I’ve been having a debate (mainly with myself – as everyone else is just plain disagreeing) recently about Gordrakk being included in a Kruleboyz or Savage Orruk list.
Hear me out!
I have two pieces of evidence at present that say he can.
1) AoS App
When I was playing with budding Kruleboyz lists on Saturday I toyed with the notion of including Chadnos. So, I selected the filter and made sure Warmasters were selected. Sure enough Kraggy appears, but, who else should I see but Gordrakk riding his cabbage! That’s strange I think, so for S&G’s I decide to put him down and fill out the rest of the list.
Army Faction: Orruk Warclans Army Type: Kruleboyz Subfaction: Big Yellers Grand Strategy: Hold the Line Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Gordrakk (540) Swampcalla Shaman and Pot-grot (105)* – Spells: Da Black Pit Snatchaboss on Sludgeraker Beast (315)* – General – Command Traits: Supa Sneaky – Artefacts of Power: Eye-biter Ash
And to top it off once the list was complete I just checked the indicator at the bottom:
From the Age of Sigmar App
I know, before you say it. This list isn’t competitive. But I wanted to see if Gordrakk would be ok by the app. Weirdly however, when you attempt to build the same list on Warscroll Builder it’s not possible.
2) His Warwcroll
My second piece of evidence points to his Warscroll and specifically his Warmaster rule.
What’s interesting to me here is that the Warscroll says:
If this unit is included in an Orruk Warclans army….
Games Workshop Age of Sigmar App
Orruk Warclans, NOT Ironjawz. But just to be certain I checked the Warscroll out in the physical book. Yes, it says the same thing.
But I’m still on the fence as to whether this is a thing so I’ve emailed Games Workshop and just asked them directly. Hopefully they’ll get back to me later today.
But what do you think? Am I barking up the wrong tree?
Super Major G&T saw 16 players vying to be crowned champion in a 5 game tournament. Judging by the lists this tournament seemed like the an extremely fun and relaxed event. The type that would be a dream first tournament for any player.
1st Math Mallow – Sylvaneth
Math won four games and drew his last with Sylvaneth! Along the way he beat Ogor Mawtribes/Boulderhead in Round 1, then Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 2, Skaventide in Round 3, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 4 and drew against Gloomspite Gitz/Glogg’s Megamob in Round 5.
Declan: Normally I would say ‘wow’ at Slyvaneth winning a 2 day tournament, but check out the name… Math Mallow (shockingly not his real name!!) has been smashing opponents since AoS3 dropped including my Sons of Behemat at the same venue last year.
It is in essence a shooting / magic list with amazing mobility in the Tree Revenants helping with battle tactics. Whilst you may think that Alarielle is the key here, you’d be mistaken – it’s the Warsong Revenant, who is a beast! Casting Throne of Vines for bonuses to cast, and then throwing spells through the Spell Portal there is nowhere to hide from this army.
Whilst short on wounds, the one drop means Mallow gets the choice of first / second often and his shooting / magic can kill key units early on.
2nd Dominic Stonebridge – Gloomspite Gitz
Dominic won 3 and drew 3. Drawing against Ironjawz/Ironsunz in round 1, then beating Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in round 2, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in round 3 and Seraphon/Fang of Sotek in round 4 before drawing against 1st placed Math and their Sylvaneth/Gnarlroot list in round 5.
Allegiance: Gloomspite Gitz – Option: Glogg’s Megamob – Mortal Realm: Ghur – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Dankhold Troggboss – Trev (240)* – General – Command Trait: Shepard of Idiotic Destruction – Artefact: Aetherquartz-studded Hide Fungoid Cave-Shaman – Freddie the Fungoid (95)** – Lore of the Moonclans: The Hand of Gork Madcap Shaman – Madcap Max (80)** – Artefact: Moonface Mommet – Lore of the Moonclans: Itchy Nuisance Breaka-Boss on Mirebrute Troggoth – Mr Marvin Brute (180)* – Allies
Battleline 6 x Rockgut Troggoths (290)*** – Reinforced x 1 6 x Rockgut Troggoths (290)*** – Reinforced x 1 3 x Fellwater Troggoths (155)*** 3 x Fellwater Troggoths (155)**
Units 5 x Spider Riders (100)* 3 x Rippa’s Snarlfangs (70)* 1 x Marshcrawla Sloggoth – Drummer Dave (150)*
Behemoths Aleguzzler Gargant – Gary (165)*
Endless Spells & Invocations The Burning Head – Steve the Swamp Trogg (20)
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment **Warlord ***Hunters of the Heartlands
Declan: Gitz, Gitz, Gitz!! Unbeaten as well. Dominic’s pulled it out of the fire here, with probably the strongest faction in the book (it’s a weak book!). He’s got a monster for the battle tactics (just don’t roll a double on the charge), and the Rockguts can put out damage, before coming back in useful groups of 3 when you kill them.
This is all about the units helping each other (Marshcrawler is now essential), or just being a beat stick (Mirebrute Troggoth). Dominic must have concentrated on the objectives here though, as there’s not quite enough power to kill enough of the enemy – great work!
3rd Matthew Gouldesbrough – Idoneth Deepkin
Matthew managed three wins, a draw and a loss. Beating Skaventide in round 1, Seraphon/Fangs of Sotek in round 2, Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in round 3, then losing against 1st place Math and his Sylvaneth/Gnarlroot list in round 4 before drawing against Ironjawz/Ironsunz in round 5.
Leaders KING NIMBUS, Alpha Chad of the Ocean – Akhelian King (250)* – General – Bladed Polearm – Command Trait: Unstoppable Fury – Artefact: Armour of the Cythai – Mount Trait: Voidchill Darkness Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Sea (325)** – Lore of the Deeps: Counter Current – Arcane tome Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Storm (355)* Isharann Tidecaster (150)** – Lore of the Deeps: Steed of Tides Celestant-Prime, Hammer of whatever army I’m playing at the moment (325)** – Allies
Battle-line 1 x Akelian Allopexes (Bloodthirsty Shiver) (495)* 1 x Akelian Allopexes (Bloodthirsty Shiver) (0)* 1 x Akelian Allopexes (Bloodthirsty Shiver) (0)*
Declan: Matt has been one of the top players in the UK for some time now and he’s pivoted to the IdK here but left the Namarti Thralls at home and instead taking Allopexes in a Shiver! 4 Characters including a Prime doesn’t give him a lot of models on the table top (especially as one is off the table until turn 3), so it needs to survive and pick it’s targets.
But the tides help here, with strike first in turn 3 across the board, and the Akhelian King being able to give the units the same ability when required.
It’s fast, it’s small, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security – this will smash so many armies before you’ve realised the threat!
The Quest of Champions is a series of UK two day tournaments involving four heats and one final. The top 12 from each heat being invited to the final. Heat 2 saw 40 players fighting it out for those top 12 spots.
1st Dan Bradshaw – Beasts of Chaos
Dan won all five games with Beasts of Chaos! Let’s just take that in for a second… incredible play. Along the way he beat our very own Rhys and his Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore list, then Beasts of Chaos/Gavespawn in Round 2, Big Waaagh! in Round 3, Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in Round 4 and 2021 Leicester GT winner Mike Stewart and his Seraphon/Thunder Lizard list in Round 5.
Allegiance: Beasts of Chaos – Greatfray: Allherd – Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Dragon Ogor Shaggoth (155)* – General – Command Trait: Dominator – Lore of Dark Storms: Sundering Blades Great Bray-Shaman (100)* – Artefact: Blade of the Desecrator – Lore of the Twisted Wilds: Wild Rampage
Battleline 10 x Ungors (70)* – Mauls & Half-Shields 10 x Ungors (70)* – Mauls & Half-Shields 6 x Dragon Ogors (250)** – 4x Paired Ancient Weapons – 2x Draconic War glaives – Reinforced x 1
Units 20 x Tzaangors of Beasts of Chaos (350)* – 8x Savage Greatblade – 12 x Savage Blade & Arcanite Shield – Reinforced x 1 1 x Cockatrice (95)* 6 x Tzaangor Enlightened on Disc of Beasts of Chaos (360)** – Reinforced x 1 6 x Tzaangor Enlightened on Disc of Beasts of Chaos (360)** – Reinforced x 1 3 x Tzaangor Enlightened on Disc of Beasts of Chaos (180)*
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment **Hunters of the Heartlands
Declan: Dan has been playing AoS for a long time on the UK scene and his twitter handle has shown his love for Beasts of Chaos for almost that long… so he was always going to be someone who was going to dive straight back in when the good White Dwarf update was issued. He has the Dragon Ogre Shaggoth as General who hurts himself to generate summoning points, and then uses the Monstrous Rampage ability to gain another 1 (or D3) summoning points each player turn. So the summoning points rack up and the ambush gives Dan more models than those above – likely being nearer 200 wounds.
The Tzaangor are an interesting choice and not one I have seen in other lists who tend to play around Bullgors. Obviously the additional rend here is the real ‘secret’ and the army is monstrous from turn 3 onwards with all units having additional 2 rend.
Dan beat Mike on top table game 5 – never an easy feat; which only adds to the success. Great to see Beasts of Chaos now be playable.
2nd Fabian Quinn – Seraphon
Fabian won 4 games and drew 1. Beating Slaves to Darkness/Knights of the Empty Throne in round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in round 2, Stormcast Eternals/Living City in round 3 and Big Waaah! in round 4 before drawing against Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in round 5.
LEADERS Slann Starmaster (265)**** – General – Command Trait: Arcane Might – Artefact: Fusil of Conflaguration – Spell: Stellar Tempest Stegadon with Skink Chief (305)**** – Artefact: Incandescent Rectrices – Weapon: Skystreak Bow – Mount Trait: Beastmaster Engine of the Gods (265)** – Artefact: Cloak of Feathers – Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse Skink Starpriest (130)**** – Spell: Hand of Glory Skink Priest (80)** – Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal Skink Priest (80)** – Universal Prayer Scripture: Guidance
UNITS 30 x Skinks (225)*** – Boltspitters & Moonstone Clubs 10 x Skinks (75)*** – Meteoric Javelins Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers 10 x Skinks (75)** – Meteoric Javelins Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers
BEHEMOTHS Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)* Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)* CORE BATTALIONS *Alpha-Beast Pack **Warlord ***Hunters of the Heartlands ****Command Entourage – Magnificent
ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS Artefact Artefact
Declan: Fabian has gone with the Seraphon, and this is a vicious army. Seraphon have a great book which many options available. I’m taking a little credit for Fabian’s success as I played him in his first competitive game at The Honest Wargame… and lost!!
But in all seriousness this has all it needs. The 30 Skinks can get to 6 buffs in a turn and it makes them monsters, who scare even my Maw Krusha. And the Bastilidons shoot a crazy amount of damage, with one shooting twice for a single command point. Amazing value. Added to that their remarkable save all, for 250 points and it doesn’t matter that they are prime targets. Not many armies can kill one, let alone two.
Seraphon have been good for 2 years with a book most armies would kill for and Fabian takes advantage of this and his knowledge of the game to consistently finish high!
3rd Mike Stewart – Seraphon
Mike managed four wins and a single loss. Beating Idoneth Deepkin/Nautilar in round 1, Ironjawz/Ironsunz in round 2, Stormcast Kharadron Overlords/Barak Zilfin in round 3, Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in round 4 and losing against first place Dan with his Beasts of Chaos/Allherd list in round 5.
Declan: And… Seraphon again. Mike is the number one player in the UK mostly with Seraphon and he can pivot to anything the meta can throw at him. Only losing out in the last game in a close match with Dan’s non-standard new-look Beastmen.
Mike’s Seraphon is similar to Fabian’s but he has retained the 2 x 2 Salamanders – the disadvantage is that they now give up 1 victory point if you can kill them, the good thing is that the warscroll is still exceptionally strong. I’ve lost whole units of Brutes to 2 of them shooting, then charging – their melee profile is almost as good as the ranged.
The Thunder Lizards ability here is key as well. -1 Damage to all attacks (excluding mortal wounds), means the army needs a lot more damage to kill for most of the armies in the meta at the moment – affecting all monsters, Ironjawz (Warchanter) & Sons of Behemat (etc). It even negates the special rule of the Namarti Thralls from IdK when they attack the monsters (+1 damage is wounds over 3). Having a book that already invalidates one of the big benefits of a new book is crazy-good.
Well done to all in the top 3, and a quick shoutout to my club – Age of Chumps. There were 6 of us there finishing 3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 1-4, 1-4, 1-4. But Chrissie came away with Best Sports, which is the greatest award !!
Fantasia Fanatic XLI was an 5 game Age of Sigmar tournament that took place in Sweden this weekend just past. It saw 33 players fighting to be crowned Champion.
1st Ronya Andersson – Nighthaunt
Ronya won four games and drew one with the older Nighthaunt book! Drawing in the first round against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Iliatha, then going on to beat Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 2, Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in Round 3, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Munificent Wanderers in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 5.
Army Faction: Nighthaunt – Subfaction: Emerald Host – Grand Strategy: Hold the line – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Guardian of Souls with Nightmare Lantern (135)*** – Artefact: Pendant of the Fell Wind Spell: Soul Cage Knight of Shrouds on Ethereal Steed (120)*** – Artefact: The Traitor Knight’s Blade Krulghast Cruciator (120)*** Lady Olynder, Mortarch of Grief (215)** – General – Spell: Shademist
BATTLELINE 10 x Hexwraiths (300)* – Reinforced: Once 10 x Hexwraiths (300)* – Reinforced: Once 5x Hexwraiths (150)*** 6 x Spirit Hosts (250)* – Reinforced: Once
BEHEMOTH Black Coach (200)** Black Coach (200)**
CORE BATTALIONS *Hunters of the Heartlands **Linebreaker ***Warlord
Declan – Wow… Ronya take a bow. Not even a suggestion of doing this the easy way either, with 2 Black Coaches (not the best units in the game to put it mildly), and against 5 armies all in the top half of the stats.
There’s even more credit for taking the Hexwraiths because no matter whether they are any good in the game I’ve never been able to find out – I assembled 5 of them, and wanted to kill the person who designed their fit! It’s awful. So double congratulations for running 25 of them!
2nd Alexis Herbeck – Stormcast Eternals
Alexis won 4 games and lost 1. Beating Blades of Khorne/Reapers of Vengeance in round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in round 2, Cities of Sigmar/Living Cityin round 3 and Seraphon/Dracothion’s Tail in round 4 before losing against Ronya Andersson and their Nighthaunt/Emerald host list in round 5.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Stormhost: Hammers of Sigmar (Scions of the Storm) – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs:
Leaders Knight-Incantor(125)* – Spell: Thundershock Knight-Judicator with Gryph Hounds(205)* Lord-Relictor (145)* – General – Command Trait: High Priest – Artefact: Mirrorshield – Prayer: Translocation
Units 3 x Aetherwings (65)** 3 x Aetherwings (65)** 5 x Judicators with Skybolt Bows (200)** 5 x Liberators (115)** 5 x Vindicators (130)*** 5 x Vindicators (130)*** 6 x Vanguard-Raptors withLongstrike Crossbows (480)** – Reinforced: Once 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)***
Core Battalions *Command Entourage – Magnificent **Brotherhood Command ***Hunters of the Heartlands
Additional Enhancements Holy Command: Thunderbolt Volley Holy Command: Call for Aid
Declan: Regular readers will be board of Longstrikes, shooting in one hero phase (Thunderbolt Volley); Teleporting on a 2+ (rerollable) with the Relictor and backed up by 2 Stormdrake Guard… wow! Prime Targets making little difference with this army as if you can’t kill them in the first place the fabled extra point is making no difference at all.
This is no criticism of Alexis – it’s in the book; it’s legal – take it!
3rd Per Sigvallius – Cities of Sigmar
Per also managed four wins and a single loss. Beating Idoneth Deepkin/Ionrach in round 1, Fyreslayers/Greyfyrd in round 2. then losing against the Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar of 2nd place Alexis in round 3, before going on to beat Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in round 4 and Seraphon/Thunder Lizards in round 5.
Allegiance: Cities of Sigmar – Subfaction: Living City – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Sorceress (95)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome – Spell: Ironoak Skin Doralia ven Denst (115)* Freeguild General (100)* – City Role: General’s Adjutant
Units 10 x Darkshards (115)* – City Role: Honoured Retinue 30 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (315)* – Reinforced: Twice 10 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (105)* 4 x Stormdrake Guard (680)** – Reinforced: Once 4 x Dracothian Guard Concussors (440)**
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment **Hunters of the Heartlands
Declan – I really like Cities of Sigmar lists, because it reminds me of my days playing Empire in Warhammer Fantasy, and I still have an army for Warmaster… so hark back to the good days of Crossbowmen and Halberdiers – all mono-pose.
Per has gone with a ‘not Cities’ Cities list like many before him though with 4 Dragons in one unit and 4 Dracothian Guard. At 1,120 points for these Stormcast units, it is a Stormcast army… just with some cheap units to back it up.
And the 30 Crossbows dish out damage – shorter range than the longstrikes and not as common, but ignore them at your peril – and that’s why this army works. Target priority… all of it good … and you want to kill it all. I don’t know what I’d go for first, but probably the Dragons to get a few points on the board before Per steamrollers the rest through!
Well done on a 4-1 — this needs to be piloted and practiced with.
GT ŁÓDŹ was a 43 player two day event held in Poland on the 26th and 27th of March.
1st Mateusz Eljasz – Hedonites of Slaanesh
Mateusz won all of his games over the weekend bringing a Hedonites list that takes five wins! Along the way Mateusz beat Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in round 1, Lumineth Realm-Lords/Alumnia in round 2, Ogor Mawtribes/Bloodgullets in round 3, Daughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar in round 4 and Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in round 5.-
Army Faction: Hedonites of Slaanesh – Army Type: Invaders – Subfaction: The Lurid Haze – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Be’lakor (360)* Sigvald (265)* – General Synessa (260)*
BATTLELINE 11 x Blissbarb Archers (170)* 11 x Blissbarb Archers (170)* 11 x Blissbarb Archers (170)*
BEHEMOTH 1 x Chimera (220)*
OTHER 5 x Slickblade Seekers (230)* 5 x Seekers (140)*
CORE BATTALIONS *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 1985/2000 Drops: 1
Declan – wow… Slaanesh… 5-0!! Mateusz should take a bow for this. Sure Be’Lakor is good with his ability to shut down an enemy’s unit for a turn (mostly), but the Blissbarb Archers are just a poor version of Sentinels / Bow Snakes. To be honest I have no idea how Mateusz has done it, and all I can say is congratulations!
2nd Jakub Golec – Stormcast Eternals
Jakub won 4 games and lost 1. Losing against Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in round 1, then going on to beat Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelia Dynasty in round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Avengorii Dynasty in round 3 and Big Waaagh! in round 4 and Ogor Mawtribes in round 5.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Stormhost: Hammers of Sigmar (Scions of the Storm) – Mortal Realm: Ghur – Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence – Triumphs: Inspired – Holy Command: Thunderbolt Volley
Leaders Knight-Heraldor (105)* Knight-Heraldor (105)* Knight-Heraldor (105)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Spell: Chain Lightning
Battleline 10 x Judicators with Boltstorm Crossbows (380)* – Reinforced x 1 – 2xThunderbolt crossbow 5 x Judicators with Boltstorm Crossbows (190)* – 1xThunderbolt crossbow 5 x Judicators with Boltstorm Crossbows (190)* – 1xThunderbolt crossbow
Units 1 x Stormstrike Chariot (165)** 1 x Stormstrike Chariot (165)** 1 x Stormstrike Chariot (165)** 1 x Stormstrike Chariot (165)** 1 x Stormstrike Chariot (165)** 3 x The Farstriders (90)**
Declan: We’ve seen some Stormcast shooting lists already, but this is one of the left-field options which is flying under the radar at the moment. Don’t underestimate the level of damage that this list will push out at distance, and with good resilience. Plus getting them into a 2 drop with the Redemption Brotherhood & Battle Regiments means that Jakub is getting to choose first or second on 75% of occasions (statistically)!!
3rd Ziemek – Seraphon
Ziemek also managed four wins and a single loss. Beating Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Duplicitous in round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Avengorii Dynasty in round 2, Bonesplitterz/Icebone in round 3, Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in round 4 and losing against 1st placed Mateusz and his Hedonites of Slaanesh in round 5.
Declan – some of the Seraphon players I’ve spoken to are not sure the Salamanders are worth it as Prime Targets, but they are still good units at a good price and you still have to kill them to get any points. At 11 drops Ziemek isn’t getting choice of turn often, but with 3 monsters, and -1 damage, he’s able to survive most of the alpha strikes, and shooting armies and get some early damage in as well. The Seraphon book remains one of the most versatile in the game, and Ziemek’s list is no exception. Well done to all in the top 3.
The Battle of Burning Skies was an 20 player one-dayer event run by Savage Hammer Gaming and Greetings from the Warp. Local to myself and Declan we felt we both would love to attend this, unfortunately I was struck down by Grandfather Nurgle on the morning of the event.
1st Max Burton – Stormcast Eternals
Max won all of his games over the weekend bringing the much familiar Stormcast Dragon list. Along the way Max beat Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in round 1, Idoneth Deepkin/Dhom-Hain in round 2 and Ironjawz/Ironsunz in round 3.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Stormhost: Hammers of Sigmar. – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
LEADERS Knight-Draconis (300)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome – Mount Trait: Celestial Instincts – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Lord-Relictor (145)* – Prayer: Translocation
UNITS 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Warblade 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Warblade 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Warblade 4 x Dracothian Guard Fulminators (460)* 3 x Aetherwings (65)*
CORE BATTALIONS *Battle Regiment
TOTAL: 1990/2000
2nd Billy Burrows – Maggotkin of Nurgle
Billy also won all three games beating Bonesplitterz/Icebone in round 1, Flesh-Eater Courts/Blisterkin in round 2 and Ogor Mawtribes/Bloodgullet in the final round.
– Army Faction: Maggotkin of Nurgle – Subfaction: Befouling Host – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Great Unclean One (495)* – Bilesword and Bileblade – Artefacts of Power: The Witherstave – Spells: Fleshy Abundance Great Unclean One (495)* – General – Command Traits: Master of Magic – Doomsday Bell and Plague Flail – Artefacts of Power: Tome of a Thousand Poxes – Spells: Flaming Weapon, Gift of Disease Rotigus (495)* – Spells: Stream of Corruption
BATTLELINE 1 x Beasts of Nurgle (110)** 10 x Plaguebearers (150)** 10 x Plaguebearers (150)**
OTHER 3 x Nurglings (105)
TERRAIN 2x Feculent Gnarlmaw.
CORE BATTALIONS – *Thricefold Befoulment – **Hunters of the Heartlands
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
3rd Place Declan Waters – Big Waaagh!
Declan carries on his unbeaten run into four tournaments with two wins and a draw. Beating Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in round 1, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in round 2 and drawing against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Syar in the final round. You can read Declan’s post tournament review here.
Allegiance: Big Waaagh! – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs:
Leaders Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – General – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist – Command Trait: Touched by the Waaagh! – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un – Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork Wurrgog Prophet (150)* – Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat
Battleline 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers
Units 4 x Ironskull’s Boyz (80)*** 3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)** – Jagged Gore-hackas 2 x Savage Big Stabbas (80)*
Core Battalions *Warlord **Hunters of the Heartlands ***Ironjawz Fist
Additional Enhancements Artefact
Total: 2000 / 2000
Wildcard William Holley – Kharadron Overlords
Fellow Woehammer and Age of Chumps member Will managed to claim 6th place with two wins and a loss with a Kharadron Overlords faction that has struggled in 3rd edition. Will lost against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Syar in round 1, but then beat Daughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar in round 2 and Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in round 3.
Allegiance: Kharadron Overlords – Sky Port: Barak Mhornar – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
This weekend I’m taking part in my first AoS tournament, Battle of Burning Skies is run by the legends at Savage Hammer Gaming and Greetings from the Warp, and is sponsored by none other than fellow Woehammerer Sarah and SCN Hobbies.
This is my first tournament of any kind since 1999 (yes, I’m that old). All the lists are available on Best Coast Pairing if you have a subscription so I thought I would cover three of the lists which I believe have the potential to win.
Savage Hammer Gaming have a number of events upcoming this year all based in Bedford, for both 40k and AoS. So if you want to keep updated on them or want to come along to an event why not check them out on Eventbrite.
Declan has come off the back of two tournament tournament wins and a second place, being undefeated in all three. A win at Dazmaul Wargaming and the Chumpionship tournament, and a second place at Raging Rivers so its hard to ignore his potential to make it three wins on the trot. Declan is running his favourite Big Waaagh! once more which suits his punch second gaming style.
Allegiance: Big Waaagh! – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs:
Leaders Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – General – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist – Command Trait: Touched by the Waaagh! – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un – Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork Wurrgog Prophet (150)* – Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat
Battleline 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers
Units 4 x Ironskull’s Boyz (80)*** 3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)** – Jagged Gore-hackas 2 x Savage Big Stabbas (80)*
Core Battalions *Warlord **Hunters of the Heartlands ***Ironjawz Fist
After starting the year playing Daughters of Khaine, Christine swapped to her old favourites Ironjaws for the Chumpionship, and boy what a swap! Christine finished 2nd in the event to Declan with her Ironjaws list and I’ve no doubt her list has the potential for three wins this weekend. WHAT’S THAT COMING OVER THE HILL? IS IT KRAGNOS, IS IT KRAGNOOOOSSSS?! Lots of big stompy monsters here, with a recently upgraded Kragnos who can do a lot of heavy lifting alongside the ubiquitous Maw-Krusha. This list is bound to crush face.
Army Faction: Orruk Warclans – Army Type: Ironjawz – Army Subfaction: Bloodtoofs – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
LEADER
Kragnos (720)
Megaboss on Maw-krusha (480)* – General – Command Traits: Mega Bossy – Boss Gore-hacka and Choppa – Artefacts: Destroyer – Mount Traits: Loud ’Un Orruk Warchanter (115)* Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)*
We’ve seen versions of Christian’s list on many top 3’s recently so it’s hard to ignore the potential for him to place high up in the rankings this weekend. Christian is a seasoned pro and went 5-0 at Blackout V with his Soulblight Dynasty he has swapped them this time around for Legion and I think he has the potential to push Declan to the end on this one.
Army Faction: Legion of the First Prince – Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Kairos Fateweaver (435) – Spells: The Master’s Command Be’lakor (360)* – Spells: The Master’s Command Slaves to Darkness Daemon Prince (210)* – General – Mark of Chaos: Khorne – Command Traits: Ruinous Aura – Daemonic Axe and Malefic Talons – Artefacts of Power: Armour of the Pact The Contorted Epitome (255)* – Artefacts of Power: Fourfold Blade – Spells: Flaming Weapon, The Master’s Command
BATTLELINE 10 x Horrors of Tzeentch (Pink) (250)** 10 x Horrors of Tzeentch (Pink) (250)** 5 x Flesh Hounds (105)**
ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS 1 x Emerald Lifeswarm (60) 1 x Umbral Spellportal (70)
CORE BATTALIONS – *Command Entourage – **Hunters of the Heartlands
TOTAL POINTS: 1995/2000
As for me…. I’m running Kruleboyz
I in no way believe my list is a contender for any of the top tables and I’ll be happy to walk away with one win this weekend. I have already made one mistake with this list, Levitate! What was I thinking!!!!
Army Faction: Orruk Warclans – Army Type: Kruleboyz – Subfaction: Big Yellers – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS Gobsprakk (280) – Spells: Choking Mist Swampboss Skumdrekk (320)* – General Swampcalla Shaman and Pot-grot (105)* – Artefacts of Power: Arcane Tome – Spells: Levitate
BATTLELINE 9 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (360)* – Reinforced: Twice 6 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (240)* – Reinforced: Once 10 x Gutrippaz (180)* – Wicked Stikka
ARTILLERY 1 x Beast-skewer Killbow (130)*
OTHER 3 x Rippa’s Snarlfangs (70) 3 x Fellwater Troggoths (155) 10 x Hobgrot Slittaz (80)* 10 x Hobgrot Slittaz (80)*
CORE BATTALIONS – *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
All the Entries this Weekend
Andrew Hartwell Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs Andy ZielinskiGloomspite Gitz Ash ColemanLumineth Realm-Lords/Syar Billy BurrowsMaggotkin of Nurgle Christian MooreLegion of the First Prince Christine CoramIronjawz/Bloodtoofs Dan Wright Maggotkin of Nurgle Declan WatersBig Waaagh! Iain CarsbergDisciples of Tzeentch/Pyrofane Cult Joel CooperSkaventide Jon KeightleyIronjawz/Ironsunz Jonathon QuinnFlesh-eater Courts/Blisterskin Kat Binley Sons of Behemay/Taker Tribe Mark CullenOgor Mawtribes/Bloodgullet Matthew TylerDaughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar Max BartonStormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar Paul Coram Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan Peter HollandKruleboyz/Big Yellers Rhys SyllabanksFlesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore Ross BraceIdoneth Deekin/Dhom-Hain Tom MeakerBonesplitterz/Icebone Wayne CooperSeraphon/Thunder Lizard Will HolleyKharadron Overlords/Barak-Mhornar
Age of Sigmar Matched Play Event was a five game event that took place at Willow Road (GW HQ) on 19th and 20th March. It saw 58 players fight it out to be crowned champion.
1st Martin Morrin – Stormcast Eternals
Martin won all five games beating Slaves to Darkness/Hosts of the Everchosen in Round 1, Legion of the first Prince in Round 2, Soulblight Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in Round 3, Beasts of Chaos/Allherd in Round 4 and Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in the last round.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Stormhost: Hammers of Sigmar (Scions of the Storm) – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Knight-Draconis (300)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Thunderous Presence – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Lord-Commander Bastian Carthalos (300)*
Battleline 5 x Liberators (115)* – Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield – 1x Grandweapons 5 x Liberators (115)* – Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield – 1x Grandweapons 4 x Stormdrake Guard (680)* – Drakerider’s Lance – Reinforced x 1
Units 6 x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)* – Reinforced x 1
Declan: Martin has been playing for ‘a while’, and I’ve even been lucky enough to play against him before COVID at the Team Brotherhood event – his team smashed us… and you can see when this is the list taken. It’s got everything I’ve spoken about before – the Thunderstrikes with Thunderbolt Volley dish out mortal wounds 6 times a game, and the lack of teleport isn’t hurting too much with their obscene 30″ range.
These are backed up by four dragons, and a hero dragon – for when speed is necessary. It’s got all the tools, a one-drop to ensure he chooses who goes first (most of the time) and even the 87 wounds have a lot of resilience (either because of distance or armour).
The Battlescroll March patch looked to hurt two of his units (Dragons and Longstrikes give up 2 additional VPs each if they die), but that obviously did affect him adversely. Still need more playing time of course, but it it doesn’t tone this down I’m not sure it’s going to work.
It’s not possible to go 5-0 without beating some of the other top armies and Martin has done this as well – congratulations to him.
2nd Laurie Hugget-Wilde – Lumineth Realm-Lords
Laurie managed an impressive four wins and one draw, drawing against 3rd placed Andrew Currie and his Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men list in Round 5. He beat Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 1, Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in Round 2, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in Round 3and tournament veteran Freddie Leggett and his Cities of Sigmar/Hallowheart in Round 4.
Allegiance: Lumineth Realm-lords – Great Nation: Alumnia – Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery – Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders Archmage Teclis and Celennar, Spirit of Hysh (740)* – General Scinari Calligrave (115)* – Artefact: Waystone – Lore of Hysh: Total Eclipse
Battleline 30 x Vanari Auralan Wardens (435)* – Lore of Hysh: Speed of Hysh – Reinforced x 2 20 x Vanari Auralan Wardens (290)* – Lore of Hysh: Speed of Hysh – Reinforced x 1 10 x Vanari Auralan Wardens (145)* – Lore of Hysh: Speed of Hysh 5 x Vanari Dawnriders (140)* – Lore of Hysh: Speed of Hysh
Declan: Laurie HW has been smashing up tables and opponents since we were allowed to see each other again… and with lots of different armies. Here he is again with LRL with zero (yes nil) Sentinels… was he mad, or did he just click the wrong unit on Warscroll Builder? Well it seems to have worked – who knew that 30 Wardens with -1 to hit, great speed and all backed up by a caster who can’t be dispelled would be good?
The good news is that there are alternative builds, the bad news that is a lot of pikes to accidentally break – I would be in fear with my hamfists that I’d break half the army by accident. An impressive run to remain undefeated at GW’s flagship UK event.
3rd Andrew Currie – Maggotkin of Nurgle
Andrew also managed to get four wins with a single draw during their weekend, drawing to 2nd placed Laurie in the final round. Along the way he beat Fyreslayers/Greyfyrd in Round 1, Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in Round 2, Kharadron Overlords/Barak Zilfin in Round 3, and another tournament veteran James Eveleigh and his Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in Round 4.
Allegiance: Maggotkin of Nurgle – Subfaction: Drowned Men – Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery – Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Leaders Festus the Leechlord (150)** – Lore of Malignance: Gift of Disease The Glottkin (700)** – Lore of Malignance: Rancid Visitations Lord of Afflictions (210)** – General – Command Trait: Overpowering Stench – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Battleline 2 x Pusgoyle Blightlords (220)* 10 x Plaguebearers (150)* 5 x Putrid Blightkings (250)*
Units 1 x Pusgoyle Blightlords – Single (110)** 1 x Mindstealer Sphiranx (95)** 1 x Mindstealer Sphiranx (95)**
Core Battalions *Hunters of the Heartlands **Battle Regiment
Declan: Nurgle are back … and they have changed significantly. No more rushing across the board faster than a stead of Slaanesh they are much more resilient than before and the disease points is a very thematic rule – they really do feel like Nurgle.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chaos list without some cheeky allies and Andrew has gone for 2 monsters in the form of the Mindstealers. I’ve written about these in other lists and in a game where they can be used to get extra points and give access to Monstrous Takeover, they are very good value! With the Glottkin I imagine Andrew got lots of bonus VPs for doing things with monsters.
What is interesting here though, is that there are no Beasts of Nurgle in the list which I haven’t seen since the booked dropped. All the Nurgle players I have spoken too swear by them – so it’s even more impressive that Andrew has gone against conventional wisdom and remained undefeated.
Wildcard – Adam Sinclair – Kharadron Overlords
Adam finished 8th overall with a very impressive 4 wins with Kharadron Overlords! Losing only in the 3rd Round to Andrew Currie who eventually finished third. Along the way he beat Legion of the First Prince in Round 1, tournament veteran Pete Brizio and his Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar list in Round 2, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in Round 4 and Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in Round 5.
Army Faction: Kharadron Overlords – Subfaction: Barak-Zilfin – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Large-calibre Augmentation
LEADERS Aether-Khemist (90)* – General – Command Traits: Collector – Artefacts of Power: Staff of Ocular Optimisation Endrinmaster with Dirigible Suit (180)* – Artefacts of Power: Phosphorite Bomblets
BATTLELINE 1 x Arkanaut Frigate (250)* – Heavy Sky Cannon 1 x Arkanaut Frigate (250)* – Heavy Sky Cannon 10 x Arkanaut Company (100)* – Volley Pistol
BEHEMOTH 1 x Arkanaut Ironclad (490)* – Great Sky Cannon
OTHER 1 x Gotrek Gurnisson (485)* 1 x Grundstok Gunhauler (155)* – Drill Cannon
CORE BATTALIONS – *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
Declan: 4 wins with KO – and with a little Ginger Ninja (Gotrek) as well. Okay he is Duardin, so it’s difficult to argue with his inclusion but he is a great addition to the list allowing Adam to close off large chunks of the board. Sure he only moves 4″, but if a double turn is possible his exclusion zone is huge.
I played against a similar list run by Ben at Reading Warfare last year and it’s a good mobile list which can pick it’s target, kill it and then move to the other side of the board, making it very difficult to catch.
A great result to take KO to 4-1 though and Adam should definitely be proud of the achievement.
Dazmaul Wargaming 2022 was a five game event that took place in Daventry, England on 19th and 20th March. It saw 26 players fight it out to be crowned champion.
1st Declan Waters – Big Waaagh
Our very own Declan gets to feature in a top three after winning all five games beating Seraphon/Fangs of Sotek in Round 1, 2nd placed Baz Norman Jr and his Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron list in Round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Legionof Night in Round 3, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 4 and 3rd placed Tom Wainwright and his Slaves to Darkness/Hosts of the Everchosen list in the last round.
Allegiance: Big Waaagh – Mortal Realm: Ghur – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – General – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist – Command Trait: Touched by the Waaagh! – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un – Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork Wurrgog Prophet (150)* – Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat
Battleline 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 10 x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Jagged Gore-hackas – 2x Gore Choppas – Reinforced x 1 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*** – 1x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers
Units 4 x Ironskull’s Boyz (80)*** 3 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (170)** – Jagged Gore-hackas 2 x Savage Big Stabbas (80)*
Core Battalions *Warlord **Hunters of the Heartlands ***Ironjawz Fist
Baz managed an impressive four wins and one loss, losing against 1st placed Declan and his Big Waaagh list in Round 2. He beat Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 1, Daughters of Kahine/Hagg Nar in Round 3, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in Round 4and Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in Round 5.
Army Faction: Daughters of Khaine – Subfaction: Khailebron – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Inspired
Leaders Morathi-Khaine(660)* The Shadow Queen (660)* Melusai Ironscale (115)* – General – Command Traits: Mistress of Illusion – Artefacts of Power: Whisperdeath
Battleline 15 x Blood Stalkers (540)* – Reinforced: Twice 10x Blood Sisters (280)* – Reinforced: Once 5 x Blood Sisters (140)*
Other 9x Khainite Shadowstalkers (120)* 9 x Khainite Shadowstalkers (120)*
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment
Total Points: 1975/2000
3rd Tom Wainwright – Slaves to Darkness
Tom also managed to get four wins with a single loss during their weekend, losing to Declan in Round 5. Beating Soulblight Gravelords/Legion of Blood in Round 1, Ogor Mawtribes/Bloodgullet in Round 2, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in Round 3, and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 4.
Allegiance: Hosts of the Everchosen – Subfaction: Sixth Circle – Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery – Triumphs: Inspired
LEADERS Archaon (860)* – General – Spell: Mask of Darness Chaos Sorcerer Lord (135)* – Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch – Artefact: Arcane Tome – Spell: Mask of Darkness Chaos Lord (120)* – Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch
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
