40K – it’s what’s happening. Somehow we have a third consecutive week of 10+ events, so there’s lots to cover. Today we’ll be looking at:

Battle in the Bush (Major)
Huxley’s Open 2022 (Major)
Rise of Kings
Brewhammer
KC Summer Slaughter
Bembel Clash #4

On Friday we’ll cover:

Roll For Damage GT (major)
Trashtics GT
Power 9 Games Friendly Local GT
THERE IS ONLY WAR – Gamers Guild Grand Tournament
2022 Wars on the Shore GT
Jade Tiger Games Inaugural GT

I’m going to be up front here – the current number of events is making the format of this column unsustainable, and we’re currently in the tank as to how best to dial down the size slightly. When we had 3-4 events a week with the occasional spike to 6-7, this worked – 10+ three weeks in a row with no signs of slowing down (it’s the NOVA Open this weekend, for a start) is unprecedented, but also very much looking like the new normal. We are going to be doing our level best to make sure we get the analysis of the most interesting matchups in this week, and will definitely be keeping the Best of the Rest coverage for all events (because giving everyone their shout out in the sun is important to us), but are likely to be reducing the number of Showdowns covered, in particular. More on that this week.

Next up this week, some quick editorialising.

Tier List Feedback

Last week we put together a Tier List for the Nephilim mid-season, and as ever this generated a wealth of feedback, some positive, and some either surprised or critical about some of the ratings. Ahead of this week’s event results, I wanted to quickly cover off what I think were five of the most common/most important to address. In addition to this, as a general point, armies were not ordered within the tiers – I remembered to put that in the preamble this time, but I will put it in larger, bolder letters next time.

Anyway, the feedback:

Custodes Were Way Too Low

Putting Custodes in Tier 4 was by far the most controversial item in the list, and I’ll admit they were partially there to make a point – Custodes are one of the armies I am most certain need at least some sort of buff. Their win rate is currently very strong still, but they’re rarely converting that to top finishes, and are picking up a lot of high scoring 4-1 finishes after a first or second round loss, pushing up their win rates without any chance of actually winning big tournaments. The most successful lists are also often bringing Freeblades alongside them, and it’s neat to see that mechanic used, but I also strongly believe all books should stand on their own. I will concede that Tier 3 would probably have been the correct rating, but I would definitely like to see Secondary improvements and/or giving ObSec back to non-Troop, non-Character infantry to open up a few more choices.

2. Harlequins Should Have Been Tier 1

This was probably the second most common piece of feedback – like Custodes, Harlequins have a win rate that makes the Tier 2 placing look suspect, and although they aren’t converting as many event wins as you’d expect for it, they’re still doing decently on that front. The main issue Harlequins have is a rough matchup into Tyranids, who have, at this point, pretty much confirmed themselves as still the best faction in the game despite their nerfs at the start of Nephilim. This means that as Harlequin lists filter towards the top of the standings, the chance of them getting punked out of an event win by Tyranids grows rapidly, and that’s the basis for me having them as Tier 2 in the list, since the primary thing I’m rating is event winning capability. However I do accept one of the key points that people feeding this back were making – Harlequins probably need a slightly harsher nerf than suggested, because if the only thing keeping them out of being a Tier 1 Faction is Tyranids, and they get a nerf, it could unleash a wave of clown dominance. I’m honestly not quite sure what you actually change here, as many of their mechanics have already been dunked, but perhaps undoing some of the buffs to Weave Veil and a harsher nerf to Deadly Performance would be warranted.

3. Tau Were Too High

Tau have the opposite problem to Harlequins and Custodes – their win rate has dipped, but the top players are still smashing out strong finishes – the week before the Tier List was published, Tau won three out of the ten events featured, including a major (and won another major this week). I am reasonably comfortable that this does justify a Tier 2 position, but I think the low win rate does probably mean slightly more generous buffs could be considered – I honestly wonder if the AP part of Mont’ka could come back, in an Armour of Contempt world (maybe CORE locked to stop Sun Sharks abusing it)

4. Suggested Necron Nerfs Were Too Harsh

Honestly, plausible on this one – though to be clear (and I was asked this a few times), you probably don’t need to implement all the changes I suggested. If Eternal Conquerors gets a nerf you can go much lighter on the Secondaries, and if you change the Secondaries, I’d definitely be keen to see the buffs I suggested for the unpopular Dynasties. However, just in general you can probably go lighter touch here, as it looks like two of the current breakout builds (Dogwalker and Creations of Bile) are excellent counters to the Necron nonsense, as will be explored in this week’s columns. I still don’t think the Silent King should be CORE though. C’mon.

5. AdMech are Somehow Even Worse than Tier 4

I will admit “you were too positive about my faction, you rated it in the lowest tier” was a new one on me, but given I only suggested Secondary changes as a fix for AdMech, there’s at least something to explain here. I love Nephilim very much, and largely think the switch in how Secondaries are chosen has landed OK, but AdMech are the faction where they’ve missed by a mile, and that makes them very hard to evaluate. In Nephilim, having at least some usable Faction Secondaries is essentially a “Hygeine Factor” for allowing you to succeed at all, and the AdMech Secondaries are garbage. In a Nephilim context, Secondaries that bad make it very, very difficult to analyse what other problems might exist with the faction, though I think it’s also fair to say that some sort of small, immediate buff is probably “safe” if GW are feeling like it.

Hope that clears up some of the big points people raised, and now on to this week’s results.

Battle in the Bush 2022

72-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Orange, NSW, AU on August 26 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – The Scouring

Michael Duke – Tyranids: Monster-heavy Leviathan Goodstuff, forgoing big Warrior units in favour of Exocrines.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [87 PL, 3CP, 1,685pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact

Relic [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, -1CP, 195pts]: Heavy Venom Cannon, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: Shardgullet, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Neuroparasite

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Termagants [4 PL, 70pts]: Fleshborer, 10x Termagant

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [6 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Biovore: 2x Chitin-barbed Fists, 2x Spore Mine Launcher

Exocrine [10 PL, 215pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Voracious Ammunition

Exocrine [9 PL, 200pts]

+ Flyer +

Harpy [10 PL, 185pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement

Harpy [11 PL, 200pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [15 PL, -2CP, 315pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan

+ HQ +

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 90pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

++ Total: [102 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Colin Johnson – Thousand Sons: Cult of Duplicity with one big Scarab block, lots of Rubricae, two big units of Spawn and lots of Characters.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [55 PL, -4CP, 9 Cabal Points, 1,145pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cults of the Legion: Cult of Duplicity

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

+ Stratagems +

Sorcerous Arcana [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Ahriman [8 PL, 3 Cabal Points, 160pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, 21. Presage, 22. Weaver of Fates, Black Staff of Ahriman, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite

Exalted Sorcerer [8 PL, -1CP, 3 Cabal Points, 155pts]: 1. Arrogance of Aeons, 11. Gaze of Hate, 11. Tzeentch’s Firestorm, Athenaean Scrolls, Force stave, Frag & Krak grenades, High Acolytes, Prosperine khopesh, Rehati, Smite, Warpflame pistol
. Disc of Tzeentch: Disc blades

+ Troops +

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 110pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 31. Empyric Guidance, Force stave, Smite, Warpflame pistol
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 3x Inferno boltgun
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon

Thousand Sons Cultists [2 PL, 50pts]
. Cultist Champion: Autogun
. 9x Cultist w/ autogun: 9x Autogun

+ Elites +

Scarab Occult Terminators [21 PL, 1 Cabal Points, 440pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Force stave, Inferno combi-bolter, Rites of Coalescence, Smite
. 7x Terminator: 7x Inferno combi-bolter, 7x Prosperine khopesh
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon

+ Fast Attack +

Chaos Spawn [5 PL, 115pts]
. 5x Chaos Spawn: 5x Hideous mutations

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [47 PL, 4CP, 14 Cabal Points, 855pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cults of the Legion: Cult of Duplicity

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Exalted Sorcerer [6 PL, 3 Cabal Points, 100pts]: 13. Doombolt, 23. Baleful Devolution, Force stave, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite

Infernal Master [5 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 90pts]: 31. Empyric Guidance, 5. Glimpse of Eternity, 6. Malefic Maelstrom, Force stave, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite

Thousand Sons Daemon Prince [10 PL, -2CP, 3 Cabal Points, 185pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, 21. Temporal Manipulation, 3. Undying Form, Conniving Plate, Hellforged sword, Malefic talon, Smite, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Wings

+ Troops +

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 110pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Force stave, Smite, Warpflame pistol
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 3x Inferno boltgun
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 105pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Force stave, Smite, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 4x Inferno boltgun

+ Heavy Support +

Forgefiend [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Ectoplasma cannons, Ectoplasma cannon

++ Total: [102 PL, 23 Cabal Points, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Space wizards vs. Space bugs on one of the grindiest missions out there – who wins?

This Tyranid list is actually relatively unusual in cutting back massively on Warriors, a mainstay of most Leviathan builds. Instead, it goes for some cheaper objective grabbers, and then some very hefty damage dealers in the form of Exocrines, a second, shooty Hive Tyrant, and the inevitable Harpies. In a lot of matchups, I’d probably count that against it on The Scouring, where a big brick of Warriors to span the mid-board is an obstacle that many lists simply cannot overcome.

Here, however, the choices feel like they play in the Tyranids favour, as Thousand Sons are unusually good at clearing out a big brick of Warriors – both their psychic output and buffed up volleys from Terminators are pretty perfect for it. In place of Warriors, the Tyranid army instead has shooting which is perfect for murderising the Thousand Sons stuff, and some cheaper, screening units that can push up to take away objectives or soak up smites (something that scattering round some Spore Mines can also do pretty well). It does depend a little bit on the terrain here, as if the Thousand Sons can safely hide from the Exocrines on both their near objective that suddenly becomes pretty challenging to shift, but a general rule of thumb for The Scouring maps is that one near objective is hidden, and the other isn’t.

At the point where claiming multiple objectives involves the Thousand Sons opening themselves up to getting shot, they’re going to really struggle to keep stuff on the board and scoring for long enough to contest this game effectively. Even hidden, they’re at risk of bombs from the Harpies followed by the Gargoyles swooping in to out ObSec them, and if the terrain is heavy enough that they’re hiding lots of stuff, they have to worry about the Tyrant Guard suddenly zipping up the board with Onslaught and punking them out. Finally, the Reaper Flyrant doing hit and runs with Overrun is particularly nasty on this mission.

So what are the Thousand Sons to do? Honestly? Probably just go all-out aggro here. Unless the terrain is extremely favourable I just don’t think a cautious game plan from the Thousand Sons has a chance of succeeding, especially as the Tyranids can cruise to high scores on both Assassinate and No Prisoners just by gradually picking units off. The heavy investment in Characters also gives the Thousand Sons a lot of damage output early on, but it risks waning if their protection gets picked apart, as it probably will over time. I figure you have to push hard with the Scarabs and Spawn, and try and do as much damage as possible out the gate to make some magic happen. It probably still won’t (and the Tyranids won this comfortably) but in such a harsh matchup it feels like the best plan, and at least with Duplicity there’s a chance to swing at that.

Result

Tyranids Victory – 95 – 42

Michael Duke – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Shooty Leviathan Goodstuff

Thoughts

As mentioned above, it’s rare to see a list so short on Warriors, but boy did the choices feel like they were paying off in the showdown – Exocrines are horrific into armies relying on elite infantry. This does end up feeling a bit more unique than the stock Leviathan build as a result, so well done to Michael on the win!

Rowan Kennett – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [102 PL, 2,000pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: (Hunt) Augmented Ferocity, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait

Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x Extra Bio-artefact

Relic [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Paroxysm

Tervigon [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Massive Scything Talons, Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 225pts, -1CP]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: The Horror, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance

+ Troops +

Termagants [12 PL, 175pts]: Fleshborer, 25x Termagant

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 95pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 300pts]: Adrenal Glands
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

+ Elites +

Deathleaper [5 PL, 120pts]: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [6 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Biovore: 2x Chitin-barbed Fists, 2x Spore Mine Launcher

Carnifexes [8 PL, 145pts]
. Carnifex: Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement, Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons

Carnifexes [8 PL, 150pts]
. Carnifex: Adaptive Physiology: Voracious Ammunition, Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons

++ Total: [102 PL, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Leviathan Goodstuff

Thoughts

Another Leviathan build with a few unique choices, mostly the inclusion of some Carnifexes and the increasingly popular Tervigon, who looks to have been a real sleeper hit at this point. With one big Warrior blob too, this list is extremely hard to shift, and no-one managed to, putting Rowan in an undefeated second place.

Hayden Ford – Adeptus Custodes – 3rd Place

Adeptus Custodes Sagittarum Guard by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [98 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armor [6 PL, 115pts, -1CP]: Guardian Spear, Misericordia, Praetorian Plate, Stratagem: Relic

Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

+ Troops +

Sagittarum Custodians [13 PL, 250pts]
. 5x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 5x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 5x Misericordia

Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia

+ Elites +

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 190pts]: 2x Twin Adrathic Destructor

Vexilus Praetor [6 PL, 105pts, -1CP]: Castellan’s Mark, Guardian Spear, Misericordia, Stratagem: Relic, Vexilla Magnifica

++ Total: [98 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Sagittarum Spam Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff

Thoughts

As mentioned at the start, I think Custodes need some help right now, but Hayden’s list here shows that with a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, there are still some things you can do with them. Spamming Sagittarum, either as Emperor’s Chosen (seen here) or Emissaries Imperatus is definitely one of the routes you can go, as it gives you an army that’s mostly ObSec, has strong-ish shooting output, and puts enough pressure on the opponent at a distance that the Achillus dreads can be in the counter-charge role they’re best at rather than pushing out into a pretty scary metagame. Whether you want the Chosen build or Emissaries build comes down to, in my opinion, whether you’re expecting to run into more Mortal Wounds (where Chosen obviously excel) or melee pressure (where the Fight First of Emissaries can mess with opponents calculations) but both are defensible choices. It’s good to see Hayden making the push into the top four here – great stuff!

Josh McMillan – Adepta Sororitas – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [111 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

Use Beta Rules

+ No Force Org Slot +

Hospitaller [3 PL, 50pts]

+ HQ +

Canoness [5 PL, 105pts, -2CP]: Blessed Blade, Inferno pistol, Relic: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Relic: Mantle of Ophelia, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire
. Word of the Emperor

Missionary [3 PL, 40pts]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude
. Bolt Pistol, Ministorum shotgun, Chainsword

Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts, -1CP]: Forced Warlord Override, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: 2. Righteous Rage

+ Troops +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

Sisters Novitiate Squad [4 PL, 85pts]
. Novitiate Superior
. . Bolt Pistol and Power Sword: Power sword
. 8x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 8x Auto Pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades, 8x Novitiate Melee Weapons
. Sister Novitiate w/ Simulacrum Imperialis: Simulacrum Imperialis

+ Elites +

Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 122pts]
. 7x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 7x Anointed Halberd, 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sacresant Superior: Inferno pistol, Spear of the Faithful

Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 136pts]
. 8x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 8x Anointed Halberd, 8x Bolt pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sacresant Superior: Inferno pistol, Spear of the Faithful

Dogmata [4 PL, 65pts, -1CP]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: 4. Beacon of Faith

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts]
. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 70pts]
. 5x Sisters Repentia: 5x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack +

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 155pts]
. 9x Zephyrim: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 140pts]
. 8x Zephyrim: 8x Bolt pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades, 8x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 90pts]
. 5x Zephyrim: 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Retributor Squad [6 PL, 140pts]: Armourium Cherub
. Retributor Superior: Chainsword
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Ministorum Heavy Flamer
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [111 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Bloody Rose Goodstuff

Thoughts

Pretty much business as usual from one of the game’s top factions, but worth highlighting that this is a slightly more defensive build than some, trading out Celestine for more Sacresants to lock in a point. That seems to have paid off, with four very high scoring wins, and only an extremely narrow loss to Rowan’s Tyranids, suggesting that opponents just couldn’t disrupt the scoring here.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Ben Way – Tyranids: Leviathan with lots of Warriors and Zoanthropes.
6th – Nathan Johns – Chaos Knights: Pure War Dog Herpetrax.
7th – Dale Mann – Orks: Goff Pressure with Ghaz, Squighogs and Kill Rigs.
8th – Taylor Hill – Tyranids: Leviathan Warrior Spam with a Maleceptor providing Psychic backup.
9th – Benjamin Neville – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with big Immortal units, the Silent King and lots of Lokhust/Skorpekh Destroyers.
10th – Colin Johnson – Thousand Sons: See Showdown.
11th – Alex Howard – Death Guard: High Pressure MOrtarion’s Anvil with Plague Marines in Rhinos, Terminators and Bloat-drones.
12th – Chris Yates – Necrons: Eternal Expanisionists with Warriors and Doomstalkers.

Huxleys Open 2022

60-Player 5-round Major in Berlin. Data and lists were submitted to us directly (thanks to the TOs for doing that!).

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Jannek Lindemann – Tau: Farsight alpha strike with lots of Hammerheads and a pair of Sun Sharks.

Army List - Click to Expand

+ PLAYER: Jannek “JannekL” Lindemann
+ ARMY FACTION: Tau Empire – Farsight Enclaves
+ WARLORD: Commander Farsight
+ TOTAL COMMAND POINTS: 3 (6-1-1WLTS-1Relic=3)
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS:1997pts / Powerlevel: 100 PL
+ TOTAL REINFORCEMENT POINTS: Not Applicable
+ TEAM: 40Kings

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [105 PL, 1,998pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: Farsight Enclaves

+ No Force Org Slot +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ HQ +

Cadre Fireblade [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, Fireblade Pulse Rifle, Markerlight, Stratagem: Promising Pupil
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Commander Farsight [7 PL, 130pts]: Dawn Blade, High-intensity Plasma Rifle, Warlord

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, Stratagem: Relic, T’au Flamer, Target Lock, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Thermoneutronic Projector
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui: Pulse Blaster, Pulse Pistol

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [22 PL, 470pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. Marker Drone: Markerlight
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Flyer +

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: Markerlight, 2x Missile Pod, 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: Markerlight, 2x Missile Pod, 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts]: Accelerator Burst Cannon
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

vs.

David Roick – Orks: An unusual mixed Ork build – Deathskulls as the main detachment with lots of MSUs to take advantage of ObSec, then Wazboms and Kannonwagons to utilise the re-rolls, then Ghaz in a Supreme Command and Mozrog in an Aux for extra melee threat.

Army List - Click to Expand

+ PLAYER: David „Davit“ Roick
+ ARMY FACTION: Orks
+ WARLORD: Ghazghkull
+ TOTAL COMMAND POINTS: 0 (6-3-2+3-1-2-1)
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts / Powerlevel: 107 PL
+ TOTAL REINFORCEMENT POINTS: Not Applicable
+ TEAM: Liga der kompetitiven Gentlemen

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Orks) [82 PL, 1CP, 1,515pts] ++

Clan Kultur: Deathskulls

+ HQ +

Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, -2CP, 160pts]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Headwoppa’s Killchoppa, Stratagem: Big Boss, Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz

Weirdboy [4 PL, 70pts]: 2. Warpath, 3. Da Jump

+ Troops +

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]: ‘Orrible Gitz
. 10x Gretchin: 10x Grot Blaster

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]
. 10x Gretchin: 10x Grot Blaster

+ Elites +

Kommandos [4 PL, 60pts]
. Boss Nob: Power Klaw
. 4x Kommando: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

Kommandos [4 PL, 55pts]
. Boss Nob: Choppa
. 4x Kommando: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

Meganobz [6 PL, 110pts]
. Boss Meganob: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw
. Meganob: Killsaw, Killsaw
. Meganob: Killsaw, Killsaw

+ Fast Attack +

Stormboyz [3 PL, 50pts]
. Boss Nob: Choppa
. 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

Stormboyz [3 PL, 60pts]
. Boss Nob: Power Klaw
. 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

+ Heavy Support +

Kannonwagon [8 PL, 150pts]: 3x Big Shoota

+ Flyer +

Wazbom Blastajet [10 PL, 210pts]: 2x Tellyport Mega-Blastas, Stikkbomb Flinga, 2x Supa Shoota

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Orks) [15 PL, 2CP, 300pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Clan Kultur: Goffs

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Ghazghkull Thraka [15 PL, -1CP, 300pts]: Proper Killy (Goffs), Stratagem: Warlord Trait

++ Auxiliary Support Detachment -2CP (Orks) [10 PL, -3CP, 185pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Clan Kultur: Snakebites

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

+ HQ +

Mozrog Skragbad [10 PL, -1CP, 185pts]: Stratagem: Big Boss, Surly as a Squiggoth (Snakebites)

++ Total: [107 PL, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

This all-Xenos matchup falls into a pretty classic pattern, and one that’s particularly common in games featuring Tau. The Tau here are extremely capable of taking the Ork army clean off the board, barring a truly astonishing set of high rolls from the Wazboms and Kannonwagons early on – but the Orks are also very good at suppressing the Tau scoring until that happens (and Get Da Good Bits is exceptional on this mission, so they get an early boost on Secondaries). The matchup hinges on whether the Orks can delay the pivot point where the Tau take over, and build up enough early points themselves, that they can sneak a win. Tide of Conviction doesn’t make that super easy because of the end-game scoring component, but it feels like what the Orks have to try, as this one is pretty clearly the Tau’s game to lose.

The levers the Orks have to press on are the target priority for the Wazboms and how they ration out their Characters/objective pieces. Target-wise, it feels like the Sun Sharks and Devilfish/Breachers are the priority – the Sun Sharks provide too much reach to take out hidden infantry, while the Breachers (especially the mounted ones) provide the mobility to disrupt Ork scoring. The other stuff in the list is very violent, sure, but the Orks are anticipating getting tabled anyway, so focusing on the stuff that’s best at disrupting their scoring till then is probably best. That’s still a fairly tall order – Exemplar of the Kauyon is pretty monstrous here, as it lets one or both of the Sun Sharks be whisked away in case the first turn doesn’t go to the Tau, and because of Farsight and the Precision Commander, the Tau have multiple characters who can get stuck into a melee, or try and punch a Wazbom out of the sky (more relevant for Farsight, as he’s S10). All this means that the Orks have to be incredibly sparing with their resources, pushing out the absolute minimum number each turn to flip any objectives (another reason why clearing away Tau ObSec is a priority), which at least the unusual Deathskulls choice really helps with.

The Orks did put in what looks to be a strong attempt here – the Tau got them in the end, but I’d probably have guessed a score in the high 50s/low 60s as the Orks’ outcome here, so it definitely feels a bit like they beat the spread.

Result

Tau Victory 88 – 72

Jannek Lindemann – Tau – 1st Place

Tau Hammerhead Gunship. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Farsight Alpha Strike

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

This is one of the hottest ways to play Tau right now – Hammerheads are great value, and their speed (plus redeploy options for them and the planes via Exemplar) makes them pretty hard for a lot of armies to dodge. That means this list is capable of putting out some huge damage out of the gate a lot of the time, and adapting its deployment when it doesn’t get the first turn. Very potent, and certainly something to bear in mind when designing lists – well done to Jannek for taking it to the top spot here.

Kayu Orellana – Tyranids – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Hive Fleet Dendrobatidae Neurothrope. Credit: Kevin Genson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+ PLAYER: Kayu “Fenneq” Orellana
+ ARMY FACTION: Jormungandr (Forces of the Hivemind/ Tyranids)
+ WARLORD: Winged Hive Tyrant
+ TOTAL COMMAND POINTS: 3 (6-1-1-1)
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts / Powerlevel: 96 PL
+ TOTAL REINFORCEMENT POINTS: Not Applicable
+ TEAM: Liga der kompetitiven Gentlemen
+ No Prisoners Points: 128 Wounds= Max 14 VP
+ Bring it Down Points: 6 VP
+ Assassination Points: 7 VP
+ Abhor the Witch Points: 10 VP
Armeeliste —————————————————————
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [90 PL, 3CP, 1,905pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: (Lurk) Naturalised Camouflage, Jormungandr

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-1CP]: Extra Warlord Trait

Relic [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Lurking Maws, Power: Onslaught, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 210pts]: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Lurking Maws, Power: Paroxysm, Power: The Horror, Prehensile Pincer Tail, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Tyrant Talons, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 95pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

+ Elites +

Lictor [4 PL, 70pts]: Flesh Hooks, Lictor Claws and Talons

Pyrovores [4 PL, 80pts]
. 2x Pyrovore: 2x Acid Maw, 2x Bludgeoning Fists, 2x Flamespurt

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Lurking Maws, 3x Zoanthrope

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Lurking Maws, Power: Onslaught, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Fast Attack +

Raveners [4 PL, 105pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [6 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Biovore: 2x Chitin-barbed Fists, 2x Spore Mine Launcher

Carnifexes [7 PL, 160pts]
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Spore Cysts, Two Carnifex Crushing Claws

++ Fortification Network 0CP (Tyranids) [6 PL, 95pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost: Command Benefit

Hive Fleet: (Lurk) Naturalised Camouflage, Jormungandr

+ Fortification +

Sporocyst [6 PL, 95pts]: 5x Deathspitter, Flensing Whips

++ Total: [96 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Jormundgandr board control

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Something that’s pretty common in large European events is to see what’s pretty clearly a teams list that’s escaped containment and gone on a rampage through the standings of a GT. This army is just annoying to deal with – it’s got a tonne of small units that are extra resilient to shooting, just dangerous enough up close that you have to think carefully about what you’re willing to charge them with, and sufficient psychic and venom firepower that you can’t just dawdle around. Add the ability to seed key positions with a massive number of Spore Mines, and the fact that it’s way easier to fully hide than many Tyranid lists, and you have a gigantic headache in army form, which allowed Kayu to successfully outwit all their opponents to take undefeated second place.

Alexander Tepe – Blood Angels – 3rd Place

Astorath the Grim, Redeemer of the Lost. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

PLAYER: Alexander „Alibaba“ Tepe
ARMY FACTION: Blood Angels
WARLORD: Commander Dante
TOTAL COMMAND POINTS: 4 (6+1-1-1-1)
TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000 / Powerlevel: 128 PL
TOTAL REINFORCEMENT POINTS: 0
TEAM: 40Kings

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [128 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++
**Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels
+ HQ +
Astorath [8 PL, 140pts]: 4. Mantra of Strength, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Litany of Hate, Mass of Doom, The Executioner’s Axe

Commander Dante [9 PL, 165pts]: 4. Heroic Bearing, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Axe Mortalis, Warlord

Sanguinary Priest [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

+ Troops +
Assault Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 95pts]
. 4x Assault Intercessor: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessor Sgt: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades

+ Elites +
Centurion Assault Squad [18 PL, 275pts]
. 4x Centurion: Centurion Assault Launchers, Siege drills. . Flamers: 2x Flamer
. Centurion Sergeant: Centurion Assault Launchers, Siege drills. . Flamers: 2x Flamer

Death Company Marines [8 PL, 165pts]: Jump Pack
. 4x Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol

Sanguinary Ancient [7 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Stratagem: Relic, Wrath of Baal

Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 210pts]
. 7x Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades

+ Fast Attack +
Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack
. 4x Space Marine: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol/Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades

++ Total: [128 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Heavy Blood Angels

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

There are basically two builds for Blood Angels right now – the “heavy” option seen here, with bigger Sanguinary Guard units and (sometimes) Centurions and a “lighter” version that goes wider with cheap Assault squads, and sometimes packs in extra Death Company and a Death Company Character for Fury of the Lost. Both are pretty strong – we’ve seen a bit more of the light version recently, but Alexander smashed all the way through to table 2 in round 5 with this version that’s gone in on the heft. He wasn’t quite able to take out Kayu’s ultra-annoying Tyranid build (something where the light version probably would have had an easier ride), but it’s still a great finish for the sons of Sanguinius.

David Roick – Orks – 4th Place

Ork Beastboss on Squigosaur. Credit: Magos Sockbert

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Deathskulls Board Control

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Very kunnin’ stuff here, combining the Deathskulls ability to be really annoying with small units, ultra-brutal herohammer counterattacks, and some unusually good shooting between Kannonwagons and Wazboms with Deathskulls re-rolls. That makes the list feel like a very strong all-rounder build, ready to take on all comers, and it’s great to see David making such a strong finish with an Ork build that eschews the standard Goff loadout.

The Rest of the Best

The rest of the top ten were as follows:

5th – Adrian Willruth – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with Tomb Blades and the unusual choice of Hexmark Destroyers.
6th – Immanuel Wolf – Necrons: Extra shooty Eternal Expansionists with Annihilation Barges and a big Lokhust unit.
7th – Michael Beret – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff that’s all-in on the infantry.
8th – Christopher Schade – Thousand Sons: Double Scarab Cult of Duplicity with a Dreadclaw to deliver some of the Rubricae.
9th – Max Schierbecker – Harlequins: Light Saedath with lots of boats, some Voidweavers and three two-model Bike units.
10th – Arne Zerndt – Harlequins: Similar, but swapping out some of the bikes and the Voidweavers for some extra Troupes on foot.

Rise of Kings

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Olympia, Washington, US on August 27 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Linton Rowan – Space Wolves: 30 Wulfen, 15 Infiltrators and an Astraeus. That’s the tweet. I guess technically there’s also a Primaris Techmarine and Librarion to buff up and protect the Astraeus.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [64 PL, 1,445pts, 4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Hungry for Battle, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Primaris Librarian [6 PL, 120pts, -2CP]: 1. Living Lightning, 2. Murderous Hurricane, 5. Storm Caller, Chapter Command: Chief Librarian, Psychic Mastery, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Armour Indomitus, Warlord

Primaris Techmarine [4 PL, 80pts]

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Elites +

Wulfen [12 PL, 295pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader: Wulfen Frost claws
. 9x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield: 9x Storm Shield, 9x Thunder Hammer

++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [31 PL, 555pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Hungry for Battle, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Shared Faction Bonus [3CP]

+ Lord of War +

Astraeus [31 PL, 555pts]: Ironhail heavy stubber, Twin heavy bolter
. Two las-rippers

++ Total: [95 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++

vs.

Steven Trimble – Death Guard: Ferryman Plague Marine spam with Mortarion.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [25 PL, 450pts, 2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Plague Company: The Ferrymen

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Mortarion [25 PL, 450pts, -1CP]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 1. Revoltingly Resilient, 2. Gift of Contagion, 2. Living Plague, 4. Arch-Contaminator, 6. Gift of Plagues, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [89 PL, 1,550pts, -1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Plague Company: The Ferrymen

+ Stratagems +

Gifts of Decay [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics

+ No Force Org Slot +

Foul Blightspawn [6 PL, 95pts, -1CP]: Revolting Stench-vats, Stratagem: Relic, Viscous Death

+ HQ +

Lord of Contagion [7 PL, 130pts, -1CP]: Plague Skull of Glothila, Plaguechosen, Plaguereaper, The Droning, Unstable Sickness

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 4. Putrescent Vitality

+ Troops +

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ mace and axe
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Poxwalkers [3 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker: 10x Improvised weapon

+ Elites +

Biologus Putrifier [4 PL, 65pts]

Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]: Tollkeeper

++ Total: [114 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Welp, this is going to be a complete bloodbath. There isn’t much that can punch Mortarion and 50 Plague Marines out of the mid-board, but 30 Wulfen feel like they could have a go – but are going to seriously struggle into the option of aura-boosted Revolting Stench Vats. Exciting though the Astraeus is, it’s output into Mortarion is pretty mediocre even when boosted to BS2+ (~4W total inflicted a turn from the main gun once all defences are factored in), so Morty is going to get to float around doing mischief for at least a reasonable amount of time, dumping Mortals on things and picking off Infiltrators (or honestly just making a beeline direct for the Astraeus). Add in the ability to declare a wide swathe of the board an unsafe place for Wulfen charges with the Vats and it’s pretty hard to see many routes to a Space Wolf win here – the best possible scenario for them is that they manage to get off three charges without a hitch, taking out three Death Guard units (and probably losing one of their own to an interupt), and then they just don’t have the bodies to push through what the forces of Nurgle still have active – a hail of Mortals and boosted Grenades can do for one Wulfen squad, and a charging Plague Marine unit trades into the other.

The Astraeus isn’t bad at picking off plague Marines from there, to be fair, but it may still have some damage left it needs to put into Mortarion (who will presumably be zooming directly toward it looking pissed), and the Wolves could quite plausibly have nothing else left on the board beyond their Characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Wolf list here, but the matchup into these Death Guard is just a bit too steep for them to have a real path to victory, and so it proved.

Edit: The TO messaged me to let me know that there were a mere six Death Guard models alive when the dust finally settled – a true bloodbath!

Result

Death Guard Victory – 96 – 63

Steven Trimble – Death Guard – 1st Place

Death Guard Plague Marine — Plague Marine. Credit: Pendulin

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (undefeated with a draw) – Devin Cross – Orks: Ghazless Goffs with Kill Rigs, Squighogs, a big Meganobz unit and lots of Smasha Squig Nobz.
3rd – Danny McDevitt – Necrons: Destroyer-heavy Eternal Expansionists.
4th – Jason Rider – Black Legion: General Black Legion goodness, then the surprise twist of a Lord of Skulls at the end.
5th – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves Successors: See showdown.
6th – Sean Bursek – Tyranids: Leviathan with Warriors and Harpies.
7th – Rich Dudley – Tau: Tau Sept Goodstuff with Hammerheads and big Crisis teams.

BrewHammer 40K 2022

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, GB on August 27 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artifacts

Gavin Heritage – Chaos Knights: Herpetrax Dogwalker.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [94 PL, 2CP, 1,700pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ Lord of War +

War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [18 PL, 310pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne – Blood Shield
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Stalker Squadron [25 PL, -1CP, 450pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Character (Traitoris Lance), Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Reaper chaintalon, Stratagem: Relic
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon, Slaanesh – Subjugator Machine Spirit
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 310pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 305pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne – Throne Mechanicum of Skulls, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

++ Supreme Command Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, -1CP, 300pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Legion: Black Legion

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, -1CP, 300pts]: 3. Merciless Overseer, 5. Eternal Vendetta, 6. Paragon of Hatred, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

++ Total: [109 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Matthew Moran – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with lots of Destroyers, both Skorpekh and Lokhust Heavy.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment +2CP (Necrons) [21 PL, 5CP, 400pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [2CP]

Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

The Silent King [21 PL, 3CP, 400pts]
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Necrons) [73 PL, 2CP, 1,218pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty:

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ No Force Org Slot +

Viral Construct [1 PL, 15pts]: Canoptek Plasmacyte

+ HQ +

Chronomancer [5 PL, -1CP, 75pts]: Aeonstave, Relic: Veil of Darkness, Stratagem: Relic

+ Elites +

Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts]: Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers

+ Fast Attack +

Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts]
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles

Canoptek Wraiths [12 PL, 175pts]
. 5x Canoptek Wraith (Claws): 5x Vicious Claws

Tomb Blades [4 PL, 69pts]
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer, Shadowloom
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer, Shadowloom
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer, Shadowloom

+ Heavy Support +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [9 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor): 3x Gauss Destructor

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [6 PL, 100pts]
. 2x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor): 2x Gauss Destructor

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [20 PL, -3CP, 380pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty:

+ HQ +

Technomancer [5 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Voltaic Staff

+ Troops +

Immortals [4 PL, 80pts]: 5x Immortal, Tesla Carbine

+ Fast Attack +

Ophydian Destroyers [4 PL, 90pts]: Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
. 2x Ophydian Destroyer (Thresher): 2x Hyperphase Threshers, 2x Ophydian Claws

+ Heavy Support +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts]
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)

++ Total: [114 PL, 4CP, 1,998pts] ++

Thoughts

As alluded to at the start of the article, Dogwalker presents a very stern challenge to the Eternal Expanionists plan, as a wall of ObSec vehicles that count as 5 models is pretty much anathema to the Necron plan. It means that if they don’t get first turn, maxing out their secondaries becomes vastly more challenging than normal, because they can’t just flip objectives with ease any more (and once the Harbinger track ticks high enough, even packing models onto a position doesn’t work any longer).

That means that the dynasties actually have to sully themselves with actually trying to kill the Knights, putting far more emphasis on their damage output than normal. Being fair, as Eternal Expansionist builds go, this one looks like it has a better shot of doing the kind of damage it needs than normal. Six Lokhust heavies and the Silent King can actaully shoot out one (or even two if they get lucky) knights at range a turn, and each Skorpekh unit is plausibly good for a dead Knight with the Plasmacyte buff up (except the buffed Knights). The Shadowlooms on the Tomb blades are also pretty decent, meaning they can sit on a corner position and not always immediately die to melta.

Add that up, and I think the Necrons have some chance of pulling this off – they want to pull their near no-man’s land objective towards them if possible, force the Knights to come towards that, and focus the rest of their efforts on killing whichever robots go onto the centre objective. If they get first turn to head start their scoring that might prove enough, but it’s vulnerable to the Knights just packing multiple bodies (and Abaddon onto the centre), so without a strong start it’s still going to be uphill. From the Knights point of view, you basically have that priority in reverse – if you can hold the centre objective and your two close ones for three to four turns, it’s very tricky for the Necrons to win, and their attempts to stop you doing that can end up pretty high risk. Not an impossible game for the skeletons, but not one they were able to win in.

Result

Chaos Victory – 96 – 69

Gavin Heritage – Chaos Knights – 1st Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish — War Dog – Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Herpetrax Dogwalker

Thoughts

This list needs no explanation at this point – we have an entire tournament report covering exactly what it can do. It’s very, very good though. Well done to Gavin on taking down the event.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Brian Seipp – T’au Empire: Farsight Enclaves alpha strike.
3rd – Matthew Moran – Necrons: See showdown.
4th – Garron Owen – Space Wolves Successors: General Space Wolves goodstuff as Whirldwind/Heroes successors.
5th – Duncan Brown – Thousand Sons: Double Scarab Duplicity.
6th – Brodie Atkinson – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose with a bit more dakka than usual, bringing a pair of Castigators along.

KC Summer Slaughter

32-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kansas City, MO, United States on August 27 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

John Indellicate – Tyranids: Leviathan Warrior Spam that goes even harder on the board control aspect by backing it with a Tervigon and big Termagant brick. No Hive Tyrants too!
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [94 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Hive Fleet: (Feed) Unstoppable Swarm, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait

Relic [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 85pts]: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream

Tervigon [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Massive Scything Talons, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Termagants [12 PL, 210pts]: Fleshborer, 30x Termagant

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

+ Elites +

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: The Horror, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [9 PL, 135pts]
. 3x Biovore: 3x Chitin-barbed Fists, 3x Spore Mine Launcher

++ Total: [94 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

vs.

Joshua Shirley – Black Templars: All-rounder Templars with nasty Characters, some redemptors and various melee units.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [101 PL, 3CP, 1,998pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Chapter Selection: Black Templars

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Chaplain Grimaldus [7 PL, -1CP, 140pts]: 1. Litany of Divine Protection, 4. Fires of Devotion, Epitome of Piety, Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

High Marshal Helbrecht [8 PL, 160pts]

Primaris Chaplain on Bike [7 PL, -1CP, 125pts]: 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Tannhauser’s Bones

+ Troops +

Assault Intercessor Squad [6 PL, 115pts]: Fist of Balthus
. 4x Assault Intercessor: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessor Sgt: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power fist

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 100pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword

Primaris Crusader Squad [10 PL, 178pts]: Bolt Pistol and Astartes Chainsword
. 3x Primaris Initiate w/Chainsword & Heavy Bolt Pistol: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 2x Primaris Initiate w/Power Fist and Heavy bolt pistol: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Power fist
. 4x Primaris Neophytes: 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Primaris Sword Brother: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power sword

+ Elites +

Apothecary [5 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [6 PL, 120pts]: Icon of Heinmann
. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted power sword, 2x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 195pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 195pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Terminator Assault Squad [10 PL, 230pts]: The Crux Obsidian
. Assault Terminator Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Thunder hammer
. 4x Assault Terminator w/THSS: 4x Storm shield, 4x Thunder hammer

+ Heavy Support +

Eradicator Squad [7 PL, 135pts]: Melta rifle
. 2x Eradicator: 2x Bolt pistol
. Eradicator Sgt

++ Total: [101 PL, 3CP, 1,998pts] ++

Thoughts

This Tyranid list takes the wall of flesh aspect to the max, but you could definitely do a lot worse for trying to take it down than this Templars build – it’s got a lot of D3, some very nasty melee punch from various upgrades units and the Dreadnoughts (who are also pretty good at going toe to toe with Warriors thanks to Duty Eternal, and enjoy the absence of murder-flyrants), and can at least partially mitigate the Mortal Wounds with the Templar Litanies (though this matchup would be a lot kinder if Plea of Deliverance was in the mix somehow). GIven time, they honestly might manage to muscle through the Tyranids, but I think they hit difficulties on two fronts. First of all, they don’t have anything (save maybe the Termintors with stacked buffs) that will solo a Warrior squad – no full Terminator blob here – so they’re relying on multi-charges to get stuff done in melee, which is vulnerable to interrupts (softening up with shooting can help).

Secondly, their Secondaries are rough – No Prisoners should be a lock, as they probably can expect to kill most of the warriors and Termagants over the course of the game, but everything else is very tough to max out, and viable options include stuff like Banners or Shock Tactics, where a badly flubbed turn can compound points lost on the Primary, or Bathe Your Blade, which has huge counterplay opportunities, as the bug Characters are hard to reach. The Tyranids options honestly aren’t fantastic either, to be fair, as the Templars do a much better job of shutting down Psychic Actions than some, but taking one of those and constantly taxing CP is still an option, both Banners and Spore Nodes feel plausible for them, and Synaptic Insight might actually do some work here because the goal essentially becomes to kill a Dreadnought and one 3W Marine on three turns, honestly doable. Both sides do have failure cases, but it feels like there are many more ways that this goes wrong for the Templars, and they have less margin for error, favouring the Tyranids – who did go on to win.

Result

Tyranids Victory – 88 – 68

John Indellicate – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Leviathan Warrior Spam

Thoughts

If that Templars list couldn’t crack through this, imagine how any other army must have felt. Dogwalker or some of the combo Imperial Knights lists might be able to do it I guess, but a lot of armies out there just cannot push through the wall here, and John’s well-tuned list held fast to get him the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd – Joshua Shirley – Black Templars: See showdown.
3rd – Jason Burau – Word Bearers: A big Terminator blob and Big Possessed unit with a Noctilith Crown for extra protection.

Bembel Clash #4

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hirzenhain, HE, DE on August 27 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

Jonathan Schepp – Genestealer Cult: Myriad Cult built for a mix of staying power and damage, bringing in Rockgrinders, lots of bikes, a big Neophyte unit, and the essentially mandatory Purestrains and Characters.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Brigade Detachment 0CP (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [107 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cult Creed
. Myriad Cult: Accustomed to Turmoil (1), Industrial Affinity (1), Synaptic Resonance (1), War Convoy (1)

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ Stratagems +

Leaders of the Cult [-1CP]

Relic [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Magus [4 PL, 80pts]: Leader of the Cult, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Psychic Stimulus, Warlord Trait: Prowling Agitant

Patriarch [7 PL, 140pts]: Power: Mass Hypnosis, Power: Mental Onslaught, Relic: The Unwilling Orb, Warlord

Primus [4 PL, 80pts]: Leader of the Cult, Warlord Trait: Alien Majesty

+ Troops +

Acolyte Hybrids [4 PL, 71pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 51pts]
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 70pts]
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Cutter
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Cutter
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Bonesword, Cult Lash Whip

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 48pts]
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

Neophyte Hybrids [8 PL, 200pts]
. 14x Neophyte Hybrid: 14x Autogun, 14x Autopistol, 14x Blasting Charges, 14x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol

Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 70pts]: Proficient Planning: From Every Angle
. 9x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 9x Autopistol, 9x Blasting Charges, 9x Cult Shotgun, 9x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol

+ Elites +

Hybrid Metamorphs [7 PL, 90pts]
. 5x Hybrid Metamorph (Hand Flamer): 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Frag Grenades, 5x Hand Flamer, 5x Metamorph Mutations
. Metamorph Leader: Hand Flamer, Metamorph Mutations

Kelermorph [3 PL, 80pts]

Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 150pts]: Proficient Planning: They Came From Below
. 10x Purestrain Genestealer: 10x Cult Claws and Talons

Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 155pts]: Proficient Planning: A Trap Sprung
. 10x Purestrain Genestealer: 10x Cult Claws and Talons

Sanctus [3 PL, 70pts]: Cult Sniper Rifle

+ Fast Attack +

Atalan Jackals [3 PL, 53pts]: Demolition Charge
. 3x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 3x Atalan Small Arms, 3x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms

+ Heavy Support +

Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 115pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon

++ Total: [107 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Florian Schmidt – Harlequins: Light Saedath with boats and Troupes, plus some small Bike units and an extra Shadowseer.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [87 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 1. Twilight Pathways (Blessing), 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol
. The Laughing God’s Eye

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 2. Fog of Dreams (Blessing), 6. Webway Dance (Aura) (Blessing), Shuriken Pistol

Troupe Master [5 PL, -3CP, 115pts]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Light, Queen of Shards, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
. Cegorach’s Rose

+ Troops +

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 95pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Death Jester [4 PL, 90pts]: Rift Ghoul

+ Fast Attack +

Skyweavers [12 PL, 225pts]
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas

Skyweavers [4 PL, 100pts]
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Star Bolas

Skyweavers [4 PL, 110pts]
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive

+ Dedicated Transport +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

++ Total: [87 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Genestealer Cults into Light Saedath is…rough. Transports in general are a bit of a pain for Cults to deal with, as they don’t have super reliable ways to pop them, and Light Saedath’s ability to use Capricious Reflections to dodge a charge as well makes them the very worst kind of Transports to try and deal with. The full bike squad here is also extremely painful for the Cults, as it can fly round obliterating units with essentially impunity, and pivots to being a great scoring unit when it has nothing better to do.

Despite that, this does honestly feel like a Cult list better suited for this game than most – the Rockgrinders give it something that can pretty reliably sit on the Priority Objective and demand an actual serious answer, Broodswarm is a lock Secondary-wise, and a lot of the units in the army are right-sized such that they threaten to trade up into the Harlequins, but are still expendable. The custom cult is also tremendously good here, with all four parts contributing quite a lot to the matchup (especially Affinity and Toil against a force with a bunch of hit modifiers and S6 shooting). That still leaves this as the Harlequin’s game to lose, I think, as they have a very easy ride on the combo of their three faction Secondaries, but I don’t think they can just go onto autopilot either. If the Genestealers can contrive to take out a couple more units than they might expect on an early turn, or pull off a combo kill on a character with the Sanctus and Kelermorph, the Harlequins might find themselves short on stuff to contest the table. That does involve finding a way around Capricious Reflections, and relies on the Harlequins not spiking their saves when it’s killing time, but it’s a plan. In the event, however, it looks like the Harlequins played things safe enough that their Secondary scoring could not be halted, and they finished up on the coveted 100pts.

Result

Harlequins Victory – 100 – 69

Florian Schmidt – Harlequins – 1st Place

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Light Saedath

Thoughts

Standard Light Saedath times, with the big Skyweaver unit being the only notable standout. I’m a reasonably big fan of this – it gives you some serious concentrated shooting punch, and a unit that’s a bit sturdier to shooting when you need it. Well played from Florian.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – William Fuhrimann – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with one Herald Paladin loaded to give out maximum buffs, them a whole bunch of Armigers.
3rd – Sebastian Gehart – Harlequins: Dark Saedath with lots of Characters and boat Troupes.
4th – Jonathan Schepp – Genestealer Cult: See Showdown.
5th – Colin Schmid – Creations of Bile: Possessed, Warp Talons and Terminators, plus a squad of Rubricae with flamers.

Wrap Up

We’ll be back on Friday with six more events, so stay tuned, sports fans. Comments, questions and suggestions to contact@goonhammer.com.

Competitive Innovations in 9th: Hive Noon pt.1

Tier List Feedback

Battle in the Bush 2022

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – The Scouring

Thoughts

Result

Michael Duke – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Rowan Kennett – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Hayden Ford – Adeptus Custodes – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Josh McMillan – Adepta Sororitas – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Huxleys Open 2022

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Thoughts

Result

Jannek Lindemann – Tau – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Kayu Orellana – Tyranids – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Alexander Tepe – Blood Angels – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

David Roick – Orks – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

The Rest of the Best

Rise of Kings

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Thoughts

Result

Steven Trimble – Death Guard – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

BrewHammer 40K 2022

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artifacts

Thoughts

Result

Gavin Heritage – Chaos Knights – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

KC Summer Slaughter

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

Thoughts

Result

John Indellicate – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Bembel Clash #4

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

Thoughts