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Tournament Review – Dazmaul Wargaming

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2,000 point, 5 game Age of Sigmar Tournament, 19th & 20th March ’22

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With COVID restrictions reducing more people are starting to run tournaments, so when I spotted Dazmaul Wargaming were running an event locally to me I signed up straight away. The date was then clashed with an event at Warhammer World but as this event was local I stuck with my original choice!

Dazmaul Wargaming are a great bunch of lads, who run a small YouTube channel, so go check them out:

The gents talk about their plans!

I took Big Waaagh! with me and the same list as I have used for the last two tournaments. (Chumpionship and Raging Rivers GT)

Big Waaagh!

– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line

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
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 148
Drops: 11

At Chumpionship I went 3-0 (1st) and at Raging Rivers 3-0 (2nd) so I was hopeful that I would be able to get a cheeky 4-1 and complete a Hobby Goal early in 2022.

Game 1 v Paul (Seraphon) -First Blood – Major Win

I had recently played Paul at Purple Sparkly Unicorns event at Element Games with a similar Seraphon list. Paul uses Kroak and a block of 30 Skinks who get all the buffs. Because of the recent Battlescroll changes to Salamanders (give up an extra VP) Paul swapped his Salamanders for an Engine of the Gods (not a bad unit to be able to tag in)!

The Dazmaul tournament was being played on 6’x4′ tables which took a little time to get used to – not least that easy turn 1 charges (with Gore Gruntas for example) became more difficult to achieve. It also meant that Kroak had to advance slightly more than normal leaving a suspicious Brutes size hole behind him!

Paul took turn 1, did a little damage and set up to take a charge, whilst I teleported Brutes behind Kroak but failed the charge.

Brutes with Violent Fury (+1 Damage) fail 9″ charge into Kroak.

Fortunately I won the second turn, and had the Maw Krusha join the Brutes near Paul’s table edge. Brutes charged into Kroak and the Saurus Guard and Maw Krusha charged the Realmchanger – but failed to destroy it.

I called the Waagh, Killed a unit of Saurus who had been summoned turn 1 and left the General on 1 wound. Unfortunately I failed to kill Kroak as Paul rolled an 8 on 3D6 to have him not pop (he needed a 10 to die)

But… I had Paul pinned back and not a lot left with Brutes coming in as well for turn 3. His Engine of the Gods did roll a triple 6 (double all attacks for the army (!) which meant the Brutes behind Kroak mostly died, and Kroak retreated. The Engine charged the MawKrusha and did a lot of wounds with double attacks, but I survived and killed the Slaan general.

In turn 3 Paul had to teleport his Skink block to get an objective leaving his Engine and 3 characters alone; and I caught them and killed them with the 2nd unit of Brutes allowing the Maw Krusha to catch Kroak.

Game 2 v Baz (Morathi) – Apex Predators – Minor Win

Baz was paying attention to TTT results as they came in and worked out that we would play each other… Morathi and the Bow Snakes on Apex Predators is my worst match up as I don’t have a consistent way of killing Morathi quickly… oh dear!

Knowing that my usual sit back approach wouldn’t work I went for a turn 1 charge with Brutes (teleport) and Gore Gruntas into the Shadowstalkers but failed them both leaving the two units in a lot of trouble!

Baz teleported little Morathi onto one objective to start racking up points from turn 2, and killed the Brutes and Gore Gruntas with Morathi taking the middle objective for no damage done.

Baz got the second turn and the racking up of points continued, whilst in my turn 2 Ironskulz Boys charged little Morathi and did 3 wounds, whilst the Maw Krusha took the third objective.

3 damage on little Morathi as I try to start the clock!

I went first into turn 3, which meant Baz removed my objective. I did 3 wounds on big Morathi with the Wurrgog and destroyed the 5 spear-snakes with Maw Krusha. I also teleported 10 Brutes behind his lines and killed his general. I left my Big Stabbas so that Morathi could charge them and keep the objective, in the hope I could do three wounds in Baz’s turn. Baz took Broken Ranks on the Brutes, and shot them so only 2 were left, setting the 10 snakes up for the charge… which he forgot to do – failing the Battle Tactic. I owe him a rematch!

My turn 4 and Wurgogg finished off Morathi giving me the middle objective and leaving Baz with no heroes. This allowed me to sneak back to a 18-18 draw, but I had completed all my battle tactics and Baz had missed Broken Ranks – a Minor Win to me in the most fortunate of circumstances.

Game 3 v Kelvin (Soulblight Gravelords) – The Vice – Major Win

Kelvin had a Soulblight Gravelord list with 3 ambushing units (2 Blood Knights and a unit of 3 Vargheists, as well as Manfred. He gave me first turn, and I cast Hand of Gork on some Brutes, with Violent Fury, and charged them into the 40 Zombies… they died! Whilst this was a reasonable start for body reduction it’s only 230 points and half could automatically come back, which they did!

The Vargheists came on ambush to attack my Big Stabbas but missed the charge, whilst Manfred bravely charged the Brutes. He survived, just, but would spend much of the rest of the game healing in a corner.

I kept up the steamroller, killing the Dire Wolves with the Gore Gruntas, whilst I consolidated my two objectives. I just failed to capture one of Kelvin’s. His 2nd turn saw the Blood Knights turn up and charge… straight into the Maw Krusha. He did his thing, stood his ground and killed 4 of them, but Kelvin had won the objective giving him an early lead.

I won turn 3, and counter charged the Blood Knights killing them all whilst the Gore Gruntas and Brutes took out Zombies on Kelvin’s objective; which he couldn’t take back as Manfred was still healing.

Turn 4, and the centre objective became active, but I parked most of my army on it, and killed the Skeletons leaving Kelvin with very little left to get points. The 6×4 made a difference again, with the Skeletons in particular struggling to make an impact with their small movement.

Game 4 v Johnny (Idoneth Deepkin) – Tooth and Nail – Major Win

Johnny was using the new IDK rules and flipped the tides so he would strike first in turn 2… unfortuantely the board made it impossible for him to reach me in turn 2 as he set up defensively and then couldn’t reach me. I just hid on my home objective whilst Ardboyz and Ironskulls Boyz held the 2 neutral objectives for 2 turns (after some poor shooting), getting me ahead in points.

A lovely army!

This meant his Thralls didn’t see combat, and I got to charge his Turtle and Eidolon in the last turns to grab some Kill Points. We chatted afterwards and agreed that Johnny was a little too conservative and scared of the Maw Krusha… although it would have made a mess being amongst his units turn 2 with strike first would likely have killed it had I charged. Hopefully Johnny will get a better chance next time we meet.

Game 5 v Tom (Slaves to Darkness) – Feral Foray – Major Win

Being in the lucky position of having reached my target of 4 wins I could relax into game 5… although with Archaon on the board it would be interesting! Another big God model. Tom & my game was also recorded by The Hobby Room and you can find it here:

This was a game of manoeuvre and counter-manoeuvre with not a lot of fighting, but a great game!

Tom gave me turn 1, and I moved up the Gore Gruntas and teleported a unit of Brutes in the hope of capturing one of his objectives. The Gore Gruntas made it, but the Brutes sadly failed so I killed the Spawn but Tom kept the objective. In his turn Archaon teleported into my territory and he took one of my objectives with a Varanguard unit. Unfortunately for him he failed a charge with Archaon but it didn’t make a difference to the scoring.

Archaon’s dice of fate showed that Tom went first turn 2, and he killed my Big Stabbas on the right, consolidated the objective on my left and destroyed it. Archaon didn’t charge this time, but by choice! His minions could do the job. I charged Brutes into Varanguard with Violent fury but only did 6 wounds (!) leaving them with 2 models and still in combat. This did have a small advantage in that it gave me extra Waaagh points. Meanwhile the Maw Krusha teleported onto Tom’s left and took an empty objective, also burning it; although failing a charge attempt into the Iron Golems.

Archaon gave Tom turn 3, allowing me to destroy my own centre objective and leaving only 3 objectives on the table; one of which I held with a lot of Brutes, and a Wurrgog. So Tom teleported Archaon and tried to charge the MK (as he could charge and keep the objective), but failed the charge. I then teleported the MK to Tom’s right most objective, used Fast Un to be within 3″ of the Lord, charged, killed him, and burned the objective. It was dead level at 16-16 all! Would the priority decide it?

And… it went to Tom again. He picked Bring it Down, moved the Varanguard up to the MK allowing me to redeploy him… a 6!! This left Archaon with a 10″ charge after his 14″ move – the big tables came to my rescue again, and Archaon failed the charge, and the Varanguard chose not to go in on their own. Tom had failed a battle tactic though, so a door was open. All I need to do was succeed in Hand of Gork – thanks to Touched by the Waaagh it worked, and I teleported back to my last hime objective, gaining Monstrous Takeover and spread out the army to stop Archaon teleporting and charging in his turn.

Turn 5, and Tom killed the Wurrgog with Varanguard (after Archaon failed another charge roll, gaining him a StD Battle Tactic. In response I gained ‘Wait for it Ladz’ battle tactic, teleported the Maw Krusha again and picked up some kill points.

An incredibly close game, which Tom could easily have won with some different dice rolls. Thanks again to Ben & The Hobby Room for recording it – it was interesting to look back and sorry the Wurrgog never got to stare in this game!

Results

I had finished 5-0 which is my first 5-0 ever in over 20 years of gaming, and makes it 11-0 in the last three tournaments with Big Waaagh! I almost think I should take a break with them, but I had to hand in a list for a local one-dayer before this event so they are playing next weekend too!

After the soft scores were added in, I also was fortunate enough to win the tournament, which is also my first 2 dayer win ever as well! A weekend of firsts.

Thank you for Dazmaul for hosting, and for all my opponents you were all gents. I hope to see you all again, and give you a chance for revenge against the teleporting Maw Krusha.

— Declan

If you want to read more Tournament Reviews we have a page listing them

Peter Holland, Rules Writing, Sci-Fi

Writing a Sci-fi Tabletop Wargame – Part 17

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It is 400 years since man first set foot on the moon, and 300 since man found out the Galaxy is a dangerous place….

rulebook-21.03.22-1Download

As with everything I would like this to be community driven, so if you see any typo’s or think paragraphs need rephrasing or moving then please let me know in the form at the end of this article.

Last Weeks Poll Results for Orders

Here are the results from last weeks polls.

Based on these results, the following wording will be added to our living rules:

SPACECRAFT SHOOTING
When firing SPACECRAFT a hit roll of 6 will allow the attacking player to choose which SPACECRAFT system has been affected. If the attacking player successfully hits the enemy SPACECRAFT but does not roll a 6, then a system is chosen at random using the following table;

1-2  – Weapons
3 – Shields
4 – Propulsion
5 – Transported Units
6 – Navigation

SPACECRAFT DAMAGE
Instead of having a MORALE STATUS, SPACECRAFT will suffer damage to their systems from successful hits made against them. Shooting in SPACE COMBAT is carried out in the same fashion as the other theatres of war.

Each SPACECRAFT have a number of systems that can be targeted or suffer damage during SPACE COMBAT. Each system will have an effect on how the SPACECRAFT will operate in future turns. These systems are;

Weapons (-1 to hit rolls when damaged)
Shields (+1 to enemy hit rolls when damaged)
Propulsion (half movement speed)
Transported Units (Transported unit suffer 1 level of degradation in MORALE STATUS)
Navigation (SPACECRAFT is unable to turn)

Each of these systems are able to suffer two hits before failing and causing damage to the SPACECRAFT. Damage can be repaired through the use of ORDERS. If two or more systems reach two damage then the ship is considered DESTROYED)

THIS WEEKS POLLS

This week I want to focus on faction creation.

–Peter

Name Suggestions?

Do you have a name suggestion for the game or do you have any rules suggestions, or a topic you would like us to focus on next. Or perhaps you would like us to reword something in the main document. Anything you want, let us know below.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Black Library, Book Reviews, Declan Waters, Games Workshop

Book Review – Honour Guard

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Gaunt’s Ghosts – 4 – By Dan Abnett

Welcome to Woehammer – have you noticed the lovely feeling of no adverts (ads), no pop-ups and no auto-playing videos? Well, that’s the norm here at Woehammer.

But this is only possible because of our wonderful Patreons. So, some articles over 1 year old will now display our Patreon request at the top of the article… like this one! Don’t worry, we are not adding ads – but if you can afford to donate to the site, we would definitely appreciate it. Membership is available from just £1/month (plus taxes!!)

Continuing my re-reading of the Dan Abnett series – Gaunts Ghosts – next up is book 4, Honour Guard.

Gaunts Ghosts – Honour Guard – Black Library

‘Commissar Gaunt and his Ghosts are back in the thick of the action in a battle to defend a vital shrine-world. But the vile forces of Chaos will never allow them to hold their prize for long and as the counter-attack rages, Gaunt is sent after the most priceless relic of all: the remains of the ancient saint who first led humanity to these stars.‘

In Honour Guard, Gaunt and his Ghosts are tasked with taking a Holy Sabat city, but given impossible deadlines by the General in charge, they have to capture the city quickly… allowing chaos to blow up the city.

Gaunt is blamed for the failure and given the opportunity for one last mission before command of the Tanith First and Only is taken from him – he must recover the bones of the Saint and evacuate them from the planet before it is left to Chaos.

The Ghosts fight through an enemy who shouldn’t be there, in numbers unexpected whilst trying to reach their goal. Meanwhile some injured Ghosts try to join up with the rest of the Tanith to be with Gaunt for his last mission.

More lasguns, big guns, tanks, transports, and fighting! All with Abnett’s characteristic page turning style. This book is a great addition to the books of the Imperial Guard / Astra Militarum and shows how humans can overcome the seemingly impossible in a far future where there is only war.

Another great novel and a good read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Previous Gaunt’s Ghosts Book Reviews on Woehammer:

First & Only
Ghostmaker
Necropolis

Check out the Woehammer Book Review Archive for more reviews!

Age of Sigmar, Army Lists, Fantasy, Tournaments

Top Three AoS Lists from Norsehammer Open 2022 – 5/6th March 2022

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Norsehammer Open 2022 was a five game event that took place in Rogaland, Norway on 5th and 6th March. It saw 41 players fight it out to be crowned champion.

1st Ole Vatland – Seraphon

Ole won all five games beating Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in Round 2, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 3, Kharadron Overlords/Barak Zilfin in Round 4 and Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in the last round.

Allegiance: Seraphon
– Constellation: Thunder Lizard
– Mortal Realm: Ghyran
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs: Indomitable

LEADERS
Slann Starmaster (265)*
– General
– Command Trait: Arcane Might
– Artefact: Fusil of Conflaguration
– Spell: Celestial Apotheosis
Skink Priest (80)*
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal
Engine of the Gods (265)*
– Artefact: Cloak of Feathers
– Mount Trait: Beastmaster
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse

BATTLELINE
20 x Skinks (150)**
– Boltspitters Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Skinks (75)**
– Boltspitters Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers
10 x Skinks (75)**
– Boltspitters Celestite Daggers & Star Bucklers

UNITS
2 x Salamander Hunting Pack (280)
– Reinforced x 1
2 x Salamander Hunting Pack (280)
– Reinforced x 1
2 x Salamander Hunting Pack (280)
– Reinforced x 1
Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)

TERRAIN
Realmshaper Engine

CORE BATTALIONS
*Warlord
**Hunters of the Heartlands

ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS
Artefact

Total: 2000 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 4 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 109
Drops: 10

2nd Danny Elvestad – Ironjawz

Danny managed an impressive four wins and one loss, losing against 1st placed Ole Vatland and his Seraphon/Thunder Lizard list in Round 5. He beat Legion of the First Prince in Round 1, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 2, Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 3 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 4.

Allegiance: Ironjawz
– Warclan: Bloodtoofs
– 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: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un
– Lore of the Weird: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
Orruk Warchanter (115)*
– Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat
Orruk Warchanter (115)*
– Warbeat: Get ‘Em Beat

Battleline
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)*
– Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Orruk Ardboys (170)*
– 2x Gorkamorka Banner Bearers
– Reinforced x 1
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)*
– Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1
6 x Orruk Gore-gruntas (340)*
– Jagged Gore-hackas
– Reinforced x 1

Units
4 x Ironskull’s Boyz (80)*

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment

Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 4 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 148
Drops: 1

3rd Lasse Kalberg – Daughters of Khaine

Lasse also managed to get four wins with a single loss during their weekend. Beating Flesh-eater Courts/Morgaunt in Round 1, losing against Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 2, then beating Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 3, Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in Round 4 and Skaventide in the final round.

Allegiance: Daughters of Khaine
– Temple: Khailebron
– Mortal Realm: Aqshy
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Inspired

LEADERS
Bloodwrack Medusa (120)*
– General
– Command Trait: Mistress of Illusion
– Artefact: Whisperdeath
– Lore of Shadows: Mirror Dance
Morathi-Khaine (330)*
– Lore of Shadows: Mindrazor
The Shadow Queen (330)*

BATTLELINE
15 x Blood Stalkers (540)*
– Reinforced x 2
10 x Blood Stalkers (360)*
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Witch Aelves (120)*
– Pairs of Sacrificial Knives

UNITS
5 x Khinerai Heartrenders (95)*
5 x Khinerai Lifetakers (90)*

CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment

Total: 1985 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 3 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 94
Drops: 1

Wildcard 15th Stein Gaarder – Skaventide

Stein performed fantastically over the weekend with an outdated Skaven Battletome. Stein managed an impressive three wins and two losses. Along the way Stein lost against Stormcast Eternals/Hammrs of Sigmar in Round 1, won against Nighthaunt/Emerald Host in Round 2, Legion of the First Prince in Round 3, ironjawz/Ironsunz in Round 4 before losing against 3rd placed Lasse Kalberg and his Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron list in Round 5.

Allegiance: Skaventide
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Verminlord Warpseer (335)*
– General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Arch-Warlock (175)*
– Artefact: Vigordust Injector
– Lore of Warpvolt Galvanism: More-more-more Warp Power!
Warlock Bombardier (125)*
– Lore of Warpvolt Galvanism: More-more-more Warp Power!

Battleline
9 x Stormfiends (945)*
– 3x Windlaunchers
– 3x Ratling Cannons
– 3x Shock Gauntlets
– Reinforced x 2
5 x Skryre Acolytes (65)*
5 x Skryre Acolytes (65)*
5 x Skryre Acolytes (65)*
5 x Skryre Acolytes (65)*

Endless Spells & Invocations
Soulscream Bridge (70)
Vermintide (80)

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment

Total: 1990 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 97
Drops: 1

The Final Tournament Placings

– Declan & Peter

Peter Holland, Rules Writing, Sci-Fi

Writing a Sci-fi Tabletop Wargame – Part 16

Leave a comment

It is 400 years since man first set foot on the moon, and 300 since man found out the Galaxy is a dangerous place….

rulebook-14.03.22Download

As with everything I would like this to be community driven, so if you see any typo’s or think paragraphs need rephrasing or moving then please let me know in the form at the end of this article.

Last Weeks Poll Results for Orders

Here are the results from last weeks polls.

Based on these results, the following wording will be added to our living rules:

MORALE DAMAGE
All land and air combat units begin the game with a Confident MORALE STATUS. As unsaved hits are suffered by the unit this degrades, as it degrades the unit becomes harder to order and can eventually flee the battlefield. There are five morale levels starting with Confident then degrading through Steady, Nervous, Wavering and finally Broken.

SPACECRAFT DAMAGE
Instead of having a MORALE STATUS, SPACECRAFT will suffer damage to their systems from successful hits made against them. Shooting in SPACE COMBAT is carried out in the same fashion as the other theatres of war.

THIS WEEKS POLLS

This week I want to focus a little more on the damage to Spacecraft and how it may be allocated.

–Peter

Name Suggestions?

Do you have a name suggestion for the game or do you have any rules suggestions, or a topic you would like us to focus on next. Or perhaps you would like us to reword something in the main document. Anything you want, let us know below.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Age of Sigmar, Army Lists, Fantasy, Tournaments

Top Three AoS Lists from GGMaitland Age of Sigmar GT – 5/6th March 2022

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GGMaitland Age of Sigmar GT was a five game event that took place in Maitland, Australia on 5th and 6th March. It saw 37 players fight it out to be claimed champion.

The 1st and 3rd Lists (2nd place not available)

1st Ashley McEwan – Sons of Behemat

Ashley won all five games beating Big Waaagh! in Round 1, Blades of Khorne/Reapers of Vengeance in Round 2, Seraphon/Fangs of Sotek in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar in Round 4 and Seraphon/Thunder Lizard in the last round.

Allegiance: Sons of Behemat
– Tribe: Taker Tribe
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders

Kraken-eater Mega-Gargant (490)*
– General
– Command Trait: Extremely Intimidating
– Artefact: Glowy Lantern
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Gatebreaker Mega-Gargant (525)*
– Artefact: Vial of Manticore Venom (Universal Artefact)
Warstomper Mega-Gargant (470)**

Battleline

1 x Mancrusher Gargants (170)**
1 × Mancrusher Gargants (170)**

Endless Spells & Invocations
Purple Sun of Shyish (70)

Core Battalions
*Bosses of the Stomp – Magnificent
**Footsloggas – Unified

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 1895 / 2000
Wounds: 129
Drops: 3

Declan – Having been top of the pile at the beginning of AOS3, Sons of Behemat have taken a bit of a hit in the meta as players moved to other Tier S armies. Ashley’s smashing face like its 2021 but with an endless spell and a (virtually) guaranteed triumph.

The Gatekeeper will be doing the smashing, but it’s good to see the two small guys attending as well, who will be helpful for holding objectives. Whilst they are easy to kill individually, you have to make the decision not to shoot / attack the bigger guys instead.

It’s still a good list and Ashley’s done really well to beat two Seraphon lists on his path to victory.

3rd Joel Graham – Big Waaagh!

Joel managed an impressive four wins and one loss, losing against 1st Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 1. Then continuing to beat Ogor Mawtribes/Bloodgullet in Round 2, Slaves to Darkness/Despoilers in Round 3, Lumineth Realm-Lords in Round 4 and Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 5.

Allegiance: Big Waaagh!
– Grand Strategy: Beast Master
– Triumphs:

Kragnos, The End of Empires (720)
Gobsprakk, The Mouth of Mork (280)*
Orruk Warchanter (115)*
– Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat
Wurrgog Prophet (150)*
– General
– Command Trait: Master of Magic
– Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz
– Universal Spell Lore: Levitate
Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)**
– Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth fist
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon

5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)**
– 1x Gorkamorka Glyph Bearers
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)**
– 1x Gorkamorka Glyph Bearers
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)*
– 1x Gorkamorka Glyph Bearers

*Warlord
**Battle Regiment

Artefact

Total: 2000 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 93
Drops: 6

Declan – Ah, Big Waaagh! It’s a great allegiance that I love playing but Joel has gone in a very different direction. With three big monsters (Kragnos, Maw Krusha & Gobsprakk), a Warchanter and Wurrgog to keep the points flows. As readers of this blog will know the Wurrgog is a monster if you go within 12″ of him with his stare ability, and Kraggy and Maw Krusha can smash into most foes and do crippling damage, whilst Gobsprakk provides some magic defense.

I really like Big Waaagh because there are so many ways to play it and Joel has gone very differently to my version – and done well.

Wildcard – Jacob Strachan – Lumineth Realm-Lords

Jacob managed to get four wins anda single loss during their weekend and finished 4th. Beating Lumineth Realm-Lords in Round 1, losing against Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 2, then beating Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 3, Daughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar in Round 4 and Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in the final round.

– Army Faction: Lumineth Realm-Lords
– Subfaction: Zaitrec
– Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery
– Triumph: Indomitable

LEADERS
Scinari Loreseeker (170)*
Sevireth, Lord of the Seventh Wind (345)*
Vanari Lord Regent (155)*
– General
– Command Trait: Fast Learner
– Artefact: Gift of Celennar
– Spell: Speed of Hysh
– Spell: Protection of Hysh

BATTLELINE
30x Vanari Auralan Sentinels (510)*
– Reinforced: Twice
– Spell: Protection of Hysh
10x Vanari Auralan Sentinels (170)*
– Spell: Total Eclipse
10x Vanari Auralan Wardens (145)*
– Spell: Lambent Light
10x Vanari Auralan Wardens (145)*
– Spell: Lambent Light

OTHER
1 x Hurakan Spirit of the Wind (265)*

ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS
Emerald Lifeswarm (60)

CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment

TOTAL POINTS: 1965/2000

Declan – LRL as a wildcard is an interesting choice from Peter and this one is what I would call a ‘typical’ LRL build. A maximum unit of Sentinels with 30″ no line of sight mortal wound shooting. Meanwhile Severith and the Spirit of the Wind dance around the opponent and are virtually impossible to catch given their ability to move 12″ in both shooting phases (forget redeploy!).

Either surround them, shoot them or hope for the 12″ charge!

The Final Tournament Placings

– Declan & Peter

Black Library, Book Reviews, Declan Waters, Games Workshop

Book Review – Bossgrot & Fangs of the Rustwood

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Short Fiction from Black Library by Eric Gregory & Evan Dicken

Welcome to Woehammer – have you noticed the lovely feeling of no adverts (ads), no pop-ups and no auto-playing videos? Well, that’s the norm here at Woehammer.

But this is only possible because of our wonderful Patreons. So, some articles over 1 year old will now display our Patreon request at the top of the article… like this one! Don’t worry, we are not adding ads – but if you can afford to donate to the site, we would definitely appreciate it. Membership is available from just £1/month (plus taxes!!)

I like short fiction, so this week I thought I’d branch out a little and review two of Black Library’s short stories from their previous releases.

Regular readers of Woehammer will know that I love Goblins and Grots and will read almost anything that includes them… so both my short stories this week are about the diminutive little devils.

Bossgrot – by Eric Gregory

This book can be picked up on E-Book from Black Library.

Unfortunately the price point for these stories is high (£1.99) for a story that can be read in an hour… still it lasts slightly longer than a pint of beer!

Gribblak is having a rough time. A disastrous battle against a Khornate horde has robbed his skrap of its morale (not to mention two dozen Fanatics, two troggoths and a gargant called Hurg). Worst of all, when he fled from the blood-soaked ‘umie boss, Gribblak lost his dignity, his pride and the respect of his grots. He needs to get them back, and draw the attention of the Loonking if he is to achieve his goal of being the most powerful bossgrot ever. He needs to do something magnificent – so he leads his skrap against the most heavily defended enemy outpost in all the Loonking’s lands: the famed Glinty Crown. There’s no way his plan can fail…

This is a great first person view into the strange world of the Loonking’s Skrap, and one of his Loonbosses who has a little bad luck in his battles. Having been scared by a ‘umie Big Boss, and accidentally letting his followers know that he wasn’t a boss, Gribblak then pulls an ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ storyline on us to hear what he Grots think of him.

Their diminished opinion brings him to promise to destroy the Glinty Crown… an enemy outpost which has been built in Grot territory.

This story is a great view of the world of the Grots and their fearless (or should that be hapless) leaders. A great introduction into Age of Sigmar Gloomspite Gitz.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Fangs of the Rustwood – by Evan Dicken

Also available from Black Library as an E-book

I picked this up because of the cover, and the Fangs… who doesn’t love a very large Spider.

Kantus Vallo, witch hunter of the Order of Azyr, escorts a caravan of prisoners back to civilisation for trial. Their path takes them through the Rustwood, a great untamed wilderness, menacing and foreboding. Each prisoner is a suspect in the murder of an influential governor – sorcerer, poisoner and guard captain, each has their means and motives. Vallo’s attempts to discover the truth are derailed when the inhabitants of the Rustwood attack. Enemies quickly become allies, but can Vallo truly trust three potential killers?

So there may not be as Gitz in this one, as it does take place with them threatening to kill Vallo, his soldiers and prisoners. As the Grots and their Spiders emerge from the woods and attack with poisoned arrows, spears and fangs (see AoS rules writers… poison! …) and start to kill the guards. Will Vallo be able to keep his prisoners safe and escape the Rustwood?

Whilst this has limited Gitz background it is good to have a view of the Gitz from the humans and to see what they can do from ambush. A fun read, but difficult to justify at the cost.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

— Declan

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews you can see our back catalogue of them here!

Games Workshop

Friday Follow – Plastic Craic

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I’m back… and it’s another Friday Follow!

This time, it’s a fellow blogger, whose been at it far longer than Peter & me, and is an expert of his craft. He also runs monthly competitions where the winners get to take home internet points and bathe in the glory of their success.

So who is this hero? It’s none other than Peter at Plastic Craic

From Peter’s Twitter! See he plays too.

Plastic Craic has been around for a long time, and keep providing great content for Age of Sigmar. Having had a short rest whilst his country was shut down he’s well and truly back and it’s great to have his contributions to the on-line community.

By far my favourite articles are the monthly list building challenges. In February that was writing a list with Curse in it; and the community delivered in spades.

Check it out here

The latest list challenge article.

Peter is also a very active Destruction player, which makes him an all round top-bloke and a very experienced gamer to pick the brains of in the Gloomspite Gitz WhatsApp Group.

Cheers Plastic Craic! Keep it up!

— Declan

Age of Sigmar, Army Lists, Fantasy, Tournaments

Top Three AoS Lists from War in the North – 5/6th March 2022

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War in the North was a five game event that took place in Cairns City, Australia on 5th and 6th March. It saw 26 players fight it out to be claimed champion.

The Top Three Lists

Zenith Mills-Shorter – Idoneth Deepkin

Zenith won all five games beating Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 1, Nighthaunt/Emerald Host in Round 2, Flesh-eater Courts/Court of Delusion in Round 3, Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Duplicitous in Round 4 and Cities of Sigmar/Phoenicium in the last round.

Allegiance: Idoneth Deepkin
– Enclave: Fuethan
– Grand Strategy: Vendetta
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty

Leaders
Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Storm (330)*
– General
– Command Trait: Unstoppable Fury
– Artefact: Cloud of Midnight
Isharann Soulscryer (140)*
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal

Battleline
10 x Namarti Thralls (130)*
10 x Namarti Reavers (170)*
10 x Namarti Reavers (170)*

Units
2 x Akhelian Allopexes (330)*
– Razorshell Harpoon
– Reinforced x 1
2 x Akhelian Allopexes (330)*
– Razorshell Harpoon
– Reinforced x 1

Behemoths
Akhelian Leviadon (380)*
– Mount Trait: Reverberating Carapace

Core Battalions
*Battle Regiment

Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 103
Drops: 1

Declan – The last swimming attacks before the new book! I don’t play against them often, and with the army about to change significantly… lets just say congratulations and well done to Zenith for giving a right royal send off!

Josh Carroll – Disciples of Tzeentch

Josh managed an impressive four wins and one loss, losing only against 1st placed Zenith and his Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 4. Along the way he beat Ironjawz/Blooftoofs in Round 1, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 2, Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 3 and Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in Round 5.

Allegiance: Tzeentch
– Change Coven: Hosts Duplicitous
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumphs: Inspired

LEADERS
Kairos Fateweaver (435)*
– Lore of Change: Bolt of Tzeentch
Ogroid Thaumaturge (165)*
– General
– Command Trait: Will of the Phantom Lord
– Artefact: Brand of the Spirit Daemon
– Lore of Fate: Shield of Fate
Gaunt Summoner of Tzeentch (255)*
– Lore of Fate: Arcane Suggestion

UNITS
10 x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)*
10 x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)*
10 x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)*
3 x Screamers of Tzeentch (100)*
3 x Screamers of Tzeentch (100)*

ENDLESS SPELLS & INVOCATIONS
Chronomantic Cogs (45)
Soulscream Bridge (70)
Umbral Spellportal (70)

CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment

TOTAL: 1990/2000
WOUNDS: 75
ALLIES: 0/400
REINFORCED UNITS: 0/4
DROPS: 1

Declan – Ah Tzeentch! Not seen them in a top three recently, but Josh has brought them back with a great 4-1 result. As with many Tzeentch armies this is all about the spells, and pinning the opponent into their deployment with the Soulscream Bridge and the Pink Horrors. Don’t be taken in by that wound count… each pink horror unit is 50 wounds, but only counts as 10 so that’s another 120 wounds to add (or 195 total)… plus summoning!

This is not easy to kill – so how to you fight it; well get on the objectives as quick as you can; have teleports (outside 30″ range) and make sure that you take into account Kairos’ ability to change a die roll – don’t let it cause you to lose a battle tactic!

Ty Gordon – Cities of Sigmar

Like Josh, Ty won four games and lost only to eventual winner Zenith and his Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan list in Round 5. Along the way he beat the Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 3, Nighthaunt/Emerald Host in Round 3 and Flesh-eater courts/Court of Delusion in Round 4.

Allegiance: Cities of Sigmar
– City: Phoenicium
– Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence
– Triumphs: Bloodthirsty
Anointed on Frostheart Phoenix (315)*
– General
– Command Trait: One with Fire and Ice – Golden Mist
– Artefact: Phoenix Pyre Ashes
Assassin (80)*
Assassin (80)*
Assassin (80)**
Celestial Hurricanum with Celestial Battlemage (280)
– Lore of the Phoenix: Golden Mist
Anointed on Frostheart Phoenix (315)*
– Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact)
– Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
10 x Phoenix Guard (175)*
10 x Phoenix Guard (175)*
10 x Phoenix Guard (175)*
10 x Shadow Warriors (120)
10 x Shadow Warriors (120)**
1 x Scourgerunner Chariots (80)*
*Warlord
**Vanguard
***Hunters of the Heartlands
Artefact

Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 106
Drops: 12

Declan – The Pheonix ride with 4+ Ward save and very difficult to kill, with the range on the Hurricanum causing mortal wounds at range, and the assassins striking out of the Pheonix Guard units. It’s got a lot of tools, but is not a common or ‘net’ list so it’s good to see something different doing well. The double Frostheart is vicious… I can’t kill one with a Maw Krusha if it’s full health (although a Wurrgog is useful), so although it’s only 106 wounds, this has a lot more effective resistance.

Wildcard – Matthew Kimber – Gloomspite Gitz

Matthew managed to get two wins and two draws during their weekend and finished 8th. Beating Lumineth Realm-Lords/Helon in Round 1, losing against Soulblight Gravelords/Legion of Blood in Round 2, drawing against Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 3, beating Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in Round 4 before drawing against Nighthaunt/Emerald Host in the final round.

– Army Faction: Gloomspite Gitz
– Subfaction: Glogg’s Megamob
– Grand Strategy: Hold the Line
– Triumph: Inspired

LEADERS
Kragnos (720)
Dankhold Troggboss (240)*
– General
– Command Traits: Shepherd of Idiotic Destruction
– Artefacts of Power: Aetherquartz-studded Hide
Fungoid Cave-Shaman (95)*
– Spells: The Hand of Gork

BATTLELINE
3 x Fellwater Troggoths (155)*
3 x Fellwater Troggoths (155)*
6 x Rockgut Troggoths (290)*
– Reinforced: Once
3 x Rockgut Troggoths (145)*

OTHER
1 x Marshcrawla Sloggoth (150)*

CORE BATTALIONS
*Battle Regiment

TOTAL POINTS: 1950/2000

Declan – 2 wins and 2 draws with Gitz… Great result from Matthew and a great pick from Peter. It is true that Kragnos is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, and – if you can keep him away from mortal wound shooting – he’ll smash through what he charges. The Troggoths can do some damage, and the 5+ ward on the Rockguts is a nice additional defense measure. Whilst the Marshcrawla provides +1 to hit in a huge bubble.

It’s good to see Gitz recovering a little, but they seem to only be able to do this with Kragnos at the moment – it’s a shame the book isn’t good enough on its own!

The Final Tournament Placings

– Declan & Peter

Age of Sigmar, Fantasy, Games Workshop, Rogue Trader, Sci-Fi, Warhammer 40k

Tale of Painters – February 21′

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February is out of the way already, so it’s time to look at how we’ve all got on at Woehammer with our respective goals and painting pledges this month.

In alphabetical order let’s start with…..

Dave (@hamsfan)

Peter: Dave’s smashed another one of the harder to get ones with Scenery piece for Age of Sigmar. What a piece, absolutely love the dark stone look with this one. Who doesn’t love some heavy weapons team, Lovely mix of two mortars and an Autocannon here, they look just like they’re in the thick of the action.

Declan: Dave has managed to do what I really struggle with – actually getting paint on Imperial Guard / Astra Miliatarum. These guys look like they’ve been in a fight… until you zoom in and get a suprise! The scenery is lovely and dark with lots of blood included. Dave has managed to walk the tight-rope between scenery that looks good, but won’t overshadow the toy-soldiers.

Dave: Some quick and dirty painting on the Guard, I’ve many to do but I’m pleased to get these done. I’ll definitely be using these in a lot of my lists in one form or another. I had the terrain for ages, it’s painted simply but will be great for AoS games. Happy with my progress so far, I’m working on my Minotaur this month but might do a bit of AoS for a break too.

CellExpert Level Goal:Miniature Painted
A4Unit of 2+ Models (Warhammer 40K)Heavy Weapons Team
C2Vehicle of Monster (Warhammer 40K)Basilisk
E3Fortification of Scenery (Age of Sigmar)Temple

So that brings Dave up to 30 points for the year with all three at the Expert Level.

Declan (@declanandeeyore)

Peter: You’ve been very busy this month Declan! Three units finished and I love your kitbashed Big Stabbas. Your Termagaunts really stand out and you have got the orange and blue scheme down to perfection now, have you got a hivefleet name for them?

Declan: Cheers for the kind words Peter; I hadn’t considered a Hive Fleet name as they were painted for Kill Team but it’s a great call. I’ll do some reading to get some inspiration. Although I haven’t finished a lot of models this month, I’ve still managed to get three Hobby boxes finished including the ‘Kitbashed’ one which I struggling to think what to do. Fortunately the Big Stabbas for my Big Waaagh came to my rescue. 4 out of 25 in 2 months also puts me roughly on target so looking good although there’s some larger units and even some Behemoths to go… so lots to do still!

March will hopefully see me finishing some Napoleonic British and keeping my hand in on my Tyranid / Genestealer colour scheme. I’ve also got a Warmaster Tournament and I may get some Squigs painted to augment my Goblin army.

Dave: Great to see the Bonesplitterz, they look excellent too. As Pete says, the kitbashed ones are really fun. You’ve timed the Tyranids beautifully if you’re planning on picking up the new 40k codex! 

CellExpert Level Goal:Miniature Painted
B1Fortification or Scenery (Warhammer 40K)Sector Mechanicus
B2Unit of 2+ Models (Age of Sigmar)Big Stabba
C4Unit of 5+ Models (Kill Team)Termagaunts
D1Kitbashed Model (Age of Sigmar)Big Stabba

This brings Declan to 40 points and all at Expert Level.

Peter (@woehammer)

MonthModels Painted/SoldModels Acquired/BoughtMonths Total
Jan638+32 Unpainted
Feb2513-12 Unpainted

Peter: This is the first month in a while where I’ve managed to paint more than I’ve bought! This includes 10 Necron Warriors that I sold on fleabay this month. I’m over the moon at my progress and have never painted this much in a month before.

Declan: Wow… wow… wow! Peter’s still on fire and whilst he couldn’t get to our small tournament recently he’s definitely on target for the weekend shortly. His Kruleboyz are going to be shooting the enemy to another life. I really like the scheme here – dark and dank models are difficult to do and Peter’s really nailed it. I can’t wait to see the finished Kruleboyz army in the flesh.

Dave: You’ve got loads done! These will look great as you pick them up off the table at Burning Skies  🙂 I’m a pretty slow painter, I’m very impressed with the speed and quality you’ve achieved.

CellExpert Level Goal:Miniature Painted
A3Unit of 10+ Models (AoS)Hobgrots
B2Unit of 2+ Models (AoS)Man-Skewer Boltboyz
B4Vehicle or Monster (AoS)Swampboss Skummdrekk
C1Hero or Character (AoS)Swampcalla Shaman
C3Any Model (Any System)Beast-Skewer Killbow
D2Unit of 2+ Models (Underworlds)Rippa’s Snarlfangs
E4Hero or Character (Warhammer 40K)Marneus Calgar

That brings me to 70 points and 7 Expert Level goals completed.

Other Members

This month we’ve also included some of the other guys who were willing to of share some of their pictures.

Steve

Peter: Steve just joined the crew this last month and has been sharing some of his pictures of his Crimson Fists. He’s building an entire company of them, and they look absolutely awesome!

Declan: How many Weapons does this Impulsor Tank need? It’s got them all and a neat and tidy base to finish it off. The Crimson fists colours obviously work together (I love red & blue armies), and this is no exception. The blue on the Plasma is also nicely done, and something I struggled with last year on the Thermic Generators.

Dave: Almost a great Ultramarine tank but you slipped a bit with the red. Seriously, this is really well done and cleanly painted.

Tony

Peter: Like Steve, Tony is a new member of the Woehammer crew and back in January painted these stunning Stormcast flappy birds! The skin on these alone must have taken hours upon hours. True talent on display both with Steve and Tony.

Declan: Dragons… but not the small ones – Tony has gone for the big guys here. Krondys (blue) and Karazai (Red) are looking great in traditional dragon poses. The wings are painted in a more realistic tone than is ususally shown, which matches nicely with the chests and really ties these together – they definitely belong in the same army.

Dave: Skar and Mufasa are both great models and Tony has done a brilliant job on them. Hopefully he and Steve will start bingo cards too!