9th Edition status: still here. Quieter than last week, but still live and kicking, and alarmingly infested with Daemonic forces this week. It’s the season for it, apparently. Today we’re looking at:
- Storm Of Silence Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament (major)
- Clan Wars Scottish Open 3 (major)
- Saffron Slam (which Lowest of Men will be covering since he was there!)
- CT GT
- Canadian Tabletop Championship Open
Showdown wise, there aren’t enough for there to be a vote this week, so I’m just going to hit the majors and Lowest of Men will cover the Slam. Let’s go.
The 12th Annual Storm Of Silence Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament
94-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Spokane, WA United States on May 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
There were several undefeated matches in the final round, i’ve picked the one that produced the eventual winner and the highest ranked 4-1 player. The top table was also streamed by The Gamer’s Haven and you can see it here.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal
Kasra Houshidar – Ultramarines: All-rounder Ultramarines with some strong Infantry shooting (including a full squad of Intercessors for maximum double-shooting goodness) and Bobby G at the head. + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Ultramarines Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Chief Librarian Tigurius [7 PL, 120pts]: 1) Veil of Time, 3) Null Zone (Aura), 6) Psychic Fortress (Aura) Librarian in Phobos Armour [5 PL, 90pts, -1CP]: 3) Mind Raid, 6) Temporal Corridor, Seal of Oath, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter + Troops + Incursor Squad [5 PL, 90pts]: Haywire Mine Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Intercessor Squad [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Astartes Grenade Launcher, Auto Bolt Rifle + Elites + Aggressor Squad [12 PL, 120pts]: 3x Aggressor, Aggressor Sergeant Primaris Ancient [5 PL, 85pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Standard of Macragge Inviolate, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter Primaris Apothecary [5 PL, 100pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, The Vox Espiritum Terminator Assault Squad [9 PL, 165pts]: Teleport Homer Victrix Honour Guard [3 PL, 55pts] + Heavy Support + Desolation Squad [8 PL, 185pts, -1CP]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Devastator Squad [8 PL, 125pts]: Armorium Cherub Devastator Squad [8 PL, 115pts]: Armorium Cherub + Dedicated Transport + Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Storm bolter + Lord of War + Roboute Guilliman [19 PL, 300pts, 2CP]: Nobility Made Manifest, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord ++ Total: [120 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines) [120 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 9x Intercessor: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer
. Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
. Assault Terminator Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. 4x Assault Terminator w/THSS: 4x Storm shield, 4x Thunder hammer
. 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt: Master-Crafted Weapon, Stratagem: Honoured Sergeant
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Heavy bolter
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Missile launcher
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Heavy bolter
vs.
Marshall Reeves – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff with the Triumph as an extra buff engine, some Warsuits and more transports than normal. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose + No Force Org Slot + Hospitaller [3 PL, 50pts] Repentia Superior [2 PL, -1CP, 40pts]: Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: 5. Indomitable Belief (Aura) + HQ + Canoness [5 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: Blessed Blade, Inferno pistol, Relic: Chaplet of Sacrifice, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire Triumph of Saint Katherine [11 PL, 200pts] + Troops + Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Sisters Novitiate Squad [4 PL, 90pts] + Elites + Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 145pts] Celestian Sacresants [4 PL, 75pts] Dogmata [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude, 4. Litany of Enduring Faith, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries Paragon Warsuits [11 PL, 240pts] Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 80pts] Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 80pts] Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 128pts] + Fast Attack + Dominion Squad [5 PL, 90pts] Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 110pts] + Heavy Support + Retributor Squad [6 PL, 140pts] + Dedicated Transport + Immolator [7 PL, 90pts]: Twin heavy bolter Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts] Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts] ++ Total: [110 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [110 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++
. Word of the Emperor
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Novitiate Superior
. . Bolt Pistol and Power Sword: Power sword
. 7x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 7x Auto Pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades, 7x Novitiate Melee Weapons
. 2x Sister Novitiate w/ Ministorum Flamer: 2x Auto Pistol, 2x Ministorum Flamer
. 5x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 5x Anointed Halberd, 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hallowed Mace
. Sacresant Superior: Bolt pistol, Spear of the Faithful
. 4x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hallowed Mace
. Sacresant Superior: Bolt pistol, Spear of the Faithful
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Superior: 2 Storm Bolters, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. 5x Sisters Repentia: 5x Penitent Eviscerator
. 5x Sisters Repentia: 5x Penitent Eviscerator
. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator
. Dominion Superior
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter
. 6x Zephyrim: 6x Bolt pistol, 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant
. Retributor Superior
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
Thoughts
Two nicely balanced all-rounder lists here, both sporting a mixture of shooting and melee threats, plus some spicy alpha units. From the Sororitas side, there’s definitely going to be a sigh of relief breathed that they bothered to bring a second Rhino, as that gives them plenty of ways to protect their squishy toys from early onslaughts from Desolation Marines. The Warsuits also seem pretty good here, as Grav won’t do much to clear them, and Miracle dice can help protect them against the few biggers shots that the Ultramarines have. That’s not to say this is all one way, mind – Kasra’s Ultramarines (last seen in the Streamhouse RTT) are much better equipped to win any sort of direct, prolonged clash, especially with the sheer amount of damage that the big Intercessor unit can throw out into Sororitas Infantry. Their Secondaries are potent here too, able to convincingly line up against the Sisters’ ones – Shock Assault is pretty live in Death and Zeal, the army is built well for Codex Warfare even after the nerf, and playing Oaths is definitely an option.
Both sides have plenty of ways to play for the table, both have good Secondaries, so it feels like a lot is going to come down to who can make fights happen on their terms. Sisters want to use their powerful trade tools to run the Ultramarines out of units first, while the Marines want to force the Sisters to engage them in a direct, more grindy battle that they can emerge victorious from. Taking Oaths certainly helps with the latter, particularly because the Sisters answers to Guilliman aren’t fantastic, so ramming him to the centre and demanding a fight feels like a real strategy. However, the go-wide nature of Death and Zeal and the fact that the Sisters have multiple of Transports for staging really helps them, as it gives them plenty of ways to line up Miraculous charges that wipe out key Ultramarine units.
Realistically, I think that makes this anyone’s game, but if pinned down I’d narrowly call it for the Ultramarines – I think they forget taking Shock Assault and go for Banners instead, then play a turtling game plan in the mid board that leverages Defensive Focus to blunt the Sisters key charges. That’s now how things went down however – the Sisters were able work around these challenges and take a narrow victory.
Result
Adepta Sororitas Victory – 93 – 87
Marshall Reeves – Adepta Sororitas – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Bloody Rose Goodstuff
Thoughts
Bloody Rose for the Desolation era, going for a mix of additional transports, units that are reasonably resilient to the chip damage (Sacresants, Warsuits), and units that are good for firing and forgetting out of Strategic Reserves or Deep Strike to play for victory. It worked, so well done to Marshall, particularly because we haven’t seen many Sisters builds on top recently.
Alex Macdougall – Genestealer Cult – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Cult Creed Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + No Force Org Slot [6 PL, -1CP, 150pts] + Kelermorph [3 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: 3x Liberator Autostub, Relic: Wyrmtooth Rounds, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP] Sanctus [3 PL, 70pts]: Cult Sniper Rifle, Familiar’s Claws + HQ [8 PL, 135pts] + Acolyte Iconward [4 PL, 65pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws Primus [4 PL, 70pts]: Cult Bonesword, Scoped Needle Pistol, Toxin Injector Claw, Warlord + Troops [46 PL, 975pts] + Acolyte Hybrids [4 PL, 65pts]: Proficient Planning: Excavate [1 PL, 20pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 205pts]: Proficient Planning: A Perfect Ambush [1 PL, 15pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 205pts]: Proficient Planning: A Trap Sprung [1 PL, 15pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 200pts]: Proficient Planning: From Every Angle [1 PL, 10pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 210pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait [1 PL, 20pts] + Elites [7 PL, -2CP, 120pts] + Nexos [3 PL, -1CP, 50pts]: Autopistol, Relic: Cranial Inlay, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts [-1CP] Reductus Saboteur [4 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Demolition Charge, Frag Grenades, Relic: Oppressor’s Bane, Remote Explosives, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts [-1CP] + Fast Attack [28 PL, 580pts] + Atalan Jackals [10 PL, 200pts]: 10x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge [10pts], Proficient Planning: They Came From Below [1 PL, 10pts] Atalan Jackals [9 PL, 190pts]: 10x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge [10pts]
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [95 PL, 3CP, 1,960pts] ++
. Myriad Cult: Accustomed to Toil (1), Alien Fury (1), Industrial Affinity (1), War Convoy (1)
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid [36pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader [9pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid [36pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader [9pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid [36pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader [9pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon) [16pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Icon [10pts], Cult Shotgun, Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [84pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon [60pts]
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [60pts]: 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [24pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon) [16pts]: Autogun, Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Icon [10pts], Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [84pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon [60pts]
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [60pts]: 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [24pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon) [16pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Icon [10pts], Cult Shotgun, Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [84pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon [60pts]
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [60pts]: 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [24pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon) [16pts]: Autogun, Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Icon [10pts], Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [84pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon [60pts]
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [60pts]: 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [24pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 2x Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher) [30pts]: 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Grenade Launcher
. 5x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms) [75pts]: 5x Atalan Small Arms, 5x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader [15pts]: Atalan Small Arms, Blasting Charges
. 2x Atalan Wolfquad (Incinerator) [2 PL, 60pts]: 2x Atalan Incinerator, 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges
. 2x Atalan
Archetype
Industrial Neophyte/Bike Spam
Thoughts
In second place we have long-time Hive Mind master Alex, taking the second undefeated slot with one of the variants of the horde builds that have been performing strongly in Arks. Mostly it’s business as usual here – loads of respawning bodies, great Secondary play, huge burst damage on go turns and some nice utility characters. A choice that stands out from Alex’s list on the second front is the combo of a Reductus Saboteur and the Oppressors Bane – this gives all her weapons Crossfire, making her an alarmingly deadly spike damage tool and good utility piece, adding some extra killing power on top of the Kelermorph, especially into Monster/Vehicle targets that might otherwise wade through the hordes. Always cool to see some extra spice added to the recipe, and well done Alex on the big finish.
Donald Plummer – T’au Empire – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Sept Choice: Bork’an Sept + Stratagems + Stratagem: Heroic Support [-1CP] + HQ + Aun’Va [4 PL, 100pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 3. Zephyr’s Grace, 6. Wisdom of the Guides . 2x Ethereal Guard: 2x Supreme Honour Blade Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, -1CP, 175pts]: (Bork’an): Seeker of Perfection, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [9 PL, -2CP, 210pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, T’au Flamer, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Thermoneutronic Projector, Warlord . 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight Kroot Shaper [2 PL, -1CP, 25pts]: Advanced EM Scrambler, Shaper Kroot Rifle, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation . Kroot Pistol & Grenade Belt + Troops + Breacher Team [6 PL, 95pts] . 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol Breacher Team [6 PL, 95pts] . 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [22 PL, 440pts] . Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock Firesight Marksman [3 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, Stratagem: Promising Pupil . 3x Sniper Drone: 3x Longshot Pulse Rifle Stealth Battlesuits [4 PL, 75pts] . 2x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 2x Burst Cannon + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] . 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs + Heavy Support + Riptide Battlesuit [14 PL, 265pts]: 2x Plasma Rifle, Ion Accelerator, Multi-tracker, Shielded Missile Drone, Target Lock, Velocity Tracker + Flyer + Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod . 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod . 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle + Dedicated Transport + Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] . 2x Gun Drones . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine ++ Total: [103 PL, 1,999pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [103 PL, , 1,999pts] ++
. Marker Drone
. Marker Drone
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 3x Shield Drone: 3x Shield Generator
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon
Archetype
Bor’kan hulls
Thoughts
Our third and final undefeated player from the vent also makes an unconventional choice – sticking with Sun Sharks. That allows the list to present a pretty durable initial target profile (especially with the Bork’an buff) then hit very hard with a beta strike, and brutally punishing opponents who can’t immediately clear the planes the turn they come down, swinging the momentum of the game in the Tau’s direction, and letting them dominate later scoring. A masterful demonstration of the patient hunter from Donald.
Kasra Houshidar – Ultramarines – 4th Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
All-rounder Ultramarines
Thoughts
As per the showdown – just a nice, normal mix of Marines, to be honest. It honesly speaks pretty well to where Arks is overall that a balanced mix of Space Marine units with a few key combo pieces can get this close to winning a major. Well done to Kasra for making Macragge proud.
The Best of the Rest
There were 12 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Jaden Iwaasa – Chaos Knights: An ultra-tooled Magaera and lots of War Dog friends as a mix of Herpetrax and Dreadblade.
- 6th – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves Successors: Lots of Wulfen, Skyclaws and Wolf Guard with all the meltaguns they can carry, and Bobby G in charge for the sweet 7″ Deep Strike charges with Hungry For Battle.
- 7th – John Holbrook – Word Bearers: A giant brick of Possessed and lots of hangers on.
- 8th – Ken Bush – Votann: GTL 2Fort with some Beserks and various shooty MSUs.
- 9th – Scott de Wynter-Wilkie – Orks: Heavy-duty Freebooterz with a bunch of buggies, two Kannonwagons and a goddam Kustom Stompa.
- 10th – Will Hellebrand – Necrons: Combined arms Nihilakh with some spicy shooting threats and a big brick each of Lychguard and Wraiths, alongside standard objective grabbing pieces.
- 11th – Riley Davis – Thousand Sons & Daemons: Duplicity with a big Scarab brick and a pet Lord of Change.
- 12th – Christopher Weatherford – Adeptus Custodes: Emissaries going all-in on ramming a full bike squad into the opponent’s face. Also sporting the best new team name I’ve seen in a while – Rain City Wych Pigeons, no notes on that.
- 13th – Michael Kriegler – Black Legion: Abaddon with a full Terminator retinue and lots of cheap Helbrutes and Decimators.
- 14th – Austin Tiffany – World Eaters: Angron gets involved, alongside big units of Berzerkers to maximise Blood Fury.
- 15th – David Burdett – Thousand Sons: Duplicity with a truly alarming number of Rubric units.
- 16th – Ryan Zecchel – Chaos Daemons: Monster mash with Be’lakor, a Bloodthirster and Big Bird.
Clan Wars Scottish Open 3
58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Scotland GB on May 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was using 20-0 scoring, and there was a top table round 6 after 5 normal rounds.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Conversion
Fraser McFetridge – Chaos Daemons: Monster Mash with Skarbrand, Bird and the Indomitable Thirster. Factions Used: Chaos Daemons Secondary Objectives Information ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [101 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++ Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided HQ: Bloodthirster [18 PL, -1CP, 360pts]: Wargear: Great axe of Khorne, Exalted: Indomitable Onslaught, Strategem: Relics of the Brass Citadel – A’rgath, the King of Blades TR: Bloodletters [6 PL, 130pts]: Bloodreaper, 9x Bloodletter, Icon, Instrument EL: Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer, 2x Fiend FA: Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound, 4x Flesh Hound Total: [101 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
Player – Fraser McFetridge
Team – Dominion Ayr
Army Points: 2000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units / Killpoints: 14
Pre Game Stratagems: Relic x2, Warlord Trait x1
Starting Command Points: 3
Warlord & Trait: Lord of Change, Incorporeal Form
Army Trait: Warp Storm
No Prisoners: 115 (13)
Bring it Down: 9
Assasination: 10
Abhor the Witch: 3
HQ: Lord of Change [17 PL, -2CP, 355pts]: Exaulted: Architect of Deception, Wargear: Baleful sword, Psyker: Bolt of Change, Boon of Change, Infernal Gateway, Stratagem: Relics of the Impossible Fortress – The Impossible Robe, Stratagem: Warlord Trait – Incorporial Form, Warlord
HQ: Skarbrand [17 PL, 330pts]
TR: Daemonettes [6 PL, 120pts]: Alluress, 9x Daemonette, Icon, Instrument
TR: Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts]: 3x Nurgling Swarms
EL: Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer, 2x Fiend
EL: Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer, 2x Fiend
EL: Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster, 2x Flamer
EL: Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster, 2x Flamer
EL: Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster, 2x Flamer
FA: Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound, 4x Flesh Hound
vs.
Brian Seipp – Aeldari: Hail of Doom with all the Dire Avengers and a big Windrider blob. Factions Used: Aeldari Pre Game Stratagems: Champion of the Aeldari, Treasures of the Aeldari, Relics of the Shrines Warlord & Trait: Farseer Skyrunner – None Secondary Objectives Information NFO: 3 Warlock Skyrunner [5PL, 120pts] HQ: Baharroth [7PL, 160pts] TR: 5 Rangers [4PL, 75pts] Wireweave Net EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Twin Avenger Shuriken Catapult FA: 9 Windriders [12PL, 270pts] 9 Shuriken Cannon HS: War Walker [5PL, 65pts] 2 Shuriken Cannon
Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player: Brian “30 deso is so fluffy guyz” Seipp
Team: Ignite
Army Points: 2000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units / Killpoints: 16
Starting Command Points: 3
Army Trait: Strands of Fate
No Prisoners: 98
Bring it Down: 1
Assassination: 16
Abhor the Witch: 11
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
== Aeldari – [Far Flung Craftworld] – Ark of Omen Detachment [Elite] = -3CP [94PL, 2000pts] ==
Craftworld Trait: Hail of Doom
– – Psyker : Quicken/Restrain, Conceal/Reveal
NFO: Warlock Skyrunner [3PL, 65pts]
– – Psyker : Protect/Jinx
HQ: Karandras [7PL, 150pts]
HQ: Farseer Skyrunner [6PL, 135pts] (Warlord)
– – – Psyker : Guide, Focus Will
HQ: Farseer Skyrunner [6PL, 135pts]
– – – Psyker : Doom, Executioner
– – – Warlord Trait : Mark of the Incomparable Hunter (-1CP)
– – – Relic : Kurnous Bow (-1CP)
EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Twin Avenger Shuriken Catapult
EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Twin Avenger Shuriken Catapult
EL: 5 Striking Scorpions [5PL, 110pts] Biting Blade
– – Exarch Power : Crushing Blows
EL: 5 Howling Banshees [5PL, 110pts] Mirrorswords
– – – Exarch Power : Piercing Strikes
– – – Shrine Relic : Cronescream
FA: 3 Shroud Runners [5PL, 90pts]
FA: 3 Shining Spears [5PL, 125pts] Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon
– – – Exarch Power : Heartstrike
– – – Shrine Relic : Khaine’s Lance
Thoughts
Another corners deployment, but this one feels a bit more one-sided compared to this week’s first showdown – this Craftworlds list is very well equipped to ruin the Daemon’s day here. They’re going to have to play cat-and-mouse a bit, but the reliable, volume firepower that Hail throws out lets them quickly clear the smaller Daemon units, and the big shuriken Windrider blob is appallingly deadly into, well, all of this. Throw guide on them and they’ll even take serious chunks out of Big Bird, and the Kuornos Bow Farseer or Shining Spears are great, high reach tools for plinking off a few remaining wounds. Once the Bird is gone, Baharroth and Kharandras can make it extremely tricky for the Daemons to flip objectives, resulting in a pretty inevitable elf triumph, albeit one with many casualties as the Bloodthirsters go on the rampage.
The Daemons really want to try an all-out, all hands gut punch to overcome that, but being in a situation where none of their big threats can start on the table and all of their smaller units will quickly die on emergence makes that super hard. They really, really need Be’lakor in this matchup specifically, as he’s the only big Daemon that the Windriders don’t scare the hell out of, and can use his Warp Locus tricks to set up the kind of swing moment that the Daemons are looking for. Without that, while it’s not completely pre-ordained how this is going to go, you’d call if for the Eldar a solid four times out of five, and that’s the way this went down.
Result
Craftworlds Victory – 15 – 5
Brian Seipp – Craftworlds – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Hail of Doom
Thoughts
I mean it’s a bold move into a metagame with 30 Desolation Marine lists, but also Brian beat that handily in round two, so I say let him cook. Hail is still the absolute peak damage-dealing elf list, and being able to cause a terminal existence failure for even the toughest of opposition saw Brian through to the big win.
Fraser McFetridge – Chaos Daemons – 2nd Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Monster Mash
Thoughts
It’s a little bit of a shame that this list ran into a Craftworld build that’s so effectively able to counter it, as I do like what Fraser has done a lot here. Combining the ultra durable monster mash hits with lots of small units of the three Fs gives you a bit of the best of both worlds, high pressure when you need it, expendable board control when you don’t. It’s an interesting addition to the Daemonic pantheon, it just really, really doesn’t like playing against Hail of Doom specifically. So uh, try not to do that next time I guess, and well done Fraser on second.
Innes Wilson – Adeptus Astartes – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Factions Used: Adeptus Astartes Pre-Game Stratagems: Relic, Hero of the Chapter x2, Relic of the Chapter Warlord & Trait: Roboute Gulliman – No Trait Secondary Objectives Information HQ: Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8PL, 135pts] TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet EL: 10 Vanguard Veteran [14PL, 300pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Relic Blade, 8 Lightning Claw and Storm Shield, Lightning Claw and Grav Pistol FA: Land Speeder [3PL, 60pts] Multi-Melta DT: Land Speeder Storm [3PL, 50pts] LOW: Roboute Gulliman [19PL, 300pts] (Warlord)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player: Innes “9th? Completed it Mate” Wilson
Team: Stat Check
Army Points: 2000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units / Kill Points:
Starting Command Points: 5
Army Trait: Combat Doctrines, Devastating Charge
No Prisoners: 105
Bring it Down: 3
Assassination: 13
Abhor the Witch: 3
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
== Adeptus Astartes – [White Scars] – Ark of Omen Detachment [Elites] = -1CP, [110PL, 2000pts] ==
Chapter Tactics: Lightning Assault
– – – Chapter Command : Master of Sanctity
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Rites of War (-1CP)
– – – Relic : Benediction of Fury (-1CP)
– – – Litanies of Battle : Exhortation of Rage, Canticle of Hate
HQ: Primaris Librarian [5PL, 85pts]
– – – Psyker : Ride the Winds, Storm Wreathed
EL: 5 Vanguard Veteran [7PL, 150pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Lightning Claw and Relic Blade, 4 Lightning Claw and Storm Shield
EL: 10 Assault Terminator [18PL, 330pts] 10 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, Teleport Homer
EL: 10 Assault Terminator [18PL, 330pts] 10 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, Teleport Homer
EL: 5 Scout [4PL, 60pts] 5 Camo Cloak, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer, 4 Combat Knife
ELC: Primaris Apothecary [5PL, 100pts]
– – – Chapter Command : Chief Apothecary
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Selfless Healer (-1CP)
– – – Relic of the Chapter : The Vox Espiritum (-1CP)
– – – Author of the Codex (+3CP)
Archetype
Melee Scars
Thoughts
Clearly winning Warhammer Fest has finally sated Innes’ hunger for missile-based violence, and he’s returned to tradition by bringing a melee Scars build that slams into the opponent’s face at breakneck speed and hammers them to death. Ride the Winds and Bobby G’s aura provide even more speed and reliability, with the latter also acting as a late game hammer and shoring up the Oaths game when going first, and the final result is uncomplicated but pretty potent, and liable to catch opponents who have forgotten just what Scars can do out. Well done to Innes on third place.
Ryan Kerr – Iron Hands – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Pre Game Stratagems: Martial Legacy (-1CP),March of the Ancients (-1CP),2x Hero of the Chapter(-1CP),Scion of the Forge(-1CP),Warlord Trait (-1CP) Secondary Objectives Information == Adeptus Astartes – [Iron Hands] – Ark of Omen Detachment [Heavy Support] = -6CP, [110PL, 1995pts] == HQ: Primaris Techmarine [4PL, 70pts] (Warlord)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player #: Ryan “Jamsheed” Kerr
Team: Shire Knights
Factions: Space Marines
Detachment: AOO
Army Points: 1995
Reinforcement Points: 5
Number of Units / Killpoints: 12
Starting Command Points: 0
Warlord & Trait: Primaris Techmarine – Rites of War
No Prisoners: 90
Bring it Down: 8
Assasination: 10
Abhor the Witch: 0
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapter Tactics: The Flesh Is Weak
– – – Warlord Trait : Target Protocols (-1CP)
HQ: Primaris Lieutenant [4PL, 65pts] Master-Crafted Power Sword, Neo-Volkite Pistol, Storm Shield
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Rites of War (-1CP)
TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet
EL: Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8PL, 170pts] 2 Twin Volkite Culverin
– – – Martial Legacy (-1CP)
– – – March of the Ancients (-1CP)
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Merciless Logic (-1CP)
HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 115pts] 4 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer
HS: 5 Devastator [8PL, 125pts] Multi-Melta, 3 Grav-Cannon, Armorium Cherub, Sergeant with Combi-Melta and Thunder Hammer
HS: 10 Desolation [16PL, 360pts] Vengor Launcher and Targeter Optics, 9 Super Krak Missile
HS: 10 Desolation [16PL, 360pts] Vengor Launcher and Targeter Optics, 9 Super Krak Missile
HS: 10 Desolation [16PL, 360pts] Vengor Launcher and Targeter Optics, 9 Super Krak Missile
– – – Scion of the Forge : Master-Crafted Weapon – Vengor Launcher (-1CP)
DT: Impulsor [6PL, 100pts] Shield Dome,IronHail Stubber
DT: Impulsor [6PL, 100pts] Shield Dome,IronHail Stubber
DT: Drop Pod [4PL, 70pts]
Archetype
Iron Hands Desolation Spam.
Thoughts
Nope.
Nope Nope Nope.
I guess there is innovation here – Superkraks out of Impulsors is cute, going for normal Hands for extra resilience in a list that wants to grind the opponent out (and doesn’t care as much as usual about Master Artisans), but I’m going to advance the opinion that this is a case where army list science has focused on too much on whether you could build this list rather than whether you should. I shall say well done to Ryan anyway, but know that I am shaking my head to show that I disapprove.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Conar Leach – Necrons: Nihilakh with lots of Skorpekh, a big Lokhust brick and two full blocks of Scarabs for maximum board clogging.
- 6th – Nicholas Malone – Iron Hands Successors: All-rounder Succesosrs with VanVets and Scouts alongside the shooty stuff.
- 7th – Adam Risbridger – Astra Militarum: Krieg Infantry and three Baneswords. Concern.
The Saffron Walden GT
46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England GB on May 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal
Jonny Simmons – Cult Mechanicus: Lucius with a mix of expendable objective grabbers and big hammer units for both melee and ranged combat. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Forge World Choice: Forge World: Lucius Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 50pts, -2CP]: Tech-Priest Dominus [5 PL, 105pts, -1CP]: Tech-Priest Manipulus [6 PL, 110pts, -2CP]: + Troops + 20 Skitarii Rangers [12 PL, 210pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex 20 Skitarii Rangers [12 PL, 210pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex 5 Skitarii Rangers [3 PL, 45pts] 20 Skitarii Vanguards [12 PL, 210pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex 5 Skitarii Vanguards [3 PL, 50pts] 5 Skitarii Vanguards [3 PL, 45pts] + Elites + 10 Fulgurite Electro-Priests [6 PL, 120pts] 8 Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 128pts, -1CP] 8 Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 128pts] + Fast Attack + 5 Ironstrider Ballistarii [20 PL, 425pts] Serberys Raiders [3 PL, 54pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha Serberys Raiders [3 PL, 54pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha Serberys Raiders [3 PL, 54pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha ++ Total: [110 PL, 1,998pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Mechanicus) [110 PL, 1,998pts, 0CP] ++
Relic: Exemplar’s Eternity,
Warlord Trait: Programmed Retreat
-Stratagem: Archeotech Specialist
-Stratagem: Mechanicus Locum
Artisans
Macrostubber, Volkite Blaster
Relic: The Solar Flare,
-Stratagem: Archeotech Specialist
Warlord
Logi
Magnarail lance
Relic: Raiment of the Technomartyr
Warlord Trait: Luminescent Blessings
-Stratagem: Relic
-Stratagem: Warlord Trait
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Taser Goad
. 15x Skitarii Ranger: 15x Galvanic Rifle
. 2x Skitarii Ranger: 2x Arc Rifle
. 2x Skitarii Ranger: 2x Plasma Caliver
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Taser Goad
. 15x Skitarii Ranger: 15x Galvanic Rifle
. 2x Skitarii Ranger: 2x Arc Rifle
. 2x Skitarii Ranger: 2x Plasma Caliver
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Taser Goad
. 4x Skitarii Ranger: 4x Galvanic Rifle
. 15x Skitarii Vanguard: 15x Radium Carbine
. 2x Skitarii Vanguard: 2x Arc Rifle
. 2x Skitarii Vanguard: 2x Plasma Caliver
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine, Taser Goad
. 3x Skitarii Vanguard: 3x Radium Carbine
. Skitarii Vanguard: Arc Rifle
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine, Taser Goad
. 4x Skitarii Vanguard: 4x Radium Carbine
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine, Taser Goad
. 10x Electroleech Stave
Relic: Temporcopia
-Stratagem Artefactotum
. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades):
. 7x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 7x Transonic Blades
. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades)
. 7x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 7x Transonic Blades
. 5 x Twin Cognis Lascannon
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine
vs.
Jack Tite – Chaos Daemons: Disciples of Be’lakor with some Korvax Brigands to add shooting. + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, -1CP, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shadow Lord, Shrouded Step, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Changecaster [4 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames, Ritual dagger, Stratagem: Relic, The Endless Grimoire Tormentbringer on Hellflayer [6 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Stratagem: Exquisite Gifts, The Slothful Claws, Wreathed in Shades + Troops + Bloodletters [6 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Beasts of Nurgle [12 PL, 210pts] Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Fiends [5 PL, 90pts]: Blissbringer Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound Flesh Hounds [5 PL, 75pts]: Gore Hound ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor + Lord of War + War Dog Brigand Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Korvax ++ Total: [108 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [92 PL, 3CP, 1,690pts] ++
. 9x Bloodletter: 9x Hellblade
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Beast of Nurgle: 3x Putrid appendages
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 2x Fiend: 2x Barbed tail, 2x Dissecting claws
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
Thoughts
A lesser seen showdown on the top table at Saffron Slam, as the Adeptus Mechanicus make the final against the more typically seen Chaos Daemons. This Lucius build is out to take names at range, with massed fire from Rangers and Vanguard support with high incision Las-Chicken shots. There is a substantial melee counterpunch waiting for any that get too close, with Ruststalkers and Electro Priests lurking. Raiders can screen out ground and run harassment- the overall balance of tricks here (with the obligatory Solar Flare for optional alpha striking) is really nice. The volume alone definitely gives Chaos Daemons pause for thought, as do auto-wounding and mortal wound mechanics on offer across some of the key pieces. Unalterable saves can only take you so far in the face of such high volume shooting!
On the Daemon side, Jack Tite continues his recent run with the War Dog / Disciples of Be’Lakor combination. Go-wide MSU with hounds, fiends, flamers, and some amped up Beasts of Nurgle- but not a Daemonette in sight, bucking some trends in the Daemon world at the moment! Some of the stratagems and tricks you can unlock via the War Dogs in this list can come in clutch – a Pterrorshades mortal wound snipe goes a long way in a list packing the sheer weight of Leadership debuffs that this is! Jack has torn through shooting type armies all year and the plan here will remain the same- grind out an edge in Primary and Secondary scoring and threaten a complete shutdown into the unwary. In this instance on Death and Zeal, with its very generous primary top-up, it looks like it went right to the wire, with the two toolkits on display very nearly cancelling each other out before the Daemons edged it for the win. Very well done Jack!
Result
Chaos Daemons Victory – 97 – 92
Jack Tite – Chaos Daemons – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Disciples of Be’lakor
Thoughts
All the tricks that Be’lakor’s team bring to the table, as discussed in the Showdown.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on one loss. They were:
- 2nd – Jonny Simmons – Cult Mechanicus: The Lucius combined arms build from the showdown.
- 3rd – Mike Cheng – Death Guard: Mixed arms Inexorable Death Guard with Plageburst Crawlers, Drones, lots of Plague Marines, a Contemptor, and the Lord of Virulence.
- 4th – Josh French – Chaos Knights: A Powerful Herpetrax build with the Abominant, a Desecrator, and a bunch of supporting doggos.
- 5th – Aarron Wilson – Orks: Goff Pressure with some Squigbuggies for the artillery wars!
- 6th – David MG – Orks: Goff Pressure with triple Kill Rigs.
- 7th – James McGlough: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with a tonne of artillery, and Sly Marbo for being a hero.
- 8th – Franco McDonnell: Chaos Daemons msu with Belly and the Thirster at the head.
- 9th – Lee Jones: Another take on the Disciples / War Dogs combo with some variety in the msu.
GT-CT
46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cartagena, Región de Murcia ES on May 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Alejandro Mancuso Serrano – Blood Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Agents of the Imperium + Acolytes [1 PL, 10pts] + HQ + Commander Dante [9 PL, 1CP, 165pts]: Warlord Sanguinary Priest [6 PL, -2CP, 120pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Jump Pack, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, Teeth of Terra + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Death Company Marines [8 PL, 155pts]: Jump Pack Death Company Marines [8 PL, 115pts]: Jump Pack Sanguinary Ancient [6 PL, -2CP, 110pts]: 3. Soulwarden, Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, Wrath of Baal Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 150pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 150pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 150pts] Vanguard Veteran Squad [7 PL, 127pts]: Jump Pack + Heavy Support + Whirlwind [7 PL, 125pts]: Whirlwind castellan launcher ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Chivalric Oath: Mixed Army + Lord of War + Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 310pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Mysterious Guardian, Questor Mechanicus ++ Total: [137 PL, 3CP, 1,987pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [121 PL, 3CP, 1,677pts] ++
. Acolyte: Chainsword, Laspistol
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. 4x Death Company Marine w/ thunder hammer: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine axe, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Inferno pistol
. Vanguard Veteran: Grav-pistol, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Grav-pistol, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Grav-pistol, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Grav-pistol, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Grav-pistol, Relic blade
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
Archetype
Jump Pack Spam with Helverins
Final Round Matchup
100 – 32 Victory against Miguel Durá – Orks.
Thoughts
Big Dante – still very much Dante. This build combines the hefty melee punch Blood Angels are famed for with an honestly fairly strong shooting phase – Mysterious Guardian Helverins are a great add-on for a list like this because of how non-negotiable their early damage is, and free inferno pistols provides some up-close spike damage as well. Round out with a Whirlwind for the classic Suppression Fire into damgerous melee targets, and you’ve got a build ready for all-comers, which it duly defeated – well done Alejandro.
The Best of the Rest
There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Xandre Ramos – World Eaters: Angron is clearly having a very busy week, as here he is once more leading his minions to a strong second place finish in the hands of Xandre (who is clearly a big fan of monstrous Khorne creations, as I had the pleasure of playing a great game against his Lord of Skulls at Warhammer Fest).
- 3rd – Victor Goñi – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with some Earthshakers and a Dorn.
- 4th – Raven 🦭🦭🦭 – World Eaters: …another Angron list. Was there a memo I missed. Does Angron send memos? He doesn’t seem like the type.
- 5th – Cuervo Marcos – Dark Angels: Black Knights, Attack Bikes and Desolation Marines, with a squad of Infiltrators to keep options open on Stubborn.
- 6th – Miguel Durá – Orks: Horde Deathskullz with Kill Rigs and some Burna Boyz doing drive-bys in a Trukk.
- 7th – Angel C4KILLER – Drukhari: Coven-heavy Drukhari with lots of Grotesques to clog up the board.
- 8th – Teniente Tillas – Leagues of Votann: GTL 2Fort.
- 9th – Husa Lord Six Adeptus Custodes: Emissaries with a big bike brick to ram into the enemy.
CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open
38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON Canada on May 13 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event used 20-0 scoring.
Bruno Choquette – Chaos Daemons – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Number of Units: 18 == Chaos Undivided Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 115 PL HQ1: Fluxmaster: Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames, Smite, Staff of change, Stratagem: Relic, The Endless Grimoire [115 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Daemonettes: Alluress, 9xDaemonette, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos [120 pts, 6 PL] EL1: Beasts of Nurgle: 3xBeast of Nurgle [210 pts, 12 PL] FA1: Flesh Hounds: 4xFlesh Hound, Gore Hound [75 pts, 5 PL] HS1: Skull Cannon [90 pts, 5 PL]
Army name: Bruno CTC
Factions used: Chaos – Daemons
Command Points: 6-1-1=4
Total cost: 2000 pts, 115 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 10 points
Bring it Down: 1 points
No Prisoners: 20 points (total wounds: 183)
Abhor the Witch: 6 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HQ2: Infernal Enrapturess: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warp Mists [80 pts, 4 PL, -1 CP]
HQ3: Tranceweaver: Hysterical Frenzy, Smite [70 pts, 4 PL]
TR2: Daemonettes: Alluress, 9xDaemonette, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR3: Daemonettes: Alluress, 9xDaemonette, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR4: Daemonettes: Alluress, 9xDaemonette, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos [120 pts, 6 PL]
TR5: Pink Horrors: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos, Iridescent Horror, 9xPink Horror [140 pts, 7 PL]
EL2: Fiends: Blissbringer, 3xFiend [120 pts, 10 PL]
EL3: Fiends: Blissbringer, 3xFiend [120 pts, 10 PL]
EL4: Flamers: 4xFlamer, Pyrocaster [125 pts, 6 PL]
EL5: Flamers: 4xFlamer, Pyrocaster [125 pts, 6 PL]
EL6: Flamers: 3xFlamer, Pyrocaster [100 pts, 6 PL]
FA2: Flesh Hounds: 4xFlesh Hound, Gore Hound [75 pts, 5 PL]
FA3: Flesh Hounds: 4xFlesh Hound, Gore Hound [75 pts, 5 PL]
Archetype
Maximum Board Control Daemons
Final Round Matchup
11 – 9 Victory against Vincent Koopmans – Dark Angels.
Thoughts
Yet another devious daemonic strategy at play here, which is overwhelming the enemy with the sheer number of relatively durable bodies they can field, coupled with reliable ObSec charges from the Daemonettes in an emergency thanks to the Warp Locus on the Enrapturess. Interesting use of the Warp Mists trait on here too – it maximises the chance of being able to pop Dark Invigoration on a turn you really need it, great in a build that’s all about outlasting the enemy on the table. That included an impressive win against the kind of melee-heavy build that can often cleave through Daemons in the final, so great work from Bruno.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 or better records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Maxime Rampen – World Eaters: Angron gets a second runaround for the week, this time with lots of Eightbound in tow.
- 3rd – Dominique Carette – Space Wolves Successors: Upgrade spam with some Helverins to add extra dakka.
- 4th – Éric Marcoux – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with a Herald Errant and lots of Armigers.
- 5th – Eric McCartney – Drukhari: Board control heavy Drukhari with lots of small units in Transports and two Courts of the Archon.
Wrap Up
Dawn of the final <unknown period of time> – <unknown number> weeks remain. This joke will probably work better once we have an announcement of when 10th lands huh? Will revisit.
