Named for the war fan used by ancient Japanese samurai, the Tessen was first conceptualized as a heavy scout 'Mech designed jointly by the DCMS and Com Guard. Numerous philosophical and technological differences, however, lead to the abandonment of the project in 3055. When ComStar’s technicians completed work on their improved version of the Combine C3 computer they sought out a new chassis on which to deploy the system. The unfinished Tessen was quickly identified as a suitable candidate, and six prototypes were constructed for field trials. These trials took place on Tukayyid against a wide variety of opposing forces, including simulated Clan troops. In June 3061, the Tessen was certified combat-ready and full-scale production began. Production ended during the Jihad when Quentin lost supplies of the advanced equipment that made the design possible. The remaining examples of the design slowly faded away, destroyed in the Jihad and the conflicts that followed it, until the Tikonov Free Republic captured Quentin in 3089. With ComStar support, they repaired the manufacturing lines and brought the Tessen back to full production, this time for Tikonov armies using the variant that the Draconis Combine once used.

         The original Tessen was fast and heavily armored for its size, capable of either evading or destroying any threats it encountered while on a mission. The new version remains swift, though not quite as speedy as its predecessor. The reduction in speed allowed the designers to retain the nine tons of ferro-fibrous armor, providing ample protection against weapon fire. The C3 slave, TAG and iNarc systems make it an effective scout for other elements. Its weapon load - now only two pulse lasers and an extended range PPC - is inferior to many lighter ’Mechs, but the Tessen is designed to work with other BattleMechs so the issue of light weapons rarely proves dangerous for the design.
         The Tessen’s speed and resilience let it close with enemy units and provide targeting telemetry to its companions, allowing them to rain devastating firepower down on the designated target. Such attacks proved deadly when used against the Word of Blake, and on Tikonov raiding missions. Similarly, the inclusion of the iNarc system makes more sense in the ’Mech’s spotter role. The pods used by the new system provide considerable flexibility, giving the Tessen limited electronic warfare capability in addition to its normal (improved) role in increasing missile accuracy.

         Though the old Tessen is still used by some ComStar elements, the numbers are limited. The new Tessen is the primary scout unit of the Tikonov armed forces, and can be seen throughout their territory.