Updated 30. January 2025 by Sören Spieckermann
The Canopian Highlanders – A special kind of mercenary unit in the BattleTech universe
In the multi-faceted universe of BattleTech, where intrigue, war and personal ambition shape the story, the Canopian Highlanders stand out as an unusual and intriguing mercenary unit. Although at first glance they appear to be just another mercenary group, their roots and unique identity link them closely to the Magistracy of Canopus.
Origin and loyalty
The Canopian Highlanders hail from the Magistracy of Canopus, a small, matriarchal peripheral state known for its unconventional culture, free-spiritedness and promotion of individual freedoms. Although they act as mercenaries and thus enter into contracts with various factions, they are particularly loyal to the Magistracy. Many of their members have familial or cultural ties to this exotic state, which sets them apart from typical, purely profit-oriented mercenaries.
The strength of the Canopian Highlanders
The unit is known for its use of medium and heavy BattleMechs, which excel in both defensive and offensive operations. Their pragmatic and creative approach to combat makes them a challenge to their opponents. Their pilots are known for their courage and loyalty, and their tactics often reflect the values of their homeland – adaptability, cunning and the use of unconventional strategies.
In addition to its military strength, the unit is characterized by its multicultural composition. Many of its members come not only from the Magistracy itself, but also from other parts of the Inner Sphere and Periphery. This diversity brings a unique fighting spirit and creative solutions to the battlefield.
Why the Canopian Highlanders are special
While many mercenary units in BattleTech are driven by fame, fortune or honor, the Canopian Highlanders seem to have a deeper motivation. They often fight not only for pay, but also for the ideals of their homeland. At the same time, their penchant for a fun-loving and pleasure-oriented lifestyle sets them apart – a legacy of the Magistracy.
Conclusion
The Canopian Highlanders symbolize the diversity of the BattleTech universe. They are more than a group of mercenaries; they are an entity with roots, identity and a touch of the exotic, and their connection to the Magistracy of Canopus gives them a special place in the game and the lore.
My company of Canopian Highlanders
I’m a fan of the Periphery States in the Battletech universe. When I was looking for a suitable mercenary unit, I decided on the Canopian Highlanders.
Ich habe dazu mir anhand der Regeln des “Force Buildings” aus der Battletech Alpha Strike Commander`s Edition (Seite 100 und folgende) eine erweiterte Kompanie dieser Söldnereinheit aufgebaut. Zum Thema findet ihr auch etwas hier auf der Seite im Bereich Teamplanung.
My company consists of a Battlelance, a Firelance, a Scoutlance, a Supportlance and two combined infantry lances. I currently have a total of 24 units with a total PV value of 534. I’m also planning a lance tank, but I don’t have any miniatures for it yet.
The era for the units is the Late Succession War (4. Succession War / Late Succession War – Renaissance (3020 – 3049)).
Here I have provided you with a PDF to download of my current company. These were created with Jeff’s BattleTech Tools.
Preferred strategy with this unit composition
I’m a fan of indirect fire. With the two combined infantry lances, I have great spotters for the fire lance and support lance so that they can weaken the enemy with indirect fire. The Scouts, on the other hand, are fast enough to reach and capture buildings/targets quickly or to get into the enemy’s rear. They can also quickly come to the aid of the Firelance and the LRM Carriers if they come under direct fire. And the Battle Lance together with parts of the Support Lance are responsible for direct firefights with the enemy.
Color scheme
The color scheme for the Canopian Highlander is green with golden highlights. It is described here on the Camo Spec page.
