TheChirurgeon: Welcome back to another week of Competitive Innovations, where we recap the weekend’s GTs and Majors, talk about the matchups, and analyze the top lists. Normally you’d see James “One_Wing” Grover in this space talking about events, but I’ve been informed that this week’s he’s either “just sick” or “sick of your bullshit.” I dunno, it’s definitely one of those two.
So instead you get the equally capable B-Squad, analysis cobbled together from yours truly, Peter “The Falcon” Colosimo, and Jeremy “Curie” Atkinson. So join us as we talk about this past weekend’s games. Follow along and say things in the comments below, even.
As usual, you perverts keep playing too much tournament Warhammer and so this week’s events have been split in order to make things more manageable. Today we’ll be covering:
- Frontline Gaming RMO 2024 40k Champs
- Battlefield Birmingham 22
- CQ Exterminatus 2024
- Bastion Games Warlords GT 3.0: Unforgiven
- Free state GT 2024
- Lords of War GT – March 2024
- The Ides of March 40K GT
On Friday, you will have Lowest of Men as normal, covering:
- OPEN “ATLAVERA” 2024 (IBERIAN OPEN)
- Talvisota – Winter Assault 2024
- JP CUP
- Toys of Mass Destruction – Hertfordshire Spring GT
- Last Of The Summer Winehammer 6
- BFS Grand Tournament
Wings: Thanks to the dream team for stepping up here – there’s still a few of my words later on, as my production pipeline involves getting the Best of Rests done first, in this case before Nurgle’s wrath struck me. Hopefully I’ll be back as normal next week!
Frontline Gaming RMO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs
198-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Brighton, CO, US on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was streamed by Wargames Live. You can find coverage here:
Zaak Kerstetter – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Sons of Sanguinius Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + Lemartes [110pts] The Sanguinor [140pts] + Character + Captain [80pts] . Pistol and Melee Weapon: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Captain [80pts] . Pistol and Melee Weapon: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Chaplain [60pts]: Warlord Lieutenant with Combi-weapon [70pts] + Battleline + Assault Intercessor Squad [75pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Assault Intercessor Squad [75pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist + Infantry + Death Company Marines [230pts] . Death Company Marine . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist Death Company Marines with Jump Packs [260pts] . Death Company Marine . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist Death Company Marines with Jump Packs [130pts] . Death Company Marine . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist . . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist Scout Squad [65pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword Scout Squad [65pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword Scout Squad [65pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword + Vehicle + Gladiator Lancer [160pts]: 2 Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber Land Raider Redeemer [260pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter + Dedicated Transport + Rhino [75pts]: Hunter Killer Missile ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [2,000pts] ++
. 4x Assault Intercessors: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Assault Intercessors: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Death Company Marine
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
Archetype
Death Visions of Slamguinius
Thoughts
Falcon: Sometimes a meta requires you to come up with new innovations; a deft hand, tricky plays, and stratagem combinations that change the nature of the game itself. And sometimes it requires a distinct and brutal application of force. There is very little more brutal or forceful in the game right now than walking into an army that apparently stopped at the local big box warehouse and bought their power fists at a bulk discount. The Sons of Sanguinius detachment saw just the glow up it needed a month ago with its +2 bonus to strength, putting the Blood Angels’ scariest units past the breakpoints of the current big bads in the game, and the lists that have slowly risen to the top take full advantage of being able to prey on the Custodes and Hypercrypts of the world. This particular list packs a lot of highly mobile strength 6 and 10 hits with the additional protection of a Redeemer for the assault squads/captains and a Rhino for the Death Company that forgot to fill out their jump pack requisition forms. The Sanguinor is an excellent Lone Op unit that creates a credible threat opponents have to consider prior to engaging in any combat, scouts all the cheap multi-purpose unit everyone wants, and the Lancer, well the Lancer is just really good. Right now it’s a pretty good time to think you’re Sanguinius.
Daniel Harrison – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand World Eaters CHARACTERS Angron (415 points) World Eaters Daemon Prince with Wings (195 points) World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (100 points) BATTLELINE Jakhals (70 points) Jakhals (70 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Eightbound (290 points) Khorne Lord of Skulls (450 points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) World Eaters Helbrute (140 points) World Eaters Helbrute (140 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
WEE (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• 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 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 Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 5x Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound eviscerators
• 1x Daemongore cannon
1x Great cleaver of Khorne
1x Skullhurler
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute fist
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute fist
1x Multi-melta
Archetype
Married with Children
Thoughts
Falcon: Angron and a Lord of Skulls,I dare you to name a better power couple in humanity’s far future. They are the Jay-Z and Beyonce of the 41st millennium and no one can convince me otherwise. When there is only war, sometimes you just need to bring multiple actual avatars of carnage and/or multi-platinum award winning artists to the table to stand a chance and this list packs enough heat in these two big bodies to handle a lot of the toughness skewed Dreadknight and Custodes lists that have been making the rounds. It definitely helps that behind these bold beasts of burden lies a potent second wave of murderous intent with the Daemon Prince, Juggalord, and dual Helbrutes veritably saturating the board. Jackals and Chaos Spawn round out the list with just enough support to score some points and take advantage of the player-placed terrain while everything else applies pressure.
Cody Jiru – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) – 3rd Place (5.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Drukhari CHARACTERS Archon (95 points) Archon (95 points) Beastmaster (120 points) Beastmaster (105 points) Beastmaster (105 points) BATTLELINE Kabalite Warriors (110 points) Kabalite Warriors (110 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Raider (80 points) Venom (70 points) Venom (70 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Court of the Archon (85 points) Cronos (50 points) Cronos (50 points) Cronos (50 points) Incubi (150 points) Incubi (75 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Mandrakes (65 points) Scourges (110 points) Scourges (110 points) Tantalus (230 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
A Cucking Good Time (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Skysplinter Assault
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade
• Enhancement: Nightmare Shroud
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade
• Enhancement: Phantasmal Smoke
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
1x Splinter pods
• Enhancement: Sadistic Fulcrum
• 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 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 Sybarite
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Dark lance
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Splinter cannon
1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Lhamaean
• 1x Shaimeshi blade
• 1x Medusae
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
• 1x Shardcarbine
1x Splinter pistol
1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
• 1x Ur-ghul talons
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles
• 9x Incubi
• 9x Klaive
• 1x Klaivex
• 1x Demiklaives
• 4x Incubi
• 4x Klaive
• 1x Klaivex
• 1x Demiklaives
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
• 1x Dire scythe blades
1x Pulse disintegrators
Archetype
1982 Cult Classic Beast Master
Thoughts
Falcon: In the early 80s people were really into guys wearing loincloths and stabbing evil wizards and priests. It was a whole thing. I blame Reaganomics. Anyway, in late 1982, a movie called the Beastmaster came out, it was supposed to be a remake of a sci-fi novel but somewhere along the way they decided it was better to answer the question ‘What if Conan the Barbarian could talk to animals like a Disney princess?’ The answer is 3 movies and an early ‘00s television series.
But what does that have to do with anything here you may ask? Nothing, really, but seeing all these Beastmasters in a list reminded me of simpler times. Anyway, back on topic, Cody is taking Skysplinter in its thickest direction yet and dropping a big old Tantalus on the board flanked by 3 Cronos, and 3 Beastmaster squads rather than going really wide with venoms or multiple raiders (though there is room for a few here). Despite their amazing mobility, Drukhari are still glass cannons so packing longevity into the list is not a bad thing. The beast masters make for excellent meat mole hills that take actual effort to tear down with their 21 wounds,holding up enemy units long enough for the precision combat instruments in the list to tear down their targets with liberal application of pounce upon the prey and wraith-like retreat. Vicious Blades is also a real threat here as the Tantalus is fullying capable of ramming through a target and then slipping an extra 5-6 mortal wounds in on the sly. Despite running the big boat and its buddies this list is still packed to the brim with scoring and area denial that can’t be overlooked.
Colin Ruegsegger – Necrons (Canoptek Court) – 4th Place (5.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Necrons CHARACTERS C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (255 points) C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (270 points) Technomancer (80 points) Technomancer (75 points) Transcendent C’tan (275 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Acanthrites (85 points) Canoptek Doomstalker (135 points) Canoptek Doomstalker (135 points) Canoptek Doomstalker (135 points) Canoptek Tomb Sentinel (115 points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
C.C. (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Canoptek Court
• 1x Gaze of death
1x Scythe of the Nightbringer
• 1x Canoptek tail blades
1x Spear of the Void Dragon
1x Voltaic storm
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Dimensional Sanctum
• Warlord
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Hyperphasic Fulcrum
• 1x Crackling tendrils
1x Seismic assault
• 3x Canoptek Acanthrites
• 3x Cutting beam
3x Voidblade
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 1x Exile cannon
1x Gloom Prism (Aura)
1x Tomb Sentinel claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
Archetype
Canoptek C’Tan
Thoughts
Falcon: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. 3 C’Tan walk into an event…
While Canoptek Court has seen a drop in play in favor of Hypercrypt lists, Colin takes the old Wraiths and C’Tan out for a spin to great success regardless. The Doomstalkers here add some real long range threats to soften up targets and particularly protect the wraiths and C’Tan from Trajan Valoris and his coterie of Custodian Guard. The list also just does a helluva job at clearing out marine equivalents, which is great for Colin as they made up 4 of his opponents on the weekend. A great list with some real teeth in the current meta.
The Best of the Rest
There were 15 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Tom Cohen – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C’tan (Nightbringer and two Transcendent) and two Wraith bricks, with a Plasmancer Immortal block and some Heavy Destroyers for dakka.
- 6th – Cory Weber – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Quad C’tan and one Wraith brick.
- 7th – Ben Neal – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): The Centurion special, squeezing in an extra tank by downgrading Calgar’s hype men to a second squad of Company Heroes.
- 8th – Nicolas Wenker – Chaos Daemons: Monster mash with Shalaxi, Big Bird, a GuO with the Gift and Be’lakor, backed by speedy Seekers and sticky Horrors/Plaguebearers.
- 9th – Tucker Rickey – Genestealer Cult: A real blast from six months ago here, infiltrating Aberrants (plus the standard shooty horde).
- 10th – Frank Guerra – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Shooty Monster Mash with Exocrines, Maleceptors and a Tyrannofex, plus one big Ravener block as a good place to drop the Feel No Pain stratagem.
- 11th – Daniel Bradley – Adepta Sororitas: A fairly high pressure Sisters build that adds some extra Warsuits and a squad of Sacresants (with Junith) to the normal all-rounder mix.
- 12th – John Kilcommons – T’au Empire: Triptide, Breacherfish and Broadsides. Coming soon to a Mont’ka build near you.
- 13th – Benjamin Jurek – Astra Militarum: Double Tank Commander, loads of Kasrkin, and Bullgryn MSUs acting as the forward push while some Basilisks and Manticores rack up kills.
- 14th – Troy Trujillo – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead): Double RepEx and Impulsors with nasty melee inside, plus some Gladiators.
- 15th – John Holbrook – Death Guard: Mortarion-free crunchy Death Guard, going for extra shooting with Predators and Plaguebursts, lots of packed Rhinos and some Bloat-drones for extra pressure.
- 16th – Nathan Cartmell – Grey Knights: Three Dreadknights and two big Terminator bricks (one of each flavour).
- 17th – Cameron Mitchell – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Three tooled up kill teams (two Indomitor, one Proteus) and some Terminator MSUs providing backing. Nice to see this detachment get actual use!
- 18th – Adam Dye – Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon gunline with Vindicators and Obliterators.
- 19th – Brett Sandersfeld – Adeptus Custodes: Three big blocks, two small Allarus units and a pair of Caladius tanks.
Battlefield Birmingham 22
84-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Priority Targets – Chosen Battlefield – Dawn of War
Oliver Gaisford – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (145 points) Blade Champion (150 points) Blade Champion (120 points) Trajann Valoris (160 points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (225 points) Custodian Guard (180 points) Prosecutors (40 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) Custodian Wardens (250 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Army List - Click to Expand
Golden bricks (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Shield Host
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Veiled Blade
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Ceaseless Hunter
• 1x Vaultswords
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 3x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Sentinel blade
1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 2x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Sentinel blade
1x Vexilla
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
vs.
Mani Cheema – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (230 Points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (215 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) ALLIED UNITS Inquisitorial Henchmen (40 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Twix!! (2000 Points)
Mani & Vik Collab!!
Teleport Strike Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Inescapable Wrath
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 4x Inquisitorial Acolyte
• 4x Acolyte firearm
4x Acolyte melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
Thoughts
Falcon: Meat Mountain meets the Psychic Titan Train in a skew vs skew match-up that feels like a tough nut for the Custodes to crack. Heavy Psycannons are a bane on Custodes foot units and while Trajann Valoris can at times be a one-man army, the golden guards are going to need to be able to hide really well and rely on their superior objective control as there are 118 Toughness 8 wounds in this list and T8 is a breakpoint the Custodes can struggle with already. Tag on multiple Techmarines to heal up any incidental damage and this is one pile of wounds that some lists will struggle with. No doubt the lack of Draxus, or other tech scoring pieces was probably keenly felt in this match-up though just going all in on the gold did get Oliver this far for a reason!
TheChirurgeon: The updated guns on the Nemesis Dreadknight are basically tailor-made to kill custodes now that they’re AP-2 with Ignores Cover. And that’s exactly what happened in this game, where Mani could delete a unit of Wardens at a time. For the Custodes, everything hinges on being able to make early charges into the Dreadknights to remove them from the table before they can do too much damage. Oliver had the first turn, holding Trajan and the Ceaseless Blade Champion units in reserve. He filled us in on the game itself, and here’s what he had to say:
Oliver: “By turn 3 [Mani} was doing so much damage to me that I decided I needed to go all in on a hail mary or I’d have no chance. I’d resurrected a guy on my home objective to give me a 7” charge into one Dreadknight, moved a Guard unit 9” away from another, dropped the Blade Champion’s unit 9” from another, and Trajan’s Unit 9” from another, with a land Raider in the centre of the table.
I ended up only making the 7” charge out of those, and Mani tabled me on his turn 3.”
TheChirurgeon: This is also a very similar list to one Mani took took a trophy with a few weeks back. Oliver decided to netlist for the event as a way to change things up from playing Chaos Knights and ended up playing into Mani with his own list. Tragic, though it’s a hilarious move on Mani’s part to play a list that dumpsters his last one.
Result
Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) Victory – 100 – 33
Mani Cheema – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Brotherhood Techmarine (60 Points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (230 Points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (215 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 Points) ALLIED UNITS Inquisitorial Henchmen (40 Points)
Twix!! (2000 Points)
Mani & Vik Collab!!
Teleport Strike Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Inescapable Wrath
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 4x Inquisitorial Acolyte
• 4x Acolyte firearm
4x Acolyte melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
Archetype
Psychic Titan Train
Thoughts
See the showdown. It’s a lot of toughness 8 wounds that teleport and shoot you. That’s it. That’s the story.
Leonard Percival – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Birmingham Tourney (2000 Points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 Points) Logan Grimnar (100 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (115 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Wulfen (80 Points) Wulfen (80 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
Hi Harry, here is the correct list.
Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• 1x Storm bolter
1x The Axe Morkai
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Storm Shield
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Fury of the Storm
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Wulfen Pack Leader
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Stormfrag auto-launcher
1x Wulfen hammer
• 4x Wulfen
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Stormfrag auto-launcher
4x Wulfen hammer
• 1x Wulfen Pack Leader
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Stormfrag auto-launcher
1x Wulfen hammer
• 4x Wulfen
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Stormfrag auto-launcher
4x Wulfen hammer
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Thunderwolfstorm
Thoughts
Falcon: Logan Grimnar leads a swarm of 20 Thunderwolves in a list that has 0 chill. Three massive Wolf units with advance and charge can really clog up the board in a hurry, and while this list has often suffered from a lack of damage potential due to the low AP on the regular cavalry weapons, getting access to army wide charge and hit rerolls once per game from the High King of Fenris ability does allow for your ‘go turn’ to stick the landing more often than not. 2 Lancers in the backfield keep opposing heavy targets honest while infiltrators, scouts and the callidus keep the score tally rising. Ride Hard, Ride Fast will keep 2 units of Thunderwolves locked in combat for the entire game if you need it.
Matt Bell – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Techmarine (60 points) Grand Master (125 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (215 points) Kaldor Draigo (125 points) BATTLELINE Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) Strike Squad (125 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Interceptor Squad (135 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Paladin Squad (450 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Draigo bombastic (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Boltgun
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath
• Warlord
• 1x Scourging
1x Storm bolter
1x The Titansword
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
• 8x Paladin
• 8x Nemesis force weapon
4x Psycannon
4x Storm bolter
Archetype
Grey Knight Mixer
Thoughts
Falcon: Nemesis Dreadknights apply long range pressure to back up a massive Paladin Brick with Kaldor Draigo at the fore. Interceptors and Strikes give the list a modicum of extra scoring. One with the Warp is a backbreaker in the right match-up allowing Draigo to either get in a precision strike if attached to the terminators or an absolute atom-smasher with the Paladins.
Gareth Jones – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (150 Points) Blade Champion (130 Points) Trajann Valoris (160 Points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (225 Points) Custodian Guard (225 Points) Custodian Guard (180 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Custodian Wardens (250 Points) Custodian Wardens (250 Points) Custodian Wardens (250 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.10.1 (30), Data Version: v336
Custard (1990 Points)
Shield Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Ceaseless Hunter
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Inspirational Exemplar
• Warlord
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Mini-Meat Mountain
Thoughts
Falcon: Custodes infantry skew continues to put up results. Blade Champions allow for the extra mobility required to engage on their own terms and the addition of a Callidus ensures extra scoring potential when things grind to a halt.
The Best of the Rest
There were 12 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Peter Bunce – Orks: Ork Goodstuff.
- 6th – Richard Kilpatrick – Tyranids (Unending Swarm): an intriugingly balanced Swarm build, mixing in the key big Gargoyle and Hormagaunt blocks with Exocrines and Maleceptors for more heft.
- 7th – Josh Richards – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Two C’tan, two Doomsdays and a big unit each of Immortals and Warriors ot play around with a Monolith.
- 8th – Maciek ”Magic” Chamier-Cieminski – Adeptus Custodes: Infantry spam with three units each of Guard and Wardens.
- 9th – Peter Clappison – Astra Militarum: Two big Death Korps tarpits with a trio of Russ Exterminators behind them.
- 10th – Matiss Krumins – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Two big ThunderCav blocks surrounded by lots of small pressure pieces like Wulfen MSUs and Jump Intercessors.
- 11th – Dawid Szmyt – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Double Immortals, double Doomstalker, triple Wraiths.
- 12th – Kevin Davies – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster Mash with the Old One-Eye/Dakkafex unit.
- 13th – Adam Gourlay – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Standard mix of speedy melee and dakka boats.
- 14th – Donny Evason – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double Immortals with Szeras, one Wraith unit and a Monolith.
- 15th – Oliver Gaisford – Adeptus Custodes: See Showdown
- 16th – Adam Trotter – Imperial Knights: Maximum gallantry makes a glorious return, three of them slamming into the foe alongside a Castigator.
CQ Exterminatus 2024 – Warhammer 40k Tournament
40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rockhampton City, QLD, Australia on March 15 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Joshua McGowan – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Captain (80 points) Captain with Jump Pack (95 points) Sanguinary Priest (80 points) Sanguinary Priest (80 points) Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (90 points) The Sanguinor (140 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (150 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Intercessor Squad (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (90 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (90 points) Land Raider Redeemer (260 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Sons of Sanguinius
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Icon of the Angel
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt Pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Encarmine broadsword
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessor
• 9x Astartes chainsword
9x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 9x Astartes chainsword
9x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Bladeguard Veteran
• 2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Bladeguard Veteran
• 2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
3x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
3x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
3x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
Archetype
We Have Death Company At Home
Thoughts
Falcon: In our second big result in this article for the Blood Angels, Josh McGowan takes a wider approach, eschewing the frothing madmen that make up the Death Company in favor of squad after squad of Assault Intercessors backed by Sanguinary Priests to improve the longevity of the larger 10-man squads and up the AP on their chainswords into ‘show some respect’ range. 2 units of bladeguard provide some extra elite killing power as Str 7 Master crafted power weapons are no joke. The omni-present Redeemer is backed up here by a stalwart impulsor to maximize mobility when the time is right to apply maximum pressure.
The Best of the Rest
There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Gavin Bube – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Four routine infantry blocks plus a big Allarus unit.
- 3rd – Cameron Sanderson – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double C’tan, Triple Immortals and Monolith.
- 4th – Michael Stratford – T’au Empire (Kauyon): A big Crisis team joined by a mix of smaller things, including the rare sight of a Y’vahra.
- 5th – Zac Lehr – Tzeentch Daemons: Be’lakor and three large avian threats, plus lots of smaller speedy/flamey things.
- 6th – Benjamin Sharpe – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C’tan, double Immortals, Monolith.
Bastion Games Warlords GT 3.0: Unforgiven
42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Northern Ireland, GB on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Harry McComb – Necrons (Canoptek Court) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Canoptek Court + Epic Hero + C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer [255pts] C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon [270pts] + Character + Technomancer [70pts]: Metalodermal Tesla Weave, Warlord Technomancer [80pts]: Dimensional Sanctum Technomancer [60pts] Transcendant C’tan [275pts] + Mounted + Lokhust Destroyers [30pts] . Lokhust Destroyer Lokhust Destroyers [30pts] . Lokhust Destroyer Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [50pts] . Destroyer w/ enmitic exterminator Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [50pts] . Destroyer w/ enmitic exterminator + Beast + Canoptek Acanthrites [85pts] . 3x Canoptek Acanthrite: 3x Cutting beam, 3x Voidblade Canoptek Acanthrites [85pts] . 3x Canoptek Acanthrite: 3x Cutting beam, 3x Voidblade Canoptek Wraiths [220pts] . 6x Wraith w/ claws and particle caster: 6x Particle caster, 6x Vicious claws Canoptek Wraiths [220pts] . 6x Wraith w/ claws and particle caster: 6x Particle caster, 6x Vicious claws Canoptek Wraiths [220pts] . 6x Wraith w/ claws and particle caster: 6x Particle caster, 6x Vicious claws ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Xenos – Necrons) [2,000pts] ++
Archetype
Triple C’Tan Canoptek Court
Thoughts
We’ve seen this story a lot recently, with a list running triple C’Tan supported by a ton of wraiths and acanthrites, destroyers, and crypteks. The Acanthrites aren’t as durable as the Wraiths, but they’re still pretty annoying to deal with, and tag units with their Damaged Armour ability to improve the AP on allies’ attacks against that same unit, which is a very solid deal for the Enmitic Exterminators on the Lokhust Heavy Destroyers.
Ross McCarroll – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Thousand Sons CHARACTERS Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (140 Points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 Points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 Points) Infernal Master (110 Points) Infernal Master (105 Points) Magnus the Red (440 Points) Thousand Sons Daemon Prince (205 Points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 Points) Thousand Sons Chaos Spawn (65 Points) Thousand Sons Cultists (60 Points) Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 Points) Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
Magnus Walks The Dogs (2000 Points)
Cult of Magic
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Psychic Stalk
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Arcane Vortex
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Lord of Forbidden Lore
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Betentaled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Ectoplasma cannon
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Forgefiend claws
• 1x Ectoplasma cannon
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Forgefiend claws
Archetype
Characters and double Forgefiend Thousand Sons
Thoughts
TheChirurgeon: The Forgefiend builds continue to have legs (four of them, really), where they bring enough firepower and toughness at 135 points that it really doesn’t matter that they don’t have the ability to push out a bunch of Devastating Wounds. And anything they don’t kill eating a -1 penalty to hit rolls is just icing on the cake. The list otherwise runs lighter on Rubrics than most we’ve seen up to this point, instead relying on solo characters – Exalted Sorcerers and Ahriman on Discs – to zip around the table and cause problems while doing actions.
The Best of the Rest
There were three more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Martin Sloan – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): One big and two small Primaris Crusader units, backed by a Redeemer and Impulsor full of Sword Brethren.
- 4th – Richard Moore – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Vying for the title of “scariest Land Raider” we have one packed with foot Death Company, joined by flying ones and various other pressure pieces.
- 5th – Michael McConkey – Tyranids (Unending Swarm): Big horde plus Exocrines, Maleceptors and a Tyrannofex.
Lords Of War GT – March 2024
35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Madison, AL, US on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Chilling Rain – Search and Destroy
Sean Rice – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Hallowed Martyrs Detachment Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible + Epic Hero + Morvenn Vahl [145pts] Saint Celestine [135pts] Triumph of Saint Katherine [125pts] + Character + Palatine [65pts]: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Bolt Pistol + Battleline + Battle Sisters Squad [100pts] + Infantry + Arco-Flagellants [150pts] Arco-Flagellants [150pts] Crusaders [25pts] Crusaders [25pts] Crusaders [25pts] Retributor Squad [105pts] Retributor Squad [105pts] Seraphim Squad [70pts] Seraphim Squad [70pts] Sisters Novitiate Squad [85pts] + Vehicle + Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter Paragon Warsuits [170pts] + Dedicated Transport + Immolator [115pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta Immolator [115pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta Sororitas Rhino [75pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [1,995pts] ++
. 6x Battle Sister: 6x Bolt Pistol, 6x Boltgun, 6x Close combat weapon
. Battle Sister w/ Simulacrum Imperialus
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Sister Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails
. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon
. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol
. Seraphim Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon
. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol
. Seraphim Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Novitiate Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Novitiate with Sacred Banner
. Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis
. 7x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 7x Autopistol, 7x Noviatiate melee weapon
. Paragon Superior: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
vs.
Matthew Rogers – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) World Eaters CHARACTERS Angron (415 points) Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) Lord Invocatus (140 points) BATTLELINE Jakhals (70 points) Khorne Berzerkers (100 points) Khorne Berzerkers (100 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS World Eaters Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Eightbound (145 points) Eightbound (145 points) Exalted Eightbound (320 points) Exalted Eightbound (160 points) Exalted Eightbound (160 points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Army List - Click to Expand
World Eaters (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 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 Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
4x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
4x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Khornate eviscerator
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-bolter
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators
• 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
Thoughts
This is a tough matchup for the World Eaters, who don’t have less support, fewer units, and more variance than they used to while the Sisters of Battle largely have a bit more variance thanks to nerfs to the Triumph of St. Katherine. What would have been a close matchup late last year is now more lopsided, as the Sororitas largely match up well against the World Eaters, particularly when they run this light on models. The Castigator is practically made for killing Eightbound, while the flagellants and warsuits give the army some melee units the World Eaters really don’t want to get charged by.
Result
Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) Victory – 85 – 56
Sean Rice – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Hallowed Martyrs Detachment Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible + Epic Hero + Morvenn Vahl [145pts] Saint Celestine [135pts] Triumph of Saint Katherine [125pts] + Character + Palatine [65pts]: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Bolt Pistol + Battleline + Battle Sisters Squad [100pts] + Infantry + Arco-Flagellants [150pts] Arco-Flagellants [150pts] Crusaders [25pts] Crusaders [25pts] Crusaders [25pts] Retributor Squad [105pts] Retributor Squad [105pts] Seraphim Squad [70pts] Seraphim Squad [70pts] Sisters Novitiate Squad [85pts] + Vehicle + Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter Paragon Warsuits [170pts] + Dedicated Transport + Immolator [115pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta Immolator [115pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta Sororitas Rhino [75pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [1,995pts] ++
. 6x Battle Sister: 6x Bolt Pistol, 6x Boltgun, 6x Close combat weapon
. Battle Sister w/ Simulacrum Imperialus
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Sister Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails
. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Crusaders
. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor: Multi-melta
. Retributor Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon
. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol
. Seraphim Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon
. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol
. Seraphim Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Novitiate Superior
. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon
. Novitiate with Sacred Banner
. Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis
. 7x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 7x Autopistol, 7x Noviatiate melee weapon
. Paragon Superior: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
Archetype
Sisters Mixed Arms
Thoughts
Sean dumps the Exorcists altogether, but rather than go heavy on Castigators instead opts for a combined arms approach, leaning on a mix of sisters, seraphim, retributors, and arco-flagellants. It’s a list which really shows off how flexible the Adepta Sororitas can be, particularly when you compare it to the lists we saw just last week. Anyone who’s gone up against arco-flagellants will tell you how nasty they are in melee, and how surprisingly hard to kill they can be, especially with small arms fire.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Jeremy Stan – T’au Empire (Kauyon): A big Crisis Team, triple Breacherfish, triple Riptide.
- 3rd – Robert Blackwell – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Silent King and Doomstalkers, plus Wraiths and a pair of C’tan.
- 4th – Lucas Hering – T’au Empire (Kauyon): extra go-wide shooting with Sky Rays in addition to Riptides and lots of foot-slogging Breachers.
- 5th – Subastjion Ritter – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Honestly a bit of everything, plus a Barbed Hierodule as a chunky centrepiece.
- 6th – Coleman Smith – Chaos Daemons: Mega monster mash with five big threats (Gift GuO, Rotigus, Keeper, Big Bird, Be’lakor) and a scattering of other tools for objectives.
- 7th – Matthew Rogers – World Eaters: Angron, Invocatus, one Rhino packed with scary stuff and a whole lotta Eightbound.
- 8th – Steven Crawley – Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Double Dark Angels Stormraven, with the cute addition of some Bladeguard for Azrael to pal around with on the backlines.
Free State GT 2024
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Holton, KS, United States on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Dan Sammons – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Einhyr Champion (80 points) Einhyr Champion (60 points) Grimnyr (85 points) BATTLELINE Hearthkyn Warriors (110 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Sagitaur (115 points) Sagitaur (115 points) Sagitaur (115 points) Sagitaur (115 points) Sagitaur (115 points) Sagitaur (115 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 points) Cthonian Beserks (100 points) Cthonian Beserks (100 points) Cthonian Beserks (100 points) Einhyr Hearthguard (320 points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Thicc (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Oathband
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancement: Grim Demeanour
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• 1x Grimnyr
• 1x Ancestral Wrath
1x Ancestral ward stave
• Enhancement: Appraising Glare
• 2x CORV
• 2x Autoch-pattern bolter
2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x EtaCarn plasma pistol
1x Kin melee weapon
1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
• 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
7x Autoch-pattern bolter
9x Close combat weapon
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
Archetype
Sagitaur Rush
Thoughts
Curie: Dan Sammons has now won 2 GTs with Votann this edition (the previous one being New Years Knockout 2024), and narrowly missed winning a third at Big Beef Beat Down two weeks ago (losing out on the top table to Imperial Knights in an extremely tight game). Clearly intending to show that they still pack a punch after their key units (Sagitaurs, Einhyr Hearthguard) got hit in the Q1 2024 Dataslate, he’s brought 6 Sagitaurs, a big brick of Einhyr Hearthguard, and three units of Cthonian Beserks. Sprinkled in with this list is another 3 units of Hernkyn Pioneers to provide mobile scoring and decent firepower into chaff as well as the necessary Grim Demeanour character (in this case an Einhyr Champion leading the Einhyr Hearthguard). This allows him to deal with C’tans and damage-mitigation units such as the Avatar of Khaine much more efficiently between shooting and melee with that unit.
Good thing too, as Dan powered through 3 Necron opponents (2 Hypercrypt and 1 Canoptek Court), clearing (one would assume) 7 C’tans on the way!
The interesting part of this list is the lack of Hearthkyn Warriors – there is only a single unit of them here, with the Sagitaurs being filled out by the three Cthonian Beserk units and a single (solo) Grimnyr. This variant of the build is seeing a lot more play since the Q1 2024 Dataslate that raised the prices on the key Votann units mentioned above. There is something very fun (and quite spooky for the opponent) at scouting up a Sagitaur filled with Beserks behind a ruin and daring your opponent to get close to it! Congratulations Dan and may you continue your acquisition of podiums!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Treynor Wolfe – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Four block with two Caladius.
- 3rd – Chase Campbell – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Double C’tan, triple Doomstalker, double Wraiths.
- 4th – Aaron Hermstedt – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion and crunch, going for a full unit of Deathshrouds as an additional melee nightmare.
- 5th – Joe Guzowski – Orks: Heavy aggro with lots of Meganobz with Big Meks and various other pressure pieces (including Snikrot with a full Kommando squad).
- 6th – Isaiah Norton- Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): A big squad of Primaris Crusaders as a centrepiece, supported by Sword Brethren in a Redeemer and the comedy Templar magnetic Vindicator.
The Ides of March 40k GT
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rockport, ME, United States on March 16 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was streamed live by Tactical Tortoise 40k. You can find the streams of the event here:
Drew Salzborn – T’au Empire (Kauyon) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Cadre Fireblade (55 points) Cadre Fireblade (40 points) Longstrike (140 points) BATTLELINE Breacher Team (90 points) Breacher Team (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Devilfish (75 points) Devilfish (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) Kroot Carnivores (55 points) Kroot Farstalkers (70 points) Kroot Hounds (60 points) Kroot Hounds (30 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) Tetras (80 points) Tetras (80 points) Tetras (80 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Astra Milita-tau-um (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kauyon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fireblade pulse rifle
2x Gun Drone
• Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fireblade pulse rifle
2x Gun Drone
• Warlord
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 1x Support turret missile system
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Guardian Drone
1x Pulse blaster
1x Pulse pistol
1x Shield Drone
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Pulse blaster
9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Support turret missile system
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Guardian Drone
1x Pulse blaster
1x Pulse pistol
1x Shield Drone
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Pulse blaster
9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin smart missile system
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 10x Kroot Carnivore
• 10x Kroot rifle
• 1x Kroot Kill-broker
• 1x Farstalker firearm
1x Kroot pistol
1x Ritual blade
• 9x Kroot Farstalker
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Farstalker firearm
9x Kroot pistol
• 2x Kroot Hound
• 2x Ripping fangs
• 8x Kroot Hound
• 8x Ripping fangs
• 4x Kroot Hound
• 4x Ripping fangs
• 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
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
• 2x Tetra
• 2x Close combat weapons
4x Pulse rifle
Archetype
Mechanized T’au
Thoughts
TheChirurgeon: The T’au have had a surprising amount of success since the Q1 dataslate, making regular top 4s and securing some noteworthy GT wins. Going heavy on vehicles offers T’au the ability to combine mobility with solid durability – Each Tetra or Piranha is a T7, 7W, OC2, 4+ save body, with 14” movement and either Scouts 9” (Piranhas) or Infiltrate (Tetras). That means if you want to clear them off an objective you need to have a way to push through 7-14 damage, buying plenty of time for the rest of the army to bear down on you while you’re screwing around with cheap bikes.
With the new Codex it will be interesting to see how T’au armies change, particularly as the Mont’ka and Retaliation Cadre detachments offer the chance to completely change how the army works, letting players push forward aggressively early instead of having to play a more patient waiting game (which, now that I think about it, is very much in flavor for the army). That said, it’s going to be a while yet.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Casey Glynn – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple Immortals, lots of Heavy Destroyers and a Monolith.
- 3rd – Damien Smith – Iron Hands (Ironstorm Spearhead): Dakka hulls plus the unusual (but honestly interesting) choice of a drop pod with 2×5 Hellblasters.
- 4th – William Cliff – Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day): Horde plus an Aberrant unit.
- 5th – John Shippee – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Aggro Templars with Sword Brethren, Primaris Crusaders and even a squad of Assault Centurions.
Final Thoughts
TheChirurgeon: That concludes this week. There are plenty of changes in store over the next few weeks – the first being that Codex: Dark Angels is finally legal for tournament play, with updated points to match. While we aren’t expecting them to make a big competitive splash, things are less dire for the army than it originally appeared. The other is the new Codex: T’au Empire which, like Codex: Dark Angels before it, was released as part of a boxed set and now we must wait several weeks for real points and tournament legality on the book. That means we’re due for a fair amount of the current status quo, so expect to see a lot more weeks like this one, where Necrons clean up.
In the meantime, Black Templars are making waves, with two event wins this week and a growing number of TiWP results. For more on those developments, check back Friday for the second part of this week’s Competitive Innovations, when Lowest of Men will be taking on the rest.
