This report is a bit late, but better late than never! I fought this on 21st Jan, but alas was waylaid by a multitude of distractions including work, family, and getting ready to move house.
Also, perhaps it got lost in the warp for a while? Who knows.
Below is a report of only my second time against Tau in 10th edition, and a really quite fun one at that! Two shooty armies - though one slightly more manouvreable than the other - meant what as we deployed it quickly became clear - whoever get’s first turn has the advantage. Thank God I got first turn!
As usual, see below for the battle report prepared by our very own Lt Spade…
After Action Report: Skirmish Against the Tau Empire
Reported by: Lt. Spade, Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Summary Info
Date of Engagement: [REDACTED]
Location: Wastelands, [REDACTED]
Commanding Officer: Lord Solar
Engaged Enemy: Tau Empire
Forces Deployed
Friendly Forces:
Lord Solar leading a platoon of Cadian Shock Troops.
A Primaris Psyker leading a second platoon of Cadian Shock Troops.
A Techpriest Enginseer.
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank.
1x Leman Russ Exterminator.
1x Chimera with mounted infantry.
5x Rough Riders.
Rogal Dorn.
Enemy Forces:
Longstrike in a Hammerhead gunship.
Darkstrider.
A Crisis Suit Commander with Crisis Suits.
Multiple Strike Teams / Fire Warriors.
Pathfinders.
Broadside Battlesuits.
A Skyray gunship.
Stealth suits.
Operational Summary
Battle Round 1: The Initial Clash
As the sun rose over the wastelands, the Vilnius 39th took to the field with tactical precision. Lord Solar, embodying the strategic acumen of the Astra Militarum, positioned his forces to secure key objectives. The center was fortified with Cadian Shock Troops, bolstered by the imposing presence of the Rogal Dorn, a symbol of Imperial might.
To the left, the Rough Riders and Scout Sentinels prepared for swift flanking maneuvers, while the right flank saw a formidable assembly of armored might, including the Leman Russ tanks, ready to unleash devastation upon the Tau forces.
The Vilniaus 39th deploys into the field, seeking to directly engage the enemy tanks.
The engagement commenced with the Imperial Guard seizing the initiative, advancing with determined purpose. The right flank's combined firepower, a lethal symphony of tank guns and hunter-killer missiles, targeted the Tau's armoured contingent, resulting in the catastrophic destruction of Longstrike's Hammerhead gunship.
The Leman Russ tanks unleash hell on the enemy armour, as the Chimera lets rip with it’s dual heavy flamers on some hapless stealth suits atop nearby ruins.
The Rogal Dorn spies en enemy Piranha, and almost blows it out of the sky with a single shot!
Meanwhile, the central and left forces engaged stealth suits and Pathfinders, diminishing the enemy's reconnaissance capabilities and inflicting moderate casualties.
“Wedge formation! CHARGE!”
Tau Counter-Attack
In retaliation, the Tau Empire mobilized their units with characteristic agility and technological prowess. The Tau's response was swift and deadly, focusing on exploiting the Imperial Guard's vulnerabilities.
The Piranha, despite suffering significant damage from the Rogal Dorn, managed to retaliate, severely damaging one of our Leman Russ tanks.
The Tau's strategic precision became evident as their remaining Hammerhead and Broadside Battlesuits concentrated fire on our armored units, resulting in the loss of both Leman Russ tanks in a spectacular and devastating fashion.
The left flank witnessed the valor of the Rough Riders being met with overwhelming firepower, as they were eradicated by the Tau's pulse fire.
The enemy point of view, shortly after detonating both Leman Russ tanks in quick succession.
Battle Round 2: Imperial Persistence
Undeterred by the losses, the Vilnius 39th pressed on. The Chimera, utilizing its heavy flamers, purged the ruins of Stealth suits, providing cover for the Death Korps of Krieg to secure the position.
Lord Solar's tactical genius shone through as the Rogal Dorn, with precise and devastating firepower, eliminated the Tau's armored threat on the right flank.
Meanwhile, the central and left flanks saw continued engagement with the enemy's scouts and infantry, further reducing their numbers and securing vital ground.
The Vilniaus 39th continues advancing, despite the loss of two tanks and a squadron of Rough Riders.
Tau Strategic Maneuvering
The Tau, leveraging their superior mobility and firepower, continued to press their advantage. Their fire warriors, taking positions atop ruins, aimed to control the battlefield's sightlines, only to be met with resistance from the Rogal Dorn's overwatch.
Despite the formidable psychic defenses raised by our Primaris Psyker, the Tau's concentrated fire managed to inflict casualties on our Cadian Shock platoon.
The Broadside team, having previously decimated our armored units, now turned their devastating rail guns towards the Rogal Dorn, causing significant damage.
Strike Teams start pouring fire from atop ruins. The Primaris Psykers shield largely holds, however, and few guardsmen fall to pulse fire. The Techpriest Enginseer moves to bless and repair the Rogal Dorn after it’s hit repeatedly by Broadside railguns.
Battle Round 3: The Tide of War
Reinforcements bolstered the Imperial lines as additional Rough Riders made a daring charge against the Tau's Broadside Battlesuits. Despite heavy losses to overwatch fire, their charge exemplified the Astra Militarum's courage and determination.
On the right flank, the Imperial forces, now supported by the Chimera, launched a devastating attack on the Tau fire warriors, significantly diminishing their presence on the battlefield.
Flanking Rough Riders attempt a charge on the right flank. It’s the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ all over again, just 39,000 years later!
Cadian Shock troops move to take the centre, their Chimera staying close to provide supporting fires.
Tau Reinforcements and Countermeasures
The arrival of Tau Crisis Suits marked a pivotal moment in the battle. Deploying from the skies, they unleashed havoc upon Lord Solar's platoon, with the Skyray gunship providing deadly support.
In a heroic melee, Lord Solar faced the enemy commander in a duel, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum by emerging victorious.
Lord Solar rallies the remaining infantry on the left to hold the line, and a violent melee erupts.
Battle Round 4: The Final Push
Despite the ongoing melee and significant enemy fire, the Imperial Guard advanced. The Rogal Dorn, pivoting to face the new threat, decimated the retreating Crisis Suits with overwatch fire, while the Chimera and infantry units focused their efforts on the remaining Tau forces.
The Broadside Battlesuits continued their assault, targeting the Chimera and forcing its occupants to engage in a desperate struggle for survival.
The Rogal Dorn, seen squeeeeezing between some ruins to provide overwatch fire to support Lord Solar’s platoon.
Battle Round 5: Conclusion and Victory
In the final moments of the engagement, the Vilnius 39th's relentless pressure culminated in the elimination of Darkstrider, dealing a critical blow to the Tau command structure.
Lord Solar, amidst the loss of his platoon, exacted revenge upon the enemy fire warriors, securing a hard-fought victory as the Tau forces initiated a strategic retreat, marking the end of this fierce encounter.
As the last of the Guardsman fall, Lord Solar prepares for revenge.
This detailed recount of the battle rounds showcases the ebb and flow of combat, the strategic decisions made by both sides, and the ultimate perseverance of the Vilnius 39th, standing victorious against the technological might of the Tau Empire.
Casualties
Near-total loss of Lord Solar's platoon.
Both Leman Russ tanks destroyed.
Complete annihilation of the Rough Riders. Multiple times!
Significant damage to the Chimera, forcing disembarkation of its occupants.
Sentinel destroyed.
Recommendations
Increase anti-stealth and anti-armour capabilities.
Enhance psychic defences to mitigate warp-related mishaps.
Implement rapid response drills for infantry to better withstand enemy barrages.
Conclusion
The Vilnius 39th, under the stalwart leadership of Lord Solar, demonstrated exceptional bravery and strategic prowess against a formidable Tau adversary. Each soldier, from the valiant Rough Riders to the resilient Cadian Shock Troops, played a crucial role in this hard-fought victory.
This engagement serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum and a reminder of the Emperor's guiding light in the darkest of battles.
Lt. Spade
Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable game, though I do wonder what would have happened if the Tau had gotten the first turn. An alpha trike from the broadsides and hammerheads could well have taken out more of my armour, and left my little to fight back with.
In the enemy though, what won was board control. As you see in the score card, I was simply able to control all the objectives most of the game.
Here’s to the next game! Thanks for reading.
Thanks for reading The Vilniaus 39th - Warhammer 40k Astra Militarum Regiment! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
