40k BatRep – Space Marines vs Tau 1750 pts

A 3 on 1 game! Deathbot invited two of his neighbor friends to play.

Jay and Dom live next door. They came over to visit during Deathbot's and my last game. They showed enough interest in the game, I decided I would endeavor to play 40K with a 6, 9, and 11 year old! To my surprise, all three kidos stuck it out for 6 hours!!

At first we were going to play 2-on-2 (the youngest on my side), but after Jay and Dom arrived, the three compatriots decided to "gang up" on me.

They agreed to split up Deathbot's Army between them. I pulled Deathbot aside and suggested he let his friends choose first--He happily agreed!. After a 15 minute Q&A about each unit/vehicle, it was settled: Jay took a Tac squad and the Lord Commissar/Command Squad, while Dom took both IG Vet Squads. Deathbot controlled everything else with the understanding he would lend a unit to Jay or Dom if they lost one of theirs.

ARMY LISTS

Space Marines with Imperial Guard allies

This time Deathbot wanted to use his Scout Marines. I tweaked his list around to accommodate the addition.

• Terminator Captain (120): Iron Halo; Storm Bolter; Power Sword
• Dreadnought A (120): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Assault Cannon; Power Fist; Storm Bolter
• Dreadnought B (100): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Multi-melta; Power Fist; Storm Bolter
• Terminator Squad (210): Sergeant; Storm Bolter x4; Power Fist x4; Power Sword; Hvy Flamer
• Tactical Squad A (190): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x10; Bolter x7; Chain Sword; Flamer; Hvy Bolter; Rhino
• Tactical Squad B (190): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x10; Bolter x7; Chain Sword; Flamer; Hvy Bolter; Rhino
• Scout Squad (55): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x5; Chain Sword x5
• Predator (150): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Extra Armor; TL Lascannon; Lascannon x2 (side).
• Lord Commissar (80): Carapace Armor; Bolt Pistol; CCW, Melta Bombs
• IG Command Squad (180): Company Commander; Flack Armor; CCW x4; Lasgun x3; Medi=Pack; Regimental Standard; Vox Caster; Plasma Gun; Chimera
• IG Veteran Squad A (180): Sergeant; Flack Armor; Melta bombs x10; CCW x8; Lasgun x7; Laspistol; Autocannon (HWT); Flamer; Grenade Launcher; Demolitions; Chimera
• IG Veteran Squad B (187):  Sergeant; Carapace Armor; CCW x8; Shotgun x5; Laspistol; Grenade Launcher x2; Lascannon (HWT); Grenadiers; Chimera

Total Points: 1762

Tau Empire

I did not change my list from the previous game.

• XV8 Commander + Bodyguards (361): Fusion Blaster x3; Missile Pod x3; Plasma Rifle x3; Target Lock; Shield Drone x6
• Cadre Fire Blade (84): Pulse Rifle; Shield Drone x2
• XV8 Crisis Team  (273): Fusion Blaster x3; Missile Pod x3; Plasma Rifle x3; Shield Drone x6
• Stealth Team (170): Shas'vre; Fusion Blaster; Markerlight & Target Lock; Burst Cannon x4
• Fire Warrior Team (205): Shas'ui; Pulse Rifle x10; Devilfish w/ Disruption Pod
• Drone Sentry Turret Team (220): TL Burst Canons x4
• Kroot Carnivore Squad (260): Kroot Shaper; Kroot Rifle x20; Kroot Hounds x10; Krootox/Kroot Gun x3
• Hammerhead (177): TL Smart Missile System; Railgun w/ Solid & Submunitions; Disruption Pod; Seeker Missiles x2

Total Points: 1750

SETUP

Deploy Zones tinted in red.

We rolled for the mission: Annihilation/Spearhead. I like to stand next to the book shelves (far side of table), plus there is much more "wiggle" room for the three boys on the other side. So I chose sides, letting them place and go first.

This was very much a learning game, but I took plenty of pictures anyway.

TURN 1

Jay and Dom chose to deploy already disembarked from their vehicles. Deathbot chose not to, kept all Deep Striking models in Reserves, and Infiltrated his Scout Marines on top of the tall red building.

I deployed evenly across my table edge, Infiltrating the Kroot, and keeping all my Deep Strike troops in Reserves.

No casualties this turn.

TURN 2

In the middle of the board, all three Chimeras and the Predator fired at my Fire Warriors. To my left, Team Deathbot focused everything else at my Kroot. Surprisingly, I took far less casualties than I expected.

My Hammerhead trashed the Scout Marines, and my pounded a Tac Squad.

TURN 3

The boys decided to bring more forces against my Kroot. They placed the Terminators in assault range and diverted the Commisar, IG Command Squad and a Chimera. I lost 10 Kroot that turn.

My Fire Warriors did nothering. But my Kroot destroyed a Dreadnought. Then my Commander and Bodyguards arrived, disarming a Chimera.

TURN 4

The hail of fire raining on my Kroot finally burned them all out. The kids were ecstatic with their victory!

Unfortunately for them, my Hammerhead had not missed all day. Predator destroyed. Another bout of bad luck for the boys came when I tried to place my Stealth Suits in the middle of their main force. The Suits scattered to the back side of the hill, giving them full view of a Chimera side armor. Dead Tank.

TURN 5

After loosing 2 tanks last turn, the boy's stopped working together--They each chose what to do independently without consultation with their team. I strongly suggested they do not split up their force as I still had two units in Reserve. But they did not take my advice.

Dom went after my Commander and Bodyguards, Jay stuck it out with my Stealth Suits, and Deathbot made a dash towards my Fire Warriors. They caused zero damage.

I tried to place my Crisis Suit Team in front of the on coming Space Marines in an effort to protect my Fire Warriors and Fire Blade. I scattered off the table. The kids were able to place the unit. This made them laugh out loud. They placed the unit to the far side of my Fire Warriors.

The last Scout Marine was hiding in the grey church. 28 Pulse Rifle shots failed to take him out 2 turns in a row! The boys conveniently placed my Crisis Suits right next to him. Dead Scout.

TURN 6

By the time turn 6 started it was pretty late. Everyone was tired and loosing focus. The boys rushed through their turn, knowing they lost.

Things were getting a bit tedious for me in the last two rounds. 40K isn't the most complex game, but at 1750 points and wrangling 3 young boys, my patience was definitely tested! But in the end, fun was had by all! That's what counts, right?

Dublin Pub

Kilty by Association is heading back to Dublin Pub!

We will be playing Friday, August 29th, from 9pm-12am. There is a $5 cover. If you live in the Portland area and like Celtic music with a rock edge, come on down to Dublin Pub and enjoy the show!

I have slightly reworked the poster from our last show, adding a wide shot of the city of Dublin. This poster has been added to DeviantArt.

Hope to see you at the show!

Warmachine Cryx Starter Set WIP

300th post!!! I am entering into a "new" game!

About 4 years ago, Laertes bought me a Warmachine Cryx starter set. We had plans to give the game a whirl, but like many of our gaming plans, that never came to fruition.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Adeptus-B bought himself some Warmachine figures and successfully goaded me into launching into assembling (and painting?) my Cryx force.

2 Warjacks, a Warcaster, and a Solo

Here is how far I got. There are only two more models to complete. Both are Bone-jacks (one identical to the figure on the right, the other a variant of the same).

The mini third from the left is one I picked up on my own about the same time as I received the starter set. I was unable to fit it on one of the resin bases, so I used a plain base with the intent of sculpting texture to match the rest.

Speaking of bases, I am using the "swamp" bases from Kerr & King that I discussed in this post.

As I write this, I have three-and-a-half days before I see Adeptus-B next. I commited to him to finish the last two models and get one test painted by then... wish me luck!

Take care. 

Deviant Logo

A selection of logo designs created over the last 15 years.

I have uploaded over 30 of my best logos over the years to my DeviantArt account. Following are a selection of my favorites.

The logos were commissioned while I was working as a Graphic Designer with Minuteman Press, iCON Presentations, and as a Freelancer.

Shameless Plug Here ==> If you are in the market for a new logo, or any type of graphic design work, drop me a line! :)

Cheers!

Dark Heresy Character Showcase – Adept

A much delayed and forgotten post.

This model was originaly an Imperial Guard/Astra Militarum, Master of Ordinance, Regimental Adviser. He is now operating as our Dark Heresy's Adept (for the non-40K player, he is a scholar within the military bureaucracy).

There was no conversion work on this mini. Although I did swap the comms pack for a couple belt pouches and grenade.

All the "hard" armor has been hit with a gloss varnish after the entire model was sprayed with a matte coat. The deck plating base was made with strips of plasticard.

Obligatory 360° views. I Almost forgot to mention... the "grease" spot on the base is salsa--A little food collateral damage!

I experimented with exposure settings on my camera. While the colors are spot on, unfortunately the images are very grainy. Hopefully, I will get it right next time.

You can check out the entire cadre of acolytes in each of its iterations here:

My Dark Heresy Cadre of Acolytes
My Dark Heresy Cadre of Acolytes mk 2
My Dark Heresy Cadre of Acolytes mk 3

To see other custom Dark Heresy figures click here:

Dark Heresy Character Showcase - Cleric
Dark Heresy Character Showcase - Scum
Dark Heresy Character Showcase - Guardsman
Dark Heresy Character Showcase - Tech Priest

That's all I have for today. Until next time!

Talisman 2ed Figure Collection (part 6)

Here are the last of my official Talisman minis.

Welcome to my Retro series, where I share creations from yesteryear. Click on the Retro label to peruse all the past articles.

The Archaeologist, Chainsaw Warrior, Scientist and Cyborg.

All four of these minis were painted about 10-15 years ago. There was no conversion work.

There was some extra attention to detail on the Chainsaw Warrior and Cyborg--It was one of my first attempts at a cammo pattern. The Scientist was one of the first figures I was able to get a solid white surface.

The Astronaut, Astropath, Space Marine, and Space Pirate.

The first three figures were painted about 10-15 years ago, where the Space Pirate was painted about 5-6. I inadvertently painted a black ring around the Space Pirates base as I was painting some other non-Talisman figures at the same time.

The Astropath was used as my "early career" Psyker character in our Dark Heresy campaign.

I have seriously considered replacing this mini with a newer style Space Marine (either metal or plastic variety). As Space Marines are supposed to be substantially larger than a normal human, the newer figure's larger scale would fit nicely, however, this figure perfectly captures the illustration on the character card.

4 Toads

Here is where you will see the only gap in my collection. I am missing one of the Toads--The "Pirate" Toad to be exact. These figures are sporting a second paint job, and they show their age (in painting style) the most out of the entire lot! These will be first on my list if/when I go back in for another round of updates.

In the next post, I will show the figures I am using for the official characters that never had corresponding figures.

40k BatRep - Space Marines vs Tau 1750pts

Deathbot and I played another 40k game a couple weeks back. I present you 30+ images representing the battle.

Once again, I have sat on a battle report for about a month before posting it. At least I took plenty of pictures!

ARMY LISTS

Deathbot wanted more IG/AM allies this go around. I provided him with a squad of my Adeptus Arbites and a couple 'counts as' Chimeras.

• Terminator Captain (120): Iron Halo; Storm Bolter; Power Sword
• Dreadnought A (120): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Assault Cannon; Power Fist; Storm Bolter
• Dreadnought B (100): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Multi-melta; Power Fist; Storm Bolter
• Terminator Squad (210): Sergeant; Storm Bolter x4; Power Fist x4; Power Sword; Hvy Flamer
• Tactical Squad A (190): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x10; Bolter x7; Chain Sword; Flamer; Hvy Bolter; Rhino
• Tactical Squad B (190): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x10; Bolter x7; Chain Sword; Flamer; Hvy Bolter; Rhino
• Assault Squad (180): Sergeant; Bolt Pistol x10; Chain Sword x8; Flamer x2
• Predator (150): Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Extra Armor; TL Lascannon; Lascannon x2 (side).
• Imperial Bastion (75): Emplaced Hvy Bolters (x4)
• Lord Commissar (75): Flack Armor; Bolt Pistol; CCW, Melta Bombs
• IG Veteran Squad A * (125): Sergeant; Melta bombs x10; CCW x10; Lasgun x7; Laspistol; Flamer; Grenade Launcher; Demolitions; Chimera
• IG Veteran Squad B (125): Sergeant; Carapace Armor x10; CCW x10; Shotgun x8; Laspistol; Grenade Launcher x2; Grenadiers; Chimera

Total Points: 1745

* As we were setting up, Deathbot wanted to use one of his new IG Heavy Weapon bases given to him by Adeptus-B. I replaced 2 of the members of the squad with a Lascannon Heavy Weapon Team. The point cost does not reflect this change.

I changed up my force a bit using my recently assembled Kroot and a never before used scratch built Drone Sentry Turret Team.

• XV8 Commander + Bodyguards (361): Fusion Blaster x3; Missile Pod x3; Plasma Rifle x3; Target Lock; Shield Drone x6
• Cadre Fire Blade (84): Pulse Rifle; Shield Drone x2
• XV8 Crisis Team  (273): Fusion Blaster x3; Missile Pod x3; Plasma Rifle x3; Shield Drone x6
• Stealth Team (170): Shas'vre; Fusion Blaster; Markerlight & Target Lock; Burst Cannon x4
• Fire Warrior Team (204): Shas'ui; Pulse Rifle x10; Devilfish w/ Disruption Pod
• Drone Sentry Turret Team (220): TL Burst Canons x4
• Kroot Carnivore Squad (260): Kroot Shaper; Kroot Rifle x20; Kroot Hounds x10; Krootox/Kroot Gun x3
• Hammerhead (177): TL Smart Missile System; Railgun w/ Solid & Submunitions; Disruption Pod; Seeker Missiles x2

Total Points: 1749

SET UP

The terrain for this game is a small city with canals flowing into a larger river/canal.  I have placed "islands" connected by bridges along the water edge.

The mission for this game was "Capture and Control" with a "Dawn of War" deployment. We both placed our "home base" objectives in opposite corners from each other.

Deathbot won initiative and deployed his IG HQ and 2 Troops, placing his commander with vet squad A. Both Chimeras were placed about 1/3 of the way from his left table edge.

I placed my Fireblade and Fire Warriors on the building roof occupied by my objective. The team's Devilfish was placed behind a building to lend fire support for approaching enemies. My Kroot infiltrated into the large grey church to my left of the board.

We both kept our deep strike capable units in reserve.

TURN 1

I siezed the initiative. The only unit left that was not in reserve was my Hammerhead. I moved it flat out to take cover behind the grey church. My Kroot fired at a Dreadnought

Deathbot brought on 2 Tac squads in Rhinos to his left then both Dreads and the Predator to his right. Before turn 2 started he realized his mistake by not placing a Tac squad by his Objective. I allowed him to redeploy a Rhino and Tac squad  to his far right.

TURN 2

My Kroot continued to fire upon the Dreadnought, again to no effect.

Deathbot's entire right flank fired upon the Grey church, blowing it to smitherenes, killing about 6 Kroot Hounds. Deathbot did not advance, but maneuvered his Chimeras closer to the Bastion, disembarked both Tac squads, and laterally moved a Dreadnought.

TURN 3

We finally see some action this turn.

A disastrous Deep Strike Scatter caused the loss of 3 out of 5 Stealth Suits.

More Deep Strike! Deathbot's Assault Squad, Terminator Squad, and Terminator Captain land on the central building's roof. My Drone Sentry Turret land with open view to both Chimera's sides while my Crisis Team lands behind the central building.

Deathbot advances both Dreads and both Chimeras. I moved the Devilfish to firing range of an advancing Tac Squad.

From this angle you can also see the advancing Tac Squad and my Stealth Team move to (dry) cover.

Vet Squad A and Lord Commissar arrive at the roof of the Bastion.

My losses to this point. Deathbot has lost zero models!

TURN 4

The advancing Tac Squad, under heavy fire, manages to take out the last two Stealth Suits.

The Kroot finally took out a Dreadnought arm, but have suffered significant losses by this point.

The Hammerhead still remains in deep cover, only letting loose its SMS.

Both Dreads advance as the Kroot hail of bullets switch targets and crack open the Predator.

This Tac Squad covers its Objective while firing at the Kroot, causing them to rout.

Not pictured is the exchange of fire between Deathbot's units on the roof of the central building and my unit behind it. I believe a couple Assault Marines and Shield Drones were the only casualties.

TURN 5

The Assault Marines charge the Crisis Team. I don't recall where the losses came from (last turn's shooting and this turn's charge) but in total 6 Shield Drones, and 4 Marines are lost.

I believe the Hammerhead fired at the Assault Squad just before the charged.

This Tac Squad continues to advance under heavy fire.

Kroot in full retreat.

The kill ratio has finally tipped to the Tau's favor.

TURN 6

My Commander and bodyguards finally show up on turn 6!!!! What?!? That can't be. Somehow we played an extra turn and forgot to count it. We had to stop a number of times and played over the course of two days, so I am not surprised that this happened.

We played on anyway. My Command Squad let lose a barrage of white hot energy and missiles, completely vaporizing the Terminator Squad.

Deatbot's two Dreadnoughts make it across the river, advancing towards the Hammerhead while the Kroot run for their lives.

This Tac Squad is almost whittled away, reduced to two marines.

The Drone Sentry Turrets blew up one of the Chimeras and taking all but two members of Vet Squad B. The other Chimera, now empty, tries to get behind the Devilfish.

Things are not looking good for Deathbot!

TURN 7

The Dreadnoughts move closer to the Hammerhead, hoping to crush it with their Power Fists. The Tau's Commander and Bodyguards move to cover and a perfect position to exact alien terror on the advancing Dreads.

The remaining Chimera swings around the corner of the Styrofoam building.

The Devilfish spins around to the flank of the 2-man Tac Squad lending its firepower to the already overwhelming pulse rifle storm from the Firewarrior Team, killing them both handily.

Before we moved to the Assault Phase of Turn 7, Deathbot and I decided to call it a game. We both held our objectives and had little chance (me) to no chance (Deathbot) to deny/take the other players objective.

The game ends a tie. Deathbot is getting the hang of the game and has started to make some good decisions.

Again another fun day (or two) at the Zorcon Household. In the next BatRep, two neighborhood friends of Deathbot join the fray in a three-on-one battle!