StratManKudzu's Warhammer Blog

Impossible Dream Challenge is Over, Unrealized

2010-12-01T11:47:00.001-05:00

So The month has passed and I failed to do the 103 points i planned, by a lot. No big deal to me as I was involved with lots of school work this month, being my last semester of college. I did get 37 points painted.

I have extended a goal to finish painting my Swordsmen, Cetrati, Epic Makeda, Xerxis and my Cyclops Shaman by Dec 12.

Here's what I finished:

Back after a very long hiatus

2010-11-02T00:02:00.003-04:00

Welcome back all. I've been very busy over the last 7 months. I'm finishing up school this year. So since the last post I've played some 8th edition Warhammer fantasy, personally I enjoy the new rule set and have worked a little on my skaven during the break as well. Mainly assembling and expanding my army. Unfortunately, not a lot of painting. I have started winning regularly with the ratmen as well, a nice turn of events.

Now fast forward to approximately two months ago. My local store's gaming group was not very accepting of WHFB 8e. and has had a boom in playing Privateer Press' Warmachine/Hordes system. So I have jumped in with a Skorne army and a new rules system and an escalation league to lose regularly in. Here are some photos of my Skorne models

Furthermore, Privateer Press is challenging people to paint 100 point of models during the month of November, not an easy task! I'm trying here's the unpainted stuff about 103 points worth.

Escalation League - Final Results

2010-03-16T21:09:00.001-04:00

So life successfully interfered with the last half of the league for me. I got one game in during week 5, and none in the final 3 weeks. However, My first half was strong enough to put me tied for 10th place at the end, go figure. Over all, I had a blast building and learning a new army. Very little of my skaven are finished but they will be.

I'm currently working on Templars again and hopefully finish my MKI rhino soon!

Escalation League - Week 4 preview

2010-02-01T11:37:00.002-05:00

Week 4 starts today, I am using the same list from last week (week 3) as school provided zero opportunity to play last week. That will be one of two of my throw away weeks...

Escalation League - Week 2 in Review, Week 3 thoughts

2010-01-27T14:17:00.001-05:00

Week 2 revealed to me the true all or nothing style of Skaven. I witnessed first-hand the importance of a strong leadership bubble. week 2 ended for me at 1-2-0. all three games a player was tabled. twice it was me.

Game 1 vs. Empire
Win for me, less about my tactical game play and more because my dad is still learning the game and his army.
Moment of importance: The Priest successfully cast wither on his Great Swords (reducing them to T2) and then the Censer Bearers came in and forced lots of failed toughness tests

Game 2 vs. Lizardmen
Game two looked solid for me untill turn 4. I destroyed a unit of saurus cavalry with the censer bearers after my ogres where destroyed from their charge. my swarm bases had been tieing up the engine of the gods, and had managed to kill the priest and crew inside before being stomped into oblivion. the slaves and giant rats killed a unit of skinks but did very little against the big unit of Saurus, who proved really tough to kill.
Moment of importance: The lizardmen's static combat resolution won in the end and broke or killed all my units.

Game 3 vs. High Elves
Tabled in 3 turns. an early flank block by a great eagle caused my units to clutter along the table edge. two elven turns of shooting later, 80% or so of my army had failed panic tests and fled off the table. At the end of turn 3 with a half a unit of giant rats, a unit of slaves and 2 bases left of swarms still a turn or two from hitting the elf lines I conceded defeat.
Moment of importance: Turn 1 march block bottle necking my units and the numerous failed panic and rally tests.

Week 3 adds 250 points to the mix. I just finished painting my furnace and am eager to unleash the might of Clan Pestilens on my foes. This week is full of non-gaming obligations so I predict this list will serve me for week 4 as well. I'm hoping to get in 2 games but might only get in 1.

Week 3 list 1250 points

Heroes
Plague Priest - Talisman of Protection, Plague Furnace - 300 pts
Plague Priest - Foul Pendant, Plague Censer, Joins Censer Bearers - 181 pts

Core
21 Slaves - 42 pts
21 Slaves - 42 pts
18 Giant rats - Packmaster, Skweel Gnawtooth - 170 pts

Special
30 Plague Monks - Full Command, Storm Banner, pushes furnace - 285 pts
5 Plague Censer Bearers - 60 pts

Rare
Doomwheel - 150 pts

Total: 1250 points

More photos of the furnace and some of my Doomwheel

Escalation League - Week 2 is here

2010-01-19T19:16:00.002-05:00

Technically started yesterday but I'll play game 1 of the week tonight. Points are at 1000 again. Here is what I plan to run: (I am posting via blackberry in class so pardon any format errors and my lack of point values.)

Plague Priest - lvl 2, Censer, Foul Pendant

20 Slaves
20 Slaves
18 Giant Rats - 1 Packmaster, Skweel Gnawtooth
4 Ratswarm Bases

21 Plague Monks - Musician, Standard, Storm Banner
5 Censer Bearers (joined by Plague Priest)
4 Rat Ogres - 2 Packmasters

Total 999 points

Hopefully this lists has a little more power, last week's list had staying power, but little punch. The Ogres and Censer Bearers should provide some truly damaging attacks, with the giant rats also causing havoc. The Swarms are to tie up cavalry or elite infantry. The plague monks should supply some hitting power and hopefully distract my opponent from the rest of the army. The slaves should do what they do best, set up the enemy for flank charges and explode, causing damage (here's to hurting more enemy and less friendlies).

Escalation League - Week 1 in Review

2010-01-19T00:40:00.002-05:00

Week 1 was 1000 points. 3 games; 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw. Here is the list I used.

Hero
Plague Priest - Lvl 2, Foul Pendant - 165
Core
20 Stormvermin - Full Command, Storm Banner - 215
21 Clanrats - Spears, Shields, Musician, Standard - 117
21 Clanrats - Shields, Musician, Standard - 107
12 Giant Rats - 1 Packmaster -44
21 Skavenslaves - 42
20 Skavenslaves - 40
Special
10 Gutter Runners - 120
Rare
Doomwheel -150

Total: 1000

Game 1 vs. Empire
My dad's week 1 list, that I wrote. 2x10 handgunners, cannon, 20 greatswords, 5 KotIC, Luthor Huss and a warrior priest. Time permitted only 3 turns and the game ended in a draw before things really could get to full swing.

Game 2 vs. Dwarfs
Dwarf list: 2x10 thunderers, cannon, 20-25 warriors, runesmith, BSB thane. Being a dwarf player myself made this game fairly easy for me, I knew what to expect and how his stuff could hurt me. A 1st turn misfire (even after a re-roll!) for the dwarfs and the storm banner allowed my units to tie up most of the missile troops by turn 3. the doomwheel and stormvermin helped destroy the thunderers and break the warriors. end result was a massacre, winning by well over 1000 pts

Game 3 vs. Lizardmen
I was trounced in this game. I think my opponent killed everything and I none of his, if I remember correctly. Killing the doomwheel early removed most of my army's punch.

Thoughts for week 2:
Next week is 1000 points still. I am ditching the Gutter Runners, I don't think they have enough use in a small point game. Thinking of reworking completely using less units and more hard hitting units, thinking plague monks and censor bearers, some rat ogres, some swarm bases and adding Skweel Gnawtooth to a big giant rat unit.

Assembling and Painting Skaven

2010-01-08T00:22:00.001-05:00

This is a WIP shot of my doomwheel I started painting today.

I've been gluing together skaven for a week or so, prepping for the escalation league that starts Monday. This is is what I've done so far.

Keep checking back for more photos.

Escalation league cometh

2010-01-02T00:47:00.004-05:00

The local gaming store will be starting an escalation league for fantasy. I need to decide whether to use my dwarf army or my new skaven. I have played one game with a 1000 pt proxy army with the bases of the disassembled rat men and did win, I played this list:

Chieftain - Hand Weapon, Heavy Armor, Shield, Blade of Corruption, Poisoned attacks

Core
21 Slaves
21 Slaves
21 Clanrats - Musician, Standard
21 Clanrats - Musician, Standard

20 Stormvermin - Full Command, Storm Banner
12 Giant Rats - 2 packmasters
12 Giant Rats - 2 packmasters

Special
4 Rat Ogres - 2 packmasters

Rare
Doomwheel

Total: 1002

I have no confidence in this list, I had a fluke win due to my opponent's inexperience with playing against skaven. I also played 7 games with my dwarfs (against various High Elf lists commanded by brother, and a game against empire) and I won 6 and has a draw for the 7th.

Runesmith - MRo Swiftness, Ro Fury

Core
15 Warriors - Great Weapons, Shields, Full Command
15 Warriors - Shields, Full Command
10 Thunderers - Shields

Special
10 Ironbreakers - Full Command
Cannon

Rare
Organ Gun

Total: 997

I think this list is pretty solid. I have enough magic defense with 5 dispel dice. The warrior units are solid enough to take a charge and when positioned correctly I can get a flank charge off with the ironbreakers. the ironbreakers attract a lot of attention from missile units. This is beneficial as they do not have a role other than attract fire and/or charges from heavy infantry or cavalry.

The gun line truly shines though. thunderers are wonderfully effective against light to medium armored units. Furthermore, The organ gun is devastating, it consistently destroys entire units of knights, heavy infantry, light infantry, really anything that gets within the 24" range. My cannon, on the other hand, has earned itself a name; Barag Umgak, Dwarfish for "shoddy war machine." either i guess range purposefully short and roll low on the artillery dice, guess close and roll a 10 to have the cannon shot blast over the target unit, or misfire.

I think I will do well in the league if i play the dwarfs, but I think the skaven will be more fun in a zany way. Decisions, decisions...

Need to paint more dwarfs and rats! The rhino is on pause for a while as I am focusing on fantasy at the moment and the new semester starts in a week. I have a plague furnace in the prep stage to be painted and assembled. My doomwheel is in sub assemblies to be painted and fully assembled.

MK 1 Rhino - Part 1 - side panels

2009-12-11T11:08:00.001-05:00

I have begun my MK 1 rhino conversion. progress is slow but looking good so far. I have cut the side panels out and attached them to the sides of the Rhino kit. Platicard is a lot more difficult to work with than I had expected. I recommend making sure you have a new, sharp blade. I did not at first, and cutting the .040" card was a laborious task...

This is a dry fit of the plates, nothing has been rimmed or glued at this point.I cut the pattern a tad larger than indicated by the printout. this way, I could glue the card to the Rhino body and then trim the edges to make it flush. It was better than making it too small!

In this photo I show how I have removed all the rivets and raised parts on the side of the Rhino kit.

Here is a shot of the sides attached:

I am working on the plates for the top of the rhino and the front plate as well. Updates to follow!

Finals week is a bear...

2009-12-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

I am finishing up the semester this week, then bigger posts. Rhino coming, Dwarf photos and list ideas, 5th edition Tyranid thoughts, and skaven!

Dwarfs...

2009-12-04T12:42:00.001-05:00

Busted out my Dwarf army that has sat in its case for a few years. The local store is starting and escalation league for fantasy and free-time permitting, I'm thinking about playing in it. I'm brushing up on the current army book, I think I've played twice in 7th edition... :( Anyways, apparently I have about 3500 points worth of troops and didn't even know. Pics of the few (very few) painted dwarfs to follow soon.

Also MK1 Rhino soon!

Too many armies, too little time... I picked up the skaven book as well, I now am planning a verminous horde too.

MKI Rhino: Project Preview

2009-12-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Just picked up a Razorback and some plasticard to start on a new project. I am going to build a MKI rhino for my sword brethren, command squad, or whoever deserves to ride in an holy artifact from the heresy. I got the idea from DeSnifter from warseer. Here is a photo of his Iron warriors MKI rhino:

I will opt out on adding the dozer blade though. Keep checking in for more updates.

Why Blog?

2009-12-01T17:20:00.002-05:00

Blogging is fairly new as far as written expression is concerned. A blog is very similar to a memoir or Journal but is plugged into the online community. Advantages of a blog include the ability to share your work with the intended audience easily, it allows collaborating with peers, and gives a medium to blend text with photos, videos, and web sources.

Blogging allows your work to be seen and shared with others who express the same interests as you. Like all writing, a blog has a certain audience in mind and is written to those with interest. The ability to immediately deliver your work to your audience allows information and opinions to be expressed right away and seen by the world. Traditionally having work published and distributed is a long process. When the published work is finally released, it may be no longer relevant to the fast paced world we live in. Furthermore, the audience is limited to those who acquire the print medium. In this blog in particular, allows me to talk about something that is important to me as well as a lot of others in the world. However, the topic is so niche that traditional publishing of my work is unrealistic. My audience, other gamers, are not going to spend time and resources buying a journal to look at photos of my army or my musings on tabletop tactics. The blog allows that info to be accessed freely by all.

The social aspect of blogging is the most important. having a blog is pointless if no one reads it. I could easily write about my armies and take photos of them and then store them; never to be seen by another person. That would be a waste of time. Blogs allow you to link with other bloggers and link their sites to one another. This allows everyone in the online community to share their ideas and work with one another. There are sites that consider themselves blog hubs. These sites are larger with a high traffic rate, meaning they have a lot of visits everyday. They usually address the entire hobby. These hub sites then link to smaller more specific blogs, like my own and feature them on the main page of the hub site. This allows visitors to find your blog and read what you have to share. My blog is currently associated with the blog, From the Warp, a hub site. The site then helped my blog get some additional traffic and its first comment. This communal aspect allows blogger collaboration. Hub sites like From the Warp will host articles that all can contribute to with their own opinion and spin. The submitted pieces are then assembled in a final article that readers can view and then follow links to the individual sites of all contributing authors. This furthers the community by combining everyone's hobby blogs into a community of hobbyists. Similar to people hanging out and sharing their tips and tricks in person.

Finally, A blog allows you to combine all sorts of media into a single, central location. The blog form allows the author to incorporate their written work with photography and film. This adds depth to the posts on a blog. I can tell you about my models and my army, but showing you as well gives the reader a better grasp on what I am presenting. Video does the same thing, supplementing the written word with video and audio giving more depth to the topic presented. Also, if you reference another article, a link can be provided. an instant citation. If I am discussing how a blogger's tank conversion inspired me to do one myself, I can give a link to his site too. This dovetails back in with the communal aspect mentioned before. The convergence of all the different medias into a single place allows the author to better express themselves and the audience to better understand what the author is trying to share.

These are the main reasons for blogging. The blog form allows a new delivery for writing. This gives people the ability to share their work with the world.

Tyranid Scheme, as promised

2009-11-30T13:49:00.004-05:00

This is the look I am planning on doing on my Tyranids. I haven't decided if I want to paint the symbiont guns bone like the claws. This is how the 5th edition Tyranids are being painted. I guess I can paint up a test model to see. The bases will be the same style as my Black Templars except with Small blue crystals every few bases (for fluff of why my fleet is blue). Feel free to comment on the scheme.

Thoughts from the woods.

2009-11-28T23:32:00.002-05:00

I am writing this from the comfort of a warm sleeping bag in a tent in the woods. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of new tyranid rules in january to begin assembling my army. They sit in my room currently as bits on sprues I started buying kits in june and assembled a few models (some hormogants and one magnetized carnifex which is still in progress). I have been following rumors online about the new codex to determine what weapons I should start put on my gaunts and warriors. Here is the conundrum: GW has clamped down on information leaks so my building has come to a stand still, I don't even want to put together feeder tendril genestealers in fear of them not being viable anymore...

So I sit in my tent thinking over the make up of my army as it exists now. I purchased a battleforce and one of those boxes GW released for apocalypse (essentially 2 battleforces plus an extra carnifex) If I remember correctly I bought two additional warrior boxes as well as two extra gaunt boxes and a box or two of extra genestealers. I also have three metal raveners partly assembled, but news of plastic raveners makes me very happy! I do have a broodlord and lictor assembled if I remember correctly. Certainly I have 10 fleshborer weilding gaunts and 8 genestealers and some spore mines finished from my battle for macragge box. One model is painted with a test scheme which I will post when I return home from camping.

However, with all this waiting for a book to give reason to assemble tyranids, I am starting to want to buy some of the awesome new skaven models. This is a bit silly, I know, but the new models are so awesome looking, especially the doom wheel and plague furnace thing.

I already have my black templars, who are half finished, as is evident from my previous list and photos. My nids are on pause until the codex hits in january, or scans hit the internet before.
On the fantasy side of things, I have a sizeable dwarf army that has not seen a game since the 6th edition army book. I have the new one but have not pursued games or taken time to stay fluent on fantasy (it's definitely more complicated than 40K). Starting another fantasy army is obsurd with my schedule, but I have always been drawn to the rat men since the WD scenario at the abbey between bretonnia, vampire counts and skaven. Time to resist the new army bug.

Of course, I could always start that preheresy thousand sons army I've always wanted to do...

Time to zip up my bag and sleep on it.

New Tournament Point Level Army

2009-11-25T12:58:00.005-05:00

I've been working on an 1850 list that is a take all list for any game type. This particular version has been played a couple times against my brother's Dark Angels, however, he's not the most diverse tactician and is easy to read and beat (dice being willing of course). This is the list:

Black Templars - 1850 pts
HQ
Emperor's Champion
Suffer Not the Unclean to Live

Chaplain
Crozius Arcanum
Bolt Pistol

Elite
5x Sword Brethren Veterans w/ Counter Attack
3x Bolt Pistol / CCW / Combat Shield
1x Lightning Claw pair
1x Bolt Pistol / Power Weapon / Combat Shield
Razorback w/ Heavy Bolter
Extra Armor
Smoke Launchers

Troops
8x Black Templars (BP/CCW)
Meltagun
Powerfist
6x Neophytes w/ shotguns

10x Black Templars (BP/CCW)
Meltagun
Powerfist
Rhino
Extra Armor
Smoke Launchers

5x Black Templars (Bolters)
Lascannon
5x Neophytes w/ Bolt Pistol / CCW

5x Black Templars (Bolters)
Lascannon
5x Neophytes w/ Bolt Pistol / CCW

Heavy Support
Land Raider Crusader

Predator Annihilator w/ Heavy Bolter Sponsons
Extra Armor
Pintle Mounted Storm Bolter
Smoke Launchers

Vindicator
Dozer Blade
Extra Armor
Power of the Machine Spirit
Smoke Launchers

I feel this list has the ability to take on many opponent builds. I also think I fixed the weaknesses (no mobility) in the list from earlier this year (see earlier post). My gaming is limited, so I'm not delusional to think that I will hold my own against every army due to no experiences playing against them. So far I have played against a few Tau armies, Chaos Marines, Dark Angels, Imperial Guard (with and without Demon Hunter allies), Vanilla Space Marines, Demon Hunters and Tyranids. I haven't used this list against any except a half game against Dark Angels. Furthermore, I haven't played any other armies recently, some I haven't played against since third edition. In the list above, each unit has a specific role on the table top.

Photo Notes: I realize I have a few unpainted and not fully assembled models. I also see that in the photos my tanks are dusty... So far, I am happy with this list so keep checking in as I get this army painted completely. Also, the list from earlier this year is completely painted.

14 man Crusader Squad and Emperor's Champion mounted in the Crusader

This Squad is the main offensive unit in the list. It's role is to seize objectives and eliminate infantry. The idea is to have the Crusader charge to the center of the opponent lines. The armor and speed of the crusader should deliver the squad unharmed to the enemy early in the game. The unit should exit the tank and assault the enemy by turn two and start making a mess of enemy lines, preferably anti armor weapons. Since the Templars are Strength 5 and have a great deal of attacks in combat they should do short work of anything besides the most heavily armored elite infantry; terminators are such a unit and should be avoided.

The Neophytes with shotguns are to lend fire support before the assault. 6 shots at Assault 2 gives a high rate of fire that should make my opponent fail some armor saves. I will try to have the Crusader only move 6 inches the turn the squad exits to assault to lend covering fire. a twin linked assault cannons and Hurricane Bolters deliver a devastating amount of attacks. 16 total within 12" with re-rolls to hit! The idea is to hit the largest infantry unit on the table, reduce their numbers with firepower and clean up in assault with Strength 5 initiates. I believe this will help eliminate "tar pit" units and high model count objective holders.

The Emperor's Champion boost the units leadership and provides high strength, armor save ignoring attacks. Hopefully, He can even take on Dreadnoughts. In no way do I plan to seek out the heavy walkers but they are popular counter attackers and infantry line supporters due to their similar movement ability.

10 man Crusader Squad mounted in Rhino

These guys are equipped to seek out and seize objectives that are away from the rest of the army. also being mounted in a rhino allows them to counter Deep Striking units or outflanking units. They have no ability to combat a Terminator squad or Melta speeder, for example, but can tie up the unit to prevent them from doing harm to the back lines of the rest of the Templar force. The plan is to hold them off from doing either job until mid game and then going after the ignored objective or threats deployed from reserve. in an annihilation game this unit acts as a flank attacker, going after small fragile units and static heavy weapon infantry squads. Smoke Launchers should provide safety to gainground early in the game. Hooray for fourth edition smoke rules!

2 10 man Crusader Squad with Lascannons

These squads have two jobs. The first is to hold the objective they are deployed on, when the mission has objectives. The second is to take out advancing armor, transports specifically. The Neophytes in the squad are to give the unit a higher body count and provide extra attacks if the unit is assaulted. They are cheaper than initiates and have 2 attacks with the bolt pistols and close combat weapons.

Sword Brethren and Chaplain mounted in Razorback

The job of this unit is to remove elite infantry, i.e. Command Squads, Veteran Squads, Terminators, etc. The razorback provides mobility to deliver the squad to the enemy at quick pace. This squad has an enormous amount of attacks many that ignore armor saves. They have combat shields to give them protection from armor save ignoring weapons to better counter the usual equipment of elite infantry. Their counter attack ability allows them to get the extra attack for charging even if they get charged. The squad will be deployed to counter the enemy's elite units attempt to take out the more importannt parts of my army, Troops and Heavy Support. This squad, however, will avoid Assault Terminators. Their high invulnerable save and strong attacks will be able to resist my attacks easily and then destroy the Sword Brethren in return.

The Chaplain, as the Emperor's Champion above, gives a much needed Leadership boost. The chaplain also has an impressive attack number and strength; He should be able to dispatch independent Characters in the enemy units.

Vindicator

The vindicator's job is easy, Use its strength 10 large blast to remove high armor value vehicles and high armor save infantry (I mean you Land Raiders and assault Terminators). The demolisher cannon has a relatively short range so the Vindicator has a dozer blade and smoke launchers to get it into position turn one to do damage. the Machine spirit allows me to attempt to shoot even if the crew is unable to do so. Yes, the Black Templar's machine spirit is not as good as regular space marines, but i can place the template in a manner that can minimize the danger of an high scatter roll.

Predator

The Predator has an anti tank ability if necessary, but will primarily be used as an anti infantry role. the heavy bolters gives an high rate of fire to take out infantry due to failed armor save rolls.

I expect both the Vindicator and Predator to be ignored early in the game with the threat of the land raider, rhino, and razorback all charging the opponent.

Photos

2009-11-22T15:41:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos of a few models in my Black Templar army.

Master of the Watch

Chaplain

Techmarine

Adding features...

2009-11-22T14:59:00.001-05:00

I am currently getting used to posting and the layout of blogger. There are some new things on the right, My Xbox Live Gamercard my Twitter feed, and some other stuff.

Black Templar Tournament Army, In Review

2009-11-21T18:11:00.004-05:00

I participated in my first Warhammer 40k tournament in years this August and had a great time. However, i was effectively destroyed in all three rounds. I will say this was the first competitive setting I have played in since third edition but I have played enough since then to get an idea of what to expect from 5th edition (so i thought). I am writing a bit after the fact, but I stumbled on my notes from the tournament and had to kick this blog off some how. The list I ran is as follows:

Emperor’s Champion

Accept Any Challenge

Marshal

Bolt pistol

Power Fist

Teleport Homer

Terminator Honors

Elite

Terminators x5

Assault Cannon

Heavy Flamer

Sword Brethren Veterans x5

Infiltrate

3x bolt pistol/CCW/Combat Shield

1x bolt pistol/Power Weapon/Combat Shield

1x Lightning Claw pair

Techmarine

Bolt Pistol

Power Weapon

2x Tech Servitors

Troops

Black Templars x10 (w/ BP/CCW)

Power Fist

Meltagun

Black Templars x10 (w/ BP/CCW)

Power Fist

Meltagun

Black Templars x10 (w/ Bolters)

Meltagun

Neophytes w/ Shotguns x 10

Heavy

Predator Annihilator

Lascannon Sponsons

Searchlight

Smoke Launchers

Predator Annihilator

Heavy Bolter Sponsons

Pintle Mounted Storm Bolter

Searchlight

Smoke Launchers

Vindicator

Pintle Mounted Storm Bolter

Searchlight

Smoke Launchers

My initial reaction for the day is that this army is S-L-O-W. I could not seize objectives or avoid dangerous enemies at all. I played against Tau, Tyranids, and CSM and was out maneuvered by every army. The Tau were Suit and infantry heavy, very little mech, and i still was outflanked on the urban board the game was on. The Tyranid army was well balanced two carnifex, a tyrant, warriors, and lots of gaunts and stealers. I have never faced a tyranid army and had no idea how to combat them effectively, I feel I did fairly well and could have managed a draw if i sandbagged my last turn and did not let my opponent claim an objective (neither of us had one). My opponent was a nice guy and in the points lead for the tournament in its entirety. I ended my turn to allow his victory. He did, in fact, end up winning the whole thing. My large squad did very little, it was a huge mass of bodies that very little effect in the game at all, i will definitely rethink use of neophytes in the future. The star of the day were my Sword Brethren Veterans. These models were the best recieved unit; they looked good and faired surprisingly well on the table. The infiltrate ability allowed them to go deep into the enemy lines. However, their fragility and high points cost were an undoing. It was beneficial that no one in the tournament had seen a sword brethren unit in action so they were a nice surprise. I will look into mechanizing them in the future to gain added protection and mobility as they approach the enemy.

The Emperor's champion's vow was a mistake for me, yes the effect is great (conveying preffered enemy to entire army), I just could not, for the life of me, remember to re-roll anything. I will rethink my vow of choice for future lists.

Since the tournament I have played with variations of the tournament list to find were strengths and weaknesses lie with units on an independent basis and I feel I am getting a feel for the roles of each unit. Surprisingly, I have found techmarines to be a combat monster! A Power Weapon and Bolt pistol with Terminator Honors and a charge into combat gives a lot of attacks. plus an additional Power Fist attack!

Thoughts For new lists:

Rhinos, no templar squads without heavy weapons need to walk.

Terminators are a huge point sink and not as effective as I would like
Sword Brethren are great but need to be mounted in a rhino or razorback

The marshal with a power fist needs something bigger than a bolt pistol now that it doesnt confer an extra attack in 5th edition

2009-04-11T00:49:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my page, planning on posting things I find enjoyable. Check in soon to see pictures of my Black Templars in process for Warhammer 40K.