Tabletop Tactics League - First Games

 

With the Tabletop Tactics League underway, I've gotten my first two games in. A couple of other Dicks have also played, and some are even getting in games against non-Dick players. It's great to see people playing, and interesting to see how the League rankings look this early.

At time of writing, the number one spot in the League belongs to a player who has already played 9 games. There also appears to be quite a diverse selection of armies doing well. It will be interesting to see how things stand in a few months. Will participation have tailed off?

Game One - Dick Burton's Space Wolves

Space Wolves, Champions of Russ 2000 points

Arjac Rockfist

Canis Wolfborn, Warlord

Murderfang

Ragnar Blackmane

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf, Relic Weapon, Storm Shield, Close Combat Weapon

Wolf Guard Pack Leader, Combi-Weapon, Power Weapon

Wolf Guard Pack Leader with Jump Pack, Combi-Weapon, Power Weapon

Wolf Guard Pack Leader with Jump Pack, Combi-Weapon, Thunder Hammer

10 Blood Claws, Power Fist, 2 Meltaguns

3 Bladeguard Veterans

5 Infiltrators, Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Comms Array

5 Skyclaws, Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon, 2 Meltaguns

5 Skyclaws, Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon, 2 Meltaguns

5 Wolf Guard Terminators, 2 Twin Lightning Claws, 2 Storm Shields, 2 Thunder Hammers, Assault Cannon, Power Fist

3 Thunderwolf Cavalry, Heirloom Weapons, Storm Shields

3 Thunderwolf Cavalry, Heirloom Weapons, Storm Shields

Predator Annihilator, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter, 2 Lascannons

Repulsor Executioner, Heavy Laser Destroyer, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Space Wolves Venerable Dreadnought, Fenrisian Great Axe, Blizzard Shield, Storm Bolter

Mark wants to stick to the spirit of things and give the Champions of Russ Detachment a whirl. This requires taking plenty of Characters and making certain decisions in order to complete the Sagas as he has done in his list. Often though, that means one saving throw can be the difference between a Character killing a target and the Bodyguard doing the job instead.

However, Mark's list is built well to just play a normal game of 40K and consider the Sagas as gravy. Decent ranged weapons on the armour, fast moving assault elements and Meltas to crack transports. The Infiltrators keep the home objective secure from Deep Strike.It's a solid looking list.

Our Mission was Crucible of Battle, Targets of Opportunity, and Purge the Foe. So, the Primary rewards us for killing units and holding objectives, while we have 3 cards for Secondaries each turn.

It was a hard fight, with some key saves on my part allowing me to run away with the Primary. Also sacrificing the Warp Hunter and the Wratihseer helped hold up a unit of Thunderwolves until late in the game. Mark did max his Secondaries, so he was a Battle Ready bonus away from a score in the mid 80s.

I learnt that 4 Wound models are actually quite annoying for my list to shift, as I have a lot of d6 or 2-3 Damage weapons. I was mostly able to keep away from the combat threats though, and brought the two tanks down in the first battle round.

Game Two - Dick Harris' Necrons

Necrons, Awakened Dynasty 1990 points

Chronomancer

Hexmark Destroyer

Orikan the Diviner

Overlord, Resurrection Orb, Veil of Darkness

Technomancer

Transcendant C'tan

10 Immortals, Tesla Carbines

10 Immortals, Tesla Carbines

10 Immortals, Gauss Blasters

Annihilation Barge, Gauss Cannon, Twin Tesla Destructor

5 Deathmarks

Doomsday Ark

Doomsday Ark

Monolith, Gauss Flux Arcs

George has played a lot of variations of Necrons over the years, and wanted to move away from Wraith blocks. He also wanted to try out a lesser run Detachment in the Awakened Dynasty and give Orikan a run out. The cherry on the list is the Monolith. Is it good?

Our mission was Dawn of War, Sweep and Clear, and Priority Targets. Objectives are sticky, allowing us a lot of freedom of movement and Priority Targets really rewards dominance in the end game. I chose Fixed Secondaries as an experiment for this one. I normally snap decide on Tactical, but with Necrons often being hard to shift I didn't want to risk having to have key units out of the fight to score points. 

Five targets for Bring It Down, that all needed to be removed anyway, grants me a potential 16 points. The Six Characters, combined with a Stratagem to bring them back to life, gives me plenty of options for scoring, and again they will be leading units that need to be removed. The C'Tan serves double duty, scoring me both if it falls.

I was mostly able to pin the Necron's into their own half, which kept the Primary high for me. Again, this was aided by the Sweep and Clear rule. The Monolith did grab the Overlord and deposit him in position to score Deploy Teleport Homer. It also took me a couple of turns to destroy it, while suffering it's punishing firepower. 

This did show me that I can struggle to shift large-ish units of decent infantry, without putting a tonne of resources into them. Especially with Reanimate. The Wraithblades also struggled against the Annihilation Barge. Their Strength 7 and Damage 2 aren't great for dealing with vehicles.

Going Forward  

Two wins places me 53rd, at time of writing. Also, following the spirit of the rules, I am unable to make any changes to my list currently. I'm also happy with how the list performs'

However, the two Forge World units are on notice!

The Wraithseer costs the same as a Wraithlord, but trades the 2 Flamer and/or Shuriken Catapults for Destructor (a Heavy Flamer) and can only take 1 other weapon. The Lord also has better melee weapons. The Battleshock ability is quite niche, espcially compared to potentially gaining a Fate Die. When I get a loss, this is likely to be the first swap I make. Which is a shame, but it feels like the design rules disincentivise Forge World models for most factions.

The Warp Hunter is such a cool model. I love it. But, d3 shots isn't great, and Damage 3 makes it really unclear what the intended target is. I'm not sure what I would want in it's place though. 145 is a really awkward points value for Aeldari. Also, as I'm unclear as to the role this unit fulfills, I'm likewise unclear as to what needs to replace it.

The Scatter Laser Wave Serpent isn't enough shots to really hurt an Infantry unit. This should probably just be replaced with a Bright Lance for more consitancy in bringing down enemy armour.

The Wraithguard and Wraithblades have been illustrating why I was using units of ten. With only five in the unit, if the opponent engages them they do so seriously enough that the Spiritseer can never bring any back. This isn't a "bad" thing, just something I had noted a while ago and doesn't appear to have changed.

Everything else seems fine. Fuegan's flexibilty in Leading or not Leading is really good. Geoff is still Geoff. I'm happy with the majority of the list. It will be interesting to see if I feel the same way after picking up a couple of losses.

I can't wait to get some more games in, and continue to chart my progress. My wins have been really good, so I've got quite a buffer to keep my position strong, within my bracket. Still plenty of Dicks to play as well, before needing to either look for outside opponents or start having rematchs.

Are you playing in the League? How are your games going?

Dick Van Dice join the Tabletop Tactics League

 

Tabletop Tactics have started a Global Warhammer 40,000 League, using their updated App. This allows you to track your progress against others online (1601 players registered at time of writing leaving me at 196th with zero games played), while playing games against locals who are also in the League. 

After some discussion, several members of Dick Van Dice have decided to join, including myself. I'm going to track our progress to help the team organize games and talk about my own successes and failures as the League carries on.

The Rules  

The Tabletop Tactics League uses a tournament ladder system to determine its players’ rankings via submission of points scoring. The format follows the latest Core Rules publications, including all current Games Workshop FAQs and Balance Dataslates. Future game systems are planned to be added and will also follow the current rules and FAQs as outlined by the publisher. As seasons progress, we may implement our own FAQs for the League and any events run by Tabletop Tactics.

In addition, the following rules are in effect:

• Your gaming group may use different FAQ formats or rulings such as the WTC if desired. Note: You must still submit victory point scores in the correct format for the game system played i.e up to 90pts for Warhammer 40,000. 
• Should any rules change or be updated during a season of the League, changes will be used as soon as possible between matches. This includes the releases of new army books or supplements where appropriate.
• Once an Army Faction is chosen, it cannot be changed for that Season. No meta chasing to swap to the latest and greatest Faction here, you must command your army through thick and thin for the duration of a Season!
• Lists can be changed between games throughout the season. However, we recommend doing so only if the Player lost their previous Game, or if rules changes are released in the form of a balance or rules update. This should help prevent tailoring your list against a specific opponent.
• Rather than give a strict terrain requirement, we recommend creating a battlefield that you and your gaming group feel will be both balanced and narrative to play on. As a guideline you may use any of the Terrain Layouts from Games Workshop or other tournament format event packs if structure is desired.
• A maximum of 20 League games may be played outside of events in a season. These may be played at a destination of your choosing with your opponent, such as your home, club or local shop. Additionally, only a maximum of 3 games against the same opponent may be played.
• Official League Events, such as ones held at our venue, may be played in addition to your 20 games at home and also award cumulative ‘win in a row’ bonus points. For example, a Warhammer 40,000 event will award the first win +100pts, the second +200pts, the third +300pts and so on. The exact bonus points awarded will be outlined in your event packs as required. Note: Lists may not be changed during an official League Event.
• Missions for your chosen game system should be randomly determined. If you have played the same mission with an opponent previously in a League match, generate a new mission.
• Where possible, all games are to played out to completion. There is no time limit enforced on non event League games. As all victory points scored contribute to your overall League Ranking, we do not recommend conceding games. However, if one player wishes to concede due to the impossibility of scoring any more points, or other circumstance such as having to leave a game, they will still retain the existing victory points scored up to that point. Their opponent must then play out the rest of the game alone, scoring themselves points as per the mission rules until the game ends. The player must then still get their opponent’s verification in our app to submit the final scores.

League Rankings are determined by a player’s total Victory Points and are updated with every game played that season. Additionally, depending on your game system, bonus points are awarded at the end of each match played as outlined in your season’s rules.

That's the rules. Play games, submit results, try and face a variety of opponents. Factions are locked for the season and they recommend that you play the way they do in League videos; no changing your list until you lose a game. The goals being prove yourself as a faction champion, don't tailor your list for each game and don't chase the meta.

20 games is an interesting number. Dick Van Dice currently stands at 19 members. So, internally, playing each member once almost ends your League. If you only have a couple of friends that play, then not so much. Especially with the added limitation of 3 games against the same opponent. Not so great if you can't get people interested at your local club/shop. I get the spirit of the rule, to stop a couple of players colluding to fix results. But 3 is quite limiting if your only play is your best friend who comes over once a week, and you buy direct from the GW webstore due to having no local shop. Not sure what a good middle ground is, however.

13 Dicks have joined the league so far, allowing for a game and a half against each, or 1 game against each with room for more of the Dicks to register. I'm hoping that the group will use this opportunity to play more than their regular opponents and get to know each other more. A selection of us play during the Trollslayer's Open week on alternate Wednesdays and I'll help get people together on free weekends. The Incursion events won't count towards the League as they are staying at 1000 points for now. 

Here is my First List 

Tabletop Tactics list 1.0

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Battle Host 

CHARACTERS 

Autarch Wayleaper (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Mandiblasters 1x Star glaive 

Death Jester (105 points) • 1x Jester’s blade 1x Shrieker cannon • Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger 

Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Witchblade 

Fuegan (115 points) • 1x Searsong 1x The Fire Axe 

Spiritseer (65 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff 

Spiritseer (65 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff 

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS 

Wave Serpent (120 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull 

Wave Serpent (120 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin scatter laser 1x Wraithbone hull 

OTHER DATASHEETS 

Falcon (140 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull 

Fire Dragons (85 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun 

Fire Prism (180 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Ranger long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol 

Warp Hunter (145 points) • 1x D-flail 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull 

Windriders (80 points) • 3x Windrider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Shuriken cannon 

Wraithblades (170 points) • 5x Wraithblade • 5x Forceshield 5x Ghostaxe 

Wraithguard (190 points) • 5x Wraithguard • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Wraithcannon 

Wraithseer (160 points) • 1x Destructor 1x Ghostspear 1x Wraithseer D-cannon 

Having to stick to to one faction meant that Craftworlds was the obvious choice. Especially with the Dataslate shaking the format up. Being able to alter the list, rather than being stuck like one would be in a tournament, allows me to experiment with Datasheets that I might not nornally take.

The Autarch is a standard choice as, even with the nerf to Phantasm, Command Points are key. This is my standard loadout for the Wayleaper, as while I have the other model I don't rate the Fusion Pistol it's equipped with.

Geoff Dester. I don't really intend on leaving Iyanden without him and am still surprised he avoided nerfs. I suppose the lower amount of Fate Dice means he can't be as crazy as often, but he is still really good.

The Skyrunner is to help mitigate that nerf. Plus Guide is still amazing and I'd rather have Windrunners than Guardian Defenders. Their mobility and in-built rerolls make the Shuriken Cannons deadly.

Feugan is here because he brings options. He can lead the Fire Dragons to make them better at killing, or he can go solo to keep some of the firepower while the other half does an action. He's also tasty in combat. Either way, he and the unit will deploy in the Falcon and often start in Reserve to maximise the surprise value of their threat. It's equiped to deal with similar threats and make life hostile for Vehicles and Monsters.

Two Spiritseers, one with Wraithguard and one with Wraithblades, in Wave Serpents to bully the middle of the table. I'm yet to use Serpents or Blades this edition. This is the closet to beef that the Eldar can deploy though.

The Fire Prism can hold the back line and has consistant and versatile firepower. No notes.

Rangers are a great utilty unit, not sure I can build a list that doesn't contain at least one squad. Especially when you are getting close to the point limit, at 55 points they are amongst the cheapest choices.

Finally, two Forge World units. The Wraithseer is arguably a worse Wraithlord although Devastating Wounds on the D-Cannon and Precision on the Ghostspear can make it a great finisher. The Warp Hunter is just great at Overwatch against harder targets like Vehicles and Terminators. Both can also cause targeted Battleshock (along with Geoff) which can disrupt plans and even steal Objectives.

Not appearing - Asurman and the Dire Avengers. I have used this unit a lot, so it's time to give them a break. I am also not running anything that can add Fate Dice to my pool. Let's get some games in and see how restrictive 6 dice is. 

Otherwise, the nerfs don't bother me. The change to Phantasm is fair, although I believe the issue was the timing of the Stratagem rather than the distance. Paying a CP to move 1" doesn't sound worth the resource to me. The change to Wraithguard is also fair, though it remains to be seen if the points hike was also needed.

Future Plans

I'm going to stick with the "no changes until you lose" rule, but will also follow the Tabletop Tactics habit of 'banking' a change. One loss doesn't mean the list should be thrown out, and an early loss wont always tell me what isn't working. It also gives me incentive to get my few remaining unpainted units painted - War Walkers and Corsairs. 

I have access to a lot of choices for changes, and completly rebuild the army from the ground up. I'd rather tinker and make adjustments. I can see the Wraithseer just straight swapping to a Wraithlord, and I have access to a choice of weaponry should I do so. 

I have had one non-League game with the list, against a Deathwing force. Alex was trialing a mono-Terminator list using the Inner Circle Task Force. Their lack of mobility was a massive issue, alongside the higher toughness values of my list. He's making some adjustments though, so a rematch is on the cards

 

Are you playing in their League? Get in touch and we can help you get some games in.

PAW 2024 part two

The battles have been fought, the results are in and the event is finished. 40 Players narrowed down to one winner. So, how did I do. Part one of this report is here

 

Game 1 –Primary Mission Take and Hold - Mission Rule Chilling Rain – Deployment Search and Destroy.

Mikey Rzasa of Powerhouse Wargaming - World Eaters

Lucky Helbrute and Hunters of The Lost Kebab (1965 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband


CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points)
• Warlord

Khârn the Betrayer (80 points)
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (140 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 points)
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

World Eaters Master of Executions (105 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive


BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (200 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
• 7x Berzerker chainblade
7x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
2x Khornate eviscerator
2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol


DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher


OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (135 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (150 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Eightbound chainfist
1x Eightbound eviscerator
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (150 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Eightbound chainfist
1x Eightbound eviscerator
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Helbrute (140 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute fist
1x Multi-melta

My first round and an army I've not faced since they got their own Codex; World Eaters. I've discovered they have some great tools. The Blessings of Khone giving them access to Advance and Charge for amazing speed, and a Feel No Pain to increase their resiliency. As expected, anything they touch in melee gets murdered. 

That said, my killing power is fine against them, but I have to play cagey and keep my distance. This makes the Primary a struggle, as was reflected in the final score. I also made a critical mistake. Mikey charge Exalted Eightbound into the Dire Avengers, and Kharn with some Bezerkers into The Yncarne. He activated the Eightbound first, reasoning that The Yncarne couldnt kill enough Bezerkers but Asurman could kill the Eightbound. He killed the Dire Avengers, and I forgot about teleporting out of combat until after we had applied damage from Kharn. The Bezerkers then tore The Yncarne down.

It was a grave error. Doing it would have saved The Yncarne, and let me remove those Bezerkers easier in the next turn. I focused on scoring as much as possible and did manage to max out my Secondaries though. I also enjoyed killing Angron in turn 5, leaving no possibility of his return (or so I thought...)

A loss, but a fun game. We also had a special sub-game counting all the people trying the locked door next to us in search of the toilet. 12-0 to the door at the end of our match.

Game 2 – Primary Mission the Ritual – Mission Rule Scrambler Fields – Deployment Sweeping Engagement.

Lee Stubbs of Cross Swords - Adeptus Astartes; Salamanders

salamanders (1980 points)

Space Marines
Salamanders
Strike Force (2000 points)
Firestorm Assault Force


CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 points)
• 1x Drakkis
1x Malleus Noctum

Librarian (75 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• Enhancement: Champion of Humanity

Vulkan He’stan (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gauntlet of the Forge
1x Spear of Vulkan


BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon

Intercessor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon


OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (180 points)
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 5x Bladeguard Veteran
• 5x Heavy bolt pistol
5x Master-crafted power weapon

Brutalis Dreadnought (175 points)
• 1x Brutalis talons
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (95 points)
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (95 points)
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta

Infernus Squad (170 points)
• 1x Infernus Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Pyreblaster
• 9x Infernus Marine
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Close combat weapon
9x Pyreblaster

Land Raider Redeemer (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Repulsor (190 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Hunter-slayer missile
1x Las-talon
1x Repulsor defensive array
1x Twin lascannon

Stormraven Gunship (240 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Hurricane bolter
2x Stormstrike missile launcher
1x Twin lascannon
1x Twin multi-melta

Whirlwind (145 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Time to shake off the first round error and face Space Marines. This was a vehicle heavy list, and The Ritual is an interesting mission. Unfortunately, the low number of deployments due to so much starting in vehicles let me destroy the Land Raider in the first turn with the Wraithguard. This repeated for the rest of the game, with the Wraithguard and The Yncarne destroying vehicles and my other units destroying the units inside. 

The biggest sticky moment of the game (and the weekend) was a rules dispute when the Wraithguard killed the Repulsor, and Lee used Burning Vengeance. He was not happy when the Wraithguard got to shoot back. Judge was called and Simon handled the dispute well.

A solid win, as everything I pointed at died and very little died in return. It was a result that made me feel better about my match-up into vehicle heavy lists like Knights.

Game 3 – Primary Mission Purge the Foe – Mission Rule Chilling Rain – Deployment Crucible of Battle.

Liam Steptoe of Powerhouse Wargaming - World Eaters

Mildly Angry Legion (2000 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband


CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (80 points)
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 points)
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

World Eaters Master of Executions (105 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive


BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (100 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol


DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher


OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (135 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (150 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (150 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (150 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

And somehow, Angron returned. A similar, but not identical list from Mikey's teammate. Liam was also a lot more cagey with Angron. This game was the first of the weekend that felt like both players were really battling over positioning. Liam certainly knew how to use the terrain to his advantage, stopping my guns from fruitfully engaging most units. 

I did much better on Primary this time, but it wasn't enough. Purge meant that the World Eaters had to come out to get kills. Once again, Angron was sent to the Warp in Round 5. There is one more World Eaters player in the event, will Angron return again?

Game 4 – Primary Mission Deploy Servo Skulls – Mission Rule Hidden Supplies – Deployment Crucible of Battle

Olly Stokes of Dick Van Dice and Black Crow Gaming - Necrons

I have no technical or tactical ability with the game so I brought 18 wraiths. (2000 Points)

Necrons
Canoptek Court
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chronomancer (50 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Chronomancer’s stave

C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (255 Points)
• 1x Gaze of death
1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Technomancer (80 Points)
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancements: Dimensional Sanctum

Technomancer (60 Points)
• 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (60 Points)
• 1x Staff of light

Transcendent C’tan (275 Points)
• 1x Crackling tendrils
1x Seismic assault

BATTLELINE

Immortals (140 Points)
• 10x Immortal
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Doomstalker (135 Points)
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer

Canoptek Doomstalker (135 Points)
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points)
• 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm
• 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points)
• 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm
• 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points)
• 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm
• 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws

Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon 

Betrayal! Also, Servo Skulls. I knew going in this would be a hard match. 18 Wraiths and 2 C'tan is a lot to get through, especially with my armies low OC. My Infiltrators are key to zoning out his and giving me first kick of the ball.

I stuck to the plan, cagey movement and remove threats to the Primary. Disaster struck in turn 2 when I failed to shift a unit of Wraiths, leaving Olly control of the Skull. This Skull then got planted in my Deployment zone. Turn 3 actually saw me shift 2 units of Wraiths, but I was already too far behind on the Primary. The Transcendant C'tan leapt into my deployment zone, only to lose a fight with The Yncarne.

We only got to the end of Round 4 in the time limit, not through slow play but through two armies where positioning and movement is important in a mission where positioning is important and not static. Shout out to the Nightbringer for doing a good job of cleaning objectives and a well deserved win for Olly.

Game 5 – Primary Mission Priority Targets – Mission Rule Chosen Battlefield – Deployment Dawn of War

Robbie Davies of Bugle Bat Reps - Adepta Sororitas

PAW Patrol Sisters (1995 points)

Adepta Sororitas
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs


CHARACTERS

Daemonifuge (80 points)
• 1x Ephrael Stern
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Sanctity
• 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears
• 1x The Outcast’s Weapons

Imagifier (35 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon

Junith Eruita (90 points)
• 1x Mace of Castigation
1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer

Morvenn Vahl (125 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher

Preacher (55 points)
• 1x Zealot’s vindictor
• Enhancement: Blade of Saint Ellynor

Triumph of Saint Katherine (125 points)
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons


BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chainsword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Battle Sisters Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chainsword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Battle Sisters Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chainsword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis


DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sororitas Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Sororitas Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter


OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (130 points)
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails

Arco-flagellants (130 points)
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails

Crusaders (25 points)
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon

Exorcist (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Exorcist (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Paragon Warsuits (200 points)
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war mace

Seraphim Squad (70 points)
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
• 4x Seraphim
• 6x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum hand flamer

Zephyrim Squad (70 points)
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 4x Zephyrim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Power weapon


ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

 

This mission is interesting, as unless you play hyper-aggressive, both players are likely to score 10 points for Primary on the majority of turns. I also had a null scoring Round 1 due to drawing unachievable Secondaries. I did get some cheeky shots off  at the Callidus from Geoff that removed a key scoring unit. We both missed that this would have scored Assassinate though, I'm only spotting that now as I type this report. 

I was able to thin his numbers while keeping my stuff realtively safe. Phantasm kept the Striking Scorpions safe when they were the only real targets for Overwhelming Force for two turns. The Yncarne fell before Bring it Down was drawn as well, lowering Robbie's final score.

Robbies resources kept dwindling, which in turn made it harder for him to fight back. Phantasm deserves the nerf it got in the Dataslate, it did far too much work in this game. 

26th place out of the 40, with 2 wins and 3 losses. I can't complain at my results. A positive record would have been great but an average score of 79.2 points a game is really good. 33.4 on Primary and 35.2 on Secondary are good averages, especially on Secondaries. Shows that I need to work on scoring Primary if I want to win more games. 

It's easy to fall into a pile of "What if I had done such and such" and "If only the dice were different", but that doesn't help as much as you think. Each change causes a chain of changes and differing dice rolls that makes changes later in the game harder to process. I did learn from the mistake in Round One and was much more conscious of opportunities to teleport The Yncarne.

I'm not sure what changes I would make to the list, as the Balance Dataslate puts it to 2040 points, so I would first have to remove something before I consider any adjustments. Everything performed well enough. The Striking Scorpions were a great distraction in some games, even if they never go to fight anything. The Dark Reapers surprised me, doing a lot more damage than I expected, especially the Tempest Launcher. If I had to replay the event, I would stick with the same list and hopefully make better tactical choices. 

With so many changes to the Aeldari in this Dataslate, I will have to look at rebuilding from the ground up. I do personally think that the changes to Wraithguard, The Yncarne, Night SPinner and Phantasm are fair. However, 6 Fate dice is too few, as it really stops you re-rolling them at the start of the game when you have a bad roll.

The Elephant in the Room

Going back to Round Two, and addressing this because it was quite public. My opponent was unhappy with the ruling on the Wraithguard and proceeded to literally throw his models around. He is a grown fucking man and threw a tantrum for the rest of the game. It made the game difficult and the least enjoyable game of Warhammer 40,000 I've had in a long time. Players nearby noticed his behaviour and I had to explain to several of them during the lunch break. 

I cannot fault Simon's handling of it though. He didn't take any nonsense and ruled fairly and correctly. 

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed the event. It was great to meet people, play great games of 40K and experience armies that I haven't faced. It was also a nice change of pace to play in a two day event.

Massive thanks to Simon Corder for running the event, and Anthony Cross for running Cross Swords. I would recommend this event to anyone thinking of attendind next year, or their other events.

Thanks to all the Dicks for the playtesting and moral support. Olly secured our best record this year, but we can all help each other do better.

PAW 2024 part one

 

 With a 40 player, 5 rounds, 2 day tournament taking place at PAW's annual Wargames convention, it was time to send some Dicks.Troll (Orks), Newby (Adepta Sororitas), Ky (Grey Knights), Olly (Necrons) and I are attending. Alex will also be there, but he is playing Kings of War. Lists and rules were locked in on the 26th of January, so the January Dataslate was not in use. The event itself is being run by Simon Corder of Cross-Swords Gaming Club.

The List

We all got various amounts of playtesting in, and this is the list I settled on:-

Se'an Iyanar's Iyanden Strike Force (2000 points) 

Aeldari Strike Force - Battle Host 

CHARACTERS 

Asurmen (135 points) • 1x The Bloody Twins 1x The Sword of Asur 

Autarch Wayleaper (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Mandiblasters 1x Star glaive • Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem 

Death Jester (105 points) • 1x Jester’s blade 1x Shrieker cannon • Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger 

Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Witchblade 

Spiritseer (80 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancement: The Weeping Stones 

The Yncarne (350 points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls 

OTHER DATASHEETS 

Dark Reapers (80 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher 

Dire Avengers (140 points) • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch • 1x Avenger shuriken catapult 1x Avenger shuriken catapult 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Dire Avenger • 9x Avenger shuriken catapult 9x Close combat weapon 

Fire Dragons (85 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun 

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Ranger long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol 

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Ranger long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol 

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Mandiblasters 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion’s claw • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Mandiblasters 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol 

Swooping Hawks (75 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster 

Warp Spiders (115 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner 

Windriders (80 points) • 3x Windrider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Shuriken cannon 

Wraithguard (340 points) • 10x Wraithguard • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Wraithcannon 

Asurmen and 10 Dire Avengers; Asurmen has always been my favourite Pheonix Lord and he really shines in 10th. Getting to Overwatch something twice or even just once for zero Command Points, is amazing. Especially if you can get to an Objective to hit on 4s. And get re-rolls from Guide. Few things are safe from firepower of this magnitude. Their weapons are also Assault, allowing to Advance and shoot/do mission objectives.

Autarch Wayleaper (Ja'me Iyanar); Critical as Warlord, to gain extra Command Points. I tend to be a bit cagey with this guy. The Fusion Gun gives him some punch, so he can threaten to finish off Vehicles/Characters. He's also a key source of the Grenade keyword. I give him the Phoenix Gem to help keep him alive when I invariably misjudge and leave him open to reprisal.

Death Jester (Geoffrey Dester); Fate's Messenger has been altered in the January Dataslate. Even then, it doesn't touch Geoff. Sniping Leaders, using Messenger and a Fate die for 4 Devastating Wounds, or using both and a reroll to get 12 hits from 3 shots, this guy does it all. Made of murder and still dodging nerfs.

Farseer Skyrunner (Se'an Iyanar) and 3 Windriders; Guide. I tried to live without it, but I can't. It makes everything else far more powerful, while being on a mobile unit itself. Gives me more play for getting Behind Enemy Lines or Engage on All Fronts.

Spritseer (Pol Iyanar) and 10 Wraithguard; the hammer, especially now Guide is back in the list. The Weeping Stones are a key source of extra Fate Dice, and I can often get 2 by killing an Elite unit and their Leader. The nerf to their War Construct ability is well deserved, so this event is the last time I can menace people with the threat of its use.

The Yncarne; my first real time using The Yncarne and they are the real deal. Again, "future" nerfs from the Dataslate are well deserved. The scalpel to the Wraith's hammer, they are a nightmare to deal with if you can't wrap your head around their teleport ability. Smarter players can bait it out though, so I have to be careful.

5 Dark Reapers; A controversial choice, as they have been massively depowered since 9th edition. However, they give me a backfield anchor and a modicum of Indirect Fire, which can be key for moving The Yncarne around. 

5 Fire Dragons; Some extra punch, as many players will avoid being near the Wraithguard. Their smaller footprint makes them easier to hide on the Glasshammer terrain too.

Two units of 5 Rangers; these guys may be too cheap. They Infiltrate allowing me to get early kicks of Servo Skulls, set-up on Objectives, corners for Investigate Signals or screen against aggressive forces. They snipe allowing me to remove powerful buffs or even teleport The Yncarne. Stealth and Path of the Outcast make them annoying to shift as well. All-stars.

5 Striking Scorpions; A third set of Infiltrators, they can also punch up in combat. They are a good counter to other skirmishers and the Scorpion's Claw let's them finish off damaged vehicles.

5 Swooping Hawks; the ability to leap off and on the board is key to the Secondary game. They also murder light infantry and are another source of the Grenade keyword. They are fragile though, so they want to be away from reprisal where possible, especially as they can't leap while in combat.

5 Warp Spiders; unlike a lot of lists, I only have one unit of these. So I cant be cavalier with them. Knowing when to start them in Reserve and when to start them on the table will be the key to hammering my opponent on the Secondary's.

For a lot of the test games, I ran an Avatar of Khaine. Unfortunately he didn't work out, I don't think my play style is aggressive enough for him. He also struggles into Elite troops with Invulnerable saves. I ended up calling an audible just before list submission and swapping him for the Farseer Skyrunner, Windriders, Fire Dragons and Dark Reapers. 

The Opposition

The event is on Best Coast Pairings, which allows me to see the other players and lists.

• 3 Adeptus Astartes
• 2 Adepta Sororitas
• 3 Adeptus Custodes
• 2 Grey Knights
• 2 Astra Militarum
• 2 Imperial Knights
• 3 Chaos Space Marines
• 3 World Eaters
• 2 Death Guard
• 1 Thousand Sons
• 1 Chaos Daemons
• 1 Chaos Knights
• 3 Orks
• 3 Aeldari
• 5 Necrons
• 1 Tau
• 1 Drukhari
• 1 Tyranids
• 1 Votann

14 Marine-esque factions, so a fair chunk of the Meta in Power Armour, especially once you add the Sisters. The loyalists are three different Detachments representing Space Wolves, Salamanders and Black Templars. All three want to get close to be most effective, though the Salamanders have access to a Whirlwind for Indirect and Battleshock, so it's something to bear in mind.

The Sisters lists aren't too dissimilar, although while Newby has gone for more tanks, the other list has the Triumph of St Katherine and more melee units.

Two of the Custodes lists are carbon copies of each other (and part of the same team), while the third lacks any Forge World units.

The Grey Knights lists have notable differences. Ky is getting really good with them, but the other player has played the faction at events for a long time.

The two Guard lists are polar opposites, one with a lot of tanks and one with a lot of Kriegsman.

The Imperial Knights both have a selection of Big and Little Knights, one has more littles and double Assassin. I feel a little happier into that one due to it having less firepower into the Wraithguard, but the Vindicare could be a menace.

A lot of Daemon Engines in one of the CSM lists, while the other two are more similar to each other with allied Daemons for scoring and utility.

The World Eaters all have Angron. He's going to have a busy weekend. a lot of Eightbound and Exalted Eightbound too.

Conversely, only one Mortarion with the Death Guard. He's accompanied by a lot of armour, possibly in an attempt to overwhelm target priority. Meanwhile, the other list drowns the board in Plague Marines.

The Thousand Sons have Magnus and TRIPLE Mutalith Vortex Beast. Target priority to reduce the Cabal points will be key.

Belakor and 2 Greater Daemons is a lot of beef, with his buffs for protection. I think there is potential play for trying to kill everything else and outscoring them.

Eleven War Dogs and some Daemons for scoring, this list looks like it came to kill everything and worry about points after.

The Ork lists are a mix of similar units, Squigasaur proving popular, with varying numbers of Squighog and Stormboyz to help with scoring.

The Tau has fish of fury and 2 units of Crisis Suits to ruin the day. Also a lot of screening units for scoring and Marker lighting as well. I think this list is deceptively strong.

I'm yet to face Votann. Ever. This list has one Land Fortress, but two bricks of Hearthguard and I've heard they are very nasty and hard to shift. They also have access to an Enhancement that lets them ignore Modifiers, which could include the halving damage of The Yncarne and C'tan. I will have to check if it comes up.

I'm in a similar boat with the Tyranids, having not faced them since the Codex. This list has a lot of bodies while still having big beats, including a Norn.

Drukhari get a lot of point drops, a buff to Pain tokens and a new Detachment in the Dataslate. For this weekend though, they are Trash Tier. Except.... George McCoulough. A long time faction expert and one of the few people able to take down events with pre-Dataslate Drukhari. I would expect this to be a hard match, and the Drukhari to be favoured here.

My list, Khaine with a Wraithknight and a double Night Spinner Ynnari list. The lists couldn't be more different from each other, similar to the three Marines.

The 5 Necron lists feel more concerning as they are in a really good spot at the moment. 13 C'tan and 63 Wraiths between them, though two lists are Hypercrypt and three are Canoptek Court. At least the Immortals are no longer able to kick out a ridiculous amount of Mortal Wounds anymore. These match ups are going to be difficult as those units are hard to shift and the lists are very capable of scoring points.

Expectations

I know I'm a capable player, playing my favourite faction, with a list that I have sculpted and practiced with. I've played each of the mission combos for the weekend twice. I have plans, without being rigid. 

However, there are lot of of good players at the event, with more experience of two day events. This doesn't worry me though. This is the first 2000 points, two day event featuring multiple members of Dick Van Dice so it should be fun regardless.

My goal is to win where I can, score as much as possible and have fun while supporting the rest of the team. Those that aren't playing are either popping in to see the convention, or supporting us via messenger. It's going to be a great weekend.