Warhammer will continue until morale improves, apparently – we’ve got another gigantic week for your delectation, and more interesting builds at the top (plus the regular crop of Aeldari for you to boo and throw turnips at).
Today I’ll be covering:
- Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament – US Open Tampa (supermajor)
- Fantasia Fanatic XLIV 40K (major)
- Gem City GT 2023 (major)
- Denver 40K Fight Club October Open (major)
- Dark Sphere October GT
- 1° GT Mallorca
On Friday we’ll have Lowest of Men looking at:
- Kippers’ Melee 2023 – 40k (major)
- Medhammer GT 2023 – Golden Dawn (major)
- The Pecking Order: Turkey Wars GT 2023 (major)
- Geekfest – Warhammer 40K GT
- Last Of The Summer Winehammer 5
- Austrian GT
This week we’ve got two voted showdowns selected by the Goonhammer Patrons, and one write-in where my elite intelligence operatives (well, Gunum) have extracted some thoughts from one of the participants. That means we’ll be looking at:
- Adepta Sororitas vs World Eaters at the US Open.
- Death Guard vs Aeldari at the Austrain GT
- Astra Militarum vs Aeldari at Gemhammer
You may also notice, starting this week, that we’re including the detachment type for players in top fours and showdowns, in preparation for the presumed Marine onslaught that’ll be coming in the near future. Hoping to get that sorted out for the Best of the Rest too, stay tuned for that one.
Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament – US Open Tampa
291-player, 8-round Supermajor in Tampa, FL, United States on October 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Chosen Battlefield – Sweeping Engagement
Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): A shooting-focused combined arms Sisters build, packing in Castigators, Immolators and some well-supported Sisters units, with the Morvenn/Warsuit unit as a big hammer. Statuary Tender Honest — Imagifier Orator Superior Amalia — Junith Eruita Prioress Sabine – Morvenn Vahl Purifier Charity – Palatine Saint Nuria the Reforged – St. Celestine Battle Sister Squad Battle Sister Squad Battle Sister Squad Crucible’s Reach — Immolator Purifying Incandescence — Immolator Retributor Squad Refutation of Dross — Castigator Ringing Purity — Castigator The Feral — Mortifier The Fool — Mortifier The Cog Breakers – Paragon Warsuits Seraphim (5) Sisters Novitiates (10) 2x Death Cult Assassins Madeline — Callidus Assassin
Army List - Click to Expand
Order of the Eternal Crucible
– Litanies of Faith
— Warlord
– Plasma Pistol, Blade of St. Ellynor
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Combi-Weapon
– Meltagun
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Combi-Weapon
– Ministorum Flamer
– Multi-Melta
– Simulacrum
– Power Weapon+Combi-Weapon
– Artificer Storm Bolter
– Immolation Flamer
– Hunter-Killer Missile
– Twin Multi-Melta
– Hunter-Killer Missile
– Power Weapon+Combi-weapon
– 4xMulti-Melta
-Castigator Battle Cannon
-Hunter-Killer Missile
-Storm Bolter
-Castigator Battle Cannon
-Hunter-Killer Missile
-Storm Bolter
-2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade
-Anchorite Sarcophagus
-2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade
-Anchorite Sarcophagus
-3x Multi-Melta+Paragon Grenade Launcher
-2x Paragon War Mace
-1x Paragon War Blade
-Plasma Pistol
-4x Hand Flamer
-Power Weapon+Plasma Pistol
-Sacred Banner
-Simulacra
-2xFlamer
-Autopistols and Novitiate Blades
vs.
Jack Harpster – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Extra aggressive World Eaters focused on getting Angron and some Exalted Eightbound amongst the enemy as quickly as possible, then keeping them on the back foot all the way to victory. World Eaters CHARACTERS Angron (415 Points) Lord Invocatus (140 Points) World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 Points) World Eaters Master of Executions (105 Points) BATTLELINE Jakhals (70 Points) Khorne Berzerkers (200 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS World Eaters Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Eightbound (135 Points) Exalted Eightbound (300 Points) Exalted Eightbound (150 Points) Exalted Eightbound (150 Points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 Points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
I Miss Blood Angels (2000 Points)
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive
• 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
• 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
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-bolter
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
Thoughts
A very unique showdown to cap off the US Open here, pitting the aggressive might of World Eaters against a unique and potent Adepta Sororitas list. On the World Eaters side, the discounts they received mean they now get enough stuff that they can play to their strength of trying to body the enemy out of the game. You stick Scouts from Invocatus on the big Eightbound squad and put the Juggerlord with them and they then have massive first turn reach, and once they impact the enemy it can be tricky for them to extract themselves, allowing Angron and the rest of the boys to get stuck in too and lock things up. I like the MoE with a big Berserker unit for the current metagame too, as it gives you something that’s a powerful trump to some of the tools other Chaos armies are relying on.
Over on the Sisters side, the big thing to highlight here is the use of regular Battle Sister squads, who now appear to do enough to justify their price tag, and the heavy skew towards shooting to get things done rather than melee. Even Celestine is rocking around with a Seraphim squad rather than Zephyrim, giving her some extra mobility and the option of reaching for an objective that would normally be out of her grasp from reserves, and fortifying the squad with a bit of counter-punch for opponents that charge them. I also like Junith a lot – more CP is basically always good, and keeps the fun flowing here. Once you add all the toys together, what stands out about this force is that it has quite a lot of redundancy – there’s enough shooting to do real damage, but outside the Paragons (who are clearly going to be saved for a special occasion) there aren’t many things that it would be an unsalvageable disaster to lose, and enough threat projection to force the opponent to interact.
I think the redundancy is key to giving the Sisters a good shot here, despite the brutality of the World Eaters, whose threats are limited in number even after points changes. The Sisters can afford to lose a good few units before they’re down and out here, and are well tooled to eliminate whatever killed them in return in this matchup – lots of multi-meltas is pretty great into a bunch of Eightbound, who are going to need to run hot on their saves to survive. Being able to use an Act of Faith to guarantee a critical Fall Back within range of the Eightbound’s influence is also a huge boon to the Sisters. Finally, the mission also helps them – were I the Sisters player, I’d aim to maximise the number of objectives that are poorly concealed, because the World Eaters are just going to run out of stuff before the day is out if they have to keep losing units to score, even with the Jakhals/Rhino as extra chaff. That forces them towards going for a shutout, which definitely can still work, but is much less likely to against these Sisters than most. Sure enough, while the scoring was low on both sides, the Sororitas took the day.
Result
Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) Victory – 58 – 43
Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Go-wide Shooty Sisters
Thoughts
All covered in the Showdown – this is quite different from some of the other Sisters builds people have been trying, and has immediately outperformed expectations for the faction, so is clearly on to something good! I think the combination of high redundancy while still being able to focus fire with a lot of melta when needed is quite unusual in the metagame, and clearly pretty well positioned, so well done Jeffrey for putting this plan together and taking the trophy.
Jack Harpster – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 2nd Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Aggro World Eaters
Thoughts
No thoughts, only chainglaive. They’d have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for those meddling Sisters. I do like the fact that this army manages to pack enough scoring stuff to be getting on with while still cramming in maximum aggro, it’s a nice balance (and I think going low on Berserkers is the right choice).
Congratulations to Jack on making it two unusual armies in the final, and on another great US Open performance.
Quinton Johnson – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch Wayleaper (115 Points) Avatar of Khaine (335 Points) Farseer (80 Points) Farseer Skyrunner (115 Points) Spiritseer (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Night Spinner (180 Points) Night Spinner (180 Points) Night Spinner (180 Points) Shadow Spectres (95 Points) Swooping Hawks (75 Points) War Walkers (110 Points) Warp Spiders (115 Points) Wraithguard (340 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283
(2000 Points)
Battle Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Mandiblasters
1x Star glaive
• 1x The Wailing Doom
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing spear
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle
• 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
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 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
• 10x Wraithguard
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Wraithcannon
Archetype
Spinners and Wraithguard
Thoughts
We can exclusively confirm that this build is just as nasty on GW terrain as on UKTC. The Avatar is also particularly good at dominating central objectives on GW map 1, which might be what’s helped give them the nod over the Yncarne here. Well done to Quinton for taking third.
Nick Herting – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Team: Cigar City Gaming Strong but not dominant (1990 Points) Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Chaos Lord (75 Points) Chaos Lord (75 Points) Chaos Lord (75 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (55 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (75 Points) Chaos Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chosen (110 Points) Chosen (110 Points) Chosen (220 Points) Forgefiend (180 Points) Forgefiend (180 Points) Obliterators (170 Points) Obliterators (170 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (35 Points) Syll’Esske (120 Points) The Blue Scribes (65 Points)
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Chosen
• 6x Accursed weapon
6x Bolt pistol
3x Boltgun
4x Combi-weapon
2x Paired accursed weapons
3x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 2x Obliterator
• 2x Crushing fists
2x Fleshmetal guns
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 2x Obliterator
• 2x Crushing fists
2x Fleshmetal guns
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Axe of Dominion
1x Cacophonic choir
1x Scourging whip
• 1x Sharp Quills
Archetype
Brawler CSM
Thoughts
Gonna have to come up with a better name for this, as this seems to be another build that’s here to stay. The combination of speedy Warp Talons and Advance/Charge reach from the Chosen Rhino brigade allows Chaos Space Marines to swiftly deploy decent melee threats wherever they’re needed, and the strength of taking one each of Nurgle and Undivided Oblitarators and Forgefiends gives you one of the best value shooting setups available right now, real lift for minimal commitment. A great list, and a great run from Nick, who was eventually knocked out in the semi-finals by Jack’s World Eaters, who are only too happy to get into a brawl.
The Best of the Rest
The rest of the top 8 was as follows:
- 5th – Ben Jurek – Aeldari (Battle Host): Wraithguard, Yncarne, triple Spinners. Adds some Shroud Runners to mix up the speedy component a bit.
- 6th – Sascha Alexander Edelkraut – Imperial Fists (Gladius Task Force): Gravis and artillery for days, with Tor Garadon leading some Aggressors as a centrepiece.
- 7th – Hogan Franklin – Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Brainy monster mash, taking a bunch of Maleceptors and Neurolictors overseen by a Flyrant and a trio of Norns (two Emissaries and an Assimilator).
- 8th – Brian Jones – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Lancer/Canis/Crusader triple bigs, going for maximum aggro.
Fantasia Fanatic XLIV 40K
96-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västerbottens län, SE on October 14 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Axel Rydén – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch Wayleaper (115 Points) Avatar of Khaine (335 Points) Farseer (105 Points) The Yncarne (350 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Hornet (100 Points) Night Spinner (180 Points) Night Spinner (180 Points) Shadow Spectres (95 Points) Shadow Spectres (95 Points) War Walkers (110 Points) War Walkers (110 Points) War Walkers (110 Points) Warp Spiders (115 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.4.0 (18), Data Version: v258
Umeå Eldar (2000 Points)
Battle Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Mandiblasters
1x Star glaive
• 1x The Wailing Doom
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witchblade
• Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls
• 2x Bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 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
Archetype
Double Avatar
Final Round Matchup
20 – 0 Victory against Arvid Kaykhosravi – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty).
Thoughts
I’m going to level with you – I was hoping that Umeå (from the list name) was some sort of expletive or snide remark about Aeldari, but it turns out to just be the town the event happened in. Very boring. Try harder Axel.
Pedro Chavez – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Battle Host + Epic Hero + Fuegan [115pts] Illic Nightspear [70pts] + Character + Autarch Wayleaper [140pts]: Dragon Fusion Gun, Howling Banshee Mask, Star Glaive, The Phoenix Gem, Warlord Farseer [80pts]: Witchblade Spiritseer [80pts]: Fate’s Messenger + Infantry + Rangers [55pts] . 5x Ranger: 5x Close Combat Weapon, 5x Ranger long rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol Shadow Spectres [95pts] . 5x Shadow Spectre: 5x Prism Rifle Shadow Spectres [95pts] . 5x Shadow Spectre: 5x Prism Rifle Warp Spiders [115pts] . 4x Warp Spider: 4x Deathspinner Warp Spiders [115pts] . 4x Warp Spider: 4x Deathspinner Warp Spiders [115pts] . 4x Warp Spider: 4x Deathspinner Wraithguard [340pts] . 10x Wraithguard: 10x Wraithcannon + Vehicle + Night Spinner [180pts]: Shuriken Cannon Night Spinner [180pts]: Shuriken Cannon War Walker [110pts]: 2x Bright Lance War Walker [110pts]: 2x Bright Lance ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++
++ Army Roster (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [1,995pts] ++
. Warp Spider Exarch: 2x Deathspinner, Powerblades
. Warp Spider Exarch: 2x Deathspinner, Powerblades
. Warp Spider Exarch: 2x Deathspinner, Powerblades
Archetype
Wraithguard and Spinners
Thoughts
A genuine divergence from the norm to highlight in this one – no Avatars of any flavour. In their place, Pedro has even more reliable scoring than the Aeldari norm, which I can see making a lot of sense in a 20-0 scoring event, as it theoretically helps ensure high scores in lots of games, though in practice it was marginally pipped by the sheer brutality of Axel’s build. Still, a very strong (and undefeated) second place from Pedro.
Magnus Forslund – T’au Empire (Kauyon) – 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Commander Shadowsun (100 Points) Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 Points) Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (130 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (180 Points) Crisis Battlesuits (360 Points) Crisis Battlesuits (180 Points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) Hammerhead Gunship (130 Points) Kroot Carnivores (55 Points) Kroot Carnivores (55 Points) Krootox Riders (35 Points) Krootox Riders (35 Points) Pathfinder Team (90 Points) Piranha (55 Points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 Points) Tetras (80 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.4.0 (18), Data Version: v258
Tau (1990 Points)
Kauyon
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
1x Flechette launcher
2x High-energy fusion blaster
1x Light missile pod
1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancements: Exemplar of the Kauyon
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancements: Precision of the Patient Hunter
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Broadside Shas’ui
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• 5x Crisis Shas’ui
• 5x Battlesuit fists
15x Cyclic ion blaster
10x Shield Drone
5x Shield Generator
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
3x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• 2x Crisis Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
6x Cyclic ion blaster
4x Shield Drone
2x Shield Generator
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin smart missile system
• 10x Kroot Carnivore
• 10x Kroot rifle
• 10x Kroot Carnivore
• 10x Kroot rifle
• 1x Kroot gun
1x Krootox fists
• 1x Kroot gun
1x Krootox fists
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Gun Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Recon Drone
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol
3x Rail rifle
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
Archetype
Go-wide shooty Tau
Thoughts
Battlesuit-based murder is very much back thanks to Tau being able to cram a bumper crop of mobile murder mechs into their lists post dataslate. This build opts for a slightly more go-wide version of the plan, taking one big and two small Crisis Teams and loading out with some Ghostkeels and Tanks in support. It has one unusual choice in taking the Pathfinder team instead of a second unit of Tetras, which I’m guessing is either some tech against aggressive CSM/World Eater builds (hoping that Scouts with Charge distance reduction can help screen valuable units) or is just because the pilot didn’t own enough Tetras. Who can say. Nice to see an unusual unit out and about though, so well done Magnus.
Björn Eriksson – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 4th Place (4.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Canis Rex (460 points) Knight Castellan (565 points) BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (150 points) Armiger Helverin (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Inquisitor Coteaz (75 points) Inquisitorial Henchmen (60 points)
ImpORKial Nauts (2000 points)
Imperial Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 1x Plasma decimator
2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher
1x Titanic feet
2x Twin meltagun
1x Twin siegebreaker cannon
1x Volcano lance
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Nemesis daemon hammer
1x Psychic Blast
• 4x Inquisitorial Acolyte
• 4x Acolyte firearm
4x Acolyte melee weapon
1x Eviscerator
• 1x Gun Servitor
• 1x Acolyte melee weapon
1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Mystic
• 1x Acolyte firearm
1x Acolyte melee weapon
Archetype
Hefty Bois
Thoughts
Yeah so I’m going to go ahead and suggest the fact that a lot of the best-performing current Knight builds seem to be discarding Bondsman abilities means that the nerf to those needs a second look. This build goes for maximum non-Bondsman brutality both at a distance and up close, with the nightmare tag team of a Castellan and Canis Rex. That gives it the lift to carve through almost anything, and good alpha strike protection for the Armigers, which is always nice. I also like the cunning trick of sticking Coteaz in as the Inquisitor – Knights don’t have access to ongoing CP gain of their own, but the big boys hunger for it, so play off the fact that a lot of armies are now squeezing in a CP battery of some kind. Sneaky, just as we’d expect from the Inquisition, and Coteaz also provides a little bit more killing power than the Inquisitorial average if anything sneaks past his pet mystic. Some nice choices in this build, well done Björn.
The Best of the Rest
There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Daniel Tercha – Chaos Knights: Dogs and a few Daemons.
- 6th – Daniel Hesselberg – Chaos Knights: All dogs.
- 7th – Tim Nordin – Astra Militarum: Russes, Manticores and some Bullgryn MSUs for board presence.
- 8th – Rickard Wallin – Adeptus Mechanicus: Breachers with Tech Priests and some Skitarii with Technoarchaelogists (who can presumably also go independent to screen out reserves) and/or Kyria Draxus.
- 9th – Daniel Bergström – Imperial Knights: Full send with a Gallant, Canis and lots of Warglaives, with just one Helverin and some Voidsmen at the back.
- 10th – Kristoffer Wikner – Astra Militarum: Big Krieg squads for objective play and lots of Tanks.
- 11th – Filip Zingmark – T’au: Go-wide suits with lots of Crisis and Stealth MSUs, plus some Hammerheads.
- 12th – Arvid Kaykhosravi – Necrons: One big Warrior unit, Doomstalkers and a Doomsday then way more small screening things than usual.
- 13th – André Persson – Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon gunline with two Accursed Communes for forward pressure.
- 14th – Tommy Ström – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Horde Templars with loads of Primaris Crusaders and two big Hellblaster units.
Gem City GT 2023
69-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dayton, OH, United States on October 14 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Vital Ground – Chilling Rain – Crucible of Battle
Folger Pyles – Aeldari (Battle Host): Yncarne, Wraithguard and a Spinner. CHARACTER Autarch Wayleaper (115 points) Farseer (80 points) Fuegan (115 points) Spiritseer (80 points) The Yncarne (350 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Night Spinner (180 points) Shadow Spectres (95 points) Swooping Hawks (75 points) War Walkers (110 points) War Walkers (110 points) War Walkers (110 points) Warp Spiders (115 points) Warp Spiders (115 points) Wraithguard (340 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Gem Gt Test (1990 points)
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
1x Star glaive
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witchblade
• 1x Searsong
1x The Fire Axe
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 5x Shadow Spectre
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Prism rifle
• 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
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 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
• 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
• 10x Wraithguard
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Wraithcannon
vs.
Jared Bruce – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Go-wide Kriegtastic guard with lots of unusual picks like Rapiers and an Aegis Defence Line to help make stuff extra sticky. CHARACTERS Death Korps Marshal (60 points) Death Rider Squadron Commander (60 points) Death Rider Squadron Commander (60 points) Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) Primaris Psyker (60 points) Tank Commander (205 points) Ursula Creed (55 points) BATTLELINE Death Korps of Krieg (130 points) Infantry Squad (60 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aegis Defence Line (145 points) Death Rider Squadron (70 points) Death Rider Squadron (70 points) Hellhound (125 points) Manticore (150 points) Manticore (150 points) Rapier Laser Destroyer Battery (105 points) Rapier Laser Destroyer Battery (105 points) Scout Sentinels (60 points) Scout Sentinels (60 points) Tempestus Scions (55 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
light brigade (2000 points)
Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Regiment
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• Warlord
• 1x Conquest
1x Konstantin’s hooves
1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze
• 1x Force weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Psychic Maelstrom
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher battle cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon
• 2x Death Korps Watchmaster
• 2x Plasma pistol
2x Power weapon
• 18x Death Korps Trooper
• 18x Close combat weapon
1x Death Korps Medi-pack
2x Grenade launcher
12x Lasgun
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
• 1x Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 7x Guardsman
• 7x Close combat weapon
6x Lasgun
1x Plasma gun
• 1x Heavy Weapons Team
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Mortar
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
• 4x Death Rider hunting lance
4x Laspistol
4x Savage claws
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
• 4x Death Rider hunting lance
4x Laspistol
4x Savage claws
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Melta cannon
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm eagle rockets
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm eagle rockets
• 3x Rapier Laser Destroyer
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Laser destroyer
• 3x Rapier Laser Destroyer
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Laser destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Tempestor
• 1x Chainsword
1x Hot-shot laspistol
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot volley gun
1x Plasma gun
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Thoughts
Looks like at least one Aeldari player has finally cottoned on that they’re unlikely to get into Showdowns via the democratic route right now, and in service of elf oligarchy, Folger sent in this report of how the final went down. Take it away!
Had to do some learning pre game with some of the awesome choices in my opponents list. The combination of Aegis Defense Line and the Rapier Laser Destroyer Batteries was not something I’ve played against before. Shout out to Jared on the awesome list and for piloting to a strong finish.
My game plan going in was neutralizing the threat of the 2x Manticores and Callidus assassin. With those off the board my key pieces like the Wraithguard, Spiritseer, and War Walkers would be free to get maximum value. During deployment I was actively looking for angles to line up my War Walkers with their scout move + 10″ move to be able to snipe something in his backfield, aiming to teleport the Yncarne across and deal with the Manticores/Assassin. We both deployed our key units bunkered up behind obscuring terrain. However my opponent didn’t spot a few angles that I could line up on one of his Manticores. I won the roll to go first and positioned all of my warwalkers to take out the 1 manticore. I got behind enemy lines and no prisoners as secondaries on turn which lined up perfectly with my gameplan, though unfortunately I failed the roll to give fortune to the Yncarne.
I decided to go for max aggression on my turn 1 anyway, aiming to strike a crippling blow and keep the momentum going from there. With the 6 bright lances I dropped 1 of his Manticores in the backfield and teleported the Yncarne in. I was able to use the yncarnes flamer to take out the assassin and melee to drop the other. With my remaining shooting I slowed his 20 man brick down with the night spinner and killed his Death Riders with my remaining shooting. On Jared’s turn he went after the Yncarne and set up the rest of his army to start scoring to get back on level footing.
Unfortunately, I rolled hot and he did not when attacking the Yncarne and it lived through his shooting phase despite the lack of Fortune. With the Yncarne and all 3 War Walkers still alive on my turn 2 I was able to pick up his 2 remaing tanks and set myself up to start raking in points despite this being a low scoring mission. Turns 3 through 5 were us trading resources and try to maximize our scoring. I severely underestimated how hard it is to deal with guard units that keep coming back and Jared made the most of a bad situation. Final score was 72 to 53 for an Aeldari victory.
Thanks Folger – interesting to see a game where the Aeldari are forced to go full aggro to avoid being chipped away over time.
Result
Aeldari (Battle Host) Victory – 72 – 53
Folger Pyles – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Wraithguard and Yncarne
Thoughts
Fairly standard Aeldari stuff, though as highlighted in the Showdown the skew towards War Walkers gives it the option to try and unleash the Yncarne early on when it’s right for the matchup. Well done to Folger on the win!
Brad Chester – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Kaptin Badrukk (80 points) Mozrog Skragbad (195 points) Nob on Smasha Squig (80 points) Painboy (70 points) Warboss (65 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (60 points) Trukk (60 points) Trukk (60 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (190 points) Gretchin (40 points) Gretchin (40 points) Nobz (210 points) Nobz (210 points) Squighog Boyz (220 points) Squighog Boyz (110 points) Squighog Boyz (110 points) Stormboyz (65 points) Stormboyz (65 points) Stormboyz (65 points)
badruk got his groove back (1995 points)
Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
Waaagh! Tribe
• Warlord
• 1x Choppa
1x Da Rippa
1x Slugga
• 1x Big Chompa’s jaws
1x Gutrippa
1x Thump gun
• 1x Big choppa
1x Slugga
1x Smasha squig jaws
• Enhancement: Headwoppa’s Killchoppa
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ’Urty syringe
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 2x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Nob
• 9x Power klaw
9x Slugga
• 2x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Nob
• 9x Power klaw
9x Slugga
• 2x Bomb Squig
• 6x Squighog Boy
• 6x Saddlegit weapons
6x Squighog jaws and saddlegits
6x Stikka
• 1x Bomb Squig
• 3x Squighog Boy
• 3x Saddlegit weapons
3x Squighog jaws and saddlegits
3x Stikka
• 1x Bomb Squig
• 3x Squighog Boy
• 3x Saddlegit weapons
3x Squighog jaws and saddlegits
3x Stikka
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
Archetype
Ork Goodstuff
Thoughts
Goddammit. OK, I swear I thought up the title for the column before I read this list. Ok? OK. Anyway, this is the Ork Goodstuff build that Brad’s been smashing out a tonne of wins with lately, and it works via the extremely kunnin’ method of putting all the best Ork units into an army list then steamrolling the enemy with them. What can I say – it seems to be working, well done Brad.
Zachary Morales – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Castellan (65 points) Chaplain Grimaldus (95 points) High Marshal Helbrecht (95 points) Judiciar (110 points) BATTLELINE Primaris Crusader Squad (280 points) Primaris Crusader Squad (280 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 points) Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 points) Inceptor Squad (115 points) Land Raider Redeemer (260 points) Primaris Sword Brethren (280 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points)
Sun Sentinels – Hey, Yes you, I hate you (2000 points)
Space Marines
Black Templars
Strike Force (2000 points)
Righteous Crusaders
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Chaplain Grimaldus
• 1x Artificer crozius
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Cenobyte Servitor
• 3x Close combat weapon
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancement: Tännhauser’s Bones
• 1x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Power weapon
1x Pyre pistol
• 11x Primaris Initiate
• 7x Astartes chainsword
11x Bolt pistol
11x Close combat weapon
7x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Power fist
• 8x Primaris Neophyte
• 8x Astartes chainsword
8x Bolt pistol
• 1x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Power weapon
1x Pyre pistol
• 11x Primaris Initiate
• 7x Astartes chainsword
11x Bolt pistol
11x Close combat weapon
7x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Power fist
• 8x Primaris Neophyte
• 8x Astartes chainsword
8x Bolt pistol
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Lancer laser destroyer
1x Multi-melta
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Lancer laser destroyer
1x Multi-melta
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Sword Brother Castellan
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 9x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Plasma pistol
5x Power weapon
4x Pyre pistol
2x Thunder hammer
2x Twin lightning claws
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Crusader & Tank Templars
Thoughts
OK, so you may look at the Marine list with fifty angry murder Marines and say “surely this is a horde list” and the answer is it kind of is, but also at another event this weekend a Black Templars list with 120 Marines in it took second, so I’m keeping my powder dry on that particular description. This build merely takes advantage of the fact that Primaris Crusaders are an extremely efficient way to throw down bodies, Black Templar Gladiators are even better than the regular ones now that the price difference is smaller, and Primaris Sword Brethen are plausibly the nastiest melee unit that don’t take up two seats each in a Land Raider, letting you pack a truly astounding amount of ultraviolence into a Redeemer.
As we see more melee builds pop up in the metagame, this army is extremely ready to punish them, with enough shooting to put the hurt on if they linger at range, but also a brutal counterpunch and access to a very hard-to-charge unit with a massive footprint once you attach a Judiciar to one of the Crusader bricks. Obviously we’ve got the new Codex shakeup hititng the metagame shortly, but right now Black Templars are one of the breakout Marine options, and Zachary showcases why here.
Lyle Dixon – T’au Empire (Kauyon) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points) Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) Kroot Hounds (30 points) Piranha (55 points) Piranha (55 points) Piranha (55 points) Sky Ray Gunship (130 points) Sky Ray Gunship (130 points) Sky Ray Gunship (130 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Tetras (80 points) Tetras (80 points)
Tau Balance (2000 points)
T’au Empire
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kauyon
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Marker Drone
1x Missile pod
3x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon
• Warlord
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Marker Drone
1x Missile pod
2x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
1x Marker Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Shield Drone
1x Twin plasma rifle
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
1x Seeker missile
2x Shield Drone
1x Twin plasma rifle
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Shield Drone
• 5x Crisis Shas’ui
• 5x Battlesuit fists
5x Cyclic ion blaster
10x Cyclic ion blaster
10x Shield Drone
4x Shield Generator
• 1x Crisis Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Shield Drone
• 5x Crisis Shas’ui
• 5x Battlesuit fists
5x Cyclic ion blaster
10x Cyclic ion blaster
10x Shield Drone
4x Shield Generator
• 4x Kroot Hound
• 4x Ripping fangs
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
2x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
2x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
2x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
Archetype
Crunchy Tau
Thoughts
That’s so many guns and hulls, good lord. Two full Crisis bricks and three Sky Rays presents a terrifying and pretty durable shooting core, and you also get lots of Piranhas, Tetras and Stealth suits to screen, spot and score. Efficient and effective from Lyle.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Jared Bruce – Astra Militarum: See showdown.
- 6th – Conan Jennings – Raven Guard (Gladius Task Force): Lots of Gravis (Inceptors and Aggressors), Shrikes VanVet buddies and some Whirlwinds.
- 7th – Austin Johnson – Thousand Sons: Rubric and Character Tsons, with a Daemon Prince for extra defence.
- 8th – Joshua Minnich – Chaos Space Marines: Triple Accursed Commune, Oblits and Forgefiends for a gunline, and plenty of utility Daemons, including solo Syll’Esske.
- 9th – Alex Brudnicki – Orks: Pressure Orks with Trukks and speedy friends.
- 10th – David DeLisle – Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Brain bug bonanza, with lots of monsters and Zoanthropes.
- 11th – Nicolas Chesnick – Thousand Sons: Crunchier Tsons with a big Rubric squad and full Scarab unit.
- 12th – Benjamin Frederiksen – Aeldari: Double Avatar, hulls and speedy Aspects.
Denver 40K Fight Club October Open
63-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, CO, US on October 14 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Colin Kay – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand (1990 Points) Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Chaos Lord (75 Points) Chaos Lord (75 Points) Chaos Lord (75 Points) Dark Commune (55 Points) Huron Blackheart (80 Points) Master of Possession (80 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (55 Points) Legionaries (90 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (75 Points) Chaos Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Accursed Cultists (190 Points) Chosen (110 Points) Chosen (110 Points) Chosen (110 Points) Possessed (280 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (35 Points) Nurglings (35 Points) Syll’Esske (120 Points) The Blue Scribes (65 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.4.0 (18), Data Version: v258
DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA!
I heard you like Shooting? I’ve got some for you…
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade
• Warlord
• 1x Exalted weapon
1x Tyrant’s Claw
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Rite of Possession
1x Staff of possession
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Possessed Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Hideous mutations
• 9x Possessed
• 9x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Axe of Dominion
1x Cacophonic choir
1x Scourging whip
• 1x Sharp quills
Archetype
Pure Melee CSM
Final Round Matchup
91 – 76 Victory against Joel Davis – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe).
Thoughts
Yeah OK fine, sure – you can also just leave CSM’s extremely good shooting tools entirely on the bench and still win with their speedy melee pressure. You have to be the bullet.
Given the plan of winning entirely with melee, I think the inclusion of Huron is a nice tough – it gives you plenty of flexibility to reposition your foot-slogging threats so they’re lined up with ideal prey, and also allows one of the Chosen squads to be set up for some techy movement shenanigans at a key moment. When you go down this kind of route you need to be making sure you’re squeezing the aboslute most out of our units, as all melee tends to be less forgiving than mixed builds, so it’s a smart pick, and clearly extremely well-used by Colin!
Joel Davis – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Beastboss on Squigosaur (185 points) Kaptin Badrukk (80 points) Mozrog Skragbad (195 points) Nob on Smasha Squig (85 points) Warboss (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (60 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (190 points) Gargantuan Squiggoth (440 points) Gretchin (40 points) Gretchin (40 points) Nobz (210 points) Squighog Boyz (220 points) Squighog Boyz (110 points) Stormboyz (65 points)
squiggles galore (2000 points)
Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
Waaagh! Tribe
• 1x Beastchoppa
1x Slugga
1x Squigosaur’s jaws
1x Thump gun
• Enhancement: Headwoppa’s Killchoppa
• Warlord
• 1x Choppa
1x Da Rippa
1x Slugga
• 1x Big Chompa’s jaws
1x Gutrippa
1x Thump gun
• 1x Big choppa
1x Slugga
1x Smasha squig jaws
• Enhancement: Follow Me Ladz
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin slugga
• Enhancement: Supa-Cybork Body
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 1x Huge tusks
1x Supa-kannon
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 2x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Nob
• 9x Power klaw
9x Slugga
• 2x Bomb Squig
• 6x Squighog Boy
• 6x Saddlegit weapons
6x Squighog jaws and saddlegits
6x Stikka
• 1x Bomb Squig
• 3x Squighog Boy
• 3x Saddlegit weapons
3x Squighog jaws and saddlegits
3x Stikka
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
Archetype
Ork Goodstuff with a Squiggoth
Thoughts
I would say I pretend I do not see it, but a Gargantuan Squiggoth is pretty hard to miss. This build continues a fine Forge World tradition, in that the Ork -1 to Wound stratagem excludes VEHICLEs and GRETCHIN, which covers all giant TITANIC things in the Index, but does not exclude MONSTERs, which is what the Squiggoth is. Did I make an audible sigh when I realised this? Yes. Anyway, this means you get absolutely eye-watering value for your 1CP, essentially leaving Fire Prisms, full wound re-rolls or stuff with Lethal Hits as the only serious answer to the gigantic monster. Are there still ride-or-die Forge World fans who will get mad at me for pointing this sort of thing out? Let’s find out!
The Squiggoth also provides a fantastic platform for Flash Gitz to shoot out of, which I should in all fairness say would be a smart thing to do with it even outside the power of the Stratagem combo, as it gives you the flexibility to go for slow-and-steady killing with them rather than having to throw them out and probably most of them to the swingback. I like the mixup this represents on the Goodstuff default, and slamming a Squiggoth into melee has got to be pretty enjoyable (and it crushed many elves under its hooves), so well done to Joel.
Cody Jiru – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) Illic Nightspear (70 points) Yvraine (100 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Night Spinner (180 points) Rangers (110 points) Shadow Spectres (190 points) Skyweavers (95 points) Skyweavers (95 points) War Walkers (110 points) Warp Spiders (115 points) Warp Spiders (115 points) ALLIED UNITS Beastmaster (105 points) Beastmaster (105 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Ravager (115 points) Ravager (115 points) Ravager (115 points) Scourges (110 points)
Westy For the Besty (2000 points)
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Voidbringer
• Warlord
• 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows
1x Storm of Whispers
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 10x Ranger
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Ranger long rifle
10x Shuriken pistol
• 10x Shadow Spectre
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Prism rifle
• 2x Skyweaver
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Skyweaver haywire cannon
2x Zephyrglaive
• 2x Skyweaver
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Skyweaver haywire cannon
2x Zephyrglaive
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet
• 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
• 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
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
• 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
• 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
• 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
• 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
• 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
• 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
3x Dark lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
Archetype
Go-wide Ynnari
Thoughts
A somewhat unusual Ynnari build here, eschewing some of the normal big Aeldari tools in favour of lots of scoring and board control tools, leveraging the cost-efficiency of Beastmasters. Also unusual (and certainly powerful now Desolation Marines are less common) is the full Shadow Spectre unit, presumably planning to pop Guide and cause endless headaches for the opponent, particularly in concert with a full Illic Ranger unit as well. This build is very tricky to interact with profitably unless you can just roll it over (which is I’m guessing what happened in the loss it picked up against Joel, as it doesn’t have great answers to the Big Squig). Will the perfidious elves ever run out of new tricks to try? Not if Cody has anything to say about it, apparently.
Zaak kerstetter – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Autarch Wayleaper (140 points) Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) Illic Nightspear (70 points) The Yncarne (350 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Fire Prism (180 points) Fire Prism (180 points) Hornet (100 points) Hornet (100 points) Night Spinner (180 points) Rangers (55 points) Rangers (55 points) Shadow Spectres (190 points) Shroud Runners (80 points) Warp Spiders (115 points) Warp Spiders (115 points)
Eldar Smelldar (2000 points)
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Twin shuriken catapult
1x Witchblade
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Voidbringer
• 1x Swirling soul energy
1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls
• 1x Prism cannon
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Prism cannon
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Doomweaver
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Ranger long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Ranger long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
• 10x Shadow Spectre
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Prism rifle
• 3x Shroud Runner
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Ranger long rifle
3x Scatter laser
3x Shuriken pistol
• 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
• 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
Archetype
Hull-heavy Eldar
Thoughts
A more normal Aeldari build to round out this top four, sticking to the tried and true plan of taking the Yncarne, Warp Spiders and good hulls, though the 10-model Shadow Spectre unit does make it in here too, presumably settled upon as a way to squeeze more big damage in without breaking the bank on Wraithguard. Well done Zaak.
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Justin Kemple – Ynnari: Continuing the noble quest the Aeldari playerbase are embarked upon to get every single datasheet into an X-1 list, this build runs Yvraine with a full Voidscarred unit in a Serpent, which yeah is pretty cool I guess (and, crucially, legal as of the Index Card FAQ). Her respawn is great with them and that, the 5+ Feel No Pain and the Soul Weaver combine to create a nice all-rounder unit. Beyond that, the list goes wide with Skyweavers and Ravagers, and also includes the Visarch with a small Incubi unit, presumably aiming to go for a Strands powered Charge from Strategic Reserves.
- 6th – Michael Mann – Chaos Daemons: Be’lakor with an unusually horde-y backup – lots of Horrors and Bloodletters, then two big Bloodcrusher units with a Rendmaster to order them about.
Dark Sphere October GT
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on October 14 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Niklas Ek – Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Clamavus (80 points) Primus (105 points) Primus (90 points) Primus (90 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Acolyte Hybrids (170 points) Neophyte Hybrids (180 points) Neophyte Hybrids (180 points) Neophyte Hybrids (180 points) Neophyte Hybrids (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
It ain’t broken (2000 points)
Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Ascension Day
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Inscrutable Cunning
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: Prowling Agitant
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
4x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
4x Seismic cannon
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
4x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
4x Seismic cannon
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
4x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
4x Seismic cannon
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
• 9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
5x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
• 1x Demolition charge cache
1x Goliath wheels
1x Heavy stubber
1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Heavy mortar
1x Ridgerunner wheels
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
Archetype
Pure horde
Final Round Matchup
74 – 72 Victory against Antonio Aparicio Lopez – Aeldari (Battle Host).
Thoughts
Hey, a blast from the (recent) past here, Niklas going ahead and reminding people that while GSC’s stickiness and unit count have both been reduced, you can still do absolutely horrifying things with them if you focus on maximising pure damage output for your go turn, which is what this build lands on. I do also like the use of a single Truck to provide something slightly crunchier for early pushes without having to go in on expensive Aberrants. If you played any of early 10th you certainly know what this army can do if you let it – but part of the power of Cults has always been that in the right hands, they can be really hard to stop. Well done Niklas.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Ethan Richards – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Full horde Templars with Crusaders and Primaris Crusaders for days.
- 3rd – Jak Payne – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Big Deathwing Knight brick with Aggressor and Redemptor backup.
- 4th – Antonio Aparicio Lopez – Aeldari (Battle Host): Spinners and Wraithguard with the Avatar.
-
5th – Ranchen Li – Leagues of Votann: Sagitaur spam.
- 6th – Dami Segun – Aeldari: Prisms and Wraithguard.
1° GT Mallorca
29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Palma, Illes Balears, ES on October 14 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Vince Montalban – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) Dark Commune (55 points) Dark Commune (55 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Accursed Cultists (190 points) Accursed Cultists (190 points) Chaos Bikers (85 points) Chaos Bikers (85 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Helbrute (140 points) Obliterators (340 points)
csm (1990 points)
Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Slaves to Darkness
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Combi-bolter
1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Close combat weapon
2x Combi-bolter
2x Meltagun
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Combi-bolter
1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Close combat weapon
2x Combi-bolter
2x Meltagun
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute fist
1x Helbrute fist
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 4x Obliterator
• 4x Crushing fists
4x Fleshmetal guns
Archetype
Gunline and Communes
Final Round Matchup
10 – 10 Draw against Jaime Torrandell – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment).
Thoughts
This is pretty much a down-the-line showcase of the best assets Chaos Space Marines have, which means I don’t have massive amounts to say about it not already covered elsewhere. Accursed Communes are hyper-efficient threats with big reach on an alpha turn, Abaddon and the big shooty stuff is ultra-deadly, and there’s plenty od depth in the range to throw out some unusual utility choices like the Bikers here (though I do wonder if maybe Slaanesh would be better on them to threaten harrassment charges?). All very powerful, and a great finish from Vince.
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Sibelius – Space Marines (Gladius Task Force): A full of regular Terminators with lots of Gravis and Redemptors backing them up.
- 3rd – Xisco Ubeda – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Rubric/Character Tsons.
Wrap Up
That’s so much Warhammer, good lord. Also, very much still too many elves, though it’s encouraging to see other armies make it to the final at Tampa. Make sure to check back in on Friday for the back half of the week’s events!
