What can I say – we’re north of ten events again, despite there being a supermajor in both the UK and US, so the biggest sustained run of mega-weeks we’ve ever had continues. Lowest of Men will be taking point on Friday’s on part two once more, and I’ll be kicking off festivities today.
Meta-wise? Ehhhhhh it’s not a thrilling week, though I’d certainly say that it’s very good that this one went into the books prior to the Balance Dataslate. Were I Games Workshop I’d be taking a hard look at how dominant shooting armies were at the big events. We’ll be kicking off with the already notorious Manchester top four, where Desolators flexed their muscles on the UKTC terrain set (which is very favourable to infantry with indirect fire), while at events where the terrain trended more towards the light or moderate, Guard put in a dominant performance, often with Votann or Iron Hands nipping at their heels. A few brave souls were able to muster strong places with more interactive builds, and both Space Wolves and Dark Angels have a few options other than just outright shooting, but it certainly feels like we could do with a few changes to the best Marine builds and a reining in of just how many different angles of attack guard can field at once, and maybe a review of any planned changes to GSC with the most recent results in mind. Hopefully we’ll see soon enough, and it would be great to see the Edition wind up on a positive note.
Anyway, the events. Today, I’ll be covering:
- The Manchester 40k Super-Major (supermajor)
- All is Dust GT (major)
- Grand Onslaught 5
- Imperialis Capilla GT
- Absolute Supremacy 40k Spring GT
- Deck Box Masters 40K
On Friday, Lowest of Men will be fielding:
- Adepticon (supermajor)
- Fantasia Fanatic (major)
- Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
- Courage And Honour
- Münsterland GT
The esteemed patrons have once more conducted democracy in an ordered and respectful fashion, and this week’s showdowns will be:
- Guard vs Votann at Adepticon
- World Eaters vs Harlequins at All is Dust
- Votann vs Craftworlds at Grand Onslaught 5
- Tau vs Iron Hands at Münsterland
Finally, before we kick off, a special shout out – last week Eulis Sanders achieved the spectacular feat of putting in a 4-1 finish with a Convergence of Dominion in his list, and this week he’s gone one better by actually outright winning a five-round event using one, albeit at 26-players, so just short of the cut for inclusion in the column. Incredible stuff, and having had the thinking behind the usage explained, I have a worrying sense that he might be onto something. Strange times.
The Manchester 40k Super-Major
251-player, 7-round Supermajor in England United Kingdom on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mani Cheema – Dark Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support + HQ + Primaris Captain [5 PL, 80pts] Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Rites of War, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic + Elites + Bladeguard Ancient [6 PL, 90pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark + Fast Attack + Land Speeders [3 PL, 60pts] Land Speeders [3 PL, 60pts] + Heavy Support + Desolation Squad [16 PL, 360pts, -1CP]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher ++ Total: [119 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [119 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++
. Heavy bolt pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Relic shield
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. 9x Desolation Marines: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
Stratagem: Marked for Command, Master Crafted Vengor Launcher
. 4x Desolation Marines: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
. 4x Desolation Marines: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
Archetype
Dark Angel Desolation
Final Round Matchup
90 – 75 Victory against Alex Harrison – Space Wolves.
Thoughts
Welp. Desolation Marines were the big news at Manchester, and even among a top four filled with them, Mani had the most. Two bricks of Deathwing provide enough durability and board control to hold the opponent up for a few turns, and in that time the Desolators and Talonmasters can paste pretty much anything they’re up against. Dark Angels have so many rules going on that it’s easy to forget that they do actually have a Chapter Tactic, and it’s one that happens to be particularly great with Desolators, as if they’re stationary it effectively cancels out the indirect fire penalty, and the Sergeants can use their +1BS buff to roll themselves back to hitting on 2s and ignoring the first -1 to hit the opponent can apply because they’ll have +1 to hit from the Optics as well.
This is, put mildly, quite upsetting (I am looking at the Starweaver I’ve been getting ready for my event this weekend with increasing levels of nervousness), and despite valiant efforts from Alex and Innes in the top four, the Unforgiven claimed yet another event win in Mani’s hands.
Alex Harrison – Space Wolves Successors – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Strategems Used: HQ 1: Captain on Bike (100), Thunder Hammer (10), Combi-melta (0), Chapter Master Upgrade (35) [145] HQ 2: Primaris Liutenant (65), Master Crafter-Power Sword (0), Storm Shield (0), Volkite Pistol (0) [65] Elites 1: 5 Wolf Guard (100), Jump Packs (15), 4 Lightning Claws (12), 1 Thunder Hammer (10), 5 Combi-meltas (0) [137] Elites 4: 5 Wulfen (100), 4 Thunder Hammer and Storm shields (40), 1 Wulfen Frost Claws (5), 5 Stormfrag Auto-Launchers (0) [145] Fast Attack 1: 5 Skyclaws (90), 2x Meltaguns (0), Pack leader with Power Fist (0), 1 Wolf Guard Pack Lead (20) with Thunder Hammer (0) and Combi Melta (0) [110] Heavy Support 1: 5 Long Fangs with Grav Cannons (115), Long Fang Pack Leader with Power Fist and Plasma Gun (23), Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield (34) [172] Total: 1997pts
Name: Alex Harrison
Army: Space Wolves Successor Chapter
Chapter Choices: Born Heroes and Whirlwind of Rage
Detachement: Arks of Omen (Elites)
Relic
Warlord Trait
Warrior of Legend
A Trophy Bestowed
Thane of the Retinue
Warlord: Saga of the Hunter (-1 CP)
Extra Warlord: Rites of Battle (-1 CP)
Relic: Armour of Russ (-2 CP)
Elites 2: 5 Wolf Guard (100), Jump Packs (15), 4 Lightning Claws (12), 1 Thunder Hammer (10), 5 Combi-meltas (0) [137]
Elites 3: 5 Wolf Guard (100), Jump Packs (15), 4 Lightning Claws (12), 1 Thunder Hammer (10), 5 Combi-meltas (0) [137]
Elites 5: 5 Wulfen (100), 4 Thunder Hammer and Storm shields (40), 1 Wulfen Frost Claws (5), 5 Stormfrag Auto-Launchers (0) [145]
Elites 6: 5 Wulfen (100), 4 Thunder Hammer and Storm shields (40), 1 Wulfen Frost Claws (5), 5 Stormfrag Auto-Launchers (0) [145]
Fast Attack 2: 5 Skyclaws (90), 2x Meltaguns (0), Pack leader with Power Fist (0), 1 Wolf Guard Pack Lead (20) with Thunder Hammer (0) and Combi Melta (0) [110]
Fast Attack 3: 5 Skyclaws (90), 2x Meltaguns (0), Pack leader with Power Fist (0), 1 Wolf Guard Pack Lead (20) with Thunder Hammer (0) and Combi Melta (0) [110]
Heavy Support 2: 4 Long Fangs with Grav Cannons (92), Long Fang Pack Leader with Power Fist and Plasma Gun (23), Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield (34) [149]
Heavy Support 3: 7 Desolation Marine with Superkrak Rocket Launcher & Castellan Launcher (280), Desolation Sergeant with Vengor Launcher and Castellan Launcher (45) [290]
Thane of Retinue: Master-Crafted Vengor Launcher (-1 CP)
Starting CP: 1
Archetype
Space Wolf Melta n’Wulfen Nonsense
Thoughts
Another build that isn’t massively shocking at this point, levelled up with Desolators. Thanks to Wolf Guard pack leaders and the Wolf Guard datasheets, Space Wolves can exploit free equipment better than pretty much any other Marine flavour, and can supplement it with Wulfen. With Whirlwind/Heroes and the superdoctrine these can detonate pretty much anything they hit, up to and including Deathwing bricks, and adding Desolators for good indirect fire to that mix helps force the enemy into a confrontation with them where previously they might have had more options to play cagey. Wolves also have some specifically good options both with and against Desolators – Keen Senses lets them straight up ignore the hit part of the Indirect Fire penalty on the offence (adding value to the big unit Alex has here), while defensively being able to put a storm shield Terminator into Devastator units provides strong protection in the other direction, as that model will still get a 2+ against enemy Desolators in Dev Doctrine.
I guess the only flipside there is that Wulfen aren’t as great at taking fire from Desolators (though can at least get to a 3+ in cover), and against a critical mass of them like Mani had, that could end up as a major problem. Still, a timely reminder that Wolves have some seriously terrifying options right now, and a great run from Alex.
Innes Wilson – Iron Hands Successors – 3rd Place
The List
(yes I stole the joke for the column title from Innes, no I’m not sorry, or at least I’m not until we pair Rd1 at WHF and he blasts me off the table)
Army List - Click to Expand Factions Used: Adeptus Astartes Pre Game Stratagems: March of the Ancients, Hero of the Chapter x2, Warlord Trait, Scion of the Forge Warlord & Trait: Primaris Techmarine – Target Protocols Secondary Objectives Information HQ: Primaris Techmarine [4PL, 70pts] (Warlord) TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet EL: 5 Vanguard Veteran [7PL, 150pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Relic Blade, 4 Lightning Claw and Storm Shield FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 135pts] 2 Multi-Melta, 2 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer DT: Land Speeder Storm [3PL, 50pts] END OF ROSTER
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player: Innes “The Desolation of Smaug” Wilson
Team: Stat Check
Army Points: 1995
Reinforcement Points: 5
Number of Units / Killpoints: 18
Starting Command Points: 0
Army Trait: Calculated Fury
No Prisoners: 94
Bring it Down: 6
Assassination: 10
Abhor the Witch: n/a
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
== Adeptus Astartes – [Iron Hands Successors] – Ark of Omen Detachment [Heavy Support] = -6CP, [113PL, 1995pts] ==
Chapter Tactics: Whirlwind of Rage, Master Artisans
– – – Warlord Trait : Target Protocols (-1CP)
HQ: Primaris Lieutenant [4PL, 65pts] Master-Crafted Power Sword, Neo-Volkite Pistol, Storm Shield
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Rites of War (-1CP)
TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet
EL: 5 Vanguard Veteran [7PL, 150pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Relic Blade, 4 Lightning Claw and Storm Shield
EL: 5 Scout [4PL, 60pts] Camo Cloaks, 4 Sniper Rifle, Missile Launcher
EL Character: Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8PL, 195pts] 2 Twin Volkite Culverin, Cyclone Missile Launcher
– – – Martial Legacy (-1CP)
– – – March of the Ancients (-1CP)
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Merciless Logic (-1CP)
FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta
FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta
HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 135pts] 2 Multi-Melta, 2 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer
HS: 3 Eradicator [7PL, 135pts] 2 Heavy Melta Rifle, Multi-Melta
HS: 5 Desolation [8PL, 185pts] Vengor Launcher and Targeter Optics, 4 Super Krak Missile
HS: 5 Desolation [8PL, 185pts] Vengor Launcher and Targeter Optics, 4 Super Krak Missile
– – – Scion of the Forge : Master-Crafted Weapon – Vengor Launcher (-1CP)
DT: Drop Pod [4PL, 70pts] Deathwind Launcher
Archetype
Shooty Iron Hands with Desolators
Thoughts
It’s 2020, the Edition is coming to a close, everyone is being shot to death by Iron Hands.
It’s 2023, the Edition is coming to a close, everyone is being shot to death by Iron Hands.
Another riff on the theme of “already good Marine list with Desolators now”, Innes ends his brief dalliance with Dark Angels by going in on a truly horrific-looking Iron Hands build, with the kind of firepower that will obliterate anything that can’t deplete its arsenal at a breakneck pace, and enough depth to win games even when that happens. The super Contemptor and Vanguard Veterans add some alternative sources of damage even if the Devs and Desolators start dying, Infiltrators provide great options for making space for Drop Pods, and the Speeders provide plenty of inexpensive (and still relatively dangerous) options for chucking at objectives. All of that still couldn’t quite push through the Dark Angel nightmare it faced in the semis, but a fantastic (if upsetting) finish for Innes nonetheless.
Brian Seipp – Iron Hands Successors – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Factions Used: Adeptus Astartes Pre Game Stratagems: March of the Ancients, Hero of the Chapter x2, Relic, Warlord Trait Warlord & Trait: Primaris Techmarine – Target Protocols Secondary Objectives Information HQ: Primaris Techmarine [4PL, 70pts] (Warlord) TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet EL: 10 Vanguard Veteran [14PL, 285pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Relic Blade, 5 Lightning Claw and Storm Shield, 4 Lightning Claw and Chainsword FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 135pts] 2 Multi-Melta, 2 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer DT: Land Speeder Storm [3PL, 50pts]
TO EDIT: REMOVE 2 STORM SHILEDS FROM VANGUARD VETREAN UNIT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player: Brian Seipp
Army Points: 2000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units / Killpoints: 19
Starting Command Points: 0
Army Trait: Calculated Fury
No Prisoners: 96
Bring it Down: 6
Assassination: 10
Abhor the Witch: n/a
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
== Adeptus Astartes – Ultra Strong Cleaning Agents of the Imperium [Iron Hands Successors] – Ark of Omen Detachment [Heavy Support] = -6CP, [124PL, 2000pts] ==
Chapter Tactics: Whirlwind of Rage, Master Artisans
– – – Warlord Trait : Target Protocols
HQ: Primaris Lieutenant [4PL, 65pts] Master-Crafted Power Sword, Neo-Volkite Pistol, Storm Shield
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Rites of War
– – – Relic : Vox Espiritum
TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet
EL: 5 Scout [4PL, 60pts] Camo Cloaks, 4 Sniper Rifle, Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer
EL: 5 Scout [4PL, 60pts] Camo Cloaks, 4 Sniper Rifle, Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer
EL Character: Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8PL, 195pts] 2 Twin Volkite Culverin, Cyclone Missile Launcher
– – – Martial Legacy
– – – March of the Ancients
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Merciless Logic
FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta
HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 125pts] Multi-Melta, 3 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer
HS: 3 Eradicator [7PL, 135pts] 2 Heavy Melta Rifle, Multi-Melta
HS: 5 Desolation [16PL, 185pts] 4 Superkrak Rocket Launcher, Vengor and Target Optics
HS: 5 Desolation [16PL, 185pts] 4 Superkrak Rocket Launcher, Vengor and Target Optics
DT: Land Speeder Storm [3PL, 50pts]
DT: Drop Pod [4PL, 70pts]
Archetype
Shooty Iron Hands with Desolators
Thoughts
Team Scotland very much making my life easier here by putting two very similar builds into the top four, with the only real change that Brian is packing being more scouts in exchange for one fewer Tornado and some equipment on the VanVets. That provides a slightly wider spread of precision tools and seems like a very valid option, but doesn’t change the overall picture – this list wants to blow you into tiny pieces at alarming speeds, and only other Marines with Desolators seem to be able to stop it – between them, Brian and Innes scored a truly jaw-dropping 992/1000 possible VP over their five games prior to the top four.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 5-0 records. They were:
- 5th – Ben Pritchard – Dark Angels: No Desolators here, just the classic recipe of 30-odd Deathwing Terminators and potent character backup, here including Lazarus for Mortal Wound protection.
- 6th – Vik Vijay – Craftworlds and Harlequins: An anti-Desolator tech build here, sporting lots of individual D-cannons and a Night Spinner to provide a counterfire option, Shroud Runners to get into position at speed, and using the old-school Expert Crafters/Masterful Shots option to maximise the chance of clearing out Marines in cover with the abvoe tools. It really is 2020 again.
- 7th – Feliks Bartkiewicz – Tau: Farsight Enclaves Triptide, backed by two small Crisis teams that are pretty clearly intended to be able to pivot to one-and-done Drop Zone Clear alpha strikes when required.
- 8th – Greg Chamberlain – Votann: All-rounder Ymyr, with the most notable inclusion being two units of Thunderkyn, one likely for Strategic Reserves, the other riding a Land Fort. Also protects its Beserks in Sagitaurs, making it about as resilient against indirect as you can get.
All is Dust GT 40k
59-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Petawawa, ON CA on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. Put on by the fine folks of Stat Check, part of the Goonhammer Media Network.
This event used 20-0 scoring.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction
Anthony Vanella – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound Spam. Number of Units: 18 == World Eaters Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 112 PL HQ1: Lord Invocatus: Bolt pistol, Coward’s Bane, Juggernaut’s bladed horn, Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord [160 pts, 8 PL, -1 CP] HQ2: World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut: Berzerker Glaive, Exalted chainblade, Juggernaut’s bladed horn, Plasma pistol, Stratagem: Relic [125 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Khorne Berserkers: Berserker icon, Khorne Berserker Champion (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), 3xKhorne Berserker w/ chainblade (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator (Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator) [120 pts, 6 PL] EL1: Eightbound: 3xEightbound (2xEightbound eviscerator), Eightbound Champion (Lacerators) [160 pts, 12 PL] FA1: Chaos Spawn: Chaos Spawn [25 pts, 1 PL] DT1: Chaos Rhino: Combi-bolter [80 pts, 4 PL]
Army List - Click to Expand
Army name: Violence Incarnate
Factions used: Chaos – World Eaters
Command Points: 6-1-1=4
Total cost: 2000 pts, 112 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 7 points
Bring it Down: 4 points
No Prisoners: 14 points
Abhor the Witch: 0 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TR2: Khorne Berserkers: Berserker icon, Khorne Berserker Champion (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), 3xKhorne Berserker w/ chainblade (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator (Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator) [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR3: Khorne Berserkers: Berserker icon, Khorne Berserker Champion (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), 3xKhorne Berserker w/ chainblade (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator (Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator) [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR4: Khorne Berserkers: Berserker icon, Khorne Berserker Champion (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), 3xKhorne Berserker w/ chainblade (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator (Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator) [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR5: Khorne Berserkers: Khorne Berserker Champion (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), 3xKhorne Berserker w/ chainblade (Berserker chainblade, Bolt pistol), Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator (Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator) [115 pts, 6 PL]
EL2: Eightbound: 3xEightbound (2xEightbound eviscerator), Eightbound Champion (Lacerators) [160 pts, 12 PL]
EL3: Eightbound: 3xEightbound (2xEightbound eviscerator), Eightbound Champion (Lacerators) [160 pts, 12 PL]
EL4: Exalted Eightbound: 2xExalted Eightbound (Eightbound chainfist, Eightbound eviscerator), Exalted Eightbound Champion (Two eviscerator chainfists (2xEightbound eviscerator)) [135 pts, 7 PL]
EL5: Exalted Eightbound: 2xExalted Eightbound (Eightbound chainfist, Eightbound eviscerator), Exalted Eightbound Champion (Two eviscerator chainfists (2xEightbound eviscerator)) [135 pts, 7 PL]
EL6: Exalted Eightbound: 2xExalted Eightbound (Eightbound chainfist, Eightbound eviscerator), Exalted Eightbound Champion (Two eviscerator chainfists (2xEightbound eviscerator)) [135 pts, 7 PL]
FA2: Chaos Spawn: Chaos Spawn [25 pts, 1 PL]
FA3: Chaos Spawn: Chaos Spawn [25 pts, 1 PL]
DT2: Chaos Rhino: Combi-bolter [80 pts, 4 PL]
vs.
Tim Deetlefs – Harlequins: Light Saedath shooty boat spam. Number of Units: 21 == Light: Blaze of Light Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 87 PL HQ1: Shadowseer: 1. Twilight Pathways (Blessing), 2. Fog of Dreams (Blessing), Shuriken Pistol, Smite [100 pts, 5 PL] TR1: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL] EL1: Death Jester: 1: Favour of Cegorach, Harvester of Torment, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari [110 pts, 4 PL, -1 CP] FA1: Skyweavers: 2xSkyweaver (Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas) [90 pts, 4 PL] DT1: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
Army List - Click to Expand
Player Name: Tim Deetlefs
Factions used: Aeldari – Harlequins
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1=2
Total cost: 2000 pts, 87 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 13 points
Bring it Down: 8 points
No Prisoners: 6 points (total wounds: 54)
Abhor the Witch: 6 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HQ2: Shadowseer: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 5. Shards of Light (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol, Smite [100 pts, 5 PL]
HQ3: Troupe Master: 3: A Foot in the Future, Aeldari Power Sword, Player of the Light, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Storied Sword (Treasures of the Aeldari Relic), Veiled King, Warlord [100 pts, 5 PL, -3 CP]
TR2: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR3: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR4: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR5: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR6: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR7: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace), Player (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss) [95 pts, 4 PL]
TR8: Troupe: Lead Player (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), 2xPlayer (Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol), 2xPlayer (Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Blade) [75 pts, 4 PL]
DT2: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT3: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT4: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT5: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT6: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT7: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
DT8: Starweaver [95 pts, 4 PL]
Thoughts
The newest hotness of the World Eaters face off against a faction whose time in the limelight is somewhat behind them, but who still have a few tricks up their sleeve. Right now Harlequins kind of have to go one of two ways – either build for big damage with Twilight and try to body opponents before they can exploit the weaker defences, or skew as transport-shooty as possible and lean on the layered defences that provides. The good news for them here is that they don’t need to worry about the World Eaters shooting them off the board. The bad news is that, especially on this mission, it’s going to be very tough for them to avoid fights with the World Eaters that they don’t want to have, and nigh-on impossible to stop the servents of Khorne scoring 45VP on their Secondaries, which…does not leave a lot of options.
That locked-in scoring on Secondaries poses a gigantic problem, because while the Harlequins can do an alright job of shooting the World Eaters, from a pure balance of violence point-of-view they desperately need to be able take a mulligan on vying for objectives on turn one, soften up the enemy as much as possible, then try to go absolutely gangbusters turn two, where they might be able to push through, and overwhelm some of the enemy stratagems. That just flatly doesn’t work with the scoring challenges in place – Harlequin Secondary play is good, but it’s nowhere near as easy for them to score 45 here, and if they let the World Eaters take a single 12VP turn they may genuinely just not be able to catch them unless they straight up clear the table on turn two. That forces them to try and play a more direct dual from the start, and there are just so many things that can go wrong there, especially if the World Eaters go first. Anything that they touch basically just dies, and the same isn’t true in the other direction, so if the World Eaters just stage two Rhinos full of Beserkers mid-board turn one, it’s tough to see the Harlequins managing to shape the game to their needs. They also have to worry about Blood Surge moves if they try and bring their pistols to bear, and a single one of those going badly wrong could be fatal.
Realistically, the best shot the Harlequins have is finding a way to take every Berserker (i.e. ObSec model) off the table by the end of turn two with enough boats still alive that parking them on objectives and bailing ObSec out when sliced up locks in enough primary to squeak a win. It’s a high-risk strategy, but this is very much the kind of game where you have to be open to making the big, swingy plays to try and steal a win from what should be a loss. High-risk can mean high reward, but it can also result in the game going in the predictable direction hard, and the World Eaters rampage fully ensued.
Result
World Eaters Victory – 20 – 0
Anthony Vanella – World Eaters – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Invocatus Eightbound Spam
Thoughts
Go fast, spill blood, score Secondaries – that’s the way of Khorne. No real introduction needed at this point – it’s an ultra-deadly melee build where Secondary inevitability can force opponents into a direct confrontation with it where they might manage to play keep-away with other, similar armies. A big win for Anthony here.
Zach Comeau – Astra Militarum – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++++++++++++ AoO Detachment ++++++++++++ HQ1: Lord Solar Leontus [170pts] – Warlord EL1: Karskin [100pts] – 2x hot-shot volley guns, 2x plasma guns, hotshot marksmen rifle, Heirloom Weapons, The Barbicant’s key FA1: Attilan Rough Riders [100pts] – 4, sergeant with goad and power saber HS1: Leman Russ Squadron [330 pts] – 2x Leman Russ Executioners with hull lascannon and sponson flamers, dozer blades ++++++++ Militarum Tempestus Patrol ++++++++
Army Name: The little tank that janks V2
Player: Zach Comeau
Factions: Astra Militarum
Command points: 1
Total Cost: 2000
Number of Units: 15
Abhor the Witch: 3
Assassination: 10
Bring it Down: 14
No Prisoners: 55 wounds
Swift as the Wind / Armored Superiority
HQ2: Tank Commander [175 pts] – Battlecannon, Hull lascannon, Sponson heavy bolters, Master tactician, Gatekeeper
EL2: Ratlings [50pts] – sniper rifles
FA2: Attilan Rough Riders [100pts] – 4, sergeant with goad and power saber
FA3: Attilan Rough Riders [100pts] – 4, sergeant with goad and power saber
FA4: Scout Sentinel [40pts] – plasma cannon
FA5: Scout Sentinel [40pts] – plasma cannon
HS2: Leman Russ Squadron [330pts] – 2x Leman Russ Executioners with hull lascannon and sponson heavy bolters, dozer blades
HS3: Leman Russ Squadron [165 pts] – Leman Russ Executioner with hull lascannon and sponson flamers, dozer blade
HQ1: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [190pts]:
Tempestor Prime: Tempestus Command Rod, Order of the Bastium Stellaris, Lead by Example
– Regimental Standard: hot-shot lasgun,
– Medi-pack: hot-shot lasgun, hot-shot laspistol,
– Master vox: hot-shot laspistol
– Plasma gun
– Bullgryn bodyguard: brute shield
– Astropath: psychic barrier
TR1: Tempestus Scions [55pts]: – Hot-shot volley gun, plasma gun, vox caster, powersword
TR2: Tempestus Scions [55pts]: – Hot-shot volley gun, plasma gun, vox caster, powersword
Archetype
Russ Spam
Thoughts
The rare non-Born Soldiers build, leaning instead on the power of Russes to pressure objectives and Rough Riders as a glass-cannon counter-charge into anything that comes to clear them out in melee. Not quite as overwhelmingly deadly as Born Soldiers, but still very scary, and has a good defensive skew against many opponents. I do worry that Rough Riders are going to immediately vanish from the metagame again now that Desolators are here (as they’re approximately the worst nightmare of the Riders), but it’s good to see them getting at least some play right now. Well done to Zach on second place.
Tim Deetlefs – Harlequins – 3rd Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Light Saedath Boats
Thoughts
Much less durable, still very tricksy and deadly, meaning that extreme precision is required to pilot them to the podium in the world of Arks. Great stuff from Tim pulling that off!
Sam Procopio – Blood Angels & Helverins – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Army name: LVO Test 11 – TWO v3 Number of Units: 16 == Elites Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1690 pts, 124 PL HQ1: Chapter Master: 3. Soulwarden, Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Combi-melta, Jump Pack, Relic blade, Rites of War, Stratagem: Angel Exemplar, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Visage of Death, Warlord [145 pts, 8 PL, -3 CP] HQ2: Sanguinary Priest: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Jump Pack, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Teeth of Terra [120 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL] EL1: Aggressor Squad: 2xAggressor, Aggressor Sergeant, Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher [90 pts, 6 PL] FA1: Assault Squad: Jump Pack, Space Marine (Astartes Chainsword), Space Marine Sergeant (Inferno pistol, Combat shield, Thunder hammer), Space Marine w/Eviscerator (Bolt pistol), 2xSpace Marine w/Special Weapon (Meltagun) [90 pts, 6 PL] HS1: Devastator Squad: Armorium Cherub, Devastator Marine Sergeant (Combi-melta, Thunder hammer), Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon (Multi-melta), 3xDevastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon (Grav-cannon) [125 pts, 8 PL] DT1: Land Speeder Storm [50 pts, 3 PL] == Oath: Protect Those in Need (Oath: Defend the Realm) Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment == 0 CP, 310 pts, 16 PL LOW1: Armiger Helverins: 2xArmiger Helverin (Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber), Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Mysterious Guardian, Questor Mechanicus [310 pts, 16 PL]
Factions used: Imperium – Imperial Knights, Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1-1=1
Total cost: 2000 pts, 140 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 10 points
Bring it Down: 5 points
No Prisoners: 12 points (total wounds: 104)
Abhor the Witch: 0 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TR2: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL]
EL2: Death Company Marines: Death Company Marine (Inferno pistol, Power fist), 4xDeath Company Marine w/ thunder hammer (Thunder hammer), Jump Pack [160 pts, 8 PL]
EL3: Sanguinary Ancient: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Wrath of Baal [110 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP]
EL4: Sanguinary Guard: 3xSanguinary Guard (Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol), 2xSanguinary Guard (Inferno pistol, Power fist) [150 pts, 17 PL]
EL5: Sanguinary Guard: 5xSanguinary Guard (Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol) [150 pts, 17 PL]
EL6: Sanguinary Guard: 3xSanguinary Guard (Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol), 2xSanguinary Guard (Inferno pistol, Power fist) [150 pts, 17 PL]
EL7: Scout Squad: 5xCamo cloak, Scout Sergeant (Combi-melta, Thunder hammer), Scout w/Heavy weapon (Heavy bolter), 3xScout w/Scout sniper rifle [60 pts, 4 PL]
FA2: Assault Squad: Jump Pack, Space Marine (Astartes Chainsword), Space Marine Sergeant (Inferno pistol, Combat shield, Thunder hammer), Space Marine w/Eviscerator (Bolt pistol), 2xSpace Marine w/Special Weapon (Meltagun) [90 pts, 6 PL]
Archetype
Go-wide Blood Angels
Thoughts
Another flavour of Marines to round out our second top four of the day, with Sam putting his extensive Blood Angels experience to work. His list goes very wide, something that feels well-tuned to the current metagame as it reduces the number of eggs sitting in any one basket, and thanks to the Blood Angels Chapter Tactic all the small units it fields are still more than capable of dunking on mid-sized targets. I also like the use of Mysterious Guardian Helverins as a way to pack some shooting threat into the list without having to open up any vulnerability to enemy alpha strikes – they can simply stroll on from the board edge turn one. As well as ensuring that they always get to do something, that also makes using transport-bound units to try and ensure early Primary against the Blood Angels way more risky for an opponent who goes first, as they could get blasted out then suffer the indignity of being killed by an Assault Squad. The shame. Last (but not least), I’m always a fan of the Visage of Death/Rites of War combo – non-negotiable objective control is big and clever. This feels like a great toolboxy-spin on Blood Angels, strong stuff from Sam.
The Best of the Rest
It’s 20-0, so picking where to cut this is as chaotic as ever, so I’m going for the next four players, as everyone below that went no better than 3.5-2.5.
- 5th – Cody Bourgeois – Dark Angels: Oops all Terminators. It says so right there in the army list. I do not feel a need to elaborate further.
- 6th – Corey Sanfelice – World Eaters: Invocatus and lots of Eightbound – but also Angron himself ready to rip the enemy apart.
- 7th – Jack Morris – Genestealer Cult: Industrial Cult Neophyte/Jackal spam.
- 8th – Phil Ivanusic – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam.
Grand Onslaught 5
47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida US on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Vital Intelligence
Matthew Dye – Ymyr Conglomerate: Extra durability-skewed Ymyr, with two Forts and also a full brick of Troops to try and dominate a section of the board. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen League: Ymyr Conglomerate + HQ + Brôkhyr Forge-master [5 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: Brôkhyr Forge-master, Master Armourer, Stratagem: Legend of the League High Kâhl [6 PL, -2CP, 130pts]: A Long List, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Forgewrought plasma axe, Grudge’s End, High Kâhl, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Teleport crest, Warlord + Troops + Hearthkyn Warriors w/ bolters [14 PL, 270pts] + Elites + Hearthguard w/ disintegrators and plasma blade gauntlets [18 PL, -1CP, 315pts] + Fast Attack + Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125pts] Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125pts] Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125pts] + Heavy Support + Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [10 PL, 175pts] Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310pts]: Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310pts]: Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer ++ Total: [94 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Leagues of Votann) [94 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Theyn: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Autoch-pattern bolter
. 17x Warrior: 17x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 17x Autoch-pattern bolter, 17x Gravitic concussion grenades
. Warrior w/ medipack: Medipack
. Warrior w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. 6x Hearthguard: 6x Exo-armour grenade launcher, 6x Plasma blade gauntlet, 6x Volkanite disintegrator
. Hesyr: Plasma blade gauntlet, Stratagem: Bequest of the Votann, Teleport crest, Wârpestryk
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. 5x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 5x Graviton blast cannon
. 2x Two bolt cannons: 4x Bolt cannon
. 2x Two bolt cannons: 4x Bolt cannon
vs.
Quinton Johnson – Asuryani: Hail of Doom shurikens galore, with the Avatar ready to YOLO up the table and distract the enemy. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Craftworld Selection Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 65pts] Seer Council (Unit) [5 PL, 120pts] + HQ + Avatar of Khaine [14 PL, 280pts]: Wailing Doom Baharroth [7 PL, 160pts]: Fury of the Tempest, The Shining Blade Farseer [5 PL, 105pts]: 1. Guide, 5. Focus Will, Shuriken Pistol, Smite, Witchblade Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 135pts, -2CP]: 2. Doom, 3. Fortune, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Shuriken Pistol, Smite, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Warlord, Witchblade + Troops + Rangers [4 PL, 75pts]: Wireweave Net + Elites + Corsair Voidscarred [4 PL, 85pts]: 4x Corsair Voidscarred w/ Pistol & Aeldari Power Sword, Plasma Grenades Dire Avengers [7 PL, 155pts]: Defence Tactics Dire Avengers [6 PL, 130pts]: Defence Tactics Dire Avengers [6 PL, 130pts]: Defence Tactics Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts] + Fast Attack + Shroud Runners [5 PL, 90pts] Shroud Runners [5 PL, 90pts] Windriders [12 PL, 270pts] ++ Total: [94 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [94 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom
. Warlock Skyrunners: 1. Conceal/Reveal, Smite
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
. Warlock Skyrunners: 4. Protect/Jinx, 5. Quicken/Restrain, Smite
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
. Kurnous’ Bow: Treasures of the Aeldari Relic
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. Voidscarred Felarch: Shuriken Pistol
. Way Seeker: 1. Fateful Divergence, Shuriken Pistol, Smite, Witch Staff
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Plasma Grenades, Shredding Fire, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Plasma Grenades, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Plasma Grenades, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol
. 9x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 9x Shuriken Cannon
Thoughts
Both sides are going to be walking on eggshells here – each has tools that are spectacular into some of what the enemy is packing. Votann bikes are a total pain for a lot of the Craftworld units here, as they can easily pick up Aspect Warriors or carve through Shroud Runners (who hate ignore cover), but then those die hard to cannon Windriders, but then those are very vulnerable to the Graviton guys getting an angle on them, the Avatar rules against everything except the Warpestryk unit with re-rolls, and honestly the list goes on from there. Where my thinking broadly coalesces is that the Craftworlds might legitimately struggle to down the fortresses, and get chipped away pretty badly by them, but also have a good shot at swiftly removing most Votann ObSec from the table (the big brick and bikes won’t stand up to Guided Avengers/Windriders for long), allowing cunning use of Baharroth to deny scoring and maybe edge the game out, especially as they can probably force through good scores on Warp Ritual and BEL, while Votann’s Secondaries aren’t as good (though .
I do think the Votann are much better placed to absorb a bit of bad luck or a few mistakes though – in this kind of game Craftworlds are pretty reliant on killing whatever they swing for so they don’t run out of stuff, meaning that Quinton has to make pinpoint targeting decisions every turn, and carefully ration out resources. I think the Votann can play into that by being aggressive with the Fortresses – killing both in a turn is not going to happen even if everything goes right for the Aeldari, and applying that kind of pressure could easily force a mistake or allow a spike in Primary.
I think that’s particularly true on this mission – while I could easily see the Primary breaking for Craftworlds in the mid game if they sweep up all the ObSec, early on (and potentially late if the Forts live) Votann are far better equipped to push onto three objectives and stay there for at least a couple of turns, which could result in a decent lead. That’s exacerbated by this being played on GW Open Map 3, so all the objectives were pretty open, making it extremely challenging for Craftworlds to score Primary in anything resembling safety early on, even from the mission Primary. Appropriately for a top table game, this definitely feels like it comes down to which player manages to get a better handle on how to line up the threats and avoids big mistakes – or it would, except that it looks like they either made no mistakes or the same number, as the game ended in a draw, which Quinton tells me came right down to the wire, with some hero Corsairs snatching a final point on the mission Primary before getting blasted off the table (along with the rest of Quinton’s army) to keep the score level.
Result
Draw! – 74 – 74
Matthew Dye – Ymyr Conglomerate – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Ymyr 2Fort
Thoughts
Covered in the showdown – all the normal Ymyr fun with a big brick of Hearthkyn as a curveball for opponents with no good answers. A full Ymyr brick of these is hard to shift for most opponents (Hail Avengers plus Shroud Runners is a big outlier in that regard), and provides an extra angle for punishing opponents who are short on ObSec. Otherwise, business as usual – extremely grindy killing power. Matthew had a marginal BP lead after the final, so took first place – congratulations.
Quinton Johnson – Craftworlds – 2nd Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Hail with the Avatar
Thoughts
All the fun of Hail, but with the Avatar of Khaine and buff support to provide a roadblock/counterpunch as needed. Love the Avatar, love Hail, love this list, simple as. Great stuff from Quinton.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Bryan Lakor – Chaos Daemons: Monster Mash (Skarbrand/Bloodthirster/Kairos) with Flesh Hounds.
- 4th – Nick Herting – Dark Angels: Whoops all Terminators.
- 5th – Jon Borg – Tau: Hefty Bork’an with a big Crisis Team, a Riptide and a Stormsurge!
- 6th – Regino Sanchez – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers goodstuff with 2×3 Armoured Sentinels.
- 7th – Dan Monsalve – Iron Hands: Ultra-shooty Iron Hands with two Reapers and two Thunderstrikes.
- 8th – Tyler Sweeting – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff.
- 9th – Brandon Baldauf – Tau: More Bork’an, this time going more down the mech route with a pair of Devilfish.
Imperialis Capilla GT 2 Aniversario
37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Capilla de Guadalupe, Jal. MX on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Sebastián Flores Diaz – Astra Militarum – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ + Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Cadian Command Squad [7 PL, 130pts, -2CP]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Master Tactician Tank Commander [11 PL, 190pts, -1CP]: Heavy bolter, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Steel Commissar, Stratagem: Relic Ursula Creed [4 PL, 80pts] + Troops + Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Bullgryns [10 PL, 175pts] Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Brutal Strength Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [18 PL, 310pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [18 PL, 310pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. Platoon Commander: Laspistol
. Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Medi-pack: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Regimental Standard: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Laspistol and Chainsword
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Laspistol and Chainsword
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Laspistol and Chainsword
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Laspistol and Chainsword
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Laspistol and Chainsword
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest
. 6x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Hot-shot Laspistol
. 8x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 8x Frag & Krak grenades, 8x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Final Round Matchup
91 – 67 Victory against Xavier Barrera – Iron Hands.
Thoughts
Can Born Soldiers out-shoot Iron Hands? Absolutely yes, it would appear. Bullgryn feel like they’re going to be the go-to to provide counter-charge threat with Desolators out there thanks to being able to combo Slab Shields with Light Cover, so expect to see more of those, but otherwise this is pretty much down-the-line Born Soldiers Goodstuff. Well done to Sebastián on taking victory for the Emperor!
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Carlos Moreno – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with a big Herald Errant.
- 3rd – Juvenal Jimenez – Adeptus Custodes: All-rounder Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff.
- 4th – Gustavo Martinez – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with a Dorn.
- 5th – Xavier Barrera – Iron Hands Successors: Shooty Successors with a pair of Reapers.
- 6th – Jose Isaias Valenzuela – Iron Hands: Shooty Successors with a Reaper and lots of Eliminators/Scouts in Storms for extra board control.
- 7th – Jesus Bojórquez – Craftworlds: An actual Iyanden theme list with a Hemlock, Wraithknight and plenty of smaller Wraiths, which is honestly a spectacular flex on every other Craftworld player out there.
Absolute Supremacy 40k Spring GT
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dublin, County Dublin IE on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Dan Ahern – Iron Hands – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + **Chapter Selector**: Iron Hands Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ [4 PL, -1CP, 70pts] + Primaris Techmarine [4 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: Forge bolter, Frag & Krak grenades, Grav-pistol, Mechadendrite, Omnissian power axe, Servo-arm, Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord, Will of Iron + Troops [6 PL, 100pts] + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites [15 PL, -3CP, 329pts] + Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, -3CP, 195pts]: Cyclone missile launcher [25pts], Merciless Logic, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Stratagem: March of the Ancients [-1CP], 2x Twin volkite culverin [30pts] Vanguard Veteran Squad [7 PL, 134pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 15pts] + Fast Attack [42 PL, 750pts] + Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL] Attack Bike Squad [4 PL, 100pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [12 PL, 210pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [12 PL, 210pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [8 PL, 140pts] + Heavy Support [32 PL, 490pts] + Gladiator Reaper [10 PL, 150pts]: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Tempest bolter, Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon Gladiator Valiant [11 PL, 170pts]: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Twin las-talon Gladiator Valiant [11 PL, 170pts]: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Twin las-talon + Flyer [16 PL, 260pts] + Stormraven Gunship [16 PL, 260pts]: Twin heavy plasma cannon, Twin multi-melta, Two Hurricane Bolters, Two Stormstrike Missile Launchers ++ Total: [115 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Iron Hands) [115 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++
. 4x Infiltrator [80pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine
. Vanguard Veteran [20pts]: 2x Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Vanguard Veteran [23pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Vanguard Veteran [28pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts], Storm shield [5pts]
. Vanguard Veteran [28pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts], Storm shield [5pts]
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant [20pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Relic blade
. Space Marine [18pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant [18pts]: Combat shield, Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma pistol, Thunder hammer
. Space Marine w/Eviscerator [18pts]: Bolt pistol, Eviscerator, Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon [18pts]: Flamer, Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon [18pts]: Flamer, Frag & Krak grenades
. Attack Bike [2 PL, 50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta, Twin boltgun
. Attack Bike [2 PL, 50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta, Twin boltgun
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Heavy flamer, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Heavy flamer, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Heavy flamer, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 70pts]: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
Archetype
Iron Hands Hulls
Final Round Matchup
80 – 45 Victory against Peter Dunlea – Adepta Sororitas.
Thoughts
I mean yeah, sure – in an absurdly shooty metagame, an Iron Hands Stormraven can provide a hell of a beta-strike. That does assume that anything is still alive after the brutal volley of melta shots this list can unleash turn one, but better safe than sorry right? I do like seeing a rarer unit in winning build, so well done to Dan for breaking up the monotony of Marines choices just a little.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Peter Dunlea – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose melee Goodstuff with backing Helverins.
- 3rd – Colin Power – Genestealer Cult: Industrial Neophyte/Jackal spam.
- 4th – Dara Meehan – World Eaters: Angron and two of his chunkiest sons, to whit a pair of Leviathan Dreadnoughts (plus lots of Berserkers.
The Deck Box Masters 40K
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Halifax, NS CA on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Justin White – Dark Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Number of Units: 15 == Dark Angels Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1990 pts, 109 PL HQ1: Ravenwing Talonmaster: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [160 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP] HQ2: Ravenwing Talonmaster: Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [160 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP] HQ3: Sammael [135 pts, 8 PL] TR1: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL] EL1: Bladeguard Ancient: 1-3. Watched, Pennant of Remembrance, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [75 pts, 5 PL, -2 CP] EL2: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2xDeathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield), 7xDeathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL] EL3: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2xDeathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield), 7xDeathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL] EL4: Ravenwing Apothecary: Black Knight Bike (Plasma Talon), Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord [120 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP] FA1: Attack Bike Squad: 3xAttack Bike (Multi-melta) [150 pts, 6 PL] FA2: Land Speeder Tornadoes: Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [70 pts, 4 PL] FA5: Land Speeders: Land Speeder (Multi-melta) [60 pts, 3 PL]
Army name: Dark angels
Factions used: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1-1=1
Total cost: 1990 pts, 109 PL
Reinforcement Points: 10 pts
Assassination: 16 points
Bring it Down: 7 points
No Prisoners: 10 points (total wounds: 92)
Abhor the Witch: 0 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TR2: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL]
FA3: Land Speeder Tornadoes: Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [70 pts, 4 PL]
FA4: Land Speeder Tornadoes: Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [70 pts, 4 PL]
FA6: Land Speeders: Land Speeder (Multi-melta) [60 pts, 3 PL]
Archetype
Mixed Dark Angels
Final Round Matchup
86 – 57 Victory against Keenan Elliot – Adeptus Custodes.
Thoughts
Yes, Ravenwing/Deathwing mix is still an extremely powerful way to play Dark Angels. I like the extra cheap speeders if you need something throwaway, but this is otherwise a known quantity. Well done to Justin on the win.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Nathan Chow – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with a Scion Patrol.
- 3rd – Glenn Duncan – World Eaters: Invocatus with lots of regular Eightbound and Berserkers, but dialing back two units of Exalted in favour of a pair of War Dog Brigands for early shooting kills.
- 4th – Brian Strongman – Slaanesh Daemons: Triple Keeper of Secrets, forcing me to once again double check that I am not suffering some kind of flashback to late 8th Edition.
Wrap Up
Make sure to check back in part two as we shoot across to the other big supermajor of the week at Adepticon, and if you’re hitting events this weekend, make sure you have a plan for when the Desolation Marines come for you.
