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Gaming | Warhammer 40k | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Core Games

Competitive Innovations in 9th - Part 2: Aeldari Are Fine, Actually

by Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones | May 26 2022
Innes: Welcome back to the 1.5 Edition of me taking over Competitive Innovations to give James a well deserved break ahead of the Goonhammer Open UK this weekend. I’m back with the second half of events from the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of May. If you want to see the first set you can find that here.

As the world's number 1 resident Eldar hater (Rob: How dare you) it’s incredibly obvious that things are not good right now. Only Tyranids, the majestic beasts that they are, are holding the line against pointy-eared dominion over all we hold dear, so let's take a dive into the results to see how that shaped out at four more events over this past weekend.



The Mayhem GT



The Mayhem GT was a 76 Player Event held in Mebane, North Carolina, USA. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown





Matchup & Mission - Death and Zeal



Robert Hawkins - Light Harlequins - Click to Expand


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari - Harlequins) [82 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 1. Twilight Pathways (Blessing), 2. Fog of Dreams (Blessing), Shuriken Pistol . The Laughing God's Eye

Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: 1: Favour of Cegorach, 3: A Foot in the Future, Aeldari Power Sword, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Veiled King, Warlord . The Storied Sword

Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Harlequin's Kiss, Player of the Light, Queen of Shards, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari . Cegorach's Rose

+ Troops +

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] . Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Embrace . Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Kiss . Player: Harlequin's Caress, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] . Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Embrace . Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Kiss . Player: Harlequin's Caress, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] . Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Embrace . Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Kiss . Player: Harlequin's Caress, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 95pts] . Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Embrace . Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Kiss . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] . Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Embrace . Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin's Kiss . Player: Harlequin's Caress, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor . Player: Harlequin's Blade, Shuriken Pistol

+ Fast Attack +

Skyweavers [12 PL, 330pts] . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive . Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive

+ Heavy Support +

Voidweavers [15 PL, 390pts] . Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon . Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon . Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

++ Total: [82 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++



vs.

Michael Walsh - Bloody Rose Mixed Arms - Click to Expand


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adepta Sororitas) [100 PL, 1,996pts, 8CP] ++

+ Configuration [12CP] +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [12CP]

Detachment Command Cost

Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

+ Stratagems [-2CP] +

Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics of the Ecclesiarchy [-2CP]

+ No Force Org Slot [2 PL, 40pts] +

Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Neural Whips

+ HQ [19 PL, 380pts, -1CP] +

Canoness [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: Blessed Blade [10pts], Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Relic: Chaplet of Sacrifice, Stratagem: Saint in the Making [-1CP], Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire . Word of the Emperor [2 PL, 40pts]: Blessing, Miraculous ability

Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts]: Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon Missile Launcher . Warlord: Warlord Trait: 2. Righteous Rage

+ Troops [10 PL, 190pts] +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] . 4x Battle Sister [44pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . Sister Superior [11pts]: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades . . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] . 4x Battle Sister [44pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . Sister Superior [11pts]: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades . . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun

Sisters Novitiate Squad [4 PL, 80pts] . Novitiate Superior [5pts]: Frag & Krak grenades . . Bolt Pistol and Power Sword [5pts]: Bolt pistol, Power sword [5pts] . 9x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 9x Auto Pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Novitiate Melee Weapons

+ Elites [23 PL, 417pts, -1CP] +

Crusaders [1 PL, 22pts] . 2x Crusaders [22pts]: 2x Power sword

Dogmata [4 PL, 65pts]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude, 5. Verse of Holy Piety, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, War Hymn

Hospitaller [3 PL, 50pts, -1CP]: Bolt pistol, Chirurgeon's tools, Relic: Litanies of Faith, Stratagem: Saint in the Making [-1CP], Warlord Trait: 5. Indomitable Belief (Aura)

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts] . 8x Sisters Repentia [112pts]: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts] . 8x Sisters Repentia [112pts]: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [3 PL, 56pts] . 4x Sisters Repentia [56pts]: 4x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack [16 PL, 284pts] +

Seraphim Squad [8 PL, 104pts] . 3x Seraphim [42pts]: 6x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades . Seraphim Superior [14pts]: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades . Seraphim w/ Special Weapons [24pts]: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades . Seraphim w/ Special Weapons [24pts]: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 90pts] . 4x Zephyrim [68pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword . Zephyrim Superior [22pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant [5pts]

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 90pts] . 4x Zephyrim [68pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword . Zephyrim Superior [22pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant [5pts]

+ Heavy Support [26 PL, 605pts] +

Castigator [8 PL, 155pts]: Castigator autocannons, 3x Heavy bolter, Storm bolter [5pts]

Retributor Squad [9 PL, 225pts]: 2x Armourium Cherub [20pts] . 4x Retributor [48pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . Retributor Superior [17pts]: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Ministorum Hand Flamer [5pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Simulacrum [12pts]: Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Frag & Krak grenades, Simulacrum Imperialis

Retributor Squad [9 PL, 225pts]: 2x Armourium Cherub [20pts] . 4x Retributor [48pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . Retributor Superior [17pts]: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Ministorum Hand Flamer [5pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon [32pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Retributor w/ Simulacrum [12pts]: Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Frag & Krak grenades, Simulacrum Imperialis

+ Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 80pts] +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [100 PL, 8CP, 1,996pts] ++



Thoughts



Here we have a fairly standard mixed arms Harlequins list with a little bit of everything facing up against a… fairly standard Bloody Rose list with a mix of everything. The Harlequins definitely have the edge in speed in this game, but will have to commit to objectives at some point, and have fairly limited AP that can mean that the new Armour of Contempt enabled Sisters can shrug off that damage and clap back very effectively. Combined with a generally better demeching option down range from the Sororitas’s shooting in a Castigator and 2 10 man Squads of Retributors, this is going to be a scrap over the center objectives with anyone up for the win.

Michael has some great tools from fighting on death with repentia, and his Canoness’s ability to strip invulnerable saves once per game, while Robert has much faster objective secured that comes without condition, and very little that’s worried about getting shot by Retributors.

Personally I’d lean to the Harlequins being favoured here, but not strongly.

Result



Sisters win, 96-75. A combination of a solid mission for forcing play in the midfield, and I assume smart use of his anti-harlequins tools gave Michael the win in the end here, props to him for punching up with a faction many people had written off for Sisters winning the third biggest event of the weekend.

Michael Walsh - 1st Place



Sisters of Battle Simulacrum Imperialis Credit: Alfredo Ramirez Sisters of Battle Simulacrum Imperialis Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List



See Showdown

The Standout Features/Archetype



See Showdown

Why it's Interesting in 9th



Adepta Sororitas are having a bit of a renaissance in the past few weeks as builds start to solidify around the power of fight on death Repentia. Previously Sisters players were choosing between the resilience of Valorous Heart and the output of Bloody Rose or Argent Shroud, but Armour of Contempt seems to have been the shot in the arm for just enough resilience to keep Bloody Rose’s shooting options ticking over. 

Vahl and Retributors (with a heavy To The Last lean with 6 ablative wounds and healing options from the Hospitaller) give you means to crack transports and keep deployments honest, while little combat missiles with Objective Secured from the Dogmata bring it all home.

Mike Twitchell (*) - 2nd Place



War Dog - Brigand. Credit: Rockfish War Dog - Brigand. Credit: Rockfish

The List



Mike Twitchell - 14 War Dogs House Vextrix - Click to Expand


Chaos Knights Super-Heavy Detachment (-7 CP, 2,000 Points)

House Vextrix Stratagem: Extra Relic

LoW: War Dog Brigands - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155)

LoW: War Dog Brigands - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155)

LoW: War Dog Brigands - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber (155) - War Dog Brigand w/Avenger Chaincannon, Daemonbreath Spear, Diabolus Heavy Stubber, Warp-Born Stalker (170)

LoW: War Dog Karnivores - War Dog Karnivore w/Reaper Chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Diabolus Heavy Stubber, Warlord: Eager for the Kill, Relic: The Traitor's Mark (140)

LoW: War Dog Huntsman - War Dog Huntsman w/Reaper Chaintalon, Daemonbreath Spear, Daemonbreath Meltagun (150) - War Dog Huntsman w/Reaper Chaintalon, Daemonbreath Spear, Daemonbreath Meltagun (150) - War Dog Huntsman w/Reaper Chaintalon, Daemonbreath Spear, Daemonbreath Meltagun (150), Relic: Helm of Dogs



The Standout Features/Archetype



Hooooo boy that’s a lot of Combat. Backing it up 9 War Dog Brigands (Chaincannons) provide a devastating firebase with Infernal Bonuses to wound and speed helping out both the combat and the ranged options that these new mini knights can bring to bear, as do free rerolls to hit and wound ala 8th Edition Boogeyman Master Artisans. The Helm of Dogs gives a central Huntsman (Warglaive) a reroll 1s to wound Aura that keeps that efficiency ticking even as they lose models. 

Why it's Interesting in 9th



No Big Knights here - this wants to take full advantage of the obscuring keyword on boards that grow ever denser. This list kicks out a disgusting 108 S6, AP-1 1-damage shots a turn, with each model having rerolls to make a Chapter Master blush, with some token melta and the terrifying Karnivore up front to truly put the hurt on in melee. 

Every single model here except the Karnivore has reasonable shooting for the points, and is a little bit of a nightmare in combat with all the rerolls and boosts it has access to, completely understandable why this dropped a 5-0.

The Rest of the Best



One more player went 4-0-1 and 10 additional players went 4-1 at the Mayhem GT:

  • 3rd - Alex Ramsay - Craftworlds Eldar - A Hail of Doom / Masterful Shots build with all the usual tricks, plus a fairly uncommon 8 Bike Squad with Cannons to really stack those buffs. Asurmen joins 30 Dire Avengers to sort the objective contro game in a list with a mere 10 Guardians as troops.
  • 4th - Robert Hawkins - Light Harlequins - See Showdown
  • 5th - Frank Viruet - Tyranids - Leviathan Goodstuff with a big 9 of Tyranid Warriors and Double Harpy/Double Tyrant. A Tyranid Prime shows up to help turbo charge that shooting phase.
  • 6th - Alexis Putt - Tyranids - Behemoth Monster Mash with a grab bag of options leans heavy on the Objective Secured aspect of Tyranids to score points while murdering you cold
  • 7th - Steven Saroka - Tyranids - Leviathan Goodstuff - Double Tyrant, Double Harpy, fairly low to the ground otherwise with the usual suspects of Maleceptors, Zoanthropes, Raveners and the like
  • 8th - Scott Byam - Craftworlds Eldar - Hail of Doom / Masterful Shots with a grip of Bikes, a Webway Portal and a Wraithlord to hold down the fort or project forward pressure from the Fortification
  • 9th - Jeremy Knox - Craftworlds Eldar - Hail of Doom / Masterful Shots with a Gate and 2 Big Squads of Hawks to close out a To The Last plan. Karandras continues his tour of the top tables
  • 10th - Thomas Robinchaux - Thousand Sons - Shooting Heavy Duplicty makes an appearance with 4 Rubric Squads running a couple of Warpflamers, triple Volkite Deredeo and 1 big Scarabs Squad.
  • 11th - Jack Lord - Chaos Knights - Vextrix 2 Big 6 Small drops an “unkillable” Abominant with the 5+ Feel No Pain Spell and Blessing of the Dark Master, a Despoiler geared for murder with a Thermal Cannon and Avenger, and 3/2/1 of Brigands, Moirax and Stalkers
  • 12th - Jorge Castro - Adeptus Custodes - Triple Achillus Emperors Chosen are here to remind us that they’re still completely reasonable even in this meta. This list keeps to one squad of bikes to not be too burned by stratagem changes but still have one squad that can problem solve.
  • 13th - Jacob McFalls - Tyranids - Warrior Spam Leviathan brings out 24 of the tanky wee gits in 995 configuration, using them as the main board control alongside Double Tyrant/Double Harpy and the usual psykers and the ever more common Tyranid Prime. A Trygon Prime with the Maw Claws is a new and interesting addition for a reservable combat threat with lots of damage 2.




Warhammer 40K Matched Play Event



This event was a 5-round, 54 player event held in Warhammer World, Nottingham, England. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown





Matchup & Mission - Unknown



Ben Allen - Light Clowns in Cars - Click to Expand


++ Battalion Detachment (Aeldari - Harlequins) ++

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ HQ [8 PL, 175pts] +

Troupe Master [4 PL, 90pts]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [10pts], Plasma Grenades, Warlord . Cegorach's Rose: Treasures of the Aeldari Relic

Troupe Master [4 PL, 85pts]: Aeldari Power Sword [5pts], Fusion Pistol [5pts], Plasma Grenades . The Storied Sword: Treasures of the Aeldari Relic

+ Troops [24 PL, 540pts] +

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

+ Dedicated Transport [24 PL, 570pts] +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

++ Battalion Detachment (Aeldari - Harlequins) ++

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ HQ [10 PL, 215pts] +

Shadowseer [5 PL, 105pts]: 1. Twilight Pathways (Blessing), 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), Hallucinogen Grenade Launcher, Miststave, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Smite

Troupe Master [5 PL, 110pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [10pts], Plasma Grenades, Veiled King [1 PL, 20pts]

+ Troops [16 PL, 305pts] +

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 90pts] . Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Kiss [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin's Embrace [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [18pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Neuro Disruptor [5pts], Plasma Grenades . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 65pts] . Lead Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 65pts] . Lead Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol . Player [13pts]: Harlequin's Blade, Plasma Grenades, Shuriken Pistol

+ Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 95pts] +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]: 2x Shuriken Cannon

++ Total: [2000pts] ++



vs.

Richard Churchill - Iron Hands Dread Spam - Click to Expand


+++ Red Scorpion's (Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition) [105 PL, -5CP, 2,000pts] +++

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Iron Hands) [105 PL, -5CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Inheritors of the Primarch, Iron Hands Successor, Red Scorpions

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Bequeathed by the Iron Council [-1CP]

Stratagem: Scion of the Forge [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Carab Culln the Risen [14 PL, 265pts]

Primaris Techmarine [4 PL, 80pts]: Adept of the Omnissiah, The Tempered Helm, Warlord

Sevrin Loth [7 PL, 135pts]

+ Troops +

Heavy Intercessor Squad [7 PL, 150pts]: Heavy bolt rifle, Heavy bolter . . 4x Heavy Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . . Heavy Intercessor Sergeant: Haywire Bolts

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 110pts]: Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt rifle . . 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . . Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol

Tactical Squad [5 PL, 95pts] . . 4x Space Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . . Space Marine Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Storm bolter

+ Elites +

Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 150pts]: Multi-melta

Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 150pts]: Multi-melta

Leviathan Dreadnought [13 PL, -3CP, 235pts]: 2x Twin Volkite calivers, All Flesh is Weakness, Grav-flux bombard, 3x Hunter-killer missile, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: March of the Ancients . . Leviathan siege drill

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 195pts]: 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 195pts]: 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

+ Fast Attack +

Inceptor Squad [7 PL, 120pts]: Assault bolter x2, 2x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant

Inceptor Squad [7 PL, 120pts]: Assault bolter x2, 2x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant



Thoughts



Well, this sure is a matchup. Unfortunately I think Richard is just working with slower, weaker tools than Ben is in this scenario. With almost no Objective Secured to speak of, and very little combat besides the Dreadnoughts' fists, which are not particularly efficient into -1 to hit, wound and 4+ invulnerable save-wielding Harlequins, the path to victory is long and lined with the blood of the Red Scorpions here. Richard also has some unusual choices here in the form of Severin Loth (who appears to be randomly generating his powers) and the codex Contemptor Dreadnought.

All Ben really has to do here is continue to hold Richard in his deployment zone while leveraging his speed, superior Objective Control and honestly? Better firepower into the Dreadnoughts list. This list with all the boats is certainly showing up in the hands of some very capable players in the last few weeks.

Result



A somewhat predictable one sided affair here sees Ben win with a comfortable 96-20 Margin. Truly a stomp for the ages and one that shows off the raw power that a Harlequins list can put out onto what looks to be a dream matchup

Ben Allen - 1st Place



Credit: Arranon

The List



See Showdown

The Standout Features/Archetype



See Showdown

Why it's Interesting in 9th



The distilled essence of the Harlequins codex is on display here. Every squad of Troupes looks like it came away from a Car Boot Sale with whatever was on offer and displays an incredible amount of flexibility for it. Light provides raw speed, and the characters provide the rest.

The Rest of the Best



Nine other players finished on 4-1 Records

  • 2nd - Stuart Manks - Tyranids - Leviathan Monster Mash with double Hierodule, a Dimachaeron and all the usual support aims to prove that Forgeworld still has a place in your Tyranid Roster, just in case you worried they had too few options as is.
  • 3rd - Adam Shepherd-Jones - Adeptus Custodes - Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff with 3 Dreadnoughts, 6 Bikes and a Knight Centura with Objective Secured Denial to help out vs all the Psykers that are showing up
  • 4th - Dan Cooke - Imperial Knights - Triple Imperialis House Griffith Big Knights and 2 Warglaives, 2 Helverins. This list makes use of High Monarch to kick out that bondsman -1 Damage to all the Armigers from a Gallant specced for combat, while an Errant and Crusader clean up the shooting phase.
  • 5th - Simon SJ - T'au Empire - Bor’kan with a heavy lean on Crisis Suits and a single Stormsurge to drive the point home with the Ignore Invulnerable Saves Stratagem
  • 6th - Dominic Matthews - Adepta Sororitas - A big stuff Ebon Chalice list runs 7 Mortifiers and 6 Paragon Warsuits up the field and asks you to deal with all this beef, while Vahl and 20 Battle Sisters provide a firebase with mortals. When all the tools you have are Blessed Bolts, every army starts to look like heretics.
  • 7th - Robert Kimpton (*) - Drukhari - Goodstuff Drukhari with a 10 Haemoxytes squad, and the old and new standards for shooting in Black Heart Trueborn and 2 Dark Lance Ravagers
  • 8th - Tom Meaker - Grey Knights - Grey Knights Swordbearers with 3 Dreadknights eschews Paladins for 2 squads of Terminators in the troops slot, along with 30 strikes and interceptors
  • 9th - Brad Glover - T'au Empire - A very aggressive Bor’kan list rocks a Stormsurge, a Riptide, 2 Broadsides and a 492 point Crisis Squad with 18 Burst Cannons, daring opponents to try something. Shadowsun turbo charges this squad of 108 shots that solve the problems that Big Guns Occasionally Tire into
  • 10th - Richard Churchill - Iron Hands - See Showdown




The Warhound at Game Grid May GT



This event was a 5 round, 33 player event held in Lehi, Utah, USA. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown





Matchup & Mission - Unknown



Nicholas Wenker - House Herpetrax 3 Big 4 Small - Click to Expand


++ Super-Heavy Detachment -3CP (Chaos - Chaos Knights) [87 PL, 7CP, 1,675pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

+ Lord of War +

Knight Abominant [24 PL, -1CP, 460pts]: 4. Knight Diabolus, 6. Aura of Terror, Arch-Tyrant, Character (Traitoris Lance), House Herpetrax, Soul-Raptor Swarm, Undivided - Blessing of the Dark Master, Vortex Terrors, Warlord, Winds of the Warp

Knight Desecrator [22 PL, -2CP, 440pts]: 5. Infernal Quest, Character (Tyrannical Court), Corrupted Heirlooms, House Herpetrax, The Diamonas, Undivided - Mark of the Dread Knight, Warpstrike claw

Knight Rampager [22 PL, -2CP, 440pts]: Veil of Medrengard, Bow to None (Herpetrax), Character (Tyrannical Court), Corrupted Heirlooms, House Herpetrax, Slaanesh - Beguiling Majesty

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [10 PL, 170pts]: House Herpetrax . War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne - Blood Shield

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [9 PL, 165pts]: House Herpetrax . War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, The Storm Malevolent, Tzeentch - Pyrothrone

++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Chaos - Chaos Knights) [17 PL, -1CP, 325pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Shared Faction Bonus [2CP]

+ Lord of War +

War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings . War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch - Mirror of Fates . War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber

++ Total: [104 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++



vs.

Scott Rumple - Space Wolves Successors - Click to Expand


++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Space Wolves) [95 PL, 2,000pts, 7CP] ++

+ Configuration [12CP] +

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

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [12CP]

Detachment Command Cost

+ Stratagems [-3CP] +

A Trophy Bestowed [-1CP]

Stratagem: Relics of the Chapter [-1CP]: Number of Extra Relics [-1CP]

Thane of the Retinue [-1CP]

+ HQ [15 PL, 310pts, -2CP] +

Captain on Bike [8 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: Chapter Command: Chapter Master [2 PL, 40pts], Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Hunter, Rites of War, Stratagem: Warrior of Legend [-1CP], The Armour of Russ, Thunder hammer [20pts], Twin boltgun, Warlord

Chaplain [7 PL, 140pts, -1CP]: 2. Catechism of Fire, 3. Exhortation of Rage, Benediction of Fury, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity [1 PL, 25pts], Combi-melta [10pts], Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Wise Orator

+ Troops [16 PL, 290pts] +

Assault Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 95pts] . 4x Assault Intercessor [76pts]: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol . Assault Intercessor Sgt [19pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol

Blood Claws [6 PL, 90pts] . 4x Blood Claw [72pts]: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades . Blood Claw Pack Leader [18pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] . 4x Incursor [84pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades . Incursor Sergeant [21pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades

+ Elites [39 PL, 882pts] +

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts] . Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]

Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] . Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts] . 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]

Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] . Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts] . 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]

Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] . Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts] . 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]

+ Fast Attack [8 PL, 150pts] +

Cyberwolves [1 PL, 15pts] . Cyberwolf [15pts]: Teeth and claws

Cyberwolves [1 PL, 15pts] . Cyberwolf [15pts]: Teeth and claws

Skyclaws [6 PL, 120pts] . Skyclaw [20pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack . Skyclaw [20pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack . Skyclaw [20pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack . Skyclaw [20pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack . Skyclaw Pack Leader [40pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack, Meltagun [10pts], Power fist [10pts]

+ Heavy Support [13 PL, 298pts] +

Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 85pts]: Las Fusil [10pts] . Eliminator Sergeant [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Bolt sniper rifle, Camo cloak, Frag & Krak grenades, Morkai's Teeth Bolts . 2x Eliminators [50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades

Long Fangs [8 PL, 213pts]: Armorium Cherub [5pts] . Long Fang [38pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Long Fang [38pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Long Fang [38pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Long Fang [38pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Long Fang [38pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta [20pts] . Long Fang Pack Leader [18pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades . . Boltgun and Bolt Pistol: Bolt pistol, Boltgun

+ Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 70pts] +

Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [95 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++



Thoughts



Scott is running a very heavy melee Space Wolves list with 3 squads of Wulfen, 3 squads of Wolf Guard with the newly popularised Chainsword/Lightning Claw loadout to save some points in a post-armour of contempt world, and a drop pod full of Long Fangs with Melta. In assault doctrine these melee units are hitting at +1 to hit with double exploding 6s. 

Nicholas on the other hand has 3 big knights and 4 small knights that gain a few wounds and a fair mix of damage profiles. With better objective control and similar speed, this game can easily come down to whoever gets the best damage dealt quickest. -1 Damage in melee and the automatic explosion leave some fun options for the Chaos Knights here, while Fight On Death and the drop pod’s guaranteed alpha (potentially even from behind obscuring allowing multiple uses) gives the wolves their edge.

Result



A 92-50 win to the Space Wolves as they just simply outtrade the Knights here. A vast quantity of damage 1 means it doesn’t have to interact with the -1 Damage stratagem too often and as long as Scott was careful with committing to one target to minimise the explosion potential, it’s easy to see how this game could have gone either way. Still, no slouch of a score for Nicholas here indicates that this was a hell of a brawl.

Scott Rumple - 1st Place



Credit: Starvolt

The List



See Showdown

The Standout Features/Archetype



See Showdown

Why it's Interesting in 9th



All of the melee tools available to the space wolves are on display here, even running a squad of Skyclaws because we’ve run out of Wolf Guard allowance. This list certainly puts the V in violence, and on the right boards has the tools to put the hurt on almost anything. Good character support and solid scoring from Incursors and Eliminators shore up the forward game while Cyberwolves continually demonstrate their value for a mere 15 points giving Space Wolves some of the most effective screens and backfielders available to the Imperium

The Rest of the Best



Three other lists went 4-1 at this event:

  • 2nd - Jordan Gledhill - Adepta Sororitas - Valorous Heart Meltas lean heavily on 2x5 Retributors with Multi Meltas, and 3 Paragon Warsuits lend a disgusting amount of High S/AP/D to the sisters and every time you forget about it, they pop up again in the standings in one of the best weeks I think we’ve seen from them in a long time. Kyganil and Stern are showing up more and more as a resilient anti-invulnerable save scalpel, and Sacresants still do a lot for the points even post Bodyguard changes. 
  • No Wound Rerolls from the updated Valorous Heart Order Conviction is certainly weaker on Sisters than on an army like Salamanders that get a lot more toughness to make those wound rolls weaker to start, but it’s almost never going amiss with units like Rhinos and Paragons. 
  • 3rd - Nicholas Wenker - Chaos Knights - See Showdown
  • 4th - Oseas Aduna - Iron Hands Successors - Master Artisans /Stealthy Good Stuff brings out all the best tools available to marines in the form of Devastators, Vanguard Veterans and Redemptors, as well as a second appearance on the week of the Codex Contemptor. Stealthy looks to double down on the benefits of Armour of Contempt, while the Iron Hands doctrine and stratagems keep your damage high.




Warhammer Retreat 2022



This event was a 5 round, 32 player event held in Lehi, Utah, USA. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. The new Imperial and Chaos Knights Codexes were not in effect for this event

The Showdown





Matchup & Mission - Unknown



Daniel Wolmuth - Hail of Doom MSU - Click to Expand


Hail of Doom Eldar [1999pts, 7CP] Outrider Detachment -3CP (Asuryani) [73pl, 1294pts] Craftworld: Lantea (Custom: Hail of Doom, Children of Prophecy)

+HQ+ Jain Zar [7pl, 140pts] Baharroth [7pl, 140pts]

+ELITES+ Howling Banshees [5pl, 105pts] x5, Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes Dire Avengers [6pl, 72pts] x6, Avenger Shuriken Catapult x7

+FAST ATTACK+ Swooping Hawks [8pl, 162pts] x9, Lasblaster x9, Relic(-1CP): Phoenix Plume Shining Spears [6pl, 120pts] x3, Shuriken Cannon, Paragon Saber, Heartstrike, Relic: Khaines Lance Windriders [4pl, 70pts] x3, Twin Shuriken Catapult x2, Shuriken Cannon x1 Warp Spiders [6pl, 125pts] x5, Deathspinners x4, Two Deathspinners & Power Blades, Web of Deceit Vyper [3pl, 45pts] x1, Shuriken Cannon Vyper [3pl, 45pts] x1, Shuriken Cannon

+HEAVY SUPPORT+ War Walker [5pl, 65pts] x1, Shuriken Cannon x2 War Walker [5pl, 65pts] x1, Shuriken Cannon x2

+DEDICATED TRANSPORT+ Wave Serpent [8pl, 140pts] Twin Shuriken Catapult, Twin Shuriken Cannon

Patrol Detachment 0CP (Asuryani) [35pl, 705pts] Craftworld: Lantea (Custom: Hail of Doom, Children of Prophecy)

+No Force Org+ Warlock Skyrunner [3pl, 60pts]: Protect/Jinx

+HQ+ Farseer [5pl, 90pts]: Guide, Will of Asuryan, Warlord:Seer of the Shifting Vector, Farseer Skyrunner [6pl, 120pts]: Doom, Ghostwalk, WLT(-1CP): Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Relic:Kurnous Bow

+TROOPS+ Rangers [4pl, 70pts] x5, Wireweave Net

+ELITES+ Striking Scorpions [5pl, 105pts] x5, Biting Blade, Crushing Blows Dire Avengers [6pl, 130pts] x10, Avenger Shuriken Catapult x11, Stand Firm

+HEAVY SUPPORT+ Support Weapons [6pl, 130pts] x2, D-Cannon x2

(Totals: 7 Starting CP, 20 Units, 69 No Prisoners points, 5 Character Models(16pts), 7 Vehicles[8pts])



vs.

[expand title=Casey Glynn - Hail of Doom MSU - Click to Expand"]

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari - Craftworlds) [59 PL, 1,032pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Selection Hail of doom, masterful shots

Detachment Command Cost

+ No Force Org Slot +

Seer Council (Unit) [2 PL, 40pts] . Warlocks: 6. Empower/Enervate . . Warlock: Witchblade

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts]

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 4. Crushing Orb, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Warlord, Witchblade . Kurnous' Bow

+ Troops +

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

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [6 PL, 72pts] . 5x Dire Avenger: 5x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 5x Plasma Grenades . Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 105pts] . 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol . Striking Scorpion Exarch: Crushing Blows . . Shadowsting (Shrine Relic)

+ Fast Attack +

Shining Spears [6 PL, 120pts] . 2x Shining Spear: 2x Laser Lance, 2x Twin Shuriken Catapult . Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon

Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts] . 9x Swooping Hawk: 9x Lasblaster . Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster

+ Heavy Support +

War Walkers [10 PL, 130pts] . War Walker: 2x Shuriken Cannon . War Walker: 2x Shuriken Cannon

War Walkers [5 PL, 60pts] . War Walker: Scatter Laser, Shuriken Cannon

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari - Craftworlds) [56 PL, 968pts, 7CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Craftworld Selection . *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts, -1CP]: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, 6: Seer of the Shifting Vector, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari, Witchblade

Karandras [7 PL, 140pts]

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [7 PL, 118pts] . 8x Dire Avenger: 8x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 8x Plasma Grenades . Dire Avenger Exarch: Stand Firm, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Dire Avengers [7 PL, 145pts] . 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades . Dire Avenger Exarch: Shredding Fire, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

+ Fast Attack +

Windriders [4 PL, 60pts] . 3x Windrider - Twin Shuriken Catapults: 3x Twin Shuriken Catapult

Windriders [12 PL, 180pts] . 9x Windrider - Twin Shuriken Catapults: 9x Twin Shuriken Catapult

Windriders [4 PL, 60pts] . 3x Windrider - Twin Shuriken Catapults: 3x Twin Shuriken Catapult

+ Heavy Support +

Falcon [9 PL, 145pts]: Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult

++ Total: [115 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++

[/expand]

Thoughts



Well, it was inevitable that I’d have to speak about a double hail matchup at some point. 

Both players have lists that absolutely vomit damage at their opponents and are packing very reasonable secondary plans with good To The Last and RND options.

Between the speed of the Windriders and Swooping Hawks, it will be hard for anything to stay safe, but also anything that goes for the kill to stay safe on return to the forces of Dire Avengers and the combat characters/units available to both players. With a squad of support weapons, Daniel is ready to put the punishment on anything feeling too safe behind a wall. This game will likely be a blowout one way or another with whichever player runs out of stuff first just being unable to close the gap, but both lists have the tools to be the list getting said blowout

Result



Daniel takes the win 93-54, on boards like the GW terrain where support platforms can reach out to the other Ls without taking damage in return they’re the most unique tool available in the matchup and allow Daniel to do something that Casey can’t. I’m sure this was a great game though as evidenced by Casey’s 54 score, which is fairly indicative of the tide not turning until much later in the game.

Daniel Wolmuth - 1st Place



Dire Avengers. Credit: Rockfish Dire Avengers. Credit: Rockfish

The List



Daniel Wolmuth - Hail of Doom - Click to Expand




The Standout Features/Archetype



See Showdown

Why it's Interesting in 9th



I am running out of things to say about Hail of Doom. This list is running Children of Prophecy for more reliable casting and denying, very useful in a meta full of Tyranids and Eldar, and has Jain Zar as a back up Phoenix Lord. We see the usual affair of Dire Avengers, Shining Spears and small vehicles like War Walkers and Vypers to shore up the secondary game, while double Farseer threatens any buff spells you could desire or a devastating Eldritch Storm on Games Workshop styled terrain.

The Rest of the Best



Five Players went 4-1 at the Warhammer Retreat 2022

2nd - Jared Vail Harlequins - A Light Troupes in Transports list with one big squad of 10 and a 2 man Starweaver squad to threaten easy secondaries like A Deadly Performance

3rd - Cullen Burns Adepta Sororitas - Ebon Chalice Goodstuff with 30 Repentia saying “we don’t need Bloody Rose Attacks”. Dominions and 2 Squads of Retributors combine with Vahl and Celestine for a strong shooting and counter charge core. 

4th - William York - Tyranids - It wouldn’t be a podium without a 9 Man Leviathan Warriors squad, along with a 9 Man Raveners squad, a Trygon Prime and dual Hive Tyrants as a strong combat core

5th - Curtis Bargender - Craftworlds Eldar - Another Hail of Doom / Masterful Shots List. Please, make it stop. Uhh there’s a Webway Gate and Double Wraithlord here. And two Warlock squads. And Baharroth, a Mortals Pistol Farseer, and about 15 more units than you should reasonably fit in 2000 points.

6th - Casey Glynn - Craftworlds Eldar- Hail of Doom / Masterful Shots - See Showdown



Final Thoughts



First of all, I have no idea how James does this every week, this column is an insane amount of work and I have to commend the Goonhammer Team for delivering on it consistently and with amazing quality every week. 

I touched on game balance in yesterday’s article so I’m not going to harp on it too much here, but clearly we have multiple problem factions, in both Tyranids and Eldar. Eldar are actually putting out some insane numbers this week, I can’t think of many if any top 4s that didn’t include at least one or more Eldar armies, while Tyranids were much more variable.

Personally I believe that the disparity is that it is much easier to write a bad Eldar list than a Tyranids one, which keeps Tyranids win rate higher comparatively. The ceiling for both of these factions is far too high, and I look forward to seeing both take a hit. Tyranids across the board, and Eldar in more specific areas of problem datasheets. And get Hail of Doom in the bin. It’s enough to make me miss Dark Technomancers, at least that was All-Consuming.

Next week we return for even more Tournament result coverage including the return of the Goonhammer Open UK which will be happening this weekend in Nottingham. It'll be streamed live by the folks at Hellstorm Wargaming.

It’s been a pleasure to put this together for Goonhammer, and I’d like to thank them for having me on board while James takes a much earned break. If you’d like to hear more from me, you can find me every week on 40k Fight Club on all good podcast feeds or on Youtube.

- Thanks, Innes

Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com.

Tags: 40k | Warhammer 40k | competitive play | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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