How about those Arks of Omen, eh? People sure do seem to love them.

This past weekend is, I think, the biggest for tournament play we’ve ever had other than LGT or LVO weekends, and terrifyingly that’s not counting the 300-player Team Tournament that the UKTC put on. We’ve also got the competitive debut of the World Eaters Codex, and it’s clearly making a bit of a splash!

That means we have got a lot to cover this week, and to handle that we’ve assembled a powerful roster of columnists to pitch in – I’m joined by Tom Lowman (returning from his heroic save last week), Jeremy “Curie” Atkinson and Peter “The Falcon” Colosimo, each of whom will be picking up some of the events. I’ll note which author is covering each event at the start of the writeup.

Today our team will be covering:

The Cherokee Open (Supermajor)
Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz (Major)
Scorched Earth Open (Major)
Dice Crusher
The Lightly Salted Winter GT
MTC Winter GT

On Friday we’ll round out with:

Milwaukee GT (Major)
Dice Arcade (Major)
Broadsword Wargaming
HWP Salty Classic
Capital Clash
Brewhammer 3
Winter Ruin Grand tournament

Our showdowns for the week, as voted for by the Goonhammer Patrons, are (drum roll please):

Tau vs Chaos Knights at the Scorched Earth Open
Orks vs Craftworlds at the MTC Winter GT
Disciples of the Red Angel (!) vs Iron Hands at the Capital City Clash
Craftworlds vs Daemons at Dice Crusher

Hit it!

Frontline Gaming Cherokee Open 40K Champs

257-player, 9-round Supermajor in Las Vegas, NV US on February 24 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Wings is taking the helm on this one.

Steven Crawley – Deathwing – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [113 PL, 1,990pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

+ HQ +

Azrael [9 PL, 140pts, 2CP]: Warlord

Ezekiel [7 PL, 105pts]: 1) Mind Worm, 3) Righteous Repugnance, 5) Engulfing Fear

Interrogator-Chaplain [7 PL, 130pts]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Jump Pack, Litany of Hate, Thunder hammer

Ravenwing Talonmaster [9 PL, 160pts, -1CP]: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Elites +

Deathwing Ancient [7 PL, 105pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chapter Ancient, Pennant of Remembrance, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic
. Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield

Deathwing Command Squad [4 PL, 70pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. Deathwing Sergeant
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 330pts]: Watcher in the Dark
. 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
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield
. Deathwing Terminator
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, 120pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Reliquary of the Repentant, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter
. Black Knight Bike: Astartes grenade launcher

++ Total: [113 PL, 3CP, 1,990pts] ++

Archetype

Deathwing

Final Round Matchup

88 – 76 Victory against Brad Chester – Space Wolves.

Thoughts

Dark Angels secure their grip on the metagame with some big wins this week, with full Deathwing lists making particularly good showings (though there are plenty of strong performances for more mixed builds as well), taking down both the Cherokee Open and another Major. Having lots of Deathwing can oversaturate guard’s ability to chew through them, and gives you a fallback plan if your opponent is packing one of the few things that can spike a squad (e.g. heavily buffed Whirlwind Wulfen). It also streamlines your target profile considerably, and means that the best your opponent’s big guns are going to achieve, after punching through both Transhuman and a 4+ invulnerable save, is to kill a single Terminator, where the Ravenwing lists generally do offer easier targets for opponents trying to degrade their capabilities. You do sacrifice the ability to just body your opponent clean off the table (as Ravenwing have a habit of doing), but the results don’t lie – the Inner Circle mean business, and big congratulations to Steven for taking the trophy with them.

Brad Chester – Space Wolves – 2nd Place

Flying Wolf Guard. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [114 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Born Heroes , Custom Chapter, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

+ Stratagems +

A Trophy Bestowed [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Captain on Bike [8 PL, -3CP, 145pts]: Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Combi-melta, Hunter, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Stratagem: Warrior of Legend, The Armour of Russ, The Imperium’s Sword, Thunder hammer, Warlord

Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, 135pts]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Elites +

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 158pts]: Jump Pack
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Lightning Claw
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 120pts]: Jump Pack
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Power axe
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Power axe
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Power axe
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Power axe
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Power fist

Wolf Guard Terminators [9 PL, 170pts]
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Chainfist, Combi-melta, Cyclone missile launcher
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Chainfist, Combi-melta

Wolf Guard Terminators [9 PL, 170pts]
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Combi-melta, Cyclone missile launcher, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer

Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader: Wulfen Frost claws
. 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer

+ Fast Attack +

Skyclaws [8 PL, 110pts]
. Skyclaw
. Skyclaw
. Skyclaw Pack Leader: Meltagun, Power fist
. Skyclaw with Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Skyclaw with Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Wolf Guard Skyclaw Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer

Suppressor Squad [5 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Suppressor: 2x Accelerator autocannon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Suppressor Sergeant

+ Heavy Support +

Long Fangs [9 PL, 149pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Long Fang: Lascannon
. Long Fang: Lascannon
. Long Fang: Lascannon
. Long Fang: Lascannon
. Long Fang Pack Leader: Meltagun, Power fist
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Cyclone missile launcher, Storm shield, Thunder hammer

Long Fangs [9 PL, 149pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Long Fang: Grav-cannon
. Long Fang: Grav-cannon
. Long Fang: Grav-cannon
. Long Fang: Grav-cannon
. Long Fang Pack Leader: Grav-gun, Power fist
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Cyclone missile launcher, Storm shield, Thunder hammer

++ Total: [114 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Space Wolf Infantry Spam

Thoughts

Hey speaking of heavily buffed Whirlwind Wulfen – Brad has a squad of them, ready to spike out opponents that pack a single key tarpit, and lists like this are definitely the kind of thing you want some redundancy against. Taking full advantage of all the ways to cram free wargear, mostly meltaguns, into aSpace Wolves list, this army is just absurdly deadly on all fronts, with almost every unit being able to deal serious damage in multiple phases. Plenty of the threats are mobile too, and if you’re up against this the slightest moment of weakness is likely to get you obliterated in short order. Only the might of the Deathwing were finally able to put a stop to Brad’s rampage, and not by much.

John Lennon – Iron Hands – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Iron Hands) [117 PL, 2,000pts, ] ++

+ 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, 65pts, -2CP]: Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, The Vox Espiritum
. Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield

Primaris Techmarine [5 PL, 85pts, -1CP]: Chapter Command: Master of the Forge, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Target Protocols, Warlord

+ Troops +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

+ Elites +

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 195pts, -3CP]: Cyclone missile launcher, Merciless Logic, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: March of the Ancients, 2x Twin volkite culverin

Scout Squad [4 PL, 60pts]: 5x Camo cloak
. Scout Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Scout w/Heavy weapon: Missile launcher
. 3x Scout w/Scout sniper rifle: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Scout sniper rifle

Vanguard Veteran Squad [14 PL, 300pts]: Jump Pack
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Lightning Claw, Relic blade

+ Fast Attack +

Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 70pts]
. Land Speeder Tornado: Assault cannon, Multi-melta

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike [8 PL, 135pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 125pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Thunder hammer
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

Gladiator Reaper [10 PL, 150pts]: Auto Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber

+ Dedicated Transport +

Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Deathwind launcher

Land Speeder Storm [3 PL, 50pts]

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

Archetype

Iron Hands Gladiators

Thoughts

…and now speaking of absurd damage, John’s Iron Hands list is a little more restricted to the shooting phase (outside the VanVets), but makes up for it with almost unparalleled killing power, and broad killing power at that. Gladiator Reapers are no joke in Hands at their new price point, and combine with the more traditional tools like drop devs and the super Contemptor to provide a suite of firepower that can grind almost anything clean out of the game, with only Steven’s Deathwing, once again, being able to hold on for an extremely narrow win against John in the semi-finals. While I’d tap Dark Angels for best army right now, there are definitely voices out there who are on team Iron Hands, and as John’s superb performance here demonstrates, the gap between the two is pretty minimal!

Gabriel Rocheleau – Astra Militarum – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [110 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

Regimental Doctrine: Born Soldiers

+ HQ +

Cadian Command Squad [6 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury
. Cadian Commander: Laspistol, 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
. Officer of the Fleet

Lord Solar Leontus [9 PL, -1CP, 170pts]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, WT: Grand Strategist

Tank Commander [10 PL, -2CP, 170pts]: Armoured Tracks, Lascannon, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, Stratagem: Relic, WT: Master Tactician

Ursula Creed [4 PL, 80pts]

+ Elites +

Kasrkin [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Veteran Guerrillas
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest
. 6x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster

Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Heirloom Weapons
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 6x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster

Kasrkin [5 PL, 100pts]: Mechanised Infantry
. Kasrkin Sargeant: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol
. 6x Kasrkin w/ Hot-shot Lasgun: 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Special Weapon: Hot-shot Volley Gun
. Kasrkin w/ Vox-caster

+ Fast Attack +

Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 40pts]
. Scout Sentinel: Heavy Flamer

+ Heavy Support +

Heavy Weapons Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar
. Heavy Weapon Team: Mortar

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [15 PL, 280pts]: Armoured Tracks, Pulveriser Cannon, Vaunted Praetorian
. 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter
. Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [14 PL, 265pts]: Armoured Tracks, Pulveriser Cannon
. 2 Heavy Bolters: 2x Heavy bolter
. Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 85pts]: Chimera Heavy Bolter
. Heavy Bolter

++ Total: [110 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Dorn Heroes

(Original Archetype Name, do not steal).

Thoughts

After all those two high damage lists, we round out the top four with a far more subtle an…yeah no, it’s another army with astounding killing power, this time coming from the one-two punch of Kasrkin and Dorn Battle Tanks, also guest starring 3×3 Mortars, which are basically a lock for any Guard list with the slots right now. With so much of the anti-tank in the metagame being S8 multi-meltas, T9 on the Dorns represents a major step up in durability against shooting, and if opponents try to close with them they’re in prime position for the Kasrkin to massively trade up on the counter-punch. The list doesn’t have that much in the way of screening, but three Scout Sentinels goes a long way to pushing back opposing pre-game moves, and this list needs very little time to do its wicked work. Only a list with the sheer all-spectrum brutality of Brad’s Wolves were able to silence the guns of the Militarum, presumably by actually being able to race them on damage,(and honourable mention to Shawn Dougherty’s Orks for holding the Guard to a draw), but this brutally clean and efficient build still accumulated tremendous amounts of glory for the Guard and for Gabriel.

The Best of the Rest

There were loads more players on 4.5-1.5 or better records (I’m including the 4.5s because several of them ran undefeated till round four and picked up draws there, and at this point the more the merrier). They were:

5th – Jeremy Stan – Adeptus Custodes: Speedy Emperor’s Chosen with Venatari and Bikes.
6th – Thomas Byrd – Leagues of Votann: Single fortress Ymyr, diversifying threats with some beam Thunderkyn and Sagitaurs.
7th – Stephen Corrales – Dark Angels: Mixed Dark Angels with two Deathwing bricks and Attack Bikes.
8th – Walter Langendorf – Necrons: Easily the funniest list in the top eight, three Monoliths and three Obelisks, hovering ominously to war, with mostly just a unit of Skorpekh for counter-charge backing them up. Ran as Szarekhan for Mortal Wound resistance, eventually shot down by Iron Hands.
9th – Marcus Johnson – Orks: Goff pressure with Kommandos and Kill Rigs.
10th – Cameron Zareie – Iron Hands Successors: Artisans/Long-ranged Marksmen with loads of guns and one big unit of Assault Terminators for crunch.
11th – Wallace O’Donnell – Death Guard & Daemons: Harbingers with lots of Plague Marines and Poxwalker for infantry pressure, plus Mamon Transfigured to buff up some Plagueburst Crawlers.
12th – Steven Page – Necrons: Nihilakh with two Transcendant C’tan, lots of objective grabbers, and the Silent King.
13th – Schuyler Quinn – World Eaters: Go-wide MSU World Eaters with lots of Eightbound and Berserkers, all ensuring that plenty of blood is spilt to repeatedly revive Angron.
14th – Shane Watts – Leagues of Votann: Our boy Shane was running Double Fortress Greater Thurian League, regaling us over the weekend with stories of increasingly impressive foes slain by Uthar.
15th – Jack Harpster – Chaos Daemons: Pure Tzeentch Daemons, ultra resilient against shooting thanks to hordes of Horrors, and with lots of Flamers and Daemon Princes providing grinding killing power.
16th – Nathaniel Williams – Ynnari: All-rounder Ynnari with some nasty melee bombs, Warp Spiders to fish for Wrath of Khaine, and a reasonable amount of mortal output from the Characters.
17th – Nick Herting – Dark Angels: Inner Circle Dark Angels with some psychic backup from Ezekiel and an Inquisitor, the latter presumably covering Warp Ritual while Ezekiel focuses on debuffs.
18th – Ryan Karrer – Chaos Daemons: Monster mash with Be’lakor, Big Bird and a Bloodthirster.
19th – Logan Heath – Iron Hands: Gladiator-heavy Iron Hands, with a Culexus Assassin joining the fun for Psychic defence.
20th – Jamie Beaton – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam, with lots of MSU Berserkers in Rhinos supporting them.
21st – Eric Mullins – Chaos Knights: A heavily buffed Herpetrax Magaera with lots of War Dogs loping to war behind it.
22nd – Noah Beddome – Imperial Knights: House Raven 2+7 with a Princeps Errant, helping speed a Paladin into battle alongside lots of Armigers.
23rd – Ken Knox – Iron Hands: A return to the Iron Hands list of the old metagame, going hard on Vanguard Veterans and Devastators.
24th – Jeremy Knox – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with the increasingly standard set of toys (Cadians/Kasrkin/Mortars/Russes).
25th – Jacob Thayer – Orks: Deathskullz ObSec infantry horde.
26th – Shawn Dougherty – Orks: Infantry-heavy Goff Pressure with a big squad of Killa Kanz as a sucker punch.
27th – Adam Camilleri – Grey Knights: Prescient Brethren Dreadknights and Interceptors with a couple of Purgation squads to help with Teleport Strike.
28th – Nathan Clark – Grey Knights: Rapiers Dreadknights and Interceptors.
29th – Zachary Jeppesen – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound Spam, also featuring one big Khorne Berserker squad to maximise Blood Surge.
30th – Seth Piper – Craftworlds: Ulthwe Goodstuff with Wraithlords and the Avatar.

Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz: GT 2023

133-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Erkelenz, Nordrhein-Westfalen DE on February 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. Note: this event used a modified Path to Victory system as well as a 4-point differential scoring system. We’ll be covering the 4 undefeated lists here.

Curie is in command for this event.

Matthias Bellmann – Asuryani – 1st Place

Windriders with Shuriken Cannons. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: Ramses güldener Lustknabe
Factions used: Aeldari – Craftworlds
Command Points: 6-1-1-1=3
Total cost: 2000 pts, 93 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts

Number of Units: 16
Assassination: 15 points
Bring it Down: 0 points
No Prisoners: 12 points
Abhor the Witch: 11 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== *Far-Flung Craftworld* (Hail of Doom) Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 93 PL

Stratagems:
– Relics of the Shrines (-1 CP)

No Force Org Slot:
– Seer Council (Unit): Warlock Skyrunners (1. Conceal/Reveal, Smite, Warlock Skyrunner (Witchblade)) [65 pts, 3 PL]
– Seer Council (Unit): Warlock Skyrunners (4. Protect/Jinx, 5. Quicken/Restrain, Smite, 3xWarlock Skyrunner (Witchblade)) [120 pts, 5 PL]

HQ1: Baharroth [160 pts, 7 PL]
HQ2: Farseer: 1. Fateful Divergence, 1. Guide, Smite, Witchblade [105 pts, 5 PL]
HQ3: Farseer Skyrunner: 2. Doom, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Kurnous’ Bow (Treasures of the Aeldari Relic), Smite, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Witchblade [135 pts, 6 PL, -2 CP]
HQ4: Karandras [150 pts, 7 PL]

TR1: Rangers: 5xRanger [65 pts, 4 PL]

EL1: Dire Avengers: 9xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [130 pts, 6 PL]
EL2: Dire Avengers: 9xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [130 pts, 6 PL]
EL3: Dire Avengers: 9xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [130 pts, 6 PL]
EL4: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch (Cronescream (Shrine Relic) (Aspect Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes) [110 pts, 5 PL]
EL5: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch (Mirrorswords, Nerve-shredding Shriek) [105 pts, 5 PL]
EL6: Striking Scorpions: 4xStriking Scorpion, Striking Scorpion Exarch (Biting Blade, Crushing Blows) [110 pts, 5 PL]

FA1: Shining Spears: 2xShining Spear, Shining Spear Exarch (Heartstrike, Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic) (Aspect Shrine Relic), Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon) [125 pts, 6 PL]
FA2: Shroud Runners: 3xShroud Runner [90 pts, 5 PL]
FA3: Windriders: 9xWindrider – Shuriken Cannon [270 pts, 12 PL]

Archetype

Hail of Doom

Final Round Matchup

18 – 2 Victory against Arne Zerndt – Slaanesh Daemons.

Thoughts

With Armour of Contempt gone and marines resurgent, it’s no surprise that Craftworlds players have leaned into Hail of Doom once again. The combination of Doom/Guide/Jinx can make short work of pretty much anything in the meta right now. The big brick of 9 Windriders making a comeback now that Fire and Fade isn’t restricted to once per game is a nice touch. The sheer number of shurikens in this list would make most armies concerned, and clearly made a significant impact in the final game against Arne Zerndt’s Slaanesh horde. This list also packs a sizeable melee punch in the form of Howling Banshees, Striking Scorpions, and Shining Spears. What more could a Phoenix Lord ask for?

Pascal Haberstroh – Dark Angels – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: Pascal DA
Factions used: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1=2
Total cost: 1995 pts, 112 PL
Reinforcement Points: 5 pts

Number of Units: 11
Assassination: 15 points
Bring it Down: 2 points
No Prisoners: 13 points
Abhor the Witch: 2 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Dark Angels Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1995 pts, 112 PL

HQ1: Ezekiel: 1) Mind Worm, 3) Righteous Repugnance, 5) Engulfing Fear [105 pts, 7 PL]
HQ2: Ravenwing Talonmaster: Arbiter’s Gaze, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [160 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP]
HQ3: Ravenwing Talonmaster [160 pts, 9 PL]
HQ4: Sammael [135 pts, 8 PL]

EL1: Deathwing Ancient: 5. Decisive Tactician (Aura), Pennant of Remembrance, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield (Storm shield, Thunder hammer), Warlord [90 pts, 6 PL, -2 CP]
EL2: Deathwing Command Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Deathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), Watcher in the Dark [70 pts, 4 PL]
EL3: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 6xDeathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2xDeathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), Deathwing Terminator (Lightning Claw (Pair)), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL4: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 6xDeathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2xDeathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), Deathwing Terminator (Lightning Claw (Pair)), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL5: Deathwing Terminator Squad: Deathwing Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 6xDeathwing Terminator (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 2xDeathwing Terminator (Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Power Fist), Deathwing Terminator (Lightning Claw (Pair)), Watcher in the Dark [330 pts, 18 PL]
EL6: Ravenwing Apothecary: Black Knight Bike (Astartes grenade launcher), Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [120 pts, 6 PL, -1 CP]
EL7: Terminator Assault Squad: Assault Terminator Sergeant (Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield), 3xAssault Terminator w/THSS, Assault Terminator w/x2LC, Teleport Homer [165 pts, 9 PL]

Archetype

Deathwing Terminator spam

Thoughts

It’s 37 transhuman, objective-secured terminators equipped almost exclusively with storm shields and thunder hammers, with some cyclone missile launchers sprinkled in and backed by 2 Talonmasters to grind down screens at range. With the Ravenwing Apothecary it has the ability to prevent falling back and lock armies in combat with the veritable horde of bone-white ceramite. Godspeed to anyone who tries to chew through this and still score points.

Valentin Schefter – Astra Militarum – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: Gurken
Factions used: Imperium – Astra Militarum
Command Points: 6-1-1-1-1-1-1=0
Total cost: 2000 pts, 115 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts

Number of Units: 17
Assassination: 15 points
Bring it Down: 11 points
No Prisoners: 7 points
Abhor the Witch: 0 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Born Soldiers Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1740 pts, 97 PL

No Force Org Slot:
– Commissar: Bolt pistol, Chainsword, Commanding Authority, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Superior Tactical Training (Mechanised Orders) [40 pts, 3 PL, -1 CP]

HQ1: Cadian Command Squad: Cadian Commander (Commanding Authority, Laspistol, Power sword), Cadian Veterans (Cadian Veteran w/ Master-Vox (Laspistol, Master Vox), Cadian Veteran w/ Medi-pack (Lasgun, Medi-pack), Cadian Veteran w/ Regimental Standard (Lasgun and Regimental Standard (Lasgun, Regimental Standard)), Cadian Veteran w/ chainsword (Laspistol, Plasma gun)), Commanding Authority, Ogryn Bodyguard (Huge Knife, Ripper Gun), Relic: Finial of the Nemrodesh 1st, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury, Stratagem: Officer Cadre, WT: Master Tactician [125 pts, 7 PL, -2 CP]
HQ2: Lord Solar Leontus: Commanding Authority, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, WT: Grand Strategist, Warlord [170 pts, 9 PL, -1 CP]
HQ3: Tank Commander: 2 Heavy Bolters (2xHeavy bolter), Armoured Tracks, Commanding Authority, Heavy bolter, Leman Russ Battle Cannon, Relic: Gatekeeper, Stratagem: Imperial Commander’s Armoury [180 pts, 10 PL, -1 CP]

EL1: Bullgryns: Bullgryn (Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield), 2xBullgryn (Brute Shield, Bullgryn Maul), Bullgryn Bone ‘ead (Bullgryn Maul, Slabshield) [140 pts, 10 PL]
EL2: Kasrkin: Kasrkin Sargeant (Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic: The Barbicant’s Key, Stratagem: Battlefield Bequest), 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), Veteran Guerrillas [100 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP]
EL3: Kasrkin: 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) [100 pts, 5 PL]

FA1: Scout Sentinels: Scout Sentinel (Militarum Multi-laser) [40 pts, 3 PL]

HS1: Heavy Weapons Squad: 3xHeavy Weapon Team (Mortar) [55 pts, 3 PL]
HS2: Heavy Weapons Squad: 3xHeavy Weapon Team (Mortar) [55 pts, 3 PL]
HS3: Heavy Weapons Squad: 3xHeavy Weapon Team (Mortar) [55 pts, 3 PL]
HS4: Leman Russ Battle Tanks: 2xLeman Russ Battle Tank (2 Heavy Bolters (2xHeavy bolter), Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy bolter, Stat Damage (Leman Russ)) [340 pts, 18 PL]
HS5: Leman Russ Battle Tanks: Leman Russ Battle Tank (2 Heavy Flamers (2xHeavy flamer), Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy flamer, Stat Damage (Leman Russ)) [170 pts, 9 PL]
HS6: Leman Russ Battle Tanks: Leman Russ Battle Tank (2 Heavy Bolters (2xHeavy bolter), Armoured Tracks, Dozer Blade, Executioner Plasma Cannon, Heavy bolter, Stat Damage (Leman Russ)) [170 pts, 9 PL]

== Patrol Detachment == 0 CP, 260 pts, 18 PL

HQ1: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad: Commanding Authority, Ogryn Bodyguard (Brute Shield, Ripper Gun), Tempestor Prime (Tempestor Command Rod), Tempestus Scion (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Master-Vox (Hot-shot Laspistol, Master Vox), Tempestus Scion w/ Medi-pack, Tempestus Scion w/ Regimental Standard (Hot-Shot Lasgun, Regimental Standard) [150 pts, 8 PL]

TR1: Tempestus Scions: Tempestor (Plasma pistol, Power sword), Tempestus Scion (Hot-shot Lasgun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Hot-shot Volley Gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster (Hot-Shot Lasgun) [55 pts, 5 PL]
TR2: Tempestus Scions: Tempestor (Plasma pistol, Power sword), Tempestus Scion (Hot-shot Lasgun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Plasma gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon (Hot-shot Volley Gun), Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster [55 pts, 5 PL]

Archetype

Born Soldiers Goodstuff

Thoughts

Everything’s here – Kasrkins, the Finial of Nemrodesh, Lord Solar Leontus, 9 mortar teams, and 5 Leman Russ hulls. Still somehow manages to squeeze in a scion patrol for more scoring opportunities and a Bullgryn brick for board control. Astra Militarum players appear to be narrowing in on the build, and this seems very close to fully optimized.

Alessandro Liessem – Asuryani – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: 2000 Aeldari 6.2
Factions used: Aeldari – Craftworlds
Command Points: 6-1-1-1=3
Total cost: 1996 pts, 98 PL
Reinforcement Points: none pts

Number of Units: 16
Assassination: 15 points
Bring it Down: 0 points
No Prisoners: 12 points
Abhor the Witch: 11 points
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== *Far-Flung Craftworld* (Hail of Doom) Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 1996 pts, 98 PL

Stratagems:
– Relics of the Shrines (-1 CP)

HQ1: Baharroth [160 pts, 7 PL]
HQ2: Farseer: 1. Guide, 5. Focus Will, Smite, Witchblade [105 pts, 5 PL]
HQ3: Farseer Skyrunner: 2. Doom, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Kurnous’ Bow (Treasures of the Aeldari Relic), Smite, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Witchblade [135 pts, 6 PL, -2 CP]
HQ4: Karandras [150 pts, 7 PL]

TR1: Rangers: 5xRanger [65 pts, 4 PL]

EL1: Dire Avengers: 8xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [117 pts, 6 PL]
EL2: Dire Avengers: 8xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [117 pts, 6 PL]
EL3: Dire Avengers: 8xDire Avenger (Avenger Shuriken Catapult), Dire Avenger Exarch (Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults) [117 pts, 6 PL]
EL4: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch (Cronescream (Shrine Relic) (Aspect Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Nerve-shredding Shriek) [105 pts, 5 PL]
EL5: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch (Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes) [110 pts, 5 PL]
EL6: Striking Scorpions: 4xStriking Scorpion, Striking Scorpion Exarch (Biting Blade, Crushing Blows) [110 pts, 5 PL]

FA1: Shining Spears: 2xShining Spear, Shining Spear Exarch (Heartstrike, Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic) (Aspect Shrine Relic), Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon) [130 pts, 6 PL]
FA2: Shroud Runners: 4xShroud Runner [120 pts, 10 PL]
FA3: Windriders: 9xWindrider – Shuriken Cannon [270 pts, 12 PL]

Archetype

Hail of Doom

Thoughts

Very similar list to Matthias’ list, with the smallest of tweaks made by dropping 3 dire avengers for an additional Shroud Runner and a Shimmershield on the Shining Spear Exarch.

The Best of the Rest

There were 18 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Jannik Röttgen – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom continues it’s comeback with AoC gone, rocking 30 Dire Avengers and plenty more shurikens accompanied by Asurmen and Baharroth.
6th – Arne Zerndt – Chaos Daemons: Showcasing the flexibility of Arks of Omens lists, Arne rocked 90 daemonettes, 18 fiends, and 4 support characters.
7th – Christian Breuer – Sisters of Battle: Bloody Rose goodstuff backed up by 2 Hunters of Beasts Helverins.
8th – Grischa Gerwert – Chaos Daemons: Tanky Lord of Change, wound-gated Bloodthirster, 30 bloodletters, and other Daemons good stuff.
9th – Fred Otto – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom with 29 Dire Avengers and 2×5 Wind Riders to bring the pain. Again featuring Asurmen and Baharroth.
10th – Alexander Tepe – Dark Angels: 30 Deathwing Terminators all equipped with Thunder Hammer/Storm Shield accompanied by 6 Land Speeders and 2 Talonmasters. Absolute filth.
11th – Chris Koll – Chaos Daemons: Keeper of Secrets, Lord of Change, and Daemons Goodstuff.
12th – Gregor Werner – Leagues of Votann: Greater Thurian League with 7 Hearthguard & 14 Grav Thunderkyn.
13th – Julian Neikes – Iron Hands: Mech Iron Hands.
14th – Niklas Schmitz – Chaos Daemons: SEVENT, count ’em, SEVEN models make up this wild list of Be’lakor, wound-gated Bloodthirster, Keeper of Secrets, Skarbrand, and 3 Mark of Nurgle Soul Grinders!
15th – Simon Rieck – Necrons: Nihilakh Goodstuff
16th – Lena Weber – Adeptus Custodes: Emissaries Imperatus rocking 12 Sagittarum.
17th – Ben Hackländer – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers goodstuff with double command squads.
18th – Adrian Willruth – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen with 21 Sagittarum!
19th – Roland Brüx – Harlequins: Twilight boat spam.
20th – Wolfgang Stocker – Chaos Daemons: Daemons goodstuff with one Greater Daemon in the form of the Lord of Change boasting Incorporeal Form and the Impossible Robe.
21st – Ansgar König – Chaos Knights: Herpetrax 10+1 built around a Blessing of the Dark Master Abominant.
22nd – Pierre Debey – Adepta Sororitas: Argent Shroud makes a come back with 2 Retributor squads rocking out in 2 Immolators.

Scorched Earth Open

60-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Gilbert, AZ US on February 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tom is writing up this event.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Ally Huang – Chaos Knights: All War Dog Vextrix.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [107 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Lord of War

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

+ Lord of War +

War Dog Brigand Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Executioner Squadron [16 PL, -1CP, 310pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Warpsight, Stratagem: Corrupted Heirlooms
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Executioner Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [26 PL, -1CP, 450pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Heretek Power Core, Khorne – Blood Shield, Stratagem: Corrupted Heirlooms
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, -1CP, 310pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker: Character (Traitoris Lance), Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Reaper chaintalon, Slaanesh – Beguiling Majesty, Stratagem: Relic, Warlord

++ Total: [107 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Jason McKenzie – T’au Empire: Bor’kan with a mix of suits and supporting auxilliaries.
Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [95 PL, , 1,997pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

Sept Choice: Bork’an Sept

Unit Filter: Hide Legends Units

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, -2CP, 185pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Fusion Blaster, High-output Burst Cannon, Onager Gauntlet, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector

Ethereal [5 PL, -2CP, 115pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Humble Stave, Warlord
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

+ Troops +

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

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 70pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [24 PL, 525pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. 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’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 4x Marker Drone: 4x Markerlight
. 6x Shield Drone: 6x Shield Generator

Firesight Marksman [3 PL, -2CP, 70pts]: 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, Ohr’tu’s Lantern, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation, Stratagem: Promising Pupil
. 3x Sniper Drone: 3x Longshot Pulse Rifle

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

Tetras [4 PL, 80pts]
. 2x Tetra Scout Speeder: 2x Markerlight, 4x Pulse Rifle

Vespid Stingwings [3 PL, 60pts]
. 4x Vespid Stingwing: 4x Neutron Blaster, 4x Stingwing Claws
. Vespid Strain Leader

+ Heavy Support +

Broadside Battlesuits [16 PL, 315pts]
. Broadside Shas’ui: Heavy Rail Rifle, Multi-tracker, Twin Smart Missile System
. Broadside Shas’ui: Heavy Rail Rifle, Multi-tracker, Twin Smart Missile System
. Broadside Shas’vre: Heavy Rail Rifle, Multi-tracker, Twin Smart Missile System
. Shield Drone

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

Sky Ray Gunship [7 PL, 145pts]: 2x Accelerator Burst Cannon

++ Total: [95 PL, 1,997pts] ++

Thoughts

Knights versus Tau eh? That old chestnut. On the Chaos Knights side we have go wide armigers with a solid spread of ranged and melee options. There are Karnivores for speed and punch, and tooled up Brigands and Executioners with some additional supporting tech to amp up the shooting. Indeed, prepping for a shooting war seems to be the guiding logic here, as the House Vextrix trait and stratagem (as well as the Warp Sight Helm) are selected to provide rerolls, and multiple ways to ignore modifiers to hit and to ballistic skill. As such the Chaos guns will have their say and hopefully get around opposing defensive tricks. There’s also a lovely one-two melee combo on the forward pressure Karnivores, where the Bloodshield invuln denial synergises neatly with the Vextrix-specific relic the Heretek Power Core to produce a War Dog from hell that moves outrageously fast, and hits extremely hard in close combat.

Unfortunately for the spiky dogs of war, there’s not a relic in this game that can stop an opponent from standing an irritating distance away from you and jump-shoot-jumping (save that for 10th eh GW!). Punchy as the Armiger wall is, the Tau come packing some serious heat of their own. They too have teched into a niche but deadly shooting sub faction in the form of Bork’an Sept. The -1 strength on lower powered ranged weapons isn’t drastically important here (though it certainly makes the big slab of Broadsides more durable and whittles down the effectiveness of avenger chaincannons!), but the additional range is clutch, giving the Tau the ability to plug away at a safer distance in the early exchanges and steer clear of rampant engines of war. Kroot Hounds can go forwards to die on the line in waves, buying the big guns time at remarkable value for their cost.

Experimental Weaponry is a devastating option to have in the locker, as between that and the Hammerhead the Tau can have multiple heavy guns making contact and ignoring invulns for at least a turn. Knights players will know that losing multiple Armigers in the opening exchanges can be a recipe for disaster, stripping away scoring potential and creating a holding pattern that the consistent but relatively low output of the baby knights often struggles to correct.

Tide of Conviction also does the Tau a few favours by offering an enormous end game swing on the primary. They can very readily yield the mid board and even their own objectives for a turn or two as they defang the knights, safe in the knowledge they can make it up later. Bring It Down also hands the Tau at least one answer to the question ‘where are my secondary points coming from’. Its not impossible that the Chaos forces rush forwards, take a hit and then tie up enough of the enemy to carry the day, but the sum total here is a match up that looks like an uphill battle for the Infernal Households.

Result

T’au Empire Victory – 97 – 52

Jason McKenzie – T’au Empire – 1st Place

Tau Broadside Battlesuit with Railgun. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Bork’an mixed arms

Final Round Matchup

97 – 52 Victory against Ally Huang – Chaos Knights.

Thoughts

Bork’an was a popular choice in the early months of Tau dominance, with its emphasis on throwing off the maths on enemy shooting and adding reach to the often short range guns of certain options on the Crisis Suits in particular. We can see that at work in this excellent, rounded example from James Mackenzie, as the sept trait amps up the burst cannons on the Crisis team to 22 inch range, improving their ability to interact with the enemy at a safer distance with the usual fire and fading shenanigans. -1 strength at range is a very nice deterrent to up and coming meta threats like Astra Militarum mortars or lasguns, ensuring any artillery build that isn’t packing Ursula Creed will struggle to get wounds through the damage dealers in this list.

There is cutting edge here in the Crisis, Broadsides, and Hammerhead, but James has also packed in the mission play and screening tools with plenty of Kroot Hounds and supporting Vespid (excellent at punking poorly defended backfield objectives later in the game, and far more dangerous with their ap 2 guns now that AoC has shuffled off the mortal coil). With an Ethereal providing defensive buffs for the valuable Crisis Team via Sense of Stone, and a sneaky counter attacking Commander with Onager Gauntlet ready to surprise anybody that makes it to the Tau lines, this list is really demonstrative of the width and depth of unit and tech options available in one of 9ths most enduring codices. Great to see Bork’an on the table, and an event triumph for a list that looks like it requires some real patience and timing to properly utilise. Great work James!

Terek Haehl – World Eaters – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters) [112 PL, 1,997pts, 5CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

Subfaction: World Eaters

+ HQ +

Lord Invocatus [8 PL, 160pts]

World Eaters Daemon Prince [10 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: Hellforged sword, Helm of Brazen Ire, Stratagem: Relic, Wings

World Eaters Master of Executions [4 PL, 65pts]

+ Troops +

Jakhals [4 PL, 75pts]: Jakhal Pack Leader
. Dishonoured w/ skullsmasher: Skullsmasher
. 8x Jakhal w/ chainblades: 8x Autopistol, 8x Jakhal chainblades

Khorne Berserkers [12 PL, 142pts]: Berserker icon
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 4x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 4x Berserker chainblade, 4x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator

+ Elites +

Eightbound [12 PL, 200pts]
. 4x Eightbound: 8x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Heavy chainglaive

Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts]
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. . Eviscerator and chainfist

+ Fast Attack +

Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn

+ Lord of War +

Angron [18 PL, 360pts]

++ Total: [112 PL, 5CP, 1,997pts] ++

Archetype

Angron World Eaters

Thoughts

One of the key questions for World Eaters players as they enter a glorious new era is whether or not to bring their wonderful new primarch model along for the ride. There are definitely some costs to doing so, in particular losing out on pre-game move shenanigans via the Lord Invocatus warlord trait. However, for only 360 points the big red dog definitely offers a lot, and that is what this build from Terek sets out to leverage.

The core of the list trades on the violent efficiency of Eightbound and Exalted Eightbound, packing several large packs of the former and a supporting trio of the latter to cover the board in moderately durable but extremely killy daemon vessels. There are plenty of Jackhals and Chaos Spawn to get blood tithe points flowing, and the entire army starts the game on foot, without a rhino to be seen.

How does it get its claws into the opposition? Well, I think that’s where Angron comes in. A flying killing machine that can come back from the dead constantly via Reborn in Blood, the real strength of Angron is the enemy pressure he absorbs. You can throw him forwards into the melee from the outset, safe in the knowledge that if he meets a sticky end you can revive him, and the enemy ends up caught in two minds as a result. Ignore or cripple him and focus on the swarm of daemon infantry (which leaves him free to wreak havoc), or sink resources into destroying him only to have to deal with him again in subsequent turns.

The no fall back aura of Righteous Slaughter can cause absolute havoc in a gunline meta, allowing Angron and his supporting cast of maniacs to roam the board pinning things, destroying them in the opponents turn, and moving on to the next target. It makes for a very punchy, intimidating list that builds on the 9th edition Chaos tradition of throwing a 300+ point mini game for the opponent to solve as forward pressure ramps up. Great to see Angron out, and well done to Terek.

Chase Chappell – Ynnari – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [82 PL, -2CP, 1,710pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Craftworld Selection: Ynnari: Strength From Death

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Seer Council (Unit) [5 PL, 120pts]
. Warlock Skyrunners: 4. Protect/Jinx, 5. Quicken/Restrain
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade

+ HQ +

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, -1CP, 135pts]: 2. Storm of Whispers (Witchfire), 4. Crushing Orb, Stratagem: Relic, Witchblade
. Sunstorm

Shadowseer [5 PL, 105pts]: 2. Fog of Dreams (Blessing), 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), Neuro Disruptor

The Yncarne [13 PL, 260pts]: Warlord

+ Troops +

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

Rangers [4 PL, 75pts]: Wireweave Net
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [3 PL, 65pts]
. 4x Dire Avenger: 4x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 4x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Shadow Spectres [6 PL, 130pts]
. 5x Shadow Spectre: 5x Plasma Grenades, 5x Prism Rifle

+ Fast Attack +

Reavers [3 PL, 60pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult)
. Arena Champion: Splinter Rifle
. 2x Reaver: 2x Bladevanes, 2x Splinter Pistol, 2x Splinter Rifle

Shining Spears [6 PL, 130pts]
. 2x Shining Spear: 2x Laser Lance, 2x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic), Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon

Shroud Runners [5 PL, 90pts]
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Support Weapons [9 PL, 195pts]: 3x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [13 PL, 3CP, 290pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Saedath Characterisation: Dark: Dark Deeds

+ HQ +

Troupe Master [5 PL, -2CP, 115pts]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Queen of Shards, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari
. Cegorach’s Rose

+ Troops +

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

+ Elites +

Death Jester [4 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: 1: Favour of Cegorach, Harvester of Torment, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari

++ Total: [95 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

Archetype

D Cannon Ynnari

Thoughts

This spicy Ynnari build from Chase highlights a few running trends within the Aldeari competitive community at the moment. D Cannons continue to offer crucial anti-armour from the safety of cover, supported by a range of msu infantry and biker options to provide trigger moments for the Yncarne’s teleportation. A Shadowseer, Farseer, and the aforementioned absolutely not-a-daemon give multiple outlets for slapping on mortal wounds and achieving psychic secondaries. Drukhari Reavers continue their excellent start to the season as a turn one Behind Enemy Lines throwaway piece, with the added spice of a potential Yncarne arrival when they meet their doom.

This build also opts to run its Harlequins in a separate patrol rather than as Ynnari proper. This allows the Harvester of Torment Death Jester to come along for the ride, and enables Chase to fully tool up a murder Troupe Master. Dark opens up access to a no overwatch stratagem but I think its the amped up characters that really make this worthwhile. It is extremely hard to look past a small detachment of quins at the moment, and this list puts them to work in a very compelling elf hero-hammer list that is absolutely brimming with trade pieces and incision threats.

Justin Aguilar – Orks – 4th Place

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Orks) [128 PL, 1,997pts, 2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Clan Kultur: Goffs

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Heroic Support [-1CP]: Speedboss

+ HQ +

Boss Zagstruk [6 PL, 110pts]

Warboss in Mega Armour [6 PL, 115pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Relic, Super Cybork Body, Warlord

Warboss on Warbike [6 PL, 115pts, -2CP]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Da Killa Klaw, Power Klaw, Stratagem: Big Boss, Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz

+ Troops +

Boyz [5 PL, 80pts]
. Boss Nob: Choppa, Choppa
. 9x Ork Boy w/ Slugga & Choppa: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs

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

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

+ Elites +

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

Nobz [12 PL, 144pts]
. Boss Nob: Choppa, Power Klaw
. Nob: Choppa, Power Klaw
. Nob: Choppa, Power Klaw
. Nob: Choppa, Power Klaw
. Nob: Choppa, Power Klaw
. Nob: Big Choppa, Choppa
. Nob: Big Choppa, Choppa

+ Fast Attack +

Stormboyz [6 PL, 110pts]
. Boss Nob: Power Klaw
. 9x Stormboy: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs

Stormboyz [6 PL, 70pts]
. Boss Nob: Power Klaw
. 5x Stormboy: 5x Choppa, 5x Slugga, 5x Stikkbombs

+ Heavy Support +

Battlewagon [8 PL, 135pts]: ‘ard Case, Deff Rolla

++ Total: [128 PL, 2CP, 1,997pts] ++

Archetype

Goff Pressure

Thoughts

A glorious Ork pressure list, this build from Justin opts to leave the Kill Rigs at home in favour of cheap ‘ard Case Battlewagons. at toughness 8 with 16 wounds and ramschackle these are no joke to bring down, and the recent strategy of reserving one or more of the transports to stagger their delivery via Ramming Speed works just as well on these in match ups where they aren’t all safe starting on the board. You lose some psychic and ranged flexibility, but you gain a whole bunch more points to sink into EVEN MORE ork bodies.

Big packs of Stormboyz, Kommandos and Nobs (presumably occupying the Battlewagons) can apply unbearable forward pressure and pump out an enormous volume of attacks, and in true Arks of Omen style this absolutely isn’t a list you want to go second against. Zagstruk makes an appearance, utilising his rocket pack to fly forwards with the Stormboyz and make a mess. Great work Justin!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Ally Huang – Chaos Knights: See showdown.
6th – Kyle Parry – Genestealer Cults: Twisted Helix combat GSC with lots of Purestrains, Rockgrinders, and msu Acolyte squads.

Dice Crusher

All the lists for this event can be found in Tourneykeeper.

Wings is in charge here.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – The Scouring

JOK3r – Chaos Daemons: The classic Monster Mash trio of Be’lakor, Bloodthirster and Big Bird supported by Flamers for punch and Flesh Hounds/Skull Cannons to control various parts of the board.

Army List - Click to Expand

== Arks of Omen Detachment (Compulsory Elites) – Chaos Daemons Undivided 0CP ==

HQ1: Be’lakor [420pts, 21PL]
— Powers: Betraying Shades, Shrouded Step

HQ2: Bloodthirster [360pts, 18PL]
— Exalted: Indomitable Onslaught
— Great Axe of Khorne
— Relic of the Brass Citadel: Ar’gath, King of Blades

HQ3: Lord of Change [355pts, 17PL]
— Baleful Sword
— Relic: Impossible Robe
— Warlord Trait: Incorporeal Form
— Exalted: Master Mutator
— Powers: Infernal Gateway, Bolt of Change, Infernal Flames

NFO1: Changecaster [85pts, 4PL]
— Powers: Infernal Flames, Gaze of Fate

E1: Exalted Flamer [75pts, 4PL]

E2: Flamers [125pts, 6PL]
— Pyrocaster
— 4x Flamer

E3: Flamers [125pts, 6PL]
— Pyrocaster
— 4x Flamer

E4: Flamers [125pts, 6PL]
— Pyrocaster
— 4x Flamer

FA1: Flesh Hounds [75pts, 5PL]
— Gore Hound
— 4x Flesh Hound

FA2: Flesh Hounds [75pts, 5PL]
— Gore Hound
— 4x Flesh Hound

HS1: Skull Cannon [90 pts, 5PL]

HS2: Skull Cannon [90 pts, 5PL]

vs.

Jakub Vladdi Podruczny – Craftworlds: A high-reach Craftworlds list using Swift Strikes and Masterful Shots to reliably chip down the opposition with minimal exposure, and using lots of melee Aspects (including two squads of Shining Spears) to counter-punch.

Army List - Click to Expand

== *Far-Flung Craftworld* (Swift Strikes, Masterful Shots) Battalion Detachment == 0 CP, 1998 pts, 96 PL

No Force Org Slot:
– Seer Council (Unit): Warlock Skyrunners (3. Protect/Jinx Enhance/Drain, 5. Quicken/Restrain), Seer Council -1cp [120 pts, 5 PL]
– Seer Council (Unit): Warlock Skyrunners (2. Enhance/Drain, Sunstorm (Treasures of the Aeldari Relic) [65 pts, 3 PL]

HQ1: Baharroth [160 pts, 7 PL]
HQ2: Farseer: 1. Fateful Divergence, 2. Doom, Smite, Warlord, Witchblade [105 pts, 5 PL]
HQ3: Farseer: 1. Guide, 5. Will of Asuryan, Smite, Witchblade [105 pts, 5 PL]
HQ4: Karandras [150 pts, 7 PL]

TR1: Rangers: 5xRanger [65 pts, 4 PL]
TR2: Rangers: 5xRanger [65 pts, 4 PL]

EL1: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch, Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes [110 pts, 5 PL]
EL2: Howling Banshees: 4xHowling Banshee, Howling Banshee Exarch, Mirrorswords [95 pts, 4 PL]
EL3: Striking Scorpions: 5xStriking Scorpion, Striking Scorpion Exarch (Biting Blade, Crushing Blows) [128 pts, 9 PL]

FA1: Shining Spears: 2xShining Spear, Shining Spear Exarch (Shuriken Cannon, Star Lance) [115 pts, 5 PL]
FA2: Shining Spears: 2xShining Spear, Shining Spear Exarch (Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon) [130 pts, 6 PL]
FA3: Warp Spiders: 4xWarp Spider, Warp Spider Exarch (Two Death Spinners & The Spider’s Bite (Shrine Relic) (Aspect Shrine Relic), Web of Deceit) [135 pts, 6 PL]
FA4: Warp Spiders: 4xWarp Spider, Warp Spider Exarch (Two Death Spinners & Powerblades) [120 pts, 5 PL]
FA5: Windriders: 9xWindrider – Shuriken Cannon [270 pts, 12 PL]
FA6: Windriders: 3xWindrider – Twin Shuriken Catapults [60 pts, 4 PL]

Thoughts

Daemons are going from strength to strength in Arks, but Craftworlds are no slouch either and this is a really fascinating matchup, as both sides have some significant strengths in it. From the Craftworlds side of things, they’re reasonably well set up to pick apart the smaller Daemons, and having multiple Phoenix Lords and lots of fast melee threats makes it pretty difficult for the Flamers of Tzeentch to operate safely, particularly as they don’t have accesss to Shadow Lord re-rolls to make their overwatch properly scary (and the Banshees would ignore it regardless). On the other hand, the Craftworld shooting here quickly runs out of great targets – they’ll sweep the Flesh Hounds apace, but they’re short of great answers to the big Daemons, none of which are trivial to push Doom through against. They also have to watch out for Flamers making a big Advance and smoking multiple key units, as they need resources to keep the big Daemons in check late game. Despite those risks, however, the Craftworlds feel like they have a pretty good generic plan for this – take Wrath/Scout/BEL, focus on taking out everything except the big Daemons, then dance around them and run away with the scoring.

Now to take a big sip of water and check what mission this ga… – oh noooooo.

Yeah so the Scouring is about the worst possible mission to try and play that game on, and makes this vastly more even, if anything slightly favouring the Daemons. Suddenly, they can play a pretty passive game that forces the Craftworlds to try and engage – Banners/Despoilers/Ritual requires some active intervention to stop, and while the Craftworlds could swap Scout out for Banners themselves, the Daemons having big wrecking balls to clear out objectives makes that somewhat risky. The Daemons can lead with the big threats, and when the Craftworlds commit into them sweep forward with Flamers for a counterattack, dangerous stuff.

Craftworlds do have some ways around that in turn, though. They’ve got lots of Psykers so can at least throw a deny after Ritual every turn, and having Will of Asuryan available also lets them exploit the lack of ObSec in the Daemon list to try and take Banners down and flip the Primary on key turns. They do also have the numbers to try and ace one of the two non-Be’lakor monsters, and I suspect the goal for them is to try and find a turn where they can pull that off while shooting some banshees forward to tie up at least one Flamer unit, mitigating the return punch. They should still be able to max BEL comfortably, and if they can start chipping away the supporting Daemons they can take a decent crack at picking up some points on the mission Primary too. If one of their near objectives is well concealed, using Kharandras to secure it against incoming Greater Daemons is also an option, helping keep at least a few points flowing. They certainly have options, but I think there’s a real risk of them running out of resources and getting bullied off the table if Daemons use their tools carefully. That knife-edge status seems well reflected in the score – Craftworlds were able to take it, but only by the narrowest of margins, so well done to both players on what was clearly a great game.

Result

Craftworlds Victory – 11-9

Jakub Vladdi Podruczny – Craftworlds – 1st Place

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Swift Strikes

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Jakub’s list takes an alternative tack to an ultra-murderous metagame – just don’t get hit (or at least not till you’ve got the first punch in). All the toys here are fragile, but they inflict attrition on the enemy very quickly, and are a complete pain to pin down, helping play the kind of keep-away gameplan discussed in the Showdown. Lots of small units with Will of Asuryan is also fantastic for keeping the opponent’s scoring suppressed, and combined with this list scoring pretty aggressively on Behind Enemy Lines and Wrath of Khaine in most games, it can become difficult to outpace. Well suited to the 20-0 format on top of everything else, and always a fan of seeing Craftworlds on top.

The Rest of the Best

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

2nd – Marcin Surma – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff cutting out Troops in favour of many Russes.
3rd – Grzegorz Hellich – Dark Angels: Ravenwing packing Land Speeders galore, with Bobby G walking shotgun to provide some re-rolls.
4th – JOK3r – Chaos Daemons: See Showdown.
5th – Vim – Salamanders: Flames for days, with three squads of Aggressors, lots of melta Sternguard, drop Devs and Eradicators.

PCG Hosts the Lightly Salted Winter GT

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sandy, UT US on February 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

This is another Wings joint.

Evan Stump – Space Wolves – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [118 PL, 1,999pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Master Artisans, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack

+ Stratagems +

A Trophy Bestowed [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Chaplain [7 PL, 115pts, -2CP]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Aura of Majesty, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Combi-melta, Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Stratagem: Warrior of Legend, Warlord, Wise Orator

Chapter Master [8 PL, 155pts, -1CP]: Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Master of the Codex, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Thunder hammer

Librarian [6 PL, 105pts, -2CP]: 2. Murderous Hurricane, 4. Instincts Awoken, Combi-melta, Force sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Rites of War, Smite, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, The Armour of Russ

+ 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
. Incursor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 100pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine

+ Elites +

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 130pts]: Jump Pack
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw
. Wolf Guard: Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw

+ Fast Attack +

Skyclaws [8 PL, 110pts]
. Skyclaw: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack
. Skyclaw: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack
. Skyclaw Pack Leader: Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Meltagun, Power fist
. Skyclaw with Special Weapon: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Meltagun
. Skyclaw with Special Weapon: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Meltagun
. Wolf Guard Skyclaw Pack Leader: Combi-melta, Jump Pack, Thunder hammer

Thunderwolf Cavalry [7 PL, 120pts]
. Thunderwolf Cavalry: Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist, Storm shield, Thunderwolf
. Thunderwolf Cavalry: Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist, Storm shield, Thunderwolf
. Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader: Frag & Krak grenades, Power fist, Storm shield, Thunderwolf

+ Heavy Support +

Long Fangs [10 PL, 182pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang Pack Leader: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun, Power fist
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Cyclone missile launcher, Storm shield, Thunder hammer

Long Fangs [10 PL, 172pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Missile launcher
. Long Fang Pack Leader: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun, Power fist
. Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader: Cyclone missile launcher, Storm shield, Thunder hammer

++ Total: [118 PL, 1,999pts] ++

Archetype

Space Wolf Pressure

Final Round Matchup

87 – 62 Victory against Marshall Peterson – Leagues of Votann.

Thoughts

Another showing here for Wolves with all the toys, this time diversifying a bit beyond meltaguns to include newly cheap Thunderwolf Cavalry as well. These combine with the Skyclaws and Wolf Guard to allow this army to strike at appalling speed, minimising the time that the nasty shooting builds have to do their work even more than Brad’s build managed to. Also worth highlighting, as it’s very prominent here, that being able to take a Wolf Guard with a free cyclone in Long Fang actually makes non-multi melta squads pretty appealing, as keeping the cost of the rest of the models down helps pay for that dude (who can also double-shoot with the cherub, because of course they can). If you like Infantry-heavy Marine builds laden down with every weapon they can carry, it’s very clear that Wolves have got your back right now, and I really like Evan’s use of the three-model Cavalry units to ratchet up the pressure alongside that. Great work and a well-deserved win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Derek Eide – Chaos Knights: Herpetrax with the Abominant/Desecrator setup.
3rd – Antonius Tolman – World Eaters: Invocatus Eightbound spam, with lots of Troops and Rhinos backing them up.
4th – Derek Holder – Adeptus Custodes: Dread Host with a big brick of Allarus to slam in from deep strike.
5th – Marshall Peterson – Votann: Melee-focused Votann here, running as Kronus Hegemony with lots of Beserks, a big unit of punchy Hearthguard and a murder Einhyr champion.
6th – Nicolas Wenker – Word Bearers & Daemons: A list that fully embraces the myriad blessings of Chaos, running lots of melee Plague Marines (~~great with the Word Bearer trait~~ nope they don’t get it, I’m dumb, thanks Reddit), Khorne Legionaries and some extra Daemon board control.

MTC Winter GT

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Shearwater, NS CA on February 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Is it a bird? Yes, it’s Falcon swooping in for the final event of the day.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – The Scouring

Keir Hornyak – Orks: Goff pressure with Kill Rigs
Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: Forks without me givin’ an F

== Goffs Arks of Omen == 0 CP, 2000 pts, 118 PL

Stratagems:
– Heroic Support (-1 CP)

HQ1: Beastboss on Squigosaur: 3. ‘Ard as Nails, Headwoppa’s Killchoppa, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Thump Gun, Warlord [165 pts, 9 PL, -2 CP]
HQ2: Boss Zagstruk [110 pts, 6 PL]
HQ3: Warboss on Warbike: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Da Killa Klaw, Power Klaw, Stratagem: Big Boss, Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz [115 pts, 6 PL, -2 CP]
HQ4: Weirdboy: 2. Warpath, 4. Fists of Gork [70 pts, 4 PL]

TR1: Beast Snagga Boyz: 9xBeast Snagga Boy, Beast Snagga Nob [100 pts, 5 PL]
TR2: Beast Snagga Boyz: 9xBeast Snagga Boy, Beast Snagga Nob [100 pts, 5 PL]
TR3: Beast Snagga Boyz: 9xBeast Snagga Boy, Beast Snagga Nob [100 pts, 5 PL]
TR4: Gretchin: 10xGretchin [40 pts, 2 PL]
TR5: Gretchin: 10xGretchin [40 pts, 2 PL]
TR6: Gretchin: ‘Orrible Gitz, 10xGretchin [40 pts, 2 PL]

EL1: Kommandos: Boss Nob (Power Klaw, Slugga), 4xKommando [60 pts, 4 PL]
EL2: Kommandos: Boss Nob (Power Klaw, Slugga), 4xKommando [60 pts, 4 PL]

FA1: Squighog Boyz: Bomb Squig, 4xSquighog Boy [105 pts, 8 PL]
FA2: Squighog Boyz: Bomb Squig, 4xSquighog Boy [105 pts, 8 PL]
FA3: Squighog Boyz: Bomb Squig, 4xSquighog Boy [105 pts, 8 PL]
FA4: Stormboyz: Boss Nob (Choppa, Slugga), 4xStormboy [50 pts, 3 PL]
FA5: Stormboyz: Boss Nob (Choppa, Slugga), 4xStormboy [50 pts, 3 PL]

HS1: Kill Rig: 2. Frazzle, 4. Spirit of Gork [190 pts, 11 PL]
HS2: Kill Rig: 2. Frazzle, 6. Squiggly Curse, Squig-hide Tyres [205 pts, 12 PL]
HS3: Kill Rig: 1. Roar of Mork, 2. Frazzle [190 pts, 11 PL]

vs.

Jonathon Betteridge – Asuryani: Hail of Doom with Banshee and Shroud Runner backup.
Army List - Click to Expand

* Secondary Objectives Information
* Assassination: 15
* Bring it Down: 3
* No Prisoners: 10
* Abhor the Witch: 11

++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [98 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites

Craftworld Selection
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom

Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 50pts]
. Warlocks: 5. Quicken/Restrain, Smite
. . Warlock: Shuriken Pistol, Witchblade
. . Warlock: Shuriken Pistol, Witchblade

Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 65pts]
. Warlock Skyrunners: 4. Protect/Jinx, Smite
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade

+ HQ +

Asurmen [8 PL, 160pts]: The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur

Baharroth [7 PL, 160pts]: Fury of the Tempest, The Shining Blade, Warlord

Farseer [5 PL, 105pts]: 1. Fateful Divergence, 1. Guide, Shuriken Pistol, Smite, Witchblade

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, -2CP, 135pts]: 2. Doom, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Shuriken Pistol, Smite, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
. Kurnous’ Bow: Treasures of the Aeldari Relic

+ Troops +

Rangers [4 PL, 65pts]
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [6 PL, 130pts]: Defence Tactics
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Plasma Grenades, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Dire Avengers [3 PL, 65pts]: Defence Tactics
. 4x Dire Avenger: 4x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 4x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Plasma Grenades, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Fire Dragons [7 PL, 140pts]
. 4x Fire Dragon: 4x Dragon Fusion Gun
. Fire Dragon Exarch: Blazing Fury, Dragon Fusion Gun
. . Dragon’s Fury (Shrine Relic): Aspect Shrine Relic

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. . Cronescream (Shrine Relic): Aspect Shrine Relic

Howling Banshees [4 PL, 95pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords

+ Fast Attack +

Shroud Runners [5 PL, 90pts]
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol

Windriders [8 PL, 150pts]
. 5x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 5x Shuriken Cannon

+ Heavy Support +

Support Weapons [9 PL, 195pts]: 3x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon

++ Total: [98 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Goff pressure vs Hail of Doom Goodstuff on the Scouring is a recipe for an absolute bloodbath of a game. The Orks gameplan is going to rely pretty heavily on pinning the Asuryani into their deployment zone as best as possible and denying primary into the late game while the elves are going to rely on Baharoth and the shroud runners to rack up secondary points as the fungal bodies in front of them get filled with shurikens. Keir’s list only has a handful of bomb squigs to try to deal with Baharoth, so the hawkman basically has free reign on this map, but the Kill Rigs pose a serious problem in the early game. It’s a game that I feel is a bit of a coin toss so I reached out to Keir himself for a breakdown of the bash.

Keir: The game was played on UKTC terrain. For secondaries, he chose Assassinate, No Prisoners, and RBD. I chose Stomp em Good, Get Da Good Bitz, and Green Tide. In my mind his no prisoners would wash out my Green Tide, and Assassinate would wash out Good Bitz, so I needed to focus on outscoring on primary and pushing stomp em good while denying his RBD.

I won the roll off for first drop and used my kommandos to block out as much of the midfield as I could to limit his options with pregame moves and his rangers. He went first, pressed up and got some chip damage. I saw an opportunity to steal movement by popping my waagh, and also knew I needed the 5++ to come online if I was going to last long enough to win. I was able to get a kill rig and a squad of Squig Hogz up the left flank and wipe out the scatter bikes, parked a Kill Rig in the middle to heroic anything that came to that objective, and pressed up with the disembarked Beastsnaggaz, Zagstruk, and the 3rd kill rig to press him back and prevent him from getting more than 4 on RBD and keeping him to 4s on primary for as long as possible. The general idea was to prevent him from getting board control and mitigating his shooting phase as much as I could. T2 and 3 were just massacres. I pulled ahead a lot at this point but the orks were losing the attrition game and he was able to scrape back into it. The final turn came down to if could he get a third quarter for RBD with Baharroth, while also denying me 1 point on green tide and not letting me get 3 more points on stomp em good. He stopped the green tide, but failed the roll he needed on Baharroth and my squigosaur killed his fire dragon exarch to clinch the win.

Result

Orks Victory – 82 – 76

Keir Hornyak – Orks – 1st Place

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Goff Pressure

Final Round Matchup

82 – 76 Victory against Jonathon Betteridge – Asuryani.

Thoughts

Goff Pressure lists have been coming out of the woodwork as yet again the go to Ork list as we begin to fully realize what the Ark of Omens meta looks like. The loss of Armor of Contempt on so many armies was a huge boon to the green tide and maintaining 3 excellent secondary options has really solidified the army as a credible threat.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Keenan Elliot – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen Potpourri with Grav Tanks
3rd – Jonathon Betteridge – Asuryani: Hail of Doom Goodstuff
4th – Colton McInnis – Leagues of Votann: Standard Ymyr Goodstuff
5th – Beaulieu Anthony – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers with Dorns and Russes.
6th – Nathan Chow – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff with Russes and some backup Scions.

Wrap Up

Plenty more to come this week, so make sure you check back in on Friday to see how the rest of the events from the weekend went down.

Competitive Innovations in 9th: Peak Warhammer pt.1

Frontline Gaming Cherokee Open 40K Champs

Steven Crawley – Deathwing – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

Brad Chester – Space Wolves – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

John Lennon – Iron Hands – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Gabriel Rocheleau – Astra Militarum – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz: GT 2023

Matthias Bellmann – Asuryani – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

Pascal Haberstroh – Dark Angels – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Valentin Schefter – Astra Militarum – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alessandro Liessem – Asuryani – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Scorched Earth Open

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Thoughts

Result

Jason McKenzie – T’au Empire – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

Terek Haehl – World Eaters – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chase Chappell – Ynnari – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Justin Aguilar – Orks – 4th Place

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Dice Crusher

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – The Scouring

Thoughts

Result

Jakub Vladdi Podruczny – Craftworlds – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

The Rest of the Best

PCG Hosts the Lightly Salted Winter GT

Evan Stump – Space Wolves – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Final Round Matchup

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

MTC Winter GT

The Showdown