Time for part two of Competitive Innovations, and Lowest of Men is at the helm once more.
Today, we’ll be looking at:
- Gibraltar GT (major)
- Winter Warfest 2023
- Peterborough Slam GT!
- Berks Spring Assault GT
If you’re looking for any of the following events, go check out Wednesday’s Part 1:
- Warhammer Fest (supermajor)
- Tau Tipping 2023 (major)
- Isarauen Frühjahrscup
Gibraltar Grand Tournament
70-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Gibraltar on April 28 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was running at 1750pts. From the Army Lists, we’re also guessing that they might have been playing with access to a limited, pre-selected suite of stratagems.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction
Boldo Kalabera – Tyranids: A Tervigon with a carpet of gaunts and some monstrous friends. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Hive Fleet: (Hunt) Synaptic Goading, Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x Extra Bio-artefact Relic [-1CP] + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning Old One Eye [11 PL, 250pts]: Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology Tervigon [11 PL, 245pts]: Adrenal Glands, Massive Scything Talons, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses + Troops + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] Termagants [12 PL, 210pts]: Fleshborer, 30x Termagant + Elites + Venomthropes [5 PL, 120pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 210pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope + Fast Attack + Parasite of Mortrex [4 PL, 80pts]: Relic: Gestation Sac + Heavy Support + Screamer-Killers [8 PL, 155pts] Tyrannofex [12 PL, 210pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis, Fleshborer Hive ++ Total: [83 PL, 1,750pts] ++ Stratagems:
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids) [83 PL, , 1,750pts] ++
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Catalyst
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
. Screamer-Killer: Adaptive Physiology: Hardened Biology, Adrenal Glands
Endless Swarm
Rapid regeneration
Encircle the Prey
Voracious appetite
Blinding venom
vs.
Joseph Moscardini – Blood Angels: An all-rounder Blood Angels list with some of the normal jump pack hits, but also Redemptors and Bladeguard. ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [107 PL, 1,740pts, 10CP] ++ + Configuration [12CP] + **Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels + HQ [13 PL, 245pts, -2CP] + Chapter Master [8 PL, 155pts, -2CP]: Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chapter Master [2 PL, 35pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Master-Crafted Weapon, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [-1CP], The Imperium’s Sword, Thunder hammer [10pts] Sanguinary Priest [5 PL, 90pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Icon of The Angel, Rites of War, Warlord + Troops [10 PL, 170pts] + Assault Intercessor Squad [10 PL, 170pts] + Elites [72 PL, 1,145pts] + Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts] Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts] Death Company Marines [8 PL, 155pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 15pts] Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 185pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Redemptor Fist Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 185pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Redemptor Fist Sanguinary Guard [7 PL, 120pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack [12 PL, 180pts] + Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL] Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL] ++ Total: [107 PL, 10CP, 1,740pts] ++ Stratagems: · Wisdom of the Ancients
Army List - Click to Expand
. 9x Assault Intercessor [153pts]: 9x Astartes Chainsword, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessor Sgt [17pts]: Powerfist, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Bladeguard Veteran [140pts]: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant [35pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted power sword, Storm Shield
. 4x Bladeguard Veteran [140pts]: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant [35pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted power sword, Storm Shield
. Death Company Marine [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist [5pts]
. Death Company Marine [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist [5pts]
. 3x Death Company Marine w/ thunder hammer [90pts]: 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Thunder hammer [30pts]
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Space Marine [72pts]: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant [18pts]: Bolt pistol/Thunder Hammer, Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Space Marine [72pts]: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant [18pts]: Bolt pistol/Thunder Hammer, Frag & Krak grenades
· Combat Revival
· Forlorn Fury
· Transhuman Physiology
· Honour the Chapter
Thoughts
The Gibraltar GT is an event for thematic armies, thematic terrain, and some unusual restrictions including limiting players to a number of stratagems to be selected at the list building stage. As such we get a wonderful final between two armies you wouldn’t necessarily see elsewhere. Blood Angels and Tyranids is an interesting match up – the forces of the hivemind have the damage to utterly ruin marines that expose themselves, but the sons of Sanguinius have the speed and punch to get into crucial targets quickly and can power through most Tyranid defences on a whim. Typically it was a match up that used to slightly favour the latter.
On the Tyranid side, Boldo has gone wide with a really unique range of tools that showcase all the shooting, psychic, and combat punch the nids offer. A Tyrannofex can throwdown some heavy shooting, there is strong psychic game for Warp Ritual with the Tervigon and Neurothrope well positioned to provide, and speedy Gargoyles and Gaunts offer some primary play. The fight last threat of the Venomthropes and combat punch of Old One Eye and Screamer Killer and deal with enemy forces that make the lines, and there are plenty of monsters to benefit from the Leviathan defensive buffs.
In the other camp Joe has powerful resources with which to punch up and control space, between Sanguinary Guard squads and Redemptors with a big block of Bladeguard to lock down the ground. On Tide of Conviction with the threat of a Death Company assault this looks extremely strong, and without having seen the game I am honestly curious about how this went down, as it feels like the Blood Angels have a wealth of trading assets to take down the Tyranid monsters with. It feels like some astute fight lasts and savvy objective play from the Tyranids (the -1 damage on the Carnifexes certainly helps!) must have been crucial in turning over the marine offence and rolling through to a large end game win. Very well done on the win Boldo!
Result
Tyranids Victory – 80 – 60
Boldo Kalabera – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Tervigon All-stars
Thoughts
As stated above, this is a delightful themed list with a little bit of everything. The Tervigon provides an anchor and regenerative play for the mission, and the blend of shooting psychic and combat can hurt the enemy from all angles. A shout out to the relic claws on the Tervigon is certainly merited – I’ve never seen the Maws of Thyrax out and about in the wild but this helps the Tervigon slap more reliably and get stronger the longer it manages to stay alive. Lovely thematic tech appropriate to the event, you love to see it!
Francisco Javier Domínguez Granado – Dark Angels – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand *Chapter Selector*: Dark Angels Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic Sammael [8 PL, 135pts] + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 210pts] Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord + Fast Attack + Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [8 PL, 140pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [8 PL, 140pts] Land Speeders [6 PL, 120pts] Land Speeders [6 PL, 120pts] ++ Total: [90 PL, 4CP, 1,750pts] ++ STRATAGEMS
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [90 PL, 4CP, 1,750pts] ++
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 5x Bladeguard Veteran: 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 5x Master-crafted power sword, 5x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Plasma pistol
. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted power sword, 2x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Plasma pistol
. Black Knight Bike: Plasma Talon
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
– TRANSHUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
– COMBAT REVIVAL
– HIT-AND-RUN WARFARE
– SKILLED RIDERS
– SWIFT STRIKE
Archetype
Ravenwing Dark Angels
Thoughts
A thematic but perhaps more brutally efficient build here, as melta-heavy Ravenwing and Bladeguard are very much options being explored by Dark Angels players as they navigate a post transhuman world. This list can still slap it in a key point as required, and the reach and punch of the bikes and speeders is extremely potent, especially when it goes first and gets to engage on its terms. Nice to see Sammael out leading the charge, and this list looks extremely potent if it can get moving. Great job.
Angel C4KILLER – Drukhari – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Obsession + HQ + Drazhar [8 PL, -1CP, 145pts]: Hatred Eternal, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord + Troops + Wracks [3 PL, 55pts]: As Detachment (Coven) Wracks [3 PL, 55pts]: As Detachment (Coven) Wracks [3 PL, 55pts]: As Detachment (Coven) Wracks [3 PL, 50pts]: As Detachment (Coven) + Elites + Grotesques [10 PL, 210pts]: As Detachment (Coven) Grotesques [10 PL, 210pts]: As Detachment (Coven) Incubi [4 PL, 90pts] Incubi [4 PL, 90pts] + Heavy Support + Cronos [4 PL, 80pts]: As Detachment (Coven) ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [40 PL, -2CP, 710pts] ++ + Configuration + Obsession + HQ + Succubus [4 PL, -2CP, 80pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug), Blood Dancer, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Triptych Whip, Wych Cult of Strife + Troops + Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal) + Elites + Mandrakes [4 PL, 75pts] + Fast Attack + Hellions [4 PL, 85pts]: *Random x 2* (Combat Drug), Wych Cult of Strife Reavers [3 PL, 60pts]: 4 – Painbringer (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult) + Dedicated Transport + Raider [6 PL, 110pts]: As Detachment, Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies Raider [6 PL, 110pts]: As Detachment, Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies Venom [5 PL, 75pts]: As Detachment, Splinter Cannon, Twin splinter rifle Venom [5 PL, 75pts]: As Detachment, Splinter Cannon, Twin splinter rifle ++ Total: [92 PL, 3CP, 1,750pts] ++ LIGHTNING-FAST REACTIONS – -1 hit
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Drukhari) [52 PL, 5CP, 1,040pts] ++
. *Custom Coven*: Master Torturers, Splinterblades
. Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip
. Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Ossefactor
. 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade
. Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip
. Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Ossefactor
. 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade
. Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip
. Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Ossefactor
. 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade
. Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip
. 4x Wracks: 4x Wrack Blade
. 6x Grotesque w/ Monstrous Cleaver: 6x Flesh Gauntlet, 6x Monstrous Cleaver
. 6x Grotesque w/ Monstrous Cleaver: 6x Flesh Gauntlet, 6x Monstrous Cleaver
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaives
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaives
. Cronos: Spirit Probe
. *Custom Kabal*: Mobile Raiders, Soul Bound
. Agoniser & Archite Glaive
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle
. 4x Mandrake: 4x Baleblast, 4x Glimmersteel Blade
. Nightfiend
. Helliarch: Hellglaive
. 4x Hellion: 4x Hellglaive, 4x Splinter Pods
. Arena Champion: Splinter Rifle
. 2x Reaver: 2x Bladevanes, 2x Splinter Pistol, 2x Splinter Rifle
CRUEL DECEPTION – Falls back & Fire/Charge
PREY ON THE WEAK – Reroll Hit
THE TORTURER’S CRAFT – Reroll wound
PAIN SYPHON – Power from pain lvl 5
Archetype
Coven Heavy Drukhari
Thoughts
A very punchy and agressive Drukhari build from Angel that follows the recent trend of maining Covens and building into damage rather than resilience. Master Torturers is brilliant on large packs of Grotesques, giving them full rerolls to wound for a single CP, and making it essentially free on wracks. The msu squads and Mandrakes shore up RBD, and Drazhar and the Succubus help to provide incision target removal. The Cronos is also a lovely piece of support here- it can handout full power from pain boosts early, resurrect combatants as it kills things in melee (with more chance to do so with the exploding sixes of Splinterblades), and combined with the Grotesques presents a real tarpit problem for the enemy to solve. Congratulations on a top placing!
Aaron Mosquera – Iron Hands – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Iron Hands) [107 PL, 1,750pts, ] ++ + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Iron Hands Successor, Master Artisans, Whirlwind of Rage Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support + HQ + Primaris Lieutenant [5 PL, 65pts, -1CP]: Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter Primaris Techmarine [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Target Protocols, Warlord + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 195pts, -3CP]: Cyclone missile launcher, Merciless Logic, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: March of the Ancients, 2x Twin volkite culverin Scout Squad [4 PL, 60pts]: 5x Camo cloak Vanguard Veteran Squad [14 PL, 300pts]: Jump Pack + Fast Attack + Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] Land Speeders [3 PL, 60pts] + Heavy Support + Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts, -1CP]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Devastator Squad [8 PL, 135pts]: Armorium Cherub Devastator Squad [8 PL, 135pts]: Armorium Cherub + Dedicated Transport + Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Deathwind launcher Land Speeder Storm [3 PL, 50pts] ++ Total: [107 PL, 1,750pts] ++ Reject the Flesh , Embrace the Machine
. Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. Scout Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Scout w/Heavy weapon: Missile launcher
. 3x Scout w/Scout sniper rifle: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Scout sniper rifle
. Vanguard Veteran: Grav-pistol, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Lightning Claw, Relic blade
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt: Master-Crafted Weapon, Stratagem: Scion of the Forge
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
. 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
Optimal Repulsion Doctrines
Mercy is Weakness
The Gorgon’s Rage
Auspex Scan
Archetype
Iron Hands Goodstuff
Thoughts
Iron Hands Goodstuff with Desolators at a Gibraltar event, Aaron?! you bad, bad boy. You all know what this does, and it looks like it continued to do it here!
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Antonio Rivera Jimenez – Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen MSU with a small slab of Wardens for holding ground.
- 6th – William Marsh – Tau Empire: Double Riptides with Crisis, Longstrike, and Commander support.
- 7th – Joseph Moscardini – Blood Angels: The Blood Angels list from the showdown.
WINTER WARFEST 2023
56-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ipswich, Queensland AU on April 28 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Wayne Russell – World Eaters – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand No Prisoners: 14 Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Subfaction: World Eaters + HQ + Lord Invocatus [8 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord + Troops + Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] + Elites + Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts] Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts] Eightbound [6 PL, 120pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] World Eaters Terminator Squad [9 PL, 195pts] + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn + Heavy Support + Chaos Rapier Carrier [5 PL, 75pts]: Quad heavy bolter Chaos Rapier Carrier [5 PL, 75pts]: Quad heavy bolter Chaos Rapier Carrier [5 PL, 75pts]: Quad heavy bolter + Dedicated Transport + Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 90pts]: Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher ++ Total: [107 PL, 5CP, 1,995pts] ++
Player: Wayne Russell
Faction: World Easter
Club: The Normal Blokes
CP: 5
Abhor the witch: 0
Bring them down: 4
Assassinate: 4
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 2x Eightbound: 4x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. . Two Eightbound chainfists
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. . Two Eightbound chainfists
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. World Eaters Terminator Champion: Chainfist, Combi-bolter
Archetype
Lord Invocatus Rush
Final Round Matchup
95 – 85 Victory against Jacob Warn – Orks.
Thoughts
Some lovely tech to compliment the raw alpha power of the Invocatus rush on display here, with some Terminators and Rapier Carriers to provide shooting support. The latter are great, chucking out a bunch of heavy bolter shots to punish anything in the open, whittle down screens, and demand a response. Kill them and you’re only helping the World Eaters secondary game and Blood Tithe scoring. The Terminators offer similar chaff removal and can also amp up their damage in combat via Red Butchers to become serious blenders as required. It’s a beautifully well rounded take on World Eaters, congratulations on taking first Wayne!
Paul Gurney – Nurgle – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand AOO Detachment Death Guard HQ Death Guard Daemon Prince, Hellforged Sword, Foetid Wings 185pts Spell – Miasma of Pestilence Relic – Supperating Plate (-1CP) WL Trait – Revoltingly Resilient (-1CP) TROOPS 10 x Poxwalkers 50pts 5 x Plague Marines, Flail, Cleaver, Blight Launcher, Plasma Rifle 5 x Plague Marines, Flail, Cleaver, Blight Launcher, Plasma Rifle 5 x Plague Marines, Flail, Cleaver, Blight Launcher, Melta Gun Plague Champion Relic – Plague Skull of Glothila (-1CP) FAST ATTACK Floetid Bloat-Drone, Fleshmower 115pts Floetid Bloat-Drone, Fleshmower 115pts Floetid Bloat-Drone, Fleshmower 115pts HEAVY SUPPORT Plague Burst Crawler, Entropy Cannons, Rothhail Volley Gun 145pts Plague Burst Crawler, Entropy Cannons, Rothhail Volley Gun 145pts Plague Burst Crawler, Entropy Cannons, Rothhail Volley Gun 145pts Nurgle Daemon Patrol HQ Mamon Transfigured 130pts TROOPS 3 x Nurglings 60pts 10 x Plague Bearers, Icon, Instrument 130pts HEAVY SUPPORT Soul Grinder, Warp Sword, Mark of Nurgle 190pts Soul Grinder, Warp Claw, Mark of Nurgle 190pts
Player : Paul Gurney
Faction : Death Guard/Nurgle Daemons
Plague Company : Inexorable
Points : 2000
Plague Champion – Plasma Rifle and Power Fist 95pts
Plague Champion – Plasma Rifle and Power Fist 95pts
Plague Champion – Plasma Rifle and Power Fist 95pts
Archetype
Mixed Nurgle
Thoughts
A very shooty take on mixed Nurgle, marrying the punch and resilience of Death Guard daemon engines to some supporting shenanigans via a Nurgle daemon detachment. This allows Paul to sneak Mamon the Transfigured in for some cheeky rerolls across his units, some Nurglings for board control and two Soul Grinders to add to the already impressive output of this list. Triple mower drones has so much punch and punishes any under commitment or poor positioning, all of which contributes to the extremely strong Death Guard secondary game. It will roll right over the unwary in the name of the Grandfather, and I really, really like it. Well done!!
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Jacob Warn – Orks: Goff pressure with triple Battlewagons, Nobs and Meganobs with Trukk support. Hyper mobile, hyper scary!
- 4th – David Trueman – Drukhari: More Coven and Wych Cult tag teaming with Artists of the Flesh Grotesques, big stacks of Hellions, and some Corsairs for CP generation.
- 5th – Jacob O’Donnell – Harlequins: Twilight with a tonne of Troupes in Starweavers and the usual supporting characters.
- 6th – Sam Littler – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with two Rogal Dorns. Hero.
- 7th – Dylan Close – World Eaters: Dylan overachieves and misses out on Khorne’s sacred number with Angron, a Land Raider, and the usual suspects.
- 8th – Sam Lemin – Custodes: Emissaries Imperatus with a truckload of Sagittarum, Praetors and supporting HQs.
- 9th – Dylan Petterson – Iron Hands: Iron Hands with a Brutalis, two Gladiators and a Drop Pod / Termite Drill one-two from reserves.
- 10th – Peteru Lesa – Leagues of Votann: Ymyr with a single Fortress, double Sagitaur, and Hearthguard / Thunderkyn punch.
Peterborough Slam GT! 2
42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England GB on April 29 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Data-Scry Salvage
James Gregory – Leagues of Votann: Ymyr with an extra dose of melee punch from three units of Beserks. Warlord and warlord trait and relic : High Karl with long list and grudges end Pre-game stratagems: legend of the league Master Armourer Total starting CP: 3 ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Leagues of Votann) [85 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support League: Ymyr Conglomerate + HQ + Brôkhyr Forge-master [5 PL, 115pts, -1CP]: Brôkhyr Forge-master, Master Armourer, Stratagem: Legend of the League Kâhl [4 PL, 90pts, -2CP]: A Long List, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Forgewrought plasma axe, Grudge’s End, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Teleport crest, Warlord + Elites + Cthonian Beserks w/ concussion mauls [5 PL, 165pts] Cthonian Beserks w/ concussion mauls [5 PL, 165pts] Cthonian Beserks w/ concussion mauls [5 PL, 165pts] + Fast Attack + Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125pts] Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 120pts] Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 120pts] + Heavy Support + Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [10 PL, 175pts] Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [10 PL, 140pts] Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310pts]: MATR autocannon, Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310pts]: MATR autocannon, Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer ++ Total: [85 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
Faction: Leagues of Votann
. Brôkhyr Iron-master: Graviton hammer, Graviton rifle
. E-COG: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
. E-COG: Manipulator arms
. E-COG: Plasma torch
. Ironkin Assistant: Las-beam cutter
. 5x Beserk: 5x Concussion maul
. 5x Beserk: 5x Concussion maul
. 5x Beserk: 5x Concussion maul
. Pioneer w/ comms array: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon, Multiwave comms array
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon, Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon, Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Gravitic concussion grenades, Magna-coil autocannon, Pan spectral scanner
. 5x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 5x Graviton blast cannon
. 4x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 4x Graviton blast cannon
. 2x Two bolt cannons: 4x Bolt cannon
. 2x Two bolt cannons: 4x Bolt cannon
vs.
Jack Tite – Disciples of Be’lakor: The Dark Master leading a mix of Daemons and War Dogs to battle. + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, -1CP, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shadow Lord, Shrouded Step, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Changecaster [4 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames, Ritual dagger, Stratagem: Relic, The Endless Grimoire Tormentbringer on Hellflayer [6 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Stratagem: Exquisite Gifts, The Slothful Claws, Wreathed in Shades + Troops + Bloodletters [6 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Beasts of Nurgle [12 PL, 210pts] Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor + Lord of War + War Dog Brigand Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Korvax ++ Total: [108 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [92 PL, 3CP, 1,690pts] ++
. 9x Bloodletter: 9x Hellblade
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Beast of Nurgle: 3x Putrid appendages
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
Thoughts
An archetypal late 9th showdown here, as those with loads of guns go up against those who are gonna try their best to stab you really good before you can use them. In the Votann corner we have a very chunky Ymyr build, hyping up the double Fortresses via a Forgemaster, throwing out three trading pieces worth of Bezerks, and lashing out via a Biker based alpha strike and a Thunderkyn beta-blow. This combination has been working well for the Leagues in recent months, but it hinges on demolishing the opponent quickly enough to compensate for a very vulnerable secondary game. Light on assets to trade and screen with, the dwarves need to clean up quickly before this hurts them too much.
In the other corner we have Jack Tite’s excellent Daemons build, an iteration on a list he has put to good effect previously by combining some supporting shooting with a flood of melee trading pieces flying in from the ether. Beasts of Nurgle slap in Disciples of Be’lakor, where the rerolls to hit send them to the moon in terms of mortal wound output. If you aren’t careful this list will have you trapped and dunked in short order. Getting the job done in a big go turn from reserves feels like the play here, and the Votann really lack anything that can go and absorb the pressure that isn’t very important to their own plans.
The mission was Data Scry Salvage, which you might know as the unforgiving hold 2 hold 3 mission where when you start to lose, you lose real hard. The need to spread out hurts the Votann’s lack of assets, and the wide deployment offers the Neverborn a whole host of angles to attack from. If Fortresses start getting cuddled its usually going to be Jenga. Looks like the Daemons put the shut down on very ruthlessly here. Amazing work Jack!
Result
Chaos Daemons Victory – 100 – 57
Jack Tite – Chaos Daemons – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, -1CP, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shadow Lord, Shrouded Step, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Changecaster [4 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames, Ritual dagger, Stratagem: Relic, The Endless Grimoire Tormentbringer on Hellflayer [6 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Stratagem: Exquisite Gifts, The Slothful Claws, Wreathed in Shades + Troops + Bloodletters [6 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Beasts of Nurgle [12 PL, 210pts] Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor + Lord of War + War Dog Brigand Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Korvax ++ Total: [108 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [92 PL, 3CP, 1,690pts] ++
. 9x Bloodletter: 9x Hellblade
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Beast of Nurgle: 3x Putrid appendages
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
Archetype
Final Round Matchup
100 – 57 Victory against James Gregory – Leagues of Votann.
Thoughts
A delicious build unpacked above. Disciples can amp up the output via full rerolls from their shadowy overlord, have the ability to blank a failed save via Blessing of Be’lakor, and boast the shooting and combat potential to go toe to toe with a wide range of enemies. Jack is a master of the Daemons, and he flexes his muscles once again here. Awesome stuff.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Jamie Brown – Chaos Daemons: Be’lakor heads up a big stack of Flamers, with Skarbrand, Beasts and Fiends providing the thrust.
- 3rd – Matt Arvida – Ravenwing: Massed Ravenwing with Black Knights, Speeders, Attack Bikes and a Dark Shroud to take advantage of the angles on offer at Peterbrough.
- 4th – Tom Moynihan – Adeptus Custodes: Shadowkeepers MSU come to scrap in combat with loads of Allarus, some Venatari, and three squads of Sagittarum.
- 5th – James Gregory – Leagues of Votann: The Ymyr Fortress build from the showdown.
- 6th – Jamie Balcombe – Adeptus Custodes: Custodes ace Jamie brings the pain with a Solar Watch golden slabs build. Love to see shiny Geralt (the Blade Champion) in there, as well as some Helverins for hitting back at range.
- 7th – Paul James – Dark Angels: 6++ problem child Paul James adapts to post-Deathwing life with this forward pressure Ravenwing build, stuffed to the gills with guns to deliver an early knock out. Double Storm Speeder Thunderstrikes and a bunch of cheaper speeders can lock in BEL whilst the rest of it shoots a massive crater where your head was supposed to be. Lovely stuff.
- 8th – Adam Gill – Orks: Triple Kill Rig Goff Pressure with lots of Storm Boyz and Squig Hogs.
Berks Spring Assault GT – Presented by BWG
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Robesonia, PA US on April 29 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
TJ Lanigan – Tzeentch – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Chaos Allegiance: Tzeentch Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, 420pts]: Betraying Shades, Pall of Despair Fluxmaster [6 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: Gaze of Fate, Relics of the Impossible Fortress, Staff of change, The Endless Grimoire, Wreathed in Shades Lord of Change [17 PL, -2CP, 355pts]: Baleful sword, Bolt of Change, Boon of Change, Incorporeal Form, Infernal Gateway, Master Mutator, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Impossible Robe, Warlord + Troops + Blue Horrors [3 PL, 70pts] Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos + Elites + Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Screamers [4 PL, 75pts] ++ Total: [95 PL, 3CP, 1,990pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [95 PL, 3CP, 1,990pts] ++
. 10x Blue Horror: 10x Coruscating flames
. 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames
. 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 3x Screamer: 3x Lamprey bite
Archetype
Final Round Matchup
97 – 76 Victory against Jesse Melvin – Astra Militarum.
Thoughts
Whoops all Tzeentch continues to flex its muscles in a shooty meta game, no-selling enemy ranged efforts and boasting a very strong secondary and primary game of its own. Exalted Flamers offer additional punch for MEQs, and the Master Mutator Lord of Change can sprinkle mortal wounds around with Oprah-like glee. Great work on the win TJ!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Matthew DeFranza – Asuryani: A novel Children of the Open Skies Custom Craftworld build that utilises a huge slab of Wraithblades as a pivot as Aspect Warriors and a Falcon of Fire Dragons get the killing done.
- 3rd – Derek Apsche – Chaos Space Marines: Black Legion doing what they do best and yeeting Terminators, Abaddon, and some Bikers at you. Tasty.
- 4th – Jesse Melvin – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers goodstuff. Some Rough Riders and Ratlings make the cut alongside the usual suspects.
- 5th – Alex Miller – Leagues of Votann: Greater Thurian League come to play with two squads of Hearthguard for throwing chonkodwarves at a timely moment, and Uthar to babysit the Rail-Cannon Fortresses.
Wrap Up
That’s it for this week! As our edition slowly ebbs to a close it is nice to still see a few creative sparks at work in amongst the more solved builds and armies. The meta-game seems to have settled down a little post data-slate, with the worst offenders trimmed back but still very much alive and kicking, and the top set staying much the same as it was before albeit slightly less oppressively. It seems a healthy and engaging time to be competing, so get out there and make the most of these halcyon days says I! You never know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone. Be well out there.
Lowest of Men, out.
