Mech Every Day Force Saturday #1: Marik Militia Recon Lance

 

The Free Worlds League, ruled over most of its existence by House Marik, is the oldest Successor State. So it felt only natural to begin this blog with them. (Tomorrow I'll talk more about the blog itself.)

The Marik Militia has long been the backbone of the Free Worlds League Militia. At their peak they fielded a full 40 regiments, though many of these have fallen and had their colors struck over the centuries. Their base color is purple with blue accents on the left and red on the right. This is one of the first unit paint schemes published for BattleTech; it first appeared in 1988's Camo Specs booklet.

Recon Lances are typically made up of fast Light and Medium BattleMechs. Their primary role is scouting, both mapping local terrain and finding the enemy. Upon engagement they hold the opposing force in place until heavier friendly units can be moved up, and then either withdraw or remain as flankers and harassers.

This lance is notable for including two rather uncommon 'Mechs. The Ostscout and Spider are extremely fast machines with little offensive firepower. They were originally designed for the Star League Defense Force, but high attrition among scouts and the destruction of their production factories made them rare and valuable during the Succession Wars. They're supported by a Wasp, perhaps the most common BattleMech ever produced, and commanded by a similarly-common Medium-weight Phoenix Hawk.

In play, this lance does not bring much firepower - there are Medium 'Mechs that mount as many guns as this entire lance - but it is very fast, perfect for slipping into an opponent's rear and side arcs.

Note that the Spider's individual pictures and notes will appear on Monday, Jan 6, 2025.

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