Greetings Commander, The following is a list of all active registered pilots operating locally under the Privateer Act. As you might already know, they are coordinated by the Raven Nest Council (usually referred to only as "the Nest"). They nominally operate under the same interstellar treaties set down by the Freelancer Initiative of 3265, but it is unknown at this time to what extent the founding Raven Alliance influences the council. As per your request, I have taken all available data and compiled a short dossier for each of the Lancers we have determined to be a significant asset or threat to our operation. More information will be added as it becomes available. If you need additional information, please let me know. Regards, -Caroline Roberts, Assistant Director of Intelligence
So... we're going to be in some part of the timeline post-3295? Holy shit. No TRO's even exist for that point yet.
(apologies for the rough sketch, it is hard to find a good picture of this guy) Codename: CYBER Nest Rank: 3 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (early 30s) Birthplace: Draconis Combine Ethnicity: Japanese-Caucasian Unit: modern era Katana Class Battlemech (75 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones) Specialty: assassination, sabotage, espionage Cyber is a lethal and efficient Lancer with a strong affinity for cutting edge technology. Ranked third among the Nest, his dangerous reputation is well deserved although many cite his reliance on the latest technology to be his greatest weakness. Indeed, casual observers would label him a technophile. Considering his above average use of cybernetic enhancements, they would not be entire wrong. However, it is our opinion that he sees technology as simply a means to an end; optimal efficiency through technology is Cyber's true "modus operandi". To his credit, Cyber is a strictly by-the-books professional and he is as reliable as you are willing to pay him. Outside of reasons of self-preservation, he has no history of defaulting on a contract. There was one reported case of him killing a AAA director, but later evidence showed that this was a retaliatory action after he had been betrayed and left for dead under that director's orders. All charges against Cyber were dropped and reparations to Cyber and the Nest were settled out of court. Cyber has no confirmed loyalties, but he is adept at staying well connected with information and current events. There is evidence showing he has a support network assisting him outside of the Nest. We suspect it is some personal or professional ties with local yakuza, but it cannot be determined at this time which one. His enemies, however, are plentiful. In fact it is a testament to his skill considering how many organizations want him dead. The list is too long here, but chiefly among them is Independence Weaponry. The anti-Kurita sentiments of this company still runs high after its messy separation with the Draconis Combine and relocation to FedSun space. Cyber's suspected connections with Luthien Exports along with his various "private" contracts against Independence have put him in their sights. They will not openly defy the Nest to get to him, but it is safe to say they will not mourn his passing if it ever happens. It is also worth noting his extremely hostile relationship with the #2 Lancer known as "Green Knight". Amusingly, the rivalry appears to somewhat one-sided. While Cyber sees Green Knight as a bitter enemy, Green Knight appears mostly aloof to Cyber's threats. In fact the apparent apathy GK has for Cyber has only intensified the latter's desire to defeat his "rival" in combat. Furthermore, the fact that Cyber cannot challenge the #1 position among the Nest ranks until defeating GK has turned his vendetta into nearly an obsession. Although usually calm and professional, one must be very careful in handling Cyber when GK is present. It is strongly advised to remind him of his contractual duties to keep him in check. More of this rivalry will be covered in the Green Knight file. All that said, despite his idiosyncrasies, Cyber is probably the most professional and reliable mercenary to be found in the region. He appears to not be burdened by ethics, morality, or even loyalties. As long as an employer follows through on their end, Cyber can be reasonably expected to come through on his.
I was going to lock this thread and make it an RP only thing but... nah. I will probably repost later after all of them are done. And yes, Trev... maybe not post-3295, but you got the right idea. That is part of the whole point, anyway. "Tabula rasa", my friends.
Codename: BJORN Nest Rank: 5 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (mid-50s) Birthplace: Jarnfolk Collective Ethnicity: Scandinavian (Jarnfolk) Unit: modern era Grizzly Class Battlemech (70 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones) Specialty: assassination, bodyguarding, guerrilla warfare Bjorn is an experienced Lancer past his prime. A decade ago, he was the finest Lancer the Nest had ever seen; holding the #1 spot longer than anyone had before. Unfortunately, time is finally starting to catch up with him. Now ranked #5, it is likely he will continue to shift lower in the ranking until he either retires or is killed in action. Judging by his strong Jarnfolk background, the latter is more likely. For him, death in battle is preferred to the slow stagnation of old age. A natural warrior in the purest sense, Bjorn's longstanding and fearsome reputation alone is enough to give some enemies pause. Give him a target and he will crush... or defend it with his life... simple as that. However, despite his imposing physical appearance, he is far from being a muscle-headed thug. His Jarnfolk training and keen tactical sense have made him both a master assassin and bodyguard. Indeed, his extensive knowledge has protected as many lives as it has taken. However, in recent years it appears his taste for intrigue has been waning. It is possible his age isn't even the true reason for his drop in performance. Age has changed Bjorn in other ways as well. The more impetuous off-duty habits of his youth have been replaced by a more calm and friendly demeanor. Today, comparing his behavior on and off the battlefield has become an exercise in stark contrasts. Of all the current Lancers, he probably resembles the closest thing to the "ideal Mechwarrior" of days long ago. Strong, talented, intelligent, honorable... he is a natural-born leader and still highly respected among his fellow Lancers.
Codename: JAG Nest Rank: 4 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (late-30s) Birthplace: Terran Republic Ethnicity: African Unit: modern era Kheper Class Battlemech (55 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones) Specialty: assassination, corporate espionage, reconnaissance Descendant of Clan Smoke Jaguar... bit of a hero complex (work in progress).
Codename: JOKER Nest Rank: 6 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (late-20s) Birthplace: Taurian Concordat Ethnicity: Hispanic Unit: modern era Crusader Battlemech (65 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones) Specialty: demolitions, guerrilla warfare Wildcard, likes explosives... too much. Slightly unstable, but dangerous. Untapped hidden potential if she took job more seriously. Gregarious (work in progress)
(picture believed to be family portrait typical to wealthy Lyran families) Codename: PALADIN Nest Rank: 10 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (late-20s) Birthplace: Lyran Alliance Ethnicity: German Caucasian Unit: modern Thor II Omnimech (70 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones) Specialty: Corporate Espionage, Dueling PALADIN is a bit of an unknown simply due to a lack of experience and lack of combat info available for review. Here is what we do know - PALADIN is the first son of an exceedingly wealthy Lyran business family. As befits his upbringing he was sent to the best schools and given the highest level of education available in the Inner Sphere. He excelled at math and business and was expected to follow his father in the family business. It was at university that he developed a fascination with the history of interstellar war, in particular the Battlemech. During his studies PALADIN began to view the Battlemech and historical "Mechwarriors" with a romantic notion of chivalry and honor. Given the views on Mech warfare in the last century this of course was met mostly with derision and scoffed at by peers and educators alike. PALADIN ignored these naysayers and continued to pursue his outdated idea of the "gallant warrior". Using his family's wealth he purchased a very advanced Omnimech as well as the materiel and resources necessary to operate and maintain it. Eventually PALADIN became emboldened enough to register as a Lancer. This decision caused rifts and fractures in his personal life with many of his friends deserting him and his family disowning him. PALADIN had made some investments while at university that paid off so the loss of the family money was no real blow to his accounts. Thus he continues to operate the latest and greatest of advanced technologies, even if he is not properly trained in their use. One thing that PALADIN has trained extensively in is the art of one on one mech combat - again following the ancient idea of chivalry, in this case dueling. He has spent much time studying historic Clan tactics in particular, and prefers to use Clan technology as well. As expected his battles against conventional militia units have been victories but his few engagements against Battlemechs have been surprisingly one-sided also. It is not believed that he has faced off against an experienced Lancer up to this point. Most other Lancers and reviewers offer mixed feelings on PALADIN. Many look down on his romantic ideals and brush him off as an enthusiast but not a real warrior. Others point to the quick success he has had in his short time as a Lancer. The consensus is that nobody is really sure if his successes have come from actual ability or just having the best equipment that money can buy. His privileged upbringing shows through sometimes in his interactions with others - he tends to believe overly much in his own abilities and will often look down his nose at "mercenaries" and "contractors" as he sees them. Thus even those who recognize his ability as a warrior find him off-putting and unpleasant. This makes it hard to assign contracts that involve PALADIN working with others, but by himself and against single opponents he seems to have an edge. It is unknown how he will react if assigned to part of a group mission.
Codename: GREEN KNIGHT Nest Rank: 2 Real name: unknown Age: unknown (male) Birthplace: unknown Ethnicity: unknown Unit: mixed era Black Knight (75 tons) Cohorts: varied (drones), Morpheus Specialty: assassination, raiding (WORK IN PROGRESS) Enigmatic, physical appearance unknown; never seen out of full light body armor, but appears to be male, has some unknown grudge with the current Bounty Hunter, Black Knight appears to be originally based on a Star League model, but has been heavily modified (it is likely few if any original parts remain), extremely hard to track movement, always prefers offensive engagements, generally ignores infantry and civilians (considered not a threat), continuously pursued by #3 ranked Cyber (considered only a moderate threat), first to defeat currently #5 ranked Bjorn almost a decade ago (there appears to be some mutual respect between the two), GK was undisputedly the most dangerous Lancer in the region for a few years until defeated by the current #1 ranked Morpheus, appears to have formed some alliance with Morpheus since then (appears protective of Morpheus when in combat together), the nature of these two Lancer's association is unknown. APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION!
Codename: MORPHEUS Nest Rank: 1 Real name: unknown Age: unknown Birthplace: unknown Ethnicity: unknown Unit: unidentified medium/heavy LancerMech Cohorts: varied (drones), Green Knight Specialty: assassination, raiding (WORK IN PROGRESS) More enigmatic than even the Green Knight, the pilot known as Morpheus has never been seen in public, no data exists on where they came from or who they might be, currently stands unchallenged at #1, only the #2 ranked Green Knight can challenge them for the spot and GK seems uninterested in doing so, Morpheus rarely operates in areas with bystanders, commonly seen accompanied by GK during more "public" missions, many rumors as to the identity and connection of both Morpheus and GK. APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION!
Codename: Rock Lobster Nest Rank: 16 Real name: Peter Smith Age: 33 Birthplace: Somewhere within the Taurian Concordat Ethnicity: Mixed Caucasian/African Unit: Modern King Crab Lancer mech Cohorts: Artillery/support Drones Specialty: Breaking and entering, Blockade Breaking, Entering and breaking If you want a fortress destroyed, who do you call? Rock Lobster. Pesky Woobies have your city under siege? Call Rock Lobster. Woobies have a city under siege that won't fall, who do they call? Rock Lobster. You name it, he breaks it. Hailing from the Taurian Concordat, Rock Lobster doesn't talk much, even less about his past, but Rock Lobster doesn't need to. He lets his Improved Heavy Gauss Rifles do the talking for him. Standing at 6'11" his large muscles are matched only by his thick grisly beard, rounding him out as a gruff and unapproachable giant. Any who do get close enough to him find that behind his rough exterior is a gentle man with a keen mind for tactics. Known to only a select few, and under pain of death should they reveal his secret, Rock Lobster's one indulgence is Flower Pressing. Besides aforementioned secret indulgence, Rock Lobster derives almost too much joy from large ballistics and the fine art of breaking things with large slugs of metal. It's said that Rock Lobster could break into the Capellan Federation capital Zi-Jin Cheng the Forbidden City itself, if he saw fit.
Codename: 13 Nest Rank: 13 Real name: Toby [Redacted] Age: 113 Birthplace: Terra Ethnicity: Average Unit: Modified Assassin, little is known beyond it's use of advanced stealth armor Cohorts: None Specialty: Assassination A native of Terra, and kept alive with the finest medicine money can buy, don't let this woman's age fool you she's just reaching the prime of her life and unfortunately for her targets she shows no signs of stopping. While easy enough to find in the local bars when outside a mech, Toby has never actually been seen on mission or in combat and she intends to keep it that way. Prone to cruel streaks, most who do know her suspect her to be a sadist, her targets would confirm this if only they lived long enough to tell. Enjoys the fact that her nest rank matches her codename. The previous Lancer ranked 13 would disagree, but he hasn't been seen in a while and anyone who cares is too afraid to ask.
Codename: Penthesilea Nest Rank: 20 Real name: Unknown Age: Unknown (mid-30s) Birthplace: Raven Alliance Ethnicity: Caucasian Unit: Goshawk III modified for close-quarters fighting Cohorts: Usually accompanied by several drones, called the "Amazons" Specialty: Lightning raids, sabotage. Former member of the Trojans, a rapid-response unit of the Raven Alliance's Special Operations Executive, Penthesilea mustered out after a brief, meteoric career that came to an end following a disastrous raid on an insurgent camp that saw most of her unit killed. She now works for Nest, contracting out her considerable skills. Penthesilea is often accompanied by several drones, whom she habitually names after the codenames of her fallen comrades. These drones are also equipped with a plethora of close-quarters weaponry. Penthesilea and her cohort of drones strike in a whirlwind of close-ranged and powerful lasers, missiles, and ballistic shots, wreaking murderous havoc and remaining in the fight long after other, more cautious pilots would have disengaged. Penthesilea is typically brusque and businesslike in person, and coolly professional in the field. Her fighting style is hyper-aggressive and lightning quick. She has a tendency towards recklessness, and several Lancers who have worked with her have commented that she may have a death-wish. Her most recent psych evaluation speculates she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor's guilt over the death of her comrades. Traits Aggressive: Penthesilea will, if able, close towards her current target in order to engage with all her weapon-systems. Hot-Blooded: Penthesilea runs her mech hot Reckless: Penthesilea will not retreat from battle until reduced to below 50% BV, or her mech has lost more than 50% of its weaponry.
Will NPC Lancers be controlled by the bot? I am concerned about an issue previously brought up where the bot cannot properly use certain equipment (MASC was specifically mentioned in that case, but there should be others as well).
no, NPC lancers will ALWAYS be controlled by Admin/GM. they are your peers; they may be your ultimate competition... but possibly also your ally. it depends on choices made by the player. Any hostile Lancer you encounter should be considered a "boss" level opponent. In terms of frequency, you won't encounter them every mission (that depends on what contracts are available and which ones you choose). Lancer encounters will also be less common on low pay/priority missions such as bandit hunting (a job many consider beneath them). Like players, Lancers will have preferences to the missions they choose. Here is the mission generator with the current WIP list of mission types: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZcU0ARdjqjm2O5FIF3AKJMuCRCJo7wadpOBAeSgTKI4/viewform?usp=send_form Also, you cannot claim their mech nor ransom them; all Lancers on Antalos work as part of the same guild. For the most part, they will remain your business rivals, but friendly rivals (unless you make enemies). However, they can die just like your character... which means you CAN kill them... but be aware that actions bordering on murder (such as killing already defeated opponents) have potential "consequences" for yourself as well. Since players start as "rookie" Lancers, trying to kill off all your competition will likely go about as well as one could expect (ie. not well at all).
Codename: Safety Nest Rank: ? Real name: Dave Piddit Age: 46 Birthplace: Record N/A Ethnicity: Caucasian Unit: "Functionally" repaired Hammerhands Cohorts: none Specialty: Mid/close range combat and Evasive maneuvers (4/4) Traits: Cowardly Gregarious Ability: Natural Aptitude Gunnery Dave Piddit is a man who believes in the textbook definition of "A safe bet". On paper the combat simulations, training, and aptitude tests point to Mr. Piddit as being a highly competent and skilled mech pilot with a knack for reading the turn of battle who is erroneously misranked. In practice, his skill is severely limited by his unwillingness to take risks and the value he places on his own life over money. If the odds of a mission were 1:1 he would look for another contract unless the pay was well above average. The bulk of "Safety" Piddit's missions are low priority contracts such as cargo escorts and running off poorly equipped outlaws from settlements unable to afford better protection. His diminutive pay grade compared to other lancers compounds his inability to reach his full potential, preventing him from upgrading beyond what most would affectionately refer to as a "starter kit". He spends most of his income on keeping his Hammerhands, an older mech with an otherwise venerable reputation as the ballistic sister of the Warhammer, in operational condition and the rest on living expenses. Recently however Mr. Piddit has seen C-Bills in making himself a cheap alternative for new lancers in need of a competent and skilled veteran pilot to show them the ropes. He has made an attractive offer of pairing his sound and advanced tactical advice with a low 8 to 20% take of the payout on easy and average missions where any other lancer of his skill would be demanding a majority 80% of the noobies' pay as a babysitting charge.
ADMIN NOTICE - Since Roll20 allows for creating character sheets, all Characters will be posted there (including their skills & abilities) for much easier viewing that doesn't require loading MekHQ. Check Roll 20 for details.
