IMPERIAL FISTS - 1500 PTS
Strategems: Sacred Ground, Tanglefoot, Tunnels HQ
Master (terminator armor, power weapon, storm bolter, terminator command squad) Terminator Command Squad
4 Terminators (4 power fi sts, 2 storm bolters, 2 assault cannons), 1 Terminator Sergeant (power weapon, storm bolter)
TROOPS
Tactical A - 5 marines (4 bolters, 1 meltagun) 1 Vet. Sergeant (plasma pistol, power fi st) 1 Razorback transport (twin-linked lascannon) Tactical B - 5 marines (4 bolters, 1 meltagun)
1 Vet. Sergeant (plasma pistol, power fi st) 1 Razorback transport (twin-linked lascannon) Tactical C - 9 marines (7 bolters, 1 plasma, 1
lascannon), 1 Sergeant (bolter) Tank Hunters
Tactical D - 9 marines (7 bolters, 1 plasma, 1 lascannon), 1 Sergeant (bolter)
Tank Hunters
HEAVY SUPPORT
Vindicator 1 (demolisher cannon, storm bolter, dozer blade, extra armor)
Vindicator 2 (demolisher cannon, storm bolter, dozer blade, extra armor)
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
IMPERIAL FISTS STRIKE FORCE - 1500 PTS
SETUP
Using the Jungles of Death ruleset, the entire table was considered to be jungle and therefore diffi cult terrain. As you can see in the photo above, the temple ruins are placed in a large clearing at the center of the table. Pathways lead from the center clearing to other clearings around the table and off the board. We spread
out the available trees from our collections best we could and sprinkled some other terrain pieces for variety.
DEPLOYMENT
As the defender Jon deployed first. We decided to allow deployment of his Terminators in the centre of the objective clearing, as we
considered it justifi able that Blackburn and his retinue would be in the ruin from the get-go.
Two tactical squads with their accompanying Razorbacks cover the trails leading east and west into the ruin, the rest of his force is in reserves as per the mission rules. The Imperial Guard are deployed in a half circle, surrounding the objective, in the south-west corner of the Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
board. Gabe won the roll for fi rst turn and chose to go fi rst.
GABE: TURN ONE
Unfortunately my deployment didn’t go quite as I planned. I was unable to hide all of my armour in the jungle so I opted to leave the Leman Russ covering a trail with a clear shot into the ruin. Jon decides to reveal that he is using the Tanglefoot stratagem at this point.
Now all of my poor Grenadiers are running through dangerous terrain! Apparently this is some wicked bush, as it manages to claim
one or two casualties from every infantry unit! At this rate I’m bound to lose nearly all of my Grenadiers before they even reach the genetically altered hulks in front of them so I decide to move them to the nearest clearings and trails. The Megasaur marches forward with Demolisher and Chimera in tow.
Fortunately, my snipers on the hill have a beautiful view over the canopy to one of Jon’s Tactical squads. Their fi re takes down one Marine and pins the squad, that’s promising!
The Leman Russ on the trail is my only other
unit able to fi re, I target the Terminators in the ruin with the battle cannon causing three wounds, all of which are saved by cover! At least I can relax knowing Jon can’t target most of my army next turn.
JON: TURN ONE
In my own defense let me say that we were so focused on putting together a good battle report that we did get ahead of ourselves and had to take a pause so I could declare my stratagems, Tanglefoot and Tunnels. Naturally, Tanglefoot had an immediate effect on Gabe’s
1
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
Beginning of Turn 1, Inset: End of Turn 1
troops. The black counters you see in the photos represent my entrance points for the Tunnels stratagem.
Now that Gabe had shown himself by deploying in the south-west corner I am able to react and move Tactical B into the cover of the ruins with Commander Blackburn and his retinue and rapid fi res on the advancing storm troopers killing 3. Their Razorback transport shifts to get a bead on Gabe’s Leman Russ coming up the southern trail. Though Tactical A has been pinned their Razorback transport takes a shot at the Megasaur but misses.
Commander Blackburn and his retinue also fi re at the approaching storm troopers on the southern trail and kill 3.
Tactical squads C and D are held in reserve to make use of the Tunnels stratagem.
GABE: TURN TWO
Grenadier squad Beta breaks and runs before the imposing Astartes! Cowards. The remaining Grenadier squads continue their struggle to get onto safer ground. Of course, I lost two more in the process from squad Alpha and Ceta. My Leman Russ is ignored by Jon so I keep it where it is hoping for another chance to crack open some Terminators. Gleefully I move my Megasaur another six inches through the jungle towards one of Jon’s Razorbacks. I can’t wait to trash that thing. The Demolisher, Chimera and Command squad follow the trail in the monstrous creature’s wake.
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
Top: End of turn IG movement phase Bottom: Ratling Sniper view
Delta squad is within Melta distance of Jon’s second Tactical squad now, but that accursed ruin affords two very lucky Marines some respite from their scorching heat! The Ratling squad manages to score two casualties on the same Tactical squad from last turn, keeping them pinned. The Razorback didn’t move so I charge with the Megasaur ready to unleash some real hurt on Jon and his Marines before his reserves start to come in. The Megasaur only manages to stun and immobilize the Razorback. Talk about anti-climatic. I hope the Megasaur can cause some more serious damage next turn.
JON: TURN TWO
Turn two quickly fi nds me double checking my inventory and what I have that can defeat this Megasaur. Call me pessamistic (ask my gaming club) but I’m having Warhammer Fantasy fl ashbacks of Giants and Treemen with Tough 6, Strength 10, Six wounds, Invincible etc. Gabe snaps his fi ngers and returns me to the here-and-now.
I roll for reserves and both my Vindicators are able to enter the board from my “deployment zone” which is opposite Gabe’s. The last thing I need is to get the Vindicators stuck and
therefore useless by trying to power their way through dangerous terrain so they start their own rally race of speeding along the jungle trails hoping to arrive in time to matter.
Commander Blackburn and Retinue seize the initiave and exit the ruins to confront the Megasaur; let off a host of shots and get a single wound on the Megasaur. In the resulting assault, Blackburn puts on a sword demonstration but never makes contact while his Vet. Sgt. rolls his eyes, steps in and cuts down the Megasaur. The rest of the power-fi sted retinue surpress their snickering.
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
2
Left: The prisoner is going nowhere. Top: Nom nom nom, tasty Razorback.
Tactical A spends the turn Pinned and looking pretty in yellow.
Tactical B stays in the ruins and unloads on the approaching storm troopers some more.
They survive a plasma overheat but accomplish nothing else. Their Razorback however gets a bead on the Leman Russ and destroys his big cannon.
Tacticals C and D are still tunnelling around somewhere.
GABE: TURN THREE
My pet! The situation is dire for me right now.
I decide to unload Inquisitor Masamune and his retinue from the Chimera, they need to pick up the mess that Commissar Schmash left
behind. The Command squad moves towards the Terminators. Hopefully they can soften the enemy for Masamune a little.
I need some excellent shooting this round if I plan on pulling out of this mess. The Flamers in the Command squad start by unleashing a gout of fl ame on the Terminators causing two wounds, both of which are saved. Not a good
start on my miraculous come back. My snipers are bound to have better luck with those blasted Terminators and set them in their sites.
Three wounds and three frickin’ saves again!
Fine, fi ne. Whatever I cannot set ablaze and snipe I will blow apart with the tanks of the Imperial Guard! My Demolisher targets the Terminators only to score two wounds and one kill. Weak.
Left: Flamers & Demolisher vs. Terminators Right: Inquisitor and Retinue disembark.
3
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
JON: TURN THREE
After weathering an alpha strike from his flamers and Demolisher, Commander Blackburn and Retinue advance to take on the Command Squad. After shooting and assualt, only the Commissar stands to stare down the Terminators with a look of, “that all you got?”
Tactical A recovers from being pinned and tries to act like they’d planned it all along while Tactical B remains in the ruins and causes
enough wounds on the storm troopers guarding the turret-less Leman Russ to force a morale check. The storm troopers decide to cut their losses and run away.
Tactical’s C and D fi nally fi nd their map and arrive by tunnel entrances. Tactical C pops up East of the ruins and destroys the remaining storm troopers in front of them. Tactical D pops out in front of the turret-less Leman Russ hoping to survive a turn before they can
get a shot off. I still consider the Leman Russ a danger with its hull and sponson weapons.
Gabe didn’t mention it but I believe that his Leman Russ had just destroyed my Razorback.
My Vindicators keep coming along.
GABE: TURN FOUR
Wow, my plans have completely fallen apart.
Jon’s last turn has completely sealed my fate.
I am thoroughly impressed how crazy my Commissar is. With this being my last turn I have but one last goal to complete. Masamune must kill Blackburn. I move the Inquisitor and his retinue towards the Terminators, I turn the
Above: Tunnelling reserves fi nd their map. Right: Surviving Commissar says “That all you got?”
3
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
Chimera around to bring its weapons to bear even though it won’t be shooting at anything.
The Leman Russ is stunned and useless, the Ratlings stay where they are to get off a couple more precious shots and the Demolisher charges through the dangerous terrain to make way for the Inquisitor’s assault and attack one of Jon’s reserve Tactical squads.
The snipers fi re on the two-man Tactical squad, causing one wound that is saved; fi gures. The Demolisher fi res its cannon from the jungle and the shell simply whizzes over the fortunate Space Marines. How aggravating! But none of that really matters. It’s the assault I really care about right now. Masamune and his henchmen charge into the stubborn Terminators. One Combat-Servitor manages to crush a Terminator with it’s massive industrial cutter. Inquisitor Masamune singles out Blackburn in the whirling
melee. The Inquisitor infl icts one wound with his force weapon on the Captain, passes his psychic test and unleashes a massive blow with his sword that annihilates his opponent where he stands! Jon is not thrilled, but I am!
JON: TURN FOUR
Commander Blackburn is cut down but his fearless Retinue stays the course.
All my Tacticals hold their ground. Tactical D wasn’t surprised at all by the Demolisher bursting through the undergrowth, smoothly
take aim and destroy it with lascannon and plasma. Tactical C opens up on the Ratlings to no effect.
It is at this point that we realize that we need to wind things down as Gabe has afternoon obligations. A quick look at the board shows that the Imperial Fists have the upper hand and should easily be able to hold out until pick up.
As a formality we roll for Variable Game Length and the game ends. Inquisitor Masamune and his remaining Snipers retreat into the jungles.
Left: Blackburn’s last moments. Right: Demolisher gets, uh, demolished.
4
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
GABE: CONCLUSION
I am not particularly disheartened about my loss though I do feel the dice of destiny were not on my side as well. I’ve learned a lot from this game, smacked down the opposing HQ and had a fun time with the Jungles of Death rules. I am particularly proud of my snipers and the Master Snipers stratagem. They had an entire Tactical squad pinned down for most of the game. They deserve a few new recruits added to their ranks. I am also pleased with my Inquisitor Lord and his retinue. That force weapon is deadly, and with three Acolytes taking wounds for him, he has some excellent
staying power. I am disappointed that my Megasaur did not get a chance to rampage thru the enemy. His untimely demise has taught me I need to be more aware of my opponents own assault units, particular power weapons. My overall strategy was fairly sound, but I probably should have picked another table quarter, as my advance was slower and far more painful than I had anticipated. That Tanglefoot stratagem was obnoxious! I am eager to paint up some more Grenadiers and snipers for my army after playing a game this enjoyable.
JON: CONCLUSION
I suppose I just don’t have enough experience with force weapons, it just really caught me off guard for Commander Blackburn to be cut down with such ease.
There really was a swing of power in turn 3 as all four of Gabe’s storm trooper squads were gone and his Leman Russ was losing weapons left and right.
Initially I was very worried about the points trade off. Historically I favor infantry-heavy armies with little to no vehicles. Then, because of the scenario and terrain I was really worried that I was “wasting” nearly 300 points on Vindicators that might never arrive in time to matter.
Thanks for reading!
Above: Thunderhawk view on fi nal approach. Right: “Hey guys, here we are!”
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
4
Lieutenant Apone heard the scream of the assault cannon…
…and a yellow-armoured giant hacked Commissar Schmash off his mount and crushed the skull of the reptile in one huge, angular powerfi st, brain-matter sizzling on the fl aring electrodes while…
A shadow stood over Apone, dark and fearful.
He called out its name, and its name was Death.
“We’re losing him,” another shadow said as his heart beat a fi nal, fi tful march.
…the assault cannon screamed…
…and a knight in shining armour slid through the carnage, sword poised for the killing blow, stalking his power-armoured prey, but then…
Lightning. White fi re in his mind. The march was thunder in his chest. The shadow loomed closer. “Hit him again.”
…the assault cannon screamed…
…the tank, turret a mangled mess of iron, blazing backdrop to an insane melee:
lumbering terminators gathered around a swirling cape of amethyst. Apone dragging himself through broken bodies, death at his heels, trying to reach…
The shadow, with a symbol on its chest. An aquila. He called out its name.
He was rising, buoyed up from the darkness by the white lightning in his blood.
“Again. Hit him again,” said the aquila on the shadow’s chest.
…the assault cannon screamed…
…the leader of the space marines was cut in half (No! Yes! Are they the enemy now?) by the shining knight. He knew his name. Hands grabbed Apone, pulled him across the blood-strewn ground, towards…
…a roar that shook the jungle. A ship lifting off, engines screaming. Mostaza was gone, borne aloft on thunder. Lifting. Rising. Nearly out…
Lieutenant Apone blinked as the shadow grew a face. Inquisitor Masamune. He gasped, and nearly choked on the tube down his throat. It pulled free with a sucking sound and a splash of his own blood. Field medics gathered up their paddles and needles and left, to work another miracle in His name.
“I said you’d live through this,” said the Inquisitor. “You nearly made a liar of me.”
Apone tried to sit up, but an iron gauntlet on his shoulder stopped him.
“We failed. We’re getting ready to follow them in my ship, and we will not fail again.
Gather your strength, Lieutenant. You’ll need it. This is just the beginning.”
Then Inquisitor Masamune was gone. When Apone was sure he was alone, he extracted the crypt-com from his belt buckle, placing it against his ear. The voice that came over the link demanded a response three times before Apone fi nally forced speech from his agonised throat. “Masamune. Coming after.
You,” he gasped. “In force.”
“I would be disappointed if he just gave up now,” said the voice. “Very well. Carry on.”
Apone gritted his teeth. “I have done. What you ordered. Now end this. Before more of my men. Die.”
“End it? When I am this close to the reliquary?
You lack the ambition to see what is at stake here, Lieutenant. This is just the beginning.”
The static made the laugh sound chillingly hollow. “Inquisitor Jiro out.”
### END ###
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
Battle Report: The Mostaza Subterfuge
Gabe: I need to make special mention of the Imperial Fist’s owner and the gaming club where Jon and I did this battle report. Thanks for being such a sport about lending your army Jeremy, we really appreciate how fl exible you and Dennis were. Thanks also to Powers of the North. You manage a fantastic gaming group, and though I never make it out there often, every time I have has been a pleasure. Fortunately for
you, I know I don’t need the fl ash on my camera anymore to get good pictures for a battle report!
Jon: Thanks to the Napa Valley Warhammer Society for the use of their club’s terrain collection. Also thanks to Powers of the North for letting us drop in on your open gaming weekend and put together this battle report.
SHOUT OUT!