Another 750pts CSM vs. SM with pics and Vassal

[silencer]

Hey folks,

I did it again. I played against myself, and it was real fun although I still hope to get more “real” matches in soon. Again, I played my friend’s CSM against my Space Marines at 750pts.

I also have to make the usual disclaimer. Since I am mostly using the German rulebooks, I might translate some terms, rules etc. wrong. Please, excuse this.

During the last turns, I also realized that I mixed up the Eternal War and Maelstrom mission rules. I thought besides gaining Victory Points by achieving tactical objectives, you would get three points for each objective marker you hold at the end of the game. Thus, don’t be surprised that both armies tried to hold as many markers as possible.

Setup:

Mission: Spoils of War (Maelstrom)

Deployment: Dawn of War

Warlord Traits: Chaoslord – Master of Deceiving; Paris – Conquerer of Cities

Here is a look at the terrain on the battlefield:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/DSCF8151_zpsdfbfe87d.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:

2 Obliterators: 140pts

5 Havocs: 95pts

w/ 2 Autocannons

Golden Cougars:

HQ

Librarian Paris: 105pts

w/ TDA, Power Axe, Stormshield, Auspex

Troops:

10men Tac Squad Maximus: 180pts

w/1 Plasmagun, 1 Plasmacannon

Sgt. w/ Combiplasma

9men Scout Squad Orpheus: 126pts

w/2 Sniper rifles, Camo Cloaks

Elite

Venerable Dreadnought Onorato: 145pts

w/ 2 TWL-Autocannons

Heavy Support

5men Dev Squad Tulius: 90pts

w/ 1 LasCan

Thunderfire Cannon Potentia Solis: 100pts.

w/ Techmarine Glendan

Deployment:

The Chaoslord decided to take the southern deployment zone, deploying the Havocs in the southeastern ruin and the CSM in their Rhino behind the southwestern walls. Later the Obliterators infiltrated the mid-southern ruins, while the Lord decided to outflank the Cougars together with the Berzerkers in their Rhino [note: I know that Terminators are usually not allowed to enter a Rhino, but in such a small game, I did not care and would allow it to my opponent also in a real game].

The Cougars opted for a very defensive deployment. The Thunderfire Cannon rolled into the northwestern ruin, while Paris, Combatsquad Maximus and Venerable Onorato hid behind the chapel in the mid-north. Before Orpheus and his scouts infiltrated the mid-western ruin, the Combatsquad with the Plasmacannon deployed behind the walls in the northeast.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Deployment_zpsd81b8b81.jpg

The Game:

Onorato, the great and ancient valiant hero of the Golden Cougar Chapter, marched into cover behind the chapel of Magna Lepilia. His Autocannons aimed at the dark silhouettes of the ruins of the urbe in front of them. Principalis Maximus, a veteran of over a century of duty, looked at his squad. Well, at least, half of them. Magister Paris had decided to split his 10 men into Combatsquads. While the Plasmacannon should take the enemy’s longrange units under fire, the others should serve as some sort of rapid reaction force. The decision made tactically sense, but he still felt uncomfortable.

His eyes fell upon the towering figure of Magister Paris, and he asked himself if his feelings were rather the result of the Psyker’s presence than of the fact that he did not have his whole squad’s fire power at hand. Even after 124 years of service, he still was not used to sorcerers. “Do you have any comments to make, Maximus?” The Principalis suddenly remembered that Paris was a telepath. “No, Sir, everything is fine. I just hope Orpheus will reach his position in time.” The Librarian looked down to him. “Don’t worry, I do not read the minds of my brothers unless I am invited or ordered to do so.” Maximus was not sure but he thought for a moment the Psyker was smiling. He seemed to enjoy his subordinate’s uncertainty. Then Paris continued: “Orpheus and his men are almost there. I feel it.”

As uncomfortable as it was to be in the presence of such a powerful being as Paris, his ability to perceive his environment as complete as only a telepath could, was a huge tactical asset because it allowed the Cougars to maintain radio silence. Maximus was still worried because they had not had any information where this traitorous bastard and his butchers in their bloody Rhino were. Last intel said, the Chaoslord had split his forces: But where was he? Right in the middle of his thoughts, one of his men suddenly whispered something: “Over there, in the central ruin, Sir!” He magnified his photovisors, seeing some kind of flickering. Then, two huge figures emerged out of nowhere. He almost spit out: “Obliterators…filthy traitor abominations!” Seconds later, he heard Paris’ voice in his head: “To all Golden Cougars, maintain positions and open fire! Duty and Honor, brothers!”

Turn 1 (CSM):

The first round saw some night fighting. All Chaos units maintained position and opened fire at different targets. Neither the Obliterators, who aimed at Techmarine Glendan and his cannon, nor the CSM and their Rhino, who shot at the scouts, were effective. The Havocs wounded three Marines of the Plasmacannon (PC) squad but the Cougars’ armor deflected the shots. At least, the CSM get the first VP for Chaos by controlling marker No. 4.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn1a_zps55cce3c4.jpg

Turn 1 (Cougars):

Thanks to Paris’ abilities, all Cougars are already in perfect position to shoot at their targets. Unfortunately, the Magister is so concentrated on observing the battlefield that he forgets to cast one of his powers (Psychic Shriek or Invisibility). Shooting, however, is quite effective. The PC squad kills three Havocs and Potentia Solis another one. The Dread takes one hullpoint from the CSM-Rhino, while the scouts kill one Oblit and wound the other (some rending wounds and a one on one armor save were quite helpful).

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn1b_zps4689d2b3.jpg

Victory Pts.: 1-0

Turn 2 (CSM):

The Chaoslord and his retinue appear on the battlefield, threatening the eastern flank of the Cougars. Due to the Thunderfire Cannon, they decide to stay in their transport and use the additional movement to get into position for the next rounds. The CSM’s Plasmaguns and the remaining Obliterator kill three Scouts in total (I guess the neophytes did not trust their 2+ cover and stuck their noses out ). The Havoc Champion takes cover outside of LOS of any foes, securing objective No. 2 for the rest of the game.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn2a_zps8723b66a.jpg

Turn 2 (Cougars):

Paris orders Maximus and his squad to approach the Berzerker Rhino. Onorato does the same. Later, the Librarian gives the PC squad Invisibility, offering them a chance to survive the Berzerker’s charge that was to come. In the meantime, the Scouts killed the last Obliterator (First Blood). While Maximus’ Plasmagunner fails, Venerable Onorato and the PC squad wreck the Rhino, so that Glendan can shoot tremor rounds at the Berzerkers, killing one. Besides reducing some traitors to ashes, I get two tactical objectives by securing No. 1 and 3.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn2b_zps1d91889c.jpg

Victory Pts.: 2-3

Turn 3 (CSM):

Lord and Berzerkers make it in charge range of the PC squad who steel themselves to fight the traitors. Meanwhile, the CSM unload a salvo of plasmafire on the Scouts, but kill only one of their own. The melee between Lord, Berzerkers and Tac Marines ends, thanks to Invisibility, in a draw. Khorne’s butchers just choke. The Lord kills two Marines but they kill two Berzerkers in return.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn3a_zpsbdbb5a96.jpg

Turn 3 (Cougars):

Maximus heard the frustrated war cries of the Khorne Berzerkers. His men had stood their ground. It was more than was to be expected, and he still did not understand why the traitors had missed all of their attacks. Maybe, it had to do with the blue light in Paris’ eyes. It was almost as if they could not see the Cougars. The Psyker seemed much more useful as the old Veteran was willing to admit openly. Just two lucky strikes by the Lord himself had hit two of his men who went down with pierced armors. So far, they had made the enemy pay, but now the battle came into the decisive stage. They had to isolate and kill the Lord. As long as he lived, he would present a threat to Aggripiana and the neighboring systems.

Paris decides to sacrifice the PC squad, marching in the direction of objective marker 5. Onorato also changes direction in order to shoot at the CSM-Rhino, immobilizing it and shooting off the second hullpoint. Unfortunately, Dev Squad Tulius as well as Potentia Soilis whiff on the Rhino, and the Scouts forget to move. This time, no Invisibility for the PC-squad which nonetheless survives as only one Marine gets killed by the Lord, while the Berzerkers fail again.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn3b_zpsde659308.jpg

Victory Pts.: 2-3

Turn 4 (CSM):

Now, the Lord orders his CSM to act. They leave their immobile transport (maybe, I should have done that earlier!?) to shoot at Paris and his squad, terminating two Tac Marines. Finally, the Lord finishes off the last two Marines and consolidates in Tulius’ direction. Against their nature (and maybe because they did not want to embarrass themselves even more), the Berzerkers do not run for the next melee but secure objective No. 3, adding another Victory Point for Chaos.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn4a_zpsc79ef536.jpg

Turn 4 (Cougars):

Paris and Squad Maximus further approach objective No. 5, killing the CSM Champion and two CSM with his Psychic Shriek. The Scouts start to withdraw from their position in order to support Paris and his men. Tulius’ LasCan eventually destroys the Rhino, while Glendan kills the last Plasmagunner and another traitor. The Dread is able to kill one of Khorne’s butchers.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn4b_zps7e30498a.jpg

Victory Pts.: 3-3

Turn 5 (CSM):

There is not much left to do for Chaos which must hope that the game ends as soon as possible. The remaining CSM secure objective No. 4. Having no weapons which are effective against Onorato, the Berzerkers consolidate around objective 3. Meanwhile, the Lord shoots his Combiplasma at Onerato but misses. He considers a charge but with only one krak grenade and his unsatisfied desire to spill true, red loyalist blood he dismisses the idea.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn5a_zps0a4cc70c.jpg

Turn 5 (Cougars):

“Maximus, the Scouts will secure the ruins over there. We will support Onorato and hunt the traitor Lord.” Paris pointed in the direction of the chapel. The Chaoslord appeared indecisive. They had to do something, or else the Chaos leader would escape. At this point, his bloodlust had played in the hands of the Space Marines but for how much longer. “Ancient Onorato will not be able to reach the Lord in time, Sir,” said Maximus, “he should engage the Berzerkers!” “You are right,” Paris admitted. He closed his eyes to step in communion with the Dreadnought. Moments later, they heard his mighty Autocannons burst, followed by the death grunts of a traitor.

As Squad Orpheus secures objective 5, adding another VP for the Cougars, Paris and Maximus run in the direction of the Berzerkers, but failing to do any damage. Onerato, instead, kills the last Berzerker except the Champion. Potentia Solis does not do any harm to the CSM. Now, Squad Tulius becomes aware of the Lord. Using the Dev doctrine, they shift position and fire everything they have into the Terminator, causing three wounds including the LasCan. The Lord has to make two 2+ and one 5+ save –the latter an instant kill. The Chaos gods look at him and decide that they want him to continue his crusade, as he makes all of his saves (and as we will also see that’s bad luck and bad news for Squad Tulius).

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn5b_zps2a34e0d6.jpg

Victory Pts.: 3-4

Turn 6 (CSM):

The CSM spread out to avoid the Thunderfire Cannon. The Berzerker awaits Onorato with an ugly cry on his lips, while the Lord charges Squad Tulius and kills four Marines including Tulius himself. The challenge against my brave Sgt. brings him another VP (Hungry for Glory).

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn6a_zpsc07d779e.jpg

Turn 6 (Cougars):

The Scouts dug in at objective No. 5. The Thunderfire Cannon seems not able to fire this turn (I forgot it), and Paris makes the last Dev invisible. He and his men further approach the Lord’s current position in the hope to finish him off if time allows. Onorato charges the Berzerker Champion and kicks him to ashes after a short but fierce melee. The Lord’s Lightning Claw finds its prey, as the last Dev is killed without mercy, granting another VP for Bloods and Guts to Chaos, making it 6-4 for Chaos at this point.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/Turn6b_zpsffcebdfe.jpg

Result and Aftermath:

Now, mixing up the rules, I counted the objective markers each side controlled. As in the Eternal War missions, I granted three points for each objective held by one side. Chaos had two objectives, adding another 6VP to their other 6VP. Fortunately, the Cougars held three, giving them 9 more VP. Thus the end result was 13-12VP in favor of the Space Marines…Cougars win!!!

Here is a final look on the battle field: http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a573/silencer979/BatReps/DSCF8164_zps78172fea.jpg

They were almost there. Maximus could even see the energy rippling over the Chaoslord’s claw. He stared in their direction, his face hidden by his Terminator helmet. The Principalis looked at his right. Paris’ face was tense for concentration, as he was about to unleash his powers. Then, they saw a sudden flicker of pseudo light, and the Lord was not there anymore. It took a second until Maximus realized what just had happened. Then he stopped and yelled in frustration:“Coward!!! You dishonourable bastard!!!” The Chaos leader had escaped via teleporting. Maximus could not believe it. They had been so close to end this threat.

“Remain calm!” Paris said with a voice that contained softness unimaginable, considering the tension he must have felt only moments ago. The Magister stood beside him, exuding a calmness that betrayed his fierce actions from the previous hours. “Do you really believe, we have seen this abomination for the last time? He will come back, and we will be ready!” Maximus could not say anything. He had lost men today. Sure, it was not the first time, but it still hurt in some manner. In return, he had wanted to see this traitor slain. He had wanted it so badly. Looking at the Psyker, he wanted to shout at him, explain to him that he, Maximus, could not overlook such a failure as easily. But then, from one moment to the other, his frustration fell from him and he felt calmer. Paris was right. In the end, all enemies of mankind would perish. It was what he believed. It was what he was trained for. It was what he was made for.

“You are right, Brother Magister. We will be ready!” Maximus exhaled heavily. Paris chuckled. It was not the sound of a being as powerful and dangerous as a Space Marine Battle Psyker. Instead, it was almost like the laughter of an innocent child. Maximus cocked his eyebrows and asked: “What is so funny?” Paris’ smile grew. “You know, Principalis, you are over half a century older than me, but the fire of your fighting spirit exceeds my own as if you were a Neophyte in our chapter,” he said, “even without touching your soul, I felt your anger during the whole battle, but you never lost self-control. One could almost think you had been trained in the Librarium.” Then, after a short pause he became serious: “I admire you!” Maximus starred at him and recognized the Psyker’s honesty. Now, it was Maximus who smiled. “For someone at the brink of good and evil, you have a strange kind of humor, Paris. But you led us flawlessly today, and I am proud to serve at your side, Brother!” Paris slightly bowed: “Duty and Honor, Maximus! Duty and Honor.”

Okay, I hope you liked the read. Critique and advice about tactical, technical, and dramaturgical aspects of this batrep are always welcomed and encouraged.