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| The Enemy |
So, having discovered that I'd be unavailable to play at the tournament, I thought I'd help out my former teammate, Thomas. We built a suitable replacement list for his younger brother to fill in the gap I'd left and they had a very formidable army. Tom was running a slightly tuned version of his same tournament list whilst his brother, Donovan, ran a very much broken list.
Keeping with our theme of running deathstar units, Donovan, built out his now customary SUPER COMMAND SQUAD! And I can tell you that once you've seen this one squad table entire armies on its own, you know that the name must be shouted. Now, while I'm sure it's undergone some additional tweaks since, it basically looks like this.
1250 Pts - Black Templars Roster - Team Tourney Donovan 1250
HQ: Marshal (16#)
1 Marshal ((C:BT, pg. 31); Unit Type: Infantry; Crusader Seals; Terminator Honors; Melta Bombs; Lightning Claw x2; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge; Rites of Battle)
1 Adamantine Mantle
1 Command Squad ((C:BT, pg. 33); Unit Type: Infantry; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
6 Initiate with Bolt Pistol and CCW (Bolt Pistol; Close Combat Weapon; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
1 Apothecary (Narthecium; Bolter; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
1 Fighting Company Champion (Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
1 Fighting Company Standard Bearer (Bolter; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
1 Master of Sanctity ((C:BT, pg. 32); Crusader Seals; Rosarius; Terminator Honors; Crozius Arcanum; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
3 Cenobyte Servitors (Unit Type: Infantry; Close Combat Weapon; Accept Any Challenge...; Servitors)
1 Sergeant (Terminator Honors; Power Fist x1; Accept Any Challenge...; Furious Charge)
1 Land Raider Crusader ((C:BT); Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Transport Capacity: 15 models; Access Points: 3; Extra Armor; Frag Assault Launchers; Multi-melta; Dozer Blade; Smoke Launchers; Twin-Linked Assault Cannon; 2x Hurricane Bolters; Accept Any Challenge...; Assault Vehicle; Power of the Machine Spirit)
Troops: Crusader Squad (5#)
1 Crusader Squad, ((C:BT, pg. 37); Unit Type: Infantry; Accept Any Challenge...)
5 Initiate with Bolt Pistol and CCW (Bolt Pistol; Close Combat Weapon; Accept Any Challenge...)
Troops: Crusader Squad (5#)
1 Crusader Squad, ((C:BT, pg. 37); Unit Type: Infantry; Accept Any Challenge...)
4 Initiate with Bolt Pistol and CCW (Bolt Pistol; Close Combat Weapon; Accept Any Challenge...)
1 Initiate with Flamer (Flamer; Accept Any Challenge...)
: Emperor's Champion (1#)
1 Emperor's Champion, ((C:BT, pg. 31); Unit Type: Infantry; Crusader Seals; Frag Grenades; Bolt Pistol; The Black Sword; Accept Any Challenge...; Independent Character; Slayer of Champions)
Total Roster Cost: 1250
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This basically allowed a sixteen person command squad to come leaping out of a Land Raider Crusader with around 35 basic attacks, 20 more power weapon attacks, and a handful more power fist attacks; all with preferred enemy as well as FNP. I have yet to see anything destroy it. So, knowing the deadly potential of this squad, I built a practice list that was purpose built to destroy it. Working with Chris, who had brought his Blood Angels to the fight, I built a list based on his assault marines providing screening cover for my more shooty marines.
1250 Pts - Codex: Space Marines Roster - Experimental anti tourney 1250
HQ: Captain Darnath Lysander (1#)
1 Captain Darnath Lysander (Unit Type: Infantry; Storm Shield; And They Shall Know No Fear; Bolster Defenses; Bolter Drill; Chapter Tactics; Combat Tactics; Eternal Warrior; Independent Character)
1 Fist of Dorn
1 Captain Darnath Lysander (Unit Type: Infantry; Storm Shield; And They Shall Know No Fear; Bolster Defenses; Bolter Drill; Chapter Tactics; Combat Tactics; Eternal Warrior; Independent Character)
1 Fist of Dorn
Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (11#)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad ((C:SM, pg. 63 & 136); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x2; Combi-Meltagun x2; Combi-Plasmagun x5; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Combi-Meltagun x1; Lightning Claw x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Drop Pod (Unit Type: Vehicle (Open-topped); Transport Capacity: 12 models; Storm Bolter; Drop Pod Assault; Immobile; Inertial Guidance System)
9 Sternguard Veteran Squad ((C:SM, pg. 63 & 136); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x2; Combi-Meltagun x2; Combi-Plasmagun x5; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Combi-Meltagun x1; Lightning Claw x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Drop Pod (Unit Type: Vehicle (Open-topped); Transport Capacity: 12 models; Storm Bolter; Drop Pod Assault; Immobile; Inertial Guidance System)
Troops: Tactical Squad (11#)
9 Tactical Squad ((C:SM, pg. 59 & 134); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Plasma gun; Lascannon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Combi-Meltagun x1; Power Weapon x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Razorback (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Transport Capacity: 6 models; Access Points: 3; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon and TL Plasmagun)
9 Tactical Squad ((C:SM, pg. 59 & 134); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Plasma gun; Lascannon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Combi-Meltagun x1; Power Weapon x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Razorback (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Transport Capacity: 6 models; Access Points: 3; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon and TL Plasmagun)
Troops: Tactical Squad (11#)
9 Tactical Squad ((C:SM, pg. 59 & 134); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Plasma gun; Lascannon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Combi-Meltagun x1; Power Weapon x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Razorback (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Transport Capacity: 6 models; Access Points: 3; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon and TL Plasmagun)
9 Tactical Squad ((C:SM, pg. 59 & 134); Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Plasma gun; Lascannon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Combi-Meltagun x1; Power Weapon x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Razorback (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Transport Capacity: 6 models; Access Points: 3; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon and TL Plasmagun)
Heavy Support: Predator (1#)
1 Predator ((C:SM, pg. 78 & 143); Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Twin-Linked Lascannon; Heavy Bolter (each side))
1 Predator ((C:SM, pg. 78 & 143); Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Twin-Linked Lascannon; Heavy Bolter (each side))
Total Roster Cost: 1250
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So, having won the roll off to go first on seize ground, we chose to let Tom and Donovan deploy first. I had figured that would give my drop pod the best edge for placement as they'd have moved forward enough in their first turn for us to better support the vets in the pod. I had figured a first turn alpha strike with the Sternguard supported with Lysander. I was able to deploy forward enough that I had great shots on the Wolf Guard Termies as well as the SUPER COMMAND SQUAD!
I can't recall with what weapon it was done, but Chris managed to blow up the LRC that the SUPER COMMAND SQUAD was riding in. This gave me a clear shot at them and I plasma'd them down to the last 3 guys with my Sternguard vets. Meanwhile, we all took some pot shots at the rhino with the rune priest inside, and threw a few lascannon shots from my combat squads on our objectives onto the TWC as well.
Turn 2 saw the total destruction of one of the assault squads by the remaining 3 members of the not-as-SUPER COMMAND SQUAD! The TWC also moved across the field to engage my Sternguard vets and Lysander. They brought down 2 vets and the vets brought down 1 of the TWC in return. Our turn 2 saw me killing 2 of the 3 remaining SUPER COMMAND SQUAD members (the 2nd with a storm bolter) with all of the plasma available to me. I left a combat squad out for the Marshal to attack in order to make sure I'd have a clear lane of fire to him in the next turn. Meanwhile, our now mobile Land Raider (yay, BA) moved forward and disgorged its Terminator Assault Squad and Terminator Librarian to engage the Wolf Guard Terminators. I managed to drop one more of the Thunderwolf Cav. while the Assault Terminators waded into battle and took down several WGT thanks to their 3++.
At the top of turn 3, one of the Crusader squads moved up towards the melee between the vets/Lysander and the TWC, the Rhino with the Rune Priest in it moved forward in anticipation of supporting the fight with the WGT, then the Crusaders (with Emperor's Champion) moved into assault. The vets finish off the TWC and Lysander crushes the Emperor's Champion, while the Librarian falls and the Assault Terminators pound on the WGT a little more. Vanguard vets heroically intervene and chew up the other Crusader squad and contest the objective. Somewhere around here, Tom and Donovan concede defeat, but man was this an epic battle.
Upon learning that Chris didn't have the points to equip his assault squads with any power weapons, I figured our odds weren't looking too great. The Sternguard really shined through, however as they managed to chew up around 3 squads (with Lysander's help) and weren't instantly destroyed in combat. Having taken up 550 points of my force, I was glad they performed well. I'll probably use them much more often in the future. Also, tried Las/Plas Razorbacks for the first time as well. I was immensely impressed at their versatility. I'll probably hang onto those in future games as well.
The battle did accomplish some good as well as Tom shifted some points around to better equip his TWC with additional power weapons. Donovan also shuffled a few points around to get the most out of his SUPER COMMAND SQUAD, as well. They went on to place 2nd in the tournament once it came.
I can't recall with what weapon it was done, but Chris managed to blow up the LRC that the SUPER COMMAND SQUAD was riding in. This gave me a clear shot at them and I plasma'd them down to the last 3 guys with my Sternguard vets. Meanwhile, we all took some pot shots at the rhino with the rune priest inside, and threw a few lascannon shots from my combat squads on our objectives onto the TWC as well.
Turn 2 saw the total destruction of one of the assault squads by the remaining 3 members of the not-as-SUPER COMMAND SQUAD! The TWC also moved across the field to engage my Sternguard vets and Lysander. They brought down 2 vets and the vets brought down 1 of the TWC in return. Our turn 2 saw me killing 2 of the 3 remaining SUPER COMMAND SQUAD members (the 2nd with a storm bolter) with all of the plasma available to me. I left a combat squad out for the Marshal to attack in order to make sure I'd have a clear lane of fire to him in the next turn. Meanwhile, our now mobile Land Raider (yay, BA) moved forward and disgorged its Terminator Assault Squad and Terminator Librarian to engage the Wolf Guard Terminators. I managed to drop one more of the Thunderwolf Cav. while the Assault Terminators waded into battle and took down several WGT thanks to their 3++.
At the top of turn 3, one of the Crusader squads moved up towards the melee between the vets/Lysander and the TWC, the Rhino with the Rune Priest in it moved forward in anticipation of supporting the fight with the WGT, then the Crusaders (with Emperor's Champion) moved into assault. The vets finish off the TWC and Lysander crushes the Emperor's Champion, while the Librarian falls and the Assault Terminators pound on the WGT a little more. Vanguard vets heroically intervene and chew up the other Crusader squad and contest the objective. Somewhere around here, Tom and Donovan concede defeat, but man was this an epic battle.
Upon learning that Chris didn't have the points to equip his assault squads with any power weapons, I figured our odds weren't looking too great. The Sternguard really shined through, however as they managed to chew up around 3 squads (with Lysander's help) and weren't instantly destroyed in combat. Having taken up 550 points of my force, I was glad they performed well. I'll probably use them much more often in the future. Also, tried Las/Plas Razorbacks for the first time as well. I was immensely impressed at their versatility. I'll probably hang onto those in future games as well.
The battle did accomplish some good as well as Tom shifted some points around to better equip his TWC with additional power weapons. Donovan also shuffled a few points around to get the most out of his SUPER COMMAND SQUAD, as well. They went on to place 2nd in the tournament once it came.
Wow - nice work.
ReplyDeletei'd love to face off against that SUPER COMMAND SQUAD.
I can say, with confidence, that it's the last thing you want to face off against. You best have plenty of plasma if you do.
ReplyDelete