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1st Auric Battalion vs. Lady D in "Portals of Love/Hate" (1500pts, 5/23/12)

Started by BigToof, May 24, 2012, 01:39:29 AM

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BigToof

Hi All,
Indeed, it's a new rep!
This one was a fun game that I had gotten in vs. the all-too-familiar horror that is the remarkable Lady D'ysperax.
However, the list was certainly... different.  And it was a real slugfest of a match, much I suppose, as all Lady D reps tend to be.
I've altered my list (for those that can remember it), taking out the Techpriest and adding in Sentinels and an Astropath.  I mean, why not, really?
How did I fare?
Read on!

Best,
-BT

P.S.  As always, compliments and critiques are greatly appreciated!


1st Auric Battalion 1500pts: 106 Infantry, 1 Vehicle, 2 Walkers; 13-17 KPs
Commander Vasily Romanov w/ Master of Ordinance
Lord Commissar Katarina Vaskov w/Camo Cloak
Baron von Oberheim and Stormtroopers (Stormtroopersx5 w/Meltagunsx2)
The Mordheim Cuckoos (Psykersx8 w/Overseer Madame Rage)
Charlotte Martel and Stormtroopers (Stormtroopersx5 w/Meltagunsx2)
Alpha Company
-Lt. Temperance Windsor-Smith w/Flamersx4, Bolt Pistol
-Infantry Platoon w/PW Sgt, Commissar Reginald Sterling w/PW, Lascannon
-Infantry Platoon w/PW Sgt, Lascannon
-Infantry Platoon w/PW Sgt, Lascannon
-Infantry Platoon w/PW Sgt, Commissar Tabitha Wellington w/PW, Meltagun
-Infantry Platoon w/PW Sgt, Meltagun
-Heavy Weapons Squad w/Lascannons
Abhuman Penal Legion w/Sgt. Bremen
The Steel-Beast Killers (Rough Ridersx7 w/MB Sgt. Lady Saigo)
Scout Sentinel w/Autocannon, Searchlight
Scout Sentinel w/Autocannon, Searchlight
Deathstrike Missile (!)


The Wicked Talon's WWP of Doom List 1500pts: 47 Infantry, 2 MCs; 12 KPs
Lady D'ysperax (Archon w/Huskblade, SF, ST, CD, WWP)
Haemonculus w/WWP
Grotesquesx6 w/Liquifier Gun, Aberrant w/Scissorhand
Truebornx3 w/Blastersx3
Truebornx3 w/Blastersx3
Warriorsx5 w/Blaster
Warriorsx5 w/Blaster
Wracksx3
Hellionsx10 w/Helliarch Kay'oss, Stunclaw
Scourgesx5 w/Heatlancesx2
Scourgesx5 w/Heatlancesx2
Talos w/TL-Heatlance
Talos w/TL-Heatlance

-----------------------------------------------------

Commander Vasily Romanov put his head down on his makeshift desk.  Again.  It had been a rough bunch of weeks.

Despite their holopics of the events, clearly showing a mass of deadly, unknown Xenos, the lunar PDF regiment and their planetary governor refused to budge.

Vasily had tried pulling at the "heartstrings" of the officials, but with little results.  He still couldn't even arrange for a meeting with the Governor, and the large number of orbiting mines prevented the Mechinicus vessel they were riding on from attempting a forced landing.  The new Stormtrooper, Charlotte Martel, had told him that the "Caretaker" was always busy and that it would take months for them to make headway.

Although, Vasily had to admit, saying things like "Xenos that look just like skeletons and disappear after you shoot them into thin air!" wasn't the best way to prove one's sanity.  Luckily, Sergeant Bremen had proved to be rather persuasive to some of the local Penal Squadrons, who had volunteered to act as their guides and auxiliary forces.

Vasily still hadn't gotten used to the strange Mutants, who came in all shapes and variety, and were all overly-placating to the point that Vasily had decided to try and put some changes into motion.  He talked about it with his Second-In-Command, Lieutenant Temperance Windsor-Smith, a Praetorian by words and action who was somewhat better than he was with dealing with such matters.  He hoped anyway.  Tems wasn't known for her amazing social skills, but the Mutants wouldn't even talk to him, throwing themselves on the ground like a grenade rolled into their foxhole.

Vasily sighed to himself.  Hopefully things wouldn't get much worse.
------------------------------------------------------

Sergeant Bremen surveyed his fellows, watching for signs of inattention as they ate evening meal.  All of the Penal Squad were eating as proper, using their hands to consume the festering meat and dank water.  Their existence was a punishment from the Emperor for previous sins.  In order to cleanse themselves and elevate their status to one day reach the table of the Great Throne, a Mutant's life must be regimented, harsh, and stoic. 

Yes, he thought to himself, this is the proper way, the way that things should be.  The Pure Ones from Beyond had come as a test of his prowess.  He only hoped that he would be up to whatever tasks would be put before him and...

"Oh, Sergeant Bremen!"

Bremen looked up to see the face of Lieutenant Windsor-Smith.  He immediately dropped to his knees, burying his head in the muck.  He cursed himself for his foolishness.  How had he not heard her approach?  To look upon the visage of a pure one without approval was a sin of the fourth order!  Reparations would be harsh indeed and...

Bremen paused in mid-thought as he felt soft hands on his arm, and the shock of the sensation caused him to jump to his feet.

Some of the mud flew through the air and landed with more than a fair amount of velocity on the Lieutenant's uniform.

Bremen felt the colour drain from his face, and he heard gasps from his fellows.

Clumsiness, despoiling a pure one, disrespecting an officer.  Death.  Certainly only death would be...

"Cor, you lot make a bit of a mess!"

Bremen nodded, closing his eyes and dropping his head down.  It would make the killshot easier.  Best to wait for it and try again in the next life.  Foolish.  So foolish and...

Something dank and wet slapped against his chest hard enough to push him back.  He waited for the pain, but felt... nothing.  Glancing down, he saw a chunk of mud stuck to his chest.  Looking up in confusion, he saw the Lieutenant wiping her hands and giggling.

"Gotcha back, I did!  Now we're even!"

Bremen tried to make words, but his mind failed to process what was going on.  Surely it was some kind of test or...

"Come on!  I've got something you have to see."  The smaller Praetorian dragged Bremen with surprising strength over to the side of the austere shed that Bremen had erected for the Penal Squad.  The Praetorian reached into a small bag that Bremen didn't notice before and pulled out... a bar of some kind. 

It was silvery in colour, and she handed it to Bremen.  Still not really sure what to do, he took the object, which was light, and examined it on both sides.  It was strange.  Then again, the entire process was sort of...

He looked up when he heard a crunching sound and saw the Lieutenant eating something that was inside the metal.

Temperance raised an eyebrow.

"What?  Don't like the pink ones?"

Bremen whipped his eyes back down to the bar and felt his hands grow numb.  It was food.  Holy sustenance of the Pure Ones.  He... he couldn't...

Before his brain could catch up to the events, Temperance whipped off the wrapped and shoved it into his mouth.  Bremen felt his mind almost explode with the tastes.  So many... many tastes...  Tears welled up unbidden and he brushed them to the side, still shocked and silent.

Temperance Windsor-Smith frowned a bit, looking at her own bar.  It was the best ones she could find.  Even mocked up a bit with flavour-cores, the ration bars lacked a lot of everything.  It looked like the big guy was taking it harsh too.  It was going to be a hard sell making an impression on the locals...

--------------------------------------------

Not too far away, a purplish portal opened, depositing five hooded figures.

One of them scowled, taking readings with a glowing device.

"My Lady," it hissed, "We have arrived unseen.  Are you certain this dismal place is the one you seek?"

Lady D'ysperax of the Wicked Talon let go a mirthful chuckle.

"Oh yes, yes, I can feel him.  He's here.  Oh, poppet, Mummy is here to make things better.  Just you wait and see..."
--------------------------------------------

Pre-Game Thoughts: Huh, Foot DE?  No vehicles?  Ok, this is going to be different.  Luckily, I have walkers now, so plenty of things to tie up any lonely charges, and as long as I'm able to keep them away, the WWP shouldn't be that much of an issue.  Lady D is of course scary, but there's a lot of quite frankly poor choices in that list.  I've got the numbers and the guns to take them apart.  Just have to hope that the mission works itself out.

----------------------------------------------

Mission: Seize Ground (4 objectives) (Huh...)
Setup: Dawn of War (Oh yes!  Grots, you stay all the way off board now!)

IG win first turn (alright!  Easy as pie this one!)

-----------------------------------------------

More to Come!
BigToof Points:

Cammerz: 8
Waaaghpower: 1
The Man They Call Jayne: 3
Mabbz: 6
Archon Sharrek: 3

crisis_vyper

Huh, another Dark Footdar list. Been seeing these lists cropping up more and more and with the Grotesque as the delivery system to boot.

Naser Al-Istikhara Cyrus

I used to use the grotesques as the delivery system till i found a regular who used an executioner. Poor poor grotesques, RIP.

:P
Quote from: Narric on August 15, 2011, 12:09:07 AM
You make it sound like it could be wearing a top-hat and monocle, but for the sole reason it'd have been painted by Gareth that it would still look terrifying........I have to say I agree. XD
Quote from: Greg Mun

crisis_vyper

Quote from: Lord Zambia on May 25, 2012, 08:36:38 AM
I used to use the grotesques as the delivery system till i found a regular who used an executioner. Poor poor grotesques, RIP.

:P

Heh, I wanted to try a Dark Footdar list too, but so far I am more interested in acquiring other nonsense and painting them during the summer mainly that of getting 2 more venoms and 2 more razorwings to complete the current armada of vehicles. From there on out I think I will go on the infantry nonsense. :P

BigToof

Quote from: crisis_vyper on May 25, 2012, 08:35:03 AM
Huh, another Dark Footdar list. Been seeing these lists cropping up more and more and with the Grotesque as the delivery system to boot.
Quote from: crisis_vyper on May 25, 2012, 08:51:26 AM
Quote from: Lord Zambia on May 25, 2012, 08:36:38 AM
I used to use the grotesques as the delivery system till i found a regular who used an executioner. Poor poor grotesques, RIP.

:P

Heh, I wanted to try a Dark Footdar list too, but so far I am more interested in acquiring other nonsense and painting them during the summer mainly that of getting 2 more venoms and 2 more razorwings to complete the current armada of vehicles. From there on out I think I will go on the infantry nonsense. :P

Hi Crisis,
Great to see you!
As for the list I was playing against, I suppose it's my fault really.  I brought in a Lady Malys deathstar list that sort of started wrecking face.  I then asked my mate to try it but he didn't like as much, so he made changes.  Which lead to this abomination here.  It's fairly nasty, even though I didn't think so at the time...

Quote from: Lord Zambia on May 25, 2012, 08:36:38 AM
I used to use the grotesques as the delivery system till i found a regular who used an executioner. Poor poor grotesques, RIP.

:P

Hi Lord Zambia,
A LR Executioner would definitely give me fits.  If he's your primary opponent, then definitely your "local meta" would phase out the Grots.
As for me, I haven't seen so many Russes around.  I think it's gone more to Hydras and Chimeras although I do see LRBT from time to time...

Best,
-BT
BigToof Points:

Cammerz: 8
Waaaghpower: 1
The Man They Call Jayne: 3
Mabbz: 6
Archon Sharrek: 3

Cammerz

Well the fluff, as always, is amazing. I can never fault you on that, especially when Vasily and Lady D are involved.

As for the lists, hopefully you'll obliterate the slow-moving DE in a hail of lasfire, but something tells me that the Lady will have other plans which involve methodically dismembering all of your Guardsmen.

Rej

I like the fleshing out of Bremen, he seems cute. Looking forward to this.
Phew...

BigToof

Quote from: Cammerz on May 27, 2012, 09:29:54 AM
Well the fluff, as always, is amazing. I can never fault you on that, especially when Vasily and Lady D are involved.

As for the lists, hopefully you'll obliterate the slow-moving DE in a hail of lasfire, but something tells me that the Lady will have other plans which involve methodically dismembering all of your Guardsmen.

Hi Cammerz!
Thanks for the reply.  I'm glad Vasily and Lady D haven't gotten stale yet :)  I still like writing them, and yes, uh...  The Lady has sneaky plans.  I... almost see what's coming.  Kind of.

Quote from: Rej on May 27, 2012, 11:26:03 AM
I like the fleshing out of Bremen, he seems cute. Looking forward to this.

Hi Rej!
Glad you like Bremen.  He's sort of growing on me too.  Let me know if you like how this one goes as well!

------------------------------------------------------------------

And now... More rep!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

More to Come!

Setup: Setup was fairly complicated, with three decent sized ruins in three of the board corners with a few smaller scattered ruins.  The BIG thing that was different were two large hill-mountains near the center that was going to definitely cause some LoS issues. 
Though not entirely large enough to block say... a Land Raider, the Grotesques were plenty small enough to hide behind them.

Balls.

So, we place the objectives, and I try to make them towards one piece of ruins, but they end up all hog-wild in the center of the board.  This is going to be an ugly match, I feel.

The DE end up with the roll to go first, think about it for a moment, and then... passes it to IG?

I'm a bit astounded, but let it go.

I place Vasily in the right corner as far, far far away from anything (I hope).  I put Reg's big 30 man Lascannon block in front of him, hoping for some shots.

I then put Tems in the far corner.  I consider leaving her there alone, but then decide to put in Tabby and her 20 man stabby-Melta squad, if only that I don't like all those scourges flying about (have to have an escort for young ladies, nowadays!).

I declared the Deathstrike, Katya and the Psykers rolling in, everything else in reserve, with Bremen and the Sentinels outflnking (ha-ha on that!).

As for the DE?  They put out three Wracks and the Haemonculus behind the hill.  Scourges Deep-striking.  So are the Hellions (!)  Everything else in standard reserves. 

.

..

...

Balls.  Out.

And they are clearly bigger than mine.  Oh, and he rolls a 6 for Combat Drugs.  Pain Token.  Joy.


Picture Caption: Well, it's only FOUR guys.  I can deal with four guys.

------------------------------------------

Turn 1: IG
------------------------------------------
Vasily scanned around in the darkness.  Bremen had said something about strangers near the Xenos cave, and the last thing Vasily really wanted was another encounter with those skeleton things.  Still, Tems had made a good point that they didn't seem like the Xenos, as they had fled the moment that Bremen had seen them.

Which either meant that they were in small enough forces that they didn't want a fight (hopefully), or it meant that they were smart and this was a trap.

Vasily swallowed.  He was really hoping it was the former.  He had tried to get the Mutants to comb the area, but they were insistant that Vasily accompany them.  He had no idea why, but Tems, with her Praetorian pout, and Katya, with her always-present-Bolt Pistol, had convinced him that it would be a good idea to go.

He shook his head.  He never asked to be a hero.  Why did he keep getting cast in the role of one?
-------------------------------------------

So... realizing that I had just given up positional advantage rather badly and am in the danger of being flanked up the wazoo, I move Tems and Tabby as fast as possible from the left.  Which is to say, they began their long hike.

Meanwhile, I had moved in the DSM to the left corner, and had Katya and the Cuckoos fill in the space in front of Vasily.  We then all peered out, realized that we can't see even a cantankerous scar of the Wracks, and fire the Master of Ordinance in their general direction.  I think I hit the table next door...


Picture Caption: Redeploy!  Redeploy!


Turn 1: DE
---------------------------------------
Count Tha'kaar frowned, looking down at the Webway Portal device in his hand.  Lady D'ysperax had paid a sizable sum to the Coven of Eternal Suffering for his presence on the battlefield.  He had hoped that he would be able to see more of it, but his role in the affair was clear.  Tha'kaar checked the status of his next clone body before rolling the portal device in front of him.  The portal hummed to life, and Tha'kaar waited. 

The end was sure to be swift.
--------------------------------------
DE roll up forwards with the Haemonculus on the hill-mountain.  Portal deployed.  Woop!


Picture Caption: Portal deployed... urk.


Turn 2: IG
------------------------------------
Sergeant Bremen peered down at the silvery wrapper that he had fashioned onto his honour-tags.  The Pure Ones had deemed him worthy of their glory, he would not fail them. 
Glancing down at the strange figures, he wondered if they were mutants like himself.  They had strange limbs, with scars that seemed familiar.  Perhaps indeed that...

Suddenly, there was a flare of purple light and a large glowing dome of energy appeared.

Bremen covered his eyes from the glare.

Commander Romanov's voice broke in from the comm bead.
"Throne above!  That's a Webway Portal!  We need to shut it down!  Anyone?  Anyone?  Get over there, shut it down!"

Bremen nodded, practicing his chant of rage.  The blood of the foul ones will flow for the Emperor and their bodies will be his meat-gift to the Pure Ones.  This he swore.
-------------------------------------

So...  yeah, I'm in trouble.

I roll for reserves, and get... far too much.

I glance down at the Astropath.  Yeah, that wasn't a great idea all the time 'Toof.
I get Bremen and BOTH Sentinels in on the right side.  Which should be AMPLE to deal with the Wracks and Haemonculus.
I also get the Baron who deep strikes safely in the back.
Tems and Tabby get moved up.

Shooting is... kind of sad.  The Lascannons hit the Haemonculus square in the face.
I pop the Cuckoos and their put out their bad mojo, making the Wracks flee.
The Sentinels try and do some damage, but fail.  Fail badly.

So it's up the Penal Squad.  I roll for their ability, and they get PSYCHOPATHS.
That's... pretty awesome actually.

They fleet in, and catch the fleeing Wracks, who fail to rally.  They even get a decent consolidation and now I'm blocking part of the portal.  Hoo-rah.


Picture Caption: Huh, that was easy.  Wait... That's usually a BAD sign.

Turn 2: DE
----------------------------------
Vasily frowned and repeated what Bremen just said through the comms.
"They're not normal?"

Bremen's voice came back,
"No, Great One.  They are... strange.  Masked, with jagged weapons.  Four arms.  Many scars.  I am not sure, but one was... laughing when we cut it down.  We have tried Frag grenades, but they are not having an effect on the light.  We beg for advice and..."

Suddenly, a high-pitched laugh filled the battlefield and Vasily felt his legs almost give out.

"Oh, oh, oh.  Advice?  Really, now little one, you shouldn't give out lines like that.  You never know who will answer."

There was a shimmer from the portal and the eerily majestic form of Lady D'ysperax emerged from the portal, flanked by a sextet of enormous fleshy monstrosities.

"Do you like them poppet?  I made them up especially for you.  I'm going to enjoy..."

"Stop!"

Lady D'ysperax sighed, turning back to look at Bremen and his squad, who were eyeing her warily.  She shook her head slightly.

"Oh, poppet, your standards are getting lax.  You do need my help.  It'll be just a moment."

The Archon of the Wicked Talon drew out her Huskblade with a casual twist of her wrist, admiring the plumes of smoke it made in the air, sucking in moisture and giving out an eerie trail of death.  Looking over the rag-tag group of figures in front of her, she spotted the leader and threw him a wink.  Lady D'ysperax smirked in satisfaction as the man did not flush, but instead raised his hands up into the air.

"Blood and Flesh!  For the Emperor!"

The others roared and charged forwards in a mindless fury.

Ah, the Lady thought, bouncing from toe to toe.  This might be exciting after all...
-----------------------------------

The DE roll for reserves and get the Hellions (gah!), one pack of scourges, both Talosi, a Warrior squad and... Lady D's deathstar.
The Hellions zoom over to Reg's soon to be much smaller blob, and the Scourges fly out to give the Baron trouble.  The Talosi pop out, one from the portal, one from the back to eye the Sentinels.

Shooting is thankfully not too bad, as the Talosi fail horribly and the Sentinels get away scot-free!
The Hellions rip in and down half a dozen or so of the blob with their gliders' guns.
And the Scourges down only a few Stormtroopers as I make hella-good saves.

Then... the assault!
The bright part of the turn is the Baron actually coming out on TOP of the Scourges, winning by one!  The Scourges run away.
Kay'oss Hellions again do an amazing number of wounds, about TWO DOZEN if I remember correctly, and I end up popping Reg so I can pray to shoot at them next turn.  The Hellions DO consolidate into cover (bah!).
And I have some hopes when Bremen's squad get their counter attack off and only lose three to Lady D...
Then the Grots hit and wipe the squad twice over.  (OUCH).
They pick up their third pain token and are now FEARLESS (DOUBLE OUCH).



Picture Caption: That... really sucked.  Wow.  Ok, this is Standard Operating Procedure.  We took it on the chin.  Now we give it back.  It'll be fine.  Right?  Right?

To be continued!
BigToof Points:

Cammerz: 8
Waaaghpower: 1
The Man They Call Jayne: 3
Mabbz: 6
Archon Sharrek: 3

El ShasOcho

I predict a magic death strike missile to the lady D deathstar unit. Now wouldn't that be amusing?

Looking...well I wouldn't say good as you are getting a bit roughed up, although the report is solid. Still, you always seem to find a way to pull it off.

Quote from: Lee Lee Declis on August 06, 2010, 03:14:38 AM
Although, it must be said, one should always have a Fantasy in

Cammerz

Looking good BT, I'll reserve full judgement for when its finished but for now I'll just say,

Damn, that Lady is good. For some reason I think she only does so well because she is Lady D in your fluff, maybe if the next report against DE had a different archon then it would pale in comparison (not that we want you to find out because she's such a great character).

Grumpy Kwi

I can't really decipher some of the units on the map but it really isn't looking good for the DE.  The Talos (both of them) failing to do anything and all the other close combats resolved early was bad planning - luckily for you your opponent doesn't know how to multi-charge and stay in combat into for another round.

If that was by design (feeding him bait units so he would be un-engaged for your shooting phase) then that was beautifully orchestrated by you, classic IG strategy there!

So just soak, mop up and rinse and Vasily will be able to return to the tent in time for corn flakes!
Now that Nostradamus is dead there is a good chance he will not be writing the DE codex again.

BigToof

Thank you all for the great replies!

Quote from: Brother Perturabo on May 31, 2012, 11:06:35 AM
I predict a magic death strike missile to the lady D deathstar unit. Now wouldn't that be amusing?

Looking...well I wouldn't say good as you are getting a bit roughed up, although the report is solid. Still, you always seem to find a way to pull it off.

I guess I do find a way, don't I?  Well, this one was rough, definitely, and the Deathstrike DID come in handy.  Let me know if you approve of it's final use :)

Quote from: Cammerz on May 31, 2012, 11:35:16 AM
Looking good BT, I'll reserve full judgement for when its finished but for now I'll just say,

Damn, that Lady is good. For some reason I think she only does so well because she is Lady D in your fluff, maybe if the next report against DE had a different archon then it would pale in comparison (not that we want you to find out because she's such a great character).

Hi Cammerz!
Lady D is oh, so worringly awesome.  I love writing her, but she is so mind-numblingly horrible to play against.  I'm not a great player, but the other DE player who uses her is just... scary sometimes.  But I suppose they are good games, as I do face unusual lists and well... I learn exactly how fragile my little guys are, time and time again...

Quote from: Grumpy Kwi on May 31, 2012, 03:49:01 PM
I can't really decipher some of the units on the map but it really isn't looking good for the DE.  The Talos (both of them) failing to do anything and all the other close combats resolved early was bad planning - luckily for you your opponent doesn't know how to multi-charge and stay in combat into for another round.

If that was by design (feeding him bait units so he would be un-engaged for your shooting phase) then that was beautifully orchestrated by you, classic IG strategy there!

So just soak, mop up and rinse and Vasily will be able to return to the tent in time for corn flakes!

Hi Grumpy Kwi,
It was... uh... unintentional.  I had forgotten that I had taken off the Power Weapons from Reg's squad and was actually hoping to do damage.  Then I saw the 20+ wounds and decided, no, no I wasn't having any of that and tipped my king (err... Commissar).  The one nice thing about IG is that you can just drop your Commissar pretty much whenever you want to, and the squad will break on it's own.  Very nice that.  I guess he could have spread out more to limit attacks, but the Hellions were just TOO killy for the own good.  They should tone it down and be the "poor choice" that everyone makes them out to be :)

And here's the rest of the rep!
C&C greatly appreciated!
-----------------------------------------

Turn 3: IG
---------------------------------
Vasily tried to stifle his fear-induced whimper as he watched the auspex.  The Dark Eldar Archon had barely even slowed going through Bremen's squad.  And worse still, more were coming this way!  He bit his lip as the flying, cackling creatures slammed into the huge squad ahead of him, throwing men around like dolls.  She was supposed to be dead!  This wasn't supposed to happen!

What should they do?  What COULD they do?  It was insanity, just pure...

"Commander?"

Vasily looked over at the Guardsman stuffed to the gills with targeting equipment.  The Techpriests had retired back to their vessel, and once again, he was stuck with thankfully-normal ordinance masters.  He just wished he could remember their names.

"Uh, yes...  Mister... Conner?"

"Simmons, sir."

"Ah, right, yes.  What can I do for you?  We're sort of in the middle of..."

"I've gotten it down to fifty meters, sir."

The man beamed in a way that Vasily was pretty sure meant whatever he said was important.

"Uh... that's... great...  What do you have down to fifty meters?"

"Deviation, sir.  From the ship's guns.  Took a while to get them that accurate, but..."

Vasily paused for a moment, as he noticed that the sounds of fighting were getting much softer.

He looked over and saw more of the Xenos, flying on their strange metal boards, looking around for more things to kill.  The remains of Commissar Sterling's squad lay in shambles at their feet.  Luckily most of them seemed to be only maimed.

Vasily swallowed.  They were close, so very close, and it would be moments before they were on him.

He took a moment to glance over at Katya, who was doing her best to hide the Cuckoos.
The Lord Commissar noticed his stare and nodded.  It was now or nothing at all.

Vasily whet his lips.  "Al...  Alright Mister Simmons.  Fifty meters.  Let's try and make that a very safe fifty..."
-----------------------------------

I get Charlotte in and unfortunately she deviates towards the back of the board.  Tems and Tabby continue to move up.  I pull the Baron back out of easy charge range by the Deathstar.  I move the Deathstrike a bit so I can have something resembling shots on the Grots.  The Sentinels try and run away from the Talosi the best they can.

Shooting.  Oh, was this a nerve-wrenching phase.  I look around and notice the mass of Hellions in front of me.  FNP means that I can't just use normal weaponry on them as they'll ignore most everything I have.  They have a pretty good morale thanks to their Helliarch.  Which means only one thing:  Desperation Maneuvers!  I use "On My Target" with the MoO and roll the dice, putting the template only a few inches away from Vasily and Katya's squads.  My opponent raises an eyebrow and questions the tactics of such a move.  I roll 'em anyway.  The dice pop out with a deviation of... FIVE inches.

Good enough.  I catch five of the Hellions and none of them make their double cover saves and go down.  A few more go down after lasgun fire from the CCS get added in, as does Katya's Bolt Pistol.  Down below half, I pop the Cuckoos, and away go the Hellions! (whew).  Oh, and both Stormtroopers open up on the Scourges, wiping them off the board.
And on the other side of the field, I try to get LoS for the Deathstrike, but I'm JUST out of view of the Deathstar...


Picture Caption: Crisis.  Averted.  Whew.


Turn 3: DE
-------------------------
Sergeant Bremen hit the ground hard, the massive claw-like hand clamped on his chest, forcing the air out of him.  He looked up to see the enormous creature raising up a hand, and muttered a small prayer to the Emperor.  This would be a good death.  He only wished that he could offer more to the Pure Ones and...

"Wait a moment."

Bremen watched the creature release it's clenched fist, and he snorted as he watched the Xenos woman walk towards him.  She dropped down to the ground next to him, tracing circles on his chest.

"Oh, my, my, my, you aren't scared at all, are you?  So ready to die?"

Bremen snorted at her and said nothing.

Lady D'ysperax laughed with delight, "Oh, you poor, poor thing you.  We haven't been introduced.  I am Lady D'ysperax.  I have spared your life as long as you interest me.  And I find you...  Very interesting."

Bremen frowned as he watched the Xenos roll on top of him, mewing with delight.  She nuzzled his neck for a moment and then sat up with a smirk.

"What's wrong?  You don't find me attractive?"

Bremen shook his head, "You are beautiful in body.  But, in your eyes, I only see the abyss."

Lady D'ysperax paused for a moment and then stood up.

"Oh...  Oh, you are...  Delightful.  You really are.  I'd keep you, but Poppet has to be taken care of first, but don't you worry, I'll keep you in mind as a second in case he wears out early."

Bremen watched the Xenos raise the pommel of her sword over his head and then bring it crashing down as everything went black.
------------------------------

The rest of the reserves for the DE arrive.
The Scourges deep strike in... scarily close to the DSM.  The other Warrior squad comes in off the backfield and sits next to it's brethren in the rear.

Both Trueborn come in and decide to hang out on the mountain in the middle next to the portals.

Lady D goes first and moves her Grots out to the left.  I perk up a bit as I realize that she's going to be somewhat out in the open, which means it's Deathstrike time next turn!
The Taloi waddle up to deal with their Sentinel partners that are being all too shy at the moment.  Shooting is a bit ugly as the Trueborn take out two from Charlotte's squad and strips EVERYONE off the Baron's squad except the Baron.  Thankfully, the Baron and Charlotte both make their morale checks.  The Taloi fire at the Sentinels, immobilizing one and shearing off the Autocannon off the other.

And then Lady D dashes my hopes by throwing up her WWP.  Blocking LoS!  (gah!)

In assault, the closest Talos finish it's job and tear apart the closest Sentinel.


Picture Caption: How is she outmaneuvering me?  I have more people!


Turn 4: IG
-----------------------------
Baron von Oberheim snorted derisively as the Xenos on the hill shot down the man next to him.  The filthy creatures had taken apart his whole squad again.  He could see them up on the hill, dancing around and playing their hedenous games.  All he needed was a distraction, something that would...
"Sergeant Oberheim?  Shall we give you covering fire?"
The Baron shot a glance behind him to see the new Stormtroopers huddled in cover.  Their leader, the tall one with the unnecessarily large chest, was beckoning to him.  Probably for something that would put him in her debt.
He snorted again.  THAT would be the day.
"It is BARON von Oberheim.  Fire if you wish, female.  But, I am taking that hill.  Follow up after me and try not to get in my way."
--------------------------
Lady Saigo finally comes in, but I put her in the back as I don't yet want to try her out versus the Deathstar.  Tabby finally ends her marathon as she's almost within contesting range.  I move Tems over to give quad-flamer love to the Scourges.  Charlotte goes over into cover.  I also move Katya over a bit to the left.  And the lone Baron?  I'm not sure for a while, but then push him forward.  Hopefully we can give him some fire support to clear out the center.

Shooting is again pretty nice, as the Cuckoos, with some help forms Orders, bring down their plate of awesome on one Trueborn squad, annihilating it utterly.  Charloette's squad downs a Trueborn from the last squad, and then the Baron takes one down with his Hellpistol before charging in.  The lone Trueborn swings, but doesn't take down the Baron, who takes down the Xenos!


Picture Caption: Baron!  Stop being so epic!  We're not supposed to make this look easy!


Turn 4: DE
----------------------------
Sergeant Montgomery swallowed and looked at the massive monstrosities that were moving up the hill towards them.  He had seen shrapnel bounce off of them like it was rain.  Worse yet was the strange, alluring Xenos that sauntered alongside them.  Glancing around, he could tell that his men felt the same way.  The other squad, larger than theirs, had fallen in mere moments, and he had little confidence that the results would be much better in their case.  Perhaps...

He looked down at the small Commissar next to him.  Tabitha... Tabby Wellington didn't seem like a Commissar.  Montgomery had seen her trip over her own sword for goodness sakes and on the shooting gallery, she had to cover her ears with her oversized cap to keep from going deaf from her Bolt Pistol.  Not the stuff of legends indeed.  Still, she was a decent sight to look at, and Montgomery knew that she had a sizable soft side and could be persuaded (or frankly, outright tricked) into looking the other way.

"Uh, Commissar?"

Tabitha didn't respond, and Montgomery frowned as he saw her looking at her hands, that were shaking violently.

"Uh, are you alright?" added Montgomery.

Tabitha whimpered, "Oh, no...  Not again."

She glanced back at the Sergeant.

"Oh, Frank, I'm...  I'm so sorry..."

The Sergeant raised an eyebrow, "Uh...  About what?  I..."

"I'm... afraid you're going to die."

The Sergenat paled a bit, taking a step back.

The little Commissar nodded, muttering to herself, "Maybe I will too, then... then..."

Tabitha then shook violently, paused and let out a slow laugh that sounded nothing like her.

"Then we can really play."
------------------------------

The Taloi run up to threaten Katya and Vasily.
And Lady D... moves up onto the central mountain.  She can easily contest next turn.  I am SO in trouble.


Picture Caption: Right.  Don't let the Deathstar get to the objectives.  How did I lose sight of that one?

Turn 5: IG
-----------------------------
Warrior Da'kar sighed, watching the distant action through the scope on his splinter rifle.  He glanced around at the rest of the Warriors, who were likewise lounging around.  The puffed-up "trueborn" had declared the forward Webway portals as "Trueborn only" and thus had them all walk from way in the backfield.  Far, far away from any of the action.

Da'kar leaned against the ruin next to him.  It was no surprise that none of the Sybarites wanted to come with them.  After all, what was exciting about watching the backfield?

One of the Warriors next to him swore as he sat down next to Da'kar.

"I swear that Ur'ghul licker cheats.  I bet that the Taloi would fall before the Trueborn!  It always happens.  Now look, I'm down half a dozen soul chits already."

Da'kar shrugged.  He had tried gambling, but ended up losing all of his chits earlier in the day.  It wasn't much use anyway, he didn't even need to pay for ammo he wasn't going to expend.  Yes, indeed it was going to be a quiet, quiet day of not-too...

"Da'kar?" muttered the Warrior next to him, standing suddenly up, "What's that?"

Da'kar glanced up as a whistling sound grew louder...

-----------------------------
I pull Tabby back a bit and spread her out, getting two objectives in hand.
I also run up Tems to one objective in the (really probable) case that Lady D just annihilates the last of my blobs.  I also bail out Charlotte and Katya from the ruins.
Lady Saigo spreads out, ready for a counter charge.

I fire the Stormtroopers at the Talos and put a few wounds on it.  Then I look at the Deathstrike.  It's ready to fly... but at who?
Lady D is really spread out, I'll only get half or so of the Grotesques, assuming that I don't accidenly get Tabby too... And they're fearless.  Which means no pinning or anything and I need something else to...  And that's when I notice that both SCORING Warrior squads are stuffed up like a clown car in the ruin in the back.
I fire the Deathstrike, hit close enough to target and roast the lot of them.  Only one survives, who wisely high-tails it off the board!


Picture Caption: Uh, yeah, that's EXACTLY what I was keeping the Deathstrike for.  Exactly.


Turn 5: DE
-----------------------------
Lady D'ysperax sighed, watching the enormous missile explode amongst her backfield troops, the enormous plasma burst leaving nothing but ash in its wake.
Just like the Warriors to end up getting themselves killed.  Again.

She heard a laughing, and saw a small Commissar at the front of her squad, gesturing over at the conflagration.

"You Xenos burn nice.  Any chance you want to run and save your skin?"

Lady D'yspearx smirked, "And aren't you the most precious little thing?  A miniture Commissar.  All of the bombast and half the cleanup."

The Commissar laughed and let off her her own devious grin, "Me?  I'm nothing.  I'm not even mad."

"Really now?  Not even in the face of death?"

"Especially then.  Some people?  They get mad.  Me?  My anger falls into a deep pit.  It brews, congeals, and becomes hate.  And now?  I have lots of hate to give.  Want to see if it fits you?"

Lady D'ysperax grinned back, "Absolutely."
----------------------------

And now for the main event:
Lady D and Deathstar slams into Tabby's blob.  Lady D downs four and a whole heaping load of Guardsmen perish, leaving only about half a dozen left.  Tabby wipes the blood off her face and passes morale no problem.

Oh, and the Talos shoots at Vasily's squad and I throw the Astropath in the way without even thinking.  Thankfully is JUST out of charge range (whew).




I pray for the game to end, but the dice comes up... a SIX.  That bodes ill...


Turn 6: IG
---------------------------
"Terrible Tabitha" howled with glee, stabbing wildly into the groin of the massive creature.  Her men were dying, but that was alright.  Blood was flowing, hate was going, and most of all, she was havin the time of her life.  The creature she was stabbing raised an enormous arm, but then paused.  Tabby paused as well, feeling the ground shake.  Odd, she thought, it seemed early for thunder.

"SAIGO!"

A massive red stallion leapt over Tabby and stabbed an explosive spear into the creature's chest, knocking it back as the explosion tore out a chunk of it's chest.  Lady Saigo turned in her saddle to look down at Tabby.

"Did I miss party?"

Tabby laughed, "No, it's just getting started."

The two women turned back to back.  Against the odds.
----------------------------
Well, first things first.  I move Lady Saigo up and move Tems into really-absoltely holding one of the top objectives.
I use orders and Charlotte to burn down the plodding Talos in front of Vasily.

Then to the fun stuff: Lady Saigo charges in.
She does about five wounds, which get spread around and NOBODY dies.
Lady D and the Grots murder everyone in the blob except Tabby and I think I lose a horse.
Tabby and Lady Saigo make their morale checks and it's onto the next round!


Picture Caption: Die!  Just fall down and die!


Turn 6: DE
-----------------------------
Lady D'ysperax smiled, disarming the Commissar with a swift stroke, shattering the primitive weapon at the hilt.  The girl bared her teeth and was about to leap at her when the Lady only sighed and kicked her down the hill.

Lady D'ysperax sighed.  Cute, but psychotic.  How dreadfully unoriginal.  She glanced over at the beastriders who were doing their best to avoid the Grotesques.

She spotted the leader and blew her a kiss.

The woman paused, and raised her hand in apology.

"Sorry.  Taken.  You don't look bad, but I prefer men."

Lady D'ysperax laughed again.  How did she ever think that Space Marines were more fun than this?
-------------------------------

So, yeah, not too much.
Lady D explodes Tabby into a bunch of little Commissar pieces.  And another horse goes down. 
And here's the BIGGEST roll of the night.  If I make it, Lady Saigo will pull the Deathstar off the objectives.  If I fail, they consolidate and it's pretty much a tie.

I roll for Lady Saigo and she HOLDS. (Thankyouthankyouthankyou)

The dice comes up a 1 and this game is OVER.



FINAL RESULT: IG Victory!

--------------------------------

Post-Game Thoughts: Oh, man this one was ugly.  If not for that the DSM actually survived until the end of the game, I could see this going the other way.  The big LoS blocking mountains were also a real pain, and kept me from playing too many range games.  Dark Footdar (for lack of a better term) was surprisingly dangerous.
Oh, who am I kidding, I stole this one outright!

I couldn't do ANYTHING meaningful to the Grotesques and the rest of the army just picked me to pieces.  Thankfully, I had enough throw away units to charge in and tie up his units that just couldn't catch my infantry who ran away from most assaults (like IG should!)

As for the IG this time around?  Yeah, no Astropaths.  They just weren't worth it.
The Cuckoos were a major player this time, just dropping bombs of doom on everything and saving my hash from the Hellions.  Lady Saigo again keeps surprising me, as she's such a little investment for so much return.  Oh, and the Baron and Charlotte were wonderful for a great distraction.  I was a little sad that Bremen went down so fast, but if anything, he kept the Deathstar away from the center for a turn, which was vital to make things happen.  The Sentinels were also a disappointment.  Not sure what to do there.  Maybe give them Lascannons?

-----------------------------------

Lady D'ysperax chuckled to herself, watching the beastriders try and do some damage.  They were failing badly.  No matter, it would be a matter of moments before she could run over to her poppet and then...

"Lady D'ysperax!"

The Lady glanced down at her Ghostholo that had sparked to life.  The face of a desperate looking Warrior was on the screen.

"My Lady!  We can't hold them anymore!  The Mon'Keigh threaten to breach the portals!  We must bring them down."

She rolled her eyes.  Not this again.  Just when things were looking up.
-----------------------------------

Vasily cheered with his men as the enormous monsters went through their glowing portals, which shimmered and shut behind them.

Perfect, he thought, now it was time for everyone to knit their wounds and everything would be fine.  Just some time to relax and...

"Sir!  Commander Vasily Romanov, sir!"

Vasily winced.  Only one person called him that.

"Yes, Tems?"

Temperance Windsor-Smith bounced over with her usual state of energy.

"Just got off the auspex with the ship, sir.  The Moon-Men have agreed to meet with us!  Isn't that great, sir!"

"Smashing, Tems," Vasily sighed, attempting a bit of sarcasm that he knew had as much effect as throwing a lho stick into a gorge.

"Yes, sir, isn't it!  They're all interested now that we took down those Xenos!"

Vasily rolled his eyes.  How could things get much worse?

-----------------------------------

Far away, Lady D'ysperax smiled, watching the events unfold on the planet's surface.  All it took was the right words in the right places, and her Poppet was marching along on the path that he couldn't see.  Right where she wanted him.  Perfect, she thought, just perfect.  After all, the best leashes are the ones they can't feel, best of all because they can easily become nooses...
BigToof Points:

Cammerz: 8
Waaaghpower: 1
The Man They Call Jayne: 3
Mabbz: 6
Archon Sharrek: 3

Rej

Good Report! I like that Vasily knows she isn't dead, he won't be sleeping for a bit!

On a side note, last night I dreamt we played a game against each other bigtoof, your name was blue... Anyway, you were playing Space Wolves and I was playing Dark Eldar, we never finished the game but I remember enjoying it immensely. We were playing on the floor for some reason, near some stairs... I think the stairs were part of the game... who knows? Either way, thanks dreamtoof!
Phew...

Cammerz

Great report BT, is there no way to destroy a fully pain-tokened-up Grotesque squad with Lady D? I would have thought that mass-lasfire would do something just through full weight of fire.
But never mind, as long as you destroy the rest of your opponent's force then you win.

I must say I really like how the Baron is always a last-man-standing but still kicks arse.

I'm glad the Deathstrike was able to do some damage, a pity it didn't obliterate the deathstar but at least it was useful.
I'm greatly looking forward to your next rep (as always),
Keep up the good work,

Job's a good un!

Vyper

Another great report Bt! Just one thing though, the deathstrike is ordinance barrage, so can't it indirectly fire at anything past 12''?