Oh! I almost didn’t see you there, dear reader. You’ve caught me at a good time, I was just about to start the Badman Chronicles, part two. Please, have a seat.
Last time on the Badman Chronicles, I sat down and aligned my gaming and hobby goals for 2023, painted one War Dog and magnetized many more, and woke up at four in the morning to go play a game of Warhammer in what ended up being my farewell game of Nephilim. It was a nice and cozy start to my year. Now with the new Arks of Omen GT pack, things are getting a big shake up. So let’s start with the bit here that’s least affected by all this change: hobby progress.
HOBBY PROGRESS
I have to confess something. I made a terrible mistake at the tail end of 2022 that I’ve been paying for during most of January: I wrote about why Elden Ring was my Game of the Year. It made me think “man, I loved this game. Elden Ring is so cool. Maybe I should start a new character!”
Rookie mistake. My free time paid the price, but my dual twinblade arcane/bleed build is cool as hell.
It didn’t help my situation at all that progress on these Havocs has been tedious. Normally, I don’t like to do sub-assemblies when I put together models. Putting the kits together is a treat for me, and having a box of models in sub-assembly limbo ruins that.
In retrospect, I should’ve gotten over myself and done the Autocannons of my havocs in a separate assembly. The guns are so large they make most of the torso for these models inaccessible with a paintbrush, but you can still see enough of that area that I cant just leave it unpainted. So after an initial session, I had to pop the guns off the havocs, at least battle ready paint the guns and the torsos, and then glue the guns back on. I don’t mind if the areas covered by the gun aren’t as nicely highlighted as the rest of the model, but I can’t have them a black and gold mess either. I had hoped I could paint these by the time crusade started, but I’m still working on the highlights for the black power armor.
Since the Havocs weren’t drumming up much enthusiasm, I ended up doing some hobby side-quests. This didn’t help the fact these Havocs are taking forever, but it kept the flame of hobby joy alive for a few evenings and afternoons at the paint desk.
The first hobby side-quest was assembling and light conversions on some Possessed and a Word Bearers Legion Praetor in Terminator armor. The Possessed conversions are just simple head swaps, I don’t want all my possessed to look the same. So I grabbed some heads from the AoS Chosen I have waiting to be assembled and used them instead. They don’t look as warped and daemonic as the original kit, but I think they still look pretty nasty.
The Legion Praetor was an unexpected but very welcome surprise. Some of the folks who are regulars at the Asgard RTT I help run every month got gifts for the organizers as a thank you for putting on the tournaments every month. For me, they picked up a Word Bearers Praetor to go with my Crusade force of former Word Bearers who have joined the Black Legion. The model kicks ass, I was really touched by the good folks who did this for me. I washed the resin, and then did a little bit of filing and converting to get rid of the specifically Word Bearers insignia on most of the model while adding a bloodletter skull where the shoulder book was and a regular skull where the torch goes. The result after assembly and priming looks great, I can’t wait to paint him.
With the Goonhammer Global Crusade and local Parasbine Secundus Crusade happening, I spent a lot of time thinking about army theming and cool hobby things I can do to enrich the crusade. That’s when I thought about making my own objective markers/banners to go with my Crusade force. Most objective I see nowadays are the mousepad circular objectives, but every once in a while I see converted up markers on 40mm bases and they’re cool as hell.
I only ended up having one spare 40mil base, but I did have several Underworlds dudes just hanging out in my bits box that happened to be on 40mil bases. With their bases in hand, I searched my bits box for some good banners and after a bit of chopping, drilling, greenstuff, and gluing, I was able to get the six objectives ready to go for priming. Turns out I had both a surprising number of banner stuff and dead space marines for some thematic looking objective markers. With the big banners having so much flat space, they will be a perfect way to practice more freehand painting.
ARKS OF OMEN GAMES
I’ve so far played five games with the new Arks of Omen GT pack. Two were scheduled games with some of the local crew here, and three were as the ringer in the Asgard Games RTT. The goal of getting all of these reps in is to get to work getting Arks of Omen GT stuff under my feet and work towards being enough of a competitor to make decent run at a 4-2 record at a GT this year. That record is not only going to be determined by my player skill, but what I decide to bring to these events as well.
With that in mind, I’m sticking with the call I made last time and going ahead with Chaos Knights, specifically an all Wardogs list, at least for the first GT I’ll be attending this year in February. 13 War Dogs on the table is a lot of beefy obsec, and sticking with Herpetrax means that they’ll be even tougher and pack a better Iconoclast punch. There’s a good argument here that Vextrix shooting builds will do better in the meta, but I don’t know if I agree. The extra wounds on dogs is a big deal, and while shooting is very important I don’t want to sacrifice my ability to charge an opponent off an objective either.
I’ll briefly cover the five games, the score, and some highlights on what I learned.
Game 1: Chaos Knights VS Eriks Aeldari- LOSS 67-88
Erik is an outstanding player, firstly. One of the best I ever met. I’ve had two chances to actually get to play against him: once was a win with my Drukhari against his Deathwatch, and the other was a loss with my Drukhari against his Aeldari. That first win was my first time ever meeting him, looking back on it the fact I won that game feels like finding out the stranger you beat in golf was Tiger Woods.
Still, I give Erik my best go at it while reacquainting myself with Chaos Knights. Here’s our lists and the mission:
MY LIST: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [83 PL, 1,535pts, 3CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Lord of War Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Lord of War + War Dog Executioner Squadron [9 PL, 170pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Executioner Squadron [24 PL, 465pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Karnivore Squadron [16 PL, 280pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Karnivore Squadron [8 PL, 140pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 315pts, -2CP]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [9 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: House Herpetrax ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [24 PL, 465pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War + War Dog Brigand Squadron [24 PL, 465pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings ++ Total: [107 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Stalker: 3. Warp-haunted Hull, Avenger chaincannon, Character (Traitoris Lance), Coruscating Hate, Diabolus heavy stubber, Panoply of the Cursed Knights, Reaper chaintalon, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Tzeentch – Pyrothrone, Warlord
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Warpsight, Slaughterclaw, Stratagem: Corrupted Heirlooms, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
ERIKS LIST: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [82 PL, 3CP, 1,630pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Craftworld Selection: Ulthwe: Foresight of the Damned Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Stratagems + Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [2 PL, 40pts] Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, -1CP, 60pts] + HQ + Baharroth [7 PL, 160pts] Eldrad Ulthran [8 PL, -1CP, 145pts]: Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari, Ulthwe: Fate Reader Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 125pts]: Witchblade Karandras [7 PL, 150pts] + Elites + Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts] Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 110pts] + Fast Attack + Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts] Shroud Runners [5 PL, 105pts] Shroud Runners [5 PL, 105pts] Shroud Runners [5 PL, 105pts] + Heavy Support + Falcon [9 PL, 145pts]: Scatter Laser, Twin Shuriken Catapult Falcon [9 PL, 145pts]: Scatter Laser, Twin Shuriken Catapult + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost Saedath Characterisation: Twilight: Twilight Falls + HQ + Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Aeldari Power Sword, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari, Veiled King, Warlord + Troops + Troupe [4 PL, 85pts] + Elites + Death Jester [4 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: 1: Favour of Cegorach, Harvester of Torment, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari + Dedicated Transport + Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] ++ Total: [99 PL, 1CP, 1,995pts] ++
. Warlocks: 5. Quicken/Restrain
. . Warlock: Witchblade
. Warlock Skyrunners: 3. Ghostwalk, Stratagem: Relic
. . The Ghosthelm of Alishazier
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Biting Blade, Crushing Blows
. 2x Shining Spear: 2x Laser Lance, 2x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic), Paragon Sabre, Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol
You sent
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [17 PL, -2CP, 365pts] ++
. The Twilight Fang
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
MISSION: TEAR DOWN THEIR ICONS
MY SECONDARIES: Ruthless Tyranny, Storm of Darkness, Grind Them Down
ERIKS SECONDARIES: Behind Enemy Lines, Warp Ritual, Bring It Down
Erik ended up beating me pretty good here. While I still had some War Dogs on the board by the end of the game, Erik’s Aeldari list has a great scoring plan built in and he did a great job executing that plan. After the game I picked Erik’s brain about what I should’ve corrected or consider for future games, and here are the lessons I took away from the conversation:
Firstly, War Dogs are still more fragile than you think if your opponent has a way to deal with them. Erik was pretty handily picking up 3 Dogs a turn even without much anti-tank weaponry, by dedicating his firepower and charges smartly and using mortal wounds.
Secondly, I still need to fine tune my aggression vs passive play. Chaos Knights have a reasonable ability to score more passively now, but if I’m losing too many models a turn my ability to reliably score those points fades fast. In this game, I should’ve been aggressive with the amount of pressure I put on Erik instead of the more passive plan. I didn’t really start picking up the mortal wound batteries until the end of the game, to win a matchup like this I need to make sure my opponent runs out of ways to kill multiple war dogs as early as possible.
Lastly, In talking over my list with Erik, I wonder about dropping an executioner or two for a stalker or karnivore. Erik says that’s a horrible idea, and that the executioners were some of the most dangerous pieces in my list. I listen to him, and decide to swap out a Brigand instead.
GAME 2: CSM VS Lukes Chaos Knights- LOSS 85-87
I play my Chaos Space Marines in my game with Luke, I don’t really want to do a Chaos Knight mirror match for a practice game if I can help it. Plus, I want to try out Word Bearers in Arks, and give Chosen a whirl as a replacement for Terminators. I’m not wholly convinced they will work as an acceptable substitute since they lack the Terminator’s durability, but they are much cheaper than Terminators and let me fit more stuff in the list.
MY LIST: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [107 PL, 2,000pts, ] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Legion: Word Bearers + HQ + Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, 180pts, -1CP]: Death Hex, G’holl’ax, the Decayed, Hellforged sword, Mark of Nurgle, Stratagem: Relic, Wings Dark Apostle [6 PL, 110pts, -2CP]: 3. Daemonic Whispers, Aspiring Lord, Epistle of Lorgar, Gifts of Chaos, Illusory Supplication, Mark of Tzeentch, Soultearer Portent Lord Discordant on Helstalker [9 PL, 175pts, -2CP]: 1. Flames of Spite, Chaos Undivided, Gifts of Chaos, Helstalker autocannon, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Techno-virus injector, Ul’o’cca, the Black, Warlord Master of Possession [7 PL, 120pts]: Mark of Tzeentch, Mutated Invigoration, Pact of Flesh + Troops + Accursed Cultists [3 PL, 75pts] + Elites + Chosen [15 PL, 265pts, -1CP]: Mark of Tzeentch Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion + Fast Attack + Venomcrawler [6 PL, 105pts] Warp Talons [7 PL, 140pts]: Warp Talon Champion Warp Talons [7 PL, 140pts]: Warp Talon Champion + Heavy Support + Obliterators [10 PL, 180pts] Obliterators [5 PL, 90pts]: Obliterator ++ Total: [107 PL, 2,000pts] ++
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon
. 5x Mutant: 5x Blasphemous appendages
. 3x Torment: 3x Hideous mutations
. Chosen: Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol
. Chosen: Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Trophies of the Long War
. Chosen w/ power fist: Bolt pistol
. Chosen w/ power fist: Bolt pistol
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations
. 4x Warp Talon: 4x Warp claws
. 4x Warp Talon: 4x Warp claws
. 2x Obliterator: 2x Crushing fists, 2x Fleshmetal guns
LUKES LIST: (click to Expand) Note: This list says its a Nephilim list, but it’s legal in Arks so it’s being posted unchanged here. ++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [80 PL, 2CP, 1,550pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim + Lord of War + Chaos Questoris Knight Magaera [27 PL, -3CP, 530pts]: 4. Knight Diabolus, Arch-Tyrant, Character (Traitoris Lance), Favour of the Dark Mechanicum (Vextrix), House Vextrix, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Blasphemous Engine, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master, Warlord War Dog Brigand Squadron [17 PL, 330pts]: House Vextrix War Dog Brigand Squadron [9 PL, 175pts]: House Vextrix War Dog Executioner Squadron [9 PL, -1CP, 170pts]: House Vextrix War Dog Executioner Squadron [9 PL, 175pts]: House Vextrix War Dog Executioner Squadron [9 PL, 170pts]: House Vextrix ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [25 PL, , 450pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] Shared Faction Bonus [3CP] + Lord of War + War Dog Stalker Squadron [25 PL, 450pts]: Biomechanical Fusion, Infernal Dreadblade ++ Total: [105 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Hekaton siege claw
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne – Collar of Infernal Brass
. War Dog Brigand: Havoc multi-launcher
. War Dog Brigand: Havoc multi-launcher, Tzeentch – Cursed Rune of Fate
. War Dog Executioner: Corrupted Heirlooms, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Nurgle – The Putrid Carapace
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Nurgle – Blessing of a Thousand Poxes
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaanesh – Subjugator Machine Spirit, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw
MISSION: CONVERSION
My Secondaries: Raise Banners, The Log War, Bring it Down
Luke’s Secondaries: Ruthless Tyranny, Storm of Darkness, Grind them Down
This game ends up being a nailbiter, but on turn two I honestly thought my goose was cooked. I had some apocalyptically bad dice at the worst time.
Both my Chosen and my Daemon Prince try to make short charges this turn to pick up War Dogs and claim the center objective, and both fail their dread tests for charges when Luke put up Gheist storm, and then roll low for their charges (even after the Chosen get a CP reroll for the charge). Both the Chosen and Daemon Prince are LD 10, the streak of bad dice here is incredible. Normally I try not to think about bad dice too much when it comes to Warhammer, but this is backbreaking. It’s a huge points swing as well as an attrition swing for Luke, since now both these high value units are sitting ducks.
This string of some of the worst dice in my life does turn me into a biblical pillar of salt. I’m just so wildly, dumbly frustrated I can hardly believe it. I don’t like getting so worked up during games and do my best to keep cool and jovial, but sometimes you are served a shit sandwich during a game and it sucks.
What’s important here is that I let Luke know that I’m on full tilt, try to make some jokes through it, and eventually let him talk me into playing through the rest of the game. The fact I considered conceding at allis a little embarrassing personally, it robs Luke of a proper victory and that sucks. Winning doesn’t taste as sweet when you think your opponent didn’t have fun. In the end, once I cooled off a bit, we both had a great time and I apologized for my heat.
Overall, it’s a good reminder that it’s okay to be upset during a game of Warhammer, I like winning and it sucks when really bad dice makes winning seem impossible. But you are still responsible for how you handle that frustration, don’t turn the game into a therapy session about how you’re gonna quit Warhammer or some shit. Be mindful of your opponent, get the white hot anger out with some lighthearted trash talk and keep on playing.
Gheist storm can go straight to hell though, unless I’m using it in which case it’s pretty cool.
The Word Bearers stuff felt good, Possessed did a great job killing things all game long with access to full rerolls to wound from Revered Hosts. Mark of Tzeentch Chosen felt too fragile, I think even after the points hike Mark of Slaanesh Terminators with the Black Rune are still the way to go for a durable center brick. Ten Possessed with the Black Rune should also do the trick in a pinch. Despite the nerfs from Arks of Omen, I think Chaos Marines are in an okay spot and I’m excited to see what lists emerge for them on the competitive scene.
ASGARD RINGER GAMES:
That aside there about getting Looney Toons cartoon mad about bad dice took a while, so Ill speed through these quick. At Asgard, the ringer rules are if you play the ringer it always counts as a 70 point win unless you win the game by higher than 70 points, so that getting a bye round doesn’t exclude you from a top placing. It’s a good system, and it means I can give the Chaos Knights a proper whirl here since I want to make sure anyone with a bye (especially the round 1 bye) has a proper challenge.
MY LIST: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [91 PL, 1,675pts, 3CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Lord of War Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Lord of War + War Dog Executioner Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Karnivore Squadron [17 PL, 300pts, -1CP]: House Herpetrax War Dog Karnivore Squadron [8 PL, 140pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [16 PL, 290pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 310pts, -2CP]: House Herpetrax ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [17 PL, 325pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War + War Dog Brigand Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings ++ Total: [108 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Panoply of the Cursed Knights, Slaanesh – Beguiling Majesty, Stratagem: Corrupted Heirlooms
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: 3. Warp-haunted Hull, Character (Traitoris Lance), Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Slaughterclaw, Stratagem: Corrupted Heirlooms, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master, Warlord
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber, Undivided – Warp-borne Stalker
. War Dog Brigand: Diabolus heavy stubber
I get a rematch with David and his Necrons game one, and lose in a very, very tight game. The final score winds up being 95-97, and David is once again a great opponent even without the voodoo donuts to feed me. Here’s his list, for the curious:
David's List: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Necrons) [111 PL, 2,000pts, 6CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + No Force Org Slot + Canoptek Plasmacyte [1 PL, 15pts] Canoptek Plasmacyte [1 PL, 15pts] Canoptek Plasmacyte [1 PL, 15pts] + HQ + Chronomancer [5 PL, 85pts, -1CP]: Entropic Lance, Relic: Veil of Darkness, Stratagem: Relic Technomancer [5 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Voltaic Staff + Troops + Necron Warriors [12 PL, 220pts] Necron Warriors [12 PL, 220pts] + Elites + Flayed Ones [4 PL, 60pts] Flayed Ones [4 PL, 60pts] Flayed Ones [4 PL, 60pts] + Fast Attack + Canoptek Scarab Swarms [4 PL, 75pts] Canoptek Scarab Swarms [4 PL, 75pts] Ophydian Destroyers [8 PL, 180pts] Ophydian Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts]: Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade) Ophydian Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts]: Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade) + Heavy Support + Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] + Lord of War + The Silent King [21 PL, 400pts, 2CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Trait (Szarekhan): The Triarch’s Will ++ Total: [111 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 20x Necron Warrior (Gauss Reaper): 20x Gauss Reaper
. 20x Necron Warrior (Gauss Flayer): 20x Gauss Flayer
. 6x Flayed One: 6x Flayer Claws
. 6x Flayed One: 6x Flayer Claws
. 6x Flayed One: 6x Flayer Claws
. 5x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 5x Feeder Mandibles
. 5x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 5x Feeder Mandibles
. 2x Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Ophydian Claws, 2x Two Hyperphase Reap-Blades
. 4x Ophydian Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers, 4x Ophydian Claws
. 4x Ophydian Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers, 4x Ophydian Claws
. 4x Ophydian Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers, 4x Ophydian Claws
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
In my game with David I think I got too aggressive, the opposite of my problem with Erik. I devote a little too much to trying to take out the Silent King in this game and because of that Ophydians and Gauss Reaper Warriors get to put in work killing my guys, and the Silent King has easy charge targets. Once I realized on turn 3 I probably wouldn’t kill the SK, I should’ve just pulled back and played footsies with him while working on taking out the rest of his stuff. Still a great game, and if I’m honest results like these feel the best for everyone coming out of a ringer game. While they count as a win on BCP, losing a ringer can be a little demoralizing.
Which means it was not very cool of me at all to do exactly that in the next two games.
Games 2 and 3 Ill wrap up into one paragraph here. Kyle and Tyler were both super great dudes, so I do feel a little bad that these are the two games where I realize the full glory of just how dangerous Autocannons can be.
KYLES LIST: (Click to expand) ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [106 PL, 1CP, 1,995pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Lord of War Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + Lord of War + Knight Abominant [23 PL, -3CP, 455pts]: 2. Harbinger of Scrapcode, 5. Infernal Quest, Arch-Tyrant, Character (Traitoris Lance), Dark Forging, Infernal Household, Khorne – Throne Mechanicum of Skulls, Panoply of the Cursed Knights, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Knight Rampager [22 PL, -2CP, 435pts]: 4. Knight Diabolus, Character (Tyrannical Court), Corrupted Heirlooms, Dark Forging, Infernal Household, The Blasphemous Engine, Tzeentch – Cursed Rune of Fate War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: Dark Forging, Infernal Household War Dog Karnivore Squadron [18 PL, 310pts]: Dark Forging, Infernal Household War Dog Stalker Squadron [9 PL, 160pts]: Dark Forging, Infernal Household War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 310pts]: Dark Forging, Infernal Household ++ Total: [106 PL, 1CP, 1,995pts] ++
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne – Blood Shield
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaanesh – Subjugator Machine Spirit, Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Nurgle – The Putrid Carapace, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
TYLERS LIST: (Click to expand) Jokers, Smokers, Midnight Tokers ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Harlequins) [85 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Saedath Characterisation: Twilight: Twilight Falls + HQ + Shadowseer [5 PL, 105pts]: Neuro Disruptor Troupe Master [5 PL, 110pts, -3CP]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Twilight, Queen of Shards, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord + Troops + Troupe [4 PL, 95pts] Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] + Elites + Death Jester [4 PL, 110pts, -1CP]: 1: Favour of Cegorach, Harvester of Torment, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari Death Jester [4 PL, 90pts]: Lord of Crystal Bones Death Jester [4 PL, 90pts]: Rift Ghoul + Fast Attack + Skyweavers [8 PL, 165pts] Skyweavers [8 PL, 165pts] + Heavy Support + Voidweavers [5 PL, 130pts] Voidweavers [5 PL, 130pts] Voidweavers [5 PL, 130pts] + Dedicated Transport + Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] ++ Total: [85 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Cegorach’s Rose
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Voidweaver: Voidweaver Haywire Cannon
. Voidweaver: Voidweaver Haywire Cannon
. Voidweaver: Voidweaver Haywire Cannon
My first turn of shooting in my game against Kyle is bonkers. With 4 executioners getting rerolls from the Helm of Dogs, I pick up 2 of his War Dogs and manage a sizable dent in his Abominant. With some extra shooting and charges, I make it two more war dogs and the rest of the Abominant for a staggering 12 Bring it Down points on turn one.
Autocannons good, really very good.
Tyler’s pretty new and still trying to figure out his Harlequins. We have a great time playing the game, and I help him how I can to make sure he’s making good choices when I can without being too patronizing. But once again, every time the autocannons start shooting during this matchup stuff just dies horribly.
While the Asgard RTT ringer games aren’t hardcore practice games, I feel pretty comfortable with the list I built here. The four executioners is a great shooting base and being able to deep strike one brigand and trat reserve the other gave me some nice mobility options as well. Plus, the stalkers and the karnivores did a great job with applying pressure early and often. I’ll likely stick with this list and get more reps in to prepare for a local GT I’ll be attending in a few weeks.
How am I feeling about Arks of Omen so far? It’s still very early for me to have a definitive thought I think. But I do think we are going to some weird and wild lists coming out to play at events over the next few months. Maybe the presence of so many strange, skewed lists in the meta will make it all about having hard counters and avoiding bad matchups, or maybe it just means we all die a terrible Ravenwing death. Only time will tell.
That’s all for this round of the Badman Chronicles! Next time, we meet the Warhost of the Soulbound and talk about the Parasbine Secundus Crusade! In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com.
