The Tarnstead Dilemma
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Re: Operation Blackout: The Birth of Ashen Lance
Ashen Lance's First Independent Contract
The Planet: Tarnstead
Location: Deep Periphery, rimward of the Taurian Concordat
Population: 2.3 million (concentrated in three major settlements)
Economy: Rare earth mining, agricultural exports
Garrison: None (former Taurian protectorate, abandoned 3048)
Status: Independent, contested
Tarnstead is a backwater world that found itself suddenly valuable when surveys in 3049 revealed significant deposits of rare earth elements crucial for 'Mech production. Two factions emerged almost immediately, each claiming legitimate authority over the planet.Contract Offer 1: Tarnstead Colonial Authority (TCA)
Employer Overview
The legitimate colonial government established when Tarnstead was first settled 80 years ago. Led by Governor Mira Castellan, the TCA represents the established mining consortiums, original settler families, and the planetary bureaucracy. They control the capital city of New Perth and roughly 60% of the population.
Key Figure: Governor Mira Castellan
• Age: 52
• Background: Third-generation Tarnstead native, former mining engineer
• Personality: Pragmatic, protective of her people, deeply distrustful of off-world interference
• Appearance: Weather-beaten face, gray-streaked dark hair always in a bun, favors practical work clothes over formal attire
Their Position
"We've survived without the Great Houses for two years. We don't need them now that we're suddenly valuable. The people of Tarnstead should decide Tarnstead's future—not some warlord who claims our resources by right of force."Contract Offer 2: Free Tarnstead Movement (FTM)
Employer Overview
A revolutionary movement that emerged after the Taurian Concordat withdrew its protection. Led by Commander Davos Krine, a former Taurian officer who was stationed on Tarnstead and chose to stay when his unit pulled out. The FTM argues that the TCA represents only the wealthy elite and that the planet's resources should benefit all citizens equally. They control the northern mining town of Redstone Vale and have strong support in the agricultural regions.
Key Figure: Commander Davos Krine
• Age: 38
• Background: Former Taurian Concordat 'Mech officer, decorated veteran of border skirmishes
• Personality: Charismatic, idealistic but willing to make hard choices, genuinely believes in his cause
• Appearance: Tall and rangy, close-cropped black hair, missing two fingers on his left hand from a cockpit fire
Their Position
"The TCA sold this planet to the highest bidder the moment those rare earths were discovered. Half the mining profits go off-world to investors who've never set foot on Tarnstead. My people—our people—deserve better than to be wage slaves in someone else's mines. We're not terrorists. We're patriots."Initial Contact
Both employers approach Ashen Lance within days of the unit's arrival on Tarnstead (they came to refuel and resupply after the Gienah convoy job).
Governor Castellan summons them to her office in New Perth's colonial headquarters—a formal meeting with legal contracts, documentation, and bureaucratic procedure. She emphasizes legitimacy and legal authority.
Commander Krine intercepts them at a seedy bar in the starport district, buys them drinks, and makes his pitch over cards and whiskey. He emphasizes justice, opportunity, and the chance to back the underdog. -
CONTRACT TERMS - TCA
Contract Type: Garrison Duty / Objective Raid
Employer: Tarnstead Colonial Authority
Employer Contact: Governor Mira Castellan
Command Rights: Liaison Duty (TCA retains operational control but consults with Ashen Lance)
Contract Duration: 90 days
Deployment: Tarnstead (New Perth and surrounding mining facilities)
BASE SUPPORT: 8 points
Support Point Allocation:
• Salary: 2 points (150,000 C-bills total, paid monthly)
• Salvage Rights: 3 points (40% of salvageable enemy equipment)
• Support: 2 points
o Full repair facility access (New Perth Mechworks)
o Standard ammunition resupply
o Fuel and consumables
o Basic spare parts (non-critical components)
• Transport: 0 points (Unit provides own transport)
• Battle Loss Compensation: 1 point (25% replacement value on destroyed 'Mechs)
Mission Objectives:
Primary: Defend New Perth and TCA-controlled mining facilities from FTM attacks
Secondary: Conduct counter-raids against FTM supply lines and staging areas
Bonus Objective: Neutralize or capture FTM leadership (+50,000 C-bills, +1 support point)
Special Conditions:
• Rules of Engagement: Must minimize civilian casualties in TCA-held territory; collateral damage in FTM areas "regrettable but acceptable"
• Intelligence Sharing: TCA provides detailed maps and intelligence on FTM positions
• Local Support: Access to civilian militia for security duties (unreliable quality) -
CONTRACT TERMS - FTM
Contract Type: Guerrilla Warfare / Cadre Duty
Employer: Free Tarnstead Movement
Employer Contact: Commander Davos Krine
Command Rights: Independent Operations (Ashen Lance has tactical freedom, coordinating with FTM command)
Contract Duration: 90 days
Deployment: Tarnstead (Redstone Vale and mobile operations)
BASE SUPPORT: 8 points
Support Point Allocation:
• Salary: 1 point (90,000 C-bills total, paid in installments)
• Salvage Rights: 4 points (60% of salvageable enemy equipment, first pick)
• Support: 2 points
o Field repair capability (skilled techs, limited facilities)
o Ammunition resupply (what they can scrounge or capture)
o Fuel and consumables
o Priority for captured spare parts
• Transport: 0 points (Unit provides own transport)
• Battle Loss Compensation: 0 points (Cannot afford replacement compensation)
• Special Consideration: 1 point
o Deferred Payment Plan: Additional 60,000 C-bills payable after contract completion (contingent on FTM victory or negotiated settlement)
o Future Contracts: Guaranteed first-refusal rights on planetary defense contracts
Mission Objectives:
Primary: Protect Redstone Vale and FTM-held mining facilities from TCA attacks
Secondary: Conduct raids to disrupt TCA mining operations and supply lines
Tertiary: Escort supply convoys through contested territory
Bonus Objective: Capture intact TCA mining equipment or 'Mechs (+salvage bonus, +reputation)
Special Conditions:
• Questionable Funding: Payment schedule dependent on continued outside support (Magistracy of Canopus suspected)
• Rules of Engagement: Avoid civilian casualties "when practical"; FTM reputation already damaged by past incidents
• Intelligence Network: Excellent civilian intelligence; population in TCA areas sympathetic to FTM
• Guerrilla Support: Access to local guides with intimate terrain knowledge; three platoons of veteran infantry for coordinated operations -
Negotiation Opportunities
Both contracts have negotiable elements:
• TCA: Willing to increase salary support points by reducing salvage rights (they need the wrecks for their own defense)
• FTM: Willing to increase battle loss compensation to 1 point if Ashen Lance accepts lower immediate salary
• Both: May offer additional support points for extended contract length or additional objectivesThe choice is Ashen Lance's to make.
