Ostmann Industrie, a Sol-based arms company, produced its Ost Class BattleMechs from 2500-2700. All three designs were extremely successful, although limited production facilities kept their numbers low.
         The Ostroc was the best-known of the Ostmann's walker/pod designs, effectively balancing the Totschlagen 4-rack missile launcher and Ostmann's well-designed Fuersturm heavy and medium lasers. In spite of its rarity, the Ostroc was considered a quality 'Mech, and performed well in battle.

         Intended primarily for urban defense, the Ostroc duplicates the familiar walker/pod profile seen in the heavy Stalker and Marauder 'Mechs, and the low silhouette of the UrbanMech. This makes it a difficult target, especially when obscured by buildings or trees.
         The Ostroc saw service primarily in the Terran sector, where it was assigned to local defense garrisons. Occasional units of Ostrocs were shipped out for combat on the frontiers of the Star League, however, particularly during the Age of War, during Star League's final days, and during the first Succession War.
         The Ostroc is an effective medium 'Mech, fast, well-armored, and well-armed. Its short arms are a handicap in close combat, however, and the otherwise excellent Fuerstrum lasers are easily damaged by the shocks of hand-to-hand combat. In other respects, the Ostroc is a utilitarian 'Mech suited to many roles.

         The Kurita Ostrocs are found mostly in the Home Defense Garrisons of the Pesht Regulars, and are assigned to protect the cities of the inner Kurita Sphere, primarily in the Luthien, Ozawa, Unity, and Sawyer systems. Kurita Ostrocs see little service, but a recent raid on Unity by the bandit forces of Helmar Valasek of Santander pressed the Urban Defense Lances of the Pesht Regulars into unfamiliar service.
         The bandits were intent upon capturing supply caches in the city of Marbury which was defended by two companies of UrbanMechs and Ostrocs. The Kurita MechWarriors engaged in classic city-defense tactics, splitting up and sniping at the enemy Shadow Hawks and Crusaders, using buildings as cover. As usual, it was a hard-fought battle, but Kurita's local superiority, combining two and three Ostrocs against isolated bandit 'Mechs, finally forced the enemy out of the city.
         The Ostroc also functions well as a medium scout. In 3020, for example, Ostrocs on Yance I provided vital data to Davion raiding forces. The numerous Kurita Stingers and Wasps caused problems for the Ostrocs, but in one-on-one combat, the Ostrocs clearly outmatched the lighter vehicles. Kurita LAM's operating in dual air/land lances, were finally employed against the Davion scouts, but the Ostroc's lasers provided good anti-aircraft fire, shooting down several Kurita 'Mechs. Through heavy fighting, the Ostrocs provided vital battle data to the regiments they supported, playing a key role in the success of the Davion attack.
         Ostroc lances also serve House Liao, and those assigned to urban defense in the Chesterton Reserves have fought well, particularly against a Marik raid in 3022. Elements of Smithson's Chinese Bandits, a mercenary unit in the service of House Marik, descended on the Liao capital in a daring raid on the heart of the Capellan Confederacy. The sheer audacity of the move took the Liao forces by surprise, and Maximilian Liao himself organized the defense.
         After initial success, the Bandits suddenly found themselves beset by the Ostrocs of Liao's Chesterton Reserves, which pinned them down in the city of Sylbari while Liao brought in reinforcements. With several heavy Liao regiments on the way, and unable to make headway against the stubborn Ostrocs, the Bandits fell back on their DropShips, then left the system. Their surprise attack had failed, due in large part to the tenacity of the Ostroc BattleMech.

         Some of the minor variations on the Ostroc design include LRMs replacing SRMs, a third heavy laser replacing the two mediums, and even a Marik experimental model with jump jets added. Though all these models show promise, none are especially numerous, and the original design remains the most common.

MechWarrior Thomas Reeves
         A veteran member of Liao's Chesterton Reserves, Reeves' duties primarily involve the defense of Liao's vulnerable cities. He has a pleasant and unassuming manner, and is skillful in his duties. His Ostroc is well maintained. What no one suspects is that this friendly young MechWarrior is a Davion agent, planted in the inner 'Mech units of House Liao to gain information about the workings of the Capellan Confederation's military and the current disposition of defense garrisons.
         The plan has been successful, and has allowed Davion raiders to sting Maximilian Liao repeatedly where his defenses are weakest. Liao is beginning to suspect an intelligence leak, but so far has no reason to investigate this lowly, unassuming MechWarrior in a minor urban defense unit.

Lieutenant Paula Stilson
         Stilson, an Ostroc pilot in command of a lance in Davion's Crucis March Militia, is renowned as both a skilled soldier and a femme fatale of near-legendary exploits.
         Her Ostroc, aptly named the Heartbreaker, is decorated with a heart for every lover she has had. As might be expected, Stilson is a physically striking woman, tall, with dark red hair. The rumor that she is running out of room to paint hearts on her Ostroc is not true, but may not be exaggerated by much.

MechWarrior David Levine
         Serving in House Davion's 22nd Avalon Hussars, Levine has recently gained notoriety as a technical wizard who has modified his blue and gray Ostroc with various electronic and computer gear to give it advanced detection and communication capabilities.
         A short, bearded man with a pleasant manner and infectious smile, Levine pilots his fusion-powered vehicle as a scout along the Draconis March. He has led several successful raids against Kurita border garrisons, and his name is becoming known and detested in high circles of the Combine. This, of course, delights Hanse Davion, who has personally consulted with Levine about duplicating his modifications on other Davion Ostrocs.