Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova – The Greylord Archives

Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova vs. Marshal General Baldwin Gearhart

Igor Khador — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:27:00 +0000

Crucible Guard is on the move again. The Liael radicalised youth is attempting to use the Orgoth invasion to stir unrest in the territories. The Empress has ordered Kapitan Ekatrina Baranova to stop Baldwin Gearhart. Curcible Guards tend to use all sorts of chemical tricks to mess with Khador armour. This battle is bloody, fast and fun.

Historical, I have had issues with Crucible Guard. Not only have every single model more rules that the entire Khador army, they are also quite adept at dealing with heavy armour. Yet, this is MK IV, so things might have improved. This Gerhart list contains a lot of medium based dudes, three Assault Troopers and one Storm Trooper. Thus, Baranova is summoned to deal with the radicalised youth of Liael. The two lists facing off are:

Khador – Winter Korps
Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova

   – Avenging Force

   – Fog of War

   – Puissance 

   – 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]

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

    – Blessing of the Gods

    – Break Through

    – High Alert

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell
Total Points   102/100

Crucible Guard – Crucible Guard
Marshal General Baldwin Gearhart

   – Mr. Clogg
Vulcan [28]
Ascendant Mentalist [4]

Aurum Ominus Alyce Marc [5]

Crucible Guard Mechanik [1]

Crucible Guard Mechanik [1]

Doctor Alejandro Mosby [4]

Hutchuk, Ogrun Bounty Hunter [5]

Rocketman Ace [3]

Rocketman Ace [3]

Rocketman Stinger [3]

Rocketman Stinger [3]

Trancer [2]
Crucible Guard Assault Troopers [7]

Crucible Guard Assault Troopers [7]

Crucible Guard Assault Troopers [7]

Crucible Guard Storm Troopers [9]

Dragon’s Breath Rocket [4]

Dragon’s Breath Rocket [4]
Command Cards

    – Careful Reconnaissance

    – Hit & Run

    – Old Faithful

    – Power Swell

    – Sapper
TOTAL POINTS 100/100

Please not that I accidentally played this list with 102 points! Goring forward, I’m removing one Officer. krjugamer on the SFG discord has been nice and pointed it out.

Initial Thoughts

In some way, the approach from both lists are similar: only one ‘jack, but a rather large one. Gearhart brings a Vulcan and Baranova brings a Mastodon. I guess that on paper the Mastodon is better. However, Crucible typically has more support spells and weird abilities.

There are also four of the flying men, who tends to be quite mobile and generally a nuisance. The core of the infantry are the Assault Troopers. I remember them as slightly better than old Khador Man-O-Wars. So, this will be interesting. They should probably just be shot, fast. The Rockets does not worry me too much. I seem to remember that they can do some annoying cloud effects. But, I’ll probably manage.

Gearhart and Vulcan is a dangerous partnership. Not only can he cast Deceleration, which is always annoying to face, he can also cast Snipe on a Vulcan and upkeep Hot Shot. That makes for a pretty dangerous rocket and two quite annoying sprays. Mr. Clogg can also helo his master with several different guns, where I find the Catapult most annoying. It has Shadow Bind; and Baranova only has one ‘jack.

I think the plan will be something along the lines of kill as much infantry as possible with the Mastodon and the AC2-Bisons. Kill the Vulcan in close combat with the Mastodon and/or the Wrecking Crew. Snipers of objectives and normal annoyance. What could possible go wrong?

Deployment

We are playing Steamroller 2024 Scenario Battle Lines. Gearhart wins the roll-off and opts to go first. Baranova picks the side with a cloud she can hang out behind.

Gearhart deploys everything in a huge brick in the middle of the board. The Vulcan is to the left of the bulk of the army.

The situation after deployment

Baranova deploys like she always does. The Mastodon, more or less in the middle, with all the support and herself next to it. Each flank is occupied by a unit of Snipers, A Bison, a unit of Wrecking Crew and an Officer. She kind of misses the four units of Shock Troopers. But, the Wrecking Crew must suffice.

The picture above depicts the situation before the battle commences.

Round 1

Round 1 is usually rather boring. However, Baranova has a Mastodon. So it might be fun. Who knows?

End of turn 1

Gearhart advances all of his troops. Snipe goes up on Gearhart along with Deceleration. Deceleration and Assault/Shock Troopers is an unfortunate combination. This gives them +6 ARM against shooting. Boo hiss! That is it.

The picture above shows the result of Gearhart’s advancements.

End of round 1

Baranova is in a good mood. She casts Avenging Force, and with Invocation of Wrath (IoW) and Superiority on the Mastodon, it can walk into shooting distance of the Assault Troopers. So, why waste a present? The combined shooting with a AC-2 Bison and a bit of help from the Arkanists and Volkova, three Assault Troopers, one Shock Trooper and a Dragon Rocket unit disappears. Is is, so far a good day to be a Mastodon.

In addition to the lovely display of fire power, the remaining parts of Baranova’s army just advances. The two units of Snipers spread out. Everybody else just enjoy the show.

The picture above depicts the situation and the end of round 1.

Round 2

Round 2 is where the action typically happens. Gearhart is a bit annoyed that he did not pick up the measuring tape and just eye balled distances. He is now a bit wary of the Mastodon.

End of turn 1

The main event is the movement of Gearhart and some of the Assault Troopers move into the rough terrain in the middle. This obviously makes them somewhat more difficult to shoot. Not only do they get a better DEF but also the +6 to ARM. Quite disappointing, I have to say. Oh, and Gearhart shoots the Bison to the left with Shadow Bind.

A second group of Assault Troopers clutter up to the left. There was some idea behind this, that I forgot. The good doctor does his drug things, probably to make them tough. On the left, a Trancer runs up to the objective.

Finally, on the right, the Vulcan advances outside the charge range of the Mastodon. The remaining Dragon Rockets move up and shoots a rocket and the Wrecking Crew. The main effect is that they get Vengeance. Hutchuck also joins the party on the right side. Along with a dudess on a rocket, they take out the unit of Snipers (and the dog. Nobody likes dogs!)

The picture above shows how the battlefield looks after Gerhart’s response to the Mastodon shock.

End of round 2

OK. Gearhart is getting twitchy. Baranova wants to get stuff moving. She does not like the looks of the Vulcan. So, she moves to the left. Casts IoW and feats. The Mastodon assumes that the Vulcan can’t kill it and moves forward to the middle of the board. It keeps hammering on the unit in the middle hiding Gearhart.

On the left, the Snipers just hang back to score the flag. The Bison can’t move due to Shadow Bind. So it just hangs back and enjoys the view. The Wrecking Crew moves into the woods to be ready for the next turn.

On the right, the second Bison hammes away at the Vulcan, whilst staying near the objective to hopefully score at some point. The Officer charges Hutchuck but can’t manage to kill him. The second Officer runs sideways to be ready to assist. The Wrecking Crew moves forward to be ready for the Vulcan and perhaps be a little in the way.

The picture above depicts the end of round 2. Scenario score is 2-2.

Round 3

Round 3 is typically where battles get decided. Let’s see which way the wind blow. Gearhart needs to put the metal to the pedal.

End of turn 1

On the right flank, Hutchuck attempts to retaliate agains the Officer. Luckily, with out any effect. The two flying men moves towards the objective and the Bison; mostly, to be annoying – like little flies. The Dragon’s Breath moves forward and hits the Bison with Withering Humor (-2 DEF and no tough).

The left flank is rather uneventful. The last flying dude moves to the objective and the Trancer already hanging around there. I assume the Trancer was suppose to move to my Snipes. But apparently, it was napping.

The main action is in the middle, where the Mastodon learns that it is not particularly good at maths. A Vulcan filled up with focus and all the bells and whistles that Gearhart can do, can actually kill a Mastodon. It was not a overkill. But, nevertheless the Mastodon crumbles.

The picture above shows the sorry state of the battle field after the Mastodon has been reduced to scrap. Scenario score is now 4-3.

End of round 3

This is unfortunate. I was assuming that the Vulcan would make a move on the Mastodon. But, I did not expect it to kill it. On the bright side, most of the remaining army is untouched. Nevertheless, Baranova needs to step up and be creative. I do thing she feated at a good time. It is only the Vulcan that is in her battle line.

On the left flank, the Bison haven’t got anything better to do than move to the left and kill the Trancer. Second shot goes into the Vulcan that really needs to go away. The Officer moves behind the Bison for Cover and gives Pathfinder to the Wrecking Crew.

In the middle, the Arkanists lost their ‘jack so it is spray time. They move up and spray the Vulcan. Obviously, Baranova has activated first to cast IoW. Next up is the Mechanik who moves up, shoots and spray the Vulcan. The second Officer gives the other unit of Wrecking Crew Pathfinder as well. It is wrecking time.

The left most Wrecking Crew charges the Vulcan a brings a lot of hurt. We like Puissance. They are followed by the second unit of Wrecking Crew who thinks this looks like fun. They charge, and when the smoke settles the Vulcan is no more.

Nothing significant happens on the right flank. Stuff attempts to hit stuff with no real effect.

The picture above demonstrates the result of Baranova getting her act together. Scenario score is now 6-5 in Gearhart’s favour.

Round 4

Both armies are now left with only the infantry (and tanks in Baranova’s case). Let’s see how Gearhart retaliates.

End of turn 1

Gearhart starts by sending the flying dude on the left down behind the house with the flag to contest the point. Another flying dude move to the middle objective and kills some Arkanists. On the right flank, it is business as usually, people hit each other to no effect.

The real party is in the middle. Obviously, killing the Vulcan did provoke some negative sentiment among the remaining Crucible Guards. They decide to take their anger out on the Wrecking Crews.

The Assault Troopers charge the Wrecking Crew and manage to take out two members of the unit to the right. Some of the other models also attempts to take out the second unit, without any luck. This inspires Gearhart to join the party. He charges the last Wrecking Crew member of the rightmost unit. Luckily, he did not have a full breakfast and is to weak to kill the model.

Gearhart’s revenge was surprisingly weak. No units disappeared. The turn ends with a scenario score of 8-5 in Gearhart’s favour. The picture above depicts the situation and the end of the first turn of round 4.

End of round 4, end of game

Baranova is getting behind on scenario point. So, she really needs to either get some points or just kill Gearhart. Luckily, Gearhart got greedy and manage to place himself in the middle of the board with four annoyed Wrecking Crew members nearby. So, killing Gearhart is the plan.

Kumbaya my lord…

If I was a better player I would probably have played scenario score first and then the assassination run second. But, I’m not. So, all the Wrecking Crew charge in. They roll some dice and to no big surprise Gearhart goes down.

The picture to the left shows Gearhart surrounded by a bunch of Wrecking Crew singing Kumbaya my lord just before Gearhart leaves the party.

This ends the game in round 4. The picture above depicts the end of the game. Scenario score ends at 10-5 in Gearhart’s favour. He would have won if he did not get greedy.

Final Thoughts

Fun game with a lot of cool stuff happening. On the less cool side, I clearly underestimated the robustness of the Mastodon. It does a lot of work. Yet, it is not as survivable as it looks. Also, I still need to be better at scenario. They are very important in Steamroller.

I think I’m getting better at piloting this list. I think that Snipers might have found their place. Park them near a flag and forget them. Bisons are cool. They are quite robust but not really dealing a lot of damage.

Until next time.
For the Motherland!

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!