Expeditionary Force Peregrinus to Planet Aurora Distributing

[Guardsman Bob]

Greetings fellow Regimental Commanders,

 

Starting next week an 8th edition introductory Escalation League is taking place. To make it new player friendly there won’t be Command Points at the start. The Battalion Detachment is being used like the old Forces Chart to avoid people only bringing lopsided forces.

 

If the opportunity arises I will attempt to chronicle it here. Warp Storms and Astropath nose-bleeds permitting.

 

-

 

I’d appreciate a review of my starting list. Mainly is it an acceptable list to bring against potential new players? My enjoyment will mostly be going pew-pew and moving metal minis.

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 45pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Fist

1x Tempestor Prime [3 PL, 40pts]: Swagger Stick

1x Lord Commissar [4 PL, 60pts]: Power Fist. Edit: 61pts w/Bolt Pistol, invalidates the list

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squads [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

2x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 76pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Plasmaguns

 

500 Points on the nose. If the other player is bringing a particularly weak force I can always “forget” to drop the stormtroopers.

Edited November 12, 2017 by Guardsman Bob

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Is the force limit by power level or points?

 

How likely are your opponents to bring vehicles?  Personally, I would want to include some heavy weapons or meltaguns for that contigency - points could be freed up for that by dropping one of the characters and/or some of your close combat gear.

[Guardsman Bob]

500 Points for the first two weeks.

 

A Scion Squad can switch out Plasma with Meltas. Alternatively I could drop the Lord Commissar and Bolguns and just add Melta Scions. On small battlefields non-flying tanks are pretty easy to pin.

[BurntheHeretic]

If I may do a suggestion, I think you you can drop one Company Commander as well, or instead of the Lord Commisar. 4 orders for 4 infantry squads is nice, but quickly becomes less necessary as the squads take casualties (you can also combine them then!). That leaves you with a lot of points for extra firepower or a couple of Astropaths. 

 

In any case, have fun! Try not to table the newbies.. 

[Halfpint100]

At 500 points level, you might face 1 vehicle. Maximum of 2. I think that many bodies and plasma weapons could do it. I think it is a good starting list. 

 

The lord commy should be 61 points since he needs to take a bolt pistol.

 

My only recomendation would be to taking a basic commy instead of a lord commy. A basic commy with a bolt pistol is 31 points. Saves you 29 points. That could easily be some heavy weapons in your infantry squads. Or the downgrade and removing one power sword is enough for 3 mortars. 

Edited October 12, 2017 by Halfpint100

[Guardsman Bob]

The lord commy should be 61 points since he needs to take a bolt pistol.

DOAH!

 

Gotten so used to 0 cost on base infantry weapons I forgot the exception that proves the rule. This is a great excuse to change the list! Bravo and thank you.

[Guardsman Bob]

Game day is this Wens. Cleared my calendar and even clicked my attendance on Facebook. Below is the revamped list.

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 45pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Fist

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squads [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

2x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 76pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Plasmaguns

 

Elite

Astropath [1 PL, 15pts]: Laspistol

 

Heavy Support

2x Heavy Weapon Teams [3 PL, 42pts]: Heavy Bolters

 

I am feeling bit conflicted bringing a Psyker. On one hand it does bring a degree of insurance against other Psykers or dropping mortal wounds. On the other some armies have a hard time defending against this.

 

Removing the Astropath and Heavy Weapon Teams the following options open up.

Alternative A 3 HWT Mortar (9 in total)

Alternative B Commissar, HWT (1 AC, 2HB), Astropath

Alternative C Commissar & HWT (1 LC, 2HB)

Alternative D Execution Vet Squad (Boltgun & 3 Plasmaguns)

Alternative E Change one Scion plasma to melta & bring a Hellhound

Alternative F HWT (1 LC, 2 HB) & Mortar HWT

Alternative G HWT (3 HB), Primus Psyker, Astropath

Alternative JERK Primus Psyker, 4 Astropaths

[duz_]

If its a friendly crowd I'd consider D or E

 

Something different to what's being spamme lately show that not all guard players are option Jerk :D

[Halfpint100]

The astropath is fine though. Only smites on 1d6. Is more of a defence psyker, -1 to hit powers and deny the witch rolls mostly

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Isn't the astropath actually 21 points, as it has to take a telepathica staff?

 

Nevermind - I was misreading the entry.  I thought it came with both a laspistol and a staff, not replace one with the other.

Edited October 16, 2017 by Dr_Ruminahui

[Guardsman Bob]

Preliminary report to Armageddon Strategic Command as relayed from Astropath Dominic onboard battle cruiser Faithful in Death as relayed from Astropath Sebastian on planet Pelucidar assigned to Expeditionary Force Peregrinus.

 

+++ Begin Report +++

 

Landing successful, no contact at the landing site other than normally expected Death World predators. Acceptable casualties. After securing the perimeter platoons were dispatched to reconnoiter with the added mission to locate the specialized Rapid Recon Force that was sent to Pelucidar months ago.

 

+++ Begin First Contact +++

 

Not all that far from camp two surviving individuals the Rapid Recon Force were spotted with some old protective devices activated (Two of my storm troopers were removed from the Squads and deployed outside normal zones. They were invulnerable to shooting attacks and could not move unless one of my regular squads made base-to-base contact. Mission goal was to return them to extract). Upon approaching them not that far away two foul Chaos traitors had the same tech activated. Nearing we could hear the projected music about some dancing queen of eighteen. Pink Armored traitors had come to collect their own, likely take ours as well. Some of the men reported bleeding ears.

 

Deployment: Zones were a triangle from the table center. I placed aggressively near the center. Two Sound Marine Squads were surpassingly farther back than expected. Behind the squad on the right flank was a Lord of some sort. Both Amanda and I had our rescue targets one in each side of the woods.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1830.jpg

 

Her Round One: She moved her three units forward. The one on the left flank used two assault 3 sonic blasters and a d6 thing to kill 8 Guardsmen on the left flank, last two fled in moral. On the right when shot with the same noise only three men fell.

 

My Round One: The formation split moving forward and to the sides to get into cover. Somehow my Heavy Bolters were one inch out of range so they moved forward. Left flank failed to do much. Right flank managed to drop four except before they could die they got to shoot back killing two more of my men.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1831.jpg

 

Her Round Two: The Noise Marines on the left flank advanced and killed three more Guardsmen. The Chaos Lord summoned a unit of demonettes while the right flank Noise Marines killed a few more.

 

My Round Two: Deep-striking Stormtroopers arrived to contain the left flank threat. They gunned down all but the Sargent, while dying they gunned down three in return. Right flank light up the demons gunning every single one down with ruthless ranked fire and heavy bolter support.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1832.jpg

Her Round Three: Lone left flank Sargent moved up and using some kind of sonic pistol noise flamer blasted the last two storm troopers, then charged the Infantry Squad. Surviving overwatch to bash some head. The return attacks did NOTHING.

 

My Round Three: Call me a morbid jerk but I left the Infantry Squad in close combat. The other storm trooper squad moved over towards the Lord and remaining Noise Marine, who promptly died.

 

The game was pretty much over. I had two victory points from recovery of my men. Two from enemy units killed. I would get two more after the Lord and Sgt died. Amanda had two victory points from whipped out Squads. She might have gotten two more from killing in a best case scenario. I still would have won by two.

 

+++ Begin Second Contact +++

 

On the return march to camp our platoon was assaulted by Space Wolves demanding our recovered relics, pretzels, and draft beer. Two of which are sacred to the regiment and releasing the relics would have been dereliction. Regardless of their manly beards and hair braids we held to our oaths.

 

Deployment: The event organizer wanted to handy cap the previous winners by putting them on the defensive. The goal was cross the table from the 18” deployment. So like any reasonable minded IG Commander I went to table him instead. I was required to place all units first. Of which I did on my extreme left flank. Two ranks of boxed Infantry. Inside the stormtroopers that were not allowed to deep-strike. Heavy Bolters on the hill.

 

The Space Wolves player had 8” inches along the long table side at least 9” away from my guys. He put two tactical squads close to my army with his commander and three wolf riders on the opposite table side on the edge of my abandoned deployment zone.

 

Wolves Turn One: A tactical squad moved up, shot up some guardsmen, and charged. Although two of them died from overwatch, none in close combat. From the far deployment zone the wolf riders bounded across the table and rolled an easy charge. However one took two wounds from overwatch. His dice rolls were still off so only half of the Guardsmen dropped. Second squad got some shots off. His character simply sharpened his axe.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1835.jpg

 

My Turn One: Pulling the squad out of close combat with the wolf riders massed lasgun and heavy bolter fire deleted the prestige unit. Plasma handled the tactical unit.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1836.jpg

 

Wolves Turn Two: Tactical Squad two moves up to shoot at an Infantry Squad. Then charges some Stormtroopers. After some die rolls that cannot be discussed his turn ends.

 

My Turn Two: Forces shuffle and gun down the second tactical squad.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1837.jpg

 

Wolves Turn three: Then this happened.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1838.jpg

Followed by this.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1839.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1840.jpg

Those Frost Axes are bad news. He was hitting on 2+, wounding 2+, no save for guardsmen. Only his rolling of two “1s” saved a few of my guys.

 

My Turn Three: Moved my guys out of CC and surrounded him...

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1841.jpg

... starting with superheated plasma the first shots kill him and two of my plasma gunners.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1842.jpg

 

+++ End Report+++

[duz_]

Great batrep! Glad to see they didnt give the sacred relics!

 

Love seeing those Mordians neatly line up on the board looks awesome! I love our new rules! Haha! :D

[MithrilForge]

great Bat Rep, 

now lets cross our fingers and hope GW makes some new Mordians in plastic next year  

 

cheers,Mithril 

[WAR]

Nicely done

[Guardsman Bob]

My apologies for taking until Friday/Sat to do this write up. Things have been busy and I chose sleep.

 

The force list was revamped from week 1. Between the amount of terrain, vehicle threats, lackluster results from the Heavy Bolters, and some of the other forces people were using pushed me into getting some more AP.

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 45pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Fist

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squad [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 147pts]: 10 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 4 Plasmaguns

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 74pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Meltaguns

 

Elite

2x Astropath [1 PL, 15pts]: Laspistol

 

Table space was reduced to 4’x4’ after some people’s range advantages were taken into account week one. The books stratagems were opened up to us. Anyone who filled the base Battalion Detachment requirements got the bonus three Command Points. This week I ditched the Laurels and Voice of Command for The Blade Of Conquest and Old Grudges.

 

+++

 

Adjunct Battle Reports ASIF204 to Armageddon Strategic Command as relayed from Astropath Dominic onboard battle cruiser Faithful in Death as relayed from Astropath Sebastian on planet Pelucidar assigned to Expeditionary Force Peregrinus.

 

+++ Begin Report +++

 

Fire Base Exemplary Extreminus Servitus complete. Casualties from native predators on base at zero, surviving Conscripts are being drilled by Commissar Klink as squad replacements.

 

+++ Begin Third Contact +++

 

After detecting trans-warp penetrating energy readings similar to the first recovered device multiple Detachments were dispatched to the area. Commander Hogan’s force happened upon the relic at the same time as a Space Wolves pack.

 

Deployment: The mission was the Relic which was represented by a small yellow poker chip. The roll for the board was the slanted parallel lines. My forces were right on the line while his were spaced a little based on cover or counter movement. It was surprising to see he had the exact same list. Last week I exalted the joys of the Twin-Assault-Cannon Razorback & arming the Sargents with anything other than just a Bolt Pistol. His prestige unit while cool was eating up a lot of points.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1867.jpg

 

I declared Old Grudges on the Thunderwolves.

 

Space Wolves Round One: He had a choice with his Thunderwolf Cavalry, straight up attack or get the relic. He chose the relic. Even with the silly amount of movement he decided to stay in cover rather than expose himself. The Warlord and the unit not in cover moved cautiously forward.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1868.jpg

 

My Round One: Moved everyone forward. Of the 8 Bolter shots and some 100+ lasgun shots (some guys had to Advance) the Thunderwolves (with 2+ save in cover) only took one wound. He would have been cruising to victory if not for the preceding psychic phase where two smites landed 6 wounds.

 

Space Wolves Round Two: The surviving Thunderwolf move 9” (the max limit allowed when carrying the relic) towards extract. The Warlord and one tactical squad moved up to cover the escape. They attempted to charge an Infantry Squad and failed, overwatch failed to kill anything.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1869.jpg

 

My Round Two: The Thunderwolf was within one or two turns of the table edge. I called in both stormtrooper units to contain him. The Infantry Squad with the orange poker chip advanced. Other units moved into rapid fire range of the closest tactical unit.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1870.jpg

In hail of overcharged plasma the primary target went down...

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1872.jpg

... along with my Sargent and two plasma gunners who rolled ones. Through massive fire the tactical unit was deleted. The meltagunners inflicted 8 wounds on his Warlord (in my book sniper rifles are now obsolete).

 

Space Wolves Round Three: With one unit left he had two choices after grabbing the relic: Move back into the jungle trying to survive one turn and skip to the board edge or a glorious charge and chopping his way out.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1874.jpg

To his credit the kid paused think about this for several minutes. He wasn’t giving up and in the end did the most appropriate Space Wolf action.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1876.jpg

He charged the guys who killed his Warlord and started to wreck face dropping two and losing one on the charge. The relic bearer having a reduced movement was held back. Those dice just on the other side of my Scions marked the table edge.

 

My Round Three: Everyone moved up a few units advanced. My Scions held on long enough for two Infantry Squads to pile in. The results were in his favor.

 

Space Wolves Round Four: He did the chopping, my guys did the dying.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1879.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1880.jpg

 

My Round Four: I charged in my Warlord and Power Fist Companion Commander. My powerfist utterly failed, the return attacks on him failed.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1878.jpg

However the Blade Of Conquest worked as intended

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1882.jpg

Yet the revenge on the Stormtroopers was furthered.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1883.jpg

 

It could have been ended much soon if I hadn’t “forgotten” about my Astropaths. I was curious how close combat would work out. In retrospect we both forgot Pistols could be used in close combat. That would have given him a one turn advantage until my two plasma pistols got close.

 

+++ Begin Forth Contact +++

 

Reports of weird noises from the fire base perimeter required a patrol. Ravengaurd had dared to roost inside the clearly marked line of little flags. This outrage could only be answered with BLOOD!

 

Deployment: The mission was No Mercy with the horizontal centerline for deployment. The low parts of the terrain were to become area terrain and the taller centers were steep and impassible.

 

He won the role for placement which meant every single one of his guys would be in area cover with 2+ saves with -1 to hit outside 12”. All because they are Ravenguard and those guys are more jerks than Alpha Legion.

 

My forces were on the deployment line in a large block. Inside the open space cross were fitted in the psykers and officers.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1884.jpg

On the right flank on the other side of the hill was a small tactical squad with a missile launcher. On the left hill slope another small tactical with a missile launcher, an eight man tactical with a missile launcher, and the Lieutenant. His Warlord in Terminator Armor went into reserves. All of his units towards the back table edge as far as the cover would allow.

 

Old Grudges was declared on the largest Tact Squad.

 

This fight could turn ugly pretty fast. His force was like mine, very maximized on the points with little or no fat. It wasn’t hard to imagine why we were not using the 6’x4’ game space this week. I was going to have my main force outside 12 inches for two or more turns, -1 to hit is rough with BS4+.

 

Ravenguard Turn One: He dropped the Warlord behind his units to provide the hit rerolls. Three missile launcher shots later (using Command Point reroll on a d6 frag shot, Commander retooling ones to hit and the lieutenant rerolling ones to wound and only four Guardsmen died.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1885.jpg

It could have been much worse.

 

My Turn One: Everyone in the block Advanced. I was trying to veer to the left in an effort to escape the lone tactical squad. The Plasma Stormies dropped in to soften up the larger tactical squad. Old Grudges and hotshot -2 really paid off. He actually made me show him the stats in the book.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1886.jpg

 

Ravenguard Turn Two: The lone tact squad shot me with a missile again while everyone on the left hillside obliterated all ten Scions from the comfort of cover.

 

My Turn Two: Advancing again and somehow a few guys were inside 12”, in an effort to keep everyone in cover he couldn’t actually back his squads on his table edge. Plasma Pistols and Smite were the winners here, I used a Command reroll on a smite. The forward small tactical squad was killed down to a lone missile launcher.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1887.jpg

 

I kept the Meltagun Stormies in Reserve.

 

Ravenguard Turn Three: The lone tactical unit was forced to move up to stay in the fight. The return fire chews up two Infantry Squads. The Mordian leadership Doctrine paid off.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1888.jpg

 

My Turn Three: No longer Advancing my squads walked into rapid fire range and the old favorite order FRFSRF started up. The Meltagun Stormies completed their combat drop. I was able to clean up the lone missile launcher and most of the Old Grudges Squad. Threw a few wounds on his Terminator Captain.

 

Ravenguard Turn Four: Lone Tactical Squad came around the hill. They would charge one Infantry Squad while the Captain and Lieutenant effortlessly removed the lead Infantry Squad. The Company Commander with the powerfist heroically intervened against the Tactical Squad and wifted his attacks, then passed his 5+ save on the return.

 

My Turn Four: The Lieutenant was closer to my Astropaths so I snaked them around back and outside the cover so the Captain was closer, was rewarded with inflicting two mortal wounds. Pulling everyone out of close combat I Pulp Fictioned half of the last small Tactical Squad. Meltagun Stormies rolled so bad against the Captain it was a good thing no Commissars were present.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rigmarole_bob/_images/IMG_1889.jpg

 

Ravenguard Turn 5: The Terminator Captain actually left the cover so he could shoot one Astropath in the face and chop the other in half during close combat. The Lieutenant charged the next Infantry Squad, my Warlord heroically intervened. She demonstrated why the sword is called The Blade Of Conquest by cutting him down from full wounds to none. The close combat with the three other’s was nothing of note.

 

My Turn 5: Meltaguns took off the last two wounds on the Captain. Massed fire killed the last three.

 

Final Score

Ravenguard: First Blood and Four Units for 5 Victory Points

Mordians: A Warlord kill and Five Units for 6 Victory Points

 

+++ End Report+++

 

 

Edit: The rulebook lists Line Breaker as part of No Mercy but the store packet didn’t.

Edited October 29, 2017 by Guardsman Bob

[Guardsman Bob]

Week Three of the Escalltion League changes a few things.

* Point Totals increase to 750

* Codex Stratagems become available

We are still using the Batallion Detachment like the old FOC except now if you cover the min requirements the plus 3 Command Points happen.

 

I have two draft lists in consideration. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

(Moslty) Original Force with some mechanized Heavy Support Added

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 45pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Fist

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squad [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 76pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Plasmaguns

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 74pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Meltaguns

 

Elite

2x Astropath [1 PL, 15pts]: Laspistol

 

Heavy Support

1x Armor [PL 10, 212pts]: Lemun Russ w/ DC, Las Cannon, 2x Plasma Cannons

1x Artillery [PL 7, 108pts]: Basilisk w/ Earthshaker, Heavy Bolter

Total 748pts

 

Armored Company

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Tempestor Prime [3 PL, 44pts]: Swagger Stick & Power Sword

 

Troop

2x Armored Fist Squads [3&6 PL, 134pts]

* Infantry Squad w/ Boltgun

* Chimera w/ Multilaser, Heavy Bolter

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 74pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Meltaguns

 

Heavy Support

1x Armor [PL 10, 212pts]: Lemun Russ w/ DC, Las Cannon, 2x Plasma Cannons

1x Artillery [PL 7, 108pts]: Basilisk w/ Earthshaker, Heavy Bolter

Total 745pts

 

Notes: Loss of psykers (no one else was using them at 500). Four drops may result in getting first turn (we are using the first done gets first turn)

 

There is a third option of just more warm bodies. Currently maxed out on Troop slots but both Scions could be upped to ten men each. Then fill in the rest with Heavy Weapon Teams. I actually have a Mortar Platoon. Maybe throw in a officer for the stormtroopers. The big downside is the eons it will take to deploy and clean up a metal army. Which is a factor when two battles need completing that evening.

Edited October 29, 2017 by Guardsman Bob

[Tallarn Commander]

The first choice seems more Mordian to me: mass ranked up lines of infantry using volley fire supported by a stormie squad,a Russ, and a Bassy. But tgat's just my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for the great batreps!

[Halfpint100]

I prefer the first one, but daaaaam that russ is expensive! would a battlecannon with 3HB and heavy weapons in your infantry squads be better?

[4ndroid]

bring 3 basilisks instead of the LR, or take off the sponsons,

I've been running my LRs with just a Turret, heavy bolter, and pintle stubber 

[Tirak]

Unless you're running Tank Commanders, there's no point in putting lascannons or plasma cannons on a Russ, it's a huge point sink for unreliable shooting and the plasma is risky without the reroll 1s tank order. Either commit fully to it with a Tank Commander or run your Russes stock.

[Guardsman Bob]

No love for the Armored Company? Actually the concept doesn’t really thrill me until Apoc levels anyways. List has been axed. League posts just now place my Guard in a three way tie for first place with a Tau (player is a regular to the tournament scene) and someone with a league title “Fussion4x Cannon Cheeze” (maybe he is the sisters player, I don’t know).

 

@Halfpint: Hilariously noted and list adjusted accordingly. Thanks.

 

@Tirak: When it comes to meltaguns I hold the exact same view of BS4+ verses BS3+. Both plasma cannons and las cannons can be counted the same. Fitting a Tank Commander doesn’t seem possible but it was attempted.

 

@4android: You are absolutely right. A core approach is unit redundancy and massed dice. My use of CCs and lasgun heavy Infantry Squads is a dead giveaway. Two more Basilisks goes over a few. By switching out a CC for a TP I can squeeze out those points. Although this would require some serious adjusting with Warlord Trait and Relic with regards to the sole CC.

 

Infantry & Artillery

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Tempestor Prime [3 PL, 40pts]: Swagger Stick

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squad [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 76pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Plasmaguns

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [3 PL, 74pts]: 5 Scion Team w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Meltaguns

 

Elite

2x Astropath [1 PL, 15pts]: Laspistol

 

Heavy Support

3x Artillery [PL 7, 108pts]: Basilisk w/ Earthshaker, Heavy Bolter

 

Total 747pts

 

@Tallaran Commander: Since I’m maxed on Troops my preference for MOAR Mordians would be HWS. Since at least one mission each week seems to be using unit kills equals victory points it seems the safer bet.

 

We Are Legion

 

HQ

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 39pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Sword

1x Company Commander [2 PL, 45pts]: Plasma Pistol & Power Fist

1x Tempestor Prime [3 PL, 40pts]: Swagger Stick

 

Troop

4x Infantry Squad [3 PL, 41pts]: Boltgun

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 147pts]: 10 Scions w/ Plasma Pistol & 4 Plasmaguns

1x Militarium Tempestus Scions [5 PL, 119pts]: 10 Scions w/ Plasma Pistol & 2 Meltaguns

 

Elite

3x Astropath [1 PL, 15pts]: Laspistol

 

Heavy Support

3x HWS [3 PL, 48pts] w/ 2x Mortars & Lascannon

 

Total 743pts

 

Next post will be after game time Wensday. Maybe late night, maybe Fri/Sat again.

Edited October 31, 2017 by Guardsman Bob

[Guardsman Bob]

Your regular battle report will be interrupted with the following Halloween Special...

 

 

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TAU

 

Terror in the Jungle

 

O

n a cold night in what should have been a hot jungle camped some Mordian Scouts of Terra. Deep in the brush doing their best to earn the Deathworld Merit Badge. To escape the drizzle they huddled under the leafy branches in groups. Passing the time with stories of the Damocles Gulf Crusade and the strange aliens who seemingly worshiped a subset of one species. As Company Commander Cassandra finished the tale of The Two Hooks for Hands Ethereal she noticed he smell of rabbit droppings on the wind. Which made no sense since the vicious Deathworld critters had already eaten all the troops adorable pets weeks ago. Facing upwind peering into the lowlight a squad of dirty Tau came into view of a nearby jungle cluster. After all the humans went silent the electric environmentally friendly hum of an evil Devilfish could be heard. With righteous disgust in their hearts the Mordians readied their weapons.

 

Mission was The Scouraging

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1940.jpg

All of my Infantry were set up in area terrain. One Astropath with the left flank squad, the Company Commander and other Astropath with the twenty others on the right flank.

 

The Tau had one squad and a Devilfish in jungle. The Devilfish had two min squads of Breachers and two named characters embarked.

 

I actually seized the initiative with a roll of 6.

 

Mordian Turn 1: There were three Forge World Stealth Gundrones and a well tooled Crises Suit in deepstrike. Not wanting to stretch out my lines everyone stayed put. All three Basilisk pounded the Devilfish and somehow only did two wounds. My rolls were odd, always six shots but either the hits went bad or the wounds. Josh also had some great 5+ save rolls.

 

Tau Turn 1: His deepstrikers stay airborne. Devilfish moves up and with the ranged squad (which dropped smart missile system drone) killed four Mordians.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1917.jpg

 

Mordian Turn 2: Hold my deepstrikers. Left flank moves up staying in cover.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1918.jpg

 

Some-call-me-Tim the Astropath focused all his suppressed emo rage at the Devilfish and inflicted a perfect roll on mortal wounds. Three Basilisks later and the Devilfish is destroyed. Lasgun Fire only kills a few of the Breachers.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1920.jpg

 

Tau Turn 2: Forge World Drones and his Warlord drop in. The army only has four marker lights but those weren’t needed. They (with the others) effortlessly kill thirty four guardsmen with cover saves.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1921.jpg

 

His named Etherial charges Tim who somehow gets a wound on him with his laspistol before being cut down.

 

Mordian Turn 3: Stormtroopers drop in but the Meltagun Squad is wiped out by his Warlord getting a special free shot. Plasma squad gets a few wounds on him. Tempestor Prime can’t attack with his Swagger Stick.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1922.jpg

 

Going balls-to-the-wall the Company Commander and the last two move enough to the left to target the named Eathereal and added a few wounds, but failed to kill.

 

At this point I called it.

 

Spooky Schooby Doo Scare in the Desert

 

T

he day had started so bright, so nice for a parade style march as The Mordian Scouts of Terra are wont to do. Although everyone in the troop already had their Precision Marching Badges not a single one could entertain the thought of letting their l33t stepping skills wane. Better than band camp of their youths because weapons are simply more fun to carry than instruments. All was going so well until Astropath Gomer sensed something wasn’t right. His nebulous warnings to Cassandra were immediately taken seriously. Her critical gaze surveyed the surroundings. There wasn’t much nearby, the gaps inside the ruins didn’t look right. It was obviously some kind of special stealth used by peeping-tom xenos scum. With a shout the entire troop was ready to follow the MST protocols regarding perverted aliens. Total annihilation, which is pretty much the same as all of the protocols involving xenos species.

 

Mission was Big Gun’s Never Tire

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1939.jpg

My placement was the basic screen in front of the artillery. One psyker on each end, Company Commander in the center.

 

The Tau infiltrated a until of Stealth Suits and a Ghostkeel up close. A Fireblade and two Squads started back in his deployment. His Crises Suit Warlord was kept in deepstrike.

 

Yellow Poker Chips mark objectives

 

Tau Turn 1: His guys in the back moved forward. Stealth Suits stayed tight. Ghostkeel moved forward hungry for some Basilisk (it had fusion, fusion, and a big fusion gun). The small arms fire obliterated one squad of Infantry while the fusion shave off four wounds on my big guns.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1927.jpg

 

 

Mordian Turn 1: All of the Stormtroopers combat dropped behind the Ghostkeel. The Company Commander moves closer along with an Infantry Squad. The other two squads move considering rapid fire of the Stealth Suits. Maelstrom fails on a six. Most of the shooting goes into the Ghostkeel. I tried to order the shots to get him to remove the stealth drones. Wisely he refrains until absolutely forced to. Still standing I do the only appropriate thing to do. The Infantry Squad, all the Stormtroopers, and my Company Commander charge. The Blade of Conquest gets him down to one wound.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1928.jpg

 

The Stealth Suits faired better. With the shooting on them.

 

Tau Turn 2: The Ghostkeel’s movement has been reduced to 4” and can’t escape. Rear most Tau units move up. Some bad dice rolls later and only six of an Infantry Squad die. The Blade of Conquest finishes off the Ghostkeel. I burn two Command Points to keep the decimated squad in place.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1929.jpg

 

Mordian Turn 2: All Infantry attempt to move into rapid fire range. Scions with melta some remove some guns Drones that were barley in range. FRFSRF and Volley Fire drop a ton of dice on the Stealth Suits to great effect. Basilisks and plasma Stormtroopers kill everyone shielding the Fireblade.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1930.jpg

 

Tau Turn 3: The Warlord drops in front of the unguarded Basilisk and toasts it with multiple fusion blasters. Stealth Suits open up on the closet untouched Infantry Squad. The Fireblade offs a guardsman from the squad that helped kill the Ghostkeel.

 

Revenge for the Greater Good

http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1936.jpg	http://home.earthlink.net/~databob/images/IMG_1938.jpg

 

Mordian Turn 3: The Stormtroopers turn around again and go after his Warlord. Everyone else closed range on the Stealth Suits. Maelstrom wrecks them. By the end of my shooting only the Fireblade, two Gun Drones, and one Stealth Suit remain. Everyone who charged the suit including my Company Commander succeeded.

 

For the greater good he calls it done there.

 

 

Commissar Klink says: Treat or Treating Xenos should only ever get lasgun to the face

[WarriorFish]

Nice work on the win, the only good xeno is a dead xeno!

[NatBrannigan]

I really need to get my lads painted up so I'm to embarrassed to post pictures. The nice straight ranks of my Praetorians but you Mordians to shame! And where are you flags sir!?

 

They look great, thanks for the reports and I look forward to seeing what you add when you escalate.

 

Those three Basilisks make a fantastic site as well, Bravo chaps!

[Tallarn Commander]

Thanks for the batrep. 

 

I enjoyed seeing your line charge the Tau Ghostkeel in Game 2.  It looks like the Blade of Conquest did yeoman's work.

 

Tau: making IG players feel competent in assault since 2001.