A bit delayed getting this out, as the battle was in October, but here’s my first battle against Chaos Knights! Also, another first, my first ever 1500 pt battle.
A couple of key takeaways from this engagement:
Reserves. It was my first time really using a significant amount of these, including using Lord Solars ability to put more into Strategic Reserves. This helped keep some of my units out of his line of fire, and adapt regarding which of his knights advanced.
Knights weakenss with objectives. I knew that Knights wouldn’t field many models, but 3 models at 1500 points (probably not a competitive list by any means), meant I had a huge advantage with taking more than 3 objectives, and doing secondaries.
In the end, it was another great victory for the Vilnius 39th, though it certainly felt a tad one-sided I must admit with this particular matchup, combined with the mission and objectives…
Anyway, here’s the usual report from Lt Spade…
After Action Report: Engagement with Chaos Knights
Reported by: Lt. Spade, Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Summary Info
Date of Engagement: [REDACTED]
Location: City Ruins, [REDACTED]
Commanding Officer: Lord Solar
Engaged Enemy: Chaos Knights
Forces Deployed
Friendly Forces:
Lord Solar leading two mixed platoons of Cadian Shock Troops and Mordian Iron Guard, including Command Squads.
A squad of Death Korps of Krieg in a Chimera.
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank.
1x Leman Russ Exterminator.
1x Rogal Dorn.
A Techpriest Enginseer.
5x Rough Riders.
2x sentinels (in separate squadrons).
Enemy Forces:
Knight Abominant.
Knight Despoiler with Warpstrike Claw and Despoiler Battle Cannon.
Knight Tyrant with Darkflame Cannon and Warpstrike Harpoon.
Operational Summary
Dawn of Battle and Strategic Manoeuvres
As dawn broke, the Vilnius 39th, emboldened by the presence of Lord Solar, deployed in a meticulously planned formation. Forward units, including a Leman Russ and Scout Sentinels, took strategic positions. Reserve forces, bolstered by the legendary Rogal Dorn and a Techpriest Enginseer, prepared to deliver the Emperor's justice.
The Vilnius 39th arrays for battle, with three monstrous Chaos machines towering over the city ruins.
First Clash and Tactical Bravado
The first echoes of war thundered as our Leman Russ unleashed a barrage, its shells tearing into a Chaos Knight, heralding our resolve. Sentinels prowled the flanks, their scanners piercing the fog of war, relaying critical enemy movements.
The Leman Russ Battle Tank spies a target, taking 10 wounds off the Knight with it’s battle cannon!
The rest of the forces advance. The sentinel stalks into some ruins, and the central platoon moves to claim an objective.
Chaos Unleashed and Heroic Counter
The enemy, monstrous in their blasphemous might, advanced. A sentinel fell in a fiery demise, a victim to the unholy firepower of the Chaos Knights. Yet, amidst this carnage, the Rough Riders, embodying the spirit of ancient Terran cavalry, charged. Their lances, tipped with the Emperor's fury, brought low a wounded Chaos Knight, a beacon of hope amidst despair.
A brave flanking manoeuvre by the shamelessly unpainted Rough Riders takes the final wound off a Knight.
The Tide Turns with Iron and Fire
As the battle raged, the central platoon, stoic in the face of terror, engaged the Knight Despoiler. Lasgun volleys and grenades peppered the behemoth, a defiant gesture against the dark tide. The Knight barrelled into the platoon, leaving just a single meltagunner standing.
The last survivor of the platoon. The Knight killed 7 alone using Tank Shock when it charged! They certainly are quite scary against Guardsmen in close combat…
Then, in a moment of strategic genius, Lord Solar unleashed our reserves. The Rogal Dorn, a name synonymous with unbreakable resolve, alongside the Leman Russ Exterminator, entered the fray. Their combined firepower, a symphony of destruction, obliterated the central Chaos Knight.
Surprise! Nobody suspects the Spanish Inquisition a surprise reserve tank platoon.
Final Stand and Glorious Victory
The battlefield, now a testament to sacrifice and valor, set the stage for the final act. The Knight Tyrant, a horror of metal and warpfire, turned its wrath upon our remaining forces. But the Vilnius 39th, unbowed and unbroken, answered with a fury of their own.
In an act of unparalleled heroism, the Leman Russ Commander, seizing the moment, charged the colossus. The impact, a collision of mortal courage against infernal might, marked the end of the Chaos Knight.
‘DRIVE ME CLOSER! I want to hit them with my sword.’ The Leman Russ which fired the first shot strikes the final killing blow.
Casualties
Near-total loss of the central platoon, their sacrifice forever etched in our memories.
The Rough Riders, valiant to the last, completely annihilated.
Sentinel and Leman Russ Exterminator heavily damaged, but their spirits unbroken.
Recommendations
Enhance infantry support with additional anti-armor weaponry.
Improve sentinel reconnaissance and survivability tactics.
Develop rapid deployment techniques for swift and effective reserve engagement.
Conclusion
The Vilnius 39th, through sheer tenacity and strategic mastery, triumphed over a formidable Chaos Knight force. Every soldier, from the heroic Rough Riders to the steadfast infantry, contributed to a saga of undying valor. This victory serves not only as a testament to our strength and determination but also as a beacon of the Emperor's light, shining ever bright in the darkness.
Lt. Spade
Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Overall a fun game all-round, and a nice opportunity to do some proper strategising with Reserves, along with using Tactical Objectives again.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what my Death Korps of Krieg squad did during the game, they arrived from reserves purely to get some secondary objectives and chilled the rest of the game…
Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts.
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