A relatively quiet one this week, presumably because everyone was too busy hunting for eggs and feasting on chocolate, or whatever you get up to over Easter in the country of your preference. I assume it’s nice.
Four events this week, as follows:
- Wet Coast GT 2024
- Gothcon 40k Open
- Battle Ready Wargaming’s March Mayhem 40k GT
- Kelpie Crusade GT 2024
This week’s showdown, as voted for by our Patrons, will be:
- Grey Knights vs Genestealer Cults at Battle Ready Wargaming.
Wet Coast GT 2024 – 40k Champs
164-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Richmond, BC, Canada on March 29 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Brendan McKenzie – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
Morvenn Vahl, Warlod, 145 pts
Junith Eruita, 90 pts
Imagifier, 35 pts
Palatine, Blade of St Ellynor (15), 65 pts
Missionary, Saintly Example (10), 40 pts
Paragon Warsuits, 3 Maces, 3 MMs, 3 Grenade Launchers, 170 pts
Battle Sisters Squad, MM, Meltagun, Crossbow, Power Weapon, Simulacrum, 100 pts
Battle Sisters Squad, MM, Meltagun, Crossbow, Power Weapon, Simulacrum, 100 pts
Sisters Novitiate Squad, 2xFlamer, Sacred Banner, Simulacrum, Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol, 85 pts
Immolator, Twin-Linked MM, Heavy Bolter, HKM, 115 pts
Immolator, Twin-Linked MM, Heavy Bolter, HKM, 115 pts
Sororitas Rhino, HKM, 75 pts
10 Repentia Squad, 110 pts
5 Zephyrim Squad, Plasma Pistol, Banner, 60 pts
5 Zephyrim Squad, Plasma Pistol, Banner, 60 pts
2 Crusaders, 25 pts
2 Crusaders, 25pts
2 Crusaders, 25 pts
10 Arco-Flagellants, 150 pts
10 Arco-Flagellants, 150 pts
10 Arco-Flagellants, 150 pts
2 Death Cult Assassins, 35 pts
5 Seraphim Squad, 4 Hand Flamers, Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon, 70 pts
1995
Archetype
Board Control Sisters
Thoughts
Lots of Sororitas favourites on top in our biggest event of the week, skewing a bit more heavily towards flooding the table with bodies than the norm. You’ve got the full thirty Arco-flagellants as the initial speed bump, utility Battle Sisters units in Immolators for a second wave, Vahl’s ladies as a big hammer, and just an absolute avalance of scoring chaff. This army maxes its secondaries with extreme reliability, and has so many squads to play with that it’s usually going to rack up enough Primary points to seal the deal. The possible exception to that is if it runs into something that just aims to body it clean off the table – I can imagine suffering into the Chaos Knights matchup due to the relatively low number of killing tools it has to play with. That particular matchup didn’t come up, but Brenden did take out a similarly brutal Tau Triptide build in the final, so it’s clear that effective resource management can overcome even that kind of game. Congratulations on the win!
Trevor Loewen – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Teleport Strike Force Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + Kaldor Draigo [125pts]: Warlord + Character + Brotherhood Techmarine [60pts]: Bolt Pistol Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [230pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Sigil of Exigence + Battleline + Brotherhood Terminator Squad [420pts] . 5x Terminator: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Storm Bolter Strike Squad [125pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter Strike Squad [125pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter + Infantry + Interceptor Squad [135pts] . 4x Interceptor: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter Interceptor Squad [135pts] . 4x Interceptor: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter + Vehicle + Nemesis Dreadknight [185pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Greatsword Nemesis Dreadknight [185pts]: Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer Nemesis Dreadknight [185pts]: Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer + Allied Units + Callidus Assassin [90pts] ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Grey Knights) [2,000pts] ++
. Terminator with Ancient’s Banner: Storm Bolter
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Psycannon
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Psycannon
. Terminator with Narthecium
. Justicar
. Justicar
. Justicar
. Justicar
Archetype
Dreadknights, Terminators and Interceptors
Thoughts
Speaking of hammer blows, this build unleashes them both literally and figuratively, leaning on the uncomplicated but undeniably effective plan of bodying opponents with Nemesis Dreadknights and a big squad of Terminators, the latter taking full advantage of Draigo’s post-Dataslate ability to use his buff out of Teleport Assault. You really do not want to go first against this army, as when you do some truly horrible things are going to happen to you at significant speed, and the worst thing is that the combination of the Sigil of Exigence and access to Mists of Deimos means that the Grey Knights can go for a fairly vicious initial thrust, but then dance back into the Warp before they suffer the worst of the foe’s reprisals. Interceptors and Strikes do a great job of scoring Secondaries while that’s going on, and this build looks like a total nightmare for most foes to handle. No Daemon is safe, great stuff from Trevor.
Mike Garcia – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (150 Points) Shield-Captain (150 Points) Trajann Valoris (160 Points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Allarus Custodians (195 Points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Custodian Wardens (250 Points) Custodian Wardens (250 Points) Vigilators (50 Points) Witchseekers (50 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
Stream (2000 Points)
Shield Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Ceaseless Hunter
• 1x Guardian spear
• Enhancements: Inspirational Exemplar
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 5x Guardian spear
• 3x Allarus Custodian
• 3x Balistus grenade launcher
3x Guardian spear
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 1x Vigilator Sister Superior
• 1x Executioner greatblade
• 3x Vigilator
• 3x Executioner greatblade
• 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
Archetype
Caladius & Infantry
Thoughts
Mostly the current four block setup here, with the twist that the final unit is unaccompanied Allarus to free up points for bigger Warden units and a pair of Caladius Tanks, ensuring that the army has a good amount of ranged threat to fall back on if the opponent has good Custodian-killing shooting. All good clean Custodes fun, but also not something that needs particular explanation at this point! Congratulations to Mike on rounding out the undefeateds here.
Linton Rowan – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 Points) Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 Points) Logan Grimnar (100 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (110 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Fenrisian Wolves (30 Points) Fenrisian Wolves (30 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Wulfen (160 Points) Wulfen (160 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
Thunder Rush (2000 Points)
Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• Warlord
• 1x Storm bolter
1x The Axe Morkai
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• 5x Fenrisian Wolf
• 5x Teeth and claws
• 5x Fenrisian Wolf
• 5x Teeth and claws
• 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
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 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
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 1x Wulfen Pack Leader
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Stormfrag auto-launcher
1x Wulfen hammer
• 9x Wulfen
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Stormfrag auto-launcher
9x Wulfen hammer
• 1x Wulfen Pack Leader
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Stormfrag auto-launcher
1x Wulfen hammer
• 9x Wulfen
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Stormfrag auto-launcher
9x Wulfen hammer
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Max ThunderCav and Wulfen
Thoughts
Literal and figurative hammerblows intensify here. You should all mostly know how this one works too (bury the opponent in an avalance of fangs, claws and hammers), but there are a couple of interesting tech choices in Linton’s build. First up – foot Logan, rather than riding his Santa sleigh. I’m assuming this is intended to minimise the risk of losing him to Shooting prior to being able to use his High King of Fenris ability, which this army does somewhat rely on to ensure that it’s go turn gets the job done, and having him sit in Terminator armour behind a wall is going to do that. So inspirational and brave. It also means you can get both a Wolf Lord and Battle Leader into each pack, maximising their mobility and thus the speed at which they can slam the foe.
The other tech pick is going up to two Phobos Librarian/Infiltrator units, showing an absolute determination to not allow the backfield to get messed with while the wolves are out to play. Hypercrypt Legion players screaming, crying, throwing up.
All this seems to have worked very well for Linton, who only dropped a game to Mike’s Custodes (which yeah, are an army that can sometimes just bounce this and murder it, so fair cop). Great work!
The Best of the Rest
There were 14 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Ian Harris – Death Guard: Ultracrunch, spaming Daemon Engines (including a trio of defilers) alongside Mortarion and a big unit of Deathshroud.
- 6th – David Coren – Grey Knights: Dreadknights, a big Paladin block and Crowe’s purifiers.
- 7th – Jon McAfee – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Wraiths, triple C’tan, double Doomstalker.
- 8th – Adam Green – Astra Militarum: Bullgryn, Kasrkin and artillery.
- 9th – Matthew Secter – T’au Empire: Triptide, three Breacherfish, a small Crisis squad and two solo Commanders.
- 10th – Alex Macdougall – Genestealer Cult: An unusually high-pressure GSC build, cutting back significantly on Neophytes to buy lots of Purestrains, and also packing some cheap Guard scoring and board control, where it showcases the cunning innovation of using a Cyclops riding in a Taurox to make that a legal and cheap way to get an extra fast transport on the board.
- 11th – Kevin Hamilton – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Two big Primaris Crusader blocks backed by shooty crunch.
- 12th – Idavoll Heimdall – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): An unusual Dynasty build, leaning on C’tan and Immortals with Szeras and Plasmancers.
- 13th – Daniel Knight – Grey Knights: Six Dreadknights and a Paladin brick.
- 14th – Joshua Bagwell – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double C’tan, double Wraiths and a Tesseract Vault!
- 15th – Klatoo MacNair – Thousand Sons: Lots of big Rubricae units with Magnus and a Mutalith, plus some additional crunch from two War Dog Stalkers.
- 16th – Devin Swann – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Hextuple C’tanand not much else. Please someone take this away before I give in to temptation and put it on the table.
- 17th – Genevieve Greene – Leagues of Votann: 3×5 Hearthguard with Champs in three Land Fortresses, and bikes and Sagitaurs to fill.
- 18th – Brent Johnson- Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): An unusual techy spin on Vanguard with Hellblasters as the big mobile shooting threat and (I think?) Bladeguard as the infiltrating hammer, with a bit of flexibility in how Leaders are assighed as the situation demands.
Gothcon 40k Open
63-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Västra Götalands län, SE on March 29 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Andreas Holm – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Army Roster (Aeldari – Drukhari) [2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Skysplinter Assault Show/Hide Options: Legends are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + Drazhar [75pts] Lelith Hesperax [85pts] + Character + Archon [75pts]: Blast Pistol, Warlord Archon [95pts]: Blast Pistol, Nightmare Shroud + Battleline + Kabalite Warriors [110pts] Kabalite Warriors [110pts] Wracks [60pts] Wyches [90pts] + Infantry + Incubi [150pts] Incubi [75pts] Incubi [75pts] Mandrakes [65pts] Mandrakes [65pts] Scourges [110pts] Scourges [110pts] + Monster + Cronos [50pts] Talos [160pts] + Dedicated Transport + Raider [80pts]: Dark Lance Raider [80pts]: Dark Lance Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon Venom [70pts]: Splinter Cannon ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++
. 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: Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Splinter Rifle, Sybarite Weapon
. 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: Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Splinter Rifle, Sybarite Weapon
. Acothyst
. 3x Wrack: 3x Wrack blades
. Wrack with Liquifier Gun
. 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
. Cronos: Spirit Vortex
. Talos: Talos Gauntlet, Twin Haywire Blasters, Twin Liquifier Gun
. Talos: Talos Gauntlet, Twin Haywire Blasters, Twin Liquifier Gun
Archetype
Skysplinter with Talos
Thoughts
The devious Drukhari dominate here, with Andreas deploying what is mostly the “standard” list for Skysplinter (2 Raiders/4 Venoms with a whole host of nasties inside) and one interesting tech piece in the Talos unit. This gives the army one slightly heftier squad that it can ram into a key position, from which it then creates a nasty Overwatch threat. Talos with Gauntlets also aren’t half bad into Custodes – giving the army something it can put into a partially unit in melee without risking it getting instantly murdered. I think it’s a smart and relatively cheap way to add an extra dimension to the army, so it’s great to see it rewarded with a big major win, congratulations Andreas!
Olof Svensson – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 2nd Place (5.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Ironstorm Spearhead Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Character + Techmarine [80pts]: Adept of the Omnissiah, Warlord Techmarine [75pts]: Master of the Machine War [Aura] Techmarine [95pts]: Target Augury Web [Aura] + Battleline + Crusader Squad [75pts] Crusader Squad [75pts] Crusader Squad [75pts] Crusader Squad [75pts] + Infantry + Scout Squad [65pts] + Vehicle + Ballistus Dreadnought [140pts] Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta Black Templars Repulsor Executioner [235pts]: Heavy Laser Destroyer, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta Predator Destructor [130pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter Predator Destructor [130pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter Predator Destructor [130pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter + Dedicated Transport + Rhino [75pts]: Hunter Killer Missile Rhino [75pts]: Hunter Killer Missile ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [1,995pts] ++
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. 2 Lascannons
. 2 Lascannons
. 2 Lascannons
Archetype
Templar Dakka
Thoughts
Melta for tanks, Destructors for Custodes and Reapers for everything else – between them they get the job done into almost anything, and if they don’t you can still fall back on lots of durable hulls and cost-efficient Battleline to see you through. The Thousand Sons were able to hold this to a draw, but everything else melted to the sheer volume of nasty shooting on show here. Well done to Olof on second.
Jonathan Arkin – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Captain with Jump Pack (105 pts) Char2: 1x Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 pts) Char3: 1x Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (90 pts) Char4: 1x Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (90 pts) Char5: 1x Lemartes (110 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 pts) 10x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 pts) 10x Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (260 pts) 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) 5x Scout Squad (65 pts) 5x Scout Squad (65 pts) 10x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 pts) 1x Baal Predator (125 pts) 1x Gladiator Reaper (150 pts) 1x Vindicator (190 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CRAZY TRAIN
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels
+ DETACHMENT: Sons of Sanguinius
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Captain with Jump Pack
+ ENHANCEMENT: Artisan of War (on Char1: Captain with Jump Pack)
& Icon of the Angel (on Char2: Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Bolt Pistol, Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
• Warlord
Enhancement: Artisan of War (20 pts)
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol
Enhancement: Icon of the Angel (10 pts)
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol
1 with Bolt Pistol, The Blood Crozius
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
1 with Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
7 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
2 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
1 with Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
7 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
2 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 10x Death Company Marine
10 with Power Fist, Inferno Pistol
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 4x Infiltrators
4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Comms Array
• 1x Scout Sergeant
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 2x Scouts
2 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Scout Sergeant
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 2x Scouts
2 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
1 with Vanguard Veteran Weapon
• Storm Shield
• 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs
9 with Vanguard Veteran Weapon
• Storm Shield
1 with Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter, 2 Heavy Flamers, Baal Flamestorm Cannon
1 with Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon
1 with Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
Archetype
Ultra aggro Blood Angels
Thoughts
Jump pack goes brrr. I suspect you do not need much help from me to figure this one out, since 40 flying melee Infantry is a fairly clear statement of intent, but it is worth highlighting that the supporting vehicle choice is smart – they’re the ones that need the minimum supporting pieces or Stratagems to get their jobs done (and are great out of Strategic Reserves), which is good because this army’s rules are all invested in slamming foes in melee. Loving the continued success of the Sons of Sanguinius right now, great stuff from Jonathan.
Kjetil Andre Liknes – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 4x Platoon Command Squad (60 pts) 10x Death Korps of Krieg (65 pts): Death Korps Watchmaster, 6x Death Korps Trooper, Death Korps Trooper w/ Death Korps Medi-pack, Death Korps Trooper w/ Meltagun, Death Korps Trooper w/ Vox-caster 6x Bullgryn Squad (160 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
+ DETACHMENT: Combined Regiment
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Lord Solar Leontus
+ ENHANCEMENT: Grand Strategist (on Char2: Tank Commander)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 2x Veteran Guardsman
1 with Master Vox, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol
1 with Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol
• 1x Platoon Commander: Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Mortar
Char2: 1x Tank Commander (220 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter-killer Missile, Demolisher Battle Cannon, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy Stubber
Enhancement: Grand Strategist (15 pts)
Char3: 1x Lord Solar Leontus (125 pts): Warlord, Conquest, Konstrain’s Hooves, Sol’s Righteous Gaze
Char4: 1x Ursula Creed (55 pts): Duty and Vengeance, Power Weapon
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
• 5x Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
6x Bullgryn Squad (160 pts)
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
• 5x Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
10x Kasrkin (100 pts)
• 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksmen Rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol
10x Kasrkin (100 pts)
• 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksmen Rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol
1x Basilisk (135 pts): Armoured Tracks, Earthshaker Cannon, Hunter-killer Missile, Heavy Flamer
1x Basilisk (135 pts): Armoured Tracks, Earthshaker Cannon, Hunter-killer Missile, Heavy Flamer
1x Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 pts):
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (180 pts): Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Armoured Tracks, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Heavy Stubber, 2x Plasma Cannon
1x Manticore (180 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter-killer Missile, Storm Eagle Rockets, Heavy Flamer
1x Manticore (180 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter-killer Missile, Storm Eagle Rockets, Heavy Flamer
1x Scout Sentinels (60 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Sentinel Chainsaw, Lascannon
1x Scout Sentinels (60 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Sentinel Chainsaw, Lascannon
Archetype
Bullgryn, Kasrkin and Artillery
Thoughts
A showing for the one true Guard build here, on the standard plan of Bullgryn tying up the foe, Kasrkin threatening lethal counterattacks into the opponent’s first wave, and artillery unleashing a terrifying bombardment while the enemy scratches their head trying to figure out how to push through. Access to the Reinforcements! stratagem also makes decisions about how hard to push really knife-edge for the foe – too fast and the counterattack could well be fatal, too slow and you’ll lose units to the same Kasrkin squad three turns running. Guard have definitely proven to have the juice in the current metagame, and this is a prime example of why, good work from Kjetil.
The Best of the Rest
That neatly covers all the 5-1s, but since the two 4.5-1.5s managed to take each other out with a draw in the final round, I decided to cover them too!
- 5th – Dag Samuelsson – Adepta Sororitas: The Triumph and Castigators variant of Sororitas, with lots of Arco-Flagellants to tarpit and one unit of Repentia for a counter-charge into the first foe that gets unwisely close.
- 6th – Axel Rydén – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Mostly the normal stuff, but using a third Raider and a Court of the Archon to provide a bit of setup variety.
Battle Ready Wargaming’s March Mayhem 40k GT
34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Valdosta, GA, United States on March 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Vital Ground – Chilling Rain – Crucible of Battle
Robin Roberts – Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day) Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Biophagus (60 points) Clamavus (50 points) Kelermorph (55 points) Kelermorph (55 points) Primus (90 points) Primus (90 points) Primus (90 points) Reductus Saboteur (80 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Acolyte Hybrids (85 points) Neophyte Hybrids (180 points) Neophyte Hybrids (90 points) Neophyte Hybrids (180 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aberrants (370 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) ALLIED UNITS Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Army List - Click to Expand
Scruffy Nerf Herder (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Ascension Day
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chemical vials
1x Injector goad
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
• Enhancement: Prowling Agitant
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
5x Cult claws and knife
4x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
5x Cult claws and knife
4x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 2x Cult claws and knife
2x Cult claws and knife
2x Demolition charges
2x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader pistol
1x Power weapon
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
11x Hybrid firearm
4x Seismic cannon
4x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
• 9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
5x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader pistol
1x Power weapon
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
11x Hybrid firearm
4x Seismic cannon
4x Webber
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
• 1x Heavy power weapon
1x Hypermorph tail
• 9x Aberrant
• 9x Heavy power weapon
• 1x Heavy mortar
1x Ridgerunner wheels
1x Spotter
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
vs.
Collin Watts – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (230 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (200 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (200 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) ALLIED UNITS Canis Rex (435 points) Voidsmen-at-Arms (50 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Army List - Click to Expand
Grey Knights 3 (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 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 Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 1x Voidmaster
• 1x Artificer shotgun
1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 4x Voidsman
• 3x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
3x Lasgun
3x Laspistol
1x Laspistol
1x Voidsman rotor cannon
Thoughts
This is actually kind of fascinating, these armies skew in wildly different directions, and the mission has a very unusual impact on it. The Grey Knights probably do, ultimately, have the numbers here to take the Genestealers off the table, which is usually fatal on Vital Ground, but here I’m not so sure. The Grey Knights have a relatively small number of units, and while they’ll probably be able to retain some through to the late game and sweep the board, they will pretty much non-negotiably lose some early on as the Genestealers make big plays, and while the Cult might struggle to score late-game Primary, they can very much deny early Primary for the Knights as well, as they only need to clear targets off two objectives. The Knight ground coverage is also fairly low, so clever use of Lying in Wait could even threaten the home objective. Both sides here need to be planning for a potentially low-scoring Secondary game, so how do they adapt?
The advantage for the Knights is that they can probably do so easier – Assassinate/Deploy feels incredibly doable here, especially as a Brotherhood Librarian can warp in, waste a cult Lone op and Deploy all in a single turn, truly a points bonanza. The Cult’s options in turn feel like they could end up as more of a trap – they definitely could go for an Assassinate/Bring it Down double-tap, but if they do the Knights might be able to just play very cautiously and grind out a win, as Deploy is going to be harder to stop. I think they have to roll the dice on Tactical, and hope that they can score high initially as they’re working on denying Prmary, and re-spawn enough units over the game to tie up lose ends later on (though they could also comfortably take a swing at Homers to be fair).
I honestly thing either side could take this if the Knights go first, while if they go second they probably have enough banked advantage from a high-scoring final turn that they’ll be able to shape the game to their needs. Looks like this was on an absolute razor edge on the table, with the Knights taking it by only a wafer thin margin.
Result
Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) Victory – 73 – 71
Collin Watts – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (230 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (200 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (200 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) ALLIED UNITS Canis Rex (435 points) Voidsmen-at-Arms (50 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Grey Knights 3 (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 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 Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 1x Voidmaster
• 1x Artificer shotgun
1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 4x Voidsman
• 3x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
3x Lasgun
3x Laspistol
1x Laspistol
1x Voidsman rotor cannon
Archetype
Thoughts
FIGURATIVE AND LITERAL HAMMER BLOWS CONTINUE TO INTENSIFY. Seriously, what is up with people this week? Adding Canis Rex to six Dreadknights is about as overwhelming as you can get on clank pressure, and with Brotherhood Librarians to pick off the Lone Ops that might normally provide a scoring crutch, who’s going to stop them? To be fair, the Silent King and some buddies in the hands of Gavin in second did hold Collin to a draw in round 4, but no one could actually crack the truesilver armour on show here, allowing the Grey Knights to continue a bumper week of success.
The Best of the Rest
There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Gavin Conn – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Silent King, lots of Lokhust Heavies, lots of Wraiths and the Nightbringer, which yeah that’s about what you want for taking on that Grey Knights build – Wraiths can actually soak their shooting, and the offensive tools here will put some real dents in them.
- 3rd – Robin Roberts – Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day): See showdown.
- 4th – David Purcell – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Russtastic Guard, going for triple Tank Commander and two Demolishers.
- 5th – Collin Cochran – Chaos Knights: Dogs and Nurglings.
- 6th – Jason Watts – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash centred around a Norn Emissary.
Kelpie Crusade GT 2024
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, GB on March 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Ryan Kerr – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (110 Points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 Points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 Points) Grand Master (125 Points) BATTLELINE Strike Squad (125 Points) Strike Squad (125 Points) Strike Squad (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Paladin Squad (450 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Eversor Assassin (75 Points)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: Ryan “Uppy Downy” Kerr
Team Name: Shire Knights
Factions Used: Grey Knights
Army Points: 2000
Army Enhancements:Sigl of Exigence
Detachment Rule: Teleport Assault
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Warlord
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• Enhancements: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x 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 Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
• 8x Paladin
• 8x Nemesis force weapon
4x Psycannon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Executioner pistol
1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet
Archetype
Dreadknights and Paladins
Thoughts
It really is Grey Knights’ week huh? Our final silver-clad contender mixes things up a bit, cutting down to only regular Dreadknights in favour of packing a full Paladin brick with a Grand Master. This is very helpful if you run into C’tan, as it can shoot them to bits thanks to ignore modifiers, and between the Sigil and stratagems it can be very hard for Necrons to engage with. If you’re determined that only one silver tide be allowed, then this is definitely the right way to go about it – and there was some definite payoff here, because Ryan beat triple C’tan Hypercrypt in the last round to take the trophy, so good choice!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Bruce Duffy – Death Guard (Plague Company): Lots of Rhino Plague Marines backed by Daemon Engines, including an imported Soul Grinder.
- 3rd – Ryan Jervis – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C’tan and Wraiths.
- 4th – Larry Martin – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Infantry horde.
- 5th – Christopher Irvine – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Doomstalker and Wraiths, plus a couple of C’tan.
- 6th – Ryan Gaylard – Astra Militarum: Bullgryn, Kasrkin and artillery, doubling up on Tank Commanders for a bit of extra oomph.
Wrap Up
I assume any respite from an avalanche of events will be short – it usually is these days. Check back in next week to find out whether Grey Knights can continue their reign of terror, of if we’ll have a new hero/villain to cheer/boo.
