Good grief. The scene tends to start winding down a bit after the first weekend of December, but boy oh boy has the community decided to close the year with a bang – fourteen events, five of them majors, and one of the highest player counts we’ve seen outside of an LVO/LGT weekend. The list of winners tells a big part of the story why – the top of the metagame continues to be pretty open, with plenty of contenders nipping at the heels of Aeldari and Chaos Space Marines, who do still stand out from the pack, but not by that much.

That is, honestly, more than enough preamble – we’ve got a tonne to cover and we’re going to get right into it.

Today we’ll start with Wings looking at:

The Leicester UKTC Super-Major (Supermajor)
Feliz Exterminatus (Major)
Merry Slaaneshmass 2023 (Major)
Obsec presents the 9th annual Perth GT, 40k Masters 2023
Waisted Potential Presents: YYC LVO PREP Ogres Den December GT
Évzáró Gálatorna 2023
Eye of Terror Fall ’23 GT

Friday will see Lowest of Men investigating:

Warzone: Atlanta 2023 Warhammer 40k Major Tournament (Major)
Warhound GT in December at Game Grid (Major)
Iron Cage GT: Winter Whammy
HEROCON
Team arKCanite Presents: Winter Slaughter
Sword and Board Warhammer 40K Tournament
Winter War Zone 2023

This week’s Showdowns are going to be:

Dark Angels vs. Emperor’s Children at the Iron Cage GT
Thousand Sons vs. Chaos Knights at the Team arKCanite Winter Slaughter

The Leicester Super-Major

194-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, GB on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

As ever, this was great fun – the Leicester venue is my favourite of the ones the UKTC uses. I also got to indulge in a minor reign of terror, unleashing my Aeldari for the first time this edition. Night Spinners man. They sure are a thing.

Will Whitaker – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [1,800pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Choice: Slaves to Darkness

+ Character +

Chaos Lord [75pts]: Chaos Undivided, Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol

Dark Commune [55pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 2x Blessed Blades: 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune [55pts]: Nurgle, Warlord
. 2x Blessed Blades: 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune [55pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 2x Blessed Blades: 2x Commune blade

+ Infantry +

Accursed Cultists [190pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 10x Mutant: 10x Blasphemous appendages
. 6x Torment: 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists [190pts]: Nurgle
. 10x Mutant: 10x Blasphemous appendages
. 6x Torment: 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists [190pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 10x Mutant: 10x Blasphemous appendages
. 6x Torment: 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen [110pts]: Chaos icon, Chaos Undivided
. Chosen w/ boltgun
. Chosen w/ combi-weapon and bolt pistol
. Chosen w/ combi-weapon and plasma pistol
. Chosen w/ paired accursed weapons and bolt pistol
. Chosen w/ power fist and plasma pistol

+ Vehicle +

Forgefiend [180pts]: Nurgle
. 2 ectoplasma cannons
. Ectoplasma cannon and limbs

Forgefiend [180pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 2 ectoplasma cannons
. Ectoplasma cannon and limbs

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chaos Rhino [75pts]: Combi-weapon, Havoc launcher, Nurgle

++ Army Roster (Chaos – Chaos Daemons) [190pts] ++

+ Epic Hero +

Syll’esske [120pts]

+ Battleline +

Nurglings [35pts]
. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth

++ Total: [1,990pts] ++

Archetype

Commune Brawlers

Thoughts

Sitting atop a throne of skulls after the dust cleared from seven rounds of Warhammer, we have Will’s version of the Chaos Space Marine brawler builds. Going hard on Communes lets you completely body some armies through weight of pressure, and is also going to reliably lock in high scores to help lock in a top cut spot with a 5-0. This variant also looks particularly well suited to World Eaters, who are a definite rising force in the UK, and that came in clutch in the final. Communes are big and wound-dense enough that they can sometimes bounce some of the World Eater units, Forgefiends are the better shooting threat when you’re hunting Eightbound, and Syll’Esske getting back up is super annoying to a one-phase army. Extremely well aimed at the metagame, therefore, and thus a deserved victory from Will!

Nassim Fouchane – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I’m going first 7 times (1975 Points)

World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (80 Points)
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (140 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 Points)
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

World Eaters Master of Executions (105 Points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 Points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (200 Points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
• 7x Berzerker chainblade
7x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
2x Khornate eviscerator
2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 Points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (135 Points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (300 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (150 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304

Archetype

The Vanella 1975

Thoughts

Hot on Will’s heels we have Nassim, running the precise World Eaters 1975pts that’s been perfected by their elite players, and slicing through a host of powerful foes before finally getting ground out by the Cultist horde. Adding Kharn and the MoE in Berserker units gives this list such a saturation of units that can evaporate anything they touch that it’s really hard to stop. Our own Corrode played against Nas in an earlier round, deployed defensively and killed a third of the World Eaters army turn one – and still got bodied off the table in short order. Not quite sure how I feel about an army being “solved” down to an exact list, but it’s worth saying that Nassim pulled off this performance despite borrowing the list and it being his first event with it, so big congratulations on taking the runner up spot.

Daniel Whitaker – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Spirit stoned (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Mandiblasters
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Fuegan (115 points)
• 1x Searsong
1x The Fire Axe

Spiritseer (80 points)
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 points)
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (80 points)
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (85 points)
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun

Night Spinner (180 points)
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull

Rangers (55 points)
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Ranger long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (75 points)
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster

Warp Spiders (115 points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death spinner
1x Death spinner
1x Powerblades
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (170 points)
• 5x Wraithguard
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Wraithcannon

Archetype

Indirect Aeldari

Thoughts

One brother in the top four with Aeldari, the other with (some) Slaanesh. Definitely something mythic going on here. Anyway, Dan’s Aeldari build has some genuinely unusual choices that I really like – it goes much harder on Indirect Fire than the standard, and hedges its bets against Ironstorm Spearhead with an extra unit of Fire Dragons. He also makes the choice to only bring five Wraithguard, which I honestly think is pretty defensible – in the mirror, it means you’ve got less stuff tied up if the opponent Spinners them, five will still handily waste any tank without an invulnerable save, and splitting threats across more activations is also handy in a metagame that’s very heavy on Transports. Sharp tweaks to the formula, and once again some precision metagame targeting pays off – great work from Dan.

Kriton Tsintaris – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 4th Place

Palatine Apraxia Val — Credit: Evan “Felime” Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Sisters – Triumph (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Brazier of holy fire
1x Chainsword
1x Condemnor boltgun
• Enhancement: Saintly Example

Dialogus (30 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Dialogus staff

Palatine (65 points)
• 1x Palatine blade
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Blade of Saint Ellynor

Triumph of Saint Katherine (125 points)
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Condemnor boltgun
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Immolation flamers

Sororitas Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (130 points)
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails

Castigator (140 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Crusaders (25 points)
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon

Death Cult Assassins (35 points)
• 2x Death Cult Assassin
• 2x Death Cult power blades

Exorcist (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Seraphim Squad (70 points)
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Arco-flagellants and Indirect

Thoughts

The rise of the Sororitas continues, here leveraging the powerful combination of Arco-flagellants to flood the table at a bargain price and Exorcists to obliterate foes that are stuck dealing with them. The Triumph lets the miracle dice flow at speed, making all of this super reliable, and Battle Sisters with some Leaders provide a good all-round mid rank. Eventually fell to Nas, as World Eaters going first do, unfortunately, go through this like a hot knife, but outside that matchup this army has tools for most games, and it really hammers home how much the Sisters’ star has risen. Kriton is definitely out here doing the Emperor’s work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-0 records after the swiss. They were:

5th – Rafael Harbinson – World Eaters: The exact same 1975pts as Nassim.
6th – Jack Tite – Adepta Sororitas: Arco-flagellent and hull spam, also running multiple Dialoguses (Dialogi?) for Act of Faith spike turns.

Merry Slaaneshmass 2023

94-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Ocean Shores, WA, US on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Timothy Grant – Death Guard (Plague Company) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

poop (2000 points)

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (50 points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
1x Injector pistol
1x Plague knives

Mortarion (325 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Rotwind
1x Silence
1x The Lantern

Tallyman (45 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Infected plasma pistol

Typhus (100 points)
• 1x Master-crafted manreaper

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (160 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 9x Plague Marine
• 3x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives

Plague Marines (80 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 4x Plague Marine
• 2x Heavy plague weapon
1x Meltagun
4x Plague knives
1x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (160 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 9x Plague Marine
• 3x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives

Plague Marines (160 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 9x Plague Marine
• 1x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives
2x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (80 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 4x Plague Marine
• 2x Heavy plague weapon
1x Meltagun
4x Plague knives
1x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Plague combi-bolter
1x Plague combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Poxwalkers (100 points)
• 20x Poxwalker
• 20x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Plague Marine Spam

Thoughts

Yeah so speaking of a Transport-heavy metagame, here’s five Rhinos. What a time to be alive. This list’s plan isn’t super complicated, but it is extremely effective – it can absolutely bury the opponent in a mixture of bodies and Mortal Wounds from Grenades, and is super tricky for other melee-heavy armies to engage with because of how much of its stuff is shielded in Transports, and being able to hand out -1WS up close. The combination of the speed to pressure shooting armies and sticky ceremite Rhino walls to bounce melee lists makes this a very strong spin on the faction, but also one that goes harder on the plan than any other recent variant, something that’s always fun to see rewarded – awesome work from Timothy.

Hank Adams – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Apothecary Biologis. Credit: Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Sneak-Puff (2000 points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Vanguard Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (80 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: The Blade Driven Deep

Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades

Marneus Calgar (185 points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
• Warlord
• 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
• 2x Victrix power sword

Uriel Ventris (75 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Invictus
1x Sword of Idaeus

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (220 points)
• 1x Aggressor Sergeant
• 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
1x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Twin power fists
• 5x Aggressor
• 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
5x Fragstorm grenade launcher
5x Twin power fists

Centurion Devastator Squad (350 points)
• 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

Inceptor Squad (220 points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Assault bolters
5x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (220 points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Plasma exterminators

Infiltrator Squad (100 points)
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Marksman bolt carbine

Scout Squad (55 points)
• 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

Archetype

Infiltrating Vanguard Deathbrick

Thoughts

This is a spin on John Lennon’s WCW build, cutting out a few all-rounder pieces like the Company Heroes in lieu of even more Deep Strike death. The plan is pretty simple – Calgar’s murder brick of Aggressors can Infiltrate, thanks to the Biologis, while the Centurions and Inceptors can all be poised to come in from Deep Strike (the Cents thanks to Ventris) and annihilate things. Because the Centurions have Deep Strike, they can use that for deployment any time they arrive, meaning that their normal lack of mobility can be mitigated by popping them back into reserves with Guerrilla Tactics. The army’s generally durable infantry bodies also just work well in general with the Detachment Ability, massively stacking the deck in favour of this list in the shooting race. Finally, the good volume of Infiltrate, coupled with Calculated Feint to dodge early charges, helps the list prevent the opponent from screening its big drops out, shutting down a potential way to attack it.

Can’t say I’m thrilled to look forward to being tabled out of Deep Strike like it’s 8th Edition all over again, but the power here is undeniable, and it definitely requires careful planning of deployment and target priority to play well, so congratulations to Hank on taking it to an undefeated second.

Steve Trimble – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Imagine running Oblits (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (75 Points)
• Warlord
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Dark Commune (55 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (55 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade

BATTLELINE

Legionaries (90 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 3x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (190 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen (110 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Accursed weapon
1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
• 4x Chosen
• 2x Accursed weapon
2x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
2x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist

Forgefiend (180 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 Points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Commune Brawlers

Thoughts

Another showing for the triple Commune plan here, with Steve’s version going even harder on bodying the enemy via the addition of some Legionaries to fill out each Rhinos. This is another choice that seems good in a metagame that’s seeing more and more Transport Brawler vs. Transport Brawler games at the top, as it gives you something less precious than the Chosen with a lot of reach that you can use to force the opponent’s hand. Beyond that, all business as usual, just an avalanche of powerful melee and mutated flesh to smash into foes, and another great showing for it in Steve’s hands!

Joel Rodgers – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 4th Place

Logan Grimnar Santa Mode — Logan Grimnar as Santa Claus. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Sons of Russ (2000 points)

Space Marines
Space Wolves
Strike Force (2000 points)
Stormlance Task Force

CHARACTERS

Librarian in Terminator Armour (75 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Force weapon
1x Smite

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Flurry of teeth and claws
1x Storm bolter
1x The Axe Morkai

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (95 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancement: Portents of Wisdom

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Relic Shield
1x Thunder hammer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Inceptor Squad (110 points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators

Land Raider Redeemer (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (55 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
3x Combat knife

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield

Vindicator (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Wolf Guard Terminators (195 points)
• 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader
• 1x Chainfist
1x Combi-weapon
• 4x Wolf Guard Terminator
• 4x Chainfist
4x Combi-weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Stormlance Spectacular

Thoughts

I have to hand it to Space Wolves players – they’ve collectively taken one look at a detachment that makes ThunderCav good, and near universally decided that this and only this is what they’re doing now. Logan and his boys are incredibly hard tough to handle with Ride Fast, Ride Hard available, and adding Portents of Wisdom to one unit lets the army launch a reliable multi-front charge early (since the other can just pop Full Throttle for a guaranteed Advance). Even Vindicators can get in on the speedy action, Advancing and shooting with Blitzing Fusillade, and then ramming into combat to tie stuff up in a way that would neuter most tanks, but isn’t an issue for them thanks to the Siege Shield. A Land Raider Redeemer finishes stuff off, and this is basically just a great unit in general in Marines, but has some nifty synergy here with using Wind Swift Evasion to either body-block stuff with it or move it into a better Overwatch position when the enemy thought they were safe. Super cool to see this build play out as effectively as it has, strong show of Warrior Pride from Joel.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th – David Bierek – Chaos Space Marines: Extreme Abaddon gunline, adding Predators to the normal recipe.
6th – Lukas Troller – Chaos Knights: Dogs, Nurglings, Blue Scribes.
7th – Kolby Hopkins – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav with a Lord and Battle Leader in every unit, plus Logan, a couple of Lancers and some Lone Op Lieutenants to provide objective play and re-rolls.
8th – Edgar Armida Camargo – Thousand Sons: Lots of Characters and a Scarab Occult brick.

Feliz Exterminatus

59-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Saint Robert, Missouri, US on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ryan Verbeck – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

abhor the witch, destroy the witch (2000 points)
Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (90 points)
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Deathleaper (70 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Neurotyrant (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
1x Psychic scream

Old One Eye (140 points)
• 1x Old One Eye’s claws and talons

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (75 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (75 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher

Carnifexes (250 points)
• 2x Carnifex
• 2x Bio-plasma
2x Chitinous claws and teeth
2x Deathspitters with slimer maggots
2x Deathspitters with slimer maggots
2x Spine banks

Exocrine (135 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs

Genestealers (170 points)
• 10x Genestealer
• 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Lictor (60 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload

Neurolictor (65 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons

Pyrovores (30 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Flamespurt

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (27), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Board Presence Bugs

Thoughts

Tyranids definitely feel like they need a little bit of help on the killing power front, but as Ryan shows here they can make up for that with absolute premium levels of board control The mixture of speedy infantry, cheap Lone Operatives, cost-effective durable bugs as anchors and good all-rounder units like the One Eye/Dakkafex block make it incredibly challenging to stymie this build’s scoring, and while it’s threats aren’t up to clearing hull-heavy shooting builds, they are pretty good into elite infantry brawler lists, which would probably be the best placed to try and counter the scoring plans. That helps ensure that the army has a plan for either flavour of matchup, and it’s clearly worked out here with an impressive victory for Ryan!

Kyle McCord – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Black Templars High Marshal Helbrecht. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jack Templars Now With More Flame! (2000 points)

Space Marines
Black Templars
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Captain (95 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

Captain (80 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Power fist

High Marshal Helbrecht (95 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Black Templars Impulsor (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Multi-melta
1x Shield dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Inceptor Squad (110 points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators

Land Raider Redeemer (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Primaris Sword Brethren (140 points)
• 1x Sword Brother Castellan
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 4x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Plasma pistol
2x Power weapon
2x Pyre pistol
1x Thunder hammer
1x Twin lightning claws

Scout Squad (55 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 3x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

One Punch Crusade

Thoughts

This list is hilarious, feeling like it’s tuned to ensure that it can pick a point in the battle then hit the enemy as hard has (trans)humanely possible. Sword Brethren, the Aggressor brick and two Redeemers is a truly astonishing hammer turn, and having plenty of the tools safely encased in Land Raiders till it’s time to strike maximises the chance of the Templars getting to dictate the terms of battle (as does access to Assault Doctrine for a go-fast turn). The Land Raiders also mean you don’t have to go for a knockout turn, and the army is more than capable of metering out its threats while gradually toasting stuff, all the while threatening to go absolutely ham if the time is right. That seems to be a capability that’s provided a leg up on the competition, as Kyle took it all the way to a spectacular undefeated second place.

Peyton Preece – Ynnari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ynari (1985 Points)

Aeldari
Battle Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Death Jester (105 Points)
• 1x Jester’s blade
1x Shrieker cannon
• Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 Points)
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

Yvraine (100 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows
1x Storm of Whispers

OTHER DATASHEETS

Night Spinner (180 Points)
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull

Vypers (85 Points)
• 1x Bright lance
1x Twin shuriken catapult
1x Wraithbone hull

Warp Spiders (115 Points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death spinner
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

ALLIED UNITS

Mandrakes (65 Points)
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade

Ravager (115 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance

Scourges (110 Points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Scourges (110 Points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Go-wide Ynnari

Thoughts

The shootiest, most go-widey Aeldari list you can get, with the uncomplicated but effective plan of tangling the foe up in Spinner nets while volleys of lance and haywire fire sweep stuff up, and Mandrakes/speedy Aspects score points. The Yncarne and Fate’s Messenger) Death Jester provide some extra potent troubleshooters to assail anything that’s threatening the seamless execution of the plan, and this list looks like a complete nightmare to take down unless you’ve got the speed to just roll it over, or the sheer levels of board control required to beat it at its own game (which is presumably how Ryan took it down in the finals). Definitely strong work from Peyton here.

Kyle Lamperez – Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

iron angels (2000 points)

Space Marines
Dark Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Azrael (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets

Techmarine (95 points)
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancement: Target Augury Web (Aura)

Techmarine (75 points)
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancement: Master of Machine War (Aura)

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (160 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessor
• 9x Astartes chainsword
9x Heavy bolt pistol

Intercessor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter

Gladiator Lancer (160 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
2x Storm bolter

Inceptor Squad (110 points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators

Land Raider Redeemer (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points)
• 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Onslaught gatling cannon
1x Redemptor fist
1x Twin storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Ironstorm Dark Angels

Thoughts

Fundamentally this is the standard Ironstorm plan of “tanks that shoot good” with the added CP battery of Azrael to power their juicy Stratagems, and the nice addition of a Redeemer full of Assault Intercessors to discourage opponents who might be considering attemting to roll the firebase with a horde. Not massive tweaks to the normal formula, but when a list archetype is a known good one small optimisations like this are what you expect to see, so good work Kyle for identifying and deploying them.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – BamBam Hunter – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Two tooled-up ThunderCav units supported by Lancers, a Redemptor and Inceptors/Infiltrators to play objectives.
6th – Treynor Wolfe – World Eaters: An extremely familiar 1975pts.
7th – Dan Sammons – Chaos Knights: Dogs, Nurglings, Daemon Lone Ops.
8th – Cory Schulz – Necrons: Comedy big box bonanza with two Monoliths and a Tesseract Vault.
9th – David Clark – T’au Empire: Combined arms Tau with a big Crisis team and two Breacherfish as the centrepieces.
10th – Lucas Shubert – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Redemptors, a Repex, lots of Gravis and a big block of Hellblasters, presumably aiming for Mercy is Weakness.

Obsec presents the 9th annual Perth GT, 40k Masters 2023

50-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kelmscott, WA, AU on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Lachlan Rigg – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Wheels on the Rhinos Go Round and Round (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (75 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• Warlord
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (75 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Dark Commune (55 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (90 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen (110 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol

Forgefiend (180 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
1x Ectoplasma cannon
2x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
1x Ectoplasma cannon
2x Ectoplasma cannon

Obliterators (170 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 2x Obliterator
• 2x Crushing fists
2x Fleshmetal guns

ALLIED UNITS

Syll’Esske (120 points)
• 1x Axe of Dominion
1x Cacophonic choir
1x Scourging whip

Archetype

Brawler Goodstuff

Thoughts

Slightly less Commune-heavy than some of the other builds doing well this week, but very much a known quantity here – all this stuff is just real good, it’s ultra-adaptable to whatever it needs to fight, and it’s got the speed to bowl Aeldari over, something that’s a major contributor to them now sharing the metagame top spot. Congratulations to Lachlan for putting these tools to work and taking a trophy.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd – Alex Fritzsch – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): A Knight Lancer leads a bunch of Karnivores and Brigands to war, with Daemons adding some objective play.
3rd – Mathew Crosbie – Night Lords (Slaves to Darkness): Double Commune Brawler CSM.
4th – Matthew Dean – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Sisters with lots of tooled-up Battle Sister squads, lots of Arco-flagellants and some Castigators, with Vahl at the head leading some Warsuits.
5th – Harrison Darge – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): High pressure Templars, sporting a full Primaris Crusader brick and lots of Sword Brethren in a Land Raider and Impulsors.
6th – Thomas Wulff – Astra Militarum: Double Death Korps tarpit to hold ground, double Dorn to start blasting.

Waisted Potential Presents: YYC LVO PREP Ogres Den December GT

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ozzie Meloche – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

Biel Tan Farseer with Witchblade — Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

We are in a Grouse Simulation (2000 points)
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Farseer (80 points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witchblade

Spiritseer (80 points)
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (80 points)
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (85 points)
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (85 points)
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol

Shadow Spectres (95 points)
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle

Shroud Runners (80 points)
• 3x Shroud Runner
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Ranger long rifle
3x Scatter laser
3x Shuriken pistol

Skyweavers (95 points)
• 2x Skyweaver
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Skyweaver haywire cannon
2x Zephyrglaive

Striking Scorpions (75 points)
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Biting blade
1x Mandiblasters
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Mandiblasters
4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (75 points)
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster

Windriders (160 points)
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon

Wraithguard (340 points)
• 10x Wraithguard
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Wraithcannon

Archetype

No Tank Go-wide Aeldari

Thoughts

Yet another way of putting together Aeldari tools and having a tournament-winning list fall out here. Eschewing any heavy targets except the Wraithguard anchor provides good resilience against opponents teching for Ironstorm or hull-heavy Aeldari, and having plenty of Infantry also gives opponents even more possible Phantasm moves to worry about than normal. This build also crosses yet another datasheet off my list of Aeldari units that have made it into a winning list thanks to the presence of some Banshees, and that’s something I always enjoy doing. Well done to Ozzie for putting his own spin on the faction in style.

Alex Li – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I still don’t know how to play the game (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Fuegan (115 points)
• 1x Searsong
1x The Fire Axe

Spiritseer (80 points)
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 points)
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Howling Banshees (85 points)
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Banshee blade
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol

Night Spinner (180 points)
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull

Rangers (55 points)
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Ranger long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol

Shadow Spectres (95 points)
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle

Support Weapons (125 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x D-cannon
1x Shuriken catapult

War Walkers (110 points)
• 2x Bright Lance
1x War Walker feet

Warp Spiders (115 points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death spinner
1x Death spinner
1x Powerblades
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (340 points)
• 10x Wraithguard
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Wraithcannon

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Go-wide Aeldari

Thoughts

…and now I’m forced to conclude that Howling Banshees hit different in Canada or something. Anyway, this is another go-wide Aeldari build, albeit packing a slightly more (though not entirely, see above re: Banshees) conventional suite of units. These units are, and I’m going to shock you here, extremely good. Well done to Alex for helping Aeldari invoke the spectre of a few months ago with a full podium sweep.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd – Zach Hansen – Aeldari (Battle Host): Double Avatar and extra Herohammer, filling out with Spinners and speedy Aspects.
4th – Anthony Dalla Lana – Alpha Legion (Slaves to Darkness): Triple Commune Brawlers.
5th – Darren Jac – Genestealer Cult: …Horde and Aberrants. Haven’t written that one for a while.
6th – Byron Livingstone – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Shooty Monster Mash with a Norn Emissary to exert pressure on a key point.
7th – Matthew Secter – T’au Empire: Loads of suits, packing four Broadsides alongside a big and small Crisis team, plus Breacherfish.

Team arKCanite Presents: Winter Slaughter

34-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kansas City, MO, United States on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Sites of Power – Chilling Rain – Hammer and Anvil

Tom Deane – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Rubric-heavy Thousand Sons.
Army List - Click to Expand

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (2Cabal Points, 135pts): Umbraelific Crystal,Arcane Fire, Force weapon, Warpflame pistol, Prosperine khopesh

Infernal Master (2Cabal Points, 105pts): Arcane Vortex, Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Screamer Invocation

Infernal Master (2Cabal Points, 90pts) , Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Screamer Invocation

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (1Cabal Points, 120pts): Lord of Forbidden Lore, Fires of the Abyss, Force weapon, Warpflame pistol

Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (3Cabal Points, 140pts): Black Staff of Ahriman, Inferno bolt pistol, Psychic Stalk

Magnus the Red (4Cabal Points, 440pts): Blade of Magnus, Gaze of Magnus, Tzeentch’s Firestorm, Warlord

5x Rubric Marines (1Cabal Points, 105pts): Icon of Flame
5x Rubric Marines (1Cabal Points, 105pts): Icon of Flame
5x Rubric Marines (1Cabal Points, 105pts): Icon of Flame
5x Rubric Marines (1Cabal Points, 105pts): Icon of Flame
5x Rubric Marines (1Cabal Points, 105pts): Icon of Flame

10x Thousand Sons Cultists (60pts)

3x Tzaangor Enlightened (45pts)

Mutalith Vortex Beast (165pts): Betentacled maw, Mutalith claws, Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Rhino (75pts): Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, 2x Inferno combi-bolter

1x The Changeling (90pts)

vs.

Aaron Hermstedt – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Rampager and Dogs
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment Choice: Traitoris Lance

Show/Hide Options: Nurgle Daemons are visible, Tzeentch Daemons are visible

+ Character +

Knight Rampager [420pts]: Panoply of the Cursed Knights, Warlord

+ Battleline +

War Dog Brigand [160pts]: Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore [140pts]: Havoc multi-launcher

+ Allied Units +

Nurglings [35pts]

. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings [35pts]

. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings [35pts]

. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Changeling [90pts]

++ Total: [1,995pts] ++

Thoughts

That is a big oof on the mission right there. I usually spin up these articles while Showdown voting is ongoing, so I’ll often see the scoreline before I’ve gone and found out what the mission is (side note – TOs like this one who put the mission list in the BCP event info are true community heroes) and here I was a little baffled by what I was seeing, because on lists along I think this should be a really close run thing. The Thousand Sons certainly have the ability to pick off War Dogs (or even the Rampager if it goes out too far on a limb), but they don’t have that many units on the board, are vulnerable to massed Chaincannons, and have to be pretty careful how they’re using Magnus and the Beast to avoid getting punked by massed melta. The Knights are more than happy to lose a few Brigands in order to smash a couple Karnivores into Tsons units, and while I’d say the Tsons probably have a slight edge just from their assembly of tricks, there’s not normally much in it.

On Sites of Power there is, because it’s going to be incredibly hard for the Chaos Knights to score highly on the Primary. If the Rampager comes to the mid-board it is going to die, and Doombolt also provides one of the most reliable ways to remove The Changeling from the equation. This means that the Tsons can fairly quickly and brutally hard cap the Knights Primary if they bring the Rampager out, while they themselves can play extremely cautiously on one flank and still expect to hit 9VP a turn on Primary (very Tzeentchian). If the Knights try to counter that they’re going to spread thin and get picked off one by one, without concentrating enough killing power to out-damage the Thousand Sons.

I think if you’re the Knights player here, all-out aggro has to be the plan, albeit with the Rampager in the second wave. If the Tsons have a rough turn of invulns I think it’s possible that the robots can inflict enough damage early on that they can take a low-scoring win. I don’t think it’s likely but it’s a “play-to-your-outs” situation. As it happened, the Tsons didn’t end on a blowout score, suggesting that some serious damage was done to them, but they were able to tank the Chaos Knight score low enough that this didn’t matter.

Result

Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) Victory – 74 – 40

Tom Deane – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Rubric-heavy Tsons

Thoughts

Plenty of familiar toys here, even bringing back the Mutalith Vortex Beast, who is pretty tasty for sowing havoc amongst enemy pressure pushes that might otherwise barrel through the precious Rubricae. Business as usual beyond that – great quality Battleline Infantry and a gigantic pile of shooting and Mortal tricks from all those Sorcerors. Good work from Tom!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd – Aaron Hermstedt – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): A Rampager leading a lot of Dogs, plus Nurglings and the Changeling.
3rd – John Indellicate – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Ultra-hefty Monster Mash with a Barbed Hierodule and double Norns.
4th – Justin Comstock – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness): An unusual spin on the brawler recipe, adding Fabius Bile and some bikers, plus a squad of Seekers of Slaanesh for early board control.

Eye of Terror Fall ’23 GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, CA on December 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Thomas Cowan – Iron Warriors (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Characters

Chaos Lord (75 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

1x plasma pistol

1x daemon hammer

Chaos Lord (75 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

1x plasma pistol

1x daemon hammer

Master of Possession (80 points)

Mark of chaos: Slanesh

1x rite of possession

1x bolt pistol

1x staff of possession

Battleline

Legionaries (90 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

– 1x aspiring champion

1x plasma pistol

1x heavy melee weapon

– 4x legionaries

1x lascannon

4x bolt pistol

2x chainswords

1x heavy melee weapon

1x chaos icon

Cultist mob (55 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

– 1x cultist champion

1x cultist firearm

1x close combat weapon

– 9x cultist champion

6x cultist firearm

9x close combat weapon

1x cultist grenade launcher

1x flamer

1x heavy stubber

Cultist mob (55 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

– 1x cultist champion

1x cultist firearm

1x close combat weapon

– 9x cultist champion

6x cultist firearm

9x close combat weapon

1x cultist grenade launcher

1x flamer

1x heavy stubber

Other data sheets

chosen (220 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

– 1x chosen champion

1x bolt pistol

1x bolt gun

1x power fist

– 9x chosen

1x bolt pistol

1x bolt gun

4x combi-weapon

4x plasma pistol

1x power fist

6x accursed weapon

2x paired accursed weapon

1x chaos icon

chosen (110 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

– 1x chosen champion

1x bolt pistol

1x bolt gun

1x power fist

– 4x chosen

2x combi-weapon

2x plasma pistol

3x accursed weapon

1x paired accursed weapon

1x chaos icon

Possessed (280 points)

Mark of chaos: Slanesh

– 1x possessed champion

1x hideous mutation

– 9x possessed

9x hideous mutation

1x chaos icon

Obliterators (340 points)

Mark of chaos: undivided

4x fleshmetal guns

4x crushing fists

Obliterators (170 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

2x fleshmetal guns

2x crushing fists

Warp talons (100 points)

Mark of chaos: Slanesh

– 1x warp talon champion

1x warp claws

– 4x warp talons

4x warp claws

Chaos Vindicator (190 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

1x Demolisher cannon

1x armoured tracks

1x combi-weapon

1x havoc launcher

Rhino (75 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

1x armoured tracks

1x combi-weapon

1x havoc launcher

Rhino (75 points)

Mark of chaos: Nurgle

1x armoured tracks

1x combi-weapon

1x havoc launcher

Archetype

Brawler Goodstuff with Possessed

Thoughts

Plenty of the normal toys plus a few unusual ones – you’ve got the full Possessed brick, ready to provide an absolutely devastating counter-charge against any opponent that over commits, and a Vindicator. I’m going to level that I’m not super convinced that the tank is bringing anything to the table that a Forgefiend would not, but they are an iconic part of the Iron Warriors, and when you’re playing with one of the top factions there’s always something to be said for aiming for some style points, which Thomas has pulled off here.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

2nd (4.5-0.5) – François Lalonde – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Matty Healy gonna sue somebody.
3rd – Jeremy Atkinson – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Sagitaur spam.
4th – Nick Blackburn – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Lots of Rubricae, plus a big Cultist brick and some Enlightened for board presence.

Wrap Up

That’s so much Warhammer. There’s still so much Warhammer. How does this keep happening? Anyway, check back on on Friday when Lowest of Men will also be contemplating the concept of Too Much Warhammer.

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Festive Fury pt.1

The Leicester Super-Major

Will Whitaker – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Nassim Fouchane – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Daniel Whitaker – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kriton Tsintaris – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Merry Slaaneshmass 2023

Timothy Grant – Death Guard (Plague Company) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Hank Adams – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Steve Trimble – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Joel Rodgers – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Feliz Exterminatus

Ryan Verbeck – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kyle McCord – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Peyton Preece – Ynnari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kyle Lamperez – Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Obsec presents the 9th annual Perth GT, 40k Masters 2023

Lachlan Rigg – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Waisted Potential Presents: YYC LVO PREP Ogres Den December GT

Ozzie Meloche – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alex Li – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Team arKCanite Presents: Winter Slaughter

The Showdown

Sites of Power – Chilling Rain – Hammer and Anvil

Thoughts

Result

Tom Deane – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts