Warhammer 40,000 is reborn!!!

A new edition has dropped and unless you do not have access to the internet you have seen plenty of battle reports and moaning about the old edition.

Recently, i managed to dog back out my minis and played a "quick" intro game with the new rules. and WOW!! so much to learn and the game plays very differently.

I'm looking forward tot he new edition and the creative spark it has rekindled.

Dark Eldar (Combined Arms) vs Necrons (Decurion Detachment) (2500 pts.)

 

From the memoirs of Archon Dragao, House Rilyn Vuz-Stra (House of the Forgotten Spider)

 

The Imperium outpost lay in ruins. Several small bunkers looked to still be intact. Hollow shells, but intact nevertheless. Several outlying buildings had not fared as well as their small, sturdy counterparts. Their walls and roofs having begun to collapse as centuries of storms battered them. The planet itself was pock-marked with craters. Some looked to be caused by meteorites while others bore the tell-tale signs of wars long forgotten. Altakhsas surveyed his forces as they moved single-mindedly. His nightscythe seeming to slice thru the sky nearly silently as he silently communicated with his troops on the ground. The Necron lord was no stranger to war. His forces had served him well for centuries. Their dedication and unwavering loyalty only served to increase his desire to conquer. Desire, such words were no longer meant to have meaning to one such as he and his kind. They were called soul-less, robots, automatons by their foes. Yet they were so much more. He had once cursed his metallic frame, as did many of his ilk. Now, he felt its power. Its invulnerable, crushing strength. He would have smiled if were able remembering all who had fallen before him. The countless generals and their armies crushed beneath the wave of destruction at his command was staggering. As he was pondering his latest battle, he noticed an alert incoming from one of the remaining satellites in orbit around the planet that his forces had commandeered. The alert had disappeared just as quickly as it had shown onscreen. Something had been there and now there was nothing. Ever the thorough commander, he checked data logs within nanoseconds. There… a tear in realspace had left the slightest trace for the sensors to pick up. He changed course and signaled his forces to be ready. They had guests. He wanted to be there to greet them when they arrived.

 

Realspace was always so very bright. Although it took fractions of a second for his senses to compensate for the oppressive glare, as a member of the Eldar race, everything they experienced was to the Nth degree. Part of which had led to the Fall. Their descent into debauchery was known throughout the galaxies. Into the material of the warp itself. Archon Dragao lounged on his latest toy, a custom built Tantalus, which he had acquired with no small sum of slaves as trade. As such, he needed to secure new slave labor to do his bidding, and keep him and his house supplied with pleasure from their pain. Pain which kept them looking ever youthful and vibrant. His warriors, always eager to please, for he was known to be generous with the bounty they captured on such raids, eyed the landscape for animal and humanoid alike. Such worlds were often husks. Left behind by the Imperium to rot. Some held pilgrims, or rejects from wars. Even bounty hunters had been taken to give of their life essences. His Craftworld kin would abhor the thing they had become. They opted to use soulstones to keep “She who thirsts” at bay. The Dark Kin of Commoragh preferred a much more, direct, means of prolonging the kiss of the void. Dragao looked over to the side of his ship to his latest Succubus, Felnadria, as close a friend of his consort Selani as could be in Dark Eldar society. She had recently lost in the arena to one of his Incubi and he had spared her life in exchange for servitude. Felnadri signaled that all was in readiness as they approached the abandoned colony. A shimmer on the horizon caught the eye of the Archon. A shimmer that seemed to spread, continuously taking up more and more of the landscape. Sitting up on his dais and absently reaching for his Huskblade, Dragao licked his lips in anticipation. Necrons. They were already here. For what purpose he could not begin to fathom. They had their reasons he was sure. They had no souls to speak of but they fought with a ferocity. They also made excellent slaves for the fighting pits, spare parts aside of course. The Haemonculi covens would pay dearly for Necron limbs to attach to their monstrosities. He sat back, again appearing almost to lounge despite knowing what he would soon face. Knowing all eyes were on him, he casually flicked his finger. The signal to bear down on the enemy. The signal to attack.

 

The Necrons were ready. Gauss guns flared, Tomb Blade bikers hurtled across the field. A canoptek spider and several hordes of scarabs skittered over the desolate ground. Wraiths undulated undaunted. Their speed fearsome to behold. Necron soldiers moved forward as one. Prepared to give their all for their commander. A Triarch Stalker loomed over all, its limbs keeping pace with the forces beneath it. The Praetorians and Immortals guarding it ready to deliver their deadly payloads. The Dark Eldar fired first, cutting down a unit of Tomb Blades with their precision volleys of focused fire. The remaining bikers returned fire and forced the venoms approaching them to evade their fire with spectacular mid-air maneuvers. As the Necrons pushed forward the Dark Eldar continued to fire volley after volley. Slowly whittling down the forces of the metallic wave of death that approached them. Tomb Wraiths fell to poison splinters from the Dark Eldar rifles and splinter cannons. Tomb Blades dove into the landscape, their bodies burnt by disintegrator rounds and filled with splinter fire. A troupe of Dark Eldar had secured a building just out of the Necron range of fire and were firing pot-shots at the approaching Necrons. The Wraiths, focused on reaching the lightly armored vehicles of their enemy, fell one by one until, crashing into a venom and spilling its passengers into the dirt they turned to attack the warriors that had jumped out. Only to have several dozen splinters pierce their armored skin and wreak havoc on their bodies. The Dark Eldar, ever rehearsed in battle tactics, moved their forces at the whim of their commander. Abandoning one flank to focus on another. His merest movements speaking volumes to their practiced eyes. The warriors that had captured the building experienced a short lived victory as a unit of Praetorians brought their guns to bear and the building came crashing down on them. Its once strong walls and bulwarks now standing as tombstones to those crushed underneath.

 

Dragao signaled, and mere moments later, Razorwing jets screamed onto the battlefield. Darklight flaring at the stalker. Undaunted, the stalker fired its own volley. Forcing the pilots of the jets into daredevil dodges to evade not only the incoming fire but each other. One of the jets was not so lucky. Necron troops on the ground had located a Skyfire Nexus and were able to home in on the jet with their sky shredding firepower. Bringing it down in a smoking fireball of metal. The Necrons continued their advance, their Commander signaling that he was almost in range of the battle. Bolstered, the Necrons fired volley after volley. Trying to restrain the subtle but deft movement of the Dark Eldar vehicles. The Dark Eldar gunners firing continuously despite barrel rolls and turns that would have dislodged members of lower races from their seats. The battle continued to intensify as the forces drew ever closer. The Necrons keeping pace despite having lost several key units to their forces. The Dark Kin celebrated a pilot as he eliminated the Necron Spider, and another devastated the horde of scarabs that were approaching them A Ravager went up in flames as Praetorian fire hit the fuselage. The Triarch Stalker, limping yet pressing forward, turned its cannon toward the approaching Raiders, keen to prevent them delivering what was sure to be a deadly payload, only to explode in a mushroom of fire and smoke to a shot from one of the Razorwing lances. The Dark Eldar seemed to press this advantage, moving all of their remaining vehicles closer to the Necron flank. Incubi jumped over the side of their Raider, rushing into the Necron warriors ahead of them. A second group sped off towards the Necron line at the behest of their commander, following orders to the letter lest they find themselves in the fighting pits. With a nod, a unit of warriors in a Venom sped off behind them to secure whatever objective their Lord decreed.

 

Dragao pointed toward the Necrons and his pilot increased speed. Narrowly missing the squad of Praetorians with the huge scythes on the side of the Tantalus. Behind enemy lines now he was taking a risk. Still, he relished such opportunities. His new toys were eager to get involved in the fray. Hulking monstrosities, the Grotesques were his favorite accompaniment into battle. Obedient, ridiculously strong and expendable. They were perfect engines of destruction. Hearing a near silent hum, Dragao looked up and smiled. An approaching Night Scythe. It flared several times and before he knew it several formidable looking Necrons stood on the ground before him. One of their number, obviously the enemy Commander, turned to face him and brought his weapon to bear. Dragao motioned and the Tantalus pilot brought the huge vehicle into a spin, narrowly avoiding the blast from the weapon. His smile widened into a grin as he noticed a small group of Necrons hunkered over a Skyfire Nexus. His pilot did not wait for the command and opened fire, disintegrator shots tearing them to shreds. The battle raged all around. Eldar and Necron alike falling. Some Necrons attempted to rise again only to be struck down by the Dark Eldar. The two commanders saw only each other. Dragao sent his pack of Grotesques raging into the Lych Guard surrounding Altakhsas. Their liquifiers dissolving several of the elite guard down to puddles of bubbling metal. Felnadri, looking to impress her new Archon, leapt to the challenge of the Necron Lord. Her movements sure and precise. Deadly and lithe, she approached at a run, circling ever closer amidst the turmoil of combat. Altakhsas drew back his blade, then suddenly released hundreds of tiny mind-shackle scarabs towards Felnadri. The confused look on her face would have been humorous had it not meant her end. She was cut down mercilessly with one fell stroke. Shrugging, Dragao turned to meet Altakhsas, his Huskblade leaving the remaining Lych Guard in smoking heaps of blackened metal as the Grotesques loomed over his shoulder. Altakhsas surveyed the battlefield. Scanning and re-scanning he noted that his forces had lost, and lost again. He opted to be prudent and began the teleportation sequence to return to his Night Scythe above. He would not leave unscathed however. He would hold onto this loss and ponder over it. Memory whirling to determine where he had gone wrong.

 

Dragao sat once again on his dais. The loss of Felnadri was a minor one. There were hundreds if not thousands more where she came from. Obviously she was of inferior stock. He was tempted to have her remains brought with him back to Commoragh to have her “reborn”. Deciding she may be worth the effort, he had her carcass tied over the side of the ship. At the very least his consort Selani may feel some modest amount of gratitude towards him for that small recognition. After all, he wasn’t completely soul-less. Several Raiders had come thru the Webway to deliver the scrap Necron bits to his Haemonculous coven. They would serve him well in the years to come. Robotic limbs needed so much less maintenance than flesh.

 

Notes:

All in all it was a very good game. Necrons are tough and hit hard. Dark Eldar as much as I love them have paper-thin vehicles of speedy death. This actually saved the game for me as I had to contest an objective and claim two others with troops and HQ. I think our friendly neighborhood Necron player has something in store for me in our next game and I look forward to it!

Eldar Craftworld background

Craftworld Mul-Girtab - “Their heads touch the sky, their terror is awesome and their glance is death”

Symbol:
Colours: Skull White, Lich purple; Aspect warriors follow tradition colouring patterns. Force includes an heavy presence of Striking Scorpions and Warp Spiders,

History:
During the Fall Craftworld Mul-Girtab was fleeing most of its citizens gripped in the initial madness and blood letting. They were hurled tumbling into the warp and pushed into a remote corner of the galaxy. Their sister fought brother, father fought wife and Mul-Girtab paid a heavy price. Far removed from their kin, Mul-Girtab began to colonize suitable worlds, a created various closely linked offshoot exodite communities.

As the communities grew, the wreckage and ruins of the craftworld were reclaimed. Due to the extended absense the Wraithbone forests had claimed vast areas of the craftworld. It was here the first Pathwalker was when a spirit scorpion stung a salvager. Putting him into a coma state, after 2 months he emerged reforming the society as Pathwalker Ci-caedr'aer . Setting them along their new found chosen Path, a path of deception, mixed honour and refined justice.

Each House world was defined by a specific task and sits as an equal on the Guiding Council. The council is overseen by She Who Guides, and it members elected by each worlds citizens. Mul-Girtab as a craftworld is known for its honor and secrecy, and has never reneged on an agreement with others, or dealt with them unfairly.

Mul-Girtab tactics revolve around deceptive ploys clearing enemies from the field swiftly and distracting reinforcements. Aspect Warriors are used to strike at the enemy’s weak points providing crippling blows, whilst other elements draw fire. IF the enemy is too strong preemptive strikes will be deployed to hamper the enemy whilst a Ci-can'a is mustered. All elements willing to die, as the future has no shadow to them.

Pathewalker Arahman currently leads Mul-Girtab as the continue along their Path. Mul-Girtab is currently reeling from loosing a world to Khronanus the Black-Hearted, Chaos Undivided Champion.

Autarch Yal-adrin - Harmonious Battle

Known Named Characters:
Farseer Arahman
Farseer Onetsa
Autarch Yal-adrin
Autarch San-shesh – Female (Swooping Hawk Wings)
Autarch Adzimehmed (Warp Spider Generator)
Exarch Tanorath (Striking Scorpions) Biting Blade
Exarch Danelon (Striking Scorpions) Scorpion Claw
Exarch Ta'ali (Howling Banshees)
Exarch Fisnes (Dire Avengers) Dual Shurican Catapults
Exarch Throezara (Dire Avenger) Power Weapon & Shimmer shield

Warlock Altin (Embolden) previous path Dire Avenger
Warlock Mitore (Embolden, Witchblade) previous path Striking Scorpion
Exarch Re-ther (Warp Spider) Dual Spinner & Powerblades
Exarch Ty'lion (Warp Spider) Spinnerette
Exarch Rennes (Dark Reaper) Tempest Launcher


What sort of government runs this society?
This society is run by a council following the path of Harmony and Hostility. The council is chaired by a Farseer, selected as the “She” Who Guides or Pathwalker, the other members of the council are selected from the satellite worlds and craftworld. Each Farsser and Autarch selects a replacement after serving for a period no less than 100 years. At the end of this time, during which his successor has been recognized, and trained thoroughly, in how best to manage the craftworld, he ascends to an inner circle of as a potential next offering to the Avatar

What sort of people are they in terms of relations to others?
Mul-Girtab as a craftworld is known for its honor and secrecy, and has never reneged on an agreement with others, or dealt with them unfairly.  Generally, it has stable relations with others as a result, though its enemies know no respite, and alliances are mostly made as a joint military venture, these ventures are often to only sort if it benefits Mul-Girtab. The craftworld's Houses sometimes engage in some trade with others.

Who do they interact with?
Mul-Girtab generally covertly interacts with the Imperium, the Tau, certain Space Marines (Black Consuls & Desert Tigers) and other Eldar.  Tyranids, Orks, the forces of Chaos are all to be shunned.  The Adeptus Sororitas and Grey Knights are generally not to be trusted as allies, though will engage a common enemy unbeknown in such a manner that the aid of the Eldar is never discovered. They have “adopted” some surviving member of the Black Consuls and have allowed them use of one of their worlds.

What sort of beliefs guide their culture?
The culture is guided by a deep sense of honour, refined justice and respect. The society is governed by strict adherence to the Paths of the Eldar and the social norm is always to seek out the best way to improve. Disputes are settled by a tribunal of peers, whose decision is final. More serious matters are sometimes settled in the “Arena” battles are never to the death.

How large is this society?
Mul-Girtab is a single craftworld, with four satellite worlds, with a population of about 100 million.
Each world is designated to a function such as war craft, argicultutral, culture with additional functions in aiding the support systems of Mul-Girtab. A fifth world was recently lost in a Chaos execuriosn, the citizens sacrificed to the Dark Gods.

How much wealth is available to this society?
The society as a whole is fiercely independent and strives to provide everything needed for its maintenance without dependence on outside sources.  Its equipment and shrines are lovingly maintained, but the society as a whole is not exceptionally wealthy, valuing merit above material possession.  This means that trade between themselves and other Eldar is executed as necessity dictates.

What sort of environment does this society exist in?
The society is contained between the craftworld and satellite planets. Mul-Girtab is designed as a spacious forest wonderland, with each world having its own webway contained in the Heart Wood. Each world contains a smaller Heart Wood, linking to the other world and craftworld through a single webway with many paths. Besides its primary function, each world is designed, to be semi-sef sufficient as they serve as training grounds and in addition to additional functions. Much of the external commerce between Mul-Girtab is performed using the Houses as intermediaries.  As a result, the Houses are designed as both military and metropolitan areas of varying major portions, with a large area given over to shrines specific to the particular House in question.

How do smaller units of this society relate to the whole?
Mul-Girtab behaves as a fractured nation, each satellite world is treated as an equal.  The balance of power is held because most of the trade and defense of Mul-Girtab occurs through the actions of the sister worlds.  These are ruled by the members of the Inner Council who are subject to the will of the Path, who is always chosen from the council of Mul-Girtab.  The Council members form their own the Houses of Path whose members choose their successors from civilians of Mul-Girtab, though usually these will be civilians who have had extensive dealings on a particular world.

Army Philosophy -
Mul-Girtab place a premium on infantry with other elements serving supportive roles. They utilize preemptive strikes, whilst harassing the remaining elements of their enemy. The enemy is given varies feigns and lures never know which to be a true retreat. A favourite tactic is to retreat, then swiftly turn crippling the enemy in one blow. The tactics involved will be typical to the closing of a scorpions claw, focus on the claw and you will not notice the tail. Each part as deadly as the next.

Back from the dead with a Battle Report

The BLOG/PLOG is back from the dead. A new format will be used gopin forward. the local gaming group will all be contributing stories, battle reports and content.  Running ablog (solo) can be like a 3rd job, so I asked for some assistance and they all have come through. Look forward to more weekly content.

Out local "friendly" Necron player has been wiping the tables with his new army. Here is one of his battles, this battle was VERY close and was won by a last turn push at the objectives. The SM player Lord Laude did not have his new codex, so a rematch is being planned.

Return to Vogen - Turn 2

Now the campaign is starting to get heated.

Return to Vogen - Turn 1

Explosions ripped through the silence of the night, awakening to scream the citizen of Vogen hide under their beds as thier homes were once again under attack.Each army driving into Vogen, citizens running in terror as the armies claimed territory.  Hearing the population screams the Imperial Guard reinforced the Railway-lines to help with the securing escape routes out of the city. 

Return to Vogen - Introductory Campaign

In the past few months the gaming club has doubled in size.

I thought the best way to introduce new players (and old) to the new rules would be a campaign. So, after some pondering a Team Campaign was formed.  Each new players would be teamed with an experienced player as they attempt tp claim an old Imperial city.

The GW Vogen Campign was choosen as the first "Introductory" campaign. The rules are simple and easy to follow.  The teams were drawn as random and there are some intersting combination. It is a good thing it's not a fluff campaign!.

Wit the names randomly chosen the forces musters and breached the walls of the city. Most breached the various fortification around the city. As we had am (imperial Guard) Astra Militarium player he was allowed to claim the Cadian HQ.

The forces invlioced int he campaign cinsist of:
Dark Eldar + Grey Kinghts - Grey
Tyranids + crimson Fist - Red
Astra Miltarium + Daemons - Orange
Tau + Necron - Purple
Dark Angels + Night Lords - Green
Black templars +Chaos Space  Marine - Blue (Light Blue)
Eldar + Space Marines + Necron - Yellow

It was a goof thing this is a friendly non-fluff campaign :) so many heretical alliances.


Stay tune for weekly updates!

Sibling Rivalry - Eldar/DarkEldar Battle

Sorry for the late post on this game.  The game was held two weeks ago between myself and the Dark Eldar player.  We both know it was going to be a brutal game and did not pull any punches.  We decided on 3000 Combined Arms with multiple detachments and no allies.  I went fo ra themed list as I had just finished painting Karandras and "had" to field him.

In the end Eldar won, by using a two new units (Vyphers and Swooping Hawks)

Eldar List

Detachment #1

Farseer

4x Warlocks

6x harlequins (DJ, SS, 2 fusion pistols)

10 Guardians w/Scatter laser (warlock was attached)

9 Rangers

2x Vyphers (SC/SC)

2x War Walkers (SL/EML)

Falcon

Wraithlord (BL/EML)

Detachment#2

Autarch

Karandras

5 x Striking Scorpions (Exarch w/Biting Blade)

5 x Striking Scorpions (Exarch w/Claw)

10 x Striking Scorpions (Exarch w/Chainsabres)

5x Dire Avengers (Exarch w/PW/SS) – Wave Serpeant (SL)

5x Dire Avengers (Exarch w/twAC) – Wave Serpeant SC)

6x Swooping hawks (Exarch w/Sunrifle)

4x Dark Reapers (Exarch w/EML-flak)

Night Spinner

Turn 1

Dark Eldar seize the Initiative and ‘steal’ first turn.  The War Walker scout ahead and move into cover of the ruined administration building to support the rangers. Advancing along the flank the DE open un on the Harlequins in the alien foliage killing 3 and stun the Night spinner. 

Eldar retaliate and destroy one Ravagers and stun a venom. Vypher and Dark reapers open on the DE bikers killing all but 1 (who refuses to break and flee). Harlequins advance forward. Eldar psychic phase is effective in getting off a few buffs.

Turn 2

Dark Eldar have a very effective reserve roll with all units showing up.  One Raider attempts to deep strike in the back field but mishaps (due to skimmer’s shape) and is out into on-going reserves. DE fire on Guardians and manage to kill 2, as the hunker down in the ‘alien foliage’.  Falcon is stunned but does not crash and burn.

Eldar reserves arrive. Hawk deep strike into DE back filed, Scorpions appear on left flank and Eldar battle line, Autarch runs to support Guardians line.  Vyphers and WS move around the admin building and destroy bikes on the way.  Walkers shot and only mange to stun the Void bomber. Eldar shooting sees one more Ravager destroyed, 1 venom and Archon’s raider destroyed. Guardians worry about pending Archon assault.

Turn 3

Dark Eldar raider deep strikes in back field and fires on rear armour of the Falcon doing nothing. Void Raven leaves the battlefield on a bombing run killing 2 scorpions as it leaves air space. Archon and Grotesque guard open on the Guardians but fail their charge by 0.5” (rolled a 3, and rerolled another 3 in difficult terrain; the new -2” is oddly powerful) DE beastpack and warriors surround the Swooping Hawks in the backfield ruins and dwindle the number to 3.  Scorpions take heavy causalities to all squads and all manage to hold.   Wyches fail to assault Scorpions due to terrain. 

Eldar shoot at backfield raider, and sadly released its Incubi =( last Ravager is wrecked and one lone venom survives Eldar shooting. Karandras moves to assault Archon as other Scorpions assault anything in reach.  With no challenge Karandras and the Archon trade blows, the Autarch failing to reach the combat to provide support. The resulting combat sees the Archon die to and Karandras takes 2 wounds.  Scorpions kill True born and other squad is killed by Wyches. Lone scorpion was over number 4-1 lol. Dark reapers open on the Incubi and reduce their number as the Warlocks charge in. 1 warlock survives to stall the Incubi but runs in fear! The rest butchered by the Klaivex.

Turn 4 – At this point the game is called, but we play on to see “what if”...

DE shooting was ineffective. Void Bomber arrived back on board and after shooting full payload at ‘rear’ armour of the Falcon manages to only stun it. (both of us laugh) Incubi fail their 3” charge.  We both laugh and pack up our armies. 

Thoughts

Overall it was a fun game. Eldar seem abit overpowered and have TOO much shooting.  Was not trying to build a shootie list but somehow ended up with a crap-load of shooting. Guardians are not bad, once buffed up they become hard to shift, even more than rangers.  The Serpeant Shield can be overly abused, if the tank isn't getting shoot at, you turn it into an offensive gun boat. I think I will add in my own house rule of a 1 turn charge period.  I will be trying this infiltrator heavy list again. The addition of the Vyphers took my opponent by surprise he was not prepared for the torrent of firepower they could dish up and their mobility.  Though I would trade my Vyphers for his Venoms if I could. Swooping Hawks are very good now, almost TOO good the new Herald of Victory rule makes them a very accurate deniel unit. The amount of shoots they can unload for their cost is good, Eldar version of the Land Speeder (though allot more fragile with AV10 open topped)

I can see why Eldar don't have an assault vehicle, between the shooting specialist and CC specialist it would not be fair to most opponents. And I need more Scorpions

Random Ramble on Terrain - bunkers on the cheap

Been an interesting couple of weeks.  The "gaming" bug has bitten hard, as has the modelling bug.

Looking around I noticed I had some cardboard holders that were itching to be made into some gaming terrain.  Since my gaming group has all broken our 7th edition cherries, we need new terrain to 'shake' things up.  

The shapes were good for bunkers or some building structure. After a few months of thinking I settled on bunkers.  Going through the bitz box(es) I scavenged a few items and settled in to work. 

Roughly 6 hours I was were done and still had the weekend left to spare.  Whilst not 100% satisfied, I think they will make a nice addition to our growing terrain collection.

Front View

Rear View - Bunker Doors

 Not bad for "free" terrain that cost nothing but some time.  Attempted to make each bunker unique.

Items used:

• Cardboard Packaging
• Cat litter
• Plasti-card
• Foam-core Board - the black kinda (its is sturdier than the white btw)
• Spare Bitz

Terrain for the Gaming gods!

First 7th Edition Game

Finally got my first game in the 7^th edition!  Was a game against my old padawon and his Necrons.  Eldar vs Necrons old nemesis prepare to settle and age old debt.

Mission:

Maelstrom Cloak and Dagger,  Each player draws three (3) TOs and keep them secret from opponent.  Once a TO is achieved the player draws until they hold.  VP total tallied at the end of the game.

My Army List:

Farseer
5 Striking Scorpions w/Exarch (chainsabers)
5 Striking Scorpions w/Exarch (Biting Blade)
10 Dire Avengers w/ Exarch
-WS w/BL
5 Dire Avegers w/Exarch
-WS w/SL
5 Rangers
1 Crimson Hunter
5 Dark Reapers w/Exarch (Missile launcher)
3 War Walkers (SL/BL, SL/SC/SL/EML)
Fire Prism

Necrom List:

Necron Lord
Cryptex
5 Lychgaurd (HB/Shild)
3 Cantopek Wraiths
10 Warriors
10 Warriors
Monolith
DoomsDay Ark
Annihilation Barge 
C-tan Shard

Psychic Powers:

Doom
Guide
Mind War
Fortune

Pre-Game:

1^st game on the new edition!  Physic force against none psychic opponent, should be interesting No bonus to Deny-The-Witch but has the chance.  Necrons will be a tough, nut to crack very durable troops and firepower.

Deployment Necron - Necrons warriors drop hold two objectives (#1 & #4) with Ark on the left, scarabs on right flank.  Lord and Lychguard hold the rear.  Monolith, C’tan and Wraiths held in reserve.

Deployment Eldar - Farseer rides in WS with 5man DA squad.  WS with 10 DA deploy near obj#5. FP deployed on left and WW deployed on right flank.  Scorpions deploy on the blind side of the bastion (obj#3), rangers infiltrate on objective #2Crimson Hunter, Scorpions (CS) held in reserve.

Turn 1

Necrons advance. Ark shoots at FP, FP doesn’t Jink but shot goes wide and doesn’t cause damage.  Scarabs advance up their flank toward obj#6. 

Eldar forces spread out. Farseer and DA debus to secure flank against scarabs.  Farseer cast Doom on the scarabs, Fortunes his squad.  Guide is denied on the FP.  FP shoots and fails to damage the Ark. WW open up and kill the scarabs and stay in the open (forgot about Battle Focus).  DR attempt to shoot the DA but don’t penetrate its shields (forgot they had Night Vision)

Turn 2

Monolith arrives from reserves and deep strikes into the Eldar backfield, but mishaps and redeployed placed to the Necron backfield.  C’tan arrives and reinforces the warriors holding obj#1.   Wraiths phase into existence in front of the DR.  Cryptex opens a portal and appears in the Eldar backfield, Lord and Lychguard reappear with Cryptex. DA shoots the middle ‘dilapidated’ bastion and causes a catastrophic breach, 4 Scorpions survive and pass pinning check.  AB unloads on the WW destroying 2, WW with BL survives.

Crimson Hunter arrives from reserves and zooms to get a clear shot the DA, whilst scorpions appear in the ruins by obj#4.  Eldar backfield moves to engage the Necron Lord and bodyguard. FP moves to get a clear shot on the DA. Scorpions hunker in ruined bastion.  Psyhcic phase sees the Necron Lord Doomed, DA guided and fortuned for the pending assault. Combined fire kills the Necron Lord but he revives.  DR put kill one Wraith. Rangers fail to do anything.  WS (SL) wrecked the AB.  Crimson hunter removes one hull point the DA as Scorpions assault from the ruined bastion.  Scorpions destroy the DA and hunker down in the alien ruins.

Turn 3

Monolith and Warriors  shoot at Scorpions near obj#4 failing killing all but the Exarch.  Necron lord and Cryptex attempt to scare the Farseer but the unit holds.  Cryptex attempts to terrify the DA but they pass their leadership check and hold obj#5.  Warriors move forward to counter the Scorpions and Crimson Hunter.  Wraiths assault the Dark Reapers, killing one 2 and suffering one wound.  Necron lord is killed by Overwatch fire before he can assault, but gets back up.

Scorpions move toward obj#1 and lone exarch moves to assault obj#6.  Psychcic phase sees Lord’s mental processes interrupted by the Farseer (Mind War).  Eldar backfield unloads on Necron Lord and Cryptex killing them again, only the Lord gets back up!  FP moves and fires at the Monolith doing nothing.  Scorpion Exarch assaults and slays the warriors on obj#4 and falls back to claim it.  DR fail to wound the Wraiths losing one of their own.

Turn 4

Necron warriors secure obj#1 and move to counter the Exarch on obj#4.  Monolith moves to get a clear shot on FP.  Lord moves to assault the lone WW.  Monolith shoots the Scorpions failing to wound any.   Necron Lord assaults the WW and is taken down by overwatch fire! DR are killed by the Wraiths and move toward the FP.  Warriors and C’tan shoot at Crimson hunter stripping off one Hull point.

Eldar WS (SL) move to grab obj#6. Ranger sit on obj#2. Crimson hunter forgets to move (so was hovering).  Lone Exarch moves to assault Warriors on obj#1 but is killed by Overwatch fire.  Scorpions assault the monolith, doing nothing.  Farseer Dooms the Wraiths and Guides DA on obj#5.  Necron Lord is finally laid to rest, but gets back up AGAIN.  The Wraiths are killed before they could do anymore damage.

Turn 5

C’tan and Warriors hold obj#1 as Monolith shoots the FP, rangers and Crimosn Hunter.  Necron Lord moves to assault the DA w/Farseer and is killed by Overwatch fire.  Lord does not revive!

Eldar move to secure obj#1 and obj#4.  Farseers cast Guide on FP and it finally destroys the monolith.  Crimson hunter shoots Warriors on obj#1 removing the Necron hold.  Scorpion Exarch assaults the C’tan, fails to wound and is butchered by the return combat.

Turn 6

C’tan moves to shoot the Crimson hunter but misses. Eldar focus fire and bring down the C’tan. 

End-Game

Necron - 9 VP / Eldar - 13 VP

Post Game Thoughts

Whoa! A very fun and challenging game.  Cloak and Dagger is an interesting twist on Maelstrom.  A very secretive mission should be fun due to the unknown factor as opponent starts to do random things and makes allot of "what are they doing" moments.

Eldar seem to have not changed much in the new edition, Jink+Holofields = Happy days 3+ cover saves for most vehicles is almost too good. The Psychic phases is different, but balanced.  I found myself using 3-4 dive for most WP1 powers, and almost suffered Perils-of-the-Warp each time.  I actually got off less then in the 6th with failing the WP generation rolls even on 3 dice.  First game incorporating a few MSU units and still need to get the feel for them.  Not as durable, so was making allot of leadership checks.

Rules we Got Wrong

1. DA had 4 Hull Points not 3 (did not have FAQ near); 
2. Slow to declare Jink before opponent rolled to hit; 

At the tables this weekend

Pulled out the VC for a “fluff” battle against my usual opponent, and suffered a loss BUT had a funny game.  

As per norm, we broke probability with a few impossible events happening. 

But first the story, recap….(sorry for the length, but loves we fluff some we do)

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Death of Lord de’Rose/Birth of de’Rose

Manzazuu the Green laughed coldly as the dusk settled and the final Bretonnia knight disappeared over the horizon.  The battle had lasted the whole day, the screams of dying horses and wet slurping sounds of feasting Crypt Horrors saturated the air.  Surveying the remains of the battle his mind drifted back to the events of the day.

Lord Monte de’Rose’s force had arrived over the horizon as dawn broke. His lances fluttering in the air, as his knights and men prepared to cleanse the lands of the necromancer stain. Manzazuu summoned a bat requesting assistance from his ‘master, as he prepared to sell his life to secure this passage of the relic. Summoning is coven, they sacrificed the few remaining acolytes, their dying blood mixing to strengthen a binding ritual as the dead rose to obey the necromancer’s will. The energies summoning the undead were starting to dissipate as the first arrows and rocks began to fall. Manzazuu focused his will holding the zombie together would take all his focus. With a deafening screech vargheists plummeted from the skies, slamming into the Bretonnia archers.

Manzazuu smiled as he gathered the Winds of Magic, the spell held in his mind as he focused to strengthen his army. His smile turned to a grimace of pain as a light shone in the distance. He screamed as the Bretonnian Lady turned the Wind of Magic against him, ravaging his mind and disrupting the focus of his spell. As the spell resolved, Manzazuu stumbled his strength sapped the eldritch energies leaking from his eyes and ears as he soundlessly screamed. The Bretonnian vanguard hit Manzazuu just as he was recovering the zombie dying in droves as the Bretoonia Battle Standard Bearer fought through to reach Manzuzuu. Retreating to the read Manzazuu directed his coven to press the attack. Attempting to cast another spell, Manzazuu watched the Winds of Magic falter and escape his grasp the dark energies not obeying his command. Feeling the pull on the Winds as the Bretonnia Ladies attempted to focus their spells, he noticed they were having the same problem. Unable to bring magic to bear, this battle would now be resolved by might of arm.

As the Bretonnian Battle Standard Bearer approached, A Wight King, The Nameless Blade, challenged the BSB. The Nameless Blade has appeared leading a Grave Guard unit to harass the Knight. The BSB and the Nameless blade attacked each other with vigour, their blades a blur as they parried attack after attack. With a scream of triumph, the BSB sword parted the torso of the Wight, his triumph was short lived as he coughed blood a sword sticking through his gut. As he slumped over dead, his charger reared and fled the battlefield.

Lord Monte de’Rose’s knight charged Manzazuu as some skeletons intercepted the charge. A Lord de’Rose fought an image hovered in the air. An ethereal wreathed face looked down on him and shaking her head turned away. Fighting with vigour de’Rose and is knights, were thrown from their chargers as the skeletons pressed the attack. Looking up Manzazuu saw the Ladies turn and ride from the battle, the remaining knights and remnants of De’Rose’s forces in tow. “What had just happened? Had the Lady betrayed this knight? Or had she decided he was unworthy?”

Monte de’Rose fought the skeletons as a shadow fell over the battlefield. A piercing screech, knocked him to his knees as a dark armoured figure dropped from the sky in front of him. Raising his head he stared at the red armoured figure as the skeletons parted, a circle forming around the two. “Lord de’Rose it appears you have soiled your family name and the Lady has left you to your demise. No why would this be? Could it be the darkness in your heart? Could it be your quest for power and revenge has corrupted your soul?” the face of Lord Delacroix twisted with a smile as he spoke. Nearing rage Lord de’Rose attacked the Vampire Lord, his blows being parried by the figure casual flicks of his wrists. “You vile beast, I will slay you or die trying!” Lord de’Rose screamed as he attacked the Vampire Lord. “Your words are empty, Lord DeRose” Delacroix responded, “You will destroy me? Like the Chaos horde? Like the Lizardman?! You have failed and squandered your people’s lives. And for what? You own vanity? You do not deserve to be a knight.” Shaken by the word Lord de’Rose stumbled and dropped his sword, at once the Vampire Lord was on him his throat held in his hands. “Don’t worry you wont suffer you long.” Lord de’Rose quivered as the fangs pierced his neck, his life blood flowing from him. “NO! I wish to live!” he screamed as darkness closed around him.

Lord Delacroix laughed as he tossed the body to the ground. Perching on a rock he watched the corpse to see what would happen. As the corpse being to move, he watched intently, as the blood kiss worked its magic. The newly awaken Lord de’Rose opened his eyes and cruel smile on his lips as the power flowed through him. Laughing he cackled “Ahh, yes the power! This I have craved, all shall feel my wrath.” As he danced in the moonlight, Delacroix shook his head and started to walk away, “You are a failure! Enjoy this time as your mind in now forfeit.” Baring his fangs de’Rose launched himself at Delacroix but was battered away. As he tumbled his body warped, his muscles expanding and shredding his armour, his fangs grew to the length of daggers. Landed on all fours he howled to the moon as the final changes where complete. His mind now lost Lord de’Rose smashed his way through the remaining skeletons and escaped into the surrounding forest.

Lord Laude crumpled the scroll to the ground as he read the blood stained report. The missive, from Lord Delacroix, was confusing to say the least. Lord Delacroix was known for his fleeting insanity and noble gestures.  Why did he write to let him know that Lord de’Rose ‘lived’ and could be found haunting the Bloody Forest? Why would he want one of his creations destroyed?

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Epilogue - A hooded figure wonders deep into the Bloody Forest looking for a lost soul....An ominous shadow darts in and out of the tree tops above. The hooded figure stops....then uncovers her hood revealing a beautiful damsel. Suddenly, a monstrous creature smashes in front of her and lets out a blood curdling roar....

A whisper..."My Lord....."...the creature stops and looks at the damsel....a calm in its eyes as it stares at her. The damsel reaches for the creatures face...."My Lord de'Rose...." she whispers as she moves her hand to caress the creature's face.....
The the creature suddenly snaps at her...forcing her to step back...."My Lord Stop!" She screams....she quickly cast a spell and pushes the creature back into one of the trees.....stunned the creature looks at her and screams and disappears into the darkness of the forest....

"My Lord...I will avenge you...." she whimpers as she holds her hand against her bossom...."I....Lady Lily....will make sure of it"....

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Hmm, this is along post. Battle Report to follow in a separate post....

On the tables...

Warhammer Fantasy Battles was played Sunday gone.  Necron were due to battle Dark Eldar but DE could not play. 

A long buried Tomb Kings army emerged and ambushed the Dwarfs on their way to The Badlands to head off a Lizardman scouting force.  The Empire also stumbled upon a previously unknown Orge Tribe.

Tomb Kings vs Dwarfs - @2500 Battleline 

As the Lizardman players was late, the Dwarfs fought Tomb Kings. This games was very interesting a veteran (with a new codex) facing a new player.  Both players had some new tricks and a few rule discussions.  The Tomb Kings held off the Dwarven advance!! The TK win was unexpected by all, even the TK player.  The final VPs were +150 in favour of the TK.  

Empire vs Ogres - @1500 Meeting Engagement

A very weird game.  Both armies had 50% of their forces pushed into reserves by the scenario special rules.  Effectively ruing both battle plans.  The Empire Griffon knights devastated the Ogre Firebelly and Bull guard after the Firebelly wreaked havoc with Flame Storm, effectively destroying a 50 man block of swordsman single-handedly.  By the time the Empire reserves hit the table, both armies were down to a few units and it became a game of cat-n-mouse.  Once the Death Wizard miscast and lost 3 spells and was reduced to level 1, the Ogres grabbed the upper hand and chased the Empire Arch Lecture and knights off the table.  Was a fun game overall, Ogres were up after turn 2, but Empire bought it back around by turn 3. After that the dice were fickle for both sides.

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I do have a few pictures that I will post in time.

Monday Ramblings

 

A recent “demon” has arisen in the Local gaming Circle (LGC).  Our competitive natures are starting to get the best of us, and sometimes we try to eat off each other’s heads.  One or two conditions tend to bring this up but a pattern in forming.

The two touchy points are:

• Unit Counters - Hard & Soft Counters, and;
• Knowledge of the basic rules

 Before we get started some definitions to help those unfamiliar:

• A hard counter is something that beats its counterpart even with inferior investment.  Whilst a soft counter usually beats its counterpart, but may lose with inferior investment (or bad dice rolling).
• Knowledge of rules tend to run in two circles - RAW va RAI - RAW= Rules As Written- i.e. the literal interpretation of the wording of the rules to determine its true meaning.  RAI= Rules As Intended- I.e. trying to understand the motivations and the basis of the rule to understand how the words should be applied in action. (or using examples shown)

 These points are very hard to not ignore as they can stop a game in its tracks.

In WFB there are many counters to most units on the table. Some counters come on the form os specialized units and others are built into the rules.  NO UNIT IS UNKILLABLE!!!  Now that I have said that, it is often hard for players to forget that one rule.  And it can result in a very frustrating game as your ‘uber’ unit is taken off the board for your opponent not suffering much in return (soft counter) or having your ‘uber’ unit get destroyed as it faced another ‘unkillable’ unit (hard counter).  WFB is a game of dice, and the Dice Gods can (and are) very fickle.  This is hard to remember, and can lead to laughs when taken as intended.  I personally try to not field units that would be deemed ‘unkillable’ in certain situations, as I do now the frustration of facing them and the utter joy of watching them at work. 

Common ways to deal with a hard of soft counter:

• Identify it and avoid it like the plague
• Identify its (strength) weakness and confront on your own terms
• Bait-n-Switch
• Booze (drink booze, get drunk, enjoy the carnage inflected on you) <

Knowledge of rules is always a touchy subject and can devolve quickly.  I am quite guilty of adopting a (bad) approach on this matter from personal interest.  RAW vs RAI is a lengthy debate and can lead to allot of confusion and in-fighting.  The best approach is over all knowledge of rules.  Whilst not the best, solution it does help if parties know the rules of the game system and their armies.  If an opponent asks for clarity, fully read out the rule/ability (in full) from your army book, and/or give the page in the BRB.  This has been my recent approach and can come across rather cold when giving opponent the pages in the BRB to look over themselves.  Whilst not justifying my reasons, I do this as I have did abit too many introduction games and am tired of repeating basic rules when I play with ‘experienced’ players.  Have a rulebook (an updated FAQs) actually makes most arguments mute as allot of common questions are answered in said FAQ.  This also boils down to some trust in your opponent (to not cheat), it is , frankly,  too much work/hassle to attempt to know the rules for your army and an opponent you are playing against.  This also leads into a length debate over having a visible army list (preferably written the f@#$* down  - as you can see a very touchy subject for me) and WYSWYG vs Proxy but those are for another time.

The hardest thing (even for me to remember) is the Golden Rule – THIS IS JUST A GAME, RELAX AND HAVE FUN!!

Well time to get on with the rest of my week....But I need to work on my daemons.

What other daemons do players find get in the way of enjoying games?