We’re back for part two, and today Lowest of Men is taking the wheel, ready to blast through five more events, including the week’s second supermajor.
Today we’re looking at:
- Adepticon (supermajor)
- Fantasia Fanatic (major)
- Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
- Courage And Honour
- Münsterland GT
If you’re looking for any of the following events, go take a look at Wednesday’s part 1, where Wings has to try and find nice things to say about Space Marines:
- 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
Adepticon Champs 2023
238-player, 8-round Supermajor in Schaumburg, IL US on March 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts
Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with lots of Sentinels. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ + Death Korps Marshal [2 PL, 35pts] Powersword, Bolt Pistol Cadian Command Squad [7 PL, 130pts, -2CP]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Tank Commander [11 PL, 210pts, -1CP]: Armoured Tracks, Heavy flamer, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Meticulous Calibrator, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury + Troops + Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Mechanised Infantry, Vox-Caster Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Veteran Guerrillas, Vox-Caster + Fast Attack + Armoured Sentinels [9 PL, 150pts] Armoured Sentinels [9 PL, 150pts] Scout Sentinels [9 PL, 150pts] + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [9 PL, 180pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [9 PL, 180pts] + Dedicated Transport + Chimera [5 PL, 85pts]: Chimera Heavy Flamer ++ Total: [105 PL, 1CP, 2,000 pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [105 PL, 2,000pts 1 CP] ++
. Cadian Commander: Laspistol, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Laspistol, Plasma gun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Ripper Gun, Slabshield
. 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 4x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, 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/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Scout Sentinel: Hunter-killer missile, Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Scout Sentinel: Hunter-killer missile, Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Scout Sentinel: Hunter-killer missile, Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. 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: Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Heavy Flamer
vs.
Arne Zerndt – Leagues of Votann: Greater Thurian League 2Fort. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ * Army points: 2000 * Pre Game Stratagems: Warlord Trait, Legend of the League (x2), Bequest of the Votann * Warlord: Ûthar the Destined * Secondary Objectives Information == Greater Thurian League Arks of Omen = 0 CP, [81 PL, 2000 pts] == HQ: 5 Brôkhyr Forge-master [5 PL, 115 pts],Brôkhyr Forge-master, Ironkin Assistant (Las-beam cutter), E-COG (Autoch-pattern bolt pistol), E-COG (Manipulator arms), E-COG (Plasma torch) EL: 5 Cthonian Beserks w/ concussion mauls [5 PL, 175 pts] 4xBeserk (Concussion maul), Beserk with mole grenade launcher (Concussion maul, Mole grenade launcher) FA: 3 Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125 pts] Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon (Magna-coil autocannon), Pioneer w/ scanner, Pioneer w/ searchlight HS: 3 Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [5 PL, 105 pts] 3xBrôkhyr Thunderkyn END OF ROSTER
Army List - Click to Expand
Arne – Votann
* Factions used: Leagues of Votann
* Reinforcement Points: none
* Number of Units / Killpoints: 11
* Starting Command Points: 2
* Assassination: 7
* Bring it Down: 6
* No Prisoners: 8
* Abhor the Witch: 0
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
— Brôkhyr Forge-master, Stratagem: Legend of the League: Master Armourer
— Ironkin Assistant (Las-beam cutter), Stratagem: Legend of the League: Guild Affiliate
HQ: Ûthar the Destined [7 PL, 160 pts]
— Warlord, Warlord Trait: Ancestral Bearing, Experienced Eye
EL: 5 Hearthguard w/ disintegrators and plasma blade gauntlets [9 PL, 225 pts] 4xHearthguard, Hesyr (Teleport crest)
— Hesyr, Stratagem: Bequest of the Votann: Wârpestryk
EL: 5 Hearthguard w/ disintegrators and plasma blade gauntlet [9 PL, 225 pts] 4xHearthguard, Hesyr (Teleport crest)
FA: 3 Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125 pts] Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon (Magna-coil autocannon), Pioneer w/ scanner, Pioneer w/ searchlight
FA: 3 Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 125 pts] Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon (Magna-coil autocannon), Pioneer w/ scanner, Pioneer w/ searchlight
HS: Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310 pts] Heavy magna-rail cannon, Pan spectral scanner, 2xTwo bolt cannons
HS: Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310 pts] Heavy magna-rail cannon, Pan spectral scanner, 2xTwo bolt cannons
Thoughts
Adepticon is, by all accounts, a pro-shooting environment, with a lighter terrain set up giving a slight helping hand to those that like to settle things at a distance. As such it isn’t too surprising to find two ranged heavyweights facing off in the final round. On the Votann side we have the popular Greater Thurian Leage build, leaning heavy on bikes, with Uthar the Destined and TWO Forgemasters on standby to hand out 6s for the Magna Rail Cannon on the Land Fortresses, or nullify a nasty enemy wound. The GLT trait helps to get at least some of the Judgement token efficiencies onto enemy targets – for all the online whining about the judgement system, in practice it isn’t so easy to slap auto-wounding potential everywhere you might need it, but having a ‘count as one more’ trait available, as well as the mission play of additional count-as on objectives really helps the Leagues to dance with a wider range of enemies and threats.
Double Hearthguard five mans are nice tech for keeping an opponent honest, as the threat of a teleporting squad of chonkodwarves ruining their plans goes beyond that first time deployment of the Warpestryk squad. There is also one rules misplay here- Ironkin Assistants are unable to take warlord traits, so the powerful buff of Guild Affiliate should have been stashed somewhere else. My understanding is that this was handled during the event.
On the other side of the table, Nassim continues his fine run of form with the Astra Militarum in a brief foray across the pond to determine the relative solidity of the American playing environment (he sent us a photo with his findings). Nassim’s list has all the usual tricks, but goes very heavy on Armoured Sentinels. These things are no joke when amped up with full rerolls and stood near the Finial of Nemrodesh 1st, and can even do some defensive work in combat with their adorable little t-rex chainsaw arms. The Sentinels can hold the opponent at bay long enough for the barrage of mortars and other shooting to get to work, with amped up Kasrkin doing their thing. The mortal wounds from these in particular are a very hard sell for the Dwarves to handle given their complete lack of defences and cheap screening options, and it does feel like a well placed Kassy-Bomb experience has the potential to end this as a contest right out the gate.
Secure Missing Artefacts exacerbates the raw shoot-out feel of this match up by making it quite likely that both players are trying to hold an objective in the open. In the end it looks like the guard, and Nassim’s trademark style of ranged gut-punching with a smile carried the day. Well done mate!
Result
Astra Militarum Victory – 65 – 25
Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Final Round Matchup
65 – 25 Victory against Arne Zerndt – Leagues of Votann.
Thoughts
As explored above, Nassim’s Astra Militarum break America, Beatles style, with games as short and sweet as any storming debut album. It shoots hard, it can screen and hold off the enemy via orders and Sentinel heroics, and it ignores every defensive buff you spent your precious points to bring, like an idiot. Guard may have some predators emerging in the form of these end-times marines builds popping up, but I’m intrigued to see what answers Nas can cook up on his return home.
Arne Zerndt – Leagues of Votann – 2nd Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
GTL Goodstuff
Thoughts
As explored above, souped up Land Fortresses and Bikers with HQ support honed to maximise their killing and defensive potential. Leagues can shoot hard, and often struggle when an opponent can play around and outscore them, but Arne has succeeded in piloting them all the way to the final here, great work!
Thomas Ogden – Astra Militarum – 3rd 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 + Cadian Command Squad [4 PL, 75pts, -2CP]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic, WT: Master Tactician Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Tank Commander [10 PL, 185pts, -2CP]: Lascannon, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Old Grudges Tank Commander [10 PL, 185pts]: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon + Troops + Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Veteran Guerrillas Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons Ratlings [2 PL, 50pts] + Fast Attack + Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 45pts] + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [27 PL, 525pts] ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [15 PL, 205pts] ++ + Configuration + Militarum Tempestus Detachment + HQ + Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [5 PL, 95pts] + Troops + Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [93 PL, 1,795pts, ] ++
. Cadian Commander: Laspistol, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Chainsword, Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 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: Bolt pistol
. 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
. 5x Ratling: 5x Sniper Rifle
. Scout Sentinel: Hunter-killer missile, Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. 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: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. . 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. . 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. . 2 Militarum Plasma Cannons: 2x Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Tempestor Prime: Bolt pistol
. Tempestus Scion: Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion: Hot-Shot Lasgun
. Tempestus Scion: Hot-Shot Lasgun
. Tempestor: Plasma pistol, Power sword
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
. Tempestor: Plasma pistol, Power sword
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Thoughts
Ooo! Another guard list! This one has got the Finial, it’s got some Kasrkin, it’s got some Leman Russes, it’s got the Horse Multiplier (nobody ever laughs when I call him this and it’s sad), it’s got some Mortars, etc etc. There are at least some Ratlings in here and I’m going to say that these are the real heroes and the powerhouse behind the high finish for this build. Scions for secondaries flexibility (RBD and Boots like these) is a nice touch, but in the main this is guard flexing their muscles in the usual way. Congratulations Thomas!
Nicholas Rose – Genestealer Cult – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + [Reference] Discipline: Broodmind: Power: Last Gasp Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Battle Size: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Cult Creed: The Pauper Princes Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Insurrectionists + No Force Org Slot + Nexos: Relic: Cranial Inlay, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts + HQ + Acolyte Iconward Magus: Power: Last Gasp, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Psychic Stimulus, Psychic Familiar Primus: Relic: Reliquary of Saint Tenndarc, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Alien Majesty + Troops + Acolyte Hybrids Acolyte Hybrids: Proficient Planning: A Trap Sprung Acolyte Hybrids Acolyte Hybrids Acolyte Hybrids Acolyte Hybrids Neophyte Hybrids Neophyte Hybrids: Proficient Planning: They Came From Below Neophyte Hybrids Neophyte Hybrids + Elites + Biophagus: Alchemicus Familiar, Proficient Planning: Alchemist Supreme + Fast Attack + Atalan Jackals: 10x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge Atalan Jackals: 10x Atalan Power Weapon, Demolition Charge, Genomic Enhancement (Alchemist Supreme) Atalan Jackals: 5x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) ++
. 5x Acolyte Hybrid: 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Claws and Knife, 5x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Saw
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Saw
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Saw
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Saw
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip
. 5x Acolyte Hybrid: 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Claws and Knife, 5x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Cult Lash Whip
. 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
. 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
. 11x Neophyte Hybrid: 11x Autogun, 11x Autopistol, 11x Blasting Charges, 11x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid: 10x Autogun, 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Grenade): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Grenade Launcher
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid: 10x Autogun, 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Grenade): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Grenade Launcher
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 11x Neophyte Hybrid: 11x Autogun, 11x Autopistol, 11x Blasting Charges, 11x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 6x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 6x Atalan Small Arms, 6x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Grenade Launcher
. 2x Atalan Wolfquad (Laser): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Mining Laser
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 6x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 6x Atalan Small Arms, 6x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Grenade Launcher
. 2x Atalan Wolfquad (Laser): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Mining Laser
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 3x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 3x Atalan Small Arms, 3x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Grenade Launcher
Archetype
Pauper Princes GSC
Thoughts
Nicholas brings a spin on the Pauper Prince’s builds we’ve seen enjoying some moderate success in recent times, with my current favourite GSC tech piece, the Alchemist Supreme Biophagus, in tow. This guy handing out a 5+++ to a 10 squad of bikers helps them stick around and run interference that little bit longer… unless they hit up against the magic flag of no you don’t! Broadcasting a 5++ around and slightly amping up the durability of the units feels like a sensible play in the current meta, and the +1 to hit in combat ensures they can do some work in melee too. Great work Nicholas!
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 or equivalent (this event had a top cut) records. They were:
- 5th – Ben Cherwien – Black Templars: A very angry go – wide Templars list with tonnes of Gladiators and Impulsors full of Assault Intercessors. Baller.
- 6th – Kevin Leonard – Nurgle Daemons: The best list ever. Two Great Unclean Ones, Rotigus, three Soul Grinders. Nurgle’s number might be 7, but Kevin’s is T9. Awesome.
- 7th – Chris Sulla – Necrons: A Mephrit build with tonnes of Lokhust Destroyers and the Silent King for rerolls. Very shooty, very appropriate.
- 8th – Oliver Smith – Iron Hands: Iron Hands Goodstuff with an outrageous number of Land Speeder Storms.
- 9th – Doug Henningsen – Chaos Knights: Herpetrax Armiger Spam.
- 10th – Jared Friedman – ‘Minotaurs’: Iron Hands successors. I’ve no idea why these are labelled Minotaurs and I’m probably happier not knowing.
Fantasia Fanatic XLIII 40K
103-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västerbottens län SE on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
(Lowest of Men note: I wasn’t entirely sure what BCP was up to with the placings here, with some players with losses ostensibly ranked higher than ones without. Looks like 20-0scoring was used, and I’ve gone extra deep to hit the undefeated players)
Jesper Unander-Scharin – Adeptus Custodes – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems + Stratagem: Open the Vaults [-1CP]: Additional Relics + HQ + Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [10 PL, -3CP, 180pts]: (Emperor’s Chosen): Auric Exemplar, 3. Superior Creation, Castellan’s Mark, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Stratagem: Victor of the Blood Games, Tip of the Spear Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait + Troops + Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 150pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] + Elites + Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Custodian Wardens [7 PL, 150pts] Vexilus Praetor [6 PL, 105pts]: Fulminaris Aggressor, Guardian Spear, Misericordia, Vexilla Magnifica + Fast Attack + Venatari Custodians [8 PL, 165pts] Venatari Custodians [8 PL, 165pts] Vertus Praetors [12 PL, 255pts] Witchseekers [3 PL, 60pts]: Witchseeker Sister Superior ++ Total: [96 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [96 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: 3x Praesidium Shield, 3x Sentinel Blade
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. Allarus w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia
. Allarus w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia
. 3x Warden w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Venatari Custodian /w Kinetic Destroyer & Misericordia: 3x Kinetic Destroyer, 3x Misericordia, 3x Tarsus Buckler
. 3x Venatari Custodian /w Kinetic Destroyer & Misericordia: 3x Kinetic Destroyer, 3x Misericordia, 3x Tarsus Buckler
. 3x Praetor w/ Salvo Launcher & Misericordia: 3x Interceptor Lance, 3x Misericordia, 3x Salvo Launcher
. 4x Witchseeker: 4x Witchseeker Flamer
Archetype
Emperor’s Chosen MSU
Final Round Matchup
16 – 4 Victory against Daniel Bergström – Imperial Knights.
Thoughts
Jesper brings home the gold (hehe) with an MSU Custodes list in the mould of others we have seen doing well in recent times. Emperor’s Chosen remain flexible, durable, and dangerous with their excellent suite of traits and the ability to switch into another host as the need demands. Flamer Witchseekers appear again here, and these offer nice screen clearance potential and a threat with which to keep less armoured opponents honest. It feels like Custodes players are choosing a side with the main options at the moment being huge slabs of Wardens, or more flexible multi-threat builds like this, and I’m definitely rooting for the latter. Great work!
Daniel Bergstrom – Imperial Knights – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [99 PL, 1,855pts, ] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Lord of War Chivalric Oath: Oath: Defend the Realm, Oath: Refuse No Challenge Questor Allegiance: House Taranis, Questor Mechanicus + Agents of the Imperium + Voidsmen-at-Arms [2 PL, 40pts]: Voidsman (Rotor Cannon), Voidsmaster + Lord of War + Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 310pts, -2CP]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis Armiger Warglaives [24 PL, 435pts] Armiger Warglaives [16 PL, 290pts] Knight Moiraxes [8 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Last of Their Line, Questor Mechanicus Knight Moiraxes [8 PL, 155pts] Knight Paladin [25 PL, 460pts, -3CP]: Character (Knight Lance), Exalted Court: Forge Master, Heirloom: Sanctuary, Meltagun, Reaper Chainsword, Revered Paragon, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait (Taranis): Knight of Mars, Warlord Trait: Ion Bulwark ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [8 PL, 145pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War + Armiger Warglaives [8 PL, 145pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Mysterious Guardian, Questor Imperialis ++ Total: [107 PL, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Voidsman: 3x Lasgun, 3x Laspistol
. Armiger Helverin: Heirloom: The Bastard’s Helm, Heirlooms of the Household, Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Knight Baron, Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Knight Moirax: Knight Baron, 2x Lightning Lock, Warlord Trait: Blessed by the Sacristans
. Knight Moirax
. . 2x Siege Claw w/ Rad-Cleanser: 2x Rad-Cleanser, 2x Siege Claw
. Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon w/ Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
Mechanicus Armigers
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
No Freeblade Lance here – just maximum durability and reliability from a Taranis Paladin leading a whole bunch of Armigers to war, with a cheeky squad of Voidsmen to sit on home objectives. Making it right to the final in a shooty metagame with Knights is no mean feat (and we’re sure the durability paid off), so well done to Daniel!
Eetu Peltola – Necrons – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Arks of omen detachment == Nihilakh LoW 1: The Silent King, triarch’s Will [400]
Player: Eetu Peltola
Faction: Necrons
Total: [1998]
CP: 7
No prisoners: 91 wounds
Assasinate: 10
Bring it down: 11
Mandatory: Heavy support
HQ 1: Technomancer, Canoptek Cloak, Veil of darkness [70]
Elite 1: 6 Skorpekh Destroyers [180]
Elite 2: 6 Skorpekh Destroyers [180]
Elite 3: Hexmark Destroyer [65]
Fast 1: 5 Canoptek Wraiths [175]
Fast 2: 3 Tomb blades, 3 Twin Tesla Carbines [69]
Fast 3: 3 Tomb blades, 3 Twin Tesla Carbines [69]
Heavy 1: 6 Lokhust Destroyers, 1 Lokhust Heavy Destroyer [285]
Heavy 2: Doomsday Ark [145]
Heavy 3: Doomsday Ark [145]
Heavy 4: Doomsday Ark [145]
NFO 1: 2 Canoptek cryptothralls [40]
NFO 2: Canoptek Plasmacyte [15]
NFO 3: Canoptek Plasmacyte [15]
Archetype
Nihilak Destroyers with Doomsday Arks
Thoughts
A nice take on Nihilak with some heavy ranged support from Doomsday Arks and a big yeetable squad of Destroyers. Skorpekh Destroyers remain a devastating combat option to have in the locker but this list is a little more flexible with some decent shooting options and some appropriate anti-teleporting tech in the Hexmark Destroyer. Well done on going undefeated Eetu!
Joel Larsson – Adeptus Custodes – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [96 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [10 PL, -3CP, 180pts]: 3. Superior Creation, 4. Impregnable Mind, Castellan’s Mark, Interceptor Lance, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Stratagem: Victor of the Blood Games, Tip of the Spear Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Misericordia, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Watcher’s Axe + Troops + Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 135pts] Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 135pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts] + Elites + Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Custodian Wardens [7 PL, 150pts] Custodian Wardens [7 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack + Venatari Custodians [8 PL, 165pts] Vertus Praetors [12 PL, 255pts] Witchseekers [3 PL, 60pts] ++ Total: [96 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia
. Allarus w/ Castellan Axe & Misericordia: Balistus Grenade Launcher, Castellan Axe, Misericordia
. Allarus w/ Castellan Axe & Misericordia: Balistus Grenade Launcher, Castellan Axe, Misericordia
. 3x Warden w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Warden w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Venatari Custodian /w Venetari Lance & Misericordia: 3x Misericordia, 3x Venatari Lance
. 3x Praetor w/ Salvo Launcher & Misericordia: 3x Interceptor Lance, 3x Misericordia, 3x Salvo Launcher
. 4x Witchseeker: 4x Witchseeker Flamer
. Witchseeker Sister Superior: Witchseeker Flamer
Archetype
Emperor’s Chosen MSU
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
Nothing too flashy, just a nice, all-rounder setup of Emperor’s Chosen units, balancing shooting, mobility and defence. Came a bit unstuck when it ran into Daniel’s knights in round four, but otherwise put up incredibly dominant 20-0 performances across the board, with the reliable BEL from the Allarus presumably a huge part of that. Great work from Joel.
Benjamin Hyvönen – Adeptus Custodes – 5th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Shadowkeepers Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems + Stratagem: Open the Vaults [-1CP]: Additional Relics + HQ + Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armor [6 PL, -2CP, 115pts]: 4. Impregnable Mind, Guardian Spear, Misericordia, Praetorian Plate, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [10 PL, -1CP, 180pts]: (Shadowkeepers): Lockwarden, (Shadowkeepers): Statis Oubliette, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Tip of the Spear Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait + Troops + Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 140pts] Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 140pts] Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 140pts] Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 140pts] + Elites + Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Allarus Custodians [3 PL, 60pts] Custodian Wardens [7 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack + Venatari Custodians [8 PL, 165pts] Vertus Praetors [12 PL, 255pts] Vertus Praetors [12 PL, 255pts] ++ Total: [97 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [97 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 2x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 2x Guardian Spear, 2x Misericordia
. Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: Praesidium Shield
. 2x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 2x Guardian Spear, 2x Misericordia
. Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: Praesidium Shield
. 2x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 2x Guardian Spear, 2x Misericordia
. Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: Praesidium Shield
. 2x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 2x Guardian Spear, 2x Misericordia
. Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: Praesidium Shield
. Allarus w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia
. Allarus w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia
. 3x Warden w/ Castellan Axe & Misericordia: 3x Castellan Axe, 3x Misericordia
. 3x Venatari Custodian /w Venetari Lance & Misericordia: 3x Misericordia, 3x Venatari Lance
. 3x Praetor w/ Salvo Launcher & Misericordia: 3x Interceptor Lance, 3x Misericordia, 3x Salvo Launcher
. 3x Praetor w/ Salvo Launcher & Misericordia: 3x Interceptor Lance, 3x Misericordia, 3x Salvo Launcher
Archetype
Shadowkeepers MSU
Thoughts
More MSU Custodes wizardry here, this time in Shadowkeepers to debuff enemy combat potential. Impregnable Mind makes an appearance to mess with enemy secondaries, and there is a run out for the Stasis Oubliette, which unlocks some fight last potential. Combo with the Lockwarden and you have a brawler character ready made to slay his less prepared peers. Awesome work Benjamin!
Kalle Abrahamsson – Drukhari – 6th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Number of Units: 21 == *Custom Cult* (Test of Skill, Precise Killers) Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1074 pts, 58 PL Stratagems: HQ1: Drazhar: Hatred Eternal, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord [145 pts, 8 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Hekatrix Bloodbrides: 2 – Grave Lotus (Combat Drug), Hekatrix (Hekatarii Blade, Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Splinter Pistol), 6xHekatrix Bloodbride, Hekatrix Bloodbride w/ Hydra Gauntlets, Hekatrix Bloodbride w/ Razorflails, Hekatrix Bloodbride w/ Shardnet and Impaler [155 pts, 8 PL] EL1: Incubi: 4xIncubi, Klaivex (Demiklaives) [90 pts, 4 PL] FA1: Hellions: 1 – Adrenalight (Combat Drug), Helliarch (Hellglaive, Phantasm Grenade Launcher), 5xHellion [107 pts, 8 PL] == Kabal of the Black Heart: Thirst for Power Patrol Detachment == 0 CP, 924 pts, 55 PL Stratagems: No Force Org Slot: HQ1: Archon: Ancient Evil, Huskblade, Overlord, Splinter Pistol, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Djin Blade [75 pts, 4 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Kabalite Warriors: 3xKabalite Warrior, Kabalite Warrior w/ Special Weapon (Blaster), Sybarite (Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Splinter Rifle) [55 pts, 3 PL] HS1: Ravager: 3xDark Lance, Phantasm Grenade Launcher [135 pts, 8 PL] DT1: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies, Phantasm Grenade Launcher [115 pts, 6 PL]
Army name: Bewytched
Army theme: “Bewitched” by Candlemass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3LNi-aPXuc
Factions used: Aeldari – Drukhari
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1-1=1
Total cost: 1998 pts, 113 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 10 points
Bring it Down: 10 points
No Prisoners: 10 points (total wounds: 96)
Abhor the Witch: 0 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Prizes from the Dark City (-1 CP)
HQ2: Succubus: 1 – Adrenalight (Combat Drug), Agoniser & Archite Glaive, Quicksilver Fighter, Show Stealer (Custom) (Show Stealer), Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Triptych Whip [95 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP]
TR2: Wyches: *Random x 2* (Combat Drug), Hekatrix (Hekatarii Blade, Splinter Pistol), 4xWych [50 pts, 3 PL]
EL2: Incubi: 4xIncubi, Klaivex (Demiklaives) [90 pts, 4 PL]
EL3: Incubi: 4xIncubi, Klaivex (Demiklaives) [90 pts, 4 PL]
FA2: Reavers: *Random x 2* (Combat Drug), Arena Champion (Blaster), 2xReaver [70 pts, 3 PL]
FA3: Reavers: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug), Arena Champion (Blaster), 2xReaver [70 pts, 3 PL]
FA4: Scourges: Scourge w/ shardcarbine, 4xScourge with Special / Heavy weapon (Blaster), Solarite (Shardcarbine) [112 pts, 8 PL]
– Prizes from the Dark City (-1 CP)
– Court of the Archon: Kabal of the Black Heart, 4xSslyth, 2xUr-Ghul [104 pts, 10 PL]
TR2: Kabalite Warriors: 3xKabalite Warrior, Kabalite Warrior w/ Special Weapon (Blaster), Sybarite (Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Splinter Rifle) [55 pts, 3 PL]
TR3: Kabalite Warriors: 4xKabalite Warrior, Sybarite (Splinter Rifle) [40 pts, 3 PL]
DT2: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies, Phantasm Grenade Launcher [115 pts, 6 PL]
DT3: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies, Phantasm Grenade Launcher [115 pts, 6 PL]
DT4: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies, Phantasm Grenade Launcher [115 pts, 6 PL]
Archetype
Drukhari Goodstuff
Thoughts
A late run out for the Drukhari Goodstuff builds of yesteryear sees Kalle go undefeated with this excellent transport centric list. Incubi for cutting edge, lots of Dark Lances and a Ravager for ranged troubleshooting, and Reavers and Hellions to punk lightly defended targets and ticket of Behind Enemy Lines as required. Drukhari have a lot more predators out there these days, and piloting this to a 4-1-0 is an impressive feat. Very well done.
The Best of the Rest
There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 7th – Andre Persson – World Eaters: Angron and all the goodstuff. Admirably Beserker heavy.
- 8th – Stefan Viterstedt – Ynnari: Ynnari with the Yncarne and some big slabs of Hellions.
- 9th – Max Persson – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose with some Paragon Warsuits and supporting Helverins
- 10th – Bilbo Goransson – Genestealer Cult: Industrial Affinity Neophytes with psychic support.
- 11th – Jonathan Sleigh-Johnson – Iron Hands: Iron Hands Goodstuff.
- 12th – Daniel Tercha – World Eaters: Beserkers and Eightbound with several killy characters.
- 14th – Daniel Hesselberg – Tzeentch Daemons: Go-wide Flamers, Chariots and Screamers.
- 15th – Arvid Kaykhosravi – Necrons: A Nihilak list-formatting war crime.
Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedford, TX US on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Robert Moreland – Astra Militarum – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ [23 PL, 410pts, -5CP] + Cadian Command Squad [4 PL, 75pts, -2CP]: Commanding Authority, Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury [-1CP], Stratagem: Officer Cadre [-1CP] Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Commanding Authority, Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Tank Commander [10 PL, 165pts, -2CP]: Commanding Authority, Lascannon [5pts], Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stat Damage (Leman Russ Commander), Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury [-1CP], Stratagem: Officer Cadre [-1CP], WT: Master Tactician + Troops [12 PL, 260pts] + 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 [4 PL, 100pts] + Ratlings [2 PL, 50pts] Ratlings [2 PL, 50pts] + Fast Attack [18 PL, 295pts] + Armoured Sentinels [9 PL, 150pts] Armoured Sentinels [9 PL, 145pts] + Heavy Support [51 PL, 935pts] + Earthshaker Carriage Battery [18 PL, 360pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [9 PL, 155pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [9 PL, 155pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [9 PL, 155pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++
. Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Commanding Authority, Frag grenades, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Frag grenades, Laspistol, Plasma gun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Frag grenades, Laspistol, Master Vox
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Medi-pack: Frag grenades, Lasgun, Medi-pack
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard: Frag grenades
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard: Lasgun, Regimental Standard
. WT: Superior Tactical Training: Prefectus Orders
. 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: Lasgun, 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: Lasgun, 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: Lasgun, 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: Lasgun, Vox-Caster
. 5x Ratling: 5x Sniper Rifle
. 5x Ratling: 5x Sniper Rifle
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 50pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw [5pts]
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 50pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw [5pts]
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 50pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw [5pts]
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 50pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw [5pts]
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 50pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw [5pts]
. Armoured Sentinel [3 PL, 45pts]: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Earthshaker Carriage [6 PL, 120pts]: Earthshaker Cannon, 5x Guardsmen Crew
. Earthshaker Carriage [6 PL, 120pts]: Earthshaker Cannon, 5x Guardsmen Crew
. Earthshaker Carriage [6 PL, 120pts]: Earthshaker Cannon, 5x Guardsmen Crew
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lasgun, Mortar
. Leman Russ Battle Tank [9 PL, 155pts]: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy bolter [5pts], Stat Damage (Leman Russ)
. Leman Russ Battle Tank [9 PL, 155pts]: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy bolter [5pts], Stat Damage (Leman Russ)
. Leman Russ Battle Tank [9 PL, 155pts]: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy bolter [5pts], Stat Damage (Leman Russ)
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Final Round Matchup
87 – 79 Victory against Justin Moore – Cult Mechanicus.
Thoughts
A glimpse of the dark future. Astra Militarum have started an artillery arms race, and there are a number of other contenders coming into view to give them a game. One weapon that has as of yet been under-explored in this quest to interact as little as possible with the foe before the edition ends is the Earthshaker Cannon, a big beastly artillery piece that can also receive orders and throw down some high-ap, multi-damage shooting to supplement the mortars. It’s good in the mirror and may mitigate other artillery armies a bit too. I’m fully anticipating us seeing a lot more of these in the immediate future, just as soon as they arrive from ‘Forgeworld’. Well done on shelling your foes to death Robert!
Sweet Lew – Leagues of Votann – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen League: Ymyr Conglomerate + HQ + Einhyr Champion [5 PL, -2CP, 130pts]: Exactor, Mass hammer, Stratagem: In the Right Hands, Stratagem: Legend of the League, Teleport crest, Warrior Lord Grimnyr [4 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Crushing Contempt, Interface Echo, Null Vortex, Stratagem: In the Right Hands, The Murmuring Stave, Warlord High Kâhl [6 PL, -1CP, 130pts]: Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Experienced Eye, Forgewrought plasma axe, High Kâhl, Stratagem: Legend of the League, Teleport crest + Troops + Hearthkyn Warriors w/ ion blasters [7 PL, 183pts] Hearthkyn Warriors w/ ion blasters [7 PL, 183pts] + Elites + Cthonian Beserks w/ concussion mauls [5 PL, 165pts] + Fast Attack + Hernkyn Pioneers [10 PL, 165pts] Hernkyn Pioneers [10 PL, 160pts] Sagitaur Squadron [14 PL, 260pts] + Heavy Support + Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [5 PL, 105pts] Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [5 PL, 105pts] Hekaton Land Fortress [13 PL, 310pts]: Heavy magna-rail cannon, Pan spectral scanner ++ Total: [91 PL, 2CP, 1,996pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Leagues of Votann) [91 PL, 2CP, 1,996pts] ++
. 2x CORV: 2x Autoch-pattern bolter
. Theyn: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Ion blaster
. 4x Warrior: 4x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 4x Gravitic concussion grenades, 4x Ion blaster
. Warrior w/ comms array: Ion blaster, Multiwave comms array
. Warrior w/ heavy weapon: Magna-rail rifle
. Warrior w/ heavy weapon: L7 missile launcher
. Warrior w/ medipack: Ion blaster, Medipack
. Warrior w/ scanner: Ion blaster, Pan spectral scanner
. Theyn: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Ion blaster
. 4x Warrior: 4x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 4x Gravitic concussion grenades, 4x Ion blaster
. Warrior w/ comms array: Ion blaster, Multiwave comms array
. Warrior w/ heavy weapon: Magna-rail rifle
. Warrior w/ heavy weapon: L7 missile launcher
. Warrior w/ medipack: Ion blaster, Medipack
. Warrior w/ scanner: Ion blaster, Pan spectral scanner
. 5x Beserk: 5x Concussion maul
. Pioneer w/ comms array: Multiwave comms array
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Pioneer
. Pioneer w/ comms array: Multiwave comms array
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Sagitaur: MATR autocannon
. Sagitaur: MATR autocannon
. 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 3x Graviton blast cannon
. 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 3x Graviton blast cannon
. 2x Two bolt cannons: 4x Bolt cannon
Archetype
Ymyr Goodstuff
Thoughts
A fairly archetypal Votann list, there are a couple of niche picks here in the Grimnyr and the Einhyr Champion. These models are both awesome and each offers something nifty to the overall plan (A melee killing machine for hard targets via the mortal wound threat of Exactor, and cp generation and psychic secondary potential respectively). Sagitaurs help some of the little lads get to the front in good time, and this is very much a build after my own heart. Very well done!
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Clifton “Murica” Russell – Genestealer Cult: Rockgrinder and Truck Spam with Deep Supplies custom trait to amp up the threat. SO many demo charges here!
- 4th – Justin Moore – Cult Mechanicus: Lucius with an absolute truckload of foot infantry. This plays a little like the horde GSC builds, but can punch from even further away!
- 5th – Cam Hawkins – World Eaters: Kharn the Betrayer gets a run out and there’s a Dreadclaw Droppod to add some early pressure to the early pressure so you can early pressure while you early pressure. Love it!
- 6th – Talon Rooney – Genestealer Cults: Industrial Affinity Biker and Neophyte Spam.
- 7th – Jonathan Nikiel – Dark Angels: Deathwing Terminator Spam.
- 8th – Justin Phillips – Leagues of Votann: Greater Thurian League with double Land Fortress and Uthar.
- 9th – Greg Harris – Custodes: Emissaries Imperatus with a Calladius backing up the usual suspects.
- 10th – Riley Wells – Iron Hands: Very firstborn heavy Iron Hands with a LOT of scouts and Tactical Marines alongside the Devastators.
Courage And Honour VIII
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wales GB on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Andrew Lewis – Astra Militarum – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ + Cadian Command Squad [9 PL, -2CP, 170pts]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Stratagem: Officer Cadre Death Korps Marshal [2 PL, 35pts]: Bolt pistol, Power sword Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts]: Warlord Tank Commander [10 PL, -2CP, 180pts]: Armoured Tracks, Heavy bolter, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic, WT: Master Tactician + Troops + Infantry Squad [3 PL, 65pts] Infantry Squad [3 PL, 65pts] Infantry Squad [3 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Combat Engineer Squad [2 PL, 40pts]: Engineer Watch Master Combat Engineer Squad [2 PL, 40pts]: Engineer Watch Master Combat Engineer Squad [2 PL, 40pts]: Engineer Watch Master Kasrkin [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Brutal Strength Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Recon Operators Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons Sly Marbo [3 PL, 50pts] + Fast Attack + Scout Sentinels [9 PL, 120pts] Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [27 PL, 510pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Astropath: 3. Psychic Barrier
. Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Laspistol, Plasma gun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Bolt pistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Ripper Gun, Slabshield
. WT: Superior Tactical Training: Prefectus Orders
. 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter
. 5x Guardsman: 5x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Guardsman w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword
. 5x Guardsman: 5x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Guardsman w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword
. 5x Guardsman: 5x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Guardsman w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Sergeant: Boltgun, Chainsword
. 4x Combat Engineers: 4x Engineer shotgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Gas bombs
. 4x Combat Engineers: 4x Engineer shotgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Gas bombs
. 4x Combat Engineers: 4x Engineer shotgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Gas bombs
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, 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: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 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: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 8x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 8x Frag & Krak grenades, 8x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. 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: Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Heavy Flamers: 2x Heavy flamer
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Heavy Flamers: 2x Heavy flamer
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Heavy Flamers: 2x Heavy flamer
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Final Round Matchup
97 – 66 Victory against Ben Creighton Griffiths – Iron Hands.
Thoughts
More Astra Militarum dominance! There are some Combat Engineer squads here for pop-up surprises and mission play, and the full three squads of Kasrkin. Going forwards using these effectively is going to require some careful play around the proliferating number of artillery threats in the game, but they remain a meta-defining unit. Sly Marbo makes an appearance here- I absolutely adore flex pick characters and he is a dream for booping into enemy lines to tick off scoring and threaten vulnerable characters or objectives. Well done on the top placing Andrew!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Christopher Scriven – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen MSU
- 3rd – Matt Strong – Farsight Enclaves: Farsight leading up multiple Hammerheads and Riptides and the usual Crisis brick.
- 4th – Ben Creighton Griffiths – Iron Hands: Mass Iron Hands Dreadnoughts with a smattering of utility pieces in support.
- 5th – Liam Keane – World Eaters: Disciples of the Red Angel with Skabrand and a Lord of Skulls in tow. GLORIOUS.
Münsterland GT 2
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horstmar, NRW DE on March 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event used 20-0 scoring.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal
Alexander Tepe – Dark Angels: Mixed Deathwing/Ravenwing. == Dark Angels Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1995 pts, 111 PL HQ1: Ravenwing Talonmaster: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic [160 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP]
Army List - Click to Expand
Factions used: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1=2
Total cost: 1995 pts, 111 PL
Reinforcement Points: 5 pts
Number of Units: 11
Assassination: 10 points
Bring it Down: 8 points
No Prisoners: 12 points (total wounds: 106)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HQ2: Ravenwing Talonmaster: Heavenfall Blade, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, The Imperium’s Sword [160 pts, 9 PL, -2 CP]
TR1: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4x Infiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL]
EL1: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2x Deathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), 7x Deathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL2: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2x Deathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), 7x Deathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL3: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2x Deathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), 7x Deathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL4: Ravenwing Apothecary: Black Knight Bike (Astartes grenade launcher), Rites of War, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord [90 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP]
FA1: Land Speeder Tornadoes: 2x Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [140 pts, 8 PL]
FA2: Land Speeder Tornadoes: 2x Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [140 pts, 8 PL]
FA3: Land Speeder Tornadoes: 2x Land Speeder Tornado (Assault cannon, Multi-melta) [140 pts, 8 PL]
HS1: Eliminator Squad: Eliminator Sergeant (Instigator Bolt Carbine), 2x Eliminators, Las Fusil [75 pts, 4 PL]
vs.
Artur Güttler – T’au Empire: Unusual go-wide Farsight with lots of mid-tier hulls. ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [104 PL, 1CP, 1,999pts] ++ + Configuration [6CP] + 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 Sept Choice: Farsight Enclaves + No Force Org Slot [2 PL, 48pts] + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + HQ [19 PL, -3CP, 415pts] + Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -1CP, 185pts]: (Farsight Enclaves): Master of the Killing Blow, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector [10pts], Burst Cannon [10pts], Dominator Fragmentation Launcher [2 PL, 25pts], High-output Burst Cannon [15pts], Stratagem: Promising Pupil [-1CP], T’au Flamer [5pts], Target Lock Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit [10 PL, -2CP, 230pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Cyclic Ion Blaster [10pts], Cyclic Ion Blaster [20pts], Cyclic Ion Blaster [25pts], Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-1CP], Stratagem: Promising Pupil [-1CP], T’au Flamer [5pts], The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Thermoneutronic Projector [1 PL, 20pts] + Troops [6 PL, 140pts] + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 70pts] Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 70pts] + Elites [33 PL, -2CP, 580pts] + Firesight Marksman [3 PL, -2CP, 70pts]: (Farsight Enclaves): Talisman of Arthas Moloch, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, Markerlight, Pulse Pistol, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord Firesight Marksman [3 PL, 70pts]: Markerlight, Pulse Pistol Ghostkeel Battlesuit [9 PL, 160pts]: 2x T’au Flamer, Cyclic Ion Raker, Drone Controller, Early Warning Override, Ghostkeel Fists, 2x Stealth Drone Ghostkeel Battlesuit [9 PL, 160pts]: 2x T’au Flamer, Cyclic Ion Raker, Drone Controller, Early Warning Override, Ghostkeel Fists, 2x Stealth Drone Stealth Battlesuits [9 PL, 120pts] + Fast Attack [20 PL, 336pts] + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Piranhas [4 PL, 80pts] Piranhas [4 PL, 60pts] Piranhas [4 PL, 60pts] Tactical Drones [2 PL, 40pts] Vespid Stingwings [5 PL, 72pts] + Heavy Support [24 PL, 480pts] + Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 160pts]: 2x Smart Missile System [10pts], Railgun, Seeker Missile [5pts] Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 160pts]: 2x Smart Missile System [10pts], Railgun, Seeker Missile [5pts] Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 160pts]: 2x Smart Missile System [10pts], Railgun, Seeker Missile [5pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
+++ Tau Flitzer (Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition) [104 PL, 1CP, 1,999pts] +++
. . 4x Kroot Hound [24pts]: 4x Ripping Fangs
. . 4x Kroot Hound [24pts]: 4x Ripping Fangs
. . 2x Marker Drone [20pts]: 2x Markerlight
. . 10x Kroot [70pts]: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. . 10x Kroot [70pts]: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. . 3x Sniper Drone: 3x Longshot Pulse Rifle
. . 3x Sniper Drone: 3x Longshot Pulse Rifle
. . 2x Marker Drone [20pts]: 2x Markerlight
. . 3x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon [75pts]: 3x Burst Cannon
. . Stealth Shas’vre [25pts]: Burst Cannon
. . 4x Kroot Hound [24pts]: 4x Ripping Fangs
. . Piranha [4 PL, 80pts]: Piranha Fusion Blaster [10pts], 2x Seeker Missile [10pts]
. . . . 2x Gun Drones
. . . . . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. . Piranha [4 PL, 60pts]: Piranha Burst Cannon
. . . . 2x Gun Drones
. . . . . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. . Piranha [4 PL, 60pts]: Piranha Burst Cannon
. . . . 2x Gun Drones
. . . . . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. . 4x Marker Drone [40pts]: 4x Markerlight
. . 5x Vespid Stingwing [60pts]: 5x Neutron Blaster, 5x Stingwing Claws
. . Vespid Strain Leader [12pts]: Neutron Blaster, Stingwing Claws
Thoughts
A very spicy showdown here pitching one of the new stars of the meta against the fading glory of a previous era. The Dark Angels, piloted by Alexander, come to the party with a lot of the usual tools. There are Land Speeders and Talonmasters for scoring Codex Warfare, and a big brick of Terminators to wade forwards and hold ground. The Ravenwing Apothecary adds resilience and resurrection options, making this list a lean, mean fighting machine with minimal tech pieces on display.
In the other corner, the Tau are geared up with an innovative list that eschews Crisis Teams and looks to spread the threats wide and play around the opponent. A suite of Piranhas add lots of mission utility and weight of shots, and triple Hammerheads can throw out heavy damage and mortal wounds via Submunitions as required. Two Ghostkeels anchor the lines and provide a shooting threat that is immune to all but close range counterfire. In this match up the positioning and exchanges between the Dark Angels Speeders and the Tau shooting is crucial – if the Tau can strip away these mission playing assets quickly enough the sheer durability of the Terminators may not be enough to carry the day, especially as even these will fall down to a concentrated burst of Tau fire. On Death and Zeal the Dark Angels would be expected to rack up an early lead, with the Tau hoping to come back strong after whittling them down. It looks like the Greater Good weren’t quite able to manage that…but were able to take enough points from the game to win the event overall, as they went into it with a lead in the 20-0 system.
Result
T’au Empire Defeat – 7 – 13…But they won on points overall.
Artur Güttler – T’au Empire – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Genuine Innovation *Chef’s Kiss*
Final Round Matchup
7 – 13 Victory against Alexander Tepe – Dark Angels.
Thoughts
Artur breaks new ground with the Tau, sprinkling a range of speedy, punchy units in and avoiding the points sink of a full crisis unit. It has reach, punch, and secondary scoring potential (Behind Enemy Lines looks extremely easy for this build). Farsight Enclaves ensure the units can all punch at range without much support, and Kroot can die on the line to buy time as required. This is a really cool list, I especially love seeing Ghostkeels get a run out. Great work!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Florian Schmidt – Iron Hands: Iron Hands with a lot of Infiltrators, supporting Eliminators, and a big slab of Assault Terminators.
- 3rd – René Rosenberg – Goffs: A Goff pressure horde with triple Kill Rig.
- 4th – Alexander Tepe – Dark Angels: The Dark Angels Goodstuff build from the showdown.
- 5th – Malte Hofs – Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon Black Legion with some Decimators and a fricking Noctilith Crown. Behave!
- 6th – Niklas Kreuzheck – Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen MSU.
Wrap Up
That’s it from me this week! Take a picture of this week’s meta, it might well be the world that was. The key question ahead of us is whether what happened at Manchester in the UK is about to become the new normal, and that will depend a lot on the dataslate (which may change a lot of the field up anyway), and on how players adapt and respond to the options provided to them by Desolation Marines. Unless something drastic happens the artillery wars may have only just begun… good luck and god speed out there!
Lowest of Men, out.
