750pts CSM vs. SM with /Vassal

[silencer]

Hey Battle Brothers,

it has been some time since I played my last 40k match. Actually, since the birth of my daughter a year ago, I have not even touched my minis. But after reading the new rulebook and some Horus Heresy novels, I decided that it was time again to do the Emperor’s bidding.

Unfortunately, none of my friends had time, and so I decided to follow Oscar Wilde’s advice to look for really good company, playing against myself. I know that sounds kind of weird but it was much more enjoyable as one might think. The secret is to look for each sides’ best move possible –at least from your own point of view. In the end, it was a little bit like playing chess against oneself.

Fortunately, a friend of mine left his Chaos Marines at my place. I wrote a 750points list for them and my Space Marines (Golden Cougars), set up a small table and rolled some dice. Here is what came out…oh, but two disclaimers beforehand:

First, I am from Germany, using the German rulebooks and codices. Thus, at times I might use the wrong terms or translations for specific units, rules or other stuff. Please, beg my pardon for that. Second, my Vassal crashed after I had just finished Turn 3a, and I was to lazy to start all over again. I am truly sorry that after this turn, we only have some pics and the text version available.

Setup:

Mission: Cleanse & Control (Maelstrom)

Deployment: Dawn of War

Warlord Traits: Chaoslord – Master of Fear; Scipio – Champion of Mankind

Here is a picture from the battle field including deployed units:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/DSCF8065_zps89b07497.jpg

Armies:

Chaos:

HQ:

Chaoslord: 127pts

w/ TDA, Combiplasma, Lightning Claw, Veteran of the Long War, Mark of Khorne

Troops:

6 Khorne Berserkers: 180pts

w/ Rhino, Veterans of the Long War

Champion w/ Lightning Claw

10 CSM: 205pts

w/ Rhino, 2 Plasmaguns

Heavy Support:

Obliterator: 70pts

Obliterator: 70pts

5 Havocs: 95pts

w/ 2 Autocannons

Golden Cougars:

HQ

Centurio Scipio Celeriter (count as Kor’sarro Khan): 150pts

w/ Firelion (count as Moondraaken)

Troops:

5men Bikesquad Durial: 145pts

w/2 Plasmaguns

Sgt. w/ Combiplasma

5men Bikesquad Titus: 145pts

w/2 Plasmaguns

Sgt. w/ Combiplasma

5men Bikesquad Marcus: 145pts

w/2 Gravguns

Sgt. w/ Combigrav

Elite

Venerable Dreadnought Onorato: 145pts

w/ 2 TWL-Autocannons

Author’s note:

I just realize that I had 20 points left for the Cougars’ list. Well, maybe next time beefing up one of the Bike-Sgts. What do you think?

Deployment:

The Chaoslord joined the Berzerkers in their red Rhino, deploying right beside the northwestern ruin. Behind this ruin, we find the CSMs in their Rhino. While one Obliterator stayed in reserve, the other one stood on top of the ruin, accompanied by the Havocs one floor below.

Scipio joined Squad Marcus (Gravguns), trying together with Squad Titus to outflank the traitors. Onorato took fire position behind a wall in the southeast, and Squad Durial waited behind the small wood in the central of the deployment zone.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Deployment_zpsa75cb0b9.jpg

The Game:

“We found them, Centurio; awaiting your orders.” It was Principalis Durial’s voice Scipio heard over the vox. Finally, they had cornered the traitors here in the area of Magna Lepilia. For weeks now, Scipio and his contingent of warriors had been chasing this nameless Chaoslord’s warband who had killed thousands of Imperial citizens here on Aggripiana. Now was the moment to let them pay. “Proceed as planned! I’ll send Onorato to you. Wait for him and then engage. Put as much pressure on them as possible, as we will take them from the flanks.” “Copy that, Sir! Duty and Honor!” Scipio gave a cunning grin under his helmet and echoed the Golden Cougar’s motto: “Indeed, Durial, Duty and Honor!”

Turn 1 (CSM):

Both Rhinos advanced towards the ruin in the mid-west, attempting to fulfill the tactical mission to control the objective there. The Berzerker Rhino takes cover behind the ruin, while the CSM Rhino had to use its smoke launcher. Meanwhile, the combined fire of the Obliterator and the Havocs take one hull point from the Dread.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn1a_CSM_zps7504846a.jpg

Turn 1 (Cougars):

Squad Durial moved through the wood, shooting at the Obliterator and killing the abomination with two Bolter shots (yes, he rolled snake eyes!), giving me First Blood and a VP. Venerable Onorato who happens to secure not only an objective but also a Fire Control System immobilized the CSM Rhino. Nice first turn for the good guys (I never said, I am not biased ).

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn1b_Cougars_zps00c8803a.jpg

Turn 2 (CSM):

The reserved Oblit decides to let his Lord wait a little bit, while the Berzerker rush forward, covering themselves with some smoke and gaining a VP for securing a tactical objective. The Havocs shoot at the Dread without success. The CSM shoot from the Rhino’s hatch achieving a mixed result by killing one Plasmagunner from squad Durial and one of their own.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn2a_CSM_zpsd687878f.jpg

Turn 2 (Cougars):

It was time to let the trap snap, thought Scipio. So far his plan had worked perfectly although Squad Titus had not arrived as close to the ruin as he would have preferred. Still, it was time to kill some traitors.

Both reserved units arrive: Scipio and Squad Marcus from the east, Titus from the west. Marcus’ Gravguns kill the Havoc Champion, giving the Cougars one VP for the tactical objective ASSASINATE. Titus’ Plasmaguns take another hull point from the CSM Rhino, and Venerable Onorato glances away two hull points from the red transport.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn2b_Cougars_zpse46ba699.jpg

Turn 3 (CSM):

The second Obliterator shows up, teleporting into the woods. Not waiting long, he aims with his Plasmacannon at Sqaud Durial, but only burning away one of his own wounds. The CSM leave their Rhino, letting feel Scipio and his retinue some Bolter love (the last Plasmagunner blew himself up…hihi) without effect as the artifice of the closest line trooper’s armour stopped two bullets. Well, artifice holds just for so long as we all know, and against the Havocs the line trooper sacrifices himself for his Centurio. The same happens with another biker, although it is not the Lord’s Combiplasma forcing the Marine’s sacrifice (the Lord blew his hand and one wound as this weapon must contain a demon in some bad mood ) but the Bolt Pistol of a Berzerker.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn3a_CSM_zpsb62eaa42.jpg

Turn 3 (Cougars):

Squad Durial deals with the threat from the Oblit in the southern trees, killing the monster with some solid plasma shots. Squad Titus approaches the objective in the mid-northern crater, shooting at the Havocs with no effect, Onorato wrecks the Rhino and forces the Lord and his Berzerkers to leave their transport behind.

Now, Scipio makes a mistake. Eager to achieve another tactical objective (BLOOD AND GUTS), he charges the CSM, not even using his superior fire power as Marcus saves his Combigravshots. Scipio leaves the challenge to his Sgt., killing two CSM himself. Marcus and the Chaos Champion exchange some blows without effect, but one Gravgunner gets killed by a traitor Marine. Knowing their Lord is not far, the three surviving CSM hold.

http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/silencer979/media/BatReps/DSCF8069_zps67109bb3.jpg.html?o=74

Turn 4 (CSM):

The Havocs regroup but stay in the ruin to take Squad Titus under fire, terminating both Plasmagunners. The Lord and the Khorne lovers charge into the melee where the Chaos leader cuts down Marcus and the last line trooper, dealing to Scipio, who kills two further traitors, his first wound. The Berzerker Champion wounds the Centurio for a second time, before all the other butchers attack. Of course, I am expecting Scipio to die at this moment but miraculously he survives…for now…because he fails his hit & run test…meeeh!

Turn 4 (Cougars):

Scipio knew that he would perish if he could not escape this melee. He had not expected the traitors to shrug off his first attacks. Now, he was to pay for underestimating his foes. His bike was damaged and the numbers stood heavily against him. He could keep the Lord in check but these Berzerkers in red were too eager to gut him. He prepared to die fighting, yelling the name of his chapter’s homeworld in defiance: “For Confluentia!”

Squad Durial secures the objective in the southern woods. Squad Titus does the same in the mid-northern crater using the immobilized Rhino as cover. Together with Onorato, who still stands behind his wall holding an objective, they send three Havocs including both ACs back to the Chaos gods. Unfortunately, the remaining trooper does not flee.

Scipio exchanges blows with the Chaoslord but both cannot penetrate the other’s guard. Eventually, the Berzerker Champion uses a moment of inadvertence by Scipio to finish him off, giving the traitors a VP for Warlord Kill and allowing the Lord and his Berzerkers to consolidate in the direction of Squad Titus. The surviving two CSMs crawl into the cover of the ruins to foster the Chaos’ grip on the objective there.

Turn 5 (CSM):

Not much happens, with the exception that the Berzerkers come closer to Squad Titus who is defending a Grav Wave Generator device. In the hope to divert the Chaos butchers, Titus and his remaining Marines pump all they have into the charging Berzerker. Only the first is close enough to make it the full distance. If he fails, Squad Titus might be able to perform a tactical retreat. However, the Berzerker’s plate is blessed in this moment and he charges viciously into Titus, paving the way for the rest of his mates. Needless to say, Squad Titus gets annihilated in the process without dealing any damage themselves. The objective is finally secured by the traitors and their leader.

Turn 5 (Cougars):

Berzerkers are fearless and there was no realistic chance to get them off their objective. Hence, in this situation, the Cougars can only try to repel the Havocs and the CSM from the objective in the northeastern ruin. Indeed, before his weapon overcharges, Durial’s remaining Plasmagunner kills one CSM but the surviving Champion stands tall. The Dread wounds the last Havoc 3 or 4 times but he makes all saves. The game continues for another turn.

Turn 6 (CSM):

Now, I had to make a decision. Shall I leave the Lord alone on the objective and send the Berzerkers running for the marker close to the mid-eastern ruin? Such a move would have fitted the character of Berzerkers but I thought it would be better to keep one objective save instead of risking both.

On the other hand, the Havoc would not survive in the ruin, and so he should make a run for the objective in the small mid-western ruin. The CSM champion, however, hid behind a solid column, keeping out of sight of anyone to secure the objective within the ruin.

Turn 6 (Cougars):

The Centurio was down. Durial was not sure if he was still alive, but he could not distract his mind with concerns about his commander. The traitors had a solid position and Durial knew he had to be careful. Their plan could still work. But he had to get a better shooting angle on the troops in the ruin. He ordered the remains of his squad to advance. It was their only chance.

Squad Durial catches the careless Havoc in the open with some well aimed Bolter rounds. Onorato does not get LOS on the CSM Champion and shoots at the Berzerkers, without doing any damage. Maybe in turn 7.

Turn 7 (CSM):

Now, it bites me, not to have sent the Berzerkers to the objective. With some good running they could have made it. So, the Chaos side cannot do much this final turn, except digging in and keeping their heads low.

Turn 7 (Cougars):

The Dread shoots at the Berzerkers, killing one without any effect for the outcome of the game. In the meantime, Squad Durial moves a little bit to get LOS on the CSM Champion, but simultaneously keeping contact with their own objective in the woods. Two bikes achieve this mission, shooting their TWL Bolters at the traitor, wounding him twice. This is the chance to win it all, but blessed by the Chaos gods he makes both saves.

Result and Aftermath:

The game ended with an 8-8 draw. While the CSM held two objectives, they also achieved one tactical objective and killed the Cougar’s warlord. The Space Marines held two objectives, as well, drew first blood and achieved another tactical objective.

The traitors had retreated deeper into Magna Lepilia. Durial and his men advanced carefully, constantly covered by Onorato and his sweeping Autocannons. They had a duty to perform before they would pursue the Chaos Marines. They had to attend their fallen, remove their gene seed and all equipment which could still be useful. In addition, Durial hoped –he always did- to find survivors.

Scipio awoke when someone pulled his bike from his legs. He felt the vicious wound in his hip where the Berzerker’s claw had ripped into his body, missing his lower spine only by centimeters. Without the protective fittings of Firelion he would have had no chance to continue his duty for his chapter and mankind. It was dark but he was still able to see the towering figures of Durial and Onorato standing before him.

“It seems that Scipio Celeriter must become much faster if he wants his name of honor to be reality.” Durial had his own kind of humor but Scipio heard a slight amount of relieve in his subordinate’s voice. The Sgt. continued: “Maybe, we should rename you Scipio the Lucky?” Now, the Centurio had to smile. “Yeah, you wish so.” He came to his feet, defying the pain in his whole body. “Did the plan work?” he asked nervously. “Well, to a degree”, Durial admitted, “we lost Titus and Marcus together with some other battle brothers, but the enemy withdrew deeper into the urbe.”

In spite of the pain in his hip and about the loss of his men, and the disappointment not to have slain the Chaoslord himself, Scipio grinned. “So, it is now up to Scriptor Pareis and his men to finish the job.” He looked at Onorato. “Great Venerable One, please, outflank Magna Lepilia and join Pareis’ troops! I feel that he will need you before our duty here will be finished.” Onorato’s servos droned as he turned towards the city’s edge. “Duty and Honor!” His mechanical emotionless voice gave the words something factual and eternal.

Okay, I hope you liked the read although the pictures were lacking in the end. Critique and advice about tactical, technical, and dramaturgical aspects of this batrep are always welcomed and encouraged. Your opinion counts!

[markham82]

Thanks for the batrep. I also play against myself by using Vassal as I only get to play other people once a year.

 

Did the chaoslord have terminator armour, because if he did he can't ride in the rhino. And didn't the marines have line breaker? 

[librisrouge]

A wonderful report that was fun to read. Hope to see more in the future.

[silencer]

Thanks for the batrep. I also play against myself by using Vassal as I only get to play other people once a year.

 

Did the chaoslord have terminator armour, because if he did he can't ride in the rhino. And didn't the marines have line breaker? 

 

Hey,

 

yeah, the Chaoslord had TDA, and you are right. I haven't played for so long that I completely forgot about this.  However, in such a small game, I wouldn't mind my opponent to do something like that.

 

A wonderful report that was fun to read. Hope to see more in the future. 

 

 

Thanks, Libisrouge, I plan to do some more if I play more often. These reports are a lot of work. So it might take some time, but I do what I can.