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.

Brawling again

Had two games of Warmachine at the very end of February. Because of the format they were 25 point games. 

Game 1:

Cryx

Captain Aiakos [+29]

 - Corruptor [14]

 - Malice [15]

 - Stalker [8]

 - The Withershadow Combine [9]

Bloat Thrall [4]

Warwitch Siren [4]

vs

Trollbloods

Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain [+29]

 - Dire Troll Mauler [15]

 - Troll Axer [9]

 - Troll Impaler [9]

Janissa Stonetide [4]

Totem Hunter [6]

Trollkin Fennblades (min) [9]

Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew [2]

We rolled off to see which lists we'd play. Why, oh why did the dice gods decide to put Aiakos again against Trollbloods? 

And against Trollbloods with a supercharged sniper Impaler, who removes Malice's Harpoon right away on the second turn?

Oh well. Maybe there was a still game to play. 

Stalker removes Janissa Stonetide from controlling enemy flag, so at least Cryx got the scenario lead. Corruptor and Bloat thrall also were able to remove three Fennblades, so removing their circular zone controllers wasn't that far off.

Sadly I had to sacrifice Warwitch Siren in contesting rectangular zone.

Turn 3 Dire Troll Mauler kills Warwitch Siren, and Stalker is removed by Axer. Totem Hunter charges Corruptor, who has to waste its activation in removing the foreign bounty hunter. What's left of Erebus nearly kills Dire Troll Mauler. I really wanted that troll dead, so Aiakos charged in to finish the job. 

On opponent's turn scenario goes 2-2, and on my turn 2-3 for Trollbloods because Aiakos had left the flag. 

Opponent got easily to 2-5 next, so there was little point in continuing the game, as we still had second armies waiting enthusiastically.

Game 2:

Cryx

 Lich Lord Venethrax [+26]

 - Erebus [16]

 - Ripjaw [7]

 - Slayer [10]

 - Satyxis Blood Priestess [4]

Machine Wraith [2]

Necrotech [2]

Swamp Gobber River Raider [1]

Bile Thralls (min) [9]

vs

Cygnar

Major Beth Maddox [+30]

 - Avenger [17]

 - Cyclone [13]

Alten Ashley [6]

Black 13th Strike Force [10]

Stormblade Infantry [9]

Second game was far quicker than the first. I decided to launch a full-blown offensive against Cygnaran forces and not wait for them to start shooting my forces to bits. 

On second turn Slayer charged a Black 13th member under Terminal Velocity. Then it counter-charged both remaining members into melee with it. 

Erebus counter-charged Cyclone and hit with melee attack, causing Cygnaran warjack to become stationary. 

Opponent breaks Slayer with remaining Black 13th and Stormblades. 

Bile Thralls purge all remaining Stormblades dead, and machine wraith charges Avenger, who tries to take a swing at Alten Ashley, failing at that. But wait, there's more! Erebus finalizes Cyclone and slaps cortex off of Avenger. Who is now without cortex and stationary. 

There was very little opponent could do to prevent Cryx from winning by scenario.

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.

vs 2x Beefed Up Grim Angus

Yesterday I played these two 75 point games of Warmachine. Opponent wanted to test a particular list, so he had the same list in both games while I switched mine in between. It's been way, way too long since I played Warmachine with themes. But now I'm getting ahead of things.

Game 1:

Scourge of the Broken Coast

Captain Aiakos [+29]
- Harrower [16]
- Helldiver [6]
- Reaper [13]
- Slayer [10]
- Stalker [8]
- Satyxis Blood Priestess [0(4)]
Axiara Wraithblade [0(6)]
General Gerlak Slaughterborn [0(6)]
Misery Cage [2]
Satyxis Raider Captain [4]
2x Warwitch Siren [4]
Black Ogrun Boarding Party (max) [11]
Black Ogrun Ironmongers [6]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [4]


Opponent had (something like):

Kriel Company
Grim Angus [+29]
- Sea King [36]
- Trollkin Runebearer [0(5)]
Boomhowler, Solo Artist [0(6)]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (max) [9]
- Stone Scribe Elder [0(3)]
Pyg Burrowers (min) [7]
Hearthgut Hooch Hauler [18]
2x War Wagon [16]

War Wagon butchered up over half of my Satyxis Raiders, who had the ranged defense option on. As a reply, they expend Power Swell and charge the wagon.

Then Slayer charges in, deals damage. Eventually even Stalker charges in, deals some damage. Now...

Now. Had I remembered about, let's say, GANG FIGHTER, the Wagon would now have been dead, and Reaper could have gone elsewhere. Now I wanted to have at least some dead huge based models, and Reaper charged in to finish the War Wagon on the right. Now I had three warjacks within easy sweep range of Sea King. Facepalm.

Harrower took a thresher against both War Wagon on left and the Hooch Hauler, and the Hooch Hauler destroyed its melee weapon with Return Fire.

The dices in this game were absurd. Of course I can't defend from bad play by blaming dice, but they did not help at all. My good rolls were the average rolls. Opponent, on the other hand, missed perhaps five attacks throughout the game.

But yeah. Maybe I'll pay some attention to my special rules next time. Just...

Maybe.


Game 2:

In second game I had:

Black Industries
Lord Exhumator Scaverous [+27]
- Deathripper [6]
- Erebus [16]
- Nightmare [18]
- Nightwretch [7]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Darragh Wrathe [9]
Machine Wraith [2]
3x Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [4]
Black Ogrun Ironmongers [6]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (3) [0(6)]
Soulhunters (max) [18]

And here I forgot Carapace right off the bat. Maybe I need some sort of clearly visible reminders about the special rules? Would that help?

In this game I consider my downfall to be when I thought you can't stay on top of covering fire template. This resulted in me trying to do a little bit of damage here and there, not actually breaking anything. All three battle engines were damaged, but even with Feast of Worms and charging Nightmare who had Hooch Hauler as its prey could not break it with okay-ish rolls.

Mechanithralls charged War Wagon on left, and Erebus charged War Wagon on right.

Miraculously Erebus survived for a little longer than I expected - and would have survived a LOT longer if I had remembered Carapace. Luckily, Carapace wouldn't have done diddly squat on Nightmare, who got trashed by Sea King who did its best to fail at the job.

War Wagon on the right failed to remove almost any of the Soulhunters from board - which in turn allowed me to destroy both Hooch Hauler and the War Wagon on left. If I would've remembered Carapace, Erebus would've been tying up the War Wagon on right.

Scaverous took six souls from Pyg Burrowers who had risen up to shoot the objective down.

But then, Sea King destroyed every remaining Soulhunter and my Pistol Wraith who had been trying to get some points from flag on the left.

Opponent uses most of his non-Sea King resources to remove all who blocked the lane for War Wagon to come and contest my zone.

Then Scaverous with thirteen focus removes that Wagon from the board.

Grim knocks down Scaverous and Baits the Line on him, which allows for Sea King to charge Scaverous. End of game(s).

Practice vol nil

Earlier this month I played these two games of Warmachine to practice for upcoming tournament. That was held today. But those will have to wait.

I used same kind of list for both. The only difference was me switching Soul Trapper for Swamp Gobber River Raider in the second game.

My list was:

Black Industries

Captain Aiakos [+29]
- Kraken [35]
- Nightmare [18]
- Reaper [13]
- The Withershadow Combine [9]
Machine Wraith [2]
Necrotech [2]
Pistol Wraith [0(5)]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [0(4)]
Bile Thralls (max) [15]
- Skarlock Commander [3]
Mechanithralls (min) [6]
- Brute Thrall (3) [0(6)]

First game was against Circle of Orboros, but opponent forgot to use two of his requisition options.


The Devourer's Host
Wurmwood, Tree of Fate [+27]
- Feral Warpwolf [16]
- Gorax Rager [7]
- Shadowhorn Satyr [12]
- Warpwolf Stalker [17]
- Wild Argus [7]
Bloodweaver Night Witch [0(4)]
Gallows Grove [2]
Gallows Grove [2]
Tharn Ravager Shaman [4]
Tharn Ravager White Mane [0(5)]
Shifting Stones [3]
Tharn Bloodweavers [8]
Tharn Ravagers (max) [15]
- Tharn Ravager Chieftain [0(5)]

Scenario was Spread the Net. Megalith in the pictures is a proxy for Feral Warpwolf. This was a terrible match-up for Bile Thralls, as I found out. Ravagers with their Rapid Healing were not choice targets for suicide purging. There were only half of the unit left, as five or so had died to a Hellmouth. Well, at least that cost Wurmwood his mobility, as I was able to remove Cassius. But for five purges you'd somehow expect a little better performance than one dead ravagers and a White Mane. Mechanithralls ambushed and killed a couple ravagers more.

Harpoon missed Shadowhorn Satyr, so that was kind of wasted activation. Nightmare killed Feral Warpwwolf, who had come hiding behind a building.

Next Wurmwood activated his feat. Opponent trusted sevens to hit Nightmare and Reaper, which was their saving grace. Warpwolf Stalker in particular landed only one hit that dealt some damage.

Cryx struggled with Ravagers and their DEF 15 - fully loaded Kraken was able to kill two ravagers and one Bloodweaver over the course of whole game. That's well spent 35 points. However, Cryx had gained the upper hand in scenario play and was able to secure victory through control points. I wasn't impressed by the performance of my list. But I wanted to try it again, because I considered it had faced a list that was good counter for Kraken.


Game 2:

This game was played few days ago, and I was troubled of high defense, high armor infantry with Tough once again.

Trollbloods
Band of Heroes
Madrak Ironhide, Thornwood Chieftain [+29]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Troll Axer [10]
- Troll Bouncer [9]
- Trollkin Runebearer [0(5)]
Fell Caller Hero [0(5)]
Trollkin Champion Hero [0(5)]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (max) [9]
- Northkin Elder [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
- Trollkin Sorcerer (1) [3]
Trollkin Champions (max) [16]
- Trollkin Sorcerer (1) [3]
Trollkin Fennblades (max) [15]
- Trollkin Fennblade Officer & Drummer [5]

In this game Kraken once more failed to do anything to enemy. Even with Carnage on, it could kill only one Fennblade over the course of whole game. Then smaller Champion unit wrecked it. I was hoping to kill two Champions (I didn't know about their damage transfer capabilities...) to clear Line of Sight to a krielstone bearer who was outside of shield guard range. But at least I got the Fennblade down for killshot, and took a shot that was promptly guarded away.

I could have also pre-measured some things, but I didn't. Somehow it didn't even cross my mind. I also lost Nightmare to Dire Troll Mauler.

There was a point when I had small lead in control points, but it all went downhill soon enough, and trollbloods took a scenario victory.

Although I did some stupid mistakes, I was horrified by my list's functionality. Granted, match-up was bad once again, but for the actual tournament I ended up scrapping my list and building another.

Fate Crossed Crossed

Exactly a week ago I played this 50 point game of Warmachine.

My list:

Lord Arbiter Hexeris [+27]
- Agonizer [6]
- Aradus Soldier [16]
- Archidon [10]
- Rhinodon [12]
Maximus [4]
Mortitheurge Willbreaker [4]
Paingiver Task Master [3]
Wrong Eye [17]
Paingiver Beast Handlers (min) [5]

Opponent had:

Calandra Truthsayer, Oracle of the Glimmerwood [+27]
- Dire Troll Bomber [19]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
Janissa Stonetide [4]
Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters (max) [19]
Thumper Crew [5]
Trollkin Fennblades (max) [15]


Scenario was Throw Down from main rulebook. Curiously enough both armies had Star Crossed at their disposal, so futile never-ending miss streak for both parties was expected.

It was confusing to be outnumbered this badly against trollbloods. So I tried to be extra protective with my warbeasts. Though I was worried about scenario play.

Fennblades started flanking me, and eventually I found them from my side of the table. Ultimate pincer move. I had made good enough progress in killing Nyss Hunters from zone on right, and put some hurt on the troll heavies, I was scared of the fennblades. Once the two troll heavies hurled themselves at me, I lost Wrong Eye & Snapjaw. I probably could have tried to 'play the long game' and try to remove one dire troll at a time. That might even have been the best, if I'd have dared to give some scenario points for trollbloods from left.

But the flanking fennblades were too scary. Hexeris would have probably been safe with Cloak of Ash, but still almost a full unit of charging P+S 12 models against your warlock had me trying to go in for assassination

.

My plan was to either kill or cripple Dire Troll Mauler's mind with Maximus to free last remaining Beast Handler to go and buff Archidon. Calandra didn't have Star Crossed on, but still I ought to re-name Maximus to Maximiss. Beast Handler had to take a free strike, and died. This is where I should have aborted assassination, but without better judgement I pressed on.

Rhinodon ran close enough to function as a channeler against Calandra.

Hexeris cast Black Spot on Calandra, but missed. This triggered Bullet Dodger, and suddenly Calandra was two additional inches away from Archidon. This is where I really, really should have aborted the plan and hope that Archidon would kill Mauler. And yet I pressed on.

Archidon was able to charge, but with only P+S 15 and the charge took it out of...

Oh.

This is the "not Essence Blasting Void Spirit" all over again. I thought charge took Archidon away from Hexeris' control area, but the beast has Long Leash.

So I could have boosted the charge attack. Bummer. Though it's quite unlikely that would have changed anything. One P+S 15 charge attack doesn't have very good chances of taking out even an ARM 14 warlock with single hit. I would have needed that Beast Handler for +2 str and free charge.

Thanks to Cloak of Ash it took some effort for opponent to kill DEF 17 Hexeris that had a couple transfers. But if I remember correctly, Hexeris had already taken some damage earlier when Wrong Eye landed on him, knocking warlock down. Anyway, it was a loss for Skorne.

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.

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.

Old Witch Deneghra (what?)

Alright, now it's been two weeks since I played these two 25 point games of Warmachine. It was against a returning Warmachine player I had never met before. And coincidentally, he also had Trollbloods as his faction. And Gunnbjorn was one of his warlocks.

I had same list in both games, and it was:

Wraith Witch Deneghra
- Harrower
- Helldiver
- Nightwretch
Bloat Thrall
Gorman di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist
Soul Trapper
Warwitch Siren
Black Ogrun Boarding Party (max)

And it's the old Wraith Witch. Errata came after these games were played.

First game opponent had:


Hoarluk Doomshaper, Dire Prophet

- Dire Troll Mauler
- Mulg the Ancient
- Winter Troll
- Trollkin Runebearer
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min)

We had Mosh Pit scenario from prime rulebook, as some of those are better fitting for low point games such as these.

Implacability and general large-baseness made some trouble for both my Hellmouthing and shooting from Black Ogruns. I wasted my feat, and a total of 10 focus points over two turns were wasted on Hellmouths that killed one stone bearer, I think.

Somehow a decisive moves didn't happen. I had my chances at assassinations when Gorman was lucky at lobbing the Black Oil over Hoarluk. But when my troops had been reduced to Bloat Thrall, Gorman and Deneghra, I decided to just charge it and see how it goes.

Turns out Mulg and Mauler were able to kill the focusless cryx caster.

Game 2:

Here opponent had:

Captain Gunnbjorn
- Dire Troll Bomber
- Dozer & Smigg
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min)

- Stone Scribe Elder
Northkin Fire Eaters

Here I couldn't do anything to the dire trolls (again) but with a little better positioning Deneghra was eventually able to charge Gunnbjorn while incorporeal, resulting in a dead trollblood warlock.

These write-ups were quite a bit shorter than usually, but two weeks tend to do that.

Cryx vs Trollbloods 50 points

Alrighty, it's starting to be almost two weeks from these games, so I better hurry them up here. Though I'm not sure if one can speak about hurrying, then.

Anyway, they were two 50 point games of Warmachine against Trollbloods.

First game was:

Wraith Witch Deneghra [+28]
- Deathripper [6]
- Erebus [16]
- Nightwretch [7]
- Skarlock Thrall [4]
Bloat Thrall [4]
Gorman di Wulfe, Rogue Alchemist [4]

Pistol Wraith [5]
Satyxis Raider Captain [4]
Saxon Orrik [4]
Soul Trapper [1]
Warwitch Siren [4]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]

Versus

Captain Gunnbjorn [+28]
- Dire Troll Blitzer [16]
- Slag Troll [10]
- Troll Impaler [11]
Braylen Wanderheart, Trollkin Outlaw [5]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min) [6]
Scattergunners (max) [14]
Trollkin Highwaymen (max) [15]

I did my best to remove Krielstone unit early on, and I succeeded. Though it cost Warwitch Siren and pretty much a Deathripper, at least for arc-noding purposes.

Satyxis Raiders and Highwaymen spent a few turns looking menacingly at each other, neither doing much else.

When sluggers entered middle zone to contest it a bit, Satyxis charged onwards and pretty much decimated the unit. Deneghra did have her feat going on that turn, too. I decided to try how Overtake option from Sea Witch would turn out, and all it did was that I could move one model so that it engaged another. For my benefit, I mean. Kind of feels like a non-option.

It was a swingy game, as after Deneghra's turn there were so few trollbloods left that it looked like a clear game to me. But then, after trollblood turn I started to think I was horrendously losing the attrition game.

But I had been able to snatch scenario points here and there. When I was one point off from victory, I was outnumbered almost three to one, I decided I had to take the zone on the right, no matter the cost. Fortunately there was only Slag Troll denying me that point, but Dire Troll was engaging both Deathripper and Erebus.

Deathripper tried to bite the troll really hard to cripple any of the important branches, but failed to do so.

Erebus walked to attack Slag Troll, but this provoked a free strike from dire troll. All weapons systems from Erebus went down. He did manage to freeze the Slag Troll though, and was rolling better damage with one die than with two dice. But this was not enough.

But then I noticed Deneghra was within charge range of the light warbeast. Problem solved at the last possible moment.


Game 2:

Lord Exhumator Scaverous [+27]
- Deathripper [6]
- Inflictor [13]
- Ripjaw [7]
Aiakos, Scourge of the Meredius [4]
- Reaper [13]
Scrap Thralls [2]
Warwitch Siren [4]
Cephalyx Overlords [8]
Satyxis Raiders (max) [16]
- Satyxis Raider Sea Witch [3]

Opponent had a list something like this, but I can't figure out last remaining four points. Maybe opponent forgot to deploy something? Anyway, the list:

Grim Angus [+29]
- Dire Troll Blitzer [16]
- Dire Troll Mauler [15]
- Swamp Troll [8]
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes (min) [6]

Pyg Bushwhackers (max) [15]
- Pyg Bushwhacker Officer & Mortar [5]
Trollkin Sluggers (max) [10]

This game went really fast, as Satyxis Raiders ran to engage Bushwhackers. Opponent was hesitant to commit ranged models to contest scenario zones, and underestimated threat of Scrap Thralls to objective marker. Well, Scaverous did sacrifice a whole lot of focus points in casting Feast of Worms to ease their job. Sooner than I realized Cryx had accumulated enough control points for a scenario victory.

All Aboard The Ambush Boat!

A game from about a week ago.

I played Skorne, toying with ambush madness:

Dominar Rasheth [+28]
- Agonizer [6]
- Aradus Sentinel [16]
- Basilisk Krea [7]
- Titan Sentry [15]
Bog Trog Trawler [3]
Bog Trog Trawler [3]
Hutchuck, Ogrun Bounty Hunter [6]
Paingiver Bloodrunner Master Tormentor [4]
Bog Trog Ambushers (max) [16]
Swamp Gobbers Bellows Crew [2]


Opponent had:

Grim Angus [+29]
- Rök [21]
- Winter Troll [8]
Kriel Warriors (min) [7]
- Kriel Warrior Caber Thrower (2) [4]
- Kriel Warrior Standard & Piper [3]
Northkin Fire Eaters [7]
Scattergunners (max) [14]
- Scattergunner Officer & Standard [4]
Sons of Bragg [11]

Scenario was Spread the Net, which was relatively funny, considering it's the same name as Grim Angus' feat.

Skorne started, and the first picture is from the deployment phase. I thought it would be funny to take a picture when most of my army list isn't even on the table yet.

Bog Trog Ambushers got a nice charge against Scattergunners. Master Tormentor was being used for channeling an Influence on a Scattergunner, plus a Breath of Corruption. It was a shame I didn't realize to bring one Trawler for the flag on my side. I mean, opponent would have most likely been busy with Ambushers in the first place.

If Ambushers had been brutal on Scattergunners, they paid back in full. Only three Bog Trog Ambushers survived that turn. Grim Angus took a scenario point, but so did Aradus Sentinel.

It's time for Rasheth's feat next. I bring the rest of my ambushing models, two Trawlers and Hutchuck, on board. One Trawler takes a flag on my side of the board, and Hutchuck and Trawler come to contest Angus' flag.

First Rasheth uses feat and casts Influence on a Northkin Fire Eater, plus gives Carnivore for Titan Sentry.

Swamp Gobbers go and try to block the advance of some remaining Kriel Warriors. Titan Sentry succeeds to kill Northkin Fire Eaters.

Hutchuck lobs a knockdown grenade on Winter Troll with Wild Shot and walks to take a hit against it. Troll had used its animus, so Hutchuck went stationary.

Trawler takes a shot at the knocked down Winter Troll, but doesn't kill it. Aradus Sentinel shoots it finally, though this meant it got easily within charge range of Rök. Anyway, Skorne scored two points. It was 1-2 for Skorne now.

Grim Angus uses his feat next. He gives Primal for Rök and tries to kill Hutchuck, but fails thanks to some poor rolls.

Rök just manages to kill Aradus Sentinel, which was a bummer since now scenario went 2-3 for Skorne.

Next Sentry fails to do pretty much anything to Rök even when it had Blood Mark on it. And I had hoped to score a point from there.

However, I got to 2-4 anyway. And opponent got to 3-4 next, but importantly neither Rök was able to harm Sentry in any meaningful way.

Trawler ran to contest Angus' flag, and I manage to clear both zones. Sentry takes a point from rectangular zone and Rasheth from the circular, getting Skorne to 3-6. It was getting a little late, so we decided to end the game here. Opponent wouldn't be able to contest rectangular zone, and even if Angus would secure flag for himself opponent needed to kill the other Trawler from my side of the board without being able to start scoring points there himself. It could have taken a couple of turns for Titan Sentry to chew through the few infantry models opponent still had, but it would have required atrocious rolls to destroy the titan.

Oh well. It was rather a gritty game. It was a relatively good scenario for ambushing units, since flags were within run distance of ambushing solos.

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.

What happens when Malice lends a harpoon from a Black Ogrun?

This 75 point game of Warmachine is what happens.


Master Necrotech Mortenebra & Deryliss

- Malice
- Leviathan
- Harrower
- Defiler
- Stalker

Maximum unit of Satyxis Raiders + Sea Witch
Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls
Satyxis Raider Captain
Bloat Thrall
Orin Midwinter


Ragnor Skysplitter
- Bomber
- Mauler
- Axer
- Impaler

Maximum unit of Krielstone Bearers
Maximum unit of Sluggers
War Wagon
Fell Caller Hero
Totem Hunter

Scenario was Entrenched. Trollbloods started game.

I brought Satyxis Raiders to the front - with Sea Witch just a tad too close to the Totem Hunter. He managed to get the witch within 2" and rolled well enough to destroy the blast damage immunity. And then there was this AoE 5 war wagon to activate... uh, it was ugly.

Best use I could figure out for the Satyxis was to charge Ragnor himself, who had also used his feat. Admirably the raiders dealt five points of damage.

Though, first I made a mess out of Mortenebra's feat. Somehow I figured out using her feat to destroy one heavy warbeast would be worth it. I did shenanigans, and Malice was able to take an aimed shot at Dire Troll Bomber so that dragging would take it outside of Ragnor's feat. Neat, except that attack roll was double 1's. Lucky thing I had used the feat. Next, with a boost, Malice needed 7+ with two dice to deal at least one point of damage. Well. Result was double sixes - a total of six for the first damage roll, and a total of six for the re-rolled one.

Trollblood warbeasts had been running hot, and Dire Troll Bomber failed treshold check. It ate a slugger. All in all damage opponent did this turn wasn't devastating - Defiler lost arc node and all the Satyxis died. Worst thing was that Ragnor could start dominating his friendly zone now.

Next I see a clear chance for an assassination - Mortenebra casts Overrun on Malice and Leviathan. Overrun would move Harrower close enough for a Tuned Up charge attack against Ragnor.

I chose a greedy path and tried to harpoon Bomber to Malice, finishing it off with Leviathan. Harpoon rolled double 1's again, so I abort the plan immediately and take aimed shots at Sluggers instead. I jinxed myself when I said "and now I will roll only one shot and the slugger passes Tough" because that was exactly what happened.

Harrower tries to scrape War Wagon a little bit instead, then.

Stalker and Defiler do what they can against opponent's objective, and leave it with three hit boxes and Corrosion continuous effect.

Ragnor was able to clear the zone and dominate a second point. He had only one fury point for transfers.

Trollblood forces wreck both Malice and Harrower.

I had ran so low on my model count that I didn't try a scenario any longer. I figured out a plan for assassination once more - Leviathan rolls three shots and spends focus points directly from Mortenebra via Interfarce (honest typo at first, but I decided to leave it for giggles.)

All good otherwise, but Leviathan rolled only two shots. Both hit and dealt respectable damage, and Ragnor was left with two hit boxes.

Well, then there was Deryliss with Doom Spiral. My last chance for 7+ hit and 8+ for damage on two dice victory.

In the end I paid for my vast number of bad choices, and dice did not save me in this way. Nor any other way. Opponent only had to kill a Necrosurgeon and Defiler and objective to get three points in one go. It proved to not be a particular problem. Scenario loss for Cryx.