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Tactics | Warhammer 40k | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Goonhammer | Core Games | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Meta-morphosis pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Sep 29 2023
Lowest of Men is once again at the helm for part 2 this week, and it's a big one - we've got a mighty six events for you, including a late arrival from Europe.

Today we'll be covering:
  • Warzone Houston (major)
  • Invasion 40K (major)
  • Armed Forces Day (major)
  • Harbor Heresy
  • Icehammer
  • Carnage At The Outpost
On Wednesday we covered:
  • Flying Monkey Con (major)
  • Battle in the Bush (major)
  • Malta Grand Tournament 40K
  • Rooks 40k Open
  • ROC Hard GT

Warzone Houston 2023 GT

125-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Houston, TX, US on September 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Colin McDade - T'au Empire - 1st Place

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Make Tau Great Again (1995 Points)

T’au Empire Kauyon Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Commander Farsight (90 Points) • 1x Dawn Blade 1x High-intensity plasma rifle

Commander Shadowsun (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 Points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 3x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 Points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 3x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (270 Points) • 1x Broadside Shas’vre • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 1x Seeker missile 2x Shield Drone 1x Twin plasma rifle • 2x Broadside Shas’ui • 2x Crushing bulk 2x Heavy rail rifle 2x Seeker missile 4x Shield Drone 2x Twin plasma rifle

Crisis Battlesuits (360 Points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 5x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 5x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits (360 Points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 5x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 5x Shield Generator

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) • 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Kroot Hounds (30 Points) • 4x Kroot Hound • 4x Ripping fangs

Piranha (55 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha burst cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha burst cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Stealth Battlesuits (60 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Tetras (80 Points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras (80 Points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Archetype

Tau Goodstuff

Final Round Matchup

68 - 67 Victory against Justin Moore - Genestealer Cult.

Thoughts

Tau emerge much stronger from the recent changes, with a solid index boasting enormous damage handed points drops that enable them to couple their murderous shooting with enough mission play and utility to dominate the game. This build highlights most of what makes them so powerful at this moment in time- Lone Ops shenanigans and commitment-forcing durability via the Stealth Suits and Ghostkeel, Ion brick Crisis Teams that can drop down, hit the naughty button and delete God (and indeed themselves), and Tetras to help the output sing, especially once SUSTAINED HITS gets involved. One day maybe we should talk about GW sticking insanely powerful force multipliers on Forgeworld datasheets...

Broadsides and Farsight are both a natural inclusion now to shore up any weakness into very high toughness targets. This is Tau Goodstuff, and it will have its moment in the Shadowsun now, thank you very much. Congratulations to the Greater Good on a stormy victory!

Robert Moreland - Astra Militarum - 2nd Place

Lord Solar. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Guard narrative list (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Regiment Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 Points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt’s chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne’s lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin’s long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x ’Try Again’ Bragg • 1x Bragg’s autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife

Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin’s hooves 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Platoon Command Squad (60 Points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Medi-pack • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

Regimental Enginseer (45 Points) • 1x Archeotech pistol 1x Enginseer axe 1x Servo-arm

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (60 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Chainsword 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Cadian Shock Troops (60 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Chainsword 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Infantry Squad (60 Points) • 1x Sergeant • 1x Chainsword 1x Plasma pistol • 7x Guardsman • 7x Close combat weapon 6x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster • 1x Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy bolter 1x Heavy bolter 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy bolter 1x Heavy bolter 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellhound (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon

Hellhound (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon

Leman Russ Demolisher (200 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Co-axial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Stormsword (495 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Lascannon 2x Lascannon 1x Stormsword siege cannon 1x Twin heavy bolter 2x Twin heavy bolter 2x Twin heavy bolter

Tempestus Scions (55 Points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Plasma gun

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Guard Tank Company

Thoughts

A glorious showing from the Imperial Guard here, with a hull-heavy build that combines cheap objective contestation via Chimaera ferried troops, supported by a range of cheaper tanks and two heavy hitters in the Rogal Dorn and Stormsword. The Siege Cannon on the latter is absolutely hilarious, throwing out a huge number of d6+2 damage shots at ludicrous strength to break down even the hardest of targets, and triggering an AoE sprinkling of mortal wounds when it does so. Toughness 13 is a big ask in this post-Wraithknight world in which we are currently dwelling, and there are plenty of lists that don't have the Dev wound or modifier output to clear one of these. The Hellhounds are a sneaky choice, shuffling up the board and tagging stuff with flamers to remove cover for the rest of the tanks to go to town on. An extremely brutal list that looks very well cut out for 10th edition, congratulations.

Georg Bobkov - Chaos Space Marines - 3rd Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Strike at zero hour (2000 points) Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTER

Dark Commune (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cult Demagogue • Warlord • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Master of Possession (80 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Rite of Possession 1x Staff of possession

Master of Possession (80 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Rite of Possession 1x Staff of possession

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORT

Chaos Rhino (75 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (190 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen (110 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen • 3x Accursed weapon 3x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 2x Combi-weapon 1x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol

Chosen (110 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen • 3x Accursed weapon 3x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 2x Combi-weapon 1x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Obliterators (340 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Warp Talons (100 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Warp Talons (100 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Blue Scribes (65 points) • 1x Sharp quills

Archetype

CSM Goodstuff

Thoughts

Much like Tau, the Chaos Space Marines index is here to clean up after being hurt a lot less badly than some of its peers in the dataslate. CSM builds are increasingly going without Abaddon in order to spread the threats wider, as illustrated here. Accursed provide a tarpit, Chosen are basically 9th edition Drukhari in power armour, and Warp Talons and Daemons shore up the secondary game (Mark of Slaanesh on the former allows them to fall back and still shove Teleport Homers into the ground as per our current, slightly wavy 'action' ruleset).

The Masters of Possession here are a nice touch, giving the Chosen +1 to charge and a 6+ Feel no Pain, for added reach and a little bit more durability into the kinds of profiles that usually pick them up in reply. Most have been favouring the Chaos Lords but I can absolutely see the case for these customisations on the Chosen, who are typically only there to pin the opponent in and clear screens anyway. If the enemy can be held up by the Chosen wave for a turn it is usually too late for them to recover and get back into the game, especially with the insane output of Forgefiends and Obliterators raining down on them. Very nicely done Georg!

Jony Velazquez - Death Guard - 4th Place

Foetid Bloat-drone. Credit: Rockfish Foetid Bloat-drone. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
houston last minute (2000 points) Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTER

Death Guard Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 points) • 1x Curse of the Leper 1x Plague fist 1x Plague-encrusted exalted weapon • Enhancement: Deadly Pathogen

Typhus (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Chaos Spawn (70 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Death Guard Helbrute (140 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon

Deathshroud Terminators (125 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (125 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (125 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (300 points) • 3x Myphitic Blight-hauler • 3x Bile spurt 3x Gnashing maw 3x Missile launcher 3x Multi-melta

Plagueburst Crawler (165 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter 1x Rothail volley gun

Plagueburst Crawler (165 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter 1x Rothail volley gun

Plagueburst Crawler (165 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter 1x Rothail volley gun

Poxwalkers (50 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (50 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Archetype

Death Guard Groundskeepers

Thoughts

Your lawn is never going to be the same. Death Guard roll back the years and party like it's early 9th edition, with triple Mower-Drones and a bunch of Scythe-wielding Terminators in support. The Drones are obnoxious, speedy, and tough, and can spread the new suite of contagion bonuses up the board as the mass of shooting options get to work (Triple PBC continues to be mandatory for the 14th Legion). No Mortarion here, to free up points, just two excellent snipey characters in Typhus and the Terminator Sorceror who both bring a lot to their respective units OR drop in solo, and offer some added close range output. Typhus wouldn't want to hang out with his Primarch for too long anyway, it's been an awkward few thousand years... Epic to see Death Guard back out in force and placing high!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Will Davis - Necrons: Lychguard, Warriors, and Doomsday Arks, with some scoring Utility.
  • 6th - Keven Rand - Death Guard: Mortarion and Typhus lead an armoured column of tanks including PBCs and Predators to battle. We found it, we found the price point at which Predators get played. Only took the entire time I've been back in the game!
  • 7th - Justin Moore - Genestealer Cult: Neophytes, Acolytes, and Aberrants with the usual HQs.
  • 8th - Travis Gray - Space Wolves: Wolf Cavalry of all sorts riding out ahead of a Land Raider Redeemer, some Aggressors and a Ballistus Dreadnought.
  • 9th - Ryan Bridges - Drukhari: Lots of Kabalites and Wracks for mission play, with the obligatory arsenal of Dark Lances backing them up. Lelith and some Wyches make an appearance as the meta is shifting to being a lot more friendly towards her.
  • 10th - Colin Freitas - Adeptus Custodes: Double Calladius with Wardens and some Venatari.

Invasion 40k 2023

84-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Agder, NO on September 22 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sveinung Knutsen Nøding - Tyranids - 1st Place

Hive Tyrant. Credit: Rockfish Hive Tyrant. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
**Tyranids - Vanguard Detachment**

**Characters** [ 70] Deathleaper [ 85] Winged Prime, Hunting Grounds (+20) [ 95] Winged Prime, Neuronode (+30) [140] Old One Eye [225] Flyrant: Warlord, Chameleonic (+15)

**Other datasheets**

[ 75] 10 Gargoyles [ 75] 10 Gargoyles [ 75] 10 Gargoyles

[ 20] Ripper Swarm

[ 60] Lictor [ 60] Lictor

[ 65] Neurolictor [ 65] Neurolictor [ 65] Neurolictor

[ 30] Pyrovore [ 30] Pyrovore [ 75] Biovore

[110] 3 Zoanthropes [110] 3 Zoanthropes [125] Carnifex: Crushing Claws, Deathspitters, Bio-plasma, Spine Banks

[170] 6 Warriors (Melee) [170] 6 Warriors (Melee)

=1995

Archetype

Vanguard Tyranids

Thoughts

The Vanguard detachment always looked like a strong option for Tyranids coming out of the new book. Advance and charge is a hell of a drug, and this list spreads the threats wide with a great mix of cutting edge (Carnifexes, Zoans) mission playing chaff (Gargoyles) and deceptively nimble board presence (The Warriors led by Winged Primes, who carry the crucial VANGUARD INVADER keyword to get the party started- if you've ever been caught out by mixed movement profile Necron or Deathwatch units, get ready for some more of that!!).

There are some great enhancements in Vanguard and one of the tech choices here - Hunting Grounds, is especially funny against any armies looking to punch hard from reserves, forcing Battle-shocks on their units on a 2+ as they come in. This detachment pretty much put me into GSC retirement, and I am pleased to see Sveinung out taking names with it and bringing glory to the Hivemind, well done!

Rasmus Valand Fredriksen - Tau - 2nd Place

Firesight Marksman and Sniper Drones. Credit: Rockfish Firesight Marksman and Sniper Drones. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Tau Invasion (2000 points) T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTER

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

Firesight Team (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapons 1x Longshot pulse rifles 1x Pulse pistol

Firesight Team (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapons 1x Longshot pulse rifles 1x Pulse pistol

Firesight Team (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapons 1x Longshot pulse rifles 1x Pulse pistol

Longstrike (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (270 points) • 1x Broadside Shas’vre • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 1x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Shield Drone 1x Twin plasma rifle • 2x Broadside Shas’ui • 2x Crushing bulk 2x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 2x Seeker missile 2x Shield Drone 2x Twin plasma rifle

Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 15x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 5x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 15x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 5x Shield Generator

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Archetype

Tau Goodstuff

Thoughts

More Tau Goodstuff here, with the addition of Longstrike for an accurate hard target wrecker alongside the Broadsides. Piranha can roam ahead of the army and attempt to move block the enemy and punk any exposed targets- it is very, very good for Tau if they can total or trap an enemy transport before it rolls up to staging points in the midboard (a common feature of a lot of game plans right now), and they excel in this role. Three Firesight marksmen bring PRECISION sniping, Lone Op shenanigans, and cheap screening to the party. Shore up the backfield and punk any exposed enemy leaders, love it. Very well done on the top placing Rasmus!

Kenneth Lomeland - Space Marines 3rd Place

Black Templars Primaris Aggressors. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


ron (1985 Points)

Space Marines Iron Hands Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: Bolter Discipline

BATTLELINE

Heavy Intercessor Squad (105 Points) • 1x Heavy Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolt rifle • 4x Heavy Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Heavy bolt rifle 1x Heavy bolter

Heavy Intercessor Squad (105 Points) • 1x Heavy Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolt rifle • 4x Heavy Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Heavy bolt rifle 1x Heavy bolter

Heavy Intercessor Squad (105 Points) • 1x Heavy Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolt rifle • 4x Heavy Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Heavy bolt rifle 1x Heavy bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (200 Points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Power fist • 5x Aggressor • 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 5x Fragstorm grenade launcher 5x Power fist

Eradicator Squad (95 Points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (95 Points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

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

Inceptor Squad (115 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

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

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Thunderfire Cannon (90 Points) • 1x Techmarine Gunner • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Gunner’s servo-arms 1x Plasma cutter • 1x Thunderfire Cannon • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Thunderfire cannon

Archetype

Space Marine Gravis and Hulls

Thoughts

The Marine points drops are still sinking in and being explored, but Gravis armour of all stripes appears to have benefitted massively. Heavy Intercessors are cheap and durable, Inceptors continue to offer a massively flexible deep strike threat (the SUSTAINED on their bolters gives this variant a greater overwatch threat and is fantastic when combined with Oaths of Moment), and Repulsors are looking priced to move. The Aggressor / Biologis combo is here once again as a means of solving most problems, and this list really does throw out a wide range of tough, punchy units to outmuscle the foe with. Awesome work Kenneth!

Bjørn Olsen - Orks - 4th Place

Credit: Tom Alexander

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Invasion 2023 (1995 points) Orks Strike Force (2000 points) Waaagh! Tribe

CHARACTER

Ghazghkull Thraka (235 points) • 1x Ghazghkull Thraka • Warlord • 1x Gork’s Klaw 1x Mork’s Roar • 1x Makari • 1x Makari’s stabba

Mad Dok Grotsnik (65 points) • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga 1x ’Urty syringe

Painboss (85 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw, grot orderly • Enhancement: Follow Me Ladz

Weirdboy (55 points) • 1x Weirdboy staff 1x ’Eadbanger

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Slugga

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (210 points) • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga • 19x Beast Snagga Boy • 19x Choppa 19x Slugga

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

Boyz (85 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

Boyz (85 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

Boyz (85 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

Boyz (85 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

Boyz (170 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 19x Boy • 19x Choppa 19x Slugga

Boyz (85 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

Gretchin (80 points) • 2x Runtherd • 2x Grot-smacka 2x Slugga • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta

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

Meganobz (60 points) • 2x Meganob • 2x Twin killsaw

Mekboy Workshop (80 points)

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

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 • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun

Archetype

GREEN TIDE!!

Thoughts

Ok, ok, ok. Picture the scene. You and the Boyz are all lined up ready with your Trukk tickets, only to be informed the route has been blocked by some Warp Spiders and you'll have to wait for a replacement Squig service. Might as well just roll out on foot right? Orks can't be waiting around! That certainly seems to be the logic here, with an absolute wave of Ork bodies (very 8th edition) lining up with Ghazgull to lead them into glorious combat. This will quite literally flood the board, and a lot of armies are too busy gearing up to pop each others tanks to rally enough volume of fire to deal with it. Green Tide is back, baby! I hope you are able to rest your back this week Bjorn, very well done.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Sondre Skar - Chaos Space Marines: CSM Goodstuff with Daemon allies and Abaddon riding solo.
  • 6th - Jonathan Arkin - Orks: Trukk mounted Boys with Mozrog, a Squigasaur Boss and a pack of Squighog Boyz.

Armed Forces Day 6

65-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lockport, IL, US on September 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Vital Ground - Crucible of Battle - Chilling Rain

Tyler White - Astra Militarum
Army List - Click to Expand


++ Army Roster (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment: Combined Regiment

+ Epic Hero +

Lord Solar Leontus [125pts]: Conquest, Konstrain's Hooves, Sol's Righteous Gaze, Warlord

+ Character +

Death Korps Marshal [70pts]: Death Mask of Ollanius, Laspistol, Power Weapon

Platoon Command Squad [60pts]

. Platoon Commander: Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Pistol, Power Fist . Veteran Guardsman: Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol . Veteran Guardsman w/ Master Vox: Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol, Master Vox . Veteran Guardsman w/ Medi-pack: Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol, Medi-pack . Veteran Guardsman w/ Regimental Standard: Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol, Regimental Standard

Primaris Psyker [60pts]: Force Weapon, Laspistol, Psychic Maelstrom

+ Battleline +

Cadian Shock Troops [60pts]

. 1 Shock Trooper Sergeant and 9 Shock Troopers

. . 9x Shock Trooper: 9x Close Combat Weapon, 9x Lasgun . . Shock Trooper Sergeant

. . . Laspistol and Chainsword: Chainsword, Laspistol

Death Korps of Krieg [130pts]

. 2 Death Korps Watchmaster and 18 Death Korps Troopers

. . 15x Death Korps Trooper: 15x Close Combat Weapon, 15x Lasgun . . Death Korps Trooper w/ Death Korps Medi-pack: Close Combat Weapon, Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Lasgun . . 2x Death Korps Trooper w/ Plasma Gun: 2x Close Combat Weapon, 2x Lasgun, 2x Plasma Gun . . Watchmasters

. . . Death Korps Watchmaster: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon . . . Death Korps Watchmaster: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon

+ Infantry +

Tempestus Scions [55pts]

. Tempestor: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol . Tempestus Scion: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun . Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun . Tempestus Scion w/ Special Weapon: Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun . Tempestus Scion w/ Vox-caster: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Vox-caster

+ Vehicle +

Manticore [150pts]: Armoured Tracks, Heavy Bolter, Storm Eagle Rockets

Manticore [150pts]: Armoured Tracks, Heavy Bolter, Storm Eagle Rockets

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [260pts]: Armoured tracks, Heavy Stubber, Pulveriser Cannon

. 2 Additional Heavy Stubbers: 2x Heavy Stubber . 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta . Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon: Co-axial Autocannon, Oppressor Cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [260pts]: Armoured tracks, Heavy Stubber, Pulveriser Cannon

. 2 Additional Heavy Stubbers: 2x Heavy Stubber . 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta . Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon: Co-axial Autocannon, Oppressor Cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [260pts]: Armoured tracks, Heavy Stubber, Pulveriser Cannon

. 2 Additional Heavy Stubbers: 2x Heavy Stubber . 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta . Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon: Co-axial Autocannon, Oppressor Cannon

Scout Sentinels [120pts]

. Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw . Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw

Scout Sentinels [120pts]

. Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw . Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw

Scout Sentinels [120pts]

. Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw . Scout Sentinel: Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Lascannon, Sentinel Chainsaw

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



vs.

Nick Hiatt - Chaos Space Marines
Army List - Click to Expand


++ Army Roster (Chaos - Chaos Space Marines) [1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment Choice: Slaves to Darkness

+ Character +

Chaos Lord [95pts]: Khorne, Plasma pistol, Power fist, Talisman of Burning Blood, Warlord

+ Battleline +

Cultist Mob [55pts]: 9x Autopistol and brutal assault weapon, Nurgle

. Cultist Champion: Autopistol and brutal assault weapon

+ Infantry +

Chosen [220pts]: Chaos icon, Khorne

. 4x Chosen w/ boltgun: 4x Accursed weapon, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun . 2x Chosen w/ combi-weapon and bolt pistol: 2x Accursed weapon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Combi-weapon . 2x Chosen w/ paired accursed weapons and bolt pistol: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Paired accursed weapons . 2x Chosen w/ power fist and bolt pistol: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Boltgun, 2x Power fist

Chosen [220pts]: Chaos icon, Khorne

. 4x Chosen w/ boltgun: 4x Accursed weapon, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun . 2x Chosen w/ combi-weapon and bolt pistol: 2x Accursed weapon, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Combi-weapon . 2x Chosen w/ paired accursed weapons and bolt pistol: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Paired accursed weapons . 2x Chosen w/ power fist and bolt pistol: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Boltgun, 2x Power fist

Possessed [280pts]: Chaos icon, Slaanesh

. 10x Possessed: 10x Hideous mutations

+ Vehicle +

Forgefiend [180pts]: Chaos Undivided

. 2 ectoplasma cannons . Ectoplasma cannon and limbs

Forgefiend [180pts]: Chaos Undivided

. 2 ectoplasma cannons . Ectoplasma cannon and limbs

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chaos Rhino [75pts]: Combi-weapon, Havoc launcher, Nurgle

Chaos Rhino [75pts]: Combi-weapon, Havoc launcher, Nurgle

+ Allied Units +

Flesh Hounds [70pts]

. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Collar of Khorne, 4x Gore-drenched fangs . Gore Hound

The Blue Scribes [65pts]

War Dog Brigand [160pts]: Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand [160pts]: Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand [160pts]: Havoc multi-launcher

++ Total: [1,995pts] ++

Thoughts

Ok, an absolute classic in this showdown, as the big damn heroes of the Astra Militarum face down one of the more established Meta threats in the Chaos Space Marines. Nick's CSM list boasts a lot of the units you'd expect - Forgefiends for heavy shooting, Chosen for yeeting and screen clearing, and an enormous death brick of Slaanesh Possessed for tearing a whole in the fabric of reality itself if they make combat. Instead of Obliterators Nick has gone for several War Dogs for cheaper go-wide shooting. There is a real low Mark of Nurgle count on display here, saving that for the Rhinos, and I do wonder if that limits Nick's ability to no-sell the enemy in a serious shoot out. Which is funny, because...

Here comes a serious shoot out. Tyler has slammed THREE Rogal Dorn into his list, to truly embody the spirit of Armed Forces Day. Sentinels and some chaff stand in the way, as the Dorn tanks and a backline of Manticore go to work. The latter are a MASSIVE problem for CSM that don't have access to Nurgle protection, as the rerolls into large squads and damage three just annihilate elite infantry like the Possessed. This is a match up where the no-line of sight turn that Obliterators offer you would have been invaluable for picking up some tanks BEFORE stepping out to try and go toe to toe. If the Militarum can screen any late arrivals from the CSM and deflect the Chosen attack, their Tanks are very good value in a slugfest with the CSM backline. As it is it doesn't look like the Armigers and Forgefiends were able to stand up to the withering Guard shooting, allowing for a solid late game swing on the generous Vital Ground primary. This must have been quite an epic game to witness.

Result

Astra Militarum Victory - 92 - 73

Tyler White - Astra Militarum - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Astra Militarum Rogal Dornstuff

Final Round Matchup

92 - 73 Victory against Nick Hiatt - Chaos Space Marines

Thoughts

I was worried that Rogal Dornstuff might be dead. I need not have been. Congratulations Tyler for showcasing the power of this ludicrous, beautiful tank. Manticore are wonderful tech for the CSM game and not too shabby into a whole host of match ups now many armies are going lighter on artillery tech. Watch out!

Pajama Pants - Chaos Space Marines - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Unforeseen Circumstances (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Slaves to Darkness Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 Points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Dark Commune (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

BATTLELINE

Legionaries (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Legionary • 6x Astartes chainsword 9x Bolt pistol 1x Chaos Icon 9x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon 1x Missile launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (190 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Helbrute (140 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Multi-melta

Obliterators (340 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Venomcrawler (120 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 2x Excruciator cannon 1x Soulflayer tendrils and claws

Venomcrawler (120 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 2x Excruciator cannon 1x Soulflayer tendrils and claws

Venomcrawler (120 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 2x Excruciator cannon 1x Soulflayer tendrils and claws

Archetype

CSM Goodstuff

Thoughts

Most of the conventional tools on display here, but a nice run out for three Venomcrawlers, who are coming in at quite a nice, efficient price point these days. Mark of Tzeentch allows them to proc LETHAL HITS on 5s when Pacting, throwing down more wounds onto a harge target as required, and they have massive bases for screening and blocking space. I assume Abaddon was leading the big brick of Legionaries, a much cheaper way of delivering him safely to his favourite place, most of the way through the wreckage of your opponent's favourite units. Some cool tech on display here.

Derek Glassman - Astra Militarum - 3rd Place

Lord Castellan Ursala Creed. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
afd (1995 points) Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTER

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin’s hooves 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Platoon Command Squad (60 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Medi-pack • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

Ursula Creed (55 points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Infantry Squad (60 points) • 1x Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 7x Guardsman • 7x Close combat weapon 6x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster • 1x Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

OTHER DATASHEETS

Armoured Sentinels (210 points) • 3x Armoured Sentinel • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Hunter-killer missile 3x Lascannon 3x Sentinel chainsaw

Armoured Sentinels (210 points) • 3x Armoured Sentinel • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Hunter-killer missile 3x Lascannon 3x Sentinel chainsaw

Earthshaker Carriage Battery (120 points) • 1x Battery close combat weapons 1x Earthshaker cannon

Hellhound (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Hellhound (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Battle Tank (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Leman Russ battle cannon 2x Plasma cannon

Leman Russ Battle Tank (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Leman Russ battle cannon 2x Plasma cannon

Manticore (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm eagle rockets

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Tempestus Scions (110 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

ALLIED UNITS

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

Eversor Assassin (75 points) • 1x Executioner pistol 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet

Archetype

Mixed Astra Militarum

Thoughts

More guard success here, with this mixed arms build from Derek. Assassins help shore up scoring as the Tanks go to work, and guard appear well placed to combine cheap mission play with lots of efficient shooting units, and to take advantage of being one of the few armies left fighting the artillery wars. Nicely done Derek!

Matt Lamore - Chaos Knights - 4th Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


12th Circle of Hel (1990 points) Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTER

War Dog Stalker (150 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Slaughterclaw * This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Huntsman (150 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Huntsman (150 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Changeling (90 points) • 1x Infernal Flames 1x The Trickster’s Staff

Archetype

Armiger Daemons

Thoughts

Chaos Knight Armigers and Daemons - you know the drill! Run through walls, shut down primary, spook the enemy, and whittle them down in a hail of bullets. Super effective and all the more so with Nurglings and the Changeling for utility work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - James R Fisher - Aeldari: Double Avatar, Fire Prisms, Warp Spiders. Still works!
  • 6th - Kevin Leonard - Chaos Daemons: List of the weekend. Double Great Unclean One and Rotigus leading a tide of Nurgle Daemons.
  • 7th - Trevor Sandoval - Tyranids: Vanguard Nids with lots of BIG BUGS and a Norn Emissary.
  • 8th - Nick Hiatt - Chaos Space Marines: The CSM List from the Showdown.
  • 9th - Douglas Miller - Death Guard: Zombies, artillery, Mower Drones, and Deathshroud led by Morty and Typhus.
  • 10th - Michael Schietinger - Orks: Loads of speedy MSU with Bikers, Squigs, and deadly mounted Characters.

Harbor Heresy 2023

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hoquiam, WA, US on September 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Dawn of War - Chilling Rain

Lukas Troller - Chaos Knights
Army List - Click to Expand
what the dawg doin'? (1995 points) Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

------------------------------------ imagine playing Eldar ------------------------------------

CHARACTER

War Dog Stalker (175 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw • Enhancement: Aura of Terror * This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Huntsman (150 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Huntsman (150 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw


vs.

Nicolas Ohlsen-Johnson - Leagues of Votann
Army List - Click to Expand
Greetins friend. Grab a drink, have a seat and listen here while I tell ye the tale of the greatest Kahl there ever was. Our story begins on a dark and dreary night in an abode such as this one, although much less lively. He was known by many names, Grudges End, The Hammer of Rettfer, The Grim… But his true name was Unnvyr Thundryk. One night Unnvyr was sittin alone, the drink his only company. You wouldn't’ve known it but he was the greatest Kahl in this galaxy or the next. At least… he had been. Somethin happened out there on one of his last expeditions. Rumor says he lost faith in his Kin but really they lost faith in him. Their victories were fewer, their spoils growin smaller and smaller with each passing battle. One by one his Kin left his warband to seek out more lucrative opportunities until he was all alone. And that’s when he came home. Hung up his hammer on one of them hooks and took a seat.

The sad part is the Kin didn’t fare much better without him. Their expeditions were met with violent opposition. It seemed the rest of the galaxy had adapted to the times but we were lost. It took some time, but the longer he was gone the more people started to murmur. What had happened to the once great Unnvyr? Would he ever return to lead them to glory once again? Soon the Kin were calling for his name. Hell, even some of the other races were eagerly awaitin his return. But there was no answer. No glorious reawakening. And we all feared he had been lost to the void, forevermore.

Now don’t get all glum, this tale ain’t over yet. You’ll need another drink cause this is the part where things heat up. See, Unnvyr wasn’t sittin there all depressed. No, no, no. He was waitin, bidin his time, letting things brew. Lettin the anger brew, the resentment, the in-dig-nation. And ooooh, brew it did. The Kin reached a tippin point, all that rage and angst was bubblin over with no one to focus it and that's when he returned. I was there that night, getting rowdy with the rest of the rabble, when he stirred from his stupor. He looked up from his drink and took a good look around. Now at this point no one had noticed and he swept that gaze over all of us before he locked eyes with me. Me of all people! Can you believe it? Those piercin blue eyes they saw me. Not just the me you see sitting before ye, they saw into my very soul. It was like lookin into the face of the ancestors themselves. In that moment, if he had asked me to sprint into the void I would have gone hootin and hollerin.

Unnvyr did that to everyone there, seein them for who they truly were and by the end of it that room was still as a vat-skein. Coulda heard a bolt drop in that silence. Without a word he stood up, grabbed his hammer, and marched out the door. That night many oaths were sworn, many grudges were made. We were itchin to take our wrath out on something and ancestors damn whatever stood in our way.

He will lead us, his dark cloud of vengeance, with ruthless efficiency. Soon the galaxy shall remember the unequivocal, unavoidable, unrelentin JUDGMENT of the Kin! So what are ye doin? Finish that drink up, grab ye weapon and join us. The ancestor’s watch over us. Unnvyr Thundryk watches over us. And we? Well we watch out for each other. It's time for the Kin to return.

Return of the Kin(g) (1970 Points)

Leagues of Votann Oathband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Unnvyr Thundryk the Hammer of Rettfer - Kâhl (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

Styrdah the Undying - Einhyr Champion (85 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Darkstar axe 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: Wayfarer’s Grace

Buldhur the Shield-Anvil - Einhyr Champion (80 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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 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 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

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

Thoughts

Rock and Stone Nicholas, that was a lovely lovely list backstory that absolutely didn't throw me and make me think someone else was editing this week... For the second week in a row the Chaos Knight / Votann showdown pops up! This is a very finely poised match up with the Dwarves more than capable of wrecking Wardogs with their high volume shooting, Grav, and easy access to +1 to wound. The Chaos Knights certainly have game though, with their melta strong enough to rinse through Votann vehicles and Thunderkyn, and Karnivores more than capable of wrecking dwarves in combat. Ultimately this match up comes down a little to dice, timing, and positioning. End of turn is big, as are any opportunities presented to sneak a unit in via Rapid Ingress and make a play behind the main ruckus - something Chaos Knights excel at. If the Votann get a little caught out with their placement of Judgement tokens they can find themselves struggling to punch up, and things can get bogged down from there. As it is, it looks like Lukas was just able to snatch victory with his Armiger list and send the Kin packing.

Result

Chaos Knights Victory - 67 - 66

Lukas Troller - Chaos Knights - 1st Place

War Dog - Stalker. Credit: Rockfish War Dog - Stalker. Credit: Rockfish

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Armiger Spam

Final Round Matchup

67 - 66 Victory against Nicolas Ohlsen-Johnson - Leagues of Votann.

Thoughts

Lukas is a very talented player and has evidently mastered the timing, layering and combination play of the Armiger list. Keeping a steady feed of OC out into key areas and utilising your debuffs to muscle through the enemy in the late game is key. Congratulations!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on X-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Tanner Hebert - Chaos: Plague Marine Rhino Rush backed up by a Cerastus Knight Castigator. Tasty!
  • 3rd - Nicolas Ohlsen-Johnson - Leagues of Votann: The Votann list from the Showdown.
  • 4th - Mitchell Pelham - Space Wolves: Thunderwolf Cavalry supported by a Stormwolf, epic.
  • 5th - Donald Plummer - Tau: Tau Goodstuff. Ooo a Sky Ray!

Icehammer Single GT 2023

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Новосибирск, Новосибирская обл., Россия on September 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Stepan Zotov - Blood Angels - 1st Place

Blood Angels Death Company Blood Angels Death Company. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Team: Тайная Команда + Player: Степан Зотов + Army name: "Ангелы Крови" + HIN: 334 + ARMY FACTIONS USED: Blood Angels + Total cost: 2000 pts ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

==Battalion Detachment== Flesh Tearers HQ1: Captain Tycho [75pts] HQ2: Captain in Gravis Armour (80), Artisan of War [100ps] HQ3: Chaplain Lemartes [110pts] HQ4: Phobos Librarian (75) Icon of the Angel (10) [85pts]

Troops1: 5 man Incursors (85) [85pts] Troops2: 6 man Eradicator Squad (190), 2 Multi-Meltas [190pts] Troops3: Scout Sniper Squad (75), Missile Launcher [75pts]

Elites1: 5 man Command Squad (165), 3 Grav-Pistols, 2 Storm Shields, 2 Lascannons [165pts] Elites2: Librarian Dreadnought (170), Meltagun [170pts] Elites3: Death Company Dreadnought (165), Twin Furioso Fists, Meltagun, Heavy Flamer, Grapnel Launcher [165pts]

FA1: 10 man Death Company Marines with Jump Pack (260), 10 Power Fists, 10 Inferno Pistols [260pts] FA2: 3 man Inceptor Squad, Plasma Exterminators [115pts] FA3: Land Speeder Typhoon (100), Mulit-Melta [100pts]

HS1: 3 man Eliminators (75), 2 Las Fusils, Carbine [75pts] HS2: Predator Annihilator (130), 2 Lascannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm Bolter [130pts]

DT1: Razorback (100), Twin Lascannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm Bolter [100pts]

Archetype

Blood Angels Mixed Arms

Final Round Matchup

20 - 0 Victory against Danila " Loken " Dolgov - Grey Knights.

Thoughts

Blood Angels have some sensational tools in their index and many of them are cheaper and safer in the current meta game than they have been. Death Company absolutely slap, the Librarian Dread can teleport a damage dealing unit into the enemy at a moment of your choosing, and the Death Company Dreadnought is a hilarious damage dealer when it gets going. Congratulations on a storming victory Stepan!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 or 3-1-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Daniil Zhadan - Orks: Mozrog, Badruk and Flash Gitz, Kommandos and some Grot Tanks!
  • 3rd - Евгений Кутькин - Aeldari: Asurmen Avengers with the Avatar of Khaine and a bunch of War Walkers
  • 4th - Danila " Loken " Dolgov - Grey Knights: Triple Librarian GK - this is gonna be around more, buckle up.
  • 5th - Leonid "Lork" Ryuklov - Orks: More Ork Goodstuff with some Deffkoptas for flavour.
  • 6th - Владислав Вишняков - Leagues of Votann: ahh yes, 18 Pioneers. It was only a matter of time at their current points. Don't go second into this. MSU in support with two Land Forts.

Carnage At The Outpost

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on September 23 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mike Porter - Aeldari - 1st Place

Harlequins Troupe Master. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Eldar (1995 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Death Jester (105 Points) Warlord • 1x Jester’s blade 1x Shrieker cannon • Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

Death Jester (90 Points) • 1x Jester’s blade 1x Shrieker cannon

Fuegan (115 Points) • 1x Searsong 1x The Fire Axe

Solitaire (115 Points) • 1x Solitaire weapons

Troupe Master (55 Points) • Warlord • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon

BATTLELINE

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 3x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 3x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 3x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 3x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (75 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Fusion pistol 1x Harlequin’s special weapon • 4x Player • 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin’s special weapon 3x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Shadow Spectres (95 Points) • 5x Shadow Spectre • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Prism rifle

Skyweavers (95 Points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Star bolas

Skyweavers (95 Points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Star bolas

Voidweaver (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Prismatic cannon 2x Shuriken cannon

Voidweaver (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Prismatic cannon 2x Shuriken cannon

Voidweaver (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Prismatic cannon 2x Shuriken cannon

Archetype

Harlequins with the Yncarne

Final Round Matchup

94 - 64 Victory against Chris Cuerden - Space Wolves.

Thoughts

Look, I've heard your whining. I've heard it plenty. But Harlequins aren't bad until Mike Porter says so, ok? This list spreads the threats and nuisances wide, with tonnes of boats and bodies to choke up space and play the mission. Harlies may be made of wet tissue paper these days, but that only means the opponent has to overthink every single move they make lest the Yncarne suddenly turn up and start the no-heads dance for everybody else in the area.

Voidweavers can trigger Battle-shock which offers a little bit of extra heft to swing objectives if required - three tests should force a fail (SHOULD). I think it's lovely that the Harlequins let Fuegan tag along because he is simply too neat right now not to. Congratulations on another triumph Mike!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Stephen Box - Black Templars: An exceptionally cool double Land Raider Black Templars list. Great to see the Emperor's Champion out, what a badass.
  • 3rd - Jacob Wells - Grey Knights: GK Terminators and Utility.
  • 4th - Charles Gould - Genestealer Cult: Acolyte / Neophyte spam with a lonely Earthshaker Carriage Battery in the back.

Wrap Up

That's it for this week, but Big Warhammer isn't stopping any time soon - make sure to check in next time to see how the LGT went down.

Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | tyranids | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | Harlequins | Orks | Astra Militarum | tau | Competitive Innovations | Votann

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