Another rematch against this Space Marine opponent. Actually, this is game three. Unfortunately, the details of the second game are lost in the warp, but looking at the Vilniaus 39th rosters it’s clear it was a significant defeat. So this makes it a best of three!
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We played Supply Drop, an interesting mission where two no-mans-land objectives are designated as Alpha and Omega. Alpha objective disappears at the start of Battle Round Four. All other no man’s land objectives disappear at the start of Battle Round Five. And progressively from Battle Round Four, the score for holding primary objectives goes up (as there are fewer objectives on the board). Thankfully, after rolling off, it appeared the right flank objective was Omega, with the middle being Alpha. A slight advantage in my favour.
The mission rule was Raise Banners, offering our battleline units the opportunity to get an extra point by being on an objective at the end of a turn. We both took tactical secondaries. You can check out the score card at the end.
This was a very close game, and it wasn’t clear until right at the very end who would win. It highlighted the importance of playing objectives - every point counts - and again made me realise just how devastating some Space Marine abilities are. Those Land Raider Redeemer massive flamers with the right buffs are no joke, even against tanks!
Anyways, here’s the report…
After Action Report: Engagement with Space Marines
Reported by: Lt. Spade, Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Summary Info
Date of Engagement: [REDACTED]
Location: City Ruins, [REDACTED]
Commanding Officer: Lord Solar
Engaged Enemy: Space Marines
Forces Deployed
Friendly Forces - Combined Regiment:
Lord Solar leading a Cadian Command Squad and a squad of Cadian Shock
Death Korps Marshal leading a 20-man squad of Death Korps of Krieg, accompanied by a Primaris Psyker
Tank Commander with Demolisher Cannon
Rogal Dorn
Leman Russ Battle Tank
Leman Russ Exterminator
Scout Sentinel
Enemy Forces - Firestorm Assault Force:
Unidentified Space Marine leader with Bladeguard, mounted in a Land Raider Redeemer
Infiltrators (proxied by Infernus marines)
Two small Intercessor squads
Gladiator Lancer
Redemptor Dreadnought
Aggressors with flamers
Operational Summary
Deployment
The Vilniaus 39th deployed to support an advance. On the right flank, the bulk of our armour was ready to push on enemy objectives. The left flank saw our remaining tank supported by the Death Korps of Krieg platoon. Lord Solar and his entourage were strategically placed in the central ruins, providing visibility and coverage to effectively order our forces. Our Scout Sentinel deployed boldly in the center.
The enemy deployed in cover, positioning on our right flank and center, clearly apprehensive of our formidable firepower.
Lots more terrain this time made for some interesting parking tetris.
Battle Round One: Seizing the Initiative
The Space Marines seized the initiative, advancing on the left and center. Their Land Raider charged towards our weaker left flank. The Gladiator Lancer moved into some ruins and, upon spotting the Sentinel, obliterated it. They began refusing the right flank, cautious of our armored build-up.
We responded by advancing aggressively on all fronts. The Tank Commander led a charge down the right flank, supported by a Leman Russ Battle Tank. The Tank Commander, spotting the enemy Redemptor Dreadnought moving away, destroyed it with a single shot from the Demolisher Cannon. The Rogal Dorn moved forward to cover the center, joining the Leman Russ Exterminator in destroying the enemy Gladiator Lancer. The Death Korps of Krieg rushed forward, preparing to take the center.
The state of play before the armoured might takes out the Redemptor Dreadnought and Gladiator Lancer in a single salvo of firepower.
Battle Round Two: The Bladeguard's Brutal Advance
The enemy continued their advance.
On the left flank, the enemy Aggressors emerged, threatening our left-most objective. Overwatch fire from the Exterminator caused multiple casualties. The Aggressors' flamers retaliated, detonating the Exterminator.
The Exterminator gets outflanked by the Aggressors.
In the center, their Land Raider moved in, dismounting the enemy leader and a large squad of Bladeguard veterans.
The Death Korps of Krieg prepare to act as a speed bump between the Bladeguard and the Rogal Dorn.
They charged directly into the Death Korps of Krieg platoon, annihilating them to the last man. An enemy squad then managed to consolidate into the Rogal Dorn, reducing it’s ability to shoot back accurately!
A furious melee erupts as they are charged by multiple units.
The Marshal goes down without even striking back…
Recognizing the threat to the center, we focused our forces on the enemy Bladeguard and nearby marines. The Tank Commander and Leman Russ moved back to get eyes on the center, combining their firepower with the Rogal Dorn to eliminate the enemy leader, his Bladeguard, and most marines in the vicinity.
Unfortunately, the firepower was so fearsome we failed to get a picture of the aftermath (a big empty bit in the battlefield).
Battle Round Three: Land Raider Defiance
The enemy Land Raider stormed onto the center of the battlefield, denying us a vital objective and inflicting severe damage on the Tank Commander.
We concentrated all our fire on the Land Raider, inflicting minimal damage. Meanwhile, a reinforcing platoon of Death Korps of Krieg arrived on the right flank, securing Objective Omega.
The combined tank fires do little damage to the Land Raider.
Meanwhile, enemy Aggressors also charged the Dorn! Their powerfists started doing signifciant damage.
Battle Round Four: Final Clash
The Land Raider continued its assault on the Tank Commander, eventually destroying it. The Tank Commander managed a final salvo, nearly obliterating the Land Raider. Enemy Aggressors advanced on the Rogal Dorn, causing light damage. Two Aggressors fell to overwatch fire during their charge, causing moderate damage with their powerfists.
The Land Raider was finally destroyed by combined tank fire from the Rogal Dorn and the remaining Leman Russ.
The surviving tanks about to carry out one last salvo to destroy the enemy Land Raider.
Seeing the battle turn in favor of the Vilniaus 39th, the enemy retreated into the ruins.
Casualties
Complete loss of the Death Korps of Krieg platoon.
Scout Sentinel and Leman Russ Exterminator destroyed.
Tank Commander destroyed.
Recommendations
Enhance anti-armor capabilities in infantry units.
Improve sentinel survivability and reconnaissance tactics.
Develop rapid response strategies for armored reinforcements.
Conclusion
The Vilniaus 39th, through tactical acumen and indomitable spirit, triumphed over the Space Marine incursion. This engagement highlights our regiment's resilience and strategic prowess, solidifying our reputation as the Emperor's steadfast defenders.
Lt. Spade Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
A good and interesting mission, and a good opponent as always - and mostly importantly a competitive and close game. As you can see from the scorecard below, it was neck and neck right up until around the end of Battle Round Four.
Thanks for reading, and catch you on the next post!
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