At last...!

I have been incredibly lazy and neglected this blog. Time to give some news, so here goes:


• I played my first few games of Hordes this year starting with a couple of demo games using my Trolls against Bill (with the Great Oli overseeing the whole thing) and a cracking game with my Skorne against Jaden and his Legion. These game were a lot of fun (which game isn’t?), especially getting used to Fury rather than Focus. The game against Jaden taught me a bit more about my Trolls than my Trolls did. For this I took maximum units of Cetrati and Arcuraii which was a lot of medium bases tripping over each other. I saw the kind of headache that I could experience with fielding a similar or larger number of medium based Trolls.
• I bought my ticket for the European Team Championships at Maelstrom Games in early July. I am so excited about this event. Hearing about last years tourney made sure that I bought my ticket very early. My team mates have appointed me as team captain of CGC’s second team. Now with my win ratio, I can’t promise that I’ll lead from the front or even inspire, but I hope that we can all go up to Mansfield and have a great weekend.
• For the first time ever, I bought a mini (two actually) because my wife liked the look of them. Some wives turn their noses up at tabletop gaming and just ignore it. But after giving her a demo game (which incidentally took a long, long time – she should stick to art history), she started to look at the type of minis I have from various factions. Nothing really appealed to her so I showed her some Maelstroms’ website and let her browse. While I was doing to washing up I hear a squeal of delight. “Oh look! A polar bear! I want it!” (this is true word for word). Of course the bear in question is Lug and his friend, the Lesser Warlock Brun Cragback. After looking at Battle College, I thought that this would be a nice addition to my Troll force as they could do with a heavy beast (I could have done with an Earthborn or a Blitzer personally). Brun is a mean little bugger and his bear is pretty good himself.
• CGC had a little one mini tourney – Iron Cross. 12 players, 4 games, 9 minute turns but only 1 wooden spoon (erm…). This was an immensely fun day and hope to take part in something similar later in the year.
• I took some advice concerning dice.

There was some news highlights which will hopefully see me kicking my own arse and putting up some more entries. The next (while it’s still fresh in my mind) is me vs Lewis from 22/03/11.

First night back at Cross Gaming Club.

I seem to remember winning my first game last year (this may not actually be a true statement – I suppose I should read my own blog). This year I am aching from a beatdown, in which I learnt a couple of lessons.

I accepted Slasher’s challenge and take on his Menoth with my Retribution. This would be a test to see if I can actually leave my church days behind me and carry on in this new direction of mine. On my side of the battle field I had:
Dawnlord Vyros (*6pts)
* Chimera (6pts)
* Hydra (9pts)
* Phoenix (10pts)
House Shyeel Battle Mages (Leader and 5 Grunts) (5pts)
Houseguard Riflemen (Leader and 9 Grunts) (8pts)
Mage Hunter Strikeforce (Leader and 9 Grunts) (8pts)
Stormfall Archers (Leader and 3 Grunts) (5pts)
Arcanist (1pts)
Ghost Sniper (2pts)
Mage Hunter Assassin (2pts)

While Nat took:
High Executioner Servath Reznik (*6pts)
* Castigator (8pts)
* Castigator (8pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
* Vanquisher (8pts)
* Hierophant (2pts)
Choir of Menoth (Leader and 5 Grunts) (3pts)
Exemplar Cinerators (Leader and 4 Grunts) (8pts)
Knight Exemplar Seneschal (3pts)
Paladin of the Order of the Wall (2pts)
Rhupert Carvolo, Piper of Ord (2pts)
The Wrack (3 wracks) (1pts)
Vassal Mechanik (1pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)

There will not actually be much of a structured battle report this week (or for my games on Thursday and Sunday coming up) as my wife has decided to take BOTH of our cameras with her on her business trip to the Big Apple. So I will give the basics of what happened.

Basically I forgot (I’ve never used him before) that he doesn’t like other people using magic (Reznik = ineffective Battle Mages), and when they do, he puts a Cassy in your face. Nat’s Cinerators and Crusader blocked my flanking Mage Hunters and proceeded to crush them after the MH’s put their jack hunter ability to good use. The accompanying Chimera just needed finish it off and put two more damage points on the Crusader. On the other flank, my Mage Hunter Assassin did her job and provided a huge threat. Running 14” for the first turn and then charging (14” threat range) the Paladin in Stone and Mortar pose which ended with a decapitation. She then ran another 14” inches and wound up in some trees behind Reznik. My central block of Houseguard Riflemen and Stormfall Archers were woeful in their shooting (even though the riflemen put a little damage on both Cassy’s and the archers set Reznik on fire). The Phoenix was obliterated and the Hydra didn’t have the opportunity to do much except for showing the world how not to protect a warcaster. The Arcanist really didn’t have much to do, while the Ghost Hunters abilities did come in handy.
We did run out of time, but it was obvious that Nat could have broke Vyros by a couple of different methods. My only hope might have been if my Hydra either slammed or charged the Vanquisher that was standing in front of Reznik most likely pulling off the Smash and Grab chain attack (this would have put more hurt on the Vanq and then put some hurt on Reznik (probably not enough to kill him) and hope he stayed on fire next turn). But I was probably short anyway.
What I really needed was to take a Mage Hunter Commander. He would have given my MH’s Phantom Seeker. They would then have laughed at the large terrain piece between them and Reznik and shoat at him with 11 magic crossbows. The Riflemen (RifleElves?!?) could possibly have used a UA as well. So the points I spent on the Battle Mages (who were largely useless) could have paid for these UA’s and maybe a Soulless Escort.
Not the best way to start the year, but a good insight of what may be to come.

Next: 100 point battle: pKreoss and pFeora vs Morvahna and Kromac. (damn the wife, it would have been so good to take pics of this one)

Occupied Llael - The End.

What a great campaign! I honestly thought it would have gone a bit pear-shaped with people dropping out at the beginning, but it turned out to be a success. In the end, I finished in fourth (or joint third would sound better) out of a field of ten. I’m not going to pick on what I did wrong or what I should have done as it was a smoothly run thing. The rounds were quick enough to keep interest while some special scenarios were made up to keep things spicy. The committee Members (Tom and Marcus) really made it an awesome couple of months.
Thanks guys! Can’t wait for the next one!

Occupied Llael - Final game (round 5)

Today would be my last game of the year. It would also be my last game with Menoth for a while. Tonight would also be the last time that the Old Witch would get the better of me (hopefully). Tonight...

On with the game, and I bring out Vindy as I have a feeling about him tonight.

Vice Scrutator Vindictus (*6pts)
* Devout (5pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
* Vanquisher (8pts)
Choir of Menoth (Leader and 3 Grunts) (2pts)
Exemplar Bastions (Leader and 4 Grunts) (8pts)
Holy Zealots (Leader and 5 Grunts) (4pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)
Vassal of Menoth (2pts)

Marcus opted for the first turn and shuffled forward while putting up his nasty upkeeps (Iron Flesh on his Demo Corps, Avatar of Slaughter on the Old Witch and Weald Secrets on his Juggy).

For me, I pushed my jacks forward trying to channel the Demo Corps into my Crusaders. To do this I cast Sacrificial Lamb for the extra focus point for each jack while casting Defenders Ward on one of the Crusaders.

Next turn, Marcus moved Fenris down his extreme flank, followed this by moving his Winter Guard into some cover and the Demo Corps closer to my font line.

As my Vanq had not been too effective with its shooting in the previous turn (it was so bad I didn’t even mention it), It was time to charge the Demo Corps. Two fell under a Thresher attack (which should easily be a reach weapon). Vindy moved with his bodyguard of Zealots and Bastions slowly picking off another Zealot for more Focus.

Marcus made his move and boldly set everything forward. Fenris took a big chunk out of one of my Crusaders while the Great Bears and Juggy went for the second one. Thankfully, it only took one hit due to Enliven cast by the Vassal and just walked out of combat. The remaining Demo Corps went to work on the Vanquisher hurting it a little.

The Vanq retaliated and took down two more of the Demo Corps with the aid of the Vassal and Choir boy behind it. The now unengaged and fully loaded Crusader charged the Great Bears and finished them off leaving itself open to a looming Juggy. The other Crusader lashed out with its mace (it lost its open fist) and put some damage on Fenris forcing him to dismount. I followed this up with my Bastions who finished the job.

The Grey Lords at the back of the field helped out the lone Demo Corps member and got rid of the Vanqs support. Meanwhile Juggy went to avenge Fenris and occupied a Crusader. The other was frozen to the spot unable to lash out at the incoming Scrapjack. Scrappy moved up to the Bastions providing cover for Vindy and allowing the Old Witch to cast Unseen Path. This placed her right in Vindy’s face. So much for cover! Sitting on five focus, she began to attack second highest authority in the church. Here, is where I really felt for Marcus. He had missed his initial attacks thanks to Vindy’s high DEF and bought more attacks. After causing only minimal damage, Marcus ran out of focus.

It was really up to Vindy now, needing eight to hit I boosted the rolls and hit with both weapons. I also boosted both damage rolls. Sadly I just came up short. So with two focus left, I bought a third attack and boosted the to hit roll. With this I managed to finish her off.

Finally, I had gotten rid of the Old Witch. After putting a dent in Marcus’ force, I thought that I would be able to push Vindy’s brick towards my nemesis and try to kill her on my terms. I felt that Vindy was secure enough with his bodyguard (after my experiences at Tanelorn recently, I really didn’t like the idea of anything just appearing in my face), so I tried to cancel out as much space as possible. If nothing could physically appear next to my caster, then he wouldn’t get smooshed! The Zealots would have only been temporary as they would have vanished to give my jacks some more focus each turn, while the Bastions would have took some grinding down before a gap opened up next to Vindy. As a matter of fact, you’ll notices from the pics that I removed the wrong Zealot giving just enough space for the Old Witch to appear in. At that point, I thought it was over. Vindy didn’t have enough time to cast Defenders Ward on himself (make him DEF 17 and ARM 18 – meaning the Old Witch needed 11’s to hit) but did have a few focus on himself which helped. Fortunately for me, the dice conspired against Marcus. It happens to us all occasionally, but I certainly didn’t enjoy watching all of those failed rolls (well, maybe a little). Thankfully, Vindy is somewhat handy in melee so he can look after himself. And if he didn’t finish the enemy off, I had some Bastions and a Devout nearby.

I was pleased with the list. The Zealots were restrained and helped Vindy give out 12 focus during the game which I think is a decent return for four points. The Crusaders stood up well with the usual support and the Vanquisher held up play on my left flank. The Bastions provided protection while threatening anything that came nearby While the Devout didn’t do a thing except for taking a the hit from a spell one time (I think this happened, I’m not entirely sure). The Vassals were awesome (especially when saving a Crusader from a potential mauling with Enliven) and the Choir went about thier business in the usual manner.

I could (should) have lost the game to careless positioning of my Zealots, but I have the feeling that might not have mattered with Scrappy nearby. But still, Vindy won the battle and even turned the Old Witch into a Zealot with Death Toll. Praise Menoth!

Tanelorn Wargames weekend - round-up

What a great weekend! Despite not actually winning a solitary game, I had immense fun. Tanelorn do know how to throw an event and the atmosphere was really relaxed. I didn't see anyone who was ultra competitive (even though some lists were really cheesy, the players (the ones I saw anyway) were all good sports - Nigel my game 4 opponent apologised profusely). The organisation was good as well as the venue itself (a cosy room in an ex-serviceman’s club). But the best for me was the idea of the campaign was brilliant, all of the factions vying for vital info on some valuable resources over different battlefields. None of the team captains were actually told what each victory or defence would mean, but it all added up.
Some factions started off really well but then trailed off and vice-versa. So the best Warmachine faction according to Tanelorn? Well, unfortunately it wasn’t Menoth. We came second. The best faction was Retribution who beat us by a solitary point. You can only imagine my shame for not actually winning any of my games which certainly would have put us top of the pile. If I had just won one game (maybe defended the Menoth table against Retribution), we might have come away top dogs. Maybe I was secretly hoping that the angry elves would win as that’s the direction I’m going in the new year.
I’ll repeat, this was a very enjoyable weekend and I would be happy to do this again. They are a great bunch of people and a few actually attend Cross Gaming Club as well. I would also like to attend Tanelorn’s club night so that I can get to know the wider Warmachine community in London, but they roll on a Sunday night which is a bit sacred to me and the wife.

Tanelorn Campaign Weekend - game 5

Ok! Last game of the weekend. A win is not too much to ask for is it? I’d basically like anything other than a loss. At this stage during the Scrap Metal II tourney a few months ago I had broke my losing streak with a draw against a Sorscha led Khador. The chances of me getting a win were reduced by the fact that my last game would be a three-way and not a two vs one like my first two games. I was up against a guy called Nick (Retribution) and Nigel (Cryx – the guy who beat me an hour or so before). Nigel took roughly the same as he did previous game while Nick fielded Garryth with two units of Stormfall Archers, some Mage Hunters and other bits and pieces. We all had one objective which was to claim the ‘ploughed field’ in the centre of the table.

To face the double threat a familiar face took to the battlefield:

The High Reclaimer (*6pts)
* Redeemer (6pts)
* Castigator (8pts)
* Vanquisher (8pts)
Exemplar Bastions (Leader and 4 Grunts) (8pts)
Holy Zealots (Leader and 9 Grunts) (6pts)
Holy Zealots (Leader and 5 Grunts) (4pts)
Vassal Mechanik (1pts)

I thought that I should take the Bastions again and surround my caster so that other warjacks cannot just ‘appear’ next to him.

First turn and Nigel sent a large part of his force to meet me (and my warjacks) head on (and tie me up again, especially with my slow speed).

I was aware of the silly Scrap Thrall threat and shot half of them down with my Redeemer/Vanquisher combo. The smaller Zealots ran towards the objective and everything else just shuffled along.

Nick advanced and both units of Archers let loose on the Cryx jacks on his side of the table. His Mage Hunters took several successful pot-shots at my Zealots and made the turn on their heels after taking out half of their number.

Turn two saw some more sneaky Cryx tricks and a Helljack just appeared in my Vanq’s face. The Menoth jack weathered the attacks. The Scrap Thralls joined in and engaged my Castigator. Nigel used another of his jacks to engage both units of Archers.

The Cassy got rid of the Scrap Thralls while the Vanq laid down some pain on his opponent. The Redeemer laid down some more covering fire and partially damaged another Helljack.

Nick’s Mage Hunters moved forward towards the objective while having his Mage Hunter Assassin keep an eye on the Cryx Warcaster. Those Archers that were not in Melee, targeted another Helljack and promptly destroyed it.

Turn three saw Nigel send yet another Helljack my way taking out two Zealots. He sent another to the objective while doing his best to occupy the angry elves.

The Vanq and Cassy deftly destroyed what was in front of them. I was no where near contesting the objective yet, so I got the High Reclaimer to feat and resurrected 6 Zealots who promptly made their way to the centre of the table while taking down a couple of Mage Hunters and the Assassin (this upset Nick as the assassin had been in threat range of Mortenebra and most likely would have killed him).

Nick made up for this by using the remaining Mage hunters to clear the objective of all things Menite and Cryxian, thus gaining enough control points to win the game.

Loss? Second place? It certainly wasn’t a win, but it was a very exciting game and a good way to finish the weekend. The three-way was a lot of fun and challenging, especially when you had to consider an additional opponent. I will hope to play more three-ways in the future.

Tanelorn Campaign Weekend - game 4

Sunday morning. Good breakfast, good journey (no delayed/cancelled trains) etc, etc. Today I was going to show Tanelorn Wargames Club my Menoth ninja skills. I had left my case at the venue so my models spent the night soaking up the battle atmosphere.
Game 4 saw me pitted against the nasty, sneaky Cryx being handled by a guy called Nigel. I played Nigel in a one day tourney also held by Tanelorn about this time last year. I remember losing that time, so I wanted to even up the score.
Although the High Reclaimer didn’t die, I opted to take:

Vice Scrutator Vindictus (*6pts)

* Crusader (6pts)

* Vanquisher (8pts)

* Vanquisher (8pts)

Exemplar Bastions (Leader and 4 Grunts) (8pts)

Holy Zealots (Leader and 9 Grunts) (6pts)

Paladin of the Order of the Wall (2pts)

Vassal Mechanik (1pts)

Vassal of Menoth (2pts)

The heavy jacks were vital as Nigel would be taking Mortenebra. My team captain saw that on Saturday his list was filled with heavy jacks. To add some more punch, I took a full unit of Bastions for a change. We both had to capture the central objective as well as a nearby flag.

Once again I lost the roll-off and Nigel seized the day in turn one and went hell for leather towards the objective. Everything moved so fast due to Morty’s spells which was truly frightening.

I wanted to make sure that my flag was secured first so my Zealots turned on the speed. The Bastions made their way slowly towards the main objective.

In turn two, Nigel’s Scrap Thralls saw the Bastions and went to tie them up for a bit. They were spaced out which would make taking them out a drawn out affair. Three of the Cryx jacks made towards my flag with one of the them looking to pick on my faithful and trusty Zealots. Fortunately, this one came up short of melee range.

This was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. After the Zealots used their bombs to soften up the enemy, my jack went all out to hurt their Cryx counterparts. Both Vanquishers led the attack with one boxing the Cryx jack closest to my flag and the other putting down some heavy damage on the one with the harpoon thingy (you know I’m not good at names). The Crusader simply waited in line for the next wave of enemy. The Bastions took down the few Scrap Thralls that they were engaged with but couldn’t do more. My Paladin sat on one edge of the objective while waiting for his moment to attack.

Turn three saw some ouch! come my way. With the Bastions tied up, my Paladin hiding, my jacks engaged and out of the way, Nigel came up with an assortment of spells and feat (pictures do aid the remembrance of games, but they do not make note of the specific spells and stuff) to place a Warjack in Vindy’s face. Game Over.

Once again, I was undone by some foolish positioning. This was certainly a very quick game. I thought things were looking fairly good. The Bastions eventually would have gotten through the Scrap Thralls so they could contest the objective. My jacks were coping with the Cryx jacks with a little support from the Zealots. I did feel confident. But I didn’t expect such an end. I should probably start reading my opponents cards when I start games so I’m not caught out.