Fantasy Battles: The 9th Age is an independent table top miniature wargame set in a fantasy world, in which players take control of armies and set them upon one another in conflicts ranging from minor skirmishes to mighty battles with hundreds of models.
The game and all of its rules are completely free to download and use, and consist of a main rulebook and over fifteen army documents, ranging from stoic men and noble elves to the feral orcs and dread worshipers of the dark gods. You can easily assemble your own army using appropriate 28mm miniatures from any manufacturer.
Fantasy Battles: The 9th Age has been created by a group of experienced wargamers, a large supportive staff and continuous input from the wargaming community. We aim to provide a competitive, balanced and fun game, with updates and new rules to be released regularly.
Dark Wizard Gaming has a number of excellent YouTube videos explaining how to play 9th Age these are only up to the Charge phase, after this I’ve included a Battle Report from Guerilla Miniatures showing how it plays.
Episode 1 – Intro
Episode 2 – Models, Units and Line of Sight
Episode 3 – Characteristics
Episode 4 – Building an Army
Episode 5 – Setting up a Game
Episode 6 – Charge Phase
Battle Report
Rules
The 9th Age has a fantastic website where you can download the core rules and read through the various factions.
Miniatures
As for miniatures you can use all your old Warhammer Fantasy battle miniatures and any other Fantasy miniature range as long as they fit within the description of the available armies.
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
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 4and 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
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
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!
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.
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 3and 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)*
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
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!
Marvel: Crisis Protocol is a tabletop hobby miniatures game set in the Marvel Universe. Players assemble, paint, and collect an ever expanding line of highly detailed plastic miniatures representing iconic Marvel characters. Players choose characters from their collections to form their own Marvel inspired dream team and then pit their chosen forces against each other on an interactive tabletop where the very terrain itself can be thrown, crashed into, and destroyed during the super powered showdown.
Gamers Guild has a number of YouTube channel videos explaining how to play Marvel Crisis Protocol.
Part 1 – Key Concepts and Mechanics
Part 2 – Setting up the Game
Part 3 – Phases of the Game
Part 4 – Movement and Throws
Part 5 – Line of Sight and Cover
Miniatures
There are a number of websites that you can buy the miniatures and rules for this from. Our friends at SCN Hobby World being one and Asmodee being another. The core set can be a good place to start, but it will set you back around around $100.
Conquest is a tabletop gaming world produced by Para Bellum Wargames. Our flagship, “Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings” is a Mass Battle game and under its umbrella you will find our entire range of miniatures. Its sister system, “Conquest: First Blood”, is a skirmish game, played with the same minis and offering fast-paced combats. Both systems come with easy to learn rulesets, which also afford veteran players multiple levels of strategy to master. With both rulebooks available online for free and a “Living World” platform which allows the community to influence the lore, the world of Conquest invites you to an immersive gaming experience!
Para-Bellum on their YouTube channel has a video explaining how to play Conquest.
Miniatures
Para-Bellum has their own store for selling all the miniatures and rules you need to play. Army sets are available from €150.00. in my opinion the miniatures for this game are stunning.
The Brewdog AOS GT was a five game event that took place in Aberdeen, Scotland on 25th Feb. It saw 34 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
John B – Cities of Sigmar
John B won all five games beating Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribein Round 1, 3rd placed Mike Callaghan with his Ironjaws/Ironsuns in Round 2, 2nd placed Phil McGuinness with his Ironjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 3, Bonesplitterz/Icebone in Round 4 and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Drowned Men in the last round.
Allegiance: Cities of Sigmar – Subfaction: Living City – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Freeguild General on Griffon (290)* – General – Lance – Command Trait: Ironoak Artisan – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Soaring Guardian – Lore of Leaves: Lifesurge Doralia ven Denst (115)* Sorceress (95)* – Lore of the Leaves: Ironoak Skin
Battleline 10 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (105)* 10 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (105)* 10 x Freeguild Crossbowmen (105)*
Units 4 x Stormdrake Guard (680)* – Drakerider’s Lance – Reinforced x 1 4 x Dracothian Guard Fulminators (460)* – Reinforced x 1
Declan – Peter’s found me a non-Stormcast, non-Seraphon 5-0 list… however this is a Stormcast list in disguise with two of the best units from the book included – Stardrake Guard and Dracothian Fulminators. Mortal range shooting is currently very powerful and with over half the army being from a different book is it really Cities?!
The Freeguild Crossbowmen provide some shooting whilst holding objectives and providing bodies, and the Freeguild General on Griffon can help take out screens and charge with the Stormdrake and Fulminators — have your own screens present.
It’s a very powerful list but does need practice to win, and a little luck to go 5-0; Well done John B.
Phil McGuinness – Ironjawz
Phil managed an impressive four wins and one loss, losing against John B and his Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 3. He beat Sylvaneth/Winterleaf in Round 1, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 2, Beast of Chaos/Darkwalkers in Round 4and Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 5.
Allegiance: Ironjawz – Subfaction: Bloodtoofs – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – Boss Choppa and Rip-Tooth Fist – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un – Artefact: Destroyer Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Get ’em Beat Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Fixin’ Beat Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)** – Spell: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – General – Boss Choppa and Rip-Tooth Fist – Command Trait: Mighty Waaagh! Leader – Artefact: Arcane Tome – Lore of the Weird: Bash ‘Em Ladz
Declan – With the rise of Stormcast the Ironjawz may have been forgotten, but this list is still hard as nails and smashes and bashes it’s way through tournaments.
The two Maw Krushas are insanely quick and with Hand of Gork from the Shaman it is possible to have them on a 3″ charge at the end of the hero phase (teleport 12.5″ away, Mighty Destroyers). The Warchanters increase the damage output of the Krushas significantly and the Brutes (whilst small units) provide some solid defense of objectives. They can’t be taken out without an active effort.
Good to see Ironjawz in the top 3 again. I’m sure more will get there soon.
Mike Callaghan – Ironjawz
Like Phil, Mike won four games and lost only to eventual winner John B and his Cities of Sigmar/Living City list in Round 2. Along the way he beat the Flesh-eater Courts/Court of Delusion in Round 1, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 3, Sons of Behemat/Taker Tribe in Round 4 and Lumineth Realm-Lords/Iliatha in Round 5.
– Army Faction: Ironjawz – subfaction: Ironsunz – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Inspired
LEADERS ———-
Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – General – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth Fist – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome – Spell: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Get ‘Em Beat Orruk Warchanter (115)* – Warbeat: Fixin’ Beat Megaboss on Maw-Krusha (480)* – Boss Choppa and Rip-tooth Fist – Artefact: Destroyer – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un
BATTLELINE ———-
10x Orruk Brutes (320)** – Reinforced: Once 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)* 5 x Orruk Brutes (160)**
Declan – … as if by magic, there’s a second one — like buses! Almost identifical in the character loadout, with the shaman being dropped, but the 2 Warchanters & 2 Maw Krushas being maintained. This allows for Phil to take Ironsunz which have a superb counter charge ability at the end of the opponent’s phase.
The 10 Brutes are a very damaging unit, especially when given the Warchanter Violent Fury buff (+1 damage) once the Maw Krushas are out of range or dead. With lots of Drops this army rarely has the choice to go first, but with 121 wounds and 2 Maw Krushas there’s not much in the game that will successfully alpha-strike it.
A final shout out for taking Rippas… Phil’s clearly a great strategist! Read here to find out why I think they’re one of the best units available to the Ironjawz.
Wildcard – Cara Newby – Beasts of Chaos
Cara managed to get three wins and a draw during her weekend and finishing 7th. Beating Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 1, drawing against Blades of Khorne/Reapers of Vengeance in Round 2, beating Lumineth Realm-Lords/Zaitrec in Round 3, losing against 2nd placed Phil and his Ironjawz/Bloodtoofs in Round 4 before beating Lumineth Realm-Lords/Syar in the final round.
– Army Faction: Beasts of Chaos – Subfaction: Darkwalkers – Grand Strategy: Predator’s Domain – Triumph: Indomitable
LEADERS ———-
Dragon Ogor Shaggoth (155)*** – Artefact: Tanglehorn Familiars – Spell: Hailstorm – Spell: Sundering Blades Grashrak Fellhoof (150)*** – Spell: Savage Dominion – Spell: Tendrils of Atrophy Great Bray-Shaman (100)*** – Spell: Wild Rampage – Spell: Tendrils of Atrophy Great Bray-Shaman (100)**** – Artefact: Desolate Shard – Spell: Wild Rampage – Spell: Vicious Stranglethorns Great Bray-Shaman (100)**** – Spell: Savage Dominion – Spell: Vicious Stranglethorns Doombull (115)**** – General – Command Trait: Nomadic Leader
BATTLELINE ———-
6x Bullgors (260)** – Reinforced: Once 30x Gors (225)** – Two Gor-Blades – Reinforced: Twice 20x Gors (150)** – Two Gor-Blades – Reinforced: Once 10x Ungor Raiders (90)*** 5x Grashrak’s Despoilers (0)****
Declan – Beasts of Chaos are having a resurgence following the recent White Dwarf article and it is good it see. Cara has gone full magic (I won’t pretend to know what it all does), with an additional spell for 5 characters, giving loads of options for all occasions, as well as all 3 Endless spells for the Beasts.
This is backed up by two Monsters allowing easy access to Monstrous Takeover and bonus points for other battle tactics. They are cheap enough to throw away as well once they’ve picked up the additional points available.
And it’s rounded off by some horde Battleline and 6 Bullgors. What an army… and hopefully I’ll see some Beasts of Chaos on my travels soon.
The AOS Milano – February Warm Up was a one day three game event that took place in Milan, Italy on 26th Feb. It saw 48 players fight it out to be crowned champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
Bonalda Filippo – Stormcast Eternals
Bonalda won all three games beating Kharadron Overlords in Round 1, Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in Round 2 and Ogor Mawtribes/Thunderbellies in Round 3.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Subfaction: Hammers of Sigmar – Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence – Triumphs: Inspired
Units 4x Stormdrake Guard (680)* – Reinforced x 1 6x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)* – Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment
Total: 1995 / 2000
Luca Onorati – Legion of the First Prince
Luca also managed three wins. He beat Bonesplitterz/Icebone in Round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 2 and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 3.
Allegiance: Legion of the First Prince – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders Be’Lakor the Dark Master (360) – Spell: The Master’s Command Great Unclean One (495)* – General – Command Trait: Ruinous Aura – Artefact: Fourfold Blade – Spell: Flaming Weapon Kairos Fateweaver (435) – Spell: The Master’s Command
Battleline 10x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250)* 10x Pink Horrors of Tzeentch (250) 5x Flesh Hounds (105)*
Roberto also won all of his games, beating Kharadron Overlords/Barak Thryng in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hallowed Knights in Round 2 and Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 3.
– Army Faction: Stormcast Eternals – Subfaction: Hammers of Sigmar – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumph: Inspired
Federico also won all his games with a Nighthaunt faction that rarely finishes in the top half of tournament tables, he eventually finished the event in 6th. He won against Legion of the First Prince in Round 1, Legion of the First Prince in Round 2 and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 3.
– Army Faction: Nighthaunt – Subfaction: Emerald Host – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS ———-
Guardian of Souls (135)* – Artefact: Lightshard of the Harvest Moon – Spell: Soul Cage Knight of Shrouds on Ethereal Steed (120)* – Artefact: The Traitor Knight’s Bade Guardian of Souls (135)* – Artefact: Pendant of the Fell Wind – Spell: Soul Cage Lady Olynder (215)** – General – Spell: Shademist Krulghast Cruciator (120)** Krulghast Cruciator (120)**
The February Old Town Throw Down was a five game event over two days that took place in USA on 26th and 27th Feb. It saw 45 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from The February Old Town Throw Down.
Alexander Gonzalez – Soulblight Gravelords
Alexander won all five games beating Maggotkin of Nurgle/Blessed Sons in Round 1, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 2, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 3, Blades of Khorne/Reapers of Vengeance in Round 4 and Seraphon/Fangs of Sotek in the last round.
Leaders Vampire Lord on Zombie Dragon (435) – General – Deathlance – Command Trait: Pack Alpha – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Foetid Miasma – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Radukar the Beast (315)** Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (380) – Lore of the Deathmages: Fading Vigour
Battleline 10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)** 10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)** 10 x Dire Wolves (135)**
Units 20 x Grave Guard (280)* – Great Wight Blades – Reinforced x 1 20 x Grave Guard (280)* – Great Wight Blades – Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions *Hunters of the Heartlands **Battle Regiment
Declan – Alexander went 4-1 at Emerald City with the same list… and he’s gone one better here. It shows the benefit of playing multiple games of Age of Sigmar especially if you get two tournaments in two weekends. Not essential by any means, but I know I’ve improved playing in multiple tournaments!
But it’s been less than a week, I’ve not really learnt anything new here… so a repeat of the Emerald City comments!:
40 Grave Guard! Wow! I’ve fought 20 of them before and they can kill a Mega Gargant over a couple of rounds of combat. Backed up by Mannfred and a Zombie Dragon, this army can get where it needs to get to.
The really secret tech (may not be secret) is Mannfred’s command ability:
From: Wahapedia
Considering most armies pay 1 command point for a one phase +1 to hit this is amazing value for a command ability. Sure it’s a relatively small range but with the smaller boards and Mannfred’s ability to run away from combat this is almost impossible to stop. Then it’s Grave Guard for the win!
Christopher Hernandez – Seraphon
Christopher managed an impressive four wins and one draw over the weekend. He beat Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 1, drew against Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 2, Big Waaagh! in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar/Tempest’s Eye in Round 4and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 5.
Declan – Ah Seraphon… how I’ve missed you. Although I’ve not had a lot of chance to do so. This is Seraphon… again … and they are as good as ever. As I’ve said before they have a great toolkit and you can almost pick what you like… except maybe Saurus foot and Carnosaurs.
The Battle Regiment is taken by Christopher, to reduce the drops – a very popular choice – and he’s taken Kroak. He’s a monster of a Wizard and can throw out loads of damage, much of it board wide or essentially board wide. Also, good luck killing him as he heals all his wounds each phase (sort of)!
Wahapedia
So you can kill him with only 2 wounds… but good luck trying! I’ve fought Kroak 3 times and not come close to killing him in any of the games. Bring guns… loads of guns!
Kroak is backed up by some great monsters including the ubiquitous Bastiladon. – what a great list!
Aaron Newbom – Big Waaagh!
Aaron won four of his five games, losing only in Round 3 against 2nd placed Christopher and his Seraphon/Thunder Lizard list. Along the way he beat the Daughters of Khaine/Hagg Nar in Round 1, Slaves to Darkness/Hosts of the Everchosen in Round 2, Slaves to Darkness/Despoilers in Round 4 and Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befouling Host in Round 5.
– Army Faction: Orruk Warclans – Army Type: Big Waaagh! – Grand Strategy: Dominating Presence – Triumph: Indomitable
LEADERS ———-
Orruk Megaboss (140)* – Artefacts of Power: Destroyer Orruk Warchanter (115)* Orruk Warchanter (115)* Wurrgog Prophet (150)** – Artefacts of Power: Glowin’ Tattooz – Spells: Ghost-mist Orruk Megaboss (140)** – Artefacts of Power: Arcane Tome Orruk Weirdnob Shaman (90)** – General – Command Traits: Master of Magic – Spells: Da Great Big Green Hand of Gork
BATTLELINE ———-
5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)* 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)** 15 x Orruk Brutes (480)*** -Reinforced: Twice 15 x Orruk Ardboys (255)*** – Reinforced: Twice 5 x Orruk Ardboys (85)***
ARTILLERY ———-
1 x Beast-skewer Killbow (130) 1 x Beast-skewer Killbow (130)
CORE BATTALIONS – *Warlord – **Warlord – ***Hunters of the Heartlands
TOTAL POINTS: 2000/2000
Declan – Ah… Big Waagh! It has had a mini-revival recently and I’ve been having fun leading this charge in the UK. Aaron only lost to Christopher’s Seraphon and has gone a very different route than my ‘almost Ironjawz’ approach.
The Wurrgog is great with his stare (beware of ending a turn within 12″ of him), and I love the double Megabosses on Foot which I’ve tried before in Ironjawz. When Big Waagh is up and running they are 2+/2+ which is difficult to better. The Hand of Gork allows Aaron to threaten teleport into any area of the board which keeps opponents honest and means they have to defend their territory.
Meanwhile the Killbows provide reach to go and get the enemy – although if you play with this be aware that the Big Waagh hit and wound bonuses don’t apply. A great army and a superb result.
Wildcard – Gregory Brewer – Kruleboyz
Gregory also won 4 games with a Kruleboyz faction that rarely finishes with more than 3 wins at tournaments, he eventually finished the event in 6th. He lost his third game against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Helon list. He won against Lumineth Realm-Lords/Ymetrica in Round 1, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 4 and Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in the last round.
– Army Faction: Orruk Warclans – Army Type: Kruleboyz – Subfaction: Big Yellers – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS ———-
Kragnos (720) Gobsprakk (280)* – Spells: Nasty Hex Swampcalla Shaman and Pot-grot (105)* – Artefacts of Power: Mork’s Eye Pebble – Spells: Nasty Hex Killaboss with Stab-Grot (110)* – General – Command Traits: Supa Sneaky – Boss‑hacka and Skareshield
BATTLELINE ———-
9 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (360)* – Reinforced: Twice 3 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (120)* 3 x Man-skewer Boltboyz (120)*
OTHER ———-
20 x Hobgrot Slittaz (160)* – Reinforced: Once
CORE BATTALIONS – *Battle Regiment TOTAL POINTS: 1975/2000
Declan – When Kruleboyz were first released, people immediately looked towards the Big Yellers and this is no expection. The Man Skewer Boltboyz remain a solid option, although maybe not up the shooting standards of other battletomes. They have the reach to do damage at range, and means that once Kragnos is in amongst your opponent’s troops causing damage left and right.
It’s great to see Kragnos starting to appear in 4-1 lists since his warscroll re-write in December. It certainly seems to be an improvement, and he’s scary to face as I found out at Chumpionship last weekend.
The Cherokee Open was a five game event over two days that took place in USA on 26th and 27th Feb. It saw 51 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from the Cherokee Open tournament.
David Fields – Stormcast Eternals
Astral Templars by Vincent Knotley
David won all five games beating Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in Round 1, Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in Round 2, Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 3, Maggotkin of Nurgle/Befoulding Host in Round 4 and Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Arcanum in the last round.
Allegiance: Stormcast Eternals – Stormhost: Astral Templars (Stormkeep) – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders ———-
Karazai, The Scarred (600)* – General Lord-Relictor (145)* – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Spell: Celestial Blades – Prayer: Bless Weapons
Battleline ———-
2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Lance 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Lance 2 x Stormdrake Guard (340)* – Drakerider’s Lance 5 x Liberators (115)* – Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield 5 x Liberators (115)* – Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield
Core Battalions *Battle Regiment
Additional Enhancements Holy Command: Steadfast March
Declan – I don’t know how many times I can say / write ‘Dragons’ without the readers getting bored… but here’s one more time! Dragons!
But David has brought Karazai with him and – not having seen him much up to now – I checked out his warscroll.
Wahapedia
He’s effectively a more damaging version of the Maw Krusha (for more points) with great rend and the very little degredation in his profile. You need to do 12 wounds on him to even get the Jaws down to a 3+ to wound…! Wow!
So it’s not really a reduction in power, just a reduction in units. All in all a great result from David and his Dragons.
Mrigank Jha – Stormcast Eternals
Knight Excelsior Chapter
LVO 2022 top eight veteran Mrigank also managed an impressive five wins over the weekend. He beat SIronjaws/Bloodtoofs in Round 1, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 2, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 3, Kruleboyz/Big Yellers in Round 4and Daughters of Khaine/Khelt Nar in Round 5.
Knight-Judicator with Gryph-Hounds (205)* – Artefact: Mirrorshield Lord-Imperatant (175)* Lord-Relictor (145)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Spell: Starfall – Prayer: Translocation
Battleline ———-
3 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers (240)** 3 x Annihilators with Meteoric Grandhammers (240)** 3 x Annihilators (200)* 5 x Liberators (115)** – Heavens-wrought Weapon and Shield – 1x Grandweapons
Units ———-
6 x Vanguard-Raptors with Longstrike Crossbows (480)* – Reinforced x 1 3 x Aetherwings (65) 3 x Prosecutors with Stormcall Javelins (115) – 1x Stormsurge Tridents
Core Battalions *Warlord **Hunters of the Heartlands
Declan – You can tell a Battletome is doing well when two players get 5-0 at a tournament with completely different armies. Mrigank has got a lot of different units in here, but it all revolves around the Longstrikes. They are well priced as a unit (480 points for 12 wounds is expensive), but it’s the support functions that operate with it that makes them crazy good.
The Thunderbolt Volley allows the player to teleport a unit on a 2+ (with re-roll), and then the Thunderbolt Volley allows the unit to shoot in the hero phase (once a game). Shooting at 30″ and doing mortal wounds with great rend, these models can take out whole units at once – with minimal risk to themselves. We’re seeing a lot of these in the UK meta at the moment!
Jon Anderson – Idoneth Deepkin
Jon won four of his five games, losing only in Round 1 against Ogor Mawtribes/Boulderhead. Along the way he beat the Ogor Mawtribes/Boulderhead in Round 2, Idoneth Deepkin/Fuethan in Round 3, Ogor Mwatribes/Boulderhead in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 5.
Allegiance: Idoneth Deepkin – Enclave: Fuethan – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Inspired
LEADERS ———-
Eidolon of Mathlann, Aspect of the Storm (330)* – Artefact: Cloud of Midnight Isharann Tidecaster (105)* – General – Command Trait: Master of Magic – Lore of the Deeps: Arcane Corrasion BATTLELINE ———-
20 x Namarti Reavers (340)* – Reinforced: Once 20 x Namarti Reavers (340)* – Reinforced: Once 10 x Namarti Reavers (170)*
UNITS ———-
3 x Akhelian Ishlaen Guard (155)* 3 x Akhelian Ishlaen Guard (155)*
BEHEMOTHS ———-
Akhelian Leviadon (380)* – Mount Trait: Reverberating Carapace
CORE BATTALIONS *Battle Regiment
Declan – Non-Stormcast – what a relief… and I struggle to comment on this as Idoneth are not well represented in the UK meta at the moment so I haven’t played against them recently.
Wahapedia Again!
So what do they do – A reasonable shot (4+/4+/-/1) and good melee weapons, they can do two roles in a game where movement and range is key – they look great. I ran Gitmob archers in AOS1 and know how much damage 60 shots at 4+/4+/-/1 can do, especially now that there is access to All Out Attack. A great result from Jon to be top of the 4-1 bracket.
Wildcard – Calvin Rarie – Bonesplitterz
Calvin also won 4 games with a rarely seen Bonesplitterz faction and finished the event in 6th. He lost his second game against Disciples of Tzeentch/Hosts Arcanum list. He won against Disciples of Tzeentch/Eternal Conflagration in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Knights Excelsior in Round 3, Flesh-eater Courts/Gristlegore in Round 4 and Sons of Behemat/Breaker Tribe in the last round.
Allegiance: Bonesplitterz – Warclan: Icebone – Grand Strategy: Hold the Line – Triumphs: Indomitable
Leaders Wurrgog Prophet (150)* – Artefact: Glowin’ Tattooz – Lore of the Savage Beast: Glowy Green Tusks Maniak Weirdnob (100)* – General – Command Trait: One Wiv Da Beast – Glowy Green Tusks – Mount Trait: Fast ‘Un – Lore of the Savage Beast: Gorkamorka’s War Cry Kragnos, The End of Empires (720)*
Battleline 15 x Savage Boarboys (420)* – Stikkas – Reinforced x 2 5 x Savage Boarboys (140)* – Stikkas 10 x Savage Orruks (165)* – Chompas
Units 10 x Savage Boarboy Maniaks (290)* – Reinforced x 1
Declan – Peter knows how to get my attention and Bonesplitterz is certainly a great call. Calvin has Kragnos (Kraggy) and 31 Boarboyz. This army can run straight forward and trap you in your own deployment stopping the opponent getting objectives.
And although Kraggy is a lot of points, there is still 123 wounds of 6+ (or better) ward saves backing him up, including one turn at 4+ in combat). Difficult to kill and the Boarboyz are not completely useless in combat – ignore them at your peril — and bring screens!
The Emerald City Open was a five game event over two days that took place in Pull-em-ups, WA on 19th and 20th Feb. It saw 46 players fight it out to be claimed champion.
Most Selected Faction/Subfaction
No suprise that Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar lead the way again in the number of armies.
Win Rate
The Top Three Lists
These were the top three lists from the Emerald City Open tournament.
Mat Beasley – Legion of the First Prince
Matt won all five games beating Slaves to Darkness/Ravagers in Round 1, Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 2, Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in Round 3, Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 4 and Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in the last round.
Allegiance: Legion of the First Prince – Mortal Realm: Ghur – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders ———-
Be’Lakor, the Dark Master (360)** – Lore of Ruinous Sorcery: The Master’s Command Kairos Fateweaver (435)* – Lore of Ruinous Sorcery: The Master’s Command Bloodthirster of Insensate Rage (280) – General – Command Trait: Ruinous Aura – Artefact: Armour of the Pact Slaves to Darkness Daemon Prince (210)** – Sword – Mark of Chaos: Khorne The Contorted Epitome (255)** – Artefact: Fourfold Blade – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon
Battleline ———-
10 x Bloodletters (115)** 5 x Flesh Hounds (105)* 5 x Flesh Hounds (105)*
Declan – Matt is running an army that has been popular in the UK since AOS3 dropped back in September – in Magic the Gathering it would be called a ‘control’ deck.
Be’Lakor can cause a unit to miss entire phases once a game (which can mean two turns), Kairos can change a dice roll once a game, and the Khorne Daemon Prince halves charges.
This allows Matt to complete almost impossible Battle Tactics or – more usefully – stop an opponent succeeding in one. In games where winning by 1 point is a win this is a great ability.
However this army is not ‘pick up and play’ and needs practice, practice, practice to get right – as such a great result for Matt.
Mason Knox – Seraphon
Mason managed an impressive four wins over the weekend, losing only to Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 4. He beat Stormcast Eternals/Hammers of Sigmar in Round 1, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 2, Lumineth Realm-Lords/Alumnia in Round 3and Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 5.
Army Faction: Seraphon – Army Type: Coalesced – Subfaction: Thunder Lizard – Grand Strategy: Beast Master – Triumph: Bloodthirsty
LEADERS ———-
Engine of the Gods (265)* – Artefacts of Power: Fusil of Conflagration – Prayers: Heal – Mount Trait: BeastMaster Skink Priest (80)* – Prayers: Guidance Slann Starmaster (265)* – General – Command Traits: Arcane Might – Spells: Stellar Tempest
BATTLELINE ———-
5 x Saurus Guard (115)* 1 x Stegadon (265)* 1 x Stegadon (265)*
BEHEMOTH ———-
1 x Bastiladon with Solar Engine (250)*
OTHER ———- 10 x Chameleon Skinks (230)* 10 x Chameleon Skinks (230)*
TERRAIN ———-
1 x Realmshaper Engine (0)
CORE BATTALIONS – *Battle Regiment
TOTAL POINTS: 1965/2000
Declan – The Seraphon army has been tearing up the tournament scene recently and that is because it has a toolbox of options and so can pivot into any meta and any changes to the meta. Mason has taken a few of the usual suspects – Bastiladon with Solar Engine, Stegadons and Engine of the Gods – and has added his own unique twist with 2 x 10 Chameleon Skinks.
I don’t remember seeing so many before and they add their shooting to that of the longer range monsters… and the shooting meta is strong at the moment.
Alexander Gonzalez – Soulblight Gravelords
Alexander also won four of his five games, losing only in Round 4 against Cities of Sigmar/Living City. Along the way he beat the Ossiarch Bonereapers/Mortis Praetorians in Round 1, Beast of Chaos/Allherd in Round 2, Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty in Round 3 and Soulblight Gravelords/Kastelai Dynasty in Round 5.
Vampire Lord on Zombie Dragon (435) – General – Deathlance – Command Trait: Pack Alpha – Artefact: Arcane Tome (Universal Artefact) – Mount Trait: Foetid Miasma – Universal Spell Lore: Flaming Weapon Radukar the Beast (315)** Mannfred von Carstein, Mortarch of Night (380) – Lore of the Deathmages: Fading Vigour
Battleline ———-
10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)** 10 x Deathrattle Skeletons (85)** 10 x Dire Wolves (135)**
Units ———-
20 x Grave Guard (280)* – Great Wight Blades – Reinforced x 1 20 x Grave Guard (280)* – Great Wight Blades – Reinforced x 1
Core Battalions *Hunters of the Heartlands **Battle Regiment
Declan – 40 Grave Guard! Wow! I’ve fought 20 of them before and they can kill a Mega Gargant over a couple of rounds of combat. Backed up by Mannfred and a Zombie Dragon, this army can get where it needs to get to.
The really secret tech (may not be secret) is Mannfred’s command ability:
From: Wahapedia
Considering most armies pay 1 command point for a one phase +1 to hit this is amazing value for a command ability. Sure it’s a relatively small range but with the smaller boards and Mannfred’s ability to run away from combat this is almost impossible to stop. Then it’s Grave Guard for the win!
Wildcard – Brian Cox – Beast of Chaos
Brian won 4 games with Beasts of Chaos and finished the event in 7th. He lost second game against eventually 3rd place finisher Alex and his Soulblight Gravelords/Vyrkos Dynasty list. He won against Beasts of Chaos in Round 1, Legion of the First Prince in Round 3, Cities of Sigmar/Living City in Round 4 (which included 40 crossbows, 4x Stormdrake Guard and 4x Fulminators) and Daughters of Khaine/Khailebron in the last round. Truly a great achievement.
Allegiance: Beasts of Chaos – Greatfray: Allherd – Mortal Realm: Ghur – Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery – Triumphs: Inspired
Leaders ———-
Doombull (115)* – General – Command Trait: Dominator – Artefact: Blade of the Desecrator Dragon Ogor Shaggoth (155)* – Artefact: Tanglehorn Familiars – Lore of Dark Storms: Hailstorm Grashrak Fellhoof (150)* – Lore of the Twisted Wilds: Savage Dominion Tzaangor Shaman of Beasts of Chaos (135)*** – Lore of the Twisted Wilds: Tendrils of Atrophy
Battleline ———-
3 x Bullgors (130)** – Great Axes 3 x Bullgors (130)** – Great Axes 3 x Bullgors (130)** – Great Axes 3 x Bullgors (130)*** – Great Axes 3 x Bullgors (130)*** – Great Axes
Units ———-
3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95)*** 3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95) 3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95) 3 x Tzaangor Enlightened of Beasts of Chaos (95) 10 x Ungor Raiders (90) 10 x Ungor Raiders (90) 10 x Ungor Raiders (90) 1 x Mindstealer Sphiranx (95) – Allies
Endless Spells & Invocations ———-
Doomblast Dirgehorn (45)
Core Battalions *Warlord **Hunters of the Heartlands ***Vanguard
Declan – Another great choice from Peter. 17 drops is immense and really brings a clear example of MSU (multiple small units).
The ally – Mindstealer Sphinx – at 95 points is a bargain of a Monster in the Realm of Ghur allowing Brian to pick up the Monsterous Takeover battle tactic, and his large number of units probably gave him good control over the board.
I’ve not played BoC in the AOS3 because they aren’t doing well or present in the Meta much. Hopefully this will encourage a resurgance – and the game will be better for it! Congratulations to Brian for doing really well with a lower tier army!
