I re-joined the hobby in 2020 like so many others, splitting a Tempest of Souls with my wife. To my surprise she took the Nighthaunt leaving me with Stormcast. Fast forward a couple of years I'm still adding to the 4k points I have trying to make them competitive. I jumped into 40k in 2021 and about to start my 3rd 40k army in the last year, this time Word Bearers. Currently I run Grey Knights in both 40k and Kill Team.
Otherwise I'm in NSW and struggling to find time and budget while dealing with a young family. Who also have armies.
This is the top three AoS lists for Notorious GT III that took place in New Zealand on the 19th and 20th of August. It involved 37 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 – Subfaction: Legion of Night – Grand Strategy: Empire of Corpses – Triumphs: N/A
Leaders Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (380)* – Lore of the Vampires: Spirit Gale Vampire Lord (140)* – Artefact: Morbheg’s Claw – Lore of Primal Frost: Merciless Blizzard Vampire Lord (140)* – General – Command Trait: The Bait – Lore of Primal Frost: Hoarfrost
Battleline 30 x Deathrattle Skeletons (300)* – Reinforced x 2 10 x Dire Wolves (140)* 3 x Fell Bats (80)
Units 5 x Black Knights (130)* 20 x Grave Guard (300)* – Great Wight Blades – Reinforced x 1 5 x Black Knights (130)*
Behemoths Mortis Engine (210)*
Endless Spells & Invocations Geminids of Uhl-Gysh (50)
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment
Total: 2000 / 2000
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Allegiance: Daughters of Khaine – Temple: Hagg Nar – Grand Strategy: Bloodthirsty Zealots – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Melusai Ironscale (120)* – General – Command Trait: Zealous Orator – Artefact: Crown of Woe Morathi-Khaine (350)* The Shadow Queen (350)*
Battleline 15 x Blood Sisters (450)* – Reinforced x 2 10 x Witch Aelves (110)* – Pairs of Sacrificial Knives 10 x Witch Aelves (110)* – Pairs of Sacrificial Knives
Behemoths Krondspine Incarnate of Ghur (480)* – Allies
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment
Total: 1970 / 2000
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Allegiance: Disciples of Tzeentch – Change Coven: Guild of Summoners – Grand Strategy: Master of Destiny – Triumphs:
Leaders Curseling, Eye of Tzeentch (200)* – General – Command Trait: Cult Demagogue – Lore of Primal Frost: Hoarfrost – Lore of Fate: Shield of Fate Magister (140)* – Lore of Fate: Arcane Suggestion – Lore of Primal Frost: Hoarfrost Changecaster, Herald of Tzeentch (150)* – Artefact: The Eternal Shroud – Lore of Primal Frost: Rupture – Lore of Change: Bolt of Tzeentch Tzaangor Shaman (130)** – Lore of Fate: Glimpse of Future – Lore of Primal Frost: Merciless Blizzard
Battleline 10 x Kairic Acolytes (120)** – 7x Pair of Cursed Blades – 3x Cursed Glaives 10 x Kairic Acolytes (120)** – 7x Pair of Cursed Blades – 3x Cursed Glaives 10 x Kairic Acolytes (120)** – 7x Pair of Cursed Blades – 3x Cursed Glaives 20 x Tzaangors (360)** – 20x Pair of Savage Blade – Reinforced x 1
Behemoths Krondspine Incarnate of Ghur (480)** – Allies
This is the top three 40k lists for the Warhammer Fest that took place in England on the 29th and 30th of April. It involved 359 players vying to be crowned champion in a 9 game tournament.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting.
Before I jump into the Top Three 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 40k Lists
Pre-Game Stratagems: March of the Ancients, Hero of the Chapter x2, Warlord Trait, Scion of the Forge Starting Command Points: 0
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank [15 PL, 320pts]: Armoured Tracks, Castigator Gatling Cannon, Heavy stubber, Knight of Piety, Stat Damage (Rogal Dorn) 2 Meltaguns: 2x Meltagun 2 Multi-meltas: 2x Multi-melta Oppressor Cannon and Co-axial Autocannon: Co-axial Autocannon, Oppressor Cannon
Dedicated Transport
Chimera [5 PL, 85pts]: Chimera Heavy Flamer, Lasgun Arrays, Stat Damage (Chimera) Heavy Flamer: Heavy flamer Chimera [5 PL, 85pts]: Chimera Heavy Flamer, Lasgun Arrays, Stat Damage (Chimera) Heavy Flamer: Heavy flamer
Total: [120 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts]
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Arks of Omen Detachment (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [63 PL, 1,248pts, 4CP]
Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack
Craftworld Selection *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Masterful Shots, Swift Strikes
Librarian [6 PL, 105pts]: 1) Mind Worm, 3) Righteous Repugnance, Boltgun, Force sword, Jump Pack Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, 135pts, -2CP]: 1. Litany of Faith (Aura), 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Litany of Hate (Aura), Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Vox Espiritum, Warlord, Wise Orator
This is the top three 40k lists for the Rataclysm 2023 that took place in Ballarat, Australia, on the 22nd and 23rd of April. It involved 88 players vying to be crowned champion in a 6-game tournament.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting.
Before I jump into the Top Three 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 40k Lists
Matt Morosoli (Boba Boyz)
Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [105 PL, 11CP, 2,000pts] Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided
HQ
Bloodthirster [18 PL, -1CP, 360pts]: – A’rgath, the King of Blades – Brazen Hide – Great axe of Khorne – Indomitable Onslaught – Relics of the Brass Citadel – Warlord Fateskimmer [7 PL, 155pts]: – Bolt of Change – Infernal Gateway – Retinue of Horrors – Ritual dagger Skarbrand [17 PL, 330pts] Tranceweaver [4 PL, 70pts]: – Delightful Agonies
This is the top three 40k lists for the War Calls 2023 event that took place in Perth, Australia on the 22nd and 23rd of April. It involved 43 players vying to be crowned champion in a 6-game tournament.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting.
Before I jump into the Top Three 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 40k Lists
Pre Game Stratagems: Gene-sire’s Gifts (-2 CP), Relic (-1 CP), Warlord Trait (-1 CP) Starting Command Points: 3 Warlord: Primus Army Trait: Pauper Princes The Pauper Princes Arks of Omen [108 PL, 1998 pts]
HQ
Acolyte Iconward [4 PL, 65 pts] Magus [4 PL, 80 pts] – Power: Last Gasp – Power: Might From Beyond – Power: Psychic Stimulus, Psychic Familiar Primus [4 PL, 70 pts] – Relic: Reliquary of Saint Tenndarc – Stratagem: Warlord Trait – Warlord, Warlord Trait: Alien Majesty
Arks of Omen Detachment (Orks) [117 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack) Clan Kultur: Goffs
Stratagems
Stratagem: Heroic Support [-1CP]: Speedboss
HQ
Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, -2CP, 160pts]: – ‘Ard as Nails – Beasthide Mantle – Stratagem: Relic, – Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Boss Zagstruk [6 PL, 110pts] Warboss on Warbike [6 PL, -2CP, 115pts]: – Brutal but Kunnin – Da Killa Klaw – Power Klaw – Stratagem: Big Boss – Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz
This is the top three 40k lists for the BFS Northeast Team Championship that took place in New York State, USA on the 22nd and 23rd of April. It involved 120 players in teams of 5 vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament. These are the top individual lists and not the top 3 teams. If team lists are of interest please let us know in the comments below.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting.
Before I jump into the Top Three 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 40k Lists
Space Wolves Successor (Born Heroes , Whirlwind of Rage, Custom Chapter) Arks of Omen 0 CP, 2000 pts, 110 PL
HQ
HQ1: Captain on Bike: Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Combi-melta, Hunter, Rites of War, Stratagem: A Trophy Bestowed (0CP), Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Stratagem: Warrior of Legend, The Armour of Russ, Thunder hammer, Warlord [145 pts, 8 PL, -3 CP] HQ2: Primaris Lieutenant: Neo-volkite pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield, Stratagem: Relic, The Vox Espiritum [65 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP]
This is the top three 40k lists for the Grand Clash 2023 event that took place in the Canada on the 22nd and 23rd of April. It involved 47 players vying to be crowned champion in a 6-game tournament.
As we head into 10th edition and beyond we wanted to start providing a source for lists that are being used successfully in tournaments around the world. The size of the 40k community and the sheer number of events means we won’t be commenting.
Before I jump into the Top Three 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 40k Lists
Iron Hands Successor (Custom Chapter, Master Artisans, Whirlwind of Rage) Unbound Army (Faction) 0 CP, 1997 pts, 130 PL
HQ
Primaris Lieutenant [65 pts, 5 PL, -1 CP] – Neo-volkite pistol – Master-crafted power sword and Storm Shield – Rites of War, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Primaris Techmarine [70 pts, 4 PL, -1 CP] – Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter – Target Protocols
This is the top three AoS lists for the Clash of the Titans 23 that took place in Sydney, Australia, on the 15th and 16th of April. It involved 18 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5-game tournament.
As this event had less than 20 players attending there won’t be any list comments here as the guys will be concentrating on the larger events of the week.
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
Army Faction: Sylvaneth – Subfaction: Oakenbrow – Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs – Triumph: Inspired – Seasons of War: The Burgeoning
LEADERS Treelord Ancient (330) – Spells: Regrowth, Verdant Blessing Spirit of Durthu (350)* – Artefacts of Power: Greenwood Gladius Drycha Hamadreth (320)** – Spells: The Dwellers Below, Verdant Blessing Battlemage (100)** – Magic of the Realms: Wildform (Ghur) Warsong Revenant (300)** – General – Command Traits: Spellsinger – Artefacts of Power: The Vesperal Gem – Spells: Treesong, Verdant Blessing – Aspects of the Champion: Fuelled by Ghurish Rage
Army Faction: Slaves to Darkness – Army Subfaction: Cabalists – Grand Strategy: Follow The Path To Glory
LEADER Chaos Sorcerer Lord (120)* – General – Command Traits: Master of Magic – Artefacts: Daemonic Familiar – Spells: Chaotic Conduit, Daemonic Speed – Mark of Chaos: Undivided – Aspect of the Champion: Fuelled By Ghurish Rage Chaos Sorcerer Lord (120)* – Spells: Chaotic Conduit, Daemonic Speed – Mark of Chaos: Undivided
BATTLELINE 10 x Chaos Knights (440)* – Doom Knight – 2 x Standard Bearer – 2 x Hornblower – Cursed Lance – Mark of Chaos: Nurgle – The Eroding Icon 9 x Corvus Cabal (80)* 9 x Corvus Cabal (80)*
ENDLESS SPELL 1 x Soulscream Bridge (80)
OTHER 10 x Chaos Chosen (480)* – Exalted Champion – 2 x Icon Bearer – 2 x Skull Drummer – Mark of Chaos: Nurgle 6 x Varanguard (580)* – 6 x Fellspear – Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
CORE BATTALIONS: *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: (1980/2000)
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Army Faction: Gloomspite Gitz – Army Subfaction: Jaws of Mork – Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs – Triumphs: Indomitable X2
LEADER Seedy – The LoonBoss (85)* Grimgutz – The Bad Apple Baron (aka Skragrott, the Loonking) (210)* Cider- The Madcap Shaman (70)* – Artefact of Power: Moonface Momment – Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master Grinkrak the Great (190)** Malus – The Squigboss (80)** – General – Command Trait: The Clammy Hand
BATTLELINE 20 x Moonclan Shootas (125)* 20 x Squig Hoppers (360)** 36 x Squig Herd (390)** 10 x Boingrot Bounderz (280)**
TERRAIN 1 x Bad Moon Loonshrine (0)
OTHER 6 x Sneaky Snufflers (110)** 6 x Grinkrak’s Looncourt (190)**
LEADERS Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)** – General – Command Trait: Hulking Brute – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist – Artefact: Armour of Gork – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un Orruk Megaboss (140)* – Artefact: Destroyer – Aspect of the Champion: Tunnel Master Orruk Warchanter (120)** Orruk Warchanter (120)* Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)* – Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
UNITS 6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)** – Jagged Gore-hackas 3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)** – Jagged Gore-hackas 3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)** – Pig-iron Choppas 5 x Orruk Brutes (150)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 1 x Gore Choppas 5 x Orruk Brutes (150)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 1 x Gore Choppas
ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS The Burning Head (30)
We said no comments, but this is my list. Happy with 3/5 with Ironjawz. Shout out to the Burning Head, for armies with no casting buffs and little range, it can be a very useful little source of easy to cast AoE Mortal Wounds.
This is the Top Three AoS Lists for the Sacramento GT (Sacremento Slam) that took place in the USA on 27th and 28th July. It involved 12 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
Army Faction: Seraphon – Army Type: Coalesced – Subfaction: Thunder Lizard – Grand Strategy: No Place for the Weak – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Engine of the Gods (265)* – General – Command Traits: Prime Warbeast – Artefacts of Power: Arcane Tome – Spells: Hand of Glory – Prayers: Curse Skink Priest (90)* – Prayers: Heal Doralia ven Denst (115)* Slann Starmaster (265)** – Artefacts of Power: Itxi Grubs – Spells: Stellar Tempest Stegadon with Skink Chief (305)** – Skystreak Bow – Artefacts of Power: Fusil of Conflagration – Mount Traits: Beastmaster Saurus Astrolith Bearer (140)**
Brett: All the big things Thunder Lizard list with minimum battleline. The Purple Sun to back up the Starmaster, this is more a combat list than casting after all. Just the 3 casts from the Starmaster, 1 from Arcane Tome and prayers from the Skink Priests (importantly they also have an unbind for Endless Spells). The Starmaster is casting at +1, +2 within 12″ of the Saurus Astrolith Bearer and most likely a +1 from the army. Doralia is along for her endless spell removal, the witch hunter is also very good at removing small casting heroes. A nice bonus with a lot of Nighthaunt lists around. 2 Stegadons, both crews are using the Skystreak Bow for a little 24″ shooting in addition to the Solar Engine (on Bastilidon). Great way to pressure all of the shorter range units.
3 Artefacts, from Warlord and Command Entourage. In series they create a wizard (Arcane Tome), heal and allow a recast (Itxi Grubs) and On top of the +1 to casting for coalesced the Battle Traits of Seraphon continue to be what makes the army so effective. -1 to incoming damage, an additional attacks for the Jaws, and summoning. 6 to 10 points are very easy to achieve each turn and give you the broadest range from Skinks, to Saurus (Guard or Knight) – screens and objective to a Salamander Hunting Pack for offense. Beastmaster on the Stegadon with Skink Chief in accordance with the Thunder Lizard mandatory requirements (+1 attack to the mounts weapon) is no penalty.
Overall Thunder Lizard continues to be successful because it’s a well rounded army with a lot of key abilities. Adding the Purple Sun (casting on a 5 most likely) just makes it that much more spicey and buffs all of the incoming attacks which is very useful to Seraphone (most of their attacks lack much rend). Since much of their damage is at range they avoid the issues with the Sun and can dispel it if it goes wild. John scored well through out and was the only undefeated entrant. Target priority would be hard to determine with this list and mortal wounds from ranged very useful to chip damage from it before closing. Most of his opponents were short on both shooting and mortals.
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Army Faction: Daughters of Khaine – Army Subfaction: Zainthar Kai – Grand Strategy: Bloodthirsty Zealots – Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
LEADER 1 x Hag Queen (110)* – Prayers: Sacrament of Blood, Curse 1 x Slaughter Queen (130)* – Prayers: Catechism of Murder, Sacrament of Blood 1 x Melusai Ironscale (115)*** – General – Command Traits: Zealous Orator 1 x Bloodwrack Medusa (130)*** – Artefacts: Shadow Stone – Spells: Mindrazor 1 x High Gladiatrix (90)***
BATTLELINE 5 x Blood Stalkers (180)* – Krone 5 x Blood Stalkers (180)* – Krone 10 x Blood Sisters (280)** – Gorgai 20 x Sisters of Slaughter (270)** – Handmaiden – 3 x Death Pennant Bearer – 4 x Hornblower – Kruiplash and Bladed Buckler 5 x Blood Sisters (140)**
Brett: Having the misfortune to run into John in round 3 ended David’s run then. With only the 10 x Blood Stalkers in 2 x 5 model units this list would struggle to tackle the Stegodons and Bastildons. That leaves their heroes which aren’t the best trading pieces outside of the High Gladiatrix. With 10 wounds on a 5+ save and a 6+ ward the 5 model units are very fragile. The same is true of the Blood Sisters, this list would be difficult to play unless you were prepared to lose one or more of those units a turn. Ranged is best because Zainthar Kai fight again on death.
2 Priests with 4 spells including Sacrement to advance the Blood Rights table, Curse (MW on a natural 6 to hit) and Catechism of Murder for exploding 6s. Only one wizard with a single cast, the Bloodwrack Viper might not be used a lot. Particularly with Mindrazor being so good. There heroes are mostly in place to buff the larger infantry units, advancing Blood Rites and improving damage dealing. The High Gladiatrix brings a interesting, if difficult to use, assassination ability.
Ultimately David was able to score well throughout, looking at the run through the tournament quite a few of the the lists were susceptible to the sort of pressure DoK are good at. It’s an interesting take on DoK with so many MSU blocks, it would be good to see more games with it.
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Army Faction: Ossiarch Bonereapers – Subfaction: Petrifex Elite – Grand Strategy: No Place for the Weak – Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS Arkhan the Black (340) – General – Spells: Protection of Nagash Mortisan Soulmason (115) – Artefacts of Power: Godbone Armour – Spells: Mortal Contract
BATTLELINE Kavalos Deathriders (190) – Mortek Hekatos – Necrophoros – Nadirite Blade and Shield Mortek Guard (280)** – Mortek Hekatos – Nadirite Blade and Shield – 2 x Necrophoros Mortek Guard (280)** – Mortek Hekatos – Nadirite Blade and Shield – 2 x Necrophoros
Brett: The current meta is wide open and there have been a few sightings of Ossiarch Bonereapers but they are still far from common, 3rd is a strong effort going 3/5 losing to 1st and 2nd in the final 2 rounds. A pretty traditional Ossiarch list, with Arkhan the Black and a Soulmason as the only heros. The points are tied to the Battleline (Mortek Guard are beefy and dear) with a large unit of Harbingers in bounty hunters to punish the unwary. 5 spells base but Arkhan has additional spells as well as buffs to casting on a degrading profile from his staff. Arkhan is the natural choice for Purple Sun (casting on a 6 for him). He is also a solid combat hero but you don’t want to get him into combat too early due to his casting.
The Soulmason offers re-roll hit rolls of 1, he has an ability where at the end of the hero phase he could apply it to up to D3 models which is a good reason to have him. The points saved on heroes have gone to the combat units, 2 x 20 Mortek Guard (40 wounds) and the reinforced Harbingers (4). Harbingers are very dear, they have a great stat-line but are pretty expensive per wound. Deathriders (and the Harbingers) for some mobility. Again there are a few MSU in the list that are vulnerable to being pickup relatively easily. The idea behind the list is pretty simple, the Mortek Guard camp objectives and you try to bait your opponent into you. They have a 4+ save and 6+ ward but most units have a movement of 4″ to 6″. They are vulnerable to shooting (as happened here).
Scott did see off a few of the meta’s current stars in the first 3 rounds. This list does give you quite a few options and at least some units that can seek to go wide if needed.
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Army Faction: Hedonites of Slaanesh – Army Type: Invaders – Subfaction: The Lurid Haze – Grand Strategy: Take What’s Theirs – Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS Sigvald (205)* Keeper of Secrets (400)* – General – Command Traits: Feverish Anticipation – Sinistrous Hand – Spells: Slothful Stupor Synessa (260)** – General – Spells: Born of Damnation Soulfeaster Keepers of Secrets (385)** – Artefacts of Power: Oil of Exultation – Spells: Progeny of Damnation Infernal Enrapturess (130)**
BATTLELINE Blissbarb Archers (140)* Hellstriders with Hellscourges (135)* Blissbarb Archers (140)** Hellstriders with Hellscourges (135)**
ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS 1 x Purple Sun of Shyish (70)
Brett: Double Keeper of Secrets in a 2 drop list with Synessa (for her wonderful gaze) and a Purple Sun just to make your opponent’s life difficult. But wait there’s more – in a spell heavy meta let’s introduce a character that forces opposing Wizards within 24″ to reroll successful casts and cause them D3 mortal wounds every time they cast a double. I give you the Infernal Enrapturess. Like Tzeentch, Slaanesh armies usually have a reasonable number of casts, 5 this time, and an extra dispel from the Enrapturess. Invaders allow up to 3 generals in the army (for command point and command purposes), only 2 are listed for this army though.
Feverish Anticipation (re-roll run rolls within 12″) from the mandatory requirements for Lurid Haze. Healing spell (Progeny of Damnation), turn off command abilities (Slothful Stupor) and hero heals (Born of Damnation). Sigvald is as always a swingy combat hero, the number of attacks determined by his charge roll and +3 to charge. He normally picks up something important. Neither Keeper of Secrets is a combat powerhouse (but they aren’t weak either) at least compared to other Greater Demons. The Soulfeaster is a forgeworld variant that loses the potential for a ranged weapon and has an intriguing warscroll ability. You offer your opponent to allow a hero to accept temptation. If they refuse, they take D3 mortal wounds. If they accept then they have 1 more attack this round, at the start of the next combat phase they roll a dice, 4-6 they are slain.
The battleline units are both thin and slightly fragile (as are the heroes for the most part). That allows Depravity Points to accumulate quickly though, Slaanesh relies on speed an summoning to overwhelm you. Shutting it down against invaders is tough with multiple generals and in this case multiple Keepers of Secret to play around. And a Purple Sun just to make life harder (the -1 to saves is pretty strong).Special mention to Synessa’s Staff, D3 if you make a save, D6 if you fail, you are only safe on a 6. Always an interesting army to play, their speed means it’s hard to prevent scoring but their fragility means you can score well into them.
This year so far I’ve been concentrating on my Grey Knights (40k) which I only started in January. Having reached about 3500 points and taken them to their first tournament on top of their successful crusade campaign I’ve had time to return to AoS. My first army in Warhammer was and is Stormcast Eternals, this month has seen a return to painting and preparing models for the first time in a while. I also took some time to start my 3rd 40k army and add to my Kill Team collection.
The forces of Sigmar preparing for battle
Tournament Action (40k)
Very early in the in the month I attended a local 2 day 40k tournament with 36 players. I took a Paladin centric Grey Knight list and went 3/5 losing my first and second games. I put most of that down to lack of practice – I’d only ever run my paladins in a crusade game which was TTS I think.
Grey Knight Tournament Army
Strong points were the interceptors and Draigo. Dreadknights continue to disappoint. I love the way that Grey Knights are active in all phases and Interceptors speed. With the tournament done I’ve pretty much completed my army, just one Rhino I’d like to add. And maybe a Land Raider in the future. I would still like to run a list with a Land Raider full of Purifiers for the laughs.
Rise of Sigmar
After the tournament the crusade I’ve been part of since the start of the year took a break. That gave me time to seek out a few games of AoS. At the same time a club not far from me (Borderline Gaming) set up a TTS tournament. It’s not the same as face to face of course but you do still get a few good games and always learn something.
So far I’ve had 3 games and lost all badly, 2 with Sigmarines and 1 with Ironjawz. To cap that of I managed 2 face to face games, losing one and winning the other (yesterday as I write this). I was running Stormcast Eternals in both games. Following the loss I decided to make some major changes, I wanted dragons and Paladins. Problem was that I hadn’t built/painted them.
My Annhilators with Grandhammers were assembled and I had started the gold on them that’s it. I wasn’t even sure where my box of dragons was (I bought them on release and parked them, I want at least another 2 but they have been out of stock for so long.
Painting
So I’d given myself a week to assemble 2 dragons and paint them and 6 Annihilators. Then I realised that where I thought I had 6 Retributors I only had the 3 I’d gotten from Ebay. Almost 2 years ago I bought the Thunderstrike Brotherhood start collecting and promptly built the Lord Relictor (the only way to get the kit) and for some reason lost in the mists of time, 2 Liberators. I tracked it down and built the 3 Retributors. Now I had 6 Annhilators, 3 Retributors and 2 Storm Drakes to paint or build and paint in a week.
Hi tech equipment (rattle cans are go)
Only Retributors left to paint (ignoring the dragons)
I didn’t quite get there as you can see below. All of them made it to the game but I may have broken my rule about painted models.
My almost painted army – the Retributors are in the middle and the naked, wingless Drakes at the back
All of this diverted me from finishing my Ironjawz. I am painting 3 more Gore Gruntas, a Shaman and 2 Warchanters with 5 Brutes to assemble. They’ve been sitting on my table staring at me for 3 weeks with their bad Zenithal prime. They were waiting for the new Citadel paints, then paladin painting and now the dragons. But it’s a new month so there is hope.
The poor poor Ironjawz, prepped and waiting (the Lord Castellant was painted that week)
Warhammer 40k
Finishing my Grey Knights early in the month also coincided with the release of Chaos Space Marines. I’ve been patiently building my collection from the start of the year starting with some 2nd hand models. I bought an ultrasonic cleaner to strip them and have stripped most of the army. A few models were added, like the Dark Apostle (from the Combat Patrol) and a Master of Possession (Start Collecting).
Word Bearers are my next army and I painted my first 3 HQs in July. Word Bearers is close enough to Red Corsairs that I can run them as that as well. I might be thinking about a very fast list as well.
Dark Apostle, Master of Possession and a Sorcerer looking for Space Marines
On top of that I’ve also begun assembling some more Salamanders for my son to paint, Tyranids for my daughter and been dabbling in Kill Team 2.0. More on Kill Team in the future but I have full rosters for Grey Knights, Legionaries, Novitiates (Battle Sisters) and Harlequins.
What’s next?
Having started on my Word Bearers/Red Corsairs I’m also looking for my next Age of Sigmar army, I have finished my Stormcast (mostly) and my Ironjawz. I know from 40k that I want mobility and activity in most phases. I have some Slaves to Darkness and Chaos bits and pieces lying around. Oh and a Nighthaunt army I dare not assemble ahead of a house move. I’m also happy to go in a completely different direction, even elves, do I hear the calling of the sea? I’d would really like to hear other ideas and about what armies work for you.
Have you felt the chill of the grave rising through a faint mist? You enjoy painting pale figures stalking out of the horizon and falling on your enemy like the tide? Or have you read the lore and know that Nagash is the true inheritor of the World that Was and you want to join the right team? Have you decided it is time to up your miniature storage game?
Even before the release of the new battle tome we were seeing a small resurgence including a top 10 at LVO for the Nighthaunt. A faithful band of followers, leavened with new recruits, has kept the faction alive in the competitive scene. With a new tome, and the move to smaller hero based armies, it’s perhaps one of the best times to start Nighthaunt.
When they were first introduced the Nighthaunt were competitive but they faded a little with the arrival of the Elves (Daughters of Khaine, Idoneth and finally Lumineth). As an army they reward considered play and take a little bit to get the best from. Nighthaunt suits a player that is willing to take their time and wants to make the most of their opponents’ mistakes.
AoS 3.0 and the new battle tome sees a major change in their play style but they retain their mobility which is one of the best reasons to play them. They also have access to and strong synergy with possibly, at least in my opinion, the most interesting model in the game – Nagash.
The Nighthaunt Vanguard set makes it easy to get into the army and gives you a reasonable starting position.
Let’s look at building a 1000 point list from the Vanguard:Nighthaunt set.
The List
Allegiance: Nighthaunt
– Procession: Emerald Host
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Knight of Shrouds (135)*
– General
– Command Trait: Ruler of the Spirit Hosts
– Artefact: Pendant of the Fell Wind
Reikenor the Grimhailer (190)*
– Lore of the Underworlds: Shademist
20 x Chainrasps (220)*
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Grimghast Reapers (165)*
10 x Grimghast Reapers (165)*
3 x Spirit Hosts (125)*
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1000 / 1000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 2
Allies: 0 / 200
Wounds: 61
Drops: 1
The Cost
SET
GBP £
USD $
EUR €
AUD $
Vanguard:Nighthaunt
£80
$130
€105
$190
Reiknor the Grimhailer
£26
$42
€34
$55
Grimghast Reapers
£60
$100
€80
$77
Battletome: Nighthaunt
£32.50
$55
€42.50
$84
Total
£198.50
$327
€261.50
AUD$406
With typical game store discounts (15% to 20%) this would reduce to between AUD$338 to AUD$353.
Key Units
I’ve used the full Vanguard box including the Knight of Shrouds. This creates some issues with the choice of small heroes, for a 1000 point list I would normally prefer to use a Knight of Shrouds on Ethereal Steed and a Guardian of Souls. Instead I’ve used Reiknor to provide some mobile threat and casting with the Knight of Shrouds.
The first key unit though isn’t a unit, the Procession, Emerald Host, will get a lot of work done for us through the Emerald Curse
The Emerald Curse
After armies have been set up but before the first battle round you can pick D3+1 units on the battlefield. At the end of each battle round you roll a dice for each unit you picked, on a 2+ it suffers D3 mortal wounds (D3+1 for monsters)
That’s at least 8 free wounds per game (on average) and potentially many more. The curse could easily clear a battleline unit per game.
Knight of Shrouds
Our General in life and now in death, chosen today because Reiknor can’t take a command trait and for Nighthaunt one trait is very important – Ruler of the Spirit Hosts. This brings half of a destroyed unit back once per game which can be helpful with the 4+ save (and 6+ ward) most of your 1 wound units have. Unfortunately while he’s effective in combat his warscroll abilities are not useful in our list. The Spectral Overseer ability allows a unit to Redeploy or Unleash Hell without using a command point. We have one shooting unit and it’s not in this list. He does have an ability to allow successive activation in the fight phase which can be useful. Otherwise he brings 5 attacks hitting and wounding on 3s with -1 rend and 2 damage.
Weapon
No. of Attacks
Avg Hits
Avg Wounds
Avg Damage
Sword of Stolen Hours
5
3.333
3.05*
6.11
*Includes auto-wound on 6 effects
Reiknor the Grimhailer
With lots of choices for heroes I’ve used Reiknor, who is a bit expensive at 190 points, because he gives some mobility and is a wizard with combat capability. To get value from him you will need to use him in combat but with only 7 wounds and a 4+ save he can be pretty squishy even with a 6+ ward. He needs to be accompanied by the Spirit Host for their “bodyguard” ability which restricts him to an 8” move. So what does he bring? His combat skills first:
Weapon
No. of Attacks
Avg Hits
Avg Wounds
Avg Damage
Fellreaper
5
3.333
3.05*
6.11
*Includes auto-wound on 6 effects
As a wizard he may cast one spell and deny one spell. I’ve given him Shademist which has a casting value (CV) of 6 and allows him to grant a friendly unit within 12” -1 to incoming wound rolls. He can place this on himself. He also brings special ability to improve his casting (Corpse Candle) and a warscroll spell (Wraithstorm).
Corpse Candle
In your hero phase, before this unit attempts to cast a spell, you can say that you will snuff out a corpse candle. If you do so, pick either this unit or 1 enemy unit within 12” of this unit. The unit you picked suffers 1 MW. If the MW was suffered by an enemy unit, add 1 to the casting rol. If the MW was suffered by this unit, add 3 to the casting spell.
Wraithstorm
A spell with a casting value of 7 and a range of 12”. If successfully cast, pick 11 enemy unit within range and visible to the caster. That unit suffers D3 MW, if any models are slain that unit immediately suffers an additional D3 MW.
Corpse candle is extremely useful, easily reducing Shademist to a CV of 5 (>60% success rate) as well as inflicting a MW. The other profile is more situational but if you used Corpse Candle and then Wraithstorm, Wraithstorm would go off on a 4 (>75% success). Wraithstorm is situational though but a good way of chipping a hero or potentially clearing a small screen. To get both damage rolls the best targets are single wound models but a single D3 is still stronger than Arcane Bolt.
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Units
Chainrasps
Our big block of ghosts with attitude, there is nothing subtle or amazing here. They all have 1 wound, a 5+ Save (and 6+ Ward), hit on 4s, wound on 4s and do one damage. But they can also be brought back to life by our heroes. On the charge they add one to wound rolls. What does this all mean (if they can all hit the same target). And they autowound on 6s.
Weapon
No. of Attacks
Avg Hits
Avg Wounds
Avg Damage
Malignant Weapon*
41
22.77
22
22
*With all-out attack and a charge, +1 to hit and +1 to wound.
You might not get the whole block of 20 into the same target but they are capable of overwhelming a lot of threats. The autowound on 6s means more than 6 wounds on average which increases the number of wounds significantly. The Nighthaunt Ethereal ability (that grants the 6+ ward) lets them fall back and charge every turn. It’s easy to make them wound on a 3+.
The downside is that they have no save against -2 Rend or better, realistically a charging Fulminator could remove the unit in one round.
Grimghast Reapers
Our hammer units in this list with their Rend – 1 weapons and their 3 attacks so long as there are more than 5 models in each unit. Run here as smaller 10 model units to give operational flexibility, it is always worthwhile to have the Death Knell in the unit.
Weapon
No. of Attacks
Avg Hits
Avg Wounds
Avg Damage (pre-saves)
Slasher Scythe and Death Knell
30
12.5
13.33
14
The Death Knell would be a lot better with flat damage rather than D3 but it still contributes reasonable damage. Against a 2+ save (-1 Rend makes this 3+) the unit will still do 4.66 damage and are threatening against a lot of armies. Unfortunately they can be removed if they are left exposed without Shademist or All out Defence.
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Spirit Hosts
They have an incredible 6 attacks each, in this list they are here mostly to hold backline objectives or, when required to act as bodyguards (their new ability lets them take a wound for a hero within 3” on a 3+ in place of the heroes ward save). The downside is no rend and only one damage per wound but they still autowound on 6s.
Weapon
No. of Attacks
Avg Hits
Avg Wounds
Avg Damage (pre-saves)
Spectral Claws and Daggers
18
7.5
3.75+3
6.75
Concept of Operations
This list is meant to be straightforward and adaptable. Everything is in a battle regiment to give control of priority, however there is an option to place 3 of the battle line infantry into Expert Conquerors and the remainder into a Battle Regiment. Expert Conquerors makes the infantry count as 3 models on objectives – the Chainrasp would count as 60 models. Our Preference is to go second to make your opponent come to you (keep out of line of sight if they have shooting) and hopefully get the double turn. You can also redeploy up to 3 units via Vanishing Phantasms into reserve before the start of combat and then set them up in ambush (9” from the enemy).
Then buff the Chainrasps and use them to dominate the centre of the field (or anywhere else).. I mean grant them All out Attack, with a CP, from the Knight of Shrouds and make sure they charge or fallback and charge each turn. In activation, from the second round onwards start fighting with your Knight of Shrouds to take advantage of the double activation (your Knight fights and then one of other units immediately – normally the Chainrasps). If you have Grimghast Reapers in range they are a better recipient of AoA and the immediate activation.
Within this list the Spirit Hosts are mostly intended to provide a Bodyguard role to Reiknor but they are also available to take objectives in the rear. This list is vulnerable to shooting (a weakness of nighthaunt) especially Vanguard-Raptors. If they are present try to make sure that at least some of the Chainrasps are not visible and then remove the visible models first. This way you can still return models with the Spirit and Guardian.
In summary this is just a sample of what you could do, from the Vanguard: Nighthaunt box set. I would prefer to replace the HQs with a Knight of Shrouds on Ethereal Steed and a Guardian of Souls for their warscroll abilities and bringing our Triumph into play (975 of a 1000 points). The biggest advantage of the Guardian is his ability to return models which transforms this list into a very frustrating defensive list with bite.
Next Steps
The easiest way to bring this list to 2000 points is to add Nagash, God of the Unquiet Dead. This takes the list to 1955 but you do lose the one drop Battle Regiment. Ideally you’d remove the Spirit Torment (it’s roll is replaced by Nagash) and either have 2 units of 20 Chaingasts and add some Craventhrone Guard or Hexwraiths. You could reinforce the Spirit Hosts into a unit of 6 then.
Alternatively play into the small heroes and bring in Lady Olynder and the Krulghast Cruciator along with the Black Coach for some more punch. I would still look to move to 2 units of Chainrasp and a unit of 6 Spirit Hosts to meet battleline requirements. Myrmourn Banshees and Bladeghast Revenants have done well in the new book and can be useful additions.
Bonus List – Arena of Shades
I started writing using the Arena of Shades box set but I wasn’t happy with the list but I’ve since found synergies that make could make it work really well so as a bonus for anyone still reading I’ve included the list:
Allegiance: Nighthaunt
– Procession: Scarlet Doom
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Scriptor Mortis (155)*
Spirit Torment (115)*
Guardian of Souls (150)*
– General
– Command Trait: Ruler of the Spirit Hosts
– Artefact: Cloak of the Waxing Moon
– Lore of the Underworlds: Shademist
10 x Bladegheist Revenants (175)*
10 x Bladegheist Revenants (175)*
5 x Craventhrone Guard (115)*
4 x Myrmourn Banshees (105)*
*Battle Regiment
Total: 990 / 1000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 2
Allies: 0 / 200
Wounds: 45
Drops: 1
The Cost
SET
GW PRICE
Arena of Shades
$320
Guardian of Souls*
$35+10
Bladegheist Revenants
$77
Battletome: Nighthaunt
$84
Total
$526
As always, look for discounts.
This list is a lot more fragile but also a lot more aggressive. The Scriptor Mortis is a very interesting model with the ability to make life very difficult for smaller support heroes or even monsters by stripping wounds in every round. Scarlet Doom applies mortal wounds on the charge, and you can fall back and charge every round. You can have one unit of Bladegheist hitting and wounding on 2+ with 3 attacks each. The Craventhorne Guard’s shooting might seem a bit underwhelming until you remember that they may be put in reserve and return in an ambush position within 9” of an enemy and they may shoot through cover. That is you can put them in an obscured position and fire away.
As always I’d love to see how you plan to use Nighthaunt, will you be grabbing some of the new models (Awlach or the Scriptor) or building lists from what you already have.
