Normally quite sour on alternate armor types, but it's always good to see reflective armor on fast lights just to foil pulse lasers. Yet another Scorpion Empire W
I didn't know this mech existed until today, love the idea of a crazier-than-normal light pilot looking at the lack of armor and the weapons loadout and just saying "Yes, this one right here!". Also, it could be because I just finished Red Storm Rising, but I love the idea of Electronic warfare mechs like the IIB, such a cool concept.
The Nexus has an interesting real world story as well. It, along with the Fujin and the Grand Crusader, was based on the player mech designs made by Victor Musical Industries Inc. for the 1993 SNES Mechwarrior game. In that game, all controllable mechs use variations of those three bodies. The designs were later repurposed with new lore for the Comstar Sourcebook. Before that, VMA created a port of the 1983 Mechwarrior PC game for the Sharp X68000. Because the Harmony Gold lawsuits had already happened, VMA also created a set of redesigns of some classic Unseen Mechs for use in the port. FASA would go on to reuse those designs in TRO 3055, as the first set of IIC mechs (that's why some of them had that funky anime artstyle). The other clan second line mechs from that batch (the Baboon and Conjurer, for example) were created from unused concept art made for the SNES game. Even though the designs were properly licensed from VMA, FASA eventually decided to play it safe and put them on the Unseen list anyway, where would remain until Project Phoenix.
The reengineered laser on the 1C does more damage and ignores special armor. along with having a -1 to hit. The Dark Age saw the arrival of more and more specialized armor, so it makes sense for your main gun to help take care of fast reflective armor troops
As complicated as C3 networks are, the iC3 networks simplify the whole thing and definitely makes running them worth it. Was playing WoB against Jade Falcons, brought Redshift 3A with 3 WoB LRM Carriers (all with iC3 computers) and two other mechs in the network. Cannot overstate how overpowered LRM Carriers with iC3 computers when they are paired up with spotters within the network. Firefalcon ran 11 hexes straight to the LRM Carriers, but despite being within minimum range (3 hexes away), the Carriers fired in short range because of another mech in the network at that sweet 6 hexes away. Gotta try the Nexus next as it's definitely a better Redshift lol
If you’re interested in a bit more Star Python lore, check out Moving Forward in Shrapnel #6. It features the in-universe designer of the mech and gives a bit more context into why the Scorpion Empire put it into production.
@@MechanicalFrogStory "Fighting for the Past" from Shrapnel issue 14 is also very good Scorpions don't get big books but small stuff they do get is top tier
The biggest mystery in BT, how the hell did the Scorpion Empire get their hands on so many Comstar. And when will the bring back the Legacy, love the mech
No mystery at all, during their exodus to Nueva Castile they found and cleaned up Blakist cache on Waypoint 531, they took everything including even old Jackrabbits, Toyamas and other stuff which they used briefly during period when resources were tight before retiring them again They kept Purifiers, though 😁 Another interesting tidbit is that they interrupted someone else who was there looting the same place and started blastin' but unknown party ran away before Scorpions could figure out who it was
The Blakist’s original plan was to invade and destroy the Clan Homeworlds, but the intense factionalism and the mess of the Second Star League collapse lead to the kerfuffle. They did park a bunch of gear at Waypoint 531 in the deep periphery, intended as a resupply base but it was never used. The Scorpions found it on their way out of the Homeworlds following the Wars of Reaving. The WoB remnants also hid in the Hanseatic League prior to moving to parts unknown, so some of their technology also existed there
fun fact, the Re-Engineered Lasers also ignore laser reflective/hardened/ferro lamelar armor and have a -1 to hit, so they aren't just bad lol. Great video! I want one!
@@MechanicalFrog absolutely fair, I just wanted to point out they *do* have their uses. I'd honestly rather have a full pulse laser or a standard medium, but whatever. Re-Engineered Large Lasers are more useful because, well, its for piercing through armor. So taking a little extra weight and heat for ignoring special armor and a -1 to hit is actually pretty good.
(adding more to this since I'm just now) the "Joker" (The JKR-2R which is not a hero mech, also pretty disappointed you didn't even shine a light on said variant) Jackrabbit is unironically fantastic and should be used when possible to fill a light lance or a lance in need of a light skirmisher. The Nexus is a bit too scary for me to use on the board as it always seems to get hit in just the right spots 3 turns in by gauss rifles or clan ERPPCs. The Nexus II is fun, though I still think it's got the same issue as a Nexus...that being you better be moving your max movement on an open field, or keep yourself in heavy woods cover/urban environments. I still would personally say to use the Nexus if you want to use it, but you gotta learn to dance with it. (Also, Blake be praised!)
I'm a big fan of Improved Heavy Lasers, *especially* on lighter units. It's hard to find more weight-efficient weapon systems, and the explosion is actually not that damaging, simply dealing half that of the laser itself: the main risk is neurohelmet feedback.
as you can probably imagine from my avatar I love the jackrabbit at least from a visual standpoint so the nexus is definitely something I'd like to look into
Thank you Mechanical Frog! I'll be taking a break from YT for a bit as I'm selling my old laptop and focusing on my art business. When I come back I'll have a YT channel about my art and our gaming hobby. I'm turning a new page in life and focusing on what I love most about it. There are no second rehearsals in life.
@@MechanicalFrog it was a happy accident really, I was one of the only Ice Hellion fanboys (we had 3 at our peak) and since they got absorbed... Anyway, the lore for the Scorpion Empire is pretty cool so I'm glad it happened tbh
@@rickusjamesus greetings, fellow Hellion! My first online game was MechCommander and I played in a ladder league for three years roleplaying as Clan Ice Hellion. I even won one I think four bloodname tournaments we had, defeating my own Galaxy Commander in the final round to claim the Taney legacy. I think we actually started getting better lore as part of the Scorpions. And I found the whole Scorpio Imperio deal incredibly amusing as I just happen to speak Spanish.
Hey Frog, just FYI the Scorpions already dropped in on Wolf Empire in 3145 on Solaris 7 and fought a trial for local museum which, among many other things, contained original cockpit of Great Father Kerensky's Orion They won, cleaned up the place, refused to elaborate and peaced out Probably the best show Solaris 7 had in it's entire history
@@milankostic2571 I did not know this but now I must try tracking down that lore. Speaking as a long time Ice Hellion, I think my Clan started getting much better narrative treatment after being absorbed by Goliath Scorpion and reconstituted as Hellion Galaxy within it.
I am typically aware of most the mechs you cover, however this one slipped my notice. After checking Sarna and my bookshelf maybe the jank art in Technical Readout: 3058 memory holed it for me. I'm actually going to run your Star Python in tonight's game. Keep the amazing content coming! Dola when?
It went very Classic BattleTech... in that I caught an UAC2 round to the head on turn 2 (he needed an 11 to hit) and failed my pilot hit roll. We all had a good laugh and I still won the game, but gonna need more data. I do like the idea of the mech so I will be trying it again. @@MechanicalFrog
I reskinned the City of Death scenario from Tukkayid for a WoB assault on Northwind's last com facility during the Blake Tantrum (not strictly accurate but sometimes you have to bend events to use the cool painted minis.) The Highlanders field the command lance from the force pack. I include a Nexus in the WoB level II as a toe hold unit that can get into the com facility. It most certainly will not survive direct combat with a Highlander or Gunslinger but does do well playing hide and seek in amongst the buildings of the com center as the other WoB mechs try and dislodge the Highlander defenders.
Nice video! Kind of surprised there's not an updated Jackrabbit using a Light AC. Seems like an easy way to have the same basic 'Mech but improve on the flaws.
And the light AC2 undermines the main selling point of the AC2 beyond things tied to making do. Range. Though at least the light variant did fix the minimum range issue.
@@bthsr7113 The LAC/2 also helped balance out the weight-damage ratio, but yes, you do sacrifice range. Though you could swap out the AC/2 for a LAC/5 so at least you're getting 2.5x the firepower for the loss of range.
As an Ice Hellion and therefore a ranid fan of speed freak light mechs, I dig this. I also like energy heavy load outs because I have a phobia concerning running out of ammo. Seriously I don't know why anyone would prefer any variety of AC/2, the dumbest weapons ever invented in the world of madness that is BattlTech, when you could have an ER large laser or PPC that does real damage instead. Even if you run hot after replacing BB gun ammo with heat sinks you can shoot two turns out of five and do the same damage with an ERLL as a UAC/2 but with punch though power. And did I mention being an Ice Hellion? Which means in the IlClan era I'm happily in Beta Galaxy of the Scorpion Empire with the other descendants of that clan. Which is why it's also called Hellion Galaxy. Because while screeching, high speed, hyper aggressive pack tactics with light mechs may not have been a great idea as a military's entire doctrine it does work out quite well as part of a larger balanced force and that's why the Empire has the Hellions. Who do you think are piloting that full trinary of Star Pythons? I also shamelessly love heavy lasers. So what I'm saying is I'll take one of those production model Star Pythons. Painted blue and white, with orange highlights, please. Edit: I would also LOVE a proper summary of Goliath Scorpion's story from the Wars of Reaving up to the current timeline.
As my groups Comstar rep I have to vouch for C3. Is it complicated, can be. Is it expensive BV-wise, yes. Do I want to tie rocks to my minis and throw them in the sea when someone shows up with ECM, of course. But that feeling when you get one mech close to the enemies fire support and suddenly your whole team is hitting as if it was short range is so good it is worth it and the Nexus (any applicable version) is just the mech to help you get that feeling.
Having had to dig into C3 a while back, it is not as complicated as it seems. It’s just spread out across several books. Alpha Strike simplifies it by adding the C3 tax into the PV of the model. In Classic, the C3 tax is 10% of each mechs BV in the C3 network. If you do not cost for this then the network is regarded as not active. Example: A lance of 4 mechs all at 1000BV are in the same C3 network. One mech has a C3 master and the other 3 have C3 slaves. The cost of activating the network 10% added to each mechs BV. So instead of 4000 BV the total force would cost 4400 BV.
I quite like the Star Python, and honestly did before I'd seen this video thanks to a story in the BattleTech Shrapnel magazine. The Nexus and Jackrabbit lines that preceded it aren't too bad, though for the Jackrabbit I'd swap the AC/2 for an ER Large Laser. The Star Python MF seems fairly nice, though personally I'd drop one of the 3 ATM-3s for an extra ton of ammo. In keeping with what usually happens after watching one of your 'Mech videos, I created my own variant, which I've called the Star Python 2. While mine retains the Laser Reflective armor, I also went with an XL engine to free up weight. To start with, I added another Jump Jet for additional mobility, while adding in a partial-wing. I traded out the AMS for the laser AMS, which left me with a total of 5.5 tons to play with. I filled it out with a right arm ER Large Laser to make it a mobile sniper to support the standard (and MF) variants, with a pair each of ER Small and ER Micro Lasers for anti-infantry use.
I took a shot at my variant of it. Movement: 7/11, Engine: 175 XL Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20], Internal: 43 (Endo-Steel) Armor: 80/89 (Reflective), ATM 3 (Clan) RA ATM 3 (Clan) LA, ATM 6 (Clan) LT, Light TAG [Clan] (Clan) RA. High-Explosive ATM/3 Ammo, Extended-Range ATM/3 Ammo in the CT, and ECM Suite [Clan] in HD. Speedy and resilient vs. energy weapons in combination with ECM. With a Cruising Speed: of 75.6 kph Maximum Speed: of 118.8 kph I was tempted to put on an MASC. but ECM could make up for it with better tonnage. With 40 shots of ATM ammo. Divided up into 20 Hi-Ex and Extended. This would be a deadly and annoying mech at the same time. lol
The Wolf success Tukkayid wasn't curious or just more inexplicable plot armor that they would rely ever more on in later eras. At that point it made sense since they'd been the quickest to adapt and the most attentive of the lessons learned in the face of actual war. They also had a larger force present than their rival clans since the Wolves were last in the bidding for drop order.
My main issue with Clan Wolf is that they dragged their feet and sabotaged the Crusader clans for a century, only to turn around and take Terra themselves. Every one of their losses along the way was actually a victory and yes, it's pretty obvious that the devs have played favorites. @@bthsr7113
Hmm, If I would reimage the "Star Python", I would use it as a reconnaissance / digital Warfare Mech, that can opperate with a small Team behind enemy Lines. Endo Steel Skeletton, Stealth Armor together with an ECM, Target Computer and an Light BaP would be the non Combatant Equipment. A Tag Laser would be the only non direct Damage Weapon, together with some small and Med Pulse Lasers, so it can cover it's retreat if needed. (Idk how much tonnage the Stealth System Armor weights. ^^ ) Mission Target of this Mech would be: Land far behind enemy lines (with Drop Pods maybe), find Enemy bases, hidden or open, and mark them for Bombardement with Artillery. Then, when the main Force storms in, retreat to a pick up place or attack from behind if all enemy forces are bound with the main force, OR hunt down fleeing enemys (air or land). Could be a good rebel hunter, together with some other Mechs in the Lance. Also, it is interesting that most "Scout Class Mechs" never have a Bap, Narc Missiles or a Tag in their Equipment. O.o
Give the Jackrabbit a Light AC-5, pull out the Streak SRM-2 for a medium laser, and put the weight savings into armor, and the Jackrabbit would perform better.
Nah, I'll walk thanks! Seriously 2t of armour? It won't be very good at recon because it'll be all blowed up before you can get a message off to say 'hey I fo..." and of course forgetting that in a multi-tier, combined arms engagement where you really do want reconnaissance units. Well if you're off stomping around in 25t of mech and they can't find you exactly, that just means your rough location gets covered in air and artillery strikes until things seem to be dead for people to feel comfortable.
I think I would spend a ton to put a new piece of equipment on the mech's head, something like a propeller and make up the story that the whole head is a mini-shuttle, so that it can escape great distances in case the mech is destroyed... The form, it already has.
The Nexus NXS1-A has 2 tons of Krupp 200 Ferro-Fibrous armor, not Standard armore, though you're right it's not nearly enough and the difference between 2 tons of standard and IS-grade ferro-fibrous is a whopping 3 points of armor (35 vs 32). Also, the base Nexus NXS1-A has a Nissan 175 Standard Fusion Engine and can only run at 118.8 km/h, the Nexus II is the faster with a 200 light fusion engine.
Have used it in campaign and ..we could modify them ( only one light mech per player 3050 era) so did the XL engine route...extra armor and went with one large laser and 2 mediums....worked out rather well as a clan light mech hunter
A suggestion for the Star Python MF: drop an ATM 3, add that third ton of ammo, and add CASE II while you're at it. Maybe replace some of the Micro Pulse Lasers with Improved Heavy Small Lasers, since you aren't going to find a better use for the free heat sinks.
I wrote a fan fiction piece where a rogue Goliath Scorpion Binary snuck into Terra to assassinate Alaric Ward composed of one star of Star Pythons and a mixed star of heavy/assault mechs. They did poorly but the Star Pythons actually manages to breach the command center where AW was before getting blown away by an ancient Orca he had refurbished as a personal project.
Since I can't play TT right now, I don't know all the C3 issues with it. I can say that for BTA3062, if you can get a hold of C3i, it works fine( Regular C3 is a different story, since most new ECM will disrupt the link). The only issue I have with the MF Variant, is that with the ATM's, the Mech is no longer a 'Raider' since you now have Ammo to worry about, instead of all energy weapons. But hey, Clanners don't really care about Logistics!😂
Given that long range support was the goal, you'd have been better off with a Clan LRM10 or trio of Clan LRM5. Sure, you lose a bit of max range, but it's easier to maintain/supply, simpler in operation, and you can do more damage than 6 ER ATM warheads with an LRM 10 or even do more damage than 6 standard ATM warheads with triple LRM5. And if you go with the LRM10, there's a half ton saved, so you could tinker with that.
Is it me, or do you always want to put an AMS on mechs with reflective armor? Just seems obvious to me that a bunch of LRM pick marks on your shiny armor have to screw up the ability to check your hair, you know? (Ha! Typed this and then you said it! Great minds!)
I prefered the Joker variant of the Jackrabbit, mounting a Large Laser in place of the AC/2, along with 1 more ton of armor and an additional HeatSink. While a decreased range and poorer cooling, the Large Laser gives a far better punch, and the additional ton of armor gives better protection. It might have actually stood a better chance against what was hunting it if that was the standard variant. The Jackrabbit made a brief return with the WoB mounting a Light AC/5 and an ER Medium. Seeing as there is no mention of a C3i, it was probably given to the non-believers in the WoB Militia. For the original Nexus, I would probably request replacing the Medium Pulse for standard Mediums and two tons of armor, lets go for the SW Locust level of protection.
@@MechanicalFrog True, I think the only time it has worked well in lore is when used in mass fire formations against lighter opponents, mostly 20-tonners as the target.
Well now you've done it, bismirching the great C3 system. 😜 Seriously, if played right it's quite effective. I'd have my Lance with slave units while Atlas would rain hellfire from range at the top of the hill. Usually I'd have my crazy Arse Tarantula acquiring targeting for everyone else, trying desperately not to get hit. Fun times for all. Though now I might have to swap it out for this Nexus.
@@Darren_Xero I honestly don't narratively see how. They're so far out in Deep Periphery territory, they don't even get mentioned on most maps of 3150. The *Timbuktu Collective* gets real estate, but nothing for the scorps. Love 'em, think they're neat, but they're as good as gone.
@@derekburge5294 where they are now is not too far away from the fringe of the Lyran Commonwealth border, if you recall where the last time the Hanseatic League was located
@@derekburge5294Those maps were made before Scorpion Empire lore was even written They have been getting fresh lore for couple of years now, latest one was in most recent Shrapnel Plus they are already in Chainelane Isles and are building HPG station there
Its a quirky mech the standard Jackrabbit is garbage, the AC-2 is far too heavy, but the Nexus and its configs are far more capable and useful :) Great vid as always!
I didn´t know the Nexus finally got good looking artwork, just checked, it´s a Harri Gallio work. Looks really good. The old artworks just never managed to make the mech look attractive to me. Well you were adamant on doing an entire SERIES on the IIC variants. Hence, very few standard IS small lasers. In the book sthe C3 system is described rather simple, what makes it so complicated? The TT rules?
"for more agressive mechwarriors who like to live on the knifes edge" Yes hi, hello, im here jokes aside though, this mech would be perfect for my "im just here to have fun" unit. i wont say lance because lance implies structure and a makeup you can recognise
Normally quite sour on alternate armor types, but it's always good to see reflective armor on fast lights just to foil pulse lasers. Yet another Scorpion Empire W
Agreed.
I didn't know this mech existed until today, love the idea of a crazier-than-normal light pilot looking at the lack of armor and the weapons loadout and just saying "Yes, this one right here!". Also, it could be because I just finished Red Storm Rising, but I love the idea of Electronic warfare mechs like the IIB, such a cool concept.
The IIB really does feel like every bell and whistle.
The Nexus has an interesting real world story as well. It, along with the Fujin and the Grand Crusader, was based on the player mech designs made by Victor Musical Industries Inc. for the 1993 SNES Mechwarrior game. In that game, all controllable mechs use variations of those three bodies. The designs were later repurposed with new lore for the Comstar Sourcebook. Before that, VMA created a port of the 1983 Mechwarrior PC game for the Sharp X68000. Because the Harmony Gold lawsuits had already happened, VMA also created a set of redesigns of some classic Unseen Mechs for use in the port. FASA would go on to reuse those designs in TRO 3055, as the first set of IIC mechs (that's why some of them had that funky anime artstyle). The other clan second line mechs from that batch (the Baboon and Conjurer, for example) were created from unused concept art made for the SNES game.
Even though the designs were properly licensed from VMA, FASA eventually decided to play it safe and put them on the Unseen list anyway, where would remain until Project Phoenix.
Awesome additional info. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Blake be praised!
Glory of glories!
Wretched Wobbies...
The reengineered laser on the 1C does more damage and ignores special armor. along with having a -1 to hit. The Dark Age saw the arrival of more and more specialized armor, so it makes sense for your main gun to help take care of fast reflective armor troops
Yes good point. I glossed over that. Thank you.
As complicated as C3 networks are, the iC3 networks simplify the whole thing and definitely makes running them worth it.
Was playing WoB against Jade Falcons, brought Redshift 3A with 3 WoB LRM Carriers (all with iC3 computers) and two other mechs in the network. Cannot overstate how overpowered LRM Carriers with iC3 computers when they are paired up with spotters within the network.
Firefalcon ran 11 hexes straight to the LRM Carriers, but despite being within minimum range (3 hexes away), the Carriers fired in short range because of another mech in the network at that sweet 6 hexes away.
Gotta try the Nexus next as it's definitely a better Redshift lol
Beautiful use of the C3.
If you’re interested in a bit more Star Python lore, check out Moving Forward in Shrapnel #6. It features the in-universe designer of the mech and gives a bit more context into why the Scorpion Empire put it into production.
Awesome, thank you.
@@MechanicalFrogStory "Fighting for the Past" from Shrapnel issue 14 is also very good
Scorpions don't get big books but small stuff they do get is top tier
The biggest mystery in BT, how the hell did the Scorpion Empire get their hands on so many Comstar. And when will the bring back the Legacy, love the mech
No mystery at all, during their exodus to Nueva Castile they found and cleaned up Blakist cache on Waypoint 531, they took everything including even old Jackrabbits, Toyamas and other stuff which they used briefly during period when resources were tight before retiring them again
They kept Purifiers, though 😁
Another interesting tidbit is that they interrupted someone else who was there looting the same place and started blastin' but unknown party ran away before Scorpions could figure out who it was
The Blakist’s original plan was to invade and destroy the Clan Homeworlds, but the intense factionalism and the mess of the Second Star League collapse lead to the kerfuffle. They did park a bunch of gear at Waypoint 531 in the deep periphery, intended as a resupply base but it was never used. The Scorpions found it on their way out of the Homeworlds following the Wars of Reaving. The WoB remnants also hid in the Hanseatic League prior to moving to parts unknown, so some of their technology also existed there
Seekers, I'd guess.
I explained it in Moving Forward in Shrapnel #6. At least for the Star Python, but the others should have similar origin stories.
fun fact, the Re-Engineered Lasers also ignore laser reflective/hardened/ferro lamelar armor and have a -1 to hit, so they aren't just bad lol. Great video! I want one!
Oh no, they have their good points. I'm just kind of meh on them...
@@MechanicalFrog absolutely fair, I just wanted to point out they *do* have their uses. I'd honestly rather have a full pulse laser or a standard medium, but whatever. Re-Engineered Large Lasers are more useful because, well, its for piercing through armor. So taking a little extra weight and heat for ignoring special armor and a -1 to hit is actually pretty good.
(adding more to this since I'm just now) the "Joker" (The JKR-2R which is not a hero mech, also pretty disappointed you didn't even shine a light on said variant) Jackrabbit is unironically fantastic and should be used when possible to fill a light lance or a lance in need of a light skirmisher. The Nexus is a bit too scary for me to use on the board as it always seems to get hit in just the right spots 3 turns in by gauss rifles or clan ERPPCs. The Nexus II is fun, though I still think it's got the same issue as a Nexus...that being you better be moving your max movement on an open field, or keep yourself in heavy woods cover/urban environments. I still would personally say to use the Nexus if you want to use it, but you gotta learn to dance with it. (Also, Blake be praised!)
That really applies to most fast lights. Speed is life.
Love the Joker variant in my WoB level II
I'm a big fan of Improved Heavy Lasers, *especially* on lighter units. It's hard to find more weight-efficient weapon systems, and the explosion is actually not that damaging, simply dealing half that of the laser itself: the main risk is neurohelmet feedback.
as you can probably imagine from my avatar I love the jackrabbit at least from a visual standpoint so the nexus is definitely something I'd like to look into
Glad I could shine some limelight on it.
Thank you Mechanical Frog! I'll be taking a break from YT for a bit as I'm selling my old laptop and focusing on my art business. When I come back I'll have a YT channel about my art and our gaming hobby. I'm turning a new page in life and focusing on what I love most about it. There are no second rehearsals in life.
Excellent! Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you do and helping out where I can.
@@MechanicalFrog Thank you sir! I've learned so much already from your channel as well as the community.
I often play Hellion Galaxy of Scorpion Empire so I like the Star Python.
Awesome to hear. Go Scorpions.
@@MechanicalFrog it was a happy accident really, I was one of the only Ice Hellion fanboys (we had 3 at our peak) and since they got absorbed...
Anyway, the lore for the Scorpion Empire is pretty cool so I'm glad it happened tbh
@@rickusjamesus greetings, fellow Hellion! My first online game was MechCommander and I played in a ladder league for three years roleplaying as Clan Ice Hellion. I even won one I think four bloodname tournaments we had, defeating my own Galaxy Commander in the final round to claim the Taney legacy.
I think we actually started getting better lore as part of the Scorpions. And I found the whole Scorpio Imperio deal incredibly amusing as I just happen to speak Spanish.
Very good stuff. I have a Nexus II (somewhere buried on my work bench) as yet unmade. I’ll have to get it done as it’s a lovely mech.👍
A fun little mech and a fun little project.
Hey Frog, just FYI the Scorpions already dropped in on Wolf Empire in 3145 on Solaris 7 and fought a trial for local museum which, among many other things, contained original cockpit of Great Father Kerensky's Orion
They won, cleaned up the place, refused to elaborate and peaced out
Probably the best show Solaris 7 had in it's entire history
I read about that but it didn't make it into the final draft.
@@milankostic2571 I did not know this but now I must try tracking down that lore. Speaking as a long time Ice Hellion, I think my Clan started getting much better narrative treatment after being absorbed by Goliath Scorpion and reconstituted as Hellion Galaxy within it.
Good call with the micro pulse lasers, those can really chew through infantry
Disco ball death.
I am typically aware of most the mechs you cover, however this one slipped my notice. After checking Sarna and my bookshelf maybe the jank art in Technical Readout: 3058 memory holed it for me. I'm actually going to run your Star Python in tonight's game. Keep the amazing content coming! Dola when?
Let me know how it works out. "soon"
It went very Classic BattleTech... in that I caught an UAC2 round to the head on turn 2 (he needed an 11 to hit) and failed my pilot hit roll. We all had a good laugh and I still won the game, but gonna need more data. I do like the idea of the mech so I will be trying it again. @@MechanicalFrog
I didn't know the history of this 'Mech, thanks for the video!
You bet!
YAY Clan Goliath Scorpion!
Huzzah!
I reskinned the City of Death scenario from Tukkayid for a WoB assault on Northwind's last com facility during the Blake Tantrum (not strictly accurate but sometimes you have to bend events to use the cool painted minis.) The Highlanders field the command lance from the force pack. I include a Nexus in the WoB level II as a toe hold unit that can get into the com facility. It most certainly will not survive direct combat with a Highlander or Gunslinger but does do well playing hide and seek in amongst the buildings of the com center as the other WoB mechs try and dislodge the Highlander defenders.
I definitely wouldn't want to dance with either of those mechs.
Nice video!
Kind of surprised there's not an updated Jackrabbit using a Light AC. Seems like an easy way to have the same basic 'Mech but improve on the flaws.
It would definitely help, but honestly the ACs don't belong on light mechs.
And the light AC2 undermines the main selling point of the AC2 beyond things tied to making do. Range. Though at least the light variant did fix the minimum range issue.
@@bthsr7113 The LAC/2 also helped balance out the weight-damage ratio, but yes, you do sacrifice range. Though you could swap out the AC/2 for a LAC/5 so at least you're getting 2.5x the firepower for the loss of range.
A medium improved heavy laser sounds like a half measure. Medium ER improved heavy pulse laser when ?
Like my brain can handle yet another laser type.
Just call it superior laser.
Long live the Scorpion Empire 🦂 since it lives in them as Star Python
Joy!
As an Ice Hellion and therefore a ranid fan of speed freak light mechs, I dig this.
I also like energy heavy load outs because I have a phobia concerning running out of ammo. Seriously I don't know why anyone would prefer any variety of AC/2, the dumbest weapons ever invented in the world of madness that is BattlTech, when you could have an ER large laser or PPC that does real damage instead. Even if you run hot after replacing BB gun ammo with heat sinks you can shoot two turns out of five and do the same damage with an ERLL as a UAC/2 but with punch though power.
And did I mention being an Ice Hellion? Which means in the IlClan era I'm happily in Beta Galaxy of the Scorpion Empire with the other descendants of that clan. Which is why it's also called Hellion Galaxy. Because while screeching, high speed, hyper aggressive pack tactics with light mechs may not have been a great idea as a military's entire doctrine it does work out quite well as part of a larger balanced force and that's why the Empire has the Hellions. Who do you think are piloting that full trinary of Star Pythons?
I also shamelessly love heavy lasers.
So what I'm saying is I'll take one of those production model Star Pythons. Painted blue and white, with orange highlights, please.
Edit: I would also LOVE a proper summary of Goliath Scorpion's story from the Wars of Reaving up to the current timeline.
As my groups Comstar rep I have to vouch for C3. Is it complicated, can be. Is it expensive BV-wise, yes. Do I want to tie rocks to my minis and throw them in the sea when someone shows up with ECM, of course. But that feeling when you get one mech close to the enemies fire support and suddenly your whole team is hitting as if it was short range is so good it is worth it and the Nexus (any applicable version) is just the mech to help you get that feeling.
I just added this mech to my copy of HBS BTR mod.
Having had to dig into C3 a while back, it is not as complicated as it seems. It’s just spread out across several books. Alpha Strike simplifies it by adding the C3 tax into the PV of the model. In Classic, the C3 tax is 10% of each mechs BV in the C3 network. If you do not cost for this then the network is regarded as not active.
Example: A lance of 4 mechs all at 1000BV are in the same C3 network. One mech has a C3 master and the other 3 have C3 slaves. The cost of activating the network 10% added to each mechs BV. So instead of 4000 BV the total force would cost 4400 BV.
Hope this helps some one.
In the interests of keeping things simple for players, anything that is spread out across multiple books really shouldn't be.
@@MechanicalFrogagreed. My gaming group is working on consolidating moat of them for the group.
I quite like the Star Python, and honestly did before I'd seen this video thanks to a story in the BattleTech Shrapnel magazine. The Nexus and Jackrabbit lines that preceded it aren't too bad, though for the Jackrabbit I'd swap the AC/2 for an ER Large Laser.
The Star Python MF seems fairly nice, though personally I'd drop one of the 3 ATM-3s for an extra ton of ammo.
In keeping with what usually happens after watching one of your 'Mech videos, I created my own variant, which I've called the Star Python 2. While mine retains the Laser Reflective armor, I also went with an XL engine to free up weight. To start with, I added another Jump Jet for additional mobility, while adding in a partial-wing. I traded out the AMS for the laser AMS, which left me with a total of 5.5 tons to play with. I filled it out with a right arm ER Large Laser to make it a mobile sniper to support the standard (and MF) variants, with a pair each of ER Small and ER Micro Lasers for anti-infantry use.
The ER Large is a good bet.
I took a shot at my variant of it. Movement: 7/11, Engine: 175 XL Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20], Internal: 43 (Endo-Steel) Armor: 80/89 (Reflective), ATM 3 (Clan) RA
ATM 3 (Clan) LA, ATM 6 (Clan) LT, Light TAG [Clan] (Clan) RA. High-Explosive ATM/3 Ammo, Extended-Range ATM/3 Ammo in the CT, and ECM Suite [Clan] in HD. Speedy and resilient vs. energy weapons in combination with ECM. With a Cruising Speed: of 75.6 kph Maximum Speed: of 118.8 kph I was tempted to put on an MASC. but ECM could make up for it with better tonnage. With 40 shots of ATM ammo. Divided up into 20 Hi-Ex and Extended. This would be a deadly and annoying mech at the same time. lol
I like it.
The Wolf success Tukkayid wasn't curious or just more inexplicable plot armor that they would rely ever more on in later eras. At that point it made sense since they'd been the quickest to adapt and the most attentive of the lessons learned in the face of actual war. They also had a larger force present than their rival clans since the Wolves were last in the bidding for drop order.
I'm alluding to the fact that they had intel that they withheld from the other clans so that they would lose and the Wolves would out-perform.
@@MechanicalFrog Oh okay. My bad. I'm used to hearing people grumble about their current era plot armor.
My main issue with Clan Wolf is that they dragged their feet and sabotaged the Crusader clans for a century, only to turn around and take Terra themselves. Every one of their losses along the way was actually a victory and yes, it's pretty obvious that the devs have played favorites. @@bthsr7113
@@MechanicalFrog Yeah, even if they were untouchable, they should have stayed savvy wardens.
Hmm, If I would reimage the "Star Python", I would use it as a reconnaissance / digital Warfare Mech, that can opperate with a small Team behind enemy Lines.
Endo Steel Skeletton, Stealth Armor together with an ECM, Target Computer and an Light BaP would be the non Combatant Equipment. A Tag Laser would be the only non direct Damage Weapon, together with some small and Med Pulse Lasers, so it can cover it's retreat if needed. (Idk how much tonnage the Stealth System Armor weights. ^^ )
Mission Target of this Mech would be:
Land far behind enemy lines (with Drop Pods maybe), find Enemy bases, hidden or open, and mark them for Bombardement with Artillery. Then, when the main Force storms in, retreat to a pick up place or attack from behind if all enemy forces are bound with the main force, OR hunt down fleeing enemys (air or land).
Could be a good rebel hunter, together with some other Mechs in the Lance.
Also, it is interesting that most "Scout Class Mechs" never have a Bap, Narc Missiles or a Tag in their Equipment. O.o
Bring on the stealth armor!
Give the Jackrabbit a Light AC-5, pull out the Streak SRM-2 for a medium laser, and put the weight savings into armor, and the Jackrabbit would perform better.
It definitely needs a little more armor.
Oh man that reminds me I actually really liked the art work for the Jack Rabbit. Kinda want one for my collection
It's cute.
Nah, I'll walk thanks!
Seriously 2t of armour? It won't be very good at recon because it'll be all blowed up before you can get a message off to say 'hey I fo..." and of course forgetting that in a multi-tier, combined arms engagement where you really do want reconnaissance units. Well if you're off stomping around in 25t of mech and they can't find you exactly, that just means your rough location gets covered in air and artillery strikes until things seem to be dead for people to feel comfortable.
Perhaps the ECM version is for you. :D
@@MechanicalFrog With active ECM system running now they KNOW they need to blow stuff up even more, quicker and with greater prejudice!
I think I would spend a ton to put a new piece of equipment on the mech's head, something like a propeller and make up the story that the whole head is a mini-shuttle, so that it can escape great distances in case the mech is destroyed... The form, it already has.
Vroom..?
The Nexus NXS1-A has 2 tons of Krupp 200 Ferro-Fibrous armor, not Standard armore, though you're right it's not nearly enough and the difference between 2 tons of standard and IS-grade ferro-fibrous is a whopping 3 points of armor (35 vs 32). Also, the base Nexus NXS1-A has a Nissan 175 Standard Fusion Engine and can only run at 118.8 km/h, the Nexus II is the faster with a 200 light fusion engine.
Good times had by all...
Something new to add to my WoB forces.
Excellent...
Love my WoB Jackrabbit, can't wait to pick up a Nexus
It's a fun one.
This one is new to me; thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
Have used it in campaign and ..we could modify them ( only one light mech per player 3050 era) so did the XL engine route...extra armor and went with one large laser and 2 mediums....worked out rather well as a clan light mech hunter
That XL engine upgrade is hard to resist.
Too true....just enough to give a small mech a bigger punch
A suggestion for the Star Python MF: drop an ATM 3, add that third ton of ammo, and add CASE II while you're at it. Maybe replace some of the Micro Pulse Lasers with Improved Heavy Small Lasers, since you aren't going to find a better use for the free heat sinks.
I'm a little wary of the value of a Case II on such a light mech. There's not a lot to save in these sections.
True. Maybe Light TAG or a Light Active Probe?@@MechanicalFrog
I wrote a fan fiction piece where a rogue Goliath Scorpion Binary snuck into Terra to assassinate Alaric Ward composed of one star of Star Pythons and a mixed star of heavy/assault mechs. They did poorly but the Star Pythons actually manages to breach the command center where AW was before getting blown away by an ancient Orca he had refurbished as a personal project.
Quite the wild mission.
Guess it's lucky they stopped at Nexus II. If we'd gotten to six, we'd be stuck with mechs that only lasted for four years.
It is a little confusing with all the permutations.
Hmmm, I think I would still rather roll with an Incubus, OR, if I were REALLY fahncy, a Fire Falcon. That's just the green bird coming out in me.
Oooh! A fahncy warrior with his fahncy mech! 😂
Fire Falcon is love. Fire Falcon is life.
Since I can't play TT right now, I don't know all the C3 issues with it. I can say that for BTA3062, if you can get a hold of C3i, it works fine( Regular C3 is a different story, since most new ECM will disrupt the link).
The only issue I have with the MF Variant, is that with the ATM's, the Mech is no longer a 'Raider' since you now have Ammo to worry about, instead of all energy weapons. But hey, Clanners don't really care about Logistics!😂
The C3i is definitely much easier to play with.
You don't need logistics if you win in 15 minutes. - Grandpa Malthus
Is this indicating a shift towards focusing on Comstar's work? I would definitely like to see more videos on Comstar's kerfuffling tools.
Going to mix fun mechs/tanks/BA in here and there...
Cool, I think I have one of these in my Armytransport... I think it's even painted, but I've never actually used it.
Nice! it's a fun one.
💕 You did it!!! 💕 thank you so much!!!
Most og my custom designs use C3i computers. Im also a hige fan of ER Flamers.
Awesome! Thank you!
@@MechanicalFrog oof. I was also soooo tired at work last night while posting my reply I couldn't even spell right lol
Given that long range support was the goal, you'd have been better off with a Clan LRM10 or trio of Clan LRM5. Sure, you lose a bit of max range, but it's easier to maintain/supply, simpler in operation, and you can do more damage than 6 ER ATM warheads with an LRM 10 or even do more damage than 6 standard ATM warheads with triple LRM5.
And if you go with the LRM10, there's a half ton saved, so you could tinker with that.
Yeah that's a good option too.
@@MechanicalFrog And if you DO want to mess with multiple ammo types, LRM alt ammo is a bit more transformative in how the weapon can be used.
True.
very cool, a mech I hadn't heard of.
It's a neat one.
Cheers!
Yay!
Great video Frog man
Glad you enjoyed it
Nasty little bug, I want to pilot one.
It will either be glorious, or a disaster. No inbetween.
Nexus (IS) Wholely unimaginative but effective? XL w/ upgrade to 8/12/6, 5.5t lt Ferro, Endo, 10DHS, 5MLaser, L-AMS. (BV2 1024)
Star Python - XL 7/11/5, 4.5t Ferro, 11DHS, Endo, 4 ER MLasers, 2ER SLasers, L-AMS, targeting computer (BV2 1834)
It'll either be a success, or die humorously. Win/Win.
Because it gives us Blakist targets to wreck without mercy
**Confused burning screaming noises**
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Please post more to rumble I like watching you videos there more👍
It's some extra effort for almost no purpose. :(
Huh, I don’t known this one. I kinda like Jackrabbits though. Interested to see a cool one in shades!
Is it me, or do you always want to put an AMS on mechs with reflective armor? Just seems obvious to me that a bunch of LRM pick marks on your shiny armor have to screw up the ability to check your hair, you know? (Ha! Typed this and then you said it! Great minds!)
Star Python ftw!
I would recommend it.
I prefered the Joker variant of the Jackrabbit, mounting a Large Laser in place of the AC/2, along with 1 more ton of armor and an additional HeatSink. While a decreased range and poorer cooling, the Large Laser gives a far better punch, and the additional ton of armor gives better protection. It might have actually stood a better chance against what was hunting it if that was the standard variant.
The Jackrabbit made a brief return with the WoB mounting a Light AC/5 and an ER Medium. Seeing as there is no mention of a C3i, it was probably given to the non-believers in the WoB Militia.
For the original Nexus, I would probably request replacing the Medium Pulse for standard Mediums and two tons of armor, lets go for the SW Locust level of protection.
Basically, anything is better than the AC2.
@@MechanicalFrog True, I think the only time it has worked well in lore is when used in mass fire formations against lighter opponents, mostly 20-tonners as the target.
Well now you've done it, bismirching the great C3 system. 😜
Seriously, if played right it's quite effective. I'd have my Lance with slave units while Atlas would rain hellfire from range at the top of the hill. Usually I'd have my crazy Arse Tarantula acquiring targeting for everyone else, trying desperately not to get hit. Fun times for all. Though now I might have to swap it out for this Nexus.
I have nothing against it except that it's not very user friendly for new players. Once you figure it out, sure.
@@MechanicalFrog nah I know, just having some fun with ya. By the time C3 came around I was a well seasoned player. So I understand.
Ha! As if the Scorpions will ever get any narrative action. Good sir, you slay me with that razor wit of yours.
Holding out hope.
They would get into the Inner Sphere eventually, it's just a matter of time
@@Darren_Xero I honestly don't narratively see how. They're so far out in Deep Periphery territory, they don't even get mentioned on most maps of 3150. The *Timbuktu Collective* gets real estate, but nothing for the scorps. Love 'em, think they're neat, but they're as good as gone.
@@derekburge5294 where they are now is not too far away from the fringe of the Lyran Commonwealth border, if you recall where the last time the Hanseatic League was located
@@derekburge5294Those maps were made before Scorpion Empire lore was even written
They have been getting fresh lore for couple of years now, latest one was in most recent Shrapnel
Plus they are already in Chainelane Isles and are building HPG station there
Its a quirky mech the standard Jackrabbit is garbage, the AC-2 is far too heavy, but the Nexus and its configs are far more capable and useful :) Great vid as always!
Agreed.
What are the odds of getting an Agrotera video, even if it only has two variants?
I will put it on the list to look into for the future.
I didn´t know the Nexus finally got good looking artwork, just checked, it´s a Harri Gallio work. Looks really good.
The old artworks just never managed to make the mech look attractive to me.
Well you were adamant on doing an entire SERIES on the IIC variants. Hence, very few standard IS small lasers.
In the book sthe C3 system is described rather simple, what makes it so complicated? The TT rules?
The original C3 rules for TT can be a bit wonky concerning mech placement.
@@MechanicalFrog So i was right, it´s the TT rules.
I have yet to see it implemented in any of the big video games.
Need more RWR mechs
Always more to do.
@@MechanicalFrog Job security we call it. 40 years of lore and stories my friend 40 years
"for more agressive mechwarriors who like to live on the knifes edge" Yes hi, hello, im here
jokes aside though, this mech would be perfect for my "im just here to have fun" unit. i wont say lance because lance implies structure and a makeup you can recognise
Merry Christmas! I bring you a 25 ton present.
best present ever@@MechanicalFrog
Love c3I
What? No Re-Engineered X-Pulse Improved Advanced Heavy Medium Laser?
**Confused screaming**
Medium Ultra Laser.
FFFF Jackrabbits are not rodents, they're lagomorphs!
Don't blame me, I just quoted the story.
How else would we mod all our bethesda gam- wait. What in the gosh darn.
do'h!
I honestly prefer Jack rabit over nexus. In the age of pulse it's better to be far away.
Understandable.
You all love me ...
Praise!
@@MechanicalFrog Ribbit!
🤔
Hmm...
Click-Ribbit BANG!!!!!!!!!
Kapow!
Blake be praised!
I thought this would please you.
Blake be praised!
Seyla