Each month, a bunch of Geckos pledge to complete a certain amount of miniature painting – with varying success rates (its all beautiful though). So we are a bit late, but here are a selection of our completed painting pledges for March.
The April pledges are already well underway, let see how the Geckos get on with painting this month.
Today Karim is sharing with us his first part of his Abaddon series: Cometh the Despoiler. Karim is a long time Black Legion player and has much to share: enjoy.
An in-depth look at Abaddon the Despoiler
When the time came for my first, purpose written contribution to the blog, I knew it would be some exploration of Chaos Marines. And who better to focus on than Abaddon himself? Since his appearance on the front cover of the first Chaos Space Marine codex, Abaddon has been a central character to the forces of Chaos. I intend this to be a four part series, that will delve into Abaddon – both on the tabletop, on your painting tray, and his portrayal in the lore & art of the 41st Millenium. We’re going to start with Abaddon on the tabletop; how he plays, and how to get the best out of him.
PART 1: DARK TACTICS
Abaddon has always been fantastic on the tabletop, and 8th edition is no different. A good showing from him in the initial Chaos Codex release has recently been bolstered by Vigilus Ablaze. If you’re playing competitive Black Legion, and not taking this guy, you’re probably doing something wrong…
Let’s dive into why he’s so good.
The Statline
Abaddon is a beat stick. 6 attacks at WS 2+, STR 10, AP -4 and D3 damage with his Talon is nothing to be sniffed at. It’ll make a dent in anything you throw him against, and that’s not even including the additional D6, S6, AP -3, Flat 3 damage attacks he deals with Drach’nyen. He’ll cut through most units short of a Knight, and that’s not counting his potential to be buffed.
Even the Talon of Horus’s shooting is a little more respectable now, given the beta ‘Bolter Discipline’ rule. Four STR 4, AP-1, D3 damage shots is ok at cutting through chaff, useful at clipping wounds off light vehicles, and good at killing primaris equivalents, where the multi damage really shines.
In Vigilus Ablaze, Abaddon gained 1 Strength, and 1 Wound. The additional Strength is very useful, as it means that:
a.) He wounds T8 targets on 3s with the Talon
b.) He wounds T5 targets on 2s with the Talon
c.) He wounds T5 targets on 3s with Drach’nyen
These changes, whilst seemingly small, are very useful. They increase the number of wounds he can deal against a host of targets (Bullgryns, Knights, Repulsors), meaning it’s easier to get more utility from his close combat ability.
Even if you do charge Abaddon into close combat against an unwise target, he’ll probably still stick around for a few combat phases. His 2+/4++ save, 8 wounds and T5 means that most light attacks will bounce off him. Even heavier attacks are negated somewhat, by his fantastic ‘Dark Destiny’ rule – which halves all incoming damage. This means that a lascannon can only do a maximum of 3 damage to him – which makes heavy weapons fire, and strong close combat attacks a good deal less terrifying. There are some effective ways of boosting his survivability, which we’ll get onto later.
A shortfall of Abaddon’s statline is his mobility. Whilst his 6” is better than most warriors in terminator armour, he’s likely to spend a long time footslogging up the board – which makes him susceptible to small arms sniper fire. T5 will mostly protect him from most snipers short of a Vindicare, but even a few wounds off the Warmaster can be unhelpful. Given the Black Legion’s ability to advance and fire, you should be consistently advancing him; at least till he makes into charge range.
You DO have alternative methods of delivering him. Obliterators and Terminators make for a devastating deep strike attack to accompany him, and a Land Raider can still carry him across the battlefield – despite his upsized model. The problem with these options (alongside Dreadclaws, Termite Drills, etc) is that you’re failing to use some of his most powerful abilities: his aura.
The Auras
Abaddon has two fantastic auras. The first is ‘Lord of the Black Legion’; the second, ‘Mark of Chaos Ascendant’. If you choose to make him your Warlord, you’ll have to use his Warlord Trait ‘First Amongst Traitors’.
Lord of the Black Legion has recently been buffed. Whilst its previous iteration allowed for friendly Black Legion units within 6” to reroll missed hits, you now have the option to reroll all hits.. This is good in most situations, and excellent in others. Outside of Sicarans and Deredos, Chaos didn’t really have an answer to some competitive mainstays – namely Aeldari fliers. Whilst you’ll still struggle to take out Alaitoc flyers with Lightning Fast Reflexes, Abaddon enabling havocs, hellbrutes and Obliterators to reroll missed hits regardless of modifiers means you pose a significantly greater threat.
The Mark of Chaos Ascendant makes all Heretic Astartes units within 12” immune to morale. In an edition where morale serves as the bane of massed infantry, this ability is fantastic. Smaller squads of Black Legion units won’t benefit from this massively, as even your bog-standard Black Legion Chaos Space Marine is already Leadership 9, due to the Legion’s Trait ‘Black Crusaders’ (LD10 if they pay 5 points for an Icon of Vengeance). This ability shines when using large squads of infantry. Seeing Abaddon surrounded by over 100 cultists is a familiar site for those who frequent tournaments, and they make the most use of this aura. It’s also worth noting that unlike Lord of the Black Legion, this ability affects ALL Heretic Astartes units, regardless of Legion. This, coupled with the new Red Corsairs stratagem could make for some nasty combos. 20 Chaos Marines in cover can be deceptively difficult to shift. If you throw fearless into the mix, along with their 3CP ability to return to the board at full strength, it’s not unimaginable to see the humble Chaos Space Marine seeing a little more usage.
Abaddon’s last aura ability is First Amongst Traitors; which allows Death to the False Emperor to trigger on a 5+ for Black Legion units within 6”. This makes him especially powerful against Imperial Armies if he is your Warlord, which he probably will be – given that it nets you an extra 2CP!
The Playstyle(s)
Because Abaddon has great, force-multiplying rules, alongside a fearsome statline, there are various, legitimate ways to run him in a competitive setting. I’ll suggest a few ways of doing so here.
The Lost and the Damned
This is the most frequently seen way of running the Despoiler. It involves a cultist horde moving up the board slightly ahead of Abaddon. This helps maximise the efficiency of his Mark of Chaos Ascendant rule, as well as Lord of the Black Legion rule – 90 cultists rerolling hits is nothing to be sniffed it – especially if Veterans of the Long War (for shooting), or Soultearer Portent (for melee) is involved.
Whilst this has been a mainstay of Chaos play for a while, I do think there’s something to say about complementary units. You’d want to play a few sorcerers around Abaddon, to further increase the survivability of the cultists (through Delightful Agonies and Miasma of Pestilence), and a new Dark Apostle or two with Benedictions of Darkness, and Illusory Supplication. Furthermore, given that Havocs can now move and shoot, the idea of a rear-guard of havocs with Reaper Chaincannons supporting the cultist horde as it moves up (whilst rerolling all hits!) is very tempting…
The Nuclear bomb
This tactic pivots on Abaddon’s ability to allow surrounding units to reroll all failed hits. It involves Abaddon, and two squads of 3 obliterators. With a little help from our friend Endless Cacophony, you’re looking at a whopping 72 with an average profile of S8, AP-2, D2. To hit modifiers aside, with Abaddon’s reroll, you’re looking at 80 hits. The quality and quantity of fire is enough to level most targets.
It’s tempting to overindex on this strike, but given that this combo contains almost 1000 points, you’d be unable to put more units in reserve (unless your game is over 2000 points). If you did want to support this strike, you’d likely want to move up a Master of Possession, as the Malefic Discipline is great for obliterators. A normal sorcerer could also help out with a cast of prescience, and using the ‘Devastation Battery’ detachment, coupled with Field Commander would also allow them to reroll 1s to wound vs Vehicles.
It’s worth noting that if killing chaff is your goal with these guys, a squad of 10 terminators with chain axes, combi bolters, and Mark of Slaanesh would likely be more cost efficient.
The Death-Star
8th Edition heavily favours synergies. This combo focuses on buffing Abaddon to god-like potential. This requires 3(!) Sorcerers, an Exalted Champion, Veterans of the Long War and Abaddon. You can also utilise a Dark Apostle with Soultearer Portent, if you’re afraid your opponent is likely to use Agents of Vect on your VOTLW attempt. It relies on stacking various psychic buffs on Abaddon, riffing on the fact that he has the KHORNE, SLAANESH, NURGLE and TZEENTCH keywords.
Firstly, cast Diabolic Strength on Abaddon, and Miasma of Pestilence (+2 Strength, + 1 attack, -1 to hit). Next, cast Weaver of Fates on him (+1 invulnerable). Lastly, cast Delightful Agonies (5+ FNP). Finally, if you’re against an Imperial Player, cast Prescience (+1 to hit). This vastly increases his survivability, all but ensuring your ability to fight twice with him. To prove this, let’s run some numbers against the sturdiest of targets; a PAIR of Knight Gallants.
If Abaddon charges 2 Knight Gallants, he will strike with the Talon of Horus first – hitting on 2s, rerolling 1s – with 7 strength 14 attacks. Prescience, plus First Amongst Traitors means DTTFE is triggering on a 4+ – netting him an additional 3 attacks, hitting on 2s, rerolling 1s. Add Diabolic Strength and VOTLW to that, and you have 11 hits on the Gallant, wounding it on 2s, rerolling 1s thanks to the Exalted Champion. The -4 means that the Gallant will get no save, hitting the Gallant for 22 damage. Drach’Nyen would then trigger, with an average of 5 more attacks thanks to Prescience & DTTFE – wounding on 3s, rerolling fails. The Gallant would get a 6+ save against this – but around 3 wounds are likely to get through, for a flat 9 damage – for 31 in total, with 7 wounds to spare!
The Gallant’s buddy then activates – his best chance at downing Abaddon is his Reaper Chainsword. He’s -1 to hit thanks to Miasma of Pestilence, so hits on 3s for 3.33.. hits. Wounding on 2s, he’ll put out 2.78 successful wounds. With a 3+ invulnerable, the Gallant will get through 0.93 wounds on him – let’s call it 1. Out of the 6 damage this wound would deal, Abaddon will half – due to his Dark Destiny ability. Finally, Delightful Agonies will negate 1 of those wounds, meaning only 2 wounds would get through, taking Abaddon down to 6 wounds remaining (which you could heal back with the Grandfather’s Blessings, if you feel inclined!). You can then activate Fury of Khorne for 3CP, allow Abaddon to attack again – killing the second Gallant. This is obviously a very hypothetical situation; a good player will screen out his Knights effectively. But I hope it serves to illustrate just how nasty he can be, and how much damage he can absorb. Not bad for 240 points!
Note that this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of all the ways to run him. There are plenty of ways to do so that I don’t cover here. Why not run him with Berserkers, making great use of First Among Traitors, and reenacting the attack on the Citadel of the Kromarch? Or how about running him alongside multiple Forge World dreadnoughts and Daemon Engines, utilising the Noctilith Crown and the Lord of the Black Legion ability to form a formidable gunline? Abaddon is fantastic, and there is a variety of ways to play him – I look forward to seeing new combos and ideas utilising him, as the new Chaos Codex sees more playtime.
Very interesting Karim, looking forward to the next piece on the big naughty man himself! Let’s see how many loyal souls are temped by those very scary tactics.
Today, Matt, Alan and Joe are sharing with us two of the armies taking part in Matts upcoming Migale Dominus System campaign – Alan’s Space wolves and Joesphs White Scars. Each player has written a short bit of background on their armies!
In the coming months, a war that rages on a planet known as Draco Minus will reach a crescendo. Its warriors fighting hard through Hab Blocks, Agri Forges, and vital Mechanicum facilities. The world is a pipeline to the rest of the system, responsible for the production of sustenance and the filtration of clean water for the human populations on Komodius and Tiliqua. However that all now hangs in the balance. The forces of the Mechanicum from Forgeworld Ferromort, aided by the might of the Astartes chapters: The Vlka Gungnir (A Space wolf successor) and the White Scars. They seek to defend against the might of the Black Legion and the infection that is the Death Guard.
5 House Gecko generals will duel it out using a modified version of the ‘Urban Conquest’ campaign system. Tales of Heroism and courage under fire, stories of destruction and pitiless slaughter are sure to come. Below is an introduction into the forces that fight on Draco Minus. Today we look at the two Astartes chapters. Stay Tuned for more campaign episodes!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TRANSMITTED: MIGALE PRIME MECHANICUM COMMAND
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + RECEIVED: [REDACTED]
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + DESTINATION: [REDACTED]
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + DATE: 6 125 012
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TELEPATHIC DUCT: TERMINUS VIGILUS MIGALE
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + REF: MECH/90840958940324323432/LA
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + AUTHOR: DOMINUS HINOR V FW/Ferrormort
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + SUBJECT: Draco Minus Attack
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + THOUGHT: Vengeance is calculated
They are the Vlka Gungnir, or ‘Wolf Spear’ in High Gothic. Taken as youths from the death world Fenris and held in stasis on Mars for 10 thousand years before being unleashed at the launch of Jarl Gulliman’s Indomitus Crusade. They are oathed with the role of the Rout since the AllFather and Wolf King stalked the stars, to do what others will not, to enact the Allfather’s Sanction. As the Eye spews forth the Allfather’s traitorous sons, the Sanction is never more needed.
‘Jarl Gunvor Gunvorsson’, known as ‘the Headtaker of Scardiburg’ leads the packs of the Vlka Gungnir as Jarl. He answers to none but the Great Wolf of Fenris, the organisation of the Vlka Gungnir is as in the Wolf King’s days, a savage alliance of kings. Clad in Gravis armour and armed with his mighty two handed blade ‘Gram’, death and destruction are all that he leaves in his wake. The Allfather’s Sanction falling on heretic and xenos alike. His implacable advance masking the speed ‘Gram’ is wielded.
‘Packs Hafgufa, Ulfhedner and Torvigsson’ Intercessor Packs. Natives of the death world of Fenris. Brought into the decimated Rout to bring the Allfather’s Sanction across the Sea of Stars. Led by Thorgrim Hafgufa, Fraeger Ulfhedner and Torvig Torvigsson respectively, these Intercessor Packs utilises bolt and blade in fealty to Jarl Gunvor.
‘Uhtred the Broken’ Einjar of Jarl Gunvor, left on the red snow with his thread cut before the iron weavers found and remade him. Guarding the Sector Imperialis on Yorvik VII from the waaaaagh of Boss Big Toof, his pack fought the Orks for a day and a night before stemming the green tide. Left broken, his surviving pack mates dragged him to the Wolf Priests. Remade in iron, he continues to slay in the name of the Allfather, sentenced to a half-life of suffering and pain interned in a mighty leviathan dreadnought. A chassis of ancient providence, the leviathan pattern dreadnought was created in limited numbers in the latter days of the Great Crusade, developed in secret on Terra, away from the pervasive oculars of the Mechanicum. Its massive frame incorporates hybridised technologies, some dating back into the dim past of humanity. Towering over later Imperial walker patterns, this heavily armoured dreadnought is savagely powerful.
‘Pack Mjölnir’– aggressors tasked with defending or seizing the most important objectives, the Saga of Pack Mjölnir is long and glorious. Trusted with suits of rare and mighty Mark X armour they stride across the battlefield reaping a heavy toll with overwhelming firepower before crushing any survivors with their fists.
‘Huginn’ is the Stormhawk piloted by the Ironpriest, Bjorn Brokk. Seconded to the Ultramarines in an attempt to further the bonds between the Chapters with his trusted Stormfang fighter, he fought valiantly alongside his battle brothers against the tyranids reaping a tally of kills before being dragged from the skies by a hive tyrant. Clambering from his cockpit just as the foul beast landed to finish the job, Brokk slayed the tyrant with a mighty blow of his axe. Returning to the fray in a Stormhawk, the Ironpriest helped the Ultramarines to drive off the xenos scum. Granted the Stormhawk as his, he named it Huginn and returned to the Vlka Gungnir. Fighting for his Jarl, Brokk continues to slay in the name of the Allfather, adding kill marks and victories to the hide of Gungnir. Eyes on the mighty craft driving off the maleficarum of the enemy.
‘The Scargills’ – Hellblaster Pack. ‘Henrik Henriksson’ is the alpha. The name of the pack, a reference to the scars carried by the members earned over the centuries of war amongst the stars. Long fangs armed with heavy plasma incinerators and clad in mark x armour, they are tasked with taking out valuable targets in the enemy’s ranks. Their keen senses honed over centuries of war are they are masters of stealth and cunning to get into position before obliterating enemy command structures in a hail of plasma.
“Tell it to me again?” inquired the Khan.
“Mi-Ga-Le” replied Batu.
“Me-Gaul-Eh” monkeyed the Khan.
Batu shook his head. “You are close enough Khagan,” he said with an easy smile, “but if you wish to impress our new allies, I recommend that you improve upon your high gothic.”
The Khan narrowed his eyes as he looked out if the viewport, “My speech…good enough.” Snorting as he replied high gothic, “the beautiful death of the enemy is a language all will speak however” he continued in Chogorian, “from lowly creature to glorious Khan. And this is what they shall see Batu.” He placed a hand on his mentor’s shoulder, looking at him in a cocksure manner. The old warrior looked down to the deck, his wise eyes studying the silent hell below. The words of the Khan washed over him like a chill tide, he wasn’t ready, not yet.
This primaris-whelp that laid his hand on his shoulder in reassurance had no real experience to back his assertions, and this worried Batu greatly. The Seer looked back at his tutee with a warm expression, moving the hand from his shoulder. “Ruoxuan, you are a beautiful poet, but I fear you have spent too long slumbering, pondering the sharpness of the pen rather than that of the blade.” Ruoxuan let his master move his hand away, his pride wounded. He had proved himself on the Chogorian fields many times since his awakening, slaying countless daemon trying to relive his astranged gene-brothers. He was chosen as Khagan of the second company on the merit of these deeds alone, why must his mentor doubt him? In frustration he looked Batu in the eyes to speak, then paused. The amber iris’s that stared back betrayed a wisdom that made Ruoxuan feel like a child. He snorted again in displeasure at his hubris and said, “I believe you are right, Laoshi.”
Awesome, thanks Alan, Joseph and Matt – looking forward to seeing what happens in this campaign. Stay tuned for more info on their opposition soon!
Today we have the pleasure of another battle report from Matty! Matty battles it out with fellow Gecko Josephs handsome Deathwatch using the gruesome Eightscarred of Khorne – an army borrowed from another Team Geckoer – Jake. Enjoy!
In the ashes that remain of Migale Prime there is little left of value to either invaders or defenders. The staunch imperials that remain exist only to survive, striking ambushes when they can. Slowly bleeding themselves dry of ammunition and blood, and hoping to take an equal toll on their enemies.
But there are those who strive to achieve more in the Emperors name. The holy warriors of the Emperor, the best of the best, The Deathwatch; they march in an effort to escape, and to warn whoever is listening of what happened here. Led by Watch Master Beatriz, they slowly fought for months through the savagery of Chaos and Tyranid invaders until finally, they reached their objective. It was nothing special to look at, the remains of an imperial fortification and generator station. However it was special in the fact that it was the tallest building left, relatively, untouched. This meant that the Astropath could call to the heavens hopefully bringing salvation and sending out a warning.
The advance deployment of Deathwatch, two heavily armoured Kill Teams (Kill Team Thracymachus and Kill Team Graemond) deploy in the key structure, escorting the Astropath to the very tallest floor of the Imperial ruin. The rest of their vanguard force was moments away – fortunately too. Only minutes after moving into the ruins they all heard the harrowing howls and bone shaking bestial roars that echoed across the abandoned ruins. Carrying across the chilling winds, these terrifying sounds signified the approach of the enemy.
The Eightscarred of Khorne, filled with violent aggression and a burning desire to spill blood for their god came running through the debris. Their furious howling gusted like a breeze, impacting every Astartes that stood defiant. There is no time to give praise to the Emperor, or to ask for his strength and protection as the Eightscarred do not stop to gloat about their superior numbers, they simply charge. In moments, both kill teams in the ruins begin firing bolters, the dull thud now competing against feral screams. A massive Heldrake swoops in from the skies, firing torrents of baleful flame and attacking with its huge predatory claws.
A daemon prince makes a charge at Kill Team Graemond, clawing through a balcony window. Its massive talons and claws reach in and slice marines to death – but not Graemond of the Black Templars. Graemond is a warrior unrivalled in swordsmanship and he parry’s all attempted blows and strikes back, severing many of the reaching talons.
In its fury, the Daemon prince does not notice the reinforcements dropping down around him. Even a deafening crash does not draw him away from Graemond. This ended up being the monsters downfall. A mighty Venerable Dreadnought slams into the earth and charges the prince. With Graemond continuing to draw attention, the Dreadnought unleashes its epic strength, ripping the daemon apart from its hind legs.
Freed from the daemons hunger, Brother Graemond rendezvoused with Watch Captain Fëanor of the Space Wolves and legendary Deathwatch Librarian, M’Batu of the Salamanders. Whilst they descend from the heavens and regrouped, a single marine goes unnoticed, his body adorned in skulls and its ceramite pasted with red blood. Kharn. His violence unrivalled. His fury unleashed. What would have been a difficult target, in a venerable dreadnought, Kharn threw aside with his endless destruction. A toy caught in the gale of Kharn’s elemental wrath.
M’batu. Fëanor. Graemond. These three names go etched into the walls of the Watch Fortress, Master Beatriz ensuring that stories would be told of their bravery. Their commitment and their Emperor-given strength. They mounted a counter charge to Kharn. Throwing themselves towards him, led by the Black Templar, the Emperor gave them strength that day. The fight was brutal – swords and axes parried, maces crunched into ceramite and bounced off chaos infused armour. In the end, Graemond and Fëanor stand tall, bloodied, but victorious.
Back from the badlands, in the fortification, Kill Team Thracymachus had been staunchly defending the Astropath, killing the Heldrake with bolter fire and personal combat. But looking from where the Heldrake once perched, the courtyard is now teeming with Bezerkers – yet they have no fear. From the flank Kill Team Darius explode from a rhino, unleashing a hail of bolter fire. But surrounded by ruins and geothermal piping, the Bezerkers remain unfazed. Kill Team Darius eats the aggression from Khorne warriors and the Kill Team is eradicated in a tempest of chainaxes. The distraction had worked however. In righteous vengeance, Thracymachus orders his squad to reign the emperor’s justice down upon the heretics. Owing to their superior firing position, the threat is eliminated and the fallen warriors avenged.
With the battle drawing to its close, Watch Master Beatriz moves in to clear the courtyard and ensure with certainty that the Astropath and the valiant warriors of kill team Thracymachus can secure evac. This decision turns out to be fatal, as one of khorns most feverish worshippers, The Bloody Bishop, cries a call to arms and the enormous Khorne Contemptor Dreadnought, Tar’agon the Ancient Fury, smashes its way into the area. With this glorious combat, Beatriz sacrifices himself, allowing the Imperial warriors to get a message out, calling for reinforcements to land at Draco Minus – a staging planet for Imperial survivors.
On this day, the Deathwatch held. Against all odds and at the end of months of fighting, the message is sent, the Astropath saved. Perhaps the Imperium has a chance at saving the Migale Dominus system yet.
A staunch victory for the imperium – good job Joseph. Thanks for the awesome Battle report Matty – if you want to see more of the miniatures from todays BR, please check out the team profiles!
Today, Eliot will be sharing with you his Adeptus Mechanicus Battalion, the Disciples of Rael!
In January of this year, I finally finished painting an army to a standard I am actually happy with – The Disciples of Rael. After partially finishing a number of armies (more on that another time), it shames me to admit that has taken me 3 long years of painting, gaming and collecting piles of grey plastic for me to get to this point. However, I am super happy with the end result and love my grimy robo children to bits.
One of the key drivers for me picking Adeptus Mechanicus as an army was that I was tired of playing as Dark Angels, and wanted something thematic to eventually pair with knight. I also love the 40K lore around enhancing the human form with augments and the questions that that raises about humanity. Picking a colour scheme was tricky, but I ended up settling for a dirty blue with the offset of a martian base – the plan being to give the minis a very sharp look, but to then pile on the grimdark-ness of 40K.
For me, the highlight of this army is Archmogos Tys (Belisaruis Cawl). The Archmagos rose through the ranks of the Cult to become the Fabricator General of the Migale System, piling on extra augments as they went. Tys often travels with a retinue of servitors and menials, and one can be seen carrying the half destroyed relic of Knight Raeluis Supremos. This model is packed full of detail and was an absolute joy to paint.
The first mini I actually finished was my heavily converted Tech Priest Dominus, Adept Grattus. I’m a big fan of conversions and this was one of my favourites to do so far, especially at the concept stage. I took the bottom half of a destroyer and green stuffed on the top half of the classic Domunis model. He turned out better than expected, and I think my boy has a lot of character.
The backbone of the Disciples of Rael are, well, the Disciples! I knew that I was going to have lots of Rangers in this army from the get go, and have ended up with around 25. Not gonna lie, I got reaaaaly tired of painting these dudes (and have more still to build…), but love how they have turned out. Plus there is a cheeky squad of vanguard in there too.
I’ve been a big fan of the Ad Mech models ever since I got back into the hobby 3 years ago, but one of the models that particularly caught my eye was the Onager Dunecrawler – so I have squeezed 2 of them in this army! These guys proved the heavy support much needed for the Disciples when they go on the hunt for their lost Questoris relic knight.
One of the key elements in building an army for me is to make it unique, and that was always going to mean Forgeworld! I love the grimness of the 30K models and was actually toying with a Dark Mechanicum army for a short while (before a visit from the Ordo Hereticus). I picked up some Myrmidon Secutors to use for Tech and Data priests, then converted to my hearts content.
Ah but the Forgeworld purchases didn’t stop there! Nest up were a bunch of Castellax models to use as Kastelans, as I’m personally not a big fan of the plastic Kastelan kit. So with just a few minor conversions I had myself a small battlegroup of Kastelans with maximum shooty power! I have one more yet to be built, but 4 of these boys with the Wrath of Mars is already scary enough…
And there we have it! I actually have a few more rangers, sicarians, one castellax and a few destroyers to add to this army, but I’m enjoying having these guys painted on the table for the time being. The knighty boys that the Disciples of Rael support (and worship) are currently on the production line – stay tuned!
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Last week, Alan’s Rout faced the Black Legion – see how he fared in this weeks Battle Report! (Eternal War – Narrow the Search – 1500 points)
Yorkvik VII, recruitment world Oathed in fealty to the Allfather, the Wolf King and the Vlka Gungnir since the days of the Great Crusade. A vital world for the supply of arms, recruits and munitions to the Chapter – and now defiled by the Black Legion!
An Imperial shrine containing priceless relics is desperately coveted by the Warmaster. Baldur the Grim, High Wolf Priest of the Vlka Gungnir rallies the Rout to defend Yorkvik VII.
‘Behold the oath breakers! Reviled in all of Uppland, the Oververse and Underverse! A Warrior who spits on his arm ring is no warrior at all!
The naysayers and doom mongers say this is Ragankok, the End Times.
I laugh in the face of such claims. Are we not the sons of Mother Fenris? As children we hunted far more terrifying creatures for sport and games!
Has the Allfather abandoned us? No! A son has woken, our kinsmen of the 13th Company return and the Wolf King’s hunt nears its end.
I swear this oath, no Black Legion filth will be left alive. The Vlka Gungnir will cleanse this place or feast in the Allfathers halls.
For the Allfather, for the Wolf King, for Fenris!’
Dawn of War Deployment is rolled for and my opponent Karim decides to deploy first with him having the first turn unless I can seize the initiative.
The cultists and chaos marines deploy in the centre of the field ready to advance towards the one objective in the centre of the table. Abaddon along with his Terminator retinue and Obliterator heavy support start in reserve.
Facing the horde I place my three Intercessor packs, Aggressors, leviathan and Hellblasters, with rune and wolf priests as support. I use two CP to send the Wulfen into the reserve with the ‘Cunning of the Wolf’ stratagem. With both armies deployed, I seize the initiative!
First turn the Rout pushes forward, and letting rip at the chaos marines with the Intercessors and leviathan the squad is thinned out. The hellblasters and other Intercessor packs down a few more of the chaos marine and cultist squads.
The Black Legion advance towards the objective, their superior numbers ensuring they claim the objective and the accompanying victory point.
Turn two saw the Rout further advance and shred the Black Legion ranks before the arrival of the main event… the Warmaster himself, the Lord of the Black Legion, Abaddon the Despoiler!
Arriving with his terminator elite, obliterators and the rabble of cultists using ‘Tide of Traitors’, my rear is sudden under serious threat. The obliterators open fire twice upon Uhtred the Broken – thankfully the mighty leviathan takes only a few wounds, despite the doubled shooting! Leif Stormbreaker the Rune Priest takes a flesh wound from the terminators, and after turn two The Black Legion are leading 0-2.
The Rout are in desperate need of reinforcement, and it arrives in the shape of two packs of Wulfen! I deploy one to the right of the terminators and the second on my left flank to wipe out the chaos spawn and strengthen my centre. The leviathan blitz the terminator squad before charging them!
The wulfen make short work of the spawn before linking up with Baldur the Grim to take the fight to the Warmaster. With the wulfen on the table, I feel a lot more confident. However gaining enough victory points is going to be a tough act.
Its going to be tricky to overcome the Black Legion point tally with the Rout so thinned out. This is made even more difficult when one sole terminator (assisted by Death to the False Emperor) fells the mighty leviathan!
Enraged by the death of the venerable ancient Uhtred the Broken, Baldur the Grim leads pack Morkai with grim resolve and charges headlong into the Warmaster!
Following this heroic act, Baldur the Grim is slain by the Warmaster before pack Morkai rip him to pieces in their death frenzy!
After an absolute blood bath of a turn and just seven of the Rout left on the table, I shake hands with my opponent and concede – the Black Legion is victorious 1-6 with my solitary point gained from slaying the Warmaster!
As it always is when playing against a fellow Gecko, ‘fun at all costs’ is the motto. My opponent Karim assisted with advice throughout as I feel a noob playing with primaris, and battling anything other than Tyrannids! A cracking game versus a top opponent! Another world claimed for the Warmaster!
Awesome Battle Report Alan! The Rout have been bested today but the Warmaster is a tricky opponent – can’t wait to see what they are hunting next!
Today, Matt brings us a Battle Report on the recent defence of Hive City by the Imperium forces stationed there…
The cold wind sweeps across the battlements. Cpt. Ajax Norbreth of the Tempestus Scions looks out over the dreary world as rain lashed his armour. Down to his left, ranks of Imperial Guard soldiers of the Aluesian 110th Infantry stand ready in defensive positions, on his right, more ranks of weathered soldiers. Behind them were the Leman Russ tanks, like hungry predators they wait. The low grumble of engines can be heard across the ramparts. Across his vox, “Ajax, where are the seething mass?” a low voice grumbled, coming from the Command Tank ‘Aluesian Fury’. “No Idea Ironhead, usually the beasts are on time” he jested back at the senior commander. Without giving time for reply from the General came the reply that would signify the end to any joy or happiness. The feral screams and roars sounded like a hurricane approaching, and then suddenly the ground breaks open and in pours the Xenos filth. Thousands of tyranids, swarming, massing, writhing to get to their next meal. In that split second it was almost calm, and then the thunder of guns destroyed the afternoon.
Hive Fleet Kraken crashes against the Imperials like a wave into the rocks of a cove. There is no end to them, but the city needs time to evacuate key personnel. So the Imperial defence has to hold. It would have been a lot more difficult had Inquisitor Lok not sent a call to requisition the specialist Emperor’s Chosen warriors of the Deathwatch. This reinforcement increased the chances of victory… in a minuscule increment. Nonetheless, Kraken will be repelled. Like an immovable object the Imperium will hold. Must hold.
As the Battle wears on, the feral beasts of Hive Kraken pushes into Imperial lines. Sustained bombardment from hive guard tyranid beasts destroys a mighty Deathwatch Corvus. The immediate assault is swift and brutal. But now within effective weapons range, and close enough for Astartes to utilise their hulking aggression and fighting prowess, the Imperium gets to swing its mighty hammer. A valiant squad of deathwatch Veterans, led by a Black Templar begin a suicidal March into Xenos lines. Librarian M’Batu from the Salamanders chapter follows to provide much needed psychic power, known by all Aleusians for the deeds performed only weeks earlier against the foul forces of the Arch Enemy.
The advance continues, it never ends. It’s almost monotonous, the constant thud of guns and the screech of alien death. But shaking from the battle, an enormous beast, identified via short range auspex scans, known as ‘Old One Eye’ comes screeching across the battlefield. The Deathwatch know no fear and stand firm in the face of an enormous tide. Their stormbolters and chainswords barking and growling as they tear aliens piece from piece.
As afternoon slinks away and night takes hold. The battlefield is illuminated by fire and flash. It is clear now that the situation is increasingly perilous. The never ending wave of monstrous creatures and horde of mindless creatures shows no hope. But the Emperor’s champions need no hope. They relish the horde. A glorious death in combat awaits. For the Emperor they continue to slay and fight. Their fury unending – the death toll mounts.
The guns of the Imperium roared continuously. The thud of armour silences the skies. Shrieks and roars of alien beasts competed for their moment… and overpowered the forces of Man. In the dying stages of battle, tanks, guns, even satchel charges thrown from brave ratlings was not enough. The Hive consumes all. It leaves nothing in its wake. It just digests and then moves to the next source of biomass. The Imperium is lost in this battle. But the war, the war rages on. The Deathwatch and the Aluesians will have their chance for glory soon enough.
Thanks for the amazing battle report Matt! Join us next week for more juicy hobby content!
HOUSE OF GECKO 