Damn those meddling fennblades

Had a 50 point game of Warmachine a while ago.

Cryx

 Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]

 - Harrower [13]

 - Inflictor [11]

 - Malice [13]

 - Ripjaw [6]

 - The Withershadow Combine [7]

Misery Cage [2]

Necrotech [1]

Satyxis Raider Captain [3]

Soul Trapper [1]

Warwitch Siren [3]

Satyxis Raiders (max) [14]

 - Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]

Trollbloods

 Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain [+29]

 - Dire Troll Bomber [16]

 - Troll Impaler [9]

 - Troll Impaler [9]

Janissa Stonetide [3]

Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters (min) [10]

Trollkin Champions (max) [16]

 - Skaldi Bonehammer [3]

Trollkin Fennblades (max) [13]

We had a Steamroller scenario for a change. Trolls started, and their formation was Fennblades-Nyss Hunters-Champions-Battlegroup-Janissa, from left to right in a fairly straightforward line.

I had a bit less of a front, but vaguely I had Ripjaw facing Fennblades all alone, Malice and Inflictor in between Champions and Nyss Hunters, Deneghra and Withershadow Combine behind them. Harrower and Satyxis took positions in trenches opposed by Champions and battlegroup.

Fennblades ran to contest rectangular zone on left. Nyss did the same with middle zone. But perhaps the biggest surprise was Trollkin Champions and Dire Troll Bomber charging in to Satyxis. Only a third of them died, but my plans to seize the zone or at least destroy objective were ruined.

Deneghra, Combine and Malice took down four Fennblades with considerable expenditure of resources.

Trollkin Champions in defensive line and under Sure Foot were a disheartening sight until I realized the new and improved seduction on Warwitch Siren. This broke their Champions' line and allowed Satyxis and Harrower to remove whopping four Champions out of six. 

Then it's Madrak's turn to use feat. The relative kill count for Trollbloods this turn was meager - only a few Satyxis. But that doesn't tell the whole story. Because Deneghra took over half of her health as damage from charging Fennblades and a couple of Nyss Hunters!

As an emergency measure Deneghra cast Ghost Walk on herself and switched Grave Wind from Malice onto her. She flew into safety of opponent's table side. Eh? Well, there was only Nyss Hunters there after Inflictor ran to engage most of Fennblades.

Malice harpoons an Impaler to middle, but doesn't manage to kill it even with help from Harrower. At least all remaining Champions died.

Trollbloods still have trouble removing Satyxis from their zone. But they do not have trouble in removing Harrower with combined efforts of an Impaler, Madrak and Janissa. 

Cryx manages to remove enemy objective, clear left and middle zones and take the flag for a score of 4 in one swoop. Trolls had already scored one point so that wasn't that big of a swing, although still a rather impactful one. 

Fennblades wrecked my objective and even brought Deneghra down to seven health remaining. Other trolls cleared zone on right and contested middle, so points went back to 4-3 for me.

It took everything they got, but Cryx did kill all the Fennblades, clear middle and contest enemy zone for a grand total of 7-3. 

There wasn't much of a game left by then, and game was nearing end via turns anyway. Both players scored one point when opponent lobbed Malice off from their zone and charged an Impaler to contest middle.

Malice walked back to contest enemy zone, and it was game over and a win for Cryx.

And all of it just because of the addition of +2 armor in last dynamic update.

Scourge of a Grove

 Had a 50 point game of Warmachine.

My list was:

Cryx

Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]

 - Deathripper [6]
- Nightmare [18]
 - Slayer [10]
 - Satyxis Blood Priestess [4]
Misery Cage [2]
Soul Trapper [1]
Bane Warriors (max) [16]
 - Bane Warrior Officer & Standard [5]
Wraith Engine [15]

Opponent had:

Circle

 Baldur the Stonecleaver [+31]

 - Woldwatcher [8]

 - Woldwrath [37]

Gallows Grove [2]

Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters (min) [12]

Shifting Stones [3]

Warpborn Skinwalkers (max) [15]

 - Warpborn Skinwalker Alpha [4]

Scenario was Most Pit from main rulebook. Nightmare picked Woldwrath as its prey target, and then Cryx started game by rushing forward. Circle played more cautiously, but still brought Woldwatcher and Shifting Stones to contest middle zone.

As Circle didn't make an approach, second turn Cryx was still just running forward and lined up Wraith Engine, Bane Warriors, Slayer with Grave Wind and Nightmare ten inches away from Woldwrath. 

Skinwalkers attempted to screen Woldwrath, and were mostly killed by Wraith Engine and Bane Warriors. 

To get things going, Grave Wind was cycled to Nightmare, who then charged stone-formed Woldwatcher that had Mortality on. The bugger was left alive with two hit points.

I trusted that sweet Def 15 enough to bring Nightmare within charge distance of Woldwrath. But then I learned that the thing has knockdown effect on its melee attacks. Whoops. There went my 18 points. And a bunch of Nyss Hunters charged Deneghra. Four of them, actually. And they were hitting on 9+. Three of them hit, and brought Deneghra down to five hit points remaining. Yikes.

However, there was Gallows Grove within charge distance of Deneghra. And there was Baldur right behind the tree. I sensed a possible assassination, so Wraith Engine ran to Baldur to spread some Dark Shroud. Deneghra charged Gallows Grove and destroyed it with Scourge, which also knocked down Baldur. 

Deneghra had used her feat, and she cast Mortality on Baldur. Deneghra had four swings to cut through automatically hit Arm 12 target. It was more than enough to score a caster kill.

I can't Bear it

Played a 75 point game of Warmachine.

My list was:

Scourge of the Broken Coast
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]
- Corruptor [14]
- Deathripper [6]
- Nightmare [18]
- Nightwretch [7]
- Reaper [13]
- Satyxis Blood Priestess [0(4)]
Axiara Wraithblade [0(6)]
General Gerlak Slaughterborn [0(6)]
Misery Cage [2]
Satyxis Raider Captain [4]
Swamp Gobber River Raider [1]
Black Ogrun Boarding Party (max) [11]
Black Ogrun Ironmongers [6]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [4]

Opponent had:

Storm of the North
Jarl Skuld, Devil of the Thornwood [+30]
- Dire Troll Bomber [17]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Trollkin Runebearer [0(5)]
Dhunian Archon [0(6)]
Fell Caller Hero [5]
Valka Curseborn, Chieftain of the North [0(6)]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min) [6]
- Northkin Elder [3]
Northkin Bear Handlers & Battle Bears [10]
Northkin Bear Handlers & Battle Bears [10]
Northkin Fire Eaters [7]
Northkin Raiders (max) [15]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]

About half of the enemy list was either ambushing or advance deploying, at least model-wise. At least Cryx started game, so I could actually get out of killbox.

With Quicken on Northkin Raiders, I did a critical mistake of using Pathfinder on Satyxis Raiders instead of blast immunity. But as luck would have it, I didn't have to pay for the consequences for the error of my ways. One or two Satyxis died to the shooting instead of rather plausible 40-50% of the whole unit.

I pushed aggressively with Nightmare into the middle field, and protected it with Satyxis Raiders.

Once most of the Northkin Raiders were gone, I had to remove the oppressive archon from the game somehow - with it I'd never get Champions or bears or whatever off the board.

Ghost Walk on Satyxis Raiders gave them the mobility they needed to reach the roadblock. Jarl had used his feat, so even with gang bonuses the Satyxis had about 50% chances to hit. With Power Swell and two charging and non-charging Satyxis raiders managed to destroy the divine manifestation, and looked like I had options for the game.

Except that I was losing horribly on the right side of the board. Two ambushing units of bears completely dominated the side, and I was perplexed by their power level. Now it's alleviated a little by the fact that I can at least see their point cost, which is at least something for a three model unit.

Nightmare was suicidal and entered the middle of the board, albeit with Grave Wind on.

Opponent focused on securing the scenario zones and tightening the noose around my neck with a plethora of armed bears that were suddenly in my flank and threatening my warcaster.

However, I did notice Jarl Skuld was within charge range of Nightmare. However, there was a blob of trollkin around him.

But it was clearly Deneghra's feat turn. Scourge knocked down Jarl's bodyguard, and then Mortalities started flying all around, as well as ghost walks and focus points.

Last remaining Northkin Raider was a little problematic, but aiming Reaper aided by Curse was able to snipe it off.

JMG Warmachine tournament III

At the end of last month there was a tournament held in my home city. As I had not been able to practice much, I had decided on a familiar list structure - Deneghra3 and Infernal Machines.

This time my second list was in theme, too. Which was Infernal Machines.

My lists were:
[Theme] Infernal Machines
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]
- Corruptor [14]
- Deathripper [6]
- Inflictor [13]
- Nightmare [18]
- Nightwretch [7]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Necrotech [2]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Soul Trapper [1]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls [4]
Soulhunters (max) [18]


[Theme] Infernal Machines
Master Necrotech Mortenebra [+24]
- Kraken [36]
- Seether [13]
- Stalker [8]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Ragman [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Bile Thralls (max) [15]
Mechanithralls (max) [9]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]

Tournament waas four rounds and used steamroller 2018 rules.

Game 1: Deneghra3

Opponent had

[Theme] Masters of War
Tyrant Xerxis [+28]
- Agonizer [6]
- Tiberion [22]
Extoller Soulward [3]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Cataphract Cetrati (max) [18]
- Tyrant Vorkesh [0(6)]
Legends of Halaak [8]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Praetorian Ferox (max) [20]
Praetorian Swordsmen (max) [13]
- Praetorian Swordsman Officer & Standard [4]
Tyrant Commander & Standard Bearer [0(6)]
Tyrant Commander & Standard Bearer [0(6)]


First game against Skorne was probably the most exciting one this tournament had. Shame that it had such an ending.

I neither had the raw hitting power required to crack such a brick list, nor the attack volume. And not much of an attrition either. So I had to be exceedingly careful in this game - and even with time constraints I think I did pretty well. Game became a real struggle with control points, Skorne always being a point or two in lead. I got to commit Deneghra to danger and have her in action, which I'm somehow drawn into.

But I strongly dislike time limits, whether coming from clock or a set number of rounds. And in this game experience was ruined by both. It looked like I was winning with deathclock - opponent had three seconds left in clock. But then again it was seventh turn, which gave scenario victory for Skorne. I wouldn't have been happy had I won with deathclock, and I couldn't be happy that I lost to game being cut in a manner that I find artificial. But out of these two the latter was better here, as I believed I'd lose the game at least to attrition. So victory at least got to rightful hands.



Game 2: Deneghra3

Opponent had:

[Theme] Storm of the North
Horgle, the Anvil [+29]
- Dire Troll Bomber [19]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Trollkin Runebearer [0(5)]
Fell Caller Hero [0(5)]
Valka Curseborn, Chieftain of the North [0(6)]

Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (max) [9]
- Northkin Elder [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
- Skaldi Bonehammer [5]
- Trollkin Sorcerer (1) [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
Hearthgut Hooch Hauler [18]


I probably mentioned how I enjoy sending Deneghra3 into the middle of action?

Games like these are annoying. Fortunately they don't happen all that often, but still. I stole the victory from my very own mouth by making choices based on misunderstandings.

Game was good up until to the point where time started running short. Again it was a game of trying to grind control points, but this time the advantage was for me.

I either had the chance to try and assassinate Horgle or trying to get the few remaining points from control points 6-4. But my model count was already so low, not to mention the clock. So I launched Deneghra and some random mechanithralls upon Horgle.

I had given Puppet Master for Deneghra. Mortality missed, and obviously I forgot to use Mortality.

Second Mortality hit, but that was six focus points away from actual attacks for assassination. Also, every damn attempt at killing Dire Troll Mauler (that had around five boxes left) failed.

Then Mechanithralls charged, but didn't amount to much. Especially when I re-rolled an attack roll 5,5 that was slightly tilted next to scenario zones.

At some point after the game it came to my attention that opponent actually had three scenario points.

So I would've needed to kill Valka Curseborn and the nearly dead Dire Troll Mauler to score those remaining points.

Oh well. Lose & Learn.


Game 3: Deneghra3

I can't piece together the list involved in game three. It was against Khador and Sorscha1. I don't have any pictures of this match because the game was over before I realized.

I respect the bravery of my opponent. It takes some courage to attend a tournament without that much playing experience. Opponent didn't realize players scored scenario points in every turn after the second players' second turn. And Khadoran warjacks tend to be slow, unless list is specifically built to enhance that. It was a fast scenario victory for Cryx.


Game 4: Mortenebra

Opponent had a list something like this:

[Theme] The Bones of Orboros
Krueger the Stormlord [+27]
- Megalith [20]
- Wold Guardian [16]
- Woldwarden [14]
- Woldwarden [14]
- Woldwyrd [9]
- Woldwyrd [9]
Blackclad Stoneshaper [0(3)]
Blackclad Stoneshaper [3]
Blackclad Stoneshaper [3]
Blackclad Wayfarer [0(4)]
Blackclad Wayfarer [0(4)]
Gallows Grove [2]
Gallows Grove [2]
Sentry Stone & Mannikins [5]
Shifting Stones [3]
- Stone Keeper [2]

Last game was over nearly as fast as the previous one - this time to my demise. I really should've known better than to run Mortenebra that far up. But I thought she'd be kind of safe beyond the forest. After all there were no Tree Walkers or other kind of forest-sighted models. But a Gallows Grove was able to get line of sight to Mortenebra with a tiniest sliver of base tugging out from the forest. Then Krueger hit Mortenebra with a boosted Telekinesis, and remaining fury was spent on two telekinesis's on Megalith and Woldwarden. First Megalith trampled into the forest and managed to hit with Weight of Stone. Woldwarden trampled, too, and killed Mortenebra.

To make this loss even saltier was the fact that I had Seether nearby - had it's facing been even ten degrees in different position, it would have been able to counter charge Megalith - blocking the way for Woldwarden. Maybe then we might have had an interesting game.

None of the games in this tournament had a very satisfactory course. All of them seemed to be lacking in some very basic way that I find enjoyable in Warmachine and Hordes. But I suppose a game like this had to come. Trying again anyway at the end of this month.

JMG Warmachine Tournament

So here's my games in JMG Warmachine Tournament that was held last weekend.

It was a 75 point tournament with 1-2 list and D&C 0. I had a Mortenebra1 list with some satyxis in it, but none of the opposing lists allowed me to play it in even remotely secure way. So I'm listing only the Deneghra3 army.

[Theme] Infernal Machines
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Deathripper
- Inflictor
- Leviathan

2x Pistol Wraith
Necrotech
Scrap Thralls
2x Soul Trapper
Bile Thralls (max)
Mechanithralls (min) + 2x Brute Thrall
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Soulhunters (max)

Game 1 was against Trollbloods.

I may have a mistake in this reconstruction of opposing list, but it should give a general idea what the list was about:

[Theme] Band of Heroes
Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain
- Dire Troll Mauler
- Earthborn Dire Troll
Fell Caller Hero
Stone Scribe Chronicler
Kriel Warriors (min) + Caber Thrower (1) + Standard & Piper
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (max) + Stone Scribe Elder
Trollkin Champions (min) + Skaldi Bonehammer
Trollkin Champions (min)
Trollkin Fennblades (min) + Officer and Drummer
Trollkin Warders (max)

So I couldn't pick Mortenebra list. And removing Tough is always nice against Trollbloods. So Deneghra3 it was bound to be.

Thanks to my Spd 9 cavalry, Madrak had to pop his feat on turn 1. Good enough. Deneghra cast Mortality on Fennblades on turn 2 and then Soulhunters walked into melee. They weren't able to do that much, especially when I didn't pay attention where unit leader was. One Soulhunter walked out of coherency, thus losing any attacks it could make.

Deneghra's feat was able to remove both warbeasts and some random trollbloods from the board. Warders with their Shield Guard messed up my game play continuously. I seemed to categorically forget that rule on them. Trolls sure took their time in chewing through Soulhunters. There was some terrible dice rolling involved, I have to admit. Staying three rounds face-to-face in melee combat against Fennblades who had their Vengeance triggered every turn, Warders and even some Champions with Guided Hand and Fell Calls was quite impressive.

But in turn they were not able to do any damage. Ambushing Mechanithralls made a dent to Fennblades, but nowhere near enough. Attrition was soon lost.

Eventually I was starting to run low on my deathclock, too, so I decided to try assassination when I had the chance.

This involved Deneghra shuffling around for what seemed like an eternity - all because I remembered Mortality cast range incorrectly. I thought it was 8" when it was 10". Opponent had accidentally put his figures so that Deneghra couldn't get a charge off against Madrak - there was no space for her base, no matter how I tried to fit a proxy. In the end Deneghra succeeded to cast Mortality on Madrak, but nothing else.

Two Bile Thralls were able to Purge Madrak. Then Leviathan walked into melee with Madrak and got a total of one attack in, with a damage boost. 13+ would have killed the warlock, but I got only 10.

Even 12 would have given a chance for Madrak to die to corrosion. Oh well. Deneghra was very dead this turn. Good game anyway.



Game 2 was against Grymkin. Both Grymkin lists were warbeast heavy, so I thought Mortenebra would struggle in every imaginable way.

Opponent had a list something like this:

[Theme] Dark Menagerie
The King of Nothing
- 2xCage Rager
- 3x Crabbit
- Rattler
- 4x Skin & Moans
4x Gremlin Swarm
Lady Karianna Rose

There were two large impassable terrains making for quite a choke-point near flag on the right. But both casters had access to ghostly, which alleviated all but problems with Line of Sight.

I did make some random damage to few of the heavy beasts - I had originally wanted to kill one Cage Rattler with ambushing Mechanithralls and Ghost Walking Soulhunters, but I didn't get as many Mechanithralls to the warbeast as I wanted, and had placed my models so that Ghost Walking Soulhunters were not able to get it within melee range.

Corruptor had taken a shot against another Cage Rattler. So when Soulhunters killed one of the Crabbits, opponent popped this arcana that nullified damage that had been done. All I managed to do with Mechanithralls was to feed Grymkin warbeasts with corpses.

Skin & Moans was able to remove Leviathan from board, and another failed to do the same against Corruptor - didn't even break one system.

Inflictor killed a Rattler and Bile Thralls managed to purge one injured Skin & Moans dead, which made opponent pop this arcana that killed quite a few bile thralls as a "thank you" for killing battlegroup member.

In the end it was a really exciting game.

I even made extra scrap thralls with Necrotech that actually were a game-changing models - they were able to contest zones and flags during my own turns.

I would have most likely lost to deathclock, had not Deneghra died first. We both had amazing number of control points, something like 8-7 or whatever.

If I would have had a little more experience against Grymkin perhaps I would have done some things differently, but still I'm quite happy how this first game versus the fairy folk turned out.



Game 3 was against Circle of Orboros.

It's difficult for me to write about this game. It stings and it pains me so much.

I was far too aggressive and made a stupid mistake of bringing Deneghra up so far that Warpwolf Stalker with Primal was able to charge one of her warjacks, that had Hunter's Mark from Lanyssa. Sure, one miss from the Warpwolf would have saved my game, but it required 9's to hit and Morvahna2 was close enough to use Scales of Fate on it.

It was somewhat intentional caster-bait sort of thing - to intimidate opponent to not knowing what to do. But yeah, obviously it was a bait gone horribly wrong when my warcaster died during second turn of the game.



Game 4 was against Cryx, and opponent had Dark Host with Asphyxious2. Asphyxious had three stalkers and an arc node. Mortenebra would have been a terrible choice here.

I made some really foolish mistakes here - forgetting to bring anyone to contest middle zone, for example, so opponent got pretty much free control points.

Anyway, two Stalkers came to wreak havoc on Bile Thralls, who in turn purged both warjacks dead. But this had cost movement for them, as well as many members of the unit. Necrotech was able to repair some of the losses, though.

I was hesitant to engage with Soulhunters, so I kept backing with them, keeping out of charge range of Bane Riders.

I did get a relatively nice feat turn with Deneghra - Mortality went on at least three units, and Corruptor was able to use his 5" AoE effectively. Ghost Walking Bile Thralls killed some stray Bane Knights and whatnot.

Ambushing Mechanithralls and Soul Hunters managed to kill three Bane Riders, so it didn't feel too bad to trigger that vengeance.

I had managed to remove enemy presence from right side of the board, but the battle was raging on the left, and I was losing there. Game was intense. I believe I would have won in the long run because I had easier time to score control points, so I didn't feel all that annoyed when opponent ran out of clock.


So three out of four games were close ones. And the one that wasn't was a completely goofed up by me, so it didn't have this "I had no chance to win against a list like that" -feeling. So it was a very nice tournament for me, despite a negative win/loss ratio.

Irregular Consistency

These games were played at the end of March, so it has surely taken a while to get these written. But since I played another game today, let's start clearing this backlog.

There's a Warmachine tournament coming up in my home town, and these were two practice games for it. Based on these games I'm going to make some adjustments, but I do want to keep the caster pair unchanged, and retain Mortenebra out of theme. Madness, you say? Well, I agree. Here are the lists.

Master Necrotech Mortenebra [+24]
- Erebus [16]
- Kraken [36]
- Inflictor [13]
Pistol Wraith [5]
Ragman [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [4]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [4]


[Theme] Infernal Machines
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]
- Corruptor [14]
- Deathripper [6]
- Inflictor [13]
- Leviathan [16]
- Madelyn Corbeau [4]

2x Pistol Wraith [free]

2x Soul Trapper [1]
Bile Thralls (max) [15]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls [4]
Soulhunters (max) [18]

First game was with Deneghra against Ashlynn.

[Theme] The Irregulars
Ashlynn D'Elyse [+29]
- 2x Nomad [11]
- Vanguard [10]
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker [0(4)]
Dahlia Hallyr [17]
Eiryss, Mage Hunter of Ios [0(7)]
Lanyssa Ryssyl, Nyss Sorceress [4]
Major Harrison Gibbs [4]
Ragman [4]
Rorsh [15]
Alexia Ciannor & the Risen [10]

2x Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [8]


It was a tough game. Neither side gained a definite upper hand, devastating losses were tossed left and right until the very end, where I ran out of moving pieces.

I got Deneghra close enough to cast Mortality on Ashlynn, and then Inflictor trampled to take a couple swings at Ashlynn. It wasn't exactly surprising that this assassination failed, and then mercenaries won.

Game 2:

Second game was Mortenebra against Magnus2.

[Theme] The Irregulars

Magnus the Warlord [+28]
- 2x Mangler [15]
- 2x Nomad [11]
- Talon [7]
- 2x Vanguard [10]
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker [0(4)]
Gorman di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist [0(4)]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [0(5)]
Horgenhold Artillery Corps [6]
2x Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [8]

This game was enormous fun, because I managed to remove four warjacks in one turn from Magnus - both Nomads, a Vanguard and Talon, deal some damage to Magnus via Feedback and some stray points to second Vanguard and Mangler. I probably used Mortenebra's feat, though. I don't quite remember.

But that was my big turn, it all went downhill from there. Mercenaries were gaining scenario points fast, and when I lost Kraken I could only try to assassinate Magnus - with Doom Spiral spam! Let's do this!

Mortenebra had gained a couple of soul token earlier, so she had 9 focus points. That could be 4x doom spiral, and Deryliss had his own Doom Spiral, too. If all spirals would hit a warjack and if all of them dealt damage and I would average 2 points in to Magnus per Spiral, I would be able to do it!

But Deryliss missed. Magnus was left alive with two points remaining.

Loss for Mortenebra.

Warmachine Tournament

There was a smallish Warmachine tournament held in Jyväskylä about a week ago. And there might be more to come, so an enormous yay for that.

My lists were:

[Theme] Infernal Machines
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver [+27]
- Corruptor [16]
- Deathripper [6]
- Inflictor [13]
- Leviathan [16]
Necrotech [2]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [5]
2x Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
2x Soul Trapper [1]
Bile Thralls (min) [9]
Mechanithralls (max) [9]
- Brute Thrall (1) [2]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls [4]
Soulhunters (max) [18]

No theme
Lord Exhumator Scaverous
- 2x Deathripper
- Nightmare [18]
- Stalker [8]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius [4]
- Reaper [13]
Machine Wraith [2]
Necrotech [2]
Satyxis Raider Captain [4]
2x Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [4]
Bane Warriors (min) [10]
- Bane Warrior Officer & Standard [5]
Bile Thralls (min) [9]

Game 1:

First game was against Skorne.

I chose Deneghra who had to face:

[Theme] Imperial Warhost
Makeda & the Exalted Court
- Agonizer [0(6)]
- Basilisk Krea [0(7)]
- Cyclops Brute [8]
- Molik Karn [19]
- Titan Cannoneer [17]
- Titan Sentry [15]
Eilish Garrity, the Occultist [5]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Tyrant Zaadesh [4]
- Titan Gladiator [15]
2x Paingiver Beast Handlers (min)
Swamp Gobbers Bellows Crew [2]

Scenario was Spread the Net. Opponent kept a keen eye on ambushing Mechanithralls, so they didn't get to do much. I played, true to my ill-advised style, rather aggressively with Deneghra, starting to score points with her from flag on my side.

Opponent forgot to bring anyone to contest the rectangular zone, so scenario game opened with 3 for Skorne and 2 for Cryx. To make it even, for some reason I forgot to activate Inflictor and Deathripper along with one Pistol Wraith. You know, the incorporeal solo. Against army that had close to zero magical attacks. Contesting the circular zone with no retaliation was a real possibility.

I tried to shoot Titan Sentry off the board, and, well. Sounds a little absurd, yes. But I did get Mortality on it (no healing) and nail it stationary with Pistol Wraith and break Spirit.

I tried rinse & repeat approach, again casting Mortality on Sentry and making it stationary, but this time there was quite a bit more planning to do, as opponent had more shield guards now. But mortified & stationary it was, but somehow I got fixated over killing the beast. It wasn't until some post-game talk where I realized it would have been more advantageous for me to leave it to block charge lanes from such inconsequential models as Molik Karn.

I got scenario to 3-4 for Cryx, and having used Deneghra's feat. Something moronic happened there. I wanted to give some trouble for opponent by casting Grave Wind on Leviathan that charged mid-field to kill one of the Exalted Guards - my idea here was to prolong Cryxian presence on the circular zone for contesting purposes.

Then Deneghra also made a spray just for giggles against nearby Swamp Gobbers. Well, there was this that I was afraid they'd run to contest my flag. Deneghra boosted both attack rolls and killed only one Gobber before repositioning herself back to flag, having two focus for damage mitigation.

So, what could have been a def 17, poltergeist, arm 16 target with four focus points for Molik Karn was def 15 and two focus points.

Yup, Mk3 Molik Karn still comes from far, far away.

To ease my pain somewhat, first two attacks Karn made would have hit Deneghra even if she would've had Grave Wind. But it was the third attack that killed her, and attack roll was eight.

Game 2:

Second game is against Legion of Everblight and I picked Deneghra list again.

Opponent has something like this:

[Theme] Primal Terrors
Vayl, Consul of Everblight [+28]
- 2x Carnivean [19]
- Nephilim Bolt Thrower [11]
- Seraph [14]
Warmonger War Chief [0(6)]
2x Blighted Ogrun Warspears (max) [15]
- Warspear Chieftan [5]
Hellmouth [0(6)]

I might be mistaken and I believe opponent forgot to deploy War Chief. Opponent started game and I did get to make acquaintances with these Hellmouth shenanigans, when Icy Grip is cast on Bile Thralls on the first turn.

Ambushing Mechanithralls got a nice charge against one of the Warspear units. I would've wanted Mechanithralls on different side of the table, but situation was too good to pass.

I forget opponent took the magical weapon granting objective, so I lost both Pistol Wraiths early in the game.

I was slowly whittling away Ogruns and even managed to shoot Nephilim Bolt Thrower off the board. But opponent had the big beasts very much alive, and gained the upper hand in scenario game. Annoying piece of terrain made Hellmouth way too survivable and the game came into point that I just didn't know what to do.

I kept Orin Midwinter hugging Deneghra at all times.

I guess it was a sort of game-opener when Hellmouth popped a tentacle behind Orin Midwinter, hit, and dealt only three points of damage. Opponent had already (at least mentally) committed to assassinate Deneghra. I had given a fair opportunity for that, as Deneghra had taken a free strike from Hellmouth tentacle earlier that dealt ten points of damage.

Anyway, Vayl cast Icy Grip on Deneghra three times, burning away Power Tokens from Orin Midwinter. Last Icy Grip resulted in a miss, so Vayl had no transfers.

Carnivean charged Deneghra. It needed 11+ to hit, so it boosted every attack roll. Twice it rolled 10, one of which was the charge attack.

I don't clearly remember what happened with last attack. I have vague memories that Deneghra had three damage boxes or something. Anyway, Deathripper ran close enough Vayl that Scourge wouldn't deviate off. The spell missed, but at least Legion warlock was knocked down. Then Denegra cast Ghost Walk on herself and charged Vayl, killing her.

I was a bit lucky at critical stages during this match. And I can't congratulate me for choosing the tactic "let's place my warcaster in dire spot and let's see what we can do if she survives." But it was Vayl2, so I suppose I'll gladly take any victories over her that I only can.

Game 3:

Last game was against Circle of Orboros. I picked Scaverous, as I wanted to play with both lists at least once.

I think I got this list wrong, but generally it was:

[Theme] The Wild Hunt
Morvahna the Dawnshadow [+27]
- Gorax Rager [7]
- Pureblood Warpwolf [17]
- Warpwolf Stalker [19]
2x Gallows Grove [2]
2x Shifting Stones [3]
- Stone Keeper [2]
2x Warpborn Skinwalkers (max) [15]
- Warpborn Skinwalker Alpha [0(4)]
Wolves of Orboros (max) [11]
- Wolves of Orboros Chieftain & Standard [4]

This last game was, uh, kind of disappointing. I felt cheesy and like I was abusing something. I guess this is the apologetic Finnish mentality. Though really game was more about opponent having never played against Scaverous.

Anyway. As opponent didn't have excessively high model count, there was not all that much screen for Morvahna.

Morvahna was far enough that I had to bring a Deathripper within melee range of a Skinwalker. I thought Stalker would be able to kill him, but no. It took three Bile Thrall purges to get through the last three damage points or so. Sadly my Deathripper was inside all of the three sprays - but to my advantage, four damage boxes that were left after the automatically hitting purges had Arc Node and Movement.

Then Scaverous could activate and used Telekinesis to move three or so Skinwalkers out of Morvahna's way. Telekinesis also turned Morvahna around, and after that Scaverous was even able to cast Icy Grip on her.

Aiakos had upkept Escort, so Reaper could advance 8" to shoot harpoon at Morvahna. Reaper had Puppet Master from Tremulus, but didn't need to use it. All the rolls were adequate enough.

Morvahna had five transfers I think, four for sure at least. But also on top of Reaper I could charge with a couple of Bane Thralls as well as the Nightmare. Too many attacks, so she suffered an assassination on the second turn of game.

So two wins and one loss. And a sad notion how pretty much every list in the tournament were theme lists. On a more positive note, death clock didn't dictate the outcome of any of my games even if I hadn't really practiced with either of these lists. Though I have used Deneghra3 in Infernal Machines before, so there's that.

But just like it was after the tournament at Ropecon, there was this slight spark of enthusiasm from a few years ago when I went into tournaments a little more frequently. So I went to two tournaments this year. Let's make it at least three next year.

Warmachine tournament at Ropecon

Last year I skipped Warmachine tournament that was held in Ropecon. Mk3 had just launched and all, and I felt somehow exhausted. But this year I took part, and these were my 75 point tournament lists:

List 1:
[Theme] Infernal Machines
Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Kraken
- Nightwretch
- Skarlock Thrall
Necrotech
2x Pistol Wraith
2x Soul Trapper
Mechanithralls (max)
- 2x Brute Thrall
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Soulhunters (max)

List 2:

Asphyxious the Hellbringer
- Desecrator
- Malice
- Ripjaw
- 2x Stalker
Bane Lord Tartarus
Darragh Wrathe
Satyxis Raider Captain
Machine Wraith
Necrotech
Bane Warriors (min)
- Bane Warrior Officer & Standard
Bile Thralls (min)

First game was against Issyria. I chose Deneghra, and I lucked out when I got to play against the list which had Imperatus in it. Mortality was pretty devastating tho Phoenix protocol.

Ambushing Mechanithralls and Soulhunters wrecked one flank completely.

I played aggressively with Deneghra, and I suppose it worked out somehow. The Retribution battle engine spent a couple of turns shooting at Deneghra, but seemed to miss more often than it should have - Issyria had no problems landing Blinding Light on Deneghra.

Eventually it was a scenario victory for Cryx.

Game 2:

Second game was against Gorten Grundback, and I had picked Deneghra3 again. I didn't have an idea what I should be doing. At one point looked like I could try to start grinding some scenario points by seizing three control points, but then dice went all kinds of awry and I was left with only one. Plus I made mistakes in my positioning elsewhere, too - I had to leave Deneghra in a terribly vulnerable position.

Opponent didn't even have to bother with scenario, he just shot Deneghra into smithereens.

Still it was a nice game - even if I was a bit clueless, I still felt like I was at least doing something.

Game 3:

I played against the newly released Morghoul3. I am always especially excited when I get to play against new warcasters, and I had never faced Morghoul3 even during Mk2, where he did not exist. I chose Asphyxious3 as my list.

Bile Thralls did well enough in removing some Praetorian Swordsmen. I was too greedy and waited too long to use Asphyxious' feat. Even a couple of extra focus points could have made the difference, when I got Malice to shoot a harpoon at Morghoul3 who had Calamity, dragging him within Dark Shroud of Bane Lord Tartarus.

But even more impact than a less greedy usage of feat would have been if I would have moved Darragh Wrathe or anyone to take a point from my flag. I didn't.

And then I lost.

Game 4:

Last game I chose Deneghra once more, as I was against Cryx. Opponent took Asphyxious2.

Game was very exciting and brutal. Opponent made one tragic mistake, where he charged with Bane Riders - only to find out the last cavalry model, unit leader, was stationary.

Opponent also missed a couple of critical attacks, most notably ones targeting Kraken and Pistol Wraiths. I did have my share of bad luck a turn earlier, though, where despite everything I threw at enemy Darragh Wrathe, I just could not bring him down to start scoring scenario.

But yeah, Kraken lasted far longer than it should have against Bane Warriors. Ambushing Mechanithralls were amazing once more and I have to say I quite enjoy Infernal Machines theme.

Though I don't think I used Hyper Aggressive even once. But it's not that often when you want to go Hyper Aggressive with a Night Wretch... or a Corruptor, for that matter.

Eventually it was a scenario victory for Deneghra.

2-2, not bad result considering I haven't played in tournaments for ages. I was happy that none of the games were decided because of Deathclock - though some matches were pretty close. I think in the last game I had like three minutes left in my clock.

Does two Wrong Eyes make a right one?

Two 75 point games of Warmachine from this... month, or so.

Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Defiler
- Erebus

Mechanithralls (min) +2x Brute Thralls

Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
The Withershadow Combine
Iron Lich Overseer
- Leviathan
Necrotech
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Pistol Wraith
2x Soul Trapper
Warwitch Siren

Opponent had:

Actually I got no idea what opponent had. I don't remember the names of the monstrosities and cannot easily tell the two drudge units from each other. List may have been something like this:

Cognifex Cyphon
- Warden
- 2x Wrecker

Alexia Ciannor & the Risen + Dominator

2x Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges (max)
Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges (min)
Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges (max)
Cephalyx Overlords
Horgenhold Artillery Corps + Dominator
2x Cephalyx Agitator

Scenario was Take & Hold.

This write-up is bound to be brief, as it's been way too long since I played this game and it was a long one.

In the first picture, for example, I forget why there is one monstrosity close to my flag. It was probably something with Leviathan having Stealth from Iron Lich Overseer, so that Cognifex was not able to cast Gallows on the heavy warjack. It's possible that opponent had used feat this turn, too, and when Gallows shenanigans and such went wrong, the benefits of feat were less than impressive.

So was my next turn, too. I really hope Cognifex had used the feat, because otherwise dice rolls must have been exceedingly subpar. I dedicated Leviathan, Iron Lich Overseer, Deneghra, Defiler and Pistol Wraith to kill the monstrosity - and failed. The monstrosity was at one hit box remaining, under corrosion and stationary from Death Chill.

Opponent killed Iron Lich Overseer, because somehow I had thought it more beneficial to take a POW 12 swing at ARM 22 target or something than cast Stealth. I think Erebus took a hit despite DEF 16 and obviously some Mechanithralls died, but other than that I cannot remember. Except, well, there it is in the picture. A daunting swarm of drudges closed in.

I think I used Deneghra's feat next and spammed Mortality all over the board. Corruptor is a nice piece of art when fighting Drudges with a warcaster that can remove Tough.

For some reason I also charged in with Erebus, getting four kills at maximum. Deneghra re-activated Leviathan under her control and used feat souls to fill it with focus. It probably killed monstrosity on the right next.

Of course I lost Erebus, foolish as I was launching him in to the thick of action. Necrosurgeon was steadily bringing in new batches of Mechanithralls - opponent had been extremely unlucky in his attempts to remove her.

Next I figure that if I kill the last monstrosity, Deneghra will have very little to fear. She and Leviathan killed it. From here on game went weird and awkward. We were both trying to dominate the enemy flag. Cyphon was continuously spraying Deneghra with the "cannot cast spells" gun, which meant I didn't have the courage to charge him. Not without Mortality, no.

Eventually Deneghra was more successful in grinding out scenario points. Killing blow was when Cognifex was unable to finish Leviathan that didn't have all that many health boxes remaining.



Game 2:

Second game was played about a week later. My list was:

Lich Lord Asphyxious
- Malice
- Ripjaw
- 2x Stalker
Bane Warriors (max) + Officer & Standard
Bile Thralls (min) + Skarlock Commander
Darragh Wrathe
Scrap Thralls
2x Soul Trapper
Wrong Eye & Snapjaw

Opponent had:

Gorten Grundback
- 2x Ghordson Driller
- 2x Grundback Gunner

2x Kayazy Eliminators
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt
Kell Bailoch
Lanyssa Ryssyl, Nyss Sorceress
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Savio Montero Acosta
Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker
Rorsh & Brine
Wrong Eye & Snapjaw


Scenario was Entrenched and Cryx started game.

I had some success in removing some solos and whatnot with surprise SPD 6 Purge sprays from Bile Thralls.

Engaging didn't feel like an option when both had Star Crossed going on for them.

Looked like game would become a scenario grind-fest, but opponent got Savio Acosta into a difficult spot to remove and I didn't feel like I would be able to punch through enemy armor any time soon.

So, assassination attempt it was. All models I had tried to kill Wrong Eye first. It didn't succeed, so Asphyxious walked forward and cast Parasite on Gorten. Then he used feat and got seven thralls back or something. One thrall killed off Wrong Eye, and a four thralls or so succeeded in charging Gorten.

One was a miss, but three other attacks hit.

Last one caused a Tough roll, which obviously succeeded when I couldn't make any more attacks. Maybe with a little bit better positioning from the very start of my feat I could have got five thralls at him... but maybe it wouldn't have changed anything. After all, three 7+'s on two dice out of four attempts was far better statistics than what I have come used to...

Anyway, Asphyxious was butchered up many times over on the next turn. If I had saved up enough focus points for Teleport, maybe I would have played for one additional turn.

Now, Asphyxious3 needs to fail at caster kill because of Tough roll and I have a full set complete.

Deneghra Hard Mode

Played two 50 point games of Warmachine from last Thursday.


Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Erebus
- Nightwretch

Mechanithralls (min) + 2x Brute Thrall
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Skarlock Thrall
Necrotech
Pistol Wraith
Ragman
Soul Trapper
Swamp Gobber River Raider
Warwitch Siren

Opponent had:

Jarl Skuld, Devil of the Thornwood
- Dire Troll Mauler
- Troll Axer
- Troll Impaler

Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min)

Trollkin Sluggers (max)
Stone Scribe Chronicler
Totem Hunter
Trollkin War Wagon

Scenario was Standoff, and first game Cryx started.

In the first picture Deneghra has just used her feat and cast Mortality all over the place, most notably the objective, krielstone bearers, axer and sluggers. Corruptor succeeded to kill Axer outright, so I didn't want to commit Erebus anywhere just yet. I was fairly certain both warjacks would just die if I wouldn't somehow neutralize Mauler - and I didn't have tools for that. Damage on sluggers wasn't exactly inspiring. Pistol Wraith took out krielstone bearers. Nightwretch took a boosted damage shot at the objective.

Jarl Skuld uses feat next, and Corruptor is gone the instant Mauler takes a stern look at it.

Next turn Erebus dispatches Mortalified Dire Troll Mauler. Opponent doesn't manage to kill Erebus, but War Wagon feels rather oppressive when it blocks me from getting any points from zone closest to my side of the table. I was running out of attacks, and if Erebus would get wrecked I would have pretty much nothing on board except Deneghra.

So I want to assassinate. I collect a couple of souls from here and there, and then charge as far as I can. I couldn't reach Jarl Skuld, but I Deneghra could kill a couple of trolls from Erebus' way. A critical fail happens when Deneghra misses a krielstone bearer, and afterwards the bearer passes a tough check. I no longer had focus to cast a boosted Scourge on Skuld. I succeeded to land Mortality on him, though, but he was still within armor aura of krielstone.

Erebus charges and fails to kill the trollblood warcaster, despite hitting with first attack, making him stationary.

I put all the effort to this assassination, so I hadn't even upkept Grave Wind. Deneghra died easily - I doubt she would have survived even if I would have used her correct DEF stat of 15 instead of 14.

Game 2:

Next game Cryx goes second and we switch table sides.

Corruptor takes a nice shot at War Wagon, but it is compensated for on next turn, when I cast Mortality on Sluggers unit and then go make Burster attack. I would have nailed the entire unit on 6+'s, but only three died. Useless sacrifice of a Corruptor.

To add an insult, the two remaining sluggers make astonishing damage rolls against Corruptor. War Wagon delivers the killing blow. By now both Shield Guard Brute Thralls are dead. Skuld uses feat.

So I don't really have that many targets. Pretty much Totem Hunter and War Wagon.

Skarlock casts Mortality on War Wagon, and Ragman comes to offer Death Field for nearby attackers.

One Mechanithrall and one River Raider do not destroy War Wagon even if it had taken an impressive damage roll earlier. I don't have other options other than to bring Deneghra to the battle engine. Damage rolls are frustratingly low, and charge attack misses with triple 1's. She has to burn a disturbing amount of focus, and is left with two points only to reduce damage next turn. I should have used feat and cast Grave Wind on her.

Pistol Wraith and Erebus seize zone on the right, and that's three control points for Cryx.

Then opponent unleashes everything on Deneghra. Luck was on my side this time around, when Deneghra was left with around four damage points - and impaler had missed her while it had Mauler's +3 STR on.

Well, she was on fire so there was a chance for her to die on my turn anyway.

Which she didn't.

Deneghra uses her feat and gives Mortality everywhere - Axer, Impaler, Sluggers. She casts Ghost Walk on herself and Mechanithralls and Grave Wind on herself. One Ghost Walk may have come from Skarlock Thrall, though. She then retreats, heals herself a little bit. Then Necrosurgeon and Necrotech repair her.

Ragman gives Death Field once more, and Axer is swarmed with Mechanithralls. River Raiders kill a contesting Stone Scribe and shoot a harpoon at Death Chilled Impaler. This gave me quite a lead in control points. Opponent made a valiant effort at contesting zones, but eventually this game became the first scenario victory I've witnessed in Steamroller 2017 CID.

The Price of Beauty

Two 50 point games of Warmachine. Both were played with Week 2 rule pack for Steamroller CID cycle. Both games had the same lists.


Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Erebus
- Deathripper
- Defiler

The Withershadow Combine
Necrotech
Ogrun Bokur
2x Pistol Wraith
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren


Opponent had:

Iron Lich Asphyxious
- Deathripper
- Nightwretch
- Reaper
- Slayer
Bane Warriors (max) + Command Attachment
Mechanithralls (max) +1x Brute Thrall + Skarlock Commander
Warwitch Siren


First game was the scenario Outlast and Deneghra started.

I forgot to take pictures for quite a while, but considering their quality I guess it isn't that much of a loss.

Enemy Mechanithralls had swarmed zone on left. Maelovus had cast Mortality on them. I think about three Mechanithralls survived.

In the picture Deneghra has used her feat and cast Mortality on Slayer, plus switched Grave Wind on herself. It had originally been cast on Erebus.

Enemy Slayer became quite a sorry piece when it was knocked down, stationary from Death Chill and had lost it's cortex.

However, for some reason I wanted to protect Deneghra from ranged attacks - and enemy had only one ranged attack available. Harpoon attack from Reaper wouldn't even have been able to drag Deneghra - but it sure could do that to Erebus. That's how I lost my newly painted Erebus right away.

I lost both of my Pistol Wraiths and of course the Erebus. Corruptor suffered heavy damage, and I felt quite a bit powerless when enemy was outnumbering me 3 to 1.

Souls converted to Focus points for Deneghra, bringing her up to twelve points. And Asphyxious was within charge range, so I decided to attempt an assassination.

Withershadow Combine cast Puppet Master and Ghost Walk on Deneghra.

I somehow needed to pull the only soul enemy had - Warwitch Siren - for Deneghra. I don't remember how that exactly happened, but Soul Trapper did it's job just fine, and Deneghra could charge, cast Scourge on Asphyxious, use the soul to cast Mortality on Asphyxious and then proceed with 8 focus points of attacks against automatically hitting P+S 13 attacks against ARM 14 target. Asphyxious did have three or four focus points in camp, but they did not save Asphyxious from an overkill like this.

Final score was 1 scenario point for Asphyxious and zero for Deneghra.


Game 2:

Second game was Spread the Net and Asphyxious started.

In the first picture Asphyxious is about to start controlling the rectangular zone. Deneghra uses her feat, and that must have been the most beautiful Deneghra the Soul Weaver's feat turns I've ever had.

Maelovus had cast Mortality on Mechanithralls once more. But Deneghra cast Mortality on Slayer, Deathripper and Bane Warriors, Ghost Walk on herself and on Erebus, and allocated extra focus for Erebus and Corruptor.

Then she charged close to the flag on my side of the board, killed stuff and used Reposition to get to control the flag.

Erebus charges and wrecks Slayer. I would have wanted to use Overtake to get to contact with Nightwretch and make it stationary and somewhat damaged, but wrecking ARM 15 target took all attacks and all focus it had.

Killing six Mechanithralls and the Brute Thrall, Slayer, five Bane Warriors and some stray points to Deathripper along with two control points felt quite nice indeed. But alas, then something happened.

Only one attack missed Erebus, so I didn't get that much mileage out of Poltergeist. Attacking models were two Bane Warriors, Bane Warrior Officer and Reaper. Okay, this was a loss I was ready to accept. What wrenched my guts was how all it took was two (2) Bane Warrior attacks that wrecked Corruptor also. It had taken some minor damage that had been mostly repaired by Necrotech. This was a loss I was not ready to accept, though I did not flip the table just yet.

It think scenario was 2-2.

I cleared flag and zone on the right, but I was outrageously starved of attacks. It also felt like a death sentence, when Pistol Wraith couldn't kill Bane Warrior Officer and then Defiler advanced to spray Warwitch Siren and Bane Warrior Officer - hit Siren, but missed officer. Did not kill Siren.

Soul Trapper ran to contest zone where Asphyxious was grinding victory points, and scenario went to 4-2 for Deneghra.

Opponent then wrecked Defiler, killed Ogrun Bokur and last remaining Pistol Wraith. Most terrible thing was a stray spray from enemy Warwitch Siren that killed Maelovus. I really wouldn't have needed that to happen.

Scenario went 4-4.

My memory is getting a little bit hazy on the minute details of match. Deneghra failed her activation. She only killed Warwitch Siren and missed Mortality on Nightwretch. She did some random attacks against the arc node, but pretty much just tickled it. Admonia made a valiant sacrifice by running to contest two zones, so scenario was still 5-5.

I lost Deathripper and Admonia, so all I had was Tremulus and Deneghra. Scenario went to 7-5 for Asphyxious.

Deneghra failed her activations yet again. She did remove Deathripper I think, and impact attacks nailed all but the flag bearer of Bane Warriors.


Final score was something like 11-8 for Asphyxious and game ended on the second player's seventh turn. It's more than likely that I messed up somewhere when trying to re-calculate the point scoring, but lots of points were scored by both players. And eventually both players had only their warcaster on the table.

Odd feeling I've been in this situation before

A 75 point game of Warmachine from yesterday.

My list was:

Deneghra, the Soul Weaver
- Corruptor
- Defiler
- Harrower
- Nightmare
- Nightwretch

Withershadow Combine

Bloat Thrall
Machine Wraith
Necrotech
Ogrun Bokur
2x Pistol Wraith
Soul Trapper
Warwitch Siren

Opponent had:

The High Reclaimer
- Judicator

Choir of Menoth (min)
Exemplar Vengers (max)
Idrian Skirmishers (max) + Command Attachment

2x Knights Exemplar
Hierophant
Rhupert Carvolo, Piper of Ord
Vassal Mechanik
Wrack

Scenario was Take & Hold and Protectorate started game. For some reason the picture quality is even more atrocious than it has been these days.

Anyway. Opponent was juggling Hand of Fate throughout the game like a pro. I had Grave Wind on Deneghra. Nightmare had Judicator for it's Prey target, and Corruptor was the choice of Idrians.

Opponent had uneventful turn 2, when all shots from Judicator either did no damage or deviated off, and even Idrians managed to miss their RAT 11 shot against Defiler. A Venger charged Deneghra and dealt eleven points or something, which was dropped to six by expending a focus point.

My next turn wasn't all that grand either, when opponent was passing Tough rolls on Idrians way too often. Deneghra even missed Mortality on them. But I did get four Idrians and one Venger. Necrotech repaired Deneghra. I was quite alarmed by the Venger attack on Deneghra, so I crammed as many models in front of Deneghra as possible to protect her.

Turn 3 wasn't too bad. Vengers failed at wrecking any of my warjacks, and Idrians got only Soul Trapper and Pistol Wraith.

However, one deviation from Judicator was excessively annoying, when it just managed to clip Admonia a little bit, who received a damage roll of 11, which was just enough to kill her. Boo.

Regardless, I was optimistic.

Maelovus cast Mortality on Vengers after their Battle Driven had worn off. Warwitch Siren seduced a Venger, who galloped right next to a gathering of two other Vengers - all of which were killed from a Thresher attack by Harrower. Quick Work shot tried to kill the last Venger who was sitting in a trench. Attack missed, but deviation still gave POW 6 damage roll, which resulted in two points of damage - unless I forget what Pistol Wraith rolled. It tried to come and finish the cavalry model, and accidentally even scored a hit. Either no damage at all, or the earlier two points actually came from this attack.

Excruciatingly carefully I measured that I would be able to get Deneghra to spray the Venger dead, and then Reposition away from Judicator's charge distance.

Plan was all good, but execution was not. I had written a mental note myself to move Ogrun Bokur out of Deneghra's escape lane, but you can already guess what happened.

"You are safe right next to me, Deneghra, my liege, my generous client!"

"Uh, yeah, whatever. Just move a little so there is no reason for you to protect me at all, you know."

"NONE SHALL PASS!"

Then I pretty much had to run everything I still had left to activate to block Judicator's charge.

Turn 4 Deneghra didn't die thanks to valiant sacrifices made by my troops, but the game was lost anyway. All but Maelovus and Tremulus, Necrotech, Warwitch Siren and Bloat Thrall and Harrower died.

I wanted to take Judicator down with me at least, perhaps some miracle might happen and Deneghra would survive if the P+S gazillion colossal would go down.

So, Deneghra used her feat and spammed Mortality all over the place. And true to her traditions that she seems to hold in high esteem, she missed Mortality at least three times when needing 5+ to hit.

Anyway, then she charged Judicator and mauled it with all but three focus points.

Necrotech repaired Harrower with a LOT of spare parts (shame you can use only one at a time...)

Harrower then charged, but didn't wreck Judicator.

Warwitch Siren attempted to spray Judicator and did some odd points of damage.

Then Bloat Thrall took a free strike and exploded, killing a couple of Idrians. But not getting to land a shot at Judicator.

I suppose a miracle could have happened if Judicator would have died. After all, out of the six or so Idrians that charged Deneghra, four missed. But nope, the witch was dead. Once more.