To many troops?

So is there a such thing as having to many troops in a game of 40k?

My take on Chaos and hobby progress.

Ok so the new Chaos Codex is out and I am really enjoying seeing the CSM section of forums become more active. Chaos Space Marines were my second army when I started them back in 3rd edition. They have since then become my largest army and the one I have played most over the years. I was able to get a copy of the new Codex a little early had have gotten in a few games with them so far. So this will be my take on the book as well as some hobby progress with a couple of the new Chaos models.

New hobby progress!

So as you may have noticed I have not been updating the blog recently. As you saw from my last post one main reason has been the weather and not really being in the mood lately. That has changed a bit recently!

Tactical Terminators in 6th Ed.

So last night I had a 1500 point game against Black Templars. We played "The Big Guns" with a Vanguard Deployment, and I must say it was a fun game. I was running my Celestial Lions Space Marines and decided to try out a Terminator heavy list to check out how good they were now with the recent changes to weapon AP values. I ended up taking 16 Terminators in this game, 10x TH/SS, 5x Tactical Termiantors (1 CML), and my Librarian.


I have to say I was extremely impressed with the Tactical Terminators. Not only were they able to assist in taking out a couple Vindicators with shooting, but also most of the work against a unit of 8 Assault Terminators, and a unit of Crusaders with a Chaplain. Now that a 2+ armor is able to save against most "Power Weapons" the survival of the long discounted Standard Terminator is coming back. The Lightning Claw Assault Terminators that would normally tear the standard Terminators apart ended up hitting like a couple kittens while my Power Fists were just turning them into mush. 

Terminator Librarian and 6th Ed thoughts on Challenges

So lately I have not gotten in a lot of hobby work. I still have 20 tac marines, 5 scouts and a captain and command squad to put together not to mention I still need to finish painting and basing the Terminators I took to the Apoc Game.

But in the last 5th Ed Tournament because I ended up playing and picked up a Terminator Librarian as my entry fee I decided to put him together after looking at the 6th Ed rule for a bit.

"Call me Primus Masavo!"

I made a difference and so can you!

Well Forge World is out with their updates for 6th Edition and they are asking for your questions. After I found out they had the updates on their website I decided to take a look at what changes they made to the units I own and wont to own.

Flyers Beware!

Most of it looked much like what I expected but one thing popped out to me. The Contemptor Mortis Dreadnought had a special rule that gave it Skyfire if it did not move during that turn. This was to replace the "AA" rule that it had before if it did not move.

"6th Edition" Test Game Reaction.

Best game ever?

So I had a test game for the "Leaked 6th edition" rules on Tuesday with Faolain from Awakening Ynnead. We decided to play a smaller game (1250) to help with any time issues we may run into while looking up rules and such. I played what you might call a 3rd edition style army list with my Chaos Space Marines, while Faolain played his Nids. 

Nids:

Tyranid Prime

10x Termagaunts

Tervigon (troop)

9-10? Genestealers W/Brood Lord

Trygon Prime

Tyranofex

Death Leaper

Doom W/M.Spore.

Chaos Marines:

Daemon Prince -Sorc., Wings., Mark of Tzeench, Warptime.

16x Khorne Berzerkers -Skull Champ w/Power Fist

10x CSM -2x Flamers, Champ w/Power Sword & Melta-Bomb, Rhino

6x Noise Marines -6x Sonic Blasters 

Defiler -Twin-Linked Heavy Flamer, Extra DCCW

5x Havocs -4x Missile Launcher

The game was very interesting. Some of the Key things I think we learned were,

*First Turn is very important. Not only do you get to place the first objective marker (putting objective games in your favor), but as your opponent has not had the opportunity to move this makes Alpha Strike armies even more effective as their shooting will be more accurate. With The Tyranofex getting 2 hits on my Rhino turn 1 it put me on my back foot a bit. The -1 on the damage chart due to it being a tank did help prevent it from becoming a wreak though. Going back to the Objective advantage, as objective points are calculated at the start of the turn going first also give you the advantage of denying your opponent points on turn 6. You are able to get your points then run units in to contest your opponents objective so he is unable to collect points at the start of his turn. You don't have to charge him or even shoot at him and there is nothing he can do on turn 6 to prevent that.

*Bolters are scary and useful again. Being able to shoot while moving at combat speed is very nice. This may help lead to the Bolter Drill style lists coming back.

*Defensive Fire is very dangerous. Having a Doom spore down just to die from the Defensive Fire from bolters is a very risky move. If we read it right units can also fire their Heavy Weapons as well so Monstrous Creatures will have to be careful as well. Faolain was also able to Deep Strike his Trygon in front of my Berzerkers, they were able to take out 2 wounds with their pistols (really big help), but he was still close enough to charge that same turn. Drop Pods with the Guidance system is rather safe as they do not allow for defensive fire but the units that disembark are still unable to assault.

*Explosions from vehicles feel more risky, but may not really be the case. Models in range have a chance to take a critical hit (Wound with no armor save), this makes it more deadly to units like Marines and MCs but better for units that have a bad armor save.

*Template Weapons may be the new "thing". With having a 3" range and special abilities like "Fire Sweep" they have become so much more useful.

*Shooting after Combat. The ability to have your unit fall back or be wiped out in combat then have your other units get sweet revenge on the enemy is very useful. In a combat with my Berzerkers vs the Tyranid Prime and Tyranofex I was able to kill the Fex with my Power Fist in Faolains turn and saved the no retreat wounds. In my turn the Prime killed the last 2 Zerkers before they could strike (due to bonesword/lash whip) and my Noise Marines that did not move were able to rip into the Prime with all 18 shots taking out his last wound. It felt like justice was done. This turns the normal though of wanting to kill your opponent in his turn on its head, as you will want combats to either be done after 1 round (on your turn) or be longer combats that will go 3/5 rounds. This may lead to larger squads of dedicated combat units like Berzerkers, Assault Marines and Death Co.

Shooting after Combat will also allow you to engage/charge a transport, blowing it up in assault then shooting your opponent as he disembarks.

Well that's it from me for now. Faolain said that he would be doing a post about our game as well, so for his take be sure to check him out. As for my overall judgement on the game I may have to hold off on hating or loving it for now, but I like it so far. Since I am in the middle of building my Space Marine army this could put a damper on some the the strategies I was planning on using, but it opens up new ones. Like off the top of my head... Vulkan is still awesome! TH/SS Terminators pooling their re-rolls really helps, then you also have all of your flamers now shooting out 6" then being placed!