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Inner Sphere Factions
Steiner
Spoiler
The Lyran Commonwealth (House Steiner) is commerce oriented with a prominent German presence. They tend to rely on diplomacy over warfare. When it comes time to mix things up, they tend to run heavier mechs than other armies in an effort to overcome the fact that many Lyran generals got their positions through politics, not martial ability. Of the currently available mechs in the game, they are best represented by the Banshee and Highlander, though ironically the Commando was their first home designed mech. The upcoming Zeus is one of the most iconic Steiner mechs ever made.
The Lyran Commonwealth (House Steiner) is commerce oriented with a prominent German presence. They tend to rely on diplomacy over warfare. When it comes time to mix things up, they tend to run heavier mechs than other armies in an effort to overcome the fact that many Lyran generals got their positions through politics, not martial ability. Of the currently available mechs in the game, they are best represented by the Banshee and Highlander, though ironically the Commando was their first home designed mech. The upcoming Zeus is one of the most iconic Steiner mechs ever made.
Kurita
Spoiler
The Draconis Combine (House Kurita) is more obsessed with feudal Japan than a 15 year old anime fan. Their society tends to be very orderly and structured, with a splash of xenophobia. In combat they are the Inner Sphere faction most prone to dueling. Drac machines tend to mount PPCs. The mechs currently in game that best represent them are the Jenner, Dragon, and the stock configuration of the K2 Catapult. The upcoming Panther is an iconic Kurita mech as well.
The Draconis Combine (House Kurita) is more obsessed with feudal Japan than a 15 year old anime fan. Their society tends to be very orderly and structured, with a splash of xenophobia. In combat they are the Inner Sphere faction most prone to dueling. Drac machines tend to mount PPCs. The mechs currently in game that best represent them are the Jenner, Dragon, and the stock configuration of the K2 Catapult. The upcoming Panther is an iconic Kurita mech as well.
Davion
Spoiler
The Federated Suns (House Davion) is heavily Anglo and French, with a very strong martial tradition. As a stable nation based upon western culture, they and the Lyrans are the ones most easily identified with by most gamers. They have a long running rivalry with their Drac neighbors, and are well known for ROFLstomping the Capellans. Mechs currently in game for the FedSuns are the Cataphract, Jagermech, and Centurion. The soon to be released Enforcer is perhaps the most common trooper mech fielded by the FedSuns. As you may have guessed, Davions love them some autocannons.
The Federated Suns (House Davion) is heavily Anglo and French, with a very strong martial tradition. As a stable nation based upon western culture, they and the Lyrans are the ones most easily identified with by most gamers. They have a long running rivalry with their Drac neighbors, and are well known for ROFLstomping the Capellans. Mechs currently in game for the FedSuns are the Cataphract, Jagermech, and Centurion. The soon to be released Enforcer is perhaps the most common trooper mech fielded by the FedSuns. As you may have guessed, Davions love them some autocannons.
Liao
Spoiler
The Capellan Confederation (House Liao) is dominated by Chinese heritage, with a sprinkling of Russian. They are also known for the insanity of their ruling family (Maximilian and his daughter Romano were both a few fruits shy of a basket, and Romano's daughter Kali was a fruit salad by herself). Capellans are survivors, and having been beaten back repeatedly by the FedSuns (and rarely interacting with the Free Worlds League) has made them more xenophobic than the Dracs. They will use any tactic that works, and frequently do not think twice about tactics that might be considered dirty or inhumane. They will gladly employ ECM, flamers, minefields, et al. Current mechs in game: Raven, Catapult, Cataphract, and the Vindicator.
The Capellan Confederation (House Liao) is dominated by Chinese heritage, with a sprinkling of Russian. They are also known for the insanity of their ruling family (Maximilian and his daughter Romano were both a few fruits shy of a basket, and Romano's daughter Kali was a fruit salad by herself). Capellans are survivors, and having been beaten back repeatedly by the FedSuns (and rarely interacting with the Free Worlds League) has made them more xenophobic than the Dracs. They will use any tactic that works, and frequently do not think twice about tactics that might be considered dirty or inhumane. They will gladly employ ECM, flamers, minefields, et al. Current mechs in game: Raven, Catapult, Cataphract, and the Vindicator.
Marik
Spoiler
The Free Worlds League (House Marik) is a microcosm of the Inner Sphere. The various smaller states that make up the League are constantly jockeying for influence and/or independence. The nation has been wracked by civil war more than once, which is one of the biggest reasons why it has fared so poorly in the Succession Wars. Current mechs in game: Cicada, Hunchback, Awesome, and Orion.
The Free Worlds League (House Marik) is a microcosm of the Inner Sphere. The various smaller states that make up the League are constantly jockeying for influence and/or independence. The nation has been wracked by civil war more than once, which is one of the biggest reasons why it has fared so poorly in the Succession Wars. Current mechs in game: Cicada, Hunchback, Awesome, and Orion.
Rasalhague
Spoiler
The Free Rasalhague Republic is a very young state with old roots and a strong Scandinavian flavor. The current Elected Prince,Haakon Magnusson, is the realms first ruler, so there is no family dynasty in place as of yet. The FRR is a fairly egalitarian realm, and struggles to maintain good relations with its neighbors, the Lyrans and the Combine. Lyran and Combine mechs tend to dominate their forces.
The Free Rasalhague Republic is a very young state with old roots and a strong Scandinavian flavor. The current Elected Prince,Haakon Magnusson, is the realms first ruler, so there is no family dynasty in place as of yet. The FRR is a fairly egalitarian realm, and struggles to maintain good relations with its neighbors, the Lyrans and the Combine. Lyran and Combine mechs tend to dominate their forces.
Mechs:
Firstly, a note on the model codes. As a general rule, mechs with designators ending in D are Davion variants, K are Kurita, L is Liao, S is Steiner, and M Marik. This is NOT a hard and fast rule. The JR7-D Jenner is an iconic Kurita light mech, the AS7-D is not a Davion specific mech either, the COM-1D and 2D are actually Steiner mechs, etc.
Secondly, the Project Phoenix mechs (P) variants (LCT-1V, SHD-2H, TDR-5S, BLR-1G, WVR-6R, and GRF-1N) are common throughout the Inner Sphere. Many of the other variants are house specific, however.
A last point before notes on individual mechs, remember that trade and battlefield salvage can cause mechs to appear in small numbers in other nations' militaries. The Federated Commonwealth treaty allows for easy trade between Houses Davion and Steiner; a similar treaty exists between Liao, Kurita, and Marik; Davions salvage Kurita Jenners, Kuritas salvage Davion BLR-1Ds, Rasalhague's using both Steiner and Kurita mechs, and with the clan invasion House Marik sells war material to almost everyone. You can justify nearly any Spheroid mech being fielded by any Inner Sphere faction, so don't sweat it if your favorite mech is not normally fielded by your faction of choice.
Light Mechs
Spoiler
Locust: The 1M and 3M are both Marik models, the 1S is Steiner.
Commando: The Commando is an iconic Steiner mech, and is rarely seen in other nations' militaries.
Spider: The 5K is a Kurita variant, the 5D Davion. Houses Marik and Kurita field the lion's share of Spiders, but every Inner Sphere house fields some Spiders.
Firestarter: The S is a Steiner variant, the K is not particularly associated with Kurita. Firestarters are found in pretty much every Inner Sphere army, but rarely deployed in numbers.
Jenner: The Jenner is manufactured exclusively within House Kurita territory. House Davion fields a few due to battle salvage, in other states they are all but non-existent.
Raven: The 4X and 3L are Liao variants, the 2X was the result of House Davion refurbishing Liao 1X Ravens (not available in MWO) during the 4th Succession War offensive against House Liao.
Panther: A staple mech of the Draconis Combine, often deployed to light units to give them ranged support or to heavy units as a more mobile support element. In the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic the Combine ceeded the worlds that had both of their Panther production lines. Other nations fielding Panthers is fairly rare. The 8Z Panther is an older model, long out of production. The 9R was the standard model during the Succession Wars, and the 10K was poorly received (due to the utter lack of double heat sinks many Panther pilots swapped out the more advanced ERPPC for a cooler running standard PPC).
Commando: The Commando is an iconic Steiner mech, and is rarely seen in other nations' militaries.
Spider: The 5K is a Kurita variant, the 5D Davion. Houses Marik and Kurita field the lion's share of Spiders, but every Inner Sphere house fields some Spiders.
Firestarter: The S is a Steiner variant, the K is not particularly associated with Kurita. Firestarters are found in pretty much every Inner Sphere army, but rarely deployed in numbers.
Jenner: The Jenner is manufactured exclusively within House Kurita territory. House Davion fields a few due to battle salvage, in other states they are all but non-existent.
Raven: The 4X and 3L are Liao variants, the 2X was the result of House Davion refurbishing Liao 1X Ravens (not available in MWO) during the 4th Succession War offensive against House Liao.
Panther: A staple mech of the Draconis Combine, often deployed to light units to give them ranged support or to heavy units as a more mobile support element. In the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic the Combine ceeded the worlds that had both of their Panther production lines. Other nations fielding Panthers is fairly rare. The 8Z Panther is an older model, long out of production. The 9R was the standard model during the Succession Wars, and the 10K was poorly received (due to the utter lack of double heat sinks many Panther pilots swapped out the more advanced ERPPC for a cooler running standard PPC).
Medium Mechs
Spoiler
Cicada: All Inner Sphere powers have Cicadas in some quantity. House Marik possess a manufacturing facility for them, and thus possesses the most; the 3M is a Marik variant, but is freely sold. The 3C is a very old variant, most of which belong to House Liao out of pure happenstance.
Blackjack: Possessed in some numbers by all, Liao and Davion have the most. After a surprising performance in 3022, House Davion took a markedly higher interest in the mech.
Vindicator: Long a staple of Capellan units, it is rare outside House Liao's territory. Even Davion warriors have been known to give the mech a tip of the hat for its durability and ferocity. Mercenary quartermasters despise the mech, as it is all but impossible to obtain spare parts for it due to Confederation trade restrictions. As a cost cutting measure, the later SNK-1V Snake is based upon a modified Vindicator chassis.
Centurion: House Davion posses the majority of Centurions, in no small part due to lobbying efforts by the manufacturer, Corean Enterprises.
Enforcer: Perhaps the first mech that comes to mind when one mentions "Davion" and "mech" in the same sentence. Fairly cool running and hard hitting, the Enforcer's biggest weaknesses were unexemplary ground speed (partly mitigated by use of jump jets) and a lack of ammo (the classic 4R carries only a single ton of ammo for its AC10). The 5D fixed both issues by sacrificing durability with an XL engine. The 5P (NOTE: the 5P is not a canon mech, so take this content with a grain of salt) has caused much conjecture; rumors abound of it being a test run for a proposed new production line, and many have tried to link the design to the New Avalon Institute of Science (NAIS) or the eccentric Team Banzai. The Enforcer chassis would go on to be used as the basis for the Watchman and Enforcer III battlemechs.
Hunchback: Possessed by all, House Marik currently has the only manufacturing line for this mech. The majority of Hunchbacks are fielded by House Marik, but their Liao and Kurita allies also field the mech in respectable numbers. Hunchbacks without the AC20 are sometimes referred to as "Swaybacks", as the lack of the iconic cannon tends to change the mech's appearance significantly.
Trebuchet: Primarily a Marik mech (especially the 7M), the 3C model dates back to the Star League, and the 7K is a Kurita variant.
Griffin: The 1S is a Steiner Succession War variant, the 3M is a late Succession War/Early Clan War model put out by the Mariks. The Steiners have a particular affinity for this mech, as a pair of them stand guard by the royal throne on Tharkad.
Kintaro: A Star League era mech, Kintaros saw downgrades during the Succession Wars. For a long time fielded mostly by House Davion, a secret deal with Comstar (the secretive, quasi-religious interstellar communications organization) saw House Kurita not only fielding more of these mechs, but old Star League models.
Shadowhawk: The 2D and 2D2 are Davion models, the 2K is Kurita, the 5M is a widely sold Marik model.
Wolverine: The Wolverine had technical issues with its jump jets, which caused House Kurita to strip them entirely on their 6K model. They were able to equip more reliable jump jets for the later 7K model.
Blackjack: Possessed in some numbers by all, Liao and Davion have the most. After a surprising performance in 3022, House Davion took a markedly higher interest in the mech.
Vindicator: Long a staple of Capellan units, it is rare outside House Liao's territory. Even Davion warriors have been known to give the mech a tip of the hat for its durability and ferocity. Mercenary quartermasters despise the mech, as it is all but impossible to obtain spare parts for it due to Confederation trade restrictions. As a cost cutting measure, the later SNK-1V Snake is based upon a modified Vindicator chassis.
Centurion: House Davion posses the majority of Centurions, in no small part due to lobbying efforts by the manufacturer, Corean Enterprises.
Enforcer: Perhaps the first mech that comes to mind when one mentions "Davion" and "mech" in the same sentence. Fairly cool running and hard hitting, the Enforcer's biggest weaknesses were unexemplary ground speed (partly mitigated by use of jump jets) and a lack of ammo (the classic 4R carries only a single ton of ammo for its AC10). The 5D fixed both issues by sacrificing durability with an XL engine. The 5P (NOTE: the 5P is not a canon mech, so take this content with a grain of salt) has caused much conjecture; rumors abound of it being a test run for a proposed new production line, and many have tried to link the design to the New Avalon Institute of Science (NAIS) or the eccentric Team Banzai. The Enforcer chassis would go on to be used as the basis for the Watchman and Enforcer III battlemechs.
Hunchback: Possessed by all, House Marik currently has the only manufacturing line for this mech. The majority of Hunchbacks are fielded by House Marik, but their Liao and Kurita allies also field the mech in respectable numbers. Hunchbacks without the AC20 are sometimes referred to as "Swaybacks", as the lack of the iconic cannon tends to change the mech's appearance significantly.
Trebuchet: Primarily a Marik mech (especially the 7M), the 3C model dates back to the Star League, and the 7K is a Kurita variant.
Griffin: The 1S is a Steiner Succession War variant, the 3M is a late Succession War/Early Clan War model put out by the Mariks. The Steiners have a particular affinity for this mech, as a pair of them stand guard by the royal throne on Tharkad.
Kintaro: A Star League era mech, Kintaros saw downgrades during the Succession Wars. For a long time fielded mostly by House Davion, a secret deal with Comstar (the secretive, quasi-religious interstellar communications organization) saw House Kurita not only fielding more of these mechs, but old Star League models.
Shadowhawk: The 2D and 2D2 are Davion models, the 2K is Kurita, the 5M is a widely sold Marik model.
Wolverine: The Wolverine had technical issues with its jump jets, which caused House Kurita to strip them entirely on their 6K model. They were able to equip more reliable jump jets for the later 7K model.
Heavy Mechs
Spoiler
Dragon: An iconic Kurita mech, it is fairly rare outside of the Draconis Combine.
Quickdraw: Manufactured in both Marik and Kurita space, Quickdraws are found everywhere.
Catapult: Primarily a Liao mech, House Kurita also possess a few (especially their K2 variant), and the other houses a smattering of them.
Jagermech: The models A and S are almost exclusively Davion, though because Kurita captured a factory in the War of 3039 both houses field the DD model.
Thunderbolt: Fielded by every house, the 5SS and 9S models are House Steiner variants. The 9SE is predominantly utilized by the mercenary Eridani Lighthorse.
Cataphract: An experimental Liao design, the original factory was captured by House Davion during the 4th Succession War. The 1X was the original Liao model, the 2X was also an early Capellan production model. The 4X was a Davion limited production model, and House Davion would eventually produce the 3D as well.
Grasshopper: One of the few jump capable heavy mechs to survive the Succession Wars, the Grasshopper was uncommon. Undergunned for is size, the Grasshopper's strength was an almost unheard of combination of mobility, armor, and consistent firepower.
Orion: Widely available in limited numbers, the ON1-M is a newer Marik refit which is widely fielded by House Marik, with significant sales to other nations.
Dragon: An iconic Kurita mech, it is fairly rare outside of the Draconis Combine.
Quickdraw: Manufactured in both Marik and Kurita space, Quickdraws are found everywhere.
Catapult: Primarily a Liao mech, House Kurita also possess a few (especially their K2 variant), and the other houses a smattering of them.
Jagermech: The models A and S are almost exclusively Davion, though because Kurita captured a factory in the War of 3039 both houses field the DD model.
Thunderbolt: Fielded by every house, the 5SS and 9S models are House Steiner variants. The 9SE is predominantly utilized by the mercenary Eridani Lighthorse.
Cataphract: An experimental Liao design, the original factory was captured by House Davion during the 4th Succession War. The 1X was the original Liao model, the 2X was also an early Capellan production model. The 4X was a Davion limited production model, and House Davion would eventually produce the 3D as well.
Grasshopper: One of the few jump capable heavy mechs to survive the Succession Wars, the Grasshopper was uncommon. Undergunned for is size, the Grasshopper's strength was an almost unheard of combination of mobility, armor, and consistent firepower.
Orion: Widely available in limited numbers, the ON1-M is a newer Marik refit which is widely fielded by House Marik, with significant sales to other nations.
Assault Mechs
Spoiler
Awesome: Manufactured in the House Marik's Free World's League, every House fields some of these.
Victor: Possessed by all, but for a long time primarily a Davion mech. The 9S was a rare variant found in Steiner space. The 9K was originally going to be called the 9D, but House Kurita captured the manufacturing facility during the War of 3039 before production could begin, and they decided to change the model designator without making any significant changes to the machine's equipment.
Zeus: Making its premier at the dawn of the Succession Wars, the first Zeus mechs off the production line saw battle almost before their last welds were cool to the touch. The Zeus is the Lyran Commonwealth's most common assault mech. Due to a combination of being at the low end of the assualt weight class and the Lyran military's reputation for favoring larger mechs to compensate for the inadequacies of their commanders, the Zeus has at times been jokingly referred to as a "Lyran recon mech".
Battlemaster: D, S, and M variants follow the typical model code affiliations.
Stalker: Though everyone has some, they are predominantly manufactured by Houses Marik and Steiner.
Highlander: Predominately a Lyran (Steiner) mech, every house possessed a few in limited (and dwindling) numbers. The Draconis Combine (Kurita) acquired a few Highlanders, including Star League vintage model 732s, out of their deal with Comstar.
Banshee: For a long time found primarily in militias and backwater periphery worlds (that is, worlds on the edge of known space), the 3E Banshee was a boondoggle, and House Marik's 3M did little for the mech's reputation. The Lyran-made 3S was heralded as a step in the right direction, and House Steiner fields the majority of Banshees.
Atlas: Found everywhere in limited quantities. The D-DC was an attempt to add a dual cockpit system. The only model in MWO with any kind of House affiliation, Kurita's AS7-K was rushed into production; hence the use of advanced weapons and engine, but a lack of double heat sinks. The AS7-S was a somewhat better thought out Steiner upgrade.
Awesome: Manufactured in the House Marik's Free World's League, every House fields some of these.
Victor: Possessed by all, but for a long time primarily a Davion mech. The 9S was a rare variant found in Steiner space. The 9K was originally going to be called the 9D, but House Kurita captured the manufacturing facility during the War of 3039 before production could begin, and they decided to change the model designator without making any significant changes to the machine's equipment.
Zeus: Making its premier at the dawn of the Succession Wars, the first Zeus mechs off the production line saw battle almost before their last welds were cool to the touch. The Zeus is the Lyran Commonwealth's most common assault mech. Due to a combination of being at the low end of the assualt weight class and the Lyran military's reputation for favoring larger mechs to compensate for the inadequacies of their commanders, the Zeus has at times been jokingly referred to as a "Lyran recon mech".
Battlemaster: D, S, and M variants follow the typical model code affiliations.
Stalker: Though everyone has some, they are predominantly manufactured by Houses Marik and Steiner.
Highlander: Predominately a Lyran (Steiner) mech, every house possessed a few in limited (and dwindling) numbers. The Draconis Combine (Kurita) acquired a few Highlanders, including Star League vintage model 732s, out of their deal with Comstar.
Banshee: For a long time found primarily in militias and backwater periphery worlds (that is, worlds on the edge of known space), the 3E Banshee was a boondoggle, and House Marik's 3M did little for the mech's reputation. The Lyran-made 3S was heralded as a step in the right direction, and House Steiner fields the majority of Banshees.
Atlas: Found everywhere in limited quantities. The D-DC was an attempt to add a dual cockpit system. The only model in MWO with any kind of House affiliation, Kurita's AS7-K was rushed into production; hence the use of advanced weapons and engine, but a lack of double heat sinks. The AS7-S was a somewhat better thought out Steiner upgrade.
