Author Topic: Money for Mercing: The home of Mercenaries (Read 10055 times)

Drewbacca · « **on:** 14 February 2018, 08:45:49 »

Seeing as most if not all other fractions have a thread, do the Mercs have one, or are there only threads for specific Merc units?

Colt Ward · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 February 2018, 17:54:19 »

We did have one, but since we have not had story advancement past TRO3150- which was just vague hints- its sort of hard to keep faction specific threads going. Especially one that deals with a bunch of independent types.

truetanker · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 February 2018, 19:52:13 »

Drewbacca!

You just started one...

Which one(s) did you want to talk about.. the more people talk, the higher it stays at the top of the forum thread!

TT

Drewbacca · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 February 2018, 03:05:34 »

OK, trying to change the title to reflect the thread's status as the new Merc home and to correct my poor spelling.

Drewbacca · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 February 2018, 03:06:42 »

Ok, I am not sure but I don't think that worked.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 February 2018, 11:03:38 »

You may not be able to change the original thread title

truetanker · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 February 2018, 13:55:36 »

Unless a mod does it, no.

But I wish Barbra's Marauder II's was still around in 3150... what would they use?

TT

Colt Ward · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 February 2018, 17:03:48 »

Whatever Marauder II Cs, Marauder IIC and Marauder II are available . . . nothing says you cannot have a PC visit Irian . . . I mean, the -6S is a pretty solid machine. Interesting enough, while production started in late (Fall?) Nov 3133 and the world kept distant from Oriente and the neoFWL for a while the -6S is not on FWL or FWL State RATs though things like the Juliano are on the RATs. And by TP Irian, that thing was being churned out pretty steadily . . . makes their planetary militia when independent have some kick, and should have been able to trade for top notch faster designs.

FM3145 only has the MAD-6D on the Republic list, twice . . . not as nice a design as the -6S. Great for orbital drops to secure a LZ, but . . .

Decoy · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 February 2018, 17:17:41 »

I tend to use the Master Unit List and since it's not complete, I toss in early and late republic era as well.

And the obvious answer is that Barbra's Marauders IIs re equipped with Taurian Marauder battle suits due to the dearth of battlemechs and....I'll escort myself out for that one.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 February 2018, 00:17:53 »

Lol, actually that joke had been made! I think the only thing mentioned when it was made was the missing hovertank or VTOL called Marauder.

Armond · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 February 2018, 07:36:05 »

Ahhhh Merc talk! Can we just talk about whatever Mercs we want? I am so partial and head over heels for the dang 15th Dracons!

truetanker · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 February 2018, 09:42:54 »

NO! Here's a cookie...

Now about REAL Mercs!

How about those 15th Dracons....

[blank]
TT

Decoy · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 February 2018, 11:00:30 »

Just checking. The 15th Dracon sold out to become a house unit twenty years ago (in real life) and died roughly fifteen years ago (In real life). Why the merc love for a Capellan Regiment?

jklantern · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 February 2018, 11:13:25 »

Quote from: Decoy on 17 February 2018, 11:00:30

Just checking. The 15th Dracon sold out to become a house unit twenty years ago (in real life) and died roughly fifteen years ago (In real life). Why the merc love for a Capellan Regiment?

This is one of the things I love about the CCAF. The ex-Merc Regiments who become regular troops. I know other houses absorb mercenaries, or have mercenaries that are so loyal they are effectively House units, but it seems to be more prominent with the Cappies.

But this thread isn't about the Cappies. It's about those glorious sellswords who strike out on their own seeking fame and fortune, attempting to cease life by the throat and shake all the adventure they can out of it!

Decoy · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 February 2018, 12:37:15 »

True. Battletech Eras where factions lock themselves off to mercenaries are a little less interesting to me. I don't really feel the need to buy into some factions full time. *shrugs* That is why I like Mercenaries ><

On another topic, I'm an incredible cheapskate when it comes to making units. What are your favorite "Budget" units? I like the SFE Valiant a bit more these days and the WVR-7H Wolverine II does all the WVR-7D does, but for like half the cost. A GD Standard Battalion with MHI APCs is very affordable.

Deadborder · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 February 2018, 17:42:22 »

The 15th Dracon spent most of their life in Cappie service as a house unit in all but name. Their becoming a house unit was really just a formality. With that being said, they held onto a lot of their Star League traditions and practices for much of their lives. They're a nicely flavoursome unit that's overlooked because they worked for the Cappies.

As for budget 'Mechs? I like the 5M Guillotine. Solid and workman-like, with the SRM giving you a bit of versatility.

Armond · « **Reply #16 on:** 17 February 2018, 19:32:58 »

Quote from: Decoy on 17 February 2018, 11:00:30

Just checking. The 15th Dracon sold out to become a house unit twenty years ago (in real life) and died roughly fifteen years ago (In real life). Why the merc love for a Capellan Regiment?

True, they did go House Liao, but prior to they served with Kurita as well. They are I. The Merc book that was released for AS, which is why I figured they were ok for discussion!

But I withdraw, they are no longer "Mercs."

Drewbacca · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 February 2018, 09:44:18 »

I think the Dracon do open a good thread of discussion. What would it take for a merc unit to go the house unit route?

Sharpnel · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 February 2018, 10:53:03 »

A real long-term relationship with a certain House. Good treatment during that relationship as well as success on the battlefield fighting for that House. Being heavily in debt to the House might be another mitigating reason.

jklantern · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 February 2018, 11:43:50 »

I mean, being heavily in debt to a house is how the Company Store thing works, right?

There were a couple of Lyran Mercenary Units that I'm surprised didn't eventually become House Units, the most obvious one being the Kell Hounds, but Storm's Metal Thunder being another.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #20 on:** 18 February 2018, 15:47:28 »

Well, Storm’s Metal Thunder had such a relationship with Norse Storm that it was basically a corporate entity rather than a true merc unit.
Had it not been destroyed by the Falcons it probably would have just become glorified corporate security.

The 1st Lyran Regulars (The Boomers) are a former merc unit that was absorbed because it couldn’t pay its debts to House Steiner.
Then there’s the One Eyed Jacks - battered during the Jihad they are eventually absorbed into the ranks of the LCAF.

What about mercs that get absorbed into ComStar? There seems to be several examples - and the adopted mercs seem to do well.
The 4th Army’s Co is listed as a former merc, whose unit was absorbed. By 3052 he’s a Division precentor and by 3062 he’s an Army commander.

Decoy · « **Reply #21 on:** 21 February 2018, 13:37:53 »

I don't think merc units were recruited into comstar, especially before Scorpion. I think many 'mercs that were disillusioned with their lives signed on as acolytes. Those that weren't true believers probably joined Brion's Legion.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #22 on:** 21 February 2018, 21:19:42 »

The first ComGuards were absorbed mercs: http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bandersnatches

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #23 on:** 06 March 2018, 03:14:59 »

Guns for fire! Freelancers! I figure we might as well try and keep this merc thread going.

So, with that thought - help me out. I’ve been running these doughy gang of mercs for sometime now: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=53133.360
And they’re getting towards the end of the Jihad.
So what to do? After several years of working almost exclusively for Stone and his offsider Alys Roussett-Marik, do they go Republic? Hand over their equipment and join the RAF? Retire to be county farmers? Or keep working by heading into fractured FWL space or another hotspot?
The CO is 40ish, with twin sons who could potentially take over the unit soon. And while he’s more metal than man now (lost an arm and a leg fighting the Word) he’s still able to run the unit.

One other thing to consider is that they’re battalion size now. But I intend To take the unit through Chara and then Terra. Both bloodbaths.

David CGB · « **Reply #24 on:** 06 March 2018, 03:20:28 »

Quote from: Decoy on 17 February 2018, 12:37:15

True. Battletech Eras where factions lock themselves off to mercenaries are a little less interesting to me. I don't really feel the need to buy into some factions full time. *shrugs* That is why I like Mercenaries ><

agreed from time to time there is a large need for small units, after all you never know when these units are needed

truetanker · « **Reply #25 on:** 06 March 2018, 15:02:40 »

Quote from: Nav_Alpha on 06 March 2018, 03:14:59

Guns for fire! Freelancers! I figure we might as well try and keep this merc thread going.

So, with that thought - help me out. I’ve been running these doughy gang of mercs for sometime now: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=53133.360
And they’re getting towards the end of the Jihad.
So what to do? After several years of working almost exclusively for Stone and his offsider Alys Roussett-Marik, do they go Republic? Hand over their equipment and join the RAF? Retire to be county farmers? Or keep working by heading into fractured FWL space or another hotspot?
The CO is 40ish, with twin sons who could potentially take over the unit soon. And while he’s more metal than man now (lost an arm and a leg fighting the Word) he’s still able to run the unit.

One other thing to consider is that they’re battalion size now. But I intend To take the unit through Chara and then Terra. Both bloodbaths.

Pirate hunting along the FWL realm...

Looking for WoB units on a lend-lease from Stone, some Society or Clan Dark Caste raids... Maybe that Elemental I suggested before? [blank]

TT

Drewbacca · « **Reply #26 on:** 06 March 2018, 17:17:39 »

Good to see the thread is still going. Here is a question. When it is obvious that the unit is on its last legs, what does the smart merc commander do?

And please someone CHANGE THE NAME OF THE THREAD!!!

I have a degree in journalism. I worked as a copyeditor. This is embarassing me.

Sharpnel · « **Reply #27 on:** 06 March 2018, 17:35:38 »

Only you or a Mod can change the title of thread. Go back and edit the title in the opening post and voila.

As for your question. let the surviving members choose their own path. If they own their Mechsthey can take them. Otherwise they can keep what they paid for plus keep personal sidearms, neurohelmet and whatever else the unit commander allows them to keep.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #28 on:** 06 March 2018, 17:59:02 »

Or fold into a bigger, more successful unit. Offer to merge with a unit that is doing better than you but maybe needs to make up the numbers or is just one step off struggle street.

Best case scenario: you might get taken on as XO or at least a sub unit commander.
Coupe of years, maybe you and your guys are running the show again?

Drewbacca · « **Reply #29 on:** 19 March 2018, 06:48:39 »

Which era in BT history would you consider the golden age of the mercenary? I think I would put my money on the CLan Invasion. Though a lot of mercenary units were wiped out in this period, there seemed to be even more call for them than during the Succession War era.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #30 on:** 19 March 2018, 06:55:52 »

Quote from: Drewbacca on 19 March 2018, 06:48:39

Which era in BT history would you consider the golden age of the mercenary? I think I would put my money on the CLan Invasion. Though a lot of mercenary units were wiped out in this period, there seemed to be even more call for them than during the Succession War era.

Yeah... but you may well end up,facing the Clans in your grandpa's 3025 era Archer...

I'd say from 3058 to 3067 - Chaos March, Xin Shen, some perif action, FedCom Civil War, Blakists in the Chaos March.

Chaos March is self explanatory - easy, lots of employees and easy to actually do well despite having older tech. If you can avoid the FedCom Civil War meatgrinders and stick to the smaller noble on noble/corporate or even smaller Loyalist v Rebels work you can do well.
Answer then later - working for or against the Word in that late 60s Chaos March is all kinds of fun.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 March 2018, 09:11:13 »

The Archer should be fine if you can get a hold of NARC ammo . . . problem is we have squat in the way of fast NARC hitters.

truetanker · « **Reply #32 on:** 19 March 2018, 17:54:15 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 19 March 2018, 09:11:13

The Archer should be fine if you can get a hold of NARC ammo . . . problem is we have squat in the way of fast NARC hitters.

Never used an Owens D eh?

Nasty Lance using an Owens and triple Archer-2S.

TT

Colt Ward · « **Reply #33 on:** 19 March 2018, 18:01:33 »

Sure, A mech . . . an expensive and sort of rare Omni. Look how many VTOLs have NARC launchers? How many commonly available light hovercraft have NARC? or iNARC since it did not suffer the C3i stigma?

If you look at the post my comment responded to, it was about making L1 designs more competitive when facing the Clans or going against the IS forces which were upgrading in the '50s. It also counts for periphery bums holding off the IS in later eras.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #34 on:** 20 March 2018, 04:10:20 »

That's my point, Colt. Why go up against the Clans where you need to buy expensive Mechs like the Owens or such just to survive - not even win a contract, but to survive.
Go Chaos March or the periphery and you can face off against lesser enemies in your older equipment. Win. Make the cash and eventually upgrade.

Drewbacca · « **Reply #35 on:** 21 March 2018, 10:50:17 »

OK. Here is the assignment. The year is 3062. Design an affordable, cost effective company.

What are your choices?

Colt Ward · « **Reply #36 on:** 21 March 2018, 12:23:19 »

Common merc mechs?

IMO . . .

Fire Support Lance
Zeus 9S
Archer 2R equipped with DHS
Catapult C1
Hunchback 5N

Striker Lance
Wolverine 6M
Griffin 1N- equip DHS but drop # to 10, replace LRM10 with 15
Starslayer 3D
Phoenix Hawk 1- equip DHS, swap for FF armor, replace weapons with NARC, 3 ERML & 2 SPL

Brawler
Ostroc 2D- go to doubles, drop 1 and swap SRMs for NARC
Lineholder 2
Lineholder 2
Lineholder 2

Use NARC compatible ammo for all the launchers, which should also be appropriate clauses written into contracts, and overcome the problem of a lack of cheap NARC mechs by refitting some on to cheaper mechs. Wolverine, Griffin and Lineholders will all be able to share the same parts, the Starslayer & Hunchback, and except for the Starslayer its a bunch of designs that have been around hundreds of years. The Lineholders have upgrade kits available that convert to DHS and improve the weapons which makes them useful.

But the company comes out to a rough cost of 63 mil and should be able to do well in the Chaos March or Periphery edge. Against House second string they will do ok, against veteran or elite formations they will suffer.

Dayton3 · « **Reply #37 on:** 27 March 2018, 07:45:47 »

You know just because a Mercenary unit is completely wiped out doesn't mean it can't be revived in the future. In our modern world companies and product lines go out of business all the time but are revived. Sometimes many years later.

In my outline for a proposed (hope for) BT television series (3045 era) I made one of the rivals for my mercenary unit be a revived Cochraine's Goliaths, even though the original was wiped out in the Fourth Succession War. The visual appeal of a regiment composed mainly of the huge quad 'mechs is just too appealing to ignore.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #38 on:** 27 March 2018, 10:56:05 »

Two problems with that . . .

First, the registered name and logo . . . see the Chaos Irregular's difficulty in finding a logo not registered with the MRBC.

Second . . . why be associated with defeat? You are a merc, you sell the image of winning (or at least surviving) so it would be bad marketing to link to such a name.

Dayton3 · « **Reply #39 on:** 27 March 2018, 11:21:36 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 27 March 2018, 10:56:05

Two problems with that . . .

First, the registered name and logo . . . see the Chaos Irregular's difficulty in finding a logo not registered with the MRBC.

Second . . . why be associated with defeat? You are a merc, you sell the image of winning (or at least surviving) so it would be bad marketing to link to such a name.

Didn't seem to bother James O'Gordon.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #40 on:** 27 March 2018, 14:40:34 »

One example out of the centuries of mercs . . . we also have plenty of examples of individuals doing illogical things- just watch game shows where the final part is 'double or nothing!'

I did not say it could not be done though the first point does raise legal hurdles depending on how the MRBC or previous ComStar outlet functions. Heck, in 3030 if you called yourself Wolf's Dragoons and tried to hire out as that I imagine you might have some people knocking on your door. Just imagine being that guy named Wolfe who got a lance together and went to ComStar to register his new unit's name of Wolfe's Dragoons in 3005.

Azakael · « **Reply #41 on:** 27 March 2018, 18:02:46 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 27 March 2018, 14:40:34

Just imagine being that guy named Wolfe who got a lance together and went to ComStar to register his new unit's name of Wolfe's Dragoons in 3005.

"Fine, ya' bastards! We'll jus' call ourselfs The *Real* Wolfe's Dragoons then."

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #42 on:** 27 March 2018, 18:18:25 »

1st Original Wolfe’s Dragoons. Copyright pending with MRBC...

jklantern · « **Reply #43 on:** 27 March 2018, 21:24:48 »

Quote from: Nav_Alpha on 27 March 2018, 18:18:25

1st Original Wolfe’s Dragoons. Copyright pending with MRBC...

Did someone call for the 1st Famous Original Wulf's Dragoons?

Dayton3 · « **Reply #44 on:** 28 March 2018, 09:08:01 »

In the collection of BT short stories called "Shrapnel" a mercenary infantry unit does encounter a mercenary 'mech unit that calls themselves "The Black Widows".

Deadborder · « **Reply #45 on:** 28 March 2018, 17:42:43 »

Recycling of names does occur. MWDA material had mentions of both Bronson's Horde and the Black Cobras, even though both units were destroyed in the Jihad (Although the Black Cobras weren't explicitly destroyed and simply lumped in with the 'all the Word merc units' label). In both cases, they were active merc units with no explanation as to how they cam back from the proverbial dead

truetanker · « **Reply #46 on:** 31 March 2018, 09:19:34 »

Old CityTech book has the Black Cats, an Infantry Battalion running into some wannabe's... Caught them in a grease factory or something, Got a light Soldier? Also the side bar about how scavenging done right, a Warhammer with SPAM all down its back and legs... and a Locust with CHICKEN across it's torso!

TT

Demon55 · « **Reply #47 on:** 02 April 2018, 22:10:43 »

It is not a great way to make money but it makes a great story.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #48 on:** 02 April 2018, 22:43:45 »

Demon, you thinking the mechs are doing promos like NASCAR? Pretty sure they are making jokes about the armor being tin.

What type of command WOULD get sponsorships like NASCAR?

jklantern · « **Reply #49 on:** 02 April 2018, 23:09:56 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 02 April 2018, 22:43:45

Demon, you thinking the mechs are doing promos like NASCAR? Pretty sure they are making jokes about the armor being tin.

What type of command WOULD get sponsorships like NASCAR?

I feel like something like this was mentioned for Greenburg's Godzillas. Not positive.

Archangel · « **Reply #50 on:** 02 April 2018, 23:35:27 »

Either one that spends most of its time on Solaris (to provide their sponsors greater media coverage throughout the IS) or one that spends most of its time protecting its sponsors' assets, like the Blackstone Highlanders.

Occasionally certain corporations will use mercenary command (that they trust) to test new technology, new variants or new units in the field and will provide material, financial and/or technical assistance in exchange for testing results, combat footage (for marketing campaigns or to correct problems), etc.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #51 on:** 03 April 2018, 18:32:55 »

Not talking about sponsoring that way, but adds on the side of mechs- like Timbiqui Dark.

Deadborder · « **Reply #52 on:** 03 April 2018, 19:10:40 »

Because in the end, despite how dystopian the Successor States are, very few companies are going to want to be openly associated with paid killers.

Archangel · « **Reply #53 on:** 04 April 2018, 09:06:16 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 03 April 2018, 18:32:55

Not talking about sponsoring that way, but adds on the side of mechs- like Timbiqui Dark.

In the field, the only corporations who would want to advertise would be military manufacturers and their (signature) units would be their ad. The Thumpers were formerly Defiance's demonstration unit and was meant to bring in more revenue but instead convincingly demonstrated the flaws of their assault designs rather than their strengths. Not to mention that few mercenary units would want to have ads that would negate their units' camouflage in combat (ads are meant to attract attention after all) or the likelihood of their ad actually reaching a target audience would be slim to none for any non-military manufacturer.

The only real exception would be the competition fields of battlemech gaming worlds like Solaris where the media broadcasts the matches to worlds throughout the Inner Sphere which was mentioned above.

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #54 on:** 04 April 2018, 18:51:42 »

Solaris and the other game worlds only I would say.
No company wants their logo and name all over a Mech captured on the news as it shoots up a village. Or worse... is shot to pieces

Tai Dai Cultist · « **Reply #55 on:** 04 April 2018, 19:08:45 »

Quote from: Drewbacca on 19 March 2018, 06:48:39

Which era in BT history would you consider the golden age of the mercenary? I think I would put my money on the CLan Invasion. Though a lot of mercenary units were wiped out in this period, there seemed to be even more call for them than during the Succession War era.

Hands-down the 3rd SW. It was pretty much designed to reward mercenaries as protagonists.

1) It's a mech-centric style of warfare- a General leading a division of infantry may outrank the merc Captain, but when the Captain commands the mechs the General has to follow the Captain's lead.

2) It's the height of mech chivalry. Battles aren't bloody affairs fought to the bitter end.. you just admit defeat when the other side gets the upper hand and you withdraw before either side has to suffer losses of significant materiel. Socially acceptable cutting of one's losses is important to the mercenary trade ;)

3) The flip side of #2.. no Total War. There's little profit to be had in existential clashes of civilizations like the Clan Invasion or Jihad... only survival. Survival isn't necessarily highly paying.

4) It's a post-apocalyptic setting. The high and mighty House Lords are held over the barrel collectively by the Mercs of the Inner Sphere. The House Lords need mercs to continue prosecuting the endless Succession Wars. You're individually better off as a merc mechwarrior in the 3rd SW than you are as a House Army regular.

5) It's the 3rd SW. That's when all was right and good with BattleTech :D

truetanker · « **Reply #56 on:** 04 April 2018, 19:14:43 »

Unless it is / was set as a Trap to lure the enemy to get negative feedback.

WolfNet reporter: As you can see, the unit known as The Boogiemen, of Comstar mercenary affiliation, is seen destroying downtown Huntress. The Boogiemen dropped late last night during a blizzard, completing a rare combat drop during a storm of that caliber. Comstar denies this, stating that The Boogiemen were instead no where near Huntress at the time. More on this development later. I am Tom Tucker, for WolfNet, your merc. news agent. Ok, thanks Tom... and now for the local weather, Sue?

TT

Deadborder · « **Reply #57 on:** 04 April 2018, 19:18:44 »

Another thing to consider is that there is a degree of professional pride among Mercs. Many saw Greenburg as being a sellout for putting sponsor logos on his 'Mechs.

truetanker · « **Reply #58 on:** 04 April 2018, 19:31:18 »

Yes I remember that...

In my example, it was a Word of Blake unit masquerading as The Boogiemen. The real ones weren't even around!

TT

Face · « **Reply #59 on:** 18 April 2018, 09:10:14 »

So here is a new question for the merc-playing vets here... if you were to start all over making a brand new unit today:

1. What size unit would you start with? (Lance, Company, etc)
2. What era would you initiate the unit creation in?
3. What era would you initiate the gameplay in? (Different from #2 in that you could create a unit in SW3 and offline advance to the CI to build up backstory, characters, etc)
4. What is your favorite origin faction and why? (Just because you came from there doesn't mean you play there or ever affiliate with it.)

Drewbacca · « **Reply #60 on:** 18 April 2018, 11:36:00 »

Quote from: Face on 18 April 2018, 09:10:14

So here is a new question for the merc-playing vets here... if you were to start all over making a brand new unit today:

1. What size unit would you start with? (Lance, Company, etc)
2. What era would you initiate the unit creation in?
3. What era would you initiate the gameplay in? (Different from #2 in that you could create a unit in SW3 and offline advance to the CI to build up backstory, characters, etc)
4. What is your favorite origin faction and why? (Just because you came from there doesn't mean you play there or ever affiliate with it.)

1, I would go with a company. Large enough to get jobs, small enough to keep costs down.
2 & 3. I would go just prior to the clan invasion for both.
4. I have always gone with descnedents of an older merc unit that went bust or just closed shop.

Sharpnel · « **Reply #61 on:** 18 April 2018, 12:02:10 »

1. What size unit would you start with? (Lance, Company, etc) Company
2. What era would you initiate the unit creation in? Pre 4SW
3. What era would you initiate the gameplay in? (Different from #2 in that you could create a unit in SW3 and offline advance to the CI to build up backstory, characters, etc) Post 4SW, but pre-Clan Invasion
4. What is your favorite origin faction and why? (Just because you came from there doesn't mean you play there or ever affiliate with it.) Periphery, preferably the Rimward side

Nav_Alpha · « **Reply #62 on:** 18 April 2018, 17:05:47 »

Quote from: Face on 18 April 2018, 09:10:14

So here is a new question for the merc-playing vets here... if you were to start all over making a brand new unit today:

1. What size unit would you start with? (Lance, Company, etc)
2. What era would you initiate the unit creation in?
3. What era would you initiate the gameplay in? (Different from #2 in that you could create a unit in SW3 and offline advance to the CI to build up backstory, characters, etc)
4. What is your favorite origin faction and why? (Just because you came from there doesn't mean you play there or ever affiliate with it.)

1. Lance of Mechs, with attached vehicle company + infantry platoon.
2. The Jihad
3. Early Republic era (maybe around 3081-85 to capitalise on that loose, instability that makes merc work fun)
4. Hmm... because of the particular era, I’m going to say the former FWL. Maybe originating in what becomes the Marik Comonweath.

Deadborder · « **Reply #63 on:** 18 April 2018, 17:57:59 »

1) Company to batallion. I tend to find that's the scale that's most easy to manage and get into the detail of. I find anything bigger then a regiment to be boring.

2) Dark Age, so anything from 3130 onward

3) As above

4) Nothing solid; really it depends on what I think is a good backstory. Although a post-Blackout unit could have its origins in the crumbling Republic

Daryk · « **Reply #64 on:** 18 April 2018, 19:22:21 »

1. Combined arms company. Probably not much more than a lance of 'mechs.
2. 3SW
3. 3-4SW... anything clan really doesn't hold my interest at all...
4. FWL, hands down. Veterans of Anton's Revolt are SO easy to make into mercs...

truetanker · « **Reply #65 on:** 18 April 2018, 19:32:52 »

1) Less than a Lance or Combines Arms Company.
2) Anytime, but prefer pre-4SW.
3) 3000+ before the Dark Ages, or alternatively an AU that includes the Dark Ages.
4) House Kurita -> House Marik, currently House Liao, or any House that isn't being applied in-game.

I've made pre-FedCom, pre-Augmented Liao, and Word of Blake units in 3025 era. I've ran Here be Pirates, Arrgh! and even Marian Hegemony units before. I'm very resourceful in my creations.

TT

Colt Ward · « **Reply #66 on:** 20 April 2018, 21:11:24 »

#1 Combined arms company . . . lance or two of mechs, some armor and infantry. Maybe a VTOL or CF for giggles.
#2 War of 3039 build up, some noble who has money and wants to build connections creates a 'company' to raise his standing
#3 Same as #2, might offline 3042-3048
#4 the Hansa could be fun- man of mystery!

Except for #1, this all varies . . . first one was a 3060 Chaos March unit, then I went 3130s, and then built one to test playing through MechCommander. I have written and fluffed many more to be the opposition, allies or just they meet in passing. Some where written as era specific, some have generic options where they can be applied at any point.

Motsognir · « **Reply #67 on:** 21 April 2018, 23:17:18 »

1# So I like to start new mercenary units around the Lance to Company level. Generally, with some infantry and logistics in support. If the unit it flush with cash and tech then maybe they have a Lance of Aerospace support as well, or even a dropship.

2&3# Given the many campaigns I’ve played, I really have enjoyed putting together a unit in the 3rd Succession War era, and then playing out a great campaign. This way the unit’s history is organic, and you get to have some great long campaigns. However, many of my units come to a horrible end with the Clan Invasion, or the Jihad. And I have played several campaigns where we were throwing together units for the Chaos March, Civil War/Jihad eras.

4# This one is a little hard to narrow down, but I do tend to play a lot of ex-Lyran or Marik characters when throwing this kind of campaign together. But mostly it just depends on what I feel like the character fits.

Deathknight69 · « **Reply #68 on:** 22 April 2018, 15:38:01 »

Hey Drewbacca,

I started this a few years (and board crashes) ago.

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=726.0

Deathknight69

Drewbacca · « **Reply #69 on:** 22 April 2018, 16:09:19 »

Quote from: Deathknight69 on 22 April 2018, 15:38:01

Hey Drewbacca,

I started this a few years (and board crashes) ago.

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=726.0

Deathknight69

Thanks, Deathknight69!

truetanker · « **Reply #70 on:** 22 April 2018, 17:44:05 »

:o OMG... he LIVES.

What up DK69? :thumbsup:

TT >:D

Verloren Hoop · « **Reply #71 on:** 15 May 2018, 14:31:56 »

I’m looking for information on the 21st Centauri Lancers in the Republic and Dark Age eras. I can’t find anything in FM: 3145 or the Era Report. Any information on what they’re doing now? Who they’re working for?

Colt Ward · « **Reply #72 on:** 15 May 2018, 14:45:48 »

Well . . . they were active in the Dark Ages, did you check ER Dark Ages?

Verloren Hoop · « **Reply #73 on:** 15 May 2018, 15:19:55 »

:-[

You’re right—I checked the Era Digest: Dark Age. And there is a paragraph about them facing the Lyran Rangers on Towne in 3133. There are so many different sourcebooks, I need to reorganize all my digital files.

Thanks for the help! It’s not a lot of information, but it’s a start.