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Blood Vow

Happiness is success... (Buddha)

Monday, March 28, 2011

My DoA list for the Adepticon 40k Championship


Some people have been asking what I intend to bring for my Blood Angels army. I don't think anyone is going to tailor they list to account for Descent of Angels so I have no problem posting my list here on the blog. So here is my 1850 point Blood Angels DoA army I intend to bring. I don't think it will be a surprise to anyone who follows this blog. ; )













HQ
Dante
The Sanguinor

Elites
Chaplain: jump pack & power fist
Sanguinary Priest: jump pack & power sword
Sanguinary Priest: jump pack & power sword

Troops
10x assault Marine: 2x meltagun, thunderhammer|stormshield
10x assault Marine: 2x meltagun, thunderhammer|stormshield
Sanguinary Guard: Chapter banner, 2x infernus pistol & power fist

Fast Attack
5x Vanguard veteran (jump packs): power fist|stormshield, 2x power sword & bolt pistol, power fist  & bolt pistol, chainsword & bolt pistol

The Chaplain and one Priest attachs to Dante with his Sanguinary Guard. The other Priest attachs to one of the assault squads. Very straight forward and simple to play. 35 models total, that's it.

G

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Adepticon 40k Championship 2011






Well the guys up in Chicago have put together a great two day format this year and I'll be there bringing my Blood Angels DoA list. Each mission has three objectives so it's pretty hard to get a bad matchup (knock on wood... Hee!). Armies are 1850 points which put a bit of a crimp in my style as I prefer 2000 points. It's not a big deal though and I have been play testing my list for the championship quite a bit since Genghis Con. I've made a few small tweaks that really have helped the army overall versus heavily mechanized lists such as Imperial Guard.

My only real concern is having to play against horde armies as they can really slow the game down quite a bit unfortunately... The last two big tournaments I played I got knocked out of the top spot versus Tyranids (draw) then orks (minor loss)... If either game had gone an extra turn I could have won it all... The first game versus Nids we only got through four turns and the second game versus orks we only got through five turns; both events were at least six turns per round so not being able to play an extra turn or two really is an advantage for hordes versus small elite SM armies. Neither of my opponents were slow playing on purpose - it's just that large armies consisting of over 100 models take such a long time each turn to move, shoot and assault. I'm not worried about it though and have since developed some special strategies to deal with both orks and Tyranids if I should have to face either. Knowing my luck I'll probably have to play against both over the course of the weekend... * wink *

I'm sure there will be some dark eldar armies there and I think with the new codex out now in the hands of the right player they should be a true challenge. I've got a few tricks up my sleeves for them as well... Again no worries here in that regard.

I'll be running a pure jump army - at 1850 points the Stormraven/dreadnaught combination can really eat up the points fast. There are definitely some awesome advantages to running a pure jump list and like I said I've been practicing quite a bit. As I said in the opening each mission has three objectives - whoever wins the most objectives wins the game. This type of format really helps a lot to level the playing field and I don't think your typical MSU armies such as razorspam SW or mech IG will have a huge advantage over other armies.

I know there will be a lot of other top players there and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's going to be a great time win or lose! One of the best things about attending Adepticon is spending time with friends from across the country. I'm only playing in the championship this year so I'll have a lot more time to hang out and chat.

G

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Perfection in battle is a mirror of Heaven




This is my first serious anti Grey Knight tactica article for Descent of Angels armies. The title was taken from an ancient warlord from Asia. The warlord grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth and amazingly enough was an excellent tactician of war without having once set foot on the field of battle. His life turned for the better when finally he insisted upon taking part in actual war. What he saw changed his life and he became an advocate of peace interestingly enough. His post war doctrines have been attributed to Greek philosophers and some consider him the first modern man. Only through the most powerful defense can any state truly live in peace and enjoy their prosperity. The same can be said for winning on a consistent basis in wargaming. There will always be change and we must adapt if we want to continue to prosper.

I believe that the basic DoA army has all the tools necessary to beat Grey Knights. DoA thrives upon aggressive play, an overly ample amount of melta weapons, mobility and very strong assault. Grey Knight armies will thrive upon strong shooting and superior assault but their main weakness is the overall lack of mobility and small numbers. To be beat Grey Knights you will have to continue to play aggressively and use your much superior mobility. Grey Knights have a lot of special abilities that are very powerful but these abilities cannot be manifested throughout the army.

If we look at how to beat Space Wolves as an example this serves an a good exercise in also how to beat Grey Knights. In my mind currently the best Space Wolf armies consist of the following:

Wolf Lords mounted on Thunderwolves
Thunderwolf cavalry
Grey Hunters mounted in rhinos or drop pods
Long Fangs

The Thunderwolves/Wolf Lords are highly mobile, resilient and excel in close combat
Grey Hunters are a midfield unit that excel at holding objectives
Long Fangs are an excellent backfield unit that excel at shooting

The combination of the three provides the synergy to win on a consistent basis against any army. To beat this army you must be able to neutralize the Long Fangs in the beginning of the game and also beat the Wolf Lords/TWC at any point in time during the game. DoA armies on the other hand excel at mobility overall, short ranged shooting that is very effective and are also a powerhouse in close combat.

Because Grey Knight armies will invariably be small (35 models in total or less) by quickly engaging their weaker units such as Strike squads and Purifiers you will deny the more powerful units from winning the game. Grey Knights will be able to field the best assault units but it will come at a very high premium - extremely expensive point wise and not very mobile. The key to beating Grey Knights is destroying the weaker units first then relying upon your superior mobility to win the main objectives. It's just that simple.

Monday, March 21, 2011

COMING SOON :: HOW TO BEAT GREY KNIGHTS with DoA


Disenchanted Lullaby





Disenchanted lullabyes, sing me yours i'll sing you mine
sing with me now what's a boy to do
what's a boy to do?

sing along for yesterday
sing along my soul to take
sing along another song for you
what's a boy to do?

I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
i'm the only one that fits you

whisper with me pass the time
whisper for the days gone by
whisper with the voice inside of you

with this ring you will be mine
with this ring i'll multiply
with this ring surrendering to you
what's a boy to do?

I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
i'm the only one that fits you.......

I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
I MAY BE SCATTERED!
A LITTLE SHATTERED!
WHAT DOES IT MATTER!
no one has a fit like i do
i'm the only one that fits you
no one has a fit like i do
i'm the only one that fits you

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The dark eldar raider versus the ubiquitous Space Marine rhino * a tale of two transports





So let's compare the dark eldar raider versus the Space Marine rhino. Both have been around for a long time and obviously the rhino is much more popular. Dark eldar continues to be a fringe army even with the recent release of the new codex. I've used both, the raider not nearly as long as the rhino seeing I'm very new to playing dark eldar. The rhino is a staple transport for most any Space Marine army. Back when we Blood Angels players had to use the PDF codex I used some rhinos in my army because I felt that tactical Marines were better than assault Marines at that point in time. That's all changed drastically now with the release of the new Blood Angels codex. If you visit this blog often you'll know that the only transport I ever use is a Stormraven in my current Blood Angels Descent of Angels army. Now that I have recently started to play dark eldar I have come very much to greatly appreciate the raider.

NOTE - I will be using tactical Marines and Warriors for the purpose of the analysis since both are troop choices and are basically equivalent units to each parent codex. Using these two squads helps to simply the overall comparison but does not overly detract from it's value.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Children of hte Grave


Revolution in their minds - the children start to march
Against the world in which they have to live


Oh!

The hate that's in their hearts 
They're tired of being pushed around and told just what to do 
They'll fight the world until they've won and love comes flowing through 


Children of tomorrow live in the tears that fall today 
Will the sunrise of tomorrow bring in peace in any way? 
Must the world live in the shadow of atomic fear? 

Can they win the fight for peace or will they disappear? 


So you children of the world, listen to what I say 
If you want a better place to live in, spread the words today 
Show the world that love is still alive, you must be brave 
Or you children of today are Children of the Grave

Yeah!

The new and improved Vindicare Assassin

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Dark eldar tactica 101 - Lelith Hesperax




Okay I first want to say that I am by no means a dark eldar guru by any stretch of the imagination and I have very limited game play with them. That said I'd like to start posting one to two tactical articles each week as I gain more experience with my army. I decided to run with Lelith over a Haemonculus for my second HQ choice after reading the recent White Dwarf batrep that featured Phil Kelly's dark eldar versus Matt Hutson's Blood Angels which incidentally coincided with the second wave for Blood Angels. Phil is a very competitive gamer and knows his stuff - he always writes strong codices and his dark eldar is no exception in my opinion. I always read his tactical articles and batreps as there is always something there to learn.

Finally some common sense regarding Grey Knights...



This is all taken from one of my favorite posters over on the Bolter and Chainsword, DV8. The quoted parts below are from other posters which he addresses. I find his responses to be very well grounded and love his common sense approach to dealing with any army. I can say I have learned a lot from reading what he has to say.

Devastation in Japan






Above is a picture of some of the recent devastation in Japan following the massive earthquake and tsunami. I have heard from a friend of mine in Japan close to the destruction that the military has been called in to dump sea water on the ruptured nuclear reactors to cool them off.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Second game with dark eldar






















Today I played my second game with dark eldar versus Space Wolves again- 2000 points. Here is list:

Vect
6x Incubi w.
Klaivex: demiklaives
Raider: flickerfield

Lelith
6x Bloodbride: 2x shardnet & impaler, haywire grenades
Syren: agonizer & splinter pistol
Raider: flickerfield

10x Warrior: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

10x Warrior: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

10x Warrior: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

5x Reaver jetbike: 2xcluster caltrops
Arena champion: venom blade

Voidraven: flickerfield, nightshield & shatterfield mine
Voidraven: flickerfield, nightshield & shatterfield mine


Space Wolves were running the following list:

Logan
Rune Priest: living lightning & tempest wrath
Wolf Priest

3x Wolfguard:
* 2x power fist & bolt pistol
* 1x terminator armor, stormshield, cyclone missile launcher & power fist

14x Blood Claw: flamer & power fist

9x Grey Hunter: plasmagun & power fist
Rhino

9x Grey Hunter: plasmagun & power fist
Rhino


6x Long Fang: 2x missile launcher, multi-melta, 2x heavy bolter
5x Long Fang: 2x missile launcher, 2x heavy bolter
Landraider Crusader
Whirlwind

Logan was deployed with the first pack of Long Fangs. The Rune Priest and Wolfguard terminator were attached to the second pack of Long Fangs. The Wolf Priest was attached to the Blood Claws embarked in the Crusader. Each of the other two Wolfguard joined a squad of Grey Hunters embarked in their rhinos.

I'm not sure if the landraider can be taken as an option for Wolfguard, otherwise the SW player had four choices for heavy support - no big deal as it was a friendly game and the Space Wolf army was intentionally optimized to fight dark eldar... I wanted a tough fight and I got one as you'll see.

Grey Knights, how will they play versus DoA




Well Grey Knights are the rage with the new codex ready to release to the public shortly. There has been quite a few rumors floating around and many are based on the leaked playtest codex. One thing to keep in mind is that generally the playtest version of a codex is more powerful than the actual final codex. Also every time a new codex is soon to release there is much fanfare and extolling how over the top it will be. There are some substantiated bits of intel incoming now that the black boxes have been shipped off and received at hobby stores around the US. As I predicted some of the really nasty stuff has been toned down a bit like the much feared dreadknight dropping from T7 to T6 - it's basically an expensive daemon prince that has access to some good shooty and can move like jump infantry if you're willing to pay the extra points. There is also the much feared force halberd that adds +2I which will certainly be a major pain for DoA armies...

Friday, March 11, 2011

Freedom for Tibet March 10th Speech by the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering his statement on the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan people's national
uprising day in Dharamsala, India, on 10 March 2011/OHHDL PHOTO


Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan people’s peaceful uprising of 1959 against Communist China’s repression in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, and the third anniversary of the non-violent demonstrations that took place across Tibet in 2008. On this occasion, I would like to pay tribute to and pray for those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet. I express my solidarity with those who continue to suffer repression and pray for the well-being of all sentient beings.

For more than sixty years, Tibetans, despite being deprived of freedom and living in fear and insecurity, have been able to maintain their unique Tibetan identity and cultural values. More consequentially, successive new generations, who have no experience of free Tibet, have courageously taken responsibility in advancing the cause of Tibet. This is admirable, for they exemplify the strength of Tibetan resilience.

This Earth belongs to humanity and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) belongs to its 1.3 billion citizens, who have the right to know the truth about the state of affairs in their country and the world at large. If citizens are fully informed, they have the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Censorship and the restriction of information violate basic human decency. For instance, China’s leaders consider the communist ideology and its policies to be correct. If this were so, these policies should be made public with confidence and open to scrutiny.

China, with the world’s largest population, is an emerging world power and I admire the economic development it has made. It also has huge potential to contribute to human progress and world peace. But to do that, China must earn the international community’s respect and trust. In order to earn such respect China’s leaders must develop greater transparency, their actions corresponding to their words. To ensure this, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are essential. Similarly, transparency in governance can help check corruption. In recent years, China has seen an increasing number of intellectuals calling for political reform and greater openness. Premier Wen Jiabao has also expressed support for these concerns. These are significant indications and I welcome them.

The PRC is a country comprising many nationalities, enriched by a diversity of languages and cultures. Protection of the language and culture of each nationality is a policy of the PRC, which is clearly spelt out in its constitution. Tibetan is the only language to preserve the entire range of the Buddha’s teachings, including the texts on logic and theories of knowledge (epistemology), which we inherited from India’s Nalanda University. This is a system of knowledge governed by reason and logic that has the potential to contribute to the peace and happiness of all beings. Therefore, the policy of undermining such a culture, instead of protecting and developing it, will in the long run amount to the destruction of humanity’s common heritage.

The Chinese government frequently states that stability and development in Tibet is the foundation for its long-term well-being. However, the authorities still station large numbers of troops all across Tibet, increasing restrictions on the Tibetan people. Tibetans live in constant fear and anxiety. More recently, many Tibetan intellectuals, public figures and environmentalists have been punished for articulating the Tibetan people’s basic aspirations. They have been imprisoned allegedly for “subverting state power” when actually they have been giving voice to the Tibetan identity and cultural heritage. Such repressive measures undermine unity and stability. Likewise, in China, lawyers defending people’s rights, independent writers and human rights activists have been arrested. I strongly urge the Chinese leaders to review these developments and release these prisoners of conscience forthwith.

The Chinese government claims there is no problem in Tibet other than the personal privileges and status of the Dalai Lama. The reality is that the ongoing oppression of the Tibetan people has provoked widespread, deep resentment against current official policies. People from all walks of life frequently express their discontentment. That there is a problem in Tibet is reflected in the Chinese authorities’ failure to trust Tibetans or win their loyalty. Instead, the Tibetan people live under constant suspicion and surveillance. Chinese and foreign visitors to Tibet corroborate this grim reality.

Therefore, just as we were able to send fact-finding delegations to Tibet in the late 1970s and early 1980s from among Tibetans in exile, we propose similar visits again. At the same time we would encourage the sending of representatives of independent international bodies, including parliamentarians. If they were to find that Tibetans in Tibet are happy, we would readily accept it.

The spirit of realism that prevailed under Mao’s leadership in the early 1950s led China to sign the 17-point agreement with Tibet. A similar spirit of realism prevailed once more during Hu Yaobang’s time in the early 1980s. If there had been a continuation of such realism the Tibetan issue, as well as several other problems, could easily have been solved. Unfortunately, conservative views derailed these policies. The result is that after more than six decades, the problem has become more intractable.

The Tibetan Plateau is the source of the major rivers of Asia. Because it has the largest concentration of glaciers apart from the two Poles, it is considered to be the Third Pole. Environmental degradation in Tibet will have a detrimental impact on large parts of Asia, particularly on China and the Indian subcontinent. Both the central and local governments, as well as the Chinese public, should realise the degradation of the Tibetan environment and develop sustainable measures to safeguard it. I appeal to China to take into account the survival of people affected by what happens environmentally on the Tibetan Plateau.

In our efforts to solve the issue of Tibet, we have consistently pursued the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the PRC. In our talks with officials of the Chinese government’s United Front Work Department we have clearly explained in detail the Tibetan people’s hopes and aspirations. The lack of any positive response to our reasonable proposals makes us wonder whether these were fully and accurately conveyed to the higher authorities.

Since ancient times, Tibetan and Chinese peoples have lived as neighbours. It would be a mistake if our unresolved differences were to affect this age-old friendship. Special efforts are being made to promote good relations between Tibetans and Chinese living abroad and I am happy that this has contributed to better understanding and friendship between us. Tibetans inside Tibet should also cultivate good relations with our Chinese brothers and sisters.

In recent weeks we have witnessed remarkable non-violent struggles for freedom and democracy in various parts of North Africa and elsewhere. I am a firm believer in non-violence and people-power and these events have shown once again that determined non-violent action can indeed bring about positive change. We must all hope that these inspiring changes lead to genuine freedom, happiness and prosperity for the peoples in these countries.

One of the aspirations I have cherished since childhood is the reform of Tibet’s political and social structure, and in the few years when I held effective power in Tibet, I managed to make some fundamental changes. Although I was unable to take this further in Tibet, I have made every effort to do so since we came into exile. Today, within the framework of the Charter for Tibetans in Exile, the Kalon Tripa, the political leadership, and the people’s representatives are directly elected by the people. We have been able to implement democracy in exile that is in keeping with the standards of an open society.

As early as the 1960s, I have repeatedly stressed that Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power. Now, we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect. During the forthcoming eleventh session of the fourteenth Tibetan Parliament in Exile, which begins on 14th March, I will formally propose that the necessary amendments be made to the Charter for Tibetans in Exile, reflecting my decision to devolve my formal authority to the elected leader.

Since I made my intention clear I have received repeated and earnest requests both from within Tibet and outside, to continue to provide political leadership. My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It is not because I feel disheartened. Tibetans have placed such faith and trust in me that as one among them.

I am committed to playing my part in the just cause of Tibet. I trust that gradually people will come to understand my intention, will support my decision and accordingly let it take effect.
I would like to take this opportunity to remember the kindness of the leaders of various nations that cherish justice, members of parliaments, intellectuals and Tibet Support Groups, who have been steadfast in their support for the Tibetan people. In particular, we will always remember the kindness and consistent support of the people and Government of India and State Governments for generously helping Tibetans preserve and promote their religion and culture and ensuring the welfare of Tibetans in exile. To all of them I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

With my prayers for the welfare and happiness of all sentient beings.

The Dalai Lama

10 March 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

My young Blood Angels friend




I played in a four round tournament last weekend in Raleigh, NC. To my surprise I met a young man (12 - 13 years old) whom was also a fellow Blood Angels DoA fanatic. He was from the UK and had the British accent going on. His army was quite similar to mine plus he was running a Furioso Librarian with Wings of Sanguinius. I believe his overall record that weekend was 2-2 which to me was quite impressive seeing he was playing all adults. In between games we spoke a lot comparing notes. It was a really cool experience and I very much enjoyed meeting him... Some things transcend age for sure.

G

First game with dark eldar






















I played my first game with dark eldar this evening versus Space Wolves - 2000 points. Here is my abbreviated list:

Vect
Incubi w. Klaivex
Raider: flickerfield

Lelith
Bloodbrides
Raider: flickerfield

Warriors: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

Warriors: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

Warriors: blaster, venom blade
Raider: flickerfield

Reavers: cluster caltrops

Voidraven: flickerfield & nightshield

Voidraven: flickerfield & nightshield


Space Wolves were running the following abbreviated list:

Logan

Njal

Wolf Priest

Grey Hunters
Rhino

Grey Hunters
Rhino

Blood Claws

Wolf Scouts

Long Fangs

Long Fangs

Landraider Crusader


Mission objective was Annilihation with Dawn of War for deployment. I went second and not try to seize the initiative. I played Vect poorly but the rest of my army performed very well. Lelith and her Bloodbrides tore through both squads of Grey Hunters then finished off the Blood Claws... Lelith was a monster! The result for combat drugs was reroll wounds which was awesome with all her many attacks. After I finished off the Grey Hunters and Blood Claws my army shot down the rest of the Space Wolves with the exception of Logan. The army is very fast, has lots of shooting and is quite good in close combat. I managed a win by one or two killpoints with the majority of my army intact after the final seventh turn.

G

Monday, March 07, 2011

Deepstriking versus hordes * DoA tactica
























I played in a four round tourney this past weekend bringing 2000 points of pure jump infantry. I decided to drop the Stormraven/dreadnaught so I could take more boots on the ground. My conclusion is that the Stormraven does fulfill a vital role in a DoA list BUT you can win without it... You just have to play even more aggressively, which can be quite a rush.

Here's my list:

The Sanguinor
Dante

Chaplain: jump pack, infernus pistol
Chaplain: jump pack, infernus pistol

Sanguinary Priest: jump pack, power sword, infernus pistol
Sanguinary Priest: jump pack, power sword

Sanguinary Guard: 2x infernus pistol, power fist, Chapter Banner
Assault squad #1: melta/flamer, thunder hammer/stormshield
Assault squad #2: melta/flamer, thunder hammer/stormshield

5x Vanguard veterans: power fist/stormshield, 2x power sword, thunderhammer

I am going to exchange the infernus pistol on one of my Chaplains for a power fist in the future. Mech can still be tough for DoA and I believe the power fist is much better at wrecking armor - basically one melta shot in exchange for up to four S9 power fist attacks that reroll missed hits. The power fist also just happens to be cheaper than the melta pistol for both Chaplains and Recluisarchs!! By the way this is the Chaplain that attachs to the Sanguinary Guard along with Dante and the Priest (sans melta pistol). I learned this over the weekend from a good friend of mine (Brian Delgado) who is also another big Blood Angels fanatic.

I am also planning to switch back to dual meltaguns for both of my assault squads. I like having the flamers but as said mech can be a tough nut to crack... No need to get overly confident. Two melta shots per assault squad is much more likely to get the job done and I've found I can get by versus horde easily enough not to need the flamers.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Love & Hate




Hate will destroy you if you let it consume you. As a Blood Angels fanatic I can tell you that the Death Company is more of a weakness than a strength for the chapter. The new edition of Space Hulk explicitly had background in the army book that explained how veteran members of the chapter can and do transcend the Black Rage. Blood Angels have a streak of mysticism and believe that good work can bring about a better environment. To me that is pretty cool.

G

Blood Angels Librarian by Gorlack


By Gorlak over on the Bolter and Chainsword Blood Angels forum...

Really awesome conversion there for sure !!!

G