A first battle against the Adeptus Custodes… goes south
This time around, I fought against the Adeptus Custodes for the first time. Not only this, but my opponent kindly introduced me to Tabletop Battles, which makes tracking games that much easier.
First, here’s the after-action report…
AFTER ACTION REPORT – OPERATION IMPERIAL GAUNTLET
UNIT: Vilniaus 39th Astra Militarum Regiment
DATE/TIME OF OPERATION: [REDACTED]
LOCATION: No Man's Land, near [REDACTED]
REPORTING OFFICER: Lieutenant Spade
OBJECTIVE: Engage apparent traitor Adeptus Custodes forces to secure strategic objectives in contested territory.
FORCES DEPLOYED:
1. Lord Castellan Ursula Creed leading one infantry platoon.
2. One Chimera-mounted infantry squad.
3. One Leman Russ Punisher.
4. One Leman Russ Battle Tank.
5. One Rogal Dorn.
ENEMY FORCES:
1. Two squads of Custodes Guards with Shield-Captains or leaders.
2. Two squads of Custodes Terminators.
3. One assassin of unknown designation.
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY:
Our deployment saw infantry and Leman Russ Battle Tank positioned centrally, with the remaining armor on the right and mechanized infantry on the left.
The opening engagement saw our right armor advance, with a successful heavy barrage from the Punisher Gatling Cannon and Rogal Dorn. Despite significant damage dealt, the enemy held firm.
The mechanized infantry was forced to reposition, guarding our rear, as the central infantry advanced and subsequently suffered heavy casualties from an enemy squad advancing through the ruins. The Leman Russ Battle Tank provided essential cover.
The mechanised infantry dismounts on the home objective, as the Leman Russ moves up to get line of sight on the enemy.
The infantry, knowing they will likely due for the Emperor, bravely advance one more time to throw a grenade!
An isolated enemy combatant, resilient to point-blank fire, managed to pierce the Leman Russ Punisher with a spear, causing significant damage but not crippling the tank.
‘Drive me closer! I want to hit them with my sword!’
We lost contact with central infantry after an enemy charge, followed by the sudden appearance of golden Terminators behind our lines. The Rogal Dorn was quickly disabled, and the Chimera, after eliminating an assassin, was destroyed by a Terminator after running over another.
‘Driver! Engage reverse gear! FULL SPEED!’
Facing enemy domination, we initiated a tactical withdrawal to regroup and reassess.
CASUALTIES:
Heavy losses, including significant infantry casualties and the destruction of Rogal Dorn and Chimera. Exact figures pending final medicae reports.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Enhance anti-Terminator tactics, given the shocking resilience and strategic appearance demonstrated by enemy forces.
2. Assess security protocols for rear guard. The unexpected appearance of enemy forces within our ranks must be analyzed and mitigated.
3. Increase coordination between armored and mechanized units for fluid tactical responses.
4. Strengthen intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities to prevent loss of contact with key units during engagement.
CONCLUSION:
This operation served as a grim reminder of the cunning and resilience of the Adeptus Custodes. Though the Vilniaus 39th Astra Militarum Regiment fought valiantly, the unforeseen strategic maneuvering of the enemy called for a reevaluation of our tactics and readiness.
Our duty is clear: we must regroup, learn, and prepare the next wave for the Emperor!
Lieutenant Spade,
Vilniaus 39th Astra Militarum Regiment
Here was the result:
It honestly was quite a close game for much of it, but Custodes are definitely a faction where they might get behind in the beginning…but once they get close and into combat/melee then all hell breaks loose. I learned that lesson the hard way!
So my key takeaways:
Stay away from Custodes. I should learn by now there’s no benefit charging…it is fun though. For the Emperor!!
Screen for deepstriking enemies. I should have used my infantry to prevent them getting to my heavy-hitters like the Rogal Down.
Focus on (secondary) objectives as they win the game. I didn’t manage to get Engage On All Fronts as I didn’t plan enough for it and got distracted - that’s valuable VP down the drain. As you can see, my opponent only beat me on Primaries by 5 points.
A new Primaris Psyker joins the Vilniaus 39th
Also, a new character! I’ve never had or used a psyker before, and their ability to both do force lighting witchfire along with granting a potential 4+ invulnerable save to attached units.
A single coat of Frostheart contrast - it does feel like cheating sometimes.
And that’s it from me this time. Stay tuned for more hobby updates soon!
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