After a brief period of R&R (in Vilnius, funnily enough!), the Vilniaus 39th is back. This time, against Codex Tyranids. Here’s the score result:
A great victory for the Vilniaus 39th! Overall an interesting one - while my opponent did a great job on secondaries, I managed to gain a remorseless advance over the game on primaries.
My key takeaways:
Play the objectives. My numerous units, including sentinels and reinforcing infantry, helped me maintain and hold on and context objectives. That’s game-winning.
Don’t ring the bell. After my first round of shooting only killer a few gaunts, I honestly thought this wasn’t going to go my way, however that quickly turned around when luck went the other way.
Spend your units. I decided to charge my infantry instead of holding back and just shooting. This is unusual against Tyranids for sure! Sure the infantry all died, but they served their purpose well. Oh, so fluffy of me!
Here’s the after-action report…
After Action Report
Summary Info:
Unit: Elements of The Vilniaus 39th Lord Solar Leontus
Date/Time of Operation: [Date/time not provided]
Location: [Location not provided]
Reporting Officer: Lt Spade of the Astra Militarum
Objective: Priority Targets
Forces Deployed:
Our Forces:
Lord Solar Leontus leading a platoon of Cadian Shock Troops, with a command squad.
Rogal Dorn heavy tank, "The Leviathan".
Leman Russ Battle Tank, commanded by Sgt Tread.
Scout Sentinel, commanded by Sgt Walker.
Scout Sentinel, commanded by Sgt Chicken.
A squad of the 117th Mordian Iron Guard, led by Sgt Stern, with a Chimera for transport.
Chimera, commanded by Sgt 'Gun' Slinger.
Enemy Forces:
One Neurotyrant.
Two Screamerkillers.
Twenty Hormagaunts.
Twenty Termagaunts.
Six Zoanthropes.
Barbgaunts.
[Other unidentified enemy critters.]
Operational Summary:
With the dawn of battle, our forces adeptly took their positions, ready to strike with unwavering resolve. The calculated deployment was a testament to our preparedness.
The Vilniaus 39th takes a defensive posture amongst the ruins.
The Scout Sentinel on the right, under the brave command of Sgt Chicken, lunged into the fray, setting barbgaunts ablaze and establishing dominance over our right flank.
In the heart of the battlefield, our tanks - the embodiments of the Astra Militarum's might - held their ground. The Rogal Dorn, aptly named "The Leviathan", and the Leman Russ under Sgt Tread, formed an impregnable bulwark. Their combined firepower rained down upon the Xenos, reducing their numbers with every salvo. The sight of gaunts being mowed down, especially with the near-death of an enemy Screamerkiller, was a testament to the precision and might of our armored divisions.
However, war is unpredictable. The enemy, driven by the insidious hivemind, retaliated with a fury we had not anticipated. A monstrous surge of bioplasma emerged from the bowels of one of the Screamerkillers, taking a devastating toll on our infantry. The grim psychic onslaught from the Zoanthropes further intensified the battle, resulting in the tragic downfall of Sgt Walker's Scout Sentinel. The air was thick with tension as the enemy continued their relentless advance.
Sgt Walker takes aim moments before being obliterated by psychic warplances. Also seen: a Chimera about to lose its no-claims insurance on its car insurance.
The enemy, perhaps sensing their impending doom, intensified their onslaught. But our tanks, undeterred, stepped up their game. In a symphony of firepower, they obliterated both enemy Screamerkillers, sending shockwaves through the enemy ranks.
The tanks line up their shows to take out both Screamerkillers in a single round of shooting.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Lord Solar Leontus exemplified leadership. With a battle cry that echoed across the field, he led a charge into the heart of the enemy's Hormagaunt swarm. His heroics, combined with the disciplined fire from our infantry, saw the enemy's numbers dwindle rapidly.
Lord Solar with the rapidly dwindling infantry, moments after the last Hormagaunt was slain.
As the dust of battle began to settle, the silhouette of Lord Solar, indomitable and unyielding, emerged. With unwavering support from our armored divisions, he launched a valiant assault, reclaiming the centre and pushing back the enemy tide.
Lord Solar single-handedly charges the Termagaunt swarm, their skittering brought to halt by his swordmanship and the stampeeding hooves of his mount.
With the final push, and reinforcements from the Cadian Shock, the enemy was forced to retreat. This fierce day of battle was a testament to the Astra Militarum's might and determination, securing a hard-fought victory against the Xenos menace.
A surprise read action from a platoon of Cadian Shock took the enemy off guard, preventing them from holding their home objective.
Casualties:
20% infantry loss due to enemy bioplasma attack.
Loss of one Scout Sentinel, piloted by Sgt Walker.
Chimera destroyed in battle.
Platoon commander lost to plasma pistol malfunction.
Recommendations:
Ensure all plasma weaponry undergoes stringent safety checks before deployment to prevent malfunctions.
Improve psychic defences or deploy units with psychic countermeasures against foes with strong psychic abilities.
Consider deploying additional anti-armor units or specialized infantry for engaging with larger enemy creatures.
Continual training on rapid response and coordination to capitalize on opportunities in the heat of battle.
Conclusion:
The battle against the Xenos horde was fierce, but the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum prevailed. The combined might of our tanks, the bravery of Lord Solar, and the sheer tenacity of our troops resulted in a victory that will be sung of for generations. The Emperor protects!
Lt Spade, Vilniaus 39th, Astra Militarum
Overall a good experience against the newest codex, and it honestly felt like it could have gone either way until about turn 4. Here’s to the next game!
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