Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adepta Sororitas) [45 PL, 970pts, 11CP] ++
+ Configuration +
Order Convictions: Order: Argent Shroud
+ Stratagems +
Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries [-1CP]: Additional Relics of the Ecclesiarchy
+ HQ +
Canoness [4 PL, 80pts]: Blessed Blade, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Relic: Litanies of Faith
. The Emperor's Grace: Blessing, Miraculous ability
Celestine and Geminae Superia [10 PL, 200pts]
. Celestine: The Ardent Blade
. 2x Geminae Superia: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Power sword
. Warlord: Warlord Trait: 5. Indomitable Belief
+ Troops +
Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 75pts]
. 3x Battle Sister: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 75pts]
. 3x Battle Sister: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 75pts]
. 3x Battle Sister: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
+ Elites +
Dogmata [4 PL, 65pts]: 1. Refrain of Blazing Piety, 6. Catechism of Repugnance, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, War Hymn
+ Fast Attack +
Dominion Squad [4 PL, 80pts]
. Dominion Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
Seraphim Squad [4 PL, 90pts]
. 2x Seraphim: 4x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers, Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers, Frag & Krak grenades
+ Heavy Support +
Retributor Squad [6 PL, 150pts]: 2x Armourium Cherub
. Retributor Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
+ Dedicated Transport +
Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium - Adepta Sororitas) [52 PL, 1,028pts, -2CP] ++
+ Configuration +
Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose
+ No Force Org Slot +
Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Neural Whips
+ HQ +
Canoness [5 PL, 105pts]: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Null Rod
. Word of the Emperor: Blessing, Miraculous ability
+ Troops +
Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
+ Elites +
Celestian Sacresants [6 PL, 145pts]
. 9x Celestian Sacresants (Hallowed Mace): 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Hallowed Mace
. Sacresant Superior: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Spear of the Faithful
Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 126pts]
. 9x Sisters Repentia: 9x Penitent Eviscerator
+ Fast Attack +
Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 107pts]
. 5x Zephyrim: 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant
+ Heavy Support +
Mortifiers [9 PL, 185pts]
. Mortifiers: Anchorite Sarcophagus, 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
Mortifiers [9 PL, 185pts]
. Mortifiers: Anchorite Sarcophagus, 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent Flails
+ Dedicated Transport +
Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter
++ Total: [97 PL, 9CP, 1,998pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Blood Angels) [44 PL, 829pts, 12CP] ++
+ Configuration +
**Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels
+ No Force Org Slot +
Company Veterans [3 PL, 54pts]
. Company Veteran: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
. Company Veteran Sergeant: Lightning Claw, Storm shield
+ HQ +
Captain on Bike [8 PL, 145pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Inferno pistol, Rites of War, Teeth of Terra, Warlord
Librarian [6 PL, 120pts]: 3) Null Zone (Aura), 6) Psychic Fortress (Aura), Force sword, Icon of The Angel, Inferno pistol, Jump Pack
+ Troops +
Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant
+ Fast Attack +
Inceptor Squad [14 PL, 240pts]: 3x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant, Plasma Exterminator x2
+ Heavy Support +
Eradicator Squad [7 PL, 150pts]: Heavy melta rifle
. 2x Eradicator: 2x Bolt pistol
. Eradicator Sgt
++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Blood Angels) [67 PL, 1,163pts, -8CP] ++
+ Configuration +
**Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels
Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]
+ Stratagems +
Relics of the Chapter [-2CP]: 2x Number of Extra Relics
+ HQ +
Sanguinary Priest [7 PL, 155pts, -1CP]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Jump Pack, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, The Armour Indomitus
+ Elites +
Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted power sword, 2x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol
Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted power sword, 2x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol
Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts, -1CP]: Cyclone missile launcher, 2x Twin volkite culverin
Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts, -1CP]: Cyclone missile launcher, 2x Twin volkite culverin
Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 224pts]
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 224pts]
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
++ Total: [111 PL, 1,992pts, 4CP] ++
The Standout Features
- Sanguinary Guard, Inceptors and VolCons provide peak melee and shooting performance.
- Null Zone on a jump pack lets you land a crucial alpha strike.
- Bladeguard MSUs provide serious extra punch thanks to Blood Angels boosts.
Why it's Interesting in 9th
Junior has become a semi-regular fixture in these columns, and plenty of the same toys he's piloted to success in the past are on show here. His lists lean heavily on the power of the Blood Angels chapter tactic and superdoctrine, which between them mean that melee units of pretty much any size can become devastating threats on demand. Taking a big old swig from the Blood Chalice of the Sanguinary Priest lets even mid-sized squads of Sanguinary Guard hit as hard as the nastiest melee blenders from other factions, and having one unit with each weapon lets you pick the squad most suited to the opponent's best targets to boost up. Once turn three rolls around, MSUs of Bladeguard also become a terminal threat to the vast majority of targets, meaning that the opponent is pressured to try and prise them out of wherever they're hiding early on, which might make them overextend.
All told, this army gets to tick off "lethal in melee" for a far lower expenditure of points than most lists can. That frees up plenty of points to spend on shooting support, making this list extremely flexible. The classic unit of Inceptors (excellent in Blood Angels thanks to various jump pack support strats) and an Eradicator MSU are joined by the biggest new addition since last time we looked at one of Junior's build - two Volkite Contemptors. These were already one of the best units in the Marine roster, and providing buckets of S6 D2 firepower with bonus mortals positions them ideally for blasting Lucius Skitarii to pieces. Normally my frenzied hatred of all things resin would be pinging something fierce about now, but even I'm willing to accept that the existence of this model is a necessary evil right now, as it's helping keep the meta far more interesting than it could be - if you're a Marine or Death Guard player, make sure these are on your shopping list.
Here, they really solidify the army's status as a jack of all trades, and ensure it's got some sort of plan against almost any opposition. That's definitely Junior's trademark, and it's great to see him continue to perform with this army.
Logan Heath - Death Guard - 3rd Place
Credit: PierreTheMime
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos - Death Guard) [101 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
+ Configuration +
Plague Company: The Inexorable
+ Stratagems +
Gifts of Decay [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics
+ No Force Org Slot +
“Gary” the Biologus Putrifier [4 PL, 65pts, -1CP]: Ferric Blight, Plaguechosen
“Gerry” the Foul Blightspawn [5 PL, 85pts]: 4. Arch-Contaminator, Revolting Stench-vats, Viscous Death, Warlord
+ HQ +
“Gus” the Lord of Virulence [6 PL, 120pts]
“Gallagher” Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 95pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 4. Putrescent Vitality
+ Troops +
Playful Plague Marines [6 PL, 125pts]
. Plague Champion: Boltgun, Daemonic plague blade
. 2x Plague Marine w/ boltgun: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Boltgun, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ cleaver: Great plague cleaver
. Plague Marine w/ flail: Flail of corruption
Potent Poxwalkers [5 PL, 100pts]
. 20x Poxwalker: 20x Improvised weapon
Potent Poxwalkers [5 PL, 100pts]
. 20x Poxwalker: 20x Improvised weapon
+ Elites +
“Reginald” the Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 215pts, -1CP]: Hellforged cyclone missile launcher, 2x Twin lascannon
“Chonco” the Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts, -1CP]: Hellforged cyclone missile launcher, 2x Twin volkite culverin
“Fuck Ass” Chaos Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts, -1CP]: Hellforged cyclone missile launcher, 2x Twin volkite culverin
Degenerate Deathshroud Terminators [14 PL, 250pts, -1CP]
. Deathshroud Champion: Champion of Disease, Plague Skull of Glothila, Plaguespurt gauntlet
. 4x Deathshroud Terminator: 4x Manreaper, 4x Plaguespurt gauntlet
Degenerate Deathshroud Terminators [14 PL, 250pts, -1CP]
. Deathshroud Champion: Champion of Disease, Plaguespurt gauntlet, Reaper of Glorious Entropy
. 4x Deathshroud Terminator: 4x Manreaper, 4x Plaguespurt gauntlet
“Terrance” Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]: Tollkeeper
+ Heavy Support +
“Lawrence” the Plagueburst Crawler [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Entropy cannon, Heavy slugger
++ Total: [101 PL, 2,000pts, 4CP] ++
The Standout Features
- The increasingly classic Poxwalker/Deathshroud/Contemptor flavour of Death Guard picks up another podium placing.
- Extreme buff stacking lets the hardcore units throw out horrific damage.
Why it's Interesting in 9th
Now obviously first up it's important to highlight that naming your units then placing in the top four is an incredibly powerful flex more normally reserved for the wilds of the Australian metagame, so good work on that right out of the gate.
Beyond that, this is reasonably standard for the kind of things we've seen do well out of Death Guard recently, but adds a new spin in just how hard it goes on stacking buffs. Three Relic Contemptors sitting around a Lord of Virulence and a Tollkeeper Tallyman represents a truly ferocious amount of ranged damage, something that's only amplified by the fact that a big brick of Poxwalkers can and probably will be bringing the Ferric Blight forward via Flash Outbreak for the early turns. Even if you get past the Poxwalkers charging into the main firebase of the army is a pretty daunting prospect, as Deathshrouds backed by the Revolting Stench Vats of the Foul Blightspawn provide an extremely durable anvil.
The major difference here from other spins on this army is how those Deathshrouds are set up. Rather than going with the standard 3x3, Logan's list invests in two units of five and backs them up with a Biologus Putrifier. Applying Foul Infusion to their Manreapers within the Arch-Contaminator aura is going to result in them dropping catastrophic numbers of Mortals on whatever they swing against, detonating damn near anything they want. That lets them fill one of the most desireable damage dealing roles in the game - a horde sweeping unit that can trivially change focus and eradicate something with high quality defences when required. It's a neat trick, and the army even maximises the value it gets from the Putrifier by bringing a unit of Death Guard to lob grenades. This isn't just being cute either - up against a Skitarii horde, combining Blight Racks and The Blightening lets you lob 24 AP-1 D2 plague weapon shots into a unit (as you essentially get to throw four grenades, three that get set to pistol 6 and one using the squad's normal grenade allocation). That's going to tear a big hole in a unit, and it's something that opponents may well not see coming (unless they read this column, so, sorry I guess).
Army lists that take a high performing strategy and add a unique clever trick are our bread and butter here at Competitive Innovations, and this is a fine entry into that cannon. Congratulations to Logan.
Joel Wilson - Deathwatch - 4th ✪ Place
Deathwatch Imperial Fist with Storm Shield Credit: Alfredo Ramirez
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Deathwatch) [109 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++
+ Stratagems +
Relics of the Chapter [-1CP]: Number of Extra Relics
Stratagem: Sanction of the Black Vault [-1CP]
+ HQ +
Librarian [7 PL, -1CP, 140pts]: 1. Premorphic Resonance, 2. Fortified With Contempt, 3. Neural Void, 4. Optimised Priority (Aura), 6. The Ties That Bind (Aura), Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chief Librarian, Force sword, Jump Pack, Stratagem: A Vigil Unmatched, The Beacon Angelis, Warlord
Watch Master [7 PL, -1CP, 130pts]: Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, The Tome of Ectoclades
. 2. Paragon of their Chapter: Ultramarines: Adept of the Codex
+ Troops +
Fortis Kill Team [16 PL, 265pts]
. 5x Hellblaster w/ Assault plasma incinerator: 5x Assault Plasma Incinerator, 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt rifle
. 4x Intercessor w/ Bolt rifle: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Bolt rifle, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
Proteus Kill Team [17 PL, 349pts]: Jump Packs
. Deathwatch Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Power fist
. . Cyclone missile launcher and Storm bolter: Cyclone missile launcher
. Deathwatch Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Power fist
. . Cyclone missile launcher and Storm bolter: Cyclone missile launcher
. Deathwatch Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Power fist
. . Cyclone missile launcher and Storm bolter: Cyclone missile launcher
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Storm shield
. Watch Sergeant: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
Proteus Kill Team [16 PL, 343pts]: Deathwatch Teleport Homer
. Deathwatch Terminator
. . Thunder hammer and Storm shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwatch Terminator
. . Thunder hammer and Storm shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwatch Terminator
. . Thunder hammer and Storm shield: Thunder hammer
. Deathwatch Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Power sword, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Power sword
. Deathwatch Veteran: Power sword, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Hand Flamer, Thunder hammer
. Veteran Biker: Power sword
. Watch Sergeant: Heavy thunder hammer
Proteus Kill Team [17 PL, 278pts]
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Watch Sergeant: Deathwatch Boltgun, Power fist
Proteus Kill Team [14 PL, 270pts]: Jump Packs
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran w/ Heavy Weapon: Deathwatch Frag Cannon
. Deathwatch Veteran w/ Heavy Weapon: Deathwatch Frag Cannon
. Deathwatch Veteran w/ Heavy Weapon: Deathwatch Frag Cannon
. Deathwatch Veteran w/ Heavy Weapon: Deathwatch Frag Cannon
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Storm shield
. Watch Sergeant: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
+ Heavy Support +
Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Bolt sniper rifle
. Eliminator Sergeant: Banebolts of Eryxia, Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Bolt sniper rifle
. Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Bolt sniper rifle
. Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
++ Total: [109 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++
The Standout Features
- The minor Deathwatch renaissance continues with a Kill Team fiesta.
- 3x3 Eliminators make a triumphant return to a top table list.
Why it's Interesting in 9th
After quite a while languishing in the doldrums a few people have been giving Deathwatch a go recently, and this list provides a spectacular showcase for one of their signature tricks - Kill Teams. Using fancy mix-and-match technology, this list puts together a suite of units that has something for every occasion. Broadly, they look like they break down as follows:
- The Fortis team and the frag cannon unit are on the plan of putting expendable bodies between the opponent and high quality weapons, providing severe attrition against the opponent until they can muster the resources to crack through the outer layers.
- The Cyclone team is an even more extreme version of the same thing, ripe for picking up the huge suite of buffs that this list can throw out while squatting on an objective and performing Actions thanks to Optimised Priority.
- The melee team provides a nightmare wrecking ball that has some exceptionally tough models to soak up the first hits.
- The final Proteus team probably Combat Squads so it can split out the Bikers to roam around the board as a fast, ObSec bundle of wounds.
All these units are a challenge to shift, can do massive damage when suitably unleashed, and with the exception of the Fortis team (which plausibly uses a Teleportarium on light boards) have fairly robust defences. The only historical problem with running Kill Team heavy lists like this is not having enough models to occupy the table with, and on that front Chapter Approved has ridden to the rescue. Eliminators are priced to move at 75pts for a squad, and are pretty much exactly what Deathwatch are looking for in this slot - cheap, able to finish off targets you don't want to assign the full wrath of a Kill Team to, and providing some deployment and Action flexibility in games where that matters - don't forget that they're PHOBOS, so can use Guerilla Tactics to bug out Turn 4 then pop in on 5 to finish off the last tick of ROD. Combining with the fact that they're pretty good just on rate now, we expect to see these sneaking back into various Marine flavours, but they're clearly at their best in builds that are leaning on some big death star units and need cheap protection for the home field. As a final sting in the tail here, one unit has the Banebolts of Eryxia on the Sergeant, significantly boosting the chances of them collaborating to punk a key buff character.
Especially as there are some neat tricks you can do with them in Kill Teams as well, the discount on Eliminators really does feel like an extra shot in the army for a book that people were already finding some cool new angles on, and given that Deathwatch are one of the coolest chapters out there we're thrilled to see it. Great work from Joel (especially playing all the way to table 1 in the final).
The Rest of the Best
- 5th - Christopher Powell - Chaos: Iron Warrior Daemon Engines (buffed by Daemonsmith) and Emperor's Children Noise Marines line up to blow opposing armies clean off the board, while a small Daemon detachment with Nurglings and Furies provides some efficient objective utility units.
- 6th - Forest Johnson - Drukhari: While AdMech are this week's big news in terms of taking trophies, Drukhari haven't gone anywhere and are still sporitng an eye-watering win rate (higher than AdMech's overall). This list wins the accolade of going hardest on Raiders of any successful build I've seen, packing a massive eight of them and filling them with a mix of Trueborn, full Kabalite squads with the same gun loadout as the standard Trueborn unit, and bulked up Wych squads. This creates a seriously skewed target profile that's going to punish anyone that's eased back on the anti-Raider tech extremely hard.
- 7th - Howie Chong - Drukhari: A less skewed Drukhari list that sports all the Black Heart and Strife hits from the pre-FAQ armies, and spends points that are no longer going on Technomancers stuff on taking a unit each of Reavers and Hellions plus plenty of Blades for Hire.
Waaagh Fest GT
Rob and Scott are covering this event.
All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Nick Antzoulatos - Adeptus Mechanicus - 1st Place
Skitarii Marshal. Credit: Pendulin
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Mechanicus) [42 PL, 840pts, -4CP] ++
Forge World Choice: Lucius
Stratagem: Artefactotum [-2CP]: 2x Artefactorum
Stratagem: Mechanicus Locum [-2CP]: 2x Mechanicus Locum
+ HQ +
Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 45pts]: Relic: Raiment of the Technomartyr, Warlord, Warlord Trait (Codex 5): Firepoint Telemetry Cache
Tech-Priest Manipulus [6 PL, 110pts]: Logi, Mechanicus Locum, Relic (Lucius): The Solar Flare, Transonic cannon
Tech-Priest Manipulus [5 PL, 95pts]: Artisans, Magnarail lance, Warlord Trait (Lucius): Luminescent Blessings
+ Troops +
Skitarii Rangers [8 PL, 170pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle
. 19x Skitarii Ranger: 19x Galvanic Rifle
Skitarii Vanguards [8 PL, 170pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex
. 19x Skitarii Vanguard: 19x Radium Carbine
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine
Skitarii Vanguards [8 PL, 154pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex
. 17x Skitarii Vanguard: 17x Radium Carbine
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine
+ Fast Attack +
Serberys Raiders [2 PL, 48pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine
Serberys Raiders [2 PL, 48pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine
++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Imperium - Adeptus Mechanicus) [61 PL, 1,159pts, -3CP] ++
Forge World Choice: Lucius
+ HQ +
Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 45pts]: Relic: Exemplar's Eternity, Warlord Trait (Codex 3): Programmed Retreat
+ Fast Attack +
Ironstrider Ballistarii [24 PL, 450pts]
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
Ironstrider Ballistarii [20 PL, 325pts]
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Autocannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Autocannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Autocannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Autocannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Autocannon
Pteraxii Sterylizors [8 PL, 190pts]: Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha
. 9x Pteraxii Sterylizor: 9x Phosphor torch, 9x Pteraxii Talons
Serberys Raiders [6 PL, 149pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Serberys Raider Alpha
. 8x Serberys Raider: 8x Cavalry Sabre, 8x Clawed Limbs, 8x Galvanic Carbine
++ Total: [103 PL, 1,999pts, -7CP] ++
The Standout Features
- Two units of 6 Ironstrider Balistarii sporting a total of 12 Cognis Lascannon and 24 Cognis Autocannon shots, which is enough to delete almost any monster or vehicle including something like say, a Seraptek Heavy Construct
- A unit of Pteraxii Sterylizors to drop in, perform actions, shoot, and then fly away
- Three massive units of Skitarii Vanguard to make use of Enriched Rounds
Why it's Interesting in 9th
Rob: As you may have seen elsewhere in the article, the Adeptus Mechanicus lists are exploding onto the scene this week. In the wake of the Drukhari spring we were worried about the impacts of AdMech summer and well, it looks like those fears were absolutely founded. Drukhari haven't gone anywhere but Admech are also here dominating the scene and are pushing out a lot of other lists since they can effectively wreck anything that might otherwise work well against Drukhari, particularly the vehicle-heavy lists that had been doing well in a meta dominated by Incubi and Wyches. Nick's list comes with two units of Ironstrider Ballistari that have, between them, all the firepower needed to take down Vehicle threats both big and medium-sized. Luminescent Blessing on the Manipulus helps protect the units along with his Analyses of the Logos Holy Order ability (incoming attacks with AP-1 or -2 become AP 0), which is crucial since they'll often be used for scoring To the Last. The list also packs three massive squads of Skitarii Vanguard that can be teleported in with the Lucius stratagem to delete any non-vehicle targets using the Enriched Rounds Stratagem.
The other "cute" trick it's bringing to the table is the unit of Pteraxii Sterylizors who, thanks to some terrible rules writing and the lack of an FAQ, can drop onto the table in the Reinforcements step of your Movement phase, perform an action like Retrieve Octarius Data, then at the end of the turn after the action completes you can spend 1 CP on Booster Thrust to pull that unit from the table and bring it back during the following Movement phase (this works because as the active player, you control the order these effects resolve in). This means that a unit of Pteraxii can functionally drop in on turn 2, perform the Retrieve Octarius Data, jump back up, and do the same thing again on turns 3, 4, and 5, staying on the table in a safe place on the final turn. That's 12 nearly free victory points for Octarius Data, plus another 5 for To the Last, since at 190 points they're the third unit you'll be nominating for the secondary objective. You may have also noticed the three units of Serberys Raiders as well - it's a very mobile list, and very capable of scoring Engage on All Fronts from holding multiple table quarters. The Pteraxii also let you score those points before they fly off the table again, letting you essentially guarantee you'll hit all four quarters every turn from 2 onward. If you're keeping track at home, that's 20-22 free victory points from a single 190-point unit that your opponent cannot interact with at all. Just stellar stuff. If there's anything in Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus crying out for an immediate FAQ fix, it's these winged clowns.
Scott: Having lost to Nick in round 3 of this tournament in a 62-71 loss, I can say he used his Pteraxii to great effect to score secondaries and clear objective-holding units. I'll be writing more on this game in my pending tournament report!
Alan Blakeborough - Astra Militarum - 2nd Place
Sergeant “Ripper” Jackson. Credit: Rockfish
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Brigade Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [89 PL, 11CP, 1,570pts] ++
Regimental Doctrine: Regiment: Catachan
Stratagems: Tank Ace [-1CP]
+ HQ +
Colonel 'Iron Hand' Straken [4 PL, 80pts]: Bionic Arm with Devil's Claw, Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma pistol, Shotgun
Company Commander [2 PL, 40pts]: Frag grenades, Laspistol, Power sword, Relic: The Blade of Conquest
Tank Commander [12 PL, 200pts]: Battle Cannon, Lascannon, Warlord
+ Troops +
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol, Power sword
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol, Power sword
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol, Power sword
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol, Power sword
Infantry Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 9x Guardsman: 9x Lasgun
. Sergeant: Laspistol
+ Elites +
Master of Ordnance [2 PL, 35pts]: Laspistol
Ministorum Priest [2 PL, 40pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Laspistol
Platoon Commander [2 PL, 30pts]: Frag grenades, Laspistol, Power sword
Sergeant Harker [3 PL, 55pts]: Frag grenades, Krak grenades, Payback
+ Fast Attack +
Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 35pts]
. Scout Sentinel: Multi-laser
Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 35pts]
. Scout Sentinel: Multi-laser
Scout Sentinels [3 PL, 35pts]
. Scout Sentinel: Multi-laser
+ Heavy Support +
Basilisks [7 PL, 125pts]
. Basilisk: Earthshaker Cannon, Heavy Bolter, Stat Damage (HS)
Manticore [8 PL, 145pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Stat Damage (HS), 4x Storm Eagle Rockets
Manticore [8 PL, 145pts]: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter, Stat Damage (HS), 4x Storm Eagle Rockets
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium - Astra Militarum) [22 PL, -3CP, 430pts] ++
Regimental Doctrine: 9th Iotan Gorgonnes
+ HQ +
Tempestor Prime [3 PL, -1CP, 45pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Progeny of Conflict, Tempestus Command Rod, WT (9th Iotan Gorgonnes): Sanctity of Spirit
Tempestor Prime [3 PL, 45pts]: Display Astra Militarum Orders, Frag & Krak grenades, Tempestus Command Rod
+ Troops +
Militarum Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 90pts]
. 9x Scion: 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Tempestor: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Hot-shot Laspistol
Militarum Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 90pts]
. 9x Scion: 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Hot-shot Lasgun
. Tempestor: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Hot-shot Laspistol
+ Elites +
Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [3 PL, 80pts]
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma gun
Militarum Tempestus Command Squad [3 PL, 80pts]
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Meltagun
. Tempestus Scion: Frag & Krak grenades, Meltagun
++ Total: [111 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++
The Standout Features
- Ranged support battery of two Manticores and a Basilisk
- A trio of Scout Sentinels
- Lots and lots of Catachan infantry squads
- A pair of Miltarum Tempestus Command Squads sporting plasmas and meltas, respectively
Why it's Interesting in 9th
Rob: The Astra Militarum finally make a top four showing in Competitive Innovations but sadly do not give the faction their first showing for 40kstats' TiWP statistic owing to opening up the event with a round 1 loss to the Adepta Sororitas. I'll admit that most of my experience with the Astra Militarum comes from dumpstering Scott Horras' army with my Death Guard (Scott Note: :( ) but this particular variation isn't too far removed from those lists.
Scott: The first reason this is interesting in 9e is that... it's a freaking Guard list, huzzah! Alan has brought along a regiment that has stood the test of time: Catachan. While our custom regiments might be better for tank-focused, or infantry-focused lists, Catachan gives you some great benefits to both your tanks and your infantry while also giving you access to a fantastic lineup of special characters. The pile of Catachans gives you pretty good board control in this list and the classic combination of Straken and a Ministorum Priest get those muscly bois tossing 3 dice apiece. I think the value of this classic tech has gone up in recent days as SoB, DE, and Admech are the major players in town now; notably all T3 armies. Alan sprinkles in a little of your base in 9e by including the double Full Payload Manticore for some strong indirect shooting and doesn't leave home without his Tank Commander; two units I consider absolutely necessary for competing with Guard in 9e. Scout Sentinels seem like the natural pick to fill out this Brigade, and when equipped with multi-lasers, I presume their job was primarily to score unthreatened objectives or score secondary objectives. I'd be tempted to smack some heavy flamers onto them if the points were there, but at 35 points they're a pretty decent pick to hold uncontested objectives, and you don't feel too bad if you have to sacrifice them to score.
Onto his patrol detachment. Alan's brought along my second favorite Tempestus Scions regiment: Iotan Gorgonnes. The Gorgonnes are cheeky lads with a very potent Stratagem - Daring Descent, which allows a Scion unit to deep strike at 5" instead of 9". Not only is this Stratagem exceptionally handy for sneaking onto loosely held objectives and scoring secondaries; for Alan, it allows him to drop that spicy melta command squad within melta range off of the deep strike, or drop one of those full-strength hotshot lasgun squads within rapid fire range. This detachment is just a fantastic utility pick that allows Alen to score secondaries, threaten targets directly off of the deepstrike, and lean harder into board control. I will admit, I'm genuinely confused by his pick of Sanctity of Spirit on his Progeny of Conflict, I think I'd reach for Old Grudges before that, but it's clearly worked out for him.
This is a list that clearly built to lean heavily into board control and bring just enough killing power to push those 120 bodies over the edge into a reasonable list. I've been considering a list like this for a while, but I'm very glad to see an examplar of it in the wild. It's a shame he took a loss in round 1; we're still looking for that coveted first TiWP in 9e! You'll see a very different take on 9e Guard once I get to typing up my tournament own report for Waaagh fest!
Mike Ellison - Necrons - 3rd ✪ Place
Monolith with Death Rays. Credit: Rockfish
The List
Note: Based on the precedent of the FAQ recently applied to Typhus, the event ruled that Szarekh being a Dynastic Agent meant he was exempt from the rule that normally stops you from taking units from multiple dynasties in the same detachment.
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Super-Heavy Detachment -6CP (Necrons) [75 PL, 1,460pts, -3CP] ++
Detachment Command Cost [-6CP]
Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Novokh
+ Lord of War +
Monolith [19 PL, 360pts]
. 4 Gauss Flux Arcs
Seraptek Heavy Construct [33 PL, 650pts]
. Two Synaptic Obliterators and Two Transdimensional Projectors
The Silent King [23 PL, 450pts, 3CP]
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [26 PL, 535pts, 9CP] ++
+ Configuration +
Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Novokh
+ HQ +
Chronomancer [4 PL, 90pts, -1CP]: Dynastic Heirlooms, Entropic Lance, Relic: Veil of Darkness
+ Troops +
Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: Gauss Blaster, 5x Immortal
+ Elites +
Transcendent C'tan [14 PL, 270pts]: Power of the C'tan: Antimatter Meteor, Power of the C'tan: Sky of Falling Stars, Random Fractured Personality
+ Fast Attack +
Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts]
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles
Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts]
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles
++ Total: [101 PL, 1,995pts, 6CP] ++
The Standout Features
- A super-heavy detachment running a Monolith, the Silent King, and a Seraptek, for a cool 1,460 points
- No seriously, a Seraptek and a Monolith
- A Transcendant C'Tan
- An actual Monolith
Why it's Interesting in 9th
OK so before we dive into this, the Cadillac of lists, it's important to note that it comes with a caveat - the list is not technically legal thanks to the Silent King's rules not actually allowing you to build detachments with him and units from other dynasties, owing to the fact that he has the SZAREKHAN Dynasty keyword in addition to having DYNASTIC AGENT. This is the same problem that Death Guard players had with Typhus until the June FAQs fixed his wording (although it's still a bit off). In this case, the TO for the event ruled that Szarekh should work like Typhus (this is the right call and I applaud the TO for doing it), opening us up to this wonderful list. The big benefit here is the Novokh Dynasty bonus on the Monolith, which can deep strike and get +1 to its charge rolls. Only having to go 8" with a CP re-roll is a huge boost on your odds of making a successful charge the turn you arrive. Once you do get into melee, the Monolith can gleefully use its Portal of Exile to drop 6 S8 AP-3, 3-damage attacks, which get bumped up to AP-4 with the Novokh trait and can be further bumped by an extra attack in a pinch with the Novokh Stratagem Blood Rites, though it isn't the most efficient play for an army giving up 3 CP for its main detachment (you get 3 back from Szarekh being your Warlord).
In addition to the Monolith you also have a Seraptek Heavy Construct, the oft-forgotten Forge World Necron Titan. Its Imperial Armour Compendium datasheet is a far cry from the glory of its old downloadable PDF version but it still packs a nasty punch, with 6 attacks that can be either made at S16, AP-3, 5 damage or doubled up on to get S8 Ap-1, 2 damage, the latter of which benefit significantly from the Novokh trait and Stratagem buffs. And the shooting it gets with its Synaptic Obliterators (two Heavy D3, S16 AP-4, 6 damage guns) and Transdimensional projectors (Heavy D6, S6 AP-2 1 damage, blast) aren't too shabby either.
In addition to these two Titans is Szarekh, good as he always was. The big idea here is the same as any list running several big things: Give an opponent three large, durable units and force them to make decisions about threat priority and how to mass their firepower to deal with each one, hoping that by the time they've taken out one, the other two are already in their face causing problems they'll be unable to recover from. In that same sense, the Transcendant C'Tan makes a lesser fourth option for this group, another very difficult to kill unit that can punish opponents who don't take the little star god seriously. That means an opponent taking on this list needs the ability to kill a Seraptek from a distance on turn 1. The bad news for this particular list is that the first place Admech list is equipped to do that, packing 12 twin Cognis Lascannons which, with standard buffs from the Marshall and doctrina imperatives, will do an average of 38 wounds to a Seraptek Construct in a single round of shooting.
The good news is that Mike still tore through Space Wolves, Adepta Sororitas, and Drukhari en route to the final table, and put up a reasonable showing in the final game (91-73). There's a lot to like about this list, even if it does depend quite a bit on TOs ruling sensibly on the Silent King. Its other biggest hurdle is deployment: It can be very difficult to deploy a Seraptek on some maps, and deep striking a Monolith isn't going to be feasible against some lists just due to its enormous size. That said, if you're looking to replicate this list at home you might be better off dropping the Seraptek from this list and taking a second Monolith, which is easier to deploy and play with while still offering you a heck of a punch and good durability (It also frees you up about 300 points to play with).
David Christensen - Death Guard - 4th Place
Credit: PierreTheMime
The List
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos - Death Guard) [99 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
+ Configuration [12CP] +
Plague Company: Mortarion's Anvil
+ Stratagems [-2CP] +
Gifts of Decay [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics [-2CP]
+ HQ [15 PL, 280pts] +
Death Guard Daemon Prince [10 PL, 185pts]: 5. Rotten Constitution, 6. Gift of Plagues, Foetid Wings [2 PL, 35pts], Hellforged sword [10pts], Malefic talons, Smite, Suppurating Plate, Warlord
Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 95pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 4. Putrescent Vitality, Blight grenades, Corrupted staff, Krak grenades, Smite
+ Troops [8 PL, 200pts] +
Death Guard Cultists [2 PL, 50pts]
. Death Guard Cultist Champion [5pts]: Autogun
. 9x Death Guard Cultist w/ Autogun [45pts]: 9x Autogun
Poxwalkers [2 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker [50pts]: 10x Improvised weapon
Poxwalkers [2 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker [50pts]: 10x Improvised weapon
Poxwalkers [2 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker [50pts]: 10x Improvised weapon
+ Elites [42 PL, -3CP, 860pts] +
Blightlord Terminators [20 PL, -1CP, 415pts]
. Blightlord Champion [-1CP, 40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Champion of Disease [-1CP], Combi-bolter, Plague Skull of Glothila
. Blightlord Terminator [45pts]: Flail of corruption [5pts]
. Blightlord Terminator [45pts]: Flail of corruption [5pts]
. Blightlord Terminator [45pts]: Blight launcher [5pts], Bubotic Axe
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator [40pts]: Bubotic Axe, Combi-bolter
Deathshroud Terminators [7 PL, 150pts]
. Deathshroud Champion [50pts]: Manreaper, Plaguespurt gauntlet
. 2x Deathshroud Terminator [100pts]: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
Deathshroud Terminators [7 PL, 150pts]
. Deathshroud Champion [50pts]: Manreaper, Plaguespurt gauntlet
. 2x Deathshroud Terminator [100pts]: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
Foul Blightspawn [4 PL, -1CP, 75pts]: Blight grenades, Gloaming Bloat, Krak grenades, Plague sprayer, Plaguechosen [-1CP], Revolting Stench-vats, Unholy death's head grenade
Tallyman [4 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: 4. Arch-Contaminator, Blight grenades, Krak grenades, Plaguechosen [-1CP], Plasma pistol, Tollkeeper
+ Fast Attack [7 PL, 135pts] +
Foetid Bloat-drone [7 PL, 135pts]: Fleshmower [5pts], Plague probe
+ Heavy Support [27 PL, 525pts] +
Plagueburst Crawler [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Entropy cannon [10pts], Heavy slugger, Plagueburst Mortar
Plagueburst Crawler [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Entropy cannon [10pts], Heavy slugger, Plagueburst Mortar
Plagueburst Crawler [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Entropy cannon [10pts], Heavy slugger, Plagueburst Mortar
++ Total: [99 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
The Standout Features
- David runs empty on Plague Marines, taking three unit of Poxwalkers and one unit of Cultists as Troops
- A 10-model unit of Blightlords packing two flails
- A trio of Plagueburst Crawlers with Entropy Cannons
- A Foul Blightspawn for support
Why it's Interesting in 9th
Rob: As Drukhari and Admech have risen, Death Guard lists have shifted further toward terminator-heavy builds supported by vehicles This list does the same thing we saw a few weeks ago, going heavy on terminators with a squad of 10 Blightlords and two units of Deathshrouds, only David has opted to go more melee-heavy on the terminators, giving them two flails. They're supported by a Tallyman and a Foul Blightspawn and because the list can't fit four units of Poxwalkers, it's forced to carry a unit of Cultists. The upside is that the Cultists can still perform Spread the Sickness and are a bit faster (if less durable) than the poxwalkers. Supporting this core of terminators is a Daemon Prince rocking the Supparating Plate + Rotten Constitution combo, meaning he'll completely shrug off any AP-1 or AP-2 attacks that come his way, while the Plaguecaster can buff the Terminator units, making them tougher and stronger. One of the nastier things about this list is that almost every unit in the forward group can perform a Heroic Intervention - the Terminators can all do so with the Relaptic Assault Stratagem from Mortarion's Anvil, while the characters can do so natively and the Fleshmower Bloat-Drone can use Dark Cravings to intervene 6". The results is a nasty, inexorable block of death that's nearly impossible to charge without having to engage the entire mass, or at least the most devastating parts of it. The trio of Plagueburst Crawlers can play things a little safer, using their Entropy Cannons to take out vehicle targets across the table while the mortars allow them to stay mostly out of sight until they need to take their shots. Depending on the opponent, the Poxwalkers can screen them to stop anything from tying them up.
Death Guard on the whole seem like they've taken a hit against the barrage of new codexes designed to win 65%+ of their games, but the army is still built very well and the things it does well are exactly the kind of things you need to do to win games in 9th. How they'll fare after the next few books is anyone's guess but at the moment it looks like they're still hovering in the high 50s for win percentage and cracking top 4s.
The Rest of the Best
- 5th - Philipp Kovac - Drukhari: Lots of the standard Drukhari toys on show here, but also a new challenger in the form of the Prophets of the Flesh, putting up a big unit of liquifier Grotesques as a strong To The Last option.
- 6th - Bob Ezell - Adeptus Mechanicus: A final AdMech list to round things out - and it's a completely wild swing from any of the others, packing in two trios of Kastelan robots (using their new, flexible fist/gun option) in a Data Hoard Forge World detachment, with a big brick of Sydonian Dragoons providing an even heftier melee punch. Nice to see that while there's a very clear "best build" out of the gate that there's some depth as well.
Wrap Up
That's it for a blowout weekend, and thanks again to the rest of the team for pitching in to help out. Things are a bit quieter next week, but we'll still have a couple of events to take a look at, with a GT and a four-round one dayer from Australia. We'll see if the sinister tendrils of Skitariinet have seized control down under as well. Until then, if you have any comments, questions or suggestions you can reach us at contact@goonhammer.com.