This may be a first in the battle reports - an interactive battle report where I play my opponent over the Internet (and not on Vassal) - and it is going to be a good one.
First off, I am bringing my competitive Tyranids fresh off of the Bay Area Open GT 2013, where they won Best Tyranids. There I came in 9th out of 144 players and although I fell a little short of my goal - which was to win the whole thing - I was actually delighted and honored to have won Best Tyranids. You can find my BAO battle report here:
My opponent for this battle is Brett, aka Tomb King here on dakka. He is also coming fresh off his most recent tournament, the Indy Open GT 2013, as well. Last year, he made it to the Finals of the Indy before losing to Norbu the Destroyer's necrons. This year, however, Tomb King was able to overcome Hans in a Finals rematch to win the whole tournament. You can read about his Indy Open exploits here:
So the stage is set for a showdown between 2 GT winners - me for The Golden Throne GT last year and Brett for the Indy Open GT this year. We have both achieved successes with our respective armies. There isn't really anything to prove in this battle. However, I do have 1 personal goal.....and that is to deal Tomb King's Ugly Misfits with their first loss.
So here is the premise for this battle. We will be using the Bay Area Open missions. I will be hosting this battle, and when I say hosting, I mean that I will actually be the one playing this game. Tomb King will be giving tactics for his army with regards to what he will be doing, but I will be the one rolling most of the in-game dice. However, the important dice - the pre-game rolling - will be done by both parties. Because I've got the "home court" advantage, I let him choose which of the BAO missions he wants to play (or he could roll for it if he wants). I will also let him roll to see if the game ends or whether it continues.
Also, because of the nature of the game....that we will be playing it from across the continent and that I will need to post my results before my opponent can make his next move....this BR will be a multi-session BR. We will probably be able to do 1 turn a day as I need to play my turn, upload the info onto the BR, wait for my opponent to respond with his tactics, play his turn and then upload that onto the BR. Yes, it will be a time-consuming affair but we think with the interaction of the readers here on dakka, it may make for an interesting experience. Yes, your feedback and interaction may influence our tactics to a degree. At the very least, you can see how your tactics would compare to that of ours.
Troops:
5 Warriors, 65 pts
1 Night Scythe, 100 pts
5 Warriors, 65 pts
1 Night Scythe, 100 pts
5 Warriors, 65 pts
1 Night Scythe, 100 pts
5 Warriors, 65 pts
Fast Attack:
5 Canoptek Wraiths, 175 pts
Heavy Support:
1 Annihilation Barge, Tesla/Tesla 90 pts
1 Annihilation Barge, Tesla/Tesla 90 pts
1 Annihilation Barge, Tesla/Tesla 90 pts
HQ: Daemon Prince
1 Daemon Prince (HQ) [Chaos], 365 pts = (Power Armour + Wings + Increase Mastery Level x3 + Daemon of Tzeentch+ Gift of Mutation+Spell Familiar)
1 The Black Mace [Chaos]
We already rolled mission and powers. As well as sides and initiative. I am sure he will post all those powers with his deployment which he said he would have up tonight.
Rolled a D7 and got mission 6 for the BAO: Hammer and Anvil- Big guns never tire & Relic
Initiative goes to the Nids.
My Pre-game analysis will be affected by his deployment and should be up tonight.
Mission:Bay Area Open Scenario #6 - Big Guns Never Tire (4pts) & The Relic (3pts)
The way the BAO scenarios work is this. There are always 2 book missions, one worth 4 points and the other worth 3 points. There are also the 3 bonus points - First Blood, Slay the Warlord and Linebreaker - for a possible total of 10 points. Whoever gets the most points wins. In scenario #6, The Relic is worth 3-points and Big Guns Never Tire worth 4-points.
Wow....so I didn't get a single Iron Arm! Not good. And only 1 Enfeeble! Not really what I was looking for. At least I have Endurance on almost everyone. However, Iron Arm is paramount to surviving all his Tesla Destructors.
Necrons/CSM:
Daemon Prince: Iron Arm, Warp Speed, Boon of Mutation
Can I roll for psychic powers or what?
TK...feel free to swap out any of your powers for your Primaris powers if you wish. I don't mind at all if you want to swap Iron Arm for Smite.
Warlord Traits:
Tyranids: Flyrant - Counter-attack in my own deployment zone.
Necrons/CSM: Destroyer Lord - Furious Charge in the enemy deployment zone.
Tyranids: This is going to be a tough, tough battle. Normally, I think tyranids can handle the crons. However, psychic powers will play an important role in their battles against each other. The key power that I needed to get, especially on my flyrants, was Iron Arm. That power is crucial to surviving the deadly necron firepower. Endurance will help somewhat, but I am afraid my flyrants won't be surviving a focus-fire effort from the crons without Iron Arm. I also wanted to get Enfeeble to help deal with his wraithstar and DP. I prefered to have at least 2 Enfeebles in this army, but I guess I'm just going to have to settle for 1. On the bright side, my army is stacked with Endurance, which should help both against his shooting and his assault.
I'm not as concerned about his wraithstar, but his Daemon Prince will be a problem. I rolled for and gave it some awesome powers - Iron Arm and Warp Speed. Iron Arm will turn him from an easy-to-kill nuisance to a very resilient threat. Warp Speed then makes him into a killer in combat whom I will have no solution to. He will kill any of my units in combat and I won't be able to tarpit him so easily with small gribbly units. That guy can put up a potential 13-14 attacks in just 1 turn!!! My only chance is to hope that he fails his psychic tests while in range of my Shadows and then I can shoot him down.
The missions favor my opponent. In Big Guns, his 3 annihilation barges will be scoring and I have no easy solutions to them. My bugs have problems cracking AV13 vehicles and I am sure they will go after my hive guards early. Moreover, with troops in flyer transports, my opponent can very easily get to my objectives whereas I will have to rely on my flyrants and the Doom to get to his....assuming they even survive! Tyranids may be good in objectives-based scenarios, but then so are necrons with their troops in flyers.
The game will boil down to how well my opponent's shooting goes. If he shoots well and downs my flyrants early, it may well be an easy victory for the crons. If not, then it could be anyone's game. Overall, however, I feel that my tyranids will be a slight underdog in this battle, and that is mainly due to my psychic powers. I can still win without the right powers, but it's just going to be much harder.
Necrons/Chaos: (by Tomb King)
Nids are actually one of the armies that I feel my army could struggle against. It will really come down to proper target priority and eliminating his heavy hitters(flyrantsx2) and then his troop spawners(tervigonx2). I was lucky in the fact that he only got one model with enfeeble. Enfeeble stacking can be real painful. In any game with relic my thought process is to look for a quick easy first blood to get that out of the way. Might be able to stack that with other agenda's depending deployment. I am pretty confident with big guns never tire as my opponent only has a few ways to deal with my barges at range and 2 of them are high value targets. Though I feel my opponent has a considerable advantage with the relic and has a pretty good chance of making a ruin for it either turn 1 or early turn 2.
I am not too worried about doom because I will most likely be able to avoid him and the wraiths get a 3++ from his shenanigans. This game will probably be decided by turn 3 as both armies can pack a real punch. It will really be intersting how these first few turns play out. I am looking forward to the game.
Tomb King wrote: We already rolled mission and powers. As well as sides and initiative. I am sure he will post all those powers with his deployment which he said he would have up tonight.
Rolled a D7 and got mission 6 for the BAO: Hammer and Anvil- Big guns never tire & Relic
Initiative goes to the Nids.
My Pre-game analysis will be affected by his deployment and should be up tonight.
BTW, when you get the chance, you can roll for my Warlord trait as well when you put up your Pre-game and deployment.
jifel wrote: Ha, this is an interesting format! I've seen this with other board games but never 40k... I'd love to see how it works!
It's something new and I think would make for a very interesting experience (as well as read for the dakkalites....assuming they have the patience). It will take a lot of coordination, however, so you probably won't see this type of BR come up very often. My guess is that it may take us up to 1 week to finally complete the game as we will be doing it in our "off-times" and will have to post the results before the next person can make their moves.
Tomb King wrote: We already rolled mission and powers. As well as sides and initiative. I am sure he will post all those powers with his deployment which he said he would have up tonight.
Rolled a D7 and got mission 6 for the BAO: Hammer and Anvil- Big guns never tire & Relic
Initiative goes to the Nids.
My Pre-game analysis will be affected by his deployment and should be up tonight.
BTW, when you get the chance, you can roll for my Warlord trait as well when you put up your Pre-game and deployment.
jifel wrote: Ha, this is an interesting format! I've seen this with other board games but never 40k... I'd love to see how it works!
It's something new and I think would make for a very interesting experience (as well as read for the dakkalites....assuming they have the patience). It will take a lot of coordination, however, so you probably won't see this type of BR come up very often. My guess is that it may take us up to 1 week to finally complete the game as we will be doing it in our "off-times" and will have to post the results before the next person can make their moves.
Your warlord trait is a 1.
Pre-game analysis: Nids are actually one of the armies that I feel my army could struggle against. It will really come down to proper target priority and eliminating his heavy hitters(flyrantsx2) and then his troop spawners(tervigonx2). I was lucky in the fact that he only got one model with enfeeble. Enfeeble stacking can be real painful. In any game with relic my thought process is to look for a quick easy first blood to get that out of the way. Might be able to stack that with other agenda's depending deployment. I am pretty confident with big guns never tire as my opponent only has a few ways to deal with my barges at range and 2 of them are high value targets. Though I feel my opponent has a considerable advantage with the relic and has a pretty good chance of making a ruin for it either turn 1 or early turn 2.
I am not too worried about doom because I will most likely be able to avoid him and the wraiths get a 3++ from his shenanigans. This game will probably be decided by turn 3 as both armies can pack a real punch. It will really be intersting how these first few turns play out. I am looking forward to the game.
Tomb King wins the roll to pick sides. He picks the side that has the advantage in the Relic.
The Relic.
TK places his objective first in his own deployment zone as close to his corner as possible.
I then place my objective between the LOS-blocking terrain and area terrain.
Originally, TK had wanted to place his 2nd objective in front of the "rock" terrain, but since that would be too close to my objective, I took the liberty of placing it for him.....far away from my other objective and out in the open where there will be no cover for my termagants.
Finally I place my last objective between his LOS-blocking terrain and area terrain.
If you would notice, as a tyranid player, you always want to place your objectives near area terrain. That is because if your synapse gets wiped out, your gants can still lurk in terrain to claim the objectives.
Overview of all 4 objectives and the Relic.
My deployment to the right. Each flank carries 1 tervigon and 1 flyrant. Zoans and hive guards in the middle. Gribblies surround my tervigons.
My deployment to the left. This is my Warlord flyrant. Should I call him Warrant or Flylord? Haha....
The only unit in reserves is the Doom of Ma'lantai.
My deployment from my opponent's perspective.
Finally, an overview of my deployment.
TK's deployment. As requested, his ground forces are both 42.5"-43" from both of my flyrants, meaning they are almost at their board edge.
2 barges to his left, where my Warlord is. They are about 30.5"-31" away from my hive guards.
I roll for Mysterious Objectives (should have been done in deployment so I am doing it now). This objective gets nothing.
My other objective gets Skyfire Nexus. Now if only I had any troops who could take advantage of that....
I cast Endurance on all my monstrous creatures as well as the hive guards.
1 tervigon spawns 10 gants and runs out. Great. Just what I needed....NOT!
Tyranids then advance.
Biovores get away from the annihilation barges and would later run behind the LOS-blocking terrain.
I decide to sic my flyrants onto his 2 annihilation barges.
In my mind, they are going to be dead anyways. I might as well threaten his Heavy Supports while I am at it.
1 flyrant is about 4-5" from his barge. The other perhaps 13-14". Both flyrants are at least 24" away from his DP and wraiths.
My units run, though very slowly. Lead gants only run 1" and do not make it to the Relic. BTW, I hide 1 of them behind the LOS-blocking terrain so that my opponent will not be able to wipe them out for First Blood.
My other tervigon and gants only run 3".
My prediction? I think TK will go after my hive guards or perhaps my zoanthropes first. Hive guards because they are a huge threat to his skimmers. Zoanthropes because of Enfeeble and the fact that they will be an easier First Blood candidate.
As for his 2 AB's, I think that he will pull them back so that if I assault them, they will be within counter-assault range of his DP and/or wraiths.
Necrons/Chaos 1
Spoiler:
The Daemon Prince gets +2 Strength/Toughness for Iron Arm and +2 Attacks/Initiative for Warp Speed. However, he fails to cast Boon of Mutation even with his Spell Familiar re-roll.
Annihilation barges move back 12" each.
His DP swoops forwards about 21-22" to stay about 19" away from the tervigon.
Right annihilation cannot get a shot on my Warlord even if he had moved 12", so he decides to move back, staying out of range of my hive guards but in range to shoot my 2nd flyrant.
Wraiths advance 12", making sure to have his Warlord in the front to tank any insta-killing hive guard shots.
They then run 3" forwards.
TK gets an exploding objective.
Both AB's then fire at my Warlord. The first one hits and wounds 3 times. I then pass all 3 of my saves and make my Ground check. The 2nd barge misses completely.
His other AB fires at my 2nd flyrant. He fails to hit completely.
I am really fortunate to survive his shooting unscathed. Next turn, my opponent may be in a world of hurt.
Tyranids 2
Spoiler:
Overview of the top of Turn 2 from 2 perspectives.
1 Tervigon fails to cast Endurance. Zoanthrope is out of range to Enfeeble my opponent's Daemon Prince, so cast Endurance instead. Endurances on: both flyrants, left tervigon (Flat-head) and gargoyles.
Fortunately for my opponent, the Doom fails to come in from reserves.
I get very nasty. Both flyrants swoop on top of the impassable terrain. Now my opponent cannot assault me even if he grounds them (assuming they survive). I also did not need to move my max distance. 1 flyrant goes about 18" or so and the other about 13".
Tervigon spawns 13 gants and then goes sterile. I then form my wall of bubble-wrapping gribblies.
1 unit of gants grab the Relic and then passes it off to my tervigon with Endurance.
Gribblies then run. Gargoyles run 5" forwards.
Now for some shooty shooty. Warlord fires at his DP and wounds 7 times!!!
His DP then fails 4 saves and dies....
....NOT! Fortunately for Tzeentch units, they can re-roll saves of 's. He then passes his 3 re-rolls and thus, only suffers 1W.
However, I do ground him and cause another 1W which he fails to save (2W remaining).
My other flyrant, my tervigon and my hive guards fire at his now grounded DP. I cause another 5 wounds, of which he fails another 1 save, thus bringing him down to just 1W left.
Noooo!!!! I needed to kill him! Looks like he's going to have 1 more chance to do some damage next turn.
1 unit of biovores fire at his wraiths and inflict 2W on separate wraiths.
I then fire my very last unit of biovores....and it scatters 8" and clips his grounded DP!
The 2nd shot of the barrage hits as well. I need 6's to wound him and he's got basically a 2+ save. No way I'm going to kill him.
I then roll a 1 and a 6 to wound!
He then fails his save on a 2!!!
Holy crap! That wasn't supposed to happen! Anyways, I'll take that First Blood.
Necrons/Chaos 2
Spoiler:
On Turn 2, everything except for 1 Night Scythe comes in from reserves.
1 night scythe and the warriors come in to the left.
The other night scythe and the cultists come in to the right.
His heldrake then vector strikes my Warlord and puts 3W on him!!! I fail all 3 of my FNP's!
Barges then move back while still keeping range on both flyrants.
His other barge does the same.
Cron shooting finally takes down my flyrant (with just 1W left!), but it took them a lot of firepower just to do so. The 2 night scythes put 16 hits on him but fail to kill him. Necron warriors try to ground him but fail as well. 1 annihilation barge hits but fails. It takes his 2nd AB to finally bring down my warlord. I pass all 4 grounding tests that I had to take!
At least my opponent gets my Warlord, but at what cost?
His last AB puts 2W on my flyrant, but again, I pass my Grounding test.
Wraiths, with no one to assault, run 2" to try to spread out.
Tyranids: I must admit, the dice has been kind to me so far. While I didn't roll too badly for my opponent, my saves for my bugs where HOT!!! I made most of my saves or FNP's against 2 full turns of necron shooting. That is 6 annihilation barges, 2 night scythes and 1 unit of warriors shooting. As a matter of fact, they only combined to cause 3W to my flyrants! (The other 3W was caused by his heldrake vector striking.) And to top it all off, I made 5 out of 5 Grounding tests for them, thus denying his wraiths the charge and wasting 1 turn of movement for them.
Some may question my bold move of advancing both of my flyrants into enemy territory, but against my opponent's army, I felt I had to take a gamble. If I held them back, I think it would have hurt me in the long run. That is because of my philosophy of Positional Dominance. Basically, my philosophy is that whoever is the more aggressive army has the advantage in an objectives-based scenario. If I play aggressively and advance my flyrants, then I am playing to win while my opponent is playing not to lose. He has to defend his objectives and I can get firmly ensconced into my own objectives. Once my troops get entrenched, it is much harder to get them off of the objectives. I already viewed my flyrants as dead from the very beginning. To me, they are the sacrificial units in this game and I was even willing to give up my Warlord to give my army a slight advantage in positioning.
So the result has been very fortunate for me so far. So far, my gamble is paying off as I stopped the Necron advance (though only momentarily), pushed back his units (the annihilation barges), slowed down his wraiths (waiting to assault a flyrant who didn't get grounded), killed 2 huge threats in both his DP (didn't really expect that, honestly, but got lucky) and his heldrake (that I did expect) and finally, am forcing him to still focus his "resources" on my flyrant and now the Doom instead of at my main forces. It was a huge tactical gamble that I took playing my flyrants so aggressively, but I think it was a gamble I needed to take in order to try to pull off a victory here.
My opponent isn't done yet, however, not by a long shot. Although I may have the advantage currently, there is still a lot of fight left in his crons. I know because I've been down this road before. In a game against Janthkin's tyranids, he was largely kicking my necron butt. However, I did manage to come back and win that one even though my crons were getting thoroughly dominated (and thank goodness the game ended when I needed it to). So I cannot under-estimate my opponent and his army still.
Necrons/Chaos: (by Tomb King)
That was a seriously painful turn 2. My inability to kill or even down either flier hurts big. Losing the drake and both guns on one of the barges was just salt to the wound. As of yet not much has gone my way in this one. However, my army was built to take some bad dice. Time to put it to the test. I am struggling with target priority at the moment as I am being assailed on multiple fronts and I have yet to do any real damage to my opponent. To add to this my options are actually a bit limited. With doom having 7 wounds he is a significant threat in my deployment zone as he can contest my objectives. The tervigon in the middle has the relic and will be withdrawing with it in good order. The flyrant must be taken down. I will post my turn tonight when I have more exact measurements of locations of some of my units. This will be a decisive turn where I either pick up some hope or lose whats left of it.
Deployment: Place the wraiths with the destroy lord at the front most point exactly 42 1/2 inches from each of your flyrants in the center of my deployment. The daemon prince deploys next to them with the same guidance. The barges deploy with two of them on the side with your walrord flyrant on it and they are no closer then 30 1/2" from your Hive guard brood. The last barge deploys on the other flank of the wraiths with the same guidance. The intent is to deny you any effects on turn one shooting. The rest of the army is in reserves. I will not seize.
Tomb King wrote: Deployment: Place the wraiths with the destroy lord at the front most point exactly 42 1/2 inches from each of your flyrants in the center of my deployment. The daemon prince deploys next to them with the same guidance. The barges deploy with two of them on the side with your walrord flyrant on it and they are no closer then 30 1/2" from your Hive guard brood. The last barge deploys on the other flank of the wraiths with the same guidance. The intent is to deny you any effects on turn one shooting. The rest of the army is in reserves. I will not seize.
Very good.
I am off to dinner now. Due to dinner and then the Walking Dead and then Vikings (on the History Channel), I won't get to your deployment and my 1st Turn until probably after 11PM PST. However, I will try to post all that tonight and will be posting your turn tomorrow (along with my Turn 2).
BTW, did you know that both Ragnar and Bjorn is in the series Vikings? It's a good series and I highly recommend it.
Tomb King wrote: Deployment: Place the wraiths with the destroy lord at the front most point exactly 42 1/2 inches from each of your flyrants in the center of my deployment. The daemon prince deploys next to them with the same guidance. The barges deploy with two of them on the side with your walrord flyrant on it and they are no closer then 30 1/2" from your Hive guard brood. The last barge deploys on the other flank of the wraiths with the same guidance. The intent is to deny you any effects on turn one shooting. The rest of the army is in reserves. I will not seize.
Very good.
I am off to dinner now. Due to dinner and then the Walking Dead and then Vikings (on the History Channel), I won't get to your deployment and my 1st Turn until probably after 11PM PST. However, I will try to post all that tonight and will be posting your turn tomorrow (along with my Turn 2).
BTW, did you know that both Ragnar and Bjorn is in the series Vikings? It's a good series and I highly recommend it.
Walking dead was BOSS! Wont ruin how it ended for those waiting to watch it. What channel is this viking series? I will try and give you my info tonight so you can make an easy transition on turn 1. Also can you separate or have something that lets me know which flyrant is your warlord and which powers are on each of your psykers? Have a legend or something numbering them 1-6 or something and number them in the pics.
Wow....so I didn't get a single Iron Arm! Not good. And only 1 Enfeeble! Not really what I was looking for. At least I have Endurance on almost everyone. However, Iron Arm is paramount to surviving all his Tesla Destructors.
Wow....so I didn't get a single Iron Arm! Not good. And only 1 Enfeeble! Not really what I was looking for. At least I have Endurance on almost everyone. However, Iron Arm is paramount to surviving all his Tesla Destructors.
You cheatin bru ?
Actually I recorded it when i did it to make it easier and roll them all without dice.
Didnt even notice no iron arm. Ouch!
Btw!
jy2 wrote: However, I do have 1 personal goal.....and that is to deal Tomb King's Ugly Misfits with their first loss.
Wow....so I didn't get a single Iron Arm! Not good. And only 1 Enfeeble! Not really what I was looking for. At least I have Endurance on almost everyone. However, Iron Arm is paramount to surviving all his Tesla Destructors.
You cheatin bru ?
Those are garbage powers. I really feel bad for jy2. I'd reroll them just for the sake of making the game more entertaining. The daemon prince made out like boss.
Tomb King wrote: Deployment: Place the wraiths with the destroy lord at the front most point exactly 42 1/2 inches from each of your flyrants in the center of my deployment. The daemon prince deploys next to them with the same guidance. The barges deploy with two of them on the side with your walrord flyrant on it and they are no closer then 30 1/2" from your Hive guard brood. The last barge deploys on the other flank of the wraiths with the same guidance. The intent is to deny you any effects on turn one shooting. The rest of the army is in reserves. I will not seize.
Very good.
I am off to dinner now. Due to dinner and then the Walking Dead and then Vikings (on the History Channel), I won't get to your deployment and my 1st Turn until probably after 11PM PST. However, I will try to post all that tonight and will be posting your turn tomorrow (along with my Turn 2).
BTW, did you know that both Ragnar and Bjorn is in the series Vikings? It's a good series and I highly recommend it.
Walking dead was BOSS! Wont ruin how it ended for those waiting to watch it. What channel is this viking series? I will try and give you my info tonight so you can make an easy transition on turn 1. Also can you separate or have something that lets me know which flyrant is your warlord and which powers are on each of your psykers? Have a legend or something numbering them 1-6 or something and number them in the pics.
Yeah, it was a good episode. Too bad _________ had to die.
Vikings is on the History Channel (channel will vary depending on locale). It is a little like a more historical Game of Thrones.
As for the psychic powers, I swapped out 2 models so that it will be easier to differentiate who is who. See photos above.
Those are garbage powers. I really feel bad for jy2. I'd reroll them just for the sake of making the game more entertaining. The daemon prince made out like boss.
No biggie. I'll play through it....with a little tactics and hopefully a lot of luck.
Yeah. Too bad Walking Dead is done for the season. Now we're probably going to have to wait until October for some more zombie goodness.
Ol'Dirty wrote: I'm pulling for nids, but it'll be harder with those power rolls.
Against necrons, I'll need to use every "trick" in the book. Too bad my book doesn't have too many "tricks".
Those powers may make a difference. I am more concerned with the shooting of my opponent than his assault really. That's why I need Iron Arm. Now it's a matter of surviving his "surgical strikes"....how many tesla destructors can 1 MC survive? That will be the key to a tyranid victory IMO.
Red Corsair wrote: Have you guys considered just skype videoing the whole game together? It would probably be much smoother.
Maybe in the future, I will look into something like that. For now, I'm trying not to do too many new things at once. This Interactive, inter-continental report is already different enough from what we both probably are used to.
Siphen wrote: I actually prefer the battle report this way. It's definitely more difficult, but I really like seeing the tactics and reasoning behind every move.
Very interested to see the outcome!
Also, the 4, 6 shouldn't pass for Boon. The Daemon Prince is only Ld 9.
You are right. My bad. I don't normally run CSMDP's and forgot he was only LD9.
I like the way this battle report is going. It feels more like you are standing around the table discussing tactics and what will happen next. Unlike previous ones that try this from one point of view when the game is over and they already know the outcome then the banter doesn't seem to genuine.
Both of the barges on the left flank move back 12" and fire at warlord flyrant. Daemon prince moves 24" to the middle Right most likely ending up behind the ruins on my right flank. He will also and runs 2d6 with fleet to help. His intent is to try and get to your right flank respectively about 19" from nearest tervigon. Wraiths move up 12 and run behind blos terrain again lord at front to take saves from hive guard. Barge on right move to shoot warlord if possible. If not keep it 22" from the second flyrant.
As for the turn. When you have it my turn again can you take a picture from my board edge outwards it is easier to describe the board that way for my movements. Also might be good to roll my reserves and powers in advance.
Overview of the top of Turn 3 from 2 perspectives.
Endurances cast on: flyrant, both tervigons and the hive guards.
The Doom comes in. At first I forgot about him, but TK was kind enough to let me roll for it. He is in Spirit Leech range of all 3 units - wraithstar, necron warriors and cultists.
1 unit of biovores are found to actually be out of synapse. They would fail their Instinctive Behavior test and later run 6" towards area terrain due to having no visible enemies in their sight.
My flyrant swoops a little over 12" towards my opponent's board edge. I'm not expecting him to last another turn of shooting from my opponent, but I can promise you that he will go down in a blaze of glory.
Front gants make way for my flat-head terivgon, who then goes to retrieve the Relic.
Gribblies then go to protect him.
My other flank, which doesn't have too much going on there.
In shooting, the Doom leeches and kills 3 cultists, bringing his current wounds up to 7. They would pass their morale.
My flyrant can see the rear of his heldrake. They are about 16" away.
He (flyrant) then fires on the helturkey and gets 3 glances and 6 pens!!!
Needless to say, his birdie doesn't survive. The ensuing explosion hits no one as it lands directly down.
One of my hive guards is just barely in range to shoot at his 1 annihilation barge. I pen with both shots on 6's!
The result is that both weapons are destroyed.
1 unit of biovores fires at his wraiths but fail to hit anything at all.
Gribblies then run to protect my Relic-holder with even more screening units.
Another perspective of my tervigon protected by his hordes.
Necrons/Chaos 3
Spoiler:
Overview perspective of TK's turn:
The last night scythe comes in from reserves. Its crew disembarks and then moves 6" through difficult terrain.
Necron warriors and cultists move back and away from the Doom. Gunless annihilation barge moves back as well.
Wraiths move as normal infantry (not using their jump packs) and prepares for a possible multi-assault.
Annihilation barges move up to be within gun range of my Relic tervigon.
Night scythe moves up 18" and is barely able to get the tervigon in its arc-of-fire (if it's close enough, I usually let it go unless if we're talking about claiming/contesting objectives).
I should have tried to spread my gribblies out some more to prevent his scythe from even moving there. My mistake.
His other scythe cannot move to get a shot at my tervigon because I've got gribblies in his path. Thus, he decides to zoom it 36" and to go after my biovores.
Night scythe hits and grounds my flyrant. It causes 2W including the Ground damage, but I pass both of my FNP's. Warriors shoot at and put 1W on the Doom.
The gunless AB then turbo-boosts back some more.
The night scythe and both AB's fire at my tervigon. They cause a grand total of only 2W after saves and FNP's. Out of 21 possible tesla arcs, he only hits my gargoyles and hive guards once each. The arc kills 2 gargoyles and my hive guards make their 1 save against it.
Finally, his night scythe shoots down 1 biovore.
However, my biovore is just out of synapse range and fails his morale, thus falling back 8".
Wraithstar then makes its multi-assault. Mindshackle goes off on my flyrant.
Combat is really good for my opponent. Flyrant inflicts 1 wound on himself. TK's Warlord then finishes him off. The other wraiths hit and wound 6 times against the Doom. I would then fail 4 saves!
Wraiths then pile-in.
Overall, despite his below-average shooting, it is a very productive turn for my opponent. He kills my flyrant and it doesn't look as if the Doom is going to be able to tie up his deathstar for very long.
Tyranids 4
Spoiler:
Overview of the top of Turn 4 (from 2 perspectives).
Endurance cast on: both tervigons and hive guards. One of my tervigons fails to cast Endurance, but the zoanthrope then casts it on him.
The Doom casts Terrify on the cultists, who then fail their Deny and Morale. They run off the table.
Damn! I should have cast it on the Wraithstar instead because I rolled a 6,6 for their Morale test! Doh!!!
Relic tervigon retreats and gribblies then move to cover his tracks.
The other tervigon moves back to provide synapse for the biovores. He is still out of synapse range for the fleeing biovore. Gants move back towards the objective.
Biovore regroups with Insane Courage!
In shooting, hive guards whiff completely against the night scythe in front of them.
Wraithstar passes its 3D6 Leadership test against the Doom's Spirit Leech.
I have no other shooting as my other biovores are out of range, so I run a couple of units.
Tervigon regains 1W due to It Will Not Die!
Wraithstar finishes off the Doom and consolidate 1". The Doom does, however, cause 1W to 1 of the wraiths. I then forget to count this wound towards its total health.
Why, oh why did I not Terrify them instead?!? I was seriously considering doing so, which would mean they either get swept by the Doom or they run off the table. Sigh....
In any case, Tomb King has just made it a game again. Like I said in my Pre-game, this is not going to be an easy game.
Necrons/Chaos 4
Spoiler:
Overview perspective of TK's turn:
Wraithstar is 17.5" away from my front gant unit.
Right night scythe (near my biovores) will not be able to hit anything useful this turn due to his 18" movement. It may have to fly off the table.
Left night scythe (near the central necron tower) will not be able to hit anything useful either, not even the far-right tervigon, who would actually be in its movement path. However, TK can move it on top of the impassable hill and shoot at my single biovore.
So this is what TK decides to do. His tactics this turn may just make or break the game for him....
Warriors move towards the objective and within rapid-fire range of the spore. Gunless AB moves to claim his objective.
Wraiths get ready for a multi-charge. The last wraith could not actually clear my spore so goes around it.
Warriors get back into their night scythe, which then clears the 3-can impassable terrain. He is going after my hive guards.
AB's move forwards 12" towards my deployment zone. When I would later fire with them, I would forget that they had moved 12" and thus could only have snap-shot.
1 night scythe flies towards my objective (held by my gants) and warriors disembark 6" from it.
Looking back at the photos, I realize that I made a slight tactical mistake here. I could have moved his night scythe another 3" forwards and still have his guys within claiming range of the objective.
I also try to disembark them as far away from my tervigon as possible, meaning that I had to clump them together. Currently, the tervigon is about 13" away from the warriors, so I decide to leave the scythe there to act as a screen instead of flying it off the board (as TK had originally proposed in his stragegy).
His last night scythe heads towards the objective with my biovores. He uses his night scythe to screen out the gants and disembarks his warriors to deal with my biovores.
His night scythe shoots at my solitary biovore. He hits only 3 times and wounds only 2 times. I then pass both saves. Warriors rapid-fire the unit of 2 biovores and kill 1.
They live!!!
Other warriors dakka dakka my gants and kill 4.
Warriors try to put away my spore but roll poorly with their shooting, only managing to put 1W on it.
Finally, he focuses both AB's and his night scythe on my hive guards and manages to kill 2 hive guards (with FNP). It takes both of his AB just to kill the 1 hive guard that they could see. Tesla arcs and hits 2 units. It hits and kills 1 gant. It also hits my gargoyles twice, but I roll 2 1's to wound.
Overall, it is a subpar shooting turn for my opponent.
Wraithstar charges 8" into the gants. I try to pull off the multi-charge but just couldn't stretch them far enough to do so. If he only had 1 more model in the unit, he would have made the multi-charge. (This photo is before pile-in moves.)
In assault they roll slightly below average, hitting 12 out of 20 attacks after the re-rolls for Prefered Enemy.
But it doesn't matter. They still wipe out my unit of gants and I put 1W on an unwounded wraith (now 4 of them have 1W left). Unfortunately, that is not a good thing as now his wraithstar will be subject to my shooting.
Tyranids 5
Spoiler:
I cast Endurance on both tervigons only (1 zoanthrope fails to cast Endurance). I also successfully cast Enfeeble on the wraithstar.
Overview of the top of Turn 5 (from 2 perspectives).
Left biovore fails his Instinctive Behaviour test once again and just sits there. The other biovore move out of pie plate range.
Gribblies move. Gargoyles prepare to assault. Relic tervigon advances.
Zoanthrope and gribblies move to contest the objective.
Tervigon and gants go after his warriors.
Shooting by gants and the tervigon cluster spines brings down 4 warriors.
2 warriors would get back up.
Both biovores as well as the gants fire at his warriors. I take out 3.
Warriors pass pinning but then fail morale on boxcars! They fall back 8". However, 2 warriors get back up.
I then hit his wraithstars where it hurts. Cluster spine by my tervigon, gargoyles and termagants focus to shoot down 4 T3 wraiths (which all had 1W on them already).
And to add insult to injury, my lone hive guard fires at his night scythe, hits once and then wrecks it!
My shooting phase is truly spectacular....the opposite of TK's!
Gargoyles then assault.
As do my gants. He fails to kill any with Overwatch. As my gants are charging through terrain, at least the crons will be striking first in this assault.
They tie combat with 1 kill apiece. That is mainly because my gants were out of tervigon buffing range (for Poison and Furious Charge).
Wraithstar kills 3 gargoyle. In return, I put 1W on his Warlord.
Necrons/Chaos 5
Spoiler:
Overview of the bottom of Turn 5.
Overview perspective of the tyranid deployment zone.
Although TK's army has been taking a beating from both my army and the dice, he is actually still in a prime position to win it.
He's got his objective locked down.
BTW, the objective exploded last turn and killed 2 gargoyles. It is currently contested, but TK can easily turbo-boost his AB there. He may, however, need to kill off my gargoyles, who may be contesting.
He's actually got this objective as well (my gants are about 1" away from contesting).
Finally this objective is contested.
So right now, I've got the Relic and will most likely keep it. He's got me on Big Guns. We both have 2 bonus points (Linebreaker + First Blood for me, Linebreaker + Warlord for my TK). However, he can kill off my spore and there is a remote chance I may be able to get his Warlord. In any case, he is 1, possibly 2 points, ahead of me because Big Guns is the Primary.
All he needs now is for the game to end after this turn and he's won it. If it continues, however, the chances for me to take the game is greater.
Battle report correction #3:
Apparently, you can't come back via Reanimation Protocols if you are falling back because all RP tokens are removed if you fall back. So the 2 warriors that came back to life is all of a sudden, dead again.
Warriors come in from reserves. The other unit of warriors move up. They claim his objective here.
AB's advance.
Warriors try to move up the hill and stay still in claiming range of the objective. Only 1 can do so.
Necrons annihilate the spore. The other unit of warriors run up 5".
TK has just denied me Linebreaker.
Both AB's combine to shoot down only 4 gants. (I made 4-5 6+ saves!). The tesla does arc and hit both my tervigon and the gargoyles. It causes 1W to my tervigon but fails to wound the gargoyles with only 1 hit.
Warriors shoot down 2 gants. Necrons claim their 2nd objective
In combat, his lone warrior survives! I hit 5 times but fail to wound at all! Thus I currently have no Big Gun objectives.
Finally in assault, I deal 1W to his wraith (via Look-Out-Sir from his Lord) and he wipes out 5 gargoyles.
Currently, I have the Relic for 3-pts while Tomb King has Big Guns for 4-pts. He's also got Linebreaker and Warlord whereas I've got First Blood. So if the game was to end right now, TK would take it 6-4.
Brett, would you do me the honor of rolling to see if the game continues? You can just post it here in this thread your results.
Tyranids: Overall, my opponent isn't in as bad a shape as he thinks he is. As a matter of fact, he is winning and I will have to play "catch-up". Here is why:
- He's winning on Big Guns. I'm not so sure I can take that from him. If I can finish off his lone warrior contesting my objective, we will be tied at 1 objective apiece that we both can probably keep. However, he's got the unit of 3 warriors and 2 annihilation barges that can contest one of my objectives and 1 unit of warriors and the gunless AB that can claim his 2nd objective. I am not sure I can easily contest that objective, at least not with his Warlord and wraith in the way.
- He can get linebreaker easily with his 2 annihilation barges. I'm not sure I can get Linebreaker.
- His D-lord and wraiths should be able to wipe out my 2 gargoyles on my turn. That means that on his turn, he will be free to do as he likes with them.
- He's still got plenty of shooting left with 2 night scythes and 2 annihilation barges.
- With only 4W left, it is conceivable that he can actually kill my tervigon with the Relic, thus denying me the Secondary Mission.
- I don't have very many units left. I might have to "throw" my Relic tervigon into his wraithstar and put him at risk.
- He's got 2nd turn and so has the final say on what to do.
I have become the underdog again and need to play this turn very carefully. I'm also going to need a little luck to try to pull off the win here.
My opponent (or rather, his wife) rolls a 3. Game on!
Horn-head casts Warp Speed on himself for +3 Attacks. Zoanthrope also gives him Endurance.
The other zoey casts Enfeeble on the lone warrior. I need to make damn sure I kill him.
Lastly, my Relic tervigon casts Endurance on itself.
Tervigon and gants advance.
Biovores move to claim the objective. I make sure to keep one out of LOS and the other more than 60" from my opponent's board edge (so his night scythes won't be able to hit my biovores next turn when they come in).
Zoeys advance.
Now here is the risky part. Should I assault or should I not? I sure as heck didn't want my tervigon out there to eat 4 tesla destructors next turn so I move it and the gants towards combat.
It's dangerous but I have a plan:
1. Assault with both gants and tervigon to protect them from his deadly shooting.
2. Make his Warlord use MSS on my gribblies and then fight him in a challenge.
3. 6 furiously charging poisoned gants (+ 2 gargoyles) should be able to take out the wraith with 1W.
4. His Warlord only has 2W left. I have a decent chance to take him out with 4 attacks from my tervigon on the charge.
5. Get Slay the Warlord and then consolidate onto the objective!
You could say that I had visions of sugar-plums dancing in my head already.
Biovores have just enough range to fire at his closer warriors. I kill 2 despite hitting a total of 5.
1 would get back up.
Hive guard fires at a healthy AB but fail to even glance it.
Then it's off to assault we go.
Tervigon makes his 5" charge through difficult terrain. Gants charge in as well. I make my opponent use MSS first and it goes off against a gargoyle.
Tervigon makes the charge thanks to Warp Speed (Fleet).
Gants kill off his lone warrior. I think it's safe to say that I've got this objective.
Tervigon only kills 2 warriors. They pass Morale. Actually, this is a better situation for me because now my tervigon can't be shot up.
I challenge his Warlord. MSS kills off 1 gargoyle.
What the heck!
My gants and gargoyle wound his wraith with only 1W left 6 times....he then passes all his saves.
His Warlord deals 2W to my tervigon. I then attack 4 times and only hit 1. His D-lord is down to just 1W left and my tervigon down to 2W.
Now next turn, my tervigon needs to survive both MSS and his Warlord attacks!!! I might have just lost the game there.
Necrons/Chaos 6
Spoiler:
This turn, we did all our rolling on Vassal (I still don't really know how to use it).
Both night scythes, who flew off the board last turn, come back in through Ongoing Reserves. They both move 36" forwards.
One of TK's annihilation barges moves 11-12" to contest my objective.
Warriors move up to grab their objective. The other unit of warriors move up to assault my gants. Gunless AB moves up to grab his other objective.
Night scythes are out of range of my biovores so target the gants. They combine to kill all but 1 gant.
AB shoots down my 3 gants.
His last AB shoots down my hive guard.
Talk about some good shooting, wow!
In assault, my tervigon finish off his warrior. This objective is contested.
His warriors would assault my gants in combat.
I then do the impossible. My tervigon passes his MSS test. The enemy Warlord then swings before my tervigon and ends up wounding 2 times. My tervigon passes 1 FNP save!!!
He then smashes and kills the D-lord. Gribblies end up killing the wraith. However, his warriors wipe out all 4 of my termagants. Warriors consolidate forwards but doesn't reach my tervigon. My tervigon then consolidates forwards (his position marked by his wound counter 5).
However, Tomb King's Warlord comes back to life! That means he should be able to kill my tervigon next turn (if there is a next turn).
This turn, I roll to see if the game continues and the roll is a 2. The game ends.
Down - psychic powers. Mine are so-so. TK's are excellent.
Up - I take down his 350pt+ DP. Flyrants survive his shooting.
Down - both of my tervigons run out after only spawning once.
Up - I take out his heldrake in exchange for my Warlord.
Down - TK takes out both my flyrant and the Doom, whom I was counting on to tie up his forces for much longer than that.
Up - I really hurt his wraiths and take down 1 night scythe.
Down - Tervigon and gants charge but can't finish off his lone wraith and D-lord. I lose if the game ends.
Up - Game continues onto Turn 6.
The dice were definitely a factor in this game. Even with the dice going my way for much of the game, I still almost lost to my opponent. I think he could have dominated this matchup if the dice had been more average. However, it is what it is. Despite my good dice, I had to work with less-than-ideal psychic powers in this game and the fact that I ran out of gants after spawning only once with each tervigon. I think that was the balancing factor in this game which prevented it from being a blow-out. But in the early half of the game, my opponent was playing from behind. Then after he killed my 2nd flyrant and the Doom, I became the one who was playing from behind. I really couldn't tell who would win this game while we were playing.
A couple of thoughts about TK's army. As a fellow necron player, I know how good his list is. Heck, I won my GT with a necron list somewhat similar to his, except instead of the 2nd hammer unit being the DP, my 2nd hammer unit was another unit of wraiths. Both of our armies play similarly in terms of strategy - we are both a beta-strike army. 1st turn was to get into position with our 2 hammer units and the annihilation barges. Then on turn 2 when our flyers start to come in, we strike with the full force of our armies. I did not want to let my opponent do that, which was why I was playing so aggressively with my 2 flyrants. I basically took the fight to him while the rest of my army established itself in more advantageous positions (i.e. got the relic, bubble-wrapped, etc.). While his beta-strike would still happen, at least now he is out of position and my defenses are ready for him. I was also able to pick up the Relic, thus giving my army a slight advantage.
In any case, this was a fun and very challenging game. My opponent is a very tactical player and really knows the strengths and limitations of his army. He even taught me a trick about the crons which I wasn't aware of before. You can be sure that there will be rematch sometime in the future, and I look forwards to it.
The flyrants can't hurt the annihilation barges due to quantum shielding (S6 shots on AV13). The biovores ran and the hive guard were out of range is my guess.
Great idea for a report. I've played Necrons/Csm since 6th came out, with great success, but have yet to run up against a competitive Nid list. I will be following this closely.
Best of luck to both parties, but I'm rooting for the Crons.
Nope, you didn't miss anything. There was no nid shooting because:
1. Night-fight is on.
2. TK made sure to stay out of range of my guns and....
3. Flyrants couldn't hurt his annihilation barges (at least not yet).
Automatically Appended Next Post:
hippesthippo wrote: Great idea for a report. I've played Necrons/Csm since 6th came out, with great success, but have yet to run up against a competitive Nid list. I will be following this closely.
Best of luck to both parties, but I'm rooting for the Crons.
It's almost a 50/50 matchup IMO. Whereas against most other armies, it's probably more of a 70/30 in favor of a competitive necron army.
Too bad you didn't get to play Janthkin or I at the BAO. I think we would give your army a fun and very challenging fight.
This is a relatively new thing so were bound to have a few set backs. My daemon prince being about 8 inch's closer to my board edge then expected being one of them. Kind of sucked losing first blood that way but crap happens. On average dice he loses around 3 wounds. This is an interesting turn of events. Have a few questions before posting my moves... I am curious. How did you pick up the relic and hand it off in the same phase? I thought last turn you were short of the relic? Also how can the wraiths not assault your flyrants if i down you?
Dozer Blades wrote: If he rolls average for shooting with his barges both Flyrants could end up dead. Very risky plus what is the advantage?
Yes, it is risky to play my flyrants so aggressively, but I did if for a number of tactical reasons.
1. To hopefully push his AB's back.
2. To try to get within Shadows range of his DP this turn or next.
3. To go after his DP.
4. If I hold them back, next turn I am looking to potentially eat his Beta-strike of 3 AB's and 3 night scythes. In addition, he will gain ground on me as he will be advancing.
5. My philosophy of Positional Dominance. In objectives-based game, it is more advantageous to be the aggressor.
6. I just like to play them aggressively.
BayneMor wrote: I like the way this battle report is going. It feels more like you are standing around the table discussing tactics and what will happen next. Unlike previous ones that try this from one point of view when the game is over and they already know the outcome then the banter doesn't seem to genuine.
Keep it up Jy2 and Tomb King!
Thanks.
It is slightly different from the type of Interative battle reports that we've been talking about, but I think this will be a good test bed for future such BR's. However, you have to remember to take a lot of pictures for your opponent. And there needs to be a lot of communication, either online, via email or phone. TK and I have actually been texting each other a lot.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Tomb King wrote: This is a relatively new thing so were bound to have a few set backs. My daemon prince being about 8 inch's closer to my board edge then expected being one of them. Kind of sucked losing first blood that way but crap happens. On average dice he loses around 3 wounds. This is an interesting turn of events. Have a few questions before posting my moves... I am curious. How did you pick up the relic and hand it off in the same phase? I thought last turn you were short of the relic? Also how can the wraiths not assault your flyrants if i down you?
Let me check the rules.....
....you are right. The Relic is picked up at the end of the phase. I picked it up before the end of the phase. So technically, the Relic is still in possession by the termagants right where they picked it up. However, because I also ran my gants, that means I automatically drop the Relic 1" from where it was originally.
So currently, the Relic is not in my possession. It is, however, 1" closer to my tervigon and underneath my gants. I will take pictures and post the correction on your turn.
As for the wraiths, I don't believe you can assault into impassable terrain. Jumpers/FMC's can move on top of them, but assault is a normal movement and you can't normally move onto Impassable terrain.
Tomb King wrote: This is a relatively new thing so were bound to have a few set backs. My daemon prince being about 8 inch's closer to my board edge then expected being one of them. Kind of sucked losing first blood that way but crap happens. On average dice he loses around 3 wounds. This is an interesting turn of events. Have a few questions before posting my moves... I am curious. How did you pick up the relic and hand it off in the same phase? I thought last turn you were short of the relic? Also how can the wraiths not assault your flyrants if i down you?
Let me check the rules.....
....you are right. The Relic is picked up at the end of the phase. I picked it up before the end of the phase. So technically, the Relic is still in possession by the termagants right where they picked it up. However, because I also ran my gants, that means I automatically drop the Relic 1" from where it was originally.
So currently, the Relic is not in my possession. It is, however, 1" closer to my tervigon and underneath my gants. I will take pictures and post the correction on your turn.
As for the wraiths, I don't believe you can assault into impassable terrain. Jumpers/FMC's can move on top of them, but assault is a normal movement and you can't normally move onto Impassable terrain.
Oh, the indy had no impassable terrain. The rulebook tries to avoid them being used. Either way the wraiths can charge them as long as they use their jump packs.
Tomb King wrote: This is a relatively new thing so were bound to have a few set backs. My daemon prince being about 8 inch's closer to my board edge then expected being one of them. Kind of sucked losing first blood that way but crap happens. On average dice he loses around 3 wounds. This is an interesting turn of events. Have a few questions before posting my moves... I am curious. How did you pick up the relic and hand it off in the same phase? I thought last turn you were short of the relic? Also how can the wraiths not assault your flyrants if i down you?
Let me check the rules.....
....you are right. The Relic is picked up at the end of the phase. I picked it up before the end of the phase. So technically, the Relic is still in possession by the termagants right where they picked it up. However, because I also ran my gants, that means I automatically drop the Relic 1" from where it was originally.
So currently, the Relic is not in my possession. It is, however, 1" closer to my tervigon and underneath my gants. I will take pictures and post the correction on your turn.
As for the wraiths, I don't believe you can assault into impassable terrain. Jumpers/FMC's can move on top of them, but assault is a normal movement and you can't normally move onto Impassable terrain.
Oh, the indy had no impassable terrain. The rulebook tries to avoid them being used. Either way the wraiths can charge them as long as they use their jump packs.
Ok, we can play it that way.
Automatically Appended Next Post: This is the "revised" position of the Relic. I did not pass it off to my tervigon. Instead I dropped it 1" from its original location because I ran my gants:
Also, here are several shots of your deployment edge:
My flyrant is 19" away from your board edge and my Warlord is 22".
Alright picture should help show movements. The heldrake vectors your warlord and ends up behind him in the middle and he will throw his baleflamer on the gaunts that are in the first wave. He will do this last as he might need to finish off the flyrants. Both night scythe move on trying to use minimim distance required to get range on both of the big guys. The two barges on the left are going to move up 3" and target the middle flyrants. Warlord has priority of course. They will fire after the night scythes. The night scythes will fire first and try to down them. The cultist will move on 6" and try to run into the pyramid area terrain. The 5 man warriors will move on in the center and try to target the front flyrant if the fliers dont down them. The wraiths will move up a little to prepare for charge on the flyrants. The destroyer lord is in between the pillars the flyrants are on. If somehow I kill both flyrants then I want the wraiths to run and spread out so they arent template friendly. If they get the charge into the flyrants. I want MSS to go off before challenges, also they will have hammer of wrath because of the jump packs. The far right barge will move back 6" or less if need be to maintain 24" range on the middle flyrants. Text me if anything comes up that is weird.
That was a seriously painful turn 2. My inability to kill or even down either flier hurts big. Losing the drake and both guns on one of the barges was just salt to the wound. As of yet not much has gone my way in this one. However, my army was built to take some bad dice. Time to put it to the test. I am struggling with target priority at the moment as I am being assailed on multiple fronts and I have yet to do any real damage to my opponent. To add to this my options are actually a bit limited. With doom having 7 wounds he is a significant threat in my deployment zone as he can contest my objectives. The tervigon in the middle has the relic and will be withdrawing with it in good order. The flyrant must be taken down. I will post my turn tonight when I have more exact measurements of locations of some of my units. This will be a decisive turn where I either pick up some hope or lose whats left of it.
While I am at it. I am going to do a bit of a narrative for this one if people are interested.
Narrative a Necron Chronicle:
Spoiler:
C763.M41 Hive Fleet Pandora
Khalid was scanning the tracks on the ground. Even though it was dark he could still quickly identifying they did not belong to any of the native species of the tomb world. He motioned for his scouting party to advance as the tracks lead to the site of sacred necron artifacts and he would see himself perish before he let anything tarnish them or his worlds honor.
The scout party broke a clearing and stopped instantly. Though Khalid could not smell his sensors picked up the stench of bio mass and the hateful indicator of the alien race known as Tyranids. A mindless bunch that feasted on anything and everything and only caused devastation wherever they thread.
Khalid saw the enslaved daemon prince get anxious with anticipation. It began to step forward drawing Khalid's hard gaze. "You will hold until you are needed!" The daemon prince in typical bad form scoffed at him. That is until the mind shackle scarabs doubled it over in pain. "You will know your place yet!"
Khalid's gaze was drawn back to the clearing by the sound of tree's being felled as two massive creatures flew into the clearing honing in on their position. The daemon prince had cost him his element of surprise... There will be a reckoning.
Khalid gave the signal and the Necron force began to move into action. His hatred begins to surface as he brings his warscythe to bare...."So it begins..."
More to follow.... Let me know thoughts on it as first time try of doing this with my Necron's.
I was very skeptical about if this style of report could work at first. But this has turned out way better than I imagined and I gotta say you guys have just about everything someone could want. You have 2 GT winners facing off, with 2 very scary armies, In an interactive way giving tactics and such on the fly, and even a narrative. Not to mention the always great pictures from JY2 and what do you have? A recipe for success that's what.
How did the Flyrant shoot the turkey in the rear? Isn't it facing the wrong way while swooping? Or is flyrant shooting like a heldrake in that it's a 360 degree turret?
Yah it shoots like normal infantry. So it has a 360 degree ark for shooting. It just has to move like a flyer with 12"-24" movement and 1-90 degree turn unless its gliding.
I must admit, the dice has been kind to me so far. While I didn't roll too badly for my opponent, my saves for my bugs where HOT!!! I made most of my saves or FNP's against 2 full turns of necron shooting. That is 6 annihilation barges, 2 night scythes and 1 unit of warriors shooting. As a matter of fact, they only combined to cause 3W to my flyrants! (The other 3W was caused by his heldrake vector striking.) And to top it all off, I made 5 out of 5 Grounding tests for them, thus denying his wraiths the charge and wasting 1 turn of movement for them.
Some may question my bold move of advancing both of my flyrants into enemy territory, but against my opponent's army, I felt I had to take a gamble. If I held them back, I think it would have hurt me in the long run. That is because of my philosophy of Positional Dominance. Basically, my philosophy is that whoever is the more aggressive army has the advantage in an objectives-based scenario. If I play aggressively and advance my flyrants, then I am playing to win while my opponent is playing not to lose. He has to defend his objectives and I can get firmly ensconced into my own objectives. Once my troops get entrenched, it is much harder to get them off of the objectives. I already viewed my flyrants as dead from the very beginning. To me, they are the sacrificial units in this game and I was even willing to give up my Warlord to give my army a slight advantage in positioning.
So the result has been very fortunate for me so far. So far, my gamble is paying off as I stopped the Necron advance (though only momentarily), pushed back his units (the annihilation barges), slowed down his wraiths (waiting to assault a flyrant who didn't get grounded), killed 2 huge threats in both his DP (didn't really expect that, honestly, but got lucky) and his heldrake (that I did expect) and finally, am forcing him to still focus his "resources" on my flyrant and now the Doom instead of at my main forces. It was a huge tactical gamble that I took playing my flyrants so aggressively, but I think it was a gamble I needed to take in order to try to pull off a victory here.
My opponent isn't done yet, however, not by a long shot. Although I may have the advantage currently, there is still a lot of fight left in his crons. I know because I've been down this road before. In a game against Janthkin's tyranids, he was largely kicking my necron butt. However, I did manage to come back and win that one even though my crons were getting thoroughly dominated (and thank goodness the game ended when I needed it to). So I cannot under-estimate my opponent and his army still.
bogalubov wrote: How did the Flyrant shoot the turkey in the rear? Isn't it facing the wrong way while swooping? Or is flyrant shooting like a heldrake in that it's a 360 degree turret?
Yes flying monstrous creatures all have 360 degree los. The crazy part is he got 3 glances and 6 pens with 12 ballistic skill three shots. They were twin linked thiugh.
Chancetragedy wrote: I was very skeptical about if this style of report could work at first. But this has turned out way better than I imagined and I gotta say you guys have just about everything someone could want. You have 2 GT winners facing off, with 2 very scary armies, In an interactive way giving tactics and such on the fly, and even a narrative. Not to mention the always great pictures from JY2 and what do you have? A recipe for success that's what.
Thanks. It's something new that we decided to try out and I'm glad people are enjoying it (well, at least the patient ones. Lol.).
bogalubov wrote: How did the Flyrant shoot the turkey in the rear? Isn't it facing the wrong way while swooping? Or is flyrant shooting like a heldrake in that it's a 360 degree turret?
Chancetragedy wrote: Yah it shoots like normal infantry. So it has a 360 degree ark for shooting. It just has to move like a flyer with 12"-24" movement and 1-90 degree turn unless its gliding.
Correct. A monstrous creature has a 360 degree arc of fire. And my FMC is still swooping so can skyfire.
bogalubov wrote: How did the Flyrant shoot the turkey in the rear? Isn't it facing the wrong way while swooping? Or is flyrant shooting like a heldrake in that it's a 360 degree turret?
Yes flying monstrous creatures all have 360 degree los. The crazy part is he got 3 glances and 6 pens with 12 ballistic skill three shots. They were twin linked thiugh.
Yeah, after re-rolls, I believe 11 hit and I just rolled crazy on the armor pen.
Quite a difference from the BAO where all I had to do was to shoot down my opponent's dread from the rear to win the game. I hit 10 times and only got 2 glances/pens against rear AV10 in that game. The dice, they are fickle.
If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
rigeld2 wrote: If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
Only thing it might do is affect how far he is from obj.
rigeld2 wrote: If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
rigeld2 wrote: If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
Only thing it might do is affect how far he is from obj.
Ok, I will run them towards the closest area terrain, which is pretty close to them and the objective anyways.
The only danger for them is that now you can shoot them up and possibly get +1VP for Big Guns.
Sorry - re-reading that post it comes off as really jerk-y. It absolutely wasn't intended as such - I have way too much respect for you and TK (and 99% of the rest of the board).
rigeld2 wrote: Sorry - re-reading that post it comes off as really jerk-y. It absolutely wasn't intended as such - I have way too much respect for you and TK (and 99% of the rest of the board).
Ya! Ya! Sure.... your fine. People make mistakes all the time in this game. No one is perfect.
@ jy2 - you got very lucky with your saves for the two Flyrants. I would not have put my faith in the dice. Looks like at this point the game is very close. Two very aggressive players.
Annihilation barges are 27" & 28" to my Relic tervigon.
D-lord to Doom - 13.5".
Wraiths to front gant unit - 9".
Wraiths to Relic tervigon - 13.5".
Let me know if you need anything else.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
rigeld2 wrote: Sorry - re-reading that post it comes off as really jerk-y. It absolutely wasn't intended as such - I have way too much respect for you and TK (and 99% of the rest of the board).
No, you were ok. I have no problems with someone being direct. No offense taken at all. As a matter of fact, input appreciated. Thanks.
Janthkin wrote: You need a 1" grid laid out on the board next time.
This is very interesting; I'm looking forward to the outcome.
Yeah, it's a tougher battle for TK because he isn't there to take measurements and have to rely on data from me. He can only visualize his moves based on my photos. That's why I sort of have the "home court" advantage here.
Dozer Blades wrote: @ jy2 - you got very lucky with your saves for the two Flyrants. I would not have put my faith in the dice. Looks like at this point the game is very close. Two very aggressive players.
Yeah, I admit I got lucky. But I felt I needed to take the gamble in this game to try to create an advantage for myself. Otherwise, I really felt that my army is at a disadvantage here considering the psychic powers I got (or did not get) and due to TK's superior mobility. He had good assault, better shooting and better mobility. I needed to try to even those odds by doing something spectacular. Of course, it could have very easily blown back in my face as well, but then again, no gamble is without its risks.
That's very interesting for me to know. Like I said I don't like to take big gambles but I certainly respect your decision making processes. Well it worked out for you so we have a very entertaining game. : )
Alright here we go.. if there be a time for things to swing back in my favor... now be that time.
The picture is pretty clear but if there are any questions text me or call me and I will adjust fire as needed.
The night scythe comes in from reserve and lines up to finish off the flyrant. The 2 left barge's will move up just enough to get in range of the relic tervigon. The two night scythe will move up the minimum 18" and fire on the tervigon unless for some miraculous reason the barges kill it first. Hope the arcs can do some damage to all those surrounding units. The dlord + wraiths will move back to charge doom, they will not use jump packs in the movement phase to make sure I get enough charge distance to get lord into base contact with doom. They will stay just out of 6" from doom. If they get the charge on doom I want MSS to go off before anything. The cultist are gonna move back to the board edge in a line and the barge on the right is going to move back and turbo boost an inch back to end up in the corner. Far away from any threat and with a 4+ cover to anything but impaler cannons. The warriors in the middle are going to move back and to the right again avoiding 6" bubble of doom. They will shoot at doom rapid fire. The 5 warriors disembarking from the night scythe will rapid fire into the flyrant after the night scythe skyfires at it, if it is still alive then the 5 warriors in the middle will switch from shooting doom to shooting the flyrant, if it the flyrant is dead they will both shoot doom. The cultist if in range will fire at doom.
Just out of curiosity TK, why do you keep requesting mindshackles go off before challenges when your charging single model units? Is there a particular reason or just preference?
Chancetragedy wrote: Just out of curiosity TK, why do you keep requesting mindshackles go off before challenges when your charging single model units? Is there a particular reason or just preference?
Because he was planning a multi-charge. Hit both flyrants, MSS goes off and the challenge the other non-MSS'd flyrant (most likely my weakened warlord). I believe that was his intent.
Because MSS and Challenges are both issued at the same time. So the player who's turn it is can decide the order in which they are processed. If MSS goes off he wont be able to issue a challenge and my wraiths can go to town on him.
1) The night scythe comes in from reserve and lines up to finish off the flyrant.
2) The 2 left barges will move up just enough to get in range of the relic tervigon.
3) The two night scythe will move up the minimum 18" and fire on the tervigon unless for some miraculous reason the barges kill it first. Hope the arcs can do some damage to all those surrounding units.
4) The dlord + wraiths will move back to charge doom, they will not use jump packs in the movement phase to make sure I get enough charge distance to get lord into base contact with doom. They will stay just out of 6" from doom. If they get the charge on doom I want MSS to go off before anything.
5) The cultist are gonna move back to the board edge in a line.
6) The lone barge on the right is going to move back and turbo boost an inch back to end up in the corner. Far away from any threat and with a 4+ cover to anything but impaler cannons.
7) The warriors in the middle are going to move back and to the right again avoiding 6" bubble of doom. They will shoot at doom rapid fire.
8) The 5 warriors disembarking from the night scythe will rapid fire into the flyrant after the night scythe skyfires at it, if it is still alive then the 5 warriors in the middle will switch from shooting doom to shooting the flyrant, if it the flyrant is dead they will both shoot doom.
Just finished Necron Turns 3 and Tyranids Turn 4. Need to go out for dinner but will work on and post the 2 turns when I return.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Tomb King wrote: Because MSS and Challenges are both issued at the same time. So the player who's turn it is can decide the order in which they are processed. If MSS goes off he wont be able to issue a challenge and my wraiths can go to town on him.
There is always that as well. Hmmm, good tactic. I never thought about that.
1) The night scythe comes in from reserve and lines up to finish off the flyrant.
2) The 2 left barges will move up just enough to get in range of the relic tervigon.
3) The two night scythe will move up the minimum 18" and fire on the tervigon unless for some miraculous reason the barges kill it first. Hope the arcs can do some damage to all those surrounding units.
4) The dlord + wraiths will move back to charge doom, they will not use jump packs in the movement phase to make sure I get enough charge distance to get lord into base contact with doom. They will stay just out of 6" from doom. If they get the charge on doom I want MSS to go off before anything.
5) The cultist are gonna move back to the board edge in a line.
6) The lone barge on the right is going to move back and turbo boost an inch back to end up in the corner. Far away from any threat and with a 4+ cover to anything but impaler cannons.
7) The warriors in the middle are going to move back and to the right again avoiding 6" bubble of doom. They will shoot at doom rapid fire.
8) The 5 warriors disembarking from the night scythe will rapid fire into the flyrant after the night scythe skyfires at it, if it is still alive then the 5 warriors in the middle will switch from shooting doom to shooting the flyrant, if it the flyrant is dead they will both shoot doom.
9) The cultist if in range will fire at doom.
lol, I suppose I could break it up better. It may look a little hard to understand as you all dont see the last minute adjustments etc... offline via text. Hey JY depending what time they get posted I might be able to give my moves tonight. Doesn't mean it will get done tonight but might give you the ability to tackle it when your ready. Quick question. Are the games for the BAO random game length?
rigeld2 wrote: If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
rigeld2 wrote: If the Biovores were lurking they can't fire out of LoS. Page 33 Nid codex - they have to fire at the nearest visible enemy. Since they couldn't see anyone they must run towards the nearest area terrain.
It didn't matter for this batrep, but it's important to remember.
Only thing it might do is affect how far he is from obj.
Ok, I will run them towards the closest area terrain, which is pretty close to them and the objective anyways.
The only danger for them is that now you can shoot them up and possibly get +1VP for Big Guns.
Ok, battle report correction #2.
As the left biovores failed their Instinctive Behavior test and there was no visible enemies in sight, they run 6" towards area terrain. Front biovore just makes it in.
1) The night scythe comes in from reserve and lines up to finish off the flyrant.
2) The 2 left barges will move up just enough to get in range of the relic tervigon.
3) The two night scythe will move up the minimum 18" and fire on the tervigon unless for some miraculous reason the barges kill it first. Hope the arcs can do some damage to all those surrounding units.
4) The dlord + wraiths will move back to charge doom, they will not use jump packs in the movement phase to make sure I get enough charge distance to get lord into base contact with doom. They will stay just out of 6" from doom. If they get the charge on doom I want MSS to go off before anything.
5) The cultist are gonna move back to the board edge in a line.
6) The lone barge on the right is going to move back and turbo boost an inch back to end up in the corner. Far away from any threat and with a 4+ cover to anything but impaler cannons.
7) The warriors in the middle are going to move back and to the right again avoiding 6" bubble of doom. They will shoot at doom rapid fire.
8) The 5 warriors disembarking from the night scythe will rapid fire into the flyrant after the night scythe skyfires at it, if it is still alive then the 5 warriors in the middle will switch from shooting doom to shooting the flyrant, if it the flyrant is dead they will both shoot doom.
lol, I suppose I could break it up better. It may look a little hard to understand as you all dont see the last minute adjustments etc... offline via text. Hey JY depending what time they get posted I might be able to give my moves tonight. Doesn't mean it will get done tonight but might give you the ability to tackle it when your ready. Quick question. Are the games for the BAO random game length?
Just got back from dinner. Working on report now. WIll probably be up in half hour.
BAO missions are random game length like normal.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Turn 3 completed and top of Turn 4 (tyranids) posted.
That relic isn't going anywhere.. Looks like a 1pt minor victory for Nids, thanks to first blood. That's why the relic is such an awful mission. First blood is too important in it.
I must say, your last few games have had some really EXTREME dice rolls. Kind of leaves a sour taste.. We'll see how it ends up. Maybe the dice start going TK's way.
Also, this game really shows why taking that 365 pt Prince is such a huge gamble, bad luck or not.. You're asking for it.
Janthkin wrote: The Doom should have challenged the Destroyer Lord. Might have saved the Flyrant, or possibly itself from all those wraiths.
Pretty good turn for the Necrons there!
The first combat, he couldn't because the D-lord was about 5" away from a model in base with the Doom.
The 2nd round of combat, he did, but the D-lord declined and left him to fight against 5 wraiths with PE.
hippesthippo wrote: That relic isn't going anywhere.. Looks like a 1pt minor victory for Nids, thanks to first blood. That's why the relic is such an awful mission. First blood is too important in it.
I must say, your last few games have had some really EXTREME dice rolls. Kind of leaves a sour taste.. We'll see how it ends up. Maybe the dice start going TK's way.
Also, this game really shows why taking that 365 pt Prince is such a huge gamble, bad luck or not.. You're asking for it.
I wouldn't be so sure about the victory just yet. While the chances are high that I've got the Relic, it is only the Secondary. TK still has a very good chance to get the Primary, Big Guns. Also, he's got my Warlord, can easily get Linebreaker (assuming game ends on 5) and can deny me Linebreaker as well.
The last 2 player turns have gone TK's way somewhat. You really can't ask for more than finishing off my flyrant and the Doom on my turn. Now I don't have much guns that can deal with his flyers. Although I still have the advantage slightly, the momentum has definitely shifted. Now it's going to be a battle to see if I can hold on to what I've got.
Automatically Appended Next Post: @TK,
Here are some pictures as you requested.
Currently, lead AB can only see part of the gun barrel of my hive guard. The measuring tape is to show if it moves 12" forwards.
After moving 12", this is how much of my hive guard it would be able to see.
The positioning of my hive guards.
Overview of the center of the board, from 2 perspectives:
1. Warriors on my left flank get back in their ride. It moves to shoot the two visible hive guard in the center. If possible I want it over the 3 tube barricade but if it must it cant land on top of them to get los.
2. Both barges on the left flank advance 12". Fire the rear vehicle first to try and kill the only visible hive guard to them. If it dies turbo boost the other up another 6". If the hive guard still lives fire both barges at him.
3. The Scythe closest to your board edge will pivot and move towards your far objective making sure it doesnt move over 24". The passengers will then disembark and move up to that objective and then rapid fire into the gaunts there. The scythe will turbo boost off of the board in the shooting phase if that is legal. Cant remember if it can turbo boost or not after dropping off guys.
4. The Scythe currently in the middle will move up and on the other objective making sure to leave no space for the gaunts to come back on it and around the rock. The warriors inside will disembark and surround the 2 surviving biovores remaining 1" away of course. The scythe will shoot the lone biovore. The warriors will rapid fire at the 2 biovores.
5. The 5 warriors on my back line will move diagnally towards my pyramid objective and get within 12" of the spore. They will rapid fire the spore pod.
6. The vehicle in the back right will move up some but will remain 30 1/2 from your hive guard.
7. The wraith will move to the center and try to charge the front most gaunt squad. Unless the warriors fail to kill the spore pod or get it down to 1 wound. If that is the case then the wraiths will attempt to multi-charge the gaunts and the spore pod with the destroyer lord going to the pod and the majority of the wraiths hitting the gaunts. This is only if spore doesnt take damage. If the spore has 1 wound left just charge the gaunts only.
Dont think I missed anything. As always if you have any questions ask.
While I am at it I will catch up on the narrative.
Narrative a Necron Chronicle: C763.M41 Hive Fleet Pandora
Spoiler:
Khalid was scanning the tracks on the ground. Even though it was dark he could still quickly identify that they did not belong to any of the native species of the tomb world. He motioned for his scouting party to advance as the tracks lead to the site of some sacred necron artifacts. He would see himself perish before he let anything tarnish them or his worlds honor.
The scouting party broke a clearing and stopped instantly. Though Khalid could not smell his sensors picked up the stench of bio mass and the hateful indicator of the alien race known as Tyranids. A mindless bunch that feasted on anything and everything and only caused devastation wherever they thread.
Khalid saw the enslaved daemon prince get anxious with anticipation. It began to step forward drawing Khalid's hard gaze. "You will hold until you are needed!" The daemon prince in typical bad form scoffed at him. That is until the mind shackle scarabs doubled it over in pain. "You will know your place yet!"
Khalid's gaze was drawn back to the clearing by the sound of tree's being felled as two massive creatures flew into the clearing honing in on their position. The daemon prince had cost him his element of surprise... There will be a reckoning.
Khalid gave the signal and the Necron force began to move into action. His hatred begins to surface as he brings his warscythe to bare...."So it begins..."
Two barges on the left flank start unleashing salvo after salvo of green energy with their tesla destructors lighting up the battlefield. Similarly a barge on the right flank opens up on another of the monstrous beast with a similar lack of effect. Whether it be the night gloom or the evasive maneuvers of the tyrants Khalid did not know. He checks his frustration as barges begin to fall back from the rapidly approaching monstrosities.
Khalid moves into action advancing with his wraiths up behind some barricades waiting for the opportunity to boost over the obstacles and meet the enemy head on. Seeing the lull in the action the ever witty Tzeentch Prince picks the worst time to rush forward. Khalid distracted with the battle doesn't even notice until the shadow of the prince passed overhead. He screams distastefully, "NOOOOOOOO!!!! NOT YET!!" Whether the prince heard him or not it didnt head his warning. As predicted not just one but both monstrous diverted all attention on the prince as the sun crested the horizon.
The two tyrants land on the barricade above Khalid and proceed to open up on the prince as it howls widely and comes crashing to the ground. "Stupid mindless beast!" He could see it through the barricade and it appeared as if it was still alive and trying to rise. They needed to act quick if they were gonna keep that asset. Bio related bombs began to fall from the sky just as he was about to give the order to charge the Tyrants. Two of the wraiths sustained damage but appeared to be operational. However, the damage was done as a salvo of the shells descended on the unsuspecting prince finishing him off and at least taking him out of the fight. The destroyer lord shook in frustration and peered upwards as the flying tyrants took flight anew.
Khalid heard accounts of his forces arriving on the field and he immediately directed them to the threat at hand. The first to come through was a mighty heldrake that they had obtained by no easy means. It clawed at one of the tyrants grievously wounding the beast. However, the Tyrant still stayed in the air as the hate filled lord hovered below like a hungry chic awaiting its meal. In typical necron form 2 night scythe and 2 of the barges opened up simultaneously on the beast as it erupted in teslic energy. It didn't even have time to making a dying screech as it fell headlong into the ground at the lords feet. He promptly removed its head with his warscythe in anger. The last barge to fire wounded the other tyrant but failed to bring to the ground where Khalid and his wraiths stood ready to rip it to pieces.
The tyrant lets off a howl and swings around behind the heldrake. Before a warning can be put out the tyrant fires into the metallic beast bringing its hulking mass crashing to the ground. On the right flank 2 shots come streaking down on the barge and crash through the weapon assembly destroying both guns. Somehow the vehicle remains operational. Khalid peers to the middle to see some of the smaller tyranid bugs hauling one of the necron artefacts onto an over-sized bug that was known to Khalid as a Tervigon. Nasty beast that spawned more of the little ones. If matters were not already dire enough Khalid heard an impact behind him and turned to see a beast with an over-sized brain emerge from a monstrous pod. It advanced forward as a green hue of energy emerged from it in every direction. Khalid didnt understand what affect this was having until he saw 3 of the cultist scream in horror as only humans die in such pathetic ways. They appeared to dry up as if the life was sucked out of them. To further this issue the beast killing them appeared to grow in size as if it was feeding off of their life force.
Khalid thoughts and actions begin to process rapidly analyzing all of the actions in rapid succession gauging success and failure with each and determining the right course of action. Either advance and reclaim the relic immediately and deal these beast a serious blow in the heart of their lines, deal with the flying beast wrecking his own lines, or handle this newly arrived brain bug that could likely disrupt his forces significantly as they advanced. Though all of these thoughts came through it only lasted mere seconds. It was settled. He knew what needed to be done.
This concludes part 1 of the narrative. I will have more then 1 part to avoid it getting to long of a read in one go.
More to follow.... Including part 2.
Part 1 of narrative completed. I will take up Part 2 tomorrow.
Yah I gotta agree with Dozer, this is turning out to be an amazing format between 2 highly skilled players. I've already learned a TON about necrons that make me realize I've got a LOT of work if I wanna start really competing in tournaments and such.
Dozer Blades wrote:Getting really exciting now !! Just like reading a batrep for two top players on a top table at a GT.
Chancetragedy wrote:Yah I gotta agree with Dozer, this is turning out to be an amazing format between 2 highly skilled players. I've already learned a TON about necrons that make me realize I've got a LOT of work if I wanna start really competing in tournaments and such.
Ya we figured the interactive format would be unique and might add that turn by turn decision making the people are often looking for in a report. I just hope my actions were not too premature. However, only time will tell.
Hammernator wrote:Wow! The narrative just added another dimension to this already epic battle report.
Keep it up!
Thatguyhsagun wrote:Loving the BatRep, keep it up! the narrative is excellently done as well, perfect example of what all BatReps should aspire to be.
I appreciate that guys. I used to write a lot but have since lost my touch. Part 1 of the narrative is completed and updated in the last post. I am segmenting it to prevent it from being one lengthy narrative. It makes it more reader friendly. Depending my schedule I will begin part 2 tomorrow.
hippesthippo wrote:Ahhh, my mistake! I thought The Relic was primary. In that case, put me down for a draw.
This might not be a far fetched estimate. This turn will most likely give a good indicator of the possible outcome.
Janthkin wrote: The Doom should have challenged the Destroyer Lord. Might have saved the Flyrant, or possibly itself from all those wraiths.
Pretty good turn for the Necrons there!
The first combat, he couldn't because the D-lord was about 5" away from a model in base with the Doom.
Doesn't matter; so long as the enemy character is engaged in the combat, relative positioning between the challenger & challengee isn't a factor.
I do agree with Tomb King - turn 4 is likely decisive, as both armies are a bit exposed at the moment - TK's got many of his tiny scoring units out in the open, jy2's running low on mobility to threaten distant objectives. Need some popcorn!
Wow super crappy rolls for the poor necrons. Is jy2 doing all the rolling? If so this seems more like a normal self played report with TK list and some strategy input, which is still awesome mind you but I am trying to figure out how you guys can make it more like a simulative report.
Do you think vassel with one player setting up the actual board to check LoS would work?
I still think using skype for a live feed would work well as you guys could still throw dice together and chat as one player moved the models.
Janthkin wrote: The Doom should have challenged the Destroyer Lord. Might have saved the Flyrant, or possibly itself from all those wraiths.
Pretty good turn for the Necrons there!
The first combat, he couldn't because the D-lord was about 5" away from a model in base with the Doom.
Doesn't matter; so long as the enemy character is engaged in the combat, relative positioning between the challenger & challengee isn't a factor.
I do agree with Tomb King - turn 4 is likely decisive, as both armies are a bit exposed at the moment - TK's got many of his tiny scoring units out in the open, jy2's running low on mobility to threaten distant objectives. Need some popcorn!
Ok, that is good to know. I will consider such a tactic next time. Thanks.
Red Corsair wrote: Wow super crappy rolls for the poor necrons. Is jy2 doing all the rolling? If so this seems more like a normal self played report with TK list and some strategy input, which is still awesome mind you but I am trying to figure out how you guys can make it more like a simulative report.
Do you think vassel with one player setting up the actual board to check LoS would work?
I still think using skype for a live feed would work well as you guys could still throw dice together and chat as one player moved the models.
It's pretty much me rolling the dice. However, TK will be rolling to see if the game continues.
Rolling dice through skype video sounds kind of geeky. Haha...j.k. Perhaps in the future, we can try this. However, there is the issue of scheduling. Due to different work hours, family obligations (yup...we both have spouses) and the time difference between our locations, it is more convenient for us to do the reports in our own time when we have it. But I can see the problems that this can bring up, especially when there is some incredible dice going on.
I'm not very well versed in vassal unfortunately, though if my opponent wanted to do part of the report on vassal, I'd be more than happy to take lots of pictures for him. Again, though when it comes to rolling dice, whether on video or vassal, there is the issue of scheduling as well as some extra work involved.
Dozer Blades wrote: Getting really exciting now !! Just like reading a batrep for two top players on a top table at a GT.
Thanks. Sorry about the wait though. Between different work schedules, spouses at home, the time difference and having to wait for input for both parties, this type of report will usually take some time to complete.
But perhaps maybe one day, TK and I may just meet in a real game in an East Coast or even West Coast tournament. Who knows, we may even end up playing on an actual top table then.
Chancetragedy wrote: Yah I gotta agree with Dozer, this is turning out to be an amazing format between 2 highly skilled players. I've already learned a TON about necrons that make me realize I've got a LOT of work if I wanna start really competing in tournaments and such.
Necrons have got a lot of tricks up their sleeves. But they are solid all around as well. Troops in flying transports is just sic!
Hammernator wrote: Wow! The narrative just added another dimension to this already epic battle report.
Keep it up!
Thatguyhsagun wrote: Loving the BatRep, keep it up! the narrative is excellently done as well, perfect example of what all BatReps should aspire to be.
Thanks to TK for that. I myself am busy enough with just playing and writing the report. His narrative does add a nice touch, but maybe I may just give it a try at the end of the game (from the Hive Mind perspective, of course).
The dice rolls on both sides of this report have been....interesting, to say the least. Jy2 got some awful rolls for psychic powers during deployment, while Tomb King's in-game shooting has been abysmal. I would have liked to see this same match up with less fickle dice. At the same time though, this has been an interesting game to watch.
jy2 wrote: Warriors pass pinning but then fail morale on boxcars! They fall back 8". However, 2 warriors get back up.
If the game ends on turn 5, this won't make much of a difference. I don't think you can use Reanimation Protocols if the unit falls back. There would only be one warrior left in that unit on his turn - you stand a decent chance of killing that last one and securing the objective. (Of course, he would still hold 2 and contest 1 if the game ends on turn 5).
Loving the battle report! If the game ends on turn 5, I'd give one to TK. If it goes on, jy2 can probably pull a win. Very close!
PrinceOfMadness wrote:The dice rolls on both sides of this report have been....interesting, to say the least. Jy2 got some awful rolls for psychic powers during deployment, while Tomb King's in-game shooting has been abysmal. I would have liked to see this same match up with less fickle dice. At the same time though, this has been an interesting game to watch.
Who knows regardless of the outcome we might try best of three with perhaps the next game pulling from the indy missions. etc...
Siphen wrote:
jy2 wrote: Warriors pass pinning but then fail morale on boxcars! They fall back 8". However, 2 warriors get back up.
If the game ends on turn 5, this won't make much of a difference. I don't think you can use Reanimation Protocols if the unit falls back. There would only be one warrior left in that unit on his turn - you stand a decent chance of killing that last one and securing the objective. (Of course, he would still hold 2 and contest 1 if the game ends on turn 5).
Loving the battle report! If the game ends on turn 5, I'd give one to TK. If it goes on, jy2 can probably pull a win. Very close!
Actually there is nothing preventing a reanimation protocol besides the entire unit being wiped out. All they did in that instance was flee.
As for my last ditch effort to hold onto this one:
1. Warriors walk on from reserve and rapid fire the spore. They are close enough to make my home objective.
2. The other 5 warriors othat shot the spore last turn move up close to the spore in preparation for a desperation charge if it is needed. If the spore dies to the other unit then these guys will run up behind the BLOS terrain.
3. Both Night scythe leave to refuel in case the battle continues.
4. The 3 man warriors squad will try and place 2 in the area terrain while still holding that top objective. They will also put as much distance as possible between them and the tervigon. They will shoot the gaunts.
5. The barges will move with one moving up the board diagonally as depicted and it will fire at the middle gaunts assuming it can reach a good number of them. The other barge will advance straight forward 6" and fire next to kill more of the gaunts in the middle. Hopefully these shots can arc into the gargoyles.
6. The destroy lord and wraith will fight that combat with likely a gargoyle with MSS. Hopefully they can win it. If they do I want them to consolidate to block the gaunts from advancing. The wraith in this combat will take the saves first.
7. The warriors in the combat in the back WILL HOLD THEIR GROUND!
8. My wounded barge will remain 30 1/2" from the hive guard. Prepping for a possible run at the middle objective if needed.
I will let you process this turn. Then since dice seem to be hating me I will have the wife roll the possible game ending dice.
Actually there is nothing preventing a reanimation protocol besides the entire unit being wiped out. All they did in that instance was flee.
Again, I haven't checked the errata any time recently... But according to the book, if the unit falls back you're supposed to remove all reanimation protocol counters from the unit. Which means no coming back :(
That being said, I am REALLY enjoying this battle report. Not only is it a close nail-biter, but seeing Tomb King's moves and then trying to guess how they will pan out in the game is pretty interesting.
Trekend wrote: But according to the book, if the unit falls back you're supposed to remove all reanimation protocol counters from the unit. Which means no coming back :(
He's right. Last sentence, first paragraph of RP rules.
Trekend wrote: I'm new here (though I've been lurking for a few months), so please feel free to flay me alive in the case that I'm terribly, terribly wrong.
Edit: I was terribly, terribly wrong on the first quote
Actually there is nothing preventing a reanimation protocol besides the entire unit being wiped out. All they did in that instance was flee.
Again, I haven't checked the errata any time recently... But according to the book, if the unit falls back you're supposed to remove all reanimation protocol counters from the unit. Which means no coming back :(
That being said, I am REALLY enjoying this battle report. Not only is it a close nail-biter, but seeing Tomb King's moves and then trying to guess how they will pan out in the game is pretty interesting.
I'll look it up once I get back from work as well.
Yes, when a Necron unit Falls Back all RP counters for it are removed.
After checking the codex again, I agree.
So that unit of necron warriors in combat with the termagants would only be 1 model left.
@TK
Will that in any way, shape or form change your tactics? I'm thinking not really.
Necron Turn 5 posted.
Brett, go ahead and roll to see if the game continues when you get the chance. You can post your results here. I will be out for a few hours so text me the result. Thanks.
Wife rolls at the restaurant and gets a 3 and turns to me and says i thought it was suppose to be a 1 or a 2. FmL. I said it was. Might of just lost lol. The die is cast. Let it continue.
Have to say JY2 reading your battle reports has taught me alot about Nid tactics. What do you think of maybe a little more aggressive units. Such as Ymgarls, or even a swarmlord? I ask because most run the dual flyrants, what are your thoughts behind that?
Overall, my opponent isn't in as bad a shape as he thinks he is. As a matter of fact, he is winning and I will have to play "catch-up". Here is why:
- He's winning on Big Guns. I'm not so sure I can take that from him. If I can finish off his lone warrior contesting my objective, we will be tied at 1 objective apiece that we both can probably keep. However, he's got the unit of 3 warriors and 2 annihilation barges that can contest one of my objectives and 1 unit of warriors and the gunless AB that can claim his 2nd objective. I am not sure I can easily contest that objective, at least not with his Warlord and wraith in the way.
- He can get linebreaker easily with his 2 annihilation barges. I'm not sure I can get Linebreaker.
- His D-lord and wraiths should be able to wipe out my 2 gargoyles on my turn. That means that on his turn, he will be free to do as he likes with them.
- He's still got plenty of shooting left with 2 night scythes and 2 annihilation barges.
- With only 4W left, it is conceivable that he can actually kill my tervigon with the Relic, thus denying me the Secondary Mission.
- I don't have very many units left. I might have to "throw" my Relic tervigon into his wraithstar and put him at risk.
- He's got 2nd turn and so has the final say on what to do.
I have become the underdog again and need to play this turn very carefully. I'm also going to need a little luck to try to pull off the win here.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
BigTTeamawesome wrote: Have to say JY2 reading your battle reports has taught me alot about Nid tactics. What do you think of maybe a little more aggressive units. Such as Ymgarls, or even a swarmlord? I ask because most run the dual flyrants, what are your thoughts behind that?
The Swarmlord is a really good unit. However, he has a few weaknesses that really hurts his army against certain builds.
1. First of all, he has low mobility. That is a huge liability against many armies. I think the Movement phase is very important in 6th, more important than most people realize. To a tyranid army, positioning is everything (well, maybe not everything...but a very important part). Having 2 flyrants to threaten the enemy and to threaten them early is key to tyranid strategy against many of their bad matchups.
2. Swarmy can do nothing to enemy flyers. Dakka flyrants give tyranids some anti-air. They are particularly useful in taking down the premier flyer today - the heldrake. Otherwise, a heldrake army can dominate the bugs.
3. Resiliency. Under the right circumstances (i.e. Iron Arm or Invisibility), Swarmlord can be fairly darn resilient. But play against a shooty army across a terrain-lite table and I guarantee you that swarmy probably won't live very long. And due to his slowness, shooty armies can pick apart a tyranid army almost at will. Flyrants, who should almost always be swooping, actually stands a better chance against enemy shooting, especially if you pile onto them Iron Arm and Endurance.
4. Swarmy cannot contribute directly to the offense until later in the game. Dakka flyrants can contribute right away on Turn 1 with their shooting. They also give you a much better chance at First Blood.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the Swarmlord isn't competitive. He works great against certain armies and his force-multiplying powers can be phenomenal at times. But for the reasons above, I prefer 2 flyrants.
As for ymgarls, they are a very good unit as well, though their use is sometimes situational. But with my core of hive guards, zoans and the Doom, it is hard to try to fit in ymgarls as well. Moreover, taking ymgarls would almost require you to either take Hive Commander or the Swarmlord. Mainly, however, it is a preference thing. There is no real right or wrong here....all are good units.
That turn still hurt. You kind of nerfed a couple of my plans with how you handled that turn. Looks like this one is gonna come down to the wire. I will have my turn up within the hour.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
1. Both night scythe come on and shoot gaunts on your back objective hoping for an arc as well as killing them off.
2. The warriors next to the barrels will move to charge the gaunts.
3. The AB on the top of the board will move up enough to get in your deployment zone and it will shoot at the 3 gaunts there.
4. The AB on the hill will not move if in range of the hive guard and will fire all of its weapons at regular ballistic skill. Hopefully some can arc and perhaps hit some of the surrounding units.
5. The back warriors staying on their objective will move up the hill some to be able to shoot later if needed.
6. The Destroyer lord will MSS the tervigon and then attack if needed. The wraith will kill the gargoyle if the warriors make the charge and it is still alive.
7. The AB at the bottom will move up and turbo boost 1" on that objective
I am hoping to at least take the relic back and possibly win that combat giving me an advantage of having 2 objectives to your one. We are going on to vassal now to roll the 6th turn dice. Join us if you want.
What a great report as ever and really close, hard fought game. Thoroughly enjoyed that and looking forward to the rematch.
Have you considered playing out the battles on vassal and reproducing the moves on the tabletop - not sure if that would be too much effort but may help with the accuracy of TK's movement and positioning.
Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
That was an unexpected outcome! I didn't think the Tyranids had it in them. Managing to position the mega-fight on top of one of the Big Guns objectives was decisive.
N.I.B. wrote: Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
Ummm...see p. 47 (Jump units): "Jump models...can only end their move on top of impassable terrain if it is actually possible to place the models on top of it." And also p. 80: "(A) Zooming Flyer does not have to take Dangerous Terrain tests even if it starts or stops over difficult, dangerous, or impassible terrain." While you're certainly free to agree on how to play the game with your opponents, there is nothing "beardy" about landing on impassable terrain.
Janthkin wrote: That was an unexpected outcome! I didn't think the Tyranids had it in them. Managing to position the mega-fight on top of one of the Big Guns objectives was decisive.
N.I.B. wrote: Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
Ummm...see p. 47 (Jump units): "Jump models...can only end their move on top of impassable terrain if it is actually possible to place the models on top of it." And also p. 80: "(A) Zooming Flyer does not have to take Dangerous Terrain tests even if it starts or stops over difficult, dangerous, or impassible terrain." While you're certainly free to agree on how to play the game with your opponents, there is nothing "beardy" about landing on impassable terrain.
I disagree. I'm aware it's in the rules, but I think it's too much of an advantage to be able to just sit practically safe from charges on top of pieces that are too high to climb (more than 6") for normal troops. Especially when you place them on the table yourself.
djn wrote:What a great report as ever and really close, hard fought game. Thoroughly enjoyed that and looking forward to the rematch.
Have you considered playing out the battles on vassal and reproducing the moves on the tabletop - not sure if that would be too much effort but may help with the accuracy of TK's movement and positioning.
We did my final turn on vassal for dice rolling. We plan on doing a rematch or even possibly a best of 3 situation. Will be up to him if he wants to vassal it or not.
N.I.B. wrote:Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
It kind of sucked yes but didnt really have too much affect on the game itself. Anything that would assault him could if it had the chance. He was never downed.
Chancetragedy wrote:Keep in mind this was a report between 2 top level tournament players...
Good report, figured the bugs would eek it out. But the necrons came really close.
Yea had a lot of stuff go against me. The army was resilient but too many things going wrong can stack up.
Janthkin wrote:That was an unexpected outcome! I didn't think the Tyranids had it in them. Managing to position the mega-fight on top of one of the Big Guns objectives was decisive.
N.I.B. wrote: Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
Ummm...see p. 47 (Jump units): "Jump models...can only end their move on top of impassable terrain if it is actually possible to place the models on top of it." And also p. 80: "(A) Zooming Flyer does not have to take Dangerous Terrain tests even if it starts or stops over difficult, dangerous, or impassible terrain." While you're certainly free to agree on how to play the game with your opponents, there is nothing "beardy" about landing on impassable terrain.
I was hoping the wraith assault against the termagaunts would get me up far enough or even having the wraiths consolidate towards him to further block the nids from locking a combat next to that objective. Had the game gone on to turn 7 I would of probably won by a massacre claiming both relic and big guns. Was a shame it if ended on 5 would of won. If it ended on 7 would of won. However, it ended on 6 so I take the minor loss. It was hard fought and the battle was mine to lose.
Down - psychic powers. Mine are so-so. TK's are excellent.
Up - I take down his 350pt+ DP. Flyrants survive his shooting.
Down - both of my tervigons run out after only spawning once.
Up - I take out his heldrake in exchange for my Warlord.
Down - TK takes out both my flyrant and the Doom, whom I was counting on to tie up his forces for much longer than that.
Up - I really hurt his wraiths and take down 1 night scythe.
Down - Tervigon and gants charge but can't finish off his lone wraith and D-lord. I lose if the game ends.
Up - Game continues onto Turn 6.
The dice were definitely a factor in this game. Even with the dice going my way for much of the game, I still almost lost to my opponent. I think he could have dominated this matchup if the dice had been more average. However, it is what it is. Despite my good dice, I had to work with less-than-ideal psychic powers in this game and the fact that I ran out of gants after spawning only once with each tervigon. I think that was the balancing factor in this game which prevented it from being a blow-out. But in the early half of the game, my opponent was playing from behind. Then after he killed my 2nd flyrant and the Doom, I became the one who was playing from behind. I really couldn't tell who would win this game while we were playing.
A couple of thoughts about TK's army. As a fellow necron player, I know how good his list is. Heck, I won my GT with a necron list somewhat similar to his, except instead of the 2nd hammer unit being the DP, my 2nd hammer unit was another unit of wraiths. Both of our armies play similarly in terms of strategy - we are both a beta-strike army. 1st turn was to get into position with our 2 hammer units and the annihilation barges. Then on turn 2 when our flyers start to come in, we strike with the full force of our armies. I did not want to let my opponent do that, which was why I was playing so aggressively with my 2 flyrants. I basically took the fight to him while the rest of my army established itself in more advantageous positions (i.e. got the relic, bubble-wrapped, etc.). While his beta-strike would still happen, at least now he is out of position and my defenses are ready for him. I was also able to pick up the Relic, thus giving my army a slight advantage.
In any case, this was a fun and very challenging game. My opponent is a very tactical player and really knows the strengths and limitations of his army. He even taught me a trick about the crons which I wasn't aware of before. You can be sure that there will be rematch sometime in the future, and I look forwards to it.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
djn wrote: What a great report as ever and really close, hard fought game. Thoroughly enjoyed that and looking forward to the rematch.
Have you considered playing out the battles on vassal and reproducing the moves on the tabletop - not sure if that would be too much effort but may help with the accuracy of TK's movement and positioning.
Hmmmm...that seems to be the reverse of what I was thinking. Usually, playing on the tabletop is more accurate as you can better gauge LOS and make more accurate measurements. To me, it kind of makes more sense to play on the tabletop and then use vassal as a tool to depict the game, not the other way around. If you play a game on vassal, IMO there really isn't any need to reproduce it on the tabletop. We can just write the batrep via vassal images.
Then again, I don't really know how to play on vassal. There is a learning curve that I haven't really taken the time to learn (nor am I really interested in doing so at the moment). Because once I do, I'm not sure if the "Mrs." would be too happy that I am spending all that time playing 40K and then some more time doing it online.
N.I.B. wrote: Good report. But imo the impassable terrain move was beardy. In my area we have an agreement that we can't land on impassable terrain pieces. Unless you agreed to before the game.
That's fine. You are entitled to your opinion and however you think it should be played with your group. Personally, I find it neither shady, beardy or wrong to play what the book legally and explicitly allows you to do. There is nothing "grey" about what I did.
BTW, TK and I both agreed to play it that his wraiths + D-lord could assault my flyrants on top of impassable as long as they were grounded. Fortunately for me, he just failed to ground them, though he did manage to kill 1.
Chancetragedy wrote: Keep in mind this was a report between 2 top level tournament players...
Good report, figured the bugs would eek it out. But the necrons came really close.
Thanks. I expected a close battle and it did turn out as expected. I had my opponent on the ropes early on but then barely survived the his comeback. You can't really ask for much more than a hard-fought, close battle between 2 good armies generaled by 2 good players.
Tomb King wrote: BTW! The narrative is on hold while I inhale the new tau codex.
Looking forwards to reading your narrative. But I can understand the slight "distraction". I myself am waiting for my copy of the Tau codex. Can't wait to give them a go.
Losing the Daemon Prince early on was a critical blow. It seems like Tomb King's army spent half the game dealing with the Flyrants and Doom. During that time, the bulk of Jy2's Nids takes the Relic without much resistance and formed a multi-tier anti-assault buffer to protected the Terivon. When the Wraith and Destroyer Lord finally finish off the Doom, they had to deal with fearless horde.
Annihilation Barge came in handy towards the end by contesting objectives. I'm surprised both Tervigons and all the Necon vehicles are still standing. Hot save rolls indeed! In the end, the Relic made a huge difference and Jy2's strategy paid off.
Congrats on the minor victory Jy2. Tomb King, you did an excellent job despite losing the Daemon Prince early on.
djn wrote: What a great report as ever and really close, hard fought game. Thoroughly enjoyed that and looking forward to the rematch.
Have you considered playing out the battles on vassal and reproducing the moves on the tabletop - not sure if that would be too much effort but may help with the accuracy of TK's movement and positioning.
Hmmmm...that seems to be the reverse of what I was thinking. Usually, playing on the tabletop is more accurate as you can better gauge LOS and make more accurate measurements. To me, it kind of makes more sense to play on the tabletop and then use vassal as a tool to depict the game, not the other way around. If you play a game on vassal, IMO there really isn't any need to reproduce it on the tabletop. We can just write the batrep via vassal images.
Then again, I don't really know how to play on vassal. There is a learning curve that I haven't really taken the time to learn (nor am I really interested in doing so at the moment). Because once I do, I'm not sure if the "Mrs." would be too happy that I am spending all that time playing 40K and then some more time doing it online.
That's fair enough I don't think my mrs would be too pleased if I took up the hobby online as well as off! Obviously do whatever works for you guys and keep up the great work!
I don't have my rulebook on me, so this could be wrong, but the objective that had both the AB and the Tervigon is not contested, but rather is held by JY2. Big Guns Never Tire makes heavy support units heavy scoring, but does not make them denial. At this point JY2 actually wins BGNT and his victory becomes major. When I get home I will check the exact wording.
Edit: Yes, on 128 it lists Heavy Metal as making them scoring units. No where does it say that becoming a scoring unit takes away the exception for vehicles to not be denial units.
Janthkin wrote: For the BAO, where this mission originated, Heavy Support choices are both scoring & denial in BGNT (likewise for Fast Attack in The Scouring).
Ahh, was that from the FAQ or the actual mission? Most of the games I play are BAO format, but I have never played with that particular rules change.
Janthkin wrote: For the BAO, where this mission originated, Heavy Support choices are both scoring & denial in BGNT (likewise for Fast Attack in The Scouring).
Ahh, was that from the FAQ or the actual mission? Most of the games I play are BAO format, but I have never played with that particular rules change.
L'Etat C'Est Moi wrote: I don't have my rulebook on me, so this could be wrong, but the objective that had both the AB and the Tervigon is not contested, but rather is held by JY2. Big Guns Never Tire makes heavy support units heavy scoring, but does not make them denial. At this point JY2 actually wins BGNT and his victory becomes major. When I get home I will check the exact wording.
Edit: Yes, on 128 it lists Heavy Metal as making them scoring units. No where does it say that becoming a scoring unit takes away the exception for vehicles to not be denial units.
Yeah, it was in the BAOFAQ's.
There were a couple of decisions in their FAQ which is actually not based on pure RAW, but more on what I believe to be logistical issues.
One of the was flyers being able to shoot with a 180 degrees vertical arc. The other was vehicles that were made scoring would also be denial units as well.
I believe Yakface took a poll and the majority of the people thought or played it as scoring units are also denial units. It appears to be more intuitive that way. Now you look at a tournament with about 150 players compared to how many (or how little) judges there actually are and you can see certain "issues" this can potentially create in terms of having to have the judges spend the time dealing with rules disputes as well as trying to run the tournament.
So when it comes down to it, one of the practical reasons for them to rule it this way I believe is because many of the same rules arguments were over the same issues. The ruling helps to resolve some of these issues so that the TO's can stick to making sure the tournament runs smoothly instead of spending most of their time on the same issues over and over again.
Narrative a Necron Chronicle: C763.M41 Hive Fleet Pandora 1/3
Spoiler:
Khalid was scanning the tracks on the ground. Even though it was dark he could still quickly identify that they did not belong to any of the native species of the tomb world. He motioned for his scouting party to advance as the tracks lead to the site of some sacred necron artifacts. He would see himself perish before he let anything tarnish them or his worlds honor.
The scouting party broke a clearing and stopped instantly. Though Khalid could not smell his sensors picked up the stench of bio mass and the hateful indicator of the alien race known as Tyranids. A mindless bunch that feasted on anything and everything and only caused devastation wherever they thread.
Khalid saw the enslaved daemon prince get anxious with anticipation. It began to step forward drawing Khalid's hard gaze. "You will hold until you are needed!" The daemon prince in typical bad form scoffed at him. That is until the mind shackle scarabs doubled it over in pain. "You will know your place yet!"
Khalid's gaze was drawn back to the clearing by the sound of tree's being felled as two massive creatures flew into the clearing honing in on their position. The daemon prince had cost him his element of surprise... There will be a reckoning.
Khalid gave the signal and the Necron force began to move into action. His hatred begins to surface as he brings his warscythe to bare...."So it begins..."
Two barges on the left flank start unleashing salvo after salvo of green energy with their tesla destructors lighting up the battlefield. Similarly a barge on the right flank opens up on another of the monstrous beast with a similar lack of effect. Whether it be the night gloom or the evasive maneuvers of the tyrants Khalid did not know. He checks his frustration as barges begin to fall back from the rapidly approaching monstrosities.
Khalid moves into action advancing with his wraiths up behind some barricades waiting for the opportunity to boost over the obstacles and meet the enemy head on. Seeing the lull in the action the ever witty Tzeentch Prince picks the worst time to rush forward. Khalid distracted with the battle doesn't even notice until the shadow of the prince passed overhead. He screams distastefully, "NOOOOOOOO!!!! NOT YET!!" Whether the prince heard him or not it didnt head his warning. As predicted not just one but both monstrous diverted all attention on the prince as the sun crested the horizon.
The two tyrants land on the barricade above Khalid and proceed to open up on the prince as it howls widely and comes crashing to the ground. "Stupid mindless beast!" He could see it through the barricade and it appeared as if it was still alive and trying to rise. They needed to act quick if they were gonna keep that asset. Bio related bombs began to fall from the sky just as he was about to give the order to charge the Tyrants. Two of the wraiths sustained damage but appeared to be operational. However, the damage was done as a salvo of the shells descended on the unsuspecting prince finishing him off and at least taking him out of the fight. The destroyer lord shook in frustration and peered upwards as the flying tyrants took flight anew.
Khalid heard accounts of his forces arriving on the field and he immediately directed them to the threat at hand. The first to come through was a mighty heldrake that they had obtained by no easy means. It clawed at one of the tyrants grievously wounding the beast. However, the Tyrant still stayed in the air as the hate filled lord hovered below like a hungry chic awaiting its meal. In typical necron form 2 night scythe and 2 of the barges opened up simultaneously on the beast as it erupted in teslic energy. It didn't even have time to making a dying screech as it fell headlong into the ground at the lords feet. He promptly removed its head with his warscythe in anger. The last barge to fire wounded the other tyrant but failed to bring to the ground where Khalid and his wraiths stood ready to rip it to pieces.
The tyrant lets off a howl and swings around behind the heldrake. Before a warning can be put out the tyrant fires into the metallic beast bringing its hulking mass crashing to the ground. On the right flank 2 shots come streaking down on the barge and crash through the weapon assembly destroying both guns. Somehow the vehicle remains operational. Khalid peers to the middle to see some of the smaller tyranid bugs hauling one of the necron artefacts onto an over-sized bug that was known to Khalid as a Tervigon. Nasty beast that spawned more of the little ones. If matters were not already dire enough Khalid heard an impact behind him and turned to see a beast with an over-sized brain emerge from a monstrous pod. It advanced forward as a green hue of energy emerged from it in every direction. Khalid didnt understand what affect this was having until he saw 3 of the cultist scream in horror as only humans die in such pathetic ways. They appeared to dry up as if the life was sucked out of them. To further this issue the beast killing them appeared to grow in size as if it was feeding off of their life force.
Khalid thoughts and actions begin to process rapidly analyzing all of the actions in rapid succession gauging success and failure with each and determining the right course of action. Either advance and reclaim the relic immediately and deal these beast a serious blow in the heart of their lines, deal with the flying beast wrecking his own lines, or handle this newly arrived brain bug that could likely disrupt his forces significantly as they advanced. Though all of these thoughts came through the threat analysis only lasts mere seconds. It was settled. He knew what needed to be done.
This concludes part 1 of the narrative. I will have more then 1 part to help avoid the narrative becoming to long of a read in one sitting.
More to follow....
Part 1 of narrative completed. Part two in progress:
Narrative a Necron Chronicle: C763.M41 Hive Fleet Pandora 2/3
Spoiler:
Khalid turns around and begins closing the distance to the brain bug. It was the biggest threat because without reinforcements the battle would be lost. Though this didn't mean the other targets went unhindered. Khalid sent orders to the Necron Air and two of them immediately set attack headings on the relic monster while a third lined moved to unleash bright green tesla into the flyrant. Even though the pilots accuracy is spot on the beast ignores the incoming fire until a nearby squad of warriors take a few pot shots at the beast as well forcing it to land rather then traverse the dangerous skies. The other two air units making a strafing run on the middle monster reported a similar lack of effect as well one of the pilots being unable to acquire the target and instead took a target of opportunity shot on some enemy artillery monsters. Either way it appeared as if these beast had a built in resiliency to their weaponry.
Khalid and his wraith body guard break another clearing and spot the Tyrant close to the brain bug apparently communicating. The expectation was clear and need not be said as Khalid separated from the pack heading straight for the last of the enemy tyrant leaders. The destroyer lord wasted no time with petty threats and charged straight into the midst of the beast showering it with mind shackle scarabs. The Tyrant screeched in horror as one of its weapons went beyond its control and thrust into its leg. The beast had time to look up meeting Khalids eyes and witnessing the eternal hatred that burned within. The moment was short lived as the warscythe descended decapitating the beast and claiming a head of yet another one of the enemy warlords. He turned to see the wraith hacking into the brain bug and decided to let them finish their kill. In short order both immediate threats were eliminated and once again they had freedom of maneuvers. Though the battle was far from won...
The beast with the relic was falling back and its lesser minions were cordoning the area protecting their mother like ally. In addition, the pod that dropped off the brain bug was still a threat even though it appeared to be incapable of moving. The battle was beginning to level out after the initial disappoints at the onset of the engagement. Khalid and his dynasty might just prevail in this gradual underdog fight. He had informed his superiors time an again that he needed more warriors. Perhaps this battle would aid in that inquiry.
This concludes part 2!
More to follow.... 3 of 3 will be started later this week.
Updated and fixed grammatical errors and sentence structure. Part 2 now complete. Three will follow later this week. Sorry for the delay been a long week.
Narrative a Necron Chronicle: C763.M41 Hive Fleet Pandora 3/3
Spoiler:
Khalid motioned his wraiths forward as one of the night scythe preparing to beam down troops takes a direct hit and spirals out of control as it descends out of view. Khalid cursed their luck, he needed those units in their fire positions. The battle had been raging for hours and sensors in the atmosphere reported possible bug reinforcements were on the way. Khalid decides to change tactics. With only 2 of the 3 air units able to make it to their destinations he would have provide pressure himself. The wraiths finally boost over the initial barrier and charge headlong into some unsuspecting bugs slaughtering them outright. This victory as short lived though. As the last bug falls the giant bug in the middle lets out a shriek and every enemy bugs in the area comes bearing down on their position.
Most would flee to such odds. Khalid... merely smiled wickedly and decapitated the first unfortunate bug to reach him. These bugs were just fodder though. He was searching for the big monstrous bug. He couldn't spot the bug and almost payed for his lack of awareness. Khalid found himself suddenly eclipsed from the sun and immediately evaded and swung his warscythe out behind him striking something just as two scything talons descended down upon him... He was fast but not fast enough as one of his systems reported significant damage. The giant bug was equally thrown back due to Khalid's quick slash that had cut a deep gash into one of its front legs. So as the battle raged around them the Destroyer Lord and the Monstrous Tervigon were poised to decide the outcome in single combat.
To be continued....
Unrecorded Transcript of a Telepathic Communication between the Dominatrix "Pandora" and her Hive (Norn) Queen:
My Queen,
We sent a scouting unit of lictors to the planet before us and we have discovered something quite unsettling. The planet is inhabited by the biomass-less entities known as the Necrons. Now I would normally recommend that we move on from this planet in search of more "harvestable" worlds, however, I sense a malignancy of the Hive Mind. The Necrons are trying to corrupt the will of the Hive Mind with their blasphemous technology! The lictors before they were captured have reported the presence of a foul entity of the Warp already under their control. And while all the lictors are already dead, I can sense one still alive in captivity trying to fight their control with all of its sentience. I fear they will crack it and then be able to tap into the consciousness that is our Hive Mind. We must not allow this to happen!
I have already dispatched the twin tyrants "Death" and "Destruction" and a splinter fleet to deal with the Necron threat. We must retrieve the lictor carcass to re-absorb back into the Hive Mind. Then will we discover the weaknesses of our enemy and their sacrilegious ways of mind control that threatens even that of the Hive Mind itself! We will also make the ferrous ones pay for their travesty....with their planet!
Though I feel my opponent has a considerable advantage with the relic and has a pretty good chance of making a ruin for it either turn 1 or early turn 2.
Great. Just what I needed....NOT!
's. He then passes his 3 re-rolls and thus, only suffers 1W.
?
