This Week’s Age of Sigmar Releases

Battletome: Blades of Khorne

UK Afiliate: Element Games £32.50 £27.62

Battletome: Hedonites of Slaanesh

UK Afiliate: Element Games £32.50 £27.62

Vanguard: Blades of Khorne

UK Afiliate: Element Games £85.00 £72.25

Vanguard: Hedonites of Slaanesh

UK Afiliate: Element Games £85.00 £72.25

Blades of Khorne: Realmgore Ritualist

UK Afiliate: Element Games £22.50 £19.12

Hedonites of Slaanesh: Lord of Hubris

UK Afiliate: Element Games £22.50 £19.12

Warscroll Cards: Blades of Khorne

UK Afiliate: Element Games £22.00 £18.70

Warscroll Cards: Hedonites of Slaanesh

UK Afiliate: Element Games £22.00 £18.70

Blades of Khorne Dice

UK Afiliate: Element Games £25.00 £21.25

Hedonites of Slaanesh Dice

UK Afiliate: Element Games £25.00 £21.25

AoS Meta Stats W/Ending 19th March 2023

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Disclaimer

The data contained inside this article is only Woehammer’s interpretation. There are differing methods and analyses of the data available from Games Workshop and Honest Wargamer, whose methodology differs slightly from our own.

All of these sources should be viewed as a collective whole to allow you to gather a larger picture of the Age of Sigmar meta. The win rates, while accurate for events we have on record so far, are likely to change in the coming weeks and shouldn’t be the single point of reference for a factions strength.

How Win Rates are Calculated

All of our data is pulled from two day single events. We split all draws between the wins and losses of a faction evenly, as we believe this provides a fair reflection of a factions win rate. For example, as a player, you may achieve 2 wins, 2 losses, and a draw at an event. Some sites will only count the wins towards the faction rate, so in this case, 40% (2/5=0.4). Woehammer includes half of the draws, so our result would be 50% (2.5/5=0.5).

We have also included a confidence interval based on the sample size and their results. This interval has a 95% confidence rate. What does this mean? Essentially, we’re 95% sure that the win rate of the faction will fall inside this band at the release of the next battlescroll.

We have decided to include this as each factions win rates can (and will) fluctuate as more and more players post their results. While the faction win rate may be that specified right now, it is more than likely to change in the future. So when looking at a win rate, take into account the number of players who have posted results, as well as the upper and lower limit of that 95% confidence interval. This will give a good indication of the future win rate of that faction.

Event Submission

If you have organised an event that doesn’t appear in our database and has the following minimum requirements to be included:

  • Two Day Event
  • Singles Event
  • Minimum of 8 players

Then why not complete the form attached and send the results to thewoehammer@gmail.com? We’ll include them the next time we produce the stats.

Data Overview

Tournaments Included:

  • GT Wargame Garrison Madrid
  • AoS Ironman
  • Østjysk Mesterskab I terningehøjdekast
  • Rise of the Champions
  • Quest of Champions – Heat 1
  • Bloodshed in the Shires
  • CaptainCon
  • Columbus Brewhammer
  • DaBoyz Golden Sprue GT
  • War of the Ospreys
  • Realm of Geddon
  • Gods of War 3
  • Great South Waaagh
  • War of the Spider God
  • Midwest Bash 2 AoS GT
  • Aos Alliance Open Masters
  • Battle at the Brook
  • Sheffield Slaughter
  • The Lone Star Grand Tournament
  • Battle of Copenhagen
  • Sydney Salt Smash
  • Wardolly Weekend
  • Spring GT
  • A Gathering of Might
  • Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Matched Play Event
  • Cherokee Open
  • Small Town Throwdoen: Smoke on the Water
  • AOSFF Solo 2022-2023 Finale
  • Norsehammer Open
  • G&T GT
  • Sigmar’s Spice Rack
  • Golden Potato
  • Realmgate Rampage II
  • Brewdog AoS GT
  • Midtcon GT
  • Southampton GT
  • Silverstream Smackdown
  • War in the North 3
  • Straight Edge Wargaming
  • Guts & Glory AoS Club Tournament
  • Sparkle Party Deathmatch VIII
  • Rocky Mountain Open
  • Rumble in the Rockies
  • March Mayhem
  • Dazmaul Wargaming Tournament 2023
  • Stockholm Slaughter 9: Miniluntan

Faction Win Rates

As we have now included a confidence interval within our data based on the sample size and results, we have now included all factions within the below tables regardless of their player base.

Win Rates

You’ll see in the chart above that each faction shows its current win rate as a % inside a text box. The paler green and yellow segments show the margin of error of that win rate. We predict with 95% confidence that the win rate will be within the paler bars upon the release of the next battlescroll.

Our first takeaway is that at the present win rates, Big Waaagh and Lumineth Real-Lords both have current win rates of over 55%. However, bear in mind that the player base for Big Waaagh is extremely small at just 16 players. This could mean that those players who are dedicated to a faction in this way are more knowledgeable about the tricks to get the most out of their models. On top of that, factions with a large sample size such as Stormcast Eternals or Slaves to Darkness will have players with varying skill levels playing them, as a result this can drag down their win rate compared to a faction with a smaller sample size.

If you wish to view our traditional win rate chart without the margin of confidence:

Player Results by Wins

This graph has at least two purposes. Firstly, it shows the faction popularity by the number of players, and secondly, it breaks down those players’ results in terms of the number of wins they achieve.

Here, we’ve included all the factions that have been played to date, as there is no benefit in removing those with a small sample size.

For once Stormcast have been knocked off their perch as the most popular faction, with Slaves to Darkness now taking the top spot.

Faction Popularity

Looking further into this, let’s compare some of these factions current popularity to their past results.

I’ve chosen seven factions, all of which have been affected by either new Battletomes or rules changes in some way over the last few months.

Ogor Mawtribes saw a large jump in their player base from December onwards as the players started seeing the potential of their new battletome.

We can also see straight away the effect of the Slaves to Darkness new Battletone in January/February with time. Their share of the player base jumped from roughly 2.5% in the previous months to well over 5% in January onwards. With 9.4% of all the players in February choosing Slaves to Darkness. Likewise, we see a drop in the percentage of Seraphon, Sons of Behemat, and Idoneth Deepkin players for the same time periods.

With the recent release of the Gloomspite Gitz tome, we’re also seeing a large number of players jump to the revamped destruction faction.

The full list month-by-month is below:

When looking at the above table, bear in mind that this is the worldwide meta, and region to region or even city to city may differ. So while this gives us a general idea of the meta worldwide it may not be representative of your local meta.

Players Achieving 5-0 Wins, Tournaments in Winning Positions and 3 Wins from 3

Out of all the players using that faction (shown in brackets next to the faction name), this graph shows the number achieving a whitewash at a GT with 5 wins from 5. Those achieving 4 wins from 4 after the fourth round and those achieving 3 wins from 3 after the 3rd round. Take into account that those who achieve 5-0 are included in the numbers of 4 wins from 4 and 3 wins from 3. Likewise, those achieving 4 from 4 are included with the 3 from 3 data.

We can see here that the graph is sorted left to right by the number of 5-0s. Lumineth Realm-Lords have achieved the most with 6 players going 5-0. When looking at this graph, bear in mind the player base size shown in brackets.

Results Split

This chart tells you which factions are more capable of achieving positive results at tournaments. Here we can see for example that the new Gloomspite Gitz have 61% of their players achieving 3 or more wins at a 5 game tournament, while at the other end of the table only 31% of Ironjawz players are achieving a positive result at GT’s.

Conclusions

If you’re planning your list for a GT, look at the data as a whole. Think about which armies are popular, as you’ll likely face at least one or two of these armies at some point during an event, especially in the earlier rounds.

Look at those factions that are regularly in a tournament winning position and winning GTs, as these are likely to be your opponents in the later rounds. I believe you should look at building a list that is able to cope with playing the following factions at some point in a GT if you’re looking to compete;

  • Slaves to Darkness
  • Stormcast Eternals
  • Sylvaneth
  • Ogor Mawtribes
  • Gloomspite Gitz
  • Lumineth Realm-Lords

But also, if you’re playing a local GT with your club, then bear in mind that meta may be completely different to those given in the stats above. All of what is presented here, should be taken with a pinch of salt, but hopefully it gives you some guidance when it comes to list construction, or even army choice if you’re looking to play Age of Sigmar.

Our Database

This is our most copy of our database.

Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Cinematic

With all the excitement around the new edition of 40k coming soon I thought I would do a bit of a sift of the glorious cinematic they released and try to find any little glimmers of what kind of models to expect in the new box. As we know from the last editions release they do like to tease us with small details.

This is all obviously speculation and entirely my own opinion as to what we may have seen. Please feel free to point out my errors or anything I missed. I am hoping to start conversations about the game I love!

So let us delve into the grim darkness and see what we find.

Let’s start with the Tyranids and, with what is likely the most obvious, the screamer-killer.

Now we already have a screamer-killer variant of the existing carnifex model, from 2005, but this looks more like the old-school 1992 version to me, with less of a hunchback and less armour around the head. We also see the bio-plasmic scream in action, so it seems unlikely to be anything else. Perhaps a new dedicated model influenced by the original?

We have already had the new termagant model revealed, so we know that is coming. The last little tidbit I spotted for Tyranids was in this image…

Now, bear with my (hopeful) flight of fancy here but this coupled with a few more still looks like a possible Lictor? It is being displayed as a stealthy-boi with two giant appendages so…maybe? The existing model is from 2005, and in dire need of a refresh, so it is not beyond belief. There is also another image that helps add evidence to this.

Okay, so that last one is as clear as mud, like any good conspiracy photo, but when you watch those few frames, the bioform that grabs the apothecary and slings it around like a dog with a chew-toy very much resembles a Lictor. Again, this may be hope driving me to find connections that don’t exist but you never know…

Moving onto the marines, things are a little clearer here.

Yep, that’s another Redemptor Dreadnaught variant called the Gunslinger. I think that just about covers all the vairants the original Dreadnaught kit could built (ranged, hybrid and close combat) so should we start the retirement party now?

Not much else on new models here.. oh wait, there was something.

..

Terminators are back! Well, they never really left but they have a new sculpt. I am hoping the assault terminators will not be far behind (love me a thunder hammer and storm shield!) but at least we know the reliable old guard are not going anywhere. Including a new Terminator Librarian (who looks badass!)

I also spied some possible new weapon options for Primaris marines…

I believe that Reiver is holding a combi-flamer? And is that a Primaris Intercessor with a flamer? (Don’t roast me too hard if it’s not an intercessor, power armour variants were never my strong point!) I don’t think I have seen those weapons on any existing models so perhaps they are teasing at new weapons for these kits?

Let me know if you have seen anything different? Or if I missed anything entirely, or am living in a fantasy land. As always, this is for the fun of speculation and discussion!

See you in the grim dark!

New AoS Campaign Book Incoming

Adepticon gave us a lot of new reveals this week for Age of Sigmar. New Seraphon range, a first glance at the new Cities of Sigmar range and some new heroes for Soulblight and Bonereapers.

But, what you may not have noticed is Games Workshop basically announced an entirely new as yet to be revealed book. What am I talking about? Take a look at this image:

You probably all saw this during the announcement. But let’s have a look at the current factions without 3rd Edition Tomes;

  • Blades of Khorne
  • Hedonites of Slaanesh
  • Ossiarch Bonereapers
  • Soulblight Gravelords
  • Seraphon
  • Flesh-eater Courts
  • Cities of Sigmar

7 factions, right? The trouble is that the picture above has 6 revealed factions and 2 unannounced books. One of those could be Flesh-eater Courts, so that accounts for the full AoS faction listing as it stands now. But what’s the eighth?

In all liklihood, as pointed out in the comments below and on our Discord, this book will likely be a Season of War book. In the same vein as Thondia last year. Rob, of Honest Wargamer fame claims it will also include a new Spider Incarnate as well. Could it include the long talked about update to Path to Glory as well?

If it was a faction, and I was a betting man….

Yup, I think we’ll see Chaos Dwarfs Duardin return to AoS. I say return, as Forgeworld produced a whole range for the diminutive dudes only to pull them back in 2020.

But, its just a guess. What do you think the mystery 8th book holds? Let us know in the comments below.

Top Three AoS Lists for Stockholm Slaughter 9

This is the top three AoS lists for Stockholm Slaughter 9 took place in Sweden on the 18th and 19th of March. It involved 18 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.

Before I jump into the Top Three AoS Lists, I wanted to remind everyone of our friendly Discord server where you can join in the conversation with the Woehammer crew and suggest articles or series for the website.

If you like what we’re doing, why not join our Patreon and help keep it going?

Also if there’s a one day or two day tournament you’d like us to cover drop us a comment on this post and we’ll have a look at it for you.

The Top Three AoS Lists

Allegiance: Fyreslayers
Lodge: Vostarg
– Grand Strategy: Master of the Forge
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

LEADERS
Auric Runefather (120)*
General
– Command Trait: Fury of the Fyreslayers
Auric Runemaster (130)***
Artefact: Volatile Brazier
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal
Auric Flamekeeper (90)***
Auric Flamekeeper (90)***
Battlesmith (150)
– Artefact: Nulsidian Icon
– Aspect of the Champion: Fuelled by Ghurish Rage
Auric Runesmiter (120)
Forge Key
– Prayer: Ember Storm

UNITS
15 x Hearthguard Berzerkers (450)*
Poleaxes
30 x Vulkite Berzerkers with Fyresteel Handaxes (480)**
10 x Vulkite Berzerkers with Fyresteel Handaxes (160)**
10 x Vulkite Berzerkers with Fyresteel Handaxes (160)**

ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS
Molten Infernoth (40)

CORE BATTALIONS
*Galletian Command
**Galletian Veterans
***Command Entourage – Magnificent

ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS
Artefact

TOTAL: 1990/2000

Army Faction: Slaves to Darkness
Subfaction: Cabalists
– Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs
– Triumph: Bloodthirsty

LEADERS
Chaos Sorcerer Lord (120)**
Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
– Spells: Chaotic Conduit, Daemonic Speed
Exalted Hero of Chaos (100)**
Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
– Rune-etched Blade and Chaos Runeshield
– Spells: Binding Damnation
– Aspects of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Slaves to Darkness Daemon Prince (195)**
General
– Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
– Command Traits: Not to be Denied
– Daemonic Axe
– Wings
– Artefacts of Power: Helm of the Oppressor
– Spells: Daemonic Speed

BATTLELINE
Corvus Cabal (80)*
Corvus Cabal (80)*
Chaos Knights (460)**
Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
– Doom Knight
– Standard Bearer
– Hornblower
– Cursed Flail
– Ensorcelled banner: The Eroding Icon

OTHER
Chaos Chosen (480)*
Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
– Exalted Champion
– 2 x Icon Bearer
– 2 x Skull Drummer
– Ensorcelled banner: The Banner of Screaming Flesh
Ogroid Theridons (380)**
Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
– Thorakon
– Goroan Great Axe
– 2 x Banner Bearer
– 2 x Charge-caller

ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS
1 x Soulscream Bridge (80)

CORE BATTALIONS
*Galletian Veterans
**Warlord (Extra Ensorcelled Banner)

TOTAL POINTS: 1975/2000

Allegiance: Daughters of Khaine
Temple: Zainthar Kai
– Grand Strategy: Bloodthirsty Zealots
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Slaughter Queen on Cauldron of Blood (300)
General
– Command Trait: Zealous Orator
– Artefact: Crown of Woe
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse
Morathi-Khaine (350)*
The Shadow Queen (350)*

Battleline
15 x Blood Stalkers (540)*
Reinforced x 2
10 x Witch Aelves (120)*
Sacrificial Knives and Blade Bucklers
10 x Witch Aelves (120)*
– Sacrificial Knives and Blade Bucklers

Units
5 x Khinerai Heartrenders (100)*
5 x Khinerai Heartrenders (100)*

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment

Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 91
Drops: 2

Allegiance: Ironjawz
Warclan: Bloodtoofs
– Grand Strategy: Waaagh!
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Orruk Megaboss (140)*
General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
Orruk Warchanter (120)*
– Artefact: Gryph-feather Charm (Galletian Champion)
– Warbeat: Get ‘Em Beat
– Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Orruk Warchanter (120)*
Warbeat: Killa Beat

Battleline
5 x Orruk Ardboys (80)*
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)**
Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)***
Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)***
Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1
3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)**
Jagged Gore-hackas
3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)***
Jagged Gore-hackas
5 x Spider Riders (90)*
5 x Spider Riders (90)

Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Ironjawz Fist
***Ironjawz Fist

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 2000 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 3 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 169

Final Tournament Placings

Top Three AoS Lists for Wardolly Weekend

This is the top three AoS lists for Wardolly Weekend that took place in Australia on the 18th and 19th of March. It involved 16 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.

Before I jump into the Top Three AoS Lists, I wanted to remind everyone of our friendly Discord server where you can join in the conversation with the Woehammer crew and suggest articles or series for the website.

If you like what we’re doing, why not join our Patreon and help keep it going?

Also if there’s a one day or two day tournament you’d like us to cover drop us a comment on this post and we’ll have a look at it for you.

The Top Three AoS Lists

Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals
Stormhost: Hallowed Knights (Scions of the Storm)
– Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

Leaders
Celestant-Prime, Hammer of Sigmar (330)
Gardus Steel Soul (170)*
Lord-Castellant (160)**
– Artefact: Mirrorshield
– Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Lord-Relictor (150)*
– General
– Command Trait: High Priest
– Prayer: Translocation
– Aspect of the Champion: Stubborn as a Rhinox
Yndrasta, The Celestial Spear (280)*

Battleline
5 x Liberators (120)**
Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield
5 x Vindictors (130)*
10 x Sequitors (240)**
– 5x Stormsmite Greatmaces
– Reinforced x 1

Units
5 x Retributors (210)**
5 x Retributors (210)***

Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Galletian Veterans
***Galletian Command

Additional Enhancements
Aspect of the Champion

Total: 2000 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 106
Drops: 10

Allegiance: Soulblight Gravelords
Lineage: Kastelai Dynasty
– Grand Strategy:
– Triumphs: Indomitable

Leaders
Vengorian Lord (280)
General
– Command Trait: Rousing Commander
– Artefact: Fragment of the Keep
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Prince Vhordrai (460)
Lore of the Vampires: Amethystine Pinions
Radukar the Beast (310)
Vampire Lord (140)
Lore of the Vampires: Amethystine Pinions
Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master

Battleline
10 x Blood Knights (400)
Reinforced x 1
5 x Blood Knights (200)
5 x Blood Knights (200)

Total: 1990 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 101
Drops: 7

Allegiance: Ironjawz
Warclan: Ironsunz
– Grand Strategy: The Day is Ours!
– Triumphs:

Leaders
Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)*
General
– Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist
– Artefact: Destroyer
– Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un
Orruk Megaboss (140)*
Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Orruk Warchanter (120)**
Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)**
Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)**
– Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon

Battleline
5 x Orruk Ardboys (80)*
– 1x Gorkamorka Glyph Bearers
5 x Orruk Ardboys (80)*
– 1x Gorkamorka Glyph Bearers
5 x Orruk Brutes (150)*
Pair of Brute Choppas
– 1x Gore Choppas

Units
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)*
Pig-iron Choppas
– Reinforced x 1

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
**Command Entourage – Magnificent

Total: 1960 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 120
Drops: 4

Allegiance: Sons of Behemat
Tribe: Stomper Tribe
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Make the Land Tremble
– Triumphs: Inspired

LEADERS
King Brodd (550)*
Warstomper Mega-Gargant (450)*
General
– Command Trait: Monstrously Tough
– Artefact: Arcane Tome
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon

UNITS
3 x Mancrusher Mob (450)
1 x Mancrusher Gargants (150)**
1 x Mancrusher Gargants (150)**
1 x Mancrusher Gargants (150)**

ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS
Ravenak’s Gnashing Jaws (70)

CORE BATTALIONS
*Bosses of the Stomp – Unified
**Footsloggas – Unified

TOTAL: 1970/2000

Final Tournament Placings

Adepticon AoS Champs 2023 Top Eight Pick

I did this for LVO, and got a massive 2 out of the 8 correct! Let’s see if I can do any better for Adepticon!

1st Place – Nicholas Walters

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
418.51.593%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
BWG: Summer SlaughterIronjaws3-1-1
Nova OpenIronjaws5-0-0
Las Vegas Open 2023Ironjaws5-0-0
March MayhemIronjaws5-0-0

2nd – Kaleb Walters

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
314193%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
BWG: Summer SlaughterDisciples of Tzeentch4-0-1
Nova OpenDisciples of Tzeentch5-0-0
Las Vegas Open 2023Disciples of Tzeentch5-0-0

3rd – Jon Anderson

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
9351078%
EventFactionResult
Armed Forces Day 5Lumineth Realm-Lords4-0-1
Nashcon GT 2022Lumineth Realm-Lords4-0-1
Epic Level ShowdownIdoneth Deepkin4-0-1
Michigan GTIdoneth Deepkin4-0-1
US Open ChicagoLumineth Realm-Lords4-0-1
Everwinter GTLumineth Realm-Lords4-0-1
Las Vegas Open 2023Lumineth Realm-Lords3-0-2
Columbus Brewhammer ’23Lumineth Realm-Lords5-0-0
Cherokee OpenLumineth Realm-Lords3-0-2

4th – Mrigank Jha

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
627390%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
Gateway Open 2022Stormcast Eternals5-0-0
US Open ChicagoStormcast Eternals4-0-1
US Open Kansas CityStormcast Eternals4-0-1
Las Vegas Open 2023Stormcast Eternals4-0-1
Midwest Bash 2Fyreslayers5-0-0
Guts & Glory Club TournamentOssiarch Bonereapers5-0-0

5th – Matt Robisch

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
2100100%

Previous Results

EventFactionResult
Hammerfest 2022Sylvaneth5-0-0
The Slambo GTSylvaneth5-0-0

6th – Dean Bilz

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
310377%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
Midwest MakeupSeraphon1-0-2
US Open ChicagoSeraphon5-0-0
Las Vegas Open 2023Seraphon4-0-1

7th – Joe Krier

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
726.58.576%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
BWG: Summer SlaughterBeasts of Chaos3-1-1
Flying Monkey Con 2022Lumineth Realm-Lords4-0-1
US Open ChicagoStormcast Eternals3-0-2
US Open Kansas CityDisciples of Tzeentch4-0-1
Renegade OpenDisciples of Tzeentch5-0-0
Las Vegas Open 2023Disciples of Tzeentch3-0-2
Guts & Glory Club TournamentDisciples of Tzeentch4-0-1

8th – Barton Kennelly

EventsWinsLossesWin Rate
726974%

Previous Results:

EventFactionResult
Southern Fried OpenCities of Sigmar4-0-1
Nashcon GTCities of Sigmar4-0-1
Michigan GTCities of Sigmar4-0-1
US Open ChicagoCities of Sigmar5-0-0
DaBoyz GT 2022Cities of Sigmar2-0-3
Las Vegas Open 2023Cities of Sigmar4-0-1
Cherokee OpenDaughters of Khaine3-0-2

Top Three AoS Lists for Guts & Glory Club Tournament

This is the top three AoS lists for the Guts & Glory Club Tournament that took place in the USA on the 11th and 12th of March. It involved 48 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.

Before I jump into the Top Three AoS Lists, I wanted to remind everyone of our friendly Discord server where you can join in the conversation with the Woehammer crew and suggest articles or series for the website.

If you like what we’re doing, why not join our Patreon and help keep it going?

Also if there’s a one day or two day tournament you’d like us to cover drop us a comment on this post and we’ll have a look at it for you.

The Top Three AoS Lists

Allegiance: Ossiarch Bonereapers
Legion: Petrifex Elite
– Mortal Realm: Ghyran
– Grand Strategy: Unrelenting Efficiency
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Liege-Kavalos (160)*
General
– Command Trait: Mighty Archaeossian
Mortisan Boneshaper (110)*
Artefact: Godbone Armour
– Lore of Mortisans: Drain Vitality
– Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Mortisan Soulmason (120)*
– Lore of Mortisans: Arcane Command

Battleline
10 x Mortek Guard (140)*
Nadirite Blade and Shield
– 1x Soulcleaver Greatblades
10 x Mortek Guard (140)*
Nadirite Blade and Shield
– 1x Soulcleaver Greatblades
5 x Kavalos Deathriders (180)*
Nadirite Blade and Shield

Units
6 x Necropolis Stalkers (340)**
2x Dread Falchions
– Reinforced x 1
6 x Necropolis Stalkers (340)**
2x Dread Falchions
– Reinforced x 1

Artillery
Mortek Crawler (200)*
Mortek Crawler (200)

Endless Spells & Invocations
Bone-tithe Shrieker (50)

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
**Galletian Veterans

Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 125
Drops: 4

You may be aware of our recent collaboration with Stormkeep and presenting out stats on YouTube. We’ll Mrigank of Stormkeep fame has managed an impressive 5-0, but not with Stormcast as you’d expect, but Bonereapers! I’ll let Mrigank explain the list.

Mrigank Jha: So pivoting away from the traditional Arkhan Magic + Infantry based lists , this list doesn’t focus on hordes of Mortek Guard. Roar makes them vulnerable and the meta has too many ranged horde killers (Ogors, Skaven, Stormcast, LRL). So, keeping the 2×6 stalkers for Blenders, this list goes towards Catapults. All out Defence and Armor may make it seem weak, but the special ammo is what is important. Ogors, LRL, and Gitz, the three big bad, are fairly low bravery, and Gitz in particular, has small wound heroes. Being able to wreck a giant Grot unit or Squigherd unit. Taking out Gnoblars entirely the same way is amazing. Sniping a Sentinel Captain to turn off empower, and in case of a Slaves to Darkness matchup, sniping an Ensorcelled Banner is amazing.
Stalkers are amazing with Mystic shield and re roll saves on defence or additional rend and damage on offence (can increase rend even further with Bludgeon)
So, for my matches, I mainly did that. Use catapults at key targets, and push Mortek guard out early as Stalker screens. Stalkers to counterattack. Necromantic Mastery (heroic action) with Bone Tithe Shrieker to add 1 to hit rolls and stop Inspiring Presence and Rally. In instances of where your opponent leaves a GC out in the open, the special ammo can help you snipe it on a lucky roll. You can also use this one to break coherency in entire units strung out as screens

I faced LRL, Ogors, Anvilgard Cites, Skaven and Gitz. The Catapult range and threat meant they often chose to target it instead of my other threats , the ones that take objectives and its fairly difficult to kill catapults with 12 W 4+ save and reducing a rend.
I used the Kavalos as a fast threat, objective taker, Mortek guard as screens / first line of defense, and stalkers to get into the thick of it.

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Allegiance: Slaanesh
Host: Lurid Haze Invaders Host (Host of Chaos)
– Mortal Realm: Ulgu
– Grand Strategy: Defend What’s Ours
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

Leaders
The Contorted Epitome (240)*
General
– Command Trait: Feverish Anticipation
– Artefact: Oil of Exultation
– Host Option: General
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
– Aspect of the Champion: Fuelled by Ghurish Rage
Sigvald, Prince of Slaanesh (210)*
Host Option: General
Glutos Orscollion, Lord of Gluttony (440)*
Lore of Pain and Pleasure: Battle Rapture
Infernal Enrapturess, Herald of Slaanesh (120)*
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Lore of Slaanesh: Born of Damnation

Battleline
22 x Blissbarb Archers (280)**
Reinforced x 1
11 x Blissbarb Archers (140)**
11 x Blissbarb Archers (140)**

Other
1 x Cockatrice (105)*
1 x Cockatrice (105)*

Endless Spells and Invocations
Mesmerising Mirror (60)
Wheels of Excruciation (80)
Dreadful Visage (70)

Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Galletian Sharpshooters

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 1990 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 96
Drops: 9

Old book HoS take the podium! With a new book around the corner east to forget, this is just a current, often nerfed, HoS list. It has all of the stars, Sigvald, Epitome, and Glutos, with a lot of Blissbarb. Blissbarb are as much the heart of the list as the heroes, ok archery and a fantastic source of Depravity Points (DP). The Epitome build is very tanky (for HoS) with an extra wound and one of the new Ghurish enhancements – Fuelled by Ghurish Rage (once per battle 3+ ward). Add in the Flaming Weapon, and it’s still a very dangerous unit.

Back to the DP – Hedonites are really a summoning army, everything is fragile (not Glutos), just now they can use Revel in Pain as well while they have the points. You’re forced into an unenviable choice of removing units (Generating DP) or heroes (and being shot) – very hedonistic. With the Cockatrice to act as blockers, objective getters and generally be pains it’s a very annoying army that can react to most situations. The list even has 2 ways to snipe out Galletian Champions – Galletian Sharpshooters for all of the Blissbarb and Mesmering Mirror, swingy but if it goes off…. Both of the other spells do mortal wounds as well based on 6 dice. Dreadful Visage is very effective against screens etc, if it does damage it reduces Bravery by 1. Orcs hate it.

That combination of threats was very effective. Laron’s opponents had limited or no shooting, that shooting was frequently shorter ranged. Combined with effective heroes and the mortal wound output it’s hard to counter unless played just right. That Epitome is a thing of nightmares….

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Allegiance: Kharadron Overlords
Sky Port: Barak Zilfin
– Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Aether-Khemist (90)**
General
– Command Trait: Collector
– Artefact: Spell in a Bottle
Endrinmaster with Dirigible Suit (160)**
– Artefact: Staff of Ocular Optimisation
– Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Arkanaut Admiral (140)**
Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Gotrek Gurnisson (480)

Battleline
10 x Arkanaut Company (90)*
– 1x Skypikes
– 1x Light Skyhooks
– 1x Aethermatic Volley Guns
10 x Arkanaut Company (90)*
– 1x Skypikes
– 1x Light Skyhooks
– 1x Aethermatic Volley Guns
10 x Arkanaut Company (90)**
– 1x Skypikes
– 1x Light Skyhooks
– 1x Aethermatic Volley Guns

Units
10 x Grundstok Thunderers (260)*
2x Aetheric Fumigators
– 2x Decksweepers
– 2x Aethercannons
– 1x Grundstok Mortars
– Reinforced x 1

Behemoths
Arkanaut Ironclad (490)
– Main Gun: Great Volley Cannon
– Great Endrinworks: The Last Word

Endless Spells & Invocations
Warp Lightning Vortex (80)

Core Battalions
*Galletian Sharpshooters
**Warlord

Additional Enhancements
Artefact
Artefact

Total: 1970 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 95
Drops: 9

One last hurrah for the old book, this time around we’re lucky enough to have Carl’s comments on hid list

Carl Stokes: This was the final ride of the Warp Lightning Vortex in KO and I was determined to send it off with a bang!
I’ve always felt that KO struggle into high tempo combat heavy armies that can either shrug off the heaps of rend -1 shooting I can bring to bear and/or close the gap in one turn to crack open my boats.

Enter Gotrek.

He completely changes the way opponents have to think about KO. The things I used to be very concerned about (Kragnos, Varanguard, Mawkrushas) are now the armies I feel extremely favored into. Gotrek forces combat armies to forfeit the alpha strike into my boat bunker and allow me to seize the initiative and dictate the flow of the game.

With old KO rules, this also meant that forcing me to go first just allowed me to perfectly lob a WLV into my opponent’s backfield and then hide the Ironclad behind a layer of 10 Thunderers and a Khemist who would guarantee my opponent was at -1 to hit in close combat. And of course, should they fail to kill the Thunderers and Khemist, a very angry dwarf was right around the corner…

The best part is how easily this list transitions to the new book! Not only is this archetype alive and well, but because the warp lightning vortex becomes a free soulscream bridge and a few characters are easily swapped around, I can add 5 more new and improved Thunderers (that rally on a 4+) to the list and make it a one-drop. I’m always trying to spread the Gospel of Gotrek and I think the new KO tome will really demonstrate his utility in the faction.

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Allegiance: Flesh-eater Courts – Check Header
Grand Court: Blisterskin
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Abhorrant Archregent (240)
Universal Spell Lore: Levitate
Abhorrant Archregent (240)
General
– Command Trait: Hellish Orator
– Artefact: The Dermal Robe
– Lore of Madness: Spectral Host
Abhorrant Ghoul King (170)*
– Lore of Madness: Deranged Transformation
Abhorrant Ghoul King on Royal Terrorgheist (450)*
– Artefact: Eye of Hysh
– Mount Trait: Gruesome Bite
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Varghulf Courtier (160)*
Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master

Battleline
9 x Crypt Flayers (540)**
Reinforced x 2
10 x Crypt Ghouls (80)**
10 x Crypt Ghouls (80)*

Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Galletian Veterans

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 1960 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 98
Drops: 8

FEC is a statistical anamoly – both Metawatch and TSN have them as a 50%+ faction, we have them at about 43% win rate. Who’s right? Well we don’t write about them that often so there aren’t that many podiums in the events we cover. But that could just be the low player representation.

Anyway the list, this is the “list” or the most common way we see FEC. A double reinforced Crypt Flayer unit with 2 x Crypt Ghoul screens, Terrorgheist, Archregents and Ghoul Kings. This gives the widest range of spells and summoning. It can summon, during the battle, up to another 9 Crypt Flayers and 20 serfs – this is really a 2660 point list. That’s key to beating them – don’t commit too early, force your opponent to bring most of their units onto the table so you don’t face an overwhelming force in Turn 2 or 3. Not taking Chronomatic Cogs is an interesting choice.

FEC really needs to get their buffs off (adding up to 4 attacks and a 5+ ward) so Cogs is almost mandatory. Only losing to Fyreslayers though is a testament to what the faction is capable of. Roll well and the Flayers are terrifying, very hard to kill and rally really well. In the matchups here they’ve taken down almost everything including Varanguard. With the new book announced it’s likely we’ll see more interest in the faction and enjoy those damn Flayers.

Final Tournament Placings

General Speaking: Gavin Grigar

Joshua Bennett, Daughters of Khaine supremo, has joined our team and set about interviewing the top players from around the world! Having been to many of the top tournaments in the USA, Joshua has amassed a tonne of connections in that time.

Our Other General Speaking Articles:

Gavin – The Stats

Events in 22-23 Pitched Battles (Season 1 and 2): 10
Game Wins: 43.5 (Draws counting as 0.5 wins and 0.5 losses)
Game Losses: 6.5
Win Rate: 87.0%
Woehammer Ranking Points: 928.4
North America Woehammer Ranking: 2nd
Worldwide Woehammer Ranking: 2nd

Events (Sorted by Woehammer Ranking Points):

EventFactionWinsLossesRanking Points
Las Vegas Open 2023CoS50264.6
Nova OpenSer50228.8
US Open Kansas CityDoK50223.8
Old Town Throwdown Summer SmashSer50211.2
The Slambo GT Ser50193.6
Harambe’s Heroes and Goldmine Games Rumble in the JungleDoK50186.5
Everwinter GTDoK41181.4
US Open ChicagoSer41169.0
Sooper Seekret Kastell ChonGG2.52.5147.1
The Lone Star Grand TournamentS2D32146.2

General Speaking

Joshua Bennett (JB): Hey buddy, first, I wanna say thank you so much for taking time out of your day and chatting with us.  I guess we should start off with asking how long have you been wargaming?

Gavin Grigar (GG): Thanks for having me! I started wargaming around 2003 as a kid with 40k and then lost interest when I got to high school, which is probably similar to a lot of folks. Picked it up again in 2017 after I realized it was ok to be a nerd and then started playing Age of Sigmar in 2019 because it was what my friends were playing. Haven’t looked back since.

JB: You were last seasons number 1 ITC player with a few number 1s in multiple factions, you’re also representingteam USA in the AOS worlds event.  Has it always been competitive play for you?

GG: Yea, I think I’ve always had a thing. Basketball, football (Peter: You mean Gridiron? That sport wherey, and Halo 3 growing up, then League of Legends for a while and now wargaming. This is probably the most invested I’ve been in a thing, though. The camaraderie of the community makes it easy to keep coming back.

JB: You boys in Texas have a pretty big community, and when we met, you and others from that community were very welcoming.  Do you think that’s what makes you enjoy AOS more than the other hobbies you have done

GG: Thanks dude, you Georgia fellas are alright too, I guess. Yea, no matter what the game state is, the community consistently makes it a blast to travel and hang out.

JB: What do you think is an important step in becoming a competitive player? What advice would you give somebody wanting to play at that next level

GG: The most consistent thing I’ve noticed in other players that consistently do well is an obsession with the game. There are so many moving parts in AoS, and those parts are constantly changing, so it takes an obsessive person to learn and relearn the game as it evolves. Surrounding yourself with other great players and consistent practice also helps a ton.

JB: I know you’re getting ready for worlds, I would assume you’re getting to practice against some of the best.  How much does that shift your focus while still playing in events?

GG: Practice for worlds has priority, and as it gets closer, I’ve scaled back my travel to focus on it. When I do get out to events lately, it’s been experimental things, and I’ve tried to start enjoying the hangout more(Tried being the keyword). After Worlds, I’ll probably readjust goals.

JB: Speaking of goals, did you plan on dominating the best in faction class, or was it more playing what was fun

GG: One of the things I wanted to do better at this year was focusing on a few factions, as  in 2021, I felt like I had played too many (11 or 12, I believe). Daughters of Khaine have always been my favorite faction, and Seraphon has mechanics that I really enjoy the playstyle of (Yes, they are also strong). I missed out on best Gitz, though…

JB: Can we expect a repeat this season?

GG: In approach to army choice, I think so, yea, I have less time to allocate to the AoS this year and will be more selective of when I travel. As far as ITC, there are a ton of really talented people gunning for placements. I look forward to seeing everybody at upcoming GTs and competing, though!

JB: Gavin, thank you so much for your time. I just have one last question for you.  What advice could you give to our readers that are just starting out in the hoppy

GG: If you’re already thinking about tournaments, my advice is just go and see what it’s like. The community is fantastic and very welcoming. Once you go, you can really decide what it is that you want from Aos, and there is plenty more available than just the competitive aspect. If competitive is your thing, find other like-minded people and enjoy the ride. Thanks for having me!

JB: It was our pleasure, and I look forward to seeing how the season shapes out for you.  Good luck at Worlds, and I’ll see you on the tables!

Top Three AoS Lists for Sparkle Party Deathmatch VIII

This is the top three AoS lists for Sparkle Party Deathmatch VIII that took place in the USA on the 11th and 12th of March. It involved 52 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.

Before I jump into the Top Three AoS Lists, I wanted to remind everyone of our friendly Discord server where you can join in the conversation with the Woehammer crew and suggest articles or series for the website.

If you like what we’re doing, why not join our Patreon and help keep it going?

Also if there’s a one day or two day tournament you’d like us to cover drop us a comment on this post and we’ll have a look at it for you.

The Top Three AoS Lists

Allegiance: Soulblight Gravelords
Lineage: Legion of Blood
– Grand Strategy: Vampiric Conquerors
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

Leaders
Neferata, Mortarch of Blood (350)*
– Lore of the Deathmages: Fading Vigour
Vampire Lord (140)**
General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Expertise: Arcane
– Universal Spell Lore: Levitate
– Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master
Lauka Vai, Mother of Nightmares (280)***
– Lore of the Vampires: Spirit Gale

Battleline
5 x Black Knights (100)***
5 x Black Knights (100)***
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (80)*
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (80)*

Units
10 x Blood Knights (400)***
Reinforced x 1
20 x Grave Guard (280)**
Great Wight Blades
– Reinforced x 1
1 x Corpse Cart with Unholy Lodestone (80)*

Endless Spells & Invocations
Horrorghast (70)

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
**Galletian Command
***Battle Regiment

Total: 1960 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 124
Drops: 4

Some of our readers may remember that we interviewed Jeremy Veysseire some time ago on General Speaking. We reached out once more, and ever the gentleman, Jeremy agreed to give us a rundown of his list.

Jeremy Veysseire: The important thing about the Legion of Blood army I played at Sparkle Death party is that it was designed originally roughly 1 year ago to counter the hyper aggressive meta that was around Maggotkin Flies, Dragons and Ironjawz through the following important mechanics of Neferata’s spell allowing a unit of mine to ignore negative modifiers to saves (aka REND) for either Neferata and the Blood Knights on a 3+ save platform making them easily 2+ save during the crucial fights and the minus 1 to hit Aura from Neferata’s Command Ability, the reduction in attacks to 1 unit with the book spell. The additional mechanics that were more of a bonus such as the Bravery Reduction, the additional models fleeing and the Horrorghast combo really punished in some cases Dragons and the flies themselves since my army does not do straight raw damage per say but more of this “I will kill you by a thousand slow cuts while you scream for the hills.”

So we fast forward to Spark Death Party, why bring this army since the meta has evolved so much since then? Well, I wanted to see if the combo was a good counter to Gitz, Slaves and Mawtribes, which all fit those hyper aggressive archetypes. The difference being that all of those armies have abilities to deal out a lot more MW consistently than the previous meta (yes, even more than dragons) and still punch very hard. I made some tweaks by incorporating Lauka Vai and the Corpse Cart for the +1 to cast aura, hoping that in some games I could get Lauka Vai’s spell off allowing me to really control how my opponent could choose the engagement and the additional thought process was if the Gitz armies went deep in Squig Herd since they can’t reroll charges, it could potentially stop them when they want to charge.

Now lets cover some of the additional combos in the list that are less obvious, Levitating Blood Knights to always be able to move any enemy units when they retreat and plant themselves easily where they want while removing terrain to clunk them up. Making the Grave Guards Sworn protectors allows me the ability to do another Battle Tactic “A Matter of Honor” with them and just in the off chance I can get them to activate in the Hero Phase with the Vampire Lord. Lauka Vai’s MW on the Charge really allows me to sometimes get Neferata out of combat or lets me remove a GC consistently with her as she can be kind of a surgical strike unit and she provides the Blood Knights coverage if Neferata fails to cast her spell.

At the event itself, I played in order into FEC, Fyreslayers, Mawtribes, Gitz, Cities of Sigmar. My first 4 matchups were exactly the type of army I wanted to face, aggressive melee armies and man oh man did the combo work. Some highlights, keep Gotrek debuffed with less attacks and half charges while the army picked up everything else around him, into Mawtribes watching Stonehorn hit on 5’s with Neferata’s minus 1 to hit, into Gitz watching BK just absolutely lock units up and the Black Knights blocking avenues up the board. Neferata slayed a Terrorgheist, a Phoenix, a Grimwrath, and terrified the Heroes on Stonehorn with her dagger. The army obviously got to play the type of armies it was designed to fight into and it did incredibly well due mostly to its ability to keep my opponent’s army locked away and debuffed as I cut him ever so slightly to drain him of his life essence like perhaps…a Vampire. But honestly, all it took was probably a non Static shooting army like KO or Seraphon to just ruin my day. What a great last ride for this army before the new battletome.

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Army Faction: Stormcast Eternals
Army Type: Scions of the Storm
– Army Subfaction: Hammers of Sigmar
– Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs
– Holy Command: Thunderbolt Volley
– Triumphs: Inspired

LEADER
1 x Lord-Castellant (160)*
Artefacts: Quicksilver Draught
– Aspects of the Champion: Tunnel Master
1 x Lord-Relictor (150)***
General
– Command Traits: High Priest
– Prayers: Translocation
1 x Battlemage (100)****
Ally
– Realm: Ghur

BATTLELINE
5 x Judicators with Boltstorm Crossbows (190)**
Judicator-Prime
– Thunderbolt Crossbow
5 x Judicators with Boltstorm Crossbows (190)**
– Judicator-Prime
– Thunderbolt Crossbow
2 x Dracothian Guard Fulminators (240)****
5 x Drakespawn Knights (110)****
Dread Knight
– Standard Bearer
– Hornblower

OTHER
10 x Protectors (440)*
Protector-Prime
– 4 x Starsoul Mace
3 x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (240)**
Raptor-Prime
1 x Stormstrike Chariot (170)***
Stormstrike Axe and Tempestuous Spear

CORE BATTALIONS:
*Galletian Command
**Galletian Sharpshooters
***Vanguard
****Vanguard

Total Points: 1990/2000
Total Drops: 10
Total Units: 10
Total Wounds: 109

Through our friends at Stormkeep, we were able to reach out to Stark and ask if he’d give us a rundown of his list. Thanks again, Stark, for the comments, I’m sure we’ll be hearing from you again in the future!

Stark Pister: This list is a natural evolution of my HaXbows list from last season, with which I topped out at 4-1. Last season I played 15 Judicators + 3 Longstrikes in a 3 drop with double chariot bounty hunters and so this list pulls back on the shooting and chariots for a more durable anvil/hammer in the block of 10 protectors to fit the more midboard grind battleplans of this season.

In my opinion the strongest Stormcast lists tend to be mixed arms builds with durable screens protecting efficient shooting and high damage melee hammers to riposte threats that try to get through the screens to threaten the shooting, all supported by minimal characters since our faction synergies tend to be minimal. I tend to build my tournament lists with this a general philosophy as the balanced nature allows the flexibility to deal with most types of opponents. In a similar vein, I try to have units with diverse types of damage to have the tools to minimize polarized matches. I find Stormcast’s incredibly deep roster tends to provide the options to really customize what you want available in any given meta.

This new season presents a lot of opportunities and a lot of challenges for Stormcast lists. Fortunately, our main minimal support characters are all GCs (except Gardus). One of our big strengths is the ability to snipe out small enemy buff heros and now that is even better with enemy GC’s being critical for half the non-book tactics and several battle plans, incentizing use of the Sharpshooter battalion. However, they balanced sharpshooters well by forcing it to be 3 required units so you can’t be very low drop. High drops can be problematic for shooting armies because an early double can allow melee to close the gap and for opposing shooting to gain the upper hand in output, so this needs to be compensated for somehow. Longstrikes make the perfect GC hunters, and with scions, translocate, and Thunderbolt volley, they provide very flexible turn one threat that helps offset those high drops. The added threat of the Judicators forces conservative screening of heros while they efficiently clear those screens from a safe distance.

The Gallatian Command battalion provides the opportunity for a very strong combo in Stormcast when used alongside a Galatian Champion with the Quicksilver Draught and the new Tunnel Master makes it easy to set up even with a hero like the Castellant who wants to be on the board in the hero phase for his ability. More importantly, it allows the combo to be down at the start of the game as part of your initial deployment castle, and with the help of the Relictor, it can be anywhere it needs to be on turn one. This allows you to defend from alpha strike armies that choose to go first against you (or the rare person you outdrop), while being able to get them buffed and into the optimal position when given top of one. Lord Castellant is the perfect hero for this job not just because of his ability to buff them to a 1+ save but critically because he has a 40mm Gryph Hound that enables the whole 10 block to fit within the 2.5″ bubble to allow them to strike first with him when someone charges them. This provides a HUGE deterrent to hitting your midbaord castle from the front and specifically acts as protection of your main melee hammer against the double turn.

The Ghur Battlemage helps make up for the paladin speed issues in the mid game and pairs well with the Relictor for melee units in general throughout. I often lead with Mystic shield on one of the screens to help with weathering the potential double as well, before flipping to wildform to go on the offensive. He also provides the bare minimum magic defense, which coupled with heroic willpower and the relictor Dispel at least let you disrupt the low hanging fruit.

The efficient battleline slots provide the opportunity to pick up an all-star screen in the Drakespawn Knights, who pair well with the Chariot to safely claim objectives and pin large threats until their buffs are down. The Chariot even has vanguard battalion to reroll its first charge outside of hero range. Because the battleline are the riposte and ranged units, they can easily stay back to protect heros from shooting for a while.

Another critical consideration this season has been the battle tactics. The teleporting GC lineup and Sworn Bodyguard paladins make most of the new ones achievable with some planning, though This One’s Mine is rarely an option. Hammerstrike Assault and Draconith Desctruction can be good backup options, albeit riskier that come in handy against armies where killing the one thing needs to be your focus anyway. The spicy Drakespawn pick can even sneak a late game Pioneers of the Realms.

Shoutouts to my mentor Matt Beasley for helping refine the list and forcing me to get reps in (and for lending the Drakespawn), to my painting mentor Ricky Fischer whose squigs I beat in round 5 to finish the tournament, and to the whole of Dimensional Cascade. Special thanks to my partner Larc for the unending support of my unbelievably-high-time-commitment hobbies.

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Army Faction: Slaves to Darkness
Army Subfaction: Knights of the Empty Throne
– Grand Strategy: Follow the Path to Glory
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

LEADER
1 x Be’lakor (355)
Spells: Binding Damnation
1 x Chaos Sorcerer Lord on Manticore (265)*
General
– Command Traits: Master of Magic
– Artefacts: Arcane Tome
– Spells: Daemonic Speed
– Mark of Chaos: Undivided
1 x Chaos Sorcerer Lord (120)*
Spells: Chaotic Conduit
– Mark of Chaos: Undivided
– Leadership of the alpha
1 x Exalted Hero of Chaos (100)*
Rune-etched Blade and Chaos Runeshield
– Mark of Chaos: Undivided

BATTLELINE
3 x Varanguard (290)*
3 x Daemonforged Blade
– Mark of Chaos: Khorne
10 x Chaos Knights (460)*
– Doom Knight
– Standard Bearer
– Hornblower
– Cursed Lance
– Ensorcelled Banner: The Eroding Icon
– Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
5 x Chaos Knights (230)*
– Doom Knight
– Standard Bearer
– Hornblower
– Cursed Lance
– Mark of Chaos: Khorne
10 x Splintered Fang (100)*

ENDLESS SPELL
1 x Umbral Spellportal (80)

CORE BATTALIONS:
*Battle Regiment

TOTAL POINTS: (2000/2000)

Another notch on Be’lakor’s bedpost! If you’ve not met him on the table before, Be’lakor’s man schtick is being able to stop a key unit from doing stuff (on a 3+ each phase) until your next hero phase. He’s been hotly debated in (all 9) S2D player circles because, while he offers a great amount of short-term control, which potentially allows you varanguard/10 knights (as in this list) to do their work, it’s also entirely possible that you roll a few crucial 2s, and then you’ve basically paid 355 pts for a not very durable, not very killy and kinda fast hero.

He has been cropping up recently though, suggesting that, overall, he’s worth it for the time he buys the hammers to do their work. Ricky here has actually gone for KOTET, which will allow the two units of knights, the Varanguard, and the Sorcerer on Manticore to all make up plenty of ground by running and charging. Obviously, that’s going to allow a fair bit of early pressure, especially with daemonic power being cast on 3d6 with a re-roll by the Manticore Sorc, allowing one unit to charge with 3d6 as well. I imagine the spell-portal is also there to allow the Manticore’s warscroll spell – one of the few good offensive spells S2D has access to – to reach out across the board to soften stuff up.

Finally, we have an Exalted Hero, who is utterly garbage, but only 100 points, and I imagine it is mainly there for GC based scoring.

Taking down one of the two mirrors and also managing to chew through NH and a monster heavy Ogor list means this is a great result with a techy list from Ricky!

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Army Faction: Cities of Sigmar
Army Type: Hallowheart
– Grand Strategy: The Day is Ours!
– Triumphs: Inspired

LEADER
1 x Battlemage (100)*
General’s Adjutant
– Spells: Roaming Wildfire, Ignite Weapons
– Aspects of the Champion: Tunnel Master
1 x Freeguild General (100)*
General
– Command Traits: Veteran of the Blazing Crusade
1 x Celestial Hurricanum with Celestial Battlemage (290)*
Spells: Ignite Weapons, Sear Wounds
1 x Anointed on Frostheart Phoenix (320)**
– Artefacts: Arcane Tome
– Spells: Sear Wounds, Flaming Weapon
1 x Lord-Arcanum (140)**
Spells: Warding Brand, Roaming Wildfire

BATTLELINE
20 x Freeguild Handgunners (200)*
Marksman
– 2 x Standard Bearer
– 2 x Piper
– Long Rifle
20 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (200)*
General’s Retinue
– Marksman
– 2 x Standard Bearer
– 2 x Piper
10 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (100)*
– Standard Bearer
– Marksman
– Piper
10 x Flagellants (80)**
Prophet
10 x Freeguild Guard (80)**
Sergeant
– Standard Bearer
– Drummer
– Freeguild Halberd
10 x Freeguild Guard (80)**
Sergeant
– Drummer
– Standard Bearer
– Freeguild Halberd

ENDLESS SPELL
1 x Quicksilver Swords (60)

OTHER
2 x Dracothian Guard Fulminators (240)**

CORE BATTALIONS:
*Battle Regiment
**Battle Regiment

TOTAL POINTS: (1990/2000)

Once you get one player comment, you can often get two or three from the connections those players have. That was the case here as well when Stark said he could reach out to Louis-Philippe for his comments.

Louis-Philippe: The Anointed on Frostheart Phoenix should only have Flaming Weapon (The mistake has been spot before start of the tourney and opponents were dully advise).

Game plan: First of all, AoS is a dice game. Luck is part of the game, but careful planning can sway the odds in your favour. …sometime 😛

Flagellants are there for the easy ‘’Sanctify’’ battle tactic T1 (White dwarf). Since I always let my opponent go first (I was lucky not to face a 1 drop), he usually doesn’t kill anything. So that was a free one turn 1. (Aside from game 4, where the battleplan didn’t favour that BT (Position Over Power). Fun fact, that was the only game my opponent concentrated on his resource to kill my flagellant on his T1.

This list has 4 (double, cause Hallowheart) casters, meaning an 8 cast hero phase T1. The Hallowheart command ability lets you take D6 mortals for the same amount in casting bonus. Meaning this list is usually casting at +1, if not +2 or +3, but could reach a whopping +9! and since all your spells are cast on 6s (aside Flaming weapon) unless your opponent is able to unbind, everything goes flying out. Fun fact (not so fun for my opponent): In my 4th round T1 hero phase, I was casting with a +5 from that command ability since my phoenix failed all his ward saves. Got to heal 3 wounds back with Sear Wounds though.

I mostly face Melee lists (Fireslayer, Skaven (night/gutterrunners), Nighthaunt, nurgles (beast), Soulbright Grave lord)

So, the plan was to deploy away from their charge range. For the skaven, I deployed my shooting units 3’’ aways from the front of my shaft unit, so his deepstriking rats only had my shaft to shoot at (and my Fulminators which they killed with mortals). He also charged my shaft with his deceiver (one of them failed the charge). His deceiver didn’t like mortals from magic bottom of 1 (and the other rats didn’t like my shooting).

As for the Soulbright, well Jeremy is impressive, tactics wise and had a bit of luck, he stole initiative T2, forcing me to move forward by burning my ‘’back’’ objective, and had Neferata do 1 wound (yes only 1 unsaved wound to my Phoenix, mind you it was the dagger that got through, Phoenix was at 11 health, he rolled a 5… pouf no more Phoenix).

Units :
The goal was to use the Freeguild Guards and Flagellants as chaff around the Handgunners and Crossbowmen. My general and the battle mage from Ghur had to be close to each other for the adjutant rule and my general was in the middle of the range unit, providing +1+1 with his CP and a 18’’ wholly whiting immune to bravery. The Phoenix was there to act as tarpit and increase survivability (if there’s any) of the chaff unit since his -1 wound bubble affects any enemy unit within range.
Fulminators are there to act as a menace, which they did great since most of my opponents were scared of them and diverted resource to deal with them.
Finally, th Lord-Arcanum was there to :

  • Be an extra GV
  • Give 1 more (possibility of 2) HP to the fulminators
  • But mostly give 6’’ more movement range on the Quicksilver Swords, which make them a 20’’ threat range on cast (remember the casting bonuses I talked about earlier)

Battleplans :
R1-Prize of Gallet
R2-Ours for the taking
R3-Only the Worthy
R4-Position over power
R5-Jaws of gallet.

Possible upgrade : Swap ‘’Tunnel Master’’ from the battlemage to the Lord-Arcanum.

Final Tournament Placings