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Goonhammer | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Dark Is Rising pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Nov 10 2023
We have failed, failed in our scheduling this week, as after the Aeldari still took the crowns on Wednesday, today the forces of Chaos and the Imperium are taking names all over, with the World Eaters leading the charge. We could have coined "World Eaters Wednesday" as a thing! What a missed opportunity.

Lowest of Men is in charge today, and will be covering:
  • The California Cup '23
  • Atomic City Warzone
  • PCG Hosts the Lightly Salted Fall GT
  • The Hogtowner 2023
  • BOLTERCON GT 2023
  • Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament @ XPG
You may notice one extra in there - Archon Skari has shared some thoughts about winning the GT@XPG with Drukhari, which is sure to be of interest to anyone who loves the Dark Kin.

Check out Wings' Part 1 from Wednesday for:
  • Raccoon Rumble 2023: WH40K
  • MID-MO Maelstrom
  • Flames of Autumn 2023
  • Hobart GT 2023
  • OP’s V Is For Volkite GT
  • Other Realms Final Stand Grand Tournament

The California Cup '23

96-player, 9-round Major in San Diego, California, US on November 03 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold

Anthony Vanella - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband):
Army List - Click to Expand
Just Boomerin’ Around (1975 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points) • Warlord • 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (80 Points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (140 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward’s Bane 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 Points) • 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

World Eaters Master of Executions (105 Points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (200 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Berzerker chainblade 7x Bolt pistol 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Khorne Berzerker • 3x Berzerker chainblade 3x Bolt pistol 1x Khornate eviscerator 1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Eightbound chainfist 2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (300 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

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


vs.

Alex Spathopoulos - Dark Angels (Unforgiven Task Force):
Army List - Click to Expand
Hellblasters No transport (1995 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Unforgiven Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ancient in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • Enhancements: Pennant of Remembrance

Azrael (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lion’s Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Shroud of Heroes

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwing Command Squad (420 Points) • 1x Deathwing Ancient • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Apothecary • 1x Chainfist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Champion • 1x Halberd of Caliban • 7x Deathwing Command Terminator • 7x Storm Shield 7x Thunder hammer

Hellblaster Squad (250 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 9x Plasma incinerator

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Ravenwing Darkshroud (125 Points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon

Repulsor Executioner (220 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 (220 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 (220 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

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (21), Data Version: v299

Thoughts

Have you heard the one about the unstoppable force and the immovable object? Of course you have, you play 40k and half the armies in the game lean into one or other of these ideals! In the World Eaters corner we have an absolute slew of axe toting nutters ready to stage across the board and project threat, with the ever present possibility of a trap sprung via Overwhelming Force (preventing fall back from Exalted Eightbound on a failed leadership test) to turn a difficult situation into a fatal one. Multiple characters capable of killing God himself stalk the lines (If you've not looked up what a World Eaters Master of Executions does by now the best thing to do is just wait and see what happens when you play against one if i'm honest, don't spoil the surprise for yourself), and Angron adds speedy hard target removal as well as, you know, low key immortality to the mix.

The Dark Angels certainly don't want to party with this up close, but fortunately they have both spoiler and slayer potential in the Deathwing speed bump and the heavy guns of the Repulsor Executioners. World Eaters are fast and deadly, but they absolutely will die if picked off by good quality shooting - the Hellblasters here could do an absolute number on any of the profiles arrayed against them too. Cat and mouse, stalwart gunline against raving pressure list, a tale as old of time. Take and Hold is a generous primary mission that can reward both dying for the cause early on AND a cautious play for the end game swing, so this one comes down to the minutiae of getting the jump on the enemy first, ticking off the secondary scoring, and avoiding any fatal mistakes early on. As it is, it looks like the World Eaters were able to edge home to victory through bloody minded force of will...

Result

World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) Victory - 76 - 70

Anthony Vanella - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Just Boomerin’ Around (1975 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points) • Warlord • 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (80 Points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (140 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward’s Bane 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (130 Points) • 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

World Eaters Master of Executions (105 Points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (200 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Berzerker chainblade 7x Bolt pistol 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (100 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Khorne Berzerker • 3x Berzerker chainblade 3x Bolt pistol 1x Khornate eviscerator 1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Eightbound chainfist 2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (300 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

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

Archetype

World Eaters Goodstuff

Final Round Matchup

76 - 70 Victory against Alex Spathopoulos - Dark Angels (Unforgiven Task Force).

Thoughts

Oh Anthony, what have you done? Between your letting the secret out that World Eaters can actually be very good, and the stone cold bargain that is the upcoming Christmas box, we can expect to see an awful lot of Vanella-lite devotees of Khorne in the next few months (brace yourself for events from January onwards). World Eaters are fast, punchy, score like champions and have heavy hitters that can crush almost any target they set their mind to. Coming in hot in 2024, mark my words. Congratulations on the top placing.

Alex Spathopoulos - Dark Angels (Unforgiven Task Force) - 2nd Place

Dark Angel Hellblasters led by a Librarian (Credit: Musterkrux)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hellblasters No transport (1995 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Unforgiven Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ancient in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • Enhancements: Pennant of Remembrance

Azrael (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lion’s Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Shroud of Heroes

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwing Command Squad (420 Points) • 1x Deathwing Ancient • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Apothecary • 1x Chainfist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Champion • 1x Halberd of Caliban • 7x Deathwing Command Terminator • 7x Storm Shield 7x Thunder hammer

Hellblaster Squad (250 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 9x Plasma incinerator

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Ravenwing Darkshroud (125 Points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon

Repulsor Executioner (220 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 (220 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 (220 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

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (21), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Dark Angels Unforgiven

Thoughts

It is extremely rare to see the Unforgiven Task Force out in the world, so I shall endeavour to unpack some of the tricks for you here. The detachment rule is mild but not insignificant, allowing even your battle-shocked units to retain OC1, making objective shenanigans and primary play harder to leverage against them (sorry Neurolictors). The Pennant of Remembrance on the Terminator Ancient gives that squad access to a permanent 6+++ and a 4+++ when battle-shocked - situational, but obnoxious as hell when it goes off! It gives you a bit of that DWK flavour without the same mad outlay, which frees up resources for all those sweet, sweet guns. A powerful and flexible build that does something a bit different too, very well done Alex!

Innes Wilson - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 3rd Place

Iron Warriors Chaos Lord and Space Marines. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++ Player: Innes "just here so Ben doesn't win" Wilson Team: Stat Check Army Faction: Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons Detachment: Slaves to Darkness Total Points: 1985

Enhancements: N/A Warlord: Chaos Lord

Bring it Down: 12 Assassination: 20 +++++++++++++

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

BL: 10 Cultist Mob, 7 Cultist Firearm, Heavy Stubber, Flamer, Grenade Launcher - [55] Mark of Nurgle

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Chaos Undivided

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

++Daemomic Pact

EH: Syll'Esske- [120]

EH: The Blue Scribes - [65]

BL: 3 Nurgling - [35]

++The Lost and the Damned

BL: 5 Rubric Marines, Icon of Flame, 3 Warpflamers, Warpflame Pistol, Soulreaper Cannon - [105]

Archetype

CSM Goodstuff

Thoughts

CSM Goodstuff in the mould of Liam VSL here, with loads of mission play, outrageous shooting with the ability to no-sell the enemy via the Nurgle stratagem, and all the Daemon allies you've come to expect. Some Rubrics add an additional trade / harassment / objective play piece to the fray, with some much needed OC2 for those early back and forths before you bring the hammer(s) down. Very nicely done.

Brad Chester - Dark Angels (Vanguard Spearhead) - 4th Place

Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
death ninja Kung fu force (1990 points) Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Vanguard Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Ancient in Terminator Armour (100 points) • 1x Terminator Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: The Blade Driven Deep

Librarian in Phobos Armour (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite • Enhancement: Shadow War Veteran

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion fists 1x Centurion missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion • 2x Centurion fists 2x Centurion missile launcher 2x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion fists 1x Centurion missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion • 2x Centurion fists 2x Centurion missile launcher 2x Twin lascannon

Deathwing Command Squad (210 points) • 1x Deathwing Ancient • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Apothecary • 1x Chainfist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Champion • 1x Halberd of Caliban • 2x Deathwing Command Terminator • 2x Storm Shield 2x Thunder hammer

Devastator Squad (120 points) • 1x Devastator Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Thunder hammer • 4x Devastator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Grav-cannon

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

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

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

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 1x Helix Gauntlet 1x Infiltrator Comms Array 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Scout Squad (55 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes shotgun 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes shotgun 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (27), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Vanguard Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A real mix of tools on display here in this Vanguard list, which packs some nasty infantry shooting on Devastators and Centurions to take advantage of redeployment shenanigans, and compliments them with a strong deep striking and forward deploying contingent. Inceptors are still brilliant, adding the ability to simply run away from charges helps the chaff cause mischief in the mid board, and the small forward deploying Terminator squad clocks in at about the right level of investment in Blade Driven Deep antics to avoid wasting tonnes of points on forward holdings. Vanguard are harder to play than Ironstorm but have plenty going for them and may well see more use once the herd hit up against the top of the meta and realise they might need to dig a little deeper... Very nicely done on the finish.

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the players on 5-1 prior to the top eight cut were:
  • 5th - Arthur Tu  - Word Bearers: Melee heavy CSM with one big brick of Obliterators behind the Accursed and Chosen.
  • 6th - Nico Urrea  - Thousand Sons: Magnus stays home, with three Mutalith Vortex Beasts taking his place alongside the usual suspects. Glorious.
  • 7th - Grant Kauffman  - Death Guard: Plague Marine Rhino rush with a tonne of Nurglings and some War Dogs in support.
  • 8th - Michael Mann  - Chaos Daemons: Rendmaster / Bloodcrusher shenanigans with the big man and a Great Unclean One leading the charge.
  • 9th - Daniel Reddehase  - Death Guard: Another take on the Rhino Rush / Daemons and War Dogs list! Interesting... See Ed?! Told you Death Guard are good!
  • 10th - Logan Heath  - Aeldari: Double Avatar Wraithguard Aeldari Goodstuff.
  • 11th - Tyler Russo  - Orks: The age of Trukk spam is over, the time of the Ghazgull and Squigs has come. Awesome list.

Atomic City Warzone

49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pasco, Washington, US on November 04 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Lukas Troller - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
In the heart of the Imperium, within the sprawling labyrinthine confines of the Forge World Herpetrax, there resided a household of Chaos Knights like no other. They were known as House Herpetrax, and they had gained a fearsome reputation across the galaxy for their unrelenting pursuit of destruction. Led by their enigmatic and battle-hardened Princeps, Lord Serpenthelm, the Herpetrax Knights were a force to be reckoned with.

One fateful day, House Herpetrax received word of a looming Ork invasion, one of unprecedented scale. It was a dire threat to the Forge World, and the Princeps knew that they had to rise to the occasion. The Knights were quickly mobilized, their towering war machines rumbling to life. The clang of metal on metal echoed through the massive hangar as they prepared for battle.

As the chaos unfolded on the battlefield, House Herpetrax's Knights unleashed their fury upon the Ork horde. Their Reaper Chainswords and thermal lances cleaved through the enemy ranks with terrifying efficiency. Lord Serpenthelm, in his terrifying Chaos Knight, known as the Wienerball, carved a path of destruction through the Ork warboss and his minions. The battle was fierce, but House Herpetrax fought with an unwavering determination.

Amidst the carnage, Lord Serpenthelm spotted the Ork Warboss, a hulking brute adorned in crude, intimidating armor. With a thunderous roar, he charged at the Warboss, engaging him in a brutal duel. It was a clash of titans, each landing powerful blows, trying to outmatch the other. But in the end, it was the Chaos Knight who prevailed, impaling the Warboss on the Behemoth's immense Reaper Chainsword.

With the Warboss defeated, the Ork horde began to scatter. The Herpetrax Knights stood victorious, their battlefield strewn with the wreckage of their foes. As the dust settled and the battle cries subsided, Lord Serpenthelm turned to his fellow Knights and, with a grin, declared "ayy lmao", a phrase known only to the Princeps, a peculiar reminder that even in the heart of chaos, a touch of humor could be found. "Lmfa9" said the Princeps.

-------------------------------------

dogs with extra demons (1990 points) Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (150 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 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 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 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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (27), Data Version: v299

Archetype

CK War Dog Spam

Final Round Matchup

86 - 56 Victory against Ben Bach - Asuryani (Battle Host).

Thoughts

CK War dog spam is still great, and still has game into Aeldari, as this final round triumph from Lukas demonstrates. Loads of niggling indirect, good punch through walls, and wonderfully efficient melee and shooting in Karnivores and Brigands can get the job done in the right hands. Not a tonne else to say on this one, CK are pretty figured out but still taking names at the top. Congratulations on the first place finish!

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hammerheads (1995 points) T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Cadre Fireblade (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

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

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

Longstrike (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 (180 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Fusion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 6x Fusion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

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

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol 3x Rail rifle

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

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

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 Crisis and Devilfish

Thoughts

A very well rounded Tau list here that packs in Hammerheads for hard target removal and some great mission play in the form of Devilfish mounted Breachers. These shoot very hard for their points, can pop onto a point to deny primary, and always have the option of hopping back in again if charged via their special rule. Tau have so many assets on the board to compliment the INSANE output of Tetra supported Crisis squads, and learning how to build around that core to provide enough give and go on the objectives in the early game is key to getting the best out of them. Very nicely done.

The Best of the Rest

There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Tarzan <3 - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Loads of Grot Tanks and Squighogz supporting Flash Gitz with Badruk, plenty of ranged threat alongside the forward pressure.
  • 4th - Joel Rodgers - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): All in Thunderwolves with three Vindicators for smashing stuff at range. Epic.
  • 5th - Mitchell Hunter  - Black Templars: Vehicle heavy Templars with Lancers and Redemptors to compliment the melee characters.
  • 6th - Kolby Hopkins  - Space Wolves: More Stormlance Thunderwolves on display, these ones brought Lancers for their ranged troubleshooting.
  • 7th - Bill Anderson  - Leagues of Votann: 25 Hearthguard, some Sagitaurs and a Fort with four characters sprinkled amongst the units.
  • 8th - Ryan Cherewich  - World Eaters: Loads of Eightbound and the usual hard hitting characters.
  • 9th - James Marriott  - Adepta Sororitas: Vahl inspired Paragons, some Castigators and Immolators with cheap infantry for the mission.

PCG Hosts the Lightly Salted Fall GT

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sandy, UT, US on November 04 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The top table resulted in a draw here, so we're featuring both lists from that game.

Evan Stump - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: Jose Tejedor

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Wolves (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (65 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: Artificer Armour

Captain in Terminator Armour (95 Points) • 1x Relic fist 1x Storm bolter

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

Wolf Guard Battle Leader in Terminator Armour (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • Enhancements: Fire Discipline

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Twin power fists • 5x Aggressor • 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 5x Fragstorm grenade launcher 5x Twin power fists

Fenrisian Wolves (30 Points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf • 5x Teeth and claws

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

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

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Terminator Squad (370 Points) • 1x Terminator Sergeant • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • 9x Terminator • 2x Cyclone missile launcher 9x Power fist 9x Storm bolter

Whirlwind (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (21), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Gladius Marines (Wolf Flavoured)

Final Round Matchup

53 - 53 Victory against Colin Kay - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness).

Thoughts

Most of the typical tools of Gladius make an appearance here, with some Fire Discipline boosted threat removal, lots of cost effective ranged tanks for early exchanges, and Whirlwind artillery to those hard to reach spots. Space Wolves aren't leant into particularly hard here but do give you access to Fenrisian Wolves, one of the cheapest possible options for screening, blocking and mild harassment, which is definitely something Marines enjoy having access to. Very well done on the win!

Colin Kay - Chaos Space Marines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
1.11; O say, can you OC! (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

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

Huron Blackheart (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Exalted weapon 1x Tyrant’s Claw

Lucius the Eternal (95 Points) • 1x Doom siren 1x Duellist’s sword and Lash of Torment

Master of Executions (95 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancements: Intoxicating Elixir

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (90 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Balefire tome 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Syll’Esske (120 Points) • 1x Axe of Dominion 1x Cacophonic choir 1x Scourging whip

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

Archetype

CSM Goodstuff

Thoughts

CSM are still great, still winning games, and still in need of some mild balance adjustments. Ooo look Huron Blackheart is here! He's a pretty neat guy. Lucius the Eternal is also a very nifty little melee blender. Otherwise you know what this does by now - have you figured out stopping it? Can't say I have... Great work on the top placing Colin.

The Best of the Rest

There were N more players on X-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Marshall Peterson - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Imagine that 'straying Boyfriend' meme, but he's looking away from Trukks and towards Squigs... that seems to be the gist for Orks at the moment, and Marshall brought a proper Squiggoth cause he's a hero!
  • 4th - Derek Holder - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Trajann, lots of Allarus, double Calladius and utility. Proper mixed arms stuff.
  • 5th - Richard Kilton  - Orks: Oooo, a Gargantuan Squiggoth this time!! Lots of MSU Burna Boyz too - elf barbecue tech perhaps? Brilliant list.
  • 6th - James Davis  - Aeldari: Ynnari combining Ravagers with Nightspinners and lots of MSU infantry.

The Hogtowner 2023

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Toronto, ON, CA on November 04 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

This event adds some special narrative twists to missions, aiming to appeal to both casual and competitive crowds, and create chill vibes. Thanks to the organisers for sending us the details - the final round twist for this game was the players had to choose a gambit!

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Dawn of War

Lukas Duchaine - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment):
Army List - Click to Expand
big blasti tank (2000 points) Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (80 points) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Laspistol 1x Power weapon • Enhancement: Grand Strategist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Laspistol 1x Plasma gun • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Master Vox • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Medi-pack • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Regimental Standard • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Regimental Standard

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

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

Tank Commander (205 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (120 points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Chainsword 2x Laspistol • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 2x Vox-caster

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

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 Plasma cannon 3x Sentinel chainsaw

Banesword (480 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Lascannon 2x Lascannon 1x Quake cannon 1x Twin heavy bolter 2x Twin heavy bolter 2x Twin heavy bolter

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

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

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

Tempestus Scions (55 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 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


vs.

Alastair MacNicol - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband):
Army List - Click to Expand
Disciples of the Red Angel

(2000 points) World Eaters Strike Force (1970 points) Berzerker Hoard

CHARACTER

Angron (415 points) • Warlord

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (100 points) • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne (30 points)

Allied Bloodthirster (320 points) • Great Axe of Khorne

BATTLELINE

10 Jakhals (70 points) • Dishonoured with Skullsmasher • Mauler Chainblade • Icon of Khorne

OTHER DATASHEETS

3 Eightbound (135 points) • Champion with Lacerators

3 Eightbound (135 points) • Champion with Lacerators

3 Eightbound (135 points) • Champion with Lacerators

3 Exaulted Eightbound (150 points) • Champion with Paired Chainfists

Khorne Lord of Skulls (480 points) • Gorestorm Cannon • Skullhurler

Thoughts

A glorious showdown involving two dudes who just think big old models are neat. The World Eaters have crammed in additional big bois in the form of a Bloodthirster and a Lord of Skulls. The latter shoots deceptively hard and takes some seriously effort to kill, with the former providing a nasty Rapid Ingress option to add to the threat saturation of the Eightbound and their big bad tempered boss. It'll simply overload a whole bunch of armies that don't have the power to lift them in time. However...

The Astra Militarum enjoy lifting big things at range with the righteous fury of a thousand guns, and they've brought a big toy of their own. The Banesword shoots like an absolute monster, with heavy weapons that, combined with the output of the many lesser gun tanks on display, can smash apart the World Eaters heavy hitters whilst heroic guardsmen die screaming on the front line to buy them a turn or two. Usually that will be enough, and unless they somehow bounce of invuln saves you'd expect them to have enough firepower to body the World Eaters and then reload ready to kill Angron again if needed unless something very magical (read: horrible) happens and the WE pull off a trap. As such, the guard storm to a solid victory here!

Result

Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) Victory - 67 - 49

Lukas Duchaine - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Astra Militarum Army. Credit: Lukas Duchaine Credit: Lukas Duchaine

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Guard Big Tank

Thoughts

Fairly meat and potatoes tank guard, which eschews Manticores and sitting back in favour of trundling ominously forward to smash things up with the Banesword and friends. Big bricks of Sentinels and the 20 man Cadian squad can be thrown forward early to cause mayhem and disrupt enemy efforts to close on the guns, with the threat of regenerating them via Reinforcements! and picking at undefended weak spots in the opponent's backfield as the attrition begins to show. Straightforward and very effective, and I'll bet it looks awesome on the table too. Congratulations on the first place finish!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Shane Phillips - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan with the Void Dragon, msu Tomblades, some Lychguard and some heavy guns. This went undefeated with one draw!
  • 3rd - Nick Jagiello - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Massed Chimaeras, a bunch of Mortars, and THREE Avenger Strike Fighters.
  • 4th - Guido Hockmann - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): A real grab-bag of units, with lots of different marines infantry supported by the usual heavy-hitting characters, a single Damned Legionaire, and some inquisition chaff units!
  • 5th - Alastair MacNicol - World Eaters: Angron, a Bloodthirster, and a Lord of Skulls with lots of Eightbound. Awesome.
  • 6th - Ciaran Kelly - Tyranids: Synaptic Nexus with a big brick of Zoans, Old One Eye and a Norn Emissary.

BOLTERCON GT 2023

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in West Chester Township, Ohio, US on November 04 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Josh Salzman - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) - 1st Place

Chaplain Grimaldus. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
BolterCon Tournament List (2000 points) Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Righteous Crusaders

CHARACTERS

Chaplain Grimaldus (95 points) • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus • 1x Artificer crozius 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Cenobyte Servitor • 3x Close combat weapon

High Marshal Helbrecht (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Ferocity 1x Sword of the High Marshals

Techmarine (65 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Witchseeker Bolts

The Emperor’s Champion (75 points) • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol

BATTLELINE

Primaris Crusader Squad (280 points) • 1x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Power weapon • 11x Primaris Initiate • 7x Astartes chainsword 11x Bolt pistol 11x Close combat weapon 7x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Power fist • 8x Primaris Neophyte • 8x Astartes chainsword 8x Bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

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

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

Primaris Sword Brethren (140 points) • 1x Sword Brother Castellan • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 4x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon 2x Pyre pistol 1x Thunder hammer 1x Twin lightning claws

Primaris Sword Brethren (140 points) • 1x Sword Brother Castellan • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 4x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon 2x Pyre pistol 1x Thunder hammer 1x Twin lightning claws

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (27), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Black Templars Mixed Arms

Final Round Matchup

86 - 85 Victory against Chris Kentrup - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic).

Thoughts

Black Templars are enjoying a breakout season here, performing well with a wide range of builds from outright infantry spam through to more mixed ones like the above, which sprinkles in high quality Marine vehicles (Redemptors get even chewier with access to a 6+++!), and a Land Raider for staging and transporting. My understanding was that this final into Tsons was an absolute classic and came down to a redrawn card in the last turn giving the Land Raider the chance to Capture Enemy Outpost and bring home the win by a single point- absolutely amazing! Very well done on the win Josh.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records, plus the other finalist on 3.5-1.5. They were:
  • 2nd - Peter Hattemer - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Lychguard, Warriors, and buffing characters. You know the drill!
  • 3rd - Jason Walker - Iron Hands (Ironstorm Spearhead): Vindicators, an Invictor Warsuit, and some Centurions. Baller.
  • 4th - Adam Blum - Cult Mechanicus (Rad-Cohort): A highly unusual Ad Mech build with a brick of Electro Priests and some Kastelan Robots, love it.
  • 5th - Chris Kentrup - Thousand Sons: Sorceror and Rubric Spam with Magnus leading the chants.

Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament @ XPG

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

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission: Drukhari versus Imperial Knights

Ridvan "Skari" Martinez

Army List - Click to Expand


The secret sauce (2000 Points)

Drukhari Realspace Raiders Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Beastmaster (105 Points) • 1x Beastmaster • Warlord • 1x Agoniser 1x Splinter pods • 1x Clawed Fiend • 1x Clawed Fiend fists • 2x Khymerae • 2x Khymerae talons • 3x Razorwing Flock • 3x Razorwing feathers

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Splinter rifle 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Splinter rifle 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Splinter rifle 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Wracks (60 Points) • 1x Acothyst • 1x Hexrifle 1x Wrack blades • 4x Wrack • 1x Liquifier gun 1x Ossefactor 1x Stinger pistol 4x Wrack blades

Wracks (60 Points) • 1x Acothyst • 1x Hexrifle 1x Wrack blades • 4x Wrack • 1x Liquifier gun 1x Ossefactor 1x Stinger pistol 4x Wrack blades

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (90 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

Venom (80 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (80 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (80 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (50 Points) • 1x Spirit syphon 1x Spirit vortex 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Mandrakes (65 Points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (65 Points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (65 Points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Scourges (110 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges (110 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges (110 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Talos (180 Points) • 2x Talos • 2x Talos gauntlet 2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster 2x Twin liquifier gun

Talos (180 Points) • 2x Talos • 2x Talos gauntlet 2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster 2x Twin liquifier gun

Talos (180 Points) • 2x Talos • 2x Talos gauntlet 2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster 2x Twin liquifier gun



vs.

Chris Orr:

Army List - Click to Expand


Solo Castellan + Armigers (1990 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Knight Castellan (585 Points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancements: Revered Knight (Aura)

BATTLELINE

Armiger Moirax (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw 1x Volkite veuglaire

Armiger Moirax (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw 1x Volkite veuglaire

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

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

Thoughts

An intriguing and unusual finals match up here, as the Dark Kin blast their way through to a showdown with a host of Imperial Knights. The latter are packing a whole bunch of Armigers with two Assassins for mission play help. The Knight Castellan hands out buffs and offers an enormous ranged threat of his own, though somewhat less so in a post data-slate world where neither Towering nor Overwatch will help it out quite as much.

In the other corner, Archon Skari continues to demonstrate his evergreen prowess for winning games with the Drukhari no matter the weather. He has some tech that I think gears him up very well for the current turn the meta has taken, with a number of top builds leaning heavily into Vehicles, by bringing six Talos to the fray. These glorious murder-crabs shoot very hard into enemy armour with the ability to pump out Dev wounds via their Haywire with full rerolls from Power from Pain and being Twin-linked respectively, and are obnoxious to pick up in return once Insensible to Pain is in the mix to stimy enemy attacks. Mandrakes shore up scoring, and the Scourges are really good into any match ups where artillery is light on the ground. It won't surprise you to know that Knights don't like Haywire or Shoot and Scooting Dark Lances very much, and the Drukhari romped to a heavy victory here!

Result:

99-50 to the Drukhari

Ridvan "Skari" Martinez - 1st Place

Scourges with shardcarbines. Credit: Corrode

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Drukhari Talos

Thoughts

We've had communications from the Archon himself about this one - take it away Skari:



Skari:

I want to talk about how the main concepts of how my list came about. The idea of the list was a pretty simple one: “I need to have many units all over the table to score points and deny my opponent points”. I have been playing with the Drukhari on and off since the start of the edition and all that practice has really shown me the ins and outs of what is considered to be one of the worst factions in the meta at the moment. I can go into more details about the ins and outs of the drukhari specifically in another, more in depth, article so let me know if you would like me to ramble about that for a few pages. Needless to say the current drukhari do not play as the 9th edition drukhari did, they are more akin to the 3rd - 5th edition version of Dark Eldar (lots of little shooty units). So! I wanted to lean into that style, less points on things like characters and more points on things that can be used for zoning, board control and primary scoring and denial, as well as the ability to do either tactical or fixed secondary scoring. 

I also wanted to highlight one of the largest differences between my list and the current “meta” drukhari lists. That is the addition of talos in place of the void raven bomber and the ravagers. 3 units of 2 talos (maximum talos) each armed with twin linked haywire blaster, and twin linked liquifier guns and the talos gauntlets give me the ability to threaten hard to kill vehicles that have become more and more popular in the meta right now. The liquifiers threaten light infantry and give my army the ability to make use of the overwatch strat more effectively against things like aeldari and lastly the gauntlets are damage 3 and on the tough body of a talos it gives the list something it severely lacks… mid board pressure and “presence” . This change is in place of the ravagers and the popular void raven bomber, so I have sacrificed some of the long range shooting in place of some more flexibility in the mid board. Something that came quite in handy against a lot of the meta lists that we are seeing at the moment, like wraithguard or terminators, or aggressors. 

So, how did I do?

Let's talk about how the list did overall with a quick synopsis of every game. You can always watch my “ style="font-weight: 400;">tournament in review” video that I did about the event. 

Round 1 - I played into Aledari. The list was more focussed on harlequins, and jetbikes. There was a LOT of haywire in this army and bright lances. Having the talos was a blessing as the haywire would have shredded my army if it was more ravager based. I was able to bully the midboard. 

Round 2 - I played, into Aeldari - once again!. This time it was a more traditional list with Wraith Guard and both Avatars. I was able to push into the middle of the table, and the talos once again proved their worth being able to hold up and eventually eliminate the wraith guard in the mid board. The large number of units in my army allowed me to deny my opponent scoring with reckless abandon. 

Round 3 - The Time The Gambit Worked

I have to give a little bit of time to this round against the meta Votann. It is not easy to play against the 6 transports, and terminator brick and the bikes supported by the thunderkin. We played supply drop and I went first (not ideal). At the end of turn 3, I realised that I was just not going to be able to score any more primary points, as my opponent was on better board position to just deny me scoring (it did not help that the objectives that stayed were closer to his side of the table) . SO ! I went for a gambit. I was able to get the Orbital Strike Coordinates one (the easiest one) and because my army has a million units I had enough models left to continue to score secondary, deny my opponents primary turn 4 and then have the units remaining to be in each corner to try and roll the 9… and I DID! +30 points and I won the round by 14 points or so. What a wild finish, my opponent, Cody was a great sport about it, and went on to crush all other opposition placing 2nd at the event. But I would not have been able to do it if my list concept was not “have all of the units”.

Round 4 - I played against Black Templars. This was not an easy fight, the large brick of 5+ FNP assault terminators is not easy to shift. I was able to isolate one of the crusader squads early and kill it. And then spent the rest of the game, move blocking and killing redemptor dreadnoughts. Because I was aggressive in denying his primary I was able to secure the game, even as he also attempted a gambit to swing the game at the end!

And lastly - Round 5 - I played Chris, who ive known since I was in university! We have not played a game in… 12 years or so? The last mission was Purge the Foe, and he was playing imperial knights. And… I will say.. In this game, the talos just absolutely went to town… they killed… so many knights… haywire is so boss against vehicles. So a victory for the Drukhari!

And there you have it! A quick run down. My next event is an 8 person teams event and I am looking forward to applying some of the changes I have made to my list like adding urien and dropping the raider. 

Ahhh The Dark Kin. 

Skari - out. 

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Cody Bourgeois - Leagues of Votann: Sagitaur spam supported by three Iron-Master inspired Thunderkyn units.
  • 3rd - Charles Soong - Chaos Knights: Chaos Knight War Dog spam with Daemon allies.
  • 4th - Carlo Roque - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Ironstorm artillery / dreadnought car park.

Wrap Up

That's it for this week folks! Tonnes of games in play, and an overall meta that looks quite healthy, as the existing big dogs increasingly have to share space with a bunch of other armies that specialists are digging into and finding new tricks. Marines are good but not TOOO good (yet), which sets us up for a nice winter run in ahead of Christmas. Get out there and SLEIGH YOUR FOES... hehe.

Tags: chaos space marines | imperial knights | space wolves | world eaters | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | Dark Angels | Astra Militarum | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | drukarhi

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