ØRNULVS BATRAP SUMMARY JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012

New years resolutions

One of my New years resolutions was to play at least one game every two weeks. As it turned out, by the end of January I had played – 0 – zero! Building and painting as a mad man, I finally decided to take a break and start to play again.

First out was a game against Necrons (Per). My beloved Ultramarines scored 2 – 1. Then a rather silly/funny game against Jørn where I substituted my Terminators with Honour Guard, Callgar himself etc because I had left parts of my army at home. I "had to" concede… Then we went on playing a more serious game, fielding one of my standard lists. Again the Ultramarines managed a win, 7 – 4 (this was actually a much closer game than the points tally would indicate). All of these games are covered in previously published battle reports.

Next up was a battle against Dark Eldar.

Ultramarines (Ørnulv) vs Dark Eldar (André) 1750p

Capture and Control – Spearhead

I of course enjoy playing with and against André, however this battle, or should I say “Mission”, loses its “tension” and is very predictable if both armies “castle” around its own objective (main strategy).

The Dark Eldar force did exactly that, so also the Ultramarines. Andre deployed all of his army safely in cover behind the largest building in his deployment zone (on top of his objective).

In the opposite corner the Ultramarines deployed its gun line, the tanks taking cover as best they could.

During round 1 – 3 parts of The Dark Eldar Army advanced towards the Ultramarines using ruins as cover on two flanks. The main force guarded the “home objective” adjusting its positions in order to give support fire. The Venoms and Dark Lances managed to destroy a Razorback and annihilate a Devastator Squad. But the advance was not an all out assault, resulting in that the Ultramarines Razor spam list, supported by the 3 Devastator Squads, shot down every Raider/Venom/Ravagers in the Dark Eldar army. The Dark Eldar retreated and surrounded its “home objective”.

During round 4 – 6 the Ultramarines started its advance towards the Dark Eldar objective. This had been the plan all along. Use the gun line to strip the Dark Eldar of its manoeuvrability and most important of all – to “ground” the 2 units of Incubus. However, when both the Rhino and Razorbacks that was to spearhead the advance got “stuck” in difficult terrain the assault was no real threat to the Dark Eldar "defence force". With Lords, Incubus and a potent number of warriors guarding the objective, the handful of Ultramarines that would have gotten close had there been a round 7 where gunned down. If only 2 Razorbacks and the Rhino could have tank shocked in turn 6, and assault in a possible round 7 – if only….

We kept our spirit up, but decided next time to include kill points to this so often – tie scenario!

Result: Ultramarines 1 – Dark Eldar 1 – Draw

Next up it was time to meat Trond´s Craft world Eldar.

Ultramarines (Ørnulv) vs Biel Tan (Trond) 1750p

Seize Ground – Pitched Battle 4 objectives (one in each table quarter)

Eldar went first. This time it would be the Razor spam army that would meet a “gun line army”. And as always, when the elves do something, they are good at it!

Not much to write home about (for the Ultramarines part anyway). This Eldar army excels against small units and tanks with low armour value. Volley after volley of S6 shots picked the Ultramarines army apart, one unit at the time. And with yet again bad dice rolls (I hate dice, could I not at least manage to roll avarage?) the shots found it’s pray.

In round 4 the remaining Ultramarines started to advance against two of the objectives hoping for a draw. Unfortunately they where to few, and the Eldar general showed just how good he is at finishing of the opponent when he has turned the game to his favour making the enemy fight on his terms.

Did I say finish off? Oh no – Three brave Ultramarines defied the Eldar! More of us will be coming witch, this planet will be ours! Next time Trond, next time…

Result: Ultramarines 0 – Craft world Eldar 3

SUMMARY

After having played zero games at the end of January, I have managed to put in 4 (5) games during February, having played enough games towards my goal for 2012 (january and february). 2 Victories, 1 Draw and 1 Loss (2 if my funny army battle is included). Good games and a nice start to the gaming year of 2012. I guess this tally will go up once my Dark Eldar army is finished. The battle bunker is ready guys!

Razorback KONGA!

Ultramarines (Ørnulv) vs Word Bearers (Jørn) 1750p

Annihilation – Pitched Battle

Ørnulv´s initial remarks: After having had a go with a “crash together list” with HQ at 365p (in a 1750p game….) it was time to get serious and use one of my “standard lists”. Initially I had intended to use Assault terminators, but since these where “safely tucked away” at home my “only option” was to go with my Razorback army list. Finally the dice where pretty descent; Annihilation – ok, Pitched Battle – yes, First turn – YES!

DEPLOYMENT

The battlefield was crammed with craters and ruins. One Devastator Squad took position on the top floor of a factory ruin on the south east side of the battlefield. They would have to move first turn to get a good and clear line of sight. One Devastator Squad in centre inside a ruined building, and the third Devastator Squad took position in a crater on the south vest flank. Two Razorbacks where deployed in centre behind cover, and one on each flank. The three Tactical Squads of 10 men each where spread out with the Lascannons in forward positions, Librarian Wolffgard joining the Tactical Squad to the south vest (why did I not put him in centre?). A Rhino lurked behind cover south vest.

Three Obliterators took position on the top floor of a building in centre north. On ground level the second Obliterator unit took position. To the north east three Rhino’s entered the battlefield in a “forward position”, partially in cover, containing two units of Chaos Marines and one unit with Khorne Berzerkers. They where joined by a Winged Daemon Prince. To the north vest two Chaos Dreadnoughts.

THE BATTLE

The Ultramarines kept the initiative, adjusted their position, and opened fire. Nothing decisive happened, but at least two Obliterators where killed, and one Dreadnought would not be able to fire next turn. The Daemon Prince managed all of his 4+ invulnerable saves! The Chaos army surged forward popping smoke. One Rhino got stuck in a crater. The Obliterators and the Daemon prince opened fire. Few Ultramarines where killed, and none of the Razorbacks where heavily damaged, but two of them would not be able to return fire next turn.

Suddenly the 24” gap between the two armies seemed almost to have disappeared. If the shooting failed this turn the Chaos army would be in assault range next turn. Librarian Wolffgard ordered his troops to keep its calm, adjust their position, and to open fire. The last Obliterator on the top floor fell, one Dreadnought lost his Plasma Cannon and one where Stunned. A Rhino in front where stunned, but that was all. Once again the gun line seemed to have failed. I was in the need for something to drink, and the host complied. The Chaos army moved forward to the south east, the Daemon Prince assaulting one of the two Tactical Squad inside the factory (ground level), killing several (they where unable to regroup and flew the battle field. This monstrosity would surely chew through the next Tactical Squad and at least one Devastator Squad during the battle. Damn! At least the Prince of Darkness was two wounds down. The Chaos army continued to open fire, but where unable two take out any units, but managed to reduce the number in two of the Devastator Squads.

Time to regroup, but was it to late? The two Ultramarines Dreadnoughts moved forward to protect the unengaged Tactical Squad in the factory (who desperately where trying to put distance between themselves and the Daemon Prince) and the centre Devastator Squad. The Razorbacks in centre moved vest. The Razorback on the fare east flank moved northeast also trying to escape the Daemon Prince, but did not move so fare it would be unable to open fire. Once again the Ultramarines opened fire, and this time the gun line worked. The centre Chaos Dreadnought lost its Plasma Cannon, and the second Dreadnought its close combat weapon (last remaining weapon). The immobilized Rhino in the crater to the north blew up, and the Berzerker Rhino was set on fire. The last Rhino in forward position got its tracks blown off. The Daemon Prince was wounded once again. In the Chaos turn the Daemon Prince assaulted the other Tactical Squad inside the factory, but they held their ground. The Chaos Berzerkers engaged one of the two Ultramarines Dreadnoughts, and the Chaos Dreadnought in centre took up position opposite the second Ultramarines Dreadnought, backed up by the Chaos Marines who disembarked their Rhino. A power fist tore of the Ultramarines Dreadnought weapon. The other Ultramarines Dreadnought survived the fire from the Chaos Marines. The Chaos Dreadnought to the north hid behind cover.

The Chaos army was to close fore comfort. The Ultramarines centre line would not be able to withstand assault from Khorne Berzerkers, a Dreadnought and a Chaos Marines unit. It was time to make a tactical redraw. The devastator squad in centre embarked a Razorback, who in turned joined two other Razorbacks, forming a KONGA LINE, moving north vest behind cover. The centre Dreadnought backed into the centre ruin. The Tactical Squad to the south vest sector embarked their Rhino heading north vest. Again the Ultramarines opened fire. This time destroying the Chaos Dreadnought to the north, and inflicting wounds on the Chaos unit in centre, also destroying the Chaos Dreadnought in front of them. The Daemon Prince did not manage to kill of the Tactical Unit in the factory ruin, but several Ultramarines fell. The Khorne Berzerkers tore of the last of the Dreadnoughts close combat weapons, but in survived the onslaught. The centre Chaos Marines unit did not manage to take out the second Ultramarines Dreadnought.

The KONGALINE moved north vest in order to escape the Chaos Marines centre units Meltaguns. The Razorback to the east moved northeast. The centre Dreadnought following after them. The Rhino to the vest adjusted its position, so also the Devastator Squad to the south vest. The remaining Chaos Rhino in centre where destroyed. Again the Dreadnought survived the battle against the Khorne Berzerkers, but the remaining Tactical marines where killed by the Daemon Prince. A unit of Lesser Daemons that had arrived from deep strike earlier, and who had been hiding behind a large rock formation in the northeast sector, started moving towards the lone Razorback to the east. The Daemon Prince assaulted the remaining Devastators on the top floor of the factory building, wiping them out. It did however lose a wound as its wings scratched the rubble (one wound left). The Khorne Berzerkers finally managed to destroy the Ultramarines Dreadnought in centre south, joining the Chaos marines in the hunt for the remaining Dreadnought and the Razorback KONGALINE. The Obliterators adjusted their position and managed to immobilise the centre Razorback in the KONGALINE.

The KONGALINE broke formation, taking up firing positions, two out of line of sight of the Obliterators. However, they could still be threatened by the advancing Khorne Berserkers and the Chaos Marines. The last Ultramarines Dreadnought moved forward to get between them and the Razorbacks. Heroic, but utterly stupid! The Razorback to the east backed 12”, away from the Lesser Daemons, trying desperately to avoid the wrath of the Daemon Prince. One Obliterator fell, and the Chaos Marines took casualties. However the Ultramarines Dreadnought did not manage to assault them! The Daemon Prince once again spread its wings and jumped from the towering factory towards the Razorback to the southeast. The Chaos Marines and Khorne Berserkers approached the remaining Ultramarines Dreadnought. They did not manage to penetrate its armour; neither did the Obliterators manage to inflict serious damage to the immobilised Razorback. The Daemon Prince prepared to destroyed the Razorback in the southeast sector, but rolled two 6 on 2D6. The following D6 turned up as a ”1”, and it lost its last wound! The Word bearer general was utterly frustrated, and the Ultramarines rejoiced!

It was over. The Ultramarines had taken its revenge against the Word bearers after being defeated in the previous engagement.

RESULT:

Ultramarines 7 – Word bearers 4

What do you mean the Teleportarium is out of commission?!?

As our regular readers will know, Ørnulv has been building and painting like a madman since before Christmas. This has resulted in a lot of really nice models, but he hasn't been getting many games in... This had to be remedied, and the obvious solution was to do an all-nighter with me.

After sitting around an chatting for a bit, we decided to make a 1750pts list each and roll up a standard mission. It was only when he started to unpack the models he needed that Ørnulv discovered that the only models he hadn't brought along was the Terminators. A quick Tearing-off-hair-from-head later, and Marius' Callgirl... err... Marneus Calgar showed up with his Honour Guard to take the place of one Terminator squad, while Chaplain Desticado scrounged up a handfull of Veterans.

The lists looked a little like this:

Marneus Calgar with Honour Guard in Land Raider (blue).
Chaplain Desticado with Veterans in Land Raider (black).
Combat squad in Razorback (Tl. Lascannon)
Combat squad in Razorback (Tl. Lascannon)
Combat squad in Razorback (Tl. Lascannon)

Daemon Prince with MoT, Wings, Bolt of Change & Warptime.
Dreadnought with Plasma Cannon and Heavy Flamer
Dreadnought with Plasma Cannon and Heavy Flamer
Full Berzerker squad in Rhino
CSM squad with PFist, 2 Meltaguns & Icon in Rhino
CSM squad with PFist, 2 Meltaguns & Icon in Rhino
Minimum squad of Summoned Lesser Daemons (with a picnic basket)
Full Obliterator squad
Full Obliterator squad

We rolled the Capture & Control mission with five objectives, and Pitched Battle deployment. Winning the roll-off for initiative, I chose the western table edge and spread my Word Bearers out along the edge of my deployment zone. Ørnulv clustered around the ruin just south of the road, with jus one Razorback on the far south end of his deployment zone.

Ørnulv did not manage to steal the initiative.

Turn one

I moved my entire army, except a Fire Frenzied Dreadnought and the Obliterators on the roof of the ruin in my deployment zone, forward popping smoke and staying in cover as much as possible. The Daemon Prince managed to Immobilize Marneus' Land Raider and the Obliterators in the Ruin Destroyed the northernmost Razorback.

Ørnulv moved Desticado's Land Raider up six inches and turned it towards the two Rhinos speeding down the road, destroying the lead vehicle. One of the Obliterators in the Ruin also too a Lascannon shot through the chest.


Turn two
My daemons popped in behind my rearmost Rhino, and went to cover near the closest objective. The debussed CSM squad moved north towards another objective. The Daemon Prince flew over next to one of the Razorbacks, preparing to shoot and/or assault it. My Obliterators Immobilized and Stunned The second Land Raider...


...and at this point Ørnulv called it. I'm not sure exactly how many dice he'd thrown thus far in the game, but far more than his fair share had come up ones. In stead of continuing a pointless game Ørnulv forfeited so he could dig up the Razorspam list instead, and we could play a proper game...

Ultramarines vs Necrons

Ultramarines (Ørnulv) vs Necrons (Per) 2000p

Seize Ground – Spearhead

4 Objects – one in each table quarter – in cover (ruins).

"Although brand new versions of the Necrons have been detected, we trust and pledge our faith in the Emperor of mankind, and in the old Codex Astartes. We shall not yield!"

- Chaplain Desticado Ultramarines 2 Company

DEPLOYMENT

The Ultramarines deployed first, in the southeast part of the battlefield, taking cover behind a large ruined building. No reserves! The Necrons entered the battlefield to the north vest, and would partially be forced to advance over a narrow channel (difficult terrain). A Doomsday Ark towering in the corner, flanked by units of warriors and in the centre of the table Immortals. Imoteck and a Necron Warriors unit taking cover inside the building in the north vest sector, guarding the Necron “home objective”. In forward position to units of Canoptek Scarabs backed up by 3 Canoptek Spyders. A unit of Destroyers and 2 Necron Warrior units where kept in reserve.

TURN 1

Imotekh the Storm lord decided not to press forth, so the Ultramarines kept the initiative. Chaplain Desticado Assault Marines moved vest taking cover behind a building and closing in on the objective in the south vest table quarter. Behind them, a Dreadnought and a Rhino with Tactical Marines. In centre, 2 Vindicators and a Razorback with Combat squad adjusted their position. Heading northeast a Rhino with Tactical marines, a Razorback with Combat Squad, a Vindicator and Assault Marines. It was dark! The centre Vindicator located one of the Scarab Swarms and turned on the searchlight. Only a handful of Scarab swarms survived the opening barrage.

Imotekh called upon the wrath in the skies – and thunderbolts of lightning fell upon the Ultramarines. However only one unit was hit, the Assault Squad with Chaplain Desticado to south vest. The lighting bolts managed only to penetrate one of the marine’s power armour. The Doomsday cannon unleashed its energy and blew the tracks of one of the centre Vindicator’s. The Spyders spawned new scarabs, and the swarm advanced towards the centre of the battlefield (behind cover). The warriors on the northwest flank advanced south.

TURN 2

Imotekh concentration broke! Both darkness and the electric storms were gone. To the southwest the Assault Marines adjusted their position behind the building with objective inside it, followed by a Dreadnought that was flanked by a Rhino. In centre the Razorback and one Vindicator adjusted their position facing the advancing Scarabs. To the east the Assault Marines moved forward taking cover behind a huge pile of rubble mid table quarter, flanked by a Rhino (popping smoke) and a Dreadnought. The Razorback to the east decided to go full speed after them, but the tracks jammed. Damn! Again the Ultramarines concentrated their fire on the Scarab units, killing several. The Razorback in centre did not manage to hurt the Doomsday Ark.

The enormous Doomsday Cannon opened fire, managing to tear the tracks of the second Vindicator in south centre (fortunately for the Ultramarines, both Vindicators in centre south had a good firing position towards the centre of the battlefield). The Spyders once again spawned new swarms before heading south. The Scarab swarms closed in on the Ultramarines tank line. One more turn and… To the vest the Warrior unit advanced south heading for the building with the object in the south vest corner. Entering from reserve to the northeast, two units of Warriors with a Crypteck. They unleashed their fire on the Rhino, tearing of its bolter and its tracks.

TURN 3

Fore the Emperor! Chaplain Desticado and his Assault marines surged forward (over the build in the south vest corner), facing the Necron Warrior unit, and assaulted them. Several Necron warriors where killed, but the unit managed to hold they ground, as splintered metal parts re emerged as new warriors almost returning the unit to its starting number. To the north east the Assault Marines unleashed their flamers, assaulted and cut down one of the Necron warrior units. The Tactical Squad inside the Rhino disembarked, opened fire, and assaulted the second warrior unit. Necron Warriors and their Crypteck managed to hold their ground as metal parts once more re emerged as new warriors. The Razorback to the southeast and the Dreadnoughts combined fire with all 3 Vindicators, killing all but one Scarab. Again the Razorback in centre opened fire on the Doomsday Ark, but did not manage to penetrate the Quantum Shielding. The Rhino in centre vest moved a little forward.

A massive bolt of energy tore a hole in the engine compartment, crippling the Razorback in south centre’s engine (this was the third bulls eye!). The Scarab attacked the Rhino in centre, but did not manage to inflict damage. The Spyders centre vest assaulted Chaplain Desticado and his Assault Marines who where locked in combat with the Necron Warrior unit they had assaulted. In the battle several Necron Warriors fell, but the Spyders managed to kill several Ultramarines and the battle ended in a tie. To the north east a Destroyer unit entered the battlefield opening fire and assaulting the Assault Marines. Marines fell, but held their ground. The Necron Warrior unit to the northeast (locked with the Tactical Squad) did not, and where cut down.

TURN 4

Damn little things! The Dreadnought to the centre have had enough of the annoying little boggers, attacked and killed the remaining Scarab swarm! To the vest all but Chaplain Desticado fell to the wrath of the Spyders and remaining Necron Warriors. Deciding he could be needed later elsewhere, Desticado decided to withdraw and left the combat to the south. In centre the Vindicators did not have range to any targets, and popped smoke claming cover from the Doomsday Ark. The Razorback centre could yet again not manage to damage the Doomsday Ark. To the Northeast the Dreadnought and Tactical squad moved vest-entering cover next to the object in the northeast table quarter. The fight between the Assault marines and the Destroyer unit continued without a decisive outcome. The Combat Squad inside the immobilized Razorback to the southeast recognised the danger the Assault Marines and Tactical squad to the northeast where in, embarked and surged towards them.

The Spyders to the west moved towards the building in the south vest corner. Behind them the remaining Necron Warriors. They tried to gun down Chaplain Desticado who lost a wound. The Immortals in north centre moved east potentially threatening the Tactical unit close to the object in the northeast sector. The Doomsday Ark – missed (for the first time). The Destroyers and Assault Marines continued their close combat, again without decisive outcome.

TURN 5

Chaplain Desticado closed in on the object in the south vest corner, ready to assault the remaining Necron Warriors/contest the objective if they tried to advance on the objective in turn 6. The centre Dreadnought entered the same ruin ready to support him if the Spyders covered the Necron Warriors possible advance. The Rhino in centre moved flat out closing in on the channel to the north vest. If they’re where to be a turn 6 the Tactical squad inside could potentially threaten the Necron warriors unit holding the Necron “home objective”. The Tactical Squad to the northeast centre surrounded the objective in that sector, and the Dreadnought took position to come between them and the Destroyers should the Assault squad fall. The Combat Squad closed in ready to support them. The Dreadnoughts and Razorback east opened fire against the Immortals in centre north – annihilating them!

The Doomsday Ark opened fire but did not manage to destroy the Rhino closing in on the Necron “home objective”. The Spyders now close to the building to the south vest, supported the Necron Warriors to the south vest. Finally the Destroyers managed to kill the remaining Assault marines to the north east, preparing themselves for turn 6.

The host rolled a dice – it was over.

RESULT:

Ultramarines 2 – Necrons 1

Comment: Having acquired the “new” Necron Codex, having fought them and read about them on the net, I do think this is an army to be reckoned with. Ad to that – “easy painting” with lots of cool models yet to come – why not?

Dark Eldar Ravagers – ØRNULV FEBRUARY 2012 PROJECT # 2

Tired – but happy!

The last 14 days I have been working on my 3 Heavy choices. The 3 Ravagers was an even bigger undertaking than the 3 Raiders. Firstly the construction was much more difficult as I needed to paint various parts before final assembly. Secondly, the parts are so “fragile” I hade to make “field repairs” on several occasions. Thirdly these models do not only consist of 3 vehicles with various parts in positions difficult to paint and highlight, but meant building and painting 12 crewmembers. I must admit though, that the pain is worth it! GW has definitely maid some beautiful models when creating the new range of Dark Eldar models.

The weapon platforms are removable so I can build separate turrets with different weapons. Enough said, this is how they turned out: