March marches on, with truly spectacular quantities of Warhammer continuing to happen around the world. My increasingly regular partner-in-crime Lowest of Men has once more stepped up to help, and will be taking the lead on Friday while I kick off today.
Part 1 is going to cover:
- Iberian Open Talavera (major)
- CentAR Presents: The March Madness Grand Tournament
- Free State GT 2023
- Dropzone Games Central Island Open
- Pergőtűz LCOTSV 3 (coming to us from Hungary, which might be a first for the column?)
- Carnage – Season 1 – Round 1 – A War Awakens
- Kelpie Crusade GT 2023
Part 2 will be reviewing:
- Battle Ready Wargaming’s Major Mayhem 40k Event (major)
- The Great Game GT
- Battlefield Birmingham 20
- OP’s 1st GT Smash
- War Of The Roses 2023
- Dazmaul Wargaming Tournament 2023
I am pleased to report that the Great Patron Uprising of ’23 has been quelled, and under the watchful eye of military-grade Gregbots, a sensible vote has been returned. This week we’ve got three Showdowns elected by the patrons, and one brought in as editor’s choice. These are:
- World Eaters vs. Black Legion at Pergőtűz LCOTSV
- Tzeentch Daemons vs. Tau at Carnage
- Slaanesh Daemons vs. Black Templars at Battle Ready
- Dark Angels vs. Tzeentch Daemons at Battlefield Birmingham
How’s the meta looking amidst all of this? The good news is that there’s plenty of different factions putting in strong performances, with even Chaos Space Marines pulling off an undefeated run this week. The bad news is that Dark Angels are wildly ahead of everyone else, with Daemons and Guard doing a lot to define the rest of the top meta. We shouldn’t be too far out from a Balance Dataslate, so hopefully the Unforgiven will shortly be paying for some of their crimes.
Iberian Open Talavera
84-player, 7-round Major in Pepino, CM España on March 17 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Terroxer El Rojo – Tzeentch – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Cults of the Legion: Cult of Duplicity Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Ahriman [9 PL, 3 Cabal Points, 180pts]: 21. Presage, 22. Weaver of Fates, 23. Temporal Surge, Disc of Tzeentch, Warlord Exalted Sorcerer [8 PL, -1CP, 3 Cabal Points, 145pts]: 11. Tzeentch’s Firestorm, 13. Doombolt, Athenaean Scrolls, Disc of Tzeentch, Prosperine khopesh, Rehati, Stratagem: Sorcerous Arcana, Warpflame pistol Infernal Master [5 PL, -2CP, 2 Cabal Points, 90pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, 5. Glimpse of Eternity, 6. Malefic Maelstrom, Egleighen’s Orrery, Master Misinformator, Stratagem: High Acolytes, Stratagem: Sorcerous Arcana + Troops + Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 117pts]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 117pts]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 117pts]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 117pts]: Icon of Flame + Elites + Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, -1CP, 170pts]: 2x Twin volkite culverin Scarab Occult Terminators [21 PL, 1 Cabal Points, 440pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [5 PL, 105pts] Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 21pts]: Chaos Spawn ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Daemons) [17 PL, 380pts] ++ + Configuration + Chaos Allegiance: Tzeentch + HQ + Fateskimmer [7 PL, 160pts]: Bolt of Change, Infernal Gateway, Retinue of Horrors, Staff of change + Troops + Blue Horrors [3 PL, 70pts] + Elites + Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Screamers [4 PL, 75pts] ++ Total: [17 Cabal Points, 98 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [81 PL, 2CP, 17 Cabal Points, 1,619pts] ++
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 32. Pyric Flux, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 13. Doombolt, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 11. Gaze of Hate, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 31. Cacodaemonic Curse, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 31. Empyric Guidance, Inferno combi-bolter, Rites of Coalescence
. 7x Terminator: 7x Inferno combi-bolter, 7x Prosperine khopesh
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon
. 5x Chaos Spawn: 5x Hideous mutations
. 10x Blue Horror: 10x Coruscating flames
. 2x Flamer: 2x Flickering flames
. 3x Screamer: 3x Lamprey bite
Archetype
Thousand Sons & Flamers
Final Round Matchup
94-55 Victory vs. Alvaro Enciso-Showa – Astra Militarum
Thoughts
Tzeentch moves in mysterious ways, and after dominating some portions of Nephilim, the Thousand Sons & Daemons combo has been fairly quiet – till now. This list uses the classic core of a big Terminator brick and lots of Rubricae for durability and ObSec, maximising the grindiness of the Rubrics via Flamers, and supports them with some cheap, fast Daemon units. These are very tricky to kill with shooting, and have the mobility to get into concealed positions at speed, baiting the opponent out into places where the flamers can do their work. For scarier targets, the list also packs the Orrery/VolCon combo, helping it punch through targets like Redemptors, which might otherwise chew through the various 2 and 3W bodies here overly fast.
Avalanches of Mortal Wounds should see to anything else, and this list has got some real stings in its tail, all told. That said, it must have taken some serious skill to navigate it past the flurry of guard lists that it faced towards the end of the event, as Kasrkin bombs and Plasma Russes are both pretty threatening (though at least the intercept stratagem can ward off the Barbicant unit). Congratulations to Terroxer.
Alvaro Enciso-Showa – Astra Militarum – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Born Soldiers Arks of Omen = 0 CP, [98 PL, 1795 pts] == HQ: Death Korps Marshal [2 PL, 35 pts] Commanding Authority, Laspistol, Power sword, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Master Tactician EL: 10 Kasrkin [5 PL, 100 pts] Kasrkin Sargeant (Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest), 5xKasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun (Hot-shot Lasgun), Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle (Hot-shot Marksman Rifle), 2xKasrkin w/ Special Weapon (Hot-shot Volley Gun), Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster (Hot-shot Lasgun, Vox-Caster), Veteran Guerrillas FA: 5 Attilan Rough Riders [5 PL, 100 pts] Rough Rider Sergeant (Goad Lance, Lasgun, Laspistol, Power sabre), 4xRough Rider w/ Hunting Lance (Hunting Lance, Lasgun, Laspistol) HS: 3 Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55 pts] 3xHeavy Weapon Team (Mortar) == Patrol Detachment = 0 CP, [15 PL, 205 pts] == HQ: 5 Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [5 PL, 95 pts] Commanding Authority, Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Tempestor Prime (Bolt pistol), Tempestus Scion (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Master-Vox (Hot-shot Laspistol, Master Vox), Tempestus Scion w/ Medi-pack (Hot-Shot Lasgun), Tempestus Scion w/ Regimental Standard (Hot-Shot Lasgun, Regimental Standard) TR: 5 Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55 pts] Tempestor (Plasma pistol, Power sword), Tempestus Scion (Hot-shot Lasgun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Meltagun), Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
HQ: Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, 170 pts] Commanding Authority, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, WT: Grand Strategist, Warlord
HQ: Tank Commander [11 PL, 205 pts] 2 Heavy Bolters (2xHeavy bolter), Armoured Tracks, Commanding Authority, Lascannon, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Steel Commissar, Stratagem: Relic
EL: 10 Kasrkin [5 PL, 100 pts] Heirloom Weapons, Kasrkin Sargeant (Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol), 3xKasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun (Hot-shot Lasgun), Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle (Hot-shot Marksman Rifle), 2xKasrkin w/ Special Weapon (Hot-shot Volley Gun), 2xKasrkin w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster (Hot-shot Lasgun, Vox-Caster)
EL: 10 Kasrkin [5 PL, 100 pts] Kasrkin Sargeant (Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol), 3xKasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun (Hot-shot Lasgun), Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Marksman Rifle (Hot-shot Marksman Rifle), 2xKasrkin w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), 2xKasrkin w/ Special Weapon (Hot-shot Volley Gun), Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster (Hot-shot Lasgun, Vox-Caster), Recon Operators
EL: Sly Marbo [3 PL, 50 pts]
FA: 5 Attilan Rough Riders [5 PL, 100 pts] Rough Rider Sergeant (Goad Lance, Lasgun, Laspistol, Power sabre), 4xRough Rider w/ Hunting Lance (Hunting Lance, Lasgun, Laspistol)
FA: 3 Scout Sentinels [9 PL, 135 pts] 3xScout Sentinel (Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw)
FA: Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40 pts] Scout Sentinel (Militarum Plasma Cannon)
FA: Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40 pts] Scout Sentinel (Militarum Plasma Cannon)
HS: 3 Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55 pts] 3xHeavy Weapon Team (Mortar)
HS: 3 Leman Russ Battle Tanks [27 PL, 510 pts] 3xLeman Russ Battle Tank (2 Heavy Bolters (2xHeavy bolter), Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Lascannon, Stat Damage (Leman Russ))
TR: 5 Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55 pts] Tempestor (Plasma pistol, Power sword), Tempestus Scion (Hot-shot Lasgun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Meltagun), Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Thoughts
Speaking of that avalanche of guard – plenty of familiar Born Soldiers toys here, plus a Scion Patrol that provides both some extra objective grabbers and the ability to deploy the Finial wherever it’s needed on a go turn. The list also invests in some Rough Riders, giving it a bit of counter-punch once its screening Sentinels go down (which must have been doubly terrifying for the Thousand Sons, as they do not like the melta lances), and finishes up by including Sly Marbo, whose ability to snipe out enemy characters in Born Soldiers and pull a once-per-game movement stunt adds a bit of extra trickery to tip a close game in the Guard’s favour. Very spicy, and a well deserved second place.
Miguel Keko – Astra Militarum – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [106 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers + HQ + Cadian Command Squad [4 PL, -2CP, 75pts]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic, WT: Master Tactician Cadian Command Squad [4 PL, 75pts] Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, -1CP, 170pts]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist Tank Commander [10 PL, -1CP, 185pts]: Armoured Tracks, Heavy bolter, Hunter-killer Missile, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury + Troops + Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] Cadian Shock Troops [3 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Kasrkin [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Veteran Guerrillas Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Mechanised Infantry Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 55pts] + Fast Attack + Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 45pts] Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts] + Heavy Support + Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Leman Russ Battle Tanks [18 PL, 340pts] Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [15 PL, 320pts]: Armoured Tracks, Knight of Piety, Pulveriser Cannon + Dedicated Transport + Taurox [4 PL, 70pts] ++ Total: [106 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Laspistol, Plasma gun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. Cadian Commander: Bolt pistol, Power sword
. Cadian Veterans
. . Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword: Laspistol, Plasma gun
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox: Laspistol
. . Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard
. . . Lasgun and Regimental Standard
. 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 6x Shock Trooper: 6x Lasgun
. Shock Trooper Sergeant: Drum-fed Autogun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Shock Trooper w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Shock Trooper w/ Vox-caster
. 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: 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: Meltagun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster
. Tempestor: Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. Tempestus Scion
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster
. Scout Sentinel: Militarum Plasma Cannon, Sentinel Chainsaw
. 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
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Armoured Tracks, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Heavy Flamers: 2x Heavy flamer
. Leman Russ Battle Tank: Armoured Tracks, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer
. . 2 Heavy Flamers: 2x Heavy flamer
. 2 Meltaguns: 2x Meltagun
. 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta
. Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon
Archetype
Born Soldiers Goodstuff
Thoughts
“Traditional” Born Soldiers in third place, with the only notable mixup being the inclusion of a Dorn. I guess there’s a level on which, as long as you have the bodies to screen out the Kasrkin bomb from it (which this list probably does), having one of these can be a decent tool in the mirror – its big guns go through Russes, but T9 and being a single target that can switch on Ablative means that plasma Russes don’t do nearly as much back.If you’re worried about Kasrkin you can also just strat reserve it and go for big damage the turn it rolls in. Interesting thought, and well done to Miguel on third.
Borja FM – Dark Angels – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++ Dwayne Johnson (Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition) [106 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] +++ ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [106 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Chapter Selector: Dark Angels Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack + HQ + Azrael [9 PL, 2CP, 140pts]: Warlord Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, -2CP, 160pts]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic Sammael [8 PL, 135pts] + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [12 PL, 200pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Bladeguard Ancient [5 PL, -1CP, 75pts]: Pennant of Remembrance, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter + Fast Attack + Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Land Speeders [3 PL, 60pts]
. . 9x Infiltrator: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Marksman bolt carbine
. . Infiltrator Sergeant
. . Deathwing Sergeant
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. . Deathwing Sergeant
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. . Deathwing Terminator
. . . . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. . Black Knight Bike: Astartes grenade launcher
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. . Land Speeder: Multi-melta
Archetype
Mixed Dark Angels
Thoughts
Yeah uh…there are a lot of Dark Angels this week, and I’m not going to have that much to say about most of them. The interesting piece of tech to call out here is running the Infiltrators as a unit of ten (which can be Combat Squadded if needed) rather than two fives – that probably broadens the matchups you could go for Stubborn Defiance with them, as something like a Howling Banshee unit can pick up a five but will bounce from a ten. You do lose the Helix off the second unit if you Combat Squad them, but often one unit stays on a home objective anyway. No idea if this will catch on, but I am appallingly grateful to any Dark Angels player who tries something unusual right now for giving me content, so thanks and congratulations to Borja.
The Best of the Rest
There were 11 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Cuervo Marcos – Dark Angels: Deathwing-heavy Dark Angels with a few Speeders and Infiltrators to add flexibility and good play on Stubborn Defiance.
- 6th – Alejandro Mancuso Serrano – Blood Angels: Go-wide Blood Angels with lots of small Jump Pack units, Infiltrators and a pair of Helverins to add a bit of dakka.
- 7th – Salvador Prados Pérez – Dark Angels: Mixed Ravenwing/Deathwing with a Desolation Squad for some backfield shooting.
- 8th – Martin Obscuro – Chaos Knights: Vextrix with an Abominant and Desecrator.
- 9th – Jordy Quesada – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with Scion backup.
- 10th – Jonhy Segura Hispalis Imperium – Aeldari: Mixed Ulthwe/Harlequins with lots of Shroud Runners, some Twilight melee hammers and a big unit of D-Cannons.
- 11th – Alvaro Gerrera Velazquez – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with some Scions.
- 12th – Newman Newman – Votann: Ymyr with one Fort and lots of Hearthguard.
- 13th – Jordi Macià Dekkers – Orks: Deathskulls with Kill Rigs and lots of Stormboyz.
- 14th – Miguel Durá – Orks: Very similar, but with some Burna Boyz snuck in.
- 15th – Jaume Albiach – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers with lots of indirect fire and a Banesword!
CentAR Presents: The March Madness Grand Tournament
48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Jacksonville, AR US on March 18 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Brent Simon – Chaos Daemons – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Chaos Allegiance: Tzeentch Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, 420pts, -1CP]: Pall of Despair, Shadow Lord, Shrouded Step, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Fateskimmer [7 PL, 160pts]: Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames, Retinue of Horrors, Staff of change Fateskimmer [7 PL, 160pts]: Infernal Gateway, Retinue of Horrors, Staff of change, Treason of Tzeentch Fluxmaster [6 PL, 115pts]: Boon of Change, Gaze of Fate, Staff of change + Elites + Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 125pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 125pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Screamers [8 PL, 150pts] + Heavy Support + Burning Chariot [6 PL, 125pts]: Horror Infestation Burning Chariot [6 PL, 125pts]: Horror Infestation Burning Chariot [6 PL, 120pts] ++ Total: [97 PL, 2,000pts, 5CP] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [97 PL, 2,000pts, 5CP] ++
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 4x Flamer: 4x Flickering flames
. 4x Flamer: 4x Flickering flames
. 6x Screamer: 6x Lamprey bite
Archetype
Tzeentch Daemons
Final Round Matchup
97 – 75 Victory against Ethan Holt – Dark Angels.
Thoughts
I told you Tzeentch had plans – not only is the Thousand Sons/Daemons combo back winning a major, it’s also been a breakout weekend for pure Tzeentch Daemons, putting in several very strong performances. The big draw to this plan is the combination of extremely high mobility with unparalleled resistance to shooting, meaning that as long as you can take the opponent apart without getting pinned down in melee you’re laughing (or possibly cackling) as you rack up Reality Rebels and some sort of Psychic Action, then max Despoilers in the final stretch. There are plenty of armies out there right now which are ideal victims for this plan like Guard, Iron Hands and the more Ravenwing-heavy Dark Angels builds, but I have to admit I would have assumed that the Deathwing Dark Angels builds could pose a bit of a problem. Apparently even they can be overcome by the might of Tzeentch, and I guess the sheer amount of firepower the list puts out, plenty of it D3 and with Mortal Wounds on top, allows it to play keep away while grinding the Terminators down initially, then swing for the win late game. Well done to Brent for furthering Tzeentches great schemes.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 or better records. They were:
- 2nd (undefeated with a draw) – Craig Mills – Dark Angels: Whoops all Terminators.
- 3rd – Howard Watts – Ultramarines: Dakka-heavy Ultramarines with a core of Dreadnoughts and Invictors then lots of small shooting units, including 3×3 Eliminators to squeeze value from Bobby G.
- 4th – Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cults: Industrial Neophyte/Bike spam.
- 5th – Ethan Holt – Dark Angels: Whoops all Terminators.
- 6th – Brian Preece – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen with a mid-sized Warden brick.
- 7th – Randall Robinson – Adepta Sororitas: Valorous Heart with loads of Sacresants at the core, and big Retributor units plus Helverins to provide shooting.
- 8th – George Murray – Imperial Knights: Freeblade Lance with a big Herald Errant.
Free State GT 2023
43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Holton, KS United States on March 18 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Dan Sammons – Dark Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + *Chapter Selector*: Dark Angels 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 + HQ [32 PL, -2CP, 555pts] + Ezekiel [7 PL, 105pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, The Deliverer, Traitor’s Bane, Mind Worm, Righteous Repugnance, Engulfing Fear Interrogator-Chaplain [7 PL, -1CP, 130pts]: 4. Mantra of Strength, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity [1 PL, 20pts], Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Litany of Hate, Power fist, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Thunder hammer, Wise Orator Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: Power sword, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Twin assault cannon, Twin heavy bolter Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, -1cp 160pts]: Arbiter’s Gaze, power sword, Twin assault cannon, Twin heavy bolter + Troops [12 PL, 200pts] + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites [69 PL, -2CP, 1,240pts] + Bladeguard Ancient [6 PL, -2CP, 90pts]: Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient [1 PL, 15pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Pennant of Remembrance, Steadfast Example, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord Deathwing Command Squad [4 PL, 70pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Ravenwing Apothecary [5 PL, 90pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades ++ Total: [113 PL, 1CP, 1,995pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [113 PL, 2CP, 1,995pts] ++
. 4x Infiltrator [80pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine
. 4x Infiltrator [80pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant [20pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine
. Deathwing Sergeant [35pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [35pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Sergeant [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. 7x Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Sergeant [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. 7x Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Sergeant [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield: Cyclone missile launcher
. . . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. 7x Deathwing Terminator [33pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer
. Black Knight Bike: Astartes grenade launcher
Archetype
Deathwing & Infiltrators
Final Round Matchup
97 – 85 Victory against Ryan Verbeck – Genestealer Cult.
Thoughts
Dan’s contribution to the art of interesting choices is breaking up the pure First Company detachment, but only taking Infiltrators to unlock Stubborn rather than going deeper on Ravenwing stuff. That ensures the list retains maximum resilience when facing high threat armies, while combining with Ezekiel for the broadest possible suite of Secondary options. This has been “interesting choices in a Dark Angels list” with me, your host Wings. Well done Dan.
Colin Kay – Black Legion – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Legion: Black Legion + HQ + Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, 350pts, -1CP]: 3. Merciless Overseer, 5. Eternal Vendetta, 6. Paragon of Hatred, Stratagem: Warlord Trait Dark Apostle [6 PL, 115pts, -1CP]: 5. Trusted War-leader, Aspiring Lord, Illusory Supplication, Mark of Slaanesh Master of Possession [6 PL, 105pts]: Chaos Undivided, Mutated Invigoration, Pact of Flesh Sorcerer in Terminator Armour [7 PL, 125pts, -1CP]: Chaos Familiar, Combi-melta, Force sword, Gift of Chaos, Infernal Gaze, Mark of Tzeentch, Stratagem: Relic, Veilbreaker Plate + Troops + Cultists Mob [2 PL, 50pts] Cultists Mob [2 PL, 50pts] + Elites + Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought [9 PL, 200pts, -1CP]: Hellforged cyclone missile launcher, Mark of Tzeentch, 2x Multi-melta Rubric Marines [13 PL, 252pts]: Icon of Flame + Fast Attack + Chaos Bikers [16 PL, 320pts, -1CP]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Tzeentch Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Raptors [6 PL, 140pts]: Chaos Undivided Raptors [6 PL, 115pts]: Chaos Undivided + Heavy Support + Havocs [7 PL, 125pts]: Chaos Undivided ++ Total: [97 PL, 1,997pts, 1CP] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [97 PL, 1,997pts, 1CP] ++
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon
. 6x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 6x Cultist firearm, 6x Frag & Krak grenades
. Chaos Cultist w/ cultist grenade launcher
. Chaos Cultist w/ flamer
. Chaos Cultist w/ heavy stubber
. Cultist Champion: Cultist firearm
. 6x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 6x Cultist firearm, 6x Frag & Krak grenades
. Chaos Cultist w/ cultist grenade launcher
. Chaos Cultist w/ flamer
. Chaos Cultist w/ heavy stubber
. Cultist Champion: Cultist firearm
. Aspiring Sorcerer: Warpflame pistol, Warptime
. 9x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 9x Warpflamer
. Biker Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Power fist, Trophies of the Long War
. 6x Chaos Biker w/ astartes chainsword: 6x Astartes chainsword, 6x Combi-bolter, 6x Frag & Krak grenades
. Chaos Biker w/ special weapon: Astartes chainsword, Plasma gun
. Chaos Biker w/ special weapon: Astartes chainsword, Plasma gun
. 2x Raptor: 2x Astartes chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Raptor Champion: Plasma pistol, Power fist
. Raptor w/ special weapon: Plasma gun
. Raptor w/ special weapon: Plasma gun
. 4x Raptor: 4x Astartes chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Raptor Champion: Bolt pistol, Power fist
. Havoc Champion: Astartes chainsword, Boltgun
. 4x Havoc w/ autocannon: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Havoc autocannon
Archetype
Black Legion Pressure
Thoughts
Pulling off an undefeated run with Chaos Space Marines is no mean feat in Arks, and I really like how Colin has gone about achieving that, which is by building a list that goes for the throat. Chaos Marines don’t have the numbers to play a value game against their Loyalist brethren or Guard at the moment, so I think it’s fully correct to not even try. Instead, this list takes the fastest possible Black Rune brick in the Bikers, and packs a full warpflamer Rubricae squad with the Veilbreaker Plate so that they can re-deploy into position and incinerate half an army with full wound re-rolls. Raptors can launch daring thrusts to shore up flanks, a Contemptor with the Mark of Tzeentch provides a backfield shooting unit that’s hard to spike out, and Characters and Cultists fill the roster out.
With this kind of list you’re certainly at the risk of losing hard if a game goes wrong, but by putting enormous pressure on the opponent and demanding they answer a high proportion of the list at once, you give yourself the best chance of managing to just body five opponents despite the faction being a bit on the weak side. Serious props to Colin for pulling it off!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Ryan Verbeck – Genestealer Cult: Pauper Princes with lots of Bike/Neophyte bodies and small Acolyte units.
- 4th – Cory Schulz – Necrons: Very skewed Mephrit with loads of shooting from three Arks and some Deathmarks, The Silent King, and a goddamn Tesseract Vault.
- 5th – Aaron Hermstedt – Chaos Knights: Herpetrax Desecrator and Dogs.
- 6th – Scott Sasser – Grey Knights: Prescient Brethren Dreadknights and Interceptors.
Dropzone Games Central Island Open
39-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Nanaimo, BC CA on March 18 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Ryan Burns – Dark Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic Sammael [8 PL, 135pts] + Troops + Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet + Elites + Deathwing Ancient [7 PL, 105pts, -3CP]: 5. Decisive Tactician (Aura), Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Rites of War, Stratagem: Paragon of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Deathwing Command Squad [4 PL, 70pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, 120pts, -1CP]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter + Fast Attack + Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Attack Bike Squad [6 PL, 150pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts] Land Speeders [3 PL, 60pts] ++ Total: [105 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [105 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Storm Bolter & Chainfist
. Black Knight Bike: Astartes grenade launcher
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. Attack Bike: Multi-melta
. 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: Multi-melta
Archetype
Mixed Dark Angels
Final Round Matchup
73 – 71 Victory against Joseph Darbison – Adeptus Custodes.
Thoughts
Decisive Tactician as a way to avoid spending points on a Chaplain is pretty cute, I guess? There, that’s your interesting thing. Well done to Ryan on the win.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Brendan McKenzie – Adepta Sororitas: Valorous Heart going full crunch, packing 3×10 Sacresants and some Paragons.
- 3rd – Scott Darbison – Iron Hands: Actual Iron Hands with lots of Redemptors (including a fancy new Brutalis) and Invictors.
- 4th – Joseph Darbison – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen with big bike units.
- 5th – Travis Grant – Blood Angels: Go-wide jump packs with some Drop Devs in support.
- 6th – Patrick Owens – Tau: Tau Sept with two Riptides and a big Crisis unit.
- 7th – Nevin Windfield – Adeptus Custodes: MSU-heavy Emperor’s chosen with an honest to god Venerable Land Raider at the core.
Pergőtűz LCOTSV 3
34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Jászfényszaru, HU on March 18 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. Big thanks to the TO for sending me the event pack, it looks like they’re doing great work to build up the scene in Hungary!
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Abandoned Sanctuaries
Richárd Ivány – Black Legion: Abaddon with a big Terminator brick and Warp Talon support. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Legion: Black Legion + HQ + Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, 350pts, -1CP]: 3. Merciless Overseer, 5. Eternal Vendetta, 6. Paragon of Hatred, Drach’nyen, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Talon of Horus, Warlord Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, 180pts, -2CP]: 3. Hatred Incarnate, Aspiring Lord, Death Hex, G’holl’ax, the Decayed, Hellforged sword, Malefic talons, Mark of Nurgle, Stratagem: Relic, Wings Dark Apostle [5 PL, 95pts]: Chaos Undivided, Illusory Supplication Master of Possession [7 PL, 125pts, -1CP]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Gifts of Chaos, Liber Hereticus, Mark of Slaanesh, Mutated Invigoration, Pact of Flesh, Smite, Staff of Possession + Troops + Cultists Mob [2 PL, 50pts] Legionaries [6 PL, 90pts]: Chaos Icon, Chaos Undivided Legionaries [7 PL, 105pts]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Khorne Legionaries [7 PL, 105pts]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Khorne + Elites + Chaos Terminator Squad [19 PL, 420pts, -1CP]: Mark of Slaanesh + Fast Attack + Venomcrawler [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Excruciator cannon, Soulflayer tendrils and claws Warp Talons [7 PL, 140pts] Warp Talons [7 PL, 140pts] + Heavy Support + Obliterators [5 PL, 90pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [104 PL, 1,995pts, 1CP] ++
. Dark Apostle: Accursed crozius, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon: Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
. Aspiring Champion: Daemon blade, Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist
. 3x Legionary w/ astartes chainsword: 3x Astartes chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Legionary w/ special weapon: Bolt pistol, Meltagun
. Aspiring Champion: Daemon blade, Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist
. 2x Legionary w/ astartes chainsword: 2x Astartes chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Legionary w/ heavy chainaxe: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy chainaxe
. Legionary w/ special weapon: Bolt pistol, Meltagun
. Aspiring Champion: Daemon blade, Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist
. 2x Legionary w/ astartes chainsword: 2x Astartes chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Legionary w/ heavy chainaxe: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy chainaxe
. Legionary w/ special weapon: Bolt pistol, Meltagun
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Terminator Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Chainfist, Combi-melta, Trophies of the Long War
. 4x Warp Talon: 4x Warp claws
. Warp Talon Champion: Warp claws
. 4x Warp Talon: 4x Warp claws
. Warp Talon Champion: Warp claws
. Obliterator: Crushing fists, Fleshmetal guns
vs.
Mate Csaszar – World Eaters: Invocatus and the boys. + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Subfaction: World Eaters + HQ + Lord Invocatus [8 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord World Eaters Daemon Prince [10 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: Hellforged sword, Helm of Brazen Ire, Stratagem: Relic, Wings + Troops + Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 115pts] + Elites + Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts] Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts] Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn + Dedicated Transport + Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 80pts] Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 80pts] ++ Total: [109 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters) [109 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: 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
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. . Two Eightbound chainfists
Thoughts
Abaddon shaking his head to make it clear that he disapproves of this sort of thing. Playing World Eaters on Abandoned Sanctuaries is a definite mixed blessing. The good news is that Invocatus’ pre-game move can’t push them right into your face turn one, meaning you’re essentially guaranteed a turn of breathing room to get set up. The bad news is that the already extremely strong World Eaters Secondaries are especially good here, as the mission naturally lends itself to a vicious brawl over the mid-board. You always need to take them off the table fast but here it needs to be at warpspeed if you want to prevent them from counting to 45 on Secondaries, and I am just not convinced that this Chaos Space Marine list can pull it off.
It’s certainly got some good tools for dealing with the World Eaters – the Death Hex/G’holl’ax murder Prince is going to force the Eightbound to be a bit more careful than they otherwise might, and is especially strong for hunting down the Exalted, who lean on their better save and can’t Fight on Death. Abaddon is also excellent going into what is effectively a one-phase army, and with plenty of Troops the Secondary Options for the Black Legion could certainly be worse. Repeatedly smashing the World Eaters off the central objective will get them a decent Primary score and most of The Long War, and sneaking Cultists into position might allow them to pull off most of Despoil Dominions. However, they’re short of a third great option (since the Eaters have plenty of CP to plow into trying to deny a Warpcraft one), and also run a big risk of just running out of stuff. What you really, desperately want in this game is a way to open up the Rhinos so that Khorne Berserkers can’t safely stage, but Abaddon’s minions are also leaning on doing most of their damage in the Fight Phase, and the World Eaters are just better at that. I feel like the tool the Black Legion are missing here to give them a shot is the Cloak of Conquest – if ObSec Abaddon could sit on the central objective to buy some eight point turns and stop the World Eaters flipping it in the mid game that might be a route to the Black Legion sneaking a win, but as is I basically think that they can’t prevent a 45pt Secondary score from the World Eaters, and will run out of stuff trying to restrict them to 4pt Primary turns. I’d guess that the scoreline here results from the Black Legion having a pretty decent VP score, but the World Eaters landing close to a 100VP finish.
Result
World Eaters Victory – 16 – 4
Mate Csaszar – World Eaters – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Invocatus Eightbound Spam
Thoughts
Go fast, score points, simple as. Subtlety is for cowards, and Khorne hates those. Well done Mate on riding the Eightfold Steps to victory.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 or better records. They were:
- 2nd (Undefeated with a draw) – Véber Ákos – Salamanders: Lots of flame Aggressors and a whole bunch of melta-toting friends.
- 3rd – Patrik Pintér – Daemons: The classic monster mash trio of the three Bs (Be’lakor, Bloodthirster, Big Bird) supported by the three Fs (Fiends, Flamers, Flesh Hounds), with I guess some Daemonettes ruining my naming scheme too.
- 4th – Rab Kristóf – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam with a bit of extra herohammer.
Carnage – Season 1 – Round 1 – A War Awakens
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England United Kingdom on March 18 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Tear Down Their Icons
Jacob Whitehouse – T’au Empire: Bork’an with a big Crisis block and some Riptides + Configuration + Battle Size [6CP]: 2. Incursion (51-100 Total PL / 501-1000 Points) Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Sept Choice: Bork’an Sept + HQ + Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, 205pts, -2CP]: (Bork’an): Seeker of Perfection, Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Onager Gauntlet, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Stratagem – Heroic Support -1CP Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [10 PL, 220pts, -1CP]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Dominator Fragmentation Launcher, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Ethereal [4 PL, 95pts, -2CP]: 2. Sense of Stone, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Humble Stave, Warlord + Troops + Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts] Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts] Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 70pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [23 PL, 500pts] + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + Heavy Support + Riptide Battlesuit [13 PL, 250pts]: 2x Plasma Rifle, Counterfire Defence System, Early Warning Override, Ion Accelerator, Multi-tracker Riptide Battlesuit [13 PL, 250pts]: 2x Plasma Rifle, Counterfire Defence System, Early Warning Override, Ion Accelerator, Multi-tracker + Dedicated Transport + Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] ++ Total: [99 PL, 1CP, 1,998pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [99 PL, 1,998pts, 0CP++
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. Marker Drone
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Early Warning Override, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Counterfire Defence System, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. Marker Drone
. 7x Shield Drone: 7x Shield Generator
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
vs.
Bethany Taylor – Chaos Daemons: A second showing for pure Tzeentch, taking out Be’lakor in favour of more board coverage. Number of Units: 16 == Tzeentch Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 101 PL HQ1: Changecaster: Bolt of Change, Infernal Gateway, Smite [80 pts, 4 PL] TR1: Blue Horrors: 10xBlue Horror (Coruscating flames) [70 pts, 3 PL] EL1: Exalted Flamer [75 pts, 4 PL] FA1: Screamers: 5xScreamer [125 pts, 8 PL] HS1: Burning Chariot: Fire of Tzeentch, Horror Infestation, Screamer bites [125 pts, 6 PL]
Army List - Click to Expand
Army name: Tzeentch
Factions used: Chaos – Daemons
Command Points: 6-1-1=4
Total cost: 2000 pts, 101 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts
Assassination: 13 points
Bring it Down: 5 points
No Prisoners: 15 points
Abhor the Witch: 9 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HQ2: Daemon Prince of Chaos: Infernal Flames, Infernal Gateway, Malefic talons, Stratagem: Relic, Tzeentch (Smite), Warpfire Blade, Wings [185 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP]
HQ3: Fateskimmer: Fractal Mind, Gaze of Fate, Infernal Flames, Retinue of Horrors, Screamer bites, Smite, Staff of change, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord [160 pts, 7 PL, -1 CP]
TR2: Pink Horrors: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos, Iridescent Horror, 9xPink Horror [140 pts, 7 PL]
TR3: Pink Horrors: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos, Iridescent Horror, 9xPink Horror [140 pts, 7 PL]
EL2: Flamers: 5xFlamer, Pyrocaster [150 pts, 6 PL]
EL3: Flamers: 4xFlamer, Pyrocaster [125 pts, 6 PL]
EL4: Flamers: 4xFlamer, Pyrocaster [125 pts, 6 PL]
FA2: Screamers: 5xScreamer [125 pts, 8 PL]
FA3: Screamers: 5xScreamer [125 pts, 8 PL]
HS2: Burning Chariot: Fire of Tzeentch, Horror Infestation, Screamer bites [125 pts, 6 PL]
HS3: Burning Chariot: Fire of Tzeentch, Horror Infestation, Screamer bites [125 pts, 6 PL]
Thoughts
Sometimes the Patron vote makes me look at a game I might otherwise have passed on and find interesting depths. Sometimes it makes me write about Tau playing against army-wide 3+ Daemon Saves against shooting. This uh, this probably only ends one way, and if anything this version of Tzeentch Daemons is even worse for the Tau than the other build we saw thanks to there being multiple Screamer units to head out and grab stuff, and no Be’lakor as at least an OK Riptide target.
From the Tau’s ponit of view, I think your only shot is just to go full-on hyper aggro and hope that the save dice go in your favour and that you can force through enough Secondary points to somehow steal a win. Take BEL, Decisive Action with Mont’ka and I guess probably Relays, hope for the first turn, and then ram Riptides and Devilfish forward, while having Commanders hunt down Screamers and the Crisis Team gradually lock in relays while throwing out some grinding damage, and hope that the other three Dark Gods are annoyed enough at Tzeentch to hand you a cheeky win. Is it likely to work? Absolutely not, but trying to play a long game here is definitely not going to work, so you have to take the shot. I do like the Dominator Frag Launcher commander in the Tau build a lot in the current metagame, as it gives a real answer to lurking Kasrkin (and provides a small out for dealing with the Horror bricks here), but it looks like no amount of Tau ingenuity could overcome the Tzeentchian misdirections here.
Result
Chaos Daemons Victory – 97 – 42
Bethany Taylor – Chaos Daemons – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Tzeentch Daemons
Thoughts
As covered in the showdown, pretty much the literal worst nightmare of a shooting list, and if armies like this keep performing I’d expect to see Guard start packing more Rough Riders/Bullgryn and Tau to double up on melee Commanders, just to provide some outs to flip key points. For now though, Tzeentch and Beth are one step ahead.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Kyle Grundy – Tau: Farsight Triptide with a big Crisis unit on top.
- 3rd – Kieran French – Dark Angels: Lots of Deathwing backed with Talonmasters and Vengeances.
- 4th – Martin Lawson – Iron Hands Successors: Artisans/Whirlwind successors with a bit of a tilt towards speed, packing two Speeders full of Scouts, lots of VanVets and some Suppressors.
- 5th – Jacob Whitehouse – Tau: Bork’an with two Riptides, a massively tooled-up Crisis team and some Devilfish in support.
Kelpie Crusade GT 2023
32-player GT in Scotland. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Innes Wilson – Dark Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angles – Ark of Omen Detachment [Elites] = -6CP, [PL, pts] == HQ: Azrael [9PL, 140pts] (Warlord) TR: 5 Infiltrator [6PL, 100pts] Helix Gauntlet EL: 10 Deathwing Terminator [18PL, 330pts] 7 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, 2 Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield and Cyclone Missile Launcher, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, Watcher in the Dark EL Character: Ancient in Terminator Armour [7PL, 105pts] FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta
Chapter Tactics: Grim Resolve
– – – Supreme Tactician (+2CP)
HQ: Ezeklel [7PL, 105pts]
– – – Psyker : Mind Worm, Righteous Repugnance, Engulfing Fear
HQ: Ravenwing Talonmaster [9PL, 160pts]
– – – Relic : Arbiter’s Gaze (-1CP)
HQ: Interrogator Chaplain [7PL, 130pts] Jump Pack, Thunder Hammer
– – – Chapter Command : Master of Sanctity
– – – Litanies of Battle : Litany of Faith, Canticle of Hate
EL: 10 Deathwing Terminator [18PL, 330pts] 7 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, 2 Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield and Cyclone Missile Launcher, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, Watcher in the Dark
EL: 10 Deathwing Terminator [18PL, 330pts] 7 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, 2 Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield and Cyclone Missile Launcher, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, Watcher in the Dark
– – – Chapter Command : Chapter Ancient
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Rites of War (-1CP)
– – – Relic of the Chapter : Pennant of Remembrance (-1CP)
EL Character: Ravenwing Apothecary [6PL, 120pts] Astartes Grenade Launcher
– – – Chapter Command : Chief Apothecary
– – – Hero of the Chapter : Selfless Healer (-1CP)
– – – Relic of the Chapter : Reliquary of the Repentant (-1CP)
EL Character: Acolyte [1PL, 10pts] Hot-Shot Lasgun
FA: Land Speeder Tornado [4PL, 70pts] Multi-Melta
Archetype
Deathwing-heavy Dark Angels
Final Round Matchup
85-80 Victory vs Brian Seipp – Orks
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
I assume Innes has some excuse about needing to understand how to beat Dark Angels, and winning a GT is merely a happy side effect. His particular spin on the Deathwing-skewed version builds in as many toolbox elements as possible while still keeping the thirty Terminator core. It’s got Land Speeders to toss for Oaths if it goes second or BEL in some weird matchup that needs it, a cheap Inquisitorial Acolyte to put on a home objective if the opponent has no answer, or to put up a Banner, Ezekiel for Warp Ritual, Infiltrators for Defiance – really just every possible angle of Secondary attack, plus all the rampaging Terminators you could want. Classic Innes.
The Rest of the Best
There were five more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Ryan Kerr – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam.
- 3rd – Brian Seipp – Orks: Goff horde pressure.
- 4th – Nicholas Malone – Iron Hands Successors: Classic Artisans/Whirlwind Successors with lots of Dreadnoughts, drop Devs and the more modern option of tooled-up Scouts.
- 5th – Conar Leach – Tau: I am reliably informed that Conar was the ringer, and the list in BCP is an elaborate bit. No idea what sort of Tau.
- 6th – Fraser McFetridge – Chaos Daemons: Full-on Disciples of Be’lakor, with loads of the three Fs and some Beasts and Nurglings to boot.
Wrap Up
We’ve got a bumper-sized part 2 still to come this week, and another huge weekend with supermajors in both the US and UK, which will hopefully provide final inputs to whatever Dataslate is currently being cooked up. Check in on Friday and next week, and if you’re playing at one of the big events on the weekend, best of luck!
