BattleReport: Warriors of Chaos vs. Lizardmen

BattleReport: Warriors of Chaos vs. Lizardmen, 02/10/2010

(Written by Mike, playing Lizardmen)

After last years Dwarf v Goblins grudge, both players were using ‘new’ armies to try and seek the satisfaction of a... Total Massacre!

Dean played a very nicely painted Warriors of Chaos army. This was led by a Daemon Prince of Khorne. With his ability to fly and cause Terror this was one to watch out for. I played Lizardmen painted to a decent wargaming standard. This was led by a Saurus Oldblood on Carnosaur. The Saurus had bought a sword of Always Strikes First, a shield +1 save and a Ward save 5+. Added to his stats, a very tough cookie. I get the impression Dean was a little worried about this one.

Scenery was very simple: A long hill with a portion that was impassable cliff along one baseline, a wood, a rocky patch and a ruin. Not too much to get in the way of a good old fashioned blood bath, we hoped!

Deployment:

Warriors of Chaos spell choice:

• None

Goblin Spell choice:

• None

Both sides had previously agreed not to use magic in the game. This was to be a game of close combat!

The Lizardmen won the deployment roll and elected to deploy first, taking the side of the table with the long Hill at the end of the deployment phase the table looked as follows:

The Lizardmen won the "who goes first" roll and elected to take the first turn.

Turn 1

The Lizardmen line generally moved forward, with just the Terradons and General on Carnosaur holding back (the Cold One Knights pass their Stupidity test).

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The WoC advance as well, with the Daemon Prince Holding back. The Lance Knights on the WoC left flank make a sneaky advance by changing formation to pass into the ruins and then expand out again. They sacrifice movement for tactical advantage. Now the fear causing Cold One Knights have no one to charge – the wall of the ruin blocks their path.

Turn 2

The Lizardmen fail the Stupidity test for the Cold One Knights who then move forward cautiously. Most of the other units move forward (not march).

The Stegadon fires its giant bow at the Marauders in front of it and kills three of them for good measure. The skinks skirmishers shoot their blowpipes at the same target but fail to score any more Marauder casualties. The Salamander aims at the marauders in front of it and MISFIRES killing three of its handlers. The Sallie then fails a panic test and runs back 3 inches toward the Terradons. The Sallie’s Unit Strength is now reduced to 4 meaning it can still try and rally next turn.

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The WoC move the Daemon Prince by charging him at the unit of Skinks and Kroxigor. This fear-causing unit faces a charge from a Terror causer. They fail a fear test but as they outnumber their enemy they stand to fight needing 6’s to hit.

The Warhounds add to the misery of the Skinks and Kroxigor by charging as well.

The Sword Knights move to a few inches in front of the Lizardman General, just out of fear test range (Terror test would commute to fear for Knights of Chaos as fear causers themselves).

The Lance Knights on the left flank charge out of the ruins and into the unit of 15 (red) Saurus Warriors, who respond by failing their fear test (yes all these units failing fear are Cold Blooded and STILL fail their tests – how bad is that for dice rolling!) The Knights outnumber the Saurus (US of 20 versus US of 15). The Saurus flee 3 inches and are ridden down by the Knights. Scratch one block of troops.

In combat, the Daemon Prince and Warhounds kill 4 skinks. The Kroxigor and skinks respond with no kills! The skink/Krox unit loses combat (outnumbered) and flee 6 inches. The frenzied Daemon Prince pursues 8 inches and “flies them down” grinding their bones into dust. Strike another unit. The Warhounds fail a roll to restrain them and pursue into the rocks by 9 inches.

The Lizard men’s general is within 6 inches of the fleeing unit and makes a panic test. His cold-bloodedness saves him. The Terradons pass their panic test also.

Turn 3

The Lizardmen Cold One Knights pass their Stupidity test. The Salamander rallies this turn and reforms. The General’s Carnosaur charges the Sword Knights armed with ensorcelled weapons. The unit of Saurus Warriors with hand weapons and shields charges into the Marauders. The unit of Saurus with Spears and shields charges the unit of 18 Chaos Warriors. The Stegadon charges the Marauder unit.

The Carnosaur’s Terror is commuted to fear against the Knights. The Knights fail their test but outnumber the general and his mount and stand. They need 6’s to hit. The Oldblood and his mount kill two Knights, who respond by causing no wounds. The combat is drawn.

The Saurus v 15 Marauders ends with just one dead Saurus. The Marauders lose the combat and fail a Break test and are run down, losing their standard.

The Saurus v the 18 Chaos Warriors results in one dead CW and two dead Saurus. The CW lose the combat by one point but make their Break test and stand their ground.

The Stegadon v Marauders sees the humans taking six dead from Impact hits and fleeing. They manage to outrun the giant beast.

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The WoC part of the turn sees some movement. The Spawn of Chaos charges the skink skirmishers. They stand and shoot and cause one wound to the creature. The Daemon Prince flies and charges into the rear of the 19 Saurus with hand weapons. The Saurus pass their Terror test. The Warhounds charge the Terradons. The flail armed Marauders move across the field. The Lance Knights move toward the rear of the Stegadon (possibly a mistake – see later!) Finally the Chosen charge the Salamander.

In close combat the Spawn of Chaos kills four of the brave little skink skirmishers. Their low toughness is no match for this hell-spawned monstrosity! They break and run 11 inches. The spawn pursues…. 10 inches. They survive!

The attack of the Daemon Prince causes three more Saurus casualties. The Saurus cannot attack back this turn. The Saurus win the combat on resolution. The DP is Stubborn and makes his break test.

The Chosen versus the Salamander. The Chosen kill the remaining skink handler and do 3 wounds to the Salamander who now only has 1 wound left. The Sallie loses combat and breaks and is run down by the chosen who mange to pursue into the flank of the Terradons!

The 17 Chaos Warriors v the 23 spear Saurus. Two dead Saurus to three dead CW’s. The CW’s lose combat and need to roll a break test of 4. They roll a 4 and stand!

The Chosen and the Warhounds versus the Terradons. Two Terradons are butchered and one is left with just one wound. The Terradon loses combat and fails its break test. It flies back over the rocks and is saved from being run down. The Warhounds manage to stop at the foot of the rocks.

The Knights with swords versus the Oldblood general and the now frenzied Carnosaur. The end result is a wounded Carnosaur (down to one wound) and two more dead knights. The combat goes on.

The engaged Saurus unit lose their fight with the Chaos Warriors but pass their break test and hold.

Turn 4

The Lizardman forces have been badly hit but are surviving. The skink skirmishers and the Terradon make their rally roll. The Cold One Knights pass their Stupidity check and make a charge into the rear of the unit of Lance Knights.

The Stegadon and Saurus unit both turn around to find fresh enemies.

As there is no shooting, it is on to close combat.

The Chaos Knights with their Lances have been hit in the rear by the Cold Ones and reel from this attack. Both units cause fear, which cancels out. The Cold One unit does one wound on the Chaos unit. The Chaos unit do no wounds in return. The Chaos Knights lose the combat by two and make a break test. They fail and rout six inches straight into the tusks of the Stegadon, which at a US of 10 means that they are destroyed. Score one to the Lizards!

The 21 spear-armed Saurus continue their fight with the 14 Chaos Warriors. This time, the Saurus take a lashing and lose six men. In return they can do no wounds and lose the combat by 3. The Saurus fail their break test even with cold-blooded and run 11 inches. The Chaos Warriors only manage to pursue five inches.

The Daemon Prince is now fighting the Saurus with hand weapons and the Saurus Hero who has managed to find his way to the new front of the unit. A challenge ensues. Neither the Lord nor the Hero can wound the other. The Daemon Prince is sorely outnumbered and loses combat again. He passes his break test with the stubbornness of a goat.

The Oldblood general and his badly wounded mount fight on. Both sides are tiring and this shows as no wounds are caused. The Lizardman loses on combat resolution but makes his cold-blooded break test.

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The WoC forces fight on. The spawn of chaos has no choice but to attack the skinks again and charges into them. The flail armed Marauders charge into the Saurus who are busy fighting the Daemon Prince. Now they have something new to think about. The Warriors of Chaos unit charges into the back of the Spear armed Saurus. The Chosen move to close on the Carnosaur. The Warhounds turn and move toward the centre where the DP is fighting.

In combat, the Spawn kills four skinks that flee and are run off the table. The spawn manages not to pursue.

The WoC v the spear Saurus. This ends with four dead Saurus and no Warrior casualties. The Saurus lose the combat by a massive 6 combat resolution and fail their break test. They run 10 inches but so do the pursuing Warriors who hack them down and destroy them.

The DP and Marauders with flails versus the Saurus with hand weapons. This Saurus plant a wound on the DP. In return the DP kills one Saurus. The flails do their deadly job and claim two more Saurus. The Lizards lose this combat by one but pass their break test.

The Oldblood and his mount fight on. The general escapes being wounded thanks to his magic charms. The Carnosaur is not so lucky and takes three wounds to his bloody frame. It is too much and he collapses. Unnerved, the large Saurus jumps to the ground and fights on foot. He lost the combat by two but does not break.

Turn 5

The Lizzie Cold Ones passed their Stupidity check but had no opponents to declare a charge against. The Oldblood general passed his rally test and stood firm again.

The Stegadon turns to face the Marauders on the edge of the table (who rallied and reformed). The Cold Ones turn to face the Spawn of Chaos.

The Terradon flies over the Warhounds and drops rocks. It kills three of them but more importantly causes a Panic test. Sad to say for the Lizardmen, the Warhounds are within 12 inches of their General DP and use his Ld of 8. They pass the test and remain standing Warhounds!

The Stegadon bow kills two of the Marauders in its sights and as there were only six of them, they take a Panic test. They fail and flee off the table (no standard captured).

In close combat, Saurus and their Hero still fight the DP and flail Marauders. In the challenge, the DP causes two unsaved wounds and kills the Saurus Hero (no ward saves made this time). The flail’s fail to cause any unsaved wounds. In return the Saurus Warriors kill three Marauders. The DP and flails lose the combat by four and make a break test. The stubborn DP loses his frenzy and fails his test and flies/flees a massive 3 inches. The Saurus are soon to be disappointed as miraculously the Marauders pass their break test. The Saurus have to stay and fight the humans. The DP lives to fight again!

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The Warriors of Chaos redouble their efforts. The sword armed Knights charge into the rallied General. His sword gives him the edge as he has Always strikes first. The Spawn of Chaos makes it randomised charge distance and ends up an inch short of the Cold One Knights. The DP rallies.

The Saurus and Flail-men are locked in combat. The Warhounds, Chosen and WoC units all make turns.

In close combat, the Flail Marauders kill one Saurus. In return, the Saurus manage to kill four Marauders. The Marauders lose the combat by five. The make a break test using the newly rallied DP’s Ld of 8. They fail the test and flee 10 inches. The Saurus pursue but only make seven inches. Those Marauders live a little longer.

The sword armed Knights have to wait until the Oldblood strikes first to see whether they have anyone left to fight with. The Oldblood kills two more Knights who themselves fail to wound the grizzled General. The general still loses the combat by one as he is outnumbered. His cold-blooded nature saves him. The fight continues.

Turn 6 - Final turn

The Lizardmen Cold One Knights pass their stupidity check and charge the Spawn of Chaos. The Saurus charge the Marauders in the rear. The Terradon charge the Marauders in the flank.

The Stegadon turns to face the DP and shoots its giant bow. The DP saves a wound.

In close combat, the Cold One Knights manage to put only one wound on the Spawn. In return it manages no damage. The Spawn loses combat but is Unbreakable anyway and stands around on its last wound.

The Terradon and the Saurus both fail to damage the flail armed Marauders. In return the flails kill the Terradon with one wound but fail to do any damage to the Saurus. The flails lose the combat by six. The flails fail their break test and run 10 inches. The Saurus pursue five inches into the Chosen and the Warhounds.

The Oldblood kills two more Knights who in return fail to do any damage. The Knights lose the combat by one but pass their break test on a seven.

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The Flail Marauders rally. The DP charges into the Cold Ones. The Warriors of Chaos unit charges into the front of the Cold One Knights. The Spawn of Chaos charges into the Cold One Knights. The Warhounds charge into the Saurus Warriors. The Chosen charge into the Saurus Warriors.

The remaining Knight manages to cause one wound to the Oldblood General but only after he struck first and killed one more Knight. Just one Knight standing against this bloodied and grizzled Saurus General.

In close combat, the Chosen kill six of the Saurus Warriors in a bloody hail of attacks. The Warhounds do no additional damage. The Saurus manage to kill three Warhounds. The Saurus lose the combat by three and fail their break test. They flee five inches and are run down by the Warhounds who move seven inches in pursuit.

The DP, Spawn and Warriors (halberdiers) all fail to kill any Cold One Knights. In return the Cold One Knights kill one Warrior. Despite this, the Cold One Knights lose the combat by one and fail their break test. They flee and are pursued by the Spawn of Chaos who rolls 14 inches for pursuit and crushes them into the ground.

There, the game ended…

Conclusion: A big Victory for the Warriors of Chaos.

At the end of the game, the Victory points were added up. Briefly, both Armies controlled one table quarter and the others were either neutral or disputed. However, the number of units destroyed by Chaos gave the game to them. The Lizard’s didn’t make much of a dent in their enemy. The only Lizardman units standing at the end were the Oldblood General, minus his Carnosaur (so much steak on the Chaos BBQ that night!) and the Stegadon. At the conclusion of this 2250 pointer, the Warriors scored 2602 Victory points and the Lizardmen 1519. A difference of 1083 points giving a Solid Victory to the forces of Chaos.

From the Lizardmen perspective...

Well, that could have been better! A few things struck me as BAADD. Firstly, not taking a BSB was a howler. It could have made a big difference in the game. No magic for the Lizardmen may have been bad news as well. My Oldblood on Carnosaur simply got tarpitted against the Knights for the whole game and allowed the rest of the Warriors to choose their targets. I got the feeling that Dean had weighed up the odds in combat of certain units and also where to deploy each troop type carefully. From the moment the Warriors of Chaos broke out of the ruin with those Knights to the very end it seemed that skill and luck were very much in Dean’s favour. My smaller “auxiliary” units seemed to stumble and fall quickly during the game. Though some bad dice rolling seemed to plague the Lizardmen, the fact is that if I had done more homework on the Warriors and deployed better, I would have had to make less Leadership checks in the first place. The Lizardmen are a powerful force in combat and should not be dismissed on the basis of one battle. All in all though, Dean played well and got the solid victory he deserved – blessings indeed from the ‘Eye’.

In future if I were to take a Lizardman army again I would probably drop the Carnosaur, put a Lord and BSB in the ranks of a large Saurus unit and possibly take a Slann Mage. I would probably drop everything else barring the Stegadon and just go with blocks of Saurus full stop. Large blocks of troops with useful characters seems to be the way for Lizardmen!

From the Warriors perspective...

Mike’s suggestion that I had carefully weighed up odd was bang on the money. I prepared for this game reeling from a series of defeats (that goes back years – nay – decades!) and did as much research and preparation as I could.

We made a decision early on to exchange army lists before the games started. I’d done a lot of work trying to create a balanced list and when we exchanged, I decided to sit down and work out the best way of tackling Mike’s army (without making any alterations to my list).

I spent a few work lunch-breaks with a spreadsheet simulating dice-rolls to try and weigh up which of my units to try and pit against Mike’s on the day. Any battle plan goes to pot as soon as deployment starts, but I did my best to ensure that I deployed units to engage enemy units I’d decided they were best suited to tackle. I got to match up pretty much where I wanted to (about 80% success).

I was very nervous about the Lizardmen’s Cold Blooded rules (if you don’t know, they get to roll 3d6 for Ld based tests and discard the worst die) as it basically meant the odds of them failing a test were minimal. Mike rose to the challenge however and pulled some shocking rolls out of the bag!

Things I wasn’t happy about: The Daemon Prince was number one. His saving grace is his great mobility – I was able to use him as a harassing unit – mixing up Mike’s back line in order to disrupt his manoeuvrability and slow down dangerous units. That said, he’s actually a very weak troop when you look at his points cost and just doesn’t lay out enough damage for the money.

Also the terrible decision I made to advance my lancers on the Stegosaur enabling them to be charged in the rear and get ridden down without causing a wound! Almost 20% of my army rubbished due to a bad a call.

Ah well – it’s all “Blood For The Blood God!”