Ropecon 2018 Warmachine Tournament

I played in a Warmachine tournament during Ropecon 2018.

My lists were:

[Theme] Infernal Machines
Lord Exhumator Scaverous [+27]
- Deathripper [6]
- Erebus [16]
- Reaper [13]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Bloat Thrall [4]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Necrotech [2]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Ragman [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [0(4)]
Bile Thralls (min) [9]
- Skarlock Commander [3]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls [4]
Soulhunters (min) [11]



[Theme] Dark Host

Master Necrotech Mortenebra [+24]
- Desecrator [14]
- Kraken [36]
- Seether [13]
Bane Lord Tartarus [0(6)]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Machine Wraith [2]
Scrap Thrall (3) [2]
Soul Trapper [1]
Soul Trapper [1]
Bane Warriors (max) [16]
- Bane Warrior Officer & Standard [5]

For the record, this was my first time using Dark Host theme.

Game 1: Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss

First game was against Trollbloods, and opponent had a list something like this. Might contain some inaccuracies:


[Theme] Band of Heroes
Kolgrima Stonetruth, Winter Witch [+28]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Earthborn Dire Troll [14]
- Trollkin Runebearer [0(5)]
Fell Caller Hero [0(5)]
Saxon Orrik [4]
Trollkin Champion Hero [0(5)]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (max) [9]
- Northkin Elder [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
- Skaldi Bonehammer [5]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
Trollkin Long Riders (max) [20]

An exciting game to say at least. Most of the game was at the brink of destruction - would Kraken hold? Would it survive charging weapon masters while at effective Arm 23?

It did, until heavy warbeasts decided to enter the battle.

Also, there was this major mistake made by me when Deryliss had used Tune Up on Kraken, who had killed some trollkin in melee and then used Kill Shot on Stone Bearers. I kept on boosting this thing, as I was thinking Tune Up. After realizing this I removed the focus points spent on boosts from Mortenebra - she was in base contact with Kraken. I would have rather spent those focus points on attacks against the trollblood in melee.

But when the Kraken fell, so did Mortenebra.


Game 2: Lord Exhumator Scaverous

Second game was such an optimized build of Haley3 and Gravediggers theme that I can't get the points right.

It was a desperate struggle. There was a glimmer of hope when I got a nice purge in that melt away Patrol Dog and an Express Team or something, and Mechanithralls got a charge in and killed a Master Gunner. The one Brute Thrall would have needed to kill Alexia, though, but this was not to be. I'm not saying I had won had that happened. I just might have stood a chance to find some kind of opening.

I did score some six scenario points, and there was a moment in the game where I actually had the lead. But once that blob of Trenchers was in middle of the field there was little to be done to contest. They had shot my warjacks dead. So I lost something like 6-11.

It was a hellish game, but an interesting new experience.



Game 3: Lord Exhumator Scaverous

Last game was against Khador, and with a list that I probably reverse-engineered incorrectly:

[Theme] Jaws of the Wolf

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Champion [+27]
- Behemoth [25]
- Devastator [14]
- Marauder [11]
- War Dog [3]
Manhunter [0(4)]
Manhunter [4]
Saxon Orrik [4]
Yuri the Axe [0(6)]
Battle Mechaniks (max) [5]
Kayazy Assassins (min) [9]
- Kayazy Assassin Underboss [4]
Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [8]
- Koldun Kapitan Valachev [4]

Early in the game Vladimir2 used his feat and launched two feated Manhunters and Kayazy Eliminators to tie up my leftmost flank. Luckily Manhunters did not wreck my warjacks, though they did take heavy damage.

I was distressed. I couldn't reliably kill those four pesky models, and that would give all the time Khadoran warjacks would need to get into position for scenario victory. And what was I to do to those mentioned warjacks? I had suicidal POW 12 sprays and P+S 13 combo strikes, all with defensive statistics that would fall in swathes to Behemoth bombarding.

So.

It's time to figure out a far fetched assassination plan that's bound to fail sooner or later.

Far too much time went to trying to free Reaper from melee. All the resources that I could not assign to assassination went to killing those few models.

Bile Thralls, Erebus, Soulhunters, Pistol Wraith and Scaverous (!!) later none of the four feated models were dead. One was stationary from Pistol Wraith, though.

Well, obviously Scaverous did not spend all of his focus into futile attacks against these models. He instead cast Icy Grip on Vlad, telekinesis on Vlad and a couple of telekinesis's on Manhunter. Deathripper had ran to arc position earlier. Objective had given Pathfinder for Reaper, and Tremulus cast Puppet Master on Reaper. I don't remember if it was Maelovus or feating Scaverous that cast telekinesis on Reaper.

Anyway, then MAT 7 Reaper was free to walk into melee with Vlad, who had left his dog far behind. Vlad had perhaps one focus for mitigating damage.

Four attacks later Vlad had died.

Maybe I need to play Scaverous a little more, since my awkward assassinations seem to work slightly better with him.



Great tournament, as I had never played any of these warcasters before during Mk3. And for some odd reason I had not even once played against Cygnar in this edition. As far as factions go, I'm still missing Minions and, of course, the Crucible Guard.

Luck Exhumator Scaverous vs Zoktavir

A 75 point game of Warmachine prior to Ropecon warmachine tournament.


Lord Exhumator Scaverous [+27]
- Deathripper [6]
- Erebus [16]
- Reaper [13]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Bloat Thrall [4]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Necrotech [2]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Ragman [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [0(4)]
Bile Thralls (min) [9]
- Skarlock Commander [3]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls [4]

Soulhunters (min) [11]



Opponent had maybe a list like this:

[Theme] Jaws of the Wolf
Kommander Orsus Zoktavir [+28]
- Juggernaut [13]
- Kodiak [13]
- Ruin [17]
Greylord Forge Seer [0(4)]
- Behemoth [25]
Greylord Forge Seer [0(4)]
Kovnik Andrei Malakov [0(4)]
- Marauder [11]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [5]
Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Kayazy Eliminators [5]
Widowmaker Scouts [8]

Jaws of the Wolf theme denied ambush from Mechanithralls.

I lost Pistol Wraith early on to a magical blast from Behemoth. In games like these I often feel like I can only make bad decisions. I tried to

Khador snatched scenario lead rather easily, and to continue to contest zones I had to feed Butcher with easy-to-kill models, which in turn triggered these extra speed abilities and whatnot.

Obviously I could not do effective piece trade either. That's kind of what started happening, though. Reaper and assorted models killed a Kodiak, but then in turn Erebus was easily within range of Ruin. Ruin had line of sight to objective.

Due to lucky double 1's Ruin missed one attack on almost wrecked Erebus, which saved the cryxian warjack.

Scaverous casts Telekinesis on Marauder or Juggernaut or something, and moves it a little closer to Ruin. Then he casts Feast of Worms, and Ragman casts Death Shroud for an effective +4 to damage rolls against both models. Without cortex and only one functioning weapon arm Erebus managed to freeze both enemy jacks.

Yet only Juggernaut or something got destroyed. And as luck did have it, Ruin did not lose cortex. This resulted in Cryx losing both Erebus and Reaper.

With toil and trouble I succeeded in destroying the half-wrecked Ruin, but there I was without heavy warjacks any longer. And opponent had Behemoth and a little injured Marauder.

I decided my best bet was on killing Butcher. After shenanigans I got Icy Grip on the homicidal maniac, plus turned him around with Telekinesis. Three charging Soulhunters left Butcher alive with, what, twelve boxes so it didn't go too well.

Situation looked pretty clear up until to the point when we checked that Scaverous was a little out of Behemoth's charge range, and Behemoth was just outside of range of receiving Boundless Charge.

First opponent combo-slams Darragh Wrathe to Scaverous. It falls one inch too short, so Scaverous gets to retain his def 14. Well, this doesn't protect him from Behemoth's aimed shots. Both cannons hit and deal a scary amount of damage. But they don't kill the Lord Exhumator.

Andrei Malakov then takes his hand cannon and walks within range. He boosts a hit and... deals damage. Enough to bring Scaverous to one box remaining.

And then Widowmakers activate with their range of 14" and ability to do one automatic point of damage.

This heroic khadoran sharpshooter locks and loads and... misses.

So, the lumbering warjack with cannons on it's shoulders score a hit, as well as the arrogant nobleman fresh out of the academy. But the sniper, well. Happens.

So I get another chance at assassination.

This time Scaverous fuels Deathripper with full focus. Bile Thralls activate first and I have to make this suicidal spray to remove Deathripper from melee with a Kayazy Eliminator.

The spray doesn't kill the Eliminator, but deals damage to Deathripper.

But I need that warjack. So, another purge against Deathripper and Eliminator. This time the trooper dies, and miraculously Deathripper survives with all systems intact. Then Scaverous makes a telekinesis at Butcher and casts Feast of Worms on him.

Deathripper walks into melee and scores some damage, but not enough. Butcher lives.

But telekinesis had brought Orsus Zoktavir within charge range of two Mechanithrall grunts.

The lurch in and pad the epitome of anger to death.

Yay, I guess.

I feel like I didn't really deserve this victory, as opponent failed a fairly reliable assassination, as well as having keys for scenario victory. But maybe I should complain less about my victores and more about my losses.

Or maybe I shouldn't complain at all.

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.

Night before tournament

Before warmachine tournament I played two practice games with a friend who had come from another city to partake this tournament.

[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 (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
- Skarlock Commander [3]

Opponent had:

[Theme] Imperial Warhost
Lord Assassin Morghoul [+29]
- Agonizer [0(6)]
- Archidon [10]
- Archidon [10]
- Basilisk Drake [8]
- Basilisk Drake [8]
- Basilisk Krea [0(7)]
- Desert Hydra [38]
- Titan Gladiator [15]
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor [5]

Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]

We played two games because the first one ended so soon. Morghoul was too far in front and without fury points. Kraken triggered Overrun for Seether, that then charged some sort of basilisk, getting Morghoul within range of the rest of it's attacks.

Second game I had a chance at scenario game, though I was intimidated by the Hydra quite a bit. Then I noticed how Morghoul was within easy charge range of Kraken. For one reason or another I thought it was a clever idea to charge the warlock.

I did secure these chances by killing Agonizer first - and as a consequence filling Morghoul with even more fury for transfers.

Even with feat re-roll I think only one attack actually hit and dealt 20 points of damage. But it was transferred away all too easily.

Loss for Mortenebra, then.

Mortenebra1 versus Zerkova2

Played this 75 point game of Warmachine as a sort of practice for an upcoming tournament. I really want to play Mortenebra1, but last time in a tournament I was too afraid to put her on table in any of the games because her list was outside of theme. So I suppose I will play her in the only theme I have an actual selection of models to choose. Except, of course, Black Industries.

Still annoyed with theme lists. But here's my list:

[Theme] Infernal Machines
Master Necrotech Mortenebra [+24]
- Defiler [8]
- Kraken [36]
- Seether [13]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Saxon Orrik [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Bile Thralls (max) [15]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (2) [4]
- Skarlock Commander [3]


Opponent had:

[Theme] Wolves of Winter
Obavnik Kommander Zerkova [+24]
- Devastator [14]
- Juggernaut [13]
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr, The Seeker [4]
Greylord Forge Seer [0(4)]
Koldun Lord [4]
Doom Reaver Swordsmen [13]
- Greylord Escort [0(3)]
Doom Reaver Swordsmen [13]
- Greylord Escort [3]
Greylord Outriders (max) [20]
Greylord Ternion [7]
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt [8]
- Koldun Kapitan Valachev [0(4)]


I let opponent start game, which in hindsight may have been a mistake. Scenario was Recon II. Wreck marker represents Kraken, which I forgot home.

I was quite worried about the amount of sprays opponent could muster. My def 10 & 12 infantry with 12+ armor values felt almost like dead weight. And then there was this solo that denied ranged attacks within 9" of it.

But the horror dawned on my only after I actually saw spd 9 cavalry with 8" sprays doing their thing and being able to reposition to safety. Looking back now, I should have kept Darragh Wrathe spamming Mortal Fear with Kraken and Seether and not somewhere in-between. That 1" of extra movement for Bile Thralls wasn't going to add up to anything on that flank. Oh well.

I tried to play extra carefully, and in the end I was far too careful. Opponent was able to score scenario victory, as I only had one reliable contestant - the Kraken.

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.

Master Necrotech Mortenebra vs Butcher Unleashed

This 75 point game was played a few days ago. I forgot to bring camera with me. I tried to take some pictures with my phone, but the photo quality is terrible beyond extreme so I won't litter this blog entry with those. Because of this it's probably difficult to make any sense out of these writings. Oh well.


[Theme] Infernal Machines
Master Necrotech Mortenebra
- Corruptor
- Defiler
- Desecrator
- Inflictor
- Nightwretch
Machine Wraith
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Pistol Wraith
Warwitch Siren
Bile Thralls (max)
Mechanithralls (max)
- Brute Thrall (2)
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls


[Theme] Legion of Steel
Kommander Zoktavir, The Butcher Unleashed
- Devastator
- 2x Kodiak
- War Dog [3]
Iron Fang Kovnik
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Battle Mechaniks (min)
2x Iron Fang Pikemen (max) +Iron Fang Pikemen Officer & Standard
Iron Fang Uhlans (min)


Scenario was Recon II and Cryx started.

A single Desecrator made good job at stalling the Ironfang Pikemen flank. Nightwretch and Corruptor were also whittling that huge swathe of infantry, but there were over twenty models there. I was surprised that I actually managed to destroy one of the units.

Pistol Wraith failed to freeze an Iron Fang Uhlan that were in triangular formation in base contact. Shame. I would have stopped the entire unit in it's tracks. Since the Wraith failed, I had to bring the Mechanithrall unit from ambush to Uhlan flank. So that the cavalry would have something to do, instead of free reign over left side of the board.

But these were kind of inconsequential matters. What mattered was Devastator and Kodiak and Butcher3 in the middle. Inflictor tried to wreck Kodiak, and succeeded to take out both arm systems. Still, far from dead it was.

And then Devastator head-butted Inflictor, and Butcher charged the heavy warjack dead. Khadoran warcaster used feat to get some focus for mitigating damage. The other Iron Fang unit moved in, and along with the warjacks and warcasters and war dogs and war arguses made for quite an impenetrable fortress.

I couldn't figure any other course of action than to kill Butcher. My plan was to use Mortenebra's feat, cast Spectral Steel on Desecrator and move the warjack with Overrun. Then Bile Thralls and Deryliss and possibly even Necrosurgeon would wreck Kodiak that was standing in Desecrator's way. After Kodiak was removed, Pistol Wraith would shoot Butcher stationary, and Desecrator would go and get four automatically hitting P+S 17 attacks with re-rolls against Butcher, that had taken a few points of damage from Doom Spiral and Bile Thrall Purge attacks.

Pistol Wraith was the first one to fail. Bile Thralls made good job at destroying Kodiak, but even with re-rolls Pistol Wraith wasn't able to hit Butcher twice.

Desecrator was easily within walking distance of opposing warcaster, but instead of automatic hits, Butcher was Def 16 thanks to war dog.

Even if Butcher had been stationary, assassination wouldn't have been a certain one. Now I needed such numbers on all of the dice that even Mortenebra's feat wasn't able to swing averages that far up.

Then I had my warcaster with no focus and no intervening friendly models between Mortenebra and Devastator plus Butcher. Game over.

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.

Irregular Machines

Around a week ago I played this 75 point Warmachine game.

My list was:

[Theme] Infernal Machines
Asphyxious the Hellbringer
- Leviathan
- Reape
- Ripjaw
- Stalker
Darragh Wrathe
Necrotech
2x Pistol Wraith
Bile Thralls (min)
Mechanithralls (max) + 2x Brute Thrall

Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Soulhunters (max)


Opponent had:

[Theme] The Irregulars
Captain Damiano
- 2x Mangler
Major Harrison Gibbs
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor
Ragman
Rhupert Carvolo, Piper of Ord
Horgenhold Forge Guard (max)
Idrian Skirmishers (max) + Chieftain & Guide
Kayazy Assassins (max) + Underboss
2x Kayazy Eliminators
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt

Cryx started game for once. It becomes apparent quickly that despite the arrival of Mechanithralls from ambush, I wouldn't stand much chance in scenario game - or at least I didn't believe in my capability to clear the board with such high defense on Kayzys all over. And contesting enemy zone and flag would only work half of the time - opponent had advantage in attack volume as well as strength. Well, sure, I had Bile Thralls, but I didn't expect them to survive Idrians and Holt for an extended period of time that scenarios would require.

So I sent Vociferon to die. Asphyxious managed to take only three souls via this particular skarlock.

Mechanithralls made impressive job in killing one Kayazy Eliminator and even scoring a hit against the other - damage roll just wasn't enough to kill her. Also, Idrian command attachment was gone.

Damiano starts scoring points. All but one Brute Thrall is eradicated, and three Soulhunters survive only because of poor rolls by Kayazy Assassins. Although it isn't showing in the picture, my rectangular zone is being contested by an Eliminator in farthest corner possible. And another Eliminator contests my flag.

Now when I look at the pictures I don't understand why did I not try to score three control points? I mean, surely everything I got could have taken care of two Eliminators and a few Forge Guard on the middle zone. Maybe being outnumbered so badly scared me, and made me attempt assassination instead - even when Damiano had used his feat.

First various models try to clear some Forge Guard. Ripjaw runs into position and Asphyxious casts Calamity on Damiano (which hits) and then Mobility.

Darragh gives Death Ride and Bile Thralls get something around three of four Purges on Damiano. Speed of seven and range of thirteen gave even Leviathan some random shots against Damiano. Finally Reaper walks into melee with Damiano, and succeeds to kill the Don Quixote of Iron Kingdoms. Once more it was last possible attack I could make that killed Damiano, but considering it was an automatic hit from sustained attack Helldriver, it was a fairly secured one.

You Just Got Interdicted

Almost a week ago I played these two 75 point games of Warmachine.

After dabbling through summer with Skorne, now that snow has started falling it's only proper thing to switch for my winter based Cryx.

These were my two lists.

Infernal Machines
Goreshade the Bastard
- Harrower
- Reaper
- Slayer
- The Withershadow Combine
Necrotech
2x Pistol Wraith
Saxon Orrik
Warwitch Siren
Bile Thralls (min)
Mechanithralls (max) + Brute Thrall (2)
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Soulhunters (max)



Lord Exhumator Scaverous
- Deathripper
- Nightmare
- Reaper
- The Withershadow Combine
Machine Wraith
Necrotech
Satyxis Raider Captain
Saxon Orrik
2x Soul Trapper
Warwitch Siren
Bane Warriors (min) + Bane Warrior Officer & Standard
Bile Thralls (min) + Skarlock Commander
Black Ogrun Boarding Party (max)



Opponent had the same list in both games, and it was:


[Theme] Exemplar Interdiction

Intercessor Kreoss
- Crusader
- Redeemer
- Revenger
Knights Exemplar Seneschal
Vassal of Menoth
Wrack
Choir of Menoth (min)
2x Exemplar Vengers (max)
Idrian Skirmishers (max) + Idrian Skirmisher Chieftain & Guide
Visgoth Juviah Rhoven & Honor Guard

Scenario was same in both games, and it was The Pit II.

First game I played with Goreshade. I didn't realize how difficult Kreoss3 was for Goreshade because of his easy way to get rid of Lamentation. But that's poor excuse for poor play, anyway.

Infernal Machines theme bonus for ambushing Mechanithralls was astounding once more. They tied up and pretty much wrecked Idrians.

I kind of wasted Soulhunters. I wanted to tie up Redeemer and block easy movement for other warjacks and perhaps even kill some Vengers. Well, at least I got Exemplar Seneschal. With my eighteen points of models. Well, of course I also wanted to double-up with the ambushing Mechanithralls, but Soulhunters just gave birth to flies. They didn't tie enemy long enough, so Crusader got easy charge against Harrower.

Redeemer takes a random deviation right on Admonia and rolls enough to kill her.

Deathwalker took a blast, too.

Next turn I try to play a little scenario. Bad dice rolls screw me over on Goreshade's activation. Though honestly speaking, I just wouldn't give up when I should have. I really, really wanted to kill nearby Venger with Goreshade to get a new Deathwalker as an extra insurance against assassinations. Turned out I Goreshade either missed all of his attacks or didn't do any damage at all. I think I left Goreshade with no focus at all, when originally I thought I'd have at least two and Deathwalker.

I do use Goreshade's feat, though to get make opponent's day at least a little more troublesome. But as there was this Venger around, I had to use quite a few Bane Warriors to attack him. In my mind I would have activated Reaper first, dragged Crusader somewhere and then navigating with Bane Warriors a little better than I did. But now I had to charge first with Warriors.

They did their job. But Mk2 associations still made me feel a little too secure behind Bane Warriors. They no longer had Stealth, so were easily shot off the board by Protectorate. If I remember right, it was just one Crevasse from Kreoss that killed Goreshade's only screen. Crevasse clipped Goreshade too, who took a nasty damage roll in. Did some Redeemer blast get through, too? Well I could be remembering incorrectly, after all here are two games spinning in my head when writing these.

Then a Venger charged and killed Goreshade with lance attack. I remember that with one focus point Goreshade would have survived. And Slayer had one Focus point on it that it hadn't used anywhere...

Sour taste. Bitter, almost. But some people like sour and bitter.

Next game!

Scaverous without a theme. With this era of theme lists I felt like purposefully handicapping myself especially when I just played miniatures I wanted to use for a change. I didn't have a super effective "tech" here that would have paid for the loss of theme bonuses. Annoying for sure. It starts to feel like you should have a small perk for daring to play Steamrollers without a theme force. Scale creep, here we (could) come.

Anyway.

And the effects were showing right away, when it seemed like I didn't have other choice than to sacrifice way too much to contest zones, or give a major head start on the scenario for Protectorate. I chose the latter option.

This lead to a situation that opponent would have won the game if he had rolled at least two inches of slam movement with Force Hammer. But he rolled only one.

This left me a chance for assassination, which I managed to screw up entirely because I used unnecessary complexity. I could have: used telekinesis to clear a drag path for Reaper and bring Bane Warrior so that Kreoss would suffer from Dark Shroud once dragged to Reaper. Even Nightmare might have had a charge attempt at Kreoss, though this was unsure.

But here's what I tried: clear a couple of models from the drag path with Telekinesis, and kill a couple with Feast of Worms that would lead to grand total of -4 ARM for Kreoss once dragged.

For an excruciating insult to injury, the last remaining model on the path (Visgoth Rhoven) was left alive with only one box remaining, with corrosion. Though might be I actually re-rolled that one into "no damage at all."

So opponent was able to score the last scenario points at his leisure.

So that's two losses, both mostly because of my own crude mismanagement of important moves. Well, I guess it's consolation of sorts that I did have my chance to win in both games - even in the last one that quickly looked like utter defeat.