INNER SPHERE NEWS!

Liao Trumpet
January 24th, 3027


Wing Commander Jace Abdel, the leader of the Jace's Aces Merc' unit, was killed by Free Worlds League Militia in a raid against Andurien AeroTech last week. After flunking out of Armstrong Flight Academy, Abdel went on to form a successful aerospace mercenary unit. She is probably most well known for her raid on a NAIS research facility five years ago, in which her unit made off with a half dozen Star League-era 'Mechs and Aerospace Fighters.

The THK-63b Tomahawk Royal she has piloted since the "Great LosTech Grab", as it is known in the aerospace community, crashed during a skirmish with FWLM forces. Although the NAIS has had a 500,000 C-bill bounty on her head for years, no League 'Mechwarriors are stepping forward to claim it. Experts are unsure whether she merely lost control during maneuvers or suffered mechanical failure, as the fighter was reportedly equipped with extremely advanced technologies. Free Worlds technicians have picked over the crash site, but say very little remains, as the crash occurred at extremely high speed.

Other than the loss of their leader, the Aces suffered no casualties in the raid, crippling at least three FWLM 'Mechs. Andurien AeroTech has denied any damage to their facilities, and assures consumers its production will continue on schedule. The fate of the members of the Aces remains uncertain, can the successor to Abdel's legacy hold such a small, tight-knit unit together?

St. Ives Scholar
January 24th, 3027

ACHERNAR BATTLEMECHS ANNOUNCES INCREASED PRODUCTION

Countess Rodina Achernar, CEO of Achernar Battlemechs, announced the opening of an additional production run of Battlemechs. According to the Countess, this expansion will increase production by almost 17%. Most of these 'Mechs have already been purchased by the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces, but some are expected to be released onto the open market in the next few months.

St. Ives Scholar
January 26th, 3027


Reinforcements arrived on Early Dawn today to reinforce the Capellan Confederation's forces there. The Frog of War, a mercenary unit based out of Galatea, single-handedly broke through the 1st Magistracy Highlanders to rescue a cut-off company of the 1st St. Ives Lancers.

According to a Lancer spokesman, the mercenaries landed in the middle of a Highlander company, incinerating a full lance beneath their dropship's drive plume. Amidst the furious point-blank firefight that ensued, the surrounded Lancers counter-attacked, trapping the Canopian troops between them and the Frogs. Once the Lancers had withdrawn, The Frog of War attempted to follow, but their dropship was downed by heavy ground fire from the regrouping Highlanders. The Frog of War is still in the field, and cannot be contacted for a firsthand account.

This is the latest in a series of escalations along the border between the Capellan Confederation and the Magistracy of Canopus, and analysts predict that the fighting will continue to draw in units on both sides.

Press Conference, Sarna Commonality Reserves
January 28th, 3027


Bandit forces entered the Tsingtao system several days ago, striking at defenseless civilian dropships. The brutal pirates abducted nine of our citizens, brave militiamen who held off a much larger looting force so that others could escape. Luckily, General Ny Hon Sa, of the valiant Sarna Commonality Reserves, was visiting the planet as part of his tour of the Davion border. Swiftly gathering his forces, the general pursued the bandits into the wilderness and defeated them in a pitched battle yesterday. Five raider 'Mechs were defeated for the loss of only a single Capellan warrior. The general's forces are still scouring the forest for any surviving raiders, while investigators pour over the wreckage for evidence of Davion involvement.

New Avalon Free Press
February 2nd, 3027

GALAHAD II ANNOUNCED!

First Prince Hanse Davion announced today that last year's Operation Galahad will be repeated this year, to measure improvement in the AFFS's response system. According to the Prince, this year's training operations will be even larger, with nearly 30 Battlemech regiments scheduled to take part in the exercise. Tensions were high last year, with both the Combine and the Confederation fearing we would invade, but Hanse Davion has assured leaders of both nations that these are only exercises, and is rumored to have even invited their militaries to participate in the war games.

Public response has been mixed so far. Merchants and businessmen fear disruption to trade, as several Jumpships have already been requisitioned as auxiliaries, and more are sure to follow. Some, particularly in the Capellan March, fear that our neighbors will see the games as provocation, especially after the recapture of Stein's Folly two years ago. Many border worlds, however, are predicting economic upswings, as government contracts and soldier's pay are expected to bolster local business.



General Ny Hon Sa, commander of the Sarna Commonality Reserves, was reported dead only days ago. News from across the border is scarce, but apparently pirates struck Tsingtao as the general was touring the planet. After raiding several dropships and convoys for loot, Sa cornered them with a superior force, but was killed. The CCAF claims the pirates were wiped out in the battle, but a merchant Jumpship captain who was in-system at the time claims he saw two dropships fleeing towards a local Lagrange Point. Propaganda released by the Capellan Confederation covers up Sa's death, but we at NAFP bring it to you straight!

Donegal Daily Digest
February 7th, 3027


Katrina Steiner spoke today about increased cooperation with the Federated Suns, announcing a joint preparedness exercise. Operation Thor will be similar in design to the Suns' "Galahad", as multiple regiments will deploy from their garrison worlds to planets bordering the Draconis Combine, simulating a response to Kuritan invasion. LCAF officers look forward to demonstrating their unit's abilities, as the highest-scoring regiment will participate in the Alliance Games on Thorin at the culmination of the exercise. The AFFS has, unfortunately, won every single year to date, but top officials are confident that we can prevail.

Planning is already underway, as LCAF officers are beginning an exchange program with their AFFS counterparts. Chara will be the first planet visited by the joint planning team, as Hauptmann-General Sarah Joss and Colonel Ardan Sortek, formerly of the Davion Heavy Guards Regiment, are already en route.

Although some merchant cartels are already protesting the exercises, it does not appear that business will be significantly disrupted, and the Commonwealth Navy has already released assurances that no reserve jumpships will be activated.

New Avalon Free Press
February 15th, 3027

ST. VALENTINE'S DAY MIRACLE! NO DEAD IN TERRORIST ATTACK ON NAIS CAMPUS!

There was no romance at the Kathil campus of the New Avalon Institute of Science yesterday. A lance of unidentified 'Mechs entered District City yesterday, scattering constables and the fire department as they made for the NAIS campus. Fearing the worst, Duke VanLees issued an evacuation order and summoned the Capellan March Militia, only to learn they were several hours march away.

Then something amazing happened. The 'Mechs, painted in writhing flames and devoid of any unit markings, halted outside the main lecture hall and broadcast a recorded message, giving the students and faculty fifteen minutes to flee.

This delay allowed several cadets at the local training cadre to activate their 'Mechs and engage the raiders, but they were driven off and the heart of the campus was burned to the ground. The only building left standing was the institute's hospital, which had not been abandoned because several patients were in too serious condition to be moved. When the 'Mech arsons were finished, they departed, taking two of the training cadre's machines with them. Hours later, a single dropship boosted offplanet and avoided CMM aerospace patrols, and is likely to escape to an unknown jumpship lingering at the system's nadir jump point.

The following is an excerpt from an interview with Glasson Leejer, one of the NAIS cadets who faced the terrorists:

[Interviewer]: "So what happened when you first heard that rogue 'Mechs were headed towards the campus?"

[Glasson Leejer]: "Well, to be honest, my first thought was that it was all a joke. It's Saint Valentine's Day, maybe someone from the militia thought it'd be a good idea to propose his girlfriend from a 'Mech cockpit or something. Ha! But then I heard the Duke's broadcast, and I knew it was the real thing."

[Interviewer]: "What made you decide to fight?"

[Leejer]: "I was sitting in the cafeteria with some of my classmates when the broadcast started, and as we were all rushing out I saw one of the senior cadets running with his neurohelmet towards the armory, still wrapped in a towel. It was the right thing to do I guess. It was only a couple hundred feet to my dorm, do I grabbed my vest and helmet..."

[Interviewer]: "Weren't you ever afraid, though? Did you think for a minute, 'what if I just evacuated with everyone else'?"

[Leejer]: "Well yeah, who wouldn't? I've only driven a 'Mech twice, this is my first semester in the program. But the CMM wasn't to get here in time, so what else could I do?"

[Interviewer]: "How about the actual fighting, what happened?"

[Leejer]: "It all happened pretty fast. By the time we got powered up, the campus was pretty much empty, 'cept the hospital, of course. But you already know about that."

[Interviewer]: "Go on."

[Leejer]: "Well, we headed towards Ian Davion Memorial Lake, wanted to fight them there, since there's so much open space, and then they were right on top of us. Definitely experienced pilots, it was like we were just standing still. I took a couple hits, and the last thing I knew this orange chopper is winging over the cricket field spitting missiles everywhere. I woke up staring at the bottom of the lake through my canopy, watching the water slowly leak through the cracks where a missile must've hit. I tried to stop it, but then felt my Wolverine being dragged up the bank."

[Interviewer]: "Was that when the CMM arrived?"

[Leejer]: "No, ma'am. It was the raiders, in the flame-colored 'Mechs. They'd driven the other cadets off, I guess, and torched the research labs and whatnot, then they came back and fished me out."

[Interviewer]: "Why do you think they did that?"

[Leejer]: "I don't rightly know. Guess they'd gone to so much trouble not to kill anyone, they couldn't let me drown without breaking their record. When was the last time you've ever heard of a pirate rescuing a NAIS cadet?"

New Avalon Free Press
March 18th, 3027


The unknown raiders that levelled the NAIS campus last month were spotted again yesterday, where they ambushed a shipment of artefacts from an archaeological dig on Fortymile. No NAIS employees were injured, but over forty tons of Star League artefacts were taken by a lance of flame-painted Battlemechs before planetary militia could respond.

Speculation is rife over the identity of the raiders, and other NAIS facilities have been advised to increase their own security in case another strike occurs. The President of NAIS, however, issued the following statement in a press conference this morning, "The acts of these poachers are despicable, but they have shown marvelous restraint in avoiding loss of life. All civilian personnel are instructed to comply with the bandits if they are captured. Lives and minds are more important than ancient trinkets."



April 1st, 3027
Daily Dose


Colonel Stanton de Beer, military governor of Nova Roma, has been hounded by allegations for months. Newly uncovered evidence last week has fully exposed his horrible betrayal. Public outcry is vicious and widespread. During a press conference, de Beer revealed that he believes the Andurien rugby team will win gold during next year's Olympic Games, despite the Nova Roma team's homefield advantage. How this will affect the morale of the Romans? We'll be back to you next week with more. Until then, this is your Daily Dose!



May 14th, 3027
Formalhaut Liberator


The zenith jump point above Formalhaut was a scene of disaster on the 11th. The helium tanks on the Jumpship Meridian failed catastrophically, crippling the Lyran merchantman. Despite the damage, the results are better than anyone could possibly have hoped. The Meridian was fully charged to jump out-system en route to New Avalon when the leaks were discovered. Captain William Pfister quickly cancelled the jump and detached all of his dropships, only hours before the tanks ruptured completely. Casualties aboard the Meridian were minor, although the ship will require significant repairs before she can jump.

Those dropships attached to the Meridian were transferred to other jumpships in-system, with several Federated Suns lines offering empty collars. The Silver Eagle's transit will remain on-schedule, as the Lyran Bifrost jumped out with her attached only three hours ago. The Agamemnon and the Tidy Profit will be delayed no more than forty-eight hours, as their new carriers finish charging.

Rumors continue to swirl about the cause of the rupture. Helium tank failures are rare, but not unheardof. Captain Pfister hurriedly reassured customers that his shipping line, Monopole, takes every necessary measure to maintain their jumpships. When one reporter asked him whether sabotage was the cause, he refused to comment. Repair teams from several other jumpships have been shuttled to the stricken Meridian.



Dieron Haiku
May 27th, 3027


The dishonorable Kell Hounds were discovered at an uncolonized star well inside Combine territory two days ago. This gross violation of Kurita space cannot go unpunished, and the Military Governor of Dieron reports that he has already dispatched the 2nd Sword of Light to exact retribution from the lordless dogs.

The Hounds, stationed on Chara III for the past year, appear to have abandoned their post and launched an unprovoked invasion of the Draconis Combine. There is no evidence of other mercenary units or Lyran house troops within Kurita space, and all evidence points to the Kell Hounds simply becoming ronin. Coordinator Takashi Kurita, admonished the Commonwealth for their hiring practices, saying that "only be maintaining strict control of one's underlings can you ensure their loyalty".

New Avalon Free Press
June 5th, 3027


First Prince Hanse Davion spoke today on Northwind about a ferocious battle waged last week in the uninhabited Combine system Styx, which resulted in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Kell of the famed Kell Hounds mercenary unit. Kuritan spies had hijacked the jumpship Bifrost and the dropship Silver Eagle, which was carrying an unidentified Lyran official to the NAIS for medical treatment. The Kell Hounds stumbled across this scheme while narrowly avoiding destruction at the hands of the elite 2nd Sword of Light, who still occupy the Hounds' garrison world of Chara III.

The Kell Hounds heroically freed the civilian hostages and drove off the Combine troops, a previously unseen regiment called the "Genyosha". Lieutenant Colonel Kell was seriously wounded earlier by a Kuritan assassin, then again when his 'Mech was destroyed holding off overwhelming forces. He succumbed to his wounds while en route to Federated Suns space.

Kell was posthumously awarded the Medal Excalibur, and the Hounds as a whole were awarded the Dragon Slayer's Ribbon, as was the mercenary unit "6th of October", who supported the Hounds during the battle. The "Patrick Kell Memorial Scholarship" has also been announced, an annual award to a promising 'Mechwarrior to help them receive first-class training.


Donegal Daily Digest
June 9th, 3027


The Kell Hounds have returned to the Federated Commonwealth today after a harrowing escape through Combine space. The 2nd Sword of Light fled Chara III yesterday when Federated Suns task force entered the system escorting the Kell Hounds. Among the honor guard were the 5th Deneb Light Cavalry, enigmatic Team Banzai, and the newly-founded 6th of October. Among the fanfare, rumors are flying that Colonel Morgan Kell, in self-imposed exile this past decade, has decided to return to the unit to help get revenge for his brother's death. It is unknown if other former Hounds will also return, as many have joined new mercenary outfits or retired.

Atrean Eagle
June 23rd, 3027


Hundreds of thousands are dead on Sirius V, and the death toll is still rising, after Battlemechs breached the oxygen domes protecting several cities on the planet. The 'Mechs, which fled offplanet shortly thereafter, were identified as those of the Gray Death Legion, mercenaries who had just completed a campaign on Sirius. Public outcry at the massacre is widespread and ferocious, with support from the Capellan Confederation and even the Lyran Commonwealth mounting.

The whereabouts of the Legion itself are unknown, but Lord Garth, Duke of Irian, has personally declared them renegade, and ordered the seizure of their facilities on Helm while the matter is being more thoroughly investigated. The Duke is en route to Helm to personally negotiate the Legion's surrender.

Donegal Daily Digest
November 30th, 3027


The 2nd Royal Guards have become the first Lyran regiment to win the Alliance Games this year, at the conclusion of Operation Thor. During wargames on Thorin, the 2nd defeated the AFFS's 3rd Ceti Hussars, a prestigious Davion RCT, denting Davion pride. The Guards credit their success to massive support from the rest of the LCAF.

Arrogant AFFS officers have claimed that the Royal Guards owe their success to Davion tactics and technology, giving credit to themselves despite their defeat. Stock markets across the Commonwealth have already begun to climb as merchant jumpships return from their assignments in the costly wargame exercises, but apparently the Suns economy still suffers from disruption caused by their bloated military, and several trade cartels have voiced complaints at unfair requisitioning practices.


Irian Interpreter
January 1st, 3028


The Gray Death Legion, still wanted for their rogue attack on the Confederation world of Sirius V, and their massacre of nearly 12 million civilians there, could be hiding in the heart of the Free Worlds League. Battlemechs in a mottled grey camo scheme clashed with local militia on Merak yesterday, the three-hour battle occuring after militia scouts detected a dropship hidden in the wilderness regions of the planet's main forest preserve.

A heavy armor company was dispatched, and succeeded in crippling one Battlemech while sustaining no casualties of their own. The Legion escaped by starting a raging forest fire, which continues to burn ferociously in the heart of pristine forests home to no less than four endangered species.

Duke Garth has promised to bring an end to this menace once and for all, and this latest clash has allowed ComStar to formally declare the Legion renegade, in lieu of their violent refusal to submit to a trial and continued flight. The Irian Ducal Guard is already preparing for deployment to Helm, which has been under communications blackout since the atrocity, and some rumors hold that a small Capellan unit will be allowed to participate in the assault as well, as Sirius was a Confederation world before the Legion's strikes there.

New Avalon Free Press
March 7th, 3028


The Galahad wargames are likely to continue into a third year, say sources within the government. Although no official announcement has been made, indicators across the region make Galahad III likely this fall. Jumpship availability is limited from August on, while government projects in the Capellan March are becoming more frequent. We at NAFP will provide more details as this story progresses.


Is there a pattern in mercenary atrocities? Footage of the Gray Death Legion's mass-murder of civilians on Sirius V last year has spread outrage across the Inner Sphere. Although news from the Draconis Combine is not always reliable, Wolf's Dragoons are reported to be resisting Kuritan control. We all pray the decade-old horrors of "Condition Feral" on New Delos will not be repeated. Snord's Irregulars continually bush the boundaries of their contracts to preserve pre-spaceflight Terran memorabilia, while other long-standing outfits, such as the Northwind Highlanders and Hansen's Roughriders, are also experiencing tensions with their employers.

Dieron Haiku
March 18th, 3028


The Wolf's Dragoons have broken their contract with House Kurita, and challenged the Mustered Soldiery to a battle on the planet Misery. Warlord Grieg Samsonov, of the Galedon Military District, has responded on behalf of the Coordinator, ordering the glorious Ryuken to Misery, as well as a half-dozen other regiments. The battle is likely to take place in early April.

This challenge is an act of desperation by the Dragoons to retroactively justify their repeated breach of contract. Dragoon elements have raided numerous Davion border worlds in the past year, disregarding the general cease-fire that has existed since the Battle of Galtor III three years ago. Near the end of 3027, freedom fighters on An Ting seized the Dragoons' orbital factory, but Jaime Wolf was willing to order its total destruction despite its large population of noncombatants. Finally, on the third of January, the Dragoons breached the Ares Conventions by attacking the HPG array on An Ting. Thankfully DCMS garrison troops were able to intervene and prevent the HPG's destruction.


Tharkad Trumpet
March 25th, 3028


Tisthus Steiner, a distant relative of the Archon Katrina, was killed by the renegade Gray Death Legion on Helm. The CO of the 6th of October, he had accepted a contract with the Capellan Confederation to hunt down the Legion after their atrocities on Sirius V. Although was not in the Archon's line of succession, and did not hold a title, he is the second member of the Archon's family to die within the last year, after Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Kell's death on Styx last year. Coincidentally, Tisthus Steiner was present at Colonel Kell's death.

Dieron Haiku
March 28th, 3028

WOLF'S DRAGOONS FLEE FROM MISERY

The cowardly Wolf's Dragoons abandoned the planet Misery, where they had been engaged in a battle against several elite regiments of the Galedon Military District. Sources on Galedon report that the renegade Dragoons have fled to the Federated Suns, and that even now are negotiating a contract with the underhanded Hanse Davion. Warlord Grieg Samsonov, of Galedon, has vowed vengeance against Colonel Jaime Wolf, and tensions along the border have risen.


New Avalon Free Press
April 2nd, 3028

DAVION-STEINER MARRIAGE!

First Prince Hanse Davion announed in a press conference today his betrothal to Melissa Steiner, the Archon-Designate of the Lyran Commonwealth. At first this was suspected to be a preposterous April Fool's joke, but confirmation from the Commonwealth has shocked the entire Inner Sphere. The ceremony will take place on Terra in late November, and Hanse has extended an invitation to the leaders of the other three Great Houses to attend the ceremony on neutral ground.

Reaction thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, Melissa Steiner is well-liked in both realms, although there is some fear of Lyran cultural influence in the more traditional Draconis March. A follow-up announcement has assured those fears by clarifying the future lines of succession. As Archon-Designate, Melissa Steiner will inherit the Lyran Commonwealth upon her mother's resignation or death, and then any firstborn child of the union will inherit both realms, ensuring that a Steiner will never rule the Federated Suns, and a Davion will never rule the Lyran Commonwealth.

Irian Interpreter
April 5th, 3028

GRAY DEATH SHATTERED, BUTCHER OF IRIAN SLAIN!

Duke Garth announced today that the renegade Gray Death Legion had been broken by the death of Colonel Grayson Death Carlyle. Sergeant Shreemayi Pasapuleti, of the Irian Ducal Guard, was posthumously inducted into the Order of the Saber for her heroism in facing down Carlyle's Marauder, killing him with her Thunderbolt's LRMs seconds before being obliterated by the combined fire of the rest of the Gray Death.

Some members of the renegade mercenary unit are reported to have escaped Helm, but without their leader they have no choice but to run for their lives.

Liao Trumpet
April 8th, 3028


Tensions on the border between the Confederation and the Magistracy of Canopus have decreased after a visit from Duchess Candace Liao to the Canopian Magestrix. Although the Chancellor's daughter normally remains on Sian or in her native St. Ives Commonality, she traveled to the Magistracy to prevent further loss of life along the contested border. Details of their agreement have not been released at this time.

Irian Interpreter
April 17th, 3028

MARIK HEIR PROMORED TO COMSTAR PRECENTOR

Thomas Marik, the son of Captain-General Janos Marik, was elevated to the level of Precentor by the Holy Order of ComStar yesterday. According to a press release, Precentor Marik will be assigned control of the Hyper Pulse Generator facilities on Son Hoa, in the Lyran Commonwealth. Some doubt Thomas's loyalty to the League, given his long history with ComStar, but with most of his older siblings dead, he is the logical choice for Janos's heir when the time comes.

Horn of Rasalhague
April 30th, 3028

BANDIT UNIFICATION

In the coreward periphery, rumors abound of an alliance forming between several of the most powerful Pirate Kingdoms, including the so-called "Morgaine's Valkyrate". This has worlds on both sides of the Combine border anxious, as the pirate wars of twenty-five years ago left deep scars on the region.

With the ongoing battle in the Galedon Military District against the treacherous Wolf's Dragoons, can the DCMS still adequately protect planets more than three hundred light-years away? The Rasalhague Military District has always gotten disgraced warriors and cast-off machines, but it is time for that to change!


Robinson Reporter
May 12th, 3028


Incidents of border violations by unknown jumpship, likely of Kuritan origin, have steadily increased along the border of the Draconis March. Galtor, Harrow's Sun, and Wapakoneta were all visited by these mysterious intruders in the last two weeks, with most of the arrivals occuring at non-standard jump points, or "pirate points". The Duke of Robinson has increased the alert level of all forces within thirty light-years of the border, but has also issued orders to "avoid confrontation unless the safety and security of the Federated Suns, or our allies, is imminently threatened."

This is uncharacteristically quiet rhetoric for the Duke, who has vocally protested this year's GALAHAD wargames, which are drawing an unspecified number of regiments to the Capellan border, despite the greater threat posed by the Draconis Combine.



A spokesman for Federated Independent Broadcasters announced today that the corporation is planning a holo-documentary based on the exploits of the Kell Hounds Mercenary Battalion. There is a possibility that the series may include actual combat footage from the Hounds' 'Mech recorders, but that the details are still in negotiation. Some people have criticized FIB for making the announcement at the Silver Eagle Memorial on New Avalon, saying that it cheapens the actions and memories of the fallen. Representatives of the Kell Hounds were unavailable for comment.


*The Silver Eagle Memorial is located in the parks just outside the Davion Palace. It is three-part sculpture of a young girl in traditional Lyran dress cowering behind an oak tree. A mortally wounded wolfhound stands between her and a circling panther, it's jaws open and ready to strike. Upon the tree is carved the names of the dead from the Kell Hounds and 6th of October Mercenary Battalions.

Tharkad Trumpet
May 18th, 3028


The coming wedding between Archon-Designate Melisssa Arthur Steiner and Prince Hanse Andrew Davion has thrown the entire Inner Sphere into a frenzy. ComStar has announced that it will host the ceremony at Hilton Head Island, on Terra itself. The guest list is confidential, but rumors abound that the rulers of the other three Successor States will also be present, the first time such a gathering has happened for a purpose other than to begin or end a war since before the fall of the Star League.


Tamar Times
June 7th, 3028


Landgrave Michael Wellby, CEO of TharHes Industries, announced his company's production of a new battlemech design. Named the WLF-1 Wolfhound in honor of the Kell Hounds mercenaries, the design has yet to go into production, but several initial models have already been displayed. The 35-ton 'Mech's technical data is unavailable, but it superficially resembles the classic Combine Panther design, albeit more lethal and streamlined. The armament has not been identified, but the prototype unveiled mounted a primary weapon, likely a laser or autocannon, on the right arm, and a trio of medium lasers in the chest, while a fourth emerges from it's lower back to cover the rear arc.


Robinson Reporter
July 5th, 3028


Yesterday, reporters and civilians stood witness to a moving ceremony in Fort Belvoir on Harrow's Sun. The Wolf's Dragoons, decimated by Kuritan treachery and now under contract to the Federated Suns, paraded before the Prince's representatives and local citizens, before departing for postings throughout the March. Gleaming armor patches stood out on the battle-scarred machines, and in a moving gesture, the Dragoons marched in their original formations, despite their crippling losses on Misery. In some places only a single 'Mechwarrior held the place for a company of the fallen, while others still hobbled along on crutches or prosthetics. Despite their battered state, Colonel Jaime Wolf has extended his gratitude towards the people of the Draconis March for sheltering them, and has vowed to protect the people of the March against the coils of the Kuritan dragon.

New Avalon Free Press
August 20th, 3028


On Terra today, immediately after being wed to Archon-Designate Melissa Steiner, Prince Hanse Davion declared war on the Capellan Confederation. Raising a slice of the wedding cake, he offered it to his new bride, promising to her an entire interstellar nation as a wedding gift. Chancellor Liao, as well as the Coordinator and the Captain-General, immediately fled the ceremony, fearing capture.

According to public relations officers, the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns have already launched a concerted attack against House Liao, and even as we speak dropships are burning in to liberate Capellan worlds. Our Lyran allies have launched a similar assault against our mutual foe in the Draconis Combine. We do not have independent confirmation at this time, but any further news will be passed on immediately.


Tharkad Trumpet
August 20th, 3028


In the wedding ceremony on Terra today, Prince Davion took Archon-Designate Melissa Steiner's hand in marriage, and promised her the Capellan Confederation! According to General Nondi Steiner, Archon Katrina's sister, LCAF forces are even now jumping into two-dozen Combine star systems, as Davion troops strike almost a dozen more in the Capellan Confederation. Archon Katrina made an announcement from the ceremonies on Terra that "this war will secure for our children a united Inner Sphere of peace." A grand claim, considering that for more than two hundred years, the five Successor States have been divided against each other in unending warfare. But hopes run high, as this new Steiner-Davion alliance means we may have turned the corner on a new era.

Kathil Courier
August 21st, 3028


A spokeswomen for the AFFS has been allowed to release the names of worlds struck in Operation 'RAT', named after the year of the Chinese calendar. Aldebaran, Algol, Liao, New Hessen, Pleione, Poznan, St. Andre, Shensi, and Styk are all being liberated as we speak by brave Davion soldiers. We have received independent confirmation of battles on every planet but Shensi, which is not known to hold any Capellan military forces. Duke Michael Hasek-Davion is still in transit from the wedding on Terra, but his office has assured us that the invasion is in capable hands, and that he has taken measures to secure the Capellan March against possible counterattack from House Liao.

Dieron Haiku,
August 23rd, 3028


Agents of the cowardly Wolf's Dragoons and Federated Suns took the life of the heroic Grieg Samsonov, Warlord of the Galedon Military District, in the hours before their treacherous surprise attack. The Galedon Regulars have sworn vengeance for the death of their leader, and are even now boarding ships to wipe these mercenary scum from the Inner Sphere. Coordinator Kurita has issued a proclamation even as he returns from the betrayal on Terra, announcing "death to the mercenaries!"


Donegal Daily Digest
August 24th, 3028


The resolute warriors of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces have touched down on worlds all along the Draconis Combine's border, giving the conquered populace of these worlds hope for liberation. Nearly two-dozen worlds are now battlefields, and we at the Donegal Daily Digest are the first to be allowed to release the names of those worlds. Al Hillah, Basiliano, Buckminster, Camlann, Diosd, Harvest, Heiligendreuz, Hyperion, Jabuka, Kandis, Karbala, Ko, Marfik, Moritz, New Caledonia, Orestes, Ramsau, Sabik, Shionoha, Vega, Volders, Weingarten, and Wheel all feel the tread of Battlemechs and boots as we take back what is ours.

Liao Trumpet,
August 28th, 3028


Even now, the spurred boots of arrogant FedRat invaders desecrate one of the most sacred sites of the Capellan Confederation. The 33rd Avalon Hussars and the mercenary scum of the Blue Star Irregulars dropped onto Liao after Hanse Davion's treacherous declaration of war on Terra. The Master of Warrior House Lu Sann has called all loyal Capellans to resist this unwarranted invasion, and vows to defend the Forbidden City to the death. All along the Davion border, similar vows have been made, and even now the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces and the Warrior Houses are preparing to destroy the invading forces and throw them back from the Confederation.


Kathil Courier
September 3rd, 3028

VEGAN RANGERS SUBDUE POZNAN, COCHRAINE'S GOLIATHS OVERWHELMED BY SUNS TROOPS

Colonel Vella Delacroix, of the Twelfth Vegan Rangers, quickly subdued the militia defenders of Poznan, in the Capellan Confederation, after a popular uprising by the planet's Hispanic community overthrew the Capellan government. Casualties were minimal on either side, and Delacroix is reportedly being considered for a high AFFS award.

Meanwhile, on St. Andre, Prince Davion's Training Battalions have proved their worth in battle. Delta Company of the 1st Battalion of the Davion Light Guards, made up of volunteers from the Kittery Training Battalion, dropped directly onto the Cochraine's Goliaths mercenary unit. Bravely leading the charge against the much heavier enemy formation, Captain Andrew Redburn jump-jetted his 'Mech into the midst of the Goliaths, crushing Colonel Fiona Cochraine's cockpit. With their leader dead, the Goliaths were thrown into confusion and the "Swift Foxes" quickly destroyed them. Captain Redburn is not believed to have survived the battle.

Atrean Eagle,
September 4th, 3028


Captain-General Janos Marik, just returned from Terra, assures the people of the League that no invasions of our territory have occurred, despite every other major border erupting into conflict over the past two weeks. Of the warring powers he said "Let the fools knock themselves dizzy, while we sit back, rest, and enjoy." His cavalier attitude towards the beginning of this 4th Succession War has drawn criticism from the Duchy Andurien, who claim that the Davion offensive is a prime opportunity to reclaim worlds lost to the Confederation in past decades.


Robinson Reporter,
September 15th, 3028


Kuritan jumpships have arrived in the Glenmora, Harrow's Sun, and Wapakoneta systems and dispatched invasion forces towards all three worlds, which are garrisoned by the battered Wolf's Dragoons. So far, no other March worlds have been attacked, making this Combine offensive appear targeted purely against the Dragoons. Although the Dragoons are still under-strength from earlier battles against the Combine, they have prevailed against steep odds before. The thoughts and prayers of the whole March go out to them.


Tamar Times,
September 27th, 3028

THUNDERING ELEPHANTS TAKE KARBALA WITH HEAVY CASUALTIES

Colonel Frederick Steiner's 10th Lyran Guards, known informally as the "Thundering Elephants" for their heavyweight machines, declared Karbala secure two days ago after Vandelay's Valkyries retreated off-planet. The 10th took disproportionately heavy casualties compared to forces in other battles, and rumors lay this at the feet of Colonel Steiner, who is a vocal opponent of the new Davion combined-arms influence in the LCAF.

Sian Flute
September 31st, 3028

TORMANO LIAO MURDERED BY DAVION INVADERS!

Tormano Liao was with the 1st Ariana Fusiliers on Algo when the treacherous Davions launched their attack. Leading a valiant defense of the planet, the Chancellor's son was brought low by a horde of Suns Battlemechs, then was crushed in his cockpit by a brutal Battlemaster. His loss has spurred fierce defense all along the threatened border, and the Chancellor vows revenge!

MERCENARY ATROCITIES CONTINUE!

On New Canton, brave warriors of the 4th Confederation Reserve Cavalry were finally overcome by the Davion-sponsored Screaming Eagles mercenaries. When a company attempted to surrender to prevent senseless loss of life, the violent mercs welded their cockpits closed and pushed the captured 'Mechs into a nearby river, drowning all twelve sons of the Confederation. This is the latest in a long line of atrocities committed by the paid thugs hired by Hanse Davion to ransack our planets and people!