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| + | #REDIRECT [[Battle of Harrow's Sun (3028)]] |
| − | | conflict = Battle of Harrow's Sun<br />(Fourth Succession War)
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| − | | partof = The [[Fourth Succession War]]
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| − | | image =
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| − | | caption = The Battle of Harrow's Sun
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| − | | date = 12 September, [[3028]]<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Harrow's Sun", the Eighth Galedon Regulars arrive on 12 September and began attacking civilians</ref> to 27 July, [[3029]]<ref name=NAIS4SWVII11-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", Wolf's Dragoons pulls of Harrow's Sun on 27 July, 3029</ref>
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| − | | place = Trenton<br />Jinxor Crossing<br />String Forest<br />Yustis Pass<br />Fort Belvoir
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| − | | planet = [[Harrow's Sun]]
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| − | | territory = House Kurita takes the planet for the Combine
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| − | | faction1 = Attacker<br />[[House Kurita]]
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| − | | faction2 = Defender<br />[[House Davion]]<br />[[Wolf's Dragoons]]
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| − | | commander1 = ''[[Sho-sho]]'' [[Victor Nicholas]]
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| − | | commander2 = [[Colonel]] [[Wilhelmina Korsht]]<br />[[Colonel]] [[Baxter Arbuthnot]]
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| − | | forces1= [[Eighth Galedon Regulars]]<br />supporting units
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| − | | forces2= [[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Gamma Regiment]]<br />[[Epsilon Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Epsilon Regiment]]<br />[[AFFS]] militia forces
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| − | | forces3 =
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| − | | result = House Kurita pyrrhic victory; Wolf's Dragoons retreat to [[Crossing]]
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| − | | environment = Farmlands, Forests, Hills
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| − | | conditions = Dry
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| − | }}
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| − | The '''Battle of Harrow's Sun''' was the invasion of the [[Federated Suns]] world of [[Harrow's Sun]] by the [[Draconis Combine]] during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. House Kurita was opposed in their invasion by elements of [[Wolf's Dragoons]].
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| − | ==Prelude==
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| − | The [[Battle of Misery]] in April and May of [[3028]] had left unfinished business between Wolf's Dragoons and House Kurita. The Dragoons, having lost half their warriors and more than half their BattleMechs,<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-65-WD-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 65, "Wolf's Dragoons", the Dragoons' losses on Misery</ref><ref name=WDS38-M-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 38, "Misery", the Dragoons' losses on Misery are fifty percent or higher</ref> continued to burn with hatred for the Draconians when they learned of [[Tai-shu|Warlord]] [[Grieg Samsonov]]'s attempted murder of the Dragoon dependents on their way to safety in the Federated Suns.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-65-WD-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 65, "Wolf's Dragoons", Samsanov attempts to slaughter the Dragoon civilians</ref> The Galedon Regulars and other troops of the [[Galedon Military District]], already provoked by the defeat of the [[17th Galedon Regulars|Seventeenth]] and [[Twenty-first Galedon Regulars]] on [[Misery]], were sent into a murderous rage on 23 August, when it was reported that Samsanov had been found murdered, presumably by agents of Wolf's Dragoons or House Davion.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-AOTD-5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Anger of the Dragon", the Galedon Regulars become irate after Samsanov's death</ref>
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| − | On 3 June, the remnants of the Dragoon forces from Misery arrived on Harrow's Sun in the [[Draconis March]] of the Federated Suns, landing at Fort Belvoir, an [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns]] base, and conducting a parade for [[Leftenant General]] [[Ardan Sortek]], one of [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]]'s closest aides, as well as personnel from the [[NAIS]] and [[Team Banzai]]. [[Colonel]] [[Jaime Wolf]] signed a contract that would not only guarantee them another opportunity to fight House Kurita, but would ensure the safety of their families as well. The Dragoon families would travel to [[Robinson]], deep inside Davion territory, where they would be defended by [[Zeta Battalion]] and the Dragoons' support units, now reorganized into their new [[Home Guard (Wolf's Dragoons)|Home Guard]] command. The Dragoons themselves would then take up defensive postions on Harrow's Sun, [[Glenmora]] and [[Wapakoneta]], all key worlds on the Kurita border.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-65-WD-3>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 65, "Wolf's Dragoons", the Dragoons meet with Sortek and sign with the Federated Suns</ref><ref name=WDS39-FC-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 39, "Full Circle", the Dragoons meet with Sortek and sign a contract with House Davion, form the Home Guard to protect their dependents</ref> Sortek also provided the Dragoons with some replacement equipment, with ten ''[[Enforcer]]'' 'Mechs and ten ''[[Sparrowhawk]]'' fighters.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-65-WD-4>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 65, "Wolf's Dragoons", Sortek grants the Dragoons ten 'Mechs and ten fighters</ref><ref name=OTPDTM22-THS-20M-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 22, "Touchpoint : Harrow's Sun", House Davion provides the Dragoons with 20 replacement machines to help make good on their losses</ref>
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| − | Colonel Wolf, for his own part, held [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]] personally responsible for the ''[[seppuku]]'' of his friend, [[Minobu Tetsuhara]], after Misery. On 17 August, he had taken advantage of the [[The Wedding of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner|wedding]] of Hanse Davion and [[Melissa Steiner]] on [[Terra]] to present Tetsuhara's swords to the Coordinator, further declaring that the Dragoons were now at war with his House. Though he accepted the [[mercenary]]'s words stoically, Takashi Kurita was privately enraged at the public insult, and would accept that a feud now existed between the Combine and the Dragoons.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-WD-6>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Anger of the Dragon", Colonel Wolf insults Coordinator Takashi Kurita on Terra</ref><ref name=WDS39-BTD-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 39, "Baiting the Dragon", Jamie Wolf accosts Takashi Kurita at the wedding on Terra</ref>
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| − | With the start of the Fourth Succession War, four regiments of the [[Galedon Regulars]], and a fifth Kuritan regiment in the elite [[Third Proserpina Hussars]], apparently acted without official orders as they stormed across the border, eager to repay the Dragoons for their insults and crimes, real and imagined.<ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", the Galedon Regulars swear vengeance against the Dragoons</ref>
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| − | ==Combatants==
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| − | After Misery, Wolf's Dragoons had reorganized their entire command, with Zeta Battalion and the bulk of their [[conventional]] and [[Aerospace Fighter]] forces forming their original Home Guard, protecting the Dragoon dependents on [[Robinson]]. The line regiments, the backbone of the Dragoons, had been reduced to under 50 percent of their previous strength, and were reformed into provisional companies. Both Gamma and Epsilon Regiments had been reorganized into four BattleMech [[company|companies]] with a regimental command lance each.<ref name=WDS6365-GRUR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 63-65, "Gamma Regiment Unit Roster", Gamma Regiment is reorganized into four companies</ref><ref name=WDS7780-ERUR-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 77-80, "Epsilon Regiment Unit Roster", Epsilon Regiment is reorganized into four companies</ref><ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-2>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", both Gamma and Epsilon Regiments are at half-strength</ref> Although most of their internal formations, down to the lance level, had relatively little experience together, the shared Dragoon doctrine and esprit de corps allowed them to acclimate relatively quickly.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-65-WD-6>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 65, "Wolf's Dragoons", most had at least served with each other at the battalion level</ref> Gamma Regiment, in particular, had developed an intense, passionate hatred for House Kurita as a result of the fighting on Misery, and they would engage the DCMS troops in ferocious if not suicidal attacks.<ref name=OTPDTM13-GR-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 13, "Combatants", "Wolf's Dragoons : Gamma Regiment", Misery pushes Gamma to ferocious heights against House Kurita</ref> The reorganized Gamma Regiment included 51 MechWarriors.<ref name=WDS6365-GR-HS-1-F>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 63-65, "Gamma Regiment Unit Roster", the disposition of Gamma Regiment before and after Harrow's Sun</ref> Epsilon Regiment, in contrast, began regarding each Dragoon and their BattleMech as sacred, and took great lengths to preserve their remaining strength.<ref name=OTPDTM14-ER-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 14, "Combatants", "Wolf's Dragoons : Epsilon Regiment", losses on Misery push Epsilon into a defensive approach</ref> Epsilon's four provisional companies and regimental command lance totaled 52 'Mechs and pilots.<ref name=WDS7780-ER-HS-1-F>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 77-80, "Epsilon Regiment Unit Roster", the disposition of Epsilon Regiment before and after Harrow's Sun</ref> Both Gamma and Epsilon Regiments were assigned to garrison Harrow's Sun.<ref name=WDS39-FC-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 39, "Full Circle", the Dragoons recover and prepare to face House Kurita once again</ref> The AFFS militia forces included a regiment of [[Combat Vehicle]]s and two regiments of [[infantry]], along with a trio of [[Sniper Artillery Cannon]]s for support. These were all placed under the overall command of the Dragoons, with Colonel Korsht holding seniority.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the AFFS provided the Dragoons with supporting forces</ref> The Dragoons also possessed a fleet of their own [[DropShip]]s, sufficient to evacuate their troops if needed. These would remain safely in elliptical orbit for most of the campaign.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-D-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoon DropShips remain in orbit</ref>
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| − | The [[Eighth Galedon Regulars]], under the moniker "The Fate of Enemies", were a heavy, veteran unit who were devout adherents to the code of ''[[bushido]]'' and favored open-field fighting, which would allow them to take advantage of their superior size and firepower.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-AOTD-5/><ref name=OTPDTM14-C-8GR-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 14, "Combatants", "Eighth Galedon Regulars", the composition and tactics of the Eighth Galedon Regulars are described</ref><ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-3>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", the Eighth Galedon Regulars attack Harrow's Sun, confirmed as a veteran unit</ref> In addition to their 'Mechs, the Regulars also fielded a [[Wing (Military Unit)|wing]] of [[aerospace fighter]]s, though General Nicholas, like most DCMS officers, viewed his aerojocks with a certain disdain.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-10-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 10, "Harrow's Sun", the Eighth Galedon included a wing of fighters</ref> The Eighth Regulars would also be accompanied by a [[Infantry#Mechanized_Infantry|mechanized infantry]] regiment to provide support, which most notably included two companies of [[combat engineer]]s. The units would be held in reserve during the early stages of the campaign.<ref name=NAIS4SWVI67-HS-5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Galedon Regulars are accompanied by a mechanized infantry regiment</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW-11-HS-8GR-CE-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', "Harrow's Sun", the Eighth Galedon possessed two companies of combat engineers</ref><ref name=OTPDTM22-THS-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 22, "Touchpoint : Harrow's Sun", "Yustis Pass", the Galedon Regulars are accompanied by several smaller conventional units in reserve</ref>
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| − | ==Battle==
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| − | On 12 September, the Eighth Galedon Regulars landed near Trenton on the New Castle continent, a small farming community approximately 300 kilometers south of [[Fort Belvoir]] where the Dragoons were based. The Regulars had been acting on faulty intelligence, and had therefore landed much further from the prey than they had intended. Frustrated, the Kuritan 'Mechs decided to lure the Dragoons out of their defensive positions. After destroying the local militia tank [[battalion]], they began ruthlessly killing the local civilians of Trenton to draw the Dragoons out. Horrified, the Dragoons sent two companies of Gamma Regiment led by [[Major]] [[Arthur Dumont]], Dumont's own Fourth Provisional Company and [[Captain]] [[Frank Woomack]]'s Third Provisional Company, to engage the DCMS soldiers. Over the course of several days and weeks, the Dragoons drew the Combine 'Mechs northward, away from the civilian population centers.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-HS-1/><ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-4>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", the Regulars begin slaughtering civilians, horrifying the Dragoons</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", Galedon Regulars land on Harrow's Sun in early September</ref>
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| − | ===Jinxor Crossing===
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| − | After avoiding direct confrontation, the Dragoons finally attacked at Jinxor Crossing, a series of hills running along the Jinxor River. A battalion of the Regulars had crossed the river, forming a beachhead while their supply transports made their own way across, with the remaining DCMS forces still on the other side. Major Dumont's Fourth Provisional Company attacked the defending battalion, drawing it away from the river and the defenseless transports. With the transports still in the water, there was not enough room for the other two Kurita battalions to make the crossing. This forced them to cross more quickly than was advisable, then pulling to the side to give the incoming 'Mechs room. Unfortunately, while this was going on, the second Gamma company attacked, destroying eleven of the unprotected transports and destroying two DCMS 'Mechs while they were vulnerable in the river. Both Dragoon units regrouped and safely withdrew before the Regulars could trap the second company, and the near-battalion sized ambush gave the mercenaries a small but important victory early in the campaign.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-HS-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons ambush the Regulars at Jinxor Crossing</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", Dumont's companies sting the Combine forces at the Jinxor River</ref><ref name=OTPDTM8-DTM-HS-A-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", Dragoon command companies the pursuing Galedon 'Mechs</ref>
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| − | ===String Forest===
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| − | Enraged at the ambush, General Nicholas forced his troops to pursue the Dragoons. They nearly caught Dumont's detachment as they exited the String Forest, an indigenous area of Harrow's Sun that had significantly slowed the Gamma companies. This time, it was the Combine troops who had the advantage of surprise. The lead battalion of the Galedon Regulars nearly encircled the Dragoons, as the Kurita 'Mechs opened fire. Major Dumont, however, was able to lead his group out of the trap with brilliant maneuvering, although the Dragoons lost four 'Mechs in the fight.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-HS-5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Harrow's Sun", the Eighth Galedon Regulars surprise the Dragoons at the String Forest</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons and Kurita clash at the String Forest</ref>
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| − | ===Yustis Pass===
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| − | On 28 September, the Kuritans pursued Dumont's two companies to Yustis Pass, where the Galedon Regulars Bravo Battalion was ambushed by the heavy companies commanded by both Colonel Korsht and Colonel Arbuthnot, using the natural defensive positions offered by the pass to pound the Regulars' flanks. With the rest of the Regulars closing in, the Fate of Enemies soon brought their overwhelming numbers to bear on their ambushers, with Gamma Regiment's Command Lance taking the brunt of the fire. Dumont and Woomack pushed back with their companies to cover the retreat. Overall, two Galedon 'Mechs were destroyed and three more were crippled as the Dragoons continued to demonstrate their skill. Unfortunately, Coleonel Korsht took heavy damage to her ''[[Marauder II]]'', effectively taking her out of the fighting for a time. Her two lancemates were both killed in the exchange. Despite that fact, the Dragoons considered the operation a success. The clash at Yustis Pass was the climax of the first phase of the campaign.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons ambush the Regulars at Yustis Pass</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-3>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the ambush at Yustis Pass</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-4>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", Korsht's lance is wiped out and her ''Marauder II'' is damaged at Yustis Pass</ref><ref name=OTPDTM22-THS-2>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 22, "Touchpoint : Harrow's Sun", "Yustis Pass", the date of the ambush at Yustis Pass</ref><ref name=OTPDTM23-THS-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 23, "Touchpoint : Harrow's Sun", "Aftermath", the ambush at Yustis Pass inflicts losses on the Regulars</ref>
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| − | ===Fort Belvoir===
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| − | Despite the encounter at Yustis Pass and other skirmishes, the Eighth Regulars had reached the outskirts of Fort Belvoir by the end of September. The Dragoons had spent months preparing the fort's defenses, with minefields, [[artillery]], defensive turrets and fortress walls around the fort itself. The Dragoons had arranged for multiple lines of defense, with gun emplacements manned by Dragoon infantrymen and mines making up the core of the first line.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-11>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the lines of defense of Fort Belvoir</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-55>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons fall back on Fort Belvoir</ref><ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-5>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", the Galedon Regulars surround Fort Belvoir by late September</ref><ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-6>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 35, "Hold the Line", the Dragoons layered defenses for defending Fort Belvoir</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-5>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", the Dragoons retreat behind Forth Belvoir's defenses</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-6>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", the Galedon Regulars surround Fort Belvoir</ref> It took the Regulars nearly a month to push through these first defenses, costing them time and several 'Mechs.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-12>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Galedon Regulars fight their way through the first lines</ref>
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| − | The Dragoons had fallen back to their second line of defense, a ring around the base the mercenaries named "Blue Swann" after a Gamma Regiment MechWarrior, Brewster Swann, who had been killed on Misery. The Blue Swann ring was approximately one kilometer from the Fort's walls, which included not only more minefields and gun emplacements, but foxholes and ditches large enough to provide cover for a 'Mech.<ref name=NAIS4SWVII10-HS-BS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 10, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons fall back to the Blue Swann line, named for a slain warrior</ref><ref name=WDS63-GR-BS-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 63, "Gamma Regiment Unit Roster : Able Battalion ("Swift Lightning")", Brewster "Blue" Swann was killed on Misery along with Heavy Lance of Booth's Company in Gamma's Able Battalion</ref> The Galedon Regulars attempted a frontal attack, but were stymied by the efforts of [[Captain]] [[Elizabeth Nichole]]'s Fourth Provisional Company of Epsilon Regiment, who used feints and delaying tactics to further stall the advance.<ref name=WDS41-HS-NC-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", Nichole's Company keeps the Regulars off-balance</ref> Recognizing that the situation did not favor a direct assault, ''Sho-sho'' Nicholas adjusted his strategy, instead ordering his Regulars to surround the Fort in late October. This would force the outnumbered Dragoons to stretch their defenses to account for an attack from any direction, leaving little left for a reserve force to meet a major push. The Dragoons considered calling help from the [[Tenth Deneb Light Cavalry]], a green AFFS RCT that had been held in reserve on [[Benet III]], but the Cavalry was needed on Glenmora.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-13>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Galedon Regulars surround Fort Belvoir</ref> The Kuritan forces, on the other hand, hesitated once their encirclement was complete. It was later speculated by a report from Dr. [[B. Banzai]] that this was due to [[Kester Hsiun Chi]], the newly appointed Warlord of the Galedon Military District, having finally taken control of the various Galedon Regulars commands, and that ''Sho-sho'' Nicholas was waiting for authorization to press the attack.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-14>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", Kester Hsiun Chi takes control of the Galedon Military District</ref>
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| − | The Dragoons made the most of this delay, reorganizing their 'Mech forces and setting up new layered defenses around the fort. The layered defenses were intended to ensure that as a Kuritan force pushed through the initial defenses, they would first face a Dragoon company's fire lance reinforced with a platoon of militia tanks. The defense then called for the fire lance, after inflicting as much damage as possible, to fall back to the second line, held by a strike lance. Should the Dragoons be forced to retreat further, the Kuritans would reach a Dragoon command lance. This approach was expected to wear down all but the largest Kuritan attacks.<ref name=TFSWSV1-35-HS-6/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-15>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 67, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons reorganize their layered defenses</ref>
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| − | ====Nichole's Stand====
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| − | On 11 December, the Kuritan forces made their first major push when elements of the Eighth Galedon Regulars' First Battalion attempted to breakthrough the Dragoons' lines, directing a push at Nichole's Company on the outskirts of Belvoir. Davion infantry successfully used [[inferno]] rockets to destroy two approaching 'Mechs and damaged others. Although still outnumbered, Nichole skillfully used the layered defenses, gun emplacements, militia tanks, artillery fire and mines to successfully repel the attack, destroying five enemy 'Mechs with the loss of three.<ref name=NAIS4SWVI68-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 68, "Harrow's Sun", Nichole's Company repels the attack with the loss of three 'Mechs</ref><ref name=4SWV1-3435-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', pp. 34-35, "Hold the Line", Nichole's company opposes the Eighth Galedon Regulars</ref> Over the course of several weeks, Nichole and her company continued to keep the approaching Kuritans off-balance with attacks and feints, and they were credited with giving the other Dragoons time to prepare a defense.<ref name=WDS41-HS-NC-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", Nichole's Company rebuffs the main attack</ref><ref name=FMM102-ER-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 102, "Epsilon Regiment", Nichole's Company earns a reputation during the Fourth Succession War</ref>
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| − | General Nicholas began repeating this tactic all over the line over the course of the next week, with similar results. His Benjamin Regulars lost 30 'Mechs, but destroyed 12 Dragoon 'Mechs and inflicted serious losses to the supporting infantry units. Still holding the advantage, he found these results acceptable.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-68-HS-15>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 68, "Harrow's Sun", the Galedon Regulars push the Dragoons in December, losing 30 'Mechs and destroying 12</ref> Outnumbered and unable to hold their current perimeter, the Dragoons used the cover of night on 5 January to fall back yet again, leaving more minefields and sensor relays to cover their retreat.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-68-HS-16>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 68, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons pull back on 5 January</ref>
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| − | ====Air War====
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| − | While the lull in the Fourth Succession War, running from January to June of [[3029]], spread throughout the rest of the Inner Sphere, it had little impact on Harrow's Sun. General Nicholas realized that a direct 'Mech assault on the Dragoon positions would be inadvisable, however, as a series of foxholes and other natural defenses, prepared in the weeks leading up to the battle, would allow the AFFS infantry to support the Dragoons effectively. This defensive line was approximately one kilometer from the base itself.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-10-HS-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 10, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons' new defensive line is one kilometer from their base</ref> Nicholas decided to attempt a series of aerial bombardments in an effort to crack the Dragoons position. However, he had failed to prepare new landing facilities for his fighters. Therefore, the ships had to fly hundreds of kilometers with their heavy payloads, fight through the Dragoon aerial defenses, drop their bombs, and then conserve enough fuel for their return to their landing strips. The first attempted bombing run came on 13 February, and was a fiasco for the Kuritans, who were unable to maneuver effectively. Defending aerospace fighters destroyed four of their Kuritan counterparts, while damaging four others. The Galedon fighters had to retreat without having even reached their targets. Follow-up runs, with some fighters designated as bombers and others flying escort, allowed some of the bombers to reach their targets, but the damage was minor.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-1011-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 10-11, "Harrow's Sun", the Regulars attempts to crack the Dragoon defense from the sky proves ineffective</ref>
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| − | ====From the Tunnels====
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| − | Throughout February and March, the Regulars attempted to press the Dragoons with follow up 'Mech attacks, attacking from two directions or striking at night. While these did damage to the Dragoons, the Kuritans consistently got the worst of it. The defenders' tight formation, though limiting in some respects, allowed them to quickly respond to any major advance.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", the Regulars press the Dragoons with 'Mech attacks</ref> General Nicholas, realizing he needed a new strategy, now looked to his combat engineers, commanding them to to begin digging tunnels beneath the Dragoon lines, penetrating into the Fort itself. For two months, the men created eight tunnels, giving the Kuritan infantry an opening the Dragoons couldn't defend against. The lull that had impacted military campaigns in every active theater of the war had finally seemed to reach Harrow's Sun, as for nearly two months the two sides faced each other without any significant engagement. But in the early morning hours of 25 June, the Dragoons discovered the tunnels, and quickly began efforts to destroy them. They were able to collapse one of them, destroying a [[platoon]] of Kuritan infantry. The other DCMS foot soldiers, however, breached the defenses of the fort, and quickly overwhelmed the defending Davion militia units. Soon, the Dragoons were facing the prospect of facing fire from behind them as well as from the Galedon Regulars. When they turned their attention on Fort Belvoir, the Regulars renewed their attack on the Blue Swann lines, coordinating with the infantry. The Dragoons were unable to eliminate the enemy infantry, hold off the Galedon Regulars and establish a new defensive perimeter at the same time. During two days of near-constant fighting, the defenders were driven back into the fort.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", the Kuritan infantry tunnels ultimately force the Dragoons to abandon their defensive lines</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-T-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", after two months of digging, Kuritan infantry emerge behind Dragoon lines</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-1-P-1-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 1, "Pressure", the "drac" assault had been going on for a month by July 26th</ref>
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| − | ====Endgame====
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| − | In the weeks that followed, the Dragoons were driven back with heavy casualties. In many instances, the fighting became desperate, with BattleMechs resorting to hand-to-hand fighting after expending their ammunition.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-2/><ref name=WDS41-HS-E-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the slugfest at Fort Belvoir proves brutal for the Dragoons</ref>
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| − | On or around 26 July, Colonel Arbuthnot's command lance was ambushed while they were moving between the lines. Arbuthnot was killed, becoming the first Dragoon Colonel to be killed in the war with House Kurita.<ref name=WDS81-ERP-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 81, "Epsilon Regiment Personalities : Colonel Baxter Arbuthnot", Baxter is killed when his lance is ambushed</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-3>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", Arbuthnot and all of Epsilon's top officers are killed</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-1a2-P-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', pp. 1-2, "Pressure", Gamma-Fourth-Assault is attacked just after hearing of Arbuthnot's death</ref> <ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-7>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", Arbuthnot is killed by the Galedon Regulars</ref> In the end, all of Epsilon's top officers were killed. Major [[Hussein Tajdar]] was cut off from his troops and killed while Major [[Richard Jarrett]] was also slain commanding the Second Provisional Company.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-3/><ref name=WDS41-HS-E-2>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", all of Epsilon Regiment's commanders are killed</ref>
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| − | On the same day Arbuthnot was killed, the Regulars made another major push, this time directed at Dumont's Gamma Fourth Provisional Company. Lieutenant Robert Becker's Assault Lance expended most of their ammunition when they managed to destroy nearly an entire company of light DCMS 'Mechs before a push by a fresh Regulars unit killed Becker and overwhelmed them.<ref name=OTPDTM-1a2-P-1/> Dumont himself was finally killed when his 'Mech exploded, with the Fourth Provisional Company accounting for a full battalion of Galedon Regulars before being effectively destroyed.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-4>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", Gamma's Fourth Provisional Company is destroyed taking out a battalion</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-AD-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", Arthur Dumont is killed when his 'Mech is destroyed after taking tremendous damage</ref> Of the 12 MechWarriors from the Fourth Provisional who began the battle of Harrow's Sun, nine were killed and two more were injured and piloting heavily damaged 'Mechs.<ref name=WDS65-GR-CB-HS-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 65, "Gamma Regiment Unit Roster : Charlie Battalion ("The Black Cats")", the disposition of the Fourth Provisional Company on Harrow's Sun</ref> Elsewhere, Captain Woomack, who had been a rising star with Gamma Regiment, was killed along with most of his Third Provisional Company.<ref name=WDS68-GRP-4>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 68, "Gamma Regiment Personalities : Captain Frank Woomack", Woomack is killed during the fighting on Harrow's Sun</ref> MechWarrior Sylvan Greenspan of Gamma Regiment's Second Provisonal company was slain when a fluke shot pierced her cockpit, leaving her ''[[Orion]]'' virtually undamaged.<ref name=TRO3039-152-O-NM-SG-1>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 152, "Notable MechWarriors", Sylvan Greenspan is killed on Harrow's Sun</ref>
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| − | ====The Dragoons Escape====
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| − | The Dragoons continued to give ground until they held only the spaceport.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-4>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons are driven back to the spaceport</ref> Fortunately, their DropShips had landed at the port during the lull, and when the Kuritans attempted to finish off the mercenaries, the ship's guns drove off the Regulars.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons' DropShip guns hold off the Kuritans</ref> On 27 July 3029, just under a year after the battle had begun, the Dragoons retreated off Harrow's Sun, leaving the planet to the Galedon Regulars and House Kurita.<ref name=NAIS4SWVII11-HS-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-6>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 11, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons lift off Harrow's Sun on 27 July, 3029</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-EE-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the Dragoons retreat off Harrow's Sun</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-8>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 8, "Death to Mercenaries", the Dragoons retreat just under a year after the battle had begun</ref>
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| − | ==Aftermath==
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| − | The Battle of Harrow's Sun devastated the Dragoons' already depleted ranks. Of the 51 MechWarriors of Gamma Regiment who began the battle, 30 were killed and another ten were injured.<ref name=WDS6365-GR-HS-1-F/> Epsilon Regiment's losses were even greater. 32 MechWarriors were killed, including all the surviving senior officers. Seven more pilots were injured. Of the 'Mechs, 34 were considered destroyed with only two of those being recovered for salvage. Six more 'Mechs were seriously damaged before they were evacuated.<ref name=WDS7780-ER-HS-1-F/> With all of Epsilon's senior officers killed,<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-3/> Captain Nichole was effectively left as Epsilon's ranking surviving officer.<ref name=OTPDTM-28-TC-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 28, "Touchpoint : Crossing", Nichole is left as Epsilon's senior surviving officer</ref> The surviving members of both regiments retreated to [[Crossing]] where they rejoined the rest of the Dragoons.
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| − | Exact casualties taken by the Eighth Galedon Regulars are not avaliable, but based on reports during the battle, their losses must have exceeded two battalions of 'Mechs.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-68-HS-15/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-11-HS-4/> It is unclear how many of these MechWarriors survived or how many BattleMechs were salvaged by the victorious Regulars, but regardless it was a very costly win for House Kurita.
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| − | By emptying their military academies and 'Mech stockpiles, Warlord Chi and the Galedon Military District was able to quickly bring the Eighth back up to full strength on paper. However nearly half their warriors were green soldiers, completely inexperienced in battle.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-30-C-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 30, "Crossing", the DCMS brings the weakened Galedon Regulars to full strength with recruits</ref><ref name=OTPDTM-28-TC-2>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 28, "Touchpoint : Crossing", the Galedon Military District rebuilds the Regulars with replacements</ref> All three commands would go on to participate in the [[Battle of Crossing]].
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| − | One of the lasting impacts of the fighting of Harrow's Sun would be the surge in the reputation and regard for Elizabeth Nichole as a commander. After Epsilon was rebuilt, Nichole would eventually rise to the rank of Colonel, in command of the whole unit.<ref name=FMM102-ER-1/>
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| − | ==Notes==
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| − | * According to ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'', the Dragoons defended Harrow's Sun with just Epsilon Regiment and two companies of Gamma Regiment.<ref name=FMM102-ER-2>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 102, "Epsilon Regiment", Epsilon Regiment and two Gamma companies defend Harrow's Sun</ref> This assessment is disputed by multiple sources.
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| − | * Based on the date of the introductory story in ''[[Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries]]'', the death of Colonel Arbuthnot was on or just prior to 26 July 3028.<ref name=OTPDTM1-26JULY-1>''Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries'', p. 1, "Pressure", the date of Colonel Arbuthnot's death is given</ref> This date, however, would have taken place nearly two months before the Galedon Regulars even landed on Harrow's Sun.<ref name=OTPDTM-8-DTM-HS-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-HS-12S-1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 66, "Harrow's Sun", the Eighth Galedon Regulars land on 12 September</ref><ref name=WDS41-HS-12S-1>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 41, "Harrow's Sun", the Galedon Regulars land on 12 September</ref> As of this writing, the developers have not weighed in on this discrepancy. [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/errata/operational-turning-points-death-to-mercenaries/ Question posted regarding date of Arbuthnot's death]
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| − | * According to both ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]'' and ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'', the ambush at Yustis Pass was performed by the command companies of Gamma and Epsilon Regiments.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-1/><ref name=WDS41-HS-1-3/> However, at the time of the battle, both Colonels were using command lances due to the losses on Misery.<ref name=WDS6365-GRUR-1/><ref name=WDS7780-ERUR-1/> It is unclear which provisional companies were involved in the fight.
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| − | * From multiple sources, it is strongly implied that the Eighth Galedon Regulars held a definitive if not overwhelming numerical advantage over the Dragoons throughout the campaign, even after taking siginificant losses.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-66-AOTD-5/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-68-HS-15/> Based on the Dragoon rosters, however, the defenders possessed 103 'Mechs going into the battle, all piloted by combat veterans, most with elite skills.<ref name=WDS6365-GR-HS-1-F/><ref name=WDS7780-ER-HS-1-F/> Combined with the numerical advantage of the defending militia over the Kuritan support units,<ref name=NAIS4SW-V1-67-HS-2/> the Dragoons might be expected to have held the advantage. This apparent inconsistency remains unresolved.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | <references/>
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| − | | |
| − | ==Bibliography==
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| − | * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
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| − | * ''[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]]''
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| − | * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
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| − | * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
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| − | * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Death to Mercenaries]]''
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| − | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
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| − | * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]''
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| − | [[Category:Succession Wars Era Military Operations|Battle of Harrow's Sun]]
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| − | [[Category:Fourth Succession War Era Military Operations|Battle of Harrow's Sun]]
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| − | [[Category:Wolf's Dragoons Military Operations|Battle of Harrow's Sun]]
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