Cheeky game into Skorne. Ended too fast to really try out the list though. But it did succeed on the intended assassination vector.
I don't know if I will keep the list, as a Shadows of the Retribution theme seems to be giving me better options. To be fair this list is just supposed to havea decent melee and ranged assassination threat and I think good players will avoid it.
Still with Moros leading in with either a Paralysis melee or gun attack Imperitus should finish anything off, especially under Feat. That being said you could still follow up with Manticore and Imperitus gun fire if reaching the target in melee is out of the question.
Dawnlord Vyros - WJ: +28
- Fane Knight Guardian - PC: 4
- Imperatus - PC: 22
- Manticore - PC: 14
- Manticore - PC: 14
- Moros - PC: 11
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
Arcanist Mechanik - PC: 2
House Shyeel Artificer - PC: 5
Narn, Mage Hunter of Ios - PC: 6
Nayl - PC: 3
Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters - Cylena & 9 Grunts: 19
- Soulless Escort - PC: 1
--VS--
Xerxis, Fury of Halaak - WB: +28
- Agonizer - PC: 6
- Archidon - PC: 10
- Basilisk Krea - PC: 7
- Cyclops Brute - PC: 8
- Tiberion - PC: 22
- Titan Gladiator - PC: 15
Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor - PC: 5
Praetorian Ferox - Leader & 4 Grunts: 20
Paingiver Beast Handlers - Leader & 3 Grunts: 5
Paingiver Beast Handlers - Leader & 3 Grunts: 5
Sorry about the pictures, this game mat is terrible for photos.
The plan
He goes first as I chose the side.
Knowing the cats would tear apart my Nyss, I deployed them on the far side of the forest, with the hope of maybe killing his beast support.
I would need my feat to kill Tiberion. But ignite on the Ferox made them pretty scary.
So I advance somewhat cautiously. The good stuff in the middle. Imperitus takes a slightly more aggressive stance and gets Covered by Covering Fire. I figured the Ferox could still leap past them, but at least it blunts a charge.
First blood.
He positions up very aggressively. Unnecessarily so. Tiberion gets a Rush and charges in to kill 2 Nyss while one Ferox lands a decent 12 damage on Moros knocking off his generator. The other does some minor damage to Imperitus.
So yea. Xerxis is on one transfer, Paralytic Aura is up but the Agonizer is not Wailing. He sits right inside Moros and Imperitus' threat ranges.
Now I thought he had more fury or did use his aura. Its probably worth pointing out that huge bases can often make us think they are more resilient than the model actually is.
The assassination
First Hallowed Avenger triggers, Moros advances slightly and misses the Ferox, oh well. Vyros advances, with flank and kills the Ferox engaging Moros, then feats.
The Artificer tries to Magno Bolt a Ferox to pull the other out of Imperitus' charge lane but misses.
So the Manticores fire up. The white one with one focus gets 2 shots and kills the nearest Ferox. (Which should have been engaged unless it re-positioned away, I'm not sure here…) anyway it dies.
The green Manticore gets 3 shots on the other Ferox.
Narn runs in from the back of the table to give flank against Xerxis and Moros charges. Mat 9 with flank is 4s to hit. He hits, paralyses and does 18 damage, which Xerxis transfers to the Krea. Moros stikes 3 more times leaving Xerxis on 10 boxes, then Imperitus charged and finished him off.
The Story
Unusually for Xerxis, his force was suffering from a lack of coordinated communication. For whatever reason the Ferox squad had been roaming much further ahead of the main force than would otherwise be advised. Perhaps it was Xerxis own mobility that gave them confidence, but they began to encounter and engage the main body of the Retribution force.
Vyros, who had a birds eye view was well aware of the disorganization in his opponents battle line.
"Why do they tread so readily into such an obvious trap?" Narn whispered to Vyros.
"The first step in avoiding the trap is knowing of its existence." came his reply
"Armor is a warriors confidence, but a fools assurance it seems."
"And confidence is no defense against ignorance. Lets see how they choose to dress this day, in ignorance or doubt."
A wooded area was playing a central role to Vyros' plans. The only way for the Warlock to threaten him, was to expose himself. In all honesty Vyros would rather not force the encounter, but had hoped his opponent would simply withdraw. The retribution forces were, after all over extended and Vyros did not want to lead them into an extended fight with no reinforcements.
Still Imperitus stamped a ready foot and Moros shifted weight continually. Vyros ordered the Nyss to set up in the opposing thicket and be prepared. Probably an angry titan or two would come charging through, possibly an angry rhino with an even angrier Skorne atop.
That's what they were expecting anyway.
What Xerxis was un aware of was the Ferox striking into the Retribution force.
Confident with his weapon ablaze that his Warlock will be right behind him, the Ferox commander lead the fierce cats into combat with the Retribution myrmidons. Just as they were ready to strike the Manticores laid down a blanket of covering fire and the Ferox had to jump out of the way. Still one connected with Moros, tearing into its generator and shutting down power for its shield generated attack. One other connected with Imperitus and its force was absorbed into his shield. Then with the charge blunted and their warlock nowhere in sight the Ferox reformed back wondering where their support was.
A lone Archidon glided down to join them. Suddenly Xerxis' great rhino came crashing through the wood. Ahead of it Tiberion rushed charging into a few Nyss and demolished them. Coming slowly up behind the rest of Xerxis' support looked flustered and un prepared.
Surprised Vyros considered the options. If he didn't act now the Warlock could swiftly crush his force, yet Imperitus was still engaging with Ferox and too far away to deal with Tiberion.
With no more hesitation Vyros lunged forward, deftly he struck at a Ferox while it was engaging with Moros and slew it. The Manticores focused on removing other Intervening Ferox. Moros now free charged into the mounted rhino riding behemoth of a Skorne. Narn swiftly followed, leading a distraction. Xerxis parried and countered while Narn with only elven deftness ran the length of the rhino slashing and stabbing at Xerxis. As he spun upon its horn in a mocking display of acrobatics Moros landed a devastating blow into Xerxis flank, which he had to psychically send into the Krea, severely crippling it. With a paralysing energy flowing into Xerxia Moros followed up with a flury of blows. Thankfully Xerxis could shoulder most of it into his armor.
Just as he was ready to retaliate Imperitus struck deep, his blade melting armor and sinew. Unable to withstand the execution of practiced maneuvers Xerxis sounded the retreat and Vyros held his myrmidons back, content to watch the withdrawal from above the battlefield. Not needing to commit further.
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