The Painting Bunkerc y

Well, I’ve been promising one for some time.  Today is the day that it finally arrives!  A 1,000 point 30k game between the traitorous World Eaters against the brutal Iron Hands.

So some background.

On New Years day I got a call from a good friend of mine.  He lives in Townsville (about 1,600km north of Brisbane).  It turns out he is on holidays at Noosa (about 80km north of Brisbane) and was wondering if he could drop in for a catch up, seeing as he was down this way.  I was thrilled that he’d contacted me and eagerly invited him over.  Keepy is a very accomplished modeller himself having won several painting awards and competitions (one of which I was a judge for)  Below are some of his very impressive models.

As you can see, Keepy is a great painter and his conversions are skilfully executed.   I really like his work.  Hopefully we’ll see some more models from him shortly (hint hint)

If you think Keepy should also have a WordPress blog to share the awesomeness, you can effect a partition and cast your vote below.  I’ll make sure he gets it.

So, knowing that Keepy was heading my way, I asked him if he had an army with him so we could have a game.  Everyone takes an army with them on holiday right?, right?  Sadly he didn’t but he suggested that we have a game of 30k using my World Eaters and Iron Hands.  I thought this was the best idea I’d heard in 2014 (keep in mind it was about 8hrs old at this stage)

With this news, and knowing that Keepy would be about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs way I thought it would be a good idea to document this epic clash for all time in this battle report.  Below is the sorted tale of the clash, names and dates have been altered to protect the innocent.

Disclaimer:

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

The armies

World Eaters consisted of

HQ

Legion Praetor with an Iron Halo, Paragon Blade, Plasma Pistol and Digital Lasers – Using the Rite of War “Pride of the Legion” (because I don’t yet have painted any actually legitimate Troops choices… )

Elites

Contemptor Dreadnought with two power fists, built in heavy flamers

Troops

Terminator Squad (5) with 4 power fists and a heavy flamer

Rampager Squad (9)

Heavy Support

Heavy Support Squad (5) with 4 plasma cannons

The Iron Hands force consisted of

HQ

Legion Centurion with the Forge Lord Upgrade

Elites

Dreadnought Tallon (2) both with Multi Meltas, power fists and heavy flamers

Troops

Legion Tactical Squad (15)

Legion Tactical Squad (15)

Heavy Support

Heavy support squad (5) with 5 missile launchers

Fast Attack

Legion Javelin Attack Speeder with a Multi Melta

The Battle Field that this epic conflict would be fought over

Being only 1,000pts we oped for a 4 x 4 table.  Being such complex terrain it would give us plenty of opportunities to manoeuvre.

We began the pre game admin, rolling for mission, deployment and warlord traits.  During this phase, my dice rolling luck was true to form.  Rolling three ones in row when determining who got to choose sides, who deployed first, and warlord traits.  (the last one wasn’t so bad though)

So for the mission, we rolled a five (well Keepy did, I could only roll ones, remember)  This mission is an objective mission, each worth three points.  Anyone unit can claim or deny an objective and each enemy unit totally destroyed or broken at the end of the game is worth a VP.  First Blood and Slay the Warlord are in effect too.

For the deployment type, keepy rolled a three.  Search and Destroy.  The map looks like this…

For the World Eaters warlord trait I quite appropriately got Bloody-handed.  This meant my Warlord and any unit he joins cause Fear – nice

The Iron Hands Warlord trait was Void Walker.  The Warlord has Adamantine Will and allows one unit of infantry to deep strike…

We then placed out D3 +2 objectives.  I was in charge of the roll.  Predictably, I rolled a 1.  So we had three objectives to deploy.  When determining who would deploy the first objective, Keepy won the roll off.  Because I rolled a one…

The objectives had to be placed on the ground floor of a building, and 12′ from a table edge and each other.  We had to fudge this a little to get it to work right, but you get the idea.

So, as I mentioned Keepy won the roll for choosing the deployment zone and who deploys first.  Keepy chose the top left corner, so that meant I got the bottom right.  Keepy also chose to go first.  He figured getting the first opportunity to inflict causalities on my small, elite force would be a good plan.

Keepy, as I’d predicted, deployed quite aggressively.  His force had a much larger foot print on the table than mine and he used it to this advantage.  Seeking to dominate the centre of the board to restrict my freedom of movement.  He placed his heavy weapons on top of the Cathedral so he could employ them at maximum range, probably at my heavy weapons.  I was very anxious about the missile launchers.  They had very good observation and fields of fire, and really dominated the ground.  They were my number one high value target.  If I could eliminate them it would mean my units wouldn’t have to worry about being picked off as they moved towards taking the objective in the bottom left hand board.

My scheme of manoeuvre was to secure the objective in my deployment zone with the Terminators and Heavy Weapons.  The heavy weapons would keep his forces at a distance and the Terminators would be used in the close fight if it went pear shaped.  Meanwhile, the Contemptor, Praetor and his Rampagers would move up the flank to secure the unclaimed objective.  I had to watch his dreadnoughts though.  They were both armed with Multi Meltas.  This would spell disaster for my Contemptor if I got too close.  Which was exactly what I was going to have to do at some point.  My only real plan to combat this was to try and separate the two dreadnoughts so that only one could take a shot, and with any luck… miss.

Iron Hands Deployment

Those pesky missile launchers on top of the Cathedral.  Worrying

His Forge Lord guarding the objective, supported by a Tactical Squad

The Heavy Support Squad and Terminators secure the building with their heavy weapons and strong defensive ability. The building providing superior cover and concealment

The Praetor and his Rampagers remain out of sight for the expected first turn barrage.  The Contemptor leading the way up the flank.

I roll to steal the initiative…. miraculously I roll a 6!  The World Eaters seize the initiative and get first turn!  This has really put a spanner in the works for Keepy!

First Turn – World Eaters

Sticking with my plan, I moved the Contemptor up the flank along with the Praetor and his Rampagers.  Due to the Contemptors fleet special rule, I managed to get him a full 12″ up the flank.  Sadly, the Praetor and his Rampagers had to move through some difficult terrain and even with their run, only managed 6″  This got them almost to the other side of the street though.  In the shooting phase, there was really one one thing to do.  Smoke those missile launchers!  The Devastators let rip, wounding four Iron Hands, and killing three.  This then caused a break test… which they failed!  Not only did they fail, but they ran back 10″.  In their panicked state they actually ran off the edge of the Cathedral and the two remaining had to take an impact test.  Amazingly, they both lived!

My shooting phase couldn’t have gone any better if I’d planned it that way.  I was feeling pretty content with myself.  I’d managed to neutralise my number one high value target in the first shooting phase and my out flanking manoeuvre was running smoothly.

First Turn – Iron Hands

The Iron Hands were not worried about their heavy weapons retreating at the surprise attack from the distant building.  They continued their relentless, methodical march towards the objective directly ahead.  After the devastators retreated, the Javelin moved up to take a better look at what caused the casualties.   Spotting the threat they opened up with their twin linked cyclone missile launcher, killing one.  Reading the battlefield, the Tactical squad open up where the enemy devastators are located, but fail to inflict any causalities.  Then the Dreadnought sees an enemy devastator in a window and fires his multi melta, turning one heavy weapon gunner into bubbling pool of ceramite and dissolving, unrecognisable tissue.

The enemy devastators were buoyed by their recent kill of their counterparts and passed their moral test.

The Iron Hands move up to dominate the ground

The Contemptor leads the way up the flank, with the Praetor and his Rampagers closely behind.

Victory Points at the end of Turn one

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Second Turn – World Eaters

Again, the Contemptor, along with the Praetor and Rampagers continue their swift out flanking manoeuvre.  This is now beginning to shape the enemies forces.  A distinct split is forming between the two Tactical Squad and Dreadnought battle groups as they go in opposite directions.

The devastators see another high value target present itself in the exact same sport where previously there stood an enemy devastator squad.  Taking their opportunity, they shoot.  Hitting the Javelin in its propulsion system.  Halting the skimmer.

Second Turn – Iron Hands

The implacable advance towards the centre of the board continues.  With both Tactical squads, and one of the Dreadnoughts moving towards the forward objective.  The other Dreadnought, sees an outflanking Contemptor Dreadnought moving through the buildings.  Taking careful aim, he takes his shot.  The shot hits home, however the weapon systems effectiveness is reduced because of the range.  However he’s seen what the treacherous World Eaters are up to now.  He won’t let them succeed at their plan.  The devastators, now regrouped, move up the flank to offer support, they too see the outflanking Contemptor.  They both make snap shots, missing wildly

Tactical Squad 1 open fire again on the enemy devastators, however they inflict no causalities.  Tactical Squad 2 see other, immense figures moving around behind the Devastators and take shots at the brooding Terminator squad.  Their shots bounce of the tactical dreadnought armour.  Despite the crew of the Javelin having no propulsion system, they are still in the fight and take it to the enemy devastators, killing the Sergeant.   Not perturbed, the maddened enemy devastators continue to fight.

The Iron Hands implacable march towards their objective

The World Eaters taking advantage of the cover, and the enemies lack of ranged weapons to move unhindered up the flank.

Victory Points at the end of Turn two

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Third Turn – World Eaters

Sensing they need to act, the Terminators move out to face their advancing foe.  Knowing that the Praetor and the Rampagers will be moving up from the flank into striking distance as well.  To support their advance, the two remaining devastators incinerate three enemy line Astartes.  Knowing the trap is now set, the Praetor and his Rampagers also take the opportunity to move up the street within striking distance of the enemies flank.  The Contemptor now knows its time for him to run the gauntlet.  One last advance before he can come to grips with the enemy…

Third Turn – Iron Hands

Now seeing the exact trajectory of the enemy Contemptors maneouve, the ancient Iron Hands Dreadnought moves up to the intersect his route.  He wants to see close up the effect of his multi melta on the berserk World Eater Contemptor.  Seeing the crazed Rampagers, lead by their fearsome Praetor, Tactical Squad 1 plant their feet into the ground, preparing to unleash a fury of disciplined bolter fire on their foe before they can close the gap between them.

Tactical Squad 2 see the hulking Terminators stepping out of the building and advancing towards them.  Not to let the challenge go unheeded, they too brace themselves and prepare to rain unrelenting bolter fire on the traitor filth.  To support his brothers, the Second Dreadnought moves to outflank the traitor Terminator Astartes, knowing that they’ll be able to take some punishment before being brought down.

Waiting until the last moment, the Dreadnought takes a shot at the Contemptor.  However the World Eater, having centuries of experience behind him knew what the old enemy warrior was planning and stepped out of the way at the last second.  Sending the super heated blast of air wide.  The Dreadnought was now virtually defenceless against the Contemptor directly in front of him.

Tactical Squad 1 unleash a fury of bolter fire upon the running madmen Rampagers.  The deafening sound of the bolter fire reverberating off the buildings.  Were it any other foe other than an Astartes, non would have stood after the torrent.  However, these were Astartes, driven mad by the Nails.  Overwhelmed by their desire to close with the Iron Hands, injuries that would cripple even an Astartes, were simply shrugged off.  Only two enemy warriors fell after the storm of bolts.  The Iron Hands prepared to receive the inevitable charge that would now follow…

Over at the objective the Terminators stepped out of the building and were greeted with massed bolter fire from the Iron Hands.  It was like stepping out into a blizzard.  However the tactical dreadnought armour weathered the storm, protecting its occupants.  The outflanking Dreadnought took aim with his multi melta at what appeared to be the Terminator squads leader.  The super heated air dissolved the armour protecting the warrior inside, causing his flesh to bubble, boil and then liquify.

The Javelin opened fire once again in his duel to the death with the enemy devastators, however their cover saved them for what would have otherwise been fatal impacts.

The World Eaters Terminators weather a storm of bolter fire as they move out of the building

The insane Rampagers shrug off mortal wounds so they can get to grip with their foe

Victory Points at the end of Turn three

Iron Hands :- 3  World Eaters :- 3

Fourth Turn – World Eaters

They had all ran the gauntlet and survived.  All what was left to do was for-fill the promise of the Nails and close with the Iron Hands in close combat.  The Contemptor, Praetor, Rampagers and Terminators all move into assault range.  The devastators fired a salvo at the crippled Javelin, however they fail to damage it.

The Contemptor charges at his forsaken enemy.  The enemy dreadnought lets off one last shot with his multi melta before the Contemptor can close in.  The shot hits the Contemptor square in the chest, however in a flurry of blue haze and sparks, the Contemptors Atomantic shielding foils the shot.  The Contemptor grabs his foe with one massive gauntlet, and with the other smashes down into the loyalists sarcophagus.  The fury of the blow is delivered with such force it passes straight through the armoured sarcophagus and into the Dreadnoughts power cell, causing a catastrophic failure.  In a blinding flash the old warrior explodes in a shower of scarcely recognisable fragments.  The World Eater hardly looses any momentum, the buzz of the Nails deafening in his head.  Seeing his next victims across the street, he continues his advance.

The Bloody Handed Praetor’s lets out a blood chilling war cry as he and his Rampagers charge the prone Iron Hands.  The Iron Hands loose their mettle and fail the Fear test.  In the ensuing combat, four of the Iron Hands fall, however still outnumbering their combatants, remain in the fight.

Driven mad by the felling of their squad sergeant, the Terminators charge their assailant.  With preternatural speed, the Terminators easily dodged the clumsy swings of the Dreadnoughts power fist.  With enhanced strength, the Terminators pound the Dreadnought, mercilessly dismembering it.  The power plant fails, exploding so violently it kills one of the World Eater Terminators.  Without so much as a moment to pause at the loss of their brother, the remaining three Terminators move towards the Tactical Squad eager to enact their revenge….

Turn Four – Iron Hands

Having seen the shear violence inflicted by the World Eater Terminators that ended a revered warriors service to the Emperor, the Tactical Squad move into assault range of the foul World Eaters, with the Forge Father adding his weight to the fight.  Meanwhile, the Javelin lets off another salvo at the Devastators.  This time the shots are true, killing the remaining heretics.

The Iron Hands devastators know their fate now.  However in seemingly futile defiance fire a salvo of krak missiles at the insane machine.  The shots hit, however bounce off the impenetrable hide of the blasted Contemptor.

The Tactical squad charge the Terminators.  With blinding anger at killing a servant of the Emperor that had been given the greatest honour by the Machine Cult of Mars, interned in a Dreadnought chassis.  They attack with uncharacteristic ferocity no doubt imbued by the desecration of felling the Dreadnought and the scale of the heretics betrayal.  The traitor Terminators are wiped out in the uncontained rage and fury of the assault from the Iron Hands.

The Praetor and his Rampagers are now fully overcome by the white hot rage of the Nails.  With terrifying ferocity that only insane men can muster, the Iron Hands Squad is butchered to a man.  The Rampagers pausing to collect the skulls of the fallen Iron Hands as trophies worthy of their deeds.  The Praeator breaks off from his Rampagers, ordering them to move up to the objective.  He wants his own trophy, that of the Forge Lords.

Brutal street hand to hand combat

Victory Points at the end of Turn Four

Iron Hands :- 2  World Eaters :- 3

Fifth Turn – World Eaters

The Praetor issues a challenge as he charges towards the Forge Lord and Tactical Squad.  Meant for the Forge Lord, the Tactical Squad Sergeant steps in and accepts instead.  Foolishly wanting to demonstrate his combat prowess while he has the Forge Lords attention.  The Praetor, laughing like a lunatic, accepts and in one stroke, almost imperceptible to the human eye, the Praetor cleaves the Iron Hand Sergeant in half from head to groin.

The Contemptor charges into the doomed Devastators.  In a final act of defiance, the marines let off one more salvo.  One of the krak missiles hits home, glancing off the Contemptors leg.  Not enough though to stop charging behemoth.  The Contemptor picks up the insolent marine, and snaps his spine and throws the rag doll corpse of the Astartes against the wall.  The other Devastator marine fights on.

The Rampagers, resist their urge to kill, and move to take the objective.

Fifth Turn – Iron Hands

Sickened by the sight of seeing their Brother Sergeant cleft in two by the Praetor, the remaining Tactical marines attack in force, many of their number die at the hands of the madman, however in their rage, they inflict several wounds on the butcher.   The Forge Lord fails to land a blow.

The Contemptor, almost annoyed, swipes the final Devastator marine out of his way.   Sending the marine flying across the Cathedral, landing in an indignant, lifeless mockery of ceramite and flesh slumped in the corner.  The Contemptor move towards the Objective.

A die is rolled at the end of turn Five.  The games does not end, continuing for another round.

The Praetor kills at will.  However he is outnumbered and takes several wounds himself.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Five

Iron Hands :- 2  World Eaters :- 7

Sixth Turn – World Eaters

The Praetor lashes out, killing more Iron Hands.  The Forge Lord and the Praetor are now face to face.  In the struggle, the wounded Praetor stumbles.  The Forge Lord sees his chance, and with his cybernetically grafted servo arm, grabs the Praetor and with a sharp snap crushes the life out of the heretic.  Seeing their opportunity the Tactical Marines follow up towards the objective being held by the Rampagers…

Sixth Turn – Iron Hands

It was now do or die for the Iron Hands.  Take the objective being held by the World Eater Rampagers or die trying.  The Iron Hands charge in, killing one Rampager in the initial combat , however the Rampagers wont be shifted so easily.

A die is rolled at the end of turn Six.  The games does not end, continuing for another round.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Six

Iron Hands :- 4  World Eaters :- 8

Seventh Turn – World Eaters

The desperate close combat continues over the third objective.  This time the Rampagers are outnumbered and out classed.  The remnants of the Tactical Squad, bolstered by the Forge Father, bring a heavy toll to the Rampagers.  Killing two.  Outnumbered, and now being outclassed  by superior force, the heretics fail their moral check and break.  They’re unable to make a clean break and are slew by the Iron Hands sweeping advance.   The victorious Iron Hands follow up on the objective and consolidate their position.

Seventh Turn – Iron Hands

The remaining Iron Hands consolidate on the Objective and secure a Draw.

In a desperate last attempt to secure victory, the Iron Hands charge the remaining World Eaters holding the Objective.  Their efforts pay off, they kill two.  The remaining heretics fail their leadership test and are wiped out in the sweeping advance.

Victory Points at the end of Turn Seven

Iron Hands :- 8  World Eaters :- 8

Result :- A Draw!

Final wash up

What an epic game.  Not only did it go for 7 turns, but it also was full of twists and turns no one could have anticipated.  Who would have thought the humble Iron Hands Tactical Squad could have done so much damage?  Finishing off a Terminator Squad, a Praetor & finally the remnants of the Rampagers.  I have to admit, this is one of the things I really love about Horus Hersey games.  The infantryman is king.  Because of the way the points cost are structured, it favours vast infantry armies.  If I had more models painted, I would have taken two 20 man Tactical Squads, each with an apothecary and a Master of the Signal.  Tough as.

The other thing I like about Horus Heresy games is there is no meta game.  There really is only one army list.  It’s vast, and allows all sorts of army types to be produced, however it still is just one list.  That both sides use.  This to me combines my two favourite things in wargaming.  Space Marines and tactics.  Plus the models are simply fantastic.  It is now very clear to me that GW and FW are going after very different markets and producing models to suit.  FW design team reminds me of where GW was 15 yrs ago.  Doing really cool wargaming models, not toys.

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and seeing my first battle report.  It’s been quite an effort to be honest.  So you may not see one for quite some time.  Make the most of it.  I really enjoyed producing this battle report however.  It was also really great fun actually playing the game with Keepy.  It was a good game, and an awesome day.  Thanks mate.

Thanks for dropping in, comments welcome.

John