It’s not just the 10,000 dispensing the Emperor’s wrath this week, and today we’ll see that the Sororitas are at it as well. Presumably the Drukhari have falsified some documents to get themselves off the purging list, because they’re also out here thriving, as will be recounted in detail later in the article.
Today Lowest of Men will take on:
- Battle To End Alzheimers 2024
- Warhammer World 40,000 Grand Tournament
- Renegades Open: Echoes Of War 6
- Wizards Asylum GT
- 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT Hosted By Battle Company 540 & Sector Cville
- Saffron Slam VIII
Today I’ll be covering:
- Kassel GT – Alpine Cup
- The NORTHAMPTON 40k SUPER-MAJOR
- The guild 2nd Gt
- The 36 Chambers #3
- Hydra GT 2024 I (February)
- Kingston Nexus 40k Club Champs 2024
Battle To End Alzheimers 2024
109-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, MD, US on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Order of the Eternal Crucible Statuary Tender Honest — Imagifier (60) Orator Superior Amalia — Junith Eruita (90) Prioress Sabine – Morvenn Vahl (145) Purifier Charity – Palatine (65) Old Tom – Missionary (30) Battle Sister Squad (100) Battle Sister Squad (100) Battle Sister Squad (100) Crucible’s Reach — Immolator (115) Purifying Incandescence — Immolator (115) The Searing Rebuke — Retributor Squad – (115) Refutation of Dross — Castigator (140) Ringing Purity — Castigator (140) The Feral — Mortifier (60) The Fool — Mortifier (60) The Cog Breakers – Paragon Warsuits (170) The Refulgent Bulwark – Paragon Warsuits (170) Sisters Novitiates (85) Zephyrim (60) Madeline — Callidus Assassin (90)
– Litanies of Faith
— Warlord
– Plasma Pistol, Blade of St. Ellynor
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Condemnor
– Meltagun
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Condemnor
– Ministorum Flamer
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Condemnor
– Meltagun
– Twin Multi-Melta
– Hunter-Killer Missile
– Twin Multi-Melta
– Hunter-Killer Missile
– Power Weapon+Condemnor
– 4xMulti-Melta
-Castigator Battle Cannon
-Hunter-Killer Missile
-Storm Bolter
-Castigator Battle Cannon
-Hunter-Killer Missile
-Storm Bolter
-2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade
-Anchorite Sarcophagus
-2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade
-Anchorite Sarcophagus
-3x Multi-Melta+Paragon Grenade Launcher
-2x Paragon War Mace
-1x Paragon War Blade
-3x Multi_melta+Paragon Grenade Launcher
-1x Paragon War Mace
-2x Paragon War Blade
-Power Weapon+Plasma Pistol
-Sacred Banner
-Simulacra
-2xFlamer
-Autopistols and Novitiate Blades
-Plasma Pistol + Pennant
Archetype
Sisters MSU
Thoughts
Ok- the Adepta Sororitas are cooking in post-slate land. This is for a couple of reasons. Some of their worst match ups have taken hits, and the overall shift in the game away from artillery (except Guard) has freed them to move away from the swingy Exorcist platform towards a bunch of cheaper, more consistent units (Castigators, Paragons, Immolators, etc). This list packs a horrific width of assets in which means it’s ability to score and deny scoring is immense. It may not have quite the spike output that a list oriented around the Triumph would have had, but it is extremely well placed to dominate games of 10th edition. Solo Mortifiers make obnoxious screening and trading pieces- armies will really struggle to get their teeth into units that matter against this army, bouncing instead off layers of disposable, cheap units. Really well done on the first place finish!!
(The unit names are amazing – please get in touch if ‘Old Tom’ the Priest is in fact named after Old Tom from Muppets Treasure Island, as I make that joke a lot. Don’t bother if he isn’t.)
Zach Point – Ynnari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Death Jester (105 points) Farseer Skyrunner (115 points) Yvraine (100 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Hornet (100 points) Hornet (100 points) Support Weapons (125 points) Support Weapons (125 points) Support Weapons (125 points) War Walkers (110 points) War Walkers (110 points) War Walkers (110 points) ALLIED UNITS Kabalite Warriors (110 points) Kabalite Warriors (110 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Ravager (115 points) Ravager (115 points) Ravager (115 points) Venom (70 points) Venom (70 points)
#How I learned to stop worrying and love the reroll (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host
• 1x Jester’s blade
1x Shrieker cannon
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem
• Warlord
• 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows
1x Storm of Whispers
• 2x Bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x D-cannon
1x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x D-cannon
1x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x D-cannon
1x Shuriken catapult
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
Archetype
Ynnari Lance Spam
Thoughts
Poor old Eldar are having to fall back on an entire Index of excellent units and the remainder of their excellent rules at the moment, and as a result are only continuing to be really, really good. One way of achieving this is maximising certain kinds of skew by borrowing across the Drukhari range in Ynnari, a combination I expect we will see a lot more of. I love this build from Zach which jams as many high quality Lance shots in as it possibly can by bringing some Ravagers along for the party, supplementing them with the stickying of objectives and OC from Kabalites, who are really nifty utility even outside of pure Drukhari. Support Weapons are still just as lethal and obnoxious as they’ve always been, and it was only really the Eldar mirror (and the Nightspinner / Yncarne combo) that was keeping them out of lists. Finally free of Eldar, Eldar can now thrive! A very cool list and a really impressive finish, well done.
Joshua Campbell – Necrons (Canoptek Court) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand WRAITHS ARE FUN AND BALANCED AND ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME HAS TO GET WITHIN 12 INCHES FOR ME TO HEAR YOU (1995 points) Necrons CHARACTERS C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (255 points) C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (270 points) Plasmancer (55 points) Technomancer (80 points) Technomancer (75 points) Transcendent C’tan (275 points) BATTLELINE Immortals (140 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Doomstalker (135 points) Canoptek Doomstalker (135 points) Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) Lokhust Destroyers (30 points) Lokhust Destroyers (30 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Canoptek Court
• 1x Gaze of death
1x Scythe of the Nightbringer
• 1x Canoptek tail blades
1x Spear of the Void Dragon
1x Voltaic storm
• Warlord
• 1x Plasmic lance
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Dimensional Sanctum
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Hyperphasic Fulcrum
• 1x Crackling tendrils
1x Seismic assault
• 10x Immortal
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Tesla carbine
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 2x Atomiser beam
1x Reanimator’s claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon
Archetype
Canoptek Wraiths / C’tan
Thoughts
Canoptek Court continues to do well after the adjustments to Immortals via FAQ. They still boat excellent raw stats for controlling objectives and bodying the unwary, and a wonderful host of tools with reactive moves and Lone Op on tap, and this makes engagement with them very difficult for a wide range of armies in the game. Triple C’tan gets a run out here and is just as durable and challenging to deal with as ever, and I like the inclusion of the Transcendant to ensure some extra reach. Doomstalkers remain really dangerous board control pieces in Canoptek, where they thrive. A solid list with all the right tools, very well done on the placing.
Tyler Principio – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Zutters (1995 Points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Bladeguard Ancient (45 Points) Chaplain Grimaldus (120 Points) High Marshal Helbrecht (120 Points) Lieutenant (100 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) BATTLELINE Primaris Crusader Squad (280 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 Points) Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 Points) Drop Pod (70 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Primaris Sword Brethren (280 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points)
Black Templars
Righteous Crusaders
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Chaplain Grimaldus
• 1x Artificer crozius
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Cenobyte Servitor
• 3x Close combat weapon
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Storm Shield
• Enhancements: Tännhauser’s Bones
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power weapon
• 11x Primaris Initiate
• 7x Astartes chainsword
11x Bolt pistol
11x Close combat weapon
4x Heavy bolt pistol
7x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Power fist
• 8x Primaris Neophyte
• 7x Astartes chainsword
7x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Neophyte firearm
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Lancer laser destroyer
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Lancer laser destroyer
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Sword Brother Castellan
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 9x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Plasma pistol
5x Power weapon
4x Pyre pistol
2x Thunder hammer
2x Twin lightning claws
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Black Templars Mixed Arms
Thoughts
A very balanced take on Black Templars that brings some fire support in Lancers alongside plenty of precision melee and Redeemer delivery. A cheeky drop pod makes the list here too – my assumption is that this is a Rapid Ingress pressure piece, and I’d love to have been a fly on the wall to see how it was used as they are so cheap that one with some melee heroes feels like something that can be really good for both Templars AND Blood Angels in the current game. Scouts and a Callidus shore up scoring, make this is a really well designed list that i’m a huge fan of. Really well done!
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Stephen Henry – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Blocks of Infantry with Double Calladius in support.
- 6th – Don Belec – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force): Truckloads of Death Company, Inceptors and Eradicators, this is amazing.
- 7th – Mark Hertel – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Gladius Ultramarines with triple Land Raiders.
- 8th – Edward Appel – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Sisters Goodstuff with the Exorcists reduced down to one to allow for more MSU.
- 9th – Ken Knox – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C’tan and 12 Wraith Canoptek Court.
- 10th – Matt Schuchman – Aeldari (Battle Host): Double Avatar double Nightspinner Aeldari is still alive!
- 11th – Paul McArthur – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Triple Castellan and some Armigers.
- 12th – Pierre Daze – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Massed Guard and some Wardens, all the bricks!
Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
64-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
George McCoulough – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand world of warhammers (2000 points) Drukhari CHARACTERS Archon (90 points) Beastmaster (115 points) Lelith Hesperax (85 points) BATTLELINE Kabalite Warriors (110 points) Wracks (60 points) Wracks (60 points) Wyches (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Raider (80 points) Raider (80 points) Raider (80 points) Venom (70 points) Venom (70 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Court of the Archon (85 points) Cronos (50 points) Grotesques (90 points) Grotesques (90 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Ravager (115 points) Scourges (110 points) Scourges (110 points) Tantalus (230 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Skysplinter Assault
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade
• Enhancement: Sadistic Fulcrum
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
1x Splinter pods
• Enhancement: Spiteful Raider
• 1x Clawed Fiend
• 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
• 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
• 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Lelith’s blades
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Splinter rifle
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Acothyst
• 1x Wrack blades
• 4x Wrack
• 1x Hexrifle
1x Liquifier gun
1x Ossefactor
1x Stinger pistol
4x Wrack blades
• 1x Acothyst
• 1x Wrack blades
• 4x Wrack
• 1x Hexrifle
1x Liquifier gun
1x Ossefactor
1x Stinger pistol
4x Wrack blades
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Hekatarii blade
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
• 9x Wych
• 9x Hekatarii blade
9x Splinter pistol
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Lhamaean
• 1x Shaimeshi blade
• 1x Medusae
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
• 1x Shardcarbine
1x Splinter pistol
1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
• 1x Ur-ghul talons
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles
• 3x Grotesque
• 3x Liquifier gun
3x Monstrous weapons
• 3x Grotesque
• 3x Liquifier gun
3x Monstrous weapons
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
• 1x Dire scythe blades
1x Pulse disintegrators
Archetype
TANTALUS BABYYYY
Thoughts
You’ll have noticed that all of the true Archons are back in town… Skysplinter is simply too fun to ignore, despite having some very real predators at the top of the game, and George of Realspace Raiders takes down an event with a very unusual list that highlights the different ways you can build! He messaged me to say that the choices here were inspired more by what he had available than by the ‘optimal’ picks, but I’m not as inclined to agree entirely. The Tantalus is a great big, fast, mortal wound spewing transport that actually synergises beautifully with the new stratagems in the detachment- access to a 4++, disembark and charge after moving, and various other excellent combos. You can hide this safely on GW style boards early game before jamming it when the moment is right. Grotesques can ride in this bad boy as well, and they’re a rare unit that actually benefits both from the [IGNORES COVER] AND [LANCE] benefits that the new detachment offers, making them lovely, obnoxious interference pieces that are a little bit more durable. An awesome list bringing some unusual pieces and still taking down first, well done George!
Joseph Reed – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand WHW February GT (2000 points) Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (150 points) Trajann Valoris (160 points) Valerian (115 points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (225 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Allarus Custodians (130 points) Allarus Custodians (130 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (200 points) Venatari Custodians (200 points) Witchseekers (50 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus (75 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Shield Host
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Ceaseless Hunter
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 1x Gnosis
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 5x Guardian spear
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 5x Guardian spear
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
2x Guardian spear
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
2x Guardian spear
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Warden
• 4x Guardian spear
• 3x Venatari Custodian
• 3x Venatari lance
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Custodes Golden Slabs
Thoughts
Our very own 6++ calendar model Joe Reed takes down second place with his favourite army, the Custodes! There are some lovely bits of tech in here- the Draxus / Guard combo unpacked further down this report, but also Valerian, who offers some AoC AP reduction to an attached unit which goes a long way in the mirror (Joe won this narrowly towards the end of the event). Plenty of utility and a few flex pieces here rather than pure foot slogging infantry – the Venatari give you a lovely push Ingress piece to catch the opponent out with. A well balanced and interesting take on Custodes, and a fantastic showing from Joe. It’s just a shame he eats peoples models.
Wayne Jimmison – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS War Dog Stalker (150 points) BATTLELINE War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Huntsman (150 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
Chaos Knights (1990 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Traitoris Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
Archetype
War Dog Spam
Thoughts
War Dog spam isn’t real, it can’t hurt you… except it very much is, and it very much can! No Daemons here, just tonnes of War Dog Chassis, ready to play a grindy hidey game or simply body you via full send. More predators out there now for this than before but it remains extremely potent, very well done on the top placing Wayne!
Kylo Turley – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand main troops (2000 points) Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (150 points) Blade Champion (145 points) Trajann Valoris (160 points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (180 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus (75 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Shield Host
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Ceaseless Hunter
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Veiled Blade
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Custodes Golden Slabs
Thoughts
Loads and loads of Custodes infantry, ready to run you straight over. It is going to start getting difficult for me to find interesting things to say about Custodes very quickly, But Ceaseless Hunter remains an excellent pick on a brick of infantry with Black Champion to force cautious movement from the opponent and threaten a counter charge at any moment. Well done on the top placing!
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Paddy Baron – Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): SN Tyranids with plenty of shooting bugs, some Screamer Killers and a Norn Emissary!
- 6th – Sam Neale- Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Monolith, Double C’tan, Wraiths and Deathmarks HC.
- 7th – Liam Murphy- Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): An unusual build with Skorpekh, a Monolith, Void Dragon and lots of smaller support units and a Necron Warrior brick.
- 8th – Simon Ward – Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day): Massed Acolytes and Neophytes, a Rockgrinder(!) and Aberrants and Purestrains for the centre. Love it.
- 9th – Robert Kimpton – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Another true Archon with a mixed arms list packing Scourge, Incubi, Mandrakes and small Battleline trade pieces. Solo Drazhar gets a run out!
- 10th – Stuart Manks – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A glorious ‘one of each God and Belly’ Greater Daemons list with Armiger support to complete the skew.
Renegades Open: Echoes Of War 6
37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cardiff, Wales, GB on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown – Tau versus Dark Angels
Take and Hold – Chilling Rain – Search and Destroy
Jake Stojanovic – T’au Empire (Kauyon) T’au Empire CHARACTERS Cadre Fireblade (40 points) Commander Shadowsun (100 points) Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) Ethereal (50 points) Firesight Team (70 points) BATTLELINE Breacher Team (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Devilfish (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (180 points) Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) Riptide Battlesuit (165 points) Riptide Battlesuit (165 points) Riptide Battlesuit (165 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Tetras (80 points) Tetras (80 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
The Pacific Rimjob (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kauyon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fireblade pulse rifle
2x Gun Drone
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
1x Flechette launcher
2x High-energy fusion blaster
1x Light missile pod
1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
3x Fusion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
3x Fusion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 1x Honour stave
1x Hover Drone
2x Shield Drone
• 1x Close combat weapons
1x Longshot pulse rifles
1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Support turret missile system
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Guardian Drone
1x Gun Drone
1x Pulse blaster
1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Pulse blaster
9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Twin smart missile system
1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Broadside Shas’ui
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Twin smart missile system
1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Fusion blaster
2x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• 2x Crisis Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
6x Fusion blaster
4x Shield Drone
2x Shield Generator
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Fusion blaster
2x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• 2x Crisis Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
6x Fusion blaster
4x Shield Drone
2x Shield Generator
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
vs.
Chris Lewis – Dark Angels (Vanguard Spearhead): Space Marines CHARACTERS Azrael (105 Points) Chaplain in Terminator Armour (100 Points) Librarian in Phobos Armour (85 Points) Lieutenant (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Centurion Devastator Squad (370 Points) Deathwing Knights (470 Points) Hellblaster Squad (250 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Chris Lewis, Five Get Into Trouble (enhancements, Blade Driven Deep on the Chaplain) (2000 Points)
Dark Angels
Vanguard Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: The Blade Driven Deep
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• Enhancements: Ghostweave Cloak
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
• 1x Centurion fists
1x Centurion missile launcher
1x Twin lascannon
• 5x Devastator Centurion
• 5x Centurion fists
5x Centurion missile launcher
5x Twin lascannon
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Flail of the Unforgiven
• 9x Deathwing Knight
• 9x Mace of absolution
• 1x Hellblaster Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma incinerator
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Hellblaster
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Close combat weapon
9x Plasma incinerator
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
Thoughts
A clash of two classics, the unstoppable shooting force of the Tau versus the immovable object of the Dark Angels. The DA list has a big brick of forward deploying Deathwing Knights (horrible for Tau units to shift), supported with some devastating shooting options in Azrael inspired Hellblasters and some Centurion Devastators for up-down-shoot your face off shenanigans. The scoring support is a touch light – no Callidus here, and Scouts and Infiltrators have a lot of work to do to compensate. I can see this list bodying the Primary but starting to struggle for secondaries if the support assets get picked off, even with the added mobility of Vanguard.
On the other side, the Tau have an excellent fire base with Crisis and Riptides, Broadside support and Stealthsuits and Breachers for mission play. I back the Tau to find and eliminate the non DWK Dark Angels assets more easily than the Dark Angels in reverse, utilising their speed and reach. That said, the primary becomes a massive issue for them unless Deathwing decide to fail their saves en masse, which doesn’t typically happen. This creates an intriguing situation where the Tau may well be able to trim down and outmanouvre the DA whilst falling down a little on the generous Take and Hold primary scoring, setting this up to be a nail biter. In the event these two forces produced a 10-10 draw, which is absolutely amazing and a testament to both players in navigating the challenges of the match up. Well done both!!
Result
Draw! – 10 – 10
Chris Lewis – Dark Angels (Vanguard) – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Dark Angels Mixed Arms
Thoughts
Big changes await the Dark Angels with the release of their codex, but for now the blueprint is fairly established, with this particular take using some of the Vanguard combos whilst staying focused on what make DA strong. Deathwing Knights provide an anchor like no other whilst excellent shooting pieces pick off the things they can’t reach. Triple Scout squads gives you great early board control to force engagement which in turn gets the DWK into the fray in retaliation. I like the Phobos Librarian / Infiltrator combo, giving you a backfield piece that can’t be shot by artillery and can screen out all these pesky 3 inch deep striking armies. Really well done on the win Chris!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Jake Stojanovic – T’au Empire (Kauyon): See showdown
- 3rd – Bryn Morgan – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Bricks of infantry and a freaking LAND RAIDER. Golden tank of doom forever.
- 4th – Thomas Warwick – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Double Caladius and massed infantry.
- 5th – Sam Jones – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Massed Rhino infantry, with Repentia and Arco-flagellants. This looks very tasty indeed…
Wizards Asylum GT
36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wichita, KS, United States on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Colin Kay – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Okay, so new meta? (1995 Points) Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Canoness (50 Points) Missionary (40 Points) Morvenn Vahl (145 Points) Palatine (65 Points) Triumph of Saint Katherine (125 Points) BATTLELINE Battle Sisters Squad (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Immolator (115 Points) Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Arco-flagellants (150 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Death Cult Assassins (35 Points) Exorcist (180 Points) Exorcist (180 Points) Exorcist (180 Points) Paragon Warsuits (170 Points) Sisters Novitiate Squad (85 Points) Zephyrim Squad (60 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points)
Hallowed Martyrs
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Brazier of holy fire
1x Chainsword
1x Inferno pistol
• 1x Chainsword
1x Holy pistol
1x Ministorum shotgun
• Enhancements: Saintly Example
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Palatine blade
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Blade of Saint Ellynor
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 2x Death Cult Assassin
• 2x Death Cult power blades
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war mace
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Sister Novitiate
• 9x Autopistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum flamer
5x Novitiate melee weapons
1x Sacred Banner
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 4x Zephyrim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Power weapon
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Sisters Goodstuff
Thoughts
Ok, ok. Sometimes the right thing to do is the thing you were already doing. This list from Colin doesn’t pivot away from Exorcists but stays firmly focused on their indirect shooting as the anchor from which to play the game, cutting down a little on Arcos to fund the points changes but still throwing out plenty of chaff to gum up the opponent in the midboard. The Triumph stays in too, and this first place victory highlights that every now and again keeping on as you were is the way forwards! Very well done Colin.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mike Hestilow – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): A Land Raider and Dreadnought sneak in amongst the golden slabs of infantry.
- =3rd – Jason Mode – Necrons (Hypercypt Legion): Triple Doomsday Arks here (Custodes tech?) alongside the Silent King and three C’tan.
- =3rd – Nathan Blankenship – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Trukk rush Orks with plenty of Squighogz in support.
- 5th – Tim Royers – Death Guard (Plague Company): Liam VSL style Death Guard with PBCs, Rhinos, and Brigands.
- 6th – Cam Hawkins – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Mixed arms Templars with Double Land Raider Redeemers. Land Raider stonks high this week!
- 7th – Matthew Cortez – Blood Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Ironstorm Dreadnoughts with two Death Company Dreadnoughts amongst the guns.
2nd Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT Hosted By Battle Company 540 & Sector Cville
31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Harrisonburg, VA, US on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Trent Mazer – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (145 points) Blade Champion (120 points) Trajann Valoris (160 points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (225 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Allarus Custodians (325 points) Allarus Custodians (130 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus (75 points)
balance (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Shield Host
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Veiled Blade
• 1x Vaultswords
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 5x Allarus Custodian
• 5x Balistus grenade launcher
5x Guardian spear
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
2x Guardian spear
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Custodes Golden Slabs
Thoughts
Another triumph for the golden boys here, heralding a few months of dominance after both balance levers got pulled at once. Draxus goes really nicely in a Guard brick, where rerolls to wound amp up their output considerably. The big slab of Allarus is fantastic horde deterrence but also does nasty things to any unit with a character in, and the overall threat and board presence is simply too much for a lot of armies to handle. Congratulations on the victory Trent!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Steven Page – Necrons (Canoptek Court): The Silent King joins the fray with this Canoptek Court build, packing the two favoured C’tan and two Wraith bricks to accompany him.
- 3rd – Patrick Powell – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Double Lord of Skulls, Angron, and a bunch of Eightbound.
- 4th – James Lovett – Salamanders (Firestorm Assault): Mech’d up Salamanders Firestorm with a Redeemer, two Repulsors, flamer Aggressors and plenty of Eradicators.
- 5th – Joseph Heinzelman – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Triple Land Raider Black Templars, amazing.
Saffron Slam VIII
27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on February 17 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Drukhari versus Grey Knights on Supply Drop (Scrambler Fields) and Hammer and Anvil
Tom Lowman – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) I see you’ve played Knifey Spooney before! ++ Army Roster (Aeldari – Drukhari) [2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Skysplinter Assault + Epic Hero + Lelith Hesperax [85pts] + Character + Archon [95pts]: Blast Pistol, Nightmare Shroud, Warlord Archon [85pts]: Blast Pistol, Spiteful Raider Archon [75pts]: Blast Pistol Beastmaster [105pts] + Battleline + Kabalite Warriors [110pts] Wracks [60pts] Wyches [90pts] + Infantry + Incubi [150pts] Incubi [75pts] Incubi [75pts] Mandrakes [65pts] Mandrakes [65pts] Scourges [110pts] Scourges [110pts] Scourges [110pts] + Monster + Cronos [50pts] + Vehicle + Ravager [115pts]: 3x Dark Lance + Dedicated Transport + Raider [80pts]: Dark Lance Raider [80pts]: Dark Lance Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
. 2x Khymerae: 2x Khymerae talons
. 3x Razorwing Flock: 3x Razorwing feathers
. 5x Kabalite Warrior: 5x Close Combat Weapon, 5x Splinter rifle
. Kabalite Warrior with Blaster
. Kabalite Warrior with Dark Lance
. Kabalite Warrior with Shredder
. Kabalite Warrior with Splinter Cannon
. Sybarite: Blast Pistol, Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Sybarite Weapon
. Acothyst
. Wrack with Hexrifle
. Wrack with Liquifier Gun
. Wrack with Ossefactor
. Wrack with Stinger Pistol
. Hekatrix: Blast Pistol, Phantasm Grenade Launcher
. 9x Wych: 9x Hekatarii Blade, 9x Splinter Pistol
. 9x Incubi: 9x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaves
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaves
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaves
. 4x Mandrake: 4x Baleblast, 4x Glimmersteel Blade
. Nightfiend
. 4x Mandrake: 4x Baleblast, 4x Glimmersteel Blade
. Nightfiend
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Solarite: Shardcarbine, Solarite Weapon
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Dark Lance
. Solarite: Shardcarbine, Solarite Weapon
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Drukhari Haywire Blaster
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Drukhari Haywire Blaster
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Drukhari Haywire Blaster
. Scourge with Heavy Weapon: Drukhari Haywire Blaster
. Solarite: Shardcarbine, Solarite Weapon
. Cronos: Spirit Vortex
vs.
Harley Scully – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) 3 dreads (2000 Points) Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (125 Points) Brotherhood Librarian (140 Points) Kaldor Draigo (125 Points) BATTLELINE Brotherhood Terminator Squad (420 Points) Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 Points) Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 Points) Strike Squad (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Teleport Strike Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancements: Inescapable Wrath
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancements: Sigil of Exigence
• Warlord
• 1x Scourging
1x Storm bolter
1x The Titansword
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
2x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
9x Nemesis force weapon
6x Storm bolter
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Thoughts
A classic match up from mid 9th edition is revitalized, as the resurgent Grey Knights and Drukhari throw down once more. I had a front row seat to this one as I was playing the Drukhari so can offer a bit more insight than normal! The mission itself was Supply Drop – this mission favours whoever goes second drastically on Primary, and the order in which objectives disappear also gives one player an advantage a lot of the time. In this case the GK ‘safe’ objective remained whilst the Drukhari one disappeared first, with the middle the one left at the end – broadly GK favouring. Scrambler Fields mission rule however hurts the Grey Knights, as they wouldn’t be able to take objectives by using their 3 inch deep strike (I don’t tend to let my opponents do this, but its still not ideal for Harley!).
Both lists can cause massive damage to the other- the Dreadknight shooting is ideal for picking off MSU Drukhari units and destroying the transports that Skysplinter depends on for its buffs, but Dark Lances, Haywire and Incubi in particular all absolutely cleave through Grey Knight units if they connect. You can also use the new disembark after moving and charge stratagem to get around Mists of Deimos – simply move the transport 9.1 away, disembark and then charge 6 to cause real problems for the Grey Knights! This, and the raw threat of the big Terminator bricks in the GK list meant we both had to be very careful to avoid getting a blow out at any stage. The general pattern of the game saw us both using our manoeuvrability to take out the other armies secondary scoring and utility units – I hunted down all the non-terminator units and picked off the Dreadknights and Callidus, whilst Harley trimmed away at my transports and Scourge in reply. The GK ran out of utility units first, which gave me an advantage in secondary scoring, but they were on end of turn which meant a big push for the centre would probably get them enough primary to win the game…
In the event, this game came down to the final turn, where the GK would either get the end game swing on the Supply Drop primary to narrowly win, or fall short and lose. The remaining GK Terminators had split up in pursuit of precious Capture Enemy Outpost points, which gave me a hail mary in to try and blitz the centre with what remained of my army and hold on in Harley’s turn five. There was some sensational good luck in the Drukhari shooting phase (Haywire Scourge killed three Terminators without empowerment) and that, plus lots of failed saves, meant the Terminator brick with Draigo leading it evaporated, and the remaining Grey Knight forces were unable to flip the centre, now decorated with transports, Wyches, and Incubi, producing a very narrow (and very jammy) Drukhari triumph. Well played as always Harley.
Result
Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) Victory – 65 – 54
Tom Lowman – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Skysplinter Assault Mixed Arms
Thoughts
Oh hey, it’s me! Well done me. I went for a balanced take on Skysplinter honed in conversations with my 6++ buddy and Drukhari mastermind Rob Kimpton after the slate. We decided triple Scourge and a Ravager gives you just enough backfield presence and consistent shooting to keep the opponent honest, whilst Raiders and Venoms ferry plenty of melee nastiness forward to do work up close. The ten brick of Incubi with a Nightmare Shroud Archon comes out to play here, and I went with two additional smaller Archon / Incubi pieces- I prefer having three squads over more utility or shooting as I just like the damage this combo can do too much not to have as much of it flying about the board as I can, protecting the ten man hammer with Wraithlike Retreat, and the fives with the Venoms end of fight phase re-embarkation. If you’ve not tried a Beastmaster out I can highly recommend it, as it offers fantastic forward pressure and blocking to steer the enemy where you want them. Skysplinter has some great match ups and some less great ones, but it’s definitely got teeth, so underestimate it at your peril!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Sam Squires – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): A combined arms Invasion Fleet build with lots of monsters for staying power (Exocrines, Maleceptors), Purestrain Genestealers and Von Ryan’s for forward pressure and Gargoyles for primary denial.
- 3rd – Jack Sayer – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Belly, Skarbrand, Shalaxi and a Keeper of Secrets supported by loads of Nurglings and some chaff for scoring.
- 4th – Harley Scully – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): The GK list from the showdown.
- 5th – Jack Tite – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A glorious mono-Khorne (and Belakor) build selected pre-slate for Jack to play by the 6++ online community. Skarbrand, Bloodcrushers, lots of solo Khorne characters… He still bodied pretty much everybody he faced, as this build got way more potent now Rendmasters stack damage!
Wrap Up
That’s it for this week! We march forwards into the unknown. Will Custodes keep being very, very good? Will our other breakout stars be able to keep up the momentum? Are Guard going to fail to win any more events ever again leaving me crushed and embarrassed, their fanbase vindicated? The only way to find out is to get out and play more Warhammer. Don’t let me down.
