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Warhammer 40k | Goonhammer | Core Games | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: After the Storm pt.2

by James "One_Wing" Grover, Lowest of Men | Dec 01 2023
The fun continues today - we've got more events, multiple Showdowns and plenty of exciting lists to look at, so let's get to it.

Today Wings will be covering:
  • Bembel Clash #9
  • 2d6 Grand Tournament
  • FA Cup 2023 - Warhammer 40,00 GT
  • ITA 40K SINGLES GRAND TOURNAMENT 2023
  • (Bonus) Toys of Mass Destruction Hertfordshire Winter GT
If you're looking for the following, go check out part 1 with Lowest of Men from Wednesday:
  • Majestic Beasties 2023
  • East Anglian Grand Tournament 2
  • Cross-Swords War At The Westward 3
  • MAD Warhammer 40k GT 11/25-11/26
We'll also be kicking off with an additional showdown that should have been in part 1, because the devious Goonhammer patrons coordinated a late voting surge after I'd thought that the top two were far enough ahead to be safe, set up the articles and went to bed. Scoundrels all, but I'm a man of my word, so let's go for it.

Majestic Beasties 2023

The rest of this event is in part 1.

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Sweep and Clear - Crucible of Battle

Garret Olson - Howling Griffons (Ironstorm Spearhead): Dreads and Inceptors all day long.
Army List - Click to Expand
Giff me un klap iron papa (2000 Points)

Space Marines Iron Hands Ironstorm Spearhead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

Techmarine (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Adept of the Omnissiah

Techmarine (95 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Target Augury Web (Aura)

Techmarine (75 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Master of Machine War (Aura)

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Inceptor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Plasma exterminators

Incursor Squad (85 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Incursor Squad (85 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304


vs.

Jason Wells - Raven Guard (Firestorm Assault Force): Toasty aggro Raven Guard, with Shrike leading a scary brick of Jump Intercessors on a rampage, and various transport cycling tricks adding some hard-to-stop shooting.
Army List - Click to Expand
Ravens (2000 Points)

Space Marines Raven Guard Firestorm Assault Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 Points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Relic Shield

Kayvaan Shrike (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blackout 1x The Raven’s Talons

Librarian in Terminator Armour (75 Points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Smite

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Drop Pod (70 Points) • 1x Deathwind launcher

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer 2x Storm bolter

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer 2x Storm bolter

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Infernus Squad (170 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pyreblaster

Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Repulsor (190 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Hunter-slayer missile 1x Las-talon 1x Repulsor defensive array 1x Twin lascannon

Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 Points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 9x Sternguard Veteran • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Sternguard bolt pistol 7x Sternguard bolt rifle 2x Sternguard heavy bolter

Terminator Squad (185 Points) • 1x Terminator Sergeant • 1x Chainfist 1x Storm bolter • 4x Terminator • 4x Chainfist 1x Cyclone missile launcher 3x Storm bolter 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304

Thoughts

Marine-on-Marine violence like it's 9th Edition all over again. This matchup ends up looking pretty interesting, because unlike a lot of the time when you hit Purge the Foe, neither side feels like it's definitively more likely to bleed units. The Ironstorm side has lots of hulls, sure, but the Flamestorm side has plenty of Transports to protect its toys in coupled with plenty of larger units. It doesn't look like either side is going to be able to fully hide either, so the fact that the Lancers are probably the most reliable killing machines on the table early on, so a few dreads getting punked fast seems pretty plausible.

In the mid game things potentially swing back towards the Ironstorm side a bit. The big go squads from the Firestorm side aren't going to have fantastic targets once the Infiltrators and Incursors get rolled up, whereas the full plasmaceptor units are extremely good at sweeping whole Marine units once they emerge. In addition, the Redemptors aren't loaded for anti-tank, so they can focus on finding a safe path to the mid-board, representing an overpowering level of crunch that the Firestorm side might stumble against.

Realistically, I think the heavily favoured side here is the one that goes second, which is pretty often the case on Purge, but of the two I'd say the Firestorm gets the marginal nod - all they have to do is kill the Ballistus dreads and then the Repulsor and Land Raider are serious problems, and I think that gives them the advantage. With that in mind, congratulations to Garrett, who bucked my prediction here and took a very narrow victory!

Result

Howling Griffons (Ironstorm Spearhead) Victory - 82 - 79

Bembel Clash #9

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hirzenhain, HE, DE on November 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kevin „planB_God“ Zöllinger - Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

Black Templars Hellblasters. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Ich habe meiner holden Maid noch immer nicht gesagt dass ich nach der Weltmeisterschaft nochmal wegfliege… berühmte letzte Worte… -Kev am 10.11.2023

Austrian Highway mit ganz viel Liebe (2000 Points)

Space Marines Black Templars Ironstorm Spearhead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Techmarine (75 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Master of Machine War (Aura)

Techmarine (55 Points) • Warlord • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Black Templars Impulsor (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Black Templars Impulsor (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Black Templars Impulsor (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Black Templars Impulsor (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper (155 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper (155 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper (155 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Hellblaster Squad (125 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Hellblaster • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Plasma incinerator

Hellblaster Squad (125 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Hellblaster • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Plasma incinerator

Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator twin lascannon 1x Storm bolter

Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator twin lascannon 1x Storm bolter

Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Drive By Ironstorm

Thoughts

Black Templars getting to strap an extra multi-melta to everything really makes them shine in the Ironstorm Spearhead, as you can do stuff like this. Rather than having to proactively buy stuff with anti-tank guns, you kind of get that incidentally (especially once re-rolls are factored in), allowing you to focus on nightmarish horde-clearing from the Reapers (deadly with Mercy is Weakness) and packing in the extra flexibility from transport-riding Hellblasters and Scouts. Ironstorm is already the pretty clear winner of the Marine book, and the extra spice the Templars add really pushes it over the top here, great stuff from Kevin.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jan Reisenauer - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Maximum Thunderwolf aggro plus Grimnar in his sled.
  • 3rd - Thomas Büttelmann - Aeldari (Battle Host): Yncarne, Wraithguard, hulls.
  • 4th - Niklas Frerichs - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Synaptic Monster Mash with an extra tough Hive Tyrant at the middle.
  • 5th - Malte Höfs - Chaos Space Marines: Brawler Goodstuff with Abaddon.
  • 6th - Immanuel Wolf - Leagues of Votann: Sagitaur Spam with a trio of Grimnyrs as utility pieces.

2d6 Grand Tournament

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Oslo, NO on November 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

The Ritual - Chilling Rain - Hammer and Anvil

Kasper Walle - Orks: Ork Goodstuff with a slight skew to the speedy.
Army List - Click to Expand
Hogs n’ boys 2k (2000 Points)

Orks Waaagh! Tribe Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Beastboss (100 Points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Kaptin Badrukk (80 Points) • 1x Choppa 1x Da Rippa 1x Slugga

Mozrog Skragbad (195 Points) • 1x Big Chompa’s jaws 1x Gutrippa 1x Thump gun

Nob on Smasha Squig (80 Points) • 1x Big choppa 1x Slugga 1x Smasha squig jaws • Enhancements: Headwoppa’s Killchoppa

Warboss (90 Points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin slugga • Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (105 Points) • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz (105 Points) • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (190 Points) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 9x Flash Git • 9x Choppa 9x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 Points) • 1x Runtherd • 1x Grot-smacka 1x Slugga • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta

Gretchin (40 Points) • 1x Runtherd • 1x Grot-smacka 1x Slugga • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta

Nobz (210 Points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Big choppa 1x Slugga • 9x Nob • 9x Power klaw 9x Slugga

Squighog Boyz (220 Points) • 2x Bomb Squig • 6x Squighog Boy • 6x Saddlegit weapons 6x Squighog jaws and saddlegits 6x Stikka

Stormboyz (65 Points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga

Warbikers (70 Points) • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun • 2x Warbiker • 1x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 1x Slugga 2x Twin dakkagun

Warbikers (70 Points) • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun • 2x Warbiker • 1x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 1x Slugga 2x Twin dakkagun

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304


vs.

Victor Bergenholtz - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Terminator-tastic Grey Knights.
Army List - Click to Expand
Grey Boyz (1995 points) Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (100 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul 1x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Librarian (100 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul 1x Storm bolter

Grand Master (125 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Psycannon • Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Kaldor Draigo (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Scourging 1x Storm bolter 1x The Titansword

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (420 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 9x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 2x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 9x Nemesis force weapon 6x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (125 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Paladin Squad (450 points) • 1x Paragon • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 8x Paladin • 8x Nemesis force weapon 4x Psycannon 4x Storm bolter • 1x Paladin Ancient • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Psycannon

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Inquisitorial Henchmen (40 points) • 4x Inquisitorial Acolyte • 4x Acolyte firearm 4x Acolyte melee weapon

Thoughts

The Ritual eh? This is a weird as hell mission that normally favours the side that can flood the board with bodies, but here I'm not so sure, because these Grey Knights very much look like a force that can walk forward and threaten to bounce the Orks. They're not quite as good at that as pre-nerf Custodes, but they're not a million miles off, and also have a massive amount of dakka from the Paladins. Orks seething, fuming.

The Paladins really are the capital-P problem here if you're an Ork, because they're just so good at gunning down the foe. The Grand Master letting them ignore wound modifiers means that the crunchiest Ork unit, the Squighogs, can't rely on 'Ard as Nails to coast through their onslaught, and with the Sigil of Exigence the Flash Gitz can't just try to alpha them either.

I think that leaves the Orks needing to try and punk out as many small units as possible and try to ride their greater numbers to victory, but The Ritual is a prohibitively difficult mission to pull that off on because of how close together objective tend to end up. If the Grey Knights go first and press forward, I think they'll be able to seriously limit the Orks Primary scoring, whereas the sheer nastiness of the Terminator squads makes that far harder to reliably pull from the far side. It looks like the Orks made a credible attempt, but the silver host was able to sut them down in the end. They do love Rituals, so makes sense.

Result

Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) Victory - 79 - 66

Victor Bergenholtz - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 1st Place

Grey Knights Paladins. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Double Terminator Block

Thoughts

Lots of Mortals, lots of ultra-crunchy guys. Big Grey Knight units are super hard to handle for some armies, and can very much trump any build planning on brawling that hasn't brough the guns to threaten a block. The small Terminator squads are nifty too, being great Librarian delivery mechanisms and intensely annoying to anyone that fails to wipe them, since the gradual respawn from the Apothecary adds up. Grey Knights have slightly struggled to settle on a single build, but this is definitely a frontrunner, and good stuff from Victor showcasing what it can do.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Jonathan Arkin - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Ork Goodstuff, adding some Deffkoptas for a bit of extra mobile shooting.
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Alexander Bæra - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): The standard Character-heavy build.
  • 4th - Kasper Walle - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): See showdown.
  • 5th - Sondre Skår - Chaos Space Marines: Brawler Goodstuff with an Accursed Commune and Syll'Esske.
  • 6th - Gorm Hol - Blood Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): High speed shooting - Baal Predators, Stormhawks and Inceptors for guns, plus Death Company and the Sanguinor for melee utility.
  • 7th - Geir Dutta - Ynnari: Go-wide Infantry plus a full Wraithguard brick and the Yncarne.

FA Cup 2023 - Warhammer 40,00 GT

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Kowloon, HK on November 25 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Terence Tsui - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

Einhyr Champion. Credit: Rockfish Einhyr Champion. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Votann 01 (1980 Points)

Leagues of Votann Oathband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (80 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: Appraising Glare

Kâhl (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest • Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 7x Ion blaster 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 7x Ion blaster 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (75 Points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (300 Points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion gauntlet 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (300 Points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion gauntlet 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher 9x Volkanite disintegrator

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (23), Data Version: v304

Archetype

All-rounder Votann

Thoughts

There's not a massive amount to say here, as this is very much on point for Votann right now. Lots of Sagitaurs, loads of Hearthguard and enough Beserks to ensure counter-charge capability before the Hearthguard land. The one standout here is a Land Fort that's presumably carrying the Thunderkyn - Fire Support on these is really nasty into Vehicles, which is valuable with Ironstorm out and about. It can also just mount up an extra suite of infantry in a game where the Thunderkyn need to go in Strategic Reserves. Votann are a serious force to be reckoned with right now, so make sure you understand how this list functions if you're planning to push for the big wins, and well done to Terence for the triumph.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Agnon Wong - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Ork Goodstuff with some extra Warbikers.
  • 3rd - Jireh Mok - Aeldari (Battle Host): Double Avatar Wraithguard.
  • 4th - Aaron Cheung - Imperial Fists (Ironstorm Spearhead): Vindicators and Whirlwinds, plus Lysander as a solo beater.
  • 5th - Hoi Yang - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Full Sword Brethren stack in a Land Raider, backed by all the spiciest Marine units.
  • 6th - Johnnie Lau - Chaos Daemons: A Daemon player actually went and did it - six Monster Mash, featuring triple bird (one being Kairos), Rotigus and a GUO with Be'lakor at the helm.
  • 7th - King Wong Yu - Death Guard: Loads of Plague Marines and Terminators backed by Plaguebursts and Brigands.

ITA 40K SINGLES GRAND TOURNAMENT 2023

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ipswich, QLD, Australia on November 24 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David Trueman - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

Trans-Hyperion Alliance Kahl - Leagues of Votann. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Votann Teams (1970 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Oathband

CHARACTERS

Kâhl (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Grim Demeanour

Kâhl (90 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Appraising Glare

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 7x Ion blaster 2x Kin melee weapon 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 7x Ion blaster 2x Kin melee weapon 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (100 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (150 points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (150 points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Graviton blast cannon

Einhyr Hearthguard (300 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (300 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher 9x Volkanite disintegrator

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Exported with App Version: v1.7.0 (29), Data Version: v304

Archetype

Shooty Votann

Thoughts

See? Even more of them. This build cuts out the counter-charge Beserks in favour of a lot more Thunderkyn, who are presumably going to pop out of Strat Reserves to do horrific things. Because their guns are Blast, a full squad starts to be pretty great into anything, and they're particularly well suited to flattening squads of elite Infantry. Otherwise, we've got lots of bargain-priced Sagitaurs, some extra bikes to screen and the same double Hearthguard setup that's powering plenty of builds. congratulations to David.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Jacob Warn - Genestealer Cult (Ascension Day): Infantry horde with one Truck for early board control..
  • 3rd - Oliver Johnson - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Nightmare mechanised Votann with 25 Berserks in Land Forts and Sagitaurs, plus a full Hearthguard brick.
  • 4th - Zach De Glas - Aeldari (Battle Host): Unique extra chunky Aeldari - the Avatar plus lots of Wraithlords and Wraithseers. Going to go ahead and tick Wraithseer off my "Aeldari units in X-1 lists" bingo card.

Toys of Mass Destruction Hertfordshire Winter GT

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

We're sneaking this event in as a bonus for three key reasons:
  • It's consistently great fun and at an extremely pleasant venue.
  • More events should happen within easy driving distance of my house (so you should follow TOMD on Facebook and come to the next one).
  • Round four featured a Competitive Innovations clash.
That's right - on Sunday morning it was time for some workplace drama as me and Lowest of Men got paired into one another in the 2-1 bracket. We thought this was a great opportunity to examine a game from both sides - what were we thinking going into the game, how did our plans evolve, and what do we think were some key turning points. Let's take a look.

The Showdown

Vital Ground - Supply Lines - Crucible of Battle

Lowest of Men - Leagues of Votann:

Army List - Click to Expand


++ Army Roster (Xenos - Leagues of Votann) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment Choice: Oathband

Show/Hide Options: Legends are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Character +

Einhyr Champion [75pts]: A Long List, Mass hammer, Warlord, Weavefield crest

Einhyr Champion [80pts]: Grim Demeanour, Mass hammer, Weavefield crest

Grimnyr [90pts]: Wayfarer's Grace . 2x CORV: 2x Autoch-pattern bolter, 2x Close combat weapon

+ Battleline +

Hearthkyn Warriors [110pts]: Comms array, Medipack, Pan spectral scanner . 7x Hearthkyn Warrior: 7x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 7x Autoch-pattern bolter, 7x Close combat weapon . Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: HYLas auto rifle* . Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: Magna-rail rifle* . Theyn: Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon

+ Infantry +

Cthonian Beserks [100pts] . 4x Beserk: 4x Concussion maul . Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher: Concussion maul

Cthonian Beserks [100pts] . 4x Beserk: 4x Concussion maul . Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher: Concussion maul

Cthonian Beserks [100pts] . 4x Beserk: 4x Concussion maul . Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher: Concussion maul

Einhyr Hearthguard [300pts] . 9x Einhyr Hearthguard: 9x Concussion gauntlet, 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher, 9x Volkanite disintegrator . Hesyr: Concussion gauntlet, Volkanite disintegrator, Weavefield crest

Einhyr Hearthguard [150pts] . 4x Einhyr Hearthguard: 4x Concussion gauntlet, 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher, 4x Volkanite disintegrator . Hesyr: Concussion gauntlet, Volkanite disintegrator, Weavefield crest

+ Mounted +

Hernkyn Pioneers [90pts] . Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon . Hernkyn Pioneer w/ pan-spectral scanner . Hernkyn Pioneer w/ searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers [180pts] . 2x Hernkyn Pioneer: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x Magna-coil autocannon, 2x Plasma knife . 2x Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x HYLas rotary cannon, 2x Magna-coil autocannon, 2x Plasma knife . Hernkyn Pioneer w/ pan-spectral scanner . Hernkyn Pioneer w/ searchlight

+ Vehicle +

Hekaton Land Fortress [225pts]: Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sagitaur [100pts]: HYLas beam cannon

Sagitaur [100pts]: HYLas beam cannon

Sagitaur [100pts]: HYLas beam cannon

Sagitaur [100pts]: HYLas beam cannon

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



vs.

Wings - Necrons:

Army List - Click to Expand


Monolith Szeras (2000 Points)

Necrons Awakened Dynasty Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (160 Points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancements: Sempiternal Weave

Illuminor Szeras (185 Points) • Warlord • 1x Eldritch lance 1x Impaling legs

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Canoptek Cloak 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Veil of Darkness

Technomancer (60 Points) • 1x Canoptek Cloak 1x Staff of light

BATTLELINE

Immortals (70 Points) • 5x Immortal • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Tesla carbine

Necron Warriors (220 Points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (105 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator’s claws

Cryptothralls (60 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Cryptothralls (60 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Flayed Ones (70 Points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Flayed Ones (70 Points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lychguard (230 Points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Monolith (350 Points) • 4x Death ray 1x Particle whip 1x Portal of exile

Ophydian Destroyers (100 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Tomb Blades (80 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Particle beamer 3x Shadowloom 3x Shieldvanes

Thoughts

Wings: So, I think my advantage here is that, on the terrain we were playing on, I can afford to place the Monolith on the table - it's got a route to the mid-board, but enough stuff to hide behind that it's near certainly not going to get insta-killed. I can also deal pretty effectively with the bikes - I can either push them back into their deployment zone with Flayed Ones, or just murder them as they come out. My disadvantage is that the Hearthguard units are a Big Problem - they'll do horrendous stuff to my Warriors, and are no joke into Lychguard too. With the layered defences that come from having Transports, if my esteemed co-author is smart he can probably just parcel out his resources and grind me down, then take lots of late game scoring.

Happily, he got the first turn, which is a distinct advantage for me when the Monolith is down on the board, and that gave me a route to deal with this. Because he knows I can threaten a massive late game point swing with end-of-game scoring, if I focus on holding my home objective and one of the two no-man's land ones, he has to come to me, and I can hopefully focus on screening my Warriors from a Heathguard drop and grinding out everything he has to send at me.

This started reasonably well. I had set up my Flayed Ones reasonably cautiously, and he sent out a unit of bikes to deal with them, Grenading and shooting one, then trapping the other unit against a wall. That didn't help though - the Monolith could zap them out of combat, allowing the bikes to be brutally murdered, pushing forward a screen so the Hearthguard had no angle to drop and shoot the Warriors, and also happening to score Homers, which I drew. So far so good. Now, admittedly my Monolith did then have a tragic accident, chain failing all its saves, but that was still kind of fine - I'd priced in losing it as a possibility for the turn, and he'd sent forward some Beserks that now had nothing to do, having not unreasonably assumed that the Monolith wouldn't immediately fold to AP-2 shooting. These I swept up handily, and went on the offence with my Lychguard, and then made the crucial mistake that sealed my fate. They had charged into some Hearthguard, and popped Protocol of the Hungry Void for a bit of extra damage, but it turned out not to be enough extra damage, and in return the Champion popped Epic Challenge and killed my Technomancer. Who I did not then have 1CP to revive. Uh oh.

On the next turn, the Lychguard promptly died to a bunch of D2 shooting that would have been massively mitigated by a 5+ Feel No Pain, and the Hearthguard were free to sweep the Warriors, who I couldn't screen any longer. If the Lychguard had still been an operational force I think there would have been a game from there, but as it was I just didn't have the stuff less to make a difference. Szeras and my Command Barge went on a hail mary quest to try and flip the Votann home objective for Capture and an end-of-game Primary swing, but careful bully charges by Sagitaurs put paid to that dream, and I was roundly beaten.

Lowest of Men: Going into this tie I was aware of several things. First off, that Votann have shooting which can bring down Warrior or Lychguard bricks, but that actively bringing that to bear isn't easy, especially into a good player, and on good terrain. Secondly, that the Vital Ground mission and the nature of the Herts GT terrain (which boasts some choke points created by crates, which frankly makes the game a lot more interesting and means infantry don't have everything their own way all the time) meant that this would devolve into a fraught scrap on both flanks, with whoever broke through most decisively getting the juicier primary points. There was also a Monolith - this adds some genuine threat removal at range for the Necrons, and requires dealing with on my part alongside solving the Warrior / Lychguard problem.

I got first turn - from my perspective this is a negative. Wings has good OC in the Warriors and can play for the late game (he also has the Veil of Darkness to move the Warriors into fresh positions late on) which means I have to be agressive. The smaller utility units in the Necron list (Ophidians, Tomb Blades, Flayed Ones) can also serve an important role in this match up being thrown forward at a key moment to prevent the Hearthguard being able to drop or get into range of the Necron bricks, so I had to be proactive in eliminating these. As such I sacrificed a bike squad to keep the chaff occupied,  and allow my other units to push up. The bike squad ended my turn one parked all over the objective Wings would want to lock down with his Warriors for primary - this slowed them down, prevented any early push up via the Veil, and combined with wider screening meant I could reliably keep the Necrons in front of me all game.

There are a few big moments in the early game that Wings identifies above - a Monolith shouldn't cave to Land Fort / Sagitaur shooting alone, which meant my Bezerks died for nothing and went to waste, and the crucial moment was the Einhyr Champion slaying the Technomancer, rendering the Lychguard suddenly vulnerable to Bolt Cannon shooting. Before this I was swinging one flank with Hearthguard, and Wings the other with his Lychguard, and it's not impossible he breaks through the next turn if my hammer champ doesn't succeed in his task. The push by Szeras to take my homefield was glorious as he tanked a truly exorbitant amount of shooting on the way, but he didn't quite make it. As it was, once my Hearthguard had secured the 'Necron' half of the midboard I ran away on primary, but that doesn't do justice to how tight and hotly contested the first half of this game was, with the epic moment of a character duel creating the break through moment. I also never want to roll Hearthguard shooting into a Warrior brick ever again- what a time consuming, maddening exercise that is, a single Cryptothrall tanked all the Volkanite shooting on his own before they finally got the job done with the blast shots. At the Index level I'd say this is still Votann favoured - but how will the new Necron codex change things?! I for one am excited to find out, hopefully with a rematch into Wings very soon. Thanks for the game boss!

Result: 73-39 Votann Victory.

Clement Tournade - Aeldari - 1st Place

Credit: Quinn Radich

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

Farseer (80 Points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

Spiritseer (80 Points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 Points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

Troupe Master (55 Points) • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Troupe Master’s blade

Troupe Master (55 Points) • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Troupe Master’s blade

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Starweaver (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

Starweaver (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Night Spinner (180 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Fusion pistol • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Fusion pistol • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (115 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (115 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (340 Points) • 10x Wraithguard • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Wraithcannon

Archetype

Wraithguard and Spinners

Final Round Matchup

99-56 Victory vs Matthew Putney - Aeldari.

Thoughts

Mostly Aeldari business as usual, with the only divergence being the choice to take two loaded Starweavers instead of one. I think this was a good choice for the maps we were playing on - there was some good use of large crates with the ruin obscuring rule added to provide strong defensive positions, so extra speedy melee pressure was a definite asset. The Starweaver boats will do just that, and taking at least one is an increasingly popular choice, so if you thought you know everything the elves could throw at you, maybe learn what those do. Well done as ever to Clement on the win.

The Best of the Rest

  • 2nd - Lowest of Men - Leagues of Votann: See showdown. Long live Space Gandalf!
  • 3nd - Liam Callebout - Adeptus Custodes: All-rounder Custodes packing Venetari, Assassins and Caladius Tanks around a block each of Custodians and Wardens.
  • 4th - Mathew Putney - Aeldari: Avatar and Wraithguard.

Wrap Up

That's it for this week, but we've got another big one about to hit, the final UKTC supermajor of the year takes place in Leicester. I'm falling to the dark side and bringing my Aeldari, and I'm sure I'm not the only one, so will they reclaim their crown just before we start winding down for Christmas? Find out come Wednesday!

Tags: Space Marines | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | grey knights | Black Templars | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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