Difference between revisions of "Brion's Legion"
(→Tactics: Spelling & grammar fixes, e.g. "mercaneries" to "mercenaries", "as many salvage" to "as much salvage") |
|||
Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
With the beginning of the [[Jihad]] the 1st Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On [[Mizar]] they met the [[Steel Guard]] in Combat and retreated after serious losses. In [[3069]] they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref> | With the beginning of the [[Jihad]] the 1st Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On [[Mizar]] they met the [[Steel Guard]] in Combat and retreated after serious losses. In [[3069]] they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet. <ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref> | ||
− | The 2nd Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on [[Bolan]], the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events | + | The 2nd Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on [[Bolan]], the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events led to the rumors of their being the "pet" mercs of the planetary leader.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 37</ref> When the [[52nd Shadow Division]] struck at Bolan on the 17th of February [[3074]], the defending 2nd Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.<ref name="JHS3076p48">''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 48, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp52">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 52, "The Jihad In Review"</ref> |
After the [[Jihad]] ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison [[Son Hoa]].<ref name=frla18>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 18</ref> | After the [[Jihad]] ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison [[Son Hoa]].<ref name=frla18>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 18</ref> | ||
Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
===Available Forces and Organization=== | ===Available Forces and Organization=== | ||
− | In 3067 the demibrigade fields two BattleMech regiments with supporting commands. The mercenaries own enough DropShips and Jumpship to carry their equipment independently. Another source for their success is their skilled technical crews. <ref> | + | In 3067 the demibrigade fields two BattleMech regiments with supporting commands. The mercenaries own enough DropShips and Jumpship to carry their equipment independently. Another source for their success is their skilled technical crews. <ref>Mercenaries Supplemental p.22 </ref> |
==Historical Composition== | ==Historical Composition== |
Revision as of 05:52, 3 October 2014
Contents
History
Brion's Legion entered the service of House Kurita in 3013.[1] The regiment fared poorly, often being in the wrong place at the wrong time,[1] and took a severe beating on Tancredi II because their Draconis Combine employers failed to adequately support them. As of 3025 they were reduced to two battalions (implied to be understrength), and trying to rebuild their strength. They were assigned to the Ashio Prefecture and stationed on the planet Murchison by 3025.[2][1]. With the advent of the Fourth Succession War the Legion was paired with the 9th Dieron Regulars for an attack on the Federated Suns planet David.[3] It is on this world that the fate of the Legion was changed forever.
During the action on David the Legion and the Dieron Regulars attacked the on-planet forces, specifically the 12th Deneb Light Cavalry, as part of the Draconis Combine's response to Davion aggression. Initially the attack went well, with the Kurita forces successfully landing all forces, but soon turned inconclusive as the Cavalry were augmented by local militia and civilian actions. Despite this the Draconis forces continued to push the Federated Suns' lighter units. Finally the Light Cavalry found a defensive position and turned to fight.[4]
The Draconis attack was spearheaded by the Legion, which advanced to engage. Due to a ploy by the Cavalry the Legion's leader, Colonel Pythonius Brion, was identified and his 'Mech was destroyed by the combined fire of an entire battalion. Demoralized, the Legion broke and fled the field of battle closely pursued by the Light Cavalry. Realizing their situation the Legion fled to the local ComStar station and appealed for sanctuary, which was granted. When told of this action by the Legion Coordinator Takashi Kurita was heard to say that he had no use for "that collection of cowardly daffodil-sniffers" and washed his hands of the unit forever.[4]
ComStar at this time desired a more visible military presence and preferred to keep the Com Guard forces still secret. With this in mind Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht contacted Colonel Octavius Brion, son of Colonel Pythonius, and offered the disgraced Legion a contract with ComStar. When the Legion agreed to the contract ComStar brought the Legion back up to a full Regiment using Star League era BattleMechs and upgraded the remainder using Star League era technologies. They also enrolled the Legion personnel in the ComStar's rigorous MechWarrior training programs, resulting in an overall upgrade of the Legion's equipment and personnel. Over time the Legion was expanded to a second Regiment to better support their role as a garrison unit for ComStar assets.[5]
With the public revelation of the existence of the Com Guard Brion's Legion was assigned to Terran Defense Force under Precentor IV Ralph Marchina as part of the Home Guard for the Sol star system. Though they spent many years as a ComStar mercenary unit the Legion has always held to the command and organizational structures of the Inner Sphere standard militaries.[5]
The Legion's status as a ComStar-contracted mercenary command ended in 3058. With the fighting in the Chaos March heating up and mercenary contracts in this region becoming more lucrative the Legion command decided to end its contract with ComStar and prove it had recovered from its disastrous showing during the Fourth Succession War. This decision would have grave impacts on the future of ComStar and on the Inner Sphere itself, with the Word of Blake masquerading as the 21st Centauri Lancers intended to replace the Legion, allowing the Blakists to foothold to successfully launch Operation Odysseus. [6] [7]
Their first contract was with the independent world Pleione in the Chaos March. Though they did well, their lack of experience in contract negotiation caused numerous issues, specifically in ceding command to local militia commanders. Though they were hampered by an insecure and tentative commander, they did eventually force the attacking Federated Suns 12th Vegan Rangers off world. This success went a long way in restoring the reputation the unit had been lacking since their actions during the Fourth Succession War.[5]
In the following years the unit gained experience in contract negotiations and retained increasing autonomy with each new contract. In late 3058 the Legion took a contract with the Lyran Commonwealth and was assigned to defend Tomans against Clan incursions into Commonwealth space.[5]
In 3064 Brion's Legion was rushed to the planet Rasalgethi in response to a Jade Falcon attack on this planet. There they supported elements of the Kelenfold PTM and Snord's Irregulars in some of the heaviest fighting they had faced since the fateful battle on David in the Fourth Succession War. The chaotic nature of the battle forced the Legion to abandon its preferred tactics of mass formation long-range fighting in favor of a more fluid and flexible approach. They became adept at the use of lures, traps and ambushes as well as battlefield deception tactics to hide the composition and placement of their forces. Though they took substantial damage in this campaign, primarily to the First Regiment, Brion's Legion has come out of this trial with a renewed sense of accomplishment and a reputation as a stalwart band of mercenaries.[8]
With the beginning of the Jihad the 1st Regiment was assigned to defend the once hostile Marik border again. On Mizar they met the Steel Guard in Combat and retreated after serious losses. In 3069 they returned prepared and defeated the Marik forces on planet. [9]
The 2nd Regiment was assigned at the beginning of the Jihad as a reserve to the Bolan Province. Stationed on Bolan, the mercs had difficulty calming the situation down. After losing some units to ambushes the command increased their cooperation with the local leader. This events led to the rumors of their being the "pet" mercs of the planetary leader.[10] When the 52nd Shadow Division struck at Bolan on the 17th of February 3074, the defending 2nd Regiment was shattered and Bolan City razed.[11][12]
After the Jihad ended, the First Regiment was assigned to garrison Son Hoa.[13]
Officers
Colonel Pythonius Brion was the original commander of Brion's Legion while under Draconis Combine contract.[4][2] He was succeeded on his death by his son, Colonel Octavius Brion, who still commands to this day.[5]
In 3085 Colonel Octavius Brion is the commanding officer of the unit.[14]
Available Forces and Organization
In 3067 the demibrigade fields two BattleMech regiments with supporting commands. The mercenaries own enough DropShips and Jumpship to carry their equipment independently. Another source for their success is their skilled technical crews. [15]
Historical Composition
3025
Mech Assets (2 Battalions/Regular/Questionable)[2]
- CO: Colonel Pythonius Brion
- Contracted to Draconis Combine, assigned to Murchison in the Ashio Prefecture
3054
Mech Assets (2 Regiments/Elite/Reliable)[16]
- CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
- Contracted to ComStar as part of The Home Guard, Terra Defense Force V-gamma
3085
Brion's Legion (Veteran/Reliable)[14]
- CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
1st Regiment
Officers
Major Richard “K.O.” Merriwether is the second in command after Colonel Octavius Brion and is widely known for his MechWarrior skills even against Clan enemies.
Tactics
For years their preferred tactical doctrine was to use their superior technology to stand off and fight from a distance. Their fighting style has changed with the increase of their conventional forces. The CO mixed his forces dependent on the battlefield requirements, which surprised many enemies. [17]
Compostion History
3057
First Regiment: Davids Lesson Veteran/Fanatical
- CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
- XO: Major Albert Johansson
- 2nd Company
- Captain Richard Merriwether
- 2nd Battalion
- Major Isabella Francis
- 3rd Battalion
- Major Wellum Owens
-Note: there is a full company of Bombardier 'Mechs split between 1st and 2nd Battalions
3067
First Regiment: Davids Lesson Veteran/Reliable
- CO: Colonel Octavius Brion
- XO: Major Richard Meriwether
- 2nd Company
- Captain Delilah Faulkner
- 2nd Battalion
- Major David Francis
- 3rd Battallion
- Major Wellum Owens
-Note: Currently understrength due to losses on Rasalgethi
- First Combat Support Battalion Veteran/Fanatical
- CO: Major Carlos Waters
- The mixed unit contians
- 12 Thumper Artillery pieces
- 1 company of Armor
- 1 motorized Infantry company (specialized in Anti-Mech and command operations).
- First Combat Air Support Wing Regular/Reliable
- CO WO John Clyde
- The twelve machines of the unit are tasked with ground support and Dropship escort duties.
3079
The First Regiment suffered 35% losses during the Jihad.[13]
2nd Regiment
Officers
Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Li command the unit after the retirement of the former leader Robert Markham in 3064.
Tactics
In contrast to its sister regiment, the 2nd uses a two step battle plan. 1st: use long-range weapons to soften the enemy before 2nd use your mobilty to get in close quarter and finish the engagement quickly. The mercenaries try to capture as much salvage as possible. The command is also known to set ambushes, building false units from scrap with bogus radio traffic as diversionary tactics. [8]
Unit TO&E
3057
Second Regiment: Brion's Legacy Regular/Reliable
- CO/Ist Battalion: Lt. Colonel Robert Markham
- XO: Major Douglas Li
- 2nd Battalion
- Major Earnest Julio
- 3rd Battalion
- Major Shane Fletcher
- 3rd Company/Recon
- Lieutenant Sheila Olson
-Note: All 'Mechs in Regiment are either Star League or Star League-refitted. 3rd Company is a specialized 6-unit recon lance with Star League era fast 'Mechs assigned
3067
Second Regiment: Brion's Legacy Regular/Reliable
- CO: Lt. Colonel Douglas Li
- XO: Major Shane Fletcher
- 1st Battalion
- Major Sheila Olson
- 2nd Battalion
- Major Charles O'Bannon
- 3rd Battalion
- Major Alfred Goyle
-Note: Favors flexible engagement and meat grinder tactics as the situation requires. Prefers to use a deceptive tactical doctrine to hide force position and composition
- Second Command Support Battalion Regular/Reliable
- CO: Major Daryl Porter
- The Support Battalion includes
- 1 Aerospace wing,
- 1 Artillery Battery
- 1 Infantry Company. The Infantry is trained in anti-Mech tactics. The unit having two platoons of Combat Engineers also incorporate.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, p. 123
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine) p.
- ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1 p.80
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2 p.28
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Field Manual: Mercenaries pp. 44-45
- ↑ Shattered Sphere, p. 100 "The Fall of Terra - Opening Moves"
- ↑ The Fall of Terra, p. 7 "Operation Odysseus - Gathering Storm"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Mercaneries Supplemental, p.24
- ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 37
- ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 37
- ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 48, "Timeline of the Jihad"
- ↑ Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 52, "The Jihad In Review"
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Field Report: LAAF, p. 18
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 160, "Merenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"
- ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental p.22
- ↑ ComStar (sourcebook) p.85
- ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental, p.23
Bibliography
- ComStar
- Field Manual: 3085
- Field Manual: Mercenaries
- Field Report: LAAF
- House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)
- Jihad: Final Reckoning
- Jihad Hot Spots: 3076
- MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game
- Mercenaries Supplemental
- Mercenaries Supplemental Update
- NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1
- NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2
- The Fall of Terra