Blood and Dust - Tomb Kings vs. High Elves

[StormCrow]

Hello fellow warseers!

To celebrate the end of the tale of fantasy painters (2008-2009) and the completion of 2 fully painted armies, Alathir and I have decided to have a shot at writing up a battle report. We decided to keep it simple; a 2250 point pitched battle with randomly generated terrain. For this battle we followed all the standard warhammer rules save for our own house rules. For this game the only ones that came into effect were no points for table quarters (we don't find it necessary for pitched battles) and characters deploy with their units during the deployment phase.

Over the years we have been developing character background for our armies as well, and felt that this inaugural battle report would help kickstart the stories for our armies as we continue fighting.
This battle in particular takes place during the third ascension of Nagash, with an Elven Archmage in search of the Nehekharan King Thumu-Ra in the hope that he can help aid against the Great Necromancer. The Archmage befriended this Human King before he was made a victim of Nagash's conquests, he hopes that hatred has not decayed all semblance of the man the elf once knew.

For now we'll leave you with our army lists, some shots of the deployment phase, and our initial thoughts about our armies and opponents. There's also a poll so you guys can guess at who will win the battle.

StormCrow's Tomb Kings

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00164.jpg

Legion of the Sun Resplendent;

LORD;

Commanders' Vizier Ahmen Rhastep
Tomb King; Scorpion Armour, Spear of Artanhak, Collar of Shapesh, Shield. 273

HEROES;

Captain Therenum
Tomb Prince; Brooch of the Great Desert, Chariot of Fire, Light Armour, Shield, Great Weapon, Chariot. 203

Grand Heirophant Bast
Liche Priest; Cloak of the Dunes, Hieratic Jar. 160

Amenist, Keeper of Souls
Liche Priest; Casket of Souls, Neferra's Plaques of Mighty Incantations, Enkhil's Kanopi. 330

(Note; I realised post game I took 2 arcane items)

CORE;

20 Skeleton Warriors; shields, Full Command. 205

20 Skeleton Warriors; shields, Full Command. 205

10 Archers. 80

10 Archers. 80

3 Chariots; Standard. 140

SPECIAL;

20 Tomb Guard; Full Command, Banner of the Undying Legion. 295

Tomb Scorpion. 85

Tomb Scorpion. 85

RARE;

Screaming Skull Catapult; Skulls of the Foe. 110

TOTAL; 2251

Pre-Game Thoughts:

As with the majority of tomb king lists I write this army doesn't have a great deal of punch outside of characters and scorpions. During deployment I was quite unnerved that the high elves almost equaled me for numbers with troops of far superior quality. My main aim would have to be whittling them down and hoping that the elite troops didn't survive before they made contact with my lines. My force couldn't really take the fight to the enemy due to it's inability to march so if my ranged offensive is destroyed by Alathirs' elites and shock troops then it is going to be a slow march to doom.
On a positive note my chariots and tomb guard form a rather effective hammer and anvil that should be able to smash some holes in the elves attack. Unfortunately I know Alathir has just finished painting up his Phoenix Guard so I could be in for a long defeat...


Alathir's High Elves

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00163.jpg

Loremaster Beldrian's Order of the Gilded Spear

LORD:
Beldrian Starweaver
Archmage; Level 4, Dispel Scroll, Foliriath's Robe, Seer Staff. 350
Spells: Shield of Saphery, Fury of Khaine, Flames of the Phoenix, Vaul's Unmaking

HEROES:
Captain Daelin
Noble; Battle Standard Bearer, Armour of Caledor, Great Weapon. 143

Milamber Starweaver
Mage; Level 2, Jewel of the Dusk. 150
Spells: Burning Gaze, Cleansing Flare

Captain Calanir
Noble; Temakador's Gauntlets, Dragon Armour, Great Weapon. 129

CORE:
18 Spearelves; Full Command. 187

17 Spearelves; Full Command. 178

SPECIAL:
20 Phoenix Guard; Full Command, Banner of Sorcery, Gem of Courage. 390

Tiranoc Chariot. 85

Tiranoc Chariot. 85

14 White Lions; Standard Bearer, Musician, Lion Standard. 253

RARE:
Repeater Bolt Thrower. 100

Repeater Bolt Thrower. 100

Repeater Bolt Thrower. 100

TOTAL: 2250

Pre-Game Thoughts:

The main concern for me was that I really lacked some fast troops, the only thing that could respond to things in any fast manner was the Chariots and I knew they would be a target for shooting and the like. So, my main idea was to try and dwindle the Tomb Kings numbers with some destructive magic, finally engaging them with my superior troops. Besides lacking the assistance of the Eagles I was also very concerned about the fact that my only heavy hitting unit was the White Lions, everything else was more of an anvil. If they were taken out early, I was going to be in for a very rough time. So, hopefully the Repeater Bolt Throwers do their job, magic does its job and the White Lions navigate their way through the woods into a nice position. In my experience, none of my battle plans make it through the second turn so if half my army is still around after the first turn I'll consider myself lucky!

-Alathir

DEPLOYMENT:

From the Tomb Kings' side
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00142.jpg

From the High Elves' side
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00143.jpg

That's all for now. Let us know who you think will win!

[KHolbourn]

Sorry to say but without that many hard hitters I think that the pointy-eared ones will swing it. As with 3 bolt throwers I don't fancy your chariot's chances...

[Malorian]

I voted for a minor victory for the tomb kings.

His magic is going to shut yours down but those scorpians will start ripping the catapults apart and that will even things out.

Will be an interesting game to be sure.

[Nuada]

I'm going to guess High Elves for this one, minor victory for them. Those white lions and phoenix guard both immune to fear as anvil units.

Got to say i really like the terrain and both of the painted armies, they look superb. Good job

[kyinpie]

im a tomb king player and my main opponent is a high elf player! im looking forward to seeing how this games unfolds im voting a minor for the tomb kings coz im biased!

[PeG]

if he protects his boltthrowers at least enough to kill your scorpions once they have had a turn of hitting they will kill your chariots and then you are in trouble. Voted solid victory to HE

[Maoriboy007]

I would take another unit of chariost over at least one of the skeleton blocks, you need impact hits to bypass the ASF.

[Seabo]

Thinking minor victory for the tombies.
White lions are really the only hard smackdown unit that the TK has to watch for. RBTs shld hopefully be out of the equation on turn2 with some good scorp rolls.
If TK chariots get the charge on White Lions then its over.

[Gabacho Mk.II]

A TK victory, hands down.

[Tomb Scorpians for the win!]


Would like to read the report though...

[hawo0313]

He'll get to your magic as he outdoes you there and he has alot bolt throwers to do damage on the chariots so I think the odds are against you but you got a chance minor victory for the high elves

[StormCrow]

Thanks for your valued feedback everybody. I'm furiously writing up the report as we speak so I'll leave you all with a few extra slithers of information that might be hard to garner from mere pictures alone.

back to deployment and on the tomb kings table edge we have (from left)

http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...t=DSC00142.jpg

2 units of skeleton archers, the catapult, and casket of souls all placed on the hill. In the centre are the tomb guard flanked on each side by skeleton warriors. To the far right are the chariots hiding behind a hill from nasty bolt throwers.

On the High Elf side (from left)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00143.jpg

Tiranoc Chariot on the flank. White Lions and two spear elf units with two repeater bolt throwers behind them on a hill, Phoenix Guard to the right, and another Tiranoc chariot on the far right with another bolt thrower in the corner on a hill.

And of course the official Adjudicator for this match up; Amy

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...SFTY/Amy-1.jpg

[Infurion]

Amy looks like she is about to "Foot of Gork" your gaming table..

[Alathir]

Amy looks like she is about to "Foot of Gork" your gaming table..

She very nearly Foot of Gork'ed both our armies, we really should got a photo of her navigating her way across the table...

[StormCrow]

The sun shone.

Milamber, son and apprentice of Loremaster Beldrian Starweaver, stood at the bow of the proud Eagleship. The sound of the water rushing beneath the majestic vessel just as wind rushed against the sheer white sails was a comforting sound to the elf, it reminded him of home. However, the fast approaching lands were nothing but foreign to him, despite the mountains that loomed on the horizon and the green fields that lay before, he felt like an intruder as he came to the Old World. The mage turned his head to the several ships that flanked his father’s – full of warriors from Ulthuan, the six hundred year old student wondered what purpose brought his father to these shores.

The sound of approaching footsteps alerted Milamber to the presence of another. “What troubles your mind, my son?”

Milamber kept his gaze firmly upon the approaching shoreline, his blonde hair streaking past his visage. “You have not told me the purpose of this journey, father.”

“I did not think I needed to, surely you have felt it?”

The student began searching his mind, his senses, his feelings, he sent them out across beyond the realm of the physical – there was darkness there, something that filled the elf with such dread that he knew he was as nothing compared to it.

“So you have. Your silence is telling.”

“What is this I feel…?” Milamber spoke in a near whisper.

Beldrian sighed. It was a sound coated in sadness. “Nagash. He has risen once again.”

Milamber realized that for the first time in his life, he detected fear in his father’s voice. The student wracked his brain, trying to recall his studies; the sheer magnitude of the Great Necromancer’s return was something he couldn’t really comprehend. From all accounts, that monster posed nearly a greater threat to the world than did the forces of Chaos. It was then that the student realized where they were.

“We travel to ancient Nehekhara, don’t we?”

Trying to hide his own fear. He looked upon his father; as ancient an elf as any that lived on Ulthuan, faint lines creased the Loremaster’s face, the only hint of aging he would suffer in his long life.

“My father, your grandfather, was one of the few elves that had dealings with the people of Nehekhara before it became as it is today” replied the Archmage. “He befriended a great and powerful King. I have come here in search of him. His power was great and perhaps we can find a willing ally in the battles to come against this most terrible foe.”

Milamber was confused. “But… surely he died eons past?”

A strange smile made its way onto Beldrian’s face. “Indeed. Milamber, the stories you hear of Nehekhara as it is now are far from fables or children’s stories. The ancient power of that empire lives on eternally as a result of the Great Necromancer’s vengeance upon his own people.”

The student spoke in hushed tones now, he had never encountered the walking dead before. “Then why do you bring an army if you seek a friend?”

Milamber let silence fall between them for a time before he answered. “I do so because I know that the denizens of ancient Nehekhara are loathe to treat with any save with sword and spear. Hatred and visions of vengeance have decayed much of the people who once lived here. In truth, I do not know if I come here to find an ally or another enemy.”

At this, the son was silent. The ships were fast approaching land now.

“We have too many enemies already.” Beldrian said, mostly to himself.

“So, we travel south from the Badlands and into the Land of the Dead? How will we find this king?”

The ship lurched as it came upon the sand, the sound of the disciplined elven crews filled the ship as the gangplank was lowered. Beldrian began making his way towards it, speaking over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, my son. He’ll find us.”

-Alathir



TOMB KINGS TURN 1;

Marching out from the blasted south, the legion of Thumu-Ra kicked up the fresh earth under their rake like limbs. Silent as the tombs they skulked from, the warriors let out their hollow war cries as they prepared to intercept these infidels. Their advance was slow but calculated, the Vizier imbuing his dominance through his subjects.

During this turn the Tomb Kings army did not advance far, relying on overwhelming missile fire and magic to whittle down the foe. The block troops shuffled forwards, helped along by My Will Be Done during the magic phase. To the right flank the chariots advanced behind a hill, hoping it would provide cover from the barrage they were sure to receive otherwise.
In the Magic phase the High Elves were content to let through the Kings’ incantations, allowing the archers to shoot at the Tiranoc Chariot but for no effect. It was when the hierophant attempted to smite the elves with a catapult shot that the dispel dice came out and easily thwarted her attempt. But left with no dispel dice the elves could only look on in anguish as the second priest opened the casket of souls, killing some of the spear elves and a bolt thrower on central hill outright!
The shooting phase was far more lackluster however as flaming elven skulls were scattered to the winds and a volley of 20 shots only managed one wound on a Tiranoc chariot.

HIGH ELVES TURN 1;

Even as his brothers crumbled around him, their withered husks dissipating to dust, the Noble Calanir calmly ordered the advance with an unsheathed sword. Raising it towards the vile minions of this undead fiend he took heart in the skill of his warriors, praising their resolve against this devilry. He looked to the Archmage just as he conjured a flaming rune of Khaine. The Elves’ would surely destroy this menace with the divine might of the Gods to protect them.

The elves moved forward from their defensive positions in quite a cautious manner this turn. They were not prepared to take the full charge of the tomb king chariots and so stood ready on the other side of the hill. In a rather canny manner Alathir managed to position his mages so they could see the chariots but not vice versa.
Unfortunately the banner of sorcery wasn’t generous this turn, only granting a single extra dice, but with both armies having poor magic defense it was enough. Although the priests were able to stop the lore of light spells, the archmage was still able to conjure The Fury of Khaine. Despite poor rolling it still reduced a chariot to its last wound. Finally; the loremaster built up his power to a crescendo and unleashed Vauls unmaking on the tomb guard, forcing the Prince to activate his Brooch of the Great Desert to protect his liege from the elven Gods.
Despite losing a bolt thrower last turn, the remaining two took aim at the catapult and unleashed a deadly salvo. Alathir was unlucky however and from 8 hits only two randomized onto the crew, slaying them outright.

END OF TURN 1
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00144.jpg

TOMB KING TURN 2;

The Ancient Captain looked to his heirloom even as it was drained of power. Forged as a weapon for use against Nagash, woe overcame the Captain that he should use it against so meager an opponent. Fuelled with rage he spurred on his chariot, ready to reap vengeance upon this foe. In the distance the ground erupted, and the Captain reveled in the sound of mortal terror.

The Tomb Kings moved decisively this turn, with one of the tomb scorpions burrowing up from the earth and charging the central bolt thrower emplacement whilst the Prince charged out his unit towards a Tiranoc chariot. Elsewhere the archers faced off against the fast approaching left chariot, whilst the King issued the central force forth.

CHARGE!!
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00159.jpg

In the magic phase the King was allowed to move his troops into position, but the High Elves were loathe to let the Prince charge the fleeing Tiranoc chariot and promptly drained him of his vigour. The Hierophant was allowed to replenish the catapult crew though, as the High Elves wisely stopped the casket incantation.
In the shooting phase the catapult accurately guessed its’ trajectory to hit the Phoenix Guard, and although the shot didn’t scatter some misfiring mechanism prevented the salvo being launched at the target. The archers prepared a second volley against the Tiranoc chariot on the left flank but their ancient projectiles splintered harmlessly off its polished scale plates. The Vizier was unimpressed by this ineptitude.
In combat however the scorpion swiftly dealt with the bolt thrower crewmen, piercing one with its’ poisoned barb even as the other was torn asunder by gargantuan pincers.

HIGH ELVES TURN 2;

The Arch Mage Beldrian scoured the battlefield, now choked with smoke and dust. In the distance he spied the ancient ally of the Elves and yet something unnerved him. This corpulent behemoth did not match any description of the fabled Sun King. Unfortunately the Loremaster did not have time to dwell on such matters as he felt the power of Vaul forge lighting his soul.

The High Elf lines held their disciplined formations this turn, with the White Lions unable to bypass the chariots safely and the spearmen forming into regimented phalanxes. On one flank a Tiranoc chariot rallied whilst the other moved into a position to charge the archers on the opposite flank. The Phoenix Guard marched forward, boldly positioning themselves to assault their skeletal adversaries next turn.
The magic phase started poorly for the Asur, with Milamber failing to cast Burning Gaze on the Tomb Prince as the Casket of Souls siphoned away his ability. Clearly distracted, he then made a critical error when uttering the astral words of the Cleansing Flare and his body was wracked by arcane energy, as the miscast wounded him grievously. Beldrian could sense the power of the Aethyr destroying his child, but masterfully turned it to his advantage. Bellowing a prayer to the Smith God, he cast Vauls Unmaking with irresistible force against the Tomb King, shattering his suit of heavy mail instantly in a thunderous explosion.

Beldrian Prepares Another Devastating Spell
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00155.jpg

With no other fire support the remaining bolt thrower took aim once again at the Screaming Skull Catapult, but was unable to disable the grotesque construct.


TOMB KINGS TURN 3;

The Commander’s Vizier lifted himself to his feet, the clatter of broken bronze scales silenced by his unearthly roar. He would not let the attack falter, and although rage consumed him he would not let it control him. He now knew he had underestimated this opponent, and commanded another deadly salvo to be launched lest they capitalize on it. In unison, the warriors of Ptra braced themselves for the attack.

The Tomb Kings moved conservatively this turn, knowing that they would have to brace themselves for the enemy charge. This was a chance to bring their ranged supremacy to bear. The prince declared another charge on the right Tiranoc chariot, chasing it off the board, and on the opposing flank the second scorpion emerged to charge the left Tiranoc chariot, but it also fled from the undead monster.
The magic phase was again lackluster for the Tomb Kings, although the Catapult was able to fire. The crew were not as accurate this turn however, and the shot fell agonizingly short. When the casket incantation failed again the phase was brought to a disappointing close.
In the shooting phase the skeleton archers once again unleashed a barrage against the fleeing Tiranoc Chariot, but once again it’s armour saved the charioteers from harm. The shooting phase ended much more positively however when the Screaming Skull Catapult scored a direct hit on the Phoenix Guard, sending five of them to their promised peril. The Guardians of the flame held fast however, and marched on to slaughter.

HIGH ELVES TURN 3;

Captain Daelin waded through the flaming skulls that had showered down around him. Protected by the Armour of Caledor, he knelt down and picked up one of the cursed projectiles, holding up to eye level to better examine it. In that instant the ghastly head released a piercing hellshriek, deafening the silent warriors. Daelin Held his nerve however, and signaled the charge!

The third high elf turn started with the Tiranoc chariot failing to rally after its’ flight from the tomb scorpion. Galloping for the hills, the crew were too distracted by the unholy construct chasing them, and were ambushed by the waiting skeleton archers. Although the impact hits killed 1 bowman, the chariot was instantly destroyed. The Arch Mage issued some bold commands to the elite warriors, and the Battle Standard Bearer lead his Phoenix Guard headlong into the waiting skeleton warriors. Seeing a momentary gap in the Tomb King lines the white lions marched towards the woods, bypassing the chariot unit that had kept them at bay up until now. The spear elves stood fast however, ready to support the Phoenix Guard should the Tomb Guard make an aggressive charge move.
In the magic phase the Banner of Sorcery finally generated three dice, but Milamber almost instantly squandered them when he miscast Burning Gaze. As the liche priests attempted to use this break in the magical assault to their own advantage, Beldrian was forced to use his power to dissipate the magical backlash. With their power dice drained, the High Elves had little luck casting this turn.
Angered by the loss of the last Tiranoc chariot the remaining bolt thrower released a volley against the tomb scorpion, managing to pierce its’ brazen skin and cause a wound.
Finally to grips with their enemies, the Phoenix Guard unleashed a furious attack. Even as halberd crushed bone and sword slashed armour the warriors remained silent. The Phoenix Guard pressed their advantage but even with their victory assured the Captain failed his kin. Lunging out with his heavy bladed sword he could not find his mark, grief and fury clouding his trained sword strokes. Attempting to reclaim the advantage, the Vizier sent forth one of his champions, yet even as he raised his sword in challenge he was cut down by the unerring Keeper of the Flame.

The Skeletal Champion is cut down by the brave Keeper of the Flame
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00161.jpg

END OF TURN 3
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Y/DSC00145.jpg

As the dust began to clear the ground was littered with splintered bones, yet more cadaverous soldiers remained standing, and in the distance the shambling masses of the dead king drew closer…

[Dungeon_Lawyer]

wow! Really great, well-written report thus far--Your style really immerses the reader into the battle....cool picks too.

Looking forward to finding out how this one ends...

[SevenSins]

promising start indeed, and goodlooking armies to boot

[Marshal Torrick]

Oh, and I love the Feist "Milamber" reference

[Desert Rain]

This is how a battle report should be written, really great.

[Maoriboy007]

FAntasic BAtrep! When the Casket destroyed the Bolt thrower did it kill the crew (as the casket has no effect on the machine)?
Also Tomb Kings cannot benefit from the miscast result that allows the opponant to cast another spell, so the HE player would not have had to use his power dice in turn 3.
Otherwise seems to be going well, need more luck with that skullapault

[Alathir]

FAntasic BAtrep! When the Casket destroyed the Bolt thrower did it kill the crew (as the casket has no effect on the machine)?
Also Tomb Kings cannot benefit from the miscast result that allows the opponant to cast another spell, so the HE player would not have had to use his power dice in turn 3.
Otherwise seems to be going well, need more luck with that skullapault

The casket did destroy the crewmen through randomizing, quite unlucky for me! I wasn't aware that the Tomb Kings couldn't benefit from that miscast result, very nice to know.

Oh, and to Marshall Torrick, I couldn't resist naming one of my mage's after Milamber - sounds elven enough!

And on the battlefield pictures, we forgot to take the camera off the macro function so thats why the wide shots came out a little blurry... we'll get better pics next time for you guys.