This is a unit I have been working on that will be the recipient of most of the Mercs Kickstarter models when I finally get my shipment.
McCulloch Highlanders Regiment
"The Coldstream Guards"
Unit History
The McCulloch Highlanders Regiment is the remnants of part of the 242nd Hussar Regiment of the CLVI Corps of the Nineteenth Army of the SLDF. The third battalion and portions of the first and second battalion survived many pitched battles within the Taurian Concordat during the uprising. In 2766 their transport jumpship was ambushed in the Luderitz System within the Taurian Concordant. It managed to destroy it's attackers but suffered fatal damage itself. This left the survivors stranded and unable to contact other SLDF commands due to the lack of long range communications as the planet lacked an HPG station.
The unit finished up clearing out the last of the Taurian militia on the planet and set about securing the planet while they awaited the arrival of a jumpship. Weeks began to stretch into months and then into years as the unit slowly became more and more integrated with the local population which was mainly from Scottish heritage. A large quantity of the equipment was stored away on their dropships and they began to recruit from the locals to fill in as personnel retire or are discharged for any reason. In order to preserve fuel they were forced to stop posting a dropship at the system's main jump point as the years continued to pass.
In 2817 the system was visited by a band of pirates. The units that were on current active duty quickly tore the unsuspecting pirates apart, securing the Mule and pair of Leopards that they arrived on. Their Dictator-class and Union CV-class dropships were launched and managed to capture the pirates' Tramp-class Jumpship. Using the information gleaned from the various ship databases as well as interviews with captured personnel, the SLDF unit was astonished and shocked to learn about the Amaris coup, the fight to deal with him, Kerensky's Exodus with almost all of the surviving SLDF units, destruction of the Terran Hegemony, and the current ongoing war between all the other Inner Sphere realms.
As they continued to try to glean more information, they also discovered part of why the was had been no merchant ship traffic to the system. The pirate jumpship's navigation data when compared to their own maps showed that Luderitz System no longer appeared. They also noticed several other systems missing as well. With jumpship access giving them access to other systems now, the unit now knowing it was a former SLDF unit now had some decisions to make. To bring needed income to the system they now called home. The final decision was to form a mercenary unit. The voting for the new unit name leaned heavily into the Scottish origins of the locals who had joined the force over time which also played into the current commander of the force, Colonel James McCulloch' heritage. Thus the McCulloch Highland Regiment was born while adopting the nickname of the Coldstream Guard.
Their first contract was a battalion hired by the Taurian Concordat to deal with pirate raids. They downplayed their SLDF origins knowing the history with the Taurians and let them assume that the Highlanders had merely discovered a SLDF cache of equipment rather than come from the survivors of an SLDF unit. They quickly established themselves a tough fast hitting unit that thrived as a rapid response unit against raids or carrying out lightning raids while under contract for the Taurians, the Federated Suns, Outworlds Alliance, and the Canopians. They were able to add an Invader-class dropship early in the Second Succession War which allowed them to deploy the entire unit in one force while leaving the rare Pertagon-class dropship to guard their home base on Luderitz. Four Mule-class and two Triumph-class dropships were added for the movement of dependents, supplies, and other noncombat equipment.
After finishing the First Succession War in Taurian service, they undertook contract with the Federated Suns early in the Second Succession War. While the unit thrived in such a war of raids and counter raids, they also began to worry as their unit strength began to slowly grind lower reaching around 40% of their normal unit strength. As their contract drew to a close with the AFFS, the Highlanders chose not to renew and instead signed on with the Outworlds Alliance. While dealing with pirates in Alliance space, they were able to use information from their old databases to local several SLDF caches that had yet to be rediscovered which allowed them to replace some of their mechs as well as resupply their stockpiles of spare parts and other equipment.
After finishing their Outworlds contract, the Highlanders signed for a stint in the Magistracy of Canopus. Here they were able to use their movements responding to or striking against pirate bands to once more retrieve several SLDF caches and improve their material levels again. They continued to receive replacement troopers from Luderitz which were supplemented by local recruits wherever the Highlanders were deployed. By the time they left Canopian service, the unit was back up to over 80% unit strength, Once more entering AFFS service just as the 4th Succession War was launched by the new Federated Commonwealth, the Highlanders found themselves responsible for a wide swath of Davion Outback territory.
Unit Tactics, Color Scheme, and Uniform
As the unit started off as the remains of an SLDF Hussar regiment, the unit focuses on medium and heavy weight units with a focus on maneuverability. It contains aerospace and armor units as part of the overall regiment in much the same way that regimental combat teams do though more integrated as a whole. Companies often contain a mix of battlemechs and armored vehicles with aerospace units attached on as needed basis. This gives the unit great flexibility in their ability to respond to various threats.
The unit colors dark greens and reds with yellow highlights. Dress uniforms for the regiment include kilts in the traditional Coldstream tartan pattern and dark blue wool traditional Tam hats. A drum and bagpipe group is attached to the unit headquarters and has gained a lot of renown for the quality of their musicians. The unit insignia is a circle divided into a blue top half and a green lower half with a red piper in the middle. The entire design is outlined in bright yellow.
Command Structure
CO: Colonel Angus McCulloch
XO: Major Duncan Clairborne
Aerospace Assets:
Major Nicholas Fisher
700 Effectives
Crewmen, Pilots, Aerospace Techs
2 Jumpships, 12 Dropships, 2 Aerospace Fighter Wings
Combat Engineer Section:
Captain Duncan Kilrory
60 Effectives
8 Heavy Transports, 8 Engineering Vehicles, 4 Engineering Mechs
Responsible for bridging, clearing, heavy entrenching, and mine sweeping
Intelligence Section:
Major Padraig Hardie
40 Effectives
8 Heavy Transports for Drones, 2 Mobile HQs,
Responsible for ELINT, SIGINT, and HUMINT for the Regiment
Logistics Section:
Major Andrew Thessen
100 Effectives
12 Heavy Transports, 8 Field Kitchens, 2 Field Hospitals, 12 MASH vehicles
Responsible for supply requisition, medical, mess, and quartermaster duties
Maintenance Section:
Major Caitrin MacDougall
120 Effectives
40 Battlemech Techs, 30 Vehicle Techs, 50 Tech Assistants
10 Mech Transports, 12 Coolant Trucks
Personnel Section:
Major Jane Reid
60 Effectives
10 Heavy Transports, 10 Hover Transports, 12 Hovercars
Responsible for recruitment, training, contract negotiation, and finance
Transportation Section:
Major Paul Nairne
120 Effectives
20 Heavy Transports, 20 Hover Vehicles, 20 Ordanance Transports, 12 VTOL
Responsible for local unit supply, movement of noncombat units and vehicles
Aerospace Assets
MHRS Balmoral Castle, Invader-class Jumpship
MHRS Fingal's Cave, Tramp-class Jumpship
MHRS Culloden Moor, Colossus-class Dropship
MHRS Selkie, Overlord-class Dropship
MHRS Piper's Lament, Overlord-class Dropship
MHRS Banshee's Wail, Dictator-class Dropship
MHRS Thistle's Barb, Dictator-class Dropship
MHRS Kestrel's Roost, Union CV-class Dropship
MHRS Lost Mariner, Mule-class Dropship
MHRS Fields of Heather, Mule-class Dropship
MHRS Ashes of Stirling Bridge, Mule-class Dropship
MHRS Broken Hobnail, Mule-class Dropship
MHRS Gaelic Seas, Triumph-class Dropship
MHRS Petrel's Flight, Triumph-class Dropship
Major Characters
Colonel Angus McCulloch
This stern and dour older mechwarrior grew up traveling with the regiment with his mother who finished her career as a battalion commander and his father who was a mech technician, When he was old enough he began spending time with his father and learning basic mech repairs and inspections. His first real lesson in the harsh realities of warfare was while the Highlanders were on contract with the Outworlds Alliance. The Highlanders went after a pirate base along the Kurita/OA border which turned into a near disaster. Part of the unit stumbled onto an unidetified minefield leading to the death of his older brother Jacen McCulloch who was a lance commander. The lower leg of his Griffin was blown off by one mine, his mech fell forward to land with the cockpit directly on another mine killing him right out.
Angus dealt with his loss and pain by pushing it deep within himself as this was just the beginning of his deep hatred of pirates. In addition to learning all he can about piloting a mech, he also began to devote as much time as he could in studying tactics and military history. This lead to his learning chess which he grew to love greatly. When he was old enough, he joined the regiment and was assigned to an available Wolverine which he named Jacen's Rook in remembrance to his brother while still giving a nod to his love of chess.
His leadership style lends itself to careful planning that allows for sudden bursts of adaptation much like his style of playing chess. While he normally follows all the expectations of basic mercenary engagements, the only difference is when the Highlanders are engaging pirates who he will not give quarter or mercy. While his stance on piracy is seen as a bit extreme, one cannot fault the results as merely their deployment to a world has caused pirate bands in the area to seek other targets.
Captain Fiona McCulloch
Angus' oldest daughter, Fiona is currently the commander of Coll Company of Oberon Battalion and is being prepped for higher command. She has a fiery temper which tends to reflect her tactical choices. While starting out following planned out tactics, she has a tendency to get caught up in the fight leading to more direct assaults and liberal use of heavy firepower. She is continuing to work on her temper in order to be able to promote upward in the Highlanders.
Captain Heather Ridgeway
Captain Ridgeway in addition to leading Titania Battalion's Beith Company is the lead piper of the Highlander's Pipe and Drum Corps. She is descendant of a long line of pipers and is keen on continuing the traditions of the Highland music. When the regiment finds itself on a world with a population of Scottish or Irish decent, Fiona can be found in various pubs or cultural centers looking for local musicians in an attempt to add new songs to her repertoire as well as testing her skills against other musicians.
Lt. Charles McKendrick
Lt. McKendrick is in 3rd Lance, Beith Company of Oberon Battalion. As a quiet unassuming gentleman in appearance, very few suspect the mischief and deviousness of his character. Charles has been doing some deep research into the local terrain of their present deployment to improve his odds of holding onto the cup for an unprecedented third time. He is the current holder of the Wild Hunt Cup and has held that title for two Hunts currently.
Master Sergeant Tomas Locke
Tomas Locke is what would commonly be referred to as a character. He was volunteered to join the Highlanders when they were deployed to the Beaumont System in the FedSuns Outback region for raiding into Draconis Combine space. Tomas was a teenager trying to steel parts from the regiment's repair area when he was apprehended. He was given the choice of signing on or being turned over to the local authorities. Seeing a way off this planet he signed on the dotted line. Tomas quickly became one of their most devious scroungers and conmen serving in the logistics part of the regiment, able to find just about anything for the right price while tracking down what the regiment officially needs.
McCulloch Highlanders Lore and Relics
1. The Ghost Piper
Several times when a member of the Highlanders is cut off alone and facing death or defeat when the long wailing tones of a ghostly sounding bagpipe seem to hang in the air as a weathered Thunderbolt clad in faded tartan motifs comes crashing through the fight to chase off the enemy, leaving the mechwarrior counting his blessing and trying to figure out just how they survived.
2. Remembrance Day and True Remembrance Day
Similarly to the Eridani Light Horse, the McCulloch Highlanders have two days where they lower the colors of the SLDF and their former regimental colors. Remberance Day is the anniversary of when they learned about Kerensky's Exodus with most of the SLDF and then True Remembrance Day is the anniversary of the day that they actually left. A pint of beer is left on the bar top in every mess on both days.
3. The Wild Hunt
Every three years each company in the regiment puts forward their best scout to compete in a tracking competition. The previous winner is given a 24 hour headstart before all of that year's hunters set off to track them down. The first to corner the "Fox" is declared the winner and will be the next years Fox. If the Fox can go 96 hours without being cornered, they remain the champion for the next three years.
4. SLDF Cornwall's name plate
The Highlanders managed to recover the name plate from the wreckage of the SLDF Crownwall, the Aegis-class heavy cruiser that was transporting the 24nd Hussar Regiment. This is kept in the small regimental museum on Luderritz.
5. Claymore of Clan McCulloch
This greatsword was brought with the members of Clan McCulloch that left Earth in the 22nd Century. After several stops to settle on various worlds, they eventually ended up on Luderitz. The clan suffered grievous casualties during the Reunification War but managed to rebuild itself over the many years.
6. Saint Andrews Medals
The members of the Highlanders almost all can be found wearing these small silver medals to the patron saint of ancient Scotland. These are believed to carry good luck and protection for the wearer.
Luderitz System
Luderitz III was founded originally by central Europeans but soon found the majority of its population coming from Scotland on Earth or from other worlds with Gaelic culture. The planetary population has grown to just over 104 million. Much of the population is spread across the world's three continents and various island chains in small villages and town each with ties to one of the major clans represented on the planet.
Once the McCulloch Highlanders entered the realm of mercenary life, trade between Luderitz and other worlds in Taurian space began to flow once more. The wool and meat from Luderitz's large sheep herds find ready customers as well as some of its alcohols. Taurian officials have made numerous overtures to bring the work back into the Concordat but have been unsuccessful so far.
The system has a company of battlemechs, a battalion of armor, and two battalion of infantry for its local militia which serves as a feeder unit for the Highlanders. Several retired or injured personnel often serve as trainers and advisors for the militia. Following the preferences of the Highlanders, medium mechs with good maneuverability and hover vehicles are the most commonly deployed.
Seven Major Clans
Fairborne
Main interests are in agriculture, especially sheep, cattle, and wheat
Major Businesses:
Fairborne Agriculture
O'Mallory Livestock
Harrowhan
Main interests are in aquaculture and entertainment
Major Businesses:
Harrowhan Aquaculture
Harrowhan Telecom
Luderitz Broadcasting Service
MacDougall
Main interests are contruction and mining operations
Major Businesses:
Fitzclarence Construction Services
MacDougall Minerals Limited
McCulloch
Main interests are arms manufacturing and consumer goods production
Major Businesses:
McCulloch Industrial Group
McCulloch Small Arms Industrial
McKendrick
Main interests are finance, shipping, and asteroid mining
Major Businesses:
Glenlivet, MacDuff, and Payne Financial Services
McKendrick Interstellar Shipping
McKendrick Deep Space Mining Corporation
Ridgeway
Main interests are civil service operations such as education and health care
Major Businesses:
Ridgeway Pharmaceuticals
Luderitz Power and Water
Waterly
Main interests are transportation industry and legal servies
Major Businesses:
Sullivan, Waterly, and McCrory Law Firm
Waterly Transportation Inc
Current Planetary Council Representatives
Matthew Fairborne
Dorothy Harrowhan
Bernard MacDougall
Victoria McCulloch
WIlliam McKendrick
Elliot Ridgeway
Andrew Waterly
Luderitz Militia
MHRS Claymore, Pentagon-class Dropship
Commander Ian Horthy
Aerospace Fighter Wing
Captain Nigel Coatesworth
Mech Company
Major Toliver Ridgeway
Armor Battalion
Major Katie Harrowhan
Infantry Battalion
Major Kevin McDougall
Infantry Battalion
Major Amanda Waterly
Luderitz System Key Locations
1. Smailholm
The planetary capital and location of most of the population and manufacturing. It also has a modest size warehousing district near the spaceport. The surrounding countryside is dotted with small local villages and various agriculture concerns. The local government is a council made up of 7 clan leaders nominated by their respective clan and two other at large members who are elected every give years.
2. Blackadder Castle
This is the main defense structure located near the planetary capital of Smailholm and the spaceport. Built by the Taurian government for planetary defense during the build up towards the New Vandenberg Uprising. Over the years the McCulloch Highlanders have upgraded and improved the castle defenses. It currently can house a mech battalion, two battalions of armor and infantry, and an aerospace fighter wing.
3. Dualchas School of Scottish Piping and Drumming
This school was founded shortly after the McCulloch Highlanders reformed to ensure musicians for their regiment. Dr. Olwain Stuart is the current head of the school which in addition to music and history classes, also maintains the ability to construct and repair instruments.
4. The Lonely Matchstick
The Matchstick is the oldest pub on Luderitz. It is well known for its traditional shepherd's pie, haggis, and a wide range of dark ales. They serve the locally brewed Creag Beinne Dark which is their best seller and even has demand for export to other worlds.
5. Donalbain Brewery
Donalbain is the only major brewery on Luderitz and has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. In addition to its Creag Beinne Dark, it also brews a wide range of beers and whiskeys. Duncan Ainslie is the current head of the company though at the ripe old age of 87 rumors of his impending retirement have been widely spread about.
6. Luderitz Caledonian University
LCU is the only higher educational institute located on Luderitz. It offers a range of degrees from agricultural related to philosophy and a wide range of what is inbetween. A retired officer from the McCulloch Highlanders is often on campus as a visiting professor of military history.
7. New New Orkney Islands
This archipelago is a nature reserve and vacation spot where a number of original species of plants and animals from the Scottish region of Earth itself have been imported and preserved. Its kingfishers, kestrels, and ospreys are all major bird watching favorites.
8. River Tweed
The largest river that passes through Smailholm that provides one of the major boat travel routes. It is also well renown for the fishing along it's many smaller tributaries.
9. Luderitz Museum of Gaelic Art
This institute is a showcase of various masterpieces of Gaelic artwork. Most of the paintings and statues are from local artists but a few pieces from Northwind, Skye, and other worlds of Scottish and Irish decent are also on display. Patricia Leary who works with watercolors and Piotr Sonderson who is a wood carvver are the currently highlighted artists.
10. Glenfinnich National Golf Resort
This 36 hole championship level golf course is home of the Luderitz National Open and several other prestigious local tournaments.The course is well known for it's breath taking views as it is set in some low rolling hills along a beachfront.
Luderitz Premier League
The Luderitz Premier League consists of a team fielded by each of the major clans. During a season, each plays the other six teams once for pre-season friendlies and then four time during the season. The top two finishing teams compete for that season's Champion's Cup. The Harrowhan Pipers are the current cup holders.
Fairborne Cavaliers
Harrowhan Pipers
MacDougall Dragonslayers
McCulloch Longbows
McKendrick Kestrels
Ridgeway Knights
Waterly Wanderers
The McCulloch Highlanders also have a team made up of various members of the regiment or their dependents called the Coldstream Lancers. When able to return to Luderitz during a rest and refit period, they play friendlies against each of the league teams at least once and preferably twice. The Lancers also play games when possible with local teams when deployed. Much like their combat style, the Lancers focus on fast paced attacking.
