Battletech/Mechwarrior Lore - Tex Talks Battletech : The Turning Point at Twycross

[@PerunAU]

So glad to see this one went live - it's a fantastic piece of work by you and the team. Hearing you tell the story, the decision to bid away WarShips was one of the major points that stood out to me. Sure, clan mechs had a significant advantage over IS equivalents, but it was still a gap between mechs. When it came to warships, the IS in this period didn't have much of an answer or equivalent (converting fighters into kinetic penetrators aside). Even beyond that incident though, it seems that the Clans never fully leveraged the potential of their Warships earlier in the campaign either. You talk about the ease with which the IS could (comparatively) produce and ship replacements - but I imagine that would have been at least somewhat harder if the the Clan fleet had been used more proactively as a tool in and of itself. Then again, perhaps that 'what if' - what if the Clans actually leveraged their massive tech advantage in Space Combat in a more wide ranging, strategic, fashion - ultimately runs into a simple problem. If they'd used them that way, would they even be the Clans of that era anymore?

[@Athrun82]

The main question would have been: where would the warships get their maintenance from? The Clans don't own yardships. If just one kamikaze can penetrate the bridge I can for see a quick end to any big Warship operation (except in big groups). Plus: what's to stop the IS to just throw caution to the wind and use stockpiled nukes to destroy the "planetkillers"? For all their technological and genetical advances IS pilots are better then their Clan counterparts and if just a couple of fighter pilots armed with nukes penetrate the defense the Clans can wave their ships good bye. Or use Dropships as a sort of Fireships like the Taurians did during the Reunification War. And unlike the old Star League the Clans can't easily replace lost Warships

[@WatchTMC]

Love your videos, watch every single one of the on the day they come out, since all bling, no basics. Thanks for being a part of this!

[@Rhysman30]

To me it's quite insane that they scouted the IS and then didn't target shipyards or major industrial bases, they had the complete element of surprise... They didn't even plan for the communications black out; that was just handed to them and they still didn't capitalize. Hubris indeed. As an arm-chair commander I'd have done it differently.

[@darthfenrir4892]

So Mr. Perun, when can we expect to see Defense Economics videos on the Clans and the Sphere. In all seriousness, absolutely love your videos and seeing your name pop up in the intro credits and your minor presentation on the Hetzer was an absolute treat and made me giddy at the crossover I never knew I needed, seeing two of my favorite youtubers who helped me power through many tedious hours at work

[@connormclernon26]

@@darthfenrir4892would love to see something like that where he’s a colonel giving a briefing to the generals of the FedCom about the Clans based on what they knew at the time

[@Paxchi]

"I am Kai Allard-Liao. I am a killer of men. This pass is mine to ward. I offer those who wish to challenge me a warrior's death, but I beg an indulgence of those who would accept my offer. Your smaller companions have forced me to exhaust my autocannon ammunition and they destroyed one of my lasers. I have only this club with which to defend myself. I will kill you all, alone or in groups." - Kai Allard-Liao, possessor of the most massive balls in the Inner Sphere Now I'm wondering Kai should have been a Charger pilot.

[@creativeanachronist]

Hatchetman pilots are like charger pilots who ate 3 less crayons, but substituted a hefty dose of amphetamines.

[@ObsidianDragon7030]

@@creativeanachronist Can confirm

[@guiltygearalonecompl]

A Charger pilot might not have known when they first climbed in the cockpit that this would be their life. You don’t pick a Hatchetman without fundamentally understanding that the hatchet is the primary weapon, not the autocannon

[@chrisbarnes2882]

The autocannon is the distraction to get you close enough...​@@guiltygearalonecompl

[@miss_bec]

@@creativeanachronist yknow pokemon evolution? i imagine its more like that.

[@TheButpuppet]

The wait between tex talks is painful. But the reveal is always a confirmation of care and effort. Thanks tex and team. You make me smile

[@mk6315]

Kind of like waiting for the heat sinks to stop glowing scary colours so I can fire everything again

[@Yokoto12343]

have some double heatsinks friend​@@mk6315

[@wiaf8937]

i just dont know or remember the frequency. so each one is like a present. be more like me, become dumb and happy! :D

[@gcl2783]

Worth the wait

[@Ronin1051]

It don't matter the wait. Tex. Always. Delivers. PERIOD! It is awe inspiring to see someone who was denied in life for what he was trained for. But inspite of it all, turned his passion for being a war historian, that rallies an entire community, is no small feat! Applause and salute back to @theblackpantslegion! "Ho yeeeeh brother!" Keep 'er coming! ✊️😉😎🫡👏

[@roguevector1268]

One thing that I'd like to add: Tyra's kamikaze run was such epic badassery that even the Smoke Jaguars acknowledge it, so much that they added lines dedicated to her in their Rememberance, and re-named a class of combat dropship (the Charybdis-class carrier dropships) after her. “Tyra of the Rasalhague led, Forth her fiery flying Drakøns, Gallant in bronze. A warrior woman whose hands Were unskilled in the ways of hearth and home, In skills of war she was hard and trained To leave behind the airy winds and fight Where the void is eternal and life fleeting. Tyra and her warriors fought Like crazed demons above Radstadt. When her fighter was crippled by ours, And her life leaked away into the endless night, She chose to die And sent her fighter like a spear Through the Dire Wolf, claiming as isorla Our mighty ilKhan's life. Sing of our loss, warriors! Sing, but of Tyra also, For though an enemy, her courage none can deny.” - The Remembrance, Passage 294, Verse 8, Lines 17-33

[@voidofhope6259]

I didn’t know this. Oddly wholesome. She deserves to be remembered

[@Johnpinckney98]

The fact that she is mentioned in Tor Mirabog's letter in the MW5 DLC had me very giddy!

[@medicegon5476]

Named a fighter carrier after her

[@PeachDragon_]

​@@voidofhope6259clanners would be adorable if they weren't so nightmarishly dystopian as a society.

[@PorktatoesSSRB]

​@@Johnpinckney98 kinda feels bad for Tor after what happened to Tyra tbh,no Father would love to hear about their sons/daughters death on the frontline

[@doubledouble4g379]

1:12:36 - 'And that, my dear children, is how I met your mother.' ~Kai Allard-Liao, 2 time Solaris Champion, best mechwarrior of a generation, husband and father, probably.

[@rangerwickett]

@@doubledouble4g379 Coolest scene Michael Stackpole ever wrote.

[@darkalman]

He married Diedre Lear and had kids... so yes

[@jgraaay18]

@@rangerwickett How did I guess that a sequence involving a mech's reactor going up like an ammo dump was written by Michael Stackpole? Not that that's a complaint, you understand!

[@ethanbussen8506]

The Clans: You dare to refuse my batchall! The inner sphere: Refuse your what?

[@bige3818]

@@ethanbussen8506 for some reason I am hearing that in Hank hills voice...

[@Piterdeveirs333]

@@bige3818 them Capellans ain't right

[@azuaraikrezeul1677]

we don't swing that way here in the in the inner sphere.try going to canopus.

[@jtjames79]

​@@Piterdeveirs333 God damnit! You little bastards! Stop ah whacking it in my Hunchback!

[@narethliansgamespace3860]

"What in the unholy heck is a batchall? I'm sorry, I speak English, not your primitive tribal unga bunga language." - last known transmission of Company Commander Darien Elter on Susquehanna, Lancer Company, 2nd Battlalion, Garuen Mercenaries.

[@TehGreatBuck]

He got Perun on the video. The absolute madman

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

Makes sense, apart from RL War Breakdowns, the guy's also a gamer.

[@Scriptedviolince]

IIRC he's actually worked with tex before, especially wrt Indian small arms procurement and industry knowledge. He said as much during the Indian Military lecture.

[@duncancrickett9212]

So unbelievably stoked to see Perun in a TTB, absolute dream come true

[@Deridus]

Since Perun put him up to an Austro-Hungarian playthrough of Ultimate Admiral: Dreadnoughts, I think it's only fair.

[@goldcharizard]

Perun also gave this video a shout out on his weekly videos

[@kereminde]

"This is not a Mad Cat, this is a Rakshasa." Discount Dan: "So it's not sufficiently pissed-off, we can fix that."

[@Gantradies]

Fear the mechwarrior who’s piloting one by choice, And has all the pent up aggression/frustration from months to years of groundless mockery, and the restraint to use the anger instead of the inverse..

[@robertivey7644]

There is a Racshasa which is pretty fun to use.

[@eddapultstab2078]

The rakshasa is basically the empirical evidence of the technological disparity between the clan and innersphere technology, particularly the the lighter weapons. if you understand the mechs story it makes complete sense why they can't replicate the Timberwolves. Innersphere ferrofibrous, endo steel and XL engines are significantly bulkier due to their more primitive manufacturing methods which leads directly to its blocky appearance. The weapons the clan use are not only more powerful but also lighter and sometimes packing more features as well, I mean clan LRMs are not only nearly half the weight on average but also have Artemis for free for crying out loud. Their was no other choice but to make sacrifices on weapon loads. If they had access to the older clan improved variants of the various weapon systems, the rakshasa could actually come out as a real competitor to the original.

[@jtwg4th253]

Perun trapped in a hetzer is something I never knew I needed to see in my life.

[@Operator588]

Buying the hetzer to trap perun in was the cheapest part of the production as well!

[@spartanalex9006]

And of course, even while trapped in a Hetzer, Perun has prepared a powerpoint on their viability as a defense product for procurement.

[@unintentionallydramatic]

Y'know. When Kurita goes "Yo this is a smidge far to do to a defeated enemy" you miiiight want to, y'know. Take a good hard look at yourself and what you are doing.

[@Kaarl_Mills]

its just seppuku with more steps, Im surprised they minded at all

[@CaptainPrincess]

@@Kaarl_Mills Nah ritual suicide is a few steps removed from summary execution + the burning of your bloodline ESPECIALLY when that burning is OFFERED to the enemy like You fuck up, and majorly, and you decide "ok Im going to end myself in penance" is one thing You fuck up, someone previously under your command executes you BECAUSE your enemy refused to take you in, and then offers said enemy the choice to have your entire bloodline killed aswell These things are NOT the same

[@DokturProfesur]

I'm honestly surprised the Dracs actually blinked when they were asked that. I thought it was right up their Bushido bullshit-alley.

[@cobaltCarnivore]

@@Kaarl_Mills I think it was the "render the bloodline extinct" aspect they found too extreme

[@psychocrysis2]

@@cobaltCarnivore Its actually a common thing historically in Imperial China (not sure about Japan)

[@duncanmackenzie7795]

"Rasalhague is like that. When you fuck around, the Viking comes out, and it doesn't stop until they- or you- are very dead."

[@jfangm]

*very, VERY, dead

[@melvinlemay7366]

That psyop of Combine regional warlords and LIC really took on a life of its own, didn't it?

[@mattmaser2126]

They'll smile all day until...

[@HaloFTW55]

The Rasalhague defenders know that the threat of death won’t affect them, they know that they will dine in Valhalla as einherjar sooner or later. Such warriors just know that Hel’s realm will be filled with more clanner souls before the valkyries bring them to Odin’s halls.

[@hatt5350]

As a Rashalhague mercenary of Very ancient and crazy-angry Danish origin, I can confirm.

[@nick-s-db]

Raising over 15k for the American Cancer Society in little over 2 hours makes me damn proud of this community.

[@Banthisyoutube-zs6sx]

I have a 6 year old niece fighting cancer right now......the generosity shown here warms a part of my cold cold cynical heart

[@schrodinger2234]

I hope both Crow and Tex are getting some well-deserved rest after this...

[@p_serdiuk]

We all know they won't :D

[@marsar1775]

just have to force em to!

[@digitalis2977]

The Protocols are in place. Coffee will be secretly switched to Decaf, and all Hot Dogs will be served with the "Special Pink Sleepy Sprinkles."

[@sithisarcanis]

They will just get to work on the next episode. The best we can hope for is maybe a week of R&R before they do.

[@WatchTMC]

Literally just had this discord message pop up in the team channel: "We did well. Now time for the next one." Crazy guys!

[@derptomistic]

Twycross A reminder to clanners that surprise point blank AC20s are always an acceptable reason to soil oneself regardless of genetic modification

[@SgtRackhamm]

Hearing the Perun discuss the costs & benifits of the Hetzer at 1:48:24 truly made me fall out of my chair laughing

[@bthsr7113]

Nasty thing when performing on spec, and there are some disgustingly well armed variants. Most recent has a HAG 30.

[@paulsilagi4783]

@@bthsr7113 Oh, that sounds absolutely disgusting. I love it

[@EricDKaufman]

What benefits???? The lack of cost?! :-)

[@bthsr7113]

​@@EricDKaufmanthat and being very simple to work on while delivering heavy firepower, and it has surprisingly good frontal armor

[@Disgruntled_Dave]

The description of the resistance in Rasalhague reminded me of a line Théoden says in _The Lord of the Rings:_ "Yet hope there is still, if we can but stand unconquered for a little while." And the sentiment is equally inspiring in both stories.

[@Banthisyoutube-zs6sx]

History and men's hearts have always loved the defiant rebellion to the last.

[@Disgruntled_Dave]

@@Banthisyoutube-zs6sx Hell yeah. It's at the heart of a lot of great fiction, but it happens often enough in reality to prove that it's not just a fanciful figment of our imaginations, but something people can act on when pressed hard enough. The American "lost battalion" in the battle of Argonne and the non-British pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain come to mind.

[@Banthisyoutube-zs6sx]

@@Disgruntled_Dave exactly look at the battles immortalised in history, bastogne, thermopalye, the arrival of the hussars at vienna. There is somethibg tragically poetic that appeals to us when few faced many.

[@blisterbeetle01]

Seeing that marauder standing toe to toe trading blows with the madcat is somthing else! Especially knowing the lineage connection between those two. Like staring into the mirror and seeing your evil twin staring back, or staring down your opponent in a dual about to gun them down, then the wind blows the mask away and you see yourself staring right back... somthing real uncanny and epic about that

[@jameshiggins5686]

Poetry in motion❤

[@KMCA779]

Marauder is screwed but I can hear that pilot shouting that he won't give one more inch to the clanner menace.

[@FormulaFox]

​@@KMCA779At that range that Marauder has more thsn a fair chance, because the moment his weapons start to fail him he'll be willing to throw down in a manner the Clans will have never dealt with before. He can win. Even if he comes out of it armless with a third of the torso missing and dragging the mech along on one functional leg, he can win. And therefore he shall.

[@noppornwongrassamee8941]

Not twin. Close relative. The Mad Cat is what you get when a Marauder and Catapult have a baby together. If anything, the Mad Cat takes after the Catapult more. Marauder: "Son, your papa is gonna give you a good spanking!"

[@WatchTMC]

@@FormulaFox Also remember: Missile systems were close to useless in that battle, especially the LRMs on the Timby!

[@boblietz5181]

Do your part, everyone. Pass it on a share with friends. Don't trust the algo to give this beauty the love it deserves on Saturday. Tex and the crew have labored hard on this, so now it's time for us to put in the work too and share it where we can so more have the chance to find this and be able to appreciate it like we do.

[@saulschimek7680]

Already sharing it around

[@krissteel4074]

I've been subscribed for years and youtube giving a BPL notification is... more of a suggestion than a feature Thankyou for the movie BPL! 🤟

[@matthewnelson4160]

Never been prouder to be a part of any group. Laying here tonight in Asheville NC, frustrated I couldn’t watch this live cuz hurricane, but so excited to finally get to do so. 🫡 Mr Tex and all the rest of you titans for this fantastic distraction

[@Johnpinckney98]

How are y'all holding up? Your Carolinian neighbour on the southern side, checking in.

[@jkwashko]

Tfw Duncan Fisher was so drunk his scar switched eyes 😂 Hell of a job though guys, really good stuff. The artwork especially is damn gorgeous.

[@chadholland9844]

"Doug, how is there an entire continent that just grows corn and cocaine? What in the F***? HOW DO I GET THERE?!" I frikkan love Duncan Fisher. Laughed long and hard at that one.

[@TustlePlays]

Hilarious how he went from mockery to wanting to know how to get to Van Zandt after that tidbit xD

[@Mglue3]

Eww. I hate when corn gets in my coke

[@xyonblade]

*walks in like Leslie Nielsen in "airplane"* I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you.

[@sidchicken2308]

And stop calling me Shirley.

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

you have to do it two more times now.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

Surely you're joking......

[@mikeumm]

Sorry I have a drinking problem

[@AlliKhat718]

You ever been in a cockpit before?

[@Kornstalx]

Man I've never heard that poem spoken quite so well in such an excellent visual context. Chills, dude.

[@IceGavel]

I can't believe you got Perun, you absolute GOAT. Perfect episode once again, kudos to the entire Legion and their whiskey-soaked Commander!

[@christianmlynch]

I watched this before playing mechwarrior 5 clans and knowing the places, characters, and events made the game even more enjoyable

[@ettibbet5493]

Even better playing mercs when you know the names and events, still salty about the 3040 marriage story, damn fed rats ruin everything

[@chrissheffield5468]

My name is Kai Allard Liao and I approve this message.

[@ALV694]

Do u think the wolf 🐺 will finally lose its plot armor to the capellans

[@thil2894]

Don't try it Chris I see ya.

[@mikewaterfield3599]

Go back to Capellan space before I let the bulls loose!

[@VultureXV]

​@@ALV694 The Horses will help

[@ALV694]

@@VultureXV aren't they busy trying to gobble up the hinterlands but failing

[@WatchTMC]

This was so fun. Thanks for having us!

[@Zoologhffc77]

Holy shit is TMC on fire with these still frames!

[@WatchTMC]

♥

[@Firecracker048]

​@@WatchTMC yo it is awesome. You guys need to collab more

[@queenannsrevenge100]

I was initially expecting something similar to the Tukayyid video, focusing only on that encounter. I did not expect an in-depth analysis of the ENTIRE CLAN INVASION up to Twycross! This is amazing! Thank you everyone who had a hand in this Masterclass of a video!

[@hatt5350]

Thank you for including me Tex, it was fun. To Glory and Valhalla!

[@ricardomachado6718]

did I just read it right? "with special cameos of PERUN?" . I follow his channel too, glad to know Mr. Tex likes him too!

[@LynxSnowCat]

Oh! So that's why there were four tons of fresh-water fish (and AC/20) spilling out of the AC/20 ammo compartment. Must have been a good trade, but too much weight to make returning across the pontoon bridge 'unfeasible' -...

[@Malorn0]

Perun!? I had no idea they knew about each other. This will be great!

[@Lightman0359]

I never thought I would hear Perun do an analysis of battletech lore. That was AWS-9M. Your vids are always worth the wait. I recently recommended this channel in a 40k group when discussing the similarities between 40k ant BT, especially the Horus Heresy/Star League Exodus.

[@Aravan242]

I don't like how automatically my brain translated that AWS-9M joke... But yes spread the good word, the 40k folks are just marks in the waiting

[@Whanevs]

Horus is more similar to Omaris than Kerensky!!! Heretic.

[@ChiefCrewin]

What's nice is the nonsense of the parent company is instantly negated in BT because the rules say you can use literal trash to represent the game pieces, unlike 40K where you need to buy their crappy overpriced plastic.

[@THEGRUMPTRUCK]

BPL and Tex, I want you all to know how much we appreciate what you do for the community. The hard work and love you put into everything is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@olli-mattiheilio4554]

Tex talks battletech and Perun in a single video. I never knew I needed this, but need it I did.

[@Sethslayer1147]

I like how you made Payrun analyse the Hetzer, the one vehicle that is basically built for Russian Doctrine. It is... Cheap: ✔ Built with Shoddy construction: ✔ Brilliant in its simplicity: ✔ Is countered by the infantry with AT: ✔ He cannot escape Russian doctrine no matter how hard he tries

[@sigrudvildhafre2511]

Tumbler here of the Braindamage battalion. We stand in awe for the dedication shown towards the community.. passing the Torch onwards and doing it while supporting great causes. Thank you. All that have worked helped contributed. .. thank you.

[@justacook6858]

Tex uploads, I watch, that's simple.

[@roberthudson2208]

This is the way

[@talonfoulker6563]

I watch me tex videos simple as

[@TimothyWheeler88]

I got into Battletech in 2016. I watched as the game went from something I struggled to find groups for to something that two gaming stores in my town run games for twice a week. I remember my first Tex Talks video, the Awesome one from like 5 or 6 years ago. I work as a janitor for Fort Carson in Colorado now. I listening to Tex Talks during my shifts has often helped me keep my sanity as I clean the sauna or the locker room or the running tracks. I've even gotten co-workers into the game thanks to me showing them Tex Talks. Thanks to the BPL and Tex for everything.

[@Jaxon_JR_Reign]

I always wondered as I used to be active duty army at fort campbell but are you tech contracted by fort Carson as a civilian contractor then being a janitor? Or is it like working at a PX as a normal employee.

[@TimothyWheeler88]

@@Jaxon_JR_Reign The contract is held by the company I work for, Pueblo Diversified Industries. So I'm a civilian custodian hired through PDI to work their contract with the military. I think the technical term is civilian contractor but it feels weird since I'm not the one holding the contract.

[@Arendelft]

Okay, I want everyone to picture Kerensky finding Van Zandt during the Exodus and thinking "Oh hey, we can stop here for a bit, relieve some stress." and after getting bad service his XO then informs him they have an entire continent on this planet that is dedicated to growing corn and cocaine... corn.... and cocaine. Just how fast would he be getting everyone back up to the ship? Last thing he needs is his people to be getting their hands on some of that while trapped for months at a time in the cramped confines of his ships...

[@Verdis_deMosays]

@@Arendelft Corn is a hell of a drug.

[@FrozenHawkHunter]

I wonder if the corn has mutated with the coca plants? And that is why the corn is so good.😂

[@Gundrium_Alt]

So what you're saying is... That we can blame some ancient Van Zandt citizen for introducing Nick Kerensky to "Blow Corn", and thus indirectly causing the clans? Headcanon established and accepted.

[@Arendelft]

@Gundrium_Alt 😆🤣

[@jurajciernik7780]

The fact that not only we got premier episode about first clan invasion, but it was followed by Perun’s presentation on the hetzer!!! 🥂 you outdid yourself BPL!!!

[@miss_bec]

This is my favourite video of 2024. I'm in a bad spot right now, and this helped me forget about it all for two tightly-written and incredibly entertaining hours. My compliments to everyone involved in this monolith of a project. Thank you. EDIT: I just rewatched the whole damn thing for the second time in 24 hours. Exact same emotional response, grinning ear to ear, followed by immediate elation by the casual mention at the end of the credits - as a massive fan of That Mech, I'm beyond ecstatic.

[@tba113]

Sorry to hear things are going poorly for you. If it helps, the biggest takeaway from this episode is that a turnaround that puts you back on your feet is never impossible. Here's hoping you don't have to go as far as burying an army of Clanners under a mountain to make that happen - but then again, if that's what it takes, then so be it and may your enemies learn to fear you.

[@RippPryde]

The fact you got Perun to do an outro bit is amazing. Now purside him to do Mechwarrior or Battletech on his gaming channel!

[@Insanemage2001]

Honestly a video with Tex and Perun doing co-op mechwarrior and critiquing the opposition's supply lines could be a lot of fun.

[@barrybend7189]

We now need a Lazerpig video on the succession wars.

[@nebraska7598]

I found Battle Tech before the turn of the century, back when it was ink and paper books. Tex, I very much enjoy your presentations,please continue to produce these excellent presentations.

[@PerogiPalooka]

The Perun bit was peak. Great video, and well deserved congrats for everyone involved.

[@MariyaMiran]

Excellent work as always boys. Not that it was ever in doubt. Some people watch for the memes, some for the lore. I watch because there are just _so many_ layers in every line and delivery. Keep putting in the work Tex & Co.; it does not go unappreciated.

[@marsar1775]

THIS RELEASES ON MY EFFING BIRTHDAY? JESUS YOU BET IM COMIN

[@Sabrowsky]

Hey, same here, advanced happy birthday, pal

[@marsar1775]

@@Sabrowsky ay, same to you

[@tannerdowney2802]

Looks like someone's fishing for a Happy Birthday and I'm biting. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!

[@bogdanv1353]

happy birthday..

[@miked884]

Happy birthday classmate

[@MaxSterling01]

Tex sounds like the voice over for old movie trailers. Love it. Can't wait.

[@THX-1138.]

"In a world..."

[@RRVCrinale]

He actually noodled around like that in one of his Mechwarrior Online streams, coming up with "Urban Cop" taglines while driving around in the cop car Urbanmech.

[@richter6699]

A better time. We need to go back 😅

[@Banthisyoutube-zs6sx]

​@@RRVCrinaleurban cop is best cop

[@EricDKaufman]

Something tells me Tex is gonna get Sassy on this one. Also, I bet Perun shows up to discuss BattleMech procurement and logistics. EDIT - I FUCKING CALLED IT HERE FIRST!!!!

[@mclouj]

We got a power point within our slideshow, we have been truly blessed.

[@EricDKaufman]

@@mclouj Blake be his name!

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

Thank you to Tex and the whole team at the Black Pants Legion for all the time and effort you put into it! You can feel the blood, sweat, and tears you poured into this and it shows in every moment of it. I loved this video, just like I’ve loved so many of the ones you all have created before. I’m sad I didn’t get to watch this when this first premiered and I’m so glad I finally got to see it! I love being part of this community with you all! Good luck and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

[@jaffartheblade]

you know something is really good when you would have happily paid for a ticket and watched it tex your videos are rarely ever "background" for when im on my PC they are center stage quality work from the entire team great job guys.

[@Teyanis]

It really is poetic that star league era tactical thinking is what defeated the clans. I love that so much.

[@Frost640]

I can't even describe how happy this makes me.

[@skoshman1]

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the happiness scale, why did you chose "Tukayyid"

[@kongesbrenn6642]

I don't even do battletech, but I just love the passion from tex and Crow, the editing and visuals from many other legends make it all the better

[@andresm.8838]

This was an actual movie, the beauty of the music, the visuals, the way the story was paced. This is quality over quantity at it's finest. All the artists outdid themselves and the editing was so fluid it's shocking how much this little series has expanded to this level of production. Bravo!

[@Ewout1311]

For me, and yes this is personal, Tex introduced me to the real world of Battletech. I played the old mechwarrior games, but never looked into the table top. Since I first watched a Tex talks Battletech episode I have been hooked. Bought paints, mini's, maps, books etc. Love it so much It's become my go-to relaxation universe, playing the Battlech game by Hairbrain schemes (Using the grand old BTA modpack) or playing mechwarrior 5, it always puts a smile on my face. Thank Tex!!! Tank you Team!!! love you guys! and Tex: When will you do the Raven? ;-)

[@harzzachseniorgamer5516]

Oh gawd, Perun is now part of these videos. It CANNOT go better than this :)

[@usiak13]

Is Van Zandt militia irregulars reserve battalion still accepting applications? I heard your ad on ring tone while calling suicide hotline

[@mechcommander7876]

I’m surprised it didn’t auto-forward you…

[@Arendelft]

I never knew I needed a man to read me poetry but Tex has taught me that I need a man to read me poetry!!! Tex keeps teaching me that I need things in my life that I never knew I needed!!!

[@lucasrodillo6739]

Search Wilfred Owen's poems read by Richard Burton. Thank me later.

[@Kaninjadog]

As always Tex Talks Battletech is the greatest 'lore video' series out there. A fantastic combination of art, presentation and Tex's ever masterful narration is such a gift you all have come a long way from that first Atlas video I listened too on the Bus all those years ago. Love your core thesis on the Clan Invasion. Supermen don't win wars, Determine people working toward a common cause do. Feels like with each video you impart wisdom on us we can apply to the real world. Always grateful, rest, take your time we'll be here for the next one.

[@krovgorwarhawk9946]

That, and a good logistics chain.

[@graywolfalphaone]

I love everything Dunken Fisher. Doge how is there an entire contentnent that just grows corn and cocaine?! (I died with laupher) long may you live sir! (also everyone, thank you. This is amazing as always and totally worth the wait 10 outa 10)

[@marvinthomas9897]

Tex & Co, you guys are magnificent. I cannot tell you how badly I needed a win today and seeing the notification that this was coming soon was exactly what the doc ordered. I haven't even seen it yet, and I can sincerely say "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart.

[@webs538]

Hope the rest of the day and tmrw are better for you

[@ReinFreedom]

Kai at this point in his life is dealing with an inferiority complex the size of an Atlas as well as impostor syndrome. Things he would not finally begin to overcome until near the end of the war when he, funny enough, ends up having to work with a group of Jade Falcon Elementals to rescue POWs from Comstar. The “Blood of Kerensky Trilogy” are the books you are looking for in regards to these stories

[@mkang8782]

I *love* the dialogue in the ComStar cells. I don't have the exact verbage memorized, but, the surviving elementals are talking about how they would have bid a star of 'mechs to capture him. Deidre then promptly drops the bomb of who he is, and one of the elementals promptly changes the bid to 3 stars.

[@ReinFreedom]

Yep! One of my favorite moments in the book. She accidentally drops his name and they say they should have bid 2 stars, then she drops the bomb about him beating 5 out of 6 opponents in that mock Trial of position with the Wolf Dragoons, and they loose their minds and the one says “3 stars, definitely 3 stars”, or something to that effect. Was quite an entertaining exchange.

[@templarw20]

@@mkang8782 Reminds me of Path of the Fury. "If I knew [main character] was on planet, I wouldn't have landed, I would have dropped a kinetic strike on her home."

[@mykin3945]

I survived contact with the Van Zandt Free State Militia once. We were allies. To be fair to them, they're still shipping me the amount of C-Bills it would take to replace my mech in flats of corn and corn-adjacent products. And if you go to the right places, that stuff sells like gold. I'll be able to retire next month because of that, but I still give them a cut to show I have no hard feelings towards them. Not sure why they wanted me to send the C-Bills to their base on the second moon instead of the planet capital itself, but whatever. Seriously, thanks Tex and everyone who contributed to this video. Your stuff is always a blast to watch and it brightens my day to see a new one come out. Take care and see you on the next one!

[@PepRock01]

Omg, a freaking Perun cameo??????? I legit thought my KZbin had automatically skipped to the next video I had 😂😂

[@Sinaimedve007]

The production quality is just insane. I am lost for words. ❤from Hungary 🇭🇺!

[@Killayeti67]

The cameo after Discount Dan had me standing up and applauding

[@300lbsNick]

The Perun bit was fantastic

[@MesaOracle]

Everyone has a plan, until an Atlas punches you in the face.

[@aylamaiia]

I fucking love the IS. Being even a Shadow Hawk pilot has Merit in fisticuffs.

[@FlickTakFlakAttack]

Some time in Battletech's distant past, driven by untold hours watching super robot media, a mech scientist has successfully convinced his directors to incorporate fully articulate hands and kinetic dampeners into their mech's arms, enabling it for 'ammo-independant close quarters combat'. The directors did however veto the need to shout the attack's name into the pilot console in order to perform a melee attack.

[@BobMcBobJr]

@@FlickTakFlakAttack Without the articulation it could not obtain force multipliers on site to amplify it's cqc capabilities. (Translation: it couldn't hold a big stick)

[@leandersearle5094]

No plan survives contact with giant robot fist.

[@skyrunner4750]

i save these videos like a MRE candy bar, to savor them at my desk while at work. thanks Tex and crew

[@robertfrith771]

Sorry Tex, Theodore did not officially take the throne as Coordinator until 3054, after Takashi's seppuku. At Wolcott, his rank was Gunjei-no-Kanrei (Deputy for Military Affairs). I will however admit that he was Coordinator in all but name as he had effectively sidelined Takashi. References The Warriors of Kerensky Trilogy and Heir to the Dragon.

[@tychozzyx9439]

And by those books Wolcott was closer to minutes than hours due to the completeness of the ambush, Smoke Jaguar hadn't realized they held Theodore until after his escape, and Tyra's wingmate was ordered away and survived her attack run requiring the jump ship to not have left yet. Since Tex is canonically telling the story in the Periphery years later, I take it more as propaganda spread or the classic "ComStar misinformation". It certainly makes for a good retelling

[@amw5288]

That depiction of Kai's Batchall was killer and the invasion overview was the best one I've ever seen! Loved all the Stompy-warbot community member cameos. Saw what you did with playing Absalom Truscott

[@barrybend7189]

Battletech cartoon: "You dare refuse my Batchall!" "Refuse your WHAT!?"

[@BobMcBobJr]

He did only bring a club and a half broken mech into the fight, the clanners just forgot that the mech included a sizeable nuclear bomb under the seat. Batchall decided. Fair and square.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Let's go! Green bird strong!

[@willbbwluvr]

Hurrrr, clan green turkey done fucked up

[@ObiwanNekody]

Heh. I'm glad you enjoy a faction that much.

[@barrybend7189]

Hatchetman reactor goes boom.

[@willbbwluvr]

@@barrybend7189 all my HCT minis are going to get "be like Kai" painted on them now

[@duongquan4986]

How to cook green turkey with nuclear reactor fire.

[@SixSidesofGaming]

United we stand! CGL, Lynnvander, Six Sides of Gaming and more support you TEX! We support the BPL! Can't wait foe the Aces documentary? ;) 😉 much love TEX!

[@raymondjacobs1955]

The wait between Tex Talks Battletech videos is always worth every second. With each one of them being better than the last. If this was your first one I really encourage you to go watch all of the others. They are all worth it.

[@dog209]

Perun is having the time of his live at the end lol. Also the Tex Talks was Amazing as always.

[@troylight1750]

(Leans back) Aaaaand that's a wrap! Okay everyone, great job, same time next year. Tex baby, as always, love ya. George, ya smooth-talkin' bastard, let's see if we can get it down to under Take 1000 next time, okay? (Smart phone rings) Hello? What? Can't you tell I'm busy here? Anyway...fabulous job everyone. Be sure all that excess popcorn gets swept out from between the seats. Remember to recycle, people. Oh! Don't forget to donate. Remember, Cancer sucks, so let's give till it hurts! (Back to reality) Every time I watch one of these, everything grinds to a halt. I can't get a thing done until AFTER the show, so thank you Tex and thank you to the entire gang who made this possible. HAIL CARGONIA!!!

[@hundebubi1410]

A big thank you to all who put their time and hearts and effort into this. Love the battletech community.

[@moonfale]

When the sea shanty in the credits came on my four month old got the biggest grin on her face I may have ever seen. We listened to it half a dozen times. Thank you for bringing that smile to her, and the memory that is made for me.

[@mrtspence]

Best $1 a month I've ever spent. You guys do amazing work.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

1:36:10 it should be noted that not only did Joanna kill Natasha Kerensky, but she did so in the exact same place where she had suffered her earlier disgrace: The Gap. (if I remember the books correctly)

[@robertivey7644]

Yeah really sorry about that I never should have opened my mouth at a con with Michael Stackpole. One stupid question created that scenario.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@robertivey7644 i actually find it rather nice for Joanna's arc: even if almost everything in your life gets derailed, on occasion good things do happen to you.

[@spinetanium3296]

I'm confused, I thought the Black Knight was next. Not that I'm complaining!!! Anything Tex and the crew make will be a banger!

[@kagakuryu639]

No need to worry, Black Knight is next. It's after the credits

[@Ratkill9000]

They might have been comissioned to make this to build hype for Mechwarrior 5: Clans expansion/standalone game coming out in a couple weeks.

[@zeecassel325]

​@@Ratkill9000not at all, actually.

[@wolfehoffmann2697]

@@Ratkill9000 Tex and the BPL doesn't do that kind of work. There's just occasionally special episodes about the historical events. It's September, the same month Twycross was fought. They also released the Tukkayid episode in May to coincide with when it was fought.

[@robertivey7644]

@@wolfehoffmann2697I can’t wait for Hanse’s wedding.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Excellent.

[@EricDKaufman]

Game recognize game.

[@DonaldWWitt]

@@EricDKaufman Red don't recognize the Blackjack, so clearly he doesn't have game!

[@EnwardSnowman]

Was that you reading the Khan's quote around the 34 minute mark?

[@Tzilandi]

@@EnwardSnowmanYeah, that’s from Red’s Warhammer IIC video.

[@guiltygearalonecompl]

Good game, Red

[@dan_zehner]

Thank you for raising money for cancer research with this great video. My wife is in the middle of treatment for breast cancer right now. F cancer.

[@grubnutz79]

Two rival elite regiments from the 4th succession wars would go on to give the Clans their first defeats. Glory to the Kell Hounds and Genyosha

[@tomsimpkins1211]

It's wonderful to learn about a battle I never had heard of, that feels so perfectly Battletech, down even to a sleeves rolled up slap fight with no tactics involved whatsoever! Perfect, pure Battletech.

[@TheRealBDouble]

Tyra Miraborg is one of my favorite characters. I dunno how she flew her craft due to the weight of her massive Starslab balls, but damn she did

[@darkalman]

Crashed her Shilone into the bridge in part to get revenge for the loss of her boyfriend... who just by coincidence happened to be on that very bridge. Phelan: oh check it out, that's Tyra! ... Tyra? TYRA!

[@Johnpinckney98]

@@darkalman As Romeo and Juliet as you can get in Battletech! 🤣

[@ettibbet5493]

​@@darkalmanand he doesnt find out until he meets her father again when he wins the planet.

[@FaceIntoKeyboard]

Praise z0rg and pass the autocannon ammo. It's go time, folks!

[@TheOpkier]

Y'all got any of that side corn?

[@raatchet1292]

Tha Moon Kaiser tried to take mine! But I said NO! And punched him in tha head.

[@Deridus]

Sorry, but we're all out of goob.

[@DLuniz]

Nope, lots more Fiesta Pail.

[@squatchhammer7215]

Turned mine into colostomy bag corn.

[@HaloFTW55]

I made mine into cornbread. Am willing to trade 50 tons of it for 1x AC20 cartridge.

[@AKingInYellow]

Tex, Black Pants Legion, all the guys, artists and anyone helping make this long-form entertainment - thank you. For me these videos mark each year in such a great way. No matter how long I must wait, I'll be there to watch.

[@Leadballoon86]

Without a doubt, this has set a new high bar for fan creation content. The music, the art, the pacing of the video, George FREAKING Ledoux, and, lastly, Tex's ability to deliver a high quality audio that cannot be topped. Thank you to all those involved in these series and for all your hard work! It helps fuel our hobby and bring new people into this wonderful hobby and setting.

[@Jaegerrants]

Right, need to get some friends to play BattleTech while we listen to this... sauna first or after... decissions decissions

[@AdmiralSenn]

Hard to believe this is "only" episode 18. But what episodes they are! I can't wait to see this!

[@gideonchua9448]

Perun my beloved you're doing colabs with Tex now! Life truly is beautiful

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

So I've taken this in over a few days now. It's a work of art, the level you guys have reached here is just a joke, and it's going to make other content feel decidely average for a while. Thank you for making this.

[@gotindrachenhart]

The music keeps getting better! I'd love a BT themed album!! Thanks for all the hard work guys, much love and respect to all.

[@StickmanSam89]

I am expecting absolute hell at work this week. But now I have something epic to look forward to at the end of it!

[@OMNIDC13]

Truly, Tex is a blessed man.

[@jla872]

The Perun cameo made it extra special. Thanks!

[@Folfca]

Each and every one of you rocks. A long time for sure but a fantastic production from you all. thank you for sharing the stories of battletech and may your reign on the battlefield and otherwise be long and fruitful.

[@TheSpaceHamster]

I’ve watched a lot of content, across all platforms. This may be the single greatest piece of lore/content/fan creation I have ever seen. Take a well deserved bow, this is majestic. The information, history, emotions, the feels - everything. It ticks every. Single. Box. Tex and team, amazing.