Apologies for being a day late – I’m recovering from a bout of COVID!

Nephilim continues to be very popular, but it’s fair to say that this week mostly feels like we’ve hit the point where the metagame has fully consolidated around the top builds. Not entirely – a few players have made some heroic runs with novel builds this week, and we’ll dig right into those – but in general most of this week’s lists we’ve seen before. There’s still more diversity amongst that set of lists than there has been in any period since January this year, and it’s clearly much easier to challenge for a top spot with a build that isn’t from a top tier faction, but I’m now definitely looking forward to a balance dataslate to shake things up a bit, especially as the LGT at the end of this month would be a good way to send off the metagame.

Still, as I said, even in that state we’ve got some new spice to look at. This week we’re covering:

TNA Open (major)
Smite Club Open (major)
Harbor Heresy
Fields Of Damnation
Broadsword Wargaming
Wasteland Wars 40k Grand Tournament
Grand Tournament Grotkicken
Perils Of The Geekery GT

Once again, I’ve asked the esteemed Goonhammer Patrons to vote on which showdowns they want to see, and with the results in, this week I’ll be covering:

Genestealer Cults vs. Orks at the TNA Open.
Chaos Daemons vs. Tyranids at Wasteland Wars.
Black Templars vs. Adepta Sororitas at Fields of Damnation.

Finally, I’ll once again be participating in the LGT Invitational in a few weeks time, so if you want to affect the bracket seeding, go vote here (though ISTG if you bastards pair me into Malik again…).

TNA Open

76-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bray Park, QLD, AU on September 09 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

Erik Lathouras – Genestealer Cult: High-pressure Custom Cult that uses loads of bikes and Rockgrinders to get in the opponent’s face and lock them down, then a big swing from lots of Neophytes to annihilate them.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [102 PL, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cult Creed
. Myriad Cult: Accustomed to Turmoil (1), Cold-eyed Killers (1), Industrial Affinity (1), War Convoy (1)

+ HQ +

Acolyte Iconward [4 PL, 75pts]

Primus [4 PL, 80pts]: Warlord

+ Troops +

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts]
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 48pts]
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife

Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 200pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 15x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 15x Autopistol, 15x Blasting Charges, 15x Cult Shotgun, 15x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun

Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 195pts]: Proficient Planning: A Perfect Ambush
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 15x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 15x Autopistol, 15x Blasting Charges, 15x Cult Shotgun, 15x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun

Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon
. 7x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 7x Autopistol, 7x Blasting Charges, 7x Cult Shotgun, 7x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun

+ Elites +

Clamavus [3 PL, 50pts]: Relic: Oppressor’s Bane

Kelermorph [3 PL, 80pts]: Relic: Wyrmtooth Rounds

Nexos [3 PL, 50pts]: Relic: Cranial Inlay

Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 150pts]: Proficient Planning: They Came From Below
. 10x Purestrain Genestealer: 10x Cult Claws and Talons

Sanctus [4 PL, 80pts]: Cult Sniper Rifle, Proficient Planning: From Every Angle

+ Fast Attack +

Atalan Jackals [9 PL, 169pts]: Demolition Charge
. 7x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 7x Atalan Small Arms, 7x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
. 2x Atalan Wolfquad (Incinerator): 2x Atalan Incinerator, 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges

Atalan Jackals [9 PL, 174pts]: 2x Demolition Charge
. 7x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 7x Atalan Small Arms, 7x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
. 2x Atalan Wolfquad (Incinerator): 2x Atalan Incinerator, 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges

+ Heavy Support +

Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Heavy Seismic Cannon

Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 115pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon

++ Total: [102 PL, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Marcel Maujean – Orks: Goff Pressure with Ghaz and Kill Rigs
Army List - Click to Expand

Battalion

HQ
Beast boss on squig
Beasthide mantle -1CP
Brutal but kunning -1CP
Thump gun.

Weird boy
Warpath & fist of gork
Cyberork armour -1CP

Makari

Troops
2 x 10 beast snagga boys
1 x15 grots (orrible gits)

Elites
5 kommandos (nob has klaw)
5 meganobs (klaws and kombi skorchas)
2 x5 tank bustas (2 tank hammers & 4 bomb squigs)

Fast attack
2 x4squig hog riders (2 bomb squigs)

Heavy support
Battlewagon (fortress)
Killrig (spirit & curse)
Killrig (spirit & roar)

Supreme command detachment
Ghazzzzzz -1CP for WLT

2000pts
Start with 2 CP
19 assassinate
8 bring it down
7 no prisoners

Thoughts

One of the things that has perpetually been holding Genestealer Cults back since their book dropped is the challenge of staying on the table against the kind of power many top armies are packing, but Erik’s list here (and spins on it) seem to have finally cracked that equation. Stacking all the Custom trait parts on bikes and Rockgrinders makes them extremely durable for their price tag, and because GSC have good Secondaries with fairly passive scoring options, you can use this to force your opponent’s hand somewhat – if you start pressuring the mid-board, they have to respond, and against this army they’ll often have to respond with sufficient force that they’ll expose themselves to a big shooting blowout on the second turn when the Neophytes can show up, helped by a bunch of different shooty Characters to set up Crossfire markers as needed. Alternatively, against some lists, just the fact that all the bikes plus the Purestrains can use their pre-game moves to get right up in the opponents face straight away, shutting down their mobility and allowing the cult to lock down scoring till the mid game can be incredibly difficult to beat. Thanks to frequent CI guest contributor, Innes Wilson, for providing some input on the plan here, as he’s been rocking a variant on this recently.

In some ways, Goffs aren’t a bad shout to try and push back against what the Cult are doing here – certainly it means the plan of trying to tie them up with lots of bike charges is out, because the Greenskins would be only too happy to counterattack en-masse and wipe the cult from the table. What’s less good for them is that, as an army, they’re unusually vulnerable to all the low AP firepower the Cults are bringing to the table – just a bunch of autogun shots with all the buffs GSC can muster is really going to add up here once the Ork transports go down. The Cults are, admittedly, not fantastically well equipped for killing the big vehicles fast, but they’ll pull it off gradually, and it’s not like the Orks can really afford to just hang around in their rides – the stuff that isn’t mounted up is going to die pretty fast (and it’s very hard to meaningfully hide from this army) and if the Cults can get them down to a low board coverage, they essentially win by default. Cults can also be pretty aggressive with the Rockgrinders (which would need a commitment from a big toy to kill), and the Atalan incinerators in the Jackal units mean that if the Orks are only charging one in a turn, it has to be with something that can soak the heavy flamer overwatch.

That adds up to mean that this feels pretty favourable for the Cults, so do the Orks have any plan to flip the script? I’d wonder, potentially, about trying to dismount many of the passengers of the big transports early (as hidden as possible safely back near deployment) and sweep out with the vehicles as the tip of the spear, simply because they’re what the cult is least good at killing, and if they can demand an engagement from the Cult, maybe that opens up the opportunity for a Waaagh turn where the Orks counterattack hard? It also pushes back where the Neophytes can come in, though maybe not by as much as needed thanks to their Proficient Planning upgrades. This Cult list feels seriously challenging to beat for a lot of armies, and the Orks were not able to overcome it.

Result

Genestealer Cult Victory – 97 – 64

Erik Lathouras – Genestealer Cult – 1st Place

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Industrial Cult Pressure

Thoughts

Mostly covered in the showdown, but it’s really worth re-stating how much more diffcult this army is to shift than most GSC builds, and it really feels like it’s cracked their issues in that regard. It also looks pretty strong into at least some of the top builds out there – ObSec Necrons will have their work cut out pinning targets down, while stacking a bunch of buffs and just pushing through Tyranid Warriors looks at least somewhat plausible. Great to see the Cults tuned up, and well done to Erik on the win.

Simon Gojkovic – Tyranids – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player: Simon Gojkovic
Club: Grapple Factory Ethos

Faction used: Tyranids
Army Points: 2,000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units: 13

Pre-Game Stratagems: Warlord trait, Relic, 1x Rarefied enhancements, 2x Hive Predator
Starting Command Points: 1

Warlord & Trait: Winged Hive tyrant – Direct Guidance
Army Trait: Leviathan – Synaptic Control & Unstoppable Swarm

Secondary Objectives Information
No Prisoners: 116
Bring it Down: 12
Assassination: 10
Abhor the Witch: 11
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Tyranids – Leviathan – Battalion = 0CP, [107PL, 2,000pts] ==
Hive Fleet Adaptations: Synaptic Control & Unstoppable Swarm

HQ: Winged Hive tyrant =210pts | 11PL
• Warlord: Direct Guidance (+1 hit core)
• Relic: The Reaper of Obliterax (1mw per W caused, No ignore wound abilities)
• Smite & Paroxysm (7), Psychic Scream (5), Hive Nexus (7)

HQ: Neurothrope =100pts | 5PL
• Warlord trait: Synaptic Tendrils (Command abilities x2)
• Smite & Onslaught (6), Catalyst (6), Hive Nexus (7)

HQ: Tervigon =225pts | 11PL
• Wargear: Adrenal glands
• Warlord trait: Alien Cunning (Obsec 5 models, action after advance and fallback)
• Relic: Gestation Sac (Once action in shooting, spawn D3+1 rippers)
• Smite & The Horror (5), Hive Nexus (7)

TR: 30x Termagants =210pts | 12PL

TR: 5x Tyranid Warriors =165pts | 8PL
• Wargear: All with dual boneswords, Deathspitters, Adrenal glands

TR: 20x Gargoyles =160pts | 8PL

TR: 15x Gargoyles =120pts | 8PL

HVY: 3x Biovores =135pts | 9PL

FL: Harpy =185pts | 10PL
• Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement (Synapse and Shadows)

DT: Tyrannocyte =125pts | 8PL
• Adaptive Physiology: Voracious ammunition (1 unit hit in shooting, 2+ = d3 mw)

NFO: 3x Tyrant Guard =120pts | 8PL
• Wargear: All w Bonecleaver, Lash whip, Rending claws

NFO: 3x Zoanthropes =150pts | 7PL
• Smite & Neuroparasite (7), Hive Nexus (7)

== Tyranids – Leviathan – Fortification Network = 0CP (same faction), [6PL, 95pts] ==

Sporocyst =95pts | 6PL

Archetype

Leviathan Board Control

Thoughts

This Tyranid list is genuinely somewhat unusual, forgoing a million Warriors (trust me, 20 or more feels like a million) in favour of lots of small bugs and Spore Mine generation, with an Alien Cunning Tervigon to lock down a crucial position, and a single squad of Warriors in a Tyrannocyte to act as shock troops. That leaves it less vulnerable to being punished by units that can trade up into Warriors (or mortals), and also helps if the opponent can’t deal with an army that spreads out. It does lose the upsides that big Warrior blocks bring as well, of course, and there’s nothing here that’s quite so able to stand on a point and look mean, but with lots of Spore Mines to chip away at the opponents biggest units, that feels reasonably mitigated. It also clearly didn’t hold the army back, as Simon finished as the second undefeated player at the event.

Hayden Walduck – T’au Empire – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [109 PL, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, 175pts]: (T’au): Vectored Manoeuvring Thrusters, 1. Precision of the Hunter, Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector, Warlord

Ethereal [5 PL, 95pts]: 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Advanced EM Scrambler, Hover Drone, Warlord
. Marker Drone

Longstrike [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Accelerator Burst Cannon, Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

+ Fast Attack +

Pathfinder Team [8 PL, 145pts]
. Grav-inhibitor Drone
. 9x Pathfinder: 9x Markerlight, 9x Pulse Carbine, 9x Pulse Pistol
. Pathfinder Shas’ui
. Pathfinder w/ Neuroweb System Jammer: Neuroweb System Jammer
. 3x Pathfinder w/ Rail Rifle: 3x Pulse Pistol, 3x Rail Rifle
. Pulse Accelerator Drone
. Recon Drone

Pathfinder Team [8 PL, 140pts]
. Grav-inhibitor Drone
. 9x Pathfinder: 9x Markerlight, 9x Pulse Carbine, 9x Pulse Pistol
. Pathfinder Shas’ui
. 3x Pathfinder w/ Rail Rifle: 3x Pulse Pistol, 3x Rail Rifle
. Pulse Accelerator Drone
. Recon Drone

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 165pts]: 2x Accelerator Burst Cannon, Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile

+ Flyer +

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts]
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

++ Total: [109 PL, 2,000pts]

Archetype

Mech Tau

Thoughts

Trust Australia to give as an entire podium of unusual builds – the last one being a Devilfish-heavy spin on Tau. We’ve seen this a bit in Farsight Enclaves before, as Devilfish are very cost efficient and provide excellent board control, but Tau Sept is new for this style of list. I suspect the big draw here is access to Longstrike (who is always exceptional) and the Focused Fire stratagem, which allows all those Fire Warriors and Pathfinders to burst a key target down when it really matters. With lots of Pathfinders in play, it’s also not short on Markerlights, meaning that not having the Farsight Sept Tenet isn’t as bad as it could be. Finally, being able to re-roll a hit makes all those rail rifles in the Pathfinder teams that much better. The list ends up with a strong, mobile alpha strike, good adaptability to play either Mont’ka or Kauyon, and is really good at Aerospace Relays and Decisive Action on top of everything else. Fun Tau times.

James Webster – Imperial Knights – 4th Place

Armiger Warglaives. Credit: Kevin Genson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [105 PL, 1CP, 1,990pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown: Freeblade Lance

Chivalric Oath: Oath: Defend the Realm, Oath: Lay Low The Tyrants

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Questor Allegiance: Freeblade Lance

+ Lord of War +

Armiger Helverins [24 PL, -1CP, 465pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis
. Armiger Helverin: Heirloom: The Bastard’s Helm, Heirlooms of the Household, Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Armiger Warglaives [24 PL, 435pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Strike and Shield, Questor Imperialis
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Armiger Warglaives [24 PL, 435pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Noble Combatants, Questor Imperialis
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Knight Errant [25 PL, -3CP, 490pts]: Character (Knight Lance), Exalted Court: High Monarch, Freeblade, Heirloom: Sanctuary, Ironstorm Missile Pod, Martial Tradition: Peerless Warrior, Questor Imperialis , Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Revered Paragon, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Thunderstrike gauntlet, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Ion Bulwark, Warlord Trait: Revered Knight

Knight Moiraxes [8 PL, -1CP, 165pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Last of Their Line, Questor Mechanicus
. Knight Moirax: Knight Baron, 2x Lightning Lock, Warlord Trait: Blessed by the Sacristans

++ Total: [105 PL, 1CP, 1,990pts] ++

Archetype

Freeblade Lance

Thoughts

Freeblade Lance had an excellent weekend, and James leads the charge here with this strong finish. This list is very cool – it makes maximum use of the fact that Noble Combatants/Strike and Shield/Hunters of Beasts is a really great suite of traits for two squads of Warglaives and some Helverins, constructs a neat infantry sweeper out of the upgrades on the solo Moirax, and puts the opponent under maximum pressure thanks to the High Monarch Errant, which can scream its furious rage at the sky, buff all six Warglaives with Advance/Charge at once, then lay about the enemy. Maximum chivalry, and a great use of the Army of Renown.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Will Milton – Imperial Knights: More Freeblade Lance, this time with both a Crusader and an Errant (here a Herald) leading the juniors around.
6th – Marcel Maujean – Orks: See showdown.
7th – Brent Piggott – Chaos Knights: The increasingly standard Chaos Knights package of a buffed up Desecrator and a bunch of Herpetrax War Dogs.
8th – Jacob Warn – Tyranids: Kraken Pressure with Warriors, Raveners and a Tervigon/Termagant block.
9th – Wayne Russell – Death Guard: Inexorable with two big Plague Marine units and lots of shooty Daemon Engines.
10th – Alex Terrason – Genestealer Cults: Pretty much the exact same list as Erik (same team name listed, so presumably a collaboration on design), and came pretty close to making it a double undefeated for the Cults, only losing in the final round to Simon’s Tyranids.
11th – Tobias Hill – Creations of Bile: Lots of infantry of various flavours (Legionaries, Chosen, Possessed, Terminators), a buffed up Daemon Prince and a Heldrake.
12th – Brian Lakeland – Harlequins: Light Saedath with loads of Troupes and boats.
13th – Michale Mientjes – Craftworlds: An unusual Vengeful/Wrath of Khaine combo with tonnes of melee aspect warriors to squeeze value from it, plus Falcons and Swooping Hawks.

Smite Club Open 2022

68-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Mesa, AZ, US on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Daniel Olivas – Harlequins – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [88 PL, 2CP, 1,918pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Saedath Characterisation: Twilight: Twilight Falls

+ HQ +

Shadowseer [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 5. Shards of Light (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari
. The Laughing God’s Eye

Troupe Master [5 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: Aeldari Power Sword, Fusion Pistol, Player of the Twilight, Prince of Light (Aura), Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
. The Twilight Fang

Troupe Master [4 PL, -1CP, 90pts]: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari
. Cegorach’s Rose

+ Troops +

Troupe [4 PL, 75pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [9 PL, 213pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 65pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Death Jester [4 PL, 90pts]: Lord of Crystal Bones

Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Voidweavers [5 PL, 130pts]
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

++ Fortification Network 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [4 PL, 80pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost: Command Benefit

Saedath Characterisation: Twilight: Twilight Falls

+ Fortification +

Webway Gate [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [92 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++

Archetype

Daniel levels up from his GT win from a few weeks back with a major trophy, showing off the brutal power that Twilight Saedath can unleash in the hands of an experienced Aeldari player. Go take a look at the Showdown writeup from the linked edition for more thoughts on the army, and well done Daniel on the win.

Final Round Matchup

94 – 60 Victory against Jason Flanzer – Necrons.

Thoughts

Don Hooson – Death Guard – 2nd Place

Death Guard Plague Marine Champion — Plague Marine. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [112 PL, , 1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Plague Company: The Inexorable

+ Stratagems +

Gifts of Decay [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Lord of Virulence [7 PL, -1CP, 135pts]: Ferric Blight, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Virulent Fever, Warlord

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 5. Curse of the Leper, 6. Gift of Plagues, Bolt pistol, Plague Skull of Glothila

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 5. Curse of the Leper

+ Troops +

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. Plague Marine w/ blight launcher
. Plague Marine w/ boltgun
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ boltgun
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ flail
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ boltgun
. Plague Marine w/ cleaver
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [6 PL, 105pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. Plague Marine w/ blight launcher
. Plague Marine w/ cleaver
. Plague Marine w/ flail
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

+ Elites +

Biologus Putrifier [4 PL, -2CP, 65pts]: 4. Arch-Contaminator, Fugaris’ Helm, Plaguechosen, Stratagem: Relic

Deathshroud Terminators [9 PL, -1CP, 150pts]
. Deathshroud Champion: Champion of Disease, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet, Reaper of Glorious Entropy
. 2x Deathshroud Terminator: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]: Tollkeeper

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [112 PL, 1,995pts] ++

Archetype

Inexorable Plague Marine Spam

Thoughts

So powerful are Plague Marines now that even well-known Daemon Engine fan Don has put those down in favour of a horde of diseased killers. This list puts an enormous amount of ObSec pressure on the table, potentially overwhelming armies that are relying on D2 weaponry to get things done, and uses the assets the Inexorable provide to patch some potential vulnerabilities – Ferric Blight lets chip damage from all the Marines take out big targets if the meltaguns and melee aren’t getting it done, while Ferric Miasma makes it harder for opponents to bring powerful chargers that might be able to sweep a Marine unit to bear. Add in the buffs from a Biologus Putrifier and Tallyman to provide big damage spikes when needed, and lots of Mortal Wounds coming from the Plaguecasters, and you have a very flavourful and very potent Death Guard build, and with all his practice with the faction it’s no surprise Don was able to take it to second place.

Jason Flanzer – Necrons – 3rd Place

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Necrons) [61 PL, 1,060pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty:

Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Plasmancer [4 PL, 65pts]

+ Elites +

Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts]: Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers

Transcendent C’tan [14 PL, 230pts]: Fractured Personality: Cosmic Tyrant, Power of the C’tan: Sky of Falling Stars, Power of the C’tan: Transdimensional Thunderbolt

+ Fast Attack +

Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts]
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles

Canoptek Wraiths [6 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Canoptek Wraith (Claws): 3x Vicious Claws

Tomb Blades [4 PL, 60pts]
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer

+ Heavy Support +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [9 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor): 3x Gauss Destructor

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [33 PL, 540pts, -3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty:

+ HQ +

Technomancer [5 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Canoptek Cloak, Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Voltaic Staff

+ Troops +

Immortals [4 PL, 80pts]: 5x Immortal, Tesla Carbine

+ Elites +

Transcendent C’tan [14 PL, 230pts]: Fractured Personality: Cosmic Tyrant, Power of the C’tan: Antimatter Meteor, Power of the C’tan: Seismic Assault

+ Fast Attack +

Tomb Blades [4 PL, 60pts]
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer

+ Heavy Support +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts]
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)

++ Supreme Command Detachment +2CP (Necrons) [21 PL, 400pts, 5CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [2CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty:

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

The Silent King [21 PL, 400pts, 3CP]
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam

++ Total: [115 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Double C’tan Eternal Expansionists

Thoughts

A slightly unusual Expansionists build here, mostly forgoing melee threats (only a single Skorpekh unit as shock troops) in favour of more ranged attrition – Transcendant C’tan and a Plasmancer to take out infantry, and Lokhust Heavies to pop vehicles. That does, of course, necessitate cuts elswhere, and the army is relying on lots of smaller fast units for its primary play rather than having any high wound tarpits. That does mean it’s relying on putting meaningful damage on the opponent while they’re held at bay, as it risks crumpling a bit if it doesn’t, but there are at least a lot of the small units, and they’re excellent at scoring Secondaries while denying the opponent Primary. That means this list can pretty reliably rack up a scoring lead that the C’tan and Silent King can defend, and that plan took Jason all the way to the finals, where he was finally defeated by Daniel’s Harlequins (which seems plausible, as Starweavers are pretty good against both C’tan damage and single shot guns).

Benjamin Jurek – Goffs – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Orks) [117 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration [6CP] +

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP]

Clan Kultur: Goffs

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ [19 PL, 340pts, -3CP] +

Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, 160pts, -2CP]: 3. ‘Ard as Nails, Beastchoppa, Beasthide Mantle, Slugga, Squigosaur’s Jaws, Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord

Boss Zagstruk [6 PL, 110pts]: Blitz Missiles, Choppa, Da Vulcha’s Klaws, Slugga

Weirdboy [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: 2. Warpath, 3. Da Jump, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Super Cybork Body, Weirdboy Staff

+ Troops [14 PL, 280pts] +

Beast Snagga Boyz [5 PL, 100pts]
. 9x Beast Snagga Boy [90pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga
. Beast Snagga Nob [10pts]: Power Snappa, Slugga

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]
. 10x Gretchin [40pts]: 10x Grot Blaster

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]: ‘Orrible Gitz
. 10x Gretchin [40pts]: 10x Grot Blaster

+ Elites [42 PL, 640pts] +

Kommandos [8 PL, 125pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts]
. Boss Nob [16pts]: Power Klaw [5pts], Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 8x Kommando [88pts]: 8x Choppa, 8x Slugga, 8x Stikkbombs
. Kommando w/ Breacha Ram [16pts]: Breacha Ram [5pts], Stikkbombs

Kommandos [8 PL, 120pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts]
. Boss Nob [16pts]: Power Klaw [5pts], Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 9x Kommando [99pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs

Meganobz [12 PL, 180pts]
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [40pts]: Kombi-skorcha [10pts], Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [40pts]: Kombi-skorcha [10pts], Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [40pts]: Kombi-skorcha [10pts], Power Klaw, Stikkbombs

Meganobz [6 PL, 90pts]
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs

+ Fast Attack [12 PL, 240pts] +

Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 80pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts]
. 3x Squighog Boy [75pts]: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka

+ Heavy Support [30 PL, 500pts] +

Battlewagon [8 PL, 120pts]: Deff Rolla [15pts]

Kill Rig [11 PL, 190pts]: ‘Eavy Lobba, 4. Spirit of Gork, 6. Squiggly Curse, Butcha Boyz, Savage Horns and Hooves, Saw Blades, Stikka Kannon, Wurrtower

Kill Rig [11 PL, 190pts]: ‘Eavy Lobba, 2. Frazzle, 6. Squiggly Curse, Butcha Boyz, Savage Horns and Hooves, Saw Blades, Stikka Kannon, Wurrtower

++ Total: [117 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Goff Pressure

Thoughts

No Ghaz, no problem – just an absolute horde of brutal Goff melee killers that can be in the opponent’s face double time, flattening many off the table. The number of Kommandos here creates some real challenges for armies that don’t have an option for forward deploying or taking them out early, as it means the Ork threat is imminent from the word go, and really helps push back against Necron-style scoring plans. Well done to Ben on rounding out the top four.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th – Joel Wilson – Hive Mind: Do not adjust your browser – this is straight up mixed Hive Mind in Nephilim, and it put in a pretty strong performance. The gimmick is basically that it gets to field an ObSec Behemoth Maleceptor and Reaper Flyrant alongside a bunch of Twisted Helix Purestrains and utility infantry. As with any mixed build this is going to be up against it on Secondaries, but it can plausibly get away with it – RND/Interrogation/Behind Enemy Lines is likely to be doable in most games, so it does have a basic plan to work with. Got taken down by Dan’s Harlequins, who are a tough matchup to try and play this plan against.
6th – Jake Nelson – Tyranids: Leviathan Warriors and Harpies.
7th – Jason McKenzie – Adeptus Mechanicus: Mars Veteran Cohort with lots of Ironstriders and Ruststalkers, plus one big unit of Skitarii Vanguard. Also defeated by Dan’s Harlequins.

Harbor Heresy 2022

47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hoquiam, WA, US on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Zak Nelson – Creations of Bile – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [90 PL, -2CP, 1,699pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Legion: Creations of Bile

+ HQ +

Dark Apostle [5 PL, 95pts]: Chaos Undivided, Illusory Supplication
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [9 PL, -2CP, 175pts]: 1. Flames of Spite, Aspiring Lord, Baleflamer, Chaos Undivided, Stratagem: Relic, Techno-virus injector, Ul’o’cca, the Black

Master of Possession [7 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: Eye of Tzeentch, Gifts of Chaos, Mark of Tzeentch, Mutated Invigoration, Pact of Flesh

+ Troops +

Cultists Mob [2 PL, 50pts]
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon

Legionaries [7 PL, 125pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Aspiring Champion: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Marine w/ balefire tome: Balefire tome, Prescience
. 3x Marine w/ boltgun: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades

+ Elites +

Chaos Terminator Squad [19 PL, -1CP, 375pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Reaper autocannon
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Reaper autocannon
. Terminator Champion: Accursed weapon, Black Rune of Damnation, Combi-bolter, Trophies of the Long War

Master of Executions [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: Chaos Undivided, Gifts of Chaos, Mantle of Traitors

Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations

+ Fast Attack +

Warp Talons [14 PL, 224pts]: Warp Talon Champion
. 7x Warp Talon: 7x Warp claws

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, 2CP, 300pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Legion: Black Legion

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, -1CP, 300pts]: 3. Merciless Overseer, 5. Eternal Vendetta, 6. Paragon of Hatred, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

++ Total: [105 PL, 1,999pts] ++

Archetype

Creations of Bile

Final Round Matchup

84 – 76 Victory against Nicolas Ohlsen-Johnson – Necrons.

Thoughts

Bile’s minions continue making a pretty convincing play for best Legion, with the incredible strength of Fight on death in the current metagame (and the best subfaction Secondary) making them a serious force. Only notable new thing to call out here (which also turns up in some of the other Bile builds this week) is the presence of Warp Talons, which provide the combination of an answer to damage reduction targets (especially when they’re S5) and the threat to trap enemy units with a big multi-charge – notably, each enemy unit that wants to fall back has to roll off against them separately, so with the larget unit here tagging multiple targets can make it very hard for the opponent to escape. Congratulations to Zak on a glorious victory.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records or better. They were:

2nd (undefeated with a draw) – Jason Rider – Black Legion: General all-rounder Black Legion with a unit each of Terminators, Bikers and Obliterators, Abaddon and a murder Daemon Prince.
3rd (undefeated with a draw) – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves Successors: The Space Wolves Astraeus and Wulfen combo returns, getting even closer to the biggest upset win of the year.
4th – Nicolas Ohlsen-Johnson – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with the Silent King, Void Dragon and massive numbers of Destroyers.
5th – Nicholas Fromme – Tyranids: Psychic-heavy Leviathan Goodstuff.
6th – Steven Trimble – Death Guard: Ferryman Plague Marine spam with Mortarion.
7th – David Bierek – Chaos: A completely wild list with a mixed Tzeentch detachment containing Flamers and Thousand Sons Leviathan Dreadnoughts, then a Super Heavy detachment of three Dreadblade Karnivores. I was going to say “how does it work without any stratagems for most of the list” but it starts on 0 CP so whatever. If anyone saw this in action (or David if you’re reading this) let me know how this one played on the table.
8th – Tanner Bebert – Chaos Daemons: This list has been cut off because it has lots of fluff in it (which is always cool, but uh make sure it doesn’t hide the actual list), but from what I can see it’s monster mash central – Be’lakor, Kairos, and some fluff text heavily implying that a buffed Bloodthirster is just below the cutoff point. Also lots of Flamers, which are pretty spicy, as readers of our review will know.

Fields Of Damnation 2022

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Saskatoon, SK, CA on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Data Scry Salvage

Riley Tremblay – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff with big Retributor units.
Army List - Click to Expand

+ Battalion Detachment +
Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

+ No Force Org Slot +

Hospitaller [3 PL, 50pts]

Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts]

+ HQ +

Canoness [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Blessed Blade, Bolt pistol, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire
. Word of the Emperor

Celestine and Geminae Superia [10 PL, 200pts]
. 2x Geminae Superia: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Power sword

Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: 2. Righteous Rage

+ Troops +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

+ Elites +

Dogmata [4 PL, 65pts, -1CP]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude, 5. Verse of Holy Piety, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, Stratagem: Relic

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts]
. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 70pts]
. 5x Sisters Repentia: 5x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack +

Seraphim Squad [8 PL, 92pts]
. 3x Seraphim: 6x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 135pts]
. 8x Zephyrim: 8x Bolt pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades, 8x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 75pts]
. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Retributor Squad [9 PL, 210pts]
. 4x Retributor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Retributor Superior: Ministorum Hand Flamer
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Simulacrum: Simulacrum Imperialis

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [107 PL, 3CP, 1,996pts] ++

Assassinate: 18
No Prisoners: 76 wounds
Bring it Down: 4

vs.

Kale Greenfield – Black Templars: Maximum Aggro Templars with lots of Assault Marines, a Centurion unit and a big Crusader block.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [120 PL, 3CP, 1,996pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Chapter Selection: Black Templars

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ +

Chaplain [5 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, Ancient Breviary, Boltgun, Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Relic

Chaplain Grimaldus [7 PL, 140pts]: 1. Litany of Divine Protection, 2. Psalm of the Remorseless Persecution, Litany of Hate, Warlord

High Marshal Helbrecht [8 PL, 160pts]

+ Troops +

Crusader Squad [5 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Initiate w/ Chainsword: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sword Brother: 2x Astartes Chainsword

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

Primaris Crusader Squad [20 PL, -2CP, 356pts]: Bolt Pistol and Astartes Chainsword
. 7x Primaris Initiate w/Chainsword & Heavy Bolt Pistol: 7x Astartes Chainsword, 7x Frag & Krak grenades, 7x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Primaris Initiate w/Power Fist and Heavy bolt pistol: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Power fist
. 8x Primaris Neophytes: 8x Frag & Krak grenades
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power sword, Pyre Pistol, Stratagem: Champion of the Feast, Stratagem: Revered Repositories, Sword of Judgement

+ Elites +

Centurion Assault Squad [19 PL, 275pts]: The Crux Obsidian
. Centurion: Hurricane bolter
. . Flamers
. Centurion: Hurricane bolter
. . Flamers
. Centurion: Hurricane bolter
. . Flamers
. Centurion Sergeant: Hurricane bolter
. . Flamers

+ Fast Attack +

Assault Squad [12 PL, 190pts]: Jump Pack
. 7x Space Marine: 7x Astartes Chainsword, 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Grav-pistol, Thunder hammer
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Flamer
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Flamer

+ Heavy Support +

Eradicator Squad [14 PL, 205pts]: Heavy melta rifle
. 2x Eradicator: 2x Bolt pistol
. Eradicator Sgt
. Eradicator with MM: Multi-melta

++ Total: [120 PL, 3CP, 1,996pts] ++

Thoughts

This Black Templars list rules, and definitely has the tools to put serious pressure on the Sororitas here. Repentia are, of course, great at trading up into any flavour of Marines, but they need to get the jump on them to do that or will get mown down by small arms, and the sheer number of Assault Marines in the Templar force (and both units having flamers) means that the Sisters have to tread pretty carefully. The Centurions and big Crusader block are also challenges here, as the Centurions can bounce most things (Crux Obsidian on a Centurion Sergeant is legit even against Repentia), and the full Crusader Squad with Litany of Divine Protection up is an ObSec block that even the nastiest Sororitas toys are going to struggle to crack. It’s also worth saying that, although the Sisters do have more strictly sacrificial tools than the Marines do, the Templars having access to Strength of Conviction means that buffing something up with a Dogmata and sending it out to flip an objective is way less reliable than normal.

Just on how the armies stack up, in fact, I’d probably hand this to the Templars, but the Sororitas have two advantages to play with here. Firstly, this objective map is much better for them trying to play this game than one with a central objective, as it reduces the impact the Centurions and Crusaders have – they have to be either defending an objective or pushing into the Sisters lines, not just dominating the centre of the table with relative impunity. Secondly is, of course, Secondaries. The Sisters have much better options for passive scoring here – Riley passed on to me that the picks were Leap/Defend the Shrine/Banners for the Sisters and Grind/Shock Tactics/Banners for the Templars. The Marine Secondaries certainly aren’t bad in the game, but they do mean that the Templars have to be actively and continuously pushing at the Sororitas, as if the game goes to a stalemate the Sisters are going to win. Apparently, that was critical – the Marines had to make a big play on turn three to try and take the initiative, didn’t do enough damage, and got taken out by a big swing turn involving Word of the Emperor in response. From the scoreline, however, the Marines still had a really good go at the game, and I think either side could win this in a rematch – both have real advantages to play with.

Result

Adepta Sororitas Victory – 86 – 69

Riley Tremblay – Adepta Sororitas – 1st Place

The Emperor’s Champion vs. Morvenn Vahl. Credit: SRM and Greg

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Bloody Rose Goodstuff

Thoughts

I know how this works, you know how this works, I know that you know how this works, you know that I know that you know etc. Bloody Rose Goodstuff is extremely strong, and Riley is on a tear with it – congratulations (and thanks for the notes on the game).

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Kale Greenfield – Black Templars: See showdown.
3rd – Morgan Smerek – Word Bearers: Two big Bike units are the standouts here, sporting the Mark of Khorne to take advantage of the Word Bearer re-rolls as they slam into the opponent. Also Abaddon and lots of Possessed.
4th – Cory Burns – Creations of Bile: Loads of Possessed and loads of Warp Talons, going for max mobile melee threat, plus the mandatory big Terminator squad and Abaddon to anchor the list. Also features Accursed Cultists in the troops slot.
5th – Adam Green – Craftworlds: Ulthwe with lots of small units of Banshees, a big Scorpion block and a bunch of Rangers and Shroud Runners (plus of course Eldrad).
6th – Garret Olson – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff with bulked up Retributor squads.
7th – Nathan Scrazzutti – Black Legion: Abaddon with lots of big units to maximise his buffs, then a Land Raider (!) and Vindicator as extra crunch/anti-tank.
8th – Devin Stewart – Death Guard: Mortarion’s Anvil with 3×5 Deathshrouds and three PBCs. Came very close to going undefeated, but was pipped by Morgan’s Word Bearers at the end.
9th – Thomas Cruickshank – Creations of Bile: Daemonkin-heavy Creations, adding a unit of Obliterators alongside a tonne of Possessed, some Venomcrawlers and a Discolord.

Broadsword Wargaming

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Castlebar, County Mayo, IE on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mark Morrow – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

== Leviathan ((Feed) Unstoppable Swarm) Patrol Detachment == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 93 PL

Stratagems:
– Rarefied Enhancements (-1 CP)
– Hive Predator (-1 CP)
– Hive Predator (-1 CP)

No Force Org Slot:
– Tyrant Guard: 3xTyrant Guard (Lash/Sword) [120 pts, 8 PL]
– Zoanthropes: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, 3xZoanthrope [150 pts, 7 PL]

HQ1: Neurothrope: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils [100 pts, 5 PL]
HQ2: Winged Hive Tyrant: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance [225 pts, 11 PL, -1 CP]

TR1: Gargoyles: 10xGargoyle [80 pts, 4 PL]
TR2: Tyranid Warriors: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks, 3xTyranid Warrior (Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon), 6xTyranid Warrior (Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords) [305 pts, 12 PL]
TR3: Tyranid Warriors: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks, 6xTyranid Warrior (Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords), 3xTyranid Warrior (Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon) [305 pts, 12 PL]

EL1: Maleceptor: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite [220 pts, 9 PL]
EL2: Venomthropes: 3xVenomthrope [105 pts, 5 PL]

FA1: Parasite of Mortrex: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning [80 pts, 4 PL]

HS1: Biovores: 2xBiovore [90 pts, 6 PL]

FL1: Harpy: Adaptive Physiology: Voracious Ammunition, 2xHeavy Venom Cannon [220 pts, 10 PL]

Archetype

Leviathan Goodstuff

Final Round Matchup

91 – 27 Victory against Michael Mc Carthy – Thousand Sons.

Thoughts

Yeah this is another list where you all very much know the deal – Tyranid Warriors as Leviathan are very, very good, and provide enough of an anchor that a Maleceptor is still very strong chilling out behind them. Congratulations to Mark on the win.

Daniel Ahern – Tyranids – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Tyranids) [99 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Kraken

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-1CP]: Extra Warlord Trait

Relic [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Power: Synaptic Lure

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite, Power: Synaptic Lure, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 95pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

+ Elites +

Pyrovores [6 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt

Pyrovores [4 PL, 80pts]
. 2x Pyrovore: 2x Acid Maw, 2x Bludgeoning Fists, 2x Flamespurt

+ Fast Attack +

Parasite of Mortrex [4 PL, 80pts]: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning

Parasite of Mortrex [4 PL, 80pts]

Raveners [8 PL, 175pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [3 PL, 45pts]: Biovore

+ Flyer +

Harpy [9 PL, 205pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Tyrannocyte [8 PL, 120pts]: 5x Deathspitter, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement

++ Total: [99 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Kraken Pressure

Thoughts

Oh hey, a different way of burying the opponent under waves of chitin – Raveners and Pyrovores galore, with the latter able to deploy from a Tyrannocyte for maximum early pressure, and some Harpies for reach. All good stuff, and earned Daniel an undefeated second place finish.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on X-1 records. They were:

3rd – Michael Mc Carthy – Thousand Sons: Duplicity with one big Scarab block, a smaller unit, and Magnus leading his sons to battle.
4th – Colin Power – Craftworlds: Another unusual Custom Craftworld build that wants to go fast and shoot things with Swift Strikes and Masterful shots, and which uses a few melee aspect units and a pair of Phoenix Lords to max out Secondaries and pressure the opponent.
5th – Mike Tangney – Ynnari: A spin on the Ynnari mortal wound plan, with the mandatory two planes, massive numbers of Smites and a big unit of Shroud Runners. Finishes up with an interesting piece of tech – a massive court of the Archon as a central tarpit, which I think is quite nifty, and gives this a bit more ability to brawl for a point than some iterations have had.
6th – Richard McRoberts – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with a super-charged Herald Paladin and lots of Armigers.

Wasteland Wars 40k Grand Tournament

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stormcrow Games, Lubbock, TX, US on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artifacts

Isaac Zapata – Hive Fleet Leviathan: Leviathan Goodstuff with a bit more of a ranged plan than normal, bringing a Maleceptor and two shooty foot Tyrants.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [52 PL, 1,165pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 205pts]: 2x Monstrous Scything Talon, Adrenal Glands, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: Balethorn Cannon, Stranglethorn Cannon, Warlord

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

+ Elites +

Maleceptor [9 PL, 220pts]

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: 3x Zoanthrope

+ Flyer +

Harpy [10 PL, 185pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [43 PL, 2CP, 835pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact

Relic [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 195pts]: Heavy Venom Cannon, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: The Horror, Relic: Shardgullet

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Hormagaunts [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Hormagaunt: 10x Hormagaunt Talons

+ Elites +

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

+ Flyer +

Harpy [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon

++ Total: [95 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Derrick Ramsey – Chaos Daemons: New Daemons get their first showdown outing with a lot of the coolest toys from the book – Be’lakor, Soul Grinders and Flamers, plus a heavily buffed Great Unclean One.
Army List - Click to Expand

Army Faction: Chaos
– Game Mode: Grand Tournament
– Army Size: Strike Force

PATROL DETACHMENT

– Faction: Legiones Daemonica

Great Unclean One (330)
– Exalted Great Unclean Ones upgrade: Revoltingly Resilient
– Psychic Powers: Malodorous Pall, Shrivelling Pox
– Relics: Corruption
– Stratagems: Relic

Poxbringer (90)
– Relics: The Entropic Knell
– Stratagems: Relics of the Great Garden

Daemon Prince of Chaos (150)
– Allegiance: Khorne
– Relics: A’rgath, the King of Blades
– Stratagems: Relics of the Brass Citadel

Troops

Plaguebearers (150)
– 1x Plagueridden
– 1x Plaguebearer: Daemonic Icon
– 1x Plaguebearer: Instrument of Chaos
– 7x Plaguebearer

Nurglings (80)
– 4x Nurglings

Elites

Flamers (125)
– 1x Pyrocaster
– 4x Flamer

Heavy Support

Soul Grinder (190)
– Allegiance: Nurgle

Soul Grinder (190)
– Allegiance: Nurgle
– Warpclaw

SUPREME COMMAND DETACHMENT

– Faction: Legiones Daemonica

Be’lakor (420)
– Warlord
– Psychic Powers: Pall Of Despair, Penumbral Curse

Stratagems

– Relic (1CP)

– Relics of the Great Garden (1CP)

– Relics of the Brass Citadel (1CP)

Total Command Points: 5/8

Reinforcement Points: 0

Total Points: 2000/2000

Thoughts

So, I’m going to make my thoughts on this one reasonly quick, as Derrick has sent in some notes on both his list and the game, and my musings are no substitute for hands on experience with a new and exciting Codex. What I like about the Daemon list here is that it has a lot of tools that are hard to shift – Be’lakor, the Great Unclean One and T9 Soul Grinders all take some pretty substantial killing, and the list is going to be able to neutralise stuff that overcommits into it pretty effectively, while being reslient at range to almost everything (especially if it can put Descending Shadow up). Pretty much however the game goes, it’s going to be a while before the opponent feels at all like they have things under control, and even once they do wading through the Plaguebearers that will now be on objectives is a non-trivial feat. Flanking smaller units can also be easily picked off by the Flamers. All that said, I think the Tyranid list here does match up pretty well against the Daemons – one big Warrior unit is ideal, as there isn’t really anything in the Daemon Army that can body check it (even Be’lakor struggles with the Leviathan Transhuman). That feels like it lets the Tyranids do a better job of leveraging their attrition tools – but I’ll hand over to Derek to tell the story:

Derrick: I’d playing Daemons for the better part of 8th and 9th – until Nephilim ruined it for me and I switched to other factions. When the book was announced for release and I realized it was going to make the cut off for this GT tough, I switched gears from running Deathguard back to proper Daemons. Because this event had player placed terrain rules that required ruins to be 6” apart *in order to be more equitable to knight sized models), I looked and saw that a monster mash style list would be able to get around the board well so started with that.

My first test lists were pure nurgle, running 3x Soulgrinders and even 2 GUO at some points. Plaguebearers felt more like a tax than a resource, and I went back to the drawing board and looked at what I had on the shelf/pile of shame. While I was used to running 10-15 Beasts of Nurgle, I opted out of this route and considered the Drones as well. Ultimately, I saw that Be’lakor was very much a bad matchup for so many armies (Harlequins especially), and I decided that I would use him in a Supreme Command in order to get access to all the Warpstorm abilities. This also meant I was not taking his or any Warlord trait – but that my other detachment could be mixed Daemons. I opted for a patrol to lessen the Plaguebearer tax, because I didn’t own or couldn’t get the pinks/blues/brims in time.

Two units of PBs gave me enough backfield obsec that wasn’t going to melt to indirect or incidental attacks from the things that could reach them, but if anything substantial ever got to them, they would die fast. I knew that I was playing a game of table my opponent with maximum pressure- and I had a clock of 4 rounds to do it, so I could score enough primary to stay ahead. This was highly intentional, as the lists I was expecting to be at the top tables at the end of day two were Necrons, Nids, Quinns, and Tau. I utilized both the GUO with the Corruption relic and Be’lakor to put on early pressure or go for first turn charges that put me in good positions. Since they can’t hide, I was using a strategy of threat saturation, where opponents had 2 Soul Grinders and 2 big Daemons intheir face to force them to split shots – which is much less effective. I usually deep strike the 2 units of 5 Flamers and the Khorne Daemon Prince to help provide follow up pressure.

As it was a 32 player 5 round event, only one player would end up 5-0, so I didn’t focus as much on the scores as I did just getting a win, which meant I scored in the 80s for most of my wins. However I faced Isaac and his Tyranids in the last round. One of my 5 pre-GT tests was vs. this list and it beat me handily that first encounter. Leviathan Nids just overpowered me with better movement, more obsec, better shooting, psychic, and melee even. There wasn’t a single phase of the game that I could outclass him in, and his list also meant I was strapped for good secondaries. I took Reality Rebels for all of my matches, and for most I took a Psychic secondary (Interrogation or Warp Ritual), but couldn’t risk it against Nids with their -1 to cast and many Denies.

Because he had 93 wounds for No Prisoners and I’ve seen him add more models with strats, I figured that would be around an 8-9 point secondary but I was destroyed by overwhelming firepower and a ton of Mortal Wounds for which demons have no protection. Be’lakor was cursed with terrible dice rolls, such as failing a re-rolled 6” charge and then whiffing into warriors with 5 missed attacks and then failing ALL of his saves on the strike back. I shot his Harpies with the Soul Grinders and just failed to ever do much to them. The Flamers came down, and did some damage and picked up some RnD points for me- but ultimately had little impact other than killing a few Gaunts/Gargoyles. Finally, the GUO whiffed into the hive tyrant and was murdered for his time, despite being nearly fresh. The dice rolls were horrendous over and over, but my opponent also just played the game a lot better, with an oppressive army that countered mine in almost every phase of the game.

In terms of general list thoughts, my plan for Warpstorm was mostly to get at least 3 for turn 1 to get a -1 to hit with Descending Shadow, and then on turns 2-5 I would hope for 4 and try to use both the Nurgle and Hhorne ones that do Mortals to nearby units on a 6. This was highly effective against many armies such as Harlequins and Necrons. I had the entropic Knell on my poxbringer, and it was ineffective at doing anything for all 5 games. Would not recommend it. The Khorne Deamon Prince was clutch in a few games, but Belakor was murdered quickly in most of my battles so was not able to pop out from Warp Logus to get 6” charges like I had planned.

The GuO killed Silent King in one round by himself – Shooting, Psychic, and charge strat was helpful. Most games he lived, and was able to bully points in mid. Almost any other greater Daemon would have probably done better though. Flamers were mostly responsible for psychological warfare advantage as everyone was so afraid of them, as to make a lot of bad moves to avoid them.

Soulgrinders were amazing, did work in every game and lived for most all of them. Because of the terrain rules, they were able to get around to most places. Nurgle was key here and they tanked melta/fusion shots well and almost all other anti tank that were thrown at them. Sword is much better than a claw. Finally, Despoilers of reality is not as bad as people say- on missions like Scouring it was basically an auto 8, with a chance for a max.

I myself will admit my list is jank – partially built on what I owned and could paint (the Be’lakor was painted in two hours the night before the event, and I got compliments on stream for it). Pinks might have been better than PBs for some matchups- the PBs did have some use, but overall the troops for Daemons are not great at holding spots in the open, regardless of which ones you use. Nurglings are pure trash now, which saddens me because I own 30. They need obsec back, and/or getting to fill slots. I tabled almost all my opponents quickly and without hesitation, but when facing Nids – I had no chance.

Wings: Thanks for the detailed breakdown, and it’s really interesting to hear what’s working and what isn’t. I hadn’t spotted the trick of double-stacking the AoE Mortal options from Warp Storm, and I can see that it would be backbreaking for go-wide lists. Definitely agree that Daemon troops feel a bit too cautiously priced in general, and hopefully they’ll get some improvements in the future. I should also say, an 84-69 defeat is a lot closer than you make it sound!

You can also see several of Derek’s games on the Wargames Live Stream from the weekend, available here.

Result

Hive Fleet Leviathan Victory – 84 – 69

Isaac Zapata – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Leviathan Goodstuff

Thoughts

A nasty spin on Leviathan here, forgoing the normal Flyrant for pure, grindy damage output. That means that if an opponent can’t crack through the wall of Warriors then they’re very reliably going to run short of stuff, especially if (like in the Showdown) the opponent is vulnerable to Mortal Wounds, which this list has in spades. Another reminder that Tyranids can destroy you in a whole bunch of ways, and an excellent performance from Isaac.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Matthew Casey – Harlequins: Light Saedath with lots of boats and 3×3 shooty Skyweavers.
3rd – Michael Mckibben – Harlequins: Pretty much same again only with 3/2/2 Skyweavers.
4th – Derrick Ramsey – Chaos Daemons: See showdown.
5th – Michael Fielding – Death Guard: Mortarion’s Anvil with lots of Daemon engines and the big boy himself.
6th – Richard Mendoza – Tau: Farsight Enclaves heavy on Crisis Suits, Commanders and Sun Sharks.

Grand Tournament Grotkicken

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Christian Breuer – Thousand Sons – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [22 Cabal Points, 99 PL, 1,996pts, 5CP] ++

Rules: Armour of Contempt, Brotherhood of Sorcerers

+ Configuration [6CP] +

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP]

Cults of the Legion: Cult of Duplicity

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ HQ [8 Cabal Points, 21 PL, 395pts, -1CP] +

Ahriman [3 Cabal Points, 8 PL, 160pts]: 21. Presage, 22. Weaver of Fates, 23. Temporal Surge, Black Staff of Ahriman, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals

Exalted Sorcerer [3 Cabal Points, 8 PL, 145pts, -1CP]: 11. Tzeentch’s Firestorm, 13. Doombolt, Athenaean Scrolls, Force stave, Frag & Krak grenades, High Acolytes [-1CP], Inferno Bolt Pistol, Master Misinformator, Rehati [1 PL, 20pts], Smite
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Touched by Tzeentch
Disc of Tzeentch [1 PL, 25pts]: Disc blades

Infernal Master [2 Cabal Points, 5 PL, 90pts]: 31. Empyric Guidance, 5. Glimpse of Eternity, 6. Malefic Maelstrom, Force stave, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite, Umbralefic Crystal
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Touched by Tzeentch

+ Troops [10 Cabal Points, 30 PL, 591pts] +

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 117pts]: Icon of Flame [1 Cabal Points]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master
Aspiring Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 21pts]: 13. Doombolt, Force stave, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite
4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer [96pts]: 4x Warpflamer [12pts]

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 119pts]: Icon of Flame [1 Cabal Points]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master
Aspiring Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 21pts]: 33. Perplex, Force stave, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite
Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon [26pts]: Soulreaper cannon [5pts]
3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer [72pts]: 3x Warpflamer [9pts]

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 119pts]: Icon of Flame [1 Cabal Points]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master
Aspiring Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 21pts]: 11. Gaze of Hate, Force stave, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite
Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon [26pts]: Soulreaper cannon [5pts]
3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer [72pts]: 3x Warpflamer [9pts]

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 119pts]: Icon of Flame [1 Cabal Points]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master
Aspiring Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 21pts]: 21. Temporal Manipulation, Force stave, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Smite
Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon [26pts]: Soulreaper cannon [5pts]
3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer [72pts]: 3x Warpflamer [9pts]

+ Elites [4 Cabal Points, 44 PL, 930pts] +

Scarab Occult Terminators [1 Cabal Points, 20 PL, 430pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack [20pts]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master, Teleport Strike
Scarab Occult Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 40pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, Force stave, Inferno combi-bolter, Smite
7x Terminator [280pts]: 7x Inferno combi-bolter, 7x Prosperine khopesh
Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon [45pts]: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon [5pts]
Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon [45pts]: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon [5pts]

Scarab Occult Terminators [1 Cabal Points, 20 PL, 430pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack [20pts]
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Malicious Volleys, Sorcerous Master, Teleport Strike
Scarab Occult Sorcerer [1 Cabal Points, 40pts]: 12. Twist of Fate, Force stave, Inferno combi-bolter, Smite
7x Terminator [280pts]: 7x Inferno combi-bolter, 7x Prosperine khopesh
Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon [45pts]: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon [5pts]
Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon [45pts]: Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon [5pts]

Tzaangor Shaman [2 Cabal Points, 4 PL, 70pts]: 2. Seeker After Shadows [1 Cabal Points], 33. Perplex, Force stave, Smite, Warlord
Rules: Cabbalistic Rituals, Touched by Tzeentch
Disc of Tzeentch: Disc blades

+ Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 80pts] +

Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Inferno combi-bolter

Archetype

Cult of Duplicity

Final Round Matchup

96 – 67 Victory against Patrick Schend – Harlequins.

Thoughts

Mostly your standard double-Scarab duplicity builds (with the Seeker After Shadows Tzaangor, a lock for a lot of lists in Nephilim), with the small extra spice that all of the Rubric units are packing flamers, which is a nasty extra surprise for anyone planning to keep infantry alive (and probably great in the final round against Harlequins).

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on X-1 records. They were:

2nd – Ben Stevens – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with an Errant and Paladin, the latter picking up Wisdom of Nobility from Master of Lore to allow Bondsman effects to be chained.
3rd – Patrick Schend – Harlequins: Light Saedath with one big shooty Skyweaver unit, and two small melee ones for objective play.
4th – Ruben Paul Goldmann – Creations of Bile: All the normal goodies plus Abaddon.
5th – Phillipp Wegener – Chaos Daemons: Be’lakor and a big Bloodthirster in one detachment, then Tzeentch casters and Flamers in the other, making sure to unlock the Tzeentch Warp Storm effects.

Perils Of The Geekery GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Shawnee, Kansas, US on September 10 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

John Indellicate – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [94 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Hive Fleet: (Feed) Unstoppable Swarm, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait

Relic [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 85pts]: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream

Tervigon [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Massive Scything Talons, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Termagants [12 PL, 210pts]: Fleshborer, 30x Termagant

+ Elites +

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: 3x Zoanthrope

+ Heavy Support +

Biovores [9 PL, 135pts]
. 3x Biovore: 3x Chitin-barbed Fists, 3x Spore Mine Launcher

++ Total: [94 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

Archetype

Leviathan Warrior Spam

Final Round Matchup

91 – 61 Victory against Kyle Lamperez – Tyranids.

Thoughts

John puts up another GT win with his extra board control-tastic spin on Leviathan Warriors. No Hive Tyrants, only bodies, just so many bodies.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Clint Eubanks – Imperial Knights: A final showing for Freeblade Lance (a good week for that plan), this time on the “one big Paladin” plan.
3rd – Robert Bishop – Necrons: Shooty Eternal Expansionists with a full Lokhust block and a pair of Doom Scythes, then lots of Wraiths, some Skorpekh and the Void Dragon to play for position.
4th – Jeremy Capko – Space Wolves: Astral Claws as Warded/Whirlwind Wolf Successors, taking a bunch of Redemptors and Wulfen Dreads, Wolf Guard, and Huron in command.
5th – Benjamin McCarthy – Craftworlds: Transport-heavy Hail of doom, with a trio of Wave Serpents ferrying Avengers into battle.

Wrap Up

I’ll be back next week in the normal Wednesday slot, so see you then to find out if any other spicy new builds break through!

Competitive Innovations in 9th: Lone Heroes

TNA Open

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts

Thoughts

Result

Erik Lathouras – Genestealer Cult – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Simon Gojkovic – Tyranids – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Hayden Walduck – T’au Empire – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

James Webster – Imperial Knights – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Smite Club Open 2022

Daniel Olivas – Harlequins – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

Don Hooson – Death Guard – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jason Flanzer – Necrons – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Benjamin Jurek – Goffs – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Harbor Heresy 2022

Zak Nelson – Creations of Bile – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Fields Of Damnation 2022

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Data Scry Salvage

Thoughts

Result

Riley Tremblay – Adepta Sororitas – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Broadsword Wargaming

Mark Morrow – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

Daniel Ahern – Tyranids – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wasteland Wars 40k Grand Tournament

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artifacts

Thoughts

Result

Isaac Zapata – Hive Fleet Leviathan – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest