The Broken Hand Mercenary Corps
-Common Knowledge Background-
Initially formed in 3017 by "the Founder", the Broken Hand Mercenary Corps is an oversized, combined arms battalion as of 3025. The four reinforced companies are comprised of two Battlemech companies, a heavy tank company, and a mechanized infantry/light vehicle support company. As the years pass, the BHMC seems only to grow in size and experience.
The Broken Hand operates out of Hardcore, a deep periphery-edged planet in the Magistracy of Canopus. Hardcore is a known entertainment planet catering to the elite among both Periphery and Inner Sphere clientele. As such, the need for a dedicated combat unit stationed on the planet is low, though possible raids from Deep Periphery pirates is always a possibility.
The Broken Hands initial contract with the Magistracy was to keep the full unit on Hardcore to prevent any disruption of the planet's games and events from such pirate aggression. This was appropriate and worked well when the corps was only company sized. Through the years that the mercenaries were stationed on Hardcore, the contract has been updated and changed to allow the bulk of the corps to operate off-planet, either in support of Magistracy operations or with other polities that are currently aligned with the Magistracy. The typical garrison force left on Hardcore is a lance or two of BattleMechs, a demi-company of tanks, and a demi-company of infantry. These units oversee local defense and also of training up new recruits that have been found either through mercenary outposts or on worlds that the main Broken Hand force has been fighting on.
There are rumors that the Magistracy Intelligence Ministry (MIM) has hired/requested Broken Hand units for various purposes. These rumors have not been confirmed but may have some basis in truth- the length of time the Broken Hand has served the Magistracy and their loyalty to the Masgistrax are obvious, while keeping the unit as a mercenary group may allow for deniable actions as needed. This reputation began with the mysteriousness of the BHMC's founding, as the group has never divulged the exact history of its formation nor the identity of the true commander- only calling him/her the Founder and having the current commanding officer designated as the Founder's voice in all matters.
-True History-
In truth, the Broken Hand is a MIM operation gone rogue. Initially tossed around as a concept in 2995 among a small MIM/MAF think-group, the idea was to have a mercenary group able to be used exclusively for deniable operations and "black" missions. Later that year the think-group was disbanded, and the idea discarded due to economic infeasibility. With Kyalla Centrella's rise to the throne in 3012, two of the former group's members began to revive the idea. Now majors in their respective branches, one in the Royal Guard's Second Canopian Cuirassiers and the other a division leader in the Domestic Operations Corps, these two created the persona of "the Founder" and funneled certain discretionary funds towards the creation of the BHMC through investment in several industries. In 3017, enough funds had been acquired to begin the formation of the Broken Hand, and the Founder appeared on Galatea and hired several formations of infantry and armor. These forces were joined by a small core of "retired" or "green" MechWarriors from various Canopian units or allied mercenaries. The Broken Hand had formed. At this point (3025) the unit is considered - Company/Green/Reliable
Through the next ten years, former MIM personnel were recruited and began an intense vetting process of the BHMC's members. Interrogation and loyalty tests, under the guise of short-term, high-risk contracts, weeded out members who were unsuitable for the Corps' real purpose. This purpose was defined by the Founder- "We protect the Magistracy from all enemies, within and without."
This vetting process continues to this day, as each recruit lance/squad is sent on a "rookie contract" mission. The rate of failure on these missions has become much lower, as the Broken Hand is now able to recruit directly from Canopian sources rather than turn to more traditional mercenary fronts. Once determined loyal, a Broken Hand member is pledged to the Magistracy as a whole, not House Centrella or the Magistrix herself. This came to the fore when Emma Centrella took power from her mother, as several lances of the Broken Hand were sent covertly to support the daughter.
The Broken Hand command staff maintain a working relationship with both the MAF and MIM. MAF commanders understand that the BHMC is loyal to the Magistracy but want to remain independent from the official armed forces, so simply believes them to be "loyal mercs" that are deemed trustworthy and will fulfill any contract. The MIM on the other hand, view the Broken Hand as potential backup for Ebon Magistrate or Active Response Corps forces, the mercenaries being trusted enough for black-ops operations of the highest secrecy. Several of the Broken Hand's infantry units have also been used for MIM Domestic Operations or Foreign Affairs Corps missions.
Only the original two founders, and their heirs within each branch, know about the true origins of the Corps or the secrets to compel the Broken Hand to activate fully. Each Founder and heir have a set of code-words that will give complete control of the Corps to them- while the Corps commander has nominal unit control and clears potential longer-term contracts with "the Founder", if activated the Broken Hand will void all contracts and assemble to do the Magistracy's will.
As of 3050, the unit is considered - Battalion/Veteran/Fanatical. The Broken Hand is growing faster during this time period, as the Clan Invasion has sent Canopian thoughts towards the military and increased production of both equipment and soldiers. It will not be long before the Corps is regimental-sized or larger and will begin to increase its deployment contracts throughout the Inner Sphere, primarily accepting Capellan and Free Worlds League contracts, though occasionally operating as far as the borders of the Federated Commonwealth/Combine.
-Combat Tactics-
As a combined arms corps, the Broken Hand focuses on using all aspects of its units to achieve maximum combat efficiency. The combination of Light/Medium Mechs and "heavier" combat vehicles allows for a fast, nimble force that strikes with a surprising amount of force. Typical Broken Hand deployments are comprised of a heavy tank/combat vehicle element serving as the initial primary attacking/defending force, multiple elements containing BattleMechs, and faster combat vehicles used as scouts and mobile combat reserves, and a mechanized infantry section that can be used in several roles, from defensive lines to asset retrieval or saboteur activity.
While their reliance on combat vehicles instead of purely Mech forces may be seen as "Periphery Poor" or other such derision among Inner Sphere elites, the Broken Hand like the Magistracy Armed Forces, have found that properly used tanks and hovercraft can be instrumental in battle. While the conventional vehicles usually lack a Mech's ton-for-ton firepower and sheer agility, they are well armored and comparatively inexpensive to both purchase and repair. Rather than some armed forces that consider any non-Mech units as disposable cannon-fodder, Broken Hand tactics place a high priority on the integration of all combat units- heavy tank companies will engage and stall enemy advances while lighter Mechs and vehicles swing around and flank the foe. These tactics have surprised and confused multiple pirate and aggressor factions during the Broken Hand's tenure.
-Ranks-
The Broken Hand, being long associated and based out of the Magistracy of Canopus, uses the Canopian ranking system with one modification. All full-fledged Mechwarriors are ranked as Ensigns, with lance leaders having the Broken Hand rank of Lieutenant (rank emblem is two small gold-edged green diamonds). The BHMC maintains its own private training, with trainee-Mechwarriors ranks as first ranker/lance corporal as appropriate during their years of training. BHMC infantry and vehicle crews follow standard Magistracy rankings.
Like the MAF, commissions can be bought in the BHMC, though they must be approved by the commanding officer. Typically, this will occur with Mechwarriors signing on to the unit with their Mechs, though occasionally conventional arms officers have bought commissions.
-Equipment-
As normal with most mercenary commands, the equipment of the BHMC can be as wide and varied as its personnel. Many of the corps' BattleMechs have come with their pilots from previous employment in various Inner Sphere or Periphery militaries, as well as those recovered as battlefield salvage or purchased from arms dealers. Given the Broken Hand's relative closeness to both the House Marik and House Liao, Mechs of those nations appear more frequently than others, though Light/Medium Mechs of all Inner Sphere nations have been utilized. Post Battle of Tukayyid, there are a surprising number of BattleMechs in the BHMC that were once thought lost to the Inner Sphere, indicating possible recruitment of former ComStar Mechwarriors.
While the Mechs of the Broken Hand are a varied, the combat vehicles are less so. Keeping their equipment to a uniform standard allows for ease of resupply and repair, always a possibly difficulty in the Periphery. Most vehicles tend to be commonly produced variants easily available to purchase/resupply from many factions, such as the Po/Rommel/Patton heavy tanks or LRM/SRM carriers, though some are specifically retrofitted for different roles than originally intended. One such refit is the Pike support vehicles the Broken Hand uses- the normal trio of AC2s have been replaced with dual AC5s, to make the vehicle used in less of an anti-aircraft support and more direct fire support role. Though even these refits are common among combat forces that use the Pike, their deployment as frequent support for mainline combatants is not.
The Broken Hand maintains close ties with the Canopian arms producers and has several times been used as a test bed unit for trial equipment. These ties also lead to a steady supply of well-manufactured ammunition and spare parts.
-Notable Personnel-
Commander Katlyn "WildKat" Duncan
Commander Katlyn Duncan, or WildKat, is the Broken Hand's BattleMech company commander. A native of Canopus IV, WildKat was born into a merchant dynasty, her family having prominent shipping and supply lines in the Magistracy. During her initial militia training WildKat was found to have good tactical instants and a natural ability with Mech piloting. Opting to not continue onto a Magistracy planetary academy, WildKat sought service with serval mercenary bands, first those providing security to her family's various businesses and then with more active battle-companies in the Magistracy. WildKat joined the Broken Hand in 3033, and has risen through the ranks to Commander and gain company command of the 1st BattleMech company. She pilots a Hunchback 4H, the slow but heavily armed and armored Mech providing a solid platform with which to direct her company's warriors.
Commander Elias “Priest” Erving
Commander of the 2nd BattleMech Company, Elias Erving is in many ways the quintessential mysterious Mechwarrior of the Broken Hand. Nicknamed Priest for his quiet demeanor and calm under fire, Erving is a recent addition to the ranks of the Broken Hand. Recruited after the battle of Tukayyid, he came with a demi-company of Warriors and a complement of supposedly long-lost Mech chassis, mostly of a heavier class than the BHMC had previously used. These Mechs and MechWarriors have passed all the Broken Hand’s initiations and checks, giving them a potent force to protect the Magistracy. Priest pilots a Black Knight, an unusual Heavy Mech that uses only energy weapons.
Major Iva Santoiri
Major Santoiri is the current overall commander of the Broken Hand. Answering only to the Founder, she leads the force in all tactical decisions and strategies. A Canopian from birth, Santoiri had a distinguished career in the MAF before being recruited for the Broken Hand. While not the best MechWarrior, she is a gifted commander and adept in the realms of political in-fighting. Spending time as the CO of the BHMC has increased her knowledge of the murky waters that surround the Magistracy. Her Mech is a brand-new Cyclops 11-A-DC, a Capellan variant of the classic command Mech that gives her the range to stay out of the main battle while still orchestrating her forces to the fullest.
-Current Battalion Organization-
1st Heavy Armored Company
1st Lance (Command Lance)
2x Rommel Heavy Tanks
2x Patton Heavy Tanks
2nd Lance (Battle-line Lance)
4x Po Heavy Tanks
3rd Lance (Battle-line Lance)
4x Po Heavy Tanks
Reserve Units
2x Patton Heavy Tanks
2nd Light Armored Company
(Mechanized Infantry/Support)
1st Lance (Mechanized Infantry)
4x Foot Platoons (regular/SRM armed)
2x Heavy Wheeled APCs
2nd Lance (Battle Armor)
4x IS Battle Armor
2x Heavy Wheeled APCs
3rd Lance (Fire Support Lance)
2x Pike Support Vehicles (AC5)
2x Schrek PPC carrier
4th Lance (Scout/VTOL)
4x Cavalry Attack Helicopters
Reserve Units
Mobile HQ
2x Foot Infantry (Regular/SRM)
2x IS Battle Armor
2x Pike Support Vehicle (AC5)
1st Battlemech Company
1st Lance (Sting Lance)
Mercury
Mongoose
Spider
Stinger
2nd Lance (Scythe Lance)
Jenner
Jenner
Wolfhound
Wolfhound
3rd Lance (Ember Lance)
Blackjack
Blackjack
Panther
Panther
4th Lance (Breaker Lance)
Crab
Enforcer
Hatchetman
Hunchback (Commander Katlyn "WildKat" Duncan)
2nd BattleMech Company
1st Lance (Yorn Lance)
Raven
Raven
Valkyrie
Valkyrie
2nd Lance (Mardak Lance)
Shadow Hawk
Archer
Catapult (K2)
Marauder
4th Lance (Oberon Lance)
Cataphract
Dragon
Exterminator
Black Knight (Commander Elias "Priest" Erving)
3rd BattleMech Company
1st Lance (Krom Lance)
Banshee
Thunderbolt
Thug
Victor
2nd Lance (Training Lance)
Panther
Stinger
Stinger
Enforcer
3rd Lance (Fortress Lance)
UrbanMech
UrbanMech
UrbanMech
UrbanMech
4th Lance (Pyrus Lance)
Cyclops (Major Iva Santoiri)
Cyclops
King Crab
Sagittaur
-DropShip and Aerospace Assets-
The DropShip fleet of the BHMC is larger than may be expected of a group its size, as they have aggressively acquired their small fleet over the years. The Korvald, a Union-class DropShip, was the first major asset to be purchased by the Founder, swiftly followed by the breakers-yard rescue of the near-derelict Poor Faust. Both the Blue Lady and the Reveler were taken from pirate bands, while the La Carnivale was a war prize from a contract in the Free Worlds League. The final DropShip, the massive Mare Gaunt command ship, was commissioned for the Broken Hand by the grateful government of Hardcore after a particularly devastating series of Deep Periphery-launched raids were rebuffed by the mercenary force.
The Broken Hand does not currently possess any JumpShips, they rely on either the common practice of hiring merchant JumpShip captains or the MAF to transport their DropShips to contract areas.
Dropship Fleet
Korvald, Union-class DropShip – Transport for the 1st Battlemech Company
Mare Gaunt, Overlord-class DropShip (command variant) – Transport for the 2nd and 3rd BattleMech Companies, 1st Aerospace Squadron, and command/support elements
Poor Faust, Triumph-class DropShip – Transport for the 1st Heavy Armored Company and reserve vehicles (eventually 3rd Armored Company)
Blue Lady, Condor-class DropShip – Transport for the 2nd Light Armored Company
Reveler, Leopard CV-class DropShip- Transport for the 2nd Aerospace Squadron
La Carnivale, Leopard CV-class DropShip- Transport for the 3rd Aerospace Squadron
Aerospace Wing
The BHMC aerospace forces have two distinct functions: DropShip protection and ground support. During the transit from Jump Point to planet surface, the 2nd and 3rd Squadrons deploy with their Leopard CV DropShips to cover the fleet’s movement from enemy fighters; the heavier fighters of 1st Squadron directly attacks enemy DropShips. Once on the ground, the aerospace elements target enemy Mechs and vehicles and provide air cover for their own ground-based units.
1st Aerospace Squadron
4x Transgressor Medium Fighters
2x Chippewa Heavy Fighters
2nd Aerospace Squadron
2x Sparrowhawk Light Fighters
4x Thrush Light Fighters
3rd Aerospace Squadron
6x Stingray Medium Fighters
Feel free to let me know what you think!
