A Chapter Approved Mission Battle Report from SN Battle Reports, this time Grey Knights taking on Xenos forces of the Aeldari.
via SN Battle Reports
http://snbattlereports.com/2019/01/25/battle-report-craftworlds-vs-grey-knights-2/
The planet’s distress hymnals blasted far into space, pushing past the many planets and floating rocks in the system, ripping through the void like a scream. Xenos Sighted. Need Assistance. Xenos Engaged. Need Assistance. We are dying. Need assistance. The once Imperial forge world was on the brink of collapse under the relentless assault of the Tyranids. Evacuations were underway, but escape ships were being picked off by massive, winged monsters as they tried to make orbit. Now was the time for heroes, and it was heroes who heard the call.
The Hammers of Titan descended upon the planet furiously and swiftly, teleportariums whirling to life and Storm Ravens racing through the atmosphere to deliver the Grey Knights to where they were needed most. As the God Emperor willed it, the alien met swift death. Though the Tyranids cast a shadow in the warp, hampering the psychic ability of the psyker brothers, by the bolter and the flamer, the Imperial settlements on the planet were evacuated. But the Grand Master of the force sensed a light in the shadow, a trickle of power, flickering in the dark.
There is another.
Though the planet was dying, the Commander of the Grey Knights sent his men back into the fray, searching for that blip, that small spot of brightness, for the Emperor’s will must be done above all else; suffer not the witch to live. And it was a witch they found. The Aeldari were here, frail, small things clad in light mesh armor, making evacuations of their own. No one could tell how long their shrine had been here, no one knew how much longer before they would retrieve their blasphemous artefacts. Only one thing was certain.
The Tyranids would not enjoy the pleasure of dispatching the Aeldari; the glory would be given to the Hammers of Titan.
Deployment: Dawn of War
Mission: Four Pillars
Points: 1750
Craftworld Attribute: Alaitoc: Fieldcraft
+ HQ +
Farseer Skyrunner: 3. Doom, 4. Executioner, Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
Warlock Skyrunner: 4. Protect/Jinx, Shuriken Pistol, Twin Shuriken Catapult, Witchblade
+ Fast Attack +
Shining Spears
. 5x Shining Spear: 5x Laser Lance, 5x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Laser Lance, Twin Shuriken Catapult
Windriders
. 6x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 6x Shuriken Cannon
Windriders
. 6x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 6x Shuriken Cannon
+ Heavy Support +
Fire Prism: Twin Shuriken Catapult
Fire Prism: Twin Shuriken Catapult
++ Battalion Detachment +5CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) ++
Craftworld Attribute: Alaitoc: Fieldcraft
+ HQ +
Autarch Skyrunner: 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Craftworlds Warlord, Power sword, Shimmerplume of Achillrial, Twin Shuriken Catapult
Farseer Skyrunner: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Twin Shuriken Catapult
+ Troops +
Rangers: 5x Ranger
Rangers: 5x Ranger
Rangers: 5x Ranger
+ Heavy Support +
Fire Prism: Shuriken Cannon
War Walkers
. War Walker: Aeldari Missile Launcher, Shuriken Cannon
War Walkers
. War Walker: Aeldari Missile Launcher, Shuriken Cannon
+ HQ +
Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight: 4: First to the Fray, Dreadfist, Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter, Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Sanctuary, Warlord
Lord Kaldor Draigo: Gate of Infinity, Hammerhand
+ Troops +
Strike Squad: Gate of Infinity
. 4x Grey Knight (Falchions): 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar: Storm bolter, Two Nemesis Falchions
Strike Squad: Gate of Infinity
. 4x Grey Knight (Halberd): 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar: Nemesis Force Halberd, Storm bolter
Strike Squad: Gate of Infinity
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar: Nemesis Force Sword, Storm bolter
Terminator Squad: Hammerhand
. Grey Knight Terminator Justicar: Nemesis Force Halberd, Storm bolter
. 3x Terminator (Halberd): 3x Storm Bolter
. Terminator (Psycannon): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psycannon (Terminator)
Terminator Squad: Vortex of Doom
. Grey Knight Terminator Justicar: Nemesis Force Halberd, Storm bolter
. 3x Terminator (Falchions): 3x Storm Bolter
. Terminator (Psilencer): Nemesis Force Halberd, Psilencer (Terminator)
+ Elites +
Paladin Ancient: Banner of Refining Flame, Purge Soul
. Storm Bolter: Storm Bolter
+ Heavy Support +
Purgation Squad: Astral Aim
. 4x Purgator (Psycannon): 4x Psycannon
. Purgator Justicar: Nemesis Force Sword, Storm bolter
+ Dedicated Transport +
Razorback: Twin Assault Cannon
Razorback: Twin Assault Cannon
Razorback: Twin Assault Cannon
Turn 1 (Grey Knights)
Starting off the first turn for the Grey Knights, a Grey Knight Strike Squad disembark from their vehicle, standing near the closest objective to them. Knowing their heavy footed stomps of their Power Armour are audible to the sensitive ears of the Rangers, they attempt as best they can to stay obscured by the terrain, whilst still grabbing the objective.
The Purgation Squad move up behind the Razorback, taking shelter from as much oncoming fire as possible, before setting their steely sights on the Rangers up above the building-tops, aiming their terrifying Psycannons in the Aeldari’s direction.
In yet another swift motion, a second Strike Squad grab a hold of another objective. Only a matter of moments have passed, yet the Grey Knights have begun encroaching on the Aeldari forces, all the while making sure to hold the objectives. Clever play by Nick sees him getting both objective priority, whilst being able to deal as much damage with his army as possible. This is doubly as important for Nick as now with the new Chapter Approved, he needs to wait until Turn 2 to bring in his reserves, meaning he is at a significant disadvantage for this first turn.
At the end of the Movement Phase, Draigo used the Heed the Prognosticors Stratagem for 2 Command Points, imbuing him with a form of astral protection, giving him a +1 to his Invulnerable Save for a massive 2+ Invulnerable. Starting the Psychic Phase off for Nick, we see Draigo attempting to cast Hammerhand on himself, looking to gain a massive advantage when he finally gets to combat. However Nick fails the necessary roll. Instead of spending a Command Point to re-roll, he decides that he’s rather save it in case he fails his next Psychic Power; Gate of Infinity. He is however, successful in casting the power, as Draigo manifests the power of the warp, opening a purple tear in front of him. As quickly as he steps into it, it closes behind him, before the ripple in reality reopens right in front of one of the Fire Prisms. Following up, the Purgation Squad casts Astral Aim on themselves successfully.
Moving into the Shooting Phase, Nick begins by targeting one of the three Ranger Squads, looking to take down a potential threat early on. He assigns both Razorbacks, as well as a Strike Squad to the task. A barrage of Assault Cannon Fire, supported by Storm Bolters rain down onto the Snipers. Their best attempts at seeking the protection of the building are thwarted immediately, as the lead chews through the stone before hitting them, each round either lodging deep into, or tearing right through their garments and flesh. Despite taking a lot of shooting, Nick is able to eliminate one unit from the game, giving him First Strike.
Over on another part of the battlefield, the third Razorback, as well as the Purgators seek to remove another unit of Rangers. Once the target coordinates are confirmed by the scanner in the transport vehicle, they begin firing at the scouts in similar fashion to their Brethren. A large volley of Psycannon fire hurdles towards the Rangers, closely followed by the Razorback’s weaponry. This time however, the Rangers are slightly more fortunate, as only 3 of them are slain. Some lucky rolling from Steven then sees him passing morale on the remaining 2. Onto the charge phase and we see Draigo the only unit with a possible charge fail his 9″ range even with a re-roll cp. This isn’t good news for Nick….
Storming off at incomprehensible speeds, the huge cohort of Jetbikes zoom ahead of the rest of the Aeldari forces. Amidst the mass of Windriders, the heavily specialist Jetbike Aspect Warriors, the Shining Spears, ride into battle, the elite unit providing an extra punch against the sturdy Grey Knights.
Riding safely behind the Shining Spears we have the Autarch Skyrunner, accompanied by the Farseer Skyrunner and Warlock Skyrunner. Such a fantastic paintjob done on these models! Going into Steven’s Psychic Phase, the Farseer begins by Guiding one of the nearby Windrider units, allowing them to re-roll failed to hit rolls until the next Psychic Phase. Immediately after, the Farseer casts Doom on the Razorback, giving all units that attack it re-rolls to wound until the next Psychic Phase. Unfortunately for Nick, he is unable to Deny any of the Psychic Powers, even with the help of a Command Point re-roll. The Warlock then attempts to manifest their own Psychic power, by trying to cast Jinx on the same Razorback. However, they are unsuccessful with the cast. Looking to make up for it, the second Farseer casts a combination of both Smite and Executioner on the Razorback, the huge Psychic presence of the Farseer piercing sending jolts of concentrated energy hurdling at the vehicle, shaving off a total of 5 wounds from it.
The Guided Jetbikes open up the Shooting Phase for Steven, firing at one of the Grey Knight Strike Squads. With the simple flip of a toggle located on their steering handles, a flurry of Shuriken fire pelting the Power Armoured Grey Knights. Unrelentingly, they press on the attack, until finally, they believe that it has sufficed, and that the Strike Squad was removed from this world. They would however, soon find that they were wrong, as they only see the motionless bodies of two Knights, the others yet still standing. Some amazing saving throws from Nick sees only 2 Grey Knights falling from the massive amount of fire they received. Pretty impressive.
Pressing on, the Shining Spears then begin their shooting. Being in range with their Twin Shuriken Catapults, they fire a devastating torrent of shots at the already weakened Razorback. Still having Doom cast on it gave the Shining Spears a boost to their low Strength weapons, as it allows Steven to finish off the remaining wounds from the vehicle, picking him up First Strike in return. The Strike Squad then disembark from the wrecked transport, suffering no casualties whilst doing so.
The next unit of Windriders then fire into the Purgation Squad located behind the next Razorback. The huge shooting output of the Jetbikes proved to be too much for the 5 man unit of Grey Knights, as a storm of 6’s from Steven obliterates them entirely!
Steven looks to use the Linked Fire Stratagem for the first time this battle, spending the one Command Point for it.
The Fire Prisms link their Prismatic Cannons together, their target being Lord Kaldor Draigo himself. The beam charges up, erupting in a loud, piercing sound from the prism chamber, alerting Draigo to their presence once more. Crouching down, he seeks protection behind his Storm Shield, bracing himself tightly with both hands. The shot fires from the Cannon, recoiling slightly from the immense build up of pressure, before releasing and launching itself at Draigo. Despite his best attempts, the high-powered alien technology possessed by the Aeldari proved to be too much, as the shot cleanly pierces the Storm Shield, followed by Draigo. Despite the directness of the shot and the clean exit, it still launches his body back into the nearby building, splattering against it violently. As his body slumps to the ground, the Aeldari release a sigh of relief at the thought of Draigo no longer a presence on the battlefield.
Looking to tie the Razorback up in combat, the Windrider unit charge head on towards it. During the Overwatch, the Twin Assault Cannon manages to shave off one wound from the unit. The combat however, is pretty fruitless, as neither side manage to deal any damage to each other, resulting in a stalemate.
Just as the Aeldari forces manage to compose themselves once more, the Grey Knights retaliate. Giving the new coordinates to their Librarians above, the Grey Knights are immediately granted a brief moment of safe passage onto the battlefield. Within the blink of an eye, white beams of light materialise into the hulking masses of Grey Knights, as the Nemesis Strike Force looks to back up the rest of their Battle Brothers.
The Movement Phase sees the Razorback cleverly falling back out of combat with the Windriders, making them an open target to all on the battlefield. Following that, one of the Strike Squads make their way up towards the Shining Spear unit, looking to remove the Aspect Warriors from the premises.
The Paladin Ancient conjures up the powers from his Psychic mind, casting Purge Soul on the Guided unit of Windriders, managing to deal a total of 3 Mortal Wounds, resulting in the death of 1 Jetbike and the wounding of another. The Terminators then cast Smite, which is done successfully, dealing that final wound to the Windrider. Finally, the Nemesis Grand Master successfully casts Sanctuary on itself, with Steven failing to Deny any of Nick’s attempts at Psychic Powers despite having Runes of the Farseer.
Nick spends 2 Command Points to activate Psychic Onslaught, giving a +1 to the Strength of both the Psycannon and the Gatling Psilencer, as well as modifying their AP by a further -1. Turning his attention to the wounded Windrider unit, the Grand Master expertly pilots the Dreadknight chassis, firing both weapons into the unit, resulting in the entire unit of Windriders being removed from play!
Combined fire from one of the Terminator units, as well as a nearby Strike Squad manage to kill the Rangers that were bunkered on the objective, clearing up yet another on the battlefield for Nick to capture.
On the other side of the encroaching Grey Knights, the newly arrived Terminators, assisted once more by their Strike Squad Brethren take aim at the other unit of Rangers, with the only deviation being that 2 Storm Bolters instead took advantage of being within Rapid Fire range and shot at the nearby Windriders instead. All in all, it proved to be successful for Nick, as he was able to remove Steven’s final Ranger squad, meaning that Steven can no longer capture objectives, as he has no troops available anymore. The two Storm Bolters then also manage to kill one Windrider, as well as wound another.
Some precise shooting from the Grey Knights sees the front lines of the Aeldari forces removed, exposing the Farseer to flanking fire from one of the Razorbacks. A hail of shots are fired at the Farseer, however the quick and nimble pilot is able to evade most of the shots, with only a few clipping the side of their Jetbike, dealing 4 wounds.
Due to the Windriders totally being annihilated by the Grand Master’s shooting, the Terminators are left with no option but to attempt an 11″ charge. With the odds against him, Nick rolls his charge roll, hoping that if he failed, he would simply re-roll it with the Warlord’s First to the Fray Trait. However, he is able to make it on his first attempt. To add insult to injury after, he then also makes the charge with the Grand Master, having both units right up against the Shining Spears.
Following up right after, the Strike Squad flank the Windriders, charging them from behind and locking them up in combat. Nemesis Force Halberds tightly in their hands, they begin to swing at the Windriders with righteous vigour. Unfortunately, some horrible rolling from Nick sees only 2 of the Windriders falling in the combat.
Seeing that the Terminators only managed to kill 2 of the Shining Spear Jetbikes, Steven opts to spend 2 Command Points for Lightning Fast Reflexes. Following right after, Steven spends yet another 2 Command Points to interrupt the Grand Master in combat, striking first. In a retaliatory fashion, they drive their Laser Lances towards the Dreadknight, thrusting repeatedly at it. However, due to needing 6’s to wound, the Aspect Warriors fail to deal any damage. In a return strike, the Grand Master carves through the four remaining Jetbikes, slaying them all in a trivial manner.
Coming to the Morale Phase, Steven rolls for the Windrider unit, getting a 6 which results in the death of 2 more Jetbikes. He decides to spend a Command Point to re-roll the 6, only to get yet another 6! Very unfortunate for him.
The Aeldari quickly get through the Movement Phase, as they close in around the Grand Master. All three Psykers line up, with the Grey Knight Warlord in their sights. Let the Psychic onslaught begin.
Moving into what looks to be a devastating Psychic Phase, Steven begins by casting Doom on the Grand Master. He rolls, but just doesn’t quite make the Warp Charge requirement for the power. The Farseer then attempts to cast Smite on the Grand Master, however Steven’s plans are quickly thwarted, as the Grand Master Denies the power. Looking to get something out of the Psychic Phase, the Warlock then tries to cast Jinx, but is once again Denied by the nearby Terminator unit. Finally, the second Farseer is successful at channeling the power of the Warp, casting both Smite and Executioner, dealing 3 wounds on the Grand Master.
The barrage of Psychic bolts striking the Grand Master knocks him off balance momentarily, allowing the tactical mastermind of the Aeldari force, the Autarch, to sweep alongside the Grand Master, firing his Fusion Gun at the Warlord. The coils heat up tremendously, launching a radiant beam at the giant walker, as it penetrates the armour with no issue. Nick fails the all important 3+ Invulnerable Save, allowing Steven to get a whopping 5 damage through to the Grand Master.
The War Walkers opt to split fire, targeting the Grand Master with their Aeldari Missile Launchers, with their Shuriken Cannons targeting the Sword Strike Squad. The Missiles whistle through the air, before impacting against the Grand Master violently and exploding. The shrapnel tears through the Armour of the Grand Master easily, as well as the Sactified aura surrounding him. Slay the Warlord is picked up by the Aeldari, despite the 3+ Invulnerable Save! The Shuriken Cannons, as well as the Twin Shuriken Catapults from all three of the Psykers then target the Sword Strike Squad, slaying 3 more of the Brethren.
And for a second turn in a row, Steven spends that all important Command Point to use the Linked Fire Stratagem on the Fire Prisms, as they choose the nearest Grey Knight Terminator unit as their target. In an act of vengeance for the fallen Aspect Warriors, the Fire Prisms lay heavy fire down onto the Terminators, concentrated beams of high-powered light tearing through the Terminators in a matter of seconds, as the entire unit is removed from play.
Confident with how his turn has been going thus far after a very impressive Shooting Phase, Steven charges in with both the Singing Spear armed Farseer and the Warlock at the last two remaining Grey Knights. Witchblade and Singing Spear swing in tandem at the Grey Knights, however they retaliate and redirect the oncoming blows expertly, using the momentum of the Jetbikes against them, with the Farseer losing control of the Jetbike momentarily, causing him to veer into the nearby rubble and taking 1 wound, whilst the Grey Knights take no damage.
At the end of the turn, the Grey Knights hold 2 objectives, with the Aeldari holding 0. This, coupled with the Grey Knights removing more units from play than the Xenos puts the score at an even 3-3 after Steven also secures his Slay the Warlord point. A close game thus far!
The rest of this battle report can be seen on the SN Battle Reports
http://snbattlereports.com/2019/01/25/battle-report-craftworlds-vs-grey-knights-2/