The last ten are finished for the tournament army. That brings me to 1085/1965 painted with 22 days to go…..
Yet more Hobgrots
Category Archives: Fantasy
AoS Stats for February
The below list are the tournaments that have been used to populate this data.
Quest of Champions – Heat 1
Columbus Brewhammer
Ragnarok Hobbies
Mindgames and Magic February AoS Tournament
South Bend Age of Sigmar: February Tournament
Da Great South Waagh
Gods of War 2
Sunday Slaughter 7
Torna! (A Udine) AoS
Bloodshed in the Shires
Battle of Copenhagen
Age of Sigmar 3rd Edition Tourney 2/12/2022 @Level Up Games
Schlact Um Wiener Neustadt 3
Apotheosis – 22
Emerald City Open
The Lone Star GT
Giga King of the Hill Pt 1
Beginner Friendly Learner Tournament
War Under the Mountain 11
Grot Gang RTT 3: Reloaded
Atomic Age of Sigmar
Lone Star GT Practice
Tiny Fanatic I TTB Aos Open 2022
Leodis Legion AOS 19th February
Age of Sigmar Hispania 2022
Loremaster #2
Cherokee Open – age of Sigmar GT
Age of Sigmar Tournament Hosted by Oscar Lars & Warp Charged Gaming Slambo Age of Sigmar
PCG Hosts Lightly Salted’s 1st Age of Sigmar RTT
Old Town Throw Down
AOS Milano – February Warm Up
Brewdog AOS GT
GT Pomeranian
Little Alpacup III
Mawtribes Massacre: Resurgence
Most Selected Grand Alliance
This month I’ve included a split as calculated by the number of battletomes for each Grand Alliance, the column on the far right shows each Grand Alliances variance to this ideal share. Order maintains its 40%+ share of all armies at tournaments. While Death still props up the rest with 13.3% in Feb falling from 15.4% in January.
Grand Alliance Win Rates
Order remain the top faction with a win rate of 50.7% but this has dropped from 53.3% last month. While last months second placed Grand Alliance, Destruction has fallen to last place with a win rate of 46.3%. Chaos climbed from last place in January to 2nd place in February, increasing their win rate to 48.5% from 42.9%.
Most Selected Battletome
Stormcast Eternals are still the most selected faction with 14.7% choosing to play the faction. Fyreslayers claim the wooden spoon with 1.1% allowing the Hedonites of Slaanesh to move up a position and increase their share from 0.6% to 1.3% or armies played.
Battletome Win Rates
Many articles I’ve read and players I’ve spoken too have said that for balance to be in the game each Battletome needs to have a win rate of between 45-55%. This of course is a pipe dream and an extremely difficult task to achieve, that being said this does show which Battletomes possibly need to be reviewed by GW in the future. More so if a Battletome is consistently underperforming such as Skaven or Gloomspite Gitz
Top 20 Most Selected Sub-Faction
It’ll probably come as no surprise that the Hammers of Sigmar still lead the table in the most played sub-faction.
Win rates for Sub-Factions with 50+ Games
Legion of the First Prince leads the way here with a disgustingly good 61.1% over Jan and Feb. While Skaventide prop up the rest with 34%.
5-0’s & 4-1’s
Below is a list of the number of times a faction/subfaction combo has achieved a 4-0-1 or better at a 5 game tournament
Top Three AoS Lists from AOS Milano – February Warm Up – 26th February 2022
The AOS Milano – February Warm Up was a one day three game event that took place in Milan, Italy on 26th Feb. It saw 48 players fight it out to be crowned champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
Bonalda Filippo – Stormcast Eternals
Bonalda won all three games beating Kharadron Overlords in Round 1, Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in Round 2 and Ogor Mawtribes/Thunderbellies in Round 3.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals
– Subfaction: Hammers of Sigmar
– Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
Bastian Carthalos (300)*
Lord-Relictor (145)*
– General
– Artefact: Mirrorshield
– Prayer: Translocation
Battleline
5x Vindictors (130)*
5x Vindictors (130)*
5x Vindictors (130)*
Units
4x Stormdrake Guard (680)*
– Reinforced x 1
6x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)*
– Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1995 / 2000
Luca Onorati – Legion of the First Prince
Luca also managed three wins. He beat Bonesplitterz/Icebone in Round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 2 and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 3.
Allegiance: Legion of the First Prince
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
Be’Lakor the Dark Master (360)
– Spell: The Master’s Command
Great Unclean One (495)*
– General
– Command Trait: Ruinous Aura
– Artefact: Fourfold Blade
– Spell: Flaming Weapon
Kairos Fateweaver (435)
– Spell: The Master’s Command
Battleline
10x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)*
10x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)
5x Flesh Hounds (105)*
Endless Spells & Invocations
Umbral Spellportal (70)
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1965 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 76
Drops: 4
Roberto Callegari – Stormcast Eternals
Roberto also won all of his games, beating Kharadron Overlords/Barak Thryng in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in Round 2 and Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 3.
– Army Faction: Stormcast Eternals
– Subfaction: Hammers of Sigmar
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS
———-
Knight-Draconis (300)*
– General
– Command Trait: Battle-Lust
– Artefact: Drakescale Armour
– Mount Trait: Celestial Instincts
Lord-Relictor (145)*
– Prayer: Translocation
BATTLELINE
———-
2x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
2x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
2x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
6x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)*
CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment
ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS
Holy Command: Thunderbolt Volley
TOTAL POINTS: 1945/2000
WOUNDS: 83
ALLIES: 0/400
REINFORCED UNITS: 1/4
DROPS: 1
Wildcard – Federico Novarese – Nighthaunt
Federico also won all his games with a Nighthaunt faction that rarely finishes in the top half of tournament tables, he eventually finished the event in 6th. He won against Legion of the First Prince in Round 1, Legion of the First Prince in Round 2 and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 3.
– Army Faction: Nighthaunt
– Subfaction: Emerald Host
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS
———-
Guardian of Souls (135)*
– Artefact: Lightshard of the Harvest Moon
– Spell: Soul Cage
Knight of Shrouds on Ethereal Steed (120)*
– Artefact: The Traitor Knight’s Bade
Guardian of Souls (135)*
– Artefact: Pendant of the Fell Wind
– Spell: Soul Cage
Lady Olynder (215)**
– General
– Spell: Shademist
Krulghast Cruciator (120)**
Krulghast Cruciator (120)**
BATTLELINE
———-
10x Chainrasp Horde (95)*
10x Chainrasp Horde (95)**
30x Chainrasp Horde (285)***
– Reinforced: Twice
30x Chainrasp Horde (285)***
– Reinforced: Twice
10x Chainrasp Horde (95)*
5x Hexwraiths (150)***
5x Hexwraiths (150)**
CORE BATTALIONS
*Warlord
**Warlord
***Hunters of the Heartlands
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
The Final Tournament Placings
– Peter
Top Three AoS Lists from February Old Town Throw Down AOS – 26th/27th February 2022
The February Old Town Throw Down was a five game event over two days that took place in USA on 26th and 27th Feb. It saw 45 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from The February Old Town Throw Down.
Alexander Gonzalez – Soulblight Gravelords
Alexander won all five games beating Maggotkin of Nurgle/Blessed Sons in Round 1, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 2, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 3, Blades of Khorne/Reapers of Vengeance in Round 4 and Seraphon/Fangs of Sotek in the last round.
Allegiance: Soulblight Gravelords
– Lineage: Vyrkos Dynasty
– Grand Strategy: Predator’s Domain
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Leaders
Vampire Lord on Zombie Dragon (435)
– General
– Deathlance
– Command Trait: Pack Alpha
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Mount Trait: Foetid Miasma
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Radukar the Beast (315)**
Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (380)
– Lore of the Deathmages: Fading Vigour
Battleline
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)**
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)**
10 x Dire Wolves (135)**
Units
20 x Grave Guard (280)*
– Great Wight Blades
– Reinforced x 1
20 x Grave Guard (280)*
– Great Wight Blades
– Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions
*Hunters of the Heartlands
**Battle Regiment
Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 118
Drops: 5
Declan – Alexander went 4-1 at Emerald City with the same list… and he’s gone one better here. It shows the benefit of playing multiple games of Age of Sigmar especially if you get two tournaments in two weekends. Not essential by any means, but I know I’ve improved playing in multiple tournaments!
But it’s been less than a week, I’ve not really learnt anything new here… so a repeat of the Emerald City comments!:
40 Grave Guard! Wow! I’ve fought 20 of them before and they can kill a Mega Gargant over a couple of rounds of combat. Backed up by Mannfred and a Zombie Dragon, this army can get where it needs to get to.
The really secret tech (may not be secret) is Mannfred’s command ability:
Considering most armies pay 1 command point for a one phase +1 to hit this is amazing value for a command ability. Sure it’s a relatively small range but with the smaller boards and Mannfred’s ability to run away from combat this is almost impossible to stop. Then it’s Grave Guard for the win!
Christopher Hernandez – Seraphon
Christopher managed an impressive four wins and one draw over the weekend. He beat Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 1, drew against Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 2, Big Waaagh! in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar/Tempest’s Eye in Round 4 and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 5.
Allegiance: Seraphon
– Constellation: Thunder Lizard
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
Engine of the Gods (265)*
– General
– Command Trait: Prime Warbeast
– Artefact: Fusil of Conflaguration
– Mount Trait: Beastmaster
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse
Lord Kroak (430)
Skink Priest (80)*
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal
Skink Starpriest (130)*
– Spell: Hand of Glory
Battleline
30 x Skinks (225)*
– Boltspitters & Moonstone Clubs
– Reinforced x 2
10 x Skinks (75)*
– Boltspitters Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers
10 x Skinks (75)*
– Boltspitters Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers
Units
5 x Chameleon Skinks (115)*
2 x Salamander Hunting Pack (280)*
– Reinforced x 1
Behemoths
Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)*
Endless Spells & Invocations
Soulsnare Shackles (65)
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1990 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 3 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 115
Drops: 2
Declan – Ah Seraphon… how I’ve missed you. Although I’ve not had a lot of chance to do so. This is Seraphon… again … and they are as good as ever. As I’ve said before they have a great toolkit and you can almost pick what you like… except maybe Saurus foot and Carnosaurs.
The Battle Regiment is taken by Christopher, to reduce the drops – a very popular choice – and he’s taken Kroak. He’s a monster of a Wizard and can throw out loads of damage, much of it board wide or essentially board wide. Also, good luck killing him as he heals all his wounds each phase (sort of)!
So you can kill him with only 2 wounds… but good luck trying! I’ve fought Kroak 3 times and not come close to killing him in any of the games. Bring guns… loads of guns!
Kroak is backed up by some great monsters including the ubiquitous Bastiladon. – what a great list!
Aaron Newbom – Big Waaagh!
Aaron won four of his five games, losing only in Round 3 against 2nd placed Christopher and his Seraphon/Thunder Lizard list. Along the way he beat the Daughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar in Round 1, Slaves to Darkness/Hosts of the Everchosen in Round 2, Slaves to Darkness/Despoilers in Round 4 and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 5.
– Army Faction: Orruk Warclans
– Army Type: Big Waaagh!
– Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence
– Triumph: Indomitable
LEADERS
———-
Orruk Megaboss (140)*
– Artefacts of Power: Destroyer
Orruk Warchanter (115)*
Orruk Warchanter (115)*
Wurrgog Prophet (150)**
– Artefacts of Power: Glowin’ Tattooz
– Spells: Ghost-mist
Orruk Megaboss (140)**
– Artefacts of Power: Arcane Tome
Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)**
– General
– Command Traits: Master of Magic
– Spells: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
BATTLELINE
———-
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)**
15 x Orruk Brutes (480)***
-Reinforced: Twice
15 x Orruk Ardboys (255)***
– Reinforced: Twice
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)***
ARTILLERY
———-
1 x Beast-skewer Killbow (130)
1 x Beast-skewer Killbow (130)
CORE BATTALIONS
– *Warlord
– **Warlord
– ***Hunters of the Heartlands
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
Declan – Ah… Big Waagh! It has had a mini-revival recently and I’ve been having fun leading this charge in the UK. Aaron only lost to Christopher’s Seraphon and has gone a very different route than my ‘almost Ironjawz’ approach.
The Wurrgog is great with his stare (beware of ending a turn within 12″ of him), and I love the double Megabosses on Foot which I’ve tried before in Ironjawz. When Big Waagh is up and running they are 2+/2+ which is difficult to better. The Hand of Gork allows Aaron to threaten teleport into any area of the board which keeps opponents honest and means they have to defend their territory.
Meanwhile the Killbows provide reach to go and get the enemy – although if you play with this be aware that the Big Waagh hit and wound bonuses don’t apply. A great army and a superb result.
Wildcard – Gregory Brewer – Kruleboyz
Gregory also won 4 games with a Kruleboyz faction that rarely finishes with more than 3 wins at tournaments, he eventually finished the event in 6th. He lost his third game against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Helon list. He won against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Ymetrica in Round 1, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 4 and Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in the last round.
– Army Faction: Orruk Warclans
– Army Type: Kruleboyz
– Subfaction: Big Yellers
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS
———-
Kragnos (720)
Gobsprakk (280)*
– Spells: Nasty Hex
Swampcalla Shaman and Pot-grot (105)*
– Artefacts of Power: Mork’s Eye Pebble
– Spells: Nasty Hex
Killaboss with Stab-Grot (110)*
– General
– Command Traits: Supa Sneaky
– Boss‑hacka and Skareshield
BATTLELINE
———-
9 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (360)*
– Reinforced: Twice
3 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (120)*
3 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (120)*
OTHER
———-
20 x Hobgrot Slittaz (160)*
– Reinforced: Once
CORE BATTALIONS
– *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 1975/2000
Declan – When Kruleboyz were first released, people immediately looked towards the Big Yellers and this is no expection. The Man Skewer Boltboyz remain a solid option, although maybe not up the shooting standards of other battletomes. They have the reach to do damage at range, and means that once Kragnos is in amongst your opponent’s troops causing damage left and right.
It’s great to see Kragnos starting to appear in 4-1 lists since his warscroll re-write in December. It certainly seems to be an improvement, and he’s scary to face as I found out at Chumpionship last weekend.
The Final Tournament Placings
– Declan & Peter
Top Three AoS Lists from The Cherokee Open – 26th/27th February 2022
The Cherokee Open was a five game event over two days that took place in USA on 26th and 27th Feb. It saw 51 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from the Cherokee Open tournament.
David Fields – Stormcast Eternals
David won all five games beating Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in Round 1, Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in Round 2, Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 3, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befoulding Host in Round 4 and Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Arcanum in the last round.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals
– Stormhost: Astral Templars (Stormkeep)
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders
———-
Karazai, The Scarred (600)*
– General
Lord-Relictor (145)*
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Spell: Celestial Blades
– Prayer: Bless Weapons
Battleline
———-
2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
– Drakerider’s Lance
2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
– Drakerider’s Lance
2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)*
– Drakerider’s Lance
5 x Liberators (115)*
– Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield
5 x Liberators (115)*
– Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Additional Enhancements
Holy Command: Steadfast March
Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 98
Drops: 1
Declan – I don’t know how many times I can say / write ‘Dragons’ without the readers getting bored… but here’s one more time! Dragons!
But David has brought Karazai with him and – not having seen him much up to now – I checked out his warscroll.
He’s effectively a more damaging version of the Maw Krusha (for more points) with great rend and the very little degredation in his profile. You need to do 12 wounds on him to even get the Jaws down to a 3+ to wound…! Wow!
So it’s not really a reduction in power, just a reduction in units. All in all a great result from David and his Dragons.
Mrigank Jha – Stormcast Eternals
LVO 2022 top eight veteran Mrigank also managed an impressive five wins over the weekend. He beat SIronjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 2, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 3, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 4 and Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 5.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals
– Stormhost: Knights Excelsior
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
———
Knight-Judicator with Gryph-Hounds (205)*
– Artefact: Mirrorshield
Lord-Imperatant (175)*
Lord-Relictor (145)*
– General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Spell: Starfall
– Prayer: Translocation
Battleline
———-
3 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers (240)**
3 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers (240)**
3 x Annihilators (200)*
5 x Liberators (115)**
– Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield
– 1x Grandweapons
Units
———-
6 x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)*
– Reinforced x 1
3 x Aetherwings (65)
3 x Prosecutors with Stormcall Javelins (115)
– 1x Stormsurge Tridents
Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Hunters of the Heartlands
Additional Enhancements
Artefact
Holy Command: Thunderbolt Volley
Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 80
Drops: 10
Declan – You can tell a Battletome is doing well when two players get 5-0 at a tournament with completely different armies. Mrigank has got a lot of different units in here, but it all revolves around the Longstrikes. They are well priced as a unit (480 points for 12 wounds is expensive), but it’s the support functions that operate with it that makes them crazy good.
The Thunderbolt Volley allows the player to teleport a unit on a 2+ (with re-roll), and then the Thunderbolt Volley allows the unit to shoot in the hero phase (once a game). Shooting at 30″ and doing mortal wounds with great rend, these models can take out whole units at once – with minimal risk to themselves. We’re seeing a lot of these in the UK meta at the moment!
Jon Anderson – Idoneth Deepkin
Jon won four of his five games, losing only in Round 1 against Ogor Mawtribes/Boulderhead. Along the way he beat the Ogor Mawtribes/Boulderhead in Round 2, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 3, Ogor Mwatribes/Boulderhead in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 5.
Allegiance: Idoneth Deepkin
– Enclave: Fuethan
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Inspired
LEADERS
———-
Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Storm (330)*
– Artefact: Cloud of Midnight
Isharann Tidecaster (105)*
– General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Lore of the Deeps: Arcane Corrasion
BATTLELINE
———-
20 x Namarti Reavers (340)*
– Reinforced: Once
20 x Namarti Reavers (340)*
– Reinforced: Once
10 x Namarti Reavers (170)*
UNITS
———-
3 x Akhelian Ishlaen Guard (155)*
3 x Akhelian Ishlaen Guard (155)*
BEHEMOTHS
———-
Akhelian Leviadon (380)*
– Mount Trait: Reverberating Carapace
CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment
Declan – Non-Stormcast – what a relief… and I struggle to comment on this as Idoneth are not well represented in the UK meta at the moment so I haven’t played against them recently.
So what do they do – A reasonable shot (4+/4+/-/1) and good melee weapons, they can do two roles in a game where movement and range is key – they look great. I ran Gitmob archers in AOS1 and know how much damage 60 shots at 4+/4+/-/1 can do, especially now that there is access to All Out Attack. A great result from Jon to be top of the 4-1 bracket.
Wildcard – Calvin Rarie – Bonesplitterz
Calvin also won 4 games with a rarely seen Bonesplitterz faction and finished the event in 6th. He lost his second game against Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Arcanum list. He won against Disciples of Tzeentch/Eternal Conflagration in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Knights Excelsior in Round 3, Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in Round 4 and Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in the last round.
Allegiance: Bonesplitterz
– Warclan: Icebone
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders
Wurrgog Prophet (150)*
– Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz
– Lore of the Savage Beast: Glowy Green Tusks
Maniak Weirdnob (100)*
– General
– Command Trait: One Wiv Da Beast – Glowy Green Tusks
– Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un
– Lore of the Savage Beast: Gorkamorka’s War Cry
Kragnos, The End of Empires (720)*
Battleline
15 x Savage Boarboys (420)*
– Stikkas
– Reinforced x 2
5 x Savage Boarboys (140)*
– Stikkas
10 x Savage Orruks (165)*
– Chompas
Units
10 x Savage Boarboy Maniaks (290)*
– Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1985 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 3 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 141
Drops: 1
Declan – Peter knows how to get my attention and Bonesplitterz is certainly a great call. Calvin has Kragnos (Kraggy) and 31 Boarboyz. This army can run straight forward and trap you in your own deployment stopping the opponent getting objectives.
And although Kraggy is a lot of points, there is still 123 wounds of 6+ (or better) ward saves backing him up, including one turn at 4+ in combat). Difficult to kill and the Boarboyz are not completely useless in combat – ignore them at your peril — and bring screens!
The Final Tournament Placings
– Declan & Peter
What is Armada?
BOARD GAME GEEK SUMMARY
| Rating | 7.7 (12 Reviews) |
| Players | 2-6 |
| Playing Time | 60-90mins |
| Age | 14+ |
| Complexity | 3.00/5.00 |
The Armada Two Player Starter Set is the perfect place to start your journey onto the seas of Pannithor in the Kings Of War universe.
Everything you need for two-players to start their own fleet of courageous Basileans or marauding orcs, along with a rulebook, tokens, ship cards and a paper gaming mat.
Players control 6 to 9 ships in 10 different scenarios.
Rules cover speed, fire, boarding action, weather, wind, terrain…
The Mantic Games YouTube channel has a great set of introduction videos on how to play Armada.
Part 1 – Introduction
Part 2 – Wind & Initiative
Part 3 – Movement
Part 4 – Shooting
Part 5 – Boarding Action
Part 6 – Evading & Ramming
Miniatures
For official Miniatures, Mantic Games have the a fantastic range of products. This range is also constantly being added to with new models.
They have a number of fleet sets all listed at £37.50. Or alternatively you could purchase the two player Armada Starter Set for £87.50. This contains two fleets, rules, tokens and gaming mat.
Thanks for reading! – Peter
What is Kings of War?
BOARD GAME GEEK SUMMARY
| Rating | 7.9 (250+ Reviews) |
| Players | 2 |
| Playing Time | 60mins |
| Age | 12+ |
| Complexity | 2.52/5.00 |
Kings of War is the miniatures wargame from Mantic Games. Designed to go along with the accompanying 28mm Fantasy Ranges the game features players maneuvering large blocks of miniature soldiers around the battlefield in search of victory.
Kings of War is a new concept for mass battle miniature wargaming — a game that is both easy to learn and fast to play! With few and simple rules, there is little to get in the way of the fun and slaughter. Kings of War is a challenging game of strategy, where you can pit your wits against your opponent without devoting half of your brain power to remember a plethora of convoluted rules.
And that’s not all, the innovative turn structure allows you to play Kings of War using a time-keeping tool (like a stopwatch or a chess clock) to time your moves. As the seconds tick away, the pressure and excitement this adds makes ‘Kings of War’ unlike any other large-scale wargame you’ve ever played before.
Death by Dragons on YouTube has a number of videos explaining how to play Kings of War.
Part 1 – What you need to play
Part 2 – The Movement Phase
Part 3 – The Shooting Phase
Part 4 – The Combat Phase
Miniatures
You can pretty much use any fantasy miniatures for this game as most on the market make good proxies in the game. You can even use your old Warhammer fantasy armies. However for official Miniatures Mantic Games have the a fantastic range of products.
They have a number of armies sets all listed at £110. Or alternatively you could purchase the two player A Storm in the Shires set for £80. This is currently on pre-order only but contains 87 miniatures of Orcs and Halflings as well as a copy of the rules.
Thanks for reading! – Peter
Beast-Skewer Killbow
This one was fairly quick to get done. Lots of browns a wash of Agrax and hey presto.
Orruk Skin
- Mechanicus Standard Grey Basecoat
- Carroburg Crimson wash
- Fenrisian Grey Drybrush
- Mott Green Drybrush
Wood
- Dryad Bark Basecoat
- Agrax Earthshade Wash
Dark Leather
- Rhinox Hide
- Agrax Earthshade
Leather/Light Brown
- Mournfang Brown
- Agrax Earthshade
Yellow
- Yriel Yellow
- Firedragon Bright heavily diluted as a wash
Ropes
- Karak Stone
- Agrax Earthshade
Metals
- Iron Warriors Metal
- Heavily diluted Mournfang Brown
- Agrax Earthshade
Basing
The basing is done using Geek Gaming Scenics Scrublands with water effects dripped onto it.
Top Three AoS Lists from The Emerald City Open – 19th/20th February 2022
The Emerald City Open was a five game event over two days that took place in Pull-em-ups, WA on 19th and 20th Feb. It saw 46 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
No suprise that Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar lead the way again in the number of armies.
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from the Emerald City Open tournament.
Mat Beasley – Legion of the First Prince
Matt won all five games beating Slaves to Darkness/Ravagers in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 2, Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in Round 3, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in the last round.
Allegiance: Legion of the First Prince
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
———-
Be’Lakor, the Dark Master (360)**
– Lore of Ruinous Sorcery: The Master’s Command
Kairos Fateweaver (435)*
– Lore of Ruinous Sorcery: The Master’s Command
Bloodthirster of Insensate Rage (280)
– General
– Command Trait: Ruinous Aura
– Artefact: Armour of the Pact
Slaves to Darkness Daemon Prince (210)**
– Sword
– Mark of Chaos: Khorne
The Contorted Epitome (255)**
– Artefact: Fourfold Blade
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Battleline
———-
10 x Bloodletters (115)**
5 x Flesh Hounds (105)*
5 x Flesh Hounds (105)*
Endless Spells & Invocations
———-
Emerald Lifeswarm (60)
Umbral Spellportal (70)
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
**Warlord
Additional Enhancements
Artefact
Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 87
Drops: 6
Declan – Matt is running an army that has been popular in the UK since AOS3 dropped back in September – in Magic the Gathering it would be called a ‘control’ deck.
Be’Lakor can cause a unit to miss entire phases once a game (which can mean two turns), Kairos can change a dice roll once a game, and the Khorne Daemon Prince halves charges.
This allows Matt to complete almost impossible Battle Tactics or – more usefully – stop an opponent succeeding in one. In games where winning by 1 point is a win this is a great ability.
However this army is not ‘pick up and play’ and needs practice, practice, practice to get right – as such a great result for Matt.
Mason Knox – Seraphon
Mason managed an impressive four wins over the weekend, losing only to Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 4. He beat Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 1, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 2, Lumineth Realm-Lords/Alumnia in Round 3 and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 5.
Army Faction: Seraphon
– Army Type: Coalesced
– Subfaction: Thunder Lizard
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS
———-
Engine of the Gods (265)*
– Artefacts of Power: Fusil of Conflagration
– Prayers: Heal
– Mount Trait: BeastMaster
Skink Priest (80)*
– Prayers: Guidance
Slann Starmaster (265)*
– General
– Command Traits: Arcane Might
– Spells: Stellar Tempest
BATTLELINE
———-
5 x Saurus Guard (115)*
1 x Stegadon (265)*
1 x Stegadon (265)*
BEHEMOTH
———-
1 x Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)*
OTHER
———-
10 x Chameleon Skinks (230)*
10 x Chameleon Skinks (230)*
TERRAIN
———-
1 x Realmshaper Engine (0)
CORE BATTALIONS
– *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 1965/2000
Declan – The Seraphon army has been tearing up the tournament scene recently and that is because it has a toolbox of options and so can pivot into any meta and any changes to the meta. Mason has taken a few of the usual suspects – Bastiladon with Solar Engine, Stegadons and Engine of the Gods – and has added his own unique twist with 2 x 10 Chameleon Skinks.
I don’t remember seeing so many before and they add their shooting to that of the longer range monsters… and the shooting meta is strong at the moment.
Alexander Gonzalez – Soulblight Gravelords
Alexander also won four of his five games, losing only in Round 4 against Cities of Sigmar/Living City. Along the way he beat the Ossiarch Bonereapers/Mortis Praetorians in Round 1, Beast of Chaos/Allherd in Round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 3 and Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 5.
Allegiance: Soulblight Gravelords
– Lineage: Vyrkos Dynasty
– Grand Strategy: Predator’s Domain
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Leaders
———-
Vampire Lord on Zombie Dragon (435)
– General
– Deathlance
– Command Trait: Pack Alpha
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Mount Trait: Foetid Miasma
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Radukar the Beast (315)**
Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (380)
– Lore of the Deathmages: Fading Vigour
Battleline
———-
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)**
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)**
10 x Dire Wolves (135)**
Units
———-
20 x Grave Guard (280)*
– Great Wight Blades
– Reinforced x 1
20 x Grave Guard (280)*
– Great Wight Blades
– Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions
*Hunters of the Heartlands
**Battle Regiment
Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 118
Drops: 5
Declan – 40 Grave Guard! Wow! I’ve fought 20 of them before and they can kill a Mega Gargant over a couple of rounds of combat. Backed up by Mannfred and a Zombie Dragon, this army can get where it needs to get to.
The really secret tech (may not be secret) is Mannfred’s command ability:
Considering most armies pay 1 command point for a one phase +1 to hit this is amazing value for a command ability. Sure it’s a relatively small range but with the smaller boards and Mannfred’s ability to run away from combat this is almost impossible to stop. Then it’s Grave Guard for the win!
Wildcard – Brian Cox – Beast of Chaos
Brian won 4 games with Beasts of Chaos and finished the event in 7th. He lost second game against eventually 3rd place finisher Alex and his Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty list. He won against Beasts of Chaos in Round 1, Legion of the First Prince in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 4 (which included 40 crossbows, 4x Stormdrake Guard and 4x Fulminators) and Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in the last round. Truly a great achievement.
Allegiance: Beasts of Chaos
– Greatfray: Allherd
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
———-
Doombull (115)*
– General
– Command Trait: Dominator
– Artefact: Blade of the Desecrator
Dragon Ogor Shaggoth (155)*
– Artefact: Tanglehorn Familiars
– Lore of Dark Storms: Hailstorm
Grashrak Fellhoof (150)*
– Lore of the Twisted Wilds: Savage Dominion
Tzaangor Shaman of Beasts of Chaos (135)***
– Lore of the Twisted Wilds: Tendrils of Atrophy
Battleline
———-
3 x Bullgors (130)**
– Great Axes
3 x Bullgors (130)**
– Great Axes
3 x Bullgors (130)**
– Great Axes
3 x Bullgors (130)***
– Great Axes
3 x Bullgors (130)***
– Great Axes
Units
———-
3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95)***
3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95)
3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95)
3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95)
10 x Ungor Raiders (90)
10 x Ungor Raiders (90)
10 x Ungor Raiders (90)
1 x Mindstealer Sphiranx (95)
– Allies
Endless Spells & Invocations
———-
Doomblast Dirgehorn (45)
Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Hunters of the Heartlands
***Vanguard
Additional Enhancements
Artefact
Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 95 / 400
Wounds: 165
Drops: 17
Declan – Another great choice from Peter. 17 drops is immense and really brings a clear example of MSU (multiple small units).
The ally – Mindstealer Sphinx – at 95 points is a bargain of a Monster in the Realm of Ghur allowing Brian to pick up the Monsterous Takeover battle tactic, and his large number of units probably gave him good control over the board.
I’ve not played BoC in the AOS3 because they aren’t doing well or present in the Meta much. Hopefully this will encourage a resurgance – and the game will be better for it! Congratulations to Brian for doing really well with a lower tier army!
The Final Tournament Placings
– Declan & Peter
Top Three AoS Lists from The Lone Star GT – 19th/20th February 2022
Lone Star GT was a five game event over two days that took place in Texas, US on 19th and 20th Feb. It saw a 100 players duke it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
No suprise that Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar lead the way in the number of armies, but perhaps Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty having six is fairly surprising.
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from the Lone Star GT tournament.
Zachary Kennedy – Seraphon
Zachary won all five games beating Lumineth Realm-Lords/Syar in Round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 2, Jiwan Noah Singh and his Ironjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 3, Ronjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of sigmar in the last round.
Allegiance: Seraphon
– Constellation: Thunder Lizard
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
———-
Engine of the Gods (265)*
– General
– Command Trait: Prime Warbeast
– Artefact: Cloak of Feathers
– Mount Trait: Beastmaster
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse
Slann Starmaster (265)*
– Artefact: Itxi Grubs
– Spell: Celestial Equilibrium
Terradon Chief (80)*
– Artefact: Fusil of Conflaguration
Skink Starpriest (130)****
– Spell: Hand of Glory
Skink Priest (80)****
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Guidance
Skink Priest (80)****
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal
Battleline
———-
30 x Skinks (225)**
– Boltspitters & Moonstone Clubs
– Reinforced x 2
20 x Skinks (150)**
– Boltspitters & Moonstone Clubs
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Skinks (75)*
– Boltspitters & Moonstone Clubs
Units
———-
6 x Terradon Riders (210)**
– Sunleech Bolas
– Reinforced x 1
Behemoths
———–
Bastiladon with Ark of Sotek (165)***
Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)***
Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Hunters of the Heartlands
***Alpha-Beast Pack
****Command Entourage – Magnificent
Additional Enhancements
Artefact
Artefact
Total: 1975 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 4 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 141
Drops: 12
Declan – the Seraphon have a lot of options… so many in fact that they seem able to adapt to any meta, with almost any list. This is different to Mike Stewart’s List from Bloodshed in the Shires, but is just as good. Zachary has chosen to give up the possibility of chosing start player for the artefacts and extra command point from Warlord battalion.
For example the Fusil of Conflagration is another mortal wound at distance to take off the last few wounds. It’s not going to win games, but its a great little addition for all important mortal damage. The Bastiladon with Solar Engine is a great piece giving large ranged damage, whilst there are off-the-wall selections including the Ark of Sotek.
It’s a really interesting list, and I’m not sure how I would beat it – especially with the large units of Skinks with all the buffs applied!
Gavin Grigar – Gloomspite Gitz (Yes! Really!)
Gavin the winner of the LVO in 2022 returns with a Gloomspite Gitz list and manages to take them to five wins over five rounds (Declan take notes!) Why not check his recent interview out with the AoS Coach on winning a grand tournament like the LVO here. During Lone Star he beat Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Duplicitous in Round 1, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 2, Karl Rohr and Legion of the First Prince in Round 3, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 4 and Thomas Zhennan Guan with his Maggotkin of Nurgle/Droning Guard in Round 5.
Allegiance: Gloomspite Gitz
– Option: Gloomspite Gitz
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Predator’s Domain
– Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders
Kragnos, The End of Empires (720)*
Fungoid Cave-Shaman (95)*
– Lore of the Moonclans: Squig Lure
Loonboss on Giant Cave Squig (110)*
– General
– Moonclan Stabba
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Lore of the Moonclans: The Hand of Gork
Battleline
36 x Squig Herd (480)*
– Reinforced x 2
12 x Squig Herd (160)*
12 x Squig Herd (160)*
Units
6 x Sneaky Snufflers (75)*
6 x Sneaky Snufflers (75)*
Endless Spells & Invocations
Scuttletide (85)
Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment
Total: 1960 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 172
Drops: 1
Declan – WooHoo… Gloomspite Gitz…! I’m amazed; Gavin has done brilliantly here given the current win-rate of GG – 31% according to The Honest Wargamer Stats Team. I know personally how much of a tarpit the 36 squigs are (72 wounds) and when killed they can come back through the Loonshrine.
Clearly Kragnos does all the heavy lifting here, and I am amazed he didn’t get shot off the table, but Gavin appears to have dodged all the shooting. This shouldn’t distract from the achievement though – 5-0 with Gitz… living the dream!
Jonathon Schlieszus – Ossiarch Bonereapers
Jonathon also won all of his games. Along the way he beat the Maggotkin of Nurgle/Munificent Wanderers in Round 1, Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 2, Ironjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 3, Legion of the First Prince in Round 4 and beat Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in Round 5.
Allegiance: Ossiarch Bonereapers
– Legion: Mortis Praetorians
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Leaders
Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis (450)
Arkhan the Black, Mortarch of Sacrament (360)
Liege-Kavalos (185)
– General
– Command Trait: Katakros’ Chosen
– Artefact: Artificer’s Blade
Battleline
20 x Mortek Guard (280)*
– Nadirite Blade and Shield
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Mortek Guard (140)*
– Nadirite Blade and Shield
10 x Mortek Guard (140)*
– Nadirite Blade and Shield
Behemoths
Gothizzar Harvester (215)
Artillery
Mortek Crawler (215)
Core Battalions
*Hunters of the Heartlands
Total: 1985 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 1 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 100
Drops: 8
Declan – With the changes to the Nagash warscroll in the December update there was some concern on twitter that the Ossiarch’s would struggle to keep up with their previous successes (or Owen Jackson’s previous successes!!!).
The Mortek Crawler gives ranged attacks whilst the Harvester sits behind the Mortek Guard and brings them back. They are difficult enough to kill without this added survivability. You really need to go all in to kill the Guard… and even then you may not be successful.
Finally Arkhan is a great Wizard with bonuses to cast, but his utility and benefit comes from his command ability:
The extra range gives Curse of Years a scary 24″ range so it’s almost impossible to avoid the mortal wound output. Either dispel it, or hope your opponent fails to roll 6s in the first roll!
Another great success with an army that is seen as weak in the meta. Well done to Jonathan.
Wildcard – Chris Carlile – Skaventide
Chris won three games with Skaventide which is no easy thing in the current meta. He lost his first two games against Nighthaunt/Reikenor’s Condemned in Round 1 and Ironjaws/Ironsunz in Round 2. After that though he came back swinging beating Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar/Greywater Fastness in Round 4 and Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in the last round.
Allegiance: Skaventide
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery
– Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders
Lord Skreech Verminking (330)
Thanquol on Boneripper (405)
– 2 Warpfire Braziers & 2 Warpfire Projectors
– Lore of Ruin: Warpgale
Verminlord Deceiver (345)
– General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Shadow Magnet Trinket
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Warlock Bombardier (125)*
– Lore of Warpvolt Galvanism: More-more-more Warp Power!
Battleline
20 x Clanrats (130)**
– Rusty Spear
20 x Clanrats (130)**
– Rusty Spear
20 x Clanrats (130)**
– Rusty Spear
Artillery
Warp Lightning Cannon (185)*
Warp Lightning Cannon (185)*
Core Battalions
*Grand Battery
**Hunters of the Heartlands
Total: 1965 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 118
Drops: 9
Declan – This is an interesting pick from Peter and I can understand why he’s gone with it. 60 Clanrats is a brave collection of cowards, but a cheap way to hold back objectives, whilst the Warp Lightning Cannons scour the board of your opponent’s models.
Thanquol has loads of Warp guns… but the suprise here is Lord Skreech. In fact I’ve never faced in Age of Sigmar and had to look up his scroll!
He has more keywords than I’ve seen in most warscrolls, re-roll 1s to wound in combat, and can bring in summoned Clanrats with Dreaded Thirteenth Spell (and cause mortal wounds at range) and can use his Knowledge to select the right tools at the right time. A list I would love to play – although perhaps not with my Kragnos!
The Final Tournament Placings
– Declan & Peter