WTC – The Greylord Archives

The Motherland at the WTC – third time’s a charm? (day 2)

Igor Khador — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 20:06:00 +0000

This is the third time in a row the Motherland goes to WTC. This year it is in Düsseldorf. Mark IV is now a real thing, compared to last year where it was very much in transition. So, I’m finally brining two proper Winter Korps lists. I’m bringing Tatiana, with all the Man-O-Wars and Baranova with a Mastodon. This is the second day of action. The first day went far over expectation. So, let’s see how day two proceeds.

I went to WTC in 2022 and 2023. Both times were so much fun that I’m returning this year (for a walk through of my experiences for 2022, see here; and for the 2023 experience see here). All list for this year’s WTC are available online. I’ll do this in two parts. This is the second part, covering the second day. For the report on day one see here.

My ambitions is, as always to win at least one and not end up last. So currently I’m over performing. I’m 2-1 so far! I’m not going to do a long a complicated write-up; I’ll just go briefly go through each battle and see if there are any lessons learned.

This year’s Winter Korps lists are Kommander Tatiana Sikora in a heavy armour Man-O-War list and Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova is a (Khador) nimble list. Winter Korps is a big thing at this year’s WTC. According to Longshanks, there were 17 players using the Motherland. The third most popular army. I’ll include the lists and the short description here for completeness sake. So, without any further ado, here are my two lists:

Khador – Winter Korps
Kommander Tatiana Sikora

   – Iron Flesh

   – Puissance

   – Dire Wolf [9]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Ice Hammer

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield

   – Dire Wolf [9]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Ice Hammer

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield

   – Dire Wolf [10]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Long Axe

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield
Koldun Lord Damien Korovnik [3]

Sergeant Sergei Krol [5]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]
Arkanists [4]

Arkanists [4]

Man-O-War Suppressors [11]

Man-O-War Suppressors [11]                             

Man-O-War Wrecking Crew [10]

Man-O-War Wrecking Crew [10]

Winter Korps Snipers [4]

   – Winter Korps Hunting Dog [1]

Winter Korps Snipers [4]

   – Winter Korps Hunting Dog [1]
Command cards

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Hit & Run

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell

    – Put the Fires Out
Total Points   100/100

Khador – Winter Korps
Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova

   – Avenging Force

   – Fog of War

   – Freezing Grip

   – Mastodon [34]

     HEAD – Fire Support

     RIGHT SHOULDER – Heavy Cannon

     LEFT SHOULDER – Heavy Cannon

     RIGHT ARM – Great Axe

     LEFT ARM – Grinder Fist
AC-2 Bison [10]

AC-2 Bison [10]

Battle Mechanik [2]

Battle Mechanik [2]

Magziev Zariyah Volkova [4]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]
Arkanists [4]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]
Command cards

    – Blessing of the Gods

    – Break Through

    – High Alert

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell
Total Points   100/100

Winter Korps under Kommander Tatiana Sikora

What can I say? I like Man-O-Wars. Big stumpy infantry, which according to the ad material are neigh unstoppable. So, the arrival of the Annihilator Cadre really made my day as the Suppressors finally got some company in the shape of the Wrecking Crew, a sergeant and an new Man-O-War ‘caster (we all remember the last incarnation of Sorscha).

I have basically taken all the Man-O-Wars that I’m allowed to; save for two Kontrollors (who actually might be pretty cool, but that is for another time). Who better to lead this wall of steel than Tatiana; herself in a Man-O-War armour? As a side note, it seems that female Man-O-War soldiers are smaller than there male counter parts. Once again, she is only on a 40 mm base, whereas everybody else in on a 50 mm base.

The plan is pretty simple. Walk across the field with the Suppressors in front shooting stuff. Follow up with the Wrecking Crew once the lines meet. Finally, have som ‘jacks as a backup plan. Snipers for score, contesting and being annoying. That’s it. How hard can it be?

Winter Korps under Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova

I have been playing Tatiana to some degree. The second list is quite new to me (yes, I’m really well prepared). I got a Mastodon and really wanted to field it. I did manage to paint it. It was done, along with the rest of the army the night before I left for Germany.

I also have two Bisons, and true to my creed of always duplicating I wanted two in the list. Baranova seems like a pretty good choice. Obviously, I’m not going to use the whole “get focus when stuff gets killed by magic” (which I actually think is a trap). However, her main spell Invocation of Wrath is golden for a shooty list of things that are not terrible good at hitting.

To fill up the list, I took all the Pike men I’m allowed. I actually thing that they are the unpolished gem of the Khador military. But more on that in another post, perhaps. Finally, a bit of support to keep everything running smoothly.

Again, I’m sticking to simple plans. The Mastodon in the middle with its entourage (Mechaniks, Volkova, Arkanists and Baranova. A Bison on each flank with two units of Pike men coming up behind it. Shoot alot and finish off with the Pike men. Again, how hard can it be?

Round 4 — Spanish Khymera

First up is a Spanish team. Despite having argued that I can’t see how Khador (or at least my Khador) can do anything about Khymera, I manage to get paired up with exactly that. This list contains two Wyverns and the ubiquitous pig.

Perhaps even more importantly, the time of nation relevant armies seems to been over. I fail to find any thing linking Spain to Khymera. The closest I get is black foot pigs, which is a delicacy. Yet, this year pigs are everywhere. So…

We are playing Wolves at our Heels with two 50 mm objectives (Cohort models), two 40 mm objectives (units) and two caches (pick up the opponent’s cache). In addition, we get to move objectives. I don’t think it is a match for Baranova (nor Tatiana, for that matter). I’m pretty sure that I can’t protect the Mastodon from the two Wyverns and the pig; and the Mastodon is a pretty big investment in the list. So, Tatiana fields her Man-O-Wars. The very nice Spanish player, who it turns out is a mercenary, plays the following list:

Khymaera – Shadowflame Shard
Shyryss, the Flawless Dark

   – Silence of Death

   – Execration of Blackest Night

   – Curse of Shadows

   – Vipex [10]

     HEAD – Asp [1]

     TAIL – Hunter’s Mark [3]

     ARMS – Cleavers [6]
Wyvern [1]

Wyvern [1]

Bellighul, Master of Pain [4]

Carver Ultimus [20]

   – War Boar MMD47
Quick Fang Stalkers [7]

   – Quick Fang Master

Quick Fang Stalkers [7]

Talon Lashers [7]

Wyrmspine Shadowmancers [5]
Command cards

   – Blessing of the Gods

   – Break Through

   – Careful Reconnaissance

   – Hit & Run

   – Power Swell
Total points 100/100

The roll off happens and Shyryss decides to go first. The picture below shows the battle field before all the mayhem.

End of deployment

Shyryss’ first turn is quite uneventful. All the troops move into position. It is a very matriculate advancement with lots of measurement and sticks on the table. It seems that the single shot assassination plan is already taking place. The picture below shows the end of the Khymera advancements.

End of turn 1, round 1

Tatiana looks at the pig and the two mighty Wyverns. She has earlier, during camping done some maths and figure out that actually hurting the pig with the Suppressors is not really a possibility. The Wyverns are a bit easier.

It is quite important to not get charged by the Wyverns. So, the army advances in a pretty well ordered straight line, staying out of the Wyverns’ range. The picture below depicts the end of Tatiana’s first turn.

End of round 1

Round two, party time. Shyryss is still very much in love with the measuring tape and measuring sticks. The advancement is slow and attempts are made to bait Tatiana into moving. It is only on the left flank where somebody is approaching the objective. The picture below shows the end of Shyryss’ second turn.

End of turn 1, round 2

Tatiana is a bit bored. Objectives need to be grabbed in a small hope of actually doing something clever in this game. The Snipers on the left flank moves about, trying to fight whatever small models have arrived near the objective. The snipers on the right flank advances to get near the objective.

Most of the action is in the middle. The Suppressors to the left advances and shoots the pig. One model get a Reposition card to get base to base with the pig. One of the Dire Wolfs also runs to the pig to try and engage it. Everybody else advances and spread out to ensure that the Wyverns can’t land anywhere near Tatiana. The picture below shows what happens when Tatiana takes the bait.

End of round 2

From here it goes really fast. So fast that the photographer forgot to take a picture. More reprimands will be given once back home.

In short, the pig does pig things, move, bulldoze and shots the crap out of the Dire Wolf and one of the Wrecking Crew. Somebody else contributes and clear a landing spot for a Wyvern. The Wyvern has all sorts of spells cast on it by Shyryss, so does Tatiana. In goes the Wyvern and eats Tatiana.

That was it. Quite as expected. I was thinking that it really was pointless to put models on the table. But, it is interesting to see what they could do. Basically nothing. I’m not going to complain about double Wyverns. They are dangerous but can probably be managed. Combined with the pig. That is just silly. I do have to admit, though. That my game was the only one that my opponent won. So, that clearly points to the core problem being the pilot of the Khador list, which is not an unfamiliar problem.

Nevertheless, nice opponent and good game. Our team managed a 0-5. So, I was not the only one messing it up.

Round 5 — US Brineblood

Final opponent this year is saltwater trolls from across the great sea. I have never faced the pirate trolls before. So, this will be fun.

We are playing Battle lines with two 40 mm objectives (units), two 30 mm objectives (solos), and two flags (models). I think planting the Mastodon in the middle between the two 40 mm will be nice. So, Baranova is summoned. The lovely American fields the following US-pirates:

Southern Kriels – Brineblood Marauders
Admiral Boomhowler

   – Black Spot

   – Fortify

   – Fortune

   – Deepborn Dire Troll [14]

     HEAD – Cantankerous [3]

     FIN – Spearback [3]

     TAIL – Hammerhead [5]

     ARMS – Shark Skull Gauntlet [3]

   – Reef Troll [7]

     HEAD – Matey

     BOOZE – Grog Cask [1]

     RIGHT ARM – Harpoon [4]

     LEFT ARM – Boarding Axe [2]
Vorogger [12]

Booty Boss [3]

Booty Boss [3]

Fire Guardian [1]

Fire Guardian [1]

First Mate Hargor Stormjaw [4]

Madame Moriarty [3]

Pyg Battle Brig [11]

Surgeon [3]

Surgeon [3]
Marauder Crew [6]

   – Marauder Crew Bosun [3]

Marauder Crew [6]

   – Marauder Crew Bosun [3]

Marauder Crew [6]

   – Marauder Crew Quartermaster [4]

Marauder Crew [6]

   – Marauder Crew Tapper [1]
Command cards

   – Blessing of the Gods

   – Careful Reconnaissance

   – Hit & Run

   – Power Swell

   – Put the Fires Out
Total points 100/100

Boomhowler wins the roll off and goes first. She deploys everything in a nice line. Baranova follows the standard deployment with the Mastodon in the middle, and a Bison plus two units of Pikeman on each flank. The picture below shows the deployment. Please note that my opponent forgot to deploy the two Fire Guardians as he mistook it for terrain. He was allowed to “deploy” them after his turn. So they pop up on the left side of the next picture.

End of deployment

First turn, Boomhowler advance her troops and spread them out a bit. She really would like to keep out of range of the Mastodon’s guns. That it. The picture below shows the end of the first turn.

End of turn 1, round 1

Baranova is up. On the right flank, the Bison and two units of Pikemen advance in the standard manner. On the left side, an attempt is made to do them same. However, I discover that I forgot that the 2D terrain was actually an impassable. So, they need to move around it. The officer runs to the behind the house to get into position to the objective for the next round. The Mastodon move up the middle, with the rest trailing behind it. The picture below shows the end of round 1.

End of round 1

Second round starts with Boomhowler moving Marauders forward on the right flank. Some of all the attachments and solos does all sorts of tricks to make them tough and what not. The balloon moves into the forest. The rest of her models move cautiously forward. The picture below shows the end of Boomhowler’s moving her troops about.

End of turn 1, round 2

Baranova needs to get stuff rolling. On the right side the Bison charges into the Marauders. It does a little and puts some shots into the balloon. The Pikemen follow up the charge into the Marauders. Marauders are pretty hard to kill. The Mastodon moves up and kills the Balloon. It also slams the Reef Troll, I think.

The two remaining Pikemen units moves up and lines up next to the Mastodon. The leftmost Bison also moves up to put some pressure on the objective. This is best done by killing one of the Fire Guardians. The rest moves up behind the line. Baranova feats. The picture below depicts the situation after first blood.

End of round 2

Boomhowler strikes back; and what a strike. Maraudes are pretty hard hitting. Despite Baranova’s feat, I basically loose all Pikemen, save one. Also the right most Bison disappears in a cloud. This is horrible.

In one short turn, Baranova goes from being kind of OK to be really on her heels. Pikemen do not survie charges from Marauders. ARM 18 and 5 boxes is not nearly enough. Anyway, the picture below shows what remains after Boomhowler’s revenge.

End of turn 1, round 3

Baranova is in trouble. Yet, there is only one way and that is forward. Attempts are made to clean up the objective on the right. However, the Pikeman is clearly shaken and doesn’t really perform. As so many times before it is up to the Royal Mechaniks Society. A Mechanik charges and removes two Marauders.

The Mastodon start up cleaning services. It removes the Vorogger, or Frog with the tongue. A few Marauders and slams the Reef Troll once again.

In the middle, Baranova moves back into the woods. The Arkanists move forward. So does Volkova. On the left, the Bison attempts to do things, without much luck. The Officer charges the remaining Fire Guardian and does nothing. The picture below shows how it looks when Baranova is hanging on with what little remains.

End of round 3

Boomhowler is in great form and is ready to continue the onslaught. On the left side, the Marauders clean out the Bison and the Officer, and moves towards the flag in the bottom left. On the right side, the last Pikeman and the Mechaniks keep the line. In the middle, the Deepborn charges the Mastodon and does some damage. Boomhowler moves out of harms way. The picture below depicts “going down hill in snow” by Ekaterina Baranova.

End of turn 1, round 4

Scenario is actually 2-1 in Baranova’s favour. So not all is lost. The Mastodon is in shape. On the right side, the combined might of the Pikeman and the Mechanik finally clears out the objective. Baranova moves up behind the Mastodon and it goes to work. Some Marauders go away. Not an impressive amount, though. The last Officer runs to contest the objective on the right. That is it. The picture below shows Baranova on overtime.

End of round 4

Boomhowler continues the pressure. Marauders are now at the flag. The last Officer dies valiantly. Some troll moves to the objective on the right. The picture below shows further down the slippery slope.

End of turn 1, round 5

Not a whole lot of time left on the clock. So, it is a matter of grabbing scenario points. The Mastodon moves to the flag on the left. The right side is attempted to be cleaned out, with no luck. Time’s up. We end up at a scenario score of 5-7 in Boomhowler’s favour. The picture below shows the end of the slope.

End of round 5, end of game

This was a really fun game. Very lovely opponent. I loose on time, but was loosing anyway. Scenarion was 5-7 in Boomhowler’s favour.

Saltwater trolls are surprisingly rough. On paper Maraudes look almost benign. However, they can really stack buffs, making them really hard. I don’t think I managed to kill many of them. More experience with these pirates are clearly needed.

The team again went 0-5. So, I’m not alone.

Summary & Lessons Learned

This was fantastic. This year’s WTC was very well organised. Everybody I met were fantastic, as they always are in the Warmachine world.

Somehow I managed to over perform. My goal was to win one match. I managed to go 2-3. As a sweet bonus I became the best placed on my team. I would not have guessed that. Our team went 1-4 and did not end up last. So our goals achieved.

I it always really good to go to these tournaments. There is a lot of good player around, and I get showed how to actually play Warmachine. It is always a very educational experience; and fun!

Pigs on parade – all 119 of them

I can’t write about the WTC 2024 without discussing pigs. 74% of all players brought a little pig and a big pig. An amazing 119 war boars were present. That is just silly! No wonder our friends at Euromachine named WTC, War Boar Team Championship this year. I haven’t gone through all lists. But I suspect that our team was the only one without a single pig.

So, Steamforge or Privateer Press please don’t do that again (I had hoped that you had learned your lesson from the Archon incident at the end of Mark III).

I’m not sure about the idea of mercenaries working for all armies in itself is a good idea. I am sure, however that making one that is clearly so over the top that everybody and their grandma brings one is just dumb. Not only is it pretty hard to deal with. But the ubiquity of a specific model really risks ruins the fun of the game.

Surprisingly, I only faced one. But that was also sufficient. It really needs a lot of work on the rules before it becomes sensible.

That was it. Another fantastic year. Next year is in Sweden. I’m already looking forward to it. the game.

See you all in Sweden.

For the Motherland!

The Motherland at the WTC – third time’s a charm? (day 1)

Igor Khador — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 12:18:00 +0000

This is the third time in a row I go to the WTC. This year it is in Düsseldorf. Mark IV is now a real thing, compared to last year when it was in transition. So, I’m finally brining two proper Winter Korps lists. I’m bringing Tatiana, with all the Man-O-Wars and Baranova with a Mastodon. Based on previous experience, it is going to be a blast. Not only will I get to play a lot of really nice people, I was also be taught a lesson or two on how you actually play Warmachine.

I went to the WTC in 2022 and 2023. Both times were so much fun that I’m returning this year (for a walk through of my experiences for 2022 see here; and for the 2023 experience see here). All list for this year’s WTC are available online. I’ll do this in two parts. First part will cover day one of the tournament and the second instalment will arrive later, covering the second day.

My ambitions is, as always to win at least one and not end up last. I’m not going to do a long a complicated write-up of the lists; I’ll just go briefly through them and focus on describing the battles. Finally, I’ll see if there are any lessons learned.

This year’s Winter Korps lists are Kommander Tatiana Sikora in a heavy armour Man-O-War list and Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova is a (Khador) nimble list. Winter Korps is a big thing at this year’s WTC. According to Longshanks, there are 17 players using the Motherland. The third most popular army. Without any further ado, here are my two lists:

Khador – Winter Korps
Kommander Tatiana Sikora

   – Iron Flesh

   – Puissance

   – Dire Wolf [9]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Ice Hammer

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield

   – Dire Wolf [9]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Ice Hammer

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield

   – Dire Wolf [10]

     HEAD – Shield Guard

     RIGHT ARM – Long Axe

     LEFT ARM – Plow-Shield
Koldun Lord Damien Korovnik [3]

Sergeant Sergei Krol [5]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]
Arkanists [4]

Arkanists [4]

Man-O-War Suppressors [11]

Man-O-War Suppressors [11]                             

Man-O-War Wrecking Crew [10]

Man-O-War Wrecking Crew [10]

Winter Korps Snipers [4]

   – Winter Korps Hunting Dog [1]

Winter Korps Snipers [4]

   – Winter Korps Hunting Dog [1]
Command cards

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Hit & Run

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell

    – Put the Fires Out
Total Points   100/100

Khador – Winter Korps
Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova

   – Avenging Force

   – Fog of War

   – Freezing Grip

   – Mastodon [34]

     HEAD – Fire Support

     RIGHT SHOULDER – Heavy Cannon

     LEFT SHOULDER – Heavy Cannon

     RIGHT ARM – Great Axe

     LEFT ARM – Grinder Fist
AC-2 Bison [10]

AC-2 Bison [10]

Battle Mechanik [2]

Battle Mechanik [2]

Magziev Zariyah Volkova [4]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]

Winter Korps Officer [2]
Arkanists [4]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]

Shock Trooper Pikemen [7]
Command cards

    – Blessing of the Gods

    – Break Through

    – High Alert

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell
Total Points   100/100

Winter Korps under Kommander Tatiana Sikora

What can I say? I like Man-O-Wars. Big stumpy infantry, which according to the ad material from the Khadorian department of materials are neigh unstoppable. So, the arrival of the Annihilator Cadre really made my day as the Suppressors finally got some company in the shape of the Wrecking Crew, a sergeant and a new Man-O-War ‘caster (we all remember the last incarnation of Sorscha).

The plan is pretty simple. Walk across the field with the Suppressors in front shooting stuff. Follow up with the Wrecking Crew once the lines meet. Finally, have som ‘jacks as a backup plan. Snipers for scoring, contesting and being annoying. That’s it. What could possibly go wrong?

Winter Korps under Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova

To fill up the list, I took all the Pikemen I’m allowed. I actually think that they are the unpolished gem of the Khador military. But more on that in another post, perhaps. Finally, a bit of support to keep everything running smoothly.

Again, I’m sticking to simple plans. The Mastodon in the middle with its entourage (Mechaniks, Volkova, Arkanists and Baranova. A Bison on each flank with two units of Pikemen coming up behind it. Shoot a lot and finish off with the Pikemen. How hard can it be?

Round 1 — Italian Skorne (Zaal)

First of is Skorne under Zaal and all the little stone men you can think of (and two rather large ones). This is in some way quite fitting, thinking of all the stone statues the Italians have produced in the last couple of thousand years. They are really hard to kill, in particular under Zaal’s feat. Yet, I don’t think it is an impossible task.

We are playing Payload with two 50 mm objectives (cohort), two 40 mm objectives (units), one 30 mm (solos) and two flags (models). So, objective galore. Despite the fact that the two 50 mm objectives are far appart, and it would be good with more than one ‘jack, I don’t think that the Suppressors are going to do anything against small based and high armoured models. So, Baranova gets the honour of opening the ball. The very nice Italian player is fielding the following army:

Skorne – Exalted
Zaal, The Ancestral Advocate

   – Agonizer [4]

   – Basilisk Krea [6]

   – Basilisk Krea [6]
Supreme Guardian 1 [16]

Supreme Guardian 1 [16]

Abidan the Keeper [4]

Ancestral Guardian [4]

Ancestral Guardian [4]

Extoller Novitiate [2]

Extoller Novitiate [2]

Hakaar the Destroyer [5]
Immortals [6]

Immortals [6]

Immortals [6]

Immortals [6]
Command cards

    – Arcane Forces [1]

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Grave Robbing

    – Hit & Run

    – Put the Fires Out
Total points 100/100

My plan is to shoot a lot, in particular at the large stuff. These Supreme Guardians are dangerous. Also, I hope to survive long enough to chop away at the little stone men with the Pikemen. They should be able to kill a few, in particular if they get to charge.

Both parties roll off. The Italian wins and decides to go first. The picture below depicts the situation after deployment.

Italian statues trying their luck against Khador (deployment)

The little stone man (a two big ones) spend the first turn just advancing. More or less just straight ahead, spreading out a bit. Zaal also drops some spells on different models. Not a lot of stuff happened. The picture below shows the state of the battle field after Zaal’s advancement.

End of turn 1, round 1

It is time for Baranova to react. Her forces advance, and lo and behold, Zaal is actual within range of some of the Mastodon’s guns (when it has Superiority on it). So, Baranova might as well begin by casting Superiority. She also casts Invocation of Wrath (IoW) and Avenging Force. Everybody advances and the Mastodon puts a few shots into Zaal, removing half his boxes. The opponent’s expression was priceless. The picture below depicts the end of round 1.

End of round 1

Round two is typically where the action starts happening (unless you are the lucky owner of a Mastodon). Zaal goes ballistic and feats. He moves in behind an obstacle to avoid the barrage from the Mastodon. All the little stone men runs forward under feat and presents a serious ARM problem. They are now at least ARM 22, which I have often heard is annoying to face. The picture below shows the state of play after the great little stone men rush.

End of turn 1, round 2

This is actually a problem. Have an uncountable small stone men at ARM 22 in my face it difficult. It puts a real scenario pressure on Baranova. There really isn’t a lot to do, but try to chew through it, feat and hope for the best. Everybody chips in, advances and tries to kill stuff. Unfortunately, chip is the key word here. ARM 22 is hard, and chipping is mostly what happened. The only exception is on the left flank where a unit of Pikemen runs along the edge of the board to be near the objective. The picture below shows the sorry state after the army’s attempt at ruining sculptures.

End of round 2

Zaal is clearly in the lead. At least a lot of his stuff can’t charge this turn due to Tatiana’s feat, and the really big stone men can hardly move. Nevertheless, small stone men just walking up still hurts. A unit of Pikemen on the right flank is removed along with an Officer. On the left flank, one unit of Pikemen barely survives with only on model left, and yet another Officer dies. In the middle, the Mastodon is swamped and surrounded. Zaal makes a Cygnar advance to stay out of range of the Mastodon. Scenario score is now 4-1 in Zaal’s favour. The state can be seen in the picture below.

End of turn 1, round 3

Baranova is in trouble. Far too much stuff in her part of the field. The pressure is less on the right flank, so Baranova needs to focus on the left flank to see if something can get around the obstacle and threaten Zaal. She does what she always do and cast IoW. She then moves left and let her troops loose on Zaal. The Bison moves up and shoots everything at Zaal, with some effect. The Mastodon follows suit and offload in to Zaal. It does quite a lot of damage, but Zaal can transfer. Beasts go down. Yet, Zaal finally goes down as well. The picture below shows the result of Baranova’s valiant last stand and how it looks when she looses on scenario, yet pulls a victory out of a Mastodon.

End of round 3, end of game

Zaal and all the statues is still a viable opponent, despite it being a Legacy army. Baranova was loosing on scenario 7-1 in round 3. They produce a tremendous scenario pressure. If the combined shooting of a Bison and Mastodon had not been where it was she would surely have lost. It was a fun game and the opponent was lovely. We both had fun.

The round ended with our team loosing 2-3, where only our Orgoth player managed a victory. Our Storm Legion player lost to Dust, Circle to Grymkin, and Cryx to a second Dusk player. The excellent thing is that I have already achieved one of my goals: win at least one match! It was a good start to the day and the WTC.

Round 2 — Canadian Orgoth

Second round is against one of the Canadian teams. This time I get Orgoth. So far, there seems to be connections between my opponents’ nationalities and the lists I face. This time it is Sea Raiders coming from across the Western sea. My impression of Canadians are quite different. They are normally polite and pleasant. Who would have guessed that they are actually the Orgoth? I have traditionally had som trouble with Orgoth. I know I don’t like Harriers, so they need to die fast. Also, I have never faced a Sky Bomber before. So, that’ll be a treat.

We are playing Recon with two flags (two models within 2″), two 30 mm objectives (solos) and two caches (pick up the opponent’s cache). I don’t think this is a list for Baranova, with actually any hard core arguments, except for Suppressors liking to shoot stuff that is not on small bases. This will be a job for Tatiana. The very pleasant Orgorth – I mean Canadian is fielding the following list:

Orgoth – Sea Raiders
Horruskh, The Thousand Wraths

   – Redline

   – Second Sight

   – Jackal [6]

     HEAD – Arc Node [2]

     RIGHT ARM – Mace [3]

     LEFT ARM – Clawed Fist [1]
Sky Bomber [15]

Grhotten Champion [5]

Grhotten Champion [5]

Grhotten Keeper [5]

Grhotten Keeper [5]

Halexus the Warlord [4]

Maulgreth, The Charnel Plague [4]

Reaver Commander [3]

Reaver Commander [3]
Gnashers [9]

Gnashers [9]

Rhok Harriers [10]

Ulkor Axers [8]

Ulkor Axers [8]
Command cards

    – Blessing of the Gods

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Put the Fires Out

    – Savagery [1]

    – True Inspiration
Total points 100/100

We both roll of and Horruskh goes first. The picture below shows the clean battle field after deployment.

End of deployment

Horruskh’s first turn is as event full as most other first turns. Everybody basically just moves forward. Some upkeep spell goes onto the Rokh Harriers, and another one on Horruskh. The picture below shows the state of the battle field after the Orgoth advance.

End of turn 1

Tatiana follow up on the Orgoth advancement by just moving the wall of steel forward. Iron Flesh goes on a unit of Suppressors, Puissance goes on a unit of Wrecking Crew and Avenging Force on Tatiana. That’s it. End of the shuffling forward round can be seen in the picture below.

End of round 1

Horruskh is playing it safe. Only the Sky Bomber actually does anything. It moves forward shoots at the middle of Tatiana’s line and moves back again. One of the Dire Wolfs catches fire. Most other troops just shuffle about. Shield guard are brought into better positions. The picture below shows the end of the first turn in round 2.

End of turn 1, round 2

Tatiana is slightly bored. She need some action. So, she starts by giving Desperate Pace to the Suppressors on the left side and cast Tactical Supremacy on the Wrecking Crew just behind them. The Suppressors move forward and the two teleporting models end up sufficient close to shooting something. One of the Axers are killed and some pressure is put on Horruskh. Everybody else just walks forward and stays out of charge range. The picture below shows the result of Tatiana’s baiting.

End of round 2

It is unclear if Horruskh took the bait; or perhaps more if it was a bait at all. What is clear is that stuff happened. First and foremost, the ambushing unit of Gnashers arrive on the left flank. The Harriers fly way forward and put damage onto the Dire Wolf in front. This is followed up by a unit of Axers and Halexus. Who, in combination kills the poor Dire Wolf.

On the right flank, the Sky Bomber kills all the Snipers – but the dog survives! Axers and Gnashers move forward. Finally, the two Grhotten Keepers line up in front of Horruskh to hide him from the horrors of the battle field. Horruskh feats. The picture below show the result of Orgoth actions.

End of turn 1, round 3

OK, the Orgoth have arrived at Tatiana’s doorstep. She is clearly going to feat (perhaps she should have done it in the last round?). She casts Positive Charge on the remaining Dire Wolf in the middle, and moves a bit forward to catch as many of the troops as possible in the feat.

On the left flank, the Sniper move into the cloud a tries to shoot the Gnashers, but only does one point of damage per shot. On the right flank, the dog is now alone and moves towards the middle to supply Mark Target to the rest of the army. Now ‘axe to face’ can commence in the middle, and ‘bullet to face’ on the right flank.

An Officer gives Pathfinder to the Suppressors on the right, who can then move forward through the forest and shoot at anything and everything. The unit of Gnashers are partly removed and some damage goes into the Sky Bomber. They are followed-up by the unit of Wrecking Crew, which removes the Gnashers. All in all, not terrible successful. But, Horruskh’s feat is hard to chew through. +3 ARM and super tough is difficult (not that any tough rolls were successful). The Dire Wolf follows suit, just to be ready for next round.

To the left, the Wrecking Crew and the last Dire Wolf cleans out the Harriers. Tactical Supremacy bring one model further into Horruskh’s lines. The picture below shows the battle field whilst waiting for Horrukh’s revenge.

End of round 3

Horruskh is going to strike back. On the right flank the Sky Bomber flies behind the Man-O-Wars and clean out all of the support models, except for one Arkanist. It seems that these flying blips needs to be taken care of earlier. The Gnashers follow up and attempts to chew through the Man-O-Wars. So far, the right flank is actually solid. Nothing much happens on the left flank, save for the expected eating of Snipers by the ambushing unit of Gnashers.

More stuff happens in the middle, where Horruskh commits his soldiers to attempt a kind of wedge manoeuvre aimed at getting to Tatiana. He himself hides out in the back. I guess they did pick up on Cygnar tactics the last time they were around. Two Wrecking Crew goes down. That is about it. The picture below shows the result of Horrukh’s revenge. Scenario score is actually 6-4 in Tatiana’s favour.

End of turn 1, round 4

It is a difficult point in the game. Tatiana is up on scenario, but scoring is becoming more difficult. Also, there is a Sky bomber in the back yard contesting an objective. I’m thinking scenario is still an option. Tatiana orders the Arkanists to spray the Gnashers in the scenario terrain on the left, which doesn’t do a lot. The Officer assist, which helps a bit. She will have to clean up her self. She shouts Desperate Pace to Sergie, charges and after some axe to face two of them are down. Still one left unfortunately.

On the right flank, the Dire Wolf cleans out the Sky Bomber, with a bit of help from some Suppressors. The now allows Sergei to move over to the objective to score. The last remaining Wrecking Crew member picks up the cache. A single Gnasher disappears along the way, somehow. The dog contests the terrain.

I’m running really short on time (41 seconds), so that’s it. This leaves the scenario score at 8-5 in Tatiana’s favour. The picture below shows the situation.

End of round 4

Horruskh needs to do something or Tatiana is getting a victory on scenario. Unfortunately, he has 15 minuets on the clock. I can’t understand what I have spend so much time on.

On the right flank, my dog is killed. There really isn’t a lot of dog people around. That is one scenario point secured. A Grhotten Champion charges Sergei and cleans out that scenario. That is another scenario point secured. The last Gnasher charges Tatiana. The rest doesn’t really matter. 41 seconds before doom is depicted below. Scenario is 8-7 in Tatiana’s favour.

End of turn 1, round 5

OK. So 41 seconds to make sure I win on scenario in the next turn. How hard can it be? Plan is as follows: both ‘jacks run to contest. Tatiana kills the Gnasher and Officer joint to score. That will leave the scenario at 9-7, which unfortunately is the best I can do.

Hey ho, here we go. ‘jacks run. Tatiana starts hitting, or rather attempts. After a lot of dice rolling, including missing and low damage, she finally makes the killing blow. The Gnasher rolls tough! I think it is the first time in this battle that my opponent actually made a tough roll. Time’s up. Below is a rendition of the end of Tatiana’s stand.

End of round 5, end of game

Horrusk is hard. I do, however think it was a pretty good game. With some better piloting, I’m pretty sure a victory was within reach. A bit more aggressive and scenario pressure would be good. I have no idea what I spend so much time on.

Our team managed to go 0-5 against the Canadians. Nevertheless, spirits are high. We are having a blast.

Round 3 — Italian Infernals

Last round for today is against the second Italian team. The logic of playing an army that matches your country seems to be recurring. First it was Skorne stone men fittingly reflecting the long and proud tradition of stone statues in Italy; the raiders from across the western seas; now, is is Infernals reflecting the long religious fascination of such creatures in Italy; and not the least the birth place of Dante Alighieri.

I have always had a pretty hard time with the Infernals. All of this summoning beast in the middle of the game by sacrificing solos is highly disruptive of well formulated battle plans. So, I guess solos must die for my hand, rather than the Infernals.

We are playing Invasion with two 50 mm objectives (Cohort models), two 40 mm objectives (units), and two flags (models). Here also objectives are moved. In a sense, this is probably a scenario for Tatiana. However, I need to kill solos fast, so I’m opting for long ranged fire power. This is a match for Baranova. The second pleasant Italian for today is fielding the following list:

Infernals
Zaateroth, The Weaver of Shadows
   – Lamenter [7]

   – Tormentor [12]

   – Tormentor [12]

   – Tormentor [12]
Great Princess Regna Gravnoy [4]

Foreboder [3]

Hermit of Henge Hold [4]

Lord Roget D’Vyaros [4]

Saxon Orrik [4]

The Wretch [4]

Valin Hauke, the Fallen Knight [5]
Cultist Band [4]

   – Master Preceptor Orin Midwinter [3]

Cultist Band [4]

Griever Swarm [6]

Howlers [7]

Howlers [7]
Command cards

    – Blessing of the Gods

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Grave Robbing

    – Hit & Run

    – Power Swell
Total points 100/100

My plan is to move up fast. Shoot as many solos as possible as fast as possible and take it from there. Both parties roll off. Zaateroth decides to go first. I pick the side with a hill where Baranova must likely is going to hang out the rest of the game. After deployment, the field looks like the picture below.

End of deployment

First round for Zaateroth is as uneventful as most other first rounds. Everything just goes forward. The most important thing is perhaps Regna Gravoy casting Deceleration, which we don’t like. Zaateroth casts Rites of Torment, which probably is going to be important further on. The picture below shows the end of Zaateroth’s advance.

End of turn 1

Baranova’s first turn is also quite uneventful. On the right flank, a unit of Pikemen run to the objective to be ready to score. I suspect they are camping there for the rest of the battle. Baranova casts Avenging Force and IoW, expecting the Mastodon to be able to shoot something. She then moves up on the hill, where she most likely is going to camp for the rest of this skirmish.

The Mastodon moves forward into some fire and unleash a shot towards the Desolator. I think I might have measured wrong or something. Nothing happens. Everybody else just moves forward to be ready for next round. The picture below shows the result of Baranova’s movements.

End of round 1

It is apparently Zaateroth’s feat turn. +3 DEF for everybody and models can be placed 3″ if I miss a model. Mostly everything advances. Most importantly, a unit of Howlers make it into contact with a unit of Pikemen of the left flank; and kill one of them. Naughty Howlers. One of the solos gets sacrificed, and yet another Tormentor appears. That is basically it. The result can be seen in the picture below.

End of turn 1, round 2

Action turn. Baranova needs to make some trouble. She is obviously going to feat and cast IoW. She’ll upkeep Avenging Force and Superiority. But before that, the Mastodon takes the Avenging Force shot and removes some of the Griever Swarm.

Baranova carries out the very complicated plan and continues camping on the hill. Camping looks like fun, so the Pikemen on the right flank follows suit at the objective. In the middle, the Mastodon advances, after being filled up by the Arkanists and commences the barrage into the enemy’s line. The rest of the Griever Swarm disappears, as does the guy on the horse (Valin Hauke) and two cultist from having a Tormentor slammed over them – Momentum is fun. The Bison and a unit of Pikemen move up, leaving the Arkanists and an Officer to score.

On the left flank, it is a bit more complicated. The Bison moves up and hammers the Howlers. The Officer follows suit. The, until now engaged Pikemen unit is now disengaged and can charge to the middle of the table to kill a Howler from another unit and screen the Mastodon a bit. This opens up a charge lane for the last unit of Pikemen, who proceeds to take out the Howler unit to the left. That’s it. A somewhat successful turn, I think. Scenario score is 3-2 in Baranova’s favour. The result is depicted in the picture below.

End of round 2

Zaateroth is somewhat annoyed with the lack of success of the feat round. Even more annoyed when I re-read Baranova’s feat text out loud. Nevertheless, trickery is the game of Infernals and Zaateroth demonstrates how. On the left flank, a unit of cultist run to the objective to score. Some solo runs towards the Bison and becomes yet another Desolator. A Tormentor and the centre unit of Howlers make it to the Pikemen and kill one of them. They are dangerously close to Baranova.

The Infernals haven’t got anything on the right flank. In the middle, stuff just shuffles around cursing at Baranova’s feat. Scenario score is now 4-5 in Zaateroth’s favour. The picture below shows the situation.

End of turn 1, round 3

Baranova needs to get something done. She is behind on scenario score and there are Infernals in the front yard, ruining a perfectly fine camping trip. Luckily, her army is more or less intact. She will as always upkeep Superiority but drops Avenging Force. She will also go first and cast IoW, and take a pot shot at a Howler.

On the right flank, the Pikemen are still enjoying the out in the nature camping experience. The Bison, on the other side, rams into the Desolater and does some damage. The Arkanists fuel up the Mastodon and hangs back to score. The Officer moves forward to look closer at the battle line. Finally, the other unit of Pikemen charges the Tormentor, but does an unimpressive amount of damage.

In the centre, the Mastodon walks forward and apply axe to face. This is followed by the fist and small cannons. Finally, ending with more axe to face. Unfortunately, it does not succeed in being disengaged. So the main guns remain silent.

On the left flank, the Bison moves to contest the Objective and shoots at some cultists. Not everybody is cleared out. The only main problem now is the Desolator being a bit too close to Baranova. The two Officers must step up. The first charge is so-so. Yet, the second Officer has her eyes on a promotion and charges with all she got. Weapon Master is sometimes impressive. The Desolator is ARM 19 and 24 boxes. The Officer is only POW 9 – but Weapon Master. She rolls 6,6,5,6 resulting in 8 points of damage going through. Since they have Dual Attack and Pistol, this is followed up with a shot from the Hand Cannon rolling 6,5 on the damage dice for an additional 6 points of damage. That is 58% of the Desolators boxes removed. Medals are on the way. That’s it. Scenario score is at 6-5 in Baranova’s favour. The picture below shows the result of a pretty OK turn for Baranova.

End of round 3

This is clearly a setback for Zaateroth. The Mastodon is in her face, she has lost the right flank and is slowly loosing the left flank. It is time for more trickery. Assassin run upcoming.

Somehow she managed to get a Tormentor near Baranova. There must have been some solo able to run down there. Luckily, I think it can’t attack when being summoned. The Lamenter almost makes it down to Baranova as well. The Pikemen unit in the middle are killed along with the Bison. Finally, a little Foreboder is put in front of the Mastodon to stop it from walking up to Zateroth.

That is more or less it for this turn. Baranova is partly in control of the scenario. So, score is now 8-5 in her favour. The situation is shown in the picture below.

End of turn 1, round 4. Almost end of game

Turn 2 of round 4 can begin. Baranova is close to being in potential trouble. There are horrors in her face. And there isn’t really anybody near to help her out of this pickle. Also, the Mastodon can’t walk up or charge Zaateroth due to lack of landing space. The Bison is occupied so there is no good way of getting rid of the Foreboder. Am I really about to snap defeat from the jaws of victory (again)?

Whilst thinking out all sorts of creative manoeuvres to get rid of the Foreboder, it hits me. The Mastodon is an arc node… This is an almost unheard of feature in the Khadorian army. In addition, Baranova has Gallows. So if the Mastodon can’t come to Zaateroth, Zaateroth will have to come to the Mastodon. New plan: cast IoW, cast Gallows and boost to hit. Then walk briskly away from the Tormentor, just in case. Gallows hits and I actually roll a 6 on the dice. Zaateroth is now in the face of the Mastodon. I guess there is no point is detailing what happens when a POW 24 axe (times two), a POW 21 fist, and a bit of Grinder shots connects with an Infernal master. However, it turns out that Infernals can transfer like a Hordes faction (I completely forgot). I will just look at this as a bonus. Not only does Zaateroth go down, but a few of the Horrors do as well.

Baranova takes the game. The royal photographer was so thrilled that he forgot to take pictures. Reprimands will be given.

Infernals are still dangerous. I think they could have won given they have had some other priorities. Nevertheless, the Empress is victorious and I have managed to over perform. I’m now 2-1. Two of my colleagues are also victorious. So, the team is now 2-1. We had a fun an intense game and our team is doing pretty good. What a lovely way of ending the day.

Summary & Lessons Learned

So far, it has been a marvellous WTC. The germans have managed to organise a fantastic event. I have, as always only met nice people and have had fun games that both players enjoyed. I’m so much looking forward to tomorrow. The second instalment of battle reports describing day two will arrive shortly, I hope.

Until next time. For the Motherland!

The Motherland returns to WTC

Igor Khador — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:41:00 +0000

Following the success (I think) at last year’s WTC in Belgium, the Motherland is attending this year’s WTC in Denmark. It is a new time with Mark IV live. This year I’m bringing Malakov and Strakhov, both in 5th division. I think that Legacy models perform pretty well in the new environment. However, as so many times before, the armies were led down by the man behind the line. Yet, all in all it was pretty good.

I went to WTC last year and it was so much fun that I’m returning this year (for a walk through of my experiences last year, see here). All list are available online and Tyrant of the Field has even gone through them in his very nice podcast. I was planning to attend with the new Winter Korps. Yet, that would require me to actually finish painting both armies. Thus, I have opted for existing Legacy troops.

My ambitions is, as always to win at least one and not end up last. I’m not going to do a long a complicated write-up; I’ll just go briefly go through each battle and see if there are any lessons learned.

This year’s Khador lists are Kommander Andrei Malakov in a shooting Winter Guard list and Kommander Oleg Strakhov in a list containing as many ‘jack as I could stuff in there. If I can count, there are only three examples of 5th division (Germany and Portugal in addition to this one). It is going to be interesting to see how they fare. Without any further ado, here are my two lists:

Khador – 5th Division

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Malakov 2] Kommander Andrei Malakov

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Victor [27]
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich [3]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]
Battle Mechaniks [2]

Greylord Ternion [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Infantry [5]

    – Officer & Standard [2]

Winter Guard Mortar Crew [4]

Winter Guard Rifle Corps [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]
Defenses

    – Barrier

    – Barrier

    – Fire Pit
Command Card

    – Defenses

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell

    – Sapper

    – Sentry Duty [1]

Khador – 5th Division

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Strakhov 1] Kommander Oleg Strakhov

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Kodiak [10]

    – Kodiak [10]

    – Marauder [9]

    – Marauder [9]

    – Marauder [9]
Kovnik Apprentice Kratikoff [4]

    – Rager [8]
Battle Mechaniks [2]

Greylord Ternion [4]

Greylord Ternion [4]
Command Cards

    – Arcane Forces [1]

    – Hit & Run

    – Old Faithful

     – Power Swell

     – Sapper

Malakov 2 in 5th division

It is no secret that I’m very fond of Winter Guards; and lots of them. I have played a lot of Vlad1 in Winter Guards. So, I was so happy when 5th division arrived. The changes from the classic Winter Guards to 5th division are not huge. Most notably, the Rocketeers are no longer Weapon Attachments but units on their own. This is a good thing. Joe has been toned down a bit. The Artillery Kapitans have become even more useful; and we can have Ternions for Empower.

I finally get to field Victor (with the paint almost dry). I think he is a beast. His main gun, is actually better with the new AOE blast rules. Finally, we can “field” Barriers, which is pretty cool for the new Rocketeer units to hide behind, making the DEF 16 against shooting. The Fire Pit is there to support a flank if there are Ambushers around.

This is clearly my main army. I would not be surprised if I’m only going to field this. In general, the plan is going to be pretty simply. Grab cover, shoot a lot. Focus on killing the high value, or dangerous targets first, and them mob up.

Strakhov 1 in 5th division

Khador Legacy ‘jack are as we know them. The are rather inexpensive, hits hard, but are slow. They are also relying on their base ARM 20. Their “high” arm has not really been high for many years. I suspect it is the same problem in MARK IV: ARM 20 is not going to cut it.

Nevertheless, Strakhov with all the ‘jacks should be fun. There are Juggernauts for normal killing; Marauders for addressing huge bases; and Kodiaks for movement, thorwing stuff and clouds.

Some Mechaniks for repairing and potentially scoring zones. 6 Ternions for feed the ‘jacks focus. Sorscha is there for the Boundless Charge on a stick.

I’m not sure that I am going to play this list a lot (at all). But if the right situation arrives.

Round 1 — Mercenaries of Sweden

First up is the Talion Charter, so Swedish Pirates! Something we are historically well acquited with in Denmark. I think this should be manageable, I just need to kill the Gallon fast.

We are playing Invasion, so two zones for troops. Also, the pirates do not have a lot of shooting, so I’m going for Malakov with all the men. The Swede went with Fiona, which I think is OK. The two armies are:

Mercenaries – Talion Charter

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Fiona 1] Fiona the Black

    – Galleon [30]

    – Mariner [14]

    – Mariner [14]

    – Toro [10]
Bosun Grogspar [3]

Dirty Meg [2]

Master Gunner Dougal MacNaile [2]

Powder Monkey [1]

Powder Monkey [1]

Powder Monkey [1]

Swamp Gobber River Raider [1]

Swamp Gobber River Raider [1]

Swamp Gobber River Raider [1]
Press Gangers [5]

Press Gangers [5]

The Commodore Cannon & Crew [6]
Defenses

    – Spike Trap

    – Spike Trap

    – Spike Trap
Command Card

    –  Blessing of the Gods [0]

    –  Careful Reconnaissance [0]

    –  Defenses [0]

    –  Sapper [0]

    –  Sentry Duty [1]

Khador – 5th Division

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Malakov 2] Kommander Andrei Malakov

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Victor [27]
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich [3]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]
Battle Mechaniks [2]

Greylord Ternion [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Infantry [5]

    – Officer & Standard [2]

Winter Guard Mortar Crew [4]

Winter Guard Rifle Corps [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]
Defenses

    – Barrier

    – Barrier

    – Fire Pit
Command Card

    – Defenses [0]

    – Old Faithful [0]

    – Power Swell [0]

    – Sapper [0]

    – Sentry Duty [1]

My plan is pretty simple: i) Shoot a lot; ii) Kill the Galleon; and iii) deal with the rest. How hard can it be?

Both parties are ready to roll. The pirates won the roll-off and opted to go first. The picture below depicts the situation after deployment.

Swedish pirates attempting to raid Denmark

Fiona advances carefully. She is afraid of Victor and his big gun. On the right flank there is a large trench where a unit of Press Gangers hide. This is slightly annoying as I would rely on blasts to kill all the Press Gangers. Fiona also hides in some rubble. Everything else tries to stay out of Victors fire range.

Malakov advances his troops. Rocketeers run into cover behind the two barriers strategically placed within running distance.

As always, the first round is pretty boring. The picture below shows the result of the first round.

Somewhere in the middle of the game

I got carried away, so I forgot to take many pictures. Loosely based on my memory, this is what happend.

Fiona had to move up. The two Mariners turned out to be pretty good a shooting and moving. They, more or less cleaned out most troops on the right flank. Also, the Press Gangers mostly just sat there nice and cozy hiding from Khador’s artillery.

The left flank was a bit more cautious. Fiona was pretty worried about loosing the Commodore Cannon, so it never really got to do a lot.

At some point. the Galleon had to move forward to join the fray and that did have some effect.

Malakov would really like to get rid of the Galleon. So the first couple of turns all shooting was directed into it. The Galleon went down somewhat easy. Concentrating fire on the Galleon obviously meant that other enemies had to be ignored; which cost a lot of dead troops. However, I think the priority was worth the effort.

After killing the Galleon, Fiona was on her heels. Unfortunately, a lot of shooting, many little men and a rusty player has its consequences.

End of game

At the end of the day, I spend too much clock time. I think the primary reasons were: not being sufficiently prepared by knowing my models’ capabilities by heart; and not sticking to a plan. I did decide to kill the Galleon and then deal with the rest. However, I think I spend to much time being somewhere between greedy and questioning myself.

All in all, the Swedish pirates manage to set up a beach head on the Danish shores. Fiona won on my timing out. She ended up with a mere 46 army points and 6 control points. Malakov managed to do 39 army points and 2 control points.

I was a very nice game with a very lovely opponent. I’m pretty sure we both enjoyed it — probably him slightly more than me, though.

Round 2 — American Orgoth

Next up are American Orgoth. In some bizarre way a natural continuation from my first match. This time it is just pirates from distant shores to the west attempting to land on Danish shores.

We are playing Split Decision, so it is troops and solos for scoring. I’m sticking with Malakov as he actually did it pretty well in the last round. The American went with Horruskh. I think I’m good. I have only met Orgoth twice, so who knows? The two armies are:

Orgoth – Sea Raiders

Grand Melee – 100 pts 
Horruskh, The Thousand Wraths

	SPELL – Carnage

	SPELL – Death March 
 	– Jackal [8]

 		HEAD – Bloodthirst [1]

 		RIGHT ARM – Pole Arm [4]

 		LEFT ARM – Assault Shield [3]

 	– Jackal [8]

		HEAD – Bloodthirst [1]

 		RIGHT ARM – Pole Arm [4]

 		LEFT ARM – Assault Shield [3]

	– Jackal [8]

 		HEAD – Arc Node [1]

 		RIGHT ARM – Mace [3]

 		LEFT ARM – Assault Shield [3]

	– Jackal [8]

 		HEAD – Arc Node [1]

 		RIGHT ARM – Mace [3]

 		LEFT ARM – Clawed Fist [3]

	– Tyrant [16]

		HEAD – Hunter [2]

		RIGHT ARM – Belcher [7]

		LEFT ARM – Quad Bolt Thrower [7]

	– Tyrant [16]

		HEAD – Hunter [2]

		RIGHT ARM – Belcher [7]

		LEFT ARM – Quad Bolt Thrower [7]
Reaver Commander [3]

Reaver Commander [3]

Vulcar Forge Master [2]

Vulcar Forge Master [2]

Vulcar Forge Master [2]
Rhok Harriers [10]

Ulkor Axers [8]

Ulkor Axers [8]

Warwitch Coven [4]

Warwitch Coven [4] 
Command Card

	– Careful Reconnaissance [0]

	– Hit & Run [0]

	– Old Faithful [0]

	– Power Swell [0]

	– Savagery [1]

Khador – 5th Division

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Malakov 2] Kommander Andrei Malakov

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Victor [27]
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich [3]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]

Winter Guard Artillery Kapitan [2]
Battle Mechaniks [2]

Greylord Ternion [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Field Gun Crew [4]

Winter Guard Infantry [5]

    – Officer & Standard [2]

Winter Guard Mortar Crew [4]

Winter Guard Rifle Corps [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]

Winter Guard Rocketeers [5]
Defenses

    – Barrier

    – Barrier

    – Fire Pit
Command Card

    – Defenses [0]

    – Old Faithful [0]

    – Power Swell [0]

    – Sapper [0]

    – Sentry Duty [1]

I won the roll off an went first. As always, two barriers are place within running distance of the Rocketeers. Besides that, there really isn’t a lot to say about the deployment.

Horruskh deploys most of the ‘jacks in the middel, with troops on the flank, and the flying monsters on the right to harass Malakov’s flag and objective. The picture below depicts the situation after deployment.

Orgoth arriving on the shores of Khador

Again, the sound of battle and charging enemies made me forget to take pictures. So, it will be loosely based on my memory.

Shooting is good. I did manage to kind of follow a plan of concentrating fire on single models until they are gone. However, some thinking was required as the Vulcar Forge Masters hand out Shield Guard. Also, the shooting Orgoth Tyrants are no slugs. They did thin out heavily in Malakov’s troops.

At some point during the altercation I manage to move Victor into charge range of too many Orgoth ‘jacks; which killed him. That was rather silly. I should remember to measure more thoroughly.

I did manage to score consistently on my flag, and keep my objective alive. The Winter Guards on the right flank could, surprisingly easy deal with the Rhok Harriers. Something that allowed them to kill the Orgoth objective and on a regular basis contest the flag.

At some point it became clear that the real battle was on the left flank. That was the most bloody part. It was back and forth with the Juggernauts being damaged a lot, the repaired and hitting back. Malakov had Horruskh on the defensive for scenario points. Finally, Horruskh came forward as the last remaining model that could do anything sensible (scenario wise). Malakov threw everything at him…

End of battle

My clock went bip before the remaining Juggernaut manage to make its last attack. Horruskh was on three boxes with no focus left. One more minute on the clock and he would have been toast. The battle enden with me loosing on time (again!), with the Orgoth scoring 60 army points and 6 control points; and Malakov scoring 47 army points and 8 control points. Well played by the American.

Again I’m too slow. This is clearly a result of too little preparation. Loosing Victor was down to sloppy playing, yet it was not a catastrophe. All in all, it was a very good game, which we both enjoyed.

Round 3 — Swedish Crucible Guards

Next up, more Swedes. This time it is Crucible Guards, which is actually very bad for Khador. They can typically swing ARM a lot. I got matched up with them, partly based on thinking Malakov should have a fighting chance. We are playing Bunkers. Partly because I had a stroke (not of genius) I decided that I hadn’t played Starkhov yet and Marauders are very good agains huge bases (there is a Vulcan). So Strakhov it is. The two armies are:

Crucible Guard – Crucible Guard

Grand Melee – 100 pts
Marshal General Baldwin Gearhart

	– Mr. Clogg

	– Retaliator [8]

	– Vanguard [9]

	– Vulcan [28]
Ascendant Mentalist [4]

Aurum Ominus Alyce Marc [5]

Crucible Guard Mechanik [1]

Crucible Guard Mechanik [1]

Crucible Guard Mechanik [1]

Doctor Alejandro Mosby [4]
Crucible Guard Assault Troopers [7]

Crucible Guard Assault Troopers [7]

Crucible Guard Infantry [7]

	– Crucible Guard Infantry Officer & Standard [4]

Crucible Guard Storm Troopers [9]

Dragon’s Breath Rocket [4]
Command Card

	– Blessing of the Gods [0]

	– Hit & Run [0]

	– Power Swell [0]

	– Sapper [0]

	– Sentry Duty [1]

Khador – 5th Division

Grand Melee – 100 pts
[Strakhov 1] Kommander Oleg Strakhov

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Juggernaut [10]

    – Kodiak [10]

    – Kodiak [10]

    – Marauder [9]

    – Marauder [9]

    – Marauder [9]
Kovnik Apprentice Kratikoff [4]

    – Rager [8]
Battle Mechaniks [2]

Greylord Ternion [4]

Greylord Ternion [4]
Command Cards

    – Arcane Forces [1]

    – Hit & Run [0]

    – Old Faithful [0]

     – Power Swell [0]

     – Sapper [0]

I won the roll-off and went first. I did have some kind of a plan. I would get one or two Marauders to the Vulcan, kill it and mop up the rest. I assumed that I could bait it with one Marauder or perhaps a Juggernaut. The picture below shows the deployment.

Deployment of both armies

First round was good. I followed my plan and moved ‘jacks up behind the house in the middle and putting one in harms way to lure the Vulcan to my Marauders, feating quite early to make sure that all my ‘jacks had Stealth. The plan worked.

The plan actually worked so well that the Vulcan, the Infantry (which shoots ridiculous good against high arm) and the Assault Troopers basically remove all of my ‘jacks on the right flank without breaking a sweat. I think they were swinging ARM with -6 due to rust and other nastiness.

End of battle

So, basically I played the worst possible army into the worst possible enemy. I was thinking that I might be able to catch the enemy off guard (no pun intended). They didn’t even have to be on guard. I lost on scenario, with Crucible Guards scoring an impressive 92 army points and 8 control points; with me only scoring 29 army points and 3 control points.

This was just bad pairing (my own fault), bad judgement (my own fault) and bad playing (my own fault). Kudos to the nice Swede for keeping up with a ever increasing grumpy Khador player.

Game 4 & 5:

For logistic reasons I couldn’t make the fourth game and unfortunately had to leave my opponent with a victory without putting models on the table. The fifth game game had the same problem, just the other way around. So, I actually manage to “win” one game.

Summary & Lessons Learned

First of all, WTC is fun. The people are very nice and there is a fantastic atmosphere. I am so much looking forward to next year.

I had two very good games, and a very bad one (which was only down to myself). It is quite clear that I need to practice more. There are a few recommendations for myself (and others perhaps):

Know exactly what your models do;
More practice games;
Form a plan and stick to it, unless it goes completely haywire;
Develop patterns for movement of models that interact. E.g. move Artillery Kapitan, then move Artillery and shooting ‘jacks;
Don’t get greedy; and
Read up on opposing armies.

I’ll try to adhere to these lessons learned in the future.

Until next time.

For the Motherland!

The Motherland went to the WTC

Igor Khador — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:10:00 +0000

I’m have been representing the Motherland at the WTC in Belgium this year. This was a first for me. It is the last time MKIII will be played as MKIV was recently been announced. I brought Old Witch 2 along with her half-naked crazed people in Wolves of Winter and Karchev 2 with all the Warjacks he could find in Jaws of the Wolf. I’m happy with how I performed. I’m excited and I’ll be returning in 2023. So, here are some impressions.

It was my first time at WTC and I was obviously going to bring Khador. It is 50 teams from 19 different countries. I expect to meet a whole lot of different armies that I’m not used to seeing, nice people and a lot of playing Warmachine. What more is there to ask for?

My ambitions is, as always to win at least one and not come last.

Obviously, I’m playing Khador. If it is not the last time in MKIII, it is very close. I’m also clearly going to bring K2D2 as he is the current hot stuff (17 lists of Khador running K2D2 and 10 in Cryx, out of 500 lists) in Jaws of the Wolf. K2D2 needed a partner. Who better than The Old Witch 2 (only two lists in Khador and one in Grymkim)? I have always loved the long legged lady. Clearly Zevanna needs some eye candy, so she is accompanied 40 naked buffed up men (well some of the are women, but details) in Wolves of Winter. So, my two lists are:

[Theme] Wolves of Winter
[Old Witch 2] Zevanna Agha [+29]

 – Destroyer [13]

 – Destroyer [13]

 – Greylord Adjunct [3]

Alexia, Mistress of the Witchfire [6]

Greylord Forge Seer [4]

Greylord Forge Seer [4]

Koldun Lord [3]

Koldun Lord [3]

Battle Mechaniks (min) [2]

 – Battle Mechanik Officer [1]

Doom Reaver Swordsmen [10]

 – Greylord Escort [3]

Doom Reaver Swordsmen [10]

 – Greylord Escort [3]

Doom Reaver Swordsmen [10]

 – Greylord Escort [3]

Doom Reaver Swordsmen [10]

Greylord Ternion [0(5)]

Greylord Ternion [0(5)]

Greylord Ternion [0(5)]

[Theme] Jaws of the Wolf
[Karchev 2] Malignant Fusion [+27]

 – Behemoth [20]

 – Devastator [14]

 – Juggernaut [13]

 – Juggernaut [13]

 – Marauder [11]

 – Greylord Adjunct [3]

Death Archon [9]

Greylord Forge Seer [0(4)]

Greylord Forge Seer [0(4)]

Kovnik Apprentice Kratikoff [0(4)]

 – Rager [9]

Battle Mechaniks (min) [2]

Kayazy Eliminators [4]

Kayazy Eliminators [4]

I’m not going to run through the two list in many details. Just some rough ideas as to why they are as they are, and why they are together.

Old Witch 2 in Wolves of Winter

I went with Wolves of Winter to counter infantry spam (one should always counter spam with spam – and ham perhaps); also to a certain degree as an anti-shooting list. The combination of Zevanna’s Windstorm covering 18″ using Vexing Alignment, the two Koldun Lords using Wind Ravager, and all the clouds on Doom Reavers from the Ternions should provide some protection against shooting.

Alexia is there to pick souls and pop three Thrall Warriors in inconvenient places to threaten ‘caster or score and contest. The two Destroyers are there to do a bit of heavy lifting and shoot at Objectives and other stuff.

So, the plan is more or less to run the Doom Reavers in two waves. The first (potentially carrying clouds) to jam opponents and just be annoying. The second wave is there to hit back at what ever kills the first wave. Alexia will pick up a few souls and hurl them at something, and the Destroyers will clean up the rest. Solid plan! What can possibly go wrong?

Karchev 2 in Jaws of the Wolf

The opposite to lady long leg and fast half naked people is clearly K2D2 with all the ‘jacks. This list is slow, robust and hits hard (though, very few attacks). It does, however have a pretty good feat giving the ‘jacks (and K2D2) SPD 8. Along with Sorscha0 this gives a threat range of 14″ (SPD 8″ + 3″ charge + 2″ Boundless Charge + 1″ Reach).

All ‘jacks have Pathfinder (except K2D2), which is nice. The four Eliminators are there to score, contest and just being annoying. The Death Archon give an additional +2 ARM when the opponent is living (a Devastator can go to an effective ARM 29 against melee with a base of 23 + 2 from Locked Horns +2 from Death Ward and + 2 from Mortal Fear. It can also clear out enemy Archons. This is what Khador armour should be.

The plan is, again strait forward: Lumber forward until one can reach the enemy under feat, the feat and bring axe to face. A classic point and click army.

So far, so good. Now on to the six battles.

Round 1 – Retribution of Italy

First up is Retribution. This is not one of my favourites. I really dislike the lawn mover a lot. Goreshade has a very annoying feat. So it’s either bad or bad.

[Theme] Defenders of Ios
[Issyria 1] Sibyl of Dawn [+29]

 – Sylys Wyshnalyrr [0]

 – Hemera [15]

 – Manticore [14]

 – Chimera [8]
Dawnguard Trident [16]
Arcanist Mechanik [2]

Arcanist Mechanik [2]

House Ellowuyr Warden Executioner [6]

House Ellowuyr Warden Executioner [6]

Hermit of Henge Hold [0]

Ghost Sniper [0]

Ghost Sniper [0]
House Ellowuyr Wardens (max) [14]

 – Soulless Escort [1]

House Ellowuyr Wardens (max) [14]

 – Soulless Escort [1]

House Vyre [5]

[Theme] Defenders of Ios
[Goreshade 4] the Forgiven [+28]

 – Sylys Wyshnalyrr [0]

 – Chimera [8]

 – Harpy [9]

 – Harpy [9]

 – Aeternae [16]
Hermit of Henge Hold [0]

Aelyth Vyr [0]

House Ellowuyr Warden Executioner [6]

Lys Healer [2]

Arcanist Mechanik [2]

Arcanist Mechanik [2]

Arcanist Mechanik [2]
Ryssovass Defenders (max) [15]

 – Soulless Escort [1]

Ryssovass Defenders (max) [15]

 – Soulless Escort [1]

House Ellowuyr Wardens (max) [14]

 – Soulless Escort [1]

The scenario is Invasion, which requires a lot of troops. So, I’m dropping Old Witch since there are enough bodies for some of them being frozen whereas I can’t really afford the ‘jacks in K2D2’s list to be frozen. The Wolves also has a lot of could immunity. Finally, the anti-shooting tech can hopefully interfere with the lawn mover.

Issyria floats onto the table along with the lawn mover. My plan is to get up the table fast and press for scenario; whilst getting anti-shooting close enough to be annoying. Then see where it takes us. The picture below depicts the starting situation.

Retribution in the hands on the Italians

The plan kind of worked to being with. Enough Doom Reavers to make the Retribution struggle. The anti-shooting kind of worked, however, the Wardens are no picknick. So in the end I’m struggling with time and scenario. I simply have to minimise the damage.

I had my eyes set on the lawn mover and tried to remove it twice, using a Destroyer. Getting rid of that would make my life so much easier. It obviously shoots a lot. Yet, more importantly it takes up a lot of real estate making it next to impossible to get an assassination run on Issyria; which to be honest is my only chance.

The Destroyer tried twice. Fully loaded and charging should at least put a dent in the lawn mover. Our of the six (or perhaps seven, I might not have charged both times) attacks, I manage to hit only twice and put an impressive four points of damage on it. It is base DEF 12 and ARM 20 (perhaps with a bit of modifications). Yet, on the average the Destroyer should have been able to put in around 25 points of damage (assuming the lawn mower was unbuffed). So, four points of damage is slightly below average.

Nevertheless, it was not dice alone that made me loose the game. A better player on the Retribution side also contributed a lot. The picture below depicts the sorry state of the Old Witch when she ran out of time.

End of the game

I’m not convinced I could win this. Yet, I still think it was the right drop; unless I had known it would be Issyria, that K2D2 would probably have been better (there is a Marauder to take care of the annoying lawn mower).

Anyway, it was fun playing and I also think my opponent had fun. The game ended on time with a scenario score of 5-2 in the Italian’s favour. The rest of the team did no fare a lot better. We lost 2-3 and are a bit shaken going into round 2.

Round 2 – The French Legion

Second round is against the French. I get the foreign legion (of Everblight). Again, I’m not a huge fan of Legion. I do, however, have a history of doing OK against them. The two lists presented to me are:

[Theme] Children of the Dragon
[Lylyth 4], Mekanolyth [28]

 – Azrael [17]

 – Ravagore [14]

 – Ravagore [14]

 – Nephilim Bolt Thrower [9] 
Yssylla [0]

The Forsaken [0]

Beast Mistress [2]

 – Naga Nightlurker [7]

 – Mekanoshredder [4]

Blighted Nyss Shepherd [1]

Spell Martyr [1]

Spell Martyr [1]

Blighted Nyss Raptors (max) [15]

Blighted Nyss Archers (max) [13]

 – Blighted Nyss Archer Officer & Ammo Porter [0]

Ice Witches [5]

[Theme] Primal Terrors
[Kallus 1], Wrath of Everblight [+30]

 – Ammok the Truthbearer [0]

 – Blightbringer [30]

Thagrosh Hellborne [0]

 – Harrier [3]

Warmonger War Chief [0]

Spell Martyr [1]

Spell Martyr [1]

Chosen of Everblight (max) [20]

Chosen of Everblight (max) [20]

Hellmouth [6]

Hellmouth [6]

Blighted Rotwings (max) [9]

Blighted Rotwings (max) [9]

The scenario is Split Decision, which requires scenario pressure. I’m thinking Old Witch can do this and also deal with Mekanolyth; despite having no idea what she does. I don’t think I have anything against Kallus. I can only hope that Doom Reavers can kill enough when the annoying Incubus arrives under feat.

So, again I opt for Old Witch. Obviously, Kallus arrives on the table. The picture below shows the starting position of the battle.

Legion a la France

There really isn’t a lot to say. Kallus throws everything up the table as fast as possible (going first). Old Witch attempts the same. However, in the second round the same happens and Kallus feats. It is basically game over.

Zevanna looses on scenarion with a score of 6-1 in Kallus’ favour. I basically had my rear end, and several other body parts handed to me. I think it is a very well designed army in the way that the models supplement each other well and it is more a less a point a click army: go first, move fast, move again, feat, win on scenario. I’m outmatched.

The rest of the team kept up their approach. Again, we went 2-3 and are now low on morale. There is one more battle left on the first day. On to round 3.

Round 3 – Circle of England

It is only fitting that the island of druids should present a Circle list to me. I like Circle; not that I consistently beat them. But I think I actually got a chance here. As long as I can keep Ghetorix away from anything (or everything) of importance I at least stand a chance. The two lists presented to me were:

[Theme] The Wild Hunt
[Wurmwood 1], Tree of Fate [+27]

 – Cassius the Oathkeeper

 – Ghetorix [17]

 – Warpwolf Stalker [15]

 – Feral Warpwolf [14]

 – Loki [15]
Gallows Grove [0]

Gallows Grove [0]

Gallows Grove [0]

War Wolf [0]

War Wolf [0]

War Wolf [0]

Krueger the Stormseer [0]

 – Woldwyrd [8]

Blackclad Wayfarer [3]

Lanyssa Ryssyl, Nyss Sorceress [3]
Boil Master & Spirit Cauldron [5]

Death Wolves [9]

Shifting Stones [3]

Shifting Stones [3]

Wolves of Orboros (min) [7]

The Wild Hunt
[Kromac 1], the Ravenous [28]

 – Druid Wilder [3]

 – Ghetorix [17]

 – Loki [15]

 – Warpwolf Stalker [15]

 – Feral Warpwolf [14]
Well of Orboros [10]
Krueger the Stormseer [0]

 – Woldwyrd [8]

Chuck Dogwood [0]

Lord of the Feast [0]

Blackclad Wayfarer [3]
Wolves of Orboros (min) [7]

Shifting Stones [3]

Farrow Valkyries [8]

The scenario is Recon II, which only requires ‘jacks and solos. Also, Wurmwood’s feat will shut down most of the Doom Reavers (except when charging, but we can’t see though the forest); whereas all K2D2’s ‘jacks have Pathfinder and can trample far under feat. Kromac is ‘beast heavy. So, there really isn’t a choice. It is K2D2 all the way. The picture below shows the situation after the first round (I forgot to take a picture to begin with).

Druids of the islands about to kick Khadorian ass

I just follow the plan. Lumber forward until I get into range. Clearly it is not an intricate plan. So, my opponent can probably figure it out. Luckily, it is a K2D2 friendly scenario. There is no way of winning on scenario without engaging the enemy.

K2D2 keeps himself and his ‘jacks out of Ghetorix’ threat range. He can easily kill a heavy without breaking sweat.

The right flank is most of the time pretty uninteresting. One of the Juggernauts, a unit of Eliminators and a bit of support from the Devastator fight it out with the Death Wolves, Wolves of Orboros and the Boil Master.

All the action is on the left flank. Wurmwood and his pet, along with most of the rest of the army put pressure here. The battle waves back and forth. Loki tries to pick a hole in K2D2’s line, so K2D2 has to kill him.

Near the end, K2D2 and most of the army ends up at the top left corner and does a serious threat to Wurmwood. Unfortunately all the lumbering means that I run out of time. K2D2 looses at a scenario score of 7-5 in the druids favour.

This was a very fun game. I’m pretty sure that both my opponent and I had a lot of fun. I lost, but if I had been faster I think I might have had a chance. So play faster, but stick to plan. This was the last battle of the first day. I lost all three but had a lot of fun. The whole team did not fair any better. We lost all three matches. It is now time for the bar.

Round 4 – Trolls of Belgium

It is very fitting that we are facing Belgium as the first opponent on day two. We will stand up being helped by the Belgian as we fell down last night by the Belgian (beer).

This time I’m facing Trollbloods. I like them. They are kind of Horde’s version of Khador. It turns out that proper Belgic trolls are a good deal more dangerous that the commonly know traditional blue guys from Belgium – the smurfs. I’m presented with two lists: Kolgrima in Storm of the North. I’m assuming that Kolgrima is actually Mémé Schtroumpf (or vice versa); and Madrak 3 in Band of Heroes:

[Theme] Storm of the North
[Kolgrima 1] Kolgrima Stonetruth, Winter Witch [+28]

 – Earthborn Dire Troll [12]

 – Earthborn Dire Troll [12]

 – Pyre Troll [8]

 – Trollkin Runebearer [0(4)]

Boomhowler, the Destroyer [8]

Death Archon [9]

Madrak Ironhide, Champion of the Kriels [0(5)]

 – Dire Troll Brawler [14]

Valka Curseborn, Chieftain of the North [0(5)]

Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min) [5]

 – Northkin Elder [3]

Northkin Bear Handler & Battle Bears [10]

Northkin Bear Handler & Battle Bears [10]

Northkin Fire Eaters [6]

Northkin Fire Eaters [6]

Band of Heroes
[Madrak 3] Madrak, Great Chieftain [+29]

– Earthborn Dire Troll [12]

– Pyre Troll [8]

– Storm Troll [7]

– Trollkin Runebearer [0(4)]

Fell Caller Hero [0(4)]

Fell Caller Hero [0(4)]

Horthol, Long Rider Hero [7]

Stone Scribe Chronicler [2]

Stone Scribe Chronicler [2]

Kriel Warriors (min) [7]

– Kriel Warrior Caber Thrower (3) [6]

Trollkin Fennblades (max) [13]

– Trollkin Fennblade Officer & Drummer [4]

Trollkin Fennblades (max) [13]

– Trollkin Fennblade Officer & Drummer [4]

Trollkin Long Riders (max) [17]

The scenario is King of Hill. This could potentially be played by both lists. Mémé Smurf is a lot of cold and Madrak is a lot of infantry. So, I think that the cold immunity and number of attacks from the Doom Reavers are the way to go. K2D2 probably can’t cut it here.

I forgot to take a picture in the beginning, so it will be by memory. Zevanna deploys in the normal way. All the Doom Reavers up front and the rest in second wave. Kolgrima is slightly to the left and Madrak0 is slightly to the right. Both the Bear Handlers opt for not ambushing.

The Doom Reavers run and jam. Zevanna is actually kind of frisky and actually ends up in the middle zone.

At some point an Earthborn ends up in each of the rectangular zones along with a unit of Bear Handlers. The right zone is also visited by the Brawler. Zevanna counter with a Destroyer on each flank along with what Doom Reavers are left.

At some point when the lines have clashed, Alexia ends up “near” Kolgrima with three souls. She finally does her thing and pops three Thralls near Kolgrima. The picture below depicts how Alexia should be played.

Alexia finally doing her thing. Kolgrima having visitors in her back

This marvellous manoeuvre leaves Kolgrima at three boxes and the rightmost Earthborn very damaged. It is now a kill or be killed situation for Kolgirma. She Vanish away and moves to the middle to spray Zevanna away. The picture below shows the situation when Kolgrima does her spray thing.

End of game

It is a lost cause for Kolgrima. She did not manage to spray Zevanna of the table. Just to the left of her is a fully functioning Destroyer ready to be fully loaded and pay Mémé a vist. Before that happens the time runs out for the Trolls. Zevanna wins on time with the fantastic scenario score of 0-0.

Once again we both had fun. Actually, I think I played pretty good this time (the nice Belgian beer apparently helped). I think Kolgrima had the terrain against her, or at least got it when exposed to hard scenario pressure from the Doom Reavers.

Finally, a win. Not only for me, but for the team. This time we went 4-1. So we are happy for now. On to the Netherlands.

Round 5 – Cryx of the Netherlands

The fifth round is against the Netherlands. This time I’m presented with Cryx. This is also the player I played a grudge match against Friday evening. That battle was a blast. So, we both know this is going to be fun. I’m presented with the following lists:

[Theme] Scourge of the Broken Coast
[Skarre 1] Pirate Queen [+28]

 – Doctor Stygius [4]

 – Stalker [8]

 – Stalker [8]

 – Stalker [8]

 – Stalker [8]
Axiara Wraithblade [0]

Severa Blacktide [0]

General Gerlak Slaughterborn [0]
Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius [4]

 – Kharybdis [15]
Blighted Trollkin Marauders (min) [14]

 – Jussika Bloodtongue [4]
Asphyxious the Sanctified  [14]

 – Inflictor [11]
Black Ogrun Ironmongers [5]

[Theme] Black Industries
[Witches] Coven of Garlghast [+26]

 – Egregore

 – Barathrum [13]

 – Deathjack [18]

 – Kharybdis [15]

 – Deathripper [5]

 – Deathripper [5]
Machine Wraith [2]

Pistol Wraith [0]

Warwitch Siren [3]

Warwitch Siren [3]
Asphyxious the Sanctified  [14]

 – Inflictor [11]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

Mechanithralls (min) [6]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

 – Brute Thrall [0]

The last time he dropped Skarre against K2D2. He lost, but it was close and decided that his Skarre game can play into K2D2. He could trick me and drop Witches, which Zevanna is going to be best into. He could also go for Skarre again and assume that I’ll drop K2D2, which is the sensible choice. So, I obviously drop Zevanna to mess with him. It worked. He got a bit confused; and I’m probably in trouble.

We are playing Spread the Net. The picture below depicts the start situation.

Let the battle commence

The battle commences. I’m clearly in trouble. Stalkers are so dangerous. They can move, jump and does grievous wounds. Doom Reavers are not to a lot of help here.

As the game progresses, the normal plan of putting pressure kind of works towards denying scenario points. However, they are dying as flies. My opponent is also pretty good a picking out the Escorts. The Trollkin Marauders are also quite Doom Reaver unfriendly. Luckily, the Koldun Lords do deny some of the shooting.

After a few rounds I’m clearly in trouble. On the right flank my zone is occupied by Stalkers and I’m not going to score the flag over there. I might contest with a bit of luck. The middle zone is just there. None of us is going to score there. I can easily score on the left flank on “my flag”. The zone is consistently contested by Doom Reavers. The scenario score is at 3-1 on Zevanna’s favour.

Kharybdis has also moved up. He is ridiculously dangerous. It is clear that I’m about to loose. After a lot of thinking, complaining about Cryx and trying to teach new swear words to the bystanders I have an initial plan. I can make Kharybdis stationary with the Ternions and try to kill him with everything I have on the left flank. That will not win me the game (Asphyxious is still around and he makes Kharybdis look like a rubber duck). But it will buy me some time to find a rabbit and a hat.

The plan works, except for the latter part of actually killing Kharybdis. He is ARM 23 or something like that; and 30 boxes). I’m in trouble. Skarre activates and removes even more of my dwindling army. To my great luck he forgets to shake Stationary, which means that my Destroyer are left alive. One more turn.

It seems I found a rabbit and a hat. Alexia does her thing (again). Three Thralls with a bit of help takes out the Stalker contesting my right zone. Nothing is contesting my flag so if I run Zevanna to the right zone I’m at 5-1. One more point at I can see the rabbit. There is no way that I can score Skarre’s zone, but I might be able to kill the objective.

So, plan: kill Kharybdis to release the Destroyer who most likely will not be worth much if exposed to a free strike. I can then shoot the already damaged Objective and probably kill it. Leave the Greylord Forgeseer who has been hanging around at the flag and run Zevanna. Off we go.

The last remaining Doom Reavers manage to kill Kharybdis. The Destroyer can now move and shoot the objective. I’m ready to party until it leaves the Objective at 3 boxes. I am 3 minuets on the clock…

Lo and behold, there are a unit of Ternions just hanging around doing nothing. They can actually advance and cast Bonds of Woe on the objective. It is a damage roll at minus three, but it is all I got. They over perform and take out the Objective. Zevanna runs to the zone. Less than a minute left on my clock (around five on his), and I’m at 6-1 on scenario, securing a win for the Motherland.

That was a rabbit out of a hat, and the name of the rabbit was Mary. Let us hail it. Fantastic game. We both had a lot of fun and the grudge is still there. So next year there will be revenge. I’m now at 2-3, which is good. The rest of team also did well and we are as a team also at 2-3. On to the final game against Spain.

Round 6 – The Spanish Grymkin

The final round is against Spain and I’m facing Grymkin. I have never played them before. I only know three things about Grymkin: 1) Clockatrice are OP; 2) Zevanna can play them, and 3) they do weird stuff. I’m presented with the following lists:

[Theme] Dark Menagerie
The Child [+29]

 – Baron Tonguelick, Lord of Warts [0]

 – Cage Rager [13]

 – Clockatrice [13]

 – Clockatrice [13]

 – Clockatrice [13]

 – Skin & Moans [14]

 – Skin & Moans [14]

 – Crabbit [0]

 – Crabbit [0]
Death Knell [11]
Gremlin Swarm [0]

Gremlin Swarm [0]

Defiled Archon [8]

Lady Karianna Rose [3]

[Theme] Bump in the Night
The King of Nothing [+28]

 – Baron Tonguelick, Lord of Warts [4]

 – Clockatrice [13]

 – Clockatrice [13]

 – Crabbit [3]

 – Crabbit [3]

 – Crabbit [3]
Isaiah, Dread Harvester [8]

Defiled Archon [8]

Defiled Archon [8]

Lord Longfellow [0]
Malady Man [0]

Malady Man [0]

Dread Rots (max) [12]

Dread Rots (mx) [12]

Neigh Slayers [12]

 – Neigh Slayer War Horse [4]

I have no idea. I’m pretty sure that Zevanna will be confused and the Doom Reavers are not going to do nothing. If I am to have just a bit of a chance, I’m going for K2D2. The picture below depicts the start of the situation.

Off to bumping thing in the night

We are playing Bunkers, which is probably one of the best possible scenarios. It is going to be all about the flags and getting the Devastator to the Grymkin zone to just contest away. That is the plan-ish.

The Grymkin starts out very aggressive, but does a Cygnar-advance when K2D2 et al. moves forward. Most of the time the mostly dance around. I’m actually doing pretty well. We are scoring equally good.

There is a lot of weird stuff going on. All sorts of Abusing (of the ‘beasts that is) is going on. The ‘beasts have fury and corpses. Arcanas are getting poped and I’m really confused. There is a good way of ending confusion: axe to face.

K2D2 feast and charges a Skin & Moans. That is robust and K2D2 is left naked. Behemoth steps up and removes it. It then damage a Clockatrice a bit until it teleports away. The Marauder charges the Death Knell, whilst toeing the Grymkin zone. It is easy for a Marauder to kill a huge base. The Devastator manage to bulldoze its way to the far side of the opponents zone. Standing right next to the child.

On the right side a Juggernaut charge a Clockatrice, makes it Stationary and hacks away. It turns out that Stationary does not prevent the teleporting thing. Nevertheles, I’m at 4 scenario points and having a perfect Devastator parked in the Child’s face. I think the Grymkin is at a kill or be killed situation.

Unfortunately, the Grymkin opt for the kill part. A Skin and Moan hacks away at K2D2 and does a lot of damage. They are really dangerous. However, he survives. Unfortunately, there are two Clockatrice that can spray and hack away. They are also surprisingly dangerous. K2D2 goes down with a scenario score of 5-5.

This was a weird game. Half the time, I had no idea what was going on. So, I think I actually over performed. Being confused most of the time does not make for the most fun game. Luckily, The Spanish guy was a lovely man. It was a very good and fun game.

Apparently, my results are indicative of the team. I enden up going 2-4, which was the same for the team as a whole. Despite one of our players going 6-0.

Summary

I’m really impressed if you made it all the way here.

I ended up playing 5 out of 6 games using the Old Witch. I should probably have played K2D2 once more into the Dutch Cryx. Yet, I won the game. So, that is OK.

WTC was fantastic. Lovely people and good games. I’m already committed to next year in Copenhagen. I’m pretty sure there will be at least a grudge match against the Dutch. Bring it on.

This was possible the last time I got to play Mark III. There is a rumour that I might go to one final Mark II tournament where I’ll bring Khador. So, perhaps one more report before Mark IV.

I’m so much looking forward to Mark IV. If you want to read about my enthusiasm here.

Until next time.

For the Motherland!