nt 1 = Foss ,SORENSONS SABRES Design and Writing Dale L. Kompor Blaine L. Pardoe “Anthony Pryor Jon Theison Editorial Stat Editor In-Cheit LL Ross Babock Il Senior Eaitor Donna Ippolito Editors Chie Christensen Todd Huettel Production Stat Cover Art Steve Verters Mustration Dana Knutson Todd F. Marsh «im Nelson. Typeseting and Layout Jonathan Marcus Pastoup Dana Knutson “Todd F. Marsh BATTLETEGH, CITYTECH, AEROTECH, MECHWARRIOR ate trademarks of FASA Corporation registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offices. Published by "Mech and BattleMech are traderrarks of FASA Corporation, FASA Corporation Copyright © 1987 FASA Corporation P.O. Box 6930 AAI Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America Chicago, IL 60680,TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION STH SWORD OF LIGHT Brief History Unit Formation Kurta Household Guard . Tho Tormination of Zabu Kurita ‘Sacond Succession War. Third Succession War Bogir The Last Hundred Years Service Timeline Palmer Conti Regimental Data Sorenson's Sabres Brief History . ‘Compostion and Tactics ‘SORENSON'S SABRE'S PERSONNEL ‘Command Lance Daniel Sorenson Shytel Gutowski Edden Berardinelli lzora Soderstrom ‘Medium Lance Codrick Svoinson Emory ik ‘Sharron Burgoz Albert Benton Pursuit Lanoo Dana Uteonomiya Clay Moret .. Eleanor Rubach Vernon Marrone ‘THE RED FOREST RAID ON HELL .... ‘THE VALLEY OF TEARS PAWNS OF CRYSTAL, BOARD OF STONE FRAGILE IS THE HOUSE OF CARDS ‘THE OZAWA CAMPAIGN ‘Seensrio 1 ‘Scenario 2 Seonario 3... ‘THE PROTECTOR ATTRAINTO CATCH AFTER THE BIG BOYS ..... BITTER PURSUIT . ‘Scenario 1 Scenario 2. ‘Scenario 3. DEVASTATING ENCOUNTER ‘THE RANGER SURPRISE. eegseaseseINTRODUCTION : AA single BattioMoch rogimont can, by itso, ator tho course of a war. (Those who doubt this claim can Check tne history of Kentares.) Room always exists for another inhuman atrocity, another tactical miracle, ‘anothor stratogic blunder. ‘Mech regiments contain equipment and machines, but most ofall, people. Nothing in the universe is more unpredictable than humans. i (One of the most miraculous and atrocious units in the Inner Sphere is the Draconis Combine's Sth Sword of Light Regiment. Created solaly to protect the life of the Combine’s most important ctizen, the unit now performs any act of war wherever needed. Yel, Sorenson’s Sabres is perhaps the most audacious company known, These magicians of the battefiad follow the whims of their Colonel and Lord ‘Witness the actions of this fanaticaly devcted company 2s their deeds carve Takashi Kurta's name in scarlet letters on planets throughout the Successor States. < —From The Preservation of Honor: An Examination of House Regiments, by Robert M. L. Oswald, Esq. HOW TO USE THE SCENARIOS Each of the scenarios in this book reoreetes battles or encounters in which Sorenson's Sabres of he Sih ‘Sword of Light took part. Several ofthe sconarios are intorroiaiod, reprosonting various phases of a singlo, Continuous battle or campaign. If desired, players may keep track of bate darrage taken by the various "Mechs, LAMS, or fighters from one engagement to ancther, withthe damage and losses sufered earlier in the campaign affecting the condition and make-up ofthe forces engaged atthe end. The Special Rules for " ech scenario deserbe what repair, itany, are possiblo botweon ongagemonts. ‘The scenario rules include all information necessary to understand and play tne game situation. Each sconario begins with a firsthand account by one ofthe warriors who paricipated in the actual engagement, ‘olowed by 2 bret historical sketch of the bate ‘The Game Set-Up soctions provide special game information needed to play the scenarios, including in- structions on how to lay out the mapsheets, directions for speci terrain features encountered, and suoges- tions on the appropriate BattleTech andlor AeroTech rules to use. in some cases, there are also sugges- tions for using CityTech and/or AeroTech rules to make play more axcting or challenging. (A number of ; ‘sopnarios require both CityTech and BattleTech maps. When using the maps together, players can simply lay them out side by side.) ‘Atiacker and Defender forces for each scenario are described in deta This information includes dam- 498. problems, or spacial abilties of ary Mechs or ‘orcas at he start ofthe batle. Also noted is each “Mech's starting position on the map, or where and when it enters ithe ‘Mech erives after the battle hes already begun. ‘Several Scenaos include ground forces for one or both sides. The rules generally allow the player to ‘choose his own mix of vebicies andler troops up to a certain, stated number of tons. See CityTech for the ‘las for creating and using both vehicies and troops. ‘The Vietory Conditions are described next. These determine the outcome of the encounter, and vary fom scenatio to scenario, Itis very ree in actual combat that an action continues to the point where one ‘side or the others completely cbiterated. For this reason, the Victory Conditions usvally lst special ‘objectives for one or both opponents. As in actual combat, both sides may claim victory in some engage- ments, based solaly on whathor or nct tactical objectives ware won. Finally, fhe scenario tequites ules not covered in the general BattleTech rules they are discussed as ‘Special Fules. Tips on winning the bate are sometimes included here as well ‘The Modified Skill Roll Targets for the Gunnery and Piloting skits of each member of Sorenson's Sabres fare the base targets for any combat rols, These can be further modified by range, terrain, and acton, depending on the combat situation. The ful range of MechWarrior skils can be used to help determine the outcome of any encounter involving ths elite company of the Sth Sword of Light. ‘Allother ‘Mechs in the scenarios have regular BattleTech Gunnery and Piloting skits and should be ‘used normally. If specific ski levels are not given, assume a PYoting Skil Level of § and a Gunnery Skil Level of 45TH SWORD OF LIGHT BRIEF REGIMENTAL HISTORY UNIT FORMATION ‘One of the oidest House regiments ‘sorving in the Oraconis Combine, the 5h Sword of Light Regiment was formed in the Spring of 2708. Uniiko many other standing regiments creates during the First and Second Succession Wars, the 5th Swords was never dispersed to form cadres or disbandec due to axcassive casuals, This unit's record of unbroken service makes itone of the most enduring BattieMach regiments in the entire inner Sphere, In December of 2786, the Draconis Combine’s Minoru Kurita decared himself to be the First Lord of the Star League, an action tha inliated the First ‘Suceassion War. Just four months later, ‘Minoru was assassinated on Kentares IV, and dinjro Kurita succooded him to the throne. ‘Attor a fow yoars, however, the now Lord Kurta worried about pottical ‘enemies, and grew fearful for bie lito. Ho ‘mandated the formation of a new ‘Mech nit, the Sth Sword of Light, which would contain fanatical Kurita loyalists and thus be totaly dedicated. Selected more for their politcal reliability than for their skils in combat, the MechWariots, howaver, were vatarans of some KURITA HOUSEHOLD GUARD From its formation untl the end of Jie Kurita’ reign (between 2796 and 2637), the Sth Sword of Light Regiment ‘aithflly served as the Kurita Househoid Guard. The safety of House Kurita famly members and estates constituted this BatleMech unit's sole responsbilly Whenever Lord inj Kurita or his younger brother Zabu commanded foroos in tho field, thoy wore escorted by ‘8 company-s2e0 detachment ftom the 5th Swords, whilo other lances ware left behing to ensure the security of thelr holdings. Scattered throughout the Draconis Combine, this regiment's lances were usually stationed at the ‘most important worlds or anywhere Lord unite might expect fo visit. Logically, New Samarkand, Pesht, and tha capital of Luthian maintained the largest concentrations While serving as the Household Guard, the Sth Sword of Light never participated as a major combat unit in any engagement, As 2 rasuit, the regiment never experienced the charactorstcally hoavy losses of other ‘Mech regiments during the remainder of tho First Succession War (which lasted unt 2821). Instead, it ftfiled the battoeld duly of protecting ealoct senior officals, Miltary Distnict Gover- ners, and Kurita family observers, Presumably, members ofthis unit maintained rigid securty, suspected virtually everyone, and swore to die rather than allow their charges injury. ‘Whatever their background or matives, the unit was successful. Evidence indicates at least three attempted assassinations agains! vinjro Kurita ‘wore foled during this period by the Household Guards. Jinjr, always considered unstable even by close contidants, became more deranged as his reign progrossod, The inconelusve outcome of the First Succession War did nothing to improve matters, and the beginning of the Second Succession War in 2899 only heightened his paranod instabiity ‘inj remeired a briliant tactical commander during his lucid moments, but such times were becoming fewer and farther batween. In Apri of 2837, abu had stepped in to take over Jinjr's oficial duties. Itbecame ‘common for Zabu 1o spend long hours discharging his duties as de facto head ‘of state while Jiro screamed incoher- ‘tly and threw furniture in the Coordinators cftice down the hall 7 ‘THE TERMINATION OF ZABU KURITA ‘ter Jinjr lapsed irrevocably into psychosis, Zabu look the Draconis ‘Combine in a direction more in lie with his own sensibiites than those of his demented brother's. Although the ‘Second Succession War was in full ‘wing, he introduced economic reforms ‘at redirected government spending towards concumor sorvices: he even {00k the unneard-ot step of cutting the military budgot. Ths led to enormous problems for his generals: some regarded his as a traitor to Kurita destiny, and some ragardad him as a madman. bu operated under that he was achar- ‘cmatic, hence popular, leader. As ‘result ofthis delusion, he discharged the Sth Swords from their assignment as Household Guard, declaring in a ‘contemporary periodical that “he had no such need of protection from the likes of his own citizens.” (He retained a small unit of conventional infantry to patrol the palace grounds.) Ironically, instoad of transferring this remarkably wel- ‘equipped unit tothe front lino, ho reassigned them to a training role at te newly ercatod Sun Zhang Miltary” ‘Academy on New Samarkand, ‘where they could serve as an inepiration to bright young cadets.” Zabu's generals became increas- ingly alarmed by what they regarded as an aniimiftar'st attitude. On the night of June 23rd, 2838, a contingent of tha kurta high command chose General Fraderick Kazama to go to the Imperial Palace to confront Lord Kurta. Equipped with a plasti-mesh, double- edged sword, Kazoma intended to ‘murder Zabu if he could not persuade him to change the course of his admin! station. After boing admitted to the Coordinator's chambers, Kozoma was (greatly surprised when Zabu, without an ‘argument, ook up his own sword to perform ritual seppuku. Zabu's reason- Ing was that he could not cle if his general sia opposed him, and thus passed the reins of government to his. son, Yoguchi. The new coordinator immediataly recalled the Sth Sword ot Light to household guard duty.SECOND SUCCESSION WAR Though the Second Succession War began in 2830 for almost every combat unit in the Successor States, it staried ight years later fr the Sth Sword of Light Regiment. Yoguchi Kurita, Zabu's ‘ldest son, became Lord of the Draconis Combine upon his father’s death and immodiatoly realized the elite units value. Within days of the change in leadership, the regiment received orders fo make is first atlack against a world within the Federated Suns. Over the next three decades, the Sth ‘Swords participated in five separate major offensives and at least 40 lesser, bates. Moat ofthese confrontations: took place on planets within a triangular area of Davion space formed by Dahar IV, Royal, and Cassias. The regiment compiled a remarkable record for its skill ‘at demolishing civilian factories, otto buildings, and residences. One of the most successful (soma would say “notorious” units at conducting "total war,” the Sih Swords attacked civilian ‘and mitary targets with equal refs. ‘Though known for being on the offensive, one of the Sth Sword of Light Raagiment’s most vicious batts took place in December of 2851.0n the Kurita word of Gandy’s Luck. Conducting Several important raids-in-force, tre unit sutforod moderate casualties in the process and pulled back to regroup. ‘nether Kurita BattleMoch rogimont (tho 9th Galadon), even more heaviy depleted from combat losses, cisbanded ‘and dispersed to fil openings in other units, including the Sth Swords. Unbeknown to them, a Davion task force prepared a one-strke counter: offensive against Gandy’s Luck. Within days of the Sth Swords’ arsival, a small ‘iget of JumpShips and escort vessels ‘eniorod orbt and began landing ‘elements of four crack regiments, including a battalion from the Davion Guards. Both sides engaged in running maneuvers as opposing lances probed, then partormed intricate thrust-and-parry attacks. The Davion units boasted & slight advantage in numbers, while the Kurita force knew the local terrain. Customary with combat of this type, the ‘wo sides exchanged heavy casualties without obtaining significant victories. (One cynical tactician of the period described this warfare as “both sides Grinding the other into dust, simply 10 ‘make more dust ior others to fight over” ‘Three days late, the Davion force withdrew, leaving 2 battle-scarred continent and a further-decimated Kurita force. Shorty after, the entire remnants of the gin Galedon combined wih the Sth Sworde, almost bringing the lator up to stength, anc retirng the Galedon unit ‘colors (with the intention of reactivating ‘hem sometime in the future), ‘When the Secend Succession War ‘ended in 2863, the Sih Sword ot Licht Regiment was firmly entrenched on the Davion world of Crossing. As word of peace spread throughout the Inner ‘Sphere, the unit was withdrawn to Kurita space and stationed on Reisling’ Planat, where it remained nearly a year ‘fier that, the regiment was reassigned to the Deron Miliary District, to sit out the next two years on garrison duty, awaiting an end to the brief interlude beeen the Second and Third Succes: sion Wars. ‘THIRD SUCCESSION WAR BEGINS The Dieron Miliary District was Lord ‘Miyogi Kurita’s staging area for atacks ‘hat would eventually Begin tha Third ‘Succession Wer. A large force, contain. ing more than a Gozen fully equipped BattloMoch regiments and supported by a huge fleet, stood awaiting his com- ‘mand. In Octobor of 2868, the word was ‘ven Ina matter of ays, the Sth Swords and the rest ofthe Kurita fleet drove into the Lyran Commonwealth. Lord Steiner, caught completely by surprise and severely ouhumbered, elected not to reinforce the threatened sector and instead instructed each garison to fight as long as possible, then withdraw, AS 2 result, the Draconis Combine easily soized coveral worlds, including Vega, ‘in December 2866, and Kessel, in ‘January 2867. Tho 5th Swords partic pated in attacks on Doth worlds as each Guickly fall botore tho concontratod ‘might of Lord Kurta’ forces. By 2872, as the war progressed, Lord Miyogi Kurta seemed to develop @ ‘more humanitarian (some would have said “spinaless”) approach to fing. He ordered his MechWarriors to bypass civilian factories, population centers that dd not possess siretegicimportanc ‘and other non-military targets. His ‘apparent intent was to minimize the destruction his forces were inficing, an effort reminiscent ofthe long:abandoned ‘Ares Conventions. ‘Several Mech units, including the _oalous 5th Swords, dd not approve of this strategy. Ther atitudes, in turn, ckd rot please Lord Kurita. Alter showing reluctance to leave civiians urmotested, tho enti Sth Sword of Light Regiment as transferred to @ garison post along the Kurita/Davion border, where the unit remained for 15 years, By late 2087, the Draconis Combine regrouped and launched a second offensive against House Steiner. Once again requiring the services of the 5th ‘Swords, Lord Kurta ordered them back into combat. Soon atter returning. they patticipated in the successtul seizure of the planet Fiyde. In 2899 and 2884, the Sth Swords facad ther greatest challange inthe unsuccessful, two-year-ong attack ‘against the world of Skye. The capita of the Federation of Skye and a major planet within the Lyran Commonwoalth, Skye was a crucial urning-point in House Kutita’s advance. Despite several “atrocties" committed by both sides, Kurta forces made credo ‘advances. After most a year of fighting, most ofthe planet's curtace was under Kurita contol, unt units of the defending Skye Rangers took a stand in a bog oulside the capital city ot New Glasgow.A battalion ofthe Sth Swords was ‘selected to move in and take the capital. Unfamiliar with the torain, several Kurta ‘Mechs bacame stuck in the thick mud ot the bog, The advancing commander was forced to follow a handiul of clearly marked road signs, while the locals had the advantage and encircled the hapless atackers. The battalion was thrown back with heavy losses, marking the regiments first significant defeat in battle ‘Aller participating inthe capture of ‘Sakhalin in 2890, the Sth Sword of Light regiment was withdrawn trom aciive ‘combat. For the noxt oight years, the regiment served as a gartison unit on many of the woride the Draconis Combine had seized trom House Steiner. In 2907, Lord Shinjiro Kurita suc- ceeded Miyogi Kurita, and restored the Sth Swords unitas the Kurita Housenolé (Guard. For the next 18 years (the entiro length of Shinjro’s reign), the Sth ‘Swords admirably futile its dutes in this capacity, ‘THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS {In 2925, Lord Hugai Kusita reduced the size of the Housohold Guard to a single battalion of Mechs, selected annually on a rotating basis from ether the 2nd or Sih Swords. This freed the ‘other two battalions for gartison dutios, (on vitaly important words, most often ‘guarding BattleMech factories. In 2963, Lord Hohiro Kurita singled ‘out the Sth Swords to “gain more battle ‘experience and become utterly profi: cient in the art of war." He also seemed ‘to eniy authorizing travel orders, because the unit was transferred to dgarrison duty on border worlds along the Kurlta/Steiner border, the Kurita/Davicn border, and the Periphery frontier. Under Hohiro Kurta, MechVvarriors of the Sth Ficknamod themeolvos “tho twitchy siilatio': by the end of his relan in 3008, the Sth Swords had corved a a gartison unt on 48 diferent planets in 2 41-year period, a Kurita record. It should be ‘oled that, despite Hohiro’s itentions, the unit's fighting prowess did not ‘appear to benefit rom this extendec sojourn throughout the Combine. Since the time of Lord Takashi Kurta, all Sword of Light regiments have been reassigned to rotating garrison ‘utes, in most cases changing stations ‘evary two or three years. Two of the regiments (including either the 2nd oF Sth) are maintainod on the capital Luthien, while te other three usually ‘establish battalon-sized garrisons on important worlds within tne Galedon Military District. Unlike his predecessors, Takasht likes to use his units pecemeal commiting individual Sword of Light companies or battalions to raids, instead of employing an entire ragiment simply to maintain unit integrity. Takashi realzas that a company is more mobile, can achieve surprise more easly, and thus ie more suitable for certain stu ations than even a fll regiment. Another important factor may be troop quality something that tends to vary more within the Sword of Light than among other regknents. Takashi wants to use his beet companies as “olite” rapid-strike forces instead of being ted to using what might bo, on the averago, merely a “go0c" battalion. ‘SERVICE TIMELINE This timeline provides information on the history of the Draconis Gombine's 5th Sword of Light Regiment in goneral, and the history of Sorenson's Sabres in particular. 2187 The frst Succession War begins. April 2786 The Sth Swords is formed by selecting poitically reliable MechWar ‘ore from dispersed units. ‘April 2796 to April 2637 ‘The Sth Swords serves as the Kurita, Household Guard. Major elements of the regiment ave stationod on tho worlds of Pesht, New Samarkand, and Luthien. 2821 “The First Succession War ends. 2830 “The Second Succession War begins. ‘April 2637 With the ascension of Zabu Kurita, the 5th Swords is reassigned to the Sun Zhang Miltary Academy on Now Samarkand. March 2838 Lord Zabu Kurita is assassinated by «2 group ol senior oficer, ncluding the 5th Swords commander. Coonel Kenneth Walpeter. The Sth Swords is reassigned to the Galedon Military Distic. 2838 to 2863 ‘The Sih Swords serves as a front: fino combat unit on the Federated Suns border, serving in dozerls of battles. Decomber 2851 The Sin Swords merges with the ath Galedon on Gandy’s Luck, and the latter units issalved. 2063 ‘The Second Succession War ends. ‘The Sth Swords moves from the Davion world of Grossing to Reisling’s Planet. 2864 to 2866 Reassigned to the Dieron Miltary Distt, the Sth Swords is stationed en Dieron, Aishain, and Pike IV. October 2066 ‘Massed forces from the Draconis Combine, inciuding the Sth Swords, attack the Lyran Commonweal to begin the Third Succession War. The 5th Swords plays a spearheading role during te first six years ofthe war. December 2867 The Sih Swords caplures Vega for tho Draconis Combine. January 2665 Tho Sth Swords captures Kessel for ‘he Draconis Combine. May 2872 . Lord Miyog! Kurita gradually recog nizee the sanctity of civifans, and orders Kurta MecnWartiors not to atack purely civilan targets. The Sth Swords, Lunwiling to comply, is transferred to the Kurita/Devion border, where the urit remains for the next 15 years. January 2668 ‘The Sth Swords are transterred 10 the Lyran front.10 May-December 2388 The Sth Swords captures Ryde for the Draccnis Combine, 2893-2894 ‘The Dracoris Combine, batting ‘tercaly for control of the planet Skye, commits the th Swords (among mary other units) inte te tray, After terce fightng, Kurita unite withdraw, the fst real defeat suffered by the Sth Swords. December 2897-Jonuary 2800 ‘The 5th Swords captures Sakhalin for the Draconis Combino. 2899-2907 The Sth Swords garrisons (in turn) Vega, Kessel, and Sakhalin, repelling an assortment of minor Steiner altacks intent on retaking those worlds. 2907-2925 Lard Shinjro Kurta succeeds Taragi Kurla. The 5ih Swords serves as the Kurita Household Guard. 2925-2963 Lord Hugai Kurita succeeds Shinjro Kurita. Elements of the 5th Swords sorvo as the Kurta Household Guard ‘and on garrison duty to protect ihe Draconis Combine's BattloMoch factories. 2969-3004 Lore Hohiro Kurita succeeds Hugal Kurita, The Sth Sworde sorvos on ‘garrison culty throughout the Draconis Combine, a total of 43 planets along al fronts. 2004 to Present Lord Takashi Kurita succeeds Hohiro Kurita. Elements of the Sth Swords ‘serve on rotating garrison duty. Their Station vaties from the capital Luthien to major worlds within the Galedon Miltary District. February 3014 ‘Gonoral Palmor Cont replaces General Leonard Onira as commander ‘of the Sth Swords aftr Internal Security Force agents execute Oira for reason, Fobruary 3021 Gaotain Abraham Silvereen, ‘commanding Sivereen's Stallions, is killed in a food riot on Worrel. General Cont orders courts-martial and execu: tions for Silveraen’s lancemates who ‘were grossly negligent in their duty to protect a superior officer." Lieutenant Daniel Sorenson becomes interim ‘commander. April 9021 Promoted, Danial Sorenson com- ‘mands the company. The compary’s ‘AeroSpace Fighters are detached and assigned to deferd District HO on Galedon V. Tho unit is reorganized witnout nem. July 3021—January 2022 ‘After three months of training Sorencon's Sabres tranctor to tho Steiner border, where they ieuncn ‘numerous raids agains! worlds of the Lyran Commonwealth. January-August 3022 ‘Sorenson's Sabres serve garrison duty on the world of Bad News in the Galedon Miltary District. ‘August 3022-April 3023 ‘Sorenson's Sabres serve garrison duty on the capital Luthien. Except for ‘one minor incident, the assignment is uneventful May 3023-vanuary 3024 ‘Tarwator Battalion (including ‘Sorenson's Sabves) reinforces the {garrigon on New Caledonia. Upon their arrival, he uns are forced to relieve a siage imposed by a Bandit King ‘Mech formation, Ate a series of bates, the raiders withdraw. The battalion fends off two other attacks during this period without significant Sabres losses. February-September 3024 ‘Sorenson's Sabres serve garrison duty on Galedon V. October 3024-July 3025 ‘Sorenson's Sabres are reassigned to New Samarkand. The units lances ‘serve garrison duty and sacurty ascot duly for Instructors at the Sun Zhang MechWartior Academy, ‘August 3025-October 3026 The eniiro Sth Sword of Light ‘Regiment (including Sorenson's Sabres) ig massed for an effersive along the Davion border. During this time, the regimont makes a dozen attacks agains! words of the Federated Suns, with the Sabres leading the way more often than ot. October 2026 The present.PALMER CONTI Brief Personal History: General, 5th Sword of Light Regiment, The Draconis Cambine ‘Awarded the Katana Cluster ‘Awarded the Knight of New ‘Samarkand Fibbon General Palmer Cont is @physicaly imposing man, particularly when seen trom afar, Some of his colleagues have ‘evon described him as “a man of many appetites,” both gastroromic and atherwige. Upen closer inspecton, however. itis obvious that fo0 mary of life's simpler pleasures nave softoned him physical leaving him with more fat than muscle. Intolectually, he i a sly man who is rarely caught off-guard. A talented strategist and amateur chet, he ‘equally enjoys preparng a devious, ‘elaborate plan for bate or a hearty meal Cont has experienced much during his 50-od years. ising through the MectWarror ranks using equal pats of cextorion, bribery, and warrir’sskils, Conti attained most of his personal goals. An adit poltical manipulator, he Knows the inner workings of House Kurta as wall as any man alive He eamed his regiment while ‘serving 2s tho unis socond-in-com- ‘mand under General Leonard ira. Careful observation, meticulous rocord- keeping, and an abity to seem imperv- us to suspicion aided him in monitoring his superiors activites. Ohira. a better tactcian but less sophisticated polit cally, permitted certain details of his personal lif to become knéwn. By February of 3014, Contifelt he hac sufficient proot. Very Fle time passed before Conti subtly convinced ISF agents that his superior had met with certain partes in the Federated Suns. The ISF acied with characteristic cficioney, and a speedy execution left a vacancy In leadership that Conti was moro than happy to fil ‘A knowiedgeable and occasionally magnanimous commander, Conti takes acvantage of each MectiWartior and "Mechs unique capabilites. On rare occasions, ne may invte select officers ‘and even oniisted MachWarrio to join him in @ lavish dinner that he himselt prepared (considered an honor) However, he can be ruthless when the mood suits him, as the court martialling incident on Worrall clearly indicates. His skils of detall and ‘xtorton hava not diminished with ime and he maintains a record of every MechWWarrior’s actives (bath in and out ‘of combat), He maintains his authority through a combination of ‘the carrot and ihe stick," to use an ancient Terran oxpression. In essence, he is the epitome of a Sword of Light regimental ‘commander. Intimately familiar with the intricate cour politics of House Kurita, Cont is a physical coward through and through. in fact, he raroly shows his faco on tho battietield anymore, preferring to direct all regimental action from tho eafety of his headquarters aboard the Caffope, ‘an Overlord Class DropShip. For Conti, one final objective remains: becoming a Kurita Miltary District Governor. He realizes that he ‘must walk a very ravrow path between over-achioving (and thus, becoming a political liability) and under-achieving {and thus, becoming a tactical labilty) Nonetheless, Conti seeks this final hurdle, and feels the 5th Sword of Light may be just the ticket. Moreover, he lets, nething and no ene stand in his way. 11 REGIMENTAL DATA INSIGNIA “The unit banner forall Sword of Light regiments consisis of a black-handled scimitar against the background of a yallow flame in motion. The 5th Regiments insignia is a gold Combine dragon, which represents the Kurta ‘government. This design is generally digplayed on the right forso of the unis BattieMechs, and 2s a unit badge worn (on uniforms of the troops and ground, support personnel. In Sorenson's Sabres, one small addition has been made to the banner: a mushroom-shaped pila of black smoke (the symbolic sianiticance of which has, been lost in time) appears above the yellow flame, This banner modification, has not been offically recognized, but ‘he incumbent regimental commander (Conti) has not forbidden its use. NICKNAME “The Gold Dragon MOTTO. “Daath to Kentaranst” COMPOSITION AND TACTICS: The Sih Sword of Light is an elite House regiment, one of the best- ‘equioped formations in the Draconis ‘Combine. The senior cffcers are ofton respected (1 not jealously despised) by ‘most other Kurita MachWeartirs for their enviable positions in ths combat unt. ‘Almost two-thirds of tho regiment's ‘MechWarriors graduated trom the Sun Zhang MechWartior Acadomy; in the ‘case of one company. its nine non= ‘commissioned MochWarriors are recent ‘graduates of the same academy class. ‘This training ensures uniform indoctrine {ion as well as some fundamental level of proficiency.12 ‘The 5th Swords is known for its ‘enthusiasm rogardng "otal wer.” Both neaviy defended mitary targets and undofonded cviian targets are likely objects of Sth Swords’ attacks. General Cont (end some of te Draconis Combine’s top echelon) fee that demoralizing the enemy is important, bt utterly destroying the enemy is even better. The modern-day ritualized siyie of comba—infkting minimal casualios ard withdrewing—may be employed, but always with great reluctance, It must be noted hati ay unit should ever fight to tho death it would probably bo the 5t1 Sword of Light Arne companios have their fll ‘quota ot BattloMecrs (Le, twelve each), and moat have their appropriate share ot attached AeroSpace Fighters. Spare ports are generally made avaiable ‘or "Mechs ard fighters attached fo this unt {though undoubtedly a! the exoense of some lass fortunate regular regiment). ‘The Sth Swords, categorized as a “heavy” regiment, contains an assort- iment of ‘Mech models. Two heavy companies consist almost entiely of Dragor, and most medium lances contain a mice of Whiworts, Phoenix Hawks, and Hunchback Finally, recon and ight attack ances aro ‘equipped with ther regular quotas ot Panthers, Wasps, Stingers, ard wonners This rogimont alco has an atached Contingent of two Overlord Crass, two Urion Clase, and thee Leopard Class Dropships. wit enough combined capacity to lt the entire regiment in a single operation SORENSON’S SABRES Unit Name: Sorenson's Sabres, Tarwaters Battalion, Sth Sword of Light Regiment BRIEF HISTORY ‘Soroncon'e Sabres was formed in ‘April 3021. Priorto that time, the company was commanded by Capiain Abraham Silvereen and was known as Sivereen's Stallions. Silvereen was killed in action in February 3021, and command was transterred to Lieutenant Daniel Sorenson (previously, the company's Fire Lance leader and senior Feutenan}, ‘The company, gartisoned a the time ‘on Wortel, received a call by the planet's governor fo suppress a riot ‘caused by a lemporary food shortage. ‘The situation, created by an administra tive fou-up, was ugly and growing progressively worse by the hour. Tho ‘company’s Command Lance responded immediately and Sivaroon himeoli ‘stepped in, parking hus Oragon a tow hundred moters from the main distur- bance, ‘As a sonior offic ofthe local ‘garrison, Sivereen was a wellknown ‘and much feared figure on the planet, In ‘any event, he elected fo anter the cromd ‘on foo! instead of riding in aboard his ‘Mech. Presumably, he was depending conhis charisma and powerful influence to disparse the mob. Unfortunately, he underestimated the anger ofits parlici- pants. In seconds, witnesses later recalled, Silvereen went from stern ‘warnings to vicious threats and verbal taunts ina heated cialogue. Surrounded bby hungyy citizens who felled to approsi ate his role in the mater, he retreated but fallod to roach his ‘Mech before bing clubded to deain, ‘A.quick but deadly salvo folowed ‘sul, a5 the other three Mechs present ‘opened fre on the mostly unarmed and generally hebpiess ctizens. Several hundred civiians were kiled or injured, though there were no other MachWarrior casualties. General Conti also respondad with rapid action of his own. Within days, the tives lancemaas of the daceased cepiain involved in the incident were ccourt-martialed, found guity, and executed. The charges were not for firing on unarmed civiians—which was considered appropriate beliavior—but ‘ox faling to prevent the senseless death oftheir unit commander. Lieutenant Sorengon took over as intorim com: ander, receiving a promotion ard offical notfcation two months later. At that point, the unt was renamed, During early 3021, repors trickled in that the Federated Suns might attempt a massive rid against several Kurita worlds, including Galocon V. Respond- ing o this trea, AeroSpace Fightors attached to ai ances of numerous companias were skipped and roas- signed to air-cetense dutes on these worlds. Though tho anticipate attack ‘aver came, a rumber of these fighters. including those of Sorenson's Sabres, remained at ther new duty stations. To ‘componsato, crtain changes were ‘made inthe units organization, making itone of the more unerthodox gompa- "ies lourd anywhere in the Draconis Combine ‘Alter receiving porsonnel replace ‘ments and training together fora couple cf months, The Sabres shippod te the Steiner border. Upon their arial in July 3021, the unit began condueting major ‘es against the Lyran Commonweattn words of Morringsido, Fatima, and Ft Loudon, Srking quickly and then ‘moving on, the company ignored strongly detended targes, instead preferring ess important but less ciffcul objectives. Unarmed civilian installations were parcully popuier choices for demoralizing the opposition. intense city fighting, especialy on the latte two planes. proved the wort of the LAN(Lend-Air Mech)-anc-Fighter combination fo: pinpoint strafing ‘none memorable instance in the Fatima city of Nuevo Lisbon, Serenson's superior tactics decoved a numoricaly superior but less experienced Sienner batalon into boliovng the attacking foroe was regimental-ized In fact, Screnson's company used hoavy smoke, lightning air atacks, and ‘lecironic counter-measures to give the signature of an entre regiment. The defenders went 30 far as to withdraw from saveral boroughs of the city, leaving them undefended in order to ‘maneuver more effactivaly on the ‘surrounding plans. This left the urban ‘tea wide open for occupation, pilage, and mass destruction —a favorite Sih Swords activiAtter conducting more than a dozen ful-company hitand-run raids into Steiner space, one as deep as Pandora, Sorenson's Sabres badly depleted their materiel and energy. Most attacks were successful due to thelr element of surprise, oven when fighting against ‘superor numbers. They destroyed large ‘caches of vaiuatle cuppliee, evan grain and other toodstutis. To Sorenson's textrome pleasure, it oscurrod without ‘any MechWartior ‘ataites (though they lost a few eooute and other support personnel), Nevertheless, the unit Quickiy deteriorated and was reascigned in January 3022 to the Galedon Military District for a period of garrison duty and equipment reiting From January through August 3022, Sorenson's Sabres served on garrison duty at perhaps the most desolate station in the Distt, the isolated world of Bad News. Under other conditions, ‘Sorenson would have been incensed at ‘such an assignment, but right now, peace and quiat wore exacily what his ‘unit needed. In September 3022, tho unt trans ‘erred to the capital Luthien, serving as ppar of the regular Sword of Light ‘Garrison unti April of 3023, Other than ‘suppressing one minor disturbance that ‘occurred during February 3023, the term (of duty was completed without incident. From May of 2023 through January 0 9024, Tarwater’s Battalion (including ‘Sorenson's Sabres) was dispatched to the world of New Caledonia in the Princfpaliy of Rasahague (a semi- ‘autonomous tertitory within the Draconis Combine). The world had recently experienced heavy losses in conjunction with Bandit King water raids, and Conti's ‘suggestion to use the Sabres 10 reinforce the garrison was approved Everyone expected briet periods of hazardous duty combined with long ppariads of boredom, but no one realized their first act would be in relieving a besiegad defense force, (One of the Bandit Kings—accounts vary 2s to which one—had gent an entire battalion of BattleMechs (un-