Difference between revisions of "Night Stalkers"
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| − | {{ | + | {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand |
| − | | image | + | | image = [[Image:Draccombine.gif|150px]] |
| − | | | + | | Designation = Night Stalkers |
| − | | | + | | formed = [[3020]] |
| − | | | + | | Disbanded = [[3069]]<ref name=FR:DCMS18>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 18</ref><ref name="TCp160">''Total Chaos'', pp. 160–161: "Yorii"</ref> |
| − | | | + | | Previous Designation = |
| − | | | + | | Nickname = |
| + | | Affiliation = [[Draconis Combine]] | ||
| + | | Parent Command = [[DCMS]] | ||
| + | | Sub-Command = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | + | ==Early History== | |
| − | + | The '''Night Stalkers''' were formed in [[3020]] by ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Lloyd McGavin]] after he was forced to retire from the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] due to age and injuries sustained in service to the Dragon. Despite that, and assuming he'd fail, the High Command still honored him with permission to raise a new regiment. He went to private commercial entities throughout the Combine and raised money to form two regiments, [[McGavin's Regiment]] and [[Johiro's Regiment]]. He filled the officer corps with only retired [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] like himself<ref name=FMDC104c>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 104: "Command"</ref> and the lower billets with failed MechWarrior school dropouts, proving ground graduates, or those destined for less-than-prestigious units. They were considered [[Free-Floating Regiments]], which added to their "dishonor" among the elite of the DCMS.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 146</ref> | |
| − | The '''Night Stalkers''' were formed in [[3020]] by ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Lloyd McGavin]] after he was forced to retire from the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]]. | ||
| − | The unit became known for its raiding tactics, utilizing | + | The unit became known for its raiding tactics, utilizing [[BattleMech#Light|light BattleMechs]] and specialized in raids against enemy-held worlds, with most of their success at the expense of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]]. Their defensive capabilities had also been praised, especially after the regiments played a vital part defending [[Yori 'Mech Works]] at [[Al Na'ir]].<ref name=HKDCp147>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 147: "The Night Stalkers"</ref> Their experienced leadership allowed them to capture objectives that other, younger regiments could not. |
| − | especially after the regiments played a vital part defending [[Yori 'Mech Works]] at [[Al Na'ir]].<ref name=HKDCp147>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 147 "The Night Stalkers"</ref> | ||
| − | However, due to the colonel's affection for his men, he would not use risky tactics which he believed couldn't work. This upset a number of officers and the [[Coordinator]], who split the brigade's two regiments | + | However, due to the colonel's affection for his men, he would not use risky tactics which he believed couldn't work. At least twice he refused to sacrifice his "used-up" warriors for marginal gain.<ref name=FMDC104>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 104</ref> This upset a number of officers and the [[Coordinator]], who split the brigade's two regiments into two separate districts. Also, the Coordinator made sure only limited supplies would be sent to the two units as part of their punishment for disobeying orders.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 149: "Night Stalker" brigade profile - Colonel won't risk his men doing stupid tactics and units are punished for it</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | ===Interregnum=== | ||
| + | The First Regiment was disbanded sometime prior to 3050. They had survived the [[Fourth Succession War]] on [[Basiliano]]<ref name="NAIS4SWp47">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 47: "Basiliano"</ref>, the [[Ronin War]] on [[Heiligendreuz]] and [[Halesowen]]<ref name=HBW:120-121>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 113: "The Ronin War"</ref>, and the War of 3039 on [[Matamoras]]<ref name=Wo39p139>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 139</ref>, but did not see the return of the Clans.<ref name=20YU-40-43>''20 Year Update'', pp. 40–43: "DCMS (Deployment as of 3050)"</ref> | ||
===Clan Invasion, Jihad, and Annihilation=== | ===Clan Invasion, Jihad, and Annihilation=== | ||
| − | Unlike his father, [[Theodore Kurita]] respected the Night Stalkers' philosophy of refusing to sacrifice itself blindly or stupidly and when confronted by the desperate need to rebuild the DCMS from the losses suffered during the initial [[Clan Invasion]], | + | Unlike his father, [[Theodore Kurita]] respected the Night Stalkers' philosophy of refusing to sacrifice itself blindly or stupidly and when confronted by the desperate need to rebuild the DCMS from the losses suffered during the initial [[Clan Invasion]], the Coordinator authorized the creation of the new Third Night Stalkers.<ref name=FMDC106>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 106: "Third Night Stalkers"</ref> |
| − | The [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] would prove to be the final | + | The [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] would prove to be the final death knell of the Night Stalkers, with the Second and Third both shattered after taking heavy losses against the Blakists. The Second Night Stalkers did not take a side when the [[Black Dragon Society]] coup erupted, preferring to guard [[Cebalrai]] against "outside aggression." In [[3069]], the Word of Blake did so, leaving only a quarter of the regiment to escape to [[Ningxia]]. The remains chose to join the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'' and were subsequently destroyed by the ''[[Ryuken-roku]]''.<ref>''Field Report: DCMS'', p. 18</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | The Third Night Stalkers garrisoned [[Lyons]] and [[Yorii]] at the outbreak of the Jihad. The survivors of the reeducation camps would receive the honor of postings to the ''[[Otomo]]''. | ||
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| − | |- | + | |- |
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ||
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ||
| Line 30: | Line 36: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Night Stalkers''' | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Night Stalkers''' | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | ''[[Tai-sa]]''||[[Lloyd McGavin]]||[[3020]] - 304?<ref name=20YU-40-43/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Only retired DCMS warriors are allowed officer ranks above ''[[tai-i]]'' in the Night Stalkers. Younger warriors who deserve promotion are transferred to other DCMS units but are welcomed back once they reach mandatory retirement age. Hopeful retirees number more than open officer positions, and more than 40 percent of the Night Stalkers are voluntarily demoted to ''[[chu-i]]'' to continue their service. Their higher "honorary" titles continue to be used in informal situations, with a pin recognizing their past service.<ref name=FMDC105>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 105</ref> | ||
==Tactics== | ==Tactics== | ||
Different per Unit. | Different per Unit. | ||
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| − | |||
| − | |||
==Units of the Night Stalkers== | ==Units of the Night Stalkers== | ||
| − | + | * [[1st Night Stalkers|First Night Stalkers]] | |
| − | + | * [[2nd Night Stalkers|Second Night Stalkers]] | |
| − | + | * [[3rd Night Stalkers|Third Night Stalkers]] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Color Schemes and Insignia== | ==Color Schemes and Insignia== | ||
| + | The Night Stalkers favor dark colors. They have no brigade insignia. Instead, each regiment displays a unique insignia.<ref name=FMDC104ci>''Field Manual: Draconis Combine'', p. 104: "Colors and Insignia"</ref> The symbol of McGavin's Regiment is a large black cat against a big white moon, and the insignia for Johiro's Regiment is a skeleton wearing a black cloak.<ref name=HKDCp147/> | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | Image:Camokuritanightstalkers1.png|A ''[[Shadow Hawk]] in Night Stalkers colors. | + | Image:Camokuritanightstalkers1.png|A ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' in Second Night Stalkers colors. |
| − | Image:Camokuritanightstalkers.png|An ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' in | + | Image:Camokuritanightstalkers.png|An ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' in Second Night Stalkers colors. |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | + | Night Stalkers 1st logo.png|[[1st Night Stalkers|First Night Stalkers]] | |
| − | + | Night Stalkers 2nd logo 3058.png|[[2nd Night Stalkers|Second Night Stalkers]] | |
| − | + | Night Stalkers 3rd logo.png| [[3rd Night Stalkers|Third Night Stalkers]] | |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| + | |||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | *''[[ | + | * ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]'' |
| − | *''[[Field | + | * ''[[Field Report: DCMS]]'' |
| − | *''[[ | + | * ''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]'' |
| + | |||
[[Category:Draconis Combine Commands|Night Stalkers]] | [[Category:Draconis Combine Commands|Night Stalkers]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:01, 23 February 2023
| |
| Night Stalkers | |
| Formed | 3020 |
| Disbanded | 3069[1][2] |
| Affiliation | Draconis Combine |
| Parent Command | DCMS |
Contents
Early History[edit]
The Night Stalkers were formed in 3020 by Tai-sa Lloyd McGavin after he was forced to retire from the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery due to age and injuries sustained in service to the Dragon. Despite that, and assuming he'd fail, the High Command still honored him with permission to raise a new regiment. He went to private commercial entities throughout the Combine and raised money to form two regiments, McGavin's Regiment and Johiro's Regiment. He filled the officer corps with only retired MechWarriors like himself[3] and the lower billets with failed MechWarrior school dropouts, proving ground graduates, or those destined for less-than-prestigious units. They were considered Free-Floating Regiments, which added to their "dishonor" among the elite of the DCMS.[4]
The unit became known for its raiding tactics, utilizing light BattleMechs and specialized in raids against enemy-held worlds, with most of their success at the expense of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces. Their defensive capabilities had also been praised, especially after the regiments played a vital part defending Yori 'Mech Works at Al Na'ir.[5] Their experienced leadership allowed them to capture objectives that other, younger regiments could not.
However, due to the colonel's affection for his men, he would not use risky tactics which he believed couldn't work. At least twice he refused to sacrifice his "used-up" warriors for marginal gain.[6] This upset a number of officers and the Coordinator, who split the brigade's two regiments into two separate districts. Also, the Coordinator made sure only limited supplies would be sent to the two units as part of their punishment for disobeying orders.[7]
Interregnum[edit]
The First Regiment was disbanded sometime prior to 3050. They had survived the Fourth Succession War on Basiliano[8], the Ronin War on Heiligendreuz and Halesowen[9], and the War of 3039 on Matamoras[10], but did not see the return of the Clans.[11]
Clan Invasion, Jihad, and Annihilation[edit]
Unlike his father, Theodore Kurita respected the Night Stalkers' philosophy of refusing to sacrifice itself blindly or stupidly and when confronted by the desperate need to rebuild the DCMS from the losses suffered during the initial Clan Invasion, the Coordinator authorized the creation of the new Third Night Stalkers.[12]
The Word of Blake Jihad would prove to be the final death knell of the Night Stalkers, with the Second and Third both shattered after taking heavy losses against the Blakists. The Second Night Stalkers did not take a side when the Black Dragon Society coup erupted, preferring to guard Cebalrai against "outside aggression." In 3069, the Word of Blake did so, leaving only a quarter of the regiment to escape to Ningxia. The remains chose to join the Kokuryu-kai and were subsequently destroyed by the Ryuken-roku.[13]
The Third Night Stalkers garrisoned Lyons and Yorii at the outbreak of the Jihad. The survivors of the reeducation camps would receive the honor of postings to the Otomo.
Officers[edit]
| Rank | Name | Command | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commanding Officers of the Night Stalkers | |||
| Tai-sa | Lloyd McGavin | 3020 - 304?[11] | |
Only retired DCMS warriors are allowed officer ranks above tai-i in the Night Stalkers. Younger warriors who deserve promotion are transferred to other DCMS units but are welcomed back once they reach mandatory retirement age. Hopeful retirees number more than open officer positions, and more than 40 percent of the Night Stalkers are voluntarily demoted to chu-i to continue their service. Their higher "honorary" titles continue to be used in informal situations, with a pin recognizing their past service.[14]
Tactics[edit]
Different per Unit.
Units of the Night Stalkers[edit]
Color Schemes and Insignia[edit]
The Night Stalkers favor dark colors. They have no brigade insignia. Instead, each regiment displays a unique insignia.[15] The symbol of McGavin's Regiment is a large black cat against a big white moon, and the insignia for Johiro's Regiment is a skeleton wearing a black cloak.[5]
A Shadow Hawk in Second Night Stalkers colors.
An Atlas in Second Night Stalkers colors.
References[edit]
- ↑ Field Report: DCMS, p. 18
- ↑ Total Chaos, pp. 160–161: "Yorii"
- ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 104: "Command"
- ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 146
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 147: "The Night Stalkers"
- ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 104
- ↑ House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 149: "Night Stalker" brigade profile - Colonel won't risk his men doing stupid tactics and units are punished for it
- ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 47: "Basiliano"
- ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, p. 113: "The Ronin War"
- ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 139
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 20 Year Update, pp. 40–43: "DCMS (Deployment as of 3050)"
- ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 106: "Third Night Stalkers"
- ↑ Field Report: DCMS, p. 18
- ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 105
- ↑ Field Manual: Draconis Combine, p. 104: "Colors and Insignia"