,242,880
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Medium Laser LA 1 1
1 Medium Laser LT(R) 1 1
2 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 LT 2 2
1 Heat Sink LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 2
1 SRM-6 CT 2 3
2 Jump Jets RL 2 2
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
2 Heat Sink RA 2 2
Totals
16 13
Overview:
Impressed by the performances of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen, the Magistracy Armed Forces decided to reward them by giving them access to new designs. They decided to give the unit for free a captured and much damaged pirate DRG-1N Dragon. This move was seen as a way of increasing the power of the unit while ensuring that most of its resources would be turned to repairing, and retrofitting, preventing them to become fully autonomous. Interested in increasing the raw power of his unit, Commander Bileygr accepted the gift and turned to Canopian Retrofitted Designs for ensuring that the ‘Mech would be repaired and retrofitted at the lowest cost and as quickly as possible. Furthermore, he wanted a complete change of role for the Dragon, converting it into a close combat design. As soon as he gave them this task, Canopian Retrofitted Designs set up a special team with the goal of fulfilling the vision of Commander Bileygr. The DRG-1MC Dragon is the brainchild of this talented group.
Capabilities:
The first step of the engineers was to replace the cheaper actuators that were the reason for the frequent overhauls of the hip assembly with heavier ones bought at a heavy price. Even if this seemed to go against the initial order, it was seen as a winning move on the long term. The autocannon Imperator A and the Long Range Missiles system Telos DecaCluster had been damaged beyond any hope of repair because of the heavy fights the Dragon had been involved in and the usual lack of maintenance of the Periphery. The design team chose to replace them with closer range weapons. The AC/5 was replaced by a Martell Model 5 Medium Laser. To keep the fragile electronic system in the right arm working in spite of the heat increase, two heat sinks were also installed. The LRM-10 was replaced with the already tried Marklin 6 Pack system fitted with two tons of ammo. As room was still available, another Martell Model 5 was installed in the right torso. At that point of the process, one of the engineers felt that although the ‘Mech had always been considered a mobile one, he lacked the mobility provided by jump jets. The Pitban LFT-50 used on the Shadow Hawk were tried and were found generating enough lifting power to give the Dragoon a 120 meters jump capacity. It was decided that the original Victory 23R Medium Lasers would just go a routine repair cycle as they had always proven to be an efficient design. The mix of different Medium Lasers and the new jumping capacity were too much for the original Eagle Eye SY10-10 Targeting and Tracking System and it began to crash on a regular basis. Unwilling to send such an erratic ‘Mech on the battlefield, it was decided to replace it with a locally produced Magestrix Gamma that although less sophisticated was far more robust and less likely to crash when new weapons were plugged in the system. The last step was to chose between a better heat dissipation capability or the upgrade of the armour. Due to the reputation of the Dragon as a resistant ‘Mech and the increase in the number of energy weapons, it was decided to add four more heat sinks, bringing the total number to the impressive number of 16. The final result is a completely changed Dragon more mobile with an increased damage curve and a better capacity to deal with heat but with a much shorter range than the DRG-1N. This was a ‘Mech that although a bit more costly than the original design was perfectly suited to the missions of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is a retrofit of the original DRG-1N Dragon, no variant is expected to be designed.
Battle History:
Just as the unit was preparing itself for another assault on Regum II, the operation was called out because of an important uprising on Krimari. Having lost control of the main urban area, the Magestrix Command Center called for help to retake it. Deciding to strike as quickly as possible to minimise the reinforcement of the fortifications by the rebels, Commander Bilgeyr chose not to wait for the forces already sent to Regum II to strike back. Acting upon intelligence provided by loyalists, a plan was devised. The attack would begin with a surprise battle drop near the town hall followed by the capture of the leaders of the movement. Everything went according to the plan with the ‘Mechs taking position to prevent any approach and the infantry cleaning the building. Unfortunately for the mercenaries, a traitor had warned the rebels and the centre of the city had been transformed into one giant trap. Soon all the units were reporting contacts with hostile forces including infantry and ‘Mechs. Unwilling to destroy the city, Commander Bileygr ordered a withdraw outside of the city. While on the move, the DRG-1MC moved into a street with no exit. When making her way back, Commander Auliya Chouada found herself in front of a CPLT-C4 Catapult and a VND-1R Vindicator. Acting without any deliberate thought, she fired all her weapons on both ‘Mechs and managed to cripple them before they could react. Igniting the jump jets, she felt on top of the Catapult destroying it. The surviving rebel pilot decided to run away but was not quick enough as a salvo of missiles in the back destroyed it. With such a quick victory, Commander Auliya Chouada had managed to both destroy the heaviest ‘Mechs available to the rebel forces and to seriously shaken their morale. The rest of the campaign was nothing more than an easy and quick cleaning ending with the rebel leaders being brought before the Crimson Council.
Deployment:
So far only one DRG-1MC has been deployed. Despite some proposals by the Magistracy of Canopus, the Draconis Combine has been unwilling to buy a version of their main heavy ‘Mech designed by some dishonourable mercenary unit.
-
Babar Sher BS-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 45 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE SEPTEMBER 20, 3033
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 225 10T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 15 5T
9 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 4.5 8.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 14 21/6
L/R Torso 11 13/4
L/R Arm 7 14
L/R Leg 11 19
Standard
Battle Value: 861
C-Bill Cost: 3,552,790
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 LRM-5 LT 1 2
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 LT 1 1
1 Large Laser LT 2 5
2 Heat Sink LL 2 2
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
2 Heat Sink RL 2 2
3 Medium Laser RA 3 3
Totals
13 11
Overview:
This BattleMech is loosely based on the classical trio of ‘Mechs; the Shadow Hawk, the Wolverine and the Griffin. This design is the first experiment of the Canopian Retrofitted Designs into developing “Mad Hatter†had called Medium Support ‘Mechs. No one knows if he meant ‘Mechs designed to be jack-of-all-trades or to fight at middle ranges and since he died on New Roland, no one will ever know. Beginning to work on this idea, the engineers designed a ‘Mech meant to be polyvalent and fight efficiently at all ranges. As a final reward to the “Mad Hatter†who had died valiantly without breaking his vow, the ‘Mech was christened the Babar Sher or Lion in Urdu
Capabilities:
Since their heavy lines of productions were still down after what looked like a Capellan sabotage and eager to try something new, the engineers went for a tonnage of 45 tons, ten tons lighter than the original trio. The cruising speed was set at 32.4 kph, in order to allow it to keep with the fire support designs. No Jump Jets were added as it was decided to maximise the armour and weapons instead of the overall mobility. Since the concept of the ‘Mech was rather new, it was decided to use only weapons that have already been used in several designs and that engineers, technicians and ‘Mechwarriors know rather well. Therefore, at the heart of the middle to short range firepower is a trio of locally produced Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers. If fired accurately and at the same time, they can severely cripple even heavy ‘Mechs. The long range firepower is based on a local Holly LRM-5 system with one ton of ammo backed up by a Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser. This last system is produced in the Taurian Concordat but had already been tried on the DOA-1MC Dhoondna. As a measure of precaution, the Magestrix Command Center decided not to tell the Taurian Concordat that parts of the imports were meant to go into a new design. The split between the weapons is quite clear; the middle to short range ones are located in the right arm while the long range systems are located in the left torso. Although this could be seen as a drawback as located shots could destroy most of the weapons of the Babar Sher, it was decided to go ahead with these locations as most of the Canopian ‘Mechwarriors that could use the BS-1MC do not have the skills to remain cool during a battle and could be confused by having similar weapons distributed all over the ‘Mech. In order to ensure protection, 8.5 tons of Maximillian 43 armour were added. Although it is only 88% of the maximum armour that can be supported by the chassis, it is equivalent to the amount carried by the CN9-A Centurion, a design known to fight at close ranges To ensure its efficiency, it was decided to add 5 heat sinks to the BS-1MC in order to allow the ‘Mechwarrior to deal with the heat generated by movement and either his long or short range weapons but not both. However, 4 heat sinks were put into the legs, meaning that if put into a body of water, the Babar Sher should be able to fire all its weapons.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is a brand new ‘Mech, no variants are foreseen for now.
Battle History:
The BS-1MC Babar Sher has for now been involved in only one battle but has already seen more than its share of battles. In 3033, trying to make the best of his limited forces while giving the Capellan military something to think about, Commander Bileygr set up a Kampfgruppe to make a deep raid on a supply depot located on Ward. This was seen as a way to release some of the pressure faced by the captured and the border worlds. He gave command of this force to John “Hannibal†Smith with his brand new BS-1MC. However, the “soft†target found by the MIM was heavily guarded by a reinforced regiment. The operation quickly became a hunt of the Kampfgruppe. At that time, the flexibility of the Babar Sher together with the tactical skills of John Smith were the only things that saved the mercenaries from complete annihilation. The Babar Sher was used to the maximum of its possibilities replacing all the ‘Mechs that the Kampfgruppe did not have and acting as fire support, reconnaissance or close support ‘Mech. However, as all of them recognised even the battlefield performance of the mercenaries could not allow them to perform their mission. Therefore, “Hannibal†decided to withdraw from the planet before having more of the precious forces available to Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen destroyed in a hopeless battle. Even with this new goal in mind and despite their fighting abilities, the battle group managed to escape only thanks to the timely arrival of Kampfgruppe Bureau with troops just back on service. Even if the battle was a defeat for the Canopian forces, it showed the true potential of the Babar Sher that managed to severely hamper the ‘Mech forces facing them, destroying alone one Cataphract and two Vindicator and scoring other ‘Mechs in collaboration with the rest of his Kampfgruppe. Part of this is the result is due to the ‘Mech but another part is due to the skills of Command Sergeant John “Hannibal†Smith. It remains to be seen if the same ‘Mech in green hands will be as deadly.
Deployment:
The Babar Sher produced so far are stockpiled by the Canopian forces. It is more than likely that they will be released as soon as new recruits arrive to reinforce their bloodied forces.
-
An interesting 55 tonner circa 3025. Medium range fighter that can certainly do some damage.
-
Saanp SAP-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 40 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE OCTOBER 23, 3032
** FOR LOKI USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 240 11.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 6 MP
Run: 9 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 12 2T
9 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 4 8.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 18/6
L/R Torso 10 15/5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 19
Standard
Battle Value: 747
C-Bill Cost: 3,297,560
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Medium Laser LA 1 1
1 Heat Sink LT 1 1
1 Medium Laser CT 1 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
1 SRM-6 RT 2 3
2 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 RT 2 2
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
Totals
10 8
Overview:
As soon as 3027, Commander Bileygr asked Canopian Retrofitted Designs to make a considerable effort in R&D. As he explained, although he was more than pleased with the different changed versions designed so far, he felt that there was some room left for improvement. Another idea was to increase the links between Bileygr’s Kampgruppen, Canopian Retrofitted Designs and the Magistracy of Canopus. After hearing all that, the designers went to create a new generation of ‘Mechs by asking the different members of the unit what they felt was needed. The priority went for the ‘Mech of Commander Bileygr. He saw the need for a faster design that could be the cavalry of the cavalry and react quickly to any change. After the fight on New Roland and what had happened to his GRF-1MC, he also asked for a less ammo dependant ‘Mech but that would have the same short range firepower. The overall idea was to design a ‘Mech that will come out of nowhere, split its fire and then fade away quickly, exactly like a snake. In order to show their long term commitment to the Magistracy, the engineers christened the ‘Mech SAP-1MC Saanp, which means snake in Urdu (one of the language of the Magistracy).
Capabilities:
After studying the GRF-1MC in details, the engineers found out that they could not increase the speed without decreasing the firepower, which was not the goal. Therefore, they decided to decrease the overall tonnage down to 40 tons. This allowed the running speed to be increased by 12% to 97.2 kph thanks to the use of the proven Pitban 240. The weapon load was also changed to energy weapons in order to allow for longer stands on the battlefield and to reduce the vulnerability to explosions. This was made possible thanks to the use of three Martell Model 5 (one in each arm and one in the centre torso). To give an added punch in case the need arises, a Marklin 6 Pack SRM-6 was added with two tons of ammo to allow it to function through long battles. This missile system will not go down easily as it has already been tested over the years on the Manticore. In order to cope with the heat, 12 heat sinks were added (2 of them being visible on the torsos). This number of heat sinks ensured that only minimal heat build-up would happen when alpha striking and running at full speed. The remaining tonnage was used for protection with 8.5 tons of armour, bringing the protection to a maximum. Although it is less than the GRF-1MC, this trade-off was seen as necessary in order to deal with the initial request. The final result was exactly what had been asked: a ‘Mech with similar firepower, better mobility and heat management capacities and less costly by more than one million of C-bills than the GRF-1MC.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is a new design, no variant has been designed so far.
Battle History:
So far, the SAP-1MC has fought in only one battle but this is expected to change soon. As foreseen by Commander Bileygr, the rest period of his unit was really short, not even allowing all his Mechwarriors and vehicle crews to be out of the hospital. Trying to take advantage of the previous victories and of the bad shape of the Canopian army, the Capellan Confederation launched several raids on different worlds. One of this world was Early Dawn, an arctic world where the remaining forces of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen had been sent to garrison it. When he heard of the landing, “Eismann†decided to stay on the defensive while waiting for the new ‘Mechs to be manufactured and for his people to come back from the hospital. He therefore put once more the burden on the surviving infantry as they were in charge of patrolling and holding the forward zone while the Saanp would use its speed to strike in a preventive way and reinforce weak points when needed. His preventive strike managed to surprise the overconfident Capellan force and to destroy one of their Vindicator that tried to deal alone with the unknown 'Mech. The answer of the Liao commanding officer was to split his forces in order to catch what he thought was the only serious threat to his successful campaign. This was the doom of the Capellan unit as Commander Billeygr used his ‘Mech to lure the different ‘Mechs into ambushes by infantry and to reinforce them with the heavy firepower of his SAP-1MC. As could be expected from the savagery of the latest campaign, no Liao survived the encounter with the mercenary unit, who furthermore managed to size much needed supplies.
Deployment:
Only one SAP-1MC has been produced so far. However after seeing Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen in action on New Roland with their oldest designs, both the 2nd Canopian Fusiliers and the 2nd Canopian Cuirassiers have asked this new design in order to allow their light and medium lances more aggressive tactics. As the sharing of designs had already been agreed in the initial contract, Canopian Retrofitted Designs can be sure that the Saanp will represent a regular flow of incomes in the future.
-
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT: ARCHIVE ID #220
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2004
UPDATE: 10/22/2004
75 DOWNLOADS
Minotaur MNR-10TC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 60 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Taurian Concordat Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE NOVEMBER 25, 3030
** FOR LOKI USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 240 11.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 4 MP
Run: 6 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 15 5T
9 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 6 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 27/10
L/R Torso 14 16/8
L/R Arm 10 13
L/R Leg 14 16
Standard
Battle Value: 929
C-Bill Cost: 4,746,560
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Autocannon/10 LT 7 12
3 Ammo (Autocannon/10) 10 LT 3 3
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
1 PPC RT 3 7
5 Heat Sink RT 5 5
Totals
19 22
Overview:
In 3030, the Magistracy of Canopus made a move to facilitate the importation of weapons from the Taurian Concordat. Canopian Retrofitted Designs was allowed to answer a call from the Taurian Defense Force. Conscious that the shrunken size of the Concordat, in comparison with its original holdings in the 2500s meant that in any full-scale war, they would be unable to trade space for time as they did in the Reunification War and that the protection of the manufacturing centers outside of the Hyades Cluster was a priority, the Taurian Defense Force had issued a call for tender for a medium-heavy 'Mech designed for defensive operations along the borders and within urban and industrial centers.
Canopian Retrofitted Designs made a special team for this call, that tried to create a 'Mech with an unique Taurian feeling. In order to do this, they made several interviews with citizens from the Taurian Concordat present within the Magistracy (including the famous Ensign Jean "Gribeauval" Bureau). This led the design part of the team to give special attention to the external appearance. Even the name, Minotaur MNR-10TC was chosen because of its links with the mythology surrounding the bull within the Taurian Concordat.
Capabilities:
The MNR-10TC was built within the tradition of the Atlas and therefore its external look was shaped to create the living image of a minotaur with the head and the horns. However, this peculiar shape decreased the maximal amount of armor that could be used on the 'Mech. However, the Minotaur is still carrying a respectable 9.5 tons of Leviathon Plus armor.
As the design was a heavy 'Mech with its 60 tons, it was decided to give it the normal speed of most heavies with a top speed of 64.8 kph. This is lower than a lot of other designs with the same weight but due to the defensive missions, it was to perform, this was not seen as a problem. In order to move the 'Mech, a Pitban 240 engine was needed but could only be found within the Magestracy. Much to the surprise of the diplomats from the Taurian Concordat, the Magistracy of Canopus quickly agreed on a renegociation of the current commercial agreement linking both realms for the missing components of the different designs from Canopian Retrofitted Designs. The new treaty does not speak anymore of exchanging 'Mechs but focus on weapons against engines.
Since the goal was to create a 'Mech doing concentrated damages at long and middle ranges while the enemies were approaching the outskirts of the cities or industries, the engineers decided to shape the weaponry of the Minotaur along those of the Enforcer, the long trusted Medium 'Mech of House Davion. This is why they gave the MNR-10TC a torso mounted Pontiac 50 with 3 tons of ammo (more than the Enforcer, in order for the Minotaur to stay longer in the field than its rival). This AC/10 was completed by a Donal PPC in the right torso. As close combat could be expected in urban operations, two massive battle fists were added to provide an additional advantage at close quarters. 15 heat sinks were put into the 'Mech, enough for it to fire all its weapons while running with no problem at all.
Special attention was also given to the targeting and communication systems. For both, proven systems already manufactured within the Taurian Concordat had to be selected. This was important as the defensive positions should not be left on the open for an error within these systems. The final choice was made in favor of the Garret Supremesound and the RCA Instatrac Mark X, already used in the Thunderbolt and produced by Pinard Dicolais Electronics.
Configuration / Variants:
Two variants are being already manufactured: the MNR-11TC and the MNR-12TC (although it is difficult to differentiate each version as they have the same external appearance with the horns and the two huge tubes on the torsos).
The MNR-11TC is a close combat specialist. It carries one hatchet (which gives it even more the look of a classical minotaur), two torso mounted Shannon Six-Shooter SRM-6 with two tons of ammo each and two Martell Medium Lasers together with enough jump jets for a 120 meters jump and 17 heat sinks to help cooling down this feared urban fighter.
The MNR-12TC is the long range variant. It carries two torso mounted Delta Dart LRM-15 with two tons of ammo each and two Martell Medium Lasers. To help manage the increased heat generated, 17 heat sinks are being used. As the Minotaur is not supposed to carry a mobile campaign or to be used on real open fields, only one out of every 12 'Mechs produced is a 12TC version.
Battle History:
The first battle of the Minotaur was on the world of Pinard against a pirate raid. Trusting their superior numbers to make the difference and to prevent the defending Concordat Jaegers to establish a firm defensive line, the pirates divided their forces in order to target as much installations from Pinard Dicolais Electronics as possible. Using the advantages offered by their inner lines, the Jaegers managed to repel several thrusts from the pirates. However, the pirates were too numerous and a small force managed to reach the doors of one facilty just before the arrival of the Jaegers. Using its superior middle range firepower, Cornet Jack Brownbear began to tore the smaller 'Mechs to pieces until he saw a Dragon rushing to him. Thinking quickly, he ran towards it and stopped just under the range of the LRM-10, thinking that the pirate would not be willing to get into really close quarters with its two heavy battle fists and that the armor of the Minotaur should protect him long enough from the medium laser and the AC/5. Not able to bring most of its firepower on the MNR-10TC and faced with certain destruction, the pirate had no solution but to leave its 'Mech. By doing this, he forced the remaining pirates to withdraw as they were unable to do serious damages to the Taurians.
Deployment:
The Minotaur is intented to become the standard heavy 'Mech for any regiment within the Taurian Concordat involved in defensive operations. As such, it is deployed in every regiment as fast as possible. However, the priority remains with the regiments deployed along the borders with the Federated Suns.
-
Hathorha HTA-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 40 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE FEBRUARY 2, 3033
** FOR THE WATCH USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 200 8.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 14 4T
8 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 4 8.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 18/6
L/R Torso 10 15/5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 19
Standard
Battle Value: 810
C-Bill Cost: 2,649,266
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Large Laser LA 2 5
6 Heat Sink RT 6 6
1 Large Laser RA 2 5
Totals
10 10
Overview:
After giving a new ‘Mech to each of the surviving ‘Mechwarriors of the New Roland battle, Canopian Retrofitted Designs went on with their newest R&D ideas. After the Medium Support ‘Mech, they wanted to create “Mini ‘Mechsâ€, ‘Mechs meant to perform more or less the same missions as the original ones but lighter and faster. Since the Warhammer was a formidable and proven ‘Mech, they decided to begin with it and thus designed the HTA-1MC Hathorha or Hammer
Capabilities:
The Hathorha was set at 40 tons cutting the original weight by nearly 50%. Thanks to this decrease in weight, the speed was increased to a maximum of 86.4 kph, allowing it to keep with most of ‘Medium and Light ‘Mechs in use with Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen. To retain the formidable reputation of its inspirer, it was decided to give the HTA-1MC nearly the maximum of armour its chassis could afford. With its 8.5 tons of armour (more than most ‘Mechs within the 20-55 tons range), its long term survivability seemed insured. The original design was devastating both at long and short ranges but the new one needed a clearer mission. It was decided to give emphasis on the fire support aspect. This meant that the Hathorha had to be able to fire at long ranges concentrated strikes of heavy firepower. Since they were too heavy to be used, the original PPC were replaced by the Taurian Concordat produced Sunglow Type 2 Large Lasers. However, this use made necessary an increase of the importation. Unwilling to let this new promising design be used by the Taurian Concordat as well, the Canopian merchants invoked a new market for the Dhoondna as the reason for their need for more Large Lasers. Although the use of such lighter weapons, lowered a bit the range and damage potential of the Hathorha when compared to the Warhammer, it also lowered the heat generated. To ensure that most of the heat would be cooled down, 14 heats sinks were used with 6 of them being put in a special superstructure on the right torso. When looking from afar, they look exactly like the SRM-6 rack used on the Warhammer. To further increase its efficiency in night fight, a special searchlight was added and the software behind the O/P 911 had to be rewritten to allow the Hathorha to perform like the Warhammer. Luckily, both tracking and targeting were from O/P which facilitated the job of the software engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs. The final result was a ‘Mech that looked like the Warhammer, had an increased mobility, better heat management as well as decent armour and firepower. Seeing these promising trends, Commander Bileygr agreed on launching the field tests.
Configuration / Variants:
Since this is a new ‘Mech, no variants have been produced so far.
Battle History:
The first combat test was of the Hathorha was with ‘Mechwarrior Alonzo “Cuervo†Ramirez; a former ‘Mechwarrior from the 2nd Canopian Fusiliers who after New Roland had requested a temporary transfer to the mercenaries forces (something perfectly acceptable under the contract of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen and that is becoming more and more common) as he wanted to fight against the Capellans and Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen were the most likely to see offensive actions in the coming years. However he was first sent on the planet of Bass (well known for the veterans of the unit). This areas had recently seen an increase in pirate activities and Commander Bileygr still under his contract had to deal with this. He saw the opportunity to blood a little the newest recruit and send a reduced Kampfgruppe under ‘Mechwarrior Ramirez to see if they could find anything. However, when landing on the planet, they received a distress signal from the governor as the main towns were being under attack by pirate forces. Going at full speed and letting the infantry behind to create defensive positions, the Kampfgruppe managed to get quickly to the rear of one of the pirate forces. Using his ‘Mech long range concentrated firepower, he carefully shot several fire support ‘Mechs while his vehicles were fighting against the heavier vehicles from the pirates. Seeing that his force was outnumbered, “Cuervo†ordered a withdrawal and began a kind of guerrilla campaign for several weeks using the fortifications made by the infantry together with the garrisoned towns as anvils and his more mobile forces as a hammer destroying little by little the pirate forces, tough at a high cost for the towns that suffered heavily from the fighting (although less than from being taken by the pirates). As he reported in his after action report, this tactic was only made possible by the non ammo dependency of the mobile forces that allowed the HTA-1MC and its accompanying unit to stay on the field for weeks and to run from one hot point to another without need for resupply.
Deployment:
Due to the report of ‘Mechwarrior Alonzo Ramirez, his original unit, the 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, asked for the next production of the Hathorha to help them refill their ranks. Canopian Retrofitted Designs managed to make them buy also the following runs. It is expected that in the near future other units will follow the same track converting the HTA-1MC into a common sight within the Canopian Armed Forces.
-
A mini Warhammer armed with Large Lasers? Not bad!
-
A mini Warhammer armed with Large Lasers? Not bad!
I had a lot of ideas for this unit.
-
Got a more advanced Mini Hammer lying around here some where. ;)
What ever happened to Bileygr's Kampfgruppen? After the 3025s......
Keep those ideas coming!
-
What ever happened to Bileygr's Kampfgruppen? After the 3025s......
There are a few more modern units on my hard drive that were posted but I never put my ideas together and finished everything.
Which means you will only have hints and no real answer or end.
-
Bandooq BDQ-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 50 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE DECEMBER 29, 3034
** FOR HEIMDAL USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 250 12.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
10 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5 7.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 19/6
L/R Torso 12 11/4
L/R Arm 8 12
L/R Leg 12 16
Standard
Battle Value: 804
C-Bill Cost: 3,966,500
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Large Laser LA 2 5
2 Ammo (Autocannon/10) 10 RT 2 2
1 Autocannon/10 RA 7 12
Totals
11 19
Overview:
As he recruited ‘Mechwarrior Alejandra "Pope" Farnesio, a former Andurien ‘Mechwarrior and an experimented Enforcer pilot, Commander Bileygr decided that Canopian Retrofitted Designs should work on a redesign of the classical Enforcer that would fit more with the "doctrine" of the unit. This ended up in a completely redesigned ‘Mech that was called BDQ-1MC Bandooq, literally the Gun.
Capabilities:
After reviewing with the help of Alejandra Farnesio her original Enforcer, the engineers found out that the main problems for the inclusion of the ‘Mech within their forces would be the low quantity of ammunition for the AC/10 and the maximum speed of 64.8 kph.
Focusing first on the speed, they decided to exchange the Nisson 200 by a Magna 250 produced within the Magistracy. In order to make it fit, they had to remove the jump jets and two heat sinks and to shape differently the armour while getting rid of the Small Laser and 0.5 ton of armour but they managed to increase the speed to a maximum of 86.4 kph, the minimum speed in use with Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen.
Since the new engine was taking more space, it forced the engineering team to rework the disposition of the different elements within the torsos including the ammo. In order to make the 10 rounds fit into the right torso, they redesigned the box containing them and managed to make it three times as small. This progress opened up the way for adding another ton of ammo without the need to create complex and fragile feeding mechanisms from the left torso to the right arm.
At that point, ‘Mechwarrior Farnesio was asked if she would prefer one ton more of ammo or one ton more of armour, she answered that "with a few shots more, I can sent more Capellans back to Hell". Focusing on the satisfaction of any customer, the engineers went on sacrificing one ton of armour for one ton more of ammo. While they were doing this, they also decided to make some changes in the armour repartition in order to protect more the bulky rear of the engine. This also altered even more the external look of the original Enforcer, a way to avoid trials by Achernar BattleMechs (as Canopian Retrofitted Designs did not asked for the licence for the Enforcer).
The engineers were conscious that decreasing so much the armour was putting the pilot at risk but they could not go against the wishes of the pilot. However, in order to give an increased protection in close combat, they decided to add a combat fist to the right arm, something missing in the Enforcer. With this, they hoped to convince the enemy to stay out of close range and thus to become vulnerable to the combination of firepower and mobility of the Bandooq while preventing them to shoot efficiently at it.
Configuration / Variants:
So far, no variants have been produced. However several projects are experimenting with the possibility of exchanging the AC/10 for a lighter one. Unwilling to sacrifice the firepower, the Bandooq has, ‘Mechwarrior Alejandra Farnesio is reported to be reluctant to test these ideas.
Battle History:
The BDQ-1MC has been engaged in only one battle. Not wanting to sent his reinforcement piecemeal on New Roland for the current operations, Commander Bileygr sent them into offensive operations within the "deep" of the Capellan Confederation to train them and with the secret hope that House Liao will pull back some troops from the fight in New Roland to try to catch the ghost Kampfgruppen. The reinforcements were to try to land only when a company worth of troops would be available.
Obeying these orders, the new Bandooq was deployed with half a company worth of infantry and armoured vehicles to the world of Jacomarie where a small supply depot was supposed to be hidden protected by the remains of St Cyr’s Armored Grenadiers.
Since sensors were not working at long range on the planet because of the high mountains on each sides of the canyons, "Pope" decided to use her trusted infantry and armoured vehicles (most of whom were also coming from the Duchy of Andurien) to set up blocking points and to force the Liao troops to come along a certain way where she could ambush them one by one. At the same time, a smaller force would rush to the depot and make it explode.
Setting her sensors at the maximum intensity, she hide and waited for her first prey to come. Using one-two punches to keep her ammo and changing of position at each time, she managed to destroy 3 Hunchback and one Ostscout while taking few damages before the supply depot exploded.
Foreseeing that the St Cyr’s Armored Grenadiers would regroup before coming back with more forces, ‘Mechwarrior Alejandra Farnesio ordered all the troops under her command to begin a pursuit of the enemies in order not to throw them even more in confusion.
After an hour of pursuit, she had destroyed a couple more of Ostsol trying to cover the Liao retreat. However, running low on ammo and having been seriously hit by the last Ostsol and thinking that the Grenadiers would by now be already regrouping, she decided to order the withdrawal.
Acting as part of the covering screen, she worked to prevent any ‘Mech getting close to "her little running fellows". When she came back to the dropship, she had no ammo left and the armour of her ‘Mech was barely holding on it. However, no ‘Mech from the St Cyr Armored Grenadiers had managed to get to the recovery point.
In her after action report, she stressed that although it had been a close call her "Antwerp" had performed well even in close range combat and that the added mobility was proving devastating against slow 'Mechs, which were falling prey to the guns of the Bandooq.
Deployment:
Due to the close links shared with the Duchy of Andurien, the 2nd Canopian Cuirassiers asked for several Bandooq in order to test them in their own lances.
-
Interesting Enforcer. Sort of reminds me of my Hunchback upgrade but that level two with an updated 250.
-
Barish BRH-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 55 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE MARCH 4, 3033
** FOR MI2 USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 275 15.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 5 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
10 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5.5 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 20/7
L/R Torso 13 17/7
L/R Arm 9 16
L/R Leg 13 18
Standard
Battle Value: 966
C-Bill Cost: 4,844,266
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 LRM-5 LA 1 2
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 LA 1 1
2 LRM-5 LT 2 4
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
2 LRM-5 RT 2 4
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 RT 1 1
1 LRM-5 RA 1 2
1 Ammo (LRM-5) 24 RA 1 1
Totals
15 18.5
Overview:
Ensign Jean Bureau wished to go further with the concept of his Dervish and upgrade it to a pure fire support ‘Mech. After being on the receiving end of a company of LRM carriers during the battle for New Roland, he wanted to make those Liao test their own medicine. During his rest at the hospital, he literally harassed Commander Bileygr for allowing Canopian Retrofitted Designs to work as fast as they could on his ideas. The BRH-1MC Barish was the result of this “dreamâ€
Capabilities:
Since “Gribeauval†was more than pleased with his DV-6MC, he decided to keep the mobility, the armour and even the look (this being also a way of confusing enemies about what exactly they were facing) of his Dervish. The only point left was the weapons. The upgraded and the original Dervish were fire support ‘Mechs with some close range weapons as a back up. Feeling more confident with his talents as a ‘Mechwarrior, the capacity of the Barish to stay out of close quarters fights and believing in the concept of a rain of missiles (hence the final name of this ‘Mech), Ensign Jean Bureau insisted on using only long range weapons and asked for 6 Holly LRM-5 with 4 tons of ammo. This gave the BRH-1MC the same long range firepower in terms of number of missiles fired as the Crusader, a classical fire support ‘Mech but a longer capacity to stay on the field (something necessary as long operations seemed to become more the rule than the exception). However, the engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs had to deal with an important problem: space. Although originally full with the SRM-2 and the Medium Laser, the arms did not have enough room to allow the classical five tubes of the LRM-5. The only solution found was to work on increasing the firing rate of the Holy launcher. After several months of research, they managed to deal with that problem and implemented the modified LRM-5 in the arms. Another thing that “Gribeauval†made the engineers work on was the noise of the missiles. From his readings and past researches, he knew that a well-laid barrage could stop everything but that when coupled with disturbing noises like the “Moaning Minnie†of old, it could lower the morale of even crack units and maybe make them retreat. To create his effect, the engineers redesigned the tubes so that they could make the missiles rotate. This rotation combined with the speed created an awful noise much to the delight of Ensign Jean Bureau. Tow positive side effects of this change of weapons were found. First, the decrease by more than 30% of the heat generated eased its management. Second, the Federated Hunter Mk II seems to work better with the increased number of LRM-5 than with the original weapons. This change has not been precisely or explained yet but engineers and technicians at Canopian Retrofitted Designs hope to be able to figure it out as soon as the Barish will be going under the scheduled maintenance programme.
Configuration / Variants:
Since this is a brand new ‘Mech, no variants are foreseen right now.
Battle History:
The first appearance of the Barish was on the world of Ward where a hastily gathered Kampfgruppe under Ensign Jean Bureau was sent to allow the forces under Command Sergeant John Smith to withdraw. The BRH-1MC performed rather well, making several infantry forces blocking the way flee into traps led by the Kampfgruppe thanks to the noise produced by its missiles. During the final fights to make contact with the forces under "Hannibal", the rain of missiles was so heavy that a Liao Lance chose to flee. The after action report of the Liao commanding officer (intercepted by the MIM) shows that he believed that there were at least two DV-6MC in his rear, which according from its recent experience against Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen would mean at least one company of mercenaries, something he could not fight against.
Deployment:
So far only one BRH-1MC has been produced. It seems that the two Periphery States that might have interest in buying it, the Magistracy of Canopus and the Taurian Concordat did not show any sign that they would do so. It seems that they do not trust their ‘Mechwarriors to be as skilled as Ensign Jean “Gribeauval†Bureau when dealing with only long range missiles.
-
Very nice level 1 missile boat!
-
Very nice level 1 missile boat!
Too bad they didn't manage to grow and to mass produce all their designs.
-
Well what ever happened to them? Inquiring minds want to know! No way the Canopians can't call them back to service during the 3rd Marik Civil War?? ;)
-
To Bileygr's Kamfgruppen or to their designs?
-
(https://www.24a11y.com/wp-content/uploads/why-not-both-300x187.jpg)
-
Both!
-
Both!
The truth is not much. I never managed to decide what would happen to them. Bileygr is either KIA or MIA and the Kampfgruppen and all went down but they tried to get back on the market.
-
Dhoondna DOA-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 50 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
BATTLEROM IMAGE SEPTEMBER 21, 3032
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 250 12.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
10 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 5 10.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 24/7
L/R Torso 12 18/6
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 24
Standard
Battle Value: 889
C-Bill Cost: 3,942,500
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Large Laser LA 2 5
1 Medium Laser LA 1 1
1 Autocannon/5 RA 4 8
2 Ammo (Autocannon/5) 20 RA 2 2
Totals
9 16
Overview:
Following their successful Saanp, Canopian Retrofitted Designs gave the green light to the other ‘Mechs. The next one to be produced had been designed according to the specifications of Commander Estrella Lagrimas to act as a direct fire support ‘Mech but with more armour and close range fighting capacities that her previous SHD-2MC. The final result was a fire support ‘Mech that relied only on direct fire weapons and that made use of all the previous knowledge of the Shadow Hawk to avoid repeating the same mistakes. When she saw it for the first time, Estrella “Matador†Lagrimas said that with that ‘Mech she felt confident enough to hunt down any ‘Mech. This comment was heard and the new model was christened the Dhoondna DOA-1MC (a literal translation in Urdu of hunt).
Capabilities:
Since the heaviest production lines were temporary unavailable at Canopian Retrofitted Designs, it was decided to lighten the new design by 5 tons when compared to the Shadow Hawk. Agreeing on the need to keep the same speed, the engineering team installed a Hermes 250 engine, a model on which they had already experience with thanks to the Trebuchet. This engine allowed the Dhoondna to reach a top speed of 86.4 kph and to keep pace with the designs envisioned for the new fire support lance. The trusted Armstrong J11 Autocannon 5 already used on all the Shadow Hawk was kept but in order to provide it with a superior firing field, it was moved to the right arm with its two tons of ammo. The Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon PPC was downgraded to a Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser and a Martell Model 5 Medium Laser both mounted in the left arm. Although having a slightly shorter range than the PPC and a lower damage range, the Large Laser was also less demanding on the heat sinks and was less subject to disturbing the internal electronics of the ‘Mech (it seems that for unknown reasons, the radiation field of the Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon disturbs the O/P systems around once in every 10 shots). For these reasons, the change was agreed on. Another advantage of the Large Laser is its lack of minimal range meaning that it can still provide some close fighting capacities. This is further enhanced with the use of a Medium Laser for middle to close range fightings. Although the overall result is a ‘Mech that does not dissipate more or generate less heat than the Shadow Hawk SHD-2MC, the combination of different weapons that can be used at different ranges means that it can combine most of its weapons in efficient ways at all range to be the most efficient possible and to save the precious ammo for long range fire. Finally, 10.5 tons of armour were added to protect the pilot, more than the Shadow Hawk and the same amount as the Wolverine, a well known reference in terms of resistance and pilot survival on the battlefield.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is a new ‘Mech, there are currently no variants of this ‘Mech.
Battle History:
A kamfgruppe of Bileygr’s Kamfgruppen under Commander Estrella Lagrimas was sent on Cates Hold, a Canopian urban world to boost the shattered defense. As soon as they had landed, words came that elements from the 15th Dracon, a mercenary unit under contract with the Capellan Confederation were on their way to the planet. After some reconnaissance being performed by the local militia, she learned that most of the ‘Mechs were of the Hunchback together with some heavies armed for close range fights. “Matador†quickly found out that if she ever allowed the mercenaries to come into the cities, it would be her doom. Therefore, she devised a plan that made the best of the different forces available to her. The kamfgruppe together with the militia was deployed as far as possible from the cities and equipped with long range missiles and cannons. As hers was the only ‘Mech available, she saw that it could not be allowed to appear only in one place as it would be avoided and show how weak her forces were. Therefore, she decided as the terrain was different everywhere meaning that the enemy would not be really able to co-ordinate its attacks to use the advantage she enjoyed with her control of inner lines and to provide added firepower when needed. The final result was on a lower scale a repetition of the battle of Twin Peaks in 3021. The Hunchback supported by the other heavy ‘Mechs tried for one week but did not manage to get through the firewall shot at them from concealed positions. Believing they were facing at least an under strength company of ‘Mechs backed up by several companies of infantry, the elements of the 15th Dracon decided to retreat off world. In her after action report, Commander Lagrimas analysed that there were four decisive factors in the latest battle: the knowledge about her opponent, the use of inner lines, the headhunting operations of Ensign Mary Covendale supported by infantry that did not allow the 15th Dracon to really co-ordinate their attacks and the increased capacity of the Dhoondna to stay on the field thanks to the different combinations of weapons available on this ‘Mech.
Deployment:
Due to the need to import Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser from the Taurian Concordat, an agreement had to be made with them. Unwilling to give a potential enemy, the latest production of its ‘Mechs, the Canopian decided to give only one lance a year of Dhoondna to the Taurian Concordat with the remaining of the production being sent to fire support units across the Magistracy. Surprisingly enough, this unfair agreement was warmly welcomed by the Taurians.
-
And so ends the first round of Canopian Retrofitted Designs.
I still have 8 'Mechs for 3050 and further away but the company never grew into something big.
-
The Dhoondna reminds me of that low tech Enforcer you spoke about in the other contest.
Can't wait to see your 3050 era mods!
-
The Dhoondna reminds me of that low tech Enforcer you spoke about in the other contest.
Can't wait to see your 3050 era mods!
I had another one in mind. I really need to dig in my archives.
-
Uqaab UAB-2MK
Level: Custom Level 2 / 3050
Technology: Inner Sphere Quad
Tonnage: 40 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
House Marik Inner Sphere
BATTLEROM IMAGE FEBRUARY 2, 3052
** FOR THE WATCH USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 200 8.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 5 MP
Run: 8 [10] MP
Jump: 0 MP
Double Heat Sinks: 13 [26] 3T
8 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Endo-Steel Standard
Tons 2 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 18/6
L/R Torso 10 15/4
L/R Arm 6 20
L/R Leg 10 20
Standard
Battle Value: 1125
C-Bill Cost: 3,677,426
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 ER Large Laser LT 2 5
2 Double Heat Sink LT 6 2
1 MASC CT 2 2
1 ER Large Laser RT 2 5
3 Double Heat Sink RT 9 3
Totals
35 12
Overview:
Disoriented by the lack of clear leadership following the disappearance in action against the Capellans during the Andurien Campaign of Commander Bileygr, Canopian Retrofitted Designs did not manage to put into production any new designs for around 20 years and saw most of its brilliants minds leave for newer and more daring companies.
This was before the year 3049 when Ana Bileygr, Commander Bileygr’s own daughter, graduated from the NAIS. Going back to Canopus IV, she decided to make use of her shares to take over the control of the company and to save her father’s dream.
Seeing that the lines of production were outdated by modern standards and were unable to use the new technological findings, she decided that the company should first focus on the designing part, outsourcing the production of any new model. This would last until enough money was saved to upgrade the lines.
As such, the call for tender released by the LCCC fitted perfectly in the new strategy and was more then welcomed, offering the designers of Canopian Retrofitted Designs, the opportunity to work with new technology at little cost for the company (thanks to the advantageous conditions offered by the call).
Herself a talented engineer, Ana Bileygr quickly decided to throw away the remnants of the previous R&D projects to allow for real innovative thinking.
She envisioned a ‘Mech able to "fall on its enemy like a hawk on its prey". As the eagle was also the symbol of House Marik, the analogy was seen as a good omen. To keep with the traditions of Canopian Retrofitted Designs, the new ‘Mech was christened Uqaab, which in urdu (a common language to both the Free Worlds League and the Magistracy of Canopus) means eagle.
Capabilities:
Unwilling to completely throw away the experience acquired in the past and eager to offer an outstanding product before anybody else, the engineering team decided to create a light Medium ‘Mech, weighing only 40 tons. However, they decided also to take a risk and create a quad ‘Mech, thinking that the increased stability and mobility would be tremendous assets.
Deciding to discard the costly and vulnerable Extra Light Engine for boosting the speed, the engineers selected the good and tried Nissan 200 (already used on the HBK-5M Hunchback, the version of House Marik) coupled to a MASC system, allowing the ‘Mech to run at 86.4 kph and to reach for brief periods of time 108 kph (more than most light and medium ‘Mechs could ever dream of reaching).
Conscious that some weight saving material had to be used if this ‘Mech had to fulfil its duty, the Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel used on the 40 tons Hermes II was selected for its resistance and lightness. It was coupled with 9.5 tons of Durallex Heavy armour, providing nearly maximum armour and more protection than what pilots from Medium ‘Mechs are used to.
Now was the time to focus on the talons of the ‘Mechs, i.e. the weapons. Focusing on the fight at long range and on the capacity to operate nearly forever, two brand new Extended Range Large Lasers were selected as they provided the best ratio between firepower, range, heat efficiency and costs. Keeping on with the selection of pure Free World Leagues products, the Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser was selected. This proven weapon was already in use on venerable designs such as the Phoenix Hawk or the Thunderbolt and was known for its reliability in all circumstances. To allow the ‘Mech to operate all the time, 13 Double Heat Sinks were used, giving the pilot complete control of the heat built, even when moving at full speed and firing both lasers.
Eager to provide the best electronic systems to their "bird of prey", the engineers selected the Irian E.A.R. as communications system and the Wasat Agressor Type 6F with Omnilink as targeting & tracking system. Both systems were known for their easiness of repair and their great efficiency as they were used on the Hermes II.
Looking at the final result, Ana Bileygr was more than satisfied of offering such a ‘Mech for less than 3,750,000 C Bills.
Configuration / Variants:
As this is a brand new ‘Mech, no variants have reached the market yet.
Battle History:
Unable to test it against the Clans, the LCCC decided to test the Uqaab in the Periphery and issued the first set produced to the 8th Orloff Grenadiers. The "Scourge of the Periphery" already made use of the new design, using it as a harasser and a head hunter design.
One of the most notable actions was on Hazeldean, a desert planet. The only UAB-2MK of the 2nd Company of the 3rd Battalion was sent forward to scout for the location of an unknown pirate force. Using the full speed of its ‘Mech and the flat ground, ‘MechWarrior James "Flash" Gordon was able to infiltrate deep in the pirate lines. In a bold move, he decided to attack a medium lance that was moving his way. Focusing on the heaviest ‘Mech, a Quickdraw, he was able to destroy it with a few shots at long range and then withdraw before anyone could fire back.
In the next couple of hours and through hit and run attacks, he managed to take down two more ‘Mechs while being hunted by more and more pirates. This allowed the Company to move at once and to effectively destroy the scattered pirates.
Deployment:
For now, the UAB-2MK Uqaab is still in the test period and as such is deployed only in the 8th Orloff Grenadiers. However, more and more commanders of light units are asking the LCCC to be given access to this design too.
-
Sarparast SPT-2MK
Level: Custom Level 2 / 3050
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 50 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
House Marik Inner Sphere
BATTLEROM IMAGE OCTOBER 22, 3052
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 200 8.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 4 MP
Run: 6 MP
Jump: 3 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
8 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Endo-Steel Standard
Tons 2.5 11
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 24/8
L/R Torso 12 18/6
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 24
Standard
Battle Value: 873
C-Bill Cost: 3,942,250
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Autocannon/10 LA 7 12
1 Small Pulse Laser LA 1 1
2 Ammo (Autocannon/10) 10 LT 2 2
1 Beagle Active Probe LT 2 1.5
1 CASE LT 1 0.5
1 Jump Jets LL 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink LL 1 1
1 Jump Jets CT 1 0.5
1 Jump Jets RL 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink RL 1 1
2 Ammo (SRM-2) 50 RT 2 2
1 CASE RT 1 0.5
1 SRM-2 RA 1 1
1 Flamer RA 1 1
Totals
37 23
Overview:
Always eager to accept new challenges, Ana Bileygr agreed, at the end of 3051, to answer to the call of the 8th Orloff Grenadiers. They wanted a ‘Mech able to support the Bashi-Bazook, their infantry, in urban environments or during the destruction of fortified positions. However, it should also be useful in open grounds (something the UrbanMechs and Hunchbacks assigned to the unit could not do) as the 8th felt that it could not afford to have a really specialised ‘Mech and a last important thing was that it had to keep a low price as the unit was acting out of the official supply channel (mostly because they did not trust the LCCC to give them the needed ‘Mech) and as such had little money to invest into the project.
Although this ‘Mech would be clearly outside of the usual range of ‘Mechs produced by Canopian Retrofitted Designs, everyone agreed that if approved, this design would be a royal entry to securing the new market of the Free Worlds League.
While the designers were working on the yet to be named ‘Mech, one of the technicians, having heard of the project, told during one coffee break that "this ‘Mech’s gonna be the big bro’ of the little men, guarding ‘hem against anyone". One engineer hearing him decided that guardian would perfectly fit this new ‘Mech and as such it was christened the Sarparast (guardian in Urdu).
Capabilities:
Since they had no real experience in designing such ‘Mechs, the engineers watched hours of holovids from battles fought by the former Bileygr’s Kampgruppen and by the 8th Orloff Grenadiers to find out what were the needed features of such ‘Mechs. Of peculiar interest to them were the battles fought with or against an UrbanMech or a Hunchback. Discarding the UrbanMech as being too light and slow for doing any good, they decided to use the Hunchback as their starting point.
However the final result does not look anything like its parent as even the internal structure was changed for a lighter Crucis-II Delux Endo Steel, the Durallex Tensile-4 armour was increased to its maximum and it was reshaped to work better against modern weapons (thus the new lighter look). Both measures were needed as the SPT-2MK was likely to be at the forefront of heavy fighting.
Seeing no real problem with the speed and the Nissan 200 (and knowledgeable of the impact on price this could have), the engineers decided to keep the maximum speed of 63.5 kph as this would allow the Sarparast to still be quicker than the infantry it was supposed to protect. However 3 Rawlings 50 were added to increase its mobility by allowing it to jump 90 meters.
Now came one of the most important parts for the ‘Mech: the weapons. What was needed was a primary weapon with some range and able to deal with ‘Mechs and fortified strongholds. After a lot of trials and after looking at ‘Mechs of similar weight, they decided to use a Autocannon 10 like in the Enforcer (and no one would say that this ‘Mech was not dangerous). However the Free Worlds League was not producing this weapon but this problem was quickly solved by slightly increasing the imports of Pontiac 50 from the Taurian Concordat and the truth was hidden by saying that this was due to an increased demand on BDQ-1MC Bandooq. The Autocannon was placed in the left arm and supplied by two tons of ammo to ensure it would not have to leave quickly the battlefield. The ammo was further secured by adding a CASE system to further protect the pilot for explosions.
With the main weapon secured, the engineers turned out to the secondary ones. Keeping in mind the missions it was going to perform, they made the choice of two proven weapons against infantry and vehicles and of a new one. Together with the Pontiac 50, they put in the left arm the Sunglow Prism-Optic Small Pulse Laser having heard that it did wonders against infantry. The next weapon was an Irian Weapons Works Class 2 SRM-2, already used on the Wasp. To increase its efficiency, it was provided with two tons of Inferno ammo carefully packed within another CASE system in the right torso. The last weapon chosen was the flamer from Flame Tech already used on the Vulcan and that was feared by any infantry.
The final step was to add an Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System with Beagle Active Probe (used in the Hermes, a well-known scout ‘Mech) in order to allow the Saparast to better prevent traps for the infantry.
Since all those weapons did not produce a lot of heat, 10 normal heat sinks were used but two of them were put into the legs, allowing the traditional tactic of increasing the cooling down thanks to any body of water.
However, it was felt that this would not be enough if the Clans were to push in the Free Worlds League as according to all reports, their Elementals were much more resistant and annoying than normal infantry. This problem was addressed in two different ways. The first one was to give the SPT-2MK two heavy battle fists to allow it to punch the battle-armor. The second one was to experiment with a new system diverting some of the energy produced by the fusion engine into a small device activated on command. When activated, this would electrify the whole external armour of the ‘Mech with a high voltage field that is supposed to be high enough to knock down the Elementals (for now, it is pure speculation as no real test was ever done). However, this is not a really popular measure as it usually completely disconnect the whole electronics of the ‘Mech, shutting it down. But since desperate times call for desperate measures, the device was left on the final prototypes.
Configuration / Variants:
One variant is being produced at a rate of one per lance. This variant labelled SPT-21MK replaces the Beagle Active Probe with a Guardian ECM system linked to the Corean Transband-J9 communication system.
Battle History:
So far, the main fight involving the Sarparast SPT-2MK was on Alphard on July 3052 against the Prima Auxilia Alphardensis. In answer to Caesar Sean’s building power, the LCCC decided to plan a raid on its main planet. The objective was not to destroy but rather to scare him and to prevent him from trying to launch his armies at the Free Worlds League.
The raid went quite smoothly until the Bashi-Bazook, on their way back, had to attack heavily fortified positions defended by the fanatical Prima Auxilia Alphardensis. Unable to break through them and with the First Legion on their kneels, they asked for support by Senior Lieutenant Eric "Pontiac" Pontious.
Moving quickly and with the enemy closing in, he decided to go straight ahead on the main fortification and to blow it away with massed fire of autocannons. When this happened, the infantry went forward only to be repulsed by heavy firepower from the remaining survivors.
Having no time to find another way of dealing with this unexpected resistance, Senior Lieutenant Eric "Pontiac" Pontious decided to lead the way with his ‘Mechs and to suppress any resistance. Using all their weapons, the lance promptly and without any second thought destroyed the main body of survivors, making the other pockets flee in fear.
Thanks to this action and to the further rear guard actions of the Sarparast, the Bashi-Bazook were able to escape from the planet. Facing an impressive number of heavy ‘Mechs, two of the four SPT-2MK were destroyed and the pilots of the remaining two were severely injured but the test was considered a success just because of the dealing of the fortified positions.
The next task assigned to Senior Lieutenant Eric "Pontiac" Pontious once he was out of the hospital was to train more with the infantry to perfect their teamwork and prevent unnecessary casualties.
Deployment:
Only two lances worth have been produced so far and they were all sent to the 8th Orloff Grenadiers that because of its success (which costed nearly two of the 8 'Mechs produced so far and sent to heavy repair two more) asked the League Central Coordination and Command to buy more of this ‘Mech.
So far, this request has received no answers and many feel that the continuous shows of independence from the Grenadiers are beginning to make Thomas Marik and the LCCC angry.
-
A more modern couple of designs. ;)
-
A more modern couple of designs. ;)
Yes. Those coming now are the more modern ones with the armoury going up and down.
-
Banderillero BNO-MC
Level:
Custom Level 2 / 3075
Era [Rules]:
Clan Invasion [Tournament Legal]
Technology:
Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage:
20 Tons
Designer:
Ice Hellion
Armory:
Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Banderillero SSW (Solaris Skunk Werks) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus
Banderillero BNO-MC
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Production Year: 3070
Extinct By: Never
Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 140 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Medium Lasers
1 Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
'MechWarriors and their Toys.
Today, we are lucky to have been allowed to interview Estrella Lagrimas also known as Matador.
I am sure that our oldest readers will remember her as she already appeared several times in our Periphery pages but for the younger ones, I think we will ask her to present herself.
N.A.: So Miss Lagrimas, could you tell a little more about yourself for those who don't know you?
E.L.: Well, I am Estrella Lagrimas, also known as Matador, retired Major of the Magistracy Armed Forces, former member of Billeygr's Kampfgruppen, of Raventhir's Iron Hand, of the 1st Canopian Cuirassiers and of the 3rd Canopian Fusiliers.
I am a veteran of several Pirate Campaigns, of the Andurien-Canopian Crisis, of Operation Bulldog and of the Xin Sheng Campaign.
N.A.: That's quite impressive but this means that you are probably among the oldest Magistracy 'MechWarriors alive and for sure one of the most experienced ones.
How did you manage to get through this more than 40 years of fighting?
E.L.: I could say my own talents or luck but this would be a lie or at least not the full truth. I think I own everything to a man, “Eismannâ€
N.A.: This isn't a name, this is a nickname.
E.L.: You are clever but this all you will get from me.
N.A.: Okay, I've heard that you were making a comeback and that you are participating in a contest named WAKAMOLE or something like that.
Could you be more precise?
E.L.: Not really. You should ask the organisers of this contest if you can reach them.
N.A.: Fair game but I've heard rumours that you were going to ride in a 'Mech designed by a small and rather unknown company: Canopian Retrofitted Designs.
Do you confirm or deny this?
E.L.: I can only confirm it but I disagree with you, Canopian Retrofitted Designs is perhaps nowadays a small and unknown company but it has a glorious past in the Magistracy although the last 35 years have not been kind on it.
N.A.: Okay but what changed there to allow them and you to make this comeback?
E.L.: For me, it is simple. This is my way of keeping my word and to make sure that I don't disappoint old friends.
Plus, Canopian Retrofitted Designs just got a new promising new Chief Engineer that graduated from Capella War College a couple of years ago and already worked for a Solaris VII Stable by building the Cricket.
You might have heard of him: Karl Billeygr.
N.A.: Never heard of him but I remember something about a Light 'Mech named this way.
E.L.: Well, if he has only half the talent of his deceased mother, you should keep his name on your tables.
N.A.: I will.
So we have a retired 'MechWarrior, a company that is only a shadow of its former self and a rather unknown Engineer.
And with this, you are going to pilot a brand new and untried Light 'Mech into a competition against some heavier designs manufactured by some of the best companies in the Inner Sphere. Am I right?
E.L. [smiling]: That's right Nelson but do you know the tradition of the corrida? Little men putting their life in front of more than 1,014 lb of a raging bull and killing them.
N.A.: And?
E.L. [smiling even more]: Well, they are called Matadores or in singular Matador.
N.A.: I think you are quite confident
E.L.: No. I am realistic.
N.A.: Then, could you tell us a little more about your new ride? It is a Banderi
E.L.: A Banderillero. And before you ask for it, those are men helping the matador by harassing the bull and tiring it with the use of small sticks.
And this is exactly what this 'Mech does.
N.A.: Would you describe it as a Light 'Mech designed to harass its opponents at close range?
E.L.: Exactly.
N.A.: Do you really think that on the modern battlefield, there is still room for this kind of little bugger?
E.L.: I do.
N.A: You must be really crazy.
E.L.: Not really or I wouldn't have survived for so long.
Let's look a closer look at the Banderillero, shall we?
N.A.: If you want.
E.L.: Thank you.
It is one of the lightest 'Mech on the market with its 20 tons putting it in the same category as good old classics of the Magistracy: the Locust, the Wasp or the Stinger.
With a top speed of 118.8 kph, it is among the fastest 'Mech available without one of these fragile modern things such as Extra-Light Engine or a MASC.
N.A.: Does it have any Jump Jets?
E.L.: No. I would have liked it but life is all about trade-offs and together with Karl decided to focus on protection and give it the maximum armour that its light frame could carry: 4.5 tons.
N.A.: Isn't this a bit too risky?
E.L.: Check the Commando, it can't jump but no one will call it a risky design to pilot.
N.A.: Did you give it weapons?
E.L. [with a faint smile]: Really funny Nelson but we didn't want another Ostscout.
We gave it two Martell Model 5, a respectable firepower for such a 'Mech. Don't you think so?
N.A.: Perhaps
E.L.: Only perhaps? Find me a 20 tons 'Mech with such a firepower and provided with good fire angles thanks to location in the arms but those weapons are just there for distraction.
N.A.: Distraction?
E.L.: Yes. The real “banderilla†of this 'Mech is the Apple Churchill Guardian in the Centre Torso.
With it, the modern and advanced system of any opponent like Artemis IV, C3/C3i Computer networks, Narc Missile Beacons and Beagle Active Probe are jammed and unable to work efficiently.
And modern 'MechWarriors don't know any longer how to work without them, leaving them vulnerable.
N.A.: So you are counting on your superior experience with good old and tried weapon systems to win?
E.L.: Not only.
The cooling system is also quite efficient with two major innovations: the use of a separated Heat Sink in the Right Arm under the Medium Laser and the 2 Heat Sinks in each Leg that can open a little more to slightly increase the cooling capacity.
N.A.: It sounds cool.
Did you try it in combat already?
E.L.: What do you think?
N.A.: Tell me.
E.L.: I can't agree or disagree with you but let's just say that I am still here.
N.A.: I think this concludes our interview.
Let me wish you good luck.
E.L.: Thank you.
-
Ceithernach CH-MC
Level:
Custom Level 2 / 3075
Era [Rules]:
Clan Invasion [Tournament Legal]
Technology:
Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage:
50 Tons
Designer:
Ice Hellion
Armory:
Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Ceithernach SSW (Solaris Skunk Werks) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus
Ceithernach CH-MC
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Production Year: 3070
Extinct By: Never
Chassis: Star League M-ES Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Nissan 200 Fusion XL Engine
Cruising Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: HildCo LFT 9-X
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Grumman-3 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Norse-Storm M-7D Gauss Rifle
1 Krupp Model 7 MML-7
2 Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Hector VII
Targeting and Tracking System: Starlight LX-1
A cell in a Solaris VII jail
- Karl? Wake up Karl! Sleeping time is over
- ...
- Karl! Stop sleeping. We have a job to do.
- Stop shouting Estrella, it is too early in the morning and I have a major headache.
- Too early? It is 2 in the afternoon and the headache is the result of you drinking too much.
- Drinking? Come on Estrella, you know I don't drink alcohol.
- Well, you did... yesterday, you got into a bar fight and now I have to get you out of jail.
- Serious?
- Do you remember the last time you saw me joking with you? I don't and just look around you, does this look like anything you know?
Karl sits down on his bed and looks around.
- True. So what do we do now?
- First, I have to pay to get you out of jail and then I will bring you back to the drawing board so that you can work on the next design for the contest...
A voice comes out of a second bed.
- Contest? What are you two talking about?
- Who are you?
- Me?
- Yes, you.
- Just ask your man. I ended here because of him.
- Karl?
- I don't remember really well.
[...]
I was in a bar, drinking to forget the poor results of my latest designs and then I was hit by something and then I don't remember anything.
- I can complete the whole picture if you want.
Your friend here decided to defend the colours of the Magistracy in a bar full of Andurien 'MechWarriors.
- And you?
- I always disliked uneven fights and even if I think that both the Magistracy and the Free Worlds League aren't worth a drop of my sweat, I decided to side with your man and here we are.
- Not worth a drop of your sweat? According to the police files, both of you took down 4 men before the cops came in and as I know Karl, I guess you took them down on your own.
- Perhaps but for what it is worth.
- Can I at least know your name?
- Helen Campbell.
- And what do you do for a living?
- I just arrived here after being kicked out of the Sanglamore Academy for so called pro Free Skye activism.
- And?
- And nothing. Now, just let me and get out of here.
Hotel room
- Thanks for letting me out of jail but don't think I own you anything for that.
- I didn't expect much from you so I guess a thank you is more than enough.
- Really funny. Where is our little friend?
- You mean Karl? He is already working on a new design for you.
- For me?
- Yes. I did tell you I would give you a job, didn't I?
- Yes but I thought you were joking.
- Me? My last good joke was a long time ago.
- And since then?
- I lost too many good friends.
...
- I guess you don't want to talk about it, do you?
Last Name: Campbell
First Name: Helen
Callsign: Rob
Born: 01/23/3050 on Skye
Military education:
First two years at the Sanglamore Academy.
Kicked out for pro Free Ske activism.
Evaluation:
Among the top twenty percent of her class.
Top student in close combat.
Lack of attention in theoretical classes.
Daredevil attitude in combat situations.
- You should rather go with Karl to help him design the 'Mech that suits your needs.
- My needs?
- I prefer to have you fighting in a 'Mech that suits you rather than a standardized one.
Later, in another room
- So are you rather light or heavy?
- Karl! This is not a question to ask to a lady.
- I was talking about your 'Mech, not you my dear.
- I only got the chance of training on a Chameleon before getting kicked out.
- So, let's go for a 'Mech weighing 50 tons.
- Slow or quick?
- In between but mobile enough.
- 64.8 km/h with a jumping capacity of 120m? Like the good old Enforcer?
- If you say so.
- And for your weapons?
- Allow me to fire at all ranges.
- Too much Chameleon, I guess.
- Sorry?
- Nevermind. So good firepower at all ranges?
- You got it right.
- What about a good old Lyran favorite? The Norse Strom M-7D Gauss Rifle?
- Maximum firepower and range?
- Exactly. I will put it into the Left Arm to increase the firing arc.
Now, for your secondary weapons, what about a brand new MML-7 straight out of Krupp factories on Earth?
- A MML? The Missile Launcher that can be used as a LRM or a SRM?
- That one exactly. I will put it into the Right Torso together with one ton of LRM and SRM ammo.
- But this is dangerous.
- Yes but we will pack them into a CASE to protect your life.
- You're too kind.
- And to complete this, two good old Martell Medium Lasers, one in the Right Arm and the other in the Left Torso.
- And protection?
- You already have the CASE, no?
- And armour? You know the little thing that protects me from harm?
With a smile
- I will give your 'Mech the maximum amount its skeleton can bear or near it.
With a sudden burst of rage
- No way.
- What?
- I can't do it, we are trying to pack too much thing on it.
But I have a solution although the price will skyrocket.
- Yes?
- I will use extra-light materials like a XL engine and an Endo-Steel structure.
- Will it work?
- Yes, provided you don't try to fire everything at once as this 'Mech is not designed to do this.
- You know what you did Karl?
- Not a clue.
- You designed a smaller Highlander.
- Wrong. This is a Ceithernach.
- A what?
- A light infantry unit that accompanied mercenary heavy infantry units from the Highlands.
- To me, it is still a smaller Highlander.
- Did you listen to what I told you?
- Of course.
With a big smile
- It is a smaller Highlander.
The merciless Macdonwald--
Worthy to be a rebel, for to that
The multiplying villanies of nature
Do swarm upon him--from the western isles
Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied;
Began a fresh assault.
Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 1
-
Only 4 remaining.
-
Dharaaona DAA-2MK
Level: Custom Level 2 / 3050
Technology: Inner Sphere Quad
Tonnage: 20 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
House Marik Inner Sphere
Tags
No Tags posted
BATTLEROM IMAGE MAY 10, 3052
** FOR COMSTAR USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 120 4T
Gyro: Standard 2T
Walk: 6 MP
Run: 9 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
4 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Ferro-Fibrous
Tons 2 3.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 6 9/3
L/R Torso 5 6/3
L/R Arm 3 6
L/R Leg 4 6
Standard
Battle Value: 368
C-Bill Cost: 1,765,440
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Heat Sink LA 1 1
1 SRM-2 LT 1 1
1 Ammo (SRM-2) 50 LT 1 1
1 Beagle Active Probe LT 2 1.5
1 Heat Sink LL 1 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RT 1 1
1 Small Pulse Laser RT 1 1
1 Heat Sink RA 1 1
Totals
26 5.5
Overview:
At the beginning of the 3050s, the staff of the 8th Orloff Grenadiers was becoming increasingly worried with what they see as the logical evolution for the Scourge of the Periphery, the split of their regiments into battalions assigned to garrison or to bring peace to one specific world.
Seeing that this would prevent them to efficiently support the Bashi-Bazook as the Sarparast were assigned to the 'Mech regiment and since it was out of question to split the forces below the battalion level, they asked in mid 3052 through their chain of command, the Chief Armorer Admiral Adam Tam the authorisation to launch a contract with Canopian Retrofitted Designs for what they called a cheap light infantry support 'Mech that would be assigned directly to the Bashi-Bazook and piloted not by true 'MechWarriors but by soldiers from the unit.
Once granted the authorisation and under the express order that unlike the Sarparast this design if successful would be shared with the other units, the unit contacted Ana Bileygr to see if Canopian Retrofitted Designs could work on such a design.
Seeing this as the golden opportunity to officially get a foot within the Free Worlds League (her strategy from the beginning), she gathered a team and they immediately began to work on it.
Capabilities:
Since it was meant to be cheap, the weight was set up at 20 tons and only the minimal amount of new technology was used.
Looking at the mobility aspect, it was decided not to put any jump jets as most opponents would be infantry and vehicles and as such a pure ground mobility would be more than enough to deal with most of them. However not willing to take any risk, the engineering team set up the walking speed at 64.8 kph similar to the one found in the Wasp and the Stinger, classical light 'Mechs of the same weight. Thus, the 'Mech received a Magna 120 produced by Irian Battlemechs Unlimited for the Wasp.
The next step was to decide the trade-off between armor and firepower. For the same reason as the elution of jump jets, it was decided to provide priority to the second one. However willing to decrease the weigh burden of the prototype, the engineering team at Canopian Retrofitted Designs decided to use Ferro Fibrous armor (this choice was made as much because of a desire to experiment with something new than because of the difficulties faced with the Sarparast). But even then, with 3.5 tons of Jolassa-328 Ferro-Fibrous (the same found in the WSP-3M), it is more armored than any 20 tons 'Mech produced in the Inner Sphere.
The set of weapons was thought to be efficient and intimidating at the same time. A Sunglow Prism-Optic Small Pulse Laser used on the Hunchback was selected for the right torso to knock down any infantry or mob assault. To strike fear in their hearts, the Irian Weapons Works Class 2 of the Wasp was used on the left side but was loaded with Inferno ammunitions.
Although this last one is partially efficient against vehicles, Ana Bileygr felt that this 'Mech was still missing some fire power against heavier vehicles and a few occasional 'Mechs. This came in the form of a Hellion-V Medium Laser another proven design used in the Hermes. This weapon was put in the right torso above the Small Pulse Laser.
With some weight left, the choice had to be made between putting a Beagle Active Probe and a Guardian ECM, both of which could prove useful. However, one of the engineers said that if this 'Mech is to intimidate people, it shall find them even when they are hidden and when another added that against the low technology available to the rebels, an ECM would be wasted. As such, a Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System with Beagle Active Probe used in the Hermes was used as targeting system. To keep things simple, the Irian Telstar communication system also used on the Hermes was installed on the 'Mech.
Special care was given to the piloting system as the pilots would all be green. The inspiration came from the Chameleon and its easy to use system. Also, a special computer was added in order to gather the information available in the different sensors and displays and present them in a clear way to the 'MechWarrior.
The last part was the general aspect of the 'Mech. As it was designed also to make people still just by looking at it, it was decided to make it a quad (even if it would prove more difficult to pilot for the 'MechWarriors) and to make it look like a giant spider with sharpened angles and a higher and menacing medium laser that looks like it is on a turret.
When the first Bashi-Bazook came to give their advice, one of them said that this 'Mech was dharaaona or scary in urdu. Everybody agreed that this name would reinforce this impression and as such the 'Mech was christened the DAA-2MK Dharaaona.
Configuration / Variants:
Since this is as a brand new design, no variants have been spotted so far.
Battle History:
So far the Dharaaona has seen battle only once on the planet of Ghaziabad.
As rumours were spreading of a small group of religious rebels pretending that the end of time was near, the FWL decided that it was time to bring civil peace to Ghaziabad and as such in late 3052 dispatched the Bashi-Bazook with their lance of new Dharaaona.
At that time, it was expected that one DAA-2MK would provide support for one infantry company. As the 1st company of the 2nd Battalion was patrolling a secure area and had left its Dharaaona at the base camp, they felt into a massive ambush supported by a pair of light tanks.
When he received news from that coward act, Corporal John Hook, the pilot of their DAA-2MK, went completely berserk and disobeying direct orders, he rushed towards the site of the ambush managing to flank the light tanks and to destroy them. Seeing that the rebels decided to withdraw into hiding. However thanks to its superior speed and to the Beagle Active Probe, John Hook was able to track them efficiently using its inferno ammunitions on them to make them burn in Hell for what they had done.
When reinforcements reached the site, there were no survivors and Corporal John Hook was still shouting out loud about how he had failed to his former comrades. He was immediately send to an asylum (had he not, he would have been sent to court-martial for disobeying direct orders and improper use of force).
The positive news is that the green light was given for producing the Dharaaona. However officers are expected to watch over the pilots and to move them to another company if they become too deeply involved with the infantry they are supposed to protect.
Deployment:
So far only a lance has been deployed with the 8th Orloff Grenadiers and Canopian Retrofitted Designs is busy trying to produce more (at an estimated rate of a lance every 6 months). However, the next months should see an increase in the availability of the DAA-2MK as Irian BattleMechs Unlimited has received the blueprints for producing the Dharaaona for the other units of the Free Worlds League.
-
Kalki KI-MC
Level:
Custom Level 2 / 2750
Era [Rules]:
Clan Invasion [Tournament Legal]
Technology:
Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage:
65 Tons
Designer:
Ice Hellion
Armory:
Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Kalki SSW (Solaris Skunk Werks) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus
Kalki KI-MC
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Production Year: 3070
Extinct By: Never
Chassis: Technicron 1Z Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Numall DuraBond Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Yeffters Weapons Factory/Mydron Excel LB 10-X AC
2 Meers-Skobel Defense Corporation/Moscovia Light PPCs
1 Vandenberg Mechanized Industries/Shannon Six-Shooter SRM-6
3 Majesty Metals and Manufacturing/Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Achernar Electronics HICK-4
Targeting and Tracking System: Tek Tru-Trak
A small hangar bay.
Big noises made by things being thrown on the ground.
I am tired of all these primadonnas.
What happens to you Sven?
Who is it?
Relax man, it's me. So tell me what happens to you?
You know this new pilot Matador brought from nowhere?
You mean the girl from the United Hindu Collective ?
This is where she comes from?
Yes. I got some hints from my friend in the Security Department. She seems to be a former militia 'MechWarrior, fresh out of the Academy but according to some, her Watchman made incredible moves when no one else was there to see it.
If no one was there to see it, how come you and your friend know about this?
[…]
Bah, it doesn't really matter, I am still tired of working for a gang of primadonnas that seem unable to hit anything.
I asked you this already Sven. What is the problem?
As you might know, I am the one that has to work on her new 'Mech.
Yes, I know that but this shouldn't be a problem as I never heard of a 'MechWarrior unwilling to have his own tailor-made bright new BattleMech.
The problem is I don't understand what she wants.
You asked her?
Yep and she replied to me quoting I don't know what. And I didn't understand the language either.
Did she wrote it down?
Of course, I know how to watch my back.
Can I see it?
[…]
I can see from your face that you have no idea what she wants, right?
Right. But I know someone who will help us understand
Later, somewhere else in the hangars of Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Hey Mike. Are you here?
Don't put this light in my eyes.
Sorry Mike but I didn't see you in this place you call home.
Mudhole? Slimy? My home this is!
Don't begin with your quotes from hidden, old and unknown philosophers. You know I don't understand you.
I am wondering, why are you here?
For my friend, here. He has a job to perform and only cryptic indications. So I thought that I would come and see my old friend Mike OurLady.
Are you serious? Is last name is OurLady?
Yes, he said once to me that his was a famous name but I never believed him. Anyway Sven, give him your piece of paper.
Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is. Meditate on this I will.
That's all?
Don't be rude Sven. We will now leave and he will come back to us when he has the answer.
But you know I only have one week to give her a new ride?
Yes and hurrying Mike is not the best idea you might have.
One day later, in a mobile design room of Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Why did you bring me here? I still don't know what to do for her.
Mike, contacted me and he said he had the answer.
Really? He said that?
Well in his ways, yes.
What do you mean by that?
He said “Much to learn, you still have.â€
And this means he found the answer.
I think so.
With an angry voice
You think so?
Control, control, you must learn control!
Who said that? Ah Mike you were here.
Did you find the meaning?
He slew the dragon who lay on the mountain;
Tvashtar fashioned for him the roaring Vajra.
[With a sound] like lowing milch cows, the flowing waters ran quickly down to the ocean.
Indra slew Vritra , the greatest of Vritras, with the vajra;
(slew) the shoulderless one with his great weapon.
Like branches/shoulders of a tree hewn off by an axe, the dragon lies flat on the ground.
Not for him did the lightning avail, nor thunder, no what mist and hail-stones he scattered.
When Indra and the dragon fought,
the Generous One was victorious (then) and for the future.
What does this mean?
[…]
Mike are you there?
Your friend left us and we don't have a clue about how I am supposed to turn a poem into a 'Mech.
Don't worry, I am sure we will find something.
Yeah, sure.
Yes we will, just read it and find something.
I don't understand a word of this text.
Come on.
No, I don't.
Okay, I will give you a hand.
You are serious?
Didn't I do it already?
No comment.
[…]
I guess she wants to defeat Vritra, the Dragon of Ignorance.
This could mean the Word of Blake.
Let's say so.
How did she plan on doing this?
With thunder and rain.
Thunder and rain?
Yes and with noisy weapons.
Rain? What about using a LB10-X with cluster ammo? This could make the trick.
Not bad. Thunder is something linked to energy weapons... I saw brand new Light PPCs in the stock, they have the same range as the LB10-X and they should do the trick, no?
Okay. So we have long and middle ranges covered. What about short range?
Rain and thunder... A big SRM rack with some Medium Lasers?
This would do the trick but what about the rest.
You know these 'MechWarriors, don't you? Just give them good protection, decent speed and the capacity to fire as much as they want and they will be happy.
[…]
So Tvashtar, did you finish my weapons?
Yes, here is Kalki, the Destroyer of Ignorance.
You did a good job Tvashtar, I am more than happy with you.
-
Cricket KA-1
Level: Custom Level 2 / 3060
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 30 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
Tags
No Tags posted
BATTLEROM IMAGE OCTOBER 22, 3063
** FOR ISF USE ONLY **
SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 240 11.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
Walk: 8 MP
Run: 12 MP
Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10 0T
9 in Engine
Internal Structure Armor
Standard Ferro-Fibrous
Tons 3 4
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 10/3
L/R Torso 7 8/3
L/R Arm 5 6
L/R Leg 7 8
Standard
Battle Value: 508
C-Bill Cost: 2,685,800
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 SRM-4 LA 1 2
1 Ammo (SRM-4) 25 LT 1 1
1 CASE LT 1 0.5
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
1 SRM-4 RA 1 2
Totals
19 5.5
Overview:
10/13/3063
I hate Senior Engineer Randolf Gomes, the only guy chewing a wet cigar on all Solaris VII. Senior engineer... I think he is jealous of me being directly “contracted†by Caleb Justusson, boos of Gaunt Wolf Stables for building his new 'Mech. This is probably why he refused to give me this work and "allowed" me to create the new ride of Kailynn Jaeger, our boss' niece.
I can only think now of unpacking my things in the tidy room he assigned me. I will begin to see what I have at hands and what she would like tomorrow morning.
10/14/3063
After a day like this, I do wonder why I graduated from college and more importantly why I was sent on a loan by Canopian Retrofitted Designs..
The young lady refused to meet me, saying that I was a mere manual worker and that it would be improper of her to see me. According to the others, she is nothing but a spoiled kid. It seems that her parents died and that her uncle took her under his custody but he must have been too gentle to her.
After that, I found out that in spite of my initial contract, I have only access to a limited amount of spare parts. The most important restriction is that I can only use an old version of the Pitban 240. It does not even carry double heat sinks. I thought this was standard equipment by now.
Enough of this, I only have two ways of this: do it or leave it. And since I am not planning on leaving before getting my revenge on "Wet Cigar" I should better beginning working on it.
10/15/3063
I worked all night on it but I have managed to create the first draft of Kailynn Jaeger's new custom 'Mech. It should be a fast little bugger, mostly like her from what the others told me.
I need a little more time to clean up some details.
10/16/3063
I was trying to rest a little after two full days of work when she showed up, entering my room without asking for any authorisation and she kept on asking me silly questions about her 'Mech. These are the times that make me wish I was deaf.
When she left, I began to work on a specific feature based on wind-powered sirens, that I call for now the "song". When moving at full speed, it should make a frightening noise, the perfect psychological weapon for a little brat like her.
10/20/3063
If anyone had told me back at college that engineering 'Mech was going like this I might have considered doing something else.
4 days without sleep with always somebody on my back, taunting me (Senior Engineer Randolf Gomes) or annoying me (Kailynn Jaeger). I do wonder if it is the same in all companies on Solaris VII because back at home, we are more the kind of cooperative people than teasing ones.
But I managed to finish the plans for it: the KA-1 Cricket (KA is for Kailynn Jaeger, 1 is because it is her first 'Mech and Cricket is because it is small and makes that "song" when charging towards the opponent).
At least, "Wet Cigar" did not disapprove of my initial blueprints. I think over the past days he made me rework the leg actuators over a dozen times, arguing that they would not be able to bear the combination of speed and weight or else saying that my design was not innovative that it was only the bastardised son of a Locust and a Jenner.
I think I am going to sleep a full day before beginning to build my Cricket with the pieces of junk available to me.
Capabilities:
I began to look for a suitable skeleton for the Cricket. Since I am only allowed normal internal structure, I have two options: find the right 'Mech and rebuild it or find a slightly under or overweight 'Mech and rework it a little.
I was beginning to feel that I was quite unlucky when I found a Koto, a 25 tons little bugger, based on the Locust but used mostly on Solaris and in mercenary units. It is a bit too light but since I found nothing else, I will have to work with it.
Luckily for me, I managed to put my hands on a little stock of internal structure alloy but I guess it will take at least one week to rework it and to increase the resistance of the internal structure of the Koto to bear the 5 tons more needed for the Cricket.
11/02/3063
It took me a bit longer than expected mostly because of a strange sabotage of our installations. Everyone agrees on who are the criminals: our rivals of Black Stables.
They are the only ones that would go to such extents as trying to blow away our ammunitions warehouse in the middle of a resupply run. Luckily for us, our security team found out about this plot before they made it a reality but we had to evacuate everything to allow a special team hired at the last minute to perform a complete check-up.
In spite of this lose of time, I think I managed to achieve a satisfactory result. The internal structure should be able to support the total weight of the Cricket. I will test this theory tomorrow.
11/03/3063
I do not know if it will ever be able to work but I managed to put the good old 240 Pitban engine. With it, the 'Mech should be able to reach a maximum speed of nearly 130 kph. This is not bad for such an old engine.
Unfortunately, it should not be able to do so more than a couple of minutes at one time. Doing it for longer periods of time, might create an explosion. I tried to find a way around that problem but working with second hand parts has its drawbacks.
My luck is that most fights on Solaris VII do not last long enough for the engine to be overridden by the energy needed to maintain the speed.
However, maybe I should change the weapons for something allowing shorter fights.
11/04/3063
I had a little more time to think about the weapons as I worked on the armour.
I managed to find a couple of Jenner JR7-K in a corner of the warehouse. They had probably seen better times but most of their precious New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous armour was still intact. I managed to salvage 4 tons of it. This is not even 70% of the maximal armour that can be carried but since this 'Mech is designed for short battle arena, it should be enough. Since I am planning on using an ammo-dependent weapon, the CASE system of one of the
I also begin working on the wind-powered sirens. I think the legs are the perfect place for them but I will need to rework the armour a little bit and I could not find it a good metallurgist to help me. I guess I will have to work on it alone.
11/07/3063
I nearly managed to finish it.
Those last days were horrible. Reworking the armour was not that easy at all. It is really a full-time job. However the trials in the blower worked perfectly. I do not know if it will make any good
More annoying was "Wet Cigar" always sneaking around to wonder why I was losing so much time on reworking part of armour Obviously I did not tell him anything, this way, it will be as surprised as the others.
To add to this load of work, I have just been advised that her first match in a Class Two secondary arena will be in two days. The "Old Man" is not crazy enough to throw her in the jaws of the wolves for her first match.
The good news is that my Cricket might survive a little longer. The bad news is that I only have two days left to work on the weapons and electronical systems.
Well, I guess I can say goodbye to my sleep for those two days.
11/09/3063
I think I will know sleep for at least a week.
I managed to finish everything right on time (if one minute before sending the 'Mech to the arena is right on time) but I had no time to test it and Kailynn Jaeger did not train into it (but I managed to warn her about the Ť song ť).
The chosen weapons were quickly found. Two Coventry SRM-4 from two old Commando COM-2D that were going to be thrown in the garbage. I had only room for one ton of ammo but once again this is arena combat so it should be enough. I was lucky to incorporate the CASE earlier. Having to do so right now with the time limit would be impossible.
I also took the TharHes Star Shark, the Targeting and Tracking System from one of the Commando. Since, SRM are the main weapons of the Commando, it is already configured for them and this will save me time by avoiding me to rewrite the code for it.
Since I was working on Commando, I also took the TharHes Crystal Flower RG-2, its Communication System. While not outstanding it does its job well enough.
I also managed to paint it according to her specification in a flashy black with flame effects on it.
I did my best, now it is up to her.
Configuration / Variants:
11/05/3063
One day I might rework it (probably after a couple of battles in the arena) but for now, there are no versions.
I have already plans for this KA-2, including a lighter engine rumoured to be available in the Lyran Alliance, a little more armour, one ER Medium Laser to increase its range and some Double Heat Sinks to deal with the increased heat.
This one might be interesting for the Magistracy and for Canopian Retrofitted Designs as it will be more solid and more powerful. However, since I do not have access to all the needed component, I think that for now those plans will remain a dream.
Battle History:
I was invited to witness the fight by Caleb Justusson himself. At that time, I did not know if it was a good or a bad omen. I thought that it all depended on the result of the fight.
The Cricket was assigned to fight a Thorn THE-N1S from the Black Stables. This little monster was 10 tons lighter, 25% slower (with no jump jets), packed the same armour but with an PPC and a Small Laser, it was more than a match for the thin armour of the KA-1 (luckily for us, it was not a N1 with its ER PPC).
The arena was a variant of King of the Mountain, with one high mountain and one road to climb on it. One of the opponent was allowed to deploy on top of the mountain and the other had to climb there.
Not surprisingly (since we knew with the Black Stables that the match was not going to be a fair one), Kailynn was assigned to climb. I think their Stablemaster, the infamous Duke Dark (known among us as Double Deck for his heavy weight) knew fairly well that the Cricket was designed with short range combat in mind. By forcing it to climb through the road (since none of the models involved had jump jets), he hoped to get a clean kill on the niece of his arch-enemy Caleb Justusson.
However, this was not meant to be. As the Cricket was beginning the climb along the road and the Thorn was moving to the highest point of the road to get a clear view, Kailynn pushed her Cricket to full speed and the “song†began to be heard. It started as little more than a whisper but as the 'Mech was increasing its speed, it became more and more powerful. The wind-powered sirens were doing their part of the job.
Unable to understand what this noise was, the pilot of the Thorn misfired several times as the Cricket was closing the gap within them and he seemed lost, unable to move his 'Mech.
Kaylinn displayed a fire discipline that I never expected from her (at least from her behaviour outside of the 'Mech). She retained her fire until she was under the minimal range of the PPC and then she fired several precise shots of SRM that completely disabled the Thorn.
Not having a clue about what was going on and unwilling to face more of it, the pilot of the Thorn ejected whereas he could have fought longer.
We celebrated our victory all night long and I was even thanked by "Wet Cigar" himself for making such a tremendous job. However, he warned me that now it was only the beginning.
Deployment:
11/10/3063
After its performance in the arena, several buyers came to Caleb Justusson in order to get their hands on the Cricket. He throw them away saying that this is was one of a kind and that no one would be have it as long as he lived.
Therefore, "Jericho" Kailynn's Cricket is so far a stand alone 'Mech.
-
Decurion DC-MC
Level:
Custom Level 2 / 3075
Era [Rules]:
Clan Invasion [Tournament Legal]
Technology:
Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage:
40 Tons
Designer:
Ice Hellion
Armory:
Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Decurion SSW (Solaris Skunk Werks) File
Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus
Decurion DC-MC
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Production Year: 3071
Extinct By: Never
Chassis: Corean Model H7 Standard
Power Plant: Nissan 160 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 60 meters
Armor: StarGuard III Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Mydron Tornado Rotary AC/5
3 Photec/806c Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
Primary Factory: Top Secret
Communications System: Corean Transband-J9
Targeting and Tracking System: Corean B-Tech
Technology Base: Inner Sphere 40,00 tons
Chassis Config: Biped Cost: 2 881 013 C-Bills
BV2: 1 156 Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: Standard 4,00
Engine: 160 Fusion Engine 6,00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 2 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT 1,00
Heat Sinks: 10 - Single (6 in engine) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro: Standard 2,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: 136 points - Standard Armor 8,50
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 12 17
Center Torso (rear): 6
R/L Torso: 10 15
R/L Torso (rear): 5
R/L Arm: 6 12
R/L Leg: 10 20
Weapons and Ammo Location Heat Criticals Tonnage
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1,00
2 Medium Lasers LT 6 2 2,00
Rotary AC/5 RA 1 /shot (6.0 max) 6 10,00
@Rotary AC/5 (40) RT -- 2 2,00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. OV Armor: 5 Points: 12
4/1j 3 3 0 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SOA
Music comes out of a red and white tent.
Two people are standing outside and they seem to be arguing.
Tell me again why are we doing here?
What do you mean?
We are in the dirtiest part of the town of this dust ball they call a planet and we are looking for someone. Right?
See, you got it Karl.
And what good does it make me to be right Estrella?
None.
I heard your smile. But tell me why are we in front of a circus?
Because this is where I will find the person I am looking for?
Do I know him?
It is her and you don't know her, neither do I.
Wait. You are kidding right?
No.
You mean you never saw her? At least tell me she does no about you?
I don't think so.
Great, this is really great... I left my precious company to follow you to find the next best thing in the Inner Sphere and you lead me into this...
Stop acting like a baby and relax, we will find our new recruit here.
For sure.
I don't know why I keep listening to you.
Because you know that I am right. Enough of this, you already made us miss most of the show. I hope we are not too late.
With these words, the first shadow moves inside the tent and after a few seconds, the second one follows.
[...]
The show comes to an end and the spectators are applauding the artists as they come one last time to salute before leaving for backstage.
I didn't manage to see her, I hope she is still here.
I told you we were wasting our time an...
One more word and I might forget who your grand father was and what he did for me.
Ah, there she is; let's follow her.
Without any peculiar caution, they move at once, getting into one of the small rooms of the artists.
What are you doing here? Go away or I will call someone to take care of you.
See? I told you this would lead us to no where.
Karl wait. Sarah? You are Sarah Artesia, right?
How do you know my name?
I know your name because I knew your father and he told me all about you.
My father died before my birth.
This is what your mother told you because she disliked what he did for a living: he was a professional soldier and he made his life killing people.
This is not true, he was a technician and he was killed in a JumpShip accident.
This is what she told you but look at this.
Estrella Lagrimas threw a paper on the table in front of Sarah Artesia.
What is this? A posthumous citation for Master Sergeant Arthur Russell for his performance beyond the call of duty during the Great Refusal? This is ridiculous, I was 14 at that time.
It must be the wrong Arthur Russell.
Arthur S. Russell, born in 3010 in the Crucis March, from two 'MechWarriors of the Eridani Light Horses, had a scar on the chest from an operation he underwent as a child after falling from a tree badly wounding himself in the process, fell in love and married Alicia Artesia in 3042, father of Sarah Artesia born in 3046.
Is it enough to convince you that this is your father or should I keep on?
No, no that's enough.
What do you want from me?
Simple, I want you to come with us and fight with me like your father.
Against whom?
Against the people that were behind the death of your mother on Solaris VII
How can I help you?
Just be you and if you only have half the talent of your father, it should be okay.
Later in the small cabin of a commercial Ship
Seriously Estrella, you want me to design a 'Mech for a rookie who might not even be able to pilot it?
See, here you are again, clever as always.
But she doesn't know what she wants and it is probably a waste of time and money.
This is my problem. Yours is to design something that will suit her.
I have no idea of how I could do that in such a short time.
Why don't I believe you?
Because you know me too well.
I will work this new design like a IIC variant, making it a smaller redesign of a classical BattleMech. I just need to find what she likes.
Later in the same cabin.
Come on, I am tired, I have seen thousands of models and none really inspired me.
Make less noise, Estrella is sleeping.
By the way, what is your story with her?
This is none of your business and you still haven't seen all the 'Mechs stored in my computer.
Gosh, you're so boring.
[…]
Wait, come back a little.
Did you see something?
I don't know yet. Further, further, yep this is it. This is what I want, a 'Mech that can blast its way through anything.
What are you talking about? Let me see what you found?
I see, now I understand your comment: a Centurion with its notorious Luxor Autocannon.
Now, can I go to sleep?
Yes, you can but not me.
Several weeks later in a small production facility, stands a brand new 'Mech
What is this Karl?
Well, as I told you, it is a Decurion, a lighter Centurion.
You are kidding? It doesn't look like a Centurion, it looks like I don't know what.
No I am not kidding. It is 10 tons lighter, with the same top speed as the classical Centurion, heavily armoured and with a little more mobility but I slightly changed its weapons to make it closer to the D5 variant. Now it carries a Rotary Autocannon/5 and three Medium Lasers.
An ammo based weapon? I hope you protected my pilot.
Rest a little Matador, Sarah Crowe Artesia is protected by armour and CASE.
Crowe? Where did you get that from?
I didn't. She came with that saying that it was suited to fighting in an arena.
Youngsters these days... Let's see how well she fare in her new BattleMech.
Wait, you are sending her right away in a fight? Have you lost your mind?
No, we don't have time for being nice, there is a war out there and we must win it.
-
And with this ends the journey of Bileygr's Kampfgruppen, that rose and fell with Bileygr and his death.