Editing Roughneck

{{ApocryphalArticle}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Roughneck.jpg
|name=''Roughneck''
|manufacturer=[[Achernar BattleMechs]]
|production year=3050
|cost= 5,154,547 C-Bills{{Citation needed}}
|model=RGH-1A
|introduced=
|class=Heavy
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
|mech type=BattleMech
|feet=Biped
|mass=65
|chassis=Standard
|armor=Standard
|engine=260
|comsys=unknown
|T&T=unknown
|heat sinks=14
|speed=64.8
|armament=
*1x [[AC/10]]
*1x [[SRM-4]]
*3x [[Machine Gun]]s
*1x [[Small Laser]]
|BV (1.0)=Unknown
|BV (2.0)=1154{{Citation needed}}
}}
==Description==
A militarized [[BattleMech]] version of Achernar's [[Loader King]] [[IndustrialMech]], the '''''Roughneck''''' is a low-cost heavy 'Mech intended for price conscious buyers such as planetary militias and down on their luck [[mercenary unit]]s.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore>''MechWarrior Online Roughneck'' Lore and Blueprint</ref>

During the massive expansion in production to recoup the horrendous losses suffered during the initial [[Clan Invasion]] of [[Introduction Year::3049]], while for the most part Achernar focused on its existing lines for designs such as the ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[Dervish]]'' and ''[[Locust]]'', one lead designer suggested the radical idea of transforming the company's popular competitor to [[Sitwell Corporation]]'s ''[[Powerman]]'' into a true BattleMech. Despite the ''Loader King''&#39;s superb reputation for taking a beating, many balked at overhauling the design with BattleMech-grade components and only the belief of the lead designer, and if rumors are to be believed a spot of blackmail against Achernar's CEO, got the ''Roughneck'' into production.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore/>

==Canonicity==
The ''Roughneck'' is the first [[BattleMech]] design introduced by and so far exclusive to ''[[MechWarrior Online]]'' (as opposed to designs taken from established [[canon]] for the [[BattleTech]] universe).

While [[Randall N. Bills]] had issued a ruling as [[Catalyst Game Labs]]' incumbent [[BattleTech Line Developer]] to the effect that all [[Hero 'Mech]] background information from MWO is considered canonical for (CGL) BattleTech,<ref>Archived here, with reference: [[Talk:MechWarrior Online#Randall Bills ruling]]</ref> Assistant Line Developer [[Ray "Adrian Gideon" Arrastia]] later expressly clarified that the original designs from PGI are not canonical,<ref>In [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63650.msg1464943#msg1464943 this] posting on the official [[BattleTech Forum]] by Ray "Adrian Gideon" Arrastia, regarding the canon status of PGI-exclusive 'Mechs for which [[record sheet]]s had been brought to [[Mech Con 2018]]: "''Those sheets are not official and those designs are not canon for the tabletop. CGL cannot use the PGI-created designs, no matter what part CGL or its employees play in the creation of the designs. When asked for confirmation, Randall and Brent stated that those were provided by a demo agent and they allowed it *this time only* as part of the hype at [[Mech Con]].''"</ref> regardless of any Hero 'Mechs or Hero 'Mech fluff associated with them. (There had been no original designs by PGI when Randall Bills made his ruling, which Ray Arrastia upheld when initially queried about the canonicity of the new original PGI designs<ref>In [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=59772.0 this thread] on the official [[BattleTech Forum]]</ref> though he later added the aforementioned caveat.)

As a result, the ''Roughneck'' design is exempt from the canonisation of Hero 'Mechs and remains [[apocryphal]].

==Weapons and Equipment==
Weighing in at sixty-five tons, unlike many of the BattleMech designs produced by Achernar in the 3050s, the ''Roughneck'' is built almost entirely out of so-called [[Succession War era]] technology, with the only modern inclusion being [[CASE]] mounted in each torso. A 260-rated standard [[fusion engine]] propels the ''Roughneck'' at 64.8 km/h, putting it in the common Succession War heavy 'Mech speed range. Where the ''Roughneck'' suffers most against more modern designs is heat dissipation, mounting only fourteen standard [[heat sink]]s.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore/><ref name=MWO-RGH-Store>''MechWarrior Online Roughneck'' Store Page</ref>

Featuring a mix of short ranged weapons loadout, the ''Roughneck''&#39;s primary weapons are an [[AC/10]] and [[SRM-4]], supported by a trio of [[Machine Gun]]s and a head-mounted [[Small Laser]]. While tying it to supply lines, two tons of SRM and autocannon rounds provide adequate field endurance, only a ton and a half of rounds supporting three machine guns run dry quickly.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore/><ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

==Variants==
*;RGH-1B : The 1B moves the left arm machine gun to the right arm, downgrades the AC/10 for an [[AC/5]] that is mounted in the left arm and upgrades the [[SRM]] launcher to an [[SRM-6]], retaining the head-mounted small laser. Carrying three tons of [[autocannon]] rounds, two of SRM missiles and a two-ton machine gun ammo bin, but carrying only 12 heat sinks, structurally the 1B is identical to the 1A.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

*;RGH-1C : A more significant departure, the 1C mounts an SRM-6 and machine gun in each arm, supported by an [[LRM-10]] in the left torso and an AC/5 in the right. Carrying two tons of SRM missiles and a single ton of reloads for every other weapon, the 1C boasts a modest increase in armor while mounting only ten standard heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

*;RGH-2A : A pricier and more fragile variant, the 2A is based on the 1A, replacing the standard engine with a 260-rated [[extralight engine]]. Matching the 1A's speed, the weight saved is used to bulk up the ''Roughneck'' 2A's weapon loadout, dropping the machine guns and AC/10 for an [[AC/2]] in each arm and the right torso and upgrading the head laser to a [[Medium Laser]] along with adding two to the center torso. Identical to the 1A in all other respect, including mounting only 14 standard heat sinks, the RGH-2A carries three tons each of SRM and autocannon ammunition.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

*;RGH-3A : Another variant mounting modern equipment, the 3A is fitted with eighteen [[Double Heat Sink]]s to support a heavy energy weapon loadout. Retaining only the RGH-1A's head-mounted small laser, the 3A mounts a [[PPC]] in each arm supported by twin Medium Lasers in each torso. In all other respects the 3A features the same ground speed and armor as the standard 1A.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

===Custom Variants===
*;RGH-R ''Roughneck'' '[[Reaver (Hero 'Mech)|Reaver]]' : The first of three ''Roughneck'' [[Hero 'Mech]]s, the ''Reaver'' is serious departure from the mundane mass-produced models, Achernar sparing no expense to build a ''Roughneck'' destined for the [[Solaris Games|Class Six arenas]] of [[Solaris VII]]. Mounting an XL engine, Endo Steel structure, and double heat sinks, it allows the sixty-five-ton machine to mount [[Ultra AC/5]] in each arm supported by a [[Large Laser|Large]] and Medium Laser in each torso, rounded out by a [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher in the center torso. Featuring the same ground speed as the other variants, the heavier weapon loadout reduces the armor coverage provided, as well as only 12 heat sinks, although these are upgraded to double strength models.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore/><ref name=MWO-RGH-Store/>

*;RGH-PH ''Roughneck'' '[[Powerhouse]]' : Second of three Hero 'Mech variants for the ''Roughneck'', the ''Powerhouse'' mounts a pair of [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s in the left arm in support of a twin SRM-6s in the left torso, an [[MRM-10]] in the center torso and two [[LB 5-X AC]]s, one in right torso the other in the right arm. Clad in twelve and half armor and carrying three tons of LB-X ammo, two tons of SRM and single ton of MRMs, such a heavy weapons loadout is made possible through the use of a 260 [[XL Engine]], [[Endo Steel]] structure, twelve double heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-Holiday>''MechWarrior Online'' "Holiday Bonus Info"</ref>

*;RGH-BL ''Roughneck'' '[[Bolt]]' : Third of three Hero 'Mech variants for the ''Roughneck'', the ''Bolt'' carries an [[ER Medium Laser]] and MRM-10 in each arm supported by an Ultra AC/5 in each side torso and a Small Laser in the head. Carrying two tons of reloads for the Ultra AC and MRMs and eleven double heat sinks, ''Bolt'' is built around a 260-rated [[Light Fusion Engine]] and Endo Steel frame.<ref name=MWO-Rival>''MechWarrior Online'' "Rival Pack"</ref>

==Notable Pilots==
* Anaya Kone - Descended from exiled members of the [[Arkab Legion]], while her parents and grandparents swore off ever piloting BattleMechs again, Anaya vowed to become a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]. Refusing to give up her dream even in the face of her parents' disapproval and lack of noble lineage, Anaya was finally able to pilot a 'Mech, albeit as a self-taught ''Loader King'' pilot. It was Anaya's refusal to give up and natural skill at the controls of that 'Mech that got her selected as the test pilot of the new ''Roughneck'', the low-born and untrained Kone delighting using in her ''Reaver'' to defeat "real" MechWarriors in the arenas of Solaris.<ref name=MWO-RGH-Lore/>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
*[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/260150-holiday-bonus-loadout-info/ MechWarrior Online ''Roughneck'' Holiday Bonus Loadout Info]
*[https://mwomercs.com/news/2016/12/1672-roughneck-lore-blueprint MechWarrior Online ''Roughneck'' Lore and Blueprint]
*[https://mwomercs.com/roughneck MechWarrior Online ''Roughneck'' Store page]
*[https://mwomercs.com/rivals MechWarrior Online ''Rivals Pack'' page]

[[Category:BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Apocryphal BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
[[Category:65 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Solarian BattleMechs]]