The Ostsol was commissioned as a heavy 'Mech for extended independent operations. The design criterion called for a maximum speed of at least 80 kilometers per hour, medium armor, and an energy-based weapons system. Kong Interstellar submitted the winning proposal to build the Ostmann Industrie design in 2693, and the first models were finished by the end of the next year.
       The Ostsol was intended for use where supply lines are fragile. Because it has no need for ammunition, it can carry on a guerilla war far behind enemy lines and perform grab-and-run raids to gather valuable supplies.

       As with all 'Mechs mounting medium and heavy lasers, the Ostsol prefers to fight at close range. Besides its paired Tronel heavy and medium lasers, which provide respectable firepower forward, two rear-mounted medium lasers allow the OTL to engage opponents behind it. This is particularly useful when attacking tight formations. Although it lacks enough firepower in any one direction to engage many heavy 'Mechs, the Ostsol provides excellent close-range fire support against a number of opponents.
       The Ostsol's talent for close-range fighting makes it complement   heavier 'Mechs with primarily long-range weaponry. In this capacity, the OTLs are deployed between the enemy forces and the bombardment units. As enemy forces advance, the Ostsols fight a delaying action to keep their opponents within optimum range of the heavy 'Mechs' guns. This tactic is referred to as the "hammer and thumb" technique: it makes the target much easier to hit, but all too often at the price of a bloodied thumb.
       As a battlefield regular, the Ostsol may act either as a leader for recon and lightning lances or in a support role within a lance led by a heavier 'Mech. In either role, its highly sensitive TRSS.2L3 targeting and tracking system allows it to detect enemy units over distances of several kilometers in the most difficult terrain.

       In most engagements, the Ostsol's contribution is difficult to judge. Because it is such an integral part of the lance, its role in the battle is often much less conspicuous than that played by heavier 'Mechs.
       To supplement its firepower, the Ostsol often uses physical attacks, such as punching and kicking, which may inflict serious damage on lighter opponents. It was just such an attack that won a minor battle on Talon. Two companies of the First Crucis Lancers were using the polar regions of the planet as a training ground. Between employers and badly in need of spare parts, the Twelfth Star Guard arrived two weeks after the Lancers. The Guards hoped to regroup and assess the damage that they had suffered at New Boston.
       The Guard's DropShips landed undetected only 600 kilometers from the Lancer encampment. Two weeks later, a Crucis recon lance containing a couple Ostsols spotted a group of unidentified 'Mechs. Assuming them to be part of the training team, the recon lance closed to attack. The unidentified 'Mechs were the remains of one of the Star Guard's best fire lances. By the time the Crucis lance realized its mistake, retreat was impossible.
       At first, the engagement went badly for the Lancers. It was not until the recon leader in his Ostsol closed with the Guard's Archer that the tide began to turn. The OTL began a furious assault with both weapon and physical attacks. Blow after crippling blow rained down on the Archer, crushing armor, weaponry, and superstructure. The heavier 'Mech finally buckled, and with it went the fighting spirit of the Guard's fire lance. Routed, they retreated to their encampment, very much aware that they were not alone on Talon.
       The Ostsol's rear-mounted lasers have always served it well in retreat. Although not specifically designed for that purpose, they do tend to discourage pursuit. During an unsuccessful operation on Severn during the spring of 3011, forces of Hendrik III engaged then retreated from a superior force of 'Mechs. The rear-fighting medium lasers on Hendrik's Archers and Ostsols were effectively used to destroy a number of light 'Mechs that took up pursuit. The operation became a textbook example of retreat with self-provided covering fire.

       The only common variant of the standard OTL-4D replaces the lasers with two Dominion-V PPCs. This conversion   is often used as a short-term replacement for heavier 'Mechs lost in combat. Unfortunately, the large amount of waste heat generated by the PPCs can quickly overload the Ostsol's 16 heat sinks.

Sergeant Lynn Woo
       Lynn is one of the two sisters in the Seventh Sword of Light Regiment. Know as a sharp-shooter, she takes great pride in her gunnery ability. Her black Ostsol has more than its share of kill stripes, and she has twice been decorated for key roles in battle. Sergeant Woo has proved the OTL can play a decisive part in offensive operations.

Lieutenant Charles LaPierre
       Charles is a confirmed gambler. He considers battle just another game, with his life as the stakes. LaPierre definitely plays to win, however. Despite heavy damage to his 'Mech's rear torso, which left it almost completely without armor, LaPierre himself has thus far remained unscathed.