All my games are fun, but this was funner than most. There was a ton of swing in terms of power throughout the game - getting charged turn one can be scary! Especially when it’s World Eaters.
I learned a lot from this. Have a battle plan. Commit to the plan but be adaptable. Also, board presence is key. As you will see on the scorecard at the end, I lost on points despite tabling the opponent! Objectives matter more than killing the enemy.
Anyways, as usual, here’s the battle as reported by our very own Lt Spade…
After Action Report: Clash for the Supply Drop
Reported by: Lt. Spade, Vilniaus 39th Astra Militarum
Summary Info
Date of Engagement: [REDACTED]
Location: [REDACTED]
Commanding Officer: Lord Solar Leontus
Engaged Enemy: World Eaters
Mission: Supply Drop. Secure supplies while denying them to enemy forces.
Friendly Forces:
Lord Solar Leontus, leading a platoon of Cadian Shock.
Rogal Dorn.
Techpriest Enginseer.
Leman Russ Battle Tank.
Leman Russ Punisher.
A squad of Death Korps of Krieg in a Chimera (Reserves).
Enemy Forces:
Lord Invocatus.
2 small units of Khorne Berserkers.
Eightbound and 2 squads of Exalted Eightbound.
Predator Annihilator.
A mob of Jakhals.
Operational Summary
Prologue to Confrontation: The Strategic Prelude
As dawn broke over the contested zone, the Vilniaus 39th, under the experienced command of Lord Solar Leontus, arrayed themselves in a robust defensive formation.
With the intel suggesting a headlong charge from the fanatical World Eaters, our setup was meticulously designed to leverage the formidable firepower of the Rogal Dorn and our armoured contingents, creating interlocking fields of fire poised to decimate the approaching foe.
The Vilniaus 39th prepares for the World Eaters onslaught.
Battle Round One
Ferocity Unleashed
The World Eaters, embodying the very essence of berserk fury, did not disappoint in their approach. With blood-curdling howls, they surged forward, their eyes set on our lines. The battle commenced with the Rogal Dorn's cannons roaring to life, its targeted volleys cutting down an Eightbound even as it dared to approach our vanguard.
Yet, the chaos hordes pressed on, their rage driving them to engage our Leman Russ tanks in brutal melee, a testament to their reckless disregard for life, resulting in the destruction of our Leman Russ Punisher.
The enemy charges both Leman Russes in turn one! Oh no!
Vilniaus 39th's Valorous Response
Not to be outdone, the Vilniaus 39th showcased the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum. In a display of precise and calculated firepower, our remaining Leman Russ, entrenched within the melee, executed a strategic pivot to unleash a devastating hunter-killer missile, obliterating an Eightbound.
Meanwhile, the disciplined ranks of our Cadian Shock Troopers, standing firm against the tide, managed to fell another of the twisted monstrosities with unerring las fire. The Rogal Dorn, an avatar of the Emperor's wrath, then thundered into action, its armaments laying waste to the enemy, leaving the chaos lord, Lord Invocatus, isolated amidst the carnage.
After a fusilade of tank and infantry fire, the Lord Invocatus stands (rides?) alone.
Battle Round Two
Relentless Onslaught
Unbowed by the losses sustained, Lord Invocatus, the embodiment of chaos fury, advanced with a singular purpose - the annihilation of our forces. His approach was met with a hail of overwatch fire from the Rogal Dorn, yet he pressed on, his charge decimating our infantry platoon and isolating Lord Solar in a dire duel.
The Lord Invocatus charges in, steering right for Lord Solar and his platoon.
In the meantime, the lurking Predator Annihilator sought to exploit our engagement, targeting our beleaguered Leman Russ and aiming its cannons at the Rogal Dorn, only to miss its mark.
Reinforcement and Retaliation
It was at this critical juncture that the Astra Militarum's strategic acumen shone through. The arrival of the Chimera from reserves turned the tide, providing much-needed support on the right flank.
Following up on a round of fire from the Rogal Dorn, the Chimera unleashed fury upon the Predator and the Berserker squads, causing significant damage to the Predator with a hunter killer missile, and wiping out a Berserker squad with its heavy flamers. Not yet finished, it’s driver surged ahead, running down an Eightbount!
The Chimera surges onto the field, simultaneously almost destroying the Predator with a missile, and burning the Berserkers to a crisp with it’s tow heavy flamers.
Lord Solar, embodying the very essence of Astra Militarum leadership, faced Lord Invocatus in a titanic struggle, eventually besting the chaos lord in singular combat, a momentous feat that underscored the tactical prowess and courage of our commanding officer.
“This board ain’t big enough for TWO mounted generals!”
Battle Round Three
World Eaters' Fading Strikes
With their forces dwindling, the World Eaters' attempts to turn the tide grew increasingly desperate. The Berserkers, now seeking to reinforce their positions, moved with haste, only to find their efforts stymied by our relentless defense.
The Predator, its earlier confidence shaken, failed to make a significant impact, its shots deflected by the stoic armor of the Rogal Dorn.
Vilniaus 39th's Unyielding Assault
In a display of unmatched military precision, additional Cadian Shock troops were deployed on the right flank, their weapons systems targeting the crippled Predator Annihilator with lethal efficiency, rendering it a smoldering wreck.
A reinforcing platoon of Cadian Shock finally bring down the Predator Annihilator.
The Rogal Dorn, undeterred by the encroaching Eightbound, unleashed a devastating barrage, obliterating the Jackhals attempting to contest the central supply drop.
Lord Solar, rallying to the defense of the Rogal Dorn, charged into the fray, eliminating the last of the Eightbound and securing our flanks from further assault.
Now the REAL cavalry arrives: Lord Solar comes to the aid of the Rogal Dorn.
Battle Round Four
Last Efforts of the World Eaters
The remnants of the World Eaters, now reduced to a mere handful of Berserkers, sought refuge, attempting to evade the unstoppable onslaught of the Rogal Dorn. Their movements were tactical, yet borne of desperation, a final, futile attempt to survive.
Triumph Amidst Tragedy
The Rogal Dorn, an unyielding force of destruction, charged, its engines roaring as it breached the defenses where the Berserkers had sought solace. With precision and ferocity, it eradicated the last vestiges of the World Eaters' presence on the battlefield, a clear testament to the might of the Astra Militarum
Casualties
The loss of the Leman Russ Punisher and significant infantry casualties among the Cadian Shock troops.
The Chimera and its squad of Death Korps of Krieg suffered under the Eightbound's assault but remained combat-effective.
Recommendations
Enhance vehicle support with additional anti-melee capabilities to counter aggressive enemy charges.
Continue to leverage the strategic deployment of reserves to maintain battlefield superiority.
Improve coordination between armored units and infantry to maximize the effectiveness of our combined arms approach.
Conclusion: Pyrrhic Victory and Strategic Success
While the World Eaters, through sheer force and sacrificial charges, succeeded in securing the supply drop, their victory was short-lived. The Vilniaus 39th, through tactical brilliance and unwavering courage, annihilated the enemy to the last, denying them the fruits of their brief triumph. This battle, though marked by the loss of the supply drop, ultimately showcased the enduring strength and resolve of the Astra Militarum.
The World Eaters, though momentarily successful, were left with nothing but the ashes of their force, a clear indicator of the true victors of this engagement. The Vilniaus 39th, having decimated the enemy in entirety, upheld the honor and supremacy of the Emperor, ensuring that any strategic advantage gained by the World Eaters was utterly negated by their total annihilation.
This engagement, while costly, reinforced the Vilniaus 39th's reputation as a formidable force, capable of turning even the direst of circumstances into a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Astra Militarum.
Lt. Spade
Vilniaus 39th Astra Militarum
Overall a really fun game. After getting charged in the first turn, I genuinely thought I was done for! It just goes to show that with the right sight lines, and some good orders on the tanks, the Astra Militarum can be devastating.
As you can see on the scorecard below, I still lost on points (we mentally played out what I could have done with Primaries and Secondaries, but couldn’t find a path to victory). I also want to highlight that this is a good example of a game where secondaries can make a huge difference - especially the randomness of tactical secondaries - it’s all part of the fun!
About a day after the game, I realised I could have done a Gambit, but that in itself is risky (by design), so who knows.
Essentially, this was a game about board control. Despite obliterating the enemy, I only controlled a small amount of the board until the very end. This has really made me think about how I can increase the mobility and board presence of my force. Kasrkin, for example, can scout move. As can Scout Sentinels. And Catachan Jungle Fighters (in a Chimera!). Lots of options here.
Anyways, as usual, a really fun game against a solid opponent. Very welcome to any feedback, and stay tuned for another battle report soon!
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