CISA 3023 Title Page - Our BattleTech

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CISA – Year in Review – 3023 is © 3023 by the Centre for Interstellar Strategic Analysis.

Any comments should be directed to your nearest CISA office, located on most major worlds.

Making sense of that which is not readily apparent

NOTE TO THE READER

This is a background document to the fan fiction story The Other Option – Kapteyn’s First Strike. You can find the story on the fan fiction boards of the BattleTech site. I started the story in 2009 and found the need to sort out all the background material, so that I did not start contradicting myself as I wrote the story. This is the first result of that effort and one for each year of story time will follow, each a lot simpler and smaller than this beast.

This is not BattleTech canon material in any way, shape or form, it is part of an Alternate Universe setting for the purpose of gaming out and writing a What If scenario for the 4th Succession War.

If you have serious issues with the events described here, I don’t care, it’s an Alternate Universe, things are different here, if you want canon, read canon, if not, I really hope you enjoy this. If, on the other hand, you find general errors, or have ideas, or thoughts about the work, I am more than happy to chat away over email and answer your questions and discuss ideas.

I can be reached at [email protected]

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks must go to both Alan Brundage (Jaim_Magnus) and Jon (Takiro – master of the Shattered Dawn site) for there efforts in helping with what we have started calling the Kapteyn Universe, a name that I expect will change. Alan has been a great sounding board for future story ideas and to bounce random thoughts off, some of which must have been a little disturbing. John has gone out of his way to blast out dozens of mercenary commands or let me use the Shattered Dawn units, something that has made my life a hell of a lot easier.

BlackTigerActual has also been nice in lending the Black Tigers to the universe, although I did not promise to be gentle with them.

Thanks must also go to my new Fiancé, Andrea, who puts up with the combination of BattleTech and Rugby ruling much of my time.

Additionally, thanks to anyone reading this or the story and to those who have taken the time to write a few words of encouragement on the boards as the story progresses.

The following people have been of invaluable assistance in getting this game up and going and have assisted greatly in improving the system and the methods of implementing it.

Rules and Technical Assistance

Jason Wiser, “Panzerfaust150”, Bruce Jensen, “Kwic”

Although all the players have made suggestion here and there, the input of Jason and Bruce has been invaluable in the ongoing improvement and refining of the SL system.

Jason’s step up to co‐GM was also a life saver and allowed me to again partake in a normal life.

Bruce has also been pottering away with game aids, such as the excellent repair function amongst, hopefully, other automated function.

Play Testing

Jason Wiser, “Panzerfaust150”, Nathan Baxter “Valles”, Jason Fraser, “VhenRa”, Michael Brown, “Drakensis”, Dan Waugh, “Coriendal”, Chris Marti "Alex Knight", Glen Millar “Rainbow 6”, Robert Johnson, “Chaosextreme”, Eugene Klopper, “Centurion03”, Xavier Lugherini, “Ice Hellion”, Andrea Hamann “Fiancé”, Glenn Miller, “Rainbow 6”, Bruce Jensen, “Kwic”, John Almond, “Col. Chiang”, Christopher Damour and Tony Crum.

Thanks Again ‐ Matt

mailto:[email protected]

CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023


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Table of Contents

THE YEAR IN REVIEW 3023......... 6 Introduction .............................................................6 The Inner Sphere ......................................................6 The Periphery ...........................................................6 Mercenaries .............................................................6 Growth in Military Production Since 3000 ................6

THE STATES OF 3023 ..................... 7

Lyran Commonwealth ............................................10

Major Changes.................................................................. 10 Economics ........................................................................ 10 Military ............................................................................ 11 Conclusions ...................................................................... 12

Draconis Combine ..................................................13 Major Changes.................................................................. 13 Provinces.......................................................................... 13 Economics ........................................................................ 13 Military ............................................................................ 13 Conclusions ...................................................................... 15

Federated Suns.......................................................16 Major Changes.................................................................. 16 Economics ........................................................................ 16 Military ............................................................................ 16 Conclusions ...................................................................... 18

Capellan Confederation ..........................................19 Major Changes.................................................................. 19 Economics ........................................................................ 19 Military ............................................................................ 19 Conclusions ...................................................................... 21

Free Worlds League ................................................22 Major Changes.................................................................. 22 Economics ........................................................................ 22 Military ............................................................................ 22 Conclusions ...................................................................... 25

ComStar..................................................................26 Major Changes.................................................................. 26 Economics ........................................................................ 26 Military ............................................................................ 26 Conclusions ...................................................................... 30

Taurian Concordat ..................................................31 Major Changes.................................................................. 31 Economics ........................................................................ 31 Military ............................................................................ 31 Conclusions ...................................................................... 32



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Magistracy of Canopus ...........................................35 Major Changes.................................................................. 35 Economics ........................................................................ 35 Military ............................................................................ 35 Conclusions ...................................................................... 35

Outworlds Alliance .................................................36 Major Changes.................................................................. 36 Economics ........................................................................ 36 Military ............................................................................ 36 Conclusions ...................................................................... 36

Oberon Confederation............................................39 Major Changes.................................................................. 39 Economics ........................................................................ 39 Military ............................................................................ 39 Conclusions ...................................................................... 39

Marian Hegemony..................................................40 Major Changes.................................................................. 40 Economics ........................................................................ 40 Military ............................................................................ 40 Conclusions ...................................................................... 40

Circinus Federation.................................................42 Major Changes.................................................................. 42 Economics ........................................................................ 42 Military ............................................................................ 42 Conclusions ...................................................................... 42

Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate ....................43 Major Changes.................................................................. 43 Economics ........................................................................ 43 Military ............................................................................ 43 Conclusions ...................................................................... 43

Tortuga Dominions.................................................44 Rim Collection ........................................................44 Mica Majority.........................................................44

Major Changes.................................................................. 44 Economy........................................................................... 44 Conclusions ...................................................................... 44

Independent Powers ..............................................44 Mercenary REVIEW................. 47

Current Contract Listings................................................... 54

INDUSTRIES REVIEW ................... 56

CAPELLAN CONFEDERATION...................................56

CAPELLAN COMMONALITY................................................ 56 SARNA COMMONALITY..................................................... 56 TIKONOV COMMONALITY................................................. 56 SIAN COMMONALITY........................................................ 57 ST.IVES COMMONALITY .................................................... 57



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THE DRACONIS COMBINE .......................................58 BENJAMIN MILITARY DISTRICT.......................................... 58 DIERON MILITARY DISTRICT .............................................. 58 GALEDON MILITARY DISTRICT ........................................... 59 PESHT MILITARY DISTRICT................................................. 59 RASALHAGUE MILITARY DISTRICT ..................................... 60

THE FEDERATED SUNS ............................................61 CAPELLAN MARCH ............................................................ 61 CRUCIS MARCH................................................................. 61 DRACONIS MARCH............................................................ 62 PERIPERY MARCH ............................................................. 63

THE FREE WORLDS LEAGUE ....................................64 DIEUDONNE COMMAND................................................... 64 GRANERA COMMAND....................................................... 65 HOLT COMMAND.............................................................. 65 KENDALL COMMAND........................................................ 66 STERLING COMMAND....................................................... 66

THE LYRAN COMMONWEALTH ...............................67 ALARION PROVINCE.......................................................... 67 BOLAN PROVINCE ............................................................. 67 COVENTRY PROVINCE ....................................................... 67 DONEGAL PROVINCE......................................................... 68 FEDERATION OF SKYE ....................................................... 68 TAMAR PACT .................................................................... 69

THE MAGISTRACY OF CANOPOUS...........................70 THE OUTWORLDS ALLIANCE ...................................71 THE TAURIAN CONCORDAT ....................................72 MARIAN HEGEMONY..............................................73 CIRCINUS FEDERATION ...........................................74 OBERON CONFEDERATION .....................................75 LOTHIAN LEAGUE ...................................................76 ILLYRIAN PALITINATE..............................................77 MICA MAJORITY .....................................................78

3023 TECHNICAL ADDENDUM .. 79

BattleMechs ...........................................................79

SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS .................................................... 80 3023 COMBAT BRIEFS.................. 82

Taurian Colonial Campaign .....................................82

January 3023 .................................................................... 82 February 3023................................................................... 82 March 3023 ...................................................................... 82 April 3023......................................................................... 83 May 3023 ......................................................................... 83 June 3023 ......................................................................... 83 July 3023 .......................................................................... 84



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September 3023 ............................................................... 84 October 3023.................................................................... 84 November 3023 ................................................................ 84

Magistracy Colonial War.........................................84 January 3023 .................................................................... 84 March 3023 ...................................................................... 85 April 3023......................................................................... 85 June 3023 ......................................................................... 85 August 3023...................................................................... 85 September 3023 ............................................................... 85 October 3023.................................................................... 86 December 3023 ................................................................ 86

Oberon Anti‐Pirate Campaign.................................86 January 3023 .................................................................... 86 February 3023................................................................... 86 March 3023 ...................................................................... 87 April 3023......................................................................... 87 May 3023 ......................................................................... 88 June 3023 ......................................................................... 88 July 3023 .......................................................................... 88 August 3023...................................................................... 88 October 3023.................................................................... 89 December 3023 ................................................................ 89

Marian Re‐Integration ............................................89 January 3023 .................................................................... 89 February 3023................................................................... 90 March 3023 ...................................................................... 90 October 3023.................................................................... 90 November 3023 ................................................................ 91

The Andrion Confrontation.....................................91 January 3023 .................................................................... 91 February 3023................................................................... 91 March 3023 ...................................................................... 91 April 3023......................................................................... 92

The Franklin Annexation.........................................92 January 3023 .................................................................... 92

The Tortugan War...................................................92 January 3023 .................................................................... 92 February 3023................................................................... 93 June 3023 ......................................................................... 93 July 3023 .......................................................................... 94 August 3023...................................................................... 94 September 3023 ............................................................... 95

Outworlds Antallos Campaign ................................95 March 3023 ...................................................................... 95 April 3023......................................................................... 95 May 3023 ......................................................................... 95

Pirates Actions........................................................96 January 3023 .................................................................... 96 July 3023 .......................................................................... 96 October 3023.................................................................... 96



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December 3023 ................................................................ 96 Rim Collection Foundation Campaign .....................96



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THE YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 Welcome to the summary of the CISA Year in Review for 3023. Clients who wish to access the full review should contact their local CISA representative to organise a premium membership.

This review can be reproduced free of charge as long as references to CISA are maintained.

Introduction

3023 saw some interesting developments in both the Inner Sphere and Periphery, as the powers that be began to shake off the lethargy of the 3rd Succession War. Many new regiments, both line and mercenary have appeared, and it would seem that a new arms race has begun. Normally, these developments would be enough to get the pundits talking, however, events in the Periphery have been just as interesting.

The Inner Sphere

The Inner Sphere of 3023 has seen developments the likes of which have not been witnessed in centuries, with several new production complexes for military hardware opening and all the main powers beginning to put substantial money into redeveloping the civilian industrial base. Though only a small increase in consumer and non‐military industrial products was generated, the overall increase in funding bodes well for the shattered infrastructure of the Inner Sphere.

The main talking point of the year was the creation of no less the thirty four new line BattleMech regiments, a scale of new regiment creation not seen since the start of the Succession Wars. This sudden surge in the line formations of the Great Houses has led to the fear of a pre‐war arms race, which seems to becoming a fact of life. Should this build up continue, we here at CISA believe that a renewed war in 3026 is a distinct possibility.

The Periphery

Beginning with the Taurian’S Colonial War and the efforts of King Grimm of Oberon to bring peace to his backyard, the Periphery exploded into various small scale wars that have seen the elimination of several well known Pirate bands and a general expansion and stabilisation of the larger Periphery realm’s territories. Although some Inner Sphere analysts have been alarmed at the phenomenon, CISA believes that the actions in the Periphery are localised, as well as too the benefit of both Periphery and Inner Sphere citizens.

Mercenaries

In late 3021, an impromptu gathering of mercenary commanders on Galatea saw the beginning of a campaign to ensure minimum rights for mercenary commands of at least Battalion strength. Called the Minimums Movement, the MM was able to get the support of 95% of formations of regiment size and larger and 75% of Battalion size mercenary units. A small executive was established, which became the clearing house for contracts made by larger commands and ensured certain minimums were

attained, such as salvage, pay and escapes clauses for use against the company store syndrome.

Although employers were unhappy, to say the least, the number of mercenaries supporting the scheme saw it adopted almost universally for larger commands. The major knock on effect of this movement, was the sudden realisation by smaller commands of the fact that they were now second class citizens. Within weeks of the Contract Minimums becoming standard, a whole host of smaller commands began to integrate and combine to assure themselves the protection of the minimums.

The minimums have seen a decline in small mercenary forces of 45% in two years, with a similar surge in the number of larger commands. Although this has benefited the Periphery realms and the armies of the Successor States, the small employer is finding a tough seller’s market in operation, as the remaining smaller commands demand exorbitant prices for their services, deriving an indirect benefit from the minimums.

A second unexpected creation of the minimums was the Solaris Regiments, all started because of several enterprising cooperative MechWarriors. Looking for assistance in creating a collective of nine commands to create a new 2 Battalion unit, the various commanders of these small units contracted the Renegade Cooperative from Solaris to assist in creating a good command structure. Impressed by what they saw, the Renegades eventually joined the unit as a business partner and used it as a feeder for new Solaris warriors and a place for Solaris warriors to go for a break.

The new unit was, unsurprisingly, called the Renegade’s and fights under the Cooperatives banner. The raging success of this venture, both within the arenas and on the battlefield, led to other cooperatives, then the Stables themselves, to get in on the act, providing start up capital to assist the creation of new commands that would fight under their banner. This unexpected turn of the Contract Minimums Movement has taken the Gladiator mentality of Solaris out into the battlefields and created a massive new source of revenue and a whole new ranking system.

The driving force behind the minimums was a group of five individuals, each bringing their own skills and experience to the group and enabling the minimums to become the norm. The initial group consisted of: Alaric Gorden, a former mercenary of 50 years experience; David Skyle, one of the best mercenary contract negotiators currently operating; Tamara Chin, an experienced mercenary financer; Sato Hikagawa, a notable venture capitalist; and Raymond Airnen, a former Colonel in the Lexington Combat Group. These were the five individuals who made the minimums possible for so many others. Despite the group’s skills and standing, ComStar was ill disposed at first, as were potential employers. ComStar did not give its support, through the Mercenary Review Board, until the MM gave notice that it did not wish to supplant the existing mercenary contracts and review structure. Once ComStar was on board, despite rumours of Primus Tiepolo’s personal disapproval, the major employers had little option but to follow suit.

Growth in Military Production Since 3000



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The year 3000 not only marked the beginning of a new millennia, but also the beginning of the real recovery from the Succession Wars. One of the major indicators of this trend has been the reopening or building of many new production lines for ‘Mechs, tanks and fighters. One of the big winners from this increase in production has been the Periphery.

Many Inner Sphere companies were thinking of expanding their facilities during the first two decades of this century, but were stymied by the fact that most government funds were going into the maintenance of the forces at war. To get around this hurdle, many approached Periphery realms, who were more than willing to share the burden, if it meant jobs for their people and more military production.

With the windfalls and examples gained from the investment in the Periphery, some firms began using their additional funds to upgrade or build new facilities in the Inner Sphere. The Successor State governments then got on board and further assisted other firms and this process has seen a 15% increase in production across the Inner Sphere, with many designs that may have been on the road to oblivion, now back in production.

THE STATES OF 3023 Currently CISA looks at the fortunes of sixteen nation states, a larger number than many other analysts. We believe that the strategic balance is more than that of just the Great Houses, allowing CISA to provide a better balanced and more accurate evaluation of the state of known space.



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CISA – YEAR IN REVIEW 3023 10

Lyran Commonwealth

“The Foundation of our strength is our industry and economy and no threat, no matter how immediate or severe, should detract from our continued efforts to lead the Sphere in the economic race.”

‐ Olsfvik Torson, Representative for Duran.

Major Changes

The major changes within the Lyran Commonwealth, over the course of 3023, have been caused not by internal factors, but by the impact caused by the growing arms race upon the Lyran military‐industrial psyche. The potential effects of a Kapteyn power block which can out produce the vaunted strength of Lyran industry, has sent tremors throughout the Lyran industrial elite. Tremors which have resulted in many late sessions of the Estate General and a multitude of petitions to Archon Katrina Steiner, urging her to immediate action on behalf of the Lyran people’s greatest asset.

Leaders

The rule of Katrina Steiner has firmed over the last year, as the obvious benefits of the alliance with the Federated Suns, coupled with the continued period of peace, has allowed economic recovery from the 3rd Succession War to increase in pace. The Archon’s actions in the recreation of the 1st and 2nd Skye Rangers, the Tamar Tigers and 2nd Winfield’s Brigade, have brought further good will from the two areas of the realm traditionally lukewarm to the Steiner’s rule: the Isle of Skye and the Tamar Pact. That Aldo Lestrade and Frederick Steiner were publically forced to support these moves has caused them no small amount of discomfort and eased the Archon’s position over the short term. The Archon’s other major opponent, Alessandro Steiner, has been eerily quite, a situation that bears watching, as the former Archon is never far from political mischief. The Archon’s supporters have also been aided by the return of the dynamic and legendary Morgan Kell, whose recent presence on Tharkad gave quite pause to many of those in court who had fallen afoul of the Duke in the past.

Provinces

The Protectorate of Donegal continues to lead the Commonwealth in the ongoing recovery, with the planet Australia the biggest winner of all. The ongoing loyalty and dedication of this world, in the face of often complete disregard from Tharkad, has led to Katrina Steiner honouring the world’s contributions, by placing the first new armour and aerospace construction facilities of her new industrial program there. This recognition of the less developed sections of the Protectorate has garnered the Archon much positive press.

The Tamar Pact has long been calling for greater assistance against the Dragon and recent months have seen these calls answered. The rebuilding of the Tamar Tigers and 2nd Winfield’s, has done more good in a few months than three years of economic reconstruction. However, the Tharkad government’s increasing good will towards Oberon has caused a few within

Tamar to take pause, as they have little trust in the Grimm line, after many years of Oberon attacks on their worlds.

Skye, long the bane of the Steiner Archons, is undergoing a small economic boom, fuelled by the Alliance and the social changes wrought by Duchess Aten of Skye. The addition of two regiments of long fallen Skye Rangers has also helped the Archon’s image immensely. Although the common man of Skye seems willing to accept Katrina as an Archon to be supported, many of Skye’s nobles still stand in opposition to her and have the potential, under the hand of Aldo Lestrade, to be a significant problem in any future crisis.

Interstellar Relations

The Lyrans enjoy strong relationships with several states, most notably the Federated Suns. Relations with the Kapteyn powers and the Taurians has continued to decline over the last two years, but this has been balanced by improving relations with Canopus, Alpheratz and Oberon. The Lyran’s traditional stance of viewing ComStar as a business and no more continues to cause friction.

Economics

The Lyran economy remains, and will do so for the foreseeable future, the predominant economic power within the Inner Sphere. The Lyran state’s ability to quickly recover from the 3rd Succession War, has already put the other major states on notice; That unless the Lyran economic juggernaught is slowed in the next decade, there will be little any other state can do to pull them back.

Industry

Lyran industry is still well in advance of its neighbours, in regards to total output of both the civilian and military sectors. Recent factors not withstanding, CISA believes that the apparent surge in Kapteyn production is a temporary phenomenon, whose eventual source will become clear over time. That said, the Lyran Commonwealth should be able to maintain a significant, and potentially growing, lead in industrial output from both civilian and military industry. The flip side to this advantage, is the reality that to constrain Lyran growth, the states enemies may have to resort to the tactics of the 1st and 2nd Succession Wars in order to halt this critical Lyran advantage.

Civilian

The Lyran civilian industrial sector is one of the keystones of the Lyran state’s prosperity, as well as one of the major factors which ensure the predominance of the Kroner on the interstellar market. With an 11% output advantage over the Free Worlds and a 67% advantage over the Federated Suns, the Lyran people have come to expect a certain level of consumer comfort, broking no changes in the government’s reinvestment into the civilian sector. Understanding this, and pandering to the Lyran desire for prosperity, has been one of the hallmarks of Archon Katrina’s reign.



Military

The military industrial complex of the Lyran realm has been in a state of panic over the last year, as the powers of the Kapteyn Alliance seem able to match the output of the Lyran factories.

CISA believes that this will be a short term phenomenon and one which will assist, rather than hinder, Lyran military industry. CISA has seen no major expansion of the Kapteyn civilian industrial base to support any massive expansion of those realm’s military industries, nor have we observed a large amount of funds being poured into the three nation’s military industrial sector. CISA therefore sees any increased output as a temporary event, whose source will become known over time. However, this increased output has led to the Lyrans increasing the speed of their construction of new aerospace and armour factories and forced them to consider expanding on their already significant lead in BattleMech production.

Revenue

The Lyran revenue stream, once funds for the military and industrial sectors has been accounted for, is still substantial and has allowed the government of Archon Katrina to begin research into several lost technologies, as well as supporting the governments of Oberon and the Rim Collection in their efforts to curb piracy in the coreward regions. Additionally, the Lyrans spare monies have allowed them to secure the services of several solid mercenary commands, which have gone some way to addressing the gains made by the Kapteyn powers.

Economic Forecast for 3024

All in all, despite the recent scare that has Lyran industrialists in a twist, the Lyran economy is project to grow over 3024 by at least 3% and possibly as high as 5%, ensuring that the Lyran people continue to have access to the lifestyle they have become accustomed to and that the reign of Katrina Steiner will continue to receive wide spread support.

Military

The LCAF, never the powerhouse the likes of which the AFFS and DCMS have become, nevertheless remains a potent force, through its core of heavy and assault weight BattleMech regiments and a long term group of experienced mercenary commands who add flexibility to a military that is oft times described as ponderous.

The major area of concern for the LCAF’s neighbours, is the continuing program of adopting AFFS style tactics and organisation, which is leading to a quite renaissance in Lyran military fortunes. This, coupled with the current reorganisation of the Lyran Guards into RCT’s, is creating a stir, both within and without the Commonwealth.

Current Stance

The current stance of the LCAF is largely defensive, with most reserve forces positioned well away from border areas and raiding reduced to what are considered base minimums for intelligence needs. That said, the Lyran militaries access to a large civilian merchant fleet would enable it to theoretically react

faster, and more effectively, to any major assault undertaken by its neighbours.

Forces

The Lyran Commonwealth can call on a substantial number of line formations outlined below, which are noticeably heavy in composition and which have created the image of a slow moving, yet unbendable force. This impression is slowly changing, as Davion methods and ‘Mechs begin to see introduction into the Lyran military machine.

The Lyran BattleMech forces stand, at the end of 3023, at 106 regiments, with 77 of these being line forces and 29 of hired mercenary troops. The make up of these forces are 6 light regiments (5 regular and 1 mercenary), 27 medium regiments (14 regular and 13 mercenary), 30 heavy regiments (19 regular and 11 mercenary) and 26 assault regiments (22 regular and 4 mercenary).

The conventional forces currently number 157 conventional brigades assigned to BattleMech units, Panzer Divisions or independently. Supporting the ground forces are a total of 109 aerospace wings. This low ratio of conventional and aerospace forces is currently being addressed by the LCAF, but will likely take at least a decade to redress, especially as more and more units are absorbed into RCT’s.

New Units

The LCAF formed only four new units in 3023, an effort that seemed to fall well short of what Lyran capabilities could truly be. This number is deceiving, as Katrina Steiner intended it to be. Whilst the line BattleMech forces only grew by four regiments, the conventional and aerospace arms of the LCAF will soon see a large jump in numbers.

The LCAF raised four long lost regiments in regions that had previously been seen to be less than total in their support of the Commonwealth. Although her advisors were against the new units initially, the staffing of all four units with soldiers primarily loyal to Tharkad first and any other capital second, with a liberal sprinkling of LIC agents thrown in, has the naysayers content to limit their objections.

The aerospace arm of the Lyran Commonwealth, always small in comparison to the rest of the LCAF, was pleasantly surprised when told to prepare for the formation of fourteen new wings. The down side was that fourteen of the current, and few, Independent Aerospace Wings were to be incorporated into the Lyran Guards, in their expansion to full RCT status. The same request, and reasoning, was given to the commanders of the independent conventional brigades, who are also to give up fourteen of their best to the Guards.

The expansion of the Lyran Guards to full RCT status could lead to an underestimation of the LCAF’s actual power by some. Although the Lyrans are still coming to grips with the principles of RCT organisation and combat, the sheer power that these formations possess is enough to give an opponent pause.



Skye Rangers: Pride of Skye

The Skye Rangers have long been the bulwark of opponents of the Steiner family within the LCAF. Despite this opposition to the government, the Rangers are, nevertheless, a powerful and

dedicated force that is more than willing to hand out death and destruction to the Commonwealth’s foes.

In an effort to instil a greater sense of loyalty to the Archon within the Skye Rangers Brigade, Archon Katrina reformed the two oldest Skye Ranger units and staffed them with troops whose loyalty could be counted on. With both new units stationed on Skye and generating much good will for the Archon, Duke Aldo Lestrade has been backed into a corner. Units that should be loyal to him, and which publicly he must totally support, have been placed in the heart of his power base in an effort to stymie his freedom of action.

The Rangers' insignia takes the form of a disc, upon which is a yellow sun in a blue sky, partly obscured by wisps of white cloud. The colour scheme used on Rangers vehicles for parades is principally dark red, with arms (or turrets/rudders) painted black.

1st Skye Rangers: Pride of the Aten’s

Assigned as the personal guards of Duchess Aten of Skye, a stalwart supporter of the Archon and champion of the common man, the 1st have embraced their noble ruler’s ideals and become

true champions of the down trodden. The media value of the massive assault Mechs of the 1st engaged in public works and charity constructions, has rocked the 1st to fame with the ordinary citizens of Skye and the surrounding worlds. Suffice to say, the 1st are the most taboo subject within the walls of Castle Lestrade on Summer and within the ranks of the 10th Skye Rangers. The 1st has reached regular status in the last month and have taken to painting gold highlights on their Mechs and vehicles.

2nd Skye Rangers: Knights of Skye

The 2nd have not garnered the fame of the 1st Rangers as yet, taking a more traditional garrison posting on Skye and not seeing as much of the lime light as their fellows in the 1st. this has allowed the heavy Mechs of the 2nd to rapidly form into a unit of proven potency

and solid skill. The 2nd Rangers have already requested permission from the LCAF to begin raiding into the Combine. The 2nd paints its Mechs with bright red highlights.

Winfield’s Brigade: Deadly Simplicity

Winfield’s Brigade has prided itself on getting the job done right the first time, every time. With many graduates from the eccentric Blackjack School of Combat and a hard and relentless internal training scheme, the Brigade has managed to maintain its

elite status for many years. As one of the few units in the LCAF truly capable of effective fast raids and strikes, the Brigade has won acclaim within the Commonwealth for its actions over the years. The Brigade was elated to hear of the reformation of the

2nd in 3023, and sent nearly a battalion of officers and men to help assist the new unit in getting on its feet.

The insignia of the brigade is a green Winfield Wasp over the planet Winfield. Winfield’s Brigade uses a green and black colour scheme, derived from its home world’s colours.

2nd Winfield’s Brigade: Returning the Favour

The newly formed 2nd Brigade has taken to its task of gaining combat readiness with relish. The core of officers and men from the 1st Brigade has managed to weld the new recruits from Blackjack and other nearby worlds, into a so far effective new force. The 2nd have adopted

the flag of Winfield as their regimental insignia and use the standard Brigade colour scheme.

Tamar Tigers: Glory of Old

The Tamar tigers are the most famed of all the regiments of the Tamar district and their reformation has been a public relations bonanza for the Archon within the Tamar district. The new Tigers

have been primarily drawn from Tamar, but were well screened for loyalty to the Archon before final assignment. Although only a year old, they have been involved in several well publicised raids into the Combine. The Tigers have been temporarily assigned to the Winfield Corps for organisational reasons.

Strategic Outlook

The strategic outlook for the Lyran Commonwealth is one of guarded optimism. CISA has no doubts about the intentions of the Kapteyn powers, they will strike at some stage over the next three years, however, the Lyrans have long term advantage that no other state can claim. Although the Lyran military will suffer during the coming war, if it cam hold with few losses in territory and industry, it will quickly recover and come to dominate its neighbours.

Conclusions

The Lyran Commonwealth stands at a rare place in its history, one where it has the potential to come to dominate its neighbours should it be able to overcome the potential short term dangers that CISA currently sees on the realms horizon. Short of a complete military collapse, CISA sees that coming years as ones more and more influenced by Lyran economic might.



Draconis Combine

“The role of the Samurai is to serve. Should the Coordinator so wish it, a Samurai must place his honor second to that of the Combine, for without the Combine their can be no honour.”

‐ Gunji‐no‐Kanrei Yorinaga Kurita

Major Changes

As changes go, the Combine has seen its fair share in the last few months, as Theodore stepped into his father’s place and began a swathe of changes that will either bring a renaissance or new dark era for the Combine. Those believing in the former see Theodore’s changes as a desperately needed modernisation of Combine practices, whilst others see Theodore destroying the very heart of what the Dragon is. This later group has spawned what is becoming known in the shadow world as the Black Dragon Society. What this group plans is not currently known, however, their opposition to Theodore seems clear enough.

Leaders

Theodore Kurita quickly moved to secure his place on the Dragon throne and saw to it that those of the old guard in places of sensitive power were quickly removed. Vasily Cherenkoff and Grieg Samsonov were disposed of within weeks, the first indication of Theodore’s plans.

Their replacements were nothing short of remarkable; Yorinaga Kurita and Minobu Tetsuhara. These two men, along with others of similar ilk, have been given the task of reforming the DCMS whilst Theodore reforms the Combine as a whole. So far, their efforts have met with moderate success, built will only truly be tested once battle in joined. Additionally, the speed of Theodore’s moves has caught his rivals for the Dragon throne flat footed and his success has kept them quiet so far.

Provinces

There has been little change to the provinces under Theodore, with the major alterations coming at the top of the power structure a filtering down. Dieron and Galedon have been rejuvenated, through the new commanders they have received and the other three provinces are also showing some signs of revival with the proposed reforms. However, it will be some time before these changes show whether they are lasting, or merely fleeting.


The Combine has gained a growing and improved relationship with its Kapteyn allies as time progresses and its usual stare off with ComStar has eased somewhat. Other relations saw little change over the year, except in the case of Oberon, where growing friendliness to the Lyrans is causing concern.

Economics

With a GDP only half that of the Lyrans, the Combine has long needed to be austere and ensure that there is little waste. The reprieve from war, brought about by the end of the 3rd Succession War, has been of critical importance to many Combine worlds which were close to economic collapse. The

large number, comparatively, of merchant ships now plying the trade lanes has brought a hint of better times to the general population, something Theodore plans to use to best advantage.

Industry

With a civilian industrial base not much better than that of the Capellan Confederation, the Combine has always had difficulty in improving the lot of its people. However, Theodore’s programs will see an increase in the civilian sector over the next decade as his reforms take hold.

Civilian

The Civilian industrial base is being prepped for a rapid expansion in an attempt to close the gap with the Combine’s rivals. In order to placate the industrial leaders of the realm, Theodore has promised them a controlling stake in any new venture. How this will benefit the masses is any bodies guess, but it will get the program started.

Military

The military of the DCMS has begun an experiment, one they seem to want to see fail. Never a large user of medium ‘Mechs, importing all they use, the DCMS has begun production of the Whitworth on Nirasaki as a test bed for further medium Mech production. Why the DCMS chose to use this mediocre platform is not known to CISA, but it will do little to improve the class’s reputation amongst the DCMS’s Mech Warriors.

Revenue

The Draconis Combine does not have the revenue stream of some other powers and as such, is more circumscribed in its investments. Theodore’s plans for the civilian industrial sector will impact this in a major way and will no doubt drive others into the camp of the ever growing Black Dragons.


The Combine economy did not grow during 3023, but is expected to begin a growth spurt as the civilian merchant fleet and civilian industrial development take hold.

Military

The DCMS is well positioned for any coming conflict through its recent expansion. Eight new commands have been raised, most of which are dedicated to Theodore’s new ways. The DCMS is ranked second only to the AFFS, a gap that has closed over the last year as the DCMS relative strength has grown by 11%, compared to 5% for the AFFS.

Current Stance

The DCMS has much of its power focused either on the border, or in two general classes of reserves. Each of the frontline Military Districts has a small, but potent, force of units for local strikes and counter‐attacks, with a larger force held in the Pesht District as a general strategic reserve. The DCMS also has more fire power forward positioned than most other large states.



Forces

The DCMS is a huge force, able to out muscle its opponents over the long term. The addition of powerful mercenary units, like Wolf’s Dragoons, only adds the massive power that DCMS offensives can bring to bear.

The DCMS consists of 111 regiments, 93 House and 18 mercenary. The weight distribution is evenly spread in the house units, with on the assault category ignored, with hard hitting mercenaries the preferred type. The DCMS has 18 light regiments (17 Regular, 1 Mercenary), 26 medium regiments (23 Regular, 3 Mercenary), 36 heavy regiments (25 Regular, 11 Mercenary) and 5 assault regiments (2 Regular, 3 Mercenary).

These BattleMech forces are backed by 200 conventional brigades, of which 120 are deployed separately from other formations, one of the largest such independent conventional arms in the Inner Sphere. 176 aerospace wings, 101 of them independent, support the ground forces. Unlike other armies, the DCMS does not form its conventional and aerospace forces into larger units, assigning them independently to the various Military Districts.

New Units

The DCMS has grown its strength in a way that may well prove the most efficient of all. The DCMS, instead of raising units of green troops to man their new regiments and training them from scratch, sought to people its new formations with as many experienced soldiers as possible.

The DCMS, through long defence of the realm, has become a force of high skill and dedication, something that both Coordinator Theodore and Kanrei Yorinaga have attempted to instil in the new regiments. Both men realise that their plans for modernising the DCMS rest with the success of these new formations, whose success or failure will be seen as that of the Coordinator himself.

Many of Takashi Kurita’s former favourites have begun agitating against the new units, causing constant low level trouble for the Kanrei and his staff, however, the formation of a new sink unit for the ultra diehards and the use of several others in the same capacity, has allowed the new commander of the DCMS some flexibility.

Despite the success of the new units, their formation and methods have become a lightning rod for opposition to Theodore. The Ryuken and Genyosha have antagonised the old guard and Sword of Light regiments in particular, a situation that will need mending soon, whilst the Dragon’s Claws have gone out of their way to offend the household guards, with both units coming to blows on several occasions.

Ryuken: Dragon’s Sword

The Ryuken have been formed with the express intention of becoming clones of Wolf’s Dragoons, ensuring that the skills and methods of the Dragoons are not lost when they one day move

onto new employment elsewhere in the Inner Sphere. Each unit has used the world of An Ting and the Dragoon forces stationed

there as its whetstone, in an effort to become an effective formation. Under the guidance of Minobu Tetsuhara, recently appointed to command the Galedon District, the Ryuken have wanted for nothing and have begun to repay the faith shown in them, with each regiment rated at least regular by the DCMS.

The Ryuken apply the Kurita Dragon crest to their BattleMechs on the left leg just above the knee and near the exhaust ports of fighters. The Ryuken insignia is a dragon curling around a katana, both drawn with rich detail. All Ryuken units paint their BattleMechs charcoal gray, with each regiment accenting the base in its own colour.

Ryuken‐ichi: Hachiman Taro

As the first of the new Ryuken regiments, Ryuken‐ichi have embraced their role and duties to such an extent that many think they have fallen into the old ways of Takashi Kurita’s time. However, this misconception is rapidly expelled once an opponent

meets ichi on the battlefield, where they are quickly given a lesson in battlefield deception and non‐direct methods of warfare. It has been ichi’s ability to disappear into to almost any landscape which has already earned them a veteran ranking, something they lord over their brother regiments and demand be matched. Ryuken‐ichi highlights their Mechs with narrow lines of gold.

Ryuken‐ni: Minobu’s Dutiful Sons

Ryuken‐ni have taken to their task almost as quickly as Ryuken‐ichi, however, they refuse to blindly follow every order, as does their sister regiment. Ryuken‐ni is quickly establishing a reputation for

detailed planning and preparation, something that many see as a sign of weakness. However, once battle is joined, opponents find ni a difficult nut to break, as they move from prepared position to prepared position. Ryuken‐ni has also been given the task of honor guards to the Warlord of Galedon, their former commanding officer, Minobu Tetsuhara. Ryuken‐ni accents their vehicles in silver.

Ryuken‐san: Silent Death

Ryuken‐san has picked up a most peculiar trait, one that has given other regiments assigned to operate with them no end of distress. Ryuken‐san accepts all orders as given, them and then go about their business with no fanfare and no communication

with other regiments. In any other formation, this would cause the unit great troubles from above, however, Ryuken‐san’s ability to get the job done, despite what their companion regiments might achieve has staved of criticism so far. However, should they fail at their duties, Ryuken‐san would quickly be brought to heel. Ryuken‐san do not accent their vehicles.

Ryuken‐yon: Analyse Always

Ryuken‐yon are very different from regiments like Ryuken‐ichi or –ni, they question every order passed to them to ensure that they will not be

placed in a disadvantageous position, or exposed to inadequate leadership. This personality trait of the regiment has, more than



any other of any Ryuken unit, infuriated old school officers, who see Ryuken‐yon’s questioning of their orders tantamount to rebellion. Ryuken‐yon have suffered accordingly, with officers in the DCMS procurement office doing all they can to hinder the units combat readiness. Ryuken‐yon highlights its units in dark blue.

Ryuken‐go: Perfection of Movement

Ryuken‐go’s MechWarriors have become masters of their machines, dedicating themselves to the thought of becoming one with them during combat. Each warrior of the regiment spends hours in the

cockpit undertaking the simplest movements over and over again, to attain a perfect feel for their machine. Although this has led to the pilots of Ryuken‐go having excellent piloting skills, their overall battlefield coordination is still somewhat lacking. Ryuken‐go high light their vehicles with a metallic blue.

Ryuken‐roku: Flawless Victory

Ryuken‐roku has begun the detailed analysis of every battlefield situation they have been in, or plan to engage in, in the near future. Ryuken‐roku analyse each plan and then attempt to beat it, developing numerous counters for every conceivable battlefield situation. This ability to think

through the battle led to their defeat of Wolf’s Dragoons Alpha regiment in exercises six months ago. However, as Alpha showed in devastating fashion the following day, when a situation that Ryuken‐roku has not trained for is thrown at them, they quickly fall apart. Ryuken‐roku accents their Mechs in red.

Genyosha: Black Ocean

The Genyosha have been formed to emulate the skills and experience of Yorinaga Kurita, Gunji‐no‐Kanrei of the DCMS. Personnel for the new regiment were hand picked by Yorinaga from across

the Combine and have been involved in intensive exercises ever since. The unit, remarkably so, has already been rated elite by the DCMS, although some claim this is a fop to the Kanrei. The unit’s skills cannot, however, be underrated in any way, as they have demonstrated amazing battlefield abilities in multiple exercises. The Genyosha currently travel with Yorinaga, making them something of an honour guard at present, a fact that has infuriated the Sword of Light regiments in particular. All Genyosha Mechs are painted ash grey, with no accents.

Dragon’s Claws: Takashi’s Old Guard

The Dragon’s Claws were formed by Yorinaga and Theodore, as a place to put the most hardline supporters of Takshi and keep them in one place under observation. These old school Samurai are

hell bent on proving Theodore’s new ways wrong and are champing at the bit, demanding they be released to bring death to the Dragon’s enemies. Theodore and Yorinaga are more than happy to allow the Dragon’s Claws to wipe themselves out, however, it will be at the time and place of the Coordinator’s choosing, in order for their efforts to serve the new ways interests. The Dragon’s Claws use a gold paint scheme, accented

in black, the opposite of the Otomo, something that the Otomo have taken as a deep offence.

Strategic Outlook

The strategic outlook for the Combine is generally good, with the military strengthened and the economy to be boosted in 3024. What the Combine needs, and what it will not get, is an extended period of peace in which the needs of the military are placed a distant second to those of the citizens.

Conclusions

The Combine, through the DCMS, has the potential to influence events in the short term, and must do so to ensure that the growing Lyran economy and the large AFFS cannot be used to bring the Dragon to its knees. The Concord of Kapteyn may be the last hope for the Dragon’s plans for becoming the dominant power in the Inner Sphere.



Federated Suns

“I am honoured by the actions of the soldiers of our newest March and know that the future of peace safety they have provided to the people of the Federated Suns will be remembered for many years.”

‐ First Prince Hanse Davion, during the announcement of the occupation of the Tortuga Dominions.

Major Changes

The major changes that have occurred in the Federated Suns have been those suggested for many years. Firstly, the Alliance with the Lyrans was built on long term good relations and the topic of alliance has been discussed several times in the Davion inner circle during the Succession Wars. The re‐formation of the Periphery March has also been requested by the outback worlds for many years and its creation has led to a massive up swell of good will towards New Avalon. The release of the new Marches main combat formations upon the Tortuga Dominions has added more good will to that already garnered, as well as driving off Lady Death and creating a new bastion of Davion civilisation in the Periphery.

Leaders

The death of Michael Hasek‐Davion and his replacement by his son Morgan, has taken much of the ongoing pressure off Hanse Davion. The long time Morgan has spent on New Avalon, has allowed the young man to develop under the eye of Hanse and his advisors. With Justin Allard and Ardan Sortek at his side, he has reined in many of his fathers more rabid supporters and brought the March firmly back into the Davion fold. Hanse Davion actually has the luxury of not having any significant internal opposition for the short term, something many leaders wish for, but rarely ever see.

Provinces

The newly formed Periphery March has been able to gain its feet in a remarkably short time, due mainly to its constituent sub‐divisions long semi‐independent ways. With the capital at Filvet, most of the central commands now have access to their March Lord, whilst those towards the flanks are still looking to Robinson and New Syrtis, despite those seats of power being happily rid of them. All in all, the re‐formation of the Periphery March has done much to streamline the Federated Suns organisation and lead to some to call for a reformation of the old Terran March.


The interstellar relation of the Federated Suns saw little change during 3023, with their major foreign policy action being the complete subjugation and integration of the Tortuga Dominions into the Periphery March. Few have mourned the passing of this Pirate state.

Economics

The economy of the Federated Suns has undergone a solid revival as the effects of interstellar trade with the Lyran Commonwealth make themselves felt. The freeing up of

resources, following the stand down from the 3rd Succession War, has allowed the government on New Avalon to begin a limited program of reinvestment in the economy.

Industry

The Federated Suns has one of the most dispersed industrial bases in the Inner Sphere. Despite its relatively good size, this industry is mainly concentrated in a few key worlds, whilst the rest of the Federated Suns languishes with little indigenous industry.

Civilian

With an industrial average per world half that of it Lyran ally, the Federated Suns is now trying to make up the shortfall with New Avalon heavily investing in the new Periphery March. This investment, whilst warmly welcomed in an area often ignored, has mainly gone to worlds with existing industry. This has assured the current centres of power in the outback remain so and done little fore the vast majority of worlds.

Military

The Federated Suns has a strong military industry, almost equalling the output of the more industrialised Free Worlds League. However, the competing demands of the current tense inter‐stellar situation have not seen New Avalon expand any of its current facilities. The High Command of the AFFS is keen to redress this course, and is putting pressure on the First Prince to begin a large expansion of military industry.

Revenue

The revenue of the Federated Suns sits squarely in the middle of that garnered by the other four states. This allows the Davions some measure of freedom in their spending, but does not allow for mad cash splashes, the like of which the Lyrans have indulged in from time to time.


Should New Avalon continue to fund the civilian sector the economy could grow as much as 7% in 3024, as more and more Lyran investment is drawn in through government contracts. However, the AFFS High Command want this program scaled back in favour of more military production, to halt the growing lead of the Kapteyn power in the arms race.

Military

The AFFS is a massive force, the juggernaught of the Inner Sphere militaries and a force with not only the power to take worlds, but to hold them permanently. No other state is able to match the AFFS, should it wish to strike in force, however, the exceptionally long borders of the Federated Suns do go some way in dispersing this firepower.

Current Stance

The AFFS maintains a stance of guarded peace, with substantial forces held back for use in counter‐attacks, or in assaults upon their enemies, should they become necessary.



Forces

The AFFS has a massive number of regiments to call upon, many part of the AFFS’s effective RCT system. This system’s combined arms doctrine is one of the major factors in the success of the Federated suns during the course of the 3rd Succession War.

The BattleMech arm of the AFFS consists of 126 regiments, of which 81 are house regulars and 45 are mercenary. The mercenary forces of the AFFS represent the largest concentration of mercenary troops in the Inner Sphere. The force breakdown is 27 light regiments (17 regular, 10 mercenary), 54 medium regiments (45 regular, 9 mercenary), 29 heavy regiments (14 regular, 15 mercenary) and 17 assault regiments (6 regular, 11 mercenary),

The AFFS also maintains an enormous conventional force of 240 brigades of witch only a paltry 56 are not attached to other regiments or RCT’s. Covering the ground forces are 164 aerospace wings, of which only 40 are independent.

New Units

The AFFS undertook a smaller build up during 3023 than any major Inner Sphere power. There were two major reasons for this limited expansion in the rosters of the AFFS. Firstly, the AFFS has a distinct numerical advantage over both its neighbours, allowing it the luxury of taking time to focus on other urgent concerns before undergoing a rapid expansion. Hanse Davion was unwilling to begin any such expansion before 3026‐3027, as the Federated suns still required time to properly recover from the 3rd Succession War.

Secondly and perhaps more importantly, Hanse Davion appeared to have no plans for offensive action before 3028. Any build up before this time was, as noted above, not in the best interests of the Federated Suns. As budgetary requirements are worked out years in advance, the nature of the Federated Suns national budget only had enough leeway built into the system from 3023‐3025 to allow the expansion of the existing Training Battalions, using militia formations that had been nationalised. Although an effective stop gap measure to match the expansion of the Kapteyn powers growth, The Federated Suns Light Cavalry RCT’s were not, in any way, intended for rigorous front line service.

The Federated Suns Light Cavalry: Training for the Future

The brainchild of Hanse Davion, in response to the pressures of the rapid Kapteyn military build up, the Federated Suns Light Cavalry have come together remarkably quickly since their inception in early 3023.

The premise of these units, basically large combined arms training formations, is to provide both an effective training organisation for future AFFS commanders and soldiers, as well as providing a credible deterrent to enemies seeking to do harm to the Federation.

The Light Cavalry are commanded by General Harry Vasos, former commander of the Conroe Training Battalion. Vasos has made sure that each new unit has formed itself quickly and begun intensive training to ensure the new formations learn to work as a whole. So far, Vasos’s methods have proved

successful, limiting somewhat the hostility these units have garnered from more traditionalist commanders in the AFFS.

The colours of the Light Cavalry are a deep orange, highlighted in brown. The insignia of the Light Cavalry is a brown bordered, gold shield, with the Federation sunburst over a red star. A unit’s numeral is displayed below the star.

1st Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Kittery Hussars

Formed around the Kittery Training Battalion, and remaining stationed on that world, the 1st Light Cavalry have become the showpiece unit of the new Corps. Additional units for the new formation came

from the Alcyone PDZ, in the form of several militia detachments from nearby worlds, which were already familiar with the training unit. The new unit also drew in several regular army conventional units, which were instrumental is allowing the new formation to recently attain a regular experience rating, something not often accomplished by a training command.

2nd Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Brumbies of Bell

The Brumbies are the least cohesive of the new commands, having suffered the loss of a conventional regiment in a DropShip accident, the death of the unit XO in a training exercise and the outright

hostility of the Alcyone PDZ XO, Marshal Kinsley Crossburns, who has gone out of his way to limit supplies and support to the new units. The 2nd are endeavouring, as best they can, to build their reputation against such hurdles, but already morale in some sub‐units is on the decline.

3rd Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Brockton Light Horse

Being stationed on Filvet has given the 3rd the honour of garrisoning the new capital of the Periphery March and has led to them to becoming the darling of the Filvet press. The 3rd also instigated a policy of

drawing from as wide as possible number of Periphery March worlds, giving them a deep and mutual feeling of devotion to their homeworlds. The 3rd are so intent on becoming the show piece of the March, that they have begun petitioning the AFFS High Command for permission to begin raiding the Tortuga Dominions. There wish was granted in mid‐3023, when they formed part of the AFFS task force sent into Tortuga. Although arriving late in the battle, the 3rd tipped the scales in favour of the AFFS dramatically and the efforts of their two air wings have garnered them the nickname of The Turkey Shooters. The 3rd are now part of the occupation force that is integrating Tortuga into the Federated Suns.

4th Federated Suns Light Cavalry: The Conroe Cavaliers

As the former home of the new Corps Commander, General Vasos, the 4th have striven to adopt his requirements and commands, more than any of the other Light Horse units. This has led to an

atmosphere of only tolerating perfection and adherence to regulations within the unit, which has caused the other Light Cavalry RCT’s to nickname the 4th, Vasos’s Pet Ponies. Suffice to say, this has led to some ugly incidents between cadets of the 4th and other Light Cavalry troops. However, the 4th’s attitude has



garnered it more support than the other three RCT’s from the AFFS High Command, allowing them to become the best equipped of the four units.

Strategic Outlook

As demonstrated on Tortuga, when the AFFS wants something, it usually gets it. However, for the first time in its history the AFFS may face the nightmare scenario of all its borders not just erupting in war, but a coordinated war, designed to bring the nation to its knees.

Conclusions

The Federated Suns is in a strong overall position and barring a major catastrophe should remain so. As the alliance with the Lyrans grows in strength, with the AFFS maintaining a sufficient reserve of forces, the Federated suns is well positioned to ensure the continued rise of the Davion line.



Capellan Confederation

“No longer will we suffer the oppression brought on by the arvice of our foes. Instead we will usher in a new era of prosperity and strength for all Capellan people.”

‐ Chancellor Maximillian Liao – Address to the House of Scions.

Major Changes

The Confederation of recent months has begun to experience a phenomenon not often known by the Capellan people: Hope. The rhetoric from Sian has developed a different character, leading many to speculate that the Liao family may be on the verge of turning the Confederation’s fortunes around. On the downside however, the escalating feud between Candace and Romano that has the potential to severely disrupt Capellan planning and operations.

Leaders

The attempted poisoning of the Liao family, bar Tormana, in late July, has caused a subtle but definite shift in the power structure of the ruling family. The conflict between Candace and Romano, although initially going in favour of Candace, seems to be moving back towards Romano. Romano, in league with Pavel Ridzik, seems to be mounting a concerted campaign to discredit her elder sister and have her put in a place similar to Tormana. However, to discount Candace as impotent to affect the future of the Confederation, is an assumption the CISA will not make.

Provinces

Little has changed in the Confederation over the past year, although talk of creating a new Commonality from the rimward areas of the Sian Commonality continues to gain ears within the Capellan bureaucracy. Discussions on recreating the Chesterton Commonality continue, however, without physical possession of any of the Chesterton worlds, the subject is of little value.


The Capellan’s relations with both ComStar and the Draconis Combine have strengthened over the past year, whilst those with the League remain little better than cool and watchful, despite what the new alliance states. Relations with the Lyrans, never warm, but always businesslike, have deteriorated, forcing the Capellans to foster relations with several Periphery powers, notably the Outworlds Alliance, Marian Hegemony and Oberon Confederation.

Economics

The economy of the Confederation is not all that far behind that of the Combine, due to the more pragmatic view the Confederation has taken in its need for trade and industrial support. Although most of the industrial output is sent to the military, there is sufficient industry in the core worlds to support a vibrant civilian sector, something recently discussed openly by Duchess Candace, much to the annoyance of her father.

Industry

The Capellan industry is heavily concentrated in the core of the realm, with a recent expansion seen within St. Ives and nearby worlds, due to Candace Liao’s intent to revitalise her duchy and the rest of the Confederation through innovative means.

Civilian

With 85 worlds within the Confederation as net exporters of industrial products and the Confederation’s industrial base about 80% that of the Combine, the Capellan realm has the potential to became quite successful in any plans for expansion. However, any further losses of these important worlds would see a rapid decline in Capellan strength.

Military

Militarily, the Confederation has, like many other states, been slowly building up its production base since 3000. However, recent trends have seen a drop in investment in this sector, as more resources are poured into the main line forces.

Revenue

The Capellans, like the Combine, do not have the luxury of spending their funds on whatever takes their fancy. The Capellan state is noted for its thrift and forward planning, with 3023 another example of this, as most extra money was funnelled into industrial development in St. Ives by Duchess Candace.


Moderate growth in the Capellan economy of 3‐4% can be expected for 3024, as the Capellan merchant sector responds to the Capellan Defence Force’s freeing up of certain number of Jumpships for commercial use.

Military

The Capellan Confederation Armed Forces have been ravaged by the Succession Wars, but recent developments have seen an improvement in their fortunes. Although seeing a lesser expansion than the other Kapteyn powers, the CCAF has grown in its base strength by a massive 16%, through the raising of new regiments and the hiring of several mercenary commands.

Current Stance

The CCAF is currently poised with half its forces in light garrison holdings, whilst heavier response forces are positioned on important interior worlds. Although the CCAF can launch strikes when needed, it lacks the strength to unleash a full force assault on either of its main foes.

Forces

The CCAF has just enough force to maintain its borders against those who would test them. However, the CCAF has lacked enough force to mount an effective assault for many years. However, the fact remains that any force not paying respect to the CCAF will learn the hard way that lack of numbers does not equate to lack a of skill.



The BattleMech arm of the CCAF consists of 63 regiments of which 16 Regiments, 9 Battalions are mercenary. The force breakdown is 12 light regiments (8.6 regular, 3.3 mercenary), 22.3 medium regiments (17 regular, 5.3 mercenary), 21 heavy regiments (14.6 regular, 6.3 mercenary) and 7.6 assault regiments (3.6 regular, 4 mercenary),

The CCAF also maintains a strong conventional force of 162 brigades of which 102 are not attached to other regiments. Covering the ground forces are 78 aerospace wings, of which only 14 are independent, a tiny number compared to other states. However, these 14 units are maintained and triple the strength of other realms independent wings.

New Units

The Capellan Confederation Armed Forces saw the smallest expansion of all three Kapteyn militaries during 3023. Nevertheless, the Capellans, ever the masters of doing more with less, produced six new combat commands, who have quickly established a reputation for dedication and excellence.

To form and train these new regiments, Duchess Candace Liao, under orders from her father, Chancellor Maximillian, turned the world of Hexare into a massive training camp and live fire range. Hexare first saw the BattleMech units, then the aerospace and conventional forces of each command raised and trained, before being assigned to their new postings.

The Chancellors Own Capellan Grenadiers: Restoring the Realm

The Chancellor’s Own Capellan Grenadiers are the brainchild of Duchess Candace Liao, created in honor of her father, Chancellor Maximillian Liao. The mandate of the six new regiments is the restoration of the former territorial holdings of the Capellan Confederation, by any means necessary. With each regiment raised primarily from a single

region, the new units have become the focus of regional pride, especially so since the airing of the holo‐documentary Chancellors Own. The documentary followed the formation of the new units, and has led to them attaining a public profile as high as that of the Warrior Houses and Capellan Hussars, a fact that has ruffled more than a few feathers.

The Grenadiers are nominally commanded by Duchess Candace, but will in time report to their respective local area commanders. The success Candace has had with the formation of these units has led some, most notably her sister Romano, to voice concerns over Candace’s methods, techniques and motivations.

The overall insignia of the Grenadiers is a rectangular, two tone grey field, with a map of the Confederations greatest territorial extents in jade imposed over it. A bright white supernova radiates from Sian, all are overlayed by the Capellan coat of arms in a mottled gold and black. Each regiment replaces the main nova with its own, designating the capital world of the region it represents in the units secondary colour.

The colours of the Grenadiers are a mottled jade green, with grey highlights. Each regiment then paints a bright nova burst on the centre of a Mech’s chest, or vehicles centre, in the regiments own nova colour.

1st Grenadiers: The Duchess Candace’s Own Grenadiers

The first Genadier unit to form, the 1st have become the showpiece unit of the Corps, viying with the 6th for overall acclaim. The 1st is raised mainly from the St.Ives region, ensuring that their loyalty is to Candace Laio first and any other power a distant second. The first unit to reach operational efficiancy, the 1st have also gained a

regular rating from the CCAF. An honour guard of the 1st accompanies Duchess Liao at all times, another factor that has led to Romano Liao to question her sisters motivations. The 1st paint their nova in bright blue.

2nd Grenadiers: Tikonov’s Grand Union

Formed from the worlds of the Tikonov Commonality, the name of the 2nd represents the early days of their homeland and their desire to return it to its former glory. The 2nd have worked hard to bring their various units together and have begun to show a pechant for defensive operations. This has caused problems with the Corps

command, as all Grenadiers units are expected to be offensively minded. Colonel Wei is seeking to modify his regiments tendencies with an especially sever round of planetary assault retraining. The 2nd paints its nova bright red.

3rd Grenadiers: Capella’s Return

The 3rd Grenadiers are already the black sheep of the family, having only recently gained active status. Six months after the units formation, several Davion agents were located within both the regiments command and in the general ranks, leading to the arrest and execution of nearly a third of the regiment, includung the commanding

officer. This action led to every member in the regiment viewing their companions either as Davion spies, or as informers, destroying unit cohesion. Colonel de Ruyter, recently promoted, has worked miricales to bring the unit into some form of order, but still faces a daunting challenge, as many in the unit still refuse to speak to each other. [Editor’s Note: Apparently the “spies” were agents of Romano Liao, possibly even Thuggee cultists, being labelled as Davion agents in order to prevent a civil war between the two sisters.] The nova of the 3rd is emerald green.

4th Grenadiers: Sarna’s Own Grenadiers

Each of the other five commands were raised from an entire district, however, the people of the planet Sarna provided the entire roster of the 4th, giving it a very distict personality. The 4th has rapidly become the rapid reaction and raiding force of the Grenadiers, specialising in rapid strikes and flaking assaults, as well as fast insertions from

orbit. Most observers believe that the 4th will be given its regular rating within the next few months, due to their quick mastery of often difficult tactics. The nova of the 4th is bright purple.



5th Grenadiers: Light in the Darkness

The 5th Grenadiers have taken their oath to recover lost territory more seriously than the other regiments. As the representatives of the periphery border worlds of the Confederation, the 5th look to the worlds abandonded to the periphery during the Succession Wars as viable targets for reintergration. To this end, the 5th have begun

recruiting planetary scientists and colonial settlement experts to assit them in relocating and reintergrating abandoned former Capellan worlds that still have viable ecosystems and settlements. The 5th’s nova is a radiant yellow.

6th Grenadiers: Maximillian’s Own Castrovian Grenadiers

The 6th have been formed from the Sian Commonality, with a large number of recruits from Castrovia, Maximillian Liao’s Ducal holding. This action by Candace, on behalf of her father and in honor of him, has delighted Maximillian no end. In order to strengthen his new play thing, the Chancellor has transferred several offciers from the

Death Commandos and the Capellan Hussars to assist the new unit in finding its feet. The effort has so far been successfal, as the 6th reached combat readiness and regular status, in half the time that the 1st Grenadiers took to reach similar benchmarks. This had led to an intense rivalry between the two units, with training engagements between the two being fought with an almost reckless abandon.. The nova of the 6th is a bright orange.

Strategic Outlook

The CCAF has increased in strength in a remarkable way in the last twelve months, something that will continue in 3024, albeit at a lower rate. CISA predicts the CCAF to be at 125% of its 3022 strength by the end of 3024. No mean achievement for a force that has long been derided by the other great powers.

Conclusions

The Confederation, as part of the Kapteyn power block, has an opportunity that it has not had for many years, that of being able to influence events on the wider scale. Should the Confederation be able to take advantage of events to suit itself, the Capellan state may emerge from centuries of decline.



Free Worlds League

“That stinking rat bastard Janos has managed to set us back centuries. Unfortunately, the Mariks can now swarm us under, as they can any opposition.”

‐ Attributed to the Prince of Regulus.

Major Changes

The Free Worlds League has changed forever. The reforms instituted by Janos and Thomas Marik have not only redrawn the administrative map of the League, but redrawn the power structure of both the League itself and the Inner Sphere. The League now finds itself both militarily and politically stronger, and is fast becoming the, not the understudy to the Draconis Combine in the Kapteyn Alliance.

Leaders

Janos Marik, long thought by many to be on the decline, has re‐emerged from 3023 as a greatly different man, acting much like he had twenty years before. Gone are the bowed shoulders and worn look, replaced by a man of strong bearing and incisive decision making.

Most of the reason for this revival of the Captain‐General can be laid at the feet of his son, the recently returned Thomas Marik, the man now officially declared his heir. Thomas’s support has been fundamental in resurrecting, not only his fathers career, but also in assuring the dominance of the Marik family for the next generation.

The opposition to the Mariks, from both within the family and from their opponents in the League, has been temporarily disabled by the actions of the two leading men of the realm. CISA predicts that 3024 will see the two men riding the crest of success’s wave and it will not be until 3025 that effective resistance will re‐emerge within the League and the Marik family.

Provinces

The provincial map of the Free Worlds League was redrawn by Janos and Thomas to support the effects of the Affirmation of the Home Defence Act. Major League administrative and military powers, along with some taken from the provinces, have been concentrated on five key worlds. The worlds of Dieudonne, Holt, Granera, Stirling and Kendall are now the main centres of non‐provincial power in the League. This stripping of power from the provinces has led to CISA re‐designating the old provincial capitals as regional centres.


The League has not seen any real change to its interstellar relations, despite the change brought on by the Concord of Kapteyn. The major foreign policy issue at the present time is that regarding the rapid expansion of the Marian Hegemony, an expansion that could conceivably threaten the Periphery border.

Economics

The League economy has always been strong, second only to that of their great rivals, the Lyrans. The League Eagle is currently trading .89 Kroner and 1.57 C‐Bills, a height that owes much to the new alliance.

Industry

League industry has long been a power house, with its average output per world exceeding that of the Lyran Commonwealth by 13.5%. Despite this lead, the Commonwealth is able to produce 11.5% more than the FWL, by virtue of its larger size. Nevertheless, League industry is a powerful tool and one that the Marik’s ensure is well looked after.

Civilian

With the worlds of New Olympia, Loyalty, Paradise, Carbonis, Vanra, Calloway VI, Fletcher, Fujidera, Oriente and Shenwan all seeing large, government assisted, economic growth, the future of the League civilian sector is set to grow rapidly over the coming years.

Military

The military industrial base has not seen significant growth over the past year, however, that may change as 3024 progresses and the massive growth in the FWLM begins to slow, and the needs of its service support arms becomes apparent.

Revenue

Only 3.75% less revenue is raised by the League than its trading rival, the Lyran Commonwealth, yet inefficiencies in the League see this gap widen to 10.8% when it comes time to actually see the money used effectively. Should the League be able, through the current reforms, to streamline its huge machine of state, it may one day truly rival the Lyran Commonwealth.


The Free Worlds League economy has expanded by 19% on its year 3000 base, an achievement that is ever accelerating. CISA expects another year of strong growth from the League economy, with investment in industry and trade likely to be the primary divers of growth.

Military

The Free Worlds League Military has emerged from decades of poor performance and bitter regional divisions over the last year, to become a force to be reckoned with. Gone are the provincial divides, replaced by a newly invigorated Federal force, backed by loyal Provincial troops and able to face down opponents, both at home and abroad. The FWLM has undergone the largest numerical expansion of any military in 3023, adding twelve full combat commands to the Federal forces and seven mercenary regiments to its rosters, raising the overall strength of the FWLM by 18%.

Current Stance

The FWLM is currently redeploying forces all across it borders and CISA has been hard pressed to keep track of these



movements. As such, it is difficult to predict what type of stance the newly invigorated FWLM will take up once the movements are complete.

Forces

The FWLM has become a potent force in the last year, with many line forces now freed up and supported by loyal provincial forces. With the questionable forces of the Mariks opponents now concentrated in their home territories, the FWLM has a flexibility it has not had for many years.

The BattleMech arm of the FLWM consists of 87 regiments of which 37 are Federal Regiments, 32 (11 loyal) are Provincial and 18 are mercenary. The force breakdown is 19 light regiments (12 regular, 9 provincial), 37 medium regiments (13 regular, 15 provincial, 9 mercenary), 27 heavy regiments (9 regular, 10 provincial, 8 mercenary) and 4 assault regiments (3 regular, 1 mercenary),

The FWLM also maintains a conventional force of 179 brigades of which only 31 Federal and 43 provincial are not attached to other regiments. Covering the ground forces are a massive 228 aerospace wings, of which 55 Federal and 66 provincial are independent.

New Units

The Free Worlds League Military saw the greatest expansion of all the major armed forces during 3023. Three major factors influenced this huge buildup of forces, unprecedented in the Free Worlds since the First Succession War. Firstly, as for the other Kapteyn powers, an unknown source of supply has surfaced and was responsible for much of the buildup.

Secondly, the massive industrial potential of the Free Worlds League, second only to the Lyran Commonwealth, allowed for the Captain‐General to form another four regiments. In normal times, even this number of new regiments would have been an acute stress on the LCCC logistics networks, however, the ongoing supply of unknown resources allowed Janos Marik to do what was needed.

Thirdly, the will of Captain‐General Janos Marik, bolstered and buttressed by his son Thomas’s presence, was paramount in seeing the plan through. Without the new acts passed by the Free Worlds Parliament, the new regiments would have been little more than a dream, as the largess from the unknown supply source would have been frittered away piecemeal to the provinces.

Free Worlds Guards: Old Glory – New Drive

The Free Worlds Guards are the showcase unit of the Federal forces of the FWLM. Ever accorded the highest honours, best equipment and most promising troops, the Guards symbolise the power of the Captain‐General and the League. Janos and Thomas Marik knew that no

expansion of the League Federal forces could be undertaken without an expansion of the Guards.

The insignia of the Free Worlds Guards is a yellow, red and black shield held aloft by silver wings. All Guards units carry this marking, on the right leg of 'Mechs, the tail plane of aerospace craft or the forward glacis of vehicles. The parade colours of the Guards are a mix of white and purple panelling, with black accents.

4th Free Worlds Guards: Back to Basics

The newly reconstiuted 4th Guards are an introspective lot, embracing their role as the first of the old guard of Federal forces to be rebuilt and one of the rare Assault weight regiments of the League. The 4th have excercised tirelessly to

repay the honor done to them and have, more than any other new unit, bar perhaps the 2nd Atrean Hussars, been the avatars of the new will of the Marik family. The 4th have been accorded the honour of garrisoning the planet Marik and as such, have become further dedicated to the Mariks. The symbol of the 4th is the original crest of the Free Worlds League.

5th Free Worlds Guards: Embodiment of Energy

The heavy weight 5th Guards are now the prime honor guard of Atreus, retaking their

ancient role from the 4th Oriente Hussars. The 5th have been slower to come to combat

readiness than the 4th and 6th Guards, due to the fact that their ceremonial duties have prevented the unit from excercising in full as often as the LCCC would like. This should not be taken as a statement of weakness for the 5th, as they remain one of the best equipped and staffed regiments in the League. The symbol of the 5th is the standard Free Worlds crest, with the Marik Eagle crisscrossed with bands of lightning.

6th Free Worlds Guards: Shield of the League

The 6th Guards have taken to their tradditional roles as both a representative of all the Provonces of the Free Worlds and as a dangerous mid‐weight regiment of fast hitting power. The 6th

have gone a long way to mollifying some of Janos Marik’s parlimentary critics, as they contain the best and brightest from across the League and are loyal to Parliament first and the Mairk family second. The insignia of the 6th in a gold shield with the five major crests of

the League, set over a purple field.

Atrean Dragoons: Rebuilding a Legacy

Beaten down to three regiments from their original fourteen over the course of the Succession Wars, the Dragoons were a prime candidate for the Marik’s plans. The Dragoons have long been the go to regiments of the Federal forces, and each of the three new

regiments embrace this ideal of undertaking any mission in any conditions.

The Dragoon’s insignia is a shield, fading from gold to red, emblazoned with a blue white and black rectangle. White numerals above the insignia denote individual regiments. The unit's motto is inscribed beneath the Atrean Dragoons' insignia.



3rd

Vox quod Veneratio

2nd

Fidelitas quod Vires

4th

Victoria quod Palma

The parade colours of the Dragoons are a light gray base with green accents. Individual panels may be highlighted in solid green.

2nd Atrean Dragoons: Second Chance

Annihilated defending Bolan from the Lyran Commonwealth in the First Succession War, the new 2nd Dragoons, although honoured by their refounding, are at odds with the LCC already. The origional 2nd were famed for their heavy Mechs and hatred of the Lyrans,

so the light weight composition of the new 2nd and their assignment to Romita, has caused morale to be unstable and the LCC to list the unit as unreliable.

3rd Atrean Dragoons: Merchant Marines

Unlike the 2nd, the new 3rd Dragoons could not be happier with their assignment to the periphery of the League and their fast medium Mechs. Long famed as expert escorts and pirate hunters, until lost in an engagement with Capellan naval assests early

in the Second Succession War, the 3rd has enmbraced its past and has been warmly welcomed by the citizens of Kendall and the sorrunding systems. Despite this, the 3rd’s conventionl units were roughly handled by the pirate group The Longboatmen on Jubka, when the pirates raided the world successfully.

4th Atrean Dragoons: Border Rangers

Another medium unit, the 4th have been assigned to their old station of the Magistracy border, where their forebears saw much action at the end of the Star Laegue period. The 4th have taken up primary station on Temetagi and as such, have been able to

assist Nimachi Fusion Products in testing their Spiders, also allowing the unit access to additional technical staff.

Marik Militia: Re‐mailed Fist

Long the workhorse unit of the League, the roster of the Marik Militia has been riddled with holes, due to the ever increasing depredations of the Succession Wars. The Captain‐General knew from the outset, that the Militia would form the

cornerstone of any rebuilding project and set out to reward the long years of service the Brigade has provided. Five lost regiments have been resurrected on the roles, and this simple action has led to a massive upswing in support for The Marik within the other Marik Militia regiments.

Each 'Mech displays the Marik Militia crest ‐ a stylized Marik Eagle on a red and blue background ‐ on its left arm or weapons pod. The Marik Militias use a colour scheme first seen in 2620‐‐purple with red accents on the right side and blue on the left.

3rd Marik Militia: Grey Ghosts

The 3rd Militia were destroyed defending Barlaston from a long range strike by the Capellan Confederation late in the First Succession War. The 3rd had gained a reputation as expert raiders and masters of the art of dissapearing on the

battlefield, hence their name. The new 3rd, a medium weight unit, have attempted to emulate their namesakes, and although somewhat ham fisted in their attempts so far, show great promise. The 3rd are stationed on Shuen Wan, where they plan to one day seek revenge for the loss of their forebears.

7th Marik Militia: Desert Rats

The old 7th were famed desert fighters, claiming an unbroken lineage to a famed unit of ancient Terra. The new 7th, whilst reviving the old 7th Militia’s insignia, have had little chance to train as a unit, being the

last regiment certified combat ready by the LCC. The reason for this is the 7th’s assignemt across half the Canopian border, where they have begun patroling various systems and rarely operating above battalion level.

11th Marik Militia: Athena’s Regiment

The 11th were never really destroyed, they just ceased to exist during the mid‐Third Succession War, victims of shattered supply lines and ever mounting losses. The remainder of the 11th was absorbed into the 5th Marik Milita, who provided a compnay to reform the 11th in 3024. The 11th have been stationed on Harsfield, close by the 5th,

where both units have worked together to bring the 11th back up to operational standards.

12th Marik Militia: The Shattered Made Whole

The origional 12th were hunted to extermination by Lyran forces during the Second Succession War. No survivors were found and all that remained of the regiment were shattered and broken machines. The new 12th honors the loss of its

namesake in its insignia, the Marik Miliat crest assembled from pieces of stained glass. Assigned to Second Chance, the 12th have shown a marked preference for stand up fights.

16th Marik Militia: The Peacemakers

The 16th are a regiment traditionally raised from the planet Marik. The first incarnation of the 16th was first assigned to pacification of newly won territories and so picked up its nickname from there. Over the years the name stuck, as the 16th brought peace through superior

firepower to many battlefields. Although the current 16th is much lighter than the old, it has shown promise as a light strike formation.



Atrean Hussars: A New Phoenix

Long maligned as no hopers and the Captain‐Generals pets, the 1st Hussars have languished for many years. The choice of Janos Marik to build a new Hussars regiment surprised many, most of all the 1st Hussars. The success of this new formation has spurred the 1st regiment to finally throw off their lacklustre

performances and endeavour to outshine their new companion regiment.

The brigade’s insignia is a stylized eight‐pointed star over a black disc. Atrean Hussar war machines use blue and white parade colours‐‐the upper section of each 'Mech, vehicle or fighter is white, the lower is blue.

2nd Atrean Hussars: Steel Hearts

The 2nd Hussars have taken the LCCC by surprise: Firslty by their formation; secondly by the man appointed to command them; through their rapid coming together and advancemant; and fourth, their performance in excercises,

most noteably their severe handeling of the 4th Orients Hussars on New Olympia in April 3023. Colonel James Hudson is credited with being the man who has almost single handedly turned arroiund the entire fortune of the Atrean Hussars Brigade. His outspoken nature, obvious skill handeling his heavy unit and his charming manner with the press, have garneder the 2nd no small amount of fame.

Strategic Outlook

The FWLM military is now in a position of strength, not experienced since the beginning of the Succession Wars. Should the new deployment and organisation succeed, the FWLM will be a bane for the LCAF and the CCAF, should the Kapteyn alliance fail.

Conclusions

The Free Worlds League is in a position to become one of the leading powers over the coming years, emerging from a century of stagnation and putting pressure on its neighbours in ways that will force them to rethink their views towards, and actions regarding ,the Free Worlds League.



1

ComStar

“ComStar is dedicated to its ongoing place of neutrality and in providing cheap and effective communications to all mankind without bias.”

‐ Precentor Dieron, Myndo Waterly.

Major Changes

Like most groups who watch the play of the great power, CISA has great difficulty in peering into the depths of ComStar’s shadows. However, it would appear, through inferring motives and moves from much data, that ComStar may well be behind many of the developments of the last few years. Why they would take such action is unclear, despite the mounting evidence that they have, and will, continue to move and shake behind the scenes.

Leaders

Primus Julian Tiepolo leads the more moderate faction of ComStar, one that has held sway for some time now, ably supported by Huthrin Vandel and Ulthan Everson. The Primus’s position has been weakened somewhat by the loss of Villius Tejh for reasons unknown, however, his position seems to be secure for the time being. Opposition to the Primus appears to be coalescing around his former protégé, Myndo Waterly, Precentor of Dieron, who represents are far more radical group within the order.


ComStar outwardly maintains friendly relations with all the powers of the Inner Sphere. The reality, at least that which CISA can determine, is far more complex. It would appear that the moderate faction of ComStar supported both the F‐C Alliance and the Concord of Kapteyn, as methods to maintain balance within the Inner Sphere, with the periphery tolerated, yet largely ignored. The rising faction of Myndo Waterly, however, seems to be more in favour of support for the periphery and the weaker Kapteyn power block, in order to bring balance on different terms. The factional in fighting may lead to ComStar pushing the states of the Inner Sphere into positions they might not otherwise have moved to, causing unforeseen results.

Economics

The ComStar economy, based on its HPG network, interstellar trade fleet and limited exports from the Terran system, is a difficult web to unravel. ComStar releases little hard data, so most conclusions have to be inferred from other information. What is known is that the C‐Bill has undergone a rapid decline in value over the last 18 months, for reasons unknown. Once only eclipsed in value by the Lyran Kroner, then only fractionally, the C‐Bill can now only buy 0.57 Lyran Kroner, 1.05 Combine Ryu, 0.81 Davion Pounds, 1.38 Capellan Yuan and 0.64 Marik Eagles.

That the C‐Bill can decline so precipitously is worrying to many financial analysts, but the cause remains a mystery. Many point out that it may be from the increasing strength of the Inner Sphere economies, as they recover from the 3rd Succession War through trade and increased industrial output. Whatever the

cause, it remains another grey area of concern in the stream of unusual occurrences of the last year.

Military

The small ComStar Guards and Militia and the Terran Security Forces are an area where no information is forthcoming. What they command and where they are stationed remains a mystery. However, as always, CISA is of the opinion that this shadow force remains a dangerous unknown at the heart of the Inner Sphere.

The ComGuards have undergone a rapid and enormous expansion over the last year, in line with Primus Waterly’s directive: To ensure that the safety of the Order and Terra for the foreseeable future. Precentor Martail Angus Hamilton has been ably assisted by Precentor Naval Graham Neville and Precentor Patrick Millray in organising and equipping the multitude of new formations and ships.

The ComGuards ground forces have now abandoned the experiment with the base six formations and have adopted a cut down version of the Federated Suns RCT. Each gathering of a BattleMech Regiment, Conventional Brigade and Aerospace Wing is designated a Combat Brigade Group (CBG).

Additionally, the ComGuard fleet has undergone a huge increase in numbers and tonnage, which has so far exceeded the initial projections that the naval staff provided on refitting mothballed ships.

Combat Brigade Groups: A New Way of Thinking

The new Brigade groups are now the most un‐ComStar part of ComStar, something that has caused no small amount of uneasiness at the highest levels of the Order.

Nonetheless, the massive effort continues apace, with eleven CBGs formed to date and

many more in the process of coming together. This program is expected to continue over the foreseeable future as the targets initially set are far from being met.

The CBGs insignia takes the form of a disc, upon which three triangles are set, their points meeting in the centre of the disc. The symbol represents the meeting of Mech, Aerospace and Conventional forces as one. Every CBG fills each of the triangles in a different colour, with each badge becoming a distictive mark for the Brigade. The insignia is awarded to each CBG upon its official activation. The colour scheme used on CBG vehicles for parades is white with highlights and accents in the colours of the unit’s triangles.

1st Combat Brigade Group: First of All

Composed primarily of ex‐1st Division troops, the 1st have maintained their status as the elite of the ComGuard forces. Although hesitant to drop the base six formations, that the 1st had originally created, the 1st

It is best for our Blessed Order that we increase surveillance of this CISA organisation. They are becoming a little too good at their job. Their conclusions regarding our Order here, are beginning to concern ROM and the First Circuit. They may need to be dealt with permanently.

That they are threatened by the Precentor’s vision shows their own lack of foresight. However, their perceptions, as to our inner workings, are most disturbing. ROM should begin an investigation into potential leaks immediately.

This analysis bears watching. They seem to know too much already.

Should CISA learn to true reason for the decline of the C-Bill, the future of the Order would be in peril. Have ROM check and re-check all current security measure within the Terran system.

I have appended the following information from the Precentor Martial in order to provide a complete picture as to our capabilities and their current relationship to those of the other powers.



2

4

6

1 1

2 1

3 1

1 3

4 3

9

9 3

have, nonetheless, become the leading practitioners of the new ComStar CBG style deployment and the techniques that are required to gain the most from it. The 1st are, surprisingly, a light weight regiment who are experts in fast raids and strikes, something that service during the war against the Periphery Pirates had taught them.

2nd Combat Brigade Group: Second to None

The second make up for their lesser experience, when compared to the 1st, through the pre‐ponderous mass of their assault Mechs. The 2nd are a slow moving wall of steel, which although not particularly hard to avoid, are devastating when they

finally come into range. The 2nd’s command is trying, some believe vainly, to improve the ability of the unit to bring itself to bear.

4th Combat Brigade Group: Fourth of Firth

The 4th, decedents of the old 4th Division, have adopted the practices of the ancient Scottish Clansmen whose lands they garrison. They attack first and ask questions later. The reckless abandon of the 4th allows it to fight much more powerful opponents and shock

them into hasty retreats. However, as the 2nd CBG demonstrated, when an opponent refuses to budge, the 4th can be placed into a poor position quickly and punished.

6th Combat Brigade Group: Taipan Brigade

The Taipan CBG has taken the extremely venomous Taipan as its namesake, seeking to emulate its ability to strike from cover and kill instantly. As an assault weight regiment, it can achieve this over most opponents, finding that luring enemies into the trap is the

most difficult task to master. The highlight of the 6th’s career so far was the heavy mauling they handed out to the 1st CBG in late 3023.

9th Combat Brigade Group: Ninth Level of Hell

The 9th have become an early problem unit for the Precentor Martial, finding the transition to the new formations difficult and causing numerous problems on and off the training field. Much of this opposition has come from die hard true believers, who see the

secularisation of the ComGuards as an affront to their history.

11th Combat Brigade Group: Panhard’s Panzers

The heavy Mechs of Precentor Panhard’s 11th CBG are rapidly becoming known for their precise application of the ancient art of Blitzkrieg. The 11th are able to mass a surprising number of troops on a narrow front, smash through an enemies’ line and begin to create

chaos in their rear areas. Precentor Millray

has begun to use the actions of the 11th as a training aid at Sandhurst, much to the pleasure of the 11th CBG.

12th Combat Brigade Group: Dirty Dozen

The 12th, last of the CBGs to fully form from an old Division, are a veteran, light weight unit, which has developed a taste for fighting in terrain which other units consider impassable, especially swamps. The 12th‘s posting to the Amazonian Delta, has allowed

it to fine tune its methods and become a yardstick for other units seeking to gain their difficult terrain rating.

13th Combat Brigade Group: Lucky You

The 13th Division was used to fill holes in the other CBGs rosters, leaving it with a very thin roster when reformed as the 13th CBG. As the first unit to accept new recruits, the 13th went onto become the champion of the new system and has dedicated itself to the pursuit

of perfection in the new CBG techniques. This drive has allowed the 13th to attain its veteran rating, making it one of the top four CBGs in the ComGuards.

31st Combat Brigade Group: New Vision

The first new brigade, with no ties to former ComGuard Divisions, the 31st has become one of the primary showcase units for the people of Terra. The unit has partaken in many parade displays all across the world and as a result, the 31st is a popular and well

recognised formation. This PR campaign has limited the 31st’s chances to train, but has made its troops experts in moving large formations quickly, resulting in the ComGuard High command awarding the unit its regular rating.

34th Combat Brigade Group: Pathfinders

The heavy Mechs of the 34th have become the ComGuards orbital insertion specialists, albeit at company level and below. Individual 34th CBG units are highly adept at locating and securing landing zones for other formations, but suffer from lack of coordination when

they try to operate above battalion level. The Precentor Martial is toying with the idea of remaking the 34th as a Pathfinder Command and raising a new CBG to replace it.

39th Combat Brigade Group: The Antarctica Brigade

The 39th have been stationed on Antarctica since shortly after their commissioning and as such, are the best cold weather warriors in the ComGuards. The survival skills of the 39th are second only to those found in the SAS and no unit, not even the famed 1st CBG,

can face them on the cold barren plains of the southern continent and win.



Ships of the Line: The Ultimate Defence

The ComGuard Warship fleet is now an impressive weapon of war, designated as the initial defence against any incursion into Terran space by a hostile intruder. Originally only numbering twelve vessels, the fleet now consists of twenty seven ships, seven more than originally anticipated in the fleet expansion program.

In addition to these new ships, the ComGuards fleet has redesignated several classes using a new system. Ships are no longer assigned a class based on an arbitrary decision; instead they are assigned to one of five classes based on mass. This has upset many within the ComGuards Naval Arm, as they are traditionalists to the bone, however, it has made life easier on the shipyard planners and overseers who have to manage the flow of tonnage through there facilities.

The new symbol of the Naval arm is a two tone blue rectangle, with a white star at each end. Each ship replaces the ComGuard – Navy section of the banner, with its name and class.

Invisible Truth

Once the largest ship in the fleet and the only Battlecrusier on active service, the Cameron class CSS Invisible is now one of several Battlecrusiers active within the fleet. Although the Invisible Truth will no longer the flag vessel of the fleet when the Blake’s Sword enters service, she is still the best trained and crewed ship the ComGuards field.

Blake Ascendant

Recommissioned in early 3023, the Black Lion class Battlecrusier CSS Blake Ascendant has been diligent in attaining full combat capability and living up to the standards set by the Invisible Truth. Already rated as regular, many expect the Ascendant to join the Truth in a veteran rating sooner rather than later.

Blake’s Strength

Recommissioned in late 3023, the CSS Blake’s Strength is another Black Lion. The reactivation was plagued with problems which continue to effect the functioning of the ship. Unless the problems are brought under control, the Strength will be sent back to the Titan yards for further work.

Avenging Sword

The CSS Avenging Sword, an Aegis class Cruiser, is one of the most proficient ships in the fleet. The Sword currently holds the premiere place amongst cruisers within the ComGuard fleet, something the crew and Captain work hard to maintain.

Bordeaux

The three Dante class Frigates have been re‐classified as Cruisers under the new ComGuard system. CSS Bordeaux, along with her sister ships, is working hard to make a name for themselves as the core of the cruiser fleet.

Montpellier

The CSS Montpellier, despite its relatively young age was, like the Narbonne, mothballed for many years. Recommissioned in late 3023, the Montpellier’s crew is working hard to bring the ship up to the standards set by the Bordeaux.

Narbonne

The CSS Narbonne had its refit completed in late 3023 and since then has established a reputation as a well run ship. Although the crews overall experience is still low, they show great promise as a leading ship of the future.

Righteous Fury

The second Aegis cruiser in the fleet, the CSS Righteous Fury was refitted in late 3022. The ships age has led to numerous ongoing problems due to several cases of degrading structural members that were missed in the initial overhaul. The ship is due back at the Titan yards in the next month for further work.

Enlightened Pursuit

ComStar had been experimenting with the CSS Enlightened Pursuit prior to the build‐up and so the ship was brought online very quickly once the orders were given. The benefits of the experiments on the Pursuit made the refit of the Path a less taxing experience than would otherwise have been the case.

Quixote

Enlightened pursuit

aegis

Righteous fury

Dante

Narbonne

Dante

Montpellier

Cameron

Invisible truth

Black lion

Blake ascendant

Black lion

Blake’s strength

aegis

Avenging sword

Dante

Bordeaux

navy

ComGuard



Enlightened Path

CSS Enlightened Path is one of the two recommissioned Quixote class ships. Despite their age, they have been modernised and look to see good service as system defence ships over Terra. The refit was completed in early 3023.

All Seeing Eye

The CSS All Seeing Eye was originally the SLS Dresden, an Essex class Destroyer. The ships refit was completed in Early 3023 and the Eye now patrols the Ross 248 system, in conjunction with the other ships of the Ross squadron.

Tiberias

The CSS Tiberias is an Essex hull that had long served as a training monitor in the Lyuten system. Bringing the Tiberias back to full operational service was a relatively easy task and was completed even before the main Warship program began. The crews’ long experience with the ship has the Tiberias holding the honor of best Destroyer in the fleet.

Blake’s Vision

The Lola III class CSS Blake’s Vision was part of the pre‐build‐up fleet and continues to serve with distinction in the Ross squadron.

Brandenburg Crusader

Another Essex class Destroyer, the CSS Brandenburg Crusader has long garrisoned the Ross system for the fleet. In fact, the Crusader is the only ship to have fired its guns in anger in the last 50 years, doing so when a DCMS transport jumped into the system in 2993.

Deathblow

Another Essex class Destroyer, the CSS Deathblow has been a resident of the Lyuten system since the days of the First Succession War. In fact, many of the crew were born in the system, where it is considered a high honour to be accepted for service aboard the ship.

Defender of Versailles

The Essex classs CSS Defender of Versailles has been one of the principle lines of defence within the Terran system for decades. Being in the system constantly requires deft manoeuvring to ensure that the ship is never seen, giving the crew the reputation of possessing some of the finest helmsmen in the fleet.

End of Wisdom

The CSS End of Wisdom, formerly the Lola III class Destroyer SLS Newcastle, was recovered from the Caph system’s Oort cloud and refitted in early 3023. The ship has proved a bad luck ship, as there have been three deaths and numerous injuries on board already.

Essex

The CSS Essex, first of her class when built in 2711, was thought lost forever during the battle for Terra at the end of the Star League. The ship, though extensively damaged, was apparently overlooked during the Exodus and remained in the main Asteroid belt until refitted by ComStar over the course of 3023.

Fire Star

The CSS Fire Star is a rare Whirlwind class Destroyer, apparently the only one not to accompany Kerensky on his Exodus. The ship was refitted in early 3024 and has demonstrated the class’s great speed and agility in exercises since then.

Light of Hope

The CSS Light of Hope is an old Baron class Destroyer, pulled out of a very old SLDF warship cache whose location remains a very closely guarded secret. The Light’s refit was completed in early 3023.

Magdeburg

The CSS Magdeburg was pulled out of the same location as the End of Wisdom and brought back into service in late 3023. The ship is another Lola III, but does not share the same bad luck as her sister.

Lola III

Magdeburg

baron

Light of hope

whirlwind

Fire star

Essex

Essex

Lola III

End of wisdom

Essex

Defender of Versailles

Essex

Deathblow

Essex

Brandenburg Crusader

Lola III

Blake’s Vision

Essex

Tiberias

Essex

All seeing eye

Quixote

Enlightened path



Righteous Honor

The CSS Righteous Honor was also brought back into service in late 3023, another of ComStar’s many Essex class Destroyers. The Honour has so far had an undistinguished career.

Serendipity

The CSS Serendipity is the first of the three Naga class Destroyers to be refitted, all of which were left in orbit around Neptune for many years. Expected to be expensive and time consuming to repair, these ships proved, in the end, to be in better condition than first believed. The Serendipity re‐entered service in late 3023.

Alacrity

The only pre‐build‐up ship of the new Corvette grouping, the CSS Alacrity is the best Vincent class ship in the fleet. Unlike the other experienced crews in the fleet, who have been helping their new associates, the crew of the Alacrity have taken to humiliating the other corvettes wherever possible.

Blake’s Redemption

The CSS Blake’s Redemption was brought into service almost immediately as it, like the Determination was held in a short refit status for the last 50 years. More than any other Corvette, the crew of the Redemption is determined to knock the Alacrity of its pedestal.

Determination

The other quick refit Vincent class corvette, CSS Determination, has not had the success the Redemption has had in giving stick back to the Alacrity. However, the Determination has taken more time to assist the Sheridan to get up to speed.

Sheridan

The CSS Sheridan, another Vincent, only returned to service in late 3023 and has been mercilessly harassed by the Alacrity. The Sheridan’s crew are at the point where they are more than willing to fire on the Alacrity, just to gain some peace and quite.

Conclusions

ComStar, always trying to be the grand puppet master, may be finding it’s strings fraying at the present time, as forces within the order and across known space bring unbefore known pressure to weak points in the orders structure. CISA will be watching developments within ComStar as closely as possible over the coming year.

Vincent MK.40

Sheridan

Vincent MK.40

Determination

Vincent MK.40

Blake’s Redemption

Vincent MK.40

Alacrity

Naga

Serendipity

Essex

Righteous Honor

And we will watch CISA



Taurian Concordat

“Give the masses a minor victory and they will laud you, give them dozens and they will think you a master of the arts of war and follow you anywhere.”

‐ Protector Thomas Calderon, December 3023.

Major Changes

The Concordat has led the recent revival in the Periphery in technical development, colonisation and military and territorial expansion. The recent surge of activity by Protector Calderon, in response to the under the table colonisation movement, has been both sudden and surprising.

Leaders

Precentor Thomas Calderon has taken a more direct and controlling hand in the operations of the Taurian state over the last year. With the revelation that the Far Lookers had been funnelling funds into an under the table colonisation effort, the Protector lost no time in both eliminating this opposition, whilst at the same time launching a campaign to bring these worlds into the Concordat proper.

Although the campaign is still in progress, the elimination of the Far Lookers leadership has effectively destroyed any hope of the far flung worlds mounting a coordinated defence, allowing the TDF to take an almost leisurely approach to the fighting.


The Taurians relations with the other powers have seen some changes in the last year. Relationships with the Lyran Commonwealth continue to cool, as the F‐C Alliance rears its head. The Taurians have applauded the destruction of Tortuga, whilst deploring Davion imperialism and their inability to get Lady Death herself. The most damming change to Taurus’s foreign relations is the war of words with the Magistracy over the colonial territories between them. Although both sides have respected old borders, tensions are at a high not seen in over a century.

Economics

As the strongest of the Periphery economies, Taurus is often seen as the trend stetter and the lesser of two evils when the smaller powers are looking for trading opportunities. This has allowed Taurus to expand their industrial output by 4% over 3023, a trend that looks set to continue. Trade is also increasing as the Taurian merchant fleet looks to assist in the support of the new colonies. Additionally, to placate those supporters of the Far Lookers, the Protector gave funding for the resettlement of Magaris.

Industry

The worlds of Taurus, Pinard and Sterope have led the way in the reinvigoration of the Taurian industrial base. The heart of the Concordat, the Hyades Cluster, has long been the driving force in the Taurian economy and it continues to be so.

Civilian

The Civilian industrial base has been instrumental in assuring the Taurian Concordat has remained an effective society, which has been able to meet the needs of its people and also export its surplus. The Taurian government recognises this, and it is expected that the Protector will continue to encourage growth in this sector.

Military

Taurian military industry always grows in fits and starts and is presently in a position of relative strength compared to years past. The only real weakness of the Taurian military industrial sector is lack of Assault Mech facilities and JumpShip yards.

Revenue

The Taurian Concordat, as the wealthiest of the Periphery realms, seems at times awash in options, however, when the Taurian income stream is compared to that of the Capellans it amounts to only 40% of the weakest of the Inner Sphere powers. Despite this handicap, the Taurians are masters at getting more with less, and should present trends continue, emerge as a strong and competitive economy over the coming half century.

Military

The Taurian Defence Force is the most powerful of the Periphery militaries and had demonstrated this fact over the last year by the annexing of eighteen worlds over an area of space 380LY by 150LY. The TDF was able to mange this feat with only 18% of its line forces, ensuring that the Inner Sphere border, especially that with the Federated Suns, remained heavily garrisoned.

Current Stance

The TDF forces on the Inner Sphere border are on a state of heightened readiness as the colonies campaign continues, in case the AFFS moves to take advantage of the situation. Those units involved in the campaign are conducting a rapid series of assaults and then allowing pacification and integration units to move in behind them and free them for further assaults. The campaign will likely last most of 3024 and see the integration of a further eight worlds, one of which, Mirfak, is already under attack.

Forces

The TDF is a well balanced and professional force, which utilises the services of several mercenary commands, so that the line regulars can maintain their watch on House Davion.

The BattleMech arm of the TDF consists of 41 Battalions of which 27 are line Regiments and 14 are mercenary. The force breakdown is 4 light Battalions (2 regular, 2 mercenary), 23 medium Battalions (15 regular, 8 mercenary), 11 heavy Battalions (7 regular, 4 mercenary) and 9 assault Battalions (all regular). The TDF also maintains a conventional force of 27 brigades and 24 aerospace wings. This includes the formation of the new 65th, 66th and 67th Taurian Armoured Brigades during 3023.



Strategic Outlook

With the colonial campaign looking towards a successful conclusion and the AFFS occupied elsewhere, the TDF should be well placed to strengthen itself over the coming year, no doubt looking to additional mercenaries, following the success of so many in the current actions.

Conclusions

The Concordat, if patient and smart will continue to emerge as a viable counter weight to Davion and Liao ambitions along the spinward border areas. It will be up to the Taurians to ensure that this influence is used wisely and not seen as a potential threat by their neighbours.







Magistracy of Canopus

“For centuries our realms have lived in peace and harmony together, however, that does not mean that the Magistracy will sit quietly by whilst the concordat cuts a path of conquest across traditional Canopian territories.”

‐ Magestrix Kyalla Centrella in her official statement regarding the Taurian’s Colonial War.

Major Changes

The major motivator in 3023 for the Magistracy was their sudden and pressing need to send forces into action, to prevent both the Marian Hegemony and Taurian Concordat from taking over worlds who had traditionally looked to Canopus for guidance and protection. However, these worlds did not appreciate the sudden decent of Canopian troops and fighting erupted on most worlds. However, the quick success of the campaigns has limited opposition at home.

Leaders

Magestrix Kyalla Centrella has looked for an excuse to use the MAF in anger for some time and demonstrated a ruthless streak and opportunism more akin to that found in the bandit kingdoms. However, her success at blunting both Taurian and Marian ambitions, has gone a long way to ensuring her people believe they have a strong and incisive leader.


Canopus is developing closer relations with both the Lothian League and the Illyrian Palatinate, as the Marian threat increases. This has been countered by the recent war of words with the Taurians over the Colonial campaigns of both realms.

Economics

The ongoing increase in merchant ship availability across the Inner Sphere has seen the ready income of the Magistracy explode, as the pleasure circus industry is again able to ply its trade across the stars. Assisted by a boom in the export of medical services, the Canopian economy is experiencing a major period of expansion.

Industry

The industry of the Canopian state has long been the major weakness of any plans for expansion, as it is so woefully small for such a large periphery realm. Currently the Magistracy has the lowest per capita ratio of industrial output of all the states reviewed.

Civilian

The civilian industrial sector is the Achilles heal of Canopus and needs serious addressing, should the Canopian leaders ever wish to have a greater influence on foreign affairs. Although the last year has seen a 2% increase in production, much more needs to be done for the realm to keep up with, let alone catch, other states development.

Military

Canopian military industry is much like its civilian counterpart; weak and lacking in many vital areas. With the only major production centres on Canopus IV and Dunianshire, the Canopians also have the problem of having all their eggs in one basket.

Military

The MAF has responded well to the recent call for action and has shown the weaknesses of the ad hoc system of battlegroups the Taurians are using in their own colonial campaign. Each Canopian battlegroup contains an aerospace wing, conventional brigade and ‘Mech unit, allowing it to deal with any task that may arise.

Current Stance

The current stance of the MAF is similar to that of the TDF, a wall along the Inner Sphere border, with rapid strikes taking place in the colonial regions.

Forces

The BattleMech arm of the MAF consists of 10 regiments and 8 mercenary battalions. The force breakdown is 4 light regiments, 4 medium regiments and 5 mercenary battalions, 2 heavy regiments and 1 mercenary battalion and 1 assault regiment and 1 mercenary battalion. The MAF also maintains a conventional force of 27 brigades and 18 aerospace wings.

Strategic Outlook

The MAF is demonstrating a good appreciation of well panned, quick reaction, combined arms operations in a manner that should give any potential opponent pause.

Conclusions

The Magistracy is in a position where it is not a good enough target to waste energy on, but strong enough to develop at its own pace and protect that which is its own.



Outworlds Alliance

“Rejoice people of the Alliance, rejoice and be happy, for today we have dispatched of a scourge that long brought us suffering and despair.”

‐ Part of the official Outworlds transcript announcing the conquest of Antallos.

Major Changes

The Outworlds Alliance has undergone limited change over the past year, simply growing where it could and finally acting in a concerted way to protect its people from the depredations of the nearest bandit haven. The Outworlders’ assault on Antallos represents the realms single largest military action in over two centuries.

Leaders

Neil Avellar seems to have gained a new lease on life, some pundits claiming it has to do with a romantic liaison. Whatever the reason may be, the President has stopped spending so much time in consultation and begun to act like a leader should: decisively. His recent actions, although stirring the ire of those opposed to a strong military, have garnered him great support among the people, who are tired of the constant attacks of pirates and raiders.


The Outworlds, at all times tries to maintain good relations with all its neighbours and continue to do so.

Economics

The Outworlds economy is benefiting from the increased trade flowing from the Inner Sphere and has begun to see continued economic growth over most sectors, albeit in small amounts so far. The slow and steady method of development, aided here and there by the Federated Suns, ComStar and the Draconis Combine, is assisting the small nation in redeveloping itself.

Industry

Although the industry of the Alliance is weak at best, it is specialised, with the realm’s primary output, both military and civilian aerospace technologies, a sought after commodity. The most recent export was to the Oberon Confederation, who took delivery of 25 Aerospace fighters in the second half of the year. The Outworlds has also benefited from foreign investment recently, allowing several Inner Sphere firms to set up shop on various Alliance worlds.

Military

The Alliance Military Forces are noted for their aerospace bias and lack of any real sting in their ground arm. This was amply demonstrated by the heavy losses the ground forces suffered on Antallos against a numerically inferior foe. Nevertheless, the experience was needed and has provided the AMF ground arm with many lessons that needed to be learned.

Forces

The BattleMech arm of the AMF consists of 9 Battalions. The force breakdown is 1 light Battalion, 2 medium Battalions, 3 heavy Battalions and 3 assault Battalions. This increase in weight classes has been due to the investment by a Defiance/Olivetti joint venture in, Alliance Defenders Unlimited, on Alpheratz in 3012, allowing the AMF to access Banshees, Thunderbolts, Warhammers and Griffins, whilst selling many in the mercenary market. The MAF also maintains a conventional force of 8 brigades and 15 aerospace wings.

Conclusions

The Alliance has sent a message to the pirate groups in its region: it will no longer wait for them, but go out and destroy them where they reside. This confidence, high after Antallos, along with the slowly improving economy has confidence amongst the citizens climbing.







Oberon Confederation

“I intend to ensure the peace and prosperity of every man, woman and child who lives within five jumps of Oberon. It’s time we stoped living like savages and became what we should be – proud citizens of a new and prosperous realm.”

‐ Prince Hendrik of Oberon

Major Changes

Prince Hendrik Grimm, one day to be King Hendrik IV, has given his father the gift he always desired, a true empire. The younger Grimm’s days at Tharkad University and his time in the LCAF on the Marik border, have given him insights which have allowed him to marshal his father’s forces into a powerful weapon of conquest.

Since January of 3023, the Oberon Guards, supported by their newly strengthened conventional forces, have surged out from Confederation space in a blitzkrieg, which has overwhelmed the nearby bandit kingdoms.

Leaders

If King Hendrik Grimm III is considered progressive, then his son can be considered revolutionary. Upon his return to his father’s side three years ago, the young Grimm has redeveloped his nation’s outlook and structure, all with his father’s blessing. Prince Grimm’s education on Tharkad and in the LCAF, has given him the skill necessary to take the Confederation from a second rate power to one that seems fully capable of reinvigorating this once active region of space.

Provinces

The new territories of the Confederation are still primarily run from Oberon itself, however, the growing size of the realm and the Prince’s influence, have seen three regional centres set up to assist in the process of watching over the new territories. Elissa, Von Strang’s World (now re‐renamed Erin) and Butte Hold are the regional centres for the time being, chosen for their position and resources.


Oberon continues to draw support from the Lyran government and through the Lyrans from the Federated Suns. Additionally, the Combine and League seek to counter this and have tried to cultivate good relations as well. ComStar is also seeking the small realms favour, leaving King Grimm in the comfortable position of having everyone of substance wishing to do well by him.

Economics

Due to farsighted polices and King Grimm’s efforts at encouraging foreign investment, the Oberon economy has doubled in strength since the year 3000. This increase has done wonders for both the people of Oberon and the industrial base of this once impoverished region. The interest from Lyran firms has been the major driving factor, bringing Davion business, as well as forcing Kurita investment, in an effort to stymie Lyran influence.

Industry

The Grimm’s best effort so far has been the way in which they handled the ever slippery Quickscell Company. Offering no set up costs or government oversight, King Grimm was able to get Quickscell to set up shop on Oberon VI and begin the production of several classes of armoured vehicle in 3016. AS these units began to see service in Oberon growing conventional forces, and the severe lack of quality control that Quickscell is known for came to be apparent, Grimm seized the factories and deported the Quickscell executives. The Lyran state ignored the pleas of the company, happy to see them receive their long overdue accounting for their practices, leaving Grimm in possession of a big bargaining chip.

Grimm then offered the factories to Olivetti Weaponry for a nominal price, on the condition that they expand production and construct a Mech factory. After two years negotiation, and some assurances from Grimm, Olivetti, with assistance from Coventry Meatalworks, undertook a two year

construction program and opened a new Mech factory on Oberon in 3021.

Military

The Oberon Guards have shown that they are a highly efficient military machine, which has learned the tenants of modern warfare well. Their ability to mount their current campaign, against varied foes, over a large area of space, is testament to their abilities. The hiring of The Regulators mercenary regiment has assisted Oberon in bring order to the region, as the reputation of this old periphery based force has done much to bring several worlds into the Confederation peacefully.

The BattleMech arm of Oberon consists of 4 regiments of the Oberon Guards themselves, 2 medium and 2 heavy, the BattleMech forces of the Chainlaine World of Castille, a little over a battalion in strength and The Regulators regiment. Oberon also maintains a conventional force of 9 brigades and 6 aerospace wings.

The greatest weakness of the Guards is their lack of Assault Mechs and a ready supply of Aerospace fighters. Only the surrender and later incorporation of the air wings from Star’s End has enabled the Guards to put off the requirement for the construction of aerospace facilities in Oberon space.

Strategic Outlook

Although the war in Chainlaine looks set to increase in intensity, Oberon/Regulator forces, with allied Chainlaine troops, should be able to bring order to the region by the end of 3024. Whether or not the plan to create a new capital for the Chainlaine worlds and allow limited self government as part of Oberon will work, remains to be seen. However, only Santander V now survives as any long term pirate threat to the region.

Conclusions

Oberon has been the unquestioned success story of 3023, despite several other notable developments across the Inner Sphere. How Oberon deals with the integration of so many new peoples over the coming years will be the true test of this ascendant nation’s mettle.



Marian Hegemony

“You can either join the Hegemony willingly or as slaves. The choice is yours. No longer should you be allowed to horde your technologies without benefiting those others who reside in the periphery with you.”

‐ Part of the broadcast to the Niops Association by Hegemony troops in 3023.

Major Changes

The major change in the Marian state over 3023 was the move from talking about conquest, to actually undertaking it. The Marians have had a small drain on population over time, as disaffected citizens move to nearby worlds to be free of the Caesar’s grasp. The period of exile is now over, as the Marian Legions have not only shown they can beat up small isolated worlds, but take on technologically well equipped powers and win.

Leaders

Caesar Sean O’Rielly has led from the front during the recent Territory Wars, as they have come to be called. From all accounts, the Caesar holds a rather inflated opinion of himself, and is willing to entertain the notion that his army can now roll over the Lothians, Illyrians and Circinians in one fell swoop. Unfortunately for the Caesar, this has galvanised his opponents into closer ties, leading the two nearest states to prepare for the worst.


The Marians have no real friends, their actions preclude them. However, the Capellan Confederation is watching the Hegemony closely, as a possible future counterweight to the League and has dispatched diplomatic missions to Alphard in the last year.

Economics

Irian Battlemechs Unlimited was quick to take up the offer of unfettered access to the Marian Germanium mines, if they assisted the Caesar in building the factories he would need for war. Since 3022, these industriplexs have been putting a spine of heavy steel into the legions, as well as invigorating the trade and associated industries around them. Accordingly, and with the bounty from the newly won worlds, the Marian economy is riding high.

Military

The BattleMech arm of the Legions consists of 2 assault and 1 medium legion (approximately 3 regiments) and 4 Battalions of mercenaries. The Legions also maintain a conventional force of 3 brigades and 3 aerospace wings.

Strategic Outlook

Currently, most Marian Mech forces are massed on Stafford, within striking range of both the Lothian League and the Illyrian Palatinate. With Circinus making noises about assisting the two realms and the Lothian/Illyrian forces cooperating, the Caesar will be hard put to it to ensure that his forces can continue to be victorious.

Conclusions

The Hegemony has suddenly burst forth, bringing the widespread violence it has always threatened. However, with Canopus on one side and a growing coalition on the other, the future may be rougher on the Hegemony than otherwise planned.





Circinus Federation

“Repeat, major Lyran forces in system, multiple DropShip and fighter contacts consistent with a full regimental battlegroup.”

‐ Communications traffic from Andrion Space control.

Major Changes

The two major changes faced by Circinus during 3023 was the retaliation of the Lyran Commonwealth for one raid too many and the potential need to assist the Lothians in driving off the Marian threat. These two issues have come to dominate Circinian thinking.

Leaders

The head of the Black Warriors, Adam Cirion, and the President, C J McIntyre, are currently at odds with each other. The President blames the Black Warriors for the loss of Andrion, whilst the black Warriors believe that they are being starved of funds that could be used to bolster the military. It seems a clash between the two groups could be in the offering.


Circinus desperately needs friends and may look to closer ties with Illyria and the Lothians despite past differences. In the long term however, Circinian history leaves few willing to trust this small nation.

Economics

The loss of Andrion and the disruption to trade brought on by fears of further Lyran, or even Marian attacks, have caused the Circinian economy to start to decline. Current income for the government is only 80% of that a year ago, and few see much chance of improvement in the near future. The only bright spot is the income generated by the new Earthworks facility on Circinus, the only part of the economy that seems to be heading in the right direction.

Military

The Circinian military consists of the Black Warriors, a heavy Mech Regiment, an Aerospace Wing and the Circinian Home Guard of 2 Conventional brigades.

Conclusions

Should the Circinians sought out their internal troubles and actively participate in opposing the Marians, they should be able to redress their recent losses and continue the development they have experienced for the last 30 years.



Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate

“We will not bow to any Caesar, no matter the cost.”

‐Joint statement from the Lothian and Illyrian Governments.

Major Changes

Long close friends, recent developments seem to be pushing the two realms closer to a formal alliance and merger, as many see this as the only way to survive the predicted onslaught of the Marian Hegemony. As CISA believes that a merger is the only way these two states can survive, we will treat them as one.

Leaders

The major trading families of Illyria are happy to have Lisa Logan as a nominal head of state should any merger occur, as long as they are given strong positions of authority and their voices heard in the privy Council. Dame Lisa is cautiously optimistic about the Illyrian offer, but does not wish to see either realms unique character absorbed by the other’s.

Provinces

Both realms are bracing their people for the expected assault and are enacting measures and media efforts to generate support for a closer union of the two realms. Although only beginning two months ago, the campaign so far has received wide spread support, driven mainly be fear of the Marians.

Economics

The fear of the Marians and the chance of a merger have counter‐acted each other and kept both realms economies stable. Economic support from several foreign firms, StarCorps in particular, have enabled both realms to ride out the storm. The new StarCorps facilities on Illyria and Lothario, although mainly selling to the mercenary market, have greatly assisted in the strengthening of both realms’ forces.

Military

The combined military consists of a BattleMech Battalion, a Conventional Brigade and an Air Wing from the League and 2 BattleMech Battalions, a Conventional Brigade and an Air Wing from the Palatinate.

Conclusions

The only way forward for these two small realms is to unite and beg assistance from both the Circinus Federation and Free Worlds League. Any other option will see them taken down one at a time by the Marians and added to that states ever growing empire.



Tortuga Dominions

“Tortuga is your end, come get us if you can.”

‐ Radio transmission from Lady Death to AFFS Task Force Tortuga 1 during its in run.

The major change for Tortuga in 3023, was its rapid defeat and integration into the Federated Suns. With this pirate haven gone, many in the Federated Suns have breathed a sigh of relief. The only downside to the victory over Tortuga was the escape of Lady Death. Her penchant for bloody revenge dictates that soon she will remerge and bring fire to those who wronged her. For more detail on the campaign that saw her fall, see the Combat Briefs.

Rim Collection

“Today we continue the process of rebuilding our worlds together, not apart as we have done for so long.”

‐ Gregor Althing, 1st President of the Collective.

Not much can be said about this little realm, which appeared suddenly in late 3023. CISA must admit that we were caught by surprise and have little solid information so far.

What is known is that the President pro‐tem Gregor Althing will hold power for 3024, until the elections for a more permanent body politic in January 3025. The small state has acted quickly to guarantee its safety, hiring the Ghost Dogs mercenary Battalion to assist in hunting down pirate bands in the near vicinity.

Mica Majority

“We did not take Novo Franklin because we are thugs. We took it, because if we did not we would have died off.”

‐ Mican Soldier on Novo Franklin.

Major Changes

The Micans have long looked only to themselves, but dwindling resources have seen them stretch out and take the world of Novo Franklin to prevent their eventual extinction. The beneficial spin off of the sudden assault was that peace has finally been brought to the long troubled world of Novo Franklin.

Leaders

Senior Director Vito Michales has been lauded as a hero by other Micanites. However, as the dust settles, it remains to be seen if the Senior Director can keep the various Mican settlements agreeing, or whether he will quickly loose his place to other ambitious faction leaders.

Economy

The Mican economy has rebounded with the advent of a ready source of raw material and food stuffs, with both Novo Franklin and the Mican worlds quickly enjoying the benefits of each others needs.

Conclusions

Nothing much is expected from the Micans in coming years, although there has been talk of initiating a colonial effort, peopled by those wishing to leave the Inner Sphere.

Independent Powers

The Independent small powers of the Periphery were quite over 3023, with only a few pirate groups willing to stick there necks out. These raids in the Combine and Free Worlds were of a minimal nature and did not contribute in any way to the overall picture of the year.







MERCENARY REVIEW A multitude of new battalion sized and larger mercenary formations entered the market in 3023, either coming of contract, or newly formed due to the Minimums Movement. The following briefs will assist our clients in identifying the many new formations.

The Leprechauns

Formed as part of the Minimums Movement, the Leprechauns are noted for extreme eccentricity. This is to be expected, as they were founded by a former battalion commander of the Mad Hatters,

along with several other members of the 8th Lyran Regulars.

Lacedaemon Lancers

Formed as part of the Minimums Movement, in an effort to try and form an honourable unit out of the mad grab for troops by all the new commands. Noble sentiments have been attained, but the new unit is short on skills. This sentiment and skill set

are similar to that displayed by the Knights of St. Cameron. The Lancers have signed with the FWLM and have been posted to Marik.

Hellfire Hussars

This old Battalion sized unit was able to get in early during the Minimums Movement and hired numerous new soldiers. The Hussars have been one of the most notable success stories of the movement, possessing an ability to incorporate

new soldiers and have them quickly trained in the Hussars techniques.

The Jolly Rogers

This unit was formed from the remnants of Tortugan, Antallos, Butte Hold, Stars End and Valkyrate pirates, all refugees from the sudden upswing in Pirate hunting by the Periphery realms.

These former corsairs have formed one of the most hated, disreputable merc outfits around. It is said by many that these guys make McCarron smell like Roses. The Jolly Rogers have signed with the FWLM and have been posted to Zion, where they are a constant threat to Capellan ambitions in the area.

The Co‐op

Simply said, the most mercenary of mercenary commands and the ultimate expression of what the Minimums Movement can produce, where everything is for sale and money is the only thing that talks. The Co‐op has gained a reputation as

sharp dealers and any contract signed with this unit best be ironclad. The Co‐op have signed with the FWLM and have been posted to Tamarind, where there attitude is ruffling more than a few feathers.

Michael’s Men

This new group of independent Capellan March warriors despise Morgan Hasek‐Davion and his “Davion ways.” The new unit will not fight the Federated Suns, but they won’t work for them

either. Many AFFS soldiers, especially those of the Syrtis Fusiliers, have been quietly sent on their way to join Michael’s Men. This has helped Morgan clean house quietly, but has done nothing to endear him to his father’s former loyalists.

Blacknovas

For several members of the Australian Planetary Militia the signing of the Federated Commonwealth Alliance Document in 3022 came two years to late. Since the founding of their proud homeworld these hardy people had faithfully served House Steiner,

contributing invaluably towards its defence. The fall of the Star League saw a return of the Social General phenomenon across the LCAF, something that angered many Australians, whose practicality in warfare and contempt for those who place airs and graces above good leadership is renowned. As their sterling service to Tharkad was continually overlooked discontent grew, until eventually a sizeable portion of the Militia up and left the LCAF to do things the right way. These became the core of the new Blacknovas mercenary command, which has recently entered the market. The LCAF, despite its misgivings, has hired the unit to protect the new factories on their homeworld.

The Infernals

Not everyone in the Federated Suns was thrilled with the prospects of alliance with the Lyrans. Many ardent patriots chose to resign from the AFFS and travel to Galatea to form a new mercenary command. These skilled warriors range from

Special Forces Operatives to Aerojocks and include several Mech lances. The group intends to expand by recruiting fellow disaffected Davion citizens and training them from scratch if necessary. Nearly every officer in this command bares some sort of grudge towards the Lyran Commonwealth.

The Paragons

To maximize their war effort, House Liao decided to militarize their Solaris Mechwarriors into a charted mercenary force. While the other Houses followed suit, none have gone to the lengths that the Chancellor has to assemble such a unit. In addition to many Liao Gladiators from Solaris (including

Tandrek and Zelazni Stables), specially chosen “volunteers” from the CCAF joined other high profile natives of the Confederation to fill out this new Mech regiment. This included high ranking nobles and past champions from Capellan ‘Mech Games held on Westerhand and New Hessen. It appears that the Capellans will attempt to maximize the propaganda value of this patriotic endeavour by publicizing its every move. Given the individual nature of Solaris “combat” and certain Stable rivalries, some question this unit’s cohesiveness and true battlefield value. The unit has taken up station on Westerhand near the volatile Andurien region.



The Ronin

Kurita Mechwarriors from the Game World quickly followed the Capellan mobilization with a stunning announcement of their own. They announced the formation of a mercenary unit which would follow in the proud tradition of their ancestors, who

fought SLDF Gunslingers in some of Solaris’s first matches. The assembly of the Ronin quickly captured the imagination of the Draconis Combine, which hastily signed them to a contract. Word of the rebirth of the legendary Ronin was a public relations coup for the Voice of the Dragon. Massive cultural appeal has boosted recruitment for the Pillar of Steel and has even attracted the attention of other masterless samurai. Together with the warriors of Silver Dragon and DeLon Stables, they have created an entire Mech regiment almost overnight. Of course, the DCMS establishment isn’t that happy with such developments as the value of these warriors is dubious at best. The Ronin however, maybe here to stay, as they are the one Solaris mercenary band to assemble without any direct assistance from their respective nation. That, along with the special place that the concept holds in Draconis society, may see this unit become a fixture in the mercenary community for sometime to come. Due to popular sentiment, The Ronin have been hired by the DCMS, but posted to the Provincial capital of Benjamin, where they can be watched carefully.

The Sentinels

As the Great Houses conscripted their Solaris Gladiators into their armed forces, House Steiner followed suit, although it was the last nation to do so, and this action was largely symbolic. Mechwarriors from Oonthrax, Lion City, and

Overlord Stables were lumped together with the Planetary Militia into a single combat command named the Sentinels. The LCAF has no plans for this force, other than the defence of Solaris against assault, if such an unlikely event takes place. As the Game World is considered largely neutral, many consider such an attack improbable, despite the world’s location along the Marik border. As such, the High Command has ignored their commitment to military service, which seems to be lacking. The Sentinels do have two things going for them however; They are extremely familiar with the terrain of their homeworld and lack of current competition has seen Steiner come to dominate the Games, which is a plus among the citizenry.

Foreign Legion

The French Corps of the SLDF survived as a single unit until the Reunification War, when its expertise at counter‐guerilla and independent operations became necessary, as the toll on Regular Line units,

through their horrendous supply and logistics needs increased. Therefore, each French Regiment went its way and did surprisingly well. It is said that they were the original basis for the highly successful Striker Regiments of that war. The 3rd French Infantry Regiment was later assigned to the Draconis Combine, where its prestige brought it more than its share of fights during the Hidden Wars. When the Amaris Coup began the 3rd, like all its sister‐regiments, had already been fighting against

the so‐called “Freedom Fighters” in the Periphery for years, wining and losing battles and men in what seemed like a never ending war. The legion suffered greatly during the Succession Wars, being beaten down time and again, but always surviving. The Legion has recently taken employ with the TDF, where they have had notable success assisting in the Colonial Campaigns, with the Legion seeing action on Argos, Carthage and Hellespont.

Black Tigers

Originally the 90th Heavy Assault regiment, an independent combined arms regiment of the SLDF, the Black Tigers of New Vandenburg gained a reputation for ferocity in combat, which earned them respect and even fear of its opponents during

the waning years of the Star League. Earning their name from their role in the suppression of the New Vandenburg revolt, the 90th's reputation alone led to the surrender of several Rim Worlds units during the Amaris campaign. Always noted for their abilities and effectiveness, the Black Tigers were keenly sought following their year long furlough in 3022, where they added a fifth battalion to the unit. They now guard Chesterton as part of the AFFS ready reserve in the Terran regions.

Freelances

The 11th Royal Heavy Assault Regiment was one of the very best independent regiments fielded by the SLDF. As a Royal unit of the Star League it was composed solely of

Terran citizens and equipped with the finest weaponry available. Stationed in the Lyran Commonwealth as part of the XXVII Corps of the Eleventh Army, the unit worked closely with House Steiner. Redeployed to protect the heart of Commonwealth space after the Amaris Coup, the unit began its transformation into a full fledged group of mercenaries. Evidently, General Kerensky had counted on the Eleventh’s close ties to the LCAF to insure its continued support during the war. However, this assignment cut both ways, as the members became more and more Lyran. The Freelancers have used their connections with the LCAF to be one of the best supported and financial units of the Succession Wars, often having the luxury of standing down for prolonged periods for rest and repair, making them the envy of most other mercenaries. The Freelancers have re‐signed with the LCAF and are stationed on Donegal as a general reserve.

Regulators

Since the Succession Wars began, rumors have abounded of secret forces roaming the Periphery. Usually these are fanciful tales of fiction, or misidentified pirate bands roaming the fringes of the Human Sphere. However, late in 3022, stories

of a surviving Star League command seemed to come true. The Regulators are descended from the unheralded Deep Space Cavalry (DSC), which once defended the League’s most distant settlements. Nearly destroyed by the Periphery Uprising, elements of the Cavalry regrouped over time and continued to carry on their mission to safeguard Periphery worlds. During this ongoing quest they achieved almost mythical status among the denizens of the outer worlds. With the focus of the Inner Sphere



remaining on the endless conflicts of the Succession Wars, these fantastic stories were chalked up as backwoods fiction, without so much as a second thought. The destruction of a renegade force of corsairs raiding the distant Draconis world of Rockland by the Regulators changed all that thinking and even attracted employment interest from the Oberon Confederation. Their appearance in force, sent every intelligence agency into overdrive, in an attempt to find out just what was going on. Unfortunately, the vastness of space and closed‐mouthed nature of the unit, has so far thwarted all attempts to obtain further details. Apparently, the Regulators are at regimental strength and are unusually well equipped for a Periphery command. As a result, wild speculation, including ties to the Wolf Dragoons, the SLDF, or even ComStar swirls around them. Until something more concrete materializes, any perspective employer will have to live with this uncertainty. The actions of The Regulators in Oberon over the last few months has again demonstrated their skill and the units dedication to its principles.

SOAR

Once hidden amongst the shadows of the SLDF were the men and women of the Special Operations Aerospace Regiments. The SOAR regiments had been one of the best kept secrets of the SLDF and

these ten independent regiments were stationed throughout the various houses and periphery realms – positioned there for quick response actions. Used for mainly black op missions, these units were always on high alert status, as they had to be prepared for lightning‐quick deployment. Severe losses during the Liberation of Terra left few survivors behind when Kerensky departed. However, the unit has managed to survive, and remains one of the more effective Aerospace mercenary units.

Turin Light Cavalry

The success of the Star League RCT model, combined with the legendary exploits of Eridani Light Horse, inspired the Capellans to create such a unit for themselves. However, in order to

properly assemble the Turin Light Cavalry, the Confederation would have to recruit the right kind of personnel. Unfortunately, these outsiders could not be incorporated into the CCAF and so the decision was made to finance the formation as a mercenary command. Liao volunteers, along with recruits from all over the Inner Sphere, quickly gathered an effective regiment together at little cost to the CCAF. While the Chancellor was impressed by this rapid mobilization, many within the Capellan military remain wary of this questionable force now under their service.

Warbirds

This is a combination of two Star League aerospace units which combined to form a single merc aerospace unit. The 963rd Independent Aerospace Wing (the Firebirds) and the 802nd Independent Aerospace Wing (the Warhawks), combined during

the 2nd Succession War due to attrition. Together they barely maintain a wing of fighters, but are still one of the largest merc aeroforce units around

Packrats

As the 3rd Succession War began, a new mercenary command debuted that would come to typify the salvage culture that took hold over the entire Inner Sphere. Their detractors claim this bunch of hoarders is the dirtiest bunch of hired soldiers and

one that knows no boundaries. While their behaviour could be termed crude at times, the Rats unconventional tactics often carry the day. In spite of this, they tend to have a bad reputation and they frequently drift from job to job. Thieves beware, the Packrats jealously guard their “junk”. All sorts of disaffected idealists, free thinkers, revolutionaries, and political dissidents have been cast out of mainstream circles and a collection of these intellectual misfits managed to form a mercenary command primarily to protect themselves from ever present agents of the House Lords. The Packrats hired on with the TDF in February 3023, where they were first sent to Taurus. In March they joined colonies campaign and attacked Davetal II in April, but lost 47 Mechs in a JumpShip accident. The TDF, needing them in the line, fully replaced their losses and assigned new transport. They also saw action on Davetal III in June, Gant in late August, Celano in October and are currently assaulting Mirfak. The generosity shown by the TDF has generated a great deal of support within the unit and most expect the Packrats to resign with the TDF.

Chaos Incorporated

Some people just like to see the world burn and sadly, the Succession Wars have bought such lawless individuals into the military. From soldiers who simple like to stir the pot to outright discipline

problems, many of these individuals typically end up in the mercenary community. However, a band of these destabilizing hired guns gradually came together over the years to advance their fortunes in a loose confederation. In spite of lacking any kind of recognizable command structure, this unit has enjoyed its fair share of success through outright ruthlessness.

Fallen Stars

The people of the former Terran Hegemony have seen generations of suffering following the Amaris Coup. Ever since the Usurper used their homelands as the battlegrounds of countless conflicts, they have hoped for

better. Some refused to forget their national heritage, or forgive the actions of the House Lords and took up arms as early as the First Succession War. Hailing from the state that gave birth to the BattleMech gave them a strong foundation, but every Great House and ComStar has reason to curb any success. As such, they have struggled through the Succession Wars, never giving up on their dream of a reborn Terran Hegemony. The Fallen Stars recently accepted a contract with ComStar.

Weymouth’s Warriors

A company sized command that has existed for 72 years, Weymouth’s were one of the earlier beneficiaries of the Minimums Movement, moving quickly to secure a place in the market



for larger commands. However, they have been unable to secure a contract and are beginning to fracture because of it.

Dinsdale’s Desperados

Once a middle of the road command, the Desperados have become a band of thieves and killers since the Minimums Movement began. Few employers want to touch the

unit, but their willingness to get the job done in any way, has meant that they have secured several lucrative, if very grey contracts.

Lone Wolves

In some ways, the drawn out, low‐intensity warfare so common in the Third Succession War was harder on the soldiers who fought it than the swift ferocity of the first two conflicts, as constant fighting can destroy a warrior’s nerves. Most persevere, but

some snap, refusing to follow orders they don’t like or simply running off in the heat of battle. A group of such warriors from various Houses met on Galatea sometime in the mid‐thirtieth century, fomring the unique and unconventional Lone Wolves mercenary command. Over time, their infamy grew, and oftentimes rebellious soldiers would be told by their commanders to “go and join the Lone Wolves” as a polite way of kicking them out of their units. Signing with the FWLM, the Lone Wolves have been assigned to the new command centre of Dieudonne.

Moroushi's Independent Assault Battalion

Gaining much fame for their action in service to House Kurita during the Galtor Campaign, Moroushi’s Battalion are a well coordinated mass of steel and terror. With no Mech massing under

80 tons, the battalion is a force to be reckoned with on any battlefield. Unlike many other commands, Moroushi’s has not attempted to increase its size through incorporating smaller commands. The unit has signed with the Marian Hegemony and currently garrisons Alphard.

Sandoval’s Slashers

A group of former Draconis March veterans, the slashers act as a nominal AFFS reserve force for actions against the Combine when deniability is required. Experts in sneak raids and snatch and grab, the Slashers have a dark reputation along the

Combine border.

Cameron’s Legion

Sick of the average skills and poor performance of troops in the Knight’s of St. Cameron, where nobility of character was more important than shooting, Captain Ryan Agar set off with others from the unit who believe a MechWarriors first job

was to shoot. The unit still honours the ways of the Cameron’s, but balances this with an attitude to combat that is not limited by overzealous sensibilities.

Insect Brigade

A light Mech force commanded by Walter Rhavannion III, the Brigade specialises in light Mech assault tactics and has become surprisingly good at it, vindicating the original Rhavannion’s theories. Currently in a period of

rest and refit, the Brigade is assured of work once it is ready to take the field again. The only recent mercenary signing by the TDF not involved in the Colonial Campaign, the Brigade has been posted to Pinard.

Legion of the Rising Sun

The wake of Takashi Kurita’s death has lead to a mass exodus of small hard line noble house Samurai units from the Draconis Combine, many of which had decades‐long ties to the Combine. These

exiles made their way to Galatea, and a host of other mercenary worlds where they struggled to survive. On Galatea, a number of such groups came together in the mid 3020s, under the leadership of Jürgen Petersen, a Kuritan of Rasalhague heritage. Petersen dubbed this hybrid ’Mech force the Legion of the Rising Sun. They are still awaiting their first operational deployment.

Terrible Treads

Formerly a Tank unit, but now mixed with many formerly independent Mech units, the Terrible Treads are not as fearsome as they sound. Although impressive on paper and

the exercise field, they routinely come apart in combat situations and are finding new contracts difficult to come by.

Bullson’s Hussars

The Hussars are an example of how to effectively form a new unit from several predecessors, successfully making the transition over the past year. Many expect the Hussars to become a regimental command, sooner rather than later, as their success continues to attract more

small commands to their banner.

Gotterdammerung Society

Made up of Rasalhaguian expatriates, the Society is ruthless and determined when opposing the Combine. Unfortunately, the unit is suspected of committing war crimes and few reputable employers will come near them. Some think the

unit may go rouge and set up pirate operation in or near the Combine.

Meriadoc’s Malcontents

Another beneficiary of the Minimums Movement, the Malcontents are a middle of the road example of what can be expected from the amalgamation of disparate units. Although not

excelling at any one battlefield technique, they are able to fill a number of roles with the former independent units that make up the command.



Quint’s Quartet

Quint's Quartet have served their employers with what can best be termed impeccable professionalism. After spending roughly twenty‐odd years in the employ of various minor Periphery realms, the Quartet signed a contract with the

Circinus Federation at the start of the 3020. At the end of their contract in 3023, the Quartet — who had previously expressed a desire to return to the Inner Sphere mercenary market, did so, and were one of the small units to take advantage of the Minimum’s Movement to absorb several other small commands. Hired by the DCMS, they have been posted to Benjamin.

Sathens’ Snipers

Sathen’s Snipers has an interesting history, which until recently has been shrouded in mystery. The unit formed from a garrison battalion stationed on New Delos when the

Marik Civil war broke in 3014. Force Commander Branden Kesteel found himself in a precarious position trying to decide which side to join. In the end, instead of declaring allegiance to any one party, he simply stated he would maintain his post. His stand slid his unit away from the regular army. When the Wolf’s Dragoons assaulted New Delos in revenge of the murder of Joshua Wolf, Kesteel’s unit was put to the test. Although suffering heavy losses at the hands of the Dragoons, the Snipers held the spaceport until word arrived that loyalist forces were not giving quarter to any military personnel who did not directly oppose Anton Marik. They were left with only a single option. Quickly combining forces with a JumpShip crew and her compliment of DropShips, the Snipers departed the system; all were thought destroyed. Using the confusion of the final days of the war, Kesteel and his men managed to secretly bring most of their family members with them into exodus; since the unit was simply a garrison battalion and not a main‐line regiment, the questions its disappearance might have aroused did not raise enough red flags to lead to a full investigation. Kesteel’s act of bravery and loyalty has inspired a sense of family that is the cornerstone of the Snipers’ strength today.

Dedrickson’s Devils

Long a well respected mercenary unit of small size, the Devils have taken onboard many other small commands to ensure they all can attain the Minimums. So far the unit has had no major issues

with the integration, unlike some commands and looks to continue its successful ways.

Fighting Shamrocks

Though accounts of a Fighting Shamrocks mercenary command may be found as far back as two centuries ago, the unit that today carries the name bears no direct relation the original, which

apparently vanished during the early Succession Wars, while operating along the border between the Lyran and Free Worlds states. Sufficient evidence exists to suggest that the mercenaries who recently served the Circinus Federation, formed less than forty years ago, having simply co‐opted the name of a well‐

reputed unit from the past in an effort to bolster their own reputation. Specialists in reconnaissance, the Shamrocks’ last Circinus contract was to be the recon unit for the Black Warrior’s 1st Battalion’s raids on Raikot, Binyang and Al Jafr. Although fulfilling their contract, the Shamrocks were accused of lacklustre performance, due to losses sustained by the 1st through tactical blunders. The Shamrocks have left Circinus space and taken over several other small commands. This has diluted their skills somewhat and many question whether the unit will be able to maintain cohesion in battle. Despite this, the Shamrocks have been hired by the Capellans and posted to Sarna.

Gabhardt’s Carabineers

A veteran command dating back to the Second Succession War, Gabhardt’s Carabineers have been hanging on by their fingernails for decades. Caught in a vicious spiral of competing with better‐equipped foes, while lacking the funds to acquire

new machines, the Carabineers were facing dissolution. Only the infusion of troops and equipment accompanying the Minimums Movement has saved the unit, which for the first time in decades is back up to operational strength. This revival was seen as an opportunity by the AFFS, who hired the unit and posted it to New Syrtis.

Waystars

One of the oldest privateer groups still in existence, the Waystars date back to the founding of the Free Worlds League. House Marik used these Roma

space farers to gradually expand its growing interstellar empire. Possessing a unique skill set in

their native environment, the Waystars have been extremely successful over the ages. Living among the stars, these nomads move from system to system, never settling in any single area for long. Their wandering nature, combined with the fact that they aren’t a standing military unit, which often disbands depending upon circumstances, hampers their reputation. As they don’t possess BattleMechs and fail to operate as a standard run‐of‐the‐mill mercenary command, they are often overlooked by the community at large. However, this naval clan is outfitted with Marines, Aerospace Fighters, Small Craft, Dropships, and Jumpships, which it uses with deadly effectiveness.

Bolan Scouts

The third incarnation of this storied military formation was recently reformed by Bolan natives, many of whom served with the LCAF. Their mysterious sponsor, who arranged for transportation and covered other expenses, may in fact be a Marik agent.

Although currently unaffiliated, both the Free Worlds League and the Lyran Commonwealth are engaged in a bidding war for this unit in hopes of winning the Scout’s loyalty. Keenly aware that choosing sides has its consequences, the unit may opt for a contract with a third party. This proved true when the Scouts surfaced on Sarna in service to the CCAF.



Snowcats

These arctic warfare specialists hail almost exclusively from the Principality of Rasalhague. Self described freedom fighters that usually grew up on colder worlds, they are accustomed to these frigid conditions. With no love of the Draconis

Combine, which has pronounced them rebels, they live from contract to contract, hoping to one day return home and free their worlds from the tyranny of the Dragon.

Masters of Disaster

This unit has a reputation for getting the job done, if you don’t mind a great deal of collateral damage. Their penchant for breaking stuff, which may have been unduly exaggerated by a couple of very public

incidents, has got them blackballed by many employers. The regiment can still get contracts because of their “successes”, but a lack of funds caused by this contract shortage has affected their BattleMechs, many of which are run down. Complaints by several Techs who have worked on their equipment have also unfortunately added to their destructive reputation.

Red Guard

The Red Guards are Neo communists, who fight for money, which they use to further their revolutionary goals. Of course, this makes any House Lord or Noble reluctant to hire them. Typically, only desperate

employers hire the Guard and then must contend with these agitators. While the unit’s founders hail from Odessa, in the Lyran Commonwealth, its membership is truly interstellar. Extremely devoted to their beliefs, they often really on massed infantry attacks to support their limited Mech assets.

Mechmasters

This Mech gang is primarily composed of technophiles who have a somewhat seedy reputation. Many employers have accused them of thievery and other criminal activity which they

use to finance their customized rides. While the gang also is known for their tough guy attitude outside their ‘Mechs, they don’t like to damage their equipment in battle. These reasons often cause employers to bypass them in search of hard fighting commands, who they can better spend their money on.

Ghost Dogs

Born in the poverty stricken conditions of the Succession Wars, this unit has gradually worked their way up from nothing. Salvaging all their equipment from the battlefields that litter the Inner Sphere, these

mercenaries have continued to fight and claw. While some call them crazy no one calls them lazy, as they routinely take some of the hardest jobs for little money. Continuing with this trend, the Dogs hired on to help the recently formed Rim Commonality.

Pathfinders

The premier mercenary scout team in the Inner Sphere specializes in recon missions. Because they like to operate with little fanfare and often undertake secret missions, they are little known outside the professional community. Often

recruiting personnel who have an instinctual knack for tracking and infiltration, the Pathfinders seem to have a natural aptitude for scouting. They are technically proficient and possess ample resources, making them an extremely dangerous foe on the battlefield. However, the Pathfinders strive to go unnoticed and a successful contract for them often goes without incident.

Warwalkers

The Warwalkers are an ancient Mechwarrior society, whose fortunes have waxed and waned over time. Many of the Warwalkers members often hail from Terran or Davion space, where ancient Mechwarrior

Cabals had widespread influence at one time. Taking advantage of the recent jump in the market, the unit has recently expanded, but has strict rules for membership. For example, a potential candidate must have been from a Mechwarrior family of several generations. Composed exclusively of BattleMechs, the group usually takes contracts from any House except Davion.

The Black Hills Regiment

Formed from the Blackstar, Starlight and White Hand stables, The Black Hills Regiment is a mercenary unit to the core. All command positions, even the units

logo, were competed over during the units’ formation. Starlight stable, although winning the fewest command slots, managed to win the right to display its badge as the unit’s emblem.

Bromley’s Eagles

Formed from the warriors of Bromley stable, this new Solaris unit is already feuding, as is to be expected, with the rival unit of Fitzhugh stables. However, the Eagles do not have the problem of factional

infighting that plagues the Fitzhugh unit and have shown a far higher competence level in combat trials. Hired by the FWLM, the Eagles are stationed on Suzano.

League of Tigers

Formed in fervent opposition to the Bromley regiment, this new Solaris formation is already at war with itself and anyone else who cares to join.

Regulan and Andurien interests dominate the inter‐unit rivalries, with individuals from other League provinces simply adding to the chaos. How this unit can possibly function on the battlefield in not known at this time. Hired by the FWLM, the Tigers are stationed on Amity.

Black Lion Co‐op

Seeing the benefits in the new system early, the Black Lions moved into the market, not long after the Renegades and have been almost as successful as their coop rivals. Despite their success, they have



remained in the shadows of the Renegades, but do not seem to be bothered by the lack of attention.

The Dispossessed Co‐op

Unfortunately for the Dispossessed, they have not managed to take advantage of the new reality on Solaris and were forced into taking many warriors they may otherwise have turned down. Losses in

the areas are mounting and the unit seems unable to master battlefield tactics. The Dispossessed have signed with the CCAF and taken up station on Jonothan.

Hangmen Co‐op

The Hangmen are currently lobbying the Solaris Planetary Government to allow for Stable on Stable, day long battles. Although there has been some interest, few believe that the penny pinching stable owners would be willing to risk all in

large scale battles, despite the promise of huge payouts and salvage.

Renegades C‐op

First of the Solaris regiments to form, the Renegades have set the bar for the other units to follow. In addition to coming together quickly and painlessly, the new arrangement has allowed the

cooperative to increase its standing in the areas substantially over the last twelve months.

Beaufort's Cossacks

Noted for a curious munity while in House Davion employ in 2970, when they went on a rampage in a suburb of New Defiance City on Moravian. Their contract specified that the unit would get free meals

twice a week at the local Triple‐F Restaurant (the Federated Suns' most popular food chain). They used this and a Capellan blockade, which prevented the import of certain ingredients, as an excuse to go on a shooting spree, although they demanded items that were not served at Triple‐F anyways (such as lettuce), suggesting that they even mixed Triple‐F up with a competing chain. Nobody was hurt in the incident and no disciplinary action was taken. The unit continues to maintain a somewhat odd reputation. Having recently commissioned a 2nd Regiment, the Cossacks have taken a contract with the FLWM to garrison Sierra and the other South‐Western worlds.

Black Cats

An infantry‐only mercenary unit who managed to defend a city against an attack by a BattleMech unit that posed as the Black Widow Company, the Black Cats have managed to use the Minimums

Movement to expand and incorporate significant BattleMech assets. They have developed a style of combat similar to the Grey Death Legion.

Burrows' Crashing Thunder Regiment

This unit participated in an attack on Travis V in the summer of 3024 where they deployed Stalkers to storm a city, demonstrating an excellent grasp of assault tactics. The regiment strengthened itself during the Minimums Movement and has improved

its numbers and overall skill appreciably.

Cady's Regiment

Hired by House Marik in 3002 for their experience in fighting Lyran 'Mechs, Cady's Regiment had previously served the Draconis

Combine, but run afoul of the ISF. They were part of a strike force sent for Loric and suffered significant causalities. Leaving Marik service they have rebuilt using numerous small commands seeking the protection of the minimums.

Falkener's Hussars

The Hussars are a newly raised mercenary unit in employ of House Davion, which unsuccessfully tried to seize an underground supply depot on New Hessen two days before Christmas in 3002, inflicting heavy damage on the defenders

nevertheless. The unit has seen several small and easy contracts since then and was trying to find more challenging work. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The Hussars found their challenge when the unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].

Gordon's Highland Light

The Highland Light lost a full company of 'Mechs to House Liao's St. Ives Armoured Cavalry whilst defending Pinard in 3002. Twelve Panthers were salvaged as booty by the Armoured Cavalry and the

Highland Light have been slowly rebuilding ever since. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].

Kelly's Killers

Destroyed as an effective unit when the Federated Suns invaded New Mendham, the remains of the unit have amalgamated with other small commands, but the relationships are dicey and the

rebuilt command is not expected to survive its first battle. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].

Laws Flight

A minor mercenary unit composed exclusively of helicopters, famous for their defence of Kimball in 3021. They employ the Warrior H‐7 helicopter in large numbers and now also field Mechs and Tanks

thanks to the benefits of the Minimums Movement. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].



Mathias's Forlorn Hope

The Forlorn Hope were a mercenary unit in the employ of the Federated Suns until 3022, when they were on R&R on McHenry. They were surprised by an attack from McCarron's Armoured

Cavalry, with over two thirds of the unit being destroyed before they realized what was happening and surrendered, gaining their freedom at the cost of four new Crusaders. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].

Team Venom

Team Venom were effectively destroyed during a recon raid on Vega in 3020. Unit CO Holly Harris has slowly rebuilt the unit and sworn an oath to do anything to revenge her fallen comrades and bring ruin

to House Kurita. [EDITOR’S NOTE: The unit was wiped out in the Tortugan Turkey shoot in June 3023].

Current Contract Listings

Unit Employer

12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Alpha Regiment AFFS 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Beta Regiment AFFS 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Delta Regiment AFFS 12th Vegan Rangers ‐ Gamma Regiment AFFS Blue Star Irregulars ‐ 1894th Light Horse AFFS Blue Star Irregulars ‐ 21st Rim Worlds AFFS Blue Star Irregulars ‐ Avatar's of Painful Death AFFS Crater Cobras ‐ 789th Striker Regiment AFFS Crater Cobras ‐ Black Cobras AFFS Cunningham's Commandos AFFS Dismal Disinherited ‐ Hostile LAM's AFFS Dismal Disinherited ‐ Krypt Kickers AFFS Dismal Disinherited ‐ Plague of Locusts AFFS Eridani Light Horse ‐ 151st Light Horse AFFS Eridani Light Horse ‐ 21st Striker AFFS Eridani Light Horse ‐ 71st Light Horse AFFS Gabhardt's Carabiniers AFFS Greenburg's Godzillas AFFS Grey Death Legion AFFS Grim Determination AFFS Harlock's Warriors AFFS Hell's Black Aces AFFS Icillian Lancers ‐ 21st Rangers AFFS Icillian Lancers ‐ 4th Rangers AFFS Icillian Lancers ‐ 59th Striker AFFS Icillian Lancers ‐ 9th Rangers AFFS Lexington Combat Group ‐ 32nd Recon AFFS Lexington Combat Group ‐ Gazelles AFFS Lexington Combat Group ‐ Golden Hammers AFFS Lindon's Battalion AFFS Markson's Marauders AFFS Miller's Marauders AFFS Redfield Renegades AFFS Screaming Eagles ‐ 101st Airborne AFFS Screaming Eagles ‐ 81st Airborne AFFS Swann's Cavaliers AFFS

Unit Employer

Team Banzai AFFS The Black Tigers AFFS The Dioscuri ‐ Castor Regiment AFFS The Dioscuri ‐ Pollux Regiment AFFS The Dragonslayers AFFS The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ 8th Striker AFFS The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ Bar Hounds AFFS The Fighting Urak‐hai ‐ Sluggers AFFS Wylie's Coyotes AFFS 15th Dracon CCAF 4th Tau Ceti Rangers CCAF Ambermarle's Highlanders CCAF Bolan Scouts CCAF Bullard's Armoured Cavalry CCAF Fighting Shamrocks CCAF Hamptons Hessens ‐ 1st Regiment CCAF Hamptons Hessens ‐ 2nd Regiment CCAF Hamptons Hessens ‐ 3rd Regiment CCAF Khrosakov's Kossacks ‐ 1st Regiment CCAF Khrosakov's Kossacks ‐ 2nd Regiment CCAF Laurel's Legion CCAF Lockhardt's Ironsides CCAF Marshigama's Legionnaires CCAF McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ Nightriders CCAF McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ Renegades CCAF McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Cavaliers CCAF McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Regiment CCAF McCarron's Armoured Cavalry ‐ The Wild Ones CCAF Rivaldi's Hussars CCAF St. Cyr's Armoured Grenadiers CCAF The Dispossessed Co‐op CCAF The Leprechauns CCAF The Paragons CCAF Fallen Stars CG 51st Dark Panzer Jaegers DCMS Brion's Legion DCMS Helmut's Hermits DCMS Kingston's Cabarellos DCMS Lone Star Regiment DCMS McGhee's Cutthroats DCMS Quint's Quartet DCMS St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group DCMS The Ronin DCMS Tooth of Ymir DCMS Vandeley's Valkyries DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Alpha Regiment DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Beta Regiment DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Black Widow's DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Delta Regiment DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Epsilon Regiment DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Gamma Regiment DCMS Wolf's Dragoons ‐ Zeta Battalion DCMS 21st Centauri Lancers FWLM Beaufort's Cossacks ‐ 1st Regiment FWLM Beaufort's Cossacks ‐ 2nd Regiment FWLM Bromley’s Eagles FWLM



Unit Employer

Caesar's Cohorts FWLM Carson's Renegades FWLM Clifton's Rangers FWLM League of Lions FWLM Fuchida's Fusiliers FWLM Head Hunters FWLM Lacedaemon Lancers FWLM Langendorf Lancers FWLM Lone Wolves FWLM Martian Cuirassiers FWLM Smithson's Chinese Bandits FWLM The Co‐op FWLM The Jolly Rogers FWLM The Wild Geese FWLM 12th Star Guards ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF 12th Star Guards ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF 12th Star Guards ‐ 3rd Regiment LCAF 12th Star Guards ‐ 7th Regiment LCAF Always Faithful LCAF Bad Dream LCAF Barrett's Fusiliers LCAF Black Hearts LCAF Blacknovas LCAF Cranston Snord's Irregulars LCAF Dragon's Breath LCAF Filthy Lucre LCAF Freelancers ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Freelancers ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Freelancers ‐ 3rd Regiment LCAF Grave Walkers ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Grave Walkers ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Gregg's Long Striders LCAF Hansen's Roughriders LCAF Hsien Hotheads LCAF Kell Hounds ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Knights of St. Cameron ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Knights of St. Cameron ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Little Richard's Panzer Brigade LCAF Mobile Fire LCAF Narhal's Raiders ‐ 1st Regiment LCAF Narhal's Raiders ‐ 2nd Regiment LCAF Stealthy Tigers LCAF Waco Rangers LCAF Canopian Highlanders MAF Harcourt's Destructors MAF Hudson's Red Devils MAF Ramillie's Raiders MAF Blackstone Highlanders MH Moroushi's Independent Assault Battalion MH Regulators OG Ghost Dogs RC Bannockburn’s Bandits TDF Free Radicals TDF Gordon's Armoured Cavalry TDF Insect Brigade TDF Longwood's Bluecoats TDF

Unit Employer

The Foreign Legion TDF The Packrats TDF Black Lion Co‐op Unhired Black Omen Unhired Bronson's Horde Unhired Bullson's Hussars Unhired Burrow's Crashing Thunder Regiment Unhired Cady's Regiment Unhired Camancho's Cabarellos Unhired Cameron’s Legion Unhired Chaos Inc Unhired Dedrickson's Devils Unhired Dinsdale's Desperados Unhired Fist of Mokal Unhired Gotterdammerung Society Unhired Hangmen (co) Unhired Hellfire Hussars Unhired Killer Bees Unhired Legion of the Rising Sun Unhired Masters of Disaster Unhired Mechmasters Unhired Meriadoc's Malcontents Unhired Michael's Men Unhired Olson's Rangers Unhired Pathfinders Unhired Red Guard Unhired Renegades (co) Unhired Sandoval's Slashers Unhired Sathen's Snipers Unhired SOAR Unhired Terrible Treads Unhired The Black Cats Unhired The Black Lions (co) Unhired The Furies Unhired The Green Machine Unhired The Hangmen Co‐op Unhired The Infernals Unhired The Renegades Co‐op Unhired The Sentinels Unhired The Thumpers Unhired Turin Light Cavalry Unhired Vinson's Vigilantes Unhired Wannamaker’s Widowmakers Unhired Warbirds Unhired Warwalkers Unhired Waystars Unhired Weymouths Warriors Unhired The Black Hills Regiment Unhired Wilson's Hussars Unhired Wolverton's Highlanders Unhired Falkener's Hussars Destroyed Gordon's Highland Light Destroyed Kelly's Killers Destroyed Law's Flight Destroyed Mathais's Forlorn Hope Destroyed Team Venom Destroyed



INDUSTRIES REVIEW The military industries of each of the great powers are the back bone of their military’s strength, as well as being the yard stick by which their future potential can be measured. CISA prepares this briefing once a year, to assist our readers in gaining an accurate understanding of the structure of each nation’s industries, as well as the development across the entire sector over the past year.

CISA is proud to present our latest edition of this volume, which tracks the ever accelerating industrial recovery and the massive changes in the Periphery.

CAPELLAN CONFEDERATION

The Capellan Confederation has seen an increase in production of military items that has steadily increased, like all the powers, since 3000. Currently the CCAF is receiving 60 Light Mechs, 84 Medium Mechs, 108 Heavy Mechs and 48 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 300 Mechs per year. Additionally, 168 Aerospace Fighters and 1,260 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 42 DropShips and 9 JumpShips are also produced.

CAPELLAN COMMONALITY

ARES

The facilities on Ares have been upgraded over the last few years, with production at Bergan Industries doubling and the new Earthworks shipyards starting operations in 3022. Funded by Earthworks Periphery ventures, as well as the Capellan Government, the new shipyards will be critical to the CCAF.

BERGAN INDUSTRIES

Locust Light Mech

Stinger Light Mech

EARTHWERKS LTD.

Union class Dropship

Overlord class Dropship

QUICKSCELL COMPANY

Scorpion Tank Light Vehicle

Bulldog Tank Medium Vehicle – 6 Lines

LRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines

SRM Carrier Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines

Manticore Tank Heavy Vehicle – 6 Lines

CAPELLA

CERES METALS INDUSTRIES

Vindicator Medium Mech

Transit Medium Aerospace Fighter

RASHPUR‐OWENS INC.

Merchant class JumpShip – 3 Lines

Invader class JumpShip – 3 Lines

Monolith class JumpShip – 3 Lines

Achilles class Dropship

Triumph class Dropship – 2 Lines

Excalibur class Dropship – 2 Lines

Avenger class Dropship

SARNA COMMONALITY

COREY

HOLLIS INCORPORATED

Catapult Heavy Mech

SARNA

TENGO AEROSPACE

Thrush Aerospace Fighter

Cheetah Aerospace Fighter

Lightning Aerospace Fighter

Seeker class Dropship

Mule class Dropship

Mammoth class Dropship

STYK

TAO ‘MECHWORKS

Victor Assault Mech

TIKONOV COMMONALITY

BRYANT

Desperate for new Mech lines, the Confederation finally bit the bullet and began the slow process of doming Bryant’s deactivated but intact Grasshopper line. Now in operation, the facility is seen as a useful penal posting, effecting product quality somewhat.

LANTREN CORPORATION

Grasshopper Heavy Mech



NANKING

Tengo Aerospace was given subsidies by the Capellan Government in 3017 to enable it to expand its operations through the construction of facilities over Nanking. Now in operation for 18 months, the new facilities are contributing greatly to alleviating the growing unemployment that had been threatening Nanking’s stability.

KALLON INDUSTRIES

Wolverine Medium Mech

Partisan Assault Tank – 9 Lines

Ontos Assault Tank – 8 Lines

TENGO AEROSPACE

Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter

Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter

Mule class Dropship

TIKONOV

Tikonov has largely been passed over for industrial development in recent times, being seen as too exposed for major expansion to be viable. Only a slight increase in aerospace fighter production has been authorised.

EARTHWERKS INCORPORATED

Cataphract Heavy Mech – 3 lines

Thunderbolt Heavy Mech ‐ 2 Lines

Thug Assault Mech

Longbow Assault Mech

Thrush Light Aerospace Fighter

Transit Medium Aerospace Fighter


Vindicator Medium Mech – 2 Lines

RASHPUR‐OWENS INC.

Leopard class Dropship


SIAN COMMONALITY

BETELGEUSE

ALDIS INDUSTRIES

Demolisher Assault Tank – 4 Lines

Schrek Assault PPC Carrier – 4 Lines

Behemoth Assault Tank – 4 Lines

GRAND BASE


Stinger Light Mech

Shadow Hawk Medium Mech

Cataphract Heavy Mech

Archer Heavy Mech

SIAN

HELLESPONT INDUSTRIALS

Vedette Light Tank – 8 Lines

Scorpion Light Tank – 8 Lines

Pegasus Light Scout Tank – 8 Lines

Maxim Medium Hover Transport – 8 Lines

HELLESPONT ‘MECH‐WORKS

Wasp Light Mech

Raven Light Mech

SAROYAN SPECIAL PRODUCTIONS

Transgressor Heavy Aerospace Fighter

ST.IVES COMMONALITY

INDICASS


Swift Wind Light Scout Car – 4 Lines

Galleon Light Tank – 3 Lines

Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun – 9 Lines

ST.IVES


Vindicator Medium Mech– 2 Lines

HILDCO INTERPLANETARY

Victor Assault Mech

MUJIKA AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Guardian Light Fighter

TENGO AEROSPACE

Thrush Light Aerospace Fighter

Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter




TEXLOS

HILDCO INTERPLANETARY


THE DRACONIS COMBINE

The Draconis Combine has seen a large increase in production across the board, as the effects of the 3rd War recede and industry is able to rebuild facilities that were otherwise near operational, but to hard to fix during wartime. BattleMech production is up 38% from 3000, Aerospace 11%, transports 16% and armoured vehicle production 27%. Currently the DCMS is receiving 132 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs, 192 Heavy Mechs and 84 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 442 Mechs per year. Additionally, 240 Aerospace Fighters and 1,248 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 30 DropShips and 15 JumpShips are also produced.

BENJAMIN MILITARY DISTRICT

DOVER

WAKAZASHI ENTERPRISES

Slayer Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

HINSDALE ELEC

Condor class Dropship

LAPIDA II “TEMATAGI MINOR”

One of the benefits of the Kapteyn alliance has been the flow of trade between the Combine and League. The most prominent offshoot of this has been the commencement of production of the Spider on Lapidia II.

NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS LTD.

Spider – 2 Lines

PROSERPINA

BULLDOG ENTERPRISES

Bulldog Medium Tank – 3 Lines

Tokugawa Heavy Tank – 3 Lines

Manticore Heavy Tank – 2 Lines

DIERON MILITARY DISTRICT

AL NA’IR

YORII ‘MECH WORKS

Atlas Assault Mech – 4 Lines

SCARBOROUGH MANUFACTURERS

Pegasus Light Scout Hover Tank – 2 Lines

Saracen Light Hover Tank – 2 Lines

Saladin Light Hover Tank – 2 Lines

Scimitar Light Hover Tank – 2 Line

Maxim Light Hover Transport – 2 Lines

Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines

Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle

ALTAIR

KURITA COMBINE MUNITIONS CORPORATION

Riever Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

KESSEL

Kessel was chosen as the site for the new, government sponsored aerospace fighter, which was surprisingly given to KCMC to put into production. Rumours are still flying about how and why this happened, in addition to the worlds new armour factory.

KURITA COMBINE MUNITIONS CORPORATION

Samurai Medium Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines

SCARBOROUGH MANUFACTURERS

Pegasus Light Scout Hover Tank

Saracen Light Hover Tank

Saladin Light Hover Tank

Scimitar Light Hover Tank

Maxim Light Hover Transport

NIRASAKI

Why the DCMS chose to produce the Whitworth, of all mediums, to test the classes viability is beyond knowing. Perhaps the DCMS wishes to show the entire class as a waste and so chose the mediocre Whitworth as the test vehicle. Whatever the case, WSM have jumped at the chance to expand to production, from just servicing and are making a handsome profit already.

WHITWORTH SPECIALITY MANUFACTURING

Whitworth Medium Mech – 2 Lines



GALEDON MILITARY DISTRICT

MIDWAY

One of the most important new facilities in the Combine, the shipyards over Midway are slated for ongoing expansion over the next decade.

MIDWAY SHIPYARDS INC.


NEW SAMARKAND

New Samarkand Metals has been able to use DCMS funding to increase output by 50% over the last five years.

NEW SAMARKAND METALS




PESHT MILITARY DISTRICT

AVON

MATABUSHI, INC.


Overlord class Dropship

CHATHAM

With the Aerospace facilities at Schulyer working at maximum capacity, the lines at Chatham have been expanded to take up the inflow of resources into this sector.


Shilone Heavy Aerospace Fighter– 3 Lines

Lucifer II Heavy Aerospace Fighter– 3 Lines

STELLAR TREK




TOMORI TRANS INDUSTRIAL

Vengeance class Dropship

IRECE

Long the only source of LAM parts, Lexatech took the gamble to bring both the Wasp and Phoenix Hawk LAMs back into production. The gamble has paid off, with orders now received that cannot be filled until the end of 3027.

LEXATECH INDUSTRIES

Wasp Light LAM

Stinger Light LAM

Phoenix Hawk Medium LAM

LUTHIEN

LAW, as the primary manufacturer of BattleMechs for the DCMS, was able to secure funding to increase production of the Grand Dragon, as well as open lines for a variant of the Charger. Additional and unconfirmed reports also indicate that a radically altered version of the Charger may be in development. Buda Imperial Vehicles has also expanded production of its armoured vehicles, benefitting from its proximity to the throne.

LUTHIEN ARMOR WORKS

Jenner Light Mech

Wolf Trap Medium Mech

Grand Dragon – 8 Lines

Quickdraw – 3 Lines

Charger (LRM variant) – 2 Lines

BBP INDUSTRIES

Triumph class Dropship

Excalibur class Dropship

Intruder class Dropship

BUDA IMPERIAL VEHICLES

Lifesaver Light Coolant Truck – 5 Lines

Tokugawa Heavy Tank – 5 Lines

Daimyo Medium Headquarters Unit – 5 Lines

SCHUYLER


Shologar Light Aerospace Fighter ‐ 6 Lines

GALILEO INSTRUMENTS

Achilles class Dropship

Monarch class Dropship

Behemoth class Dropship

DHARMA HYPERSPACE

Scout class JumpShip – 3 Lines



RASALHAGUE MILITARY DISTRICT

ALSHAIN

ALSHAIN BATTLWORX

Grand Dragon Heavy Mech – 2 Lines

BERGAN INDUSTRIES

Locust Light Mech

GORTON, KINGSLEY & THORPE ENTERPRISES

Panther Light Mech – 2 Lines

JOINT EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS

Skulker Light Scout Tank – 2 Lines





KRENICE

Producers from across the Combine were told to produce schematics for their vehicles for production at the new SHI plant on Krenice. The new facility is producing nearly 150 tanks a year for the DCMS, with many going to units in the Rasalhague and Benjamin Districts.

SWEDENBORG HEAVY INDUSTRIES


Vedette Light Tank– 2 Lines

Skulker Light Scout Tank – 2 Lines

Scorpion Light Tank

Hetzer Medium Wheeled Assault Gun

Demolisher Assault Tank



NEW OSLO


Panther Light Mech

Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech

Archer Heavy Mech

JARRETT


Panther Light Mech

RASLAHAGUE

JOINT EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS




SPITTAL

BENSON & BJORN

Tracked APC Light Vehicle – 3 Lines



TRONDHIEM

SWEDENBORG HEAVY INDUSTRIES



Behemoth Assault Tank– 2 Lines



THE FEDERATED SUNS

The AFFS has focused on an expansion of DropShip and Mech production, with a commensurate rise in tank production. BattleMech production is up 36% from 3000, transport 28% and armoured vehicle production 25%. Currently the AFFS is receiving 60 Light Mechs, 180 Medium Mechs, 96 Heavy Mechs and 72 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 408 Mechs per year. Additionally, 204 Aerospace Fighters and 1,308 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 57 DropShips and 12 JumpShips are also produced.

CAPELLAN MARCH

AXTON

WANGKER AEROSPACE

Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

Eagle Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

KATHIL

Kathil has seen GM begin an expansion of their APC facilities, producing a plethora of variants, machines that are always welcome in the combined arms minded AFFS.

GENERAL MOTORS

Marauder Heavy Mech – 3 Lines

GENERAL MOTORS OF KATHIL

Darter Light Scout Car – 5 Lines

APC Light Vehicle – 10 Lines

MCKENNA SHIPYARDS, KATHIL SHIPWORKS

Mule class Dropship




NEW SYRTIS

JOHNSTON INDUSTRIES

Goblin Medium Tank – 4 Lines

NEW SYRTIS SHIPYARDS

Gazelle class Dropship



TALON

Kallon have used strong sales to mercenary forces to gather the funds required for an expansion of the JagerMech lines. This expansion has mainly been used to bolster Capellan March formations who, like many in the AFFS, appreciated the JagerMechs abilities.

KALLON INDUSTRIES

Hornet Light Mech

Enforcer Medium Mech


Rifleman Heavy Mech

JagerMech Heavy Mech – 2 Lines


CRUCIS MARCH

BELLADONNA

CAL‐BOEING OF DORWINION

Ferret VTOL – 6 Lines

Wild Weasel VTOL – 6 Lines

Marten VTOL – 6 Lines

DELAVAN

The facilities above Delevan were in a poor state of repair and able to produce only limited numbers of ships. The last decade has seen the yards completely restored and back to full production.

UNIVERSAL AIR


Star Lord class JumpShip – 3 Lines

DYNAMICO LTD.

Avenger class Dropship

Buccaneer class Dropship

GALAX

FEDERATED‐BOEING INTERSTELLAR, POINT SIMON YARDS

Gazelle class Dropship


Leopard CV class Dropship


Overlord class Dropship – 2 Lines

Mule class Dropship





GULKANA

QUICKSCELL COMPANY




JOHNSONDALE

VALIANT VEHICLES

Pegasus Light Hovertank – 4 Lines

KIRKLIN

KALLON WEAPONS INDUSTRIES


LAYOVER

QUICKSCELL COMPANY





SALVATORE, INC.


NEW AVALON

Both Achernar and Corean have been using government funds to increase production of their Medium Mech models, as these are the most versatile and prized products for the AFFS from these facilities.

ACHERNAR BATTLEMECHS

Locust Light Mech

Wasp Light Mech

Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech


Dervish Medium Mech

COREAN ENTERPRISES

Valkyrie Light Mech ‐ 2 Lines

Centurion Medium Mech

LYCOMB‐DAVION INTRATECH

Stuka Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

Lightning Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

Hellcat Medium Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

SALEM

GENERAL MOTORS

Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines

Heavy Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines

TALCOTT

GENERAL MOTORS

SP Artillery Assault Vehicle – 9 Lines

DRACONIS MARCH

OZAWA

A secret project, started in 3011 and completed in 3021, has seen the severely damaged facilities on Ozawa brought back into use. The Star League era Mechs produced, although using current technology, are a great boon for AFFS forces in the Draconis March.

MALTEX CORPORATION

Wyvern Medium Mech

Thug Assault Mech – 2 Lines

MARDUK

NORSE BATTLEMECH WORKS

Griffin Medium Mech – 2 Lines

Wolverine Medium Mech – 3 Lines

QUENTIN

Independence has been able to slightly increase production over the last five years without any government assistance. Future growth will, however, need such assistance as the coffers of the company are nearly dry.

INDEPENDENCE WEAPONRY

JagerMech Heavy Mech

Marauder Heavy Mech

Victor Assault Mech

Atlas Assault Mech



ROBINSON

In order to assist in the reequipping of RCT’s in the Draconis March, RSB was founded to produce APC’s and IFV’s. The large facility is capable of producing over 200 vehicles a year.

ROBINSON STANDARD BATTLEWORKS

APC and IFV Light Vehicles – 17 Lines

PERIPERY MARCH

CROFTON

STARCORPS INDUSTRIES

Longbow Assault Mech – 2 Lines

PANPOUR

JALASTAR AEROSPACE

Centurion Medium Mech – 3 Lines

Sparrowhawk Light Aerospace Fighter

Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter


CHALLENGE SYSTEMS




THE FREE WORLDS LEAGUE

The League has endeavoured, over the last few years, to increase BattleMech production, at the expense of nearly every other sector. BattleMech production is up 18% from 3000, with only transport production seeing any growth as well at 3%. Much growth has been funnelled into the periphery and then imported, or sold to mercenaries, a situation that makes tracking FWLM strength difficult. Currently, the FWLM is receiving 156 Light Mechs, 228 Medium Mechs, 156 Heavy Mechs and 96 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 656 Mechs per year. Additionally, 432 Aerospace Fighters and 912 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 75 DropShips and 9 JumpShips are also produced.

DIEUDONNE COMMAND

AMITY

IMSTAR AEROSPACE

Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines

ATREUS

IMSTAR AEROSPACE

Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter – 5 Lines

DELLER, BINGHAM, & FOUTS

Gazelle class Dropship – 3 Lines

Mammoth class Dropship – 2 Lines

CONNAUGHT

The League government has assisted Kong Interstellar in getting the production facilities back in working order. Additional funding is expected to assist is bring both the Ostroc and Ostsol back into production as well.

KONG INTERSTELLAR CORPORATION

Ostsol Heavy Mech

IRIAN

IRIAN BATTLEMECHS UNLIMITED

Hermes Light Mech – 2 Lines

Hermes II Medium Mech – 2 Lines

Trebuchet Medium Mech

Awesome Assault Mech

BROOKS INCORPORATED


Harasser Light Missile Platform – 5 Lines

IMSTAR AEROSPACE

Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

KALIDASA

KALI YAMA WEAPONS INDUSTRIES INC.

Wasp Light Mech


Hunchback Medium Mech

Orion Heavy Mech

QUIKSCELL COMPANY

Hetzer Wheeled Medium Assault Gun – 14 Lines


KEYSTONE

Due to it position at the centre of the League, the Earthworks facility at Keystone was selected to receive a massive injection of government funding. This has enabled the facility to double output to 120 Mechs per year.


Stinger Light Mech – 2 Lines

Phoenix Hawk Medium Mech – 2 Lines


Thunderbolt Heavy Mech – 2 Lines

Battlemaster Assault Mech – 2 Lines

EXETER ORGANIZATION

Pegasus Light Scout Tank – 6 Lines

MARIK

IMSTAR AEROSPACE

Cheetah Light Aerospace Fighter ‐ 2 Lines

Planetlifter Light Air Transport ‐ 2 Lines

OLIVER

BRIGADIER CORPORATION

Griffin Medium Mech

Crusader Heavy Mech

QUIKSCELL COMPANY





SAVANNAH

TECHNICRON MANUFACTURING

Quickdraw Heavy Mech


STEWART

COREAN ENTERPRISES, MACADAMS‐SUHARNO

Locust Light Mech


Goliath Assault Mech

GRANERA COMMAND

ANDURIEN

ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES)

Stingray Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines


Intruder class Dropship – 2 Lines

BROOKS INCORPORATED



DALTON

NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS LTD.

Condor class Dropship – 2 Lines

LOPEZ

ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES) MAGNA METALS



SHIRO III

Desperate to increase Assault Mech production, the League was more than willing to throw money at Andurien, if it meant more Stalkers in the ranks.


Wasp Light Mech

Hermes II Medium Mech

Stalker Assault Mech ‐ 2 Lines

GRUMMAN AMALGAMATED

Ontos Assault Tank – 5 Lines

TEMATAGI

NIMAKACHI FUSION PRODUCTS

Spider Light Mech – 2 Lines

Vulcan Medium Mech

WALLIS

RONIN, INC.

Warhammer Heavy Mech

Marauder Heavy Mech

HOLT COMMAND

ASUNCION

KALLON INDUSTRIES

Crusader Heavy Mech


Flea Light Mech

BERNARDO

KALLON INDUSTRIES

Crusader Heavy Mech


Flea Light Mech

CALLOWAY VI


Stinger Light Mech


Archer Heavy Mech

EMRIS IV





KENDALL COMMAND

CLIPPERTON

IRIAN TECHNOLOGIES

Leopard class Dropship – 2 Lines

Leopard‐CV class Dropship

Union class Dropship – 2 Lines


GIBSON

Production of both the Cicada and Wolverine has doubled over the past few years, with most of the funding coming from Regulan interests.

GIBSON FEDERATED BATTLEMECHS (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES)

Locust Light Mech

Cicada Medium Mech – 2 Lines


Marauder Heavy Mech


Fury class Dropship – 2 Lines

Buccaneer class Dropship – 2 Lines

Monarch class Dropship – 3 Lines

KARACHI

Brigadier has been trying to resurrect its once proud business empire and until recently has meet with little success. Hoarding its small profits over the years, the company has finally succeeded in bringing one of its wrecked BattleMech plants back to life. Although only producing 12 Griffins a year, this first step in recover has done wonders for the companies share price and morale. The Griffin version produced here, the 1M, trades out the PPC for a Large Laser and 2 tons more armour, which is also better placed.


Griffin Medium Mech

KENDALL

KALI YAMA/ALPHARD TRADING CORP.

Orion Heavy Mech

BROOKS INCORPORATED


LOYALTY

KALLON INDUSTRIES


Vengeance class Dropship – 2 Lines

SELASYS INC.

Star Lord class JumpShip – 3 Lines

MACKENZIE


Behemoth class Dropship ‐ 2 Lines

WESTOVER

ANDURIEN AEROTECH (A DIVISION OF FREE WORLDS DEFENSE INDUSTRIES)



STERLING COMMAND

TAMARIND

Increases in efficiencies have seen the yards over Tamarind now able to produce 3, instead of 2, ships per year.

TECHNICRON MANUFACTURING/FORERUNNER A.G.


THERMOPOLIS

KALLON INDUSTRIES


Rifleman Heavy Mech

TRELLISANE

GUTIERREZ AEROSPACE




THE LYRAN COMMONWEALTH

The Lyran Commonwealth, as the industrial powerhouse of the Inner Sphere, has been expanding all sectors of its military industry in line with Katrina Steiner’s dictates. The big winners have been the aerospace and tank producers, who were often left out in the cold in favour of ‘Mechs and transports. BattleMech production is up 17% from 3000, Aerospace 32%, transport production at 22% and tank production up 15%. Lyran corporations have also been very active in periphery investment. Currently the LCAF is receiving 84 Light Mechs, 144 Medium Mechs, 240 Heavy Mechs and 300 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 768 Mechs per year. Additionally, 300 Aerospace Fighters and 1 920 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 57 DropShips and 29 JumpShips are also produced.

ALARION PROVINCE

ALARION

IOTO GALACTIC ENTERPRISES




BOWIE INDUSTRIES

Archer Heavy Mech

Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines


Leopard CV class Dropship

Union class DropShip – 2 Lines

CARLISLE

Bowie Industries have used funds gained in the periphery to expand Mech production on Carlisle.

BOWIE INDUSTRIES

Archer Heavy Mech

Marauder Heavy Mech

Pack Rat Light Long Range Recon Vehicle – 5 Lines

S. L. LEWIS INCORPORATED

Savannah Master Light Hovercraft – 5 Lines

SON HOA


Longbow Assault Mech – 2 Lines

Highlander Assault Mech

BOLAN PROVINCE

CHUKCHI III

Part of the Archons massive upgrade plan for the under represented conventional forces, was to expand production of the new Rommel and Patton tanks, who effectiveness is readily apparent.

DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES OF HESPERUS II

Rommel Tank – 1.5 Lines

Patton Tank – 1.5 Lines

FURILLO


Locust Light Mech

Wasp Light Mech

Zeus Heavy Mech

LOCKHEED/CBM CORP.

Warrior Light Attack VTOL – 5 Lines

GALLERY

As part of the Steiner land hold, Gallery found securing a place in the new industries plan quite easy. However, in order to limit public displeasure, no new designs will be produced here.


Hunter Light Tank

Manticore Heavy Tank

GIENAH

GIENAH COMBAT VEHICLES


Heavy Wheeled APC Light Vehicle – 4 Lines

Centipede Light Scout Car – 4 Lines

Pack Rat Light Long Range Patrol Vehicle – 3 Lines

COVENTRY PROVINCE

AUSTRALIA

One of the few Archons to pay this difficult to deal with (at least from a Lyran point of view) world any attention, Katrina is seen as the greatest of the Archons by allowing the new facilities to be built on the world. Members of the planetary nobility and Estates General membership are now knocking on Coventry Metalwork’s doors to drum up interest in a Mech factory.



BOWIE INDUSTRIES

Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines


Rommel Heavy Tank – 1.5 Lines

Patton Heavy Tank – 1.5 Lines

COVENTRY

COVENTRY METAL WORKS

Stinger Light Mech – 2 Lines

Commando Light Mech – 2 Lines

Firestarter Light Mech – 2 Lines

Vulcan Medium Mech – 2 Lines

Phoenix Medium Mech – 2 Lines

DONEGAL PROVINCE

AUR

Gienah Combat Vehicles was not initially looked at for the new program, but their persistence paid off when the new facility on Aur was authorised.

GIENAH COMBAT VEHICLES

Tracked APC Light Vehicle

Heavy Tracked APC Light Vehicle

Hover APC Light Vehicle

Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle

DONEGAL

As the heart of the Aerofighter industry of the Commonwealth, Donegal was always going to get funds. What it did not expect was the opening of the new IOTO yards.

LOCKHEED/CBM CORPORATION

Lucifer Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

Centurion Light Aerospace Fighter – 3 Lines

Corsair Medium Aerospace Fighter



Mule class Dropship

GIBBS


Eagle Heavy Aerospace Fighter

Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter



THARKAD

As the capital of the Commonwealth, Tharkad had the inside running for any new programs. Using its influence, the Tharkad Industries Group was able to see upgrades to its orbital facilities realised.

THARKAD AEROSPACE GROUP (TAG)

Intruder class Dropship

Fortress class Dropship

Behemoth class Dropship

THARHES INDUSTRIES

Wolfhound Light Mech – 2 Lines

Crusader Heavy Mech – 2 Lines


Lightning Medium Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

Hellcat Heavy Aerospace Fighter


SEMIER DATA TRON


Fortress class Dropship

Excalibur class Dropship

FEDERATION OF SKYE

EDASICH

Edasich lobbied long and hard to get the Defiance Demolisher line built on the world, starting a feud with nearby Nekkar.


Demolisher Assault Tank

HESPERUS II

With massive expansion going on in their conventional armament lines, and with money flowing in from investment in the Periphery, Defiance was able to put the new Hatchetman into production and licence the Valkyrie and Enforcer models from the Federated Suns.




Valkyrie Light Mech

Hatchetman Medium Mech



Archer Heavy Mech – 8 Lines

Zeus Assault Mech – 8 Lines

Banshee Assault Mech – 4 Lines

Atlas Assault Mech – 6 Lines

Hunter Light Tank – 4 Lines


Rommel Heavy Tank – 5 Lines

Patton Heavy Tank – 5 Lines


Avenger class DropShip

NEW EARTH

NEW EARTH TRADING COMPANY

Karnov Light UR Transport – 5 Lines

Vedette Medium Tank – 5 Lines


NEW KYOTO

The largest of Defiance’s new facilities, the New Kyoto plant is almost able to rival Hesperus II in numbers of vehicles produced.




Rommel Heavy Tank – 2 Lines

Patton Heavy Tank – 2 Lines

SKYE

Shipl got in early on the new facilities program and managed to secure funding to double production, not hard considering the cheapness of the Seydlitz fighter.

SHIPIL COMPANY

Seydlitz Aerospace Fighter – 6 Lines

Overlord class Dropship – 5 Lines

CYCLOPS INCORPORATED

Drillson Medium Hovertank – 8 Lines

Maxim Medium Hover Transport – 7 Lines

WYATT

BOWIE INDUSTRIES

Archer Heavy Mech

Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter

TAMAR PACT

PANDORA

RED DEVIL INDUSTRIES

Rifleman Heavy Mech

BattleMaster Assault Mech

Pegasus Light Hovertank – 5 Lines

Condor Medium Hovertank – 5 Lines

Centipede Light Scout Car – 5 Lines

QUICKSCELL COMPANY




SUDETEN

OLIVETTI WEAPONRY

Thunderbolt Heavy Mech



J. Edgar Light Hovertank – 5 Lines

TRELLSHIRE HEAVY INDUSTRIES

Sturmfeur Assault Tank – 5 Lines


TWYCROSS

TRELLSHIRE HEAVY INDUSTRIES

Rifleman Heavy Mech – 2 Lines


Stalker Assault Mech



THE MAGISTRACY OF CANOPOUS

The Magistracy long suffered from limited output and a production base that focused on light weight machines. Thanks to the recent investment of Inner Sphere firms in the Periphery, the Magistracy is beginning to bring its military industry out of the dark ages. BattleMech production is up 75% from 3000, with Aerospace and transport production having doubled, all thanks to foreign investment. Although the price of this investment sees much profit and production lost, the MAF is glad to have the new units, even in limited numbers. Currently the MAF is receiving 36 Light Mechs, 12 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 12 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 84 Mechs per year. Additionally, 72 Aerospace Fighters and 192 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 18 DropShips are also produced.

CANOPUS IV

MMM has managed to use funds from the Royal Purse to begin production of the Marauder, with the plans purchased from Bowie Industries.

MAJESTY METALS & MANUFACTURING

Locust Light Mech

Stinger Light Mech

Wasp Light Mech

Marauder Heavy Mech

DUNIANSHIRE

MMM was forced to loose part of its aerospace facilities to allow LDI the space to start operations. Investments from Bowie, Rashpur‐Owens and Federated Bowing have seen the Mule and Union begin production as well. The new LDI facility is now at full production, with the StarCorps facility to reach full production by years end. In January of 3024, SCI will begin producing limited numbers of the San Andreas under exclusive licence to the MAF, cutting production of the Longbow in half.

MAJESTY METALS & MANUFACTURING




Pike Heavy Support Vehicle – 5 Lines


Leopard class Dropship – 2 Lines (down 1)

Mule class Dropship – 2 Lines





San Andreas Assault Mech

LYCOMB‐DAVION INTRATECH


Stuka Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines



THE OUTWORLDS ALLIANCE

The Outworlds has been desperate to improve its BattleMech forces for years, with its prayers finally answered by a Defiance/Olivetti conglomerate, flush with Lyran cash. The results of this investment have allowed for an increase of fighter and tank production, but most importantly, the beginnings of limited use of the derelict shipyards over Cerberus. BattleMech production is has doubled from 3000, with Aerospace up 9% and transport production beginning anew, with armoured vehicle output up 30%. Currently the AMF is receiving 36 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 12 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 96 Mechs per year. Additionally, 144 Aerospace Fighters and 156 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 Scout JumpShips are also produced.

ALPHERATZ

Defiance‐Olivetti Industrials new Alpheratz facility is not only vital to the AMF, but is forcing the local industrial sector to upgrade to meet the needs of the new facility. This is having a large knock on effect in the rest of the Outworlds economy.

ALLIANCE DEFENDERS LIMITED

Locust Light Mech

Stinger Light Mech

Wasp Light Mech

DEFIANCE‐OLIVETTI INDUSTRIALS

Griffin Medium Mech



Banshee Assault Mech

MOUNTAIN WOLF BATTLEMECHS

Merlin Heavy Mech

CERBERUS

Federated Boeing and Ioto Galactic Industries have been instrumental in getting the old yards working, albeit if it is only a small portion of the once large facilities. However, many locals are unhappy at the influence the two companies now wield in local affairs.

ALLIANCE DEFENDERS LIMITED


MITCHELLA

The Outworlds government has improved productivity at the Mitchella plant by 30%.

UNITED OUTWORLDERS CORPORATION

Hunter Light Tank

Vedette Medium Tank

PRAXTON


Shilone Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines

Slayer Assault Aerospace Fighter – 2 Lines


Manticore Heavy Tank

RAMORA

Production of the Lightning now matches the Seydlitz in numbers.


Seydlitz Light Aerospace Fighter – 4 Lines




THE TAURIAN CONCORDAT

Long the strongest of the Periphery industrial powers, the Concordat has had it lead eroded in recent years, due the effects of the Far Lookers siphoning of funds. Due to this BattleMech production has only increased 6% from 3000, with Aerospace up not at all with armoured vehicle output up only 6%. However, Far Lookers influence saw transport production jump 33%. Currently the TDF is receiving 108 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs and 96 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 228 Mechs per year. Additionally, 96 Aerospace Fighters and 432 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 24 DropShips are also produced.

ILLIUSHIN

Coventry Metalworks invested in a 30% share of VMI and saw to it that the Lyran Commando Mech would start production. Additionally, Far Lookers funds saw a tripling of DropShip production from the companies orbiting facilities.

VANDENBURG MECHANIZED INDUSTRIES

Commando Light Mech

Griffin Medium Mech


MACLEOD’S LAND

PINARD PROTECTORATES LIMITED

Locust Light Mech

Stinger Light Mech

NEW VANDENBURG

The only other plant to see production increase in the last few years, VMI has started production of the successful Hunter Tank.


Stinger Light Mech

Archer Heavy Mech

Marauder Heavy Mech

Chippewa Assault Aerospace Fighter

Hunter Light Tank

ORGANO



PERDITION


Wasp Light Mech – 3 Lines

Thunderbird Assault Aerospace Fighter

J. Edgar Light Hovertank – 5 Lines

Light SRM Carrier Medium Vehicle – 4 Lines


PINARD





Heavy Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines


Marauder Heavy Mech

STEROPE

TAURUS TERRITORIAL INDUSTRIES

Seydlitz Light Aerospace Fighter – 2 lines




TAURUS

TAURUS TERRITORIAL INDUSTRIES

Locust Light Mech

Wasp Light Mech

Hatchetman Medium Mech



Marauder Heavy Mech

Lightning Heavy Aerospace Fighter – 2 lines

Leopard class Dropship – 3 lines



MARIAN HEGEMONY

When you’ve got it flaunt it. So the Hegemony did, using its massive Germanium reserves to practically bribe IBU into building extensive facilities on the capital world of Alphard. Following the annexing of Niops, IBU personnel have been assisting in increasing the somewhat limited output of the Niopian factories. Currently the Legions receive 36 Medium Mechs, 24 Heavy Mechs and 36 Assault Mechs per year, for a total of 96 Mechs per year. Additionally, 12 Aerospace Fighters and 76 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 DropShips and 3 JumpShips are also produced.

ALPHARD

The FWLM military has its nose somewhat out of joint; over the fact the IBU can jump start Assault Mech production on Alphard, but not at its facilities in the League. Irian’s answer was simple – Show us the Money!


Hermes II Medium Mech


Orion Heavy Mech



Goliath Assault Mech


J. Edgar Light Hovertank – Lines

NIOPS

IRB has been given exclusive access to recovered technology from Niops on the condition that it first improves production from the old factories and shares any finds with the Hegemony.

NIOPS FEDERAL ARMAMENTS

Wyvern Medium Mech

Kintaro Medium Mech

Spad Aerospace Fighter

Gotha Aerospace Fighter

Union class DropShip




CIRCINUS FEDERATION

Not wanting to be outdone by their rivals at Irian, Earthworks jumped at the opportunity that Circinus was offering. Since establishing the facilities, Earthworks has become deeply involved in Circinian politics. Currently the Black Warriors receive 12 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs and 12 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 48 Mechs per year. Additionally, 96 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations.

Circinus

The new facility is the crown jewel of Circinus and shaping up as the centre point of the rivalry between the President and the Black Warriors. The new facility for McIntyre Machinery has been fifteen years in the making.


Flea Light Mech

Griffin Medium Mech


Marauder Assault Mech





OBERON CONFEDERATION

Oberon took swindling to a whole new interstellar level in getting their military industries off the ground. Offering no set up costs, or government oversight, King Grimm was able to get Quickscell to set up shop on Oberon VI and begin the production of several classes of armoured vehicle in 3016. Once these units began to see service in Oberon’s growing conventional forces, and the severe lack of quality control that Quickscell is known for came to be apparent, Grimm seized the factories and deported the Quickscell executives. The Lyran state ignored the pleas of the company, happy to see them receive their long overdue accounting for their shoddy business practices, leaving Grimm in possession of a big bargaining chip.

Grimm then offered the factories to Olivetti Weaponry for a nominal price, on the condition that they expand production and construct a Mech factory. After two years negotiation, and some assurances from Grimm, Olivetti, with assistance from Coventry Meatalworks, undertook a two year construction period and opened their new Mech factory on Oberon in 3021. Additional gains at Star’s End and Von Strang’s World have assisted in providing a solid industrial base for the Oberon Guards. Currently the Guards receive 24 Light Mechs, 24 Medium Mechs and 24 Heavy Mechs per year, for a total of 72 Mechs per year. Additionally, 180 Tanks are produced to support the Mech formations. 3 JumpShips are also produced.

OBERON VI

The new company is owned 60/40 between the Grimm family and Olivetti Weaponry. As the heart of the Oberon military, the facility is well guarded.

RED EYE HEAVY INDUSTRIES

Locust Light Mech – 2 Lines

Wolverine Medium Mech – 2 Lines

Rifleman Heavy Mech – 2 Lines





Hover APC Light Vehicle – 2 Lines

ELISSA

Only recently opening, the new facility is not popular with the local pacifists.

RED EYE HEAVY INDUSTRIES



STAR’S END

Far more extensive than once believed, the yards in the Star’s End asteroid field are proving a boon to the Oberon military and economy.

JOLLY ROGER SHIPPING

Merchant class JumpShip

ERIN (Von Strang’s World)

This ancient facility, several centuries old, still produces a few tanks a year for whoever owns the facility at the time.

RIM WORLDS MANUFACTURING

Von Luckner Heavy Tank



LOTHIAN LEAGUE

Desperate for assistance, the Lothians have been accused of selling their souls to Wallis Inc, who drove such a hard bargain, that the Lothians may see war machines from their new facility, but little profit. However, the facility is desperately needed with Marian forces now so near.

LOTHARIO

LOTHIAN – WALLIS Inc

Clint Medium Mech

Hellcat Heavy Aerospace Fighter

Striker Light Tank – 3 Lines



ILLYRIAN PALITINATE

In a similar position to the Lothian League, the Illyrians were far smarter, managing to engage a consortium of firms on a relatively good deal. Although, a small facility, it is desperately needed addition to the national defence.

ILLYRIA

THOR’S BATTLE TECHNOLOGY



Sabre Light Aerospace Fighter




MICA MAJORITY

Long producing a few tanks each year, MFA continues to sell to small periphery worlds that need a cheap and easily maintained armoured vehicle.

MICA V

MICA FEDERAL ARMAMENTS

Galleon Tank – 3 Lines



3023 TECHNICAL ADDENDUM CISA has not had much chance over the course of the last few decades to undertake work for the Technical Addendums, sections of the review that were once well populated. However, we are proud to present the first new battlefield unit to see service since the Outworlds Merlin ‘Mech entered service.

BattleMechs

BattleMechs have always been the preferred unit for use on the modern battlefield, and it is fitting that the first new ‘Mech in many years is likely to become one of the kings of the class, the 100 ton San Andreas, product of the recently built StarCorps facility on Dunianshire

.



SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS Mass: 100 Tons Cruising Speed: 32.25 kph Maximum Speed: 53.75 kph Jump Capacity: None Armament: 1 Dunianshire Demon Autocannon 20

2 Magna Hellstar PPC’s 3 Martel Medium Lasers

Deployed By: Magistracy Armed Forces – Pre‐production prototypes only

Designer: StarCorps Industries/Magistracy Design Bureau

Entered Service: 3024 Primary Factories: Dunianshire (StarCorps) Variants: SAN‐01A, SAN‐01B, SAN‐01C, SAN‐01D Cost: 9,488,000 C‐bills (SAN‐01C)

OVERVIEW

Kyalla Centrella, ever the closet megalomaniac, had for many years wished to strengthen the MAF BattleMech arm. It would take many years to realise her vision of more powerful Mechs for her forces, however, her designers began work in 3015, planning for the future.

The original design of the San Andreas, the SAN‐01A, was an unmitigated disaster, taking the failures of the Charger and Banshee models and sticking them in a larger frame. Later designs, namely the SAN‐01B, rectified this error, but the focus on an all auto‐cannon armament limited the design in combat endurance and survivability.

Once StarCorps had set up shop on Dunianshire, as part of Canopus’s part in the luring of manufacturers to the Periphery, the Warhammer and Longbow Mechs began to see production. The acquisition of these models stalled the need for a home grown assault chassis, even less so when Majesty Metals gained the licence to the Marauder.

However, StarCorps personnel saw great promise in the San Andreas and proposed a redesign which would produce a survivable and powerful Mech. Officially designed “personally by the Magestrix”, but more likely by StarCorps personnel, to take advantage of the new StarCorps Industries plant on Dunianshire, the SAN‐01C San Andreas was designed to be a symbol of the revitalised strength of the Canopian state.

Named for the famous fault line that destroyed the city of Los Angeles on Terra in 2085, the San Andreas is a rival to the Atlas in sheer fire power and armoured strength. Utilising many of the components and jigs that existed on the Longbow line at Dunianshire, and borrowing from the Warhammer as well, the San Andreas has an unusual appearance, somewhere between a stretched Longbow cross a Warhammer.

CAPABILITIES

The San Andreas is designed, first and foremost, to be the defensive anchor of Canopian line regiments, carrying an impressive 18 tons of armour, which allows the SAN‐01 to absorb at least four PPC hits to the centre torso before losing all protection.

Speed was seen as a secondary consideration, following the failure of the ‐01A, which was meant to pace the lighter Canopian Mechs. This role was seen as best left to the hordes of Canopian Light ‘Mechs, allowing as much tonnage as possible to be devoted to offensive systems. The San Andreas's designers opted to leave missile support to the Longbow, recently beginning production at the same plant, and based the weapons load out closely on that of the Marauder and Warhammer designs also produced for the MAF.

The ammunition dependent ‐01B, with its twin class 10 Autocannon and single class 20, was not only limited to a minutes worth of ammunition, but carried 16 tons of armour, making ammunition explosions a problem. The ‐01C, was to become far more survivable, with all but the class 20 dropped and two more tons of armour added.

The SAN‐01C is built around a massive class 20 Autocannon, which is supported by 2 forward firing and one rear firing medium laser for close in support, and supplied with 10 rounds of cassette ammunition. As enemy forces attempt to move out of the range of the deadly Autocannon, the twin PPC arrangement, taken directly from the Marauder/Warhammer designs, maintains the primary damage curve.

The MAF, realising the need for extended operations in the Periphery, limited ammunition carrying weapons to the main class 20 weapon, but in doing so created a high heat burden should pilots engage in an Alpha Strike.

However, the use of the Autocannon and lasers in close

and the PPC's at range, allow a smart and patient pilot to manage heat build up easily. MAF/StarCorps design philosophy came down to this – so few SAN‐01C’s would be built, that they must come home from the battlefield every time.

DEPLOYMENT

First walking of the lines of the new StarCorps plant on Dunianshire late in 3023, the SAN‐01C was considered a nightmare project by the StarCorps engineers, who had to halve the Longbow production sequence to fit the new machine in. This caused the production costs of both models to sky rocket, and limited the company’s profits and output of both models to just 1 every two months.

However, the MAF does not give a flying hoot for the financial troubles the ‘Mech has caused, as the first three production models, that will enter service in January 3024, proved themselves devastating machines in trial exercises in the 1st Canopian Fusiliers, where they will be assigned.

The 1st Canopian Fusiliers have been putting the San Andreas through a gruelling series of exercises under the watchful eyes of MAF senior officers and StarCorps engineers, who all report directly to Kyalla Centrella herself.

VARIANTS

Five variants currently exist, with the initial model, the SAN‐01A, planned as an assault ‘Mech with great speed, seeing the use of a highly inefficient 400 rated engine, however, saner heads prevailed and later models dropped this unfeasible idea. The use of a 300 rated engine (SAN‐01B) freed up a great amount of mass, adding two class 10 autocannon and upgrading the torso mount cannon from the 01A’s class 10 to a class 20.

The next two models also added armour and heat sinks, with the SAN‐01B gaining 2 tons on the original. The SAN‐01C, the primary pre‐production model, drops the class 10 autocannon for PPC’s and adds more armour and heat sinks.

Field testing by Captain Waugh has also provided two additional models, the SAN‐01D and SAN‐01E. The D model moves a tiny amount of armour from the arms to



the legs, drops the rear firing laser and adds another heat sink.

The E model, a more extreme revision, drops two heats sinks for two additional forward facing medium lasers in the arms. This model has a higher heat curve, but greater short range firepower.

Sources in the Magistracy are hinting that the C, D and E models will go into production together, being deployed to regiments in threes, one of each model. This idea, rumoured to be the Magestrix’s, has StarCorps technicians and MAF Quartermasters pulling their hair out.

NOTABLE PILOTS

Phillip Waugh

Rare is the man who rises to rank in the MAF, but the dedication and drive of Phil Waugh has been the example used as one to emulate by the MAF training command. Assigned the first SAN‐01C to come off the production line, Waugh has used the Mech to great effect in exercises to date. Some comment that Waugh was given the San Andres to test for the simple reason that he, more than any other Canopian MechWarrior, actually looks like the San Andreas 'Mech. His suggestion to the review board have resulted in the D and E models, both of which he has also tested.

Model: SAN‐01C SAN ANDREAS Technology Base: Standard Tonnage: 100 Equipment Mass Internal Structure: 10 Engine: 300 19

Walking MPs: 3 Running MPs: 5 Jumping MPs: 0

Heat Sinks: 24 14 Gyro: 3 Cockpit: 3 Armour Factor: 286 18

Internal Structure

Armour Value

Head 3 9 Centre Torso 31 45 Centre Torso (Rear) 14 L/R Torso 21 29 L/R Torso (Rear) 10 L/R Arm 17 31 L/R Leg 21 39 Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Mass Autocannon 20 RT 10 14 Ammo (AC20) RT 2 2 PPC RA 3 7 PPC LA 3 7 Medium Laser RA 1 1 Medium Laser LA 1 1 Medium Laser CT (R) 14 1



3023 COMBAT BRIEFS CISA provides the following summaries of the major conflicts of the past year, in order to assist out readers in examining the trends and results of the actions of the major militaries.

The briefs are broken down by front, and month, with each world being listed in each month that combat occurred.

Taurian Colonial Campaign

The Taurian Concordat, under orders from the Protector, began their Colonial Campaign, striking at Far Lookers base worlds, each of which was located close to Taurian space.

January 3023

WORLD: Aea

ATTACKER: 39th Taurian Armoured Brigade, Concordat Jaegers ‐ 1st Battalion and the 28th Taurian Space Defence Wing.

DEFENDER: Aea Militia

RESULTS: Although it took two weeks, the battlegroup eventually hunted down and eliminated the Aea militia, albeit at the surprising cost of 2 Mechs, 2 fighters and six tanks.

WORLD: Spitz

ATTACKER: 24th Taurian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Spitz Militia

RESULTS: The Spitz Militia vanished into the wilderness as the local citizens started an underground fight that cost the 24th nearly 15% of its forces for little gain. Nevertheless, the superior numbers of the 24th were slowly leaching the will to carry on from the Militia.

WORLD: Cadiz


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The 26th made short work of the militia on Cadiz.

WORLD: Orkney


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The 30th took time to come to terms with the terrain and their opponent, but by months end, had the militia crushed.

February 3023

WORLD: Spitz


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The 24th continued to be out foxed by the militia, who refused to fight. However, the 24th was able to root out agitators within the urban areas, giving them effective control of the world and limiting losses. Despite this semblance of control, orders from the High Command made it clear that the militia were to be found and eliminated ASAP.

WORLD: Regis Roost

ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers – 1st Battalion and the 28th Taurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Jumping onwards from Aea, the combined assault by the two Taurian units, was too much for the inexperienced militia, who rapidly folded under the assault.

March 3023

WORLD: Spitz


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The 24th finally made a push that forced and an engagement with the militia driving them to half strength and finally forcing their surrender.



WORLD: Argos

ATTACKER: Free Radicals and The Foreign Legion

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The two newly hired Merc units were thrown straight into the Colonial Campaign. Despite landing and engaging the Argosian Militia in a straight up fight, that saw 2/3 of the militia wiped out, the Mercs were unable to pacify the world as the remainder of the militia went to ground.

April 3023

WORLD: Argos


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia battled on for another month before finally folding.

WORLD: Davetal II

ATTACKER: The Packrats

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Mercenaries, brought in like other merc units for the Colonial Campaign started well, nearly annihilating the militia within a week.

May 3023

WORLD: Carvajal

ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion and the 20th Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Having learnt their lessons on Charlestown, the TDF units gave the Carvajal Militia no quarter or chance and finished them off quickly.

WORLD: Gant

ATTACKER: Pack Rats

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Packrats continued to show their inability to truly come to terms with fighting militia and although dealing severe losses to the defenders lost seven Mechs in needless losses. The militia were again able to hold the world in some areas.

June 3023

WORLD: Carthage


DEFENDER: Carthage Militia

RESULTS: A botched landing cost the invaders a company of Mechs and it would take a week for the scattered forces to coalesce into a force strong enough to attack. Once organised, the two Battalions dealt heavy damage to the militia, who surrendered once the real strength of the Mercenaries was shown.

WORLD: Charlestown

ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 30th Taurian Armoured Brigade and 20th Taurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Charlestown Militia

RESULTS: Charlestown was the first leg of the Spinward assaults, which were planned to one day reach out towards Randis. Despite being reduced to less than 20% strength in two savage battles and completely outclassed, the Charlestown Militia refused to surrender.

WORLD: Davetal III

ATTACKER: The Pack Rats

DEFENDER: Davetal III Militia

RESULTS: The Davetal militia, knowing what had happened on Davetal II, went to ground and forced the mercenaries to hunt them out. By the end of the month, 2/3 of the world had been secured.

WORLD: Rockwellan

ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers – 1st Battalion, 28th Taurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Rockwellan Militia

RESULTS: The Jaeger Battle Group continued their victorious ways, with one savage and brutal engagement all it took for the Militia to be crushed.



July 3023

WORLD: Charlestown

ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 30th Taurian Armoured Brigade and 20th Taurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Charlestown Militia

RESULTS: The militia was hunted down and destroyed by the middle of the month.

WORLD: Davetal III

ATTACKER: The Pack Rats

DEFENDER: Davetal III Militia

RESULTS: The Packrats were forced to kill the fanatical militia almost to a man, loosing 18 Mechs in the process and becoming somewhat disillusioned with their new contract.

September 3023

WORLD: Gant

ATTACKER: Pack Rats

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Packrats seemed finally to work out how to deal with militia and completely annihilated the remaining forces.

WORLD: Portland

ATTACKER: Concordat Jaegers ‐ 1st Battalion and 28th Taurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The two units continued to work well together, quickly taking control of the world.

WORLD: Hellespont


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The two merc battalions landed late in the month, again botching their landing and ending up over 1,000km from their targets. They accomplished little by months end.

October 3023

WORLD: Celano

ATTACKER: Pack Rats

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Packrats went for the throat on Celano, obliterating the majority of the militia in one savage engagement.

WORLD: Hellespont


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Despite displaying a high level of skill and destroying over a company of mercenary Mechs, the militia never had much heart for a fight and surrendered late in October.

November 3023

WORLD: Micros III

ATTACKER: Concordat Cuirassiers ‐ 2nd Battalion and 20thTaurian Space Defence Wing

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: A surprise assault in the small hours of the morning crashed resistance before it could begin.

Magistracy Colonial War

Hearing word of the Taurians plans for the regions independent colonies, the Magestrix moved quickly to secure those worlds which were within the Canopian sphere of influence.

January 3023

WORLD: Vixen

ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th Canopian Armoured Brigade, 19th Canopian Armoured Brigade, 15th Canopian Fighter Group, 12th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia of Vixen stood no chance against the massed Canopian Battlegroup.



March 3023

WORLD: Thraxa

ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 20th Canopian Fighter Group and the 19th Canopian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Although the powerful battlegroup destroyed 2/3 of the militia, the defenders refused to surrender.

WORLD: Fronc

ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 26th Canopian Fighter Group and 47th Canopian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia proved no match for the Canopian forces.

April 3023

WORLD: Crawford’s Delight

ATTACKER: Harcourt's Destructors ‐ 1st Battalion, 41st Canopian Fighter Group and 38th Canopian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia made a token resistance before surrendering.

WORLD: Thraxa

ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 20th Canopian Fighter Group and 19th Canopian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Canopian forces wiped out the militia by months end.

WORLD: Helios

ATTACKER: 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 15th Canopian Fighter Group and 16th Canopian Armoured Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The 3rd Fusiliers Battlegroup made short work of the Helios militia and rapidly took the planet.

June 3023

WORLD: Independence

ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47th Canopian Armoured Brigade and 26th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Independence Militia

RESULTS: Despite putting up a valiant fight, the militia were in no way able to prevent the large Canopian force from taking the world.

August 3023

WORLD: Ballad II

ATTACKER: 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 16th Canopian Fighter Wing.

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The sudden strike by the Canopians was devastating, wiping the militia out.

September 3023

WORLD: McEvan’s Sacrifice

ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 26th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: With Taurian forces in the vicinity, the Canopian troops took a slow and measured approach to McEvan’s, taking possession of 75% of the world in September, with few losses.

WORLD: Wildwood

ATTACKER: 2nd Canopian Fusiliers, 19th Canopian Armoured Brigade and 20th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The world was brought quickly under control.



October 3023

WORLD: McEvan’s Sacrifice

ATTACKER: Novo Sinclair Volunteers, 47th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 26th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: It took little effort to subdue the final on world resistance.

WORLD: Joppa

ATTACKER: Harcourt's Destructors ‐ 1st Battalion, 38th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 41st Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Canopian units took rapid control of the world.

December 3023

WORLD: Weisthiemier

ATTACKER: 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, 16th Canopian Armoured Brigade and the 15th Canopian Fighter Group

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Overwhelming force showed why it is so effective.

Oberon Anti‐Pirate Campaign

Oberon’s “anti‐pirate” campaign was anything but, though it can be argued that this was a secondary goal of the operation. The main aim was to secure territory and size JumpShips, all to aid in further expansion of the realm.

January 3023

WORLD: Butte Hold

ATTACKER: 1st Oberon Guards, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Oberon Cavaliers and 1st Oberon Air Guards.

DEFENDER: Ryan’s Rebels, 44 Mechs and 15 Aerospace Fighters.

RESULTS: For all the twisting and turning, the air battle during the in run cost the Guards only 2 fighters, for one Air Rebel fighter shot down. The large battlegroup was able to land unmolested and moved out against the Rebels Battalion en masse.

The main assault took the Rebels by surprise, as the mass of tanks and infantry surrounded them, preventing any chance of escape. The 1st Guards and 1st and 2nd Cavaliers then moved in to finish them off. The remaining 14 fighters were captured on the ground, along with the 4 Rebel transports, 13 salvageable heavy ‘Mechs, 5 damaged fighters and a large amount of stolen goods.

February 3023

WORLD: Last Chance

ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards, 2nd Oberon Air Guards, 5th Oberon Cavaliers

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The massed force of two BattleMech units and their supporting forces quickly crushed the company of Valkyrate Mechs stationed on the planet, although a ship in system jumped away before being captured. The group then dug in, waiting for the expected counter‐attack.



March 3023

WORLD: Star’s End

ATTACKER: 1st Oberon Guards, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th Oberon Cavaliers and the 1st and 3rd Oberon Air Guards

DEFENDER: Belt Pirates (108 Mechs and 72 Aerospace Fighters)

RESULTS: The Oberon Guards jumped into the Star’s End system, bringing an extra aerospace wing to assist in subduing the powerful aerospace assets of the Belt Pirates.

The extra assistance paid off, as the Oberon fighters kept the interceptors off the transports during the in run. As the air battle developed, the pirate pilots began to show their superior abilities, downing twenty Oberon fighters, for the loss of seven of their own.

However, the Pirate Mechs, totally unaccustomed to facing a force as large as the one arrayed against them, made several fatal errors of deployment, suffering devastating losses at the hands of the Oberon Guards and their supporting units.

The surrender of the savaged 2nd Pirate battalion let the Oberon forces into the main Pirate settlement, cutting the others off from any chance of escape. The remaining forces surrendered soon after.

However, in an act even handedness, Hendrik Grimm offered the remaining pirates the chance to become the nucleus of the 4th Guards, if they left Star’s End and came with him. The same offer was made to the fighter units, who would become the 4th and 5th Air Guards. The offer was accepted, with two Conventional Brigades remaining on Stars End with the 1st and 3rd Air Guards. The other forces left with Grimm.

WORLD: Last Chance

ATTACKER: Greater Valkyrate (92 Mechs and 30 fighters)

DEFENDER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards, 2nd Oberon Air Guards, 5th Oberon Cavaliers

RESULTS: The defenders allowed the pirates to land unmolested, preferring to strike out against their LZ with all force at their disposal. The tactic payed off, with the elite pirate unit unable to bring its manoeuvrability into play, instead being pinned down and suffering 20% losses.

The situation when from bad to worse for the Pirates, who were hemmed in and pounded by superior numbers time and again, unable to break out, or engage the Oberon forces in the open, as they preferred.

By the time they pulled of world, little more than 2 companies survived, escorted out by 10 fighters. The Oberon forces had suffered little more than light losses.

April 3023

WORLD: Gotterdammerung

ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards and 3rd Oberon Air Guards

DEFENDER: Valkyrate Pirates (47 Mechs and 16 Fighters)

RESULTS: With the victory on Last Chance, the Oberon forces in the Valkyrate could now move in for the kill, striking at Gotterdammerung itself. The few fighters of the Valkyrate, though doing some damage to the escorts, were too few in number to threaten the two Mech Regiments transports. The reinforced Battalion of the Valkyrate had also called up the twenty six rag tag militia infantry companies of the world, but was prepared to flee again, should the force arrayed against them prove too great.

The battle saw the more numerous Oberon ‘Mechs being held in place by the militia, and then struck at by the fast moving Valkyrate Mechs. This caused massive losses in the infantry, seven battalions being destroyed, but allowed the Valkyrate to inflict moderate losses on the invaders. By months end, the battle hung in the balance.



May 3023

WORLD: Gotterdammerung

ATTACKER: 2nd and 3rd Oberon Guards and 3rd Oberon Air Guards

DEFENDER: Valkyrate Pirates (47 Mechs and 16 Fighters)

RESULTS: Neither Air group was able to influence the ground battle in any meaningful way, which left both sides to hammer at each other. By the months end, the remaining company and a half of Mechs was cut off and surrendered, quickly followed by the militia. The battle had cost the Guards over 30% of their strength.

WORLD: Von Strang’s World

ATTACKER: 1st and 4th Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon Cavaliers and 4th and 5th Oberon Air Guards.

DEFENDER: Von Strang’s Guards Division (132 Mechs, 44 Fighters and 13 Regiments of militia)

RESULTS: King Hendrik had always disliked the Von Strang’s and their arrogance, planning to make his campaign on their world an abject lesson in humility.

After another inconclusive Oberon air battle, the Ground forces began a brutal battle of attrition, as the Oberon ‘Mechs and tanks forced their way into Amaris city. By the end of the month, nearly a third of the defenders had fallen, but at a cost of nearly 15% of the attacking force.

June 3023

WORLD: Von Strang’s World

ATTACKER: 1st and 4th Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon Cavaliers and 4th and 5th Oberon Air Guards.

DEFENDER: Von Strang’s Guards Division (132 Mechs, 44 Fighters and 13 Regiments of militia)

RESULTS: The Air battle continued to be a stalemate, as both sides losses mounted over to a dozen aircraft, doing little to support the ground battle. However, the brutal battle on the ground came to a quicker than expected conclusion, when Baron Von Strang was killed in his cockpit and his troops quickly surrendered.

WORLD: Erewhon

ATTACKER: 2nd Oberon Guards

DEFENDER: Erewhon Militia

RESULTS: The 2nd made short work of the Militia.

WORLD: Lackhove

ATTACKER: 3rd Oberon Guards

DEFENDER: Lackhove Militia

RESULTS: The Lackhove Militia proved resourceful, dancing around the heavy Mechs of the 3rd and not allowing them to bring their firepower to bear.

July 3023

WORLD: Lackhove



RESULTS: The Lackhove Militia continued their dancing and the heavy Mechs of the 3rd made little progress.

August 3023

WORLD: Twilight

ATTACKER: The Regulators

DEFENDER: Black Death Pirates

RESULTS: The Regulators, a mysterious Periphery mercenary force, joined the Confederation in August in order to get Oberon to move into the Chainlaine Isles to bring peace to that warring region. The first stepping stone to Chainlaine was Twilight.

The Black Death, a company of Pirate Mechs, made life difficult for the Regulators, who arrived to free the small population from the Corsairs and bring them into the Confederation. Despite several ambushes, which cost the Regulators seven ‘Mechs, the Pirates were wiped out. The small communities on Twilight welcomed the chance of permanent protection and a chance to get on with their lives.



WORLD: Lackhove



RESULTS: After three months of being frustrated by the militia, the 3rd went after the main settlement of Lackhove, Alphdale with a vengeance. This prompted the militia to finally face them in two stand‐up fights that were both handily won by the 3rd Guards.

Despite pacifying the planet, the 3rd was criticized for its handling of the situation, especially in the assaults upon civilian centres and infrastructure. Much of the criticism came from the Regulators, who pointed to the 3rd’s actions as indicative of the problems of the Periphery and a sure way to alienate those that Oberon sought to assist.

The 3rd Guards stated that “…hell would have to freeze over before they used the group hug, Koom bi ya love in, herbal tea methods of the Regulators.” The Regulators merely responded that their tactics had accomplished in two weeks what it had taken the 3rd three months to do and at a far lower cost. This small piece of information only served to pour fuel on the fire and a feud looks set to develop between the two units with both sides openly criticising each other.

October 3023

WORLD: Botany Bay

ATTACKER: 5th Oberon Cavaliers

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Botany Bay was the last remaining outpost of the Greater Valkyrate and little resistance was expected. However, the assault by the militia on the 5th’s landing zone, cost the assault force a battalion of troops, but was also costly for the militia, who lost four companies. The 5th managed to maintain contact with the militia for the rest of the battle, not allowing them to fall back into their prepared positions. The militia surrendered on the 27th, a spent force.

December 3023

The Regulators passed through Normandy in November, receiving a frosty welcome and headed onto Castille, where those Chainlaine lords who had sworn to support Oberon were gathering. At the same time, King Grimm landed his main assault force on Normandy, one of the strongest of the opposition Chainlaine worlds.

WORLD: Normandy

ATTACKER: 1st Oberon Guards, 1st and 2nd Oberon Cavaliers and the 4th and 5th Oberon Air Guards

DEFENDER: Army of Normandy (38 fighters, 60 Mechs, 36 tanks and 12 infantry battalions).

RESULTS: The first major step in the Chainlaine War, would be the subjugation of Normandy as a base for connecting up with the allied Chainlaine forces.

The in run of the Oberon forces was well covered by the former Star End flyers who accounted for 13 defending fighters for the loss of four of their own.

The Oberon forces, hardened from a year of heavy combat, smashed the defenders forces in their first engagement, handing out severe causalities for little loss in return. Despite these losses the Duke exhorted his loyal followers to fight to the death and fight they did.

Another 10 Normandy fighters fell and the ground forces were effectively wiped out. The Oberon forces had their demonstration of fire power, something that was not lost on those Chainlaine lords attending the meeting on nearby Cavellar.

Marian Re‐Integration

The Caesar planned to pull the independent Marian worlds back into the fold, in preparation for a grander campaign of conquest along the anti‐spinward borders.

January 3023

WORLD: New Venice

ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Secunda Cohors

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: After facing the assault Mechs of the Marians the locals quickly gave up.



WORLD: Horatius

ATTACKER: Legio I Martia Vitrix ‐ Tertia Cohors

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Despite destroying 2/3 of the militia, the Tertia Cohors could not bring them to heal.

February 3023

WORLD: Horatius


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia were finished off in early February, with few survivors.

WORLD: Paulinus


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Unlike the New Venice Militia, the Militia of Paulinus did not fold on the Marian’s arrival. A nasty hit and run fight broke out that cost the militia 20% of its strength for the cost of 4 Marian ‘Mechs. The fight looked like it could drag on for some time to come.

March 3023

WORLD: Marius’s Tears


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The militia were beaten into submission after the landing of the Legion in late March.

WORLD: Paulinus


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Despite their success against the Marian’s, having destroyed nearly two lances of ‘Mechs in March, the leadership of the militia lost heart and surrendered, whilst still more than half the militia survived.

October 3023

Following the capture of the independent worlds around the Hegemony, the Caesar massed nearly all his forces on Alphard, before striking out at Niops in a massive show of force.

WORLD: Niops System

ATTACKER: I Legio Martia Vitrix, II Legio Cataphracti, III Legio Limitanei, Blackstone Highlanders, I Ala Albus, II Ala Atra and III Ala Rufus

DEFENDER: Niops Air Division (120 fighters), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Niops Ground Divisions (132 Mechs, 120 Tanks, 2 Mechanised Infantry Regiments and 5 mixed militia Divisions).

RESULTS: The in run for the Marian forces was hotly contested with a full aerospace regiment available to the Marians and a reinforced unit available to the Niops Association, who also had a technological edge. Losses in the air were lopsided, with only 3 Niops fighters falling for 19 Marian. The Niops fighters were also able to severely damage the command ship of Legio I, nearly killing the Caesar.

The Niops command had mustered all available units on Niops V, seeing that an all or nothing defence would be needed to halt the Marian advance, braking one wing away from the air battle for ground support role.

However, once the four regiments of Marian Mechs reached the ground, the Niopian forces were put under immense pressure, despite their numerical superiority. As the month wore on, the more experienced Marian ground forces hammered mercilessly against the rapidly thinning ranks of the Niopian defenders.

The efforts of the Niops forces were further set back when Legio I broke the 2nd Division and sent it from the field. This advance of the Marians lead unit set up a position from which they could envelop and crush the remaining Niopian forces.



November 3023

WORLD: Niops System

ATTACKER: I Legio Martia Vitrix, II Legio Cataphracti, III Legio Limitanei, Blackstone Highlanders, I Ala Albus, II Ala Atra and III Ala Rufus

DEFENDER: Niops Air Division (120 fighters), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Niops Ground Divisions (132 Mechs, 120 Tanks, 2 Mechanised Infantry Regiments and 49 militia units).

RESULTS: The Niopians threw their air arm into an all out ground assault, in order to try and bring stability to the battle, dragging the Marian air units into the maelstrom of the low level battlefield.

Despite this desperate action, the Niopians only managed to bring about a bloodbath for both their air and ground forces, as the better trained and more mobile Marian forces shattered unit after unit.

By the 12th of November, most of the Niopian troops had surrendered after suffering losses of nearly 75%. The victory was costly for the Marians who lost 97 Mechs, with another 30 mercenary machines lost, but only 25 fighters as, they held back above the carnage of the low level battle and picked off Niopian bombers who were desperately to get their payloads to the battlefield and became easy pickings.

The Marians allowed the mercenaries to take the pick of battlefield salvage, ensuring their loyalty. Following the battle and the arrival of support forces for garrison duties, most of the Marian ‘Mech forces de[parted for Paulinus, in preparation for the war with Lothia and Illyria.

The Andrion Confrontation

The Black Warriors, as was their style, began a long range series of raids into the Lyran’s Alarion Province. However, the LCAF commanders in the area had finally had enough of such actions and struck back hard, aiming to teach the Circinians a lesson.

January 3023

WORLD: Raikot (Raid)

ATTACKER: Black Warriors – 1st Battalion

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The initial strike was highly successful, with $100 million in booty quickly secured before the Planetary Militia, over five regiments strong, could react. The militia got into action later in the month, catching a second attempt at further raiding and destroying a lance of ‘Mechs for the loss of nine tanks. The Black warriors pulled of with $110 Million.

February 3023

WORLD: Binyang (Raid)


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The nine regiments of militia had little forewarning of the Black Warriors attack and a battalion was lost defending the small port of Bintang. The Black Warriors added a transport group to their small fleet and struck again. The second advance was stymied by the militia and the Black Warriors left with what they had, having lost a lance.

March 3023

WORLD: Al Jafr (Raid)


DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The sixteen militia regiments knew the Black Warriors could strike and where well prepared for them. Although the raiders got away with $20 million worth of materials and shattered two militia regiments, they lost seven Mechs, making the raid a failure.



April 3023

WORLD: Andrion

ATTACKER: 7th Donegal Guards (Mech, Aero and Conventional)

DEFENDER: 1st Regiment – 1st Circinian Home Guards

RESULTS: Despite their status as the elite of the Circinian conventional military and with the assistance of the militia, the Home Guards were overwhelmed and crushed by the 7th Donegal, who quickly took command of the world and began making it part of the Commonwealth.

The Franklin Annexation

The Micans were desperate for new sources of materials and lands that could produce food for their growing population. Novo Franklin therefore made a tempting target.

January 3023

WORLD: Novo Franklin

ATTACKER: 1st Mican Armoured Regiment

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The Micans, landing late in the month, took the locals by surprise and smashed their one attempt to push them off world.

The Tortugan War

Lady Death planned to welcome the new Periphery March in the Federated Suns, with a devastating series of raids, even going so far as to hire several desperate mercenary units to assist in the campaign. However, Lady Death was not prepared for the reaction she received from the new Provincial Administration on Filvet.

January 3023

WORLD: Broken Wheel

ATTACKER: Death’s Consorts – 4 ‘Mech Battalions and 2 Aerospace Wings

DEFENDER: Argyle Lancers ‐ 1 ‘Mech Regiment, 1 Conventional Brigade and 1 Aerospace Wing, Broken Wheel Militia

RESULTS: Despite possessing a 2:1 aerospace superiority, the Consorts were unable to gain a superior position over the Lancer Air wing, who managed to run in on an near perfect intercept vector. Despite the skill of the Consorts and the approach of the Lancers, the air battle was completely inconclusive.

The land forces of the Pirates were hit in their LZ, a factor that led to the loss of nearly two pirate companies. The Consorts however, were able to drive off the mixed regiment sent against the LZ and move out to spread havoc. As the battle developed, the Air Lancers denied the Consorts the ability to do any real harm by staying well hidden in their hardened shelters and avoiding air combat in most instances.

This drove the pirate pilots wild and prevented their focusing on the ground battle. The advantage allowed the Lancers to only commit to battle they could win, fighting a battle of attrition that had the Pirates suffering 15% losses by months end and with the Lancers barely having suffered 5%. However, Colonel Matt Preston knew how deadly the Death’s Consorts could be and called to Filvet for additional forces.



February 3023

WORLD: Broken Wheel

ATTACKER: Death’s Consorts – 4 Mech Battalions and 2 Aerospace Wings

DEFENDER: Argyle Lancers ‐ 1 Mech Regiment, 1 Conventional Brigade and 1 Aerospace Wing. Reinforced by both regiments of the Screaming Eagles

RESULTS: The Pirates, enraged by the Lancers tactics, made the fatal mistake of staying on Broken Wheel, allowing the AFFS to dispatch the Screaming Eagles in an attempt to finish the Pirates off.

The Pirates were unable to pull away from the Argyle fighters, as they finally came out to fight, allowing the Eagles to land unopposed.

The effects of the extra Mechs began to be rapidly felt, pressing the pirates hard as they attempted to disengage and flee. The Lancer pilots, although badly mauled and down to two companies, continued to fight above their weight and deny the Tortugans real control of the skies. The pirates managed to finally fight their way free late in March, after loosing 45% of their Mechs and 25% of their fighters.

However, the AFFS had suffered over 20% losses and lost much more in total equipment. However, the Tortugans had suffered losses that would limit their effectiveness for many months to come

June 3023

It took the March Command two months to organise replacements and additional troops, departing for Tortuga in May, in order to finally bring the threat of Lady Death to an end. The assault was given the full support of the AFFS High Command and sent with Prince Davion’s blessing.

WORLD: Tortuga

ATTACKER: Screaming Eagles (both regiments), Argyle Lancers, reinforced mid‐month by the 3rd Light Cavalry RCT and at months end by the Broken Wheel PMM.

DEFENDER: Deaths Consorts (94 Mechs, 61 Fighters), all 7 Tortugan Reserve Regiments and the Tortuga Prime Militia

RESULTS: The Argyle fighters allowed the AFFS battlegroup to land on top of Raider’s Roost, ensuring that Lady Death and her Mech force could not easily escape. The AFFS made an immediate direct assault, attempting to encircle the city with inferior numbers. That they succeed was beyond doubt, however, it was at a high cost. Nevertheless, Task Force 1 had done its job, as the first elements of Task Force 2 arrived to help seal the Pirates in their coffin.

The arrival of the two RCT wings caused the air war to heat up with 14 pirate and 16 AFFS fighters falling. However, the 3 AFFS Wings ensured aerospace superiority over the battlefield. The arrival of the green 3rd RCT caused more issues than it solved, with the pirates taking advantage to hit the newcomers hard. Although they dealt out more damage overall, comparative losses were similar and with the Broken Wheel PMM appearing in system at the end of the month, the Tortugans were in dire straights.



July 3023

WORLD: Tortuga

ATTACKER: Screaming Eagles (both regiments), Argyle Lancers, 3rd Light Cavalry RCT and the Broken Wheel PMM.

DEFENDER: Deaths Consorts (94 Mechs, 61 Fighters), all 7 Tortugan Reserve Regiments and the Tortuga Prime Militia. Reinforced by the mercenary Battalions: Falkener's Hussars; Gordon's Highland Light; Kelly's Killers; Law's Flight; Mathais's Forlorn Hope; and Team Venom

RESULTS: The reason for the lack of concern from Lady Death over the assault on Tortuga became apparent in early July. The Tortugans had hired several desperate mercenary commands to assist in the planned assault on Filvet. When that did not eventuate, the mercenaries were rerouted from their holding position near Filvet to assist with the defence of Tortuga.

However, their appearance was not the masterstroke that was hoped for as the escorts of the Broken Wheel PMM wheeled about and struck at them, as the other air wings held the Tortugan fighters at bay. It was a slaughter, as the transports bringing in the mercenaries were little better than merchantmen. Not a single one of the 240 BattleMechs reached the world, most annihilated when their transports were destroyed.

The loss of the mercenaries left the Tortugans badly exposed and they suffered grievous losses. The Tortugan Mechs broke for their transports as did 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Reserve Regiments. The militia lost all cohesion as the 2nd and 6th Reserve Regiments tried to give Lady Death the time she needed to escape. The Mechs and the1st and 4th Battalions, or what was left of them, made their transports and began to head out system. However, their small escort of the 33 remaining Tortugan fighters had to hold off 110 AFFS pilots intent on finishing the job. The Tortugan fighters kept the AFFS forces largely off the Transports and limited losses. Seeing that Lady Death had jumped away, the resistance on Tortuga largely collapsed. The victorious AFFS troops renamed the planet Hanse’s World, in order to honour the Prince.

August 3023

The AFFS, with Tortuga Prime under control and Lady Death running, planned to take control of the rest of Tortugan space. Before they could even set out, the worlds of Morgan’s Holdfast and Fletcher’s Feast willingly joined Federated Suns, attempting to prevent bloodshed on their worlds.

WORLD: New Gascony

ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Baker Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Baker Brigade was very cautious in their campaign, apparently believing that some parts of the Tortugan Mech force may have been on planet. Their timidity allowed the militia to string out the battle for the world, despite suffering heavy losses.

WORLD: New Hati

ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Mech Regiment, Alpha Brigade and Alpha Wing

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: The seventeen militia companies of New Hati were confident in their ability to drive off the PMM, having only heard tales of a poor unit that was easy pickings for Deaths Consorts. The reality was somewhat different. The six hour open field battle saw little more than three shattered militia companies survive, having taken down 12 AFFS tanks, 5 Mechs and a single fighter. The world was rapidly brought under Federated Suns control.

WORLD: New Port Royal

ATTACKER: 3rd Light Cavalry RCT – Mech Regiment, Both Wings and Able Brigade.

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: Although putting up a better fight than the ill advised moves of the New Hati Militia, the Port Royal Militia was just as sorely outclassed. Two weeks of warfare, overseen by the 3rd’s aerospace umbrella, was enough to see the effective end of the militia after more than half its forces were destroyed.



September 3023

WORLD: New Gascony

ATTACKER: Broken Wheel PMM – Baker Brigade

DEFENDER: Militia

RESULTS: With news of their complete abandonment by Lady Death finally arriving, the militia quickly folded.

Outworlds Antallos Campaign

The Outworlds Alliance had finally had enough of the depredations of the Pirates of Antallos and sought to end the threat for good. The AMF massed forces over the abandoned world of Greypearl for two months, before striking at Antallos.

March 3023

WORLD: Antallos

ATTACKER: The Alliance Grenadiers ‐ 2nd Battalion, The Alliance Borderers ‐ 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Regiment ‐ 1st Air Wing, 4th Air Regiment ‐ 3rd Air Wing, 1st Alliance Reserve Brigade ‐ 1st Regiment, 3rd Alliance Reserve Brigade, 8th Alliance Reserve Brigade

DEFENDER: Various Pirates, totalling 12 Mech companies and 48 Aerospace Fighters

RESULTS: The largest Alliance Battlegroup in several centuries was established to end the threat of Antallos once and for all. Two air wings, including the elite 1st of the 1st, two Mech Battalions and seven conventional regiments were sent to get the job done. The air combat before landing was largely ineffective, with few fighters on either side falling and with only slight damage to one of the 3rd Reserve Brigade’s transports.

The ground battle saw the scattered groups of Pirates, unused to working together, being picked apart by superior numbers time and again. As the month wore on, the Alliance force was able to show its aerospace fighter superiority, claiming nine enemy fighters for the loss of four. The remaining Pirates, a little over two battalions, managed to put up a better fight by the end of the month, loosing only another two Mechs whilst destroying a lance of Outworlds Mechs and a battalion of armour.

April 3023

WORLD: Antallos



RESULTS: The beginning of April saw the fighting on Antallos bog down, as the Pirates withdrew into the city of Port Krin and started fighting house to house. These tactics forced the Outworlders in close and saw 15% of their forces fall. However, their infantry came into their own and by the middle of the month the Pirates were down to less then half strength. The fight ground on throughout the rest of the month, but the writing was on the wall, the pirates days were numbered, despite the damage they were doing.

May 3023

WORLD: Antallos



RESULTS: The last air battles were fought in May, with the final tally being 30 kills each, something which was a disappointment to the better trained Alliance pilots. The pirate’s air base was overrun in May and their fighters immediately pressed into service. The loss of their air support saw the Pirates loose heart quickly and fold up by the 15th of May. The final cost was heavy for the Alliance, who lost over 20 Mechs, 200 tanks and APC’s, 30 fighters, with nearly 600 dead and 1,200 wounded. Nevertheless, the scourge of their worlds was destroyed.



Pirates Actions

January 3023

WORLD: Richmond (DC)

ATTACKER: Riker’s Raiders (24 Light Mechs and 24 Fighters)

DEFENDER: Richmond Militia (4 Militia Battalions)

RESULTS: The Pirates used their air assets well and made off with $100 Million for no loss, completely embarrassing the defenders.

July 3023

WORLD: Leyland

ATTACKER: The Killers (40 light Mechs and 10 Fighters)

DEFENDER: Leyland Militia

RESULTS: The Killers pulled off a textbook raid, landing on the militias main HQ and shattering the commands control centres. With the militia out of the fight for a while, the pirates cleaned out the planets high tech storehouses and left with minimal losses.

October 3023

WORLD: Joppa

ATTACKER: The Longboatmen (40 medium Mechs and 40 fighters)

DEFENDER: 3rd Atrean Dragoons Conventional Brigade and the Jubka Militia (4 regiments)

RESULTS: The heavily industrialised world of Jubka had a solid militia force to defend it and this home guard was backed up by the recently raised 3rd Atrean Dragoons Conventional Brigade. However, the raid was a stunning success with $20 0 million being taken, whilst the militia and Atreans took 20% losses when they tried to prevent the attackers escape. The attackers lost less then 5% of their forces.

December 3023

WORLD: Rockland

ATTACKER: Reign of Death (80 Mechs and 20 fighters)

DEFENDER: Rockland Militia

RESULTS: The militia were able to prevent the pirates from gaining much success, although they took $20 million worth of goods.

WORLD: New Vandenburg

ATTACKER: LaSalle’s Corsairs (40 Mechs and 40 fighters)

DEFENDER: New Vandenburg Militia, Gordon's Armoured Cavalry – 3rd Battalion and the 65th Taurian Armoured Brigade

RESULTS: Assault ‘Mechs are not good raiders, as shown by the damage the pirates handed out, and the meer 3 Mechs they managed to take. The loss of 2 Mechs and 2 fighters outweighed any gains.

Rim Collection Foundation Campaign

For the newly formed collection to have any chance of surviving, the Red Corsair, located within the Collection’s borders, would need to be eliminated.

WORLD: Sidon

ATTACKER: Ghost Dogs, 1st Rim Federal Guards, 1st Rim Reserve Regiment and 1st Wing

DEFENDER: Red Corsair (108 Mechs and 72 fighters)

RESULTS: Using local knowledge of the system allowed the Rim forces to land undetected and deal a heavy blow to the defenders before the battle line could properly form, turning the slight numerical disadvantage the attackers possessed into a slight advantage.

The fighting then proceeded to bog down, as the pirates organised themselves. By the end of the month, the Rim forces had lost 10% of their forces, whilst reducing the defenders by nearly 30%.

Date post:	03-Feb-2022
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