The full squad is here, rising to the task of tackling one of the last big weeks of 9th Edition. We’ve got a lot of events to look at today due to some scheduling challenges that prevented us implementing the normal, roughly even Wednesday/Friday split, so with brave heroes Falcon and Lowest of Men alongside me, let’s get right to it.
Today we’re looking at:
- The Bay Area Open (major)
- BayernMajor40K (major)
- Midwest Conquest GT 2023 (major)
- Gothic Games Canterbury May GT
- Heroes Of The Mid Table GT 2
- Torneo Aniversario CJM
- South Yorkshire GT
On Wednesday we covered:
- GT Andorra & Open Ordino (major)
- Motor City Mayhem (major)
- Rocky Top Rumble 40k Major 2023 (major)
- Spring Assault at Ironweld
Bay Area Open
151-player 6-round event in California. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Forrest Phanton – Space Wolves Successors – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
Archetype
Space Wolves Upgrade/Wulfen spam
Final Round Matchup
91-66 Victory vs. Linton Rowan – Space Wolves
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
Clearly someone has let the dogs out this week, as the top tables are stacked with Space Wolves. This build eschews any Desolation Marines in favour of a maximum number of small, lethal units, and as a result is overwhelmingly tricky for opponents to chew through fast enough to save themselves from the Wrath of Russ. Setting up the Long Fangs so that two units can be Drop-podded in rather than taking the crunchier Wolf Guard option further enhances this build’s ability to just go for the throat, very in character, and we’re sure that there will be many toasts to Forest on Fenris tonight.
James Carmona – World Eaters – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters) [78 PL, 5CP, 1,520pts] ++ + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Subfaction: World Eaters + HQ [8 PL, -1CP, 160pts] + Lord Invocatus [8 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord + Troops [12 PL, 235pts] + Khorne Berserkers [12 PL, 235pts]: Berserker icon [5pts] + Elites [32 PL, 630pts] + Eightbound [6 PL, 120pts] Eightbound [6 PL, 120pts] Eightbound [6 PL, 120pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] + Fast Attack [2 PL, 50pts] + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts] Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts] + Heavy Support [14 PL, 265pts] + Chaos Land Raider [14 PL, 265pts] + Dedicated Transport [10 PL, 180pts] + Chaos Terrax-Pattern Termite [10 PL, 180pts] ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [25 PL, 480pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War [25 PL, 480pts] + War Dog Executioner Squadron [25 PL, 480pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings
Khorne Berserker Champion [22pts]: Bolt pistol
7x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade [154pts]: 7x Berserker chainblade, 7x Bolt pistol
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator [27pts]: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator [5pts]
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator [27pts]: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator [5pts]
2x Eightbound [80pts]: 4x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion [40pts]: Lacerators
2x Eightbound [80pts]: 4x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion [40pts]: Lacerators
2x Eightbound [80pts]: 4x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion [40pts]: Lacerators
2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
Exalted Eightbound Champion
Two Eightbound chainfists
2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
Exalted Eightbound Champion
Two Eightbound chainfists
2 Terrax heavy flamers
War Dog Executioner [9 PL, 170pts]: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates [1 PL, 15pts]
War Dog Executioner [8 PL, 155pts]: Diabolus heavy stubber
War Dog Executioner [8 PL, 155pts]: Diabolus heavy stubber
Archetype
World Eaters Hull Skew
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
This is a fascinating build to see emerge so late in the game – hull-focused World Eaters. Not only does bringing three War Dogs and a Land Raider allow the list to actually shoot stuff early on, starting the vital flow of gore that Khorne so craves, it also makes it far more resilient than the average build to massed anti-infantry firepower. The only “serious” shootable unit that has to start on the board is one squad of Eightbound for Invocatus to hurl forwards, everything else can either go in the Land Raider/Drill or in deep strike. That can completely confound some armies plans for dealing with Eaters, which generally involve massing so much D2/D3 attacks that they just body the list off the table, and from the fact that James emerged undefeated, it looks like no one was ready to adapt to his smart innovation.
William Abilez – Tau – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [104 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Sept Choice: T’au Sept + No Force Org Slot + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Kroot Shaper [2 PL, -1CP, 25pts]: Advanced EM Scrambler, Shaper Kroot Rifle, Stratagem: Relic + HQ + Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -2CP, 210pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, High-output Burst Cannon, Onager Gauntlet, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector, Warlord Ethereal [4 PL, -1CP, 95pts]: 3. Zephyr’s Grace, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil Longstrike [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Accelerator Burst Cannon, Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile + Troops + Breacher Team [6 PL, 95pts]: Guardian Drone Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 70pts] Strike Team [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Ghostkeel Battlesuit [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x T’au Flamer, Cyclic Ion Raker, Early Warning Override, Wide-Spectrum Scanners Stealth Battlesuits [4 PL, 80pts] XV9 Hazard Battlesuits [3 PL, 60pts] + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Pathfinder Team [5 PL, 105pts] Piranhas [4 PL, 60pts] Vespid Stingwings [3 PL, 60pts] + 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 + Dedicated Transport + Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] + Fortification + Tidewall Gunrig [7 PL, 125pts] ++ Total: [104 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. Kroot Pistol & Grenade Belt
. 2x Shield Drone: 2x Shield Generator
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Fire Warrior Shas’ui: Pulse Rifle
. 9x Fire Warrior w/ Pulse Rifle: 9x Pulse Pistol, 9x Pulse Rifle
. 2x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 2x Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’vre: Fusion Blaster
. XV9 Hazard Battlesuit: 2x Twin Hazard Burst Cannons
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 6x Pathfinder: 6x Markerlight, 6x Pulse Carbine, 6x Pulse Pistol
. Pathfinder Shas’ui
. Pathfinder w/ Ion Rifle: Ion Rifle
. 2x Pathfinder w/ Rail Rifle: 2x Pulse Pistol, 2x Rail Rifle
. Piranha: Piranha Burst Cannon
. . 2x Gun Drones
. . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 4x Vespid Stingwing: 4x Neutron Blaster, 4x Stingwing Claws
. Vespid Strain Leader
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
Archetype
All-rounder Tau Sept
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
Another great finish for William’s weird all-rounder Tau build, which like the World Eaters list above is going to wrongfoot people used to the standard playstyle for its faction. Lots of small, mobile units to play for Secondaries, early pressure from a Ghostkeel, Pathfinders blasting away from within a Tidewall – a whole bunch of stuff that gives reliable routes to adapt and score in ways opponents won’t see coming, and it earned William an undefeated finish.
Trent Wheeler – Word Bearers – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [93 PL, , 1,690pts] ++ + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Legion: Word Bearers + HQ [22 PL, -5CP, 380pts] + Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, -2CP, 180pts]: 4. Master of the Union, Aspiring Lord [-1CP], G’holl’ax, the Decayed, Gifts of Chaos [-1CP], Hellforged sword [10pts], Malefic talons, Mark of Nurgle [1 PL, 15pts], Wings [2 PL, 35pts] Dark Apostle [5 PL, -1CP, 95pts]: Baleful Icon, Chaos Undivided, Gifts of Chaos [-1CP], Illusory Supplication Master of Possession [6 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: 3. Daemonic Whispers, Bolt pistol, Chaos Undivided, Cursed Earth, Frag & Krak grenades, Pact of Flesh, Smite, Staff of Possession, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], The Malefic Tome, Warlord, Warp Marked + Troops [8 PL, 200pts] + Accursed Cultists [3 PL, 75pts] Accursed Cultists [3 PL, 75pts] Cultists Mob [2 PL, 50pts] + Elites [51 PL, -1CP, 900pts] + Master of Executions [4 PL, 65pts]: Axe of dismemberment, Bolt pistol, Chaos Undivided, Frag & Krak grenades Plague Marines [13 PL, 205pts] Plague Marines [13 PL, 205pts] Possessed [14 PL, -1CP, 280pts] Possessed [7 PL, 145pts]: Chaos Icon [5pts] + Fast Attack [12 PL, 210pts] + Venomcrawler [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Excruciator cannon, Soulflayer tendrils and claws Venomcrawler [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Excruciator cannon, Soulflayer tendrils and claws ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War [16 PL, 310pts] + War Dog Brigand Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings ++ Total: [109 PL, 2,000pts] ++
. Dark Apostle: Accursed crozius, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon
. 5x Mutant [30pts]: 5x Blasphemous appendages
. 3x Torment [45pts]: 3x Hideous mutations
. 5x Mutant [30pts]: 5x Blasphemous appendages
. 3x Torment [45pts]: 3x Hideous mutations
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm [45pts]: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion [5pts]: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon: Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
. Plague Champion [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ mace and axe [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Bubotic Axe, Mace of Contagion, Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Meltagun, Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Meltagun, Plague knife
. Plague Champion [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail [38pts]: 2x Blight Grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon and sigil [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Boltgun, Icon of despair, Krak grenades, Plague knife, Sigil of decay
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Meltagun, Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon [19pts]: Blight Grenades, Krak grenades, Meltagun, Plague knife
. 9x Possessed [252pts]: 9x Hideous mutations
. Possessed Champion [-1CP, 28pts]: Black Rune of Damnation, Hideous mutations, Trophies of the Long War [-1CP]
. 4x Possessed [112pts]: 4x Hideous mutations
. Possessed Champion [28pts]: Hideous mutations
. War Dog Brigand [8 PL, 155pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand [8 PL, 155pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber
Archetype
Brawler Word Bearers
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
A rare sighting of non Black Legion Chaos Space Marines to round out the top four, with Trent bringing an spicy brawling build to the table. Pretty much all the units here are ready to get stuck into a melee (or at least provide close support firepower), and plenty of them are pretty tough to shift as well. That buys space for the Master of Possession to get to work on the Word Bearers strong Secondary objective, and also has a good line in denying the opponent’s primary simply by bulldozing them off objectives. Enemy Characters also need to watch out for the Daemon Prince as well, and taking Master of the Union on him means that he’s handing out a valuable buff even when no suitable prey wanders into range. Great to see new, unique builds still managing to emerge week-on-week, great stuff from Trent.
The Best of the Rest
There were 10 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Lukas Troller – Orks: Goff pressure with Kill Rigs.
- 6th – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves Successors: Linton’s signature Bobby G/Hungry For Battle build with lots of Wulfen and Skyclaws.
- 7th – G. Greene – Iron Hands Successors: All-rounder hands with VanVets, Scouts, Devs, Desolation Marine sand Reapers. Weep horde lists, weep.
- 8th – Eulis Sanders – Necrons: Nihilakh skewed towards Flayed Ones (the maximum 60) alongside a pair of C’tan.
- 9th – Junior Aflleje – Votann: Another good run for Junior’s no-Fort Ymyr build that we’ve seen a couple of times now.
- 10th – Adam Dye – Chaos Daemons: Big monsters (Be’lakor, Bird, ‘brand) and the three Fs.
- 11th – Jason Rider – Black Legion: Abaddon with two big biker bricks and a full-on Brass Scorpion.
- 12th – Jason McKenzie – Tau:
Bork’an with a big team each of Crisis and Broadsides. - 13th – Adrian Phillips – Space Wolves Successors: Wulfen/upgrade spam.
- 14th – Mathew Tweedel – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam.
BayernMajor40K
111-player, 7-round Major in WÜ, BY DE on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was using the modified combination 20-0/Win Path placing metric that’s increasingly popular in Germany.
Grischa Gerwert – Space Wolves – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Space Wolves Successor (Custom Chapter, Born Heroes , Whirlwind of Rage) Arks of Omen = 0 CP, [109 PL, 1999 pts] == HQ: Captain on Bike [8 PL, 145 pts] Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Hunter, Storm shield, Stratagem: A Trophy Bestowed, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Armour of Russ, Thunder hammer, Warlord TR: 5 Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100 pts] Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant EL: Judiciar [5 PL, 75 pts] FA: Land Speeders [3 PL, 60 pts] Land Speeder (Heavy bolter) HS: 10 Desolation Squad [16 PL, 360 pts] 9xDesolation Marine (Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher), Desolation Sgt (Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher, Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics (Targeter Optics, Vengor Launcher)), Superkrak Rocket Launcher DT: Land Speeder Storm [3 PL, 50 pts]
Team:
Factions used: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves
Army points: 1999
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Number of Units / Killpoints: 16
Pre Game Stratagems:
Starting Command Points: 2
Warlord:
Army Trait:
Secondary Objectives Information
Assassination: 10
Bring it Down: 2
No Prisoners: 14 (total wounds: 122)
Abhor the Witch: 0
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HQ: Chaplain [7 PL, 115 pts] 2. Catechism of Fire, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Combi-melta, Jump Pack, Litany of Hate (Aura), Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter
TR: 5 Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100 pts] 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant
EL: 5 Scout Squad [4 PL, 60 pts] 5xCamo cloak, Scout Sergeant (Combi-melta, Thunder hammer), 3xScout w/Scout sniper rifle, Scout w/Special weapon (Bolt pistol, Meltagun)
EL: 5 Wolf Guard [7 PL, 140 pts] Jump Pack, 2xWolf Guard (Lightning Claw, Storm shield), 2xWolf Guard (Combi-melta, Lightning Claw), Wolf Guard Pack Leader (Combi-melta, Lightning Claw)
EL: 5 Wolf Guard [7 PL, 135 pts] Jump Pack, Wolf Guard (Lightning Claw, Storm shield), 3xWolf Guard (Combi-melta, Lightning Claw), Wolf Guard Pack Leader (Combi-melta, Lightning Claw)
EL: 5 Wulfen [6 PL, 145 pts] 5xStormfrag auto-launcher, Wulfen Pack Leader, 4xWulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield
EL: 5 Wulfen [6 PL, 145 pts] 5xStormfrag auto-launcher, Wulfen Pack Leader, 4xWulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield
FA: 6 Skyclaws [8 PL, 110 pts] 2xSkyclaw, Skyclaw Pack Leader (Meltagun, Power fist), 2xSkyclaw with Special Weapon (Meltagun), Wolf Guard Skyclaw Pack Leader (Storm shield, Thunder hammer)
FA: 6 Skyclaws [8 PL, 110 pts] 2xSkyclaw, Skyclaw Pack Leader (Meltagun, Power fist), 2xSkyclaw with Special Weapon (Meltagun), Wolf Guard Skyclaw Pack Leader (Storm shield, Thunder hammer)
HS: 6 Long Fangs [9 PL, 149 pts] Armorium Cherub, 4xLong Fang (Grav-cannon), Long Fang Pack Leader (Meltagun, Power fist), Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader (Cyclone missile launcher, Storm shield, Thunder hammer)
Archetype
Space Wolves Upgrade/Wulfen
Final Round Matchup
12 – 8 Victory against Thomas Brutscher – Goffs.
Thoughts
Truly an astounding week for Space Wolves overall, with Grischa giving them their fourth major triumph. The formula here is similar to the other lists we’ve seen – Wolves can just put spectacular amounts of quality stuff on the table, and are one of the most powerful all-rounder armies out there. I like the Judiciar here for the mirror and World Eaters matchups, but otherwise this is all pretty normal stuff – but taking it all the way to the top in a tough field is still very impressive, well done to Grischa.
Kevin Zöllinger – Black Templars – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Arks of Omen detachment == 2000 pts, 132 PL Agent of the Imperium: HQ1: Primaris Lieutenant: Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield, Stratagem: Relic, Sword of Judgement, Warlord [65 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP] TR1: Assault Intercessor Squad: 4xAssault Intercessor, Assault Intercessor Sgt (Plasma pistol, Stratagem: Champion of the Feast, Thunder hammer) [85 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP] HS1: Gladiator Lancer: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2xStorm Bolters [125 pts, 10 PL] DT1: Impulsor: Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL] Designed by a psycho from Austria who say “pew pew – pew” way tooo much
Army name: Black templars
Factions used: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars
Command Points: 6-1-1 = 4
Total cost: 2000 pts, 132 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Army traits: combat doctrines, vowes
Number of Units: 20
Assassination: 7 points
Bring it Down: 24 points
No Prisoners: 7 points (total wounds: 60)
Abhor the Witch: 0 points (death to the Zauberers)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Acolytes: Acolyte (Chainsword, Laspistol), Ordo Xenos [10 pts, 1 PL]
TR2: Assault Intercessor Squad: 4xAssault Intercessor, Assault Intercessor Sgt (Heavy Bolt Pistol, Thunder hammer) [85 pts, 5 PL]
TR3: Assault Intercessor Squad: 4xAssault Intercessor, Assault Intercessor Sgt (Heavy Bolt Pistol, Thunder hammer) [85 pts, 5 PL]
TR4: Assault Intercessor Squad: 4xAssault Intercessor, Assault Intercessor Sgt (Heavy Bolt Pistol, Thunder hammer) [85 pts, 5 PL]
TR5: Assault Intercessor Squad: 4xAssault Intercessor, Assault Intercessor Sgt (Heavy Bolt Pistol, Thunder hammer) [85 pts, 5 PL]
TR6: Infiltrator Squad: Helix gauntlet, 4xInfiltrator, Infiltrator Sergeant [100 pts, 6 PL]
HS2: Gladiator Lancer: Auto Launchers, 2xFragstorm Grenade Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta [125 pts, 10 PL]
HS3: Gladiator Reaper: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta [150 pts, 11 PL]
HS4: Gladiator Reaper: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta [150 pts, 11 PL]
HS5: Gladiator Reaper: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta [150 pts, 11 PL]
DT2: Impulsor: Multi-melta, Orbital Comms Array, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
DT3: Impulsor: Multi-melta, Orbital Comms Array, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
DT4: Impulsor: Multi-melta, Orbital Comms Array, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
DT5: Impulsor: Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
DT6: Impulsor: Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
DT7: Impulsor: Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta, 2xStorm Bolters [100 pts, 6 PL]
Archetype
Black Templars Hull Spam
Thoughts
Hey speaking of free melta weapons, we’ve got this nightmare to deal with, an army I strongly suspect is held back from Space Wolves levels of dominance only by how tough it is to get on the table. Unless you have a massive amount of anti-tank it’s very tough to take this list off the table, and the sheer firepower it can unleash turn after turn can clear out even the most durable armies. Kevin’s version of this goes even harder on the plan than th average, going for the cheapest possible units to fill out all the Impulsors, and bringing along some Orbital Arrays is a hilarious extra flex. If you’re going to skew, skew hard – and that paid off in spades here.
Thomas Brutscher – Goffs – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Clan Kultur: Goffs Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems [-1CP] + Stratagem: Heroic Support [-1CP]: Warboss + HQ [18 PL, 320pts, -4CP] + Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, 160pts, -2CP]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Beasthide Mantle, Stratagem: Big Boss [-1CP], Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz [-1CP] Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, 160pts, -2CP]: 3. ‘Ard as Nails, Headwoppa’s Killchoppa, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord + Troops [19 PL, 370pts] + Beast Snagga Boyz [5 PL, 100pts] Beast Snagga Boyz [5 PL, 100pts] Boyz [5 PL, 90pts]: Trukk Boyz Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts] Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts] + Elites [28 PL, 324pts] + Kommandos [4 PL, 60pts] Nobz [12 PL, 132pts] Nobz [12 PL, 132pts] + Fast Attack [21 PL, 410pts] + Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 80pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts] Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 80pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts] Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 80pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts] Stormboyz [3 PL, 60pts] Stormboyz [3 PL, 50pts] Stormboyz [3 PL, 60pts] + Heavy Support [28 PL, 505pts] + Kannonwagon [8 PL, 150pts]: 3x Big Shoota Kannonwagon [8 PL, 150pts]: 3x Big Shoota Kill Rig [12 PL, 205pts]: 2. Frazzle, 6. Squiggly Curse, Squig-hide Tyres [1 PL, 15pts] + Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 70pts] + Trukk [4 PL, 70pts] ++ Total: [118 PL, 1CP, 1,999pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Orks) [118 PL, 1,999pts, 1CP] ++
9x Beast Snagga Boy [90pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga
Beast Snagga Nob [10pts]
9x Beast Snagga Boy [90pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga
Beast Snagga Nob [10pts]
Boss Nob [18pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [10pts]
9x Ork Boy w/ Slugga & Choppa [72pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs
10x Gretchin [40pts]: 10x Grot Blaster
10x Gretchin [40pts]: 10x Grot Blaster
Boss Nob [16pts]: Power Klaw [5pts]
4x Kommando [44pts]: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs
Boss Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Boss Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
Nob [22pts]: Choppa, Killsaw [5pts]
3x Squighog Boy [75pts]: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka
3x Squighog Boy [75pts]: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka
3x Squighog Boy [75pts]: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka
Boss Nob [20pts]: Power Klaw [10pts]
4x Stormboy [40pts]: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs
Boss Nob [10pts]: Choppa
4x Stormboy [40pts]: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs
Boss Nob [20pts]: Power Klaw [10pts]
4x Stormboy [40pts]: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs
Archetype
Extra Shooty Goff Pressure
Thoughts
This is mostly the Goff Pressure standard, but with a little bit of insurance added against being seriously outclassed on shooting. Kannonwagons are a very attractive unit all-round, and alongside the Kill Rig provide just enough shooting that opponents can’t be too bold with where they position their own shooting toys. That aims to buy the time for the Goff Horde to reliably get amongst the enemy, and helps ensure a bad beat doesn’t tank the list’s score in a 20-0-based format. That wasn’t a problem in the event, as Thomas made it all the way to the final where he was only very narrowly taken down by the Space Wolves, a fantastic run.
Martin Nguyen – Dark Angels – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [111 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack + Agents of the Imperium + Acolytes [1 PL, 10pts]: Ordo Malleus . Acolyte: Chainsword, Laspistol + HQ + Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Bladeguard Ancient [5 PL, -2CP, 75pts]: Pennant of Remembrance, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic Bladeguard Veteran Squad [10 PL, 175pts] Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 165pts]: Watcher in the Dark Judiciar [5 PL, -2CP, 75pts]: 6. Honour of the First Legion, Stratagem: Paragon of the Chapter, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Imperium’s Sword, Warlord + Fast Attack + Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [12 PL, 210pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [12 PL, 210pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [12 PL, 210pts] Land Speeders [9 PL, 180pts] Land Speeders [9 PL, 180pts] ++ Total: [111 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 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 Bladeguard Veteran: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 4x Master-crafted power sword, 4x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta
Archetype
Dark Angels Land Speeder Spam
Thoughts
To lol, perchance to lmao. We will never be free of this Dark Angels hell. Here, the cheap and effective Land Speeder gets augmented with the Ravenwing invulnerable save, and supplemented with Infiltrators to play for Objectives and a couple of small Deathwing units (one each of Terminators and Bladeguard) with the Pennant to act as brawlers. I think that’s an interesting alternative angle on how the Pennant is normally used – damage reduction on these units is so good that even a small squad needs major commitment to deal with, enough to bait out some victims for the speeders. It means you’ll never be able to rely on a big brick of Terminators as a plan A, but this list has a plan A, which is killing people with melta weapons and assault cannons. I didn’t say it was a nice plan A. Good to see a bit of iteration on the Dark Angels plan this late in the day, well done to Martin.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 6-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Arne Zendt – Tzeentch Daemons: The list is called “beauty and the bird” so you can probably guess roughly where this is going – Be’lakor and a Big Bird with all the regular Tzeentch goodness (especially Flamers) backing them up.
- 6th – Immanuel Wolf – Tyranids: Peak Lurk Monster Mash with triple Maleceptors and a host of other beasties.
- 7th – Joscha Schmitz – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom with two Phoenix Lords, two Avenger bricks and a big unit of Windriders. Adds an extra dose of melee Aspects on top to shore up Wrath.
Midwest Conquest GT 2023
68-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Independence, Missouri US on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Lowest of Men is covering this one.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts
Jason Merten – Leagues of Votann: No-fort Ymyr + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen League: Ymyr Conglomerate + HQ + High Kâhl [6 PL, -2CP, 140pts]: High Kâhl, Mass gauntlet, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Teleport crest, Volkanite disintegrator, Warlord, Warrior Lord, Wayfarer’s Grace Lord Grimnyr [5 PL, -1CP, 125pts]: Ancestral Wrath, Fortify, Interface Echo, Lord Grimnyr, Stratagem: In the Right Hands, The Murmuring Stave . 2x CORV: 2x Autoch-pattern bolter + Troops + Hearthkyn Warriors w/ bolters [7 PL, 135pts] . Theyn: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Autoch-pattern bolter Hearthkyn Warriors w/ bolters [7 PL, 135pts] . Theyn: Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Autoch-pattern bolter + Elites + Hearthguard w/ disintegrators and plasma blade gauntlets [9 PL, -1CP, 225pts] . 4x Hearthguard: 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher, 4x Plasma blade gauntlet, 4x Volkanite disintegrator + Fast Attack + Hernkyn Pioneers [10 PL, 240pts] . 2x Pioneer: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x Gravitic concussion grenades, 2x Magna-coil autocannon Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 120pts] . Pioneer Hernkyn Pioneers [5 PL, 120pts] . Pioneer Sagitaur Squadron [14 PL, 280pts] . Sagitaur . . L7 and Sagitaur missile launchers . . L7 and Sagitaur missile launchers Sagitaur Squadron [14 PL, 270pts] . Sagitaur . . L7 and Sagitaur missile launchers + Heavy Support + Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [5 PL, 105pts] . 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 3x Graviton blast cannon Brôkhyr Thunderkyn w/ graviton blast cannons [5 PL, 105pts] . 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn: 3x Graviton blast cannon ++ Total: [92 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Leagues of Votann) [92 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 8x Warrior: 8x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 8x Autoch-pattern bolter, 8x Gravitic concussion grenades
. Warrior w/ medipack: Medipack
. 8x Warrior: 8x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 8x Autoch-pattern bolter, 8x Gravitic concussion grenades
. Warrior w/ medipack: Medipack
. Hesyr: Plasma blade gauntlet, Stratagem: Bequest of the Votann, Teleport crest, Wârpestryk
. 2x Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x Gravitic concussion grenades, 2x HYLas rotary cannon, 2x Magna-coil autocannon
. Pioneer w/ scanner: Pan spectral scanner
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: HYLas rotary cannon
. Pioneer w/ searchlight: Rollbar searchlight
. Sagitaur
. Sagitaur: MATR autocannon
vs.
Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cult: Mech Rusted Claw + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Cult Creed: The Rusted Claw Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems + Gene-sire’s Gifts [-2CP]: 2x Extra Relic + No Force Org Slot + Reductus Saboteur [4 PL, 70pts]: Relic: Oppressor’s Bane + HQ + Patriarch [7 PL, 140pts, -1CP]: Power: Inescapable Decay, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Psychic Stimulus, Psychic Familiar, Relic: The Nomad’s Mantle, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Entropic Touch Primus [4 PL, 70pts] + Troops + Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 210pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 200pts]: Proficient Planning: From Every Angle Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts] Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts] + Elites + Kelermorph [3 PL, 80pts] Nexos [3 PL, 50pts]: Relic: Cranial Inlay + Fast Attack + Atalan Jackals [4 PL, 75pts]: 4x Atalan Power Weapon, Demolition Charge, Proficient Planning: They Came From Below Atalan Jackals [3 PL, 65pts]: 4x Atalan Power Weapon, Demolition Charge + Heavy Support + Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon + Dedicated Transport + Goliath Truck [5 PL, 90pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges Goliath Truck [5 PL, 90pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges ++ Total: [103 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [103 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Flamer): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Flamer, 4x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Chainsword, Web Pistol
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Chainsword, Web Pistol
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Shotgun, 5x Frag Grenades
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Chainsword, Web Pistol
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Shotgun, 5x Frag Grenades
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Chainsword, Web Pistol
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 2x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 2x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
Thoughts
Ok, we have ourselves a battle of the cute little transports! In the GSC corner the Rusted Claw continue to establish themselves as the weapon of choice for cult players after they were, as usual, shown the way by an Australian genius. This list has five transports full of demo charge toting ob sec with advance and shoot, ready to push up the board and make havoc on the primary, which in turns draws out the enemy for a Neophyte drop turn. Rusted claw vehicles are deceptively durable, with the reduction of ap 1 and 2 by one going a long way on those 3+ saves, and -1 damage a particular issue for the damage 2 rich Votann in the other corner. This list has no issue ticking off a healthy secondary score whilst harassing the opponent all over the board. Nice to see the Nomad’s Mantle on the Patriarch – a very nifty Rusted Claw relic that allows additional movement shenanigans and rarely sees use.
The opposing Ymyr list has brought some vehicles of its own, neglecting the Land Fortresses in favour of multiple Sagitaurs, with Bezerks and several broken up squads of Hearthkyn ferried inside them. It has more mission play and flexibility than a lot of Votann lists typically do, having channelled into utility and ob sec rather than raw cutting edge. In this match up that does hurt it a little bit- the list lacks the obvious mega-killer weapons to bring down GSC vehicles quickly (though Thunderkyn are pretty good at culling any of the profiles on display here), and will need to soak a fair bit into the transports to open them up on approach. If the GSC go first, there’s a very real risk that pre-gaming bikes can put a hole in at least one Sagitaur and tag and tie up others, and if the dwarves get staged upon in their own territory their secondary game simply isn’t going to be able to recover. It looks like this may have been how things went down. Heavy cult win.
Result
Genestealer Cult Victory – 97 – 16
Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cult – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Rusted Claw Vehicles
Thoughts
Rusted Claw vehicles have become the new template for GSC success. Stuff can get up the board without dying to artillery, advancing and shooting with demo charges is ideal for dealing with tanks, marines, and other common meta threats, and the list can absorb a melee attack on the vehicles before countering with a reserves strike and disembarking acolytes. The fact this is one of the sub factions that can make a genuinely scary Patriarch via Entropic Touch only adds to the appeal, and that to me is the big plus of the sudden rise of the Rusted Claw after many years of the Patriarch being a bit of a joke. Great work Peyton!
Brett Perkins – Chaos Daemons – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shrouded Step Bloodthirster [18 PL, -2CP, 360pts]: Blood-drinker Talisman, Brazen Hide, Great axe of Khorne, Indomitable Onslaught, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Skarbrand [17 PL, 330pts] Skulltaker [6 PL, 110pts] + Troops + Bloodletters [6 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos . 9x Bloodletter: 9x Hellblade Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos . 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames Plaguebearers [7 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos . 9x Plaguebearer: 9x Plaguesword + Elites + Bloodcrushers [12 PL, 200pts]: Bloodhunter, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos . 4x Bloodcrusher: 4x Bladed horn, 4x Hellblade Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster . 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster . 2x Flamer: 2x Flickering flames ++ Total: [103 PL, 4CP, 1,995pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [103 PL, 4CP, 1,995pts] ++
Archetype
Monster Mash Daemons
Thoughts
An extremely fun Daemons build here with some of the classic heavy hitting favourites (Skarbs, Bloodthirster, Belly), accompanied by a rare pick in the form of a big slab of Bloodcrushers. Threat saturation appears to be the name of the game here, and whilst this list is a little more vulnerable on the secondary scoring than the more msu builds that have proliferated in recent times, it hits like a freight train and will simply body the unwary off the board. Tasty stuff, well done on the high placing Brett!
Howard Watts – Ultramarines – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Ultramarines Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Chief Librarian Tigurius [7 PL, 120pts]: 1) Veil of Time, 2) Might of Heroes, 6) Psychic Fortress (Aura) Primaris Chaplain [6 PL, 95pts, -2CP]: 1. Litany of Faith (Aura), 2. Catechism of Fire, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Litany of Hate (Aura), Rites of War, Seal of Oath, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Aggressor Squad [12 PL, 150pts]: 4x Aggressor, Aggressor Sergeant Aggressor Squad [12 PL, 150pts]: 4x Aggressor, Aggressor Sergeant Aggressor Squad [12 PL, 180pts]: 5x Aggressor, Aggressor Sergeant Judiciar [5 PL, 75pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Warden of Macragge Primaris Apothecary [4 PL, 70pts] + Fast Attack + Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] + Heavy Support + Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts, -1CP]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher Eliminator Squad [4 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil Eliminator Squad [4 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil + Lord of War + Roboute Guilliman [19 PL, 300pts, 2CP]: Nobility Made Manifest, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord ++ Total: [137 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines) [137 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
. 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
. Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
. Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
. Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta
. 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
. 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Desolation Sgt
. . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher
. Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
Archetype
Ultramarines Gulliman Castle
Thoughts
A really interesting Ultramarines offering here from Howard, who packs in several slabs of Aggressors (extremely cost-efficient at the moment but seemingly ignored by many of the top builds) alongside the more in-vogue picks like Land Speeders and Desolation Marines. Gulliman oversees things and hands out rerolls, and there are some las-fusil Eliminators for early pressure and for drawing the enemy onto the guns. There is a sneaky bit of Ultras-specific combat tech on display here too – the Judiciar with Warden of Macragge gains a 6 inch heroic intervention, which is extremely nice on a fight last toting melee character! This list looks lovingly designed and has a real variety of tools for shooting and punching its way to victory. Awesome work!
Kyle McCord – Astra Militarum – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers Unit Filter: Hide Legends Units + HQ + Cadian Command Squad [7 PL, -1CP, 125pts]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury . Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Power sword . . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Bolt pistol, Plasma gun . . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts]: Warlord Tank Commander [10 PL, -2CP, 180pts]: Armoured Tracks, Lascannon, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Master Tactician . 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter Tank Commander [10 PL, 175pts]: Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon . 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter + Troops + Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] . 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] . 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun + Elites + Bullgryns [10 PL, 175pts] . Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul Kasrkin [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Veteran Guerrillas . Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons . Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol Sly Marbo [3 PL, 50pts] + Fast Attack + Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] . Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] . Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] . Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] . Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [14 PL, 295pts]: Armoured Tracks, Castigator Gatling Cannon . 2 Meltaguns: 2x Meltagun Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [14 PL, 295pts]: Armoured Tracks, Castigator Gatling Cannon . 2 Meltaguns: 2x Meltagun ++ Total: [105 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [105 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Brute Shield, Ripper Gun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. Bullgryn: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn: Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield
. Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. 4x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. 4x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta
. Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon
. 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta
. Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon
Archetype
Born Soldiers Rogal Dornstuff
Thoughts
Guard continue to take names as the edition winds down, and this offering from Kyle packs in two Rogal Dorns, a big slab of Bullgryn for some objective tussling, and the other usual suspects. It is the Sentinels that are largely absent here, and I wonder a little bit about the risk of exposure and tagging that their being awol might create. That said, this list can shoot pretty much anything in front of it straight off the board, and has just enough counter punch to repel whoever does make it through the lines. Good work.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Tedd Williamson – Necrons: Nihilak Destroyers and Scarabs overseen by the Silent King.
- 6th – Alex Vian – Dark Angels: Bladeguard, Desolation Marines, an Impulsor…. and the freaking Lion!! Alex wins best list of the weekend. Great stuff.
- 7th – Wyatt Harris – Death Guard: Well this is awkward… Wyatt brings an amazing, innovative ‘the Wretched’ Death Guard list maximising mortal wound nastiness from Plaguecasters! I don’t think i’ve ever seen this in the wild, how exciting! You can have best Chaos list Wyatt, apologies.
- 8th – Aarron Hermstedt – Chaos Knights: Descecrator, loads of War Dog, House Herpetrax. Spooky stuff!
- 9th – Don Plumlee – Tyranids: Sneaky Jormangundr with Carnifexes, lots of Lictors, and a Malaceptor. This event seems to have attracted a whole bunch of heroes, nice stuff.
- 10th – Sean Diley – Tau Empire: Borkan with Crisis, Riptides, and Broadsides. Extremely punchy and scary.
- 11th – Jason Mertan – Leagues of Votann: The Sagitaur-heavy Votann list from the showdown.
Gothic Games Canterbury May GT
39-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England United Kingdom on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Lowest of Men continues to take charge here.
Martyn Cooper – Astra Militarum – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + [Reference] Orders: Mechanised Orders, Prefectus Orders, Regimental Orders Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ + Cadian Command Squad [7 PL, 135pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Officer Cadre Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Tank Commander [10 PL, 165pts, -2CP]: Lascannon, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic, WT: Master Tactician + Elites + Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Veteran Guerrillas Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Mechanised Infantry Sly Marbo [3 PL, 50pts] + Fast Attack + Armoured Sentinels [3 PL, 45pts] Armoured Sentinels [3 PL, 50pts] Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [27 PL, 465pts] + Dedicated Transport + Taurox [4 PL, 70pts] ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [23 PL, 320pts, -1CP] ++ + Configuration + Militarum Tempestus Detachment + HQ + Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [8 PL, 155pts, -1CP]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury + Troops + Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] ++ Total: [119 PL, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [96 PL, 1,680pts, 1CP] ++
. Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Power fist
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Bolt pistol, Meltagun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Bolt pistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. WT: Superior Tactical Training: Prefectus Orders
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest
. 5x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 5x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 3x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Armoured Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon
. Ogryn Bodyguard: Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul
. Tempestor Prime: Tempestor Command Rod
. Tempestus Scion: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Master-Vox
. Tempestus Scion w/ Medi-pack: Hot-Shot Lasgun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Regimental Standard
. Tempestor: Hot-shot Laspistol, Power sword
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
. Tempestor: Hot-shot Laspistol, Power sword
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
. Tempestor: Hot-shot Laspistol, Power sword
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Final Round Matchup
98 – 76 Victory against Seb Spencer – Iron Hands.
Thoughts
More Born Soldiers magic at work here, as Martyn continues his excellent recent run on the guard. Scions provide troubleshooting and utility, with the Finial applied to a Scions Command Squad for added flexibility. Five individual Sentinels of varying stripes provide plenty of screening and trading potential for minimal cost, which lets the traditional set of big hitting ranged units get to work. Truly one of the dominant forces of the late 9th meta-game. Congratulations Martyn!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Dominic Mathews – Adepta Sororitas: Valorous Heart Sacrosancts supported by a big stack of Zephyrim, some Paragon Suits and two large squads of Penitent Engines- a deceptively deadly meta pick. Awesome list.
- 3rd – Edmund Dymott – World Eaters: When I say Invocatus, you say rush!
- 4th – Seb Spencer – Iron Hands: Iron Hands Goodstuff utilising Long Range Marksmen and a Gladiator Reaper.
- 5th – Kevin Stone – Leagues of Votann: Rock and Stone! Urani-Surtr Regulates with a single Fortress, and some Sagitaur-riding Beserks for cutting edge.
- 6th – Baz Croucher – Iron Hands: A quite unique IH build centred around some Assault Terminators with Librarian support alongside the more usual picks.
Heroes Of The Mid Table GT 2
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Langley Twp, BC CA on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Falcon is covering this event.
Liam Bath – Nihilakh – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Dynasty Choice: Nihilakh + No Force Org Slot + Canoptek Plasmacyte Canoptek Plasmacyte Canoptek Plasmacyte + HQ + Anrakyr the Traveller Overlord: Hand of the Phaeron, Relic: Veil of Darkness, Warscythe + Elites + Hexmark Destroyer Lychguard: 10x Lychguard Skorpekh Destroyers Skorpekh Destroyers: 1x Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade) + Fast Attack + Canoptek Wraiths Canoptek Wraiths Canoptek Wraiths Tomb Blades Tomb Blades Tomb Blades + Heavy Support + Lokhust Destroyers Lokhust Heavy Destroyers Lokhust Heavy Destroyers + Flyer + Night Scythe ++ Total: [119 PL, 3CP, 1,997pts] ++
Faction: Necrons
Hyperphase Sword and Dispersion Shield
2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Hyperphase Reap-Blade
4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers
2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 2x Hyperphase Threshers
5x Canoptek Wraith (Claws): 5x Vicious Claws
5x Canoptek Wraith (Claws): 5x Vicious Claws
5x Canoptek Wraith (Claws): 5x Vicious Claws
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
6x Lokhust Destroyer: 6x Gauss Cannon
Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Enmitic Exterminator)
Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Enmitic Exterminator)
Archetype
Fast and the Furious
Final Round Matchup
97 – 71 Victory against Jake Beetstra – Adeptus Custodes.
Thoughts
In 1997, DIC Animation produced what should have been the greatest cartoon show to ever air on anyone’s television in the world. It featured a theme song that caused your blood to flow just that much faster and tears to well in your eyes. There was a Falcon in it and it was the most badass of all the characters. The show was called Mummies Alive! and it book-ended humanity’s short-lived Mummy Craze, something that would soon be enveloped by the Vampire craze and then the Zombie craze. Scholars believe the Mummy craze was actually the best craze because Brendan Frasier was part of it and that is science. Mummies Alive only lasted 1 season because good things aren’t meant to last, much like this Necron list seeing success as this edition comes to a close.
Liam brings a speedy take on the Nihilakh goodstuff lists that have seen a modicum of success in Arks, filling out extra points that would often be sunk into the Silent King or scarabs with 3 minimum units of Tomb Blades and a Night Scythe no doubt to carry some Lychguard into the bowes of enemy territory. The MSU Tomb Blades units make great tech pieces here to clear backfield objectives, but more importantly make maximizing Ancient Machineries a breeze with the help of the obsec provided by the Nihilakh Dynasty, freeing up the Wraiths, Lychguard and Destroyers to make with the murder.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Brendan McKenzie – Adepta Sororitas: Valorous Heart Sacresant City
- 3rd – Dan Hope – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodish Stuff
- 4th – Nicholas James – Ultramarines: Tiggy and the Volkite Brigade
Torneo Aniversario CJM
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Zapopan, Jalisco MX on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
No we don’t know why the names of both players in the showdown are strange strings of emojis. It’s like that in BCP. Leave us alone.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Unknown
🔁🌎🔁🌏🔁🌍 🔁🌎🔁🌏🔁🌍 – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose + No Force Org Slot [2 PL, 40pts] + Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Neural Whips + HQ [19 PL, -1CP, 380pts] + Canoness [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Blessed Blade [10pts], Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Stratagem: Saint in the Making [-1CP], Warlord Trait: 2. Righteous Rage . Word of the Emperor [2 PL, 40pts]: Blessing, Miraculous ability Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts]: Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon Missile Launcher, Warlord + Elites [49 PL, -3CP, 875pts] + Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 131pts] . 8x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd) [112pts]: 8x Anointed Halberd, 8x Bolt pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades Celestian Sacresants [4 PL, 70pts] . 4x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) [56pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hallowed Mace Dogmata [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: 5. Verse of Holy Piety, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: Litanies of Faith, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries [-1CP], War Hymn Dogmata [4 PL, -2CP, 65pts]: 3. Psalm of Righteous Smiting, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: Chaplet of Sacrifice, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Saint in the Making [-1CP], War Hymn, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire Paragon Warsuits [11 PL, 240pts] . Paragon [80pts]: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta [10pts], Paragon War Mace Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts] . 7x Sisters Repentia [112pts]: 7x Penitent Eviscerator Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 96pts] . 6x Sisters Repentia [96pts]: 6x Penitent Eviscerator Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 96pts] . 6x Sisters Repentia [96pts]: 6x Penitent Eviscerator + Fast Attack [20 PL, 315pts] + Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 125pts] . 7x Zephyrim [105pts]: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades, 7x Power sword Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 110pts] . 6x Zephyrim [90pts]: 6x Bolt pistol, 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Power sword Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 80pts] . 4x Zephyrim [60pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword + Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 80pts] + Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Chivalric Oath: Mixed Army Questor Allegiance: House Terryn, Questor Imperialis + Lord of War [16 PL, 310pts] + Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 310pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Mysterious Guardian, Questor Mechanicus . Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber ++ Total: [110 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [94 PL, 2CP, 1,690pts] ++
. Sacresant Superior [19pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Spear of the Faithful [5pts]
. Sacresant Superior [14pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Hallowed Mace
. Paragon [80pts]: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta [10pts], Paragon War Mace
. Paragon Superior [80pts]: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta [10pts], Paragon War Mace
. Zephyrim Superior [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant [5pts]
. Zephyrim Superior [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant [5pts]
. Zephyrim Superior [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant [5pts]
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
vs.
🧮👤🧮🍌🌄🏠🌄🏠 . – Asuryani: Aggro Saim-Hann with the Avatar. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Craftworld Selection: Saim-Hann: Wild Host Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems + Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 65pts] . Warlock Skyrunners . . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade Seer Council (Unit) [2 PL, 45pts] . Warlocks: 5. Quicken/Restrain . . Warlock: Witchblade + HQ + Avatar of Khaine [14 PL, 280pts] Farseer [5 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, 6: Seer of the Shifting Vector, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Witchblade . Faolchu’s Wing Farseer [5 PL, 105pts]: 3. Fortune, 5. Will of Asuryan, Witchblade + Troops + Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] . 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] . 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol + Elites + Fire Dragons [7 PL, 140pts] . 4x Fire Dragon: 4x Dragon Fusion Gun Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts] . 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol Howling Banshees [4 PL, 95pts] . 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 110pts] . 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol + Fast Attack + Shining Spears [11 PL, 200pts] . 4x Shining Spear: 4x Laser Lance, 4x Twin Shuriken Catapult Shining Spears [11 PL, 165pts] . 3x Shining Spear: 3x Laser Lance, 3x Twin Shuriken Catapult Warp Spiders [5 PL, 110pts] . 4x Warp Spider: 4x Death Spinner + Heavy Support + Falcon [9 PL, 145pts]: Scatter Laser, Twin Shuriken Catapult Support Weapons [9 PL, 195pts]: 3x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon ++ Total: [103 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [103 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Fire Dragon Exarch: Blazing Fury, Dragon Fusion Gun
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Biting Blade, Crushing Blows
. Shining Spear Exarch: Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic), Laser Lance, Lightning Attacks, Shimmershield, Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Warp Spider Exarch: Death Spinner
Thoughts
This game isn’t real and it can’t hurt me. Bloody Rose good stuff takes center stage for the first time in a while, with a sprinkling of Paragon Warsuits and a pair of Mysterious Guardian Helverins for flavor. The Helverins are perhaps the cutest tech piece here, keeping opponents honest in the early game with the ever-present threat of 2 murderbots in reserve and replacing the retributor squads you’d normally expect in the ranged attack role. Even in Arks, Bloody Rose has shown it still has teeth as it plays the mission well whenever you can have a fair game of Warhammer. Recycled Earth train emoji? has got all the fundamentals we’ve seen work time and again since early 9th when the sister’s codex dropped.
Their opponent, Mysterious Notes Banana Guest Sunset Homes emoji, has brought a rather eclectic close combat army to bear in the finals. MNBGSH takes advantage of Saim-Hann’s innate buffs to fuel a whole swath of different aspect warrior units from Warp Spiders to Striking Scorpions, Banshees and Shining Spears. This is the exact type of list you’d come to expect from someone who walked into their sunset guest home, scooped a bunch of models into a shoe box and figured it didn’t matter because the Avatar was going to carry the day anyway. While not the usual Ulthwe or Hail of Doom lists we’ve come to see rise to the top of pile for Aeldari players in Arks, this list does have the ability to apply pressure exceedingly fast, and the small units make excellent tie-up pieces that can hold down most threats to Khaine’s best angry boi. Listen guys, I’m really struggling here because of this emoji thing and I still have mummies on the mind from earlier. What do they mean? I hope to god the players read this and tell me. There was this old game show where people had to try to guess what license plates meant for money and I feel like this is just the natural evolution of that show.
Anyway, regardless of mission, this is a match-up where the Saim-Hann list will need to be on its A game but it isn’t unwinnable by any means. Bloody Rose sisters’ whole schtick is punching up and forcing unfavorable trades and these Eldar don’t provide too many of those. Just about every unit bar the Avatar and the larger block of Shining Spears is disposable here and there is ample opportunity to score Wrath of Khaine points just by the sheer weight of aspect warriors in the list. The problem comes with whether or not they can keep up with the Sisters secondary train and still have units left by game end.
Result
Adepta Sororitas Victory – 90 – 88
🔁🌎🔁🌏🔁🌍 🔁🌎🔁🌏🔁🌍 – Adepta Sororitas – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Bloody Rose and Robots
Thoughts
Standard Bloody Rose good stuff with a dash of outflanking Helverins to keep opponents honest in the early game. Not much that hasn’t been talked about for 3+ years now.
The Best of the Rest
There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Amador Perez – Adeptus Custodes: Sagittarum Spam
- 3rd – Jose Isaias Valenzuela – Iron Hands: Only the Good Stuff
- 4th – Luis Humberto Casillas Franco – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance
South Yorkshire GT
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England GB on May 27 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Lowest of Men gets to do the end-run this week.
Gavin Perry – Iron Hands – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Iron Hands Successor, Master Artisans, Whirlwind of Rage Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Primaris Lieutenant [5 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter . Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield Primaris Techmarine [4 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Target Protocols, Warlord + Troops + Incursor Squad [5 PL, 90pts]: Haywire Mine . 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades + Elites + Invictor Tactical Warsuit [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin ironhail autocannon Invictor Tactical Warsuit [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin ironhail autocannon Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, -1CP, 195pts]: Cyclone missile launcher, Stratagem: March of the Ancients, -1CP Hero Of The Chapter, -1CP Merciless Logic Warlord Trait, 2x Twin volkite culverin + Fast Attack + Assault Squad [12 PL, 180pts]: Jump Pack . 7x Space Marine: 7x Astartes Chainsword, 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades . . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword . . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword Suppressor Squad [5 PL, 90pts] . 2x Suppressor: 2x Accelerator autocannon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades Suppressor Squad [5 PL, 90pts] . 2x Suppressor: 2x Accelerator autocannon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades + Heavy Support + Desolation Squad [16 PL, -1CP, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher . 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher Desolation Squad [16 PL, 185pts]: Superkrak Rocket Launcher . 4x Desolation Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Castellan Launcher, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . . Replace Superfrak/krak with Vengor & Targeter Optics: Vengor Launcher Eliminator Squad [4 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil . Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine Eliminator Squad [4 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil . Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine Eradicator Squad [14 PL, 270pts]: Heavy melta rifle . 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt pistol Gladiator Reaper [10 PL, 150pts]: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber ++ Total: [124 PL, 0CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Iron Hands) [124 PL, 0CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Incursor Sergeant
. Space Marine Sergeant: Combat shield, Lightning Claw, Plasma Pistol
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. Suppressor Sergeant
. Suppressor Sergeant
. Desolation Sgt: Master-Crafted Weapon, Stratagem: Scion of the Forge
. Desolation Sgt
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Eradicator Sgt
. Eradicator with MM
. Eradicator with MM
Archetype
Iron Hands Forward Pressure
Final Round Matchup
57 – 56 Victory against Ed Paszek – Adeptus Custodes.
Thoughts
Some old favourites return to the fray for the Iron Hands here, as Gavin packs some Invictor Warsuits in to add forward momentum and control the board. Eliminators double down on this (It’s all very late 8th edition!), and the threat these can pose to sloppy enemy play with characters early doors helps to add to the already phenomenal control that the Desolation Marines provide. There is plenty of utility screening and trading potential here, and some of the more conventional heavy lifters ensure that anybody sticking a head out is going to have it removed in good, old fashioned Iron Hands tradition…. too soon? Congratulations on an excellent and hard fought win Gavin!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Matt Goligher – Ultramarines: Ultramarines Invictor pressure! A nice run out for an old favourite, with redeploy options for flexibility.
- 3rd – Rob Edwards – Asuryani: Melee heavy Aspect Warriors amped up by Vengeful and Children of Khaine. Loads of Rangers for secondary play.
- 4th – Ed Paszek – Adeptus Custodes: Mixed arms Emperor’s Chosen with Caladius, lots of Praetors and some Dreadnoughts. Old school!
- 5th – Colin Micklethwaite – Tyranids: Leviathan monsters with some supporting chaff including a big squad of Termagants. A Malaceptor and Zoans provide psychic cutting edge.
- 6th – Chris Rayner – Chaos Daemons: A pure Slaanesh build with triple Keepers and Shalaxi. So many fun and old school builds out for a last hurrah at this event! Double Enrapturess for delivery and Daemonettes for the slicing and dicing.
Wrap Up
What a week (and no, it’s not only Wednesday). Will Space Wolves be claiming the title belt for 9th, or will some surprise late challenger emerge next week? They better get on with it if they’re going to!
