Tale of Gamers - first month complete

My first 250 points of Orks for the GW Newbury competition are done.  Warboss Zogsmasha has a boduguard unit of Nobz with 3 big choppas and a Painboy.  I am very pleased with the camouflage on my Blood Axes and the technical paints are brilliant.  Typhus Corrosion on the metal with judicious Blood for the Blood God came out really well.  I have noticed a couple of details that I have missed, but I got the full 3 points for assembly, basing and painting.

We got in a few games on Saturday, but so far a draw has been my best result.  Having played Space Marines I need to get used to Ork armour and making the most of all available cover.  Even with feel no pain and two wounds each not enough of them were making it into combat to finish off the Necrons I was up against.  With the meta in early 7th still favouring shooting, this is no real surprise.

For June I will be adding a Battlewagon and 20 Boyz, which will give me more cannon fodder and force my opponents to make some decisions.  I am enjoying starting this new army and having great fun building the force.

The new Ork models also look very entertaining.   Although only the Gorkanaut has been announced officially, there are a few glimpses of new kits in the current White Dwarf.

40k 7th Edition - first game

Instead of a full review of the new rules, which I'm still reading, here is a quick summary of our first game we played on release day afternoon.

We only had one copy of the books between us, as the digital versions did not go up until later in the day, which was a bit frustrating. I can see that the physical release was the priority for GW, but pressing Download on the Black Library site and then repeatedly seeing Preorder was disappointing, especially with no indication as to exactly when the electronic version would be available. At least I have the epub now.

For our game my marines were teamed with Aaron's Eldar against Matt's SM and Pete's guard. At 600pts per player the game took about twice as long as usual, as we wanted to check each rule as we played.

We were keen to try the Maelstrom of War missions with the tactical objectives. With the 6 numbered objectives in play and relatively small game, my initial thought was that the game would be static with everyone camping objectives. However, with the 3 objectives you draw being scored per turn and cards changing as they are scored or useless ones discarded, there are no automatic points just for holding any objectives, even at the end of the game. As 18 of the 36 cards require you to take a particular numbered objective, you can end of only being able to score by controlling your opponent's objectives.  Matt had 4 drop pods in his list and 2 of them came down in scoring distance of 2 of our objectives. As even dedicated transports for troops count as super-scoring units, these proved to be a real pain.  Mobile troops therefore also are really useful when you need a different objective. My bike squad helped us get back in the game late on, but not enough to beat Pete and Matt.

There is certainly a bit of accounting involved keeping track of the points, which can rack up quickly, especially if you are able to score multiple cards simultaneously, some of which are D3 or even D3+3.

With 4 psykers on the board, we were hoping for exciting psychic phases, but poor rolls, useless powers and psykers being killed for objectives meant that we will have to wait and see on this.

My obligatory Stormtalon killed a couple of units before dying to Pete's Hydra. The changes to Jink are interesting. It is now a 4+ cover save, but must be declared before rolls to hit are made. Other vehicles have also gained jink, but everything can now only snap shot the turn after jinking. The Stormtalon has also lost Pinning from the Strafing Run rule, as have snipers. I will have to re-think my 600 pt shooty list, which had used the talon with snipers.

The new challenges with tactical objectives made for an interesting game, in which units were forced to move around across the board. I recommend giving the Maelstrom of War missions a try and I certainly want to work out some new lists for these games.

We wanted to try the unbound army rules too, but again we ran out of time, so we are looking forward to seeing how they work in a future game.

My background story for GW Newbury's Tale of Gamers

WAAGH ZOGSMASHA

REPORT FROM INQUISITOR BALKHAUSEN, ORDO XENOS

Date : 972.M41.157

Location : Alendry IV

I continue to investigate the activities of Warboss Zogsmasha.  Until now his motives were unclear, even to myself.  There seemed to be little pattern to his vicious attacks on various agricultural facilities and jungle worlds across fourteen systems.   However, our glorious Emperor has proved beneficent in enabling me to capture and interrogate a so-called ‘Painboy’ of Zogsmasha’s Blood Axe tribe during the successful defence of the main grey-algae production vat complex on Dreah.  This action was undertaken by the heroic Mitorian XIII supported by elements of the Howling Griffons’ 9^th Company Ancorae Mancorae, under the overall command of Captain Leomar Adler.

My interrogation of this creature, which refered to itself as ‘Skabrippa’, quickly revealed that Zogsmasha is deliberately attacking worlds in the path of  hive fleet Thanatos.  After my initial scepticism at this seemingly suicidal strategy, Skabrippa was then persuaded to reveal that Zogsmasha has heard tell of a mythical greenskin called ‘Grom the Flabby’.  (I initially believed this name to be in the correct form, although I have always been wary of xeno-linguistic servitors).  According to Skabrippa, this Grom creature is said to have gained remarkable healing powers by consuming parts of other beasts with regenerative abilities.

(After exhaustive research I was able to uncover a reference to a similarly named ‘Grom the Paunch’ in the heretical tome [CENSORED BY ORDER OF THE IMPERIUM])

It appears that Zogsmasha is attempting to gain similar powers by capturing and dissecting one of the larger Tyranid organisms with the capacity to self-heal.  His quest represents a significant threat to the Imperium in a number of ways.  Were Zogsmasha to be successful, an unkillable warboss could see the rise of a large Waagh.  If this ability could be passed on to the entire Waagh, they would require significantly increased firepower to resist.   Even if Zogsmasha  is unable to locate a suitable organism or his painboys cannot perform the required procedures, the prospect of Thanatos absorbing the biomass from a sizeable Waagh is even more dangerous.

I request the assignment of a Deathwatch squad to eradicate Zogsmasha and his currently small group of followers believed to be en route to my location in the Alendry system, before his Waagh regains momentum.  Only his toughest warriors survived Dreah, but they will surely grow in number again, if left unchecked.  I know that Brother Elias, formerly of the Salamanders chapter would welcome the opportunity to bring his weapon known as the Wyvern’s Breath to bear against these foul xenos.

Thought for the day: Power resides in the will of the Righteous

by M.Hewitt

Warboss and Nobz - work in progress

40K 7th Edition - rulebook decisions

So the rules update for 40K is now officially 7th edition, rather than a version 6.5.  With many of the rules already rumoured online, we will soon know for real what rules have changed, as we re-learn the game for the second time in as many years.  I think I may need to finish all the Librarians I have started for my Howling Griffons.

Of course, with my new army, I was looking forward to a new Orks vs BA starter box.  However, with today's White Dwarf stating that Dark Vengeance will be re-released with a new rulebook, an entirely new box seems unlikely in the very near future.  I wonder if it might be worth putting on my birthday list in August?

When 6th Edition arrived I ended up getting both the hardback rulebook and the mini version in DV, which always seemed a bit of a waste.  This time around, I was hoping just to get the starter set.  However, I will definitely not get DV again, as I still have all the sprues unmade in my first box, but will need the new rules to compete in the Tale of Gamers at GW Newbury with my new boyz.

A digital version seems the best compromise, although even the cheapest £40 for the epub version still seems excessive, when I really want the A5 softback.  I already have a couple of dataslates on my Samsung phone, but I just hope the full rulebook is easy to navigate quickly on my phone.

I am looking forward to the newest version of the game, but I wish GW would release the starter box at the same time, rather than hoping the staggered dates mean many gamers will end up buying both.

PS- A background story on my fledgling Orks will appear soon!

Howling Griffons WIPs

Over the Easter break I have been trying to get some figures finished. This is the current backlog of my assembled Space Marines:

Here is the list:

Stormwing formation (=Stormraven + 2 Stormtalons)
2 Drop Pods
5 Vanguard Veterans
7 Sternguard Veterans
Biker Captain
Biker Command Squad
Dreadnought
Marneus Calgar (counts as figure)
4 Honour Guard (counts as)
2 Librarians
Tigurius
Sgt Telion

This does not include the Ork Nobz and Gretchin I have assembled and basecoated for GW Newbury's Tale of Gamers, but I keep promising myself to get everything finished, before I buy any new models.  That will never happen, but at least I know what I have to do now.  Wish me luck..

First impressions of Astra Militarum (aka Imperial Guard)

The Astra Militarum codex has arrived.  The internet has of course been focusing on the nerfs.  For example, Vendettas cost 40 pts more and can only carry 6 now, Chenkov has gone meaning no more recyclable conscripts, no Penal Legion, Colossus or Medusa and Leman Russes losing Lumbering Behemoth.

Knowing the rumours were not all bad, I picked up a copy of the new codex this morning to see if it is worth digging out my existing army.

Chenkov heads for retirement, with his replacement rumbling onto the scene

For me the stand out innovation is the HQ Tank Commander, which can be accompanied by 1-2 other Leman Russes and can even be upgraded to Pask.  He can issue tank orders to his own unit.  There is nothing in the codex about challenges or look out sir, but this could enable an army of 12 Russes, with each one costing quite a bit less, 120 to 170 pts, depending on the type, plus an extra 30 for the HQ.  I would suggest making the HQ one of the Demolisher variants, due to the slightly better rear armour, although Pask gives each variant a special rule.  Troops still have to be infantry, but with the improved rules for firing from Chimeras, you could field an all-armoured army... at least until an APC is destroyed.

I did wonder if the Baneblade would appear in this book, but it remains accessible through Escalation.  Of course the lost artillery pieces are also in the relevant FW books too.

Orders and platoons were the defining features of this army and this is still the case.  Of course, elite stormtroopers, sorry Tempestus Scions can now be taken in platoons too.  Heavy weapons squads are a good fraction cheaper now.  Orders have also been updated to 6th Edition, with most now referencing a USR.  Like the Ultramarines doctrines on my Howling Griffons, using them well will be the key to victory.  Note to self - don't forget to use orders!!

Some of the combos of units will also become more important.  For example, a Priest in a blob squad or cheaper conscript squad will be very useful, as will a Enginseer, which can now give a vehicle POTMS, which will help Leman Russes use their full range of weapons, including Ordnance, more effectively.

Armoured sentinels are also much cheaper - for example, the plasma cannon version is 2/3 the cost of the old previous incarnation.  I suspect we will be seeing a lot more of these.

No more Penal Legion!

Hydras finally have a Citadel model, although leaving one open-topped seems like asking for trouble.  Whilst they no longer ignore jink saves, they do of course have skyfire and 4 twin-linked shots should give some decent anti-air.  The same box can also build the Wyvern.  After some initial scepticism, this is growing on me and I would like to see one in play for the amounts of saves it can force.

The models for the Ogryns are very characterful and I shall probably get a box at some point to add to my converted Ogres.  I think the more defensive and also expensive Bullgryns will also be useful, with a choice between +1 cover and 5+ Invulnerable save, depending on loadout.

Those are my initial thoughts on the new book.  My next job is to work out a few lists.  Perhaps I will try some armoured allies for my marines.

On first look, there are some interesting options here, but only time will tell how much fun and/or effective the new guard are to play.

Revenge of the Imperial Knight

Last night I played George again.  Having won our last game I wanted to try out a different sort of 1000 point army.  This time my list was 2 Tactical Squads,  with one in a Drop Pod, a basic Librarian joining 6 Sternguard in another pod, a third pod with an Ironclad and finally a Stormtalon as the only flyer.  We hadn't discussed what armies we were taking, but I had a reasonable suspicion he would go with the same army as last time.  I was almost correct.  Although George was mostly using the same figures, he had swapped in some heavy weapons, including a flakk missile to counter my air force.  He was also running his Sons of Horus as Imperial Fists instead of Chaos.

In the morning I assembled a new Drop Pod for the Dreadnought and proxied the other two from my Salamanders and Space Wolves.  I knew this would be a tougher game and when we rolled Purge the Alien with Hammer and Anvil deployment the odds were really against me, as with the 3 Drop Pods I had 9 KPs on the board to George's 5, including his super-heavy walker.

My deployment was a single squad in some ruins. George put his Knight right of centre, his Librarian in one squad behind a bastion left of centre and the other two tacticals on each flank.

As I was going first, I had to decide what to do with my first two pods.  My pre-game plan was to go for the alpha-strike with both elites and bring down the tacticals later.  In hindsight, perhaps a more defensive strategy would have been called for, but I opted to put the Dread down behind the squad on George's right, just in melta-range of the Knight, and the Sternguard next to it nearer his right board edge.  Both pods were on target.  In my shooting I reasoned that my four combi-meltas and one combi-grav would be best served against the 10-man squad using vengeance rounds, although perhaps I should have use the heavy flamer first, but I wanted more rapid fire shots.  In the event I lost one figure to 'Gets Hot', but took out six marines, including the flakk gunner.  A HK missile from the Ironclad also took a point off the Knight, but the melta-gun proved useless.

We had some discussion about the Ion shield going up, as it can easily be missed before the shooting starts.  I had no problem with him declaring it during my shooting, but I would suggest in a competitive match both opponents agreeing to declare when the movement phase ends, to enable the Knight player to deploy the shield at the right time.

In his turn George advanced his tacticals towards my end of the board, away from the pods, which he sent the Knight to deal with.  The battle cannon killed a couple of Sternguard and he cannily fired a heavy stubber at the Ironclad.  Even though this weapon couldn't damage it, this allowed him to declare a charge against the Dreadnought.  Although both were I4, the Dreadnought's weapons failed to scratch the Knight.  However, the Knight's D-weapon obliterated the poor ancient, and then the Stomp attack danced all over the Sternguard and a Drop Pod, with only the Librarian surviving, thanks to 'Look out sir'.  Again a rules question arose when the Librarian fled.  Normally, the Knight would have caught the Librarian, but my HQ was nowhere near base contact in the combat, but had run because of the stomp attacks, so the Librarian carried on fleeing instead of regrouping in combat.

George was already 4-0 up and it looked like he would quickly get another 2 for my warlord.  Luckily I could still use his +1 to reserve rolls trait, and both my Stormtalon and last Drop Pod came on in my second turn.  This pod went down on target again behind his other two full squads and the flyer came on just 18" to face the Knight's rear arc, just in its 24" weapon range.  Again we made sure the Ion shield went up at the right time, but I chipped away a couple more HPs.  My Librarian was doomed but heroically tried to kill one of the squad of 4 remaining from the Sternguard fight with his pistol and then failed the 12" charge needed to get into the relative safety of combat.  The Tactical squads then spent the rest of the game trading fire, trying to whittle each other down, helped by storm bolters from my pods.

In George's second turn he got 3 heavy stubber hits on my Librarian, who then promptly rolled 3 twos for his 3+ armour saves....  The Knight then turned its attention to smashing up another Drop Pod, helpfully allowing my Stormtalon to keep flying into its rear arc on the next turn, before hovering to finish it off on turn 4.

By Turn 5 I had managed to kill off two of his three tactical squads, helped by a lucky precision shot from my last sergeant, which accounted for a plasma cannon.  I had 6 marines, a pod and an undamaged Stormtalon to his 7 tacticals and terminator Librarian left when the game finished at the end of turn 5.  George was a clear winner 8-3 on kill points, but I was pleased my army was back in the game after a bad start.  With a bit of luck, I could still have tabled him.

Multiple flyers are definitely the answer to Knights, which need support from a reasonable amount of anti-air.  It would still interest me to see how multiple knights perform.  Practice with Drop Pods is something else I definitely need.