Battletech/Mechwarrior Lore - Tex Talks Battletech : The Rifleman

[@theblackpantslegion]

I am aware Gray Noton was not in the Gray Death Legion. That mention was an error from an earlier draft which persisted and despite my notes to chop it - it remained. I accept all blame and redact it and will address it in the next episode. The emails I have received as of this morning indicate such errors are beneath my station. Thanks for the vote of confidence, ha ha.

[@shilohbane2957]

I felt like an asshat even mentioning it in an earlier comment, but it was like that annoying song stuck in your head for hours working at my sanity. You and the BPL give so much of yourselves in making these videos, I do want to thank you for all you do.

[@naomy1701]

thats such a small error, realy not even worth to bother with more than a short text poping up at that part of the vid (if thats doable) or even just make a pinned comment, given all the work and research and hours that go into one vid, its a small, negligable error at best ^^

[@300lbsNick]

Completely unacceptable Tex, I want your badge and gun on my desk by the end of the day. You are a loose cannon. LOOSE CANNON! only

[@arrgylerawrgyle3784]

I didn't want to mention it. But neither could I let it stand.

[@Grotonomus]

I just drank more bourbon and said shit happens. It's ok man.

[@FirstLast-cg2nk]

Behold the horror that is the Rifleman. Does it have guns made of arms, or does it have arms made of guns? It screams, for it does not know.

[@cameronstrathdee1772]

Arms that are guns. Guns that shoot arms.

[@McPlowed]

Or it screams because it knows, and is terrified of the knowledge.

[@GMorgan84]

@@cameronstrathdee1772 Are there guns on the end of those arms?

[@ActionNerdGo]

It's arms are made of guns and honestly that's pretty bitchin'

[@cliffg.4205]

Thanks for reminding me of this. I appreciate it.

[@Morow991]

Say what you will about piloting a Rifleman, your coffee will never get cold.

[@Ratkill9000]

No, but it sure as hell will be burnt.

[@macrux152__8]

You don't even need to plug the toaster.

[@Bafimar01]

Cook your bacon and eggs in your cockpit.

[@TustlePlays]

@@Bafimar01 Make sure you spring extra for the teflon-coated MFD's

[@CharlesUrban]

It's a giant, heavily-armed Thermos!

[@todo9633]

14:32 ""The Capellans felt that they could not fail, but alas, they had forgotten that they were Capellans."

[@Tom_Cruise_Missile]

Three words. Justin. Allard. Liao.

[@Shadethewolfy]

yeah, fuck House Liao!!

[@combativeThinker]

​@@Tom_Cruise_Missile Exceptions do not disprove the rule.

[@Aceshot-uu7yx]

​@@Tom_Cruise_MissileAnd the first thing he did was go and be friends with the Davions. That is about the LEAST Cappellan thing I can think of.

[@Tom_Cruise_Missile]

​@@Aceshot-uu7yx I didn't mean the man himself, I mean the absolutely despicable things he did to them, look him up and you'll understand. I think I misremembered his name since I don't think he ever MARRIED a Liao (may be wrong on that too) but yeah, dude made their entire nation an absolute joke.

[@jadegecko]

I love how this has progressed The Awesome: Just shy of six and a half minutes The Rifleman: An entire hour, plus ten minutes of jokes, and five minutes just to fit in all the credits

[@theblackpantslegion]

it did get away from us

[@stevenraycopley8885]

@@theblackpantslegion it shows how much love and attention you give to these projects. You guys are a big part of keeping the hobby/universe thriving, by giving out quality content that is in a format that a newbie to Battletech can easily understand. Only twice have I ever made a reminder about a KZbin channel releasing new content, the first being TTB releasing the Rifleman video and the second was the Marauder video. Please, do not stop putting this much dedication into your projects. Take the breaks you need, take your time , take care of yourselves and don't feel bad when you need to step away from a keyboard and take a breather, but deliver the premium content that KZbin is lacking. The BPL team has set the bar high, with this and the Marauder video. To my knowledge there may very well NOT be another lore channel (for other sci-fi universes/settings that put forth this much effort. You and your team have encouraged me to try my hand at KZbin, and I am very grateful that your videos are helping me through a very rough time.....just know that you and your team's efforts are appreciated and loved, and that your community supports you. Thanks for the great content, i look forward to what you drop next

[@AdeptPaladin]

@@theblackpantslegion Honestly.. the Awesome needs some love now. The level of in-depth background and examination you give these mechs should be heaped upon your favourite!

[@Cross_Malaki]

@@AdeptPaladin This, extremely this. Give us an in depth look at the State of the Sphere when Marik made the Awesome.

[@neosavior9305]

@@stevenraycopley8885 I'm a vet from the supernintendo game to the playstation and pc games, yet I love these just because I'm learning things even I didn't know. These videos are also funny as hell. Way better than the vids done by thegrimdarknarrator; not throwing shade,, but the voice is so much better on the ears.I came here looking for info on the mechs in mechwarrior 5 mercenaries.

[@ViridianDelta]

The Humble Rifleman, the result of Kallon Industries undying hatred of anything that flies.

[@stevenraycopley8885]

Who knows... maybe someones family got taken out by an Aerospace fighter strike....and if so that dude got revenge in the end...pilots think twice before entering the A.O. of a fully armed and operational Rifleman...at least the SMART ones do.....

[@weldonwin]

@@stevenraycopley8885 "Now witness the firepower of this Fully armed and Operational Rifleman, you may fire when ready..." *(DAKA DAKA DAKA DAKA DAKA DAKA DAKA)*

[@Tzilandi]

”Kallon Industries undying hatred of anything that flies.” If God wanted you up there, he would have miracled your ass up there by now!

[@shaider1982]

Space Shilka

[@iller3]

See... in almost any other setting where players are ALLOWED to metagame hyper-maneuverable aircraft, it would be the most pivotal unit on the entire field. Just ask anyone in Planetside if Burster-MAXes are seen as "underrated". They ALL have an undying hatred of _anything that flies_

[@rho1581]

Remember when Aerospace superiority meant something? The Rifleman remembers.

[@blah007001]

It still means something, you just have to go to a higher altitude.

[@Overonator]

@Crashie-J Yeah higher into low fucking orbit

[@Adaelgilliam]

Tukayyid remembers...and so does Nova Cat HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[@robertivey7644]

@Crashie-J This is why someone made a light gauss Rifleman.

[@Paerigos]

@@Adaelgilliam Well as far as Tukayyid goes - it has been conquered by Rashalhague Bears and Guisburg eagles from the World of Blake!

[@LarsBlitzer]

"When barely competent Mechwarriors would drive anything into anything, circle at point blank range and press buttons until one of them stopped moving." Well, when you put it like that, it's easy to see how they weren't terribly effective in the Mechwarrior games...

[@AncientSlugThrower]

Yeah, I still remember trying to take down aerospace fighters in MW2 using only a keyboard. Advanced targeting computers can only do so much.

[@oldman747]

is that why the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names?

[@JoshMD2009]

This sounds a lot like many pilots in MWO... Me included. 😁😁😁

[@Schregger]

That comment kinda hurt deeply... but so very true... Though I do wish I could play the newer games and not be such a fucking scrub.

[@LarsBlitzer]

@@Schregger Well, there's Harebrained Schemes turn based game that came out a couple years back. With the last update bringing a lot of the Reseen Mechs to game it's well worth the download.

[@michaelkimberling7307]

My Cousin is a artillery specialist. I can confirm that they just want to watch things explode.

[@barrybend7189]

Meanwhile Battleship artillery officers: yes I want to see things explode but i want Particular things to explode first.

[@PeachDragon_]

​@@barrybend7189any artillery man would blind fire if allowed

[@NemFX]

"We made this one extra sparkly!" "How?" "White phosphorus!" "But that's against the Geneva convention!" "I don't care if that Geneva chick has a convention, fire!"

[@atmosdwagon4656]

Rifleman III. The answer to the question "Is there a mech that makes the Fafnir look subtle, practical and affordable?" Credit where it's due: Amaris managed to out-Steiner House Steiner.

[@GMorgan84]

Nothing alive to call the Fafnir impractical after being hit by dual heavy gauss

[@aker1993]

@@GMorgan84 those heavy gauss hit like 15 trains at once

[@vincentmuyo]

The only impractical thing about it is they should have fielded a lance of them.

[@shawdawg3675]

Did anyone else notice the cockpit shape of the Rifleman 3 kinda looked like the nose of an SR-71? Amaris knew what he was doing with that thing.

[@Colonel_Overkill]

I was challenged to a batchall, terms specified were Summoner prime against any version of rifleman I wished. He was very surprised when I show up in a Rifleman III. By the end of the fight I had 3 gauss slugs left in the ammo bin and the armless summoner was laying on the field with the honorable whoever the fuck was pilot spread across a 30m cone as a thin red paste.

[@SkyhawkCaptain]

“This planet runs on goddamn murder!” I died laughing at that.

[@theblackpantslegion]

Not wrong

[@brandonclark435]

@john smith D.C.?

[@Jamhael1]

Never heard of Rio de Janeiro?

[@barontakedownthisguy7794]

Solaris does have corndogs too, they even have deep fried chocolate cream eggs.

[@connormclernon26]

Luthien?

[@mbailey7701]

"MORE GUNS" "Sir the chassis is at max weight" "Then take the arms off STRAP THEM TO THE SHOULDERS"

[@cropathfinder]

i see you are a man of many memes xD

[@gigastrike2]

"Sir! The medium laser won't fit!" "Remove the other AC/5's ammo bin and put it in there!"

[@voodooninja8966]

Where is the Second large laser? But sir!we dont have the 5 tons free! Strip armor and heatsinks Away until it fits!

[@Deathman271]

"The radio won't fit!"

[@mbailey7701]

Psh radio your not going to be able to hear after you alfa strike ever again

[@onimenno]

"Fights like Florida man called for jury duty." Coughed my pepsi out my nose when I read this.

[@primachpepe8597]

i was drinking wine at the time. an amazing line

[@DeadGamesSociety]

This problem calls for: FLORIDA MAN!!!! (overdoses)

[@bernieperales9348]

Fucking sure puts it into perspective don't it lol

[@ResidentNinja]

Rye and Pepsi in my nose and on my shirt and floor

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

As a Florida man who knows Floridian men, I can confirm.

[@aircraftcarrierwo-class]

"Before we talk about the Rifleman, we have to talk about where it came from" it's the best part of Tex talks: Lore context!

[@mikecrowind3888]

Thank you Sentient Aircraft Carrier!

[@bulbafett5001]

Everytime I hear one of these videos I just want to try running another merc game into doomed failure

[@lucascunningham1799]

The Rifleman combined the best features of all four weight classes: Armament of an Assault, Speed of a heavy Mech, armor of a medium Mech and Heatsinks of a light Mech.

[@cardboardcrafter2482]

Heatsinks of a light mech?

[@lucascunningham1799]

@@cardboardcrafter2482 It is the only Attribute of a light mech, that also fits to the Rifleman.

[@Siddich]

best features? heavy mechs speed? 🤔

[@AGrumpyPanda]

@@Siddich That's the joke. None of those are the best feature of their class.

[@Siddich]

@@AGrumpyPanda haha, i did n r/wooosh there :-)

[@jtdavis3019]

I wish more TV writers would dedicate to their supposed "craft" what you humbly bring with you effort and passion. This work is amazing. Thank you!

[@theblackpantslegion]

Wow, thank you!

[@fyreantz2555]

well said.

[@lukewest7216]

Unfortunately most TV writers don't have the luxury of time Tex devotes to his videos. It'd be great if they did

[@dwwolf4636]

​@@lukewest7216TV shows have multiple staff members that get paid $ to do this stuff.

[@jimmyd142]

That Capellan officer joke... oh my God. There is coffee in my NOSE.

[@theblackpantslegion]

You are welcome

[@greulich9635]

@@theblackpantslegion You forgot the third kind: The one that just stabs the instructor, thereby proving to be a more competent instructor.

[@weldonwin]

@@greulich9635 Isn't that the Kuritan officer selection process?

[@robertschumacher2707]

@@weldonwin No, the Kuritan cadet challenges his superior to a duel with katanas. Order must be maintained after all.

[@Evolution_Kills]

@@robertschumacher2707 "Kurita is an asshole, and will always be an asshole. Prove me wrong." Challenge NOT accepted!

[@logang7203]

Thank you tex, and NEVER feel bad for taking longer to make something worth making

[@HAVOC187CHAOS]

I agree %100

[@brownbear992]

@@HAVOC187CHAOS I'm sure CD Project Red agrees too

[@brownbear992]

@WyrdGuy I returned it and got greek Zelda instead

[@robertkluck1510]

Yeah, everyone's entitled to go slow now and then, especially with the virus and now winter, I am just grateful than when stuff does get made, it's quality

[@justinhare5868]

People will remember the quality foremost. Not the delays. Take the time and do it right.

[@Fieryone233]

I just appreciate how Duncan Fisher has grown as a character through all the commercial appearances.

[@Dunkopf]

FR! he's so good!

[@peterharper358]

More shots in the air than a Periphery wedding celebration. LMAOOOOO

[@CharlesUrban]

Now I want to slap the Taurian Concordat insignia on a pure-white mech and call it "Marital Bliss."

[@TheAKgunner]

@@CharlesUrbanGO FOR IT!!!

[@Adaelgilliam]

I manufacture ammunition for a living. Private, public, and government contracts all pass through my plant and ultimately, my Hands. So 1:Tex keeps me entertained on the floor during my 12~14 hour shifts, but also makes me actually think about the work I do. God Bless Tex and TheBlackPantsLegion

[@robertagren9360]

We just add too many guns on a platform because it can be lonely to be a weapon platform and the heat give some comfort at cold wars

[@feartheamish9183]

Honestly I didn't know which of my friends where battletech fans until they started quoting tex.

[@theblackpantslegion]

hahahaha

[@kafs1822]

@@theblackpantslegion personal faves "get bent space weirdo" and "hippity hoppity get of my property"

[@awittyusernamepleaselaugh7481]

@@kafs1822 *No Capellans* has gotta be my favourite.

[@Deridus]

My daughter says, "Get Bent, Wierdo" thanks to Tex...

[@Bluesci999]

@@kafs1822 A fan of the battle of tukayyid

[@adamcline8728]

Fun fact: I was such a cool kid when I was 5 years old I went as a Rifleman Mech for Halloween.

[@TheStraycat74]

when I as 5 years old BATTLETECH wasn't even going to be a thing for 5 more years... then again I didn't get into it until 1989 when I started 9th grade and then only two or three of us had even heard of it then

[@Logan912]

There was also the time on South Park when Kenny built a fully-functional mech for Halloween and still lost the costume contest.

[@Captain_Kickass-l1f]

Pictures or it didn't happen!

[@weldonwin]

@SonofEyeaboveall Effoff You mean Ed-209? EDM is a record company

[@Puschit1]

Whenever we went camping we strapped rolled-up camping mats over our arms, extending them, and pretended to be Riflemen. If they are rolled up in the correct level of tightness you can thrust and pull back your arms together with the inner layers while the outer layers stay unmoved. This looks like a recoiling gun barrel. We kept on doing this even in our thirties.

[@TheColdsuit]

The Rifleman III is something straight out of the Dark Age of Technology.

[@CowCommando]

But now I want one.

[@CharlesUrban]

All they needed was to fix its speed and it'd have made a very nice Knight.

[@ssjjshawn]

A lot of Battletech can just be assumed to be very early in the DAoT and just records were lost if you really want to link it (Its actually Canon in 40k that other means of FTL travel existed during the DAoT, just that Warp travel was the most consistent and safe (this was also pre Slannesh Warp so the warp was far more calm) and wasn't discovered until Millenna after BT's setting. I mean 40k did somewhat rip it off, and then just went full rip off with Epic Adeptus Titanicus. (Then again Battletech also ripped off a lot, and both just end up tracing back to Dune or 70s-80s Popculture/Anime so)

[@weldonwin]

@@ssjjshawn You could argue that the Adeptus Mechanicus are basically Comstar, except they actually believe their made up, techno-babble religion

[@ssjjshawn]

@@weldonwin Well except in 40k its highly implied their made up religion isn't as made up as it seems. Either is all according to Big E's plan as its hinted he intended for the AdMech or its the Void Dragon's intentions after Big E sealed him away and only used him to kill Space Carthage That and with machine spirits being actual things

[@Banlish]

"We make Homeless people fight for our amusement." "We have hamburgers and a .... reasonable amount of organized crime!" "What commercial ...... oh for Christsakes!" "Just pay me you fuck, I gotta go play Shadowrun."

[@ChimeraArchive]

@Colin Killian Catalyst Labs rereleased the game and I imagine the Cyberpunk: RED and 2077 game will push more popularity.

[@christopherwall2121]

@@ChimeraArchive bad news from the future.

[@baker90338]

@@christopherwall2121 REAALLL bad news from the future

[@fearanarchy]

"Daddy?" - Jaegermech

[@Linkous12]

"Uncle?" - Blackjack

[@mbailey7701]

"Uncle grandpa daddy" -Jenner

[@digitalis2977]

@@mbailey7701 More like "Brother-Father" since the Jenner is basically a runt inbred Rifleman with thalidomide arms and no bling spoiler for the speedzz...

[@owlsayssouth]

Jaegermech is just a urban mech with a convincing effective cosplay of a rifleman.

[@IRMentat]

The student trained from youth to be the same, just bigger, tougher, more heavily armed and armoured to let them stay if the fight for longer.

[@elenorefangirl3389]

Weird is an understatement when talking about Snord's Irregulars.

[@theblackpantslegion]

Oh yes. Oh yes indeed.

[@orion3253]

@@theblackpantslegion They probably should get their version of the Battletech animated series, I think it'd fit better. Rather than being retconned as innersphere propaganda it should be based on some forgotten member of the outfit's disgruntled memoirs that were never proofread by anyone, let alone someone with the impartiality of a professional biographer or historian. It would be full of hilariously obvious bias, denial of accountability, and implausible slander against all involved.

[@barrybend7189]

Or a Snord's irregulars series in a style similar to Kelly's heroes.

[@orion3253]

@@barrybend7189 Yes.

[@LRM23936]

Yeah. But I love those bastards.

[@maskalumni6037]

Rifleman, Warhammer, Marauder, Phoenix Hawk and Archer. Those five are the Original Anime Gangstas of Battletech. I want to see Reservoir Dogs remade but with pilots of those five mechs talking about a heist gone wrong! They are so iconic in looks my eyes just explode in joy every time I seem them.

[@reverendrico5631]

Ya forgot the Longbow.

[@shawdawgkaveman5971]

I would listen to Tex lecture on my beloved P'Hawk until the end of time. He's already hit on my Warhammer side piece, so I'm waiting with baited breath for him to show my main squeeze some love.

[@templarw20]

As I said in the Warhammer comments, I feel that at least part of the appeal of the Unseen is that at the time of BT’s launch, the US mech artists just… weren’t as skilled as their Japanese counterparts. A question of experience, really, but until the 2000s, those designs just looked cooler out of the box.

[@conormccue2871]

Longbow, Wasp, Stinger, Chameleon, Shadow Hawk, Battlemaster, Griffon, Goliath, Wolverine, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Valkyrie and more. Dude. If you're going to list the **Unseen** you might want to praise more than 1/6th of the list, lol.

[@willdavis3802]

After having hated them for 20 odd years, I am now officially a fan of the Taurian Concordat. They were always portrayed as just a bull headed aggressive enemy, but the "fuck around and find out" culture that says "hippity hoppity, get off my property" with nukes is now my favorite.

[@davidhansen5067]

I've developed a lot of respect for them. Still a Steiner to the core, though.

[@Darqshadow]

​@@davidhansen5067Davion here, but the Taurians are a close second. Clan Wolf in Exile is third for a few reasons

[@meshuggahshirt]

Kurita here, but the Taurians are growing on me; the Dragon will always honor whoever hates the Davions hard enough

[@Darqshadow]

@@meshuggahshirt I think we can all agree Capellons suck, doesn't matter what faction lol

[@trexlord1]

The production quality on this is fucking phenomenal. I thought that the Mackie was insanely well done, and you've matched, if not exceeded that here. It was worth the wait and then some.

[@theblackpantslegion]

Thank you for saying so. If only youtube would let folks even see it. Ha

[@shaunmcfadden7407]

Yeah. Tex doesn't understand good enough. I'm pretty sure he has a compulsion to make these bigger and better every time. (I mean, we are not complaining.)

[@Maximum_Bacon]

@@theblackpantslegion 92+k views in Feb 2021. It's happening bud. Just a slow roll. Course this is my fourth view. Had to show it to some friends. We did a binge weekend whilst kinda playing tabletop. But mostly watching.

[@SlavDrifter503]

"Ho Ho Ho, now I have a machine gun"

[@theblackpantslegion]

True.

[@1337penguinman]

*ATF wants to know your location*

[@tuckingfenpin]

My ears are beyond ready for the soft, dulcet tones of a new Ted Talks: Battletech

[@lrhopkins27972]

You took the words right out of my keyboard

[@JainZar1]

"Hi, I am TED and welcome to my talk about sh*tbirds and Battletech."

[@sidchicken2308]

Fuck yes, the hype is real.

[@heirofaniu]

I'd watch that Ted Talk.

[@mr.gunzaku437]

TexTalks sounds better🤘🤘🤘😀😀😀👌👌👌

[@Colonel_Overkill]

A Battlemech designed by Orks, then redesigned by engineers who held true to the concept "MAKE MEK GO DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA!!!"

[@mattaffenit9898]

Also the Catapult.

[@brayachdragonbane7529]

and was then augmented to make the jaegerbomber dakka dakka mech

[@graetestfanever1]

Also the annihilator.

[@Dracobyte]

​@@mattaffenit9898 And the Stalker.

[@mattaffenit9898]

@@Dracobyte True. Scary fucking thing. First time I tried to play the tabletop game, one nailed my Atlas in the face repeatedly and murdered it deader than a clanner at Tukayyid. Granted I've only played about three times and don't quite fully get all the rules, but that thing spooks me.

[@angrytigermpc]

Grey Noton: **flips the arms around** Solaris commentators: "BAH GAWD DID YOU KNOW COULD FLIP ITS ARMS AROUND HOLY SHIT!" Audience: "Uh, yeah, he's pulled that stunt like 50 times, why are you astonished by it?"

[@ohnokylewhy]

Meanwhile, Justin, on an otherwise fine Davion day: "it does WHAT?!"

[@MathewJC25]

Tex there isn’t a soul out there better to grace us with Battletech lore and content. You are the goddamn man sir. We freaking love you and you better take some R&R after this. Look after yourself.

[@theblackpantslegion]

I will. I'll do my best

[@spades420ification]

I don't know why but this has staved off my depression. This is the first time I've smiled in a week

[@blainewheaton9679]

Cheers to the little joys!

[@theblackpantslegion]

You're most welcome

[@treevenewson]

Since COVID started, more or less

[@TheStraycat74]

I've been divorced for 20 years now, Tex Talks Battletech is about the only time I smile anymore, so I know the feeling

[@stevenraycopley8885]

@@TheStraycat74 I feel you friend...these are the few things that make me laugh on KZbin It will get better.......at least that's what I tell myself....stay strong

[@danielfinn9136]

The joke about the Cappellan officer school test made me literal lol. First time I've laughed out loud in more than a month.

[@archmagosdeciuskronen1501]

I like to imagine that during the battle of Tukkayid, there must have been city blocks lined with them JUST for Anti-Aerospace support.

[@CharlesUrban]

"Flak Avenue"

[@connorirons4542]

You've heard of Dear coordinates, but now prepare for Greetings atmosphere.

[@rhorybader4054]

@@connorirons4542 "Good evening, Regional Transatmosperhic Grid."

[@ladywaffle2210]

"Executive Officer, clear my skies." -the last words heard by that one Nova Cat DropShip... probably.

[@Darqshadow]

​@@ladywaffle2210let me sing you the song of my people!

[@Reddotzebra]

"Ok so we have this new version of the Rifleman..." "With functioning heat management? All we wanted was for you to add a few more heat sinks." "Nah mate, we slapped PPCs on this time! Can you imagine how much cooler it will look when shooting down aircraft now?" Yes, the clanners really are completely insane. They took one look at this thing and immediately saw the problem, and what did they do then? They FIXED it, despite knowing full well that it would cost more to produce! Heh heh... Silly clanners...

[@ala5530]

No, it's "If it's stupid, but it works, it's still stupid, you just got lucky" That said, the Rifleman is an excellent mech in its designed role, and I would definitely include one in a fire-support lance, maybe two if it's in support of a company in a theatre with a high level of hostile aerospace activity. It's one of my favourite 'mechs of all time (being just beaten by the Catapult and the Dragon, and coming in just ahead of the Marauder), and this video just reminded me that hell yes the Rifleman 3 needed a full production run...

[@CharlesUrban]

I JUST LEARNED ABOUT THE RIFLEMAN 3 FROM THIS VIDEO AND EVERYONE NEEDS SEVEN OF THEM. CAPITAL LETTERS.

[@atmosdwagon4656]

Wait wait wait...someone else likes the dragon? Unironically?!

[@CharlesUrban]

@@atmosdwagon4656 Ugh...Kuritans.

[@digitalis2977]

@@atmosdwagon4656 Everyone loves the Dragon. Very Chesty...impossible to miss on the training range when you're teaching the Plebe Locust Pilots to Suicide Dakka.

[@atmosdwagon4656]

@@CharlesUrban Doesn't have to be space sakes. I really liked my days of running a Dragon as 3rd Succession War era merc mech at my local gaming table. Plenty of ham and heatsinks on a budget, and gentler on your drop weight tolerance than an Awesome or Stalker. It's highly moddable and if nothing else, it's good for loading your most expendable merc pilot into for splat-duty when no Catapults, Hunchbacks or Centurions are available.

[@IdToaster]

I really hope the Rifleman III got a mention, if only like 5 seconds of 'what the hell, Amaris' Edit: AHAHAHAHAHA

[@CharlesUrban]

It did, and it was actually REALLY AWESOME. Love me some Gauss Rifles!

[@bobbrown5460]

Love me some gauss rifles 😃

[@miafillene4396]

Ooo thought it was the 4. Time to edit.

[@UCSPanther20]

The Rifleman III: A true gausszilla.

[@joenut019]

Rifleman III: stonehenge with legs

[@Gorbz]

Snord's Irregulars - when you don't have a factory, but you do have a lot of junkyards

[@Lightning4119]

They don't have a Mech Lab, but they *do* have duct tape by the gigaton.

[@weldonwin]

And have been drinking booze you brewed in a trashcan since 4AM

[@dantauche7917]

The artwork in this video is absolutely STUNNING. I wish I could capitalize that more and cannot overstate it enough but the depictions of the rifleman on display here are truly breathtaking. Many kudos to the contributing artists. And Tex didnt doo too bad either ;-)

[@theblackpantslegion]

thanks much

[@realbloodydoves]

Worth noting Tex, Legend-Killer was actually just canonized as a stock RFL-3N in the new BattleTech: Legends book. There's an entry for it that specifically calls out its loadout. May want to check that book out, it's good stuff and worth a read.

[@theblackpantslegion]

Awesome. Didnt see it.

[@WolfHreda]

While I appreciate CGL's "Maybe something was up with this guy" take on the Legend-Killer, I much prefer that the truth is Gray Noton was just a skilled son of a bitch with a Rifleman.

[@jamesperkins191]

@@WolfHreda No. In that story he's forced to fight with a bog-standard Rifleman, INSTEAD of his souped up one with Star League or Clan tech, and it might not even be a Rifleman at all but a Franken Mech with Warhammer legs (visually identical to a Rifleman).

[@JustinSoutham]

❤

[@igor_kossov]

I don't understand - were people's loadouts on Solaris not publicly available? Logically it seems like they would be. But there are all these references to gladiators having secret loadouts, even though I think it'd be pretty easy to tell what's coming out of their mech

[@sacrificetosotec]

"Tactical pop tart warmer" LOL! You're killing me!

[@theblackpantslegion]

Memes.

[@Anon26535]

When you're getting *destroyed* by airstrikes, there's no better *defender* to have than a Rifleman.

[@terryhiggins5077]

I see what you did there....have a like. For those who don't know its a pun on the rifleman's OG artwork and the copyright clusterfuck surrounding it and several other 'Mechs.

[@juangonzalez9848]

“Floats like an urbanmech, fights like Florida man called to jury duty” lost it harder then I do a bic lighter loaned to the sketchy smoking coworker who swears they will give it back this time after “losing” the last 10 lighters. I don’t even smoke, I just like burninating the countryside.

[@juangonzalez9848]

@Ban this youtube TROOOOGGGDOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRR!!!!!!1!!one!!

[@dzelman444]

"They don't really care and just enjoy watching things explode" HEY! That's... very... accurate...

[@BoatBomberMan]

Always happy to be included in these hollywood movies.

[@ryansauer5964]

I'd like to see more of Snord's irregulars mechs. They make me smile.

[@shaunmcfadden7407]

Agreed!

[@magosryzak7477]

The Steiner Scout squad always manage to make my day!

[@Puma1Sunfire1]

Rifleman 3 Should have been 100 tons. Extra tonnage would have been for ammo hoppers for the gauss rifles

[@Actually_Sanguinius]

I absolutely love the Amaris lunacy section. I just keep going back to it over and over and over because it is so well written and narrated that it make my heart soar a bit every time I watch it. Just keep clicking 41:58 . Trust me, you'll understand what I mean.

[@andrew3038]

Might seem like a strange and minor thing to comment about, but I have to thank whoever does the sound mixing on these vids. I love the fact that you don't do like so many others and make sure that sound comes through evenly on all speakers, so I can listen with only one earpod in. This means I can listen while at work and not miss anything said in the vid. So again, thank you for this.

[@mikecrowind3888]

Thanks Andrew! I try to do final audio levels on our crappy TV speakers to make sure it sounds good even on lofi devices.

[@Wastelandman7000]

Kudos to the Taurians for kicking the Capellens to hell and back.

[@CharlesUrban]

Best Periphery state out there. You'll never get them to like you, but in most situations, they won't attack you unless you attack them. More of a porcupine than a bull.

[@WB1813]

@@CharlesUrban Unless you're a Davion, then they'll happily shoot first.

[@CharlesUrban]

@@WB1813 Pretty sure that the Federated Suns has caused them enough trouble to earn their enmity.

[@WB1813]

@@CharlesUrban Indeed they have.

[@CharlesUrban]

@@WB1813 What a pity. Such is the way of any superpower, no matter how dedicated they may (try to) be to citizens' rights and technological advancements. Why pick on the Taurians when there are perfectly-good Kuritans to oppose, anyway?

[@gigatwin5298]

SCROMBLES GO!! Have no idea why but after binging the Scrombles series, I've found him to be hilarious

[@theblackpantslegion]

SCROMBLES PUNCH

[@tworedshirt]

@@theblackpantslegion SCROMBLES HATES!

[@mikecampos1193]

He the merc you need he ask no questions good business fam.

[@Edmar_Fecler]

@@theblackpantslegion SCORPANS BAD. FULL OF HURT JUICE! **punches scorpion into chunky salsa**

[@concordetconstabulary219]

@@theblackpantslegion Glares in Taurian loyalist.

[@theblackpantslegion]

RIFLEMAN ART PACK AVAILABLE FOR NOW - astray3.bigcartel.com/product/rifleman-pack

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Your copyright disclaimer alone made me laugh already. Let's see how the video is going to be.

[@Scoops_F1]

Please make some art packs for the previous Tex Talks. I NEED an art pack like this for the Catapult and Awesome.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@Scoops_F1 So long as the ones for the Catapult also contain the Catapult-Design-Philosophy according to Tex, sure!

[@theblackpantslegion]

@@Scoops_F1 He might!

[@abaddonblack1294]

Wow Rifleman III art, now there's something that you don't see a lot of.

[@Nanolis]

I've loved the Rifleman since I first saw it in MWO, pick it up whenever I can in HBS-Battletech and ended up with like 6 at one point in my run of MW5, but had no idea there was two heavier variants. The IIc has always been a bit of an abomination to me, like one shot down an AWACS plane that remained somewhat intact and thought, "I can haz hat." I really hope the Rifleman 2 and 3 are either in Roguetech or make their way to it, they sound amazing.

[@AlphaGator9]

As a retired artilleryman - I loved your excellent commentary starting with "stompy artillery".

[@Iwaslost26]

16.5 hours before and there’s already been $1.2k in donations. That’s just incredible.

[@theblackpantslegion]

The BPL - we may be weird, but we do give a fuck

[@Iwaslost26]

@@theblackpantslegion and that’s why we love you

[@yellowprime8491]

@@theblackpantslegion That motto would be great on a shirt or unit patch

[@korritaranis672]

Okay... As a former Artillery Cannoneer, your take on arty is completely accurate!

[@bobk8731]

Steel rain!

[@dashiellgillingham4579]

I love the way you presented the Rifleman III. I'd realized a monster like that could exist, while I was trying to break the BV system, but it's something else to actually see it. To know the stealth gauss quartet is not just a product of bad math on paper, but a thing that existed.

[@Brendan1259]

Worth the wait, love how the Drop ship landing scenes turned out.

[@justins21482]

i have to admit that as far as MechWarrior/BattleTech fans go, there really isn't much better than this on KZbin. The quality and craftsmanship that goes into these longform discussions is impressive.

[@robertivey7644]

Steiners always hated the fact the Davions got rid of their officer core..

[@alephnull3102]

Just commenting to signal boost the algorithm. Tex Talks Battletech is the best fan made content I've ever watched.

[@shackacoddle9009]

When 1 type of rifleman isn't good enough, so you need 3 types instead.

[@theblackpantslegion]

technically four

[@bthsr7113]

That would be one hell of a lance.

[@VallornDeathblade]

@@bthsr7113 "There's only 3 mechs out there, didn't you say this was a full la-" *4 gauss rifle noises, followed by dead pilot noises.*

[@FirstLast-cg2nk]

The Rifleman: When the answer to the question of air support is 'No'.

[@Mechanicoid]

Man, these videos make me miss my old gaming group from high school. So many good weekend nights of Mechwarrior/Battletech... anyways, thank you guys for the excellent work on the hobby and sparking good memories.

[@aduty23]

Tex, I know it’s my birthday, but you really shouldn’t have. Thanks bro.

[@MrSourceMan]

Same yo. Why is it everyone's birthday today? I've seen like 4 comments like this lol

[@theblackpantslegion]

You're welcome - now donate to charity.

[@300lbsNick]

@@MrSourceMan 365.25 days in a year and 7818 views as of me watching (it's my birthday too, well in 3 hours, but hey birthday!) That means statistically something like 20-30 people should comment "hey it's my birthday" with 3 times that if fuckers like me born 4 hours after this premiers say "what a nice birthday present" do so as well

[@MrSourceMan]

@@300lbsNick true

[@aduty23]

@@300lbsNick I also love the birthday paradox. My comment was more tongue-in-cheek but text doesn't convey that at all. Don't worry, I realize that they didn't pretend to be rendering just for me or the rest of us born on December 17th. Anyway, happy birthday.

[@subtlewhatssubtle]

You know it's the good shit when Tex takes a solid 20 minutes to provide background context.

[@lorenpilloud]

"Redde Creditori Tuo Fucko" is my new favorite phrase, thanks Tex!

[@volatilesky]

I find it difficult to describe just how much I love the adventures of the Steiner Scout Squad. I also 100% expected... issues... With space at&t as I was watching the Argo take flight (while still being awed by one of the coolest cut scenes)

[@gabovinelli2256]

Not gonna lie, the Rifleman 3 variant...completely got me, what a friggin BEAST. Wish they somehow bring it to modern times! Splendid battletech lore video Tex! Keep up the amazing work!

[@theblackpantslegion]

Right on

[@meshuggahshirt]

Be careful what you wish for, because the people most likely to achieve that in the present day are the Capellans, who can already create stealth AC/20 tanks...

[@TheLordOnyx]

I love these. Please don't ever stop.

[@Doug-uf4cs]

Ha! It is amazing to be playing HBS Battletech and seeing that end scene. Like literally playing as watching... in the mech bay on one screen, watching ComStar coming to kill me on the other screen.

[@Fragtastik]

As a Rifleman pilot, I have to thank you for understanding her. Maybe a few more commanders will see this and start employing them correctly. They wouldn't let me fly, so I don't let anyone else have the air, either.

[@Questknight12]

if it flies it dies! Watch for falling debris.

[@chesterstevens8870]

1:09:31 It needs to be said that Goat is a real joy to listen to. His folksy guitar music really sets the mood, I can picture his music actually being played in shady merc bars all across the Periphery.

[@MrRayray806]

Tex knocks it out of the park once more. Delivering a superb glance into the universe of battletech and highlighting an otherwise unnoticeable Mech. 10/10 would overheat and die in a ammo explosion.

[@Gwolfsoun]

You're releasing this on my birthday! Stompy mech goodness is the gift 🎁that never gets old and needs no receipt.

[@theblackpantslegion]

Merry Birthmas

[@Zenoflame]

Great as always, though I must say you missed a golden opportunity to talk about Capellan pain relief, Capellan Aspirin (tm) may not work on your pain, but the state says it does so it will.

[@SaberViper]

Capellan aspirin, it takes away your pain because we say so! *if the product doesn't work please tell your local maskirovka officer that you aren't loyal enough to the state for a refund of your purchase

[@MrGrimsmith]

Seriously sweet work, as ever. You've covered two of my favourite mechs and are doing a third next so I'm happy (ish. Grumpy is a state of being at this point). The Ctapult and the Rifleman are two examples of mechs brilliant at their jobs, that being to make the bad people go away from very far away which is kind of why I love them. The addition of RACs to a Rifleman though is hilarious. Until you run out of ammo which really doesn't take long. Anyways, keep up the good work, it's always appreciated.

[@Andrewlik]

Tex, I really appreciate what you are doing. Leading a passionate group of hobbyists to make high quality content for this niche game world we love Its a passion I can only wish to emulate. Thank you.

[@arbiterally101]

The Capellan Officer training joke still gets me hard every bloody time I listen to it. 15:20 for those who want a giggle. Jokes aside, always lovely to see these impressive works of art, both in their immense detail and commitment to showing the lore for this oft-neglected universe, and the comedic value they offer as well. I have to give a lot of credit for the format, being primarily a long-form lecture on a subject of the lore, and then following it up with what basically amounts to a handful of chuckleheads making in-universe gags. Very clearly showing that the setting can be incredibly serious, examining the long-term ramifications to short-sighted decisions such as Kerensky's well-meaning Exodus leading to the Clans, or the Ares Convention leading to trivialized warfare. And then afterwards embracing the utter goofiness of the setting with Discount Dan, Duncan Fisher gags, and the ghost of Stefan Amaris. Love the work all these guys do, and by god do I hope you keep up the work if you lot are enjoying it.

[@hotsauce6180]

I enjoyed this video so much. I can honestly say, Tex, you single-handedly introduced me to battletech. I thank you for that.

[@Robloxman01]

Aww yeah, the new Tex Talks Battletech is coming out on my birthday.

[@donaldcampbell3043]

Yeah I got Tukayyid for mine May 20

[@Keeper]

Happy birthday

[@logang7203]

Happy birthday my dude

[@themigraineshow]

Happy birthday bubba 🤘

[@BlueEyesGaming]

Ive said this a few times since i saw that this video was coming out. Thank you The rifleman IS my favourite mech of all time, Ever since reading my first battletech book (the "En garde" book series), ive had an enduring love for this mech. It is the one and only mech i bought a model for (im not exactly flush with cash to buy more, or i would). When you mentioned "Legend Killer". man i nearly had tears in my eyes for seeing that monster mentioned, remembering the moments i read about it :) Thank you Tex, You have absolutely made my year with this glorious video. and I've even gotten to learn more about the best mech in battletech. (in my opinion) it aint perfect, it isnt a brawler. it isnt versatile. But if you want to shoot literally anything and everything at range, turn the air into a nofly zone, turn every field into a deadzone, turn each street into a hail of gunfire. Get a Rifleman.. or 3! their cheap enough! hahaha

[@DunedainAkkarin]

Well worth the wait. These videos are probably the best lore videos bar none on KZbin. I really loved the "Intended Uses" on the mech loadouts. Merry Christmas BPL

[@mikecrowind3888]

Thanks Dunedain!

[@robertdavis5976]

Superb!!! Duncan had me rolling! Loved the animation. First class work all around. Hat's off to yas!!

[@theblackpantslegion]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@schnarre0]

...Lost track of the number of variants of this 'Mech that I toyed with over the years. Among the most common: 1= Replacing the AC/5s with LRM-10 racks (1 ton of ammo each), & replacing the AC ammo in the center torso with a Flamer (after all, who doesn't love the smell of cooked enemy infantry in the morning?) & 2= Replace the AC/5s & Large Lasers with a quad battery of Medium Lasers, while swapping out the torso-mounted Medium Lasers with PPCs, with extra Armor & Heat Sinks. This variant worked pretty well in the BattleTech PC game that was released not too long ago (haven't tried it with RogueTech yet though). ...Ah, memories! Keep up the good work Tex.

[@lonkelly1878]

Started a Merc campaign with my friends after I found this series. Can't get the guys to watch this stuff, might introduce them to the Steiner scout squad to shake things up...

[@randyscatterty4679]

You know, i feel i owe the rifleman an apology. When you announced that this video was coming, i had some harsh words about this mech. After watching, im thinking maybe it just doesn't suit my play style in HBS battletech (i tend to run a lot of heavy mid-range brutes backed up by a missile boat.) I feel i was too harsh. Thanks as always for the amazing videos, guys!!!

[@SaberViper]

If hbs battletech had more than just tanks and mechs, it'd be a far more viable option since if the bigger mod packs out there like battletech revised and roguetech add stuff to the game to give the rifleman a better showing.

[@astartesfanboy5294]

@@SaberViper roguetech has a lot of VTOLS but you can’t really do fixed wing aerospace assets too well.

[@JainZar1]

The Rifleman, when the enemies were advanced and smart enough for combined arms warfare.

[@GMorgan84]

Combined arms is so advanced you need Davion Jesus to reinvent it

[@stevenraycopley8885]

Advanced.....I wouldn't go THAT far lol. To quote Tex: "....would pilot anything into anything and push buttons until one stopped moving..." That sounds like Modern Warfare 2 with your friends at 3am on Four Loko....not what I would say is advanced....

[@chekovsgunman]

@@stevenraycopley8885 You misunderstand OP. They are referring to the time when the Rifleman was originally developed, not its later misuse in the Succession Wars.

[@BeauDougall]

Boys, this series just keeps going from strength to strength, getting better everytime. The animations and voice work is excellent, love your hard work. Cheers for your work!

[@theblackpantslegion]

Thanks a ton!

[@BattleBound]

I gotta say... seeing the opening just makes my heart happy. Like maybe I've had some sort of impact on this thing I love. When I'm gone, it will (hopefully) still be there. As I continue to try and make a mark on this part of my life that I love so much, however much time I happen to have left, seeing things like this gives me a modicum of hope for the future and just reminds me to keep going. I don't know how long that desire will last. But it's here now, and that's what's important. Again, sir: thank you for all you do.

[@jwoellhof]

This is right up there with Rogue One. Just when you think it's over, Duncan Fisher goes all murder in a confined space.

[@AzureIV]

A force of Catapults, Blackjacks, and Riflemen would be a militarily effective and cost effective second line in any combat.

[@clayendfield4850]

Add an Awesome or two to the line, and the only thing you have to worry about is unfavorable topography and scout mechs equipped with stealth.

[@AzureIV]

I mean, that is what the Blackjacks are for: popping scout mechs.

[@TustlePlays]

@@AzureIV But what if the "scout mechs with stealth" are "scout mechs" from Friedrich Lance of House Steiner?

[@AzureIV]

@@TustlePlays Man, they are so sneaky. Did you see how they infiltrated that House Kurita meeting? I don't think anyone can stop them, even with a million Blackjacks.

[@TustlePlays]

@@AzureIV Your only hope of victory is to out-Steiner the Steiner Scout Squad. And that'll be quite the trick indeed!

[@brownbear992]

never realized the archer was that old

[@vulture8298]

Me neither, that makes it pretty much the _first_ missileboat on legs, right?

[@jebe4563]

Per Era Digest: Age of War Timeline the Archer was the 5th Battlemech put in production. The list up to that point being Mackie, Kyudo, Banshee, Orion, Archer.

[@robertagren9360]

Pretty much the 1st mass produced missile carrier who worked to the point that it became stupid good at serving a niche when the mech is multi-purpose able to play all roles with the right weapons

[@PenTheMighty]

This made the holidays just all the more sweeter, thank you Mr Tex, you bighearted workaholic. I'd be lucky to work with someone that gives half as much a damn about quality of work as you. You inspire me. Thank you again.

[@jackodenthal2392]

I'm a new comer to Battletech, and your videos have made me a huge fan of it! I can't stop nerding out about it now, I even bought an audio book to listen to about it. Thanks for you amazing work, you've made me a big fan of the series