23/24 epic league - Steel Legions vs Blood Axes

 This time it two totally different armies that meet. The slow and lumbering Steel Legions against the agile and aggressive Blood Axes.

+++ Steel Legion TP2018 1975p +++

Mechanised Infantry Company 1                      400

Imperial Guard Commander, 12xImperial Guard Infantry, 7xChimera, Commissar                                   

Mechanised Infantry Company 2                     500

Imperial Guard Commander, 12xImperial Guard Infantry, 7xChimera, 3xHellhound, Commissar                       

Rough Rider Platoon                              150

6xRough Riders, Commissar                                       

Artillery Battery                                250

3xBasilisk, Commissar                                       

Sentinel Squadron                                100

4xSentinel                                      

Warhound Titan                                   275

Warhound Titan                                  

2x Thunderbolt Squadron                             300

2xThunderbolt Fighter-Bomber      

+++ Blood Axe Morkrump’s Korpss Ork Army 1990p +++

Warband                                          340
2xNobz, 6xBoyz, 2xGrotz, 4xBattlewagon, Warlord                                         

Stormboyz Warhorde                               150
6xStormboyz                                     

Kommandos Squad A                                 275
6xKommandos, Big Kopta

Kommandos Squad B                                 275
6xKommandos, Big Kopta

Kommandos Squad C                                 275
6xKommandos, Big Kopta                                    

Blitz Brigade                                    225
4xDeth Kopta, 2xSkorcha, Warbuggy                                        

Big Blitz Brigade                                250
2xFlakwagon, 6xLobbawagon                                    

Bommer                                           200  

The orks got to choose edge and taking one with somewhat uneven cover and giving one with cover only in the corners to the Steel Legion. The orks place their blitz objective on the left flank and the Steel Legion on their right flank mirroring the orks. The orks chose to spread out their objectives while the Steel Legion focus their close to the ork blitz and in the open.

Due to the relative open center of the battlefield the orks only dare to set up squad A as scouts. The rest of the kommandos was put in the ruins on their left together with the Stormboyz. This left the wagons and the warband in the relative open on the right side. 
The Steel Legion countered with 1st company to the left and 2nd to the right and putting the Basilisks in some ruins not expecting to move them.

+++ TURN 1 +++
=========================================================
The Steel Legions wins the initiative and order the Basilisks to Sustain Fire with all they have on squad B killing 2 kommandos.

The orks also starts with a bombardment and let the Bommer fell its bombs over 1st company killing two units of infantry and destroying a Hellhound.

Facing the choice between the potential massive AA from the Bommer or no flakk on the ork left flank the 1st Thunderbolt squadron prefer the left flank. Ground attacking B squad killing another kommando.

The B squad realize that their position is untenable and marshal and enter the kopta and fly off taking their risks in the transport.

The 2nd company double forward to take control of the strategically central bridge. However in the maneuver they take overwatch fire from A squad and is badly hit loosing one unit of infantry and two chimeras. They return fire from the bridge but fail to hit the orks in the ruins.

C squad double to protect the bridge foundation taking some irritating overwatch fire from the Sentinels, it cause no damage but annoys the orks that shoot back and destroy one Sentinel.

The Rough riders marsh forward taking a strategic position in the center in cover of the park.

The orks smell blood and have the kopta blitz double forward taking position in front of C squad killing two more infantry units in 2nd company.

The first company is still disorganized from the previous bombing and is forced to hold and regroup.

The Lobbawagons double into range of 2nd company and fire at them, despite the massive barrage only one Chimera is destroyed.

The Warhound spotted them as an exemplary target and advance within range destroying one of the Lobbawagons as well as a Flak wagon with its mighty plasma cannon.

The Stormboyz squabble among themself and is forced to hold and regroup by bashing some heads together.

The 2nd Thunderbolt squadron tries to follow up the Warhound attack on the Lobbawagons but one of the planes are hit by a stray flak from the remaining flak wagon and the other miss its targets completely.

Waiting for how the battle has unfolded the warlord order his warband to double on the right flank, fire at the Sentinels and breaking them,

End: All air get extra BM for exiting on wrong edges. The Orks roll three 1s and no formation rallies . The Steel Legion counters with two 6s. Every formation rallies.

+++ TURN 2 +++
================================================================== 

The orks wins the initiative and have A squad advance and dismount on the bridge and fire at 2nd company. Killing just one units of infantry.
B squad retain and engage the 2nd company. Initially it looks grim for the orks with two kommandos lost and two damages on the kopta versus only two infantry units killed. But the massive support fire set up by the Blood Axes manage to kill four more units of infantry including the commissar, that succumb to a shoota bolt, and destroy two chimeras. Resulting in that the entire 2nd company is chopped down by raging orks as they try to retreat. However the B squad is also broken due to their massive losses.

The concentration of orks become a prime target for the Basilisk that deliver a sustained fire upon them killing two units of orks and one of the Skorchas.

The Bommer try to clear the center by bombing the Rough Riders and the Warhound, Killing five units of the Rough Rider routing the lone survivor but does not manage to do any damage on the sturdy Warhound.

The guard answer by having the first Thunderbolt squadron strafe the big blitz brigade and destroy two of the lobba wagons and break them.

With the Rough Riders out of the way the path is open for the C squad to engage the Warhound in close combat. The orks manage to duck the big machines stomping and strap on some meltabombs on its feet. Toppling it.

The first company double to the center to plug the gap left by the Warhound and the Rough Riders fire at the C squad but the rapid advance took the toll and only one units of Kommandos is killed.

The Stormboyz march across almost the entire field and take position close to the Basilisk in the ruins.

The lone Thunderbolt in the second squadron is forced to stay on the ground, patching up some holes in the hull.

The ork Warband continue to double on their right flank reaching the Steel Legion side and fire at the first company in the back. Killing one units of guardsmen.

The guard send the lone sentinel in the scout squadron to support the Basilisk and fire at the stormboyz without any result.

END: All aircraft manage to exit on their own edge. Both the big and the small blitz brigades rallies. So does also B squad and the vanguard Stormboyz while the Steel Legion fail to rally any unit.

+++ TURN 3 +++
===============================================================

The initiative roll is a draw meaning that the Steel Legion finally get to start.
After a hard choice between two crucial targets they decide to engage the C squad in small arms firing range. Cutting down the Kommandos with concentrated las fire and blowing up the Kopta as it tries to take of with a well aimed rocket. Taking control of the objective in the park.

The orks avenge the loss by letting the Stormboyz loose on the Basilisks. But the armor of the guns prove to be harder than the orks expected and they did not mange to chop through any while two units of boyz are run over. Desperate they try to disengage just to be cut down almost to last unit. One lone unit of Stormboyz zoom back in an uncontrolled spiral.

The Basilisk does not rest but load up immediately and sustain fire at the orks on the bridge again. This time killing two units of kommandos and a small kopta almost breaking both formations.

The battered kopta blitz brigade double and fire at the sentinel. Destroying it and contest the blitz objective.

The 2nd Thunderbolt squadron has still some holes to patch and had to stand down again.

The B squad manage to marshal and spread out to take control over two objectives on the ork side.

Just to be hit by the bombs from 1st Thunderbolt squadron and break.

Forcing the big blitz brigade to double and retake the control of that objective as well as the blitz objective.

With no formation left on the Steel Legion side the Warband can safely double back to take control over the last objective on the orks side.

The warlord call in the Bommer for a final run targeting the first company and mange to drop a bomb straight on the command center of the formation killing four units of infantry including the commander and the commissar as well as three chimeras. The massive loss of commanding officers break the formation and they flee.

END: Blood Axes 2 (DTF & TSNP) Steel Legion 0.

Despite the heroic efforts of the Basilisk that single handily defeated the Stormboyz in close combat and turned numerous of orks to pulp on the bridge the day is lost for the Steel Legion. The loss of the second company to the concentrated attack of the orks followed up by the spread out and speedy consolidation of the orks battleline proved to much and they are forced to fall back to fight another day.
The loss means that the Steel Legion is now out of the top contest while the Blood Axes take the lead.

3/24 epic league - Minervan Tank Legions vs Aurora Chapter

 Time for the final match for the Minervans. This time they will face the dreaded Aurora Chapter. Will it be another, and final loss for the tank legion?

++ Minervan Tank Legion 1995p ++

Small Tank Company                               340

6xLeman Russ Conqueror                          

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Small Tank Company                               425

5xLeman Russ                                    

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Executioner                          

Salamander Command Vehicle                      

Small Tank Company                               330

5xLeman Russ Exterminator                       

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Thunderer                            

Small Tank Company                               400

5xLeman Russ Demolisher                         

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Executioner                          

Salamander Scout Platoon                         100

3xSalamander Scout                              

Thunderbolt Squadron                             150

2xThunderbolt Fighter-Bomber                    

Marauder Squadron                                250

2xMarauder Bomber         

++ Aurora chapter (Scions of Iron) 2000p  ++

Heavy Tactical III & IV squads                         325
4xTactical, 2xLand Raider        

Heavy Tactical V& VI squads                        325
4xTactical, 2xLand Raider                                          

Landing Craft                                    350                                  

Terminator                                       475
4xTerminator, 2xLand Raider Crusader                          

Whirlwind                                        275
4xWhirlwind                                     

Thunder CAS                                      250
Thunderhawk Close Air Support           

Aurora got to choose edge and selected one with relative little cover, instead giving more cover to the Minervans, since they expect to fight mostly on the Minervan side anyway. 

They set up the blitz in the center while the Minervans went with the far right corner. Auroa center their objectives around the Minervan blitz while the Minervans choose to put theirs on the opposite flank in the open. To counter the air assault the Minervans also put their most expensive unit, the Leman Russes, in the opposite corner of the blitz. Supported by the demolishers to give good fire fight and leaving the blitz totally unguarded. The Aurora put as usually only the Whirlwinds and the V & VI squad on the ground hiding behind the little cover there is.

+++ TURN 1 +++
==============================================================

Aurora wins the initiative. The CAS ground assault the Leman Russ Company and destroy the command vehicle and one of the russes. Then then retain and let the Landing Craft, a bit unexpected, Assaults the demolishers counting more or less out the Leman Russes. But the marines have problem penetrate the thick armor of the Demolishers and only one is destroyed at the loss of one units of tactical marines and a Land Raider destroyed by support fire. A bad rolling the the resolution however end up in the demise of the demolishers. 

On the opposite side of the battlefield the Thunderbolts ground attack the Whirlwinds, destroying one and cripple them.

The V & VI squad double and hide in the central ruins.

The Minervans continue to hammer the Whirlwinds with bombs from above this time with the Marauders. Destroys another artillery piece and breaking them.

This leave the Arura without any more activations. The Exterminators advance and fire at III & IV squad killing two units of marines and break them too.

The Conquerors advance and fire at the Landraiders of  the central V & VI squad but the hits are saved.

The scouts are forced to hold and also fire at the V & VI squad but miss with all shots.

On the right flank does the battered Leman Russ company marshal and moves forward.

END: CAS and the Landing Craft get 1 BM each for exiting on the wrong edge. Otherwise was there a lot of 1:s rolled ending up in that both the Whirlwinds and the III & IV squad remained broken. 

+++ TURN 2 +++
=========================================================

Aurora wins the initiative and let the Terminators advance and fire at the damage Leman Russ company. Several shot hits but they are all saved.

They gamble a bit and retain to continue to attack the Russ Company with the CAS but still all hits are saved and the Russ remain unbroken.

The Leman Russ company tries to retaliate but are after all somewhat shaken and is forced to hold and fire at the terminators. The Terminators are just as though as the tanks and save all hits.

The V & VI squad sustain fire at the Conqueror company. Three shots hit, all saved. Start to see a pattern. 

The Exterminator company marsh up the right flank of the tank legion closing in on the the objectives.

The Landing Craft lands in the middle of the Terminators and fire at the Leman Russ company doing no damage.

The Conqueror sustain fire at the V & VI squads. They hit with four shots but they are all saved.

The scouts also sustain fire at the V & VI squads but at least manage to not hit, so no saves was needed.

The Thunderbolt makes a massive ground attack against the III & IV squads and kill one units of tactical marines resulting in that the squad is no more.

The Marauders doesn't want to be worse and let the bombs fly at the V & VI squads manage to finally do some damage blowing up a Land Raider.

END: The Landing Craft exit with the Terminators but on wrong edge gaining one BM. The same for the CAS. The V & VI squads rallies but the Whirlwinds fails. The Conqueror company succeed to rally but the Leman Russ company fails.

+++ TURN 3 +++
========================================================

Aurora, as expected, win the initiative again. The CAS hover over to the Leman Russ Company and do some target practice with their lasercannons. Destroying one and finally break them.

The Minervans try to respond but the Marauders are forced to stand down.

The Landing Craft loaded with Terminators does an air assault against the Exterminators. All tanks are blown up by the Terminators powerfists but to a high cost. Three units of Terminators are lost. One of the Leman Russes close by are routed from the battle by the carnage.  

The Thunderbolts are in better shape than the Marauders targeting the V & VI squad. Killing two units of marines with their strafe, almost breaking the formation. 

The command chain is in complete disarray at the Aurora chapter with the V & VI squad trying to contact the command. Failing and instead break and retreat.

This means that the Minervans has a free field for the remaining units.

The Scouts double and take control of the Minervan blitz and one more objective.

The Conqueror advance and take control of the last obj on the Minervan side and fire at the V & VI squad but do no damage.

END: Minervans 2 (DTF & TSNP) Aurora 0

A very odd game with few models on both sides and as a consequence relative few shots and alot of saved hits. The demise of the Aurora chapter was the early break of a few units that they where unable to rally leaving them with a severe activation disadvantage giving the Minervans the first victory in the league. Not that it helps them they are still at last place but at least they can leave with their heads borne high. 

23/24 epic league - Steel Legion vs Bad Moons

 Second match round 4. This time is it the clash of the mechanized infantry. The imperial guards in the form of the Steel Legion meets the orks in form of the Bad Moons. 

+++ Steel Legion TP2018 1975p +++

Mechanised Infantry Company 1                      400

Imperial Guard Commander, 12xImperial Guard Infantry, 7xChimera, Commissar                                   

Mechanised Infantry Company 2                     500

Imperial Guard Commander, 12xImperial Guard Infantry, 7xChimera, 3xHellhound, Commissar                       

Rough Rider Platoon                              150

6xRough Riders, Commissar                                       

Artillery Battery                                250

3xBasilisk, Commissar                                       

Sentinel Squadron                                100

4xSentinel                                      

Warhound Titan                                   275

Warhound Titan                                  

2x Thunderbolt Squadron                             300

2xThunderbolt Fighter-Bomber      

++ Ghazgkhull Thraka's Warhorde 1995p ++

Ork Warband                                      340

2xNobz, 6xBoyz, 2xGrotz, Battlefortress, Warlord, Skorcha                                         

Big Ork Warband                                  550

4xNobz, 12xBoyz, 4xGrotz, 8xBattlewagon                                   

Blitz Brigade                                    325

Flakwagon, 3xGunwagon, Gunfortress, Oddboy with Zap                                 

Big Blitz Brigade                                300

2xFlakwagon, 6xGunwagon, Oddboy with Zap                                 

Mekboy Stompamob                                 330

3xCrusha Stompa, 3xDreadnought                                   

Fighta Squadron                                  150
3xFighta- Bommer     

The battlefield was set up with the ruins going diagonally across the board.

The Bad Moons got to choose the edge and selected the one with the bridge. They put the blitz on the bridge and put the objectives rather forward knowing that the Steel legion lacking any decent scouts. 

The Steel Legion on the other hand focus their objectives on their left flank where it is rather open on the ork side. They also choose to put most of their units on that flank while the orks favored a more balance setup.

+++ TURN 1 +++

==========================================================

The Steel Legions wins the initiative and does not waste the chance of a good bombardment. The Basilisks shells rain down on the big warband destroying a battlewaggon and killing two units of boyz as well as a unit of nobs and grots.

Knowing the threat of the Basilisks the Fighta bommas tries to take them out but miss most of the shots except one that is saved.

The Thunderbolts tries to intercept the Fighta bommas but instead one of the Thunderbolts is shot down.

The big warband is demoralized by the attack and hold and regroup.

Hidden by the dust from the explosions the Rough Riders quickly marsh ahead and hides behind the crags.

The small warband doubles forward, taking cover in the park and fire at the Sentinels, destroying one while themself loosing one grot to the overwatch fire from the Sentinels.

The second Thunderbolts acknowledge the threat and does a ground attack against them. Killing a unit of orks and damage the battlefortress.

The small blitz brigade double toward the ork right flank. Hide behind the park walls and fire at the Rough Riders. One is consumed by green fire from the Wyrdboy zapp.

In the middle, the Warhound advance and fire at the Small warband. Two plasma shot hit the battlefortress turning it to a smoking hulk.

The orks decide to fortify that flank and has the big blitz double over, firing at the Sentinels. Destroying one and breaking them.

It is just in time because the 2nd company double forward full speed. They dismount and fire at the battered small warband. They just manage to kill another grot but the mass of fire is enough to break the warband.

Not knowing what to do the Stompas decide to remain on Owerwatch.

Forcing the 1st company to advance carefully towards the center while still staying out of range of the stompas guns.

END: The Second Thunderbolts takes some flak on the way out but nothing hits. No unit manage to rally.

+++ Turn 2 +++
============================================================

The orks win the initiative and let the Big Blitz Brigade do an unorky Sustain Fire at the 2nd Company. With meager result only one Chimera and one infantry unit destroyed. 

The Basilisks sustain fire at the other flank on the Big Warband killing a unit of boyz.

The orks keep hammering the 2nd Company this time with bombs from the air. Another Chimera and infantry unit destroyed.

The Steel legions instead keep focus on the Big Warband and call in the second Thunderbolt squadron. But just one unit of grots killed.

The small blitz brigade double back to the ork left flank and fire at the 2nd Company. No damage.

Battered the 2nd company marshal and fire back at the small blitz brigade, manage to damage the Battlefortress.

The Stompas remain on overwatch denying that flank for the Steel Legion.

The Steel Legion send in the remaining Thunderbolt that mange to kill an unit of boyz and grots in the Big Warband.

The Big Warband get the motors running and double up the right flank. Fire at the Rough Riders. Killing three and break them.

In the middle the Warhound sustain fire at the small blitz but still manage to miss.

On the imperial left flank the 1st Company advance and fire at the big warband. But bad luck limit the casualties to a unit of grots. On the other hand the Stompas who finally got a target in range has just as bad luck and do no damage on the company.

End: The Thunderbolts has to exit at the wrong edge. Both warbands rallies as well as the Rough Riders and the 2nd Company.

+++ TURN 3 +++

=================================================================

Orks wins the initiative again. The big warband sneaks by the 1st company and double next to the Basilisks. Destroying two of them and break them and take control of the Blitz.

Orks retain and let the Small blitz double towards the center and some cover and fire in the rear of the 1st company. One units of infantry is killed.

The Warhound advance and fire at the big blitz brigade. One flakk trukk as well as two gunwaggons is reduced to burned out shells.

The Fighta bommas retaliate and swoop down on the Warhound stripping it of shield with their guns before sending on the rockets, damaging it.

Next to them the Thunderbolts bomb the big blitz manage to destroy the wyrdboy tower and break the unit.

The small warband double back into the park. Fire at the Warhound, not manage to damage it but break it.

The first Thunderbolt squadron with just one aircraft in attacks the big warband but miss.

The Steel Legions retain and advance with the 1st company fire at the small blitz but does not manage to do any damage.

The Stompas is force to hold and fire at the 1st Company, destroying a Chimera.

The 2nd Company sustain fire at the small warband in front of them. 4 units of boyz and 1 nob killed and the unit is broken.

The two remaining Rough Riders march back and contest the Steel Legion blitz.

END: 0-0.Both Thunderbolt squadrons takes AA on the way out. One plane is hit but not damage. Warhound, 1st Company and Basilisks rallies. All but the big blitz brigade rallies for the orks. 

+++ TURN 4 +++
=====================================================================

The Steel Legion win the initiative but the 1st company fails to activate. It instead hold in place and fire at the small blitz brigade. Several shots hits but they all bounce of the armor of the tanks.

The Fighta bommas does a last sortie and wipe out the Rough Riders.

On the other side of battle field the second Thunderbolt squadron wipe out the last of the small Warband.

The big warband advance circling the blitz objective and fire at the Warhound. Despite twenty dices rolled only one six is manage just removing a shield.

The remaining Basilisk sustain fire at the big warband and kill a unit of boys.

The small blitz brigade double back to protect the ork blitz objective. 

The lone Thunderbolt in the 1st squadron tries to attack them but is shot down.

The Stompas sustain fire at the 1st company destroying 2 Chimeras. At this point the orks was leading with 2-0 but are now out of activations.

The 2nd company consider if they can dislodge the big warband from the blitz objective but instead decide to march and contest the ork blitz objective.

The Warhound advance and fire at the big warband killing a units of nobz and contest the objective.

END. Still 0-0 and no broken unit rallies. Bad Moons 600 Steel Legion 640. It end up in the slimmest possible victory to the Steel Legion.

The Steel legion managed to get activation advantage early and the the orks struggled to handle that. However they manage to do some good maneuvering in the late game and the Steel Legion made some mistakes that forced it to a super close draw. Beside that it was a very cautious play from both side where both avoided each others large units and no engagement was done by either side. 
The victory brings the Steel Legions to 7 points making it possible for them to enter the top contest if they win another game.

23/24 epic league - Blood Angles vs Minervan Tank Legions

So it's time for round 4. Since we realized that we have distributed the matches wrong and it won't be possible to do two more even rounds we decided to run the last six matches in one round. First out is the top dog Codex Astartes versus the bottom slogger the Minervan Tank Legions. Will the Tank Legions finally be able to scope up a victory or will it just be a walk in the park for the Space marines. 

+++ Codex Astartes TP2018          2000p +++

Tactical Detachment 1                             325
6xTactical, 3xRhino, Chaplain                                        

Tactical Detachment 2                             350
6xTactical, 3xRhino, Hunter                                          

Devastator Detachment                            250
4xDevastator, 2xRhino                                         

Scout Detachment                                 150
4xScout, 2xRhino                                         

Bike Detachment                                  200
5xBike                                          

Land Speeder Detachment                          200
5xLand Speeder                                  

Predator Detachment                              250
4xPredator Annihilator                          

Whirlwind Detachment                             275
4xWhirlwind 

++ Minervan Tank Legion 1995p ++

Small Tank Company                               340

6xLeman Russ Conqueror                          

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Small Tank Company                               425

5xLeman Russ                                    

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Executioner                          

Salamander Command Vehicle                      

Small Tank Company                               330

5xLeman Russ Exterminator                       

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Thunderer                            

Small Tank Company                               400

5xLeman Russ Demolisher                         

Armoured Regiment Commissar                     

Leman Russ Executioner                          

Salamander Scout Platoon                         100

3xSalamander Scout                              

Thunderbolt Squadron                             150

2xThunderbolt Fighter-Bomber                    

Marauder Squadron                                250

2xMarauder Bomber         

The Space Marines choose to set up with the city going as an axis from their side to the Minervans giving them a path with cover. They put their blitz objective behind the park. Rest close to the marine side knowing that the Minervan had not much to garrison. The Minervans choose to put their objectives on the left flank where most of the open ground was to be found.

Minerva set up with a strong left and the Exterminators on the right to fight for the objective in the dunes. The Space marines went with a more balanced setup with most anti armor on their right to counter the expected Minervan advance.

+++ TURN 1 +++

========================================================

The Space Marines win the initiative but let the Minervan start moving.

They start with an airstrike by the Marauders against the second tactical detachment. The marine hunter miss and two units of marines and a rhino is destroyed in the explosions.

The first tactical detachment doubles and take position in the ruins on their left. Nothin available to shoot at but a nice position to control the dunes. 

The Minervans continue to send in the aircrafts against the second detachment but one Thunderbolts spiral to the ground hit by the hunters rocket and the remining one fail to do any damage. 

The Marine bikes march forward full speed and hide behind the ruins in the center.

The Minervan Salamanders sustain fire at the scouts hiding in the nearby ruin but to no result.

The battered second detachment fail to activate and decide to regroup.

On the Minervan side the tanks finally start to rumble forward. The Exterminator company advance forward and fire at first detachment. They are lucky an even if most shots fall short they manage to destroy two Rhinos and a unit of marines.

To protect the flank the Landspeeders zoom forward through the dust and rubbles from the Minervan attack and fire back on the Exterminators but only one of the meltas manage to hit and it fail to penetrate the tanks' reinforced armor.

Knowing how dangerous the fragile Landspeeders nevertheless can be against tanks the Demolisher Company doubles to that flank and attack them. Even thou several close shots the nimble speeders show to be a hard target to lock on and no damage done.

Lacking soft targets to fire on the scouts remain in overwatch.

On the Minervan left flank the fast Conquers advance forward and get into range of the bikes that has to zig-zag between falling shells succeeding to take no damage.

The Devastators double and takes position on the bridge on the marine right. They have no target now but will be able to fire at any that tries to take the objectives on the grounds below them.

The Russ Company having long range battle cannons sustain fire at the devastators and the bridge prove to not be a adequate protection killing two units. 

The Whirlwinds sustain fire at the Salamanders destroying one of them and breaking the unit.

The Predators doble forward hiding behind the central ruins thereby also have no targets to fire at.

End: All Marine units rallies. The Salamander scouts and the Exterminators however fails on the Minervan side.

+++ Turn 2 +++
======================================================

The Space Marines wins the initiative and let the Landspeeders skimmer over the Exterminators firing as the pass by to then hide behind some dunes destroying one tank in the process.

The Minervans continue their airstrikes. This time against the Predators and Bikes hiding in the center. The Marauders destroy two bikes and blow up a Predator while successfully dodging the Hunters missiles.

The battered Predators advance and fire at the Exterminators but the tanks thick armor prove to be to hard for the lasercannons.

The Space Marines, however, decide to retain the initiative and let the first detachment advance into range of the Exterminators. They also fail do do any damage but the sheer amount of incoming fire break the Exterminator company and they retreat.

In the center the Conquers double to get within range of the Predators fending of some small arms overwatch fire from the scouts. They manage to destroy one Predator breaking the unit.

On their overlook position on the bridge the Devastators take the opportunity to fire at the Conquers below but did not manage to hit any of the tanks.

The lone surviving Thunderbolt manage to get into the air and attack the Landspeeders out of range of the Hunter but do not manage to damage them.

The Whirlwinds let loose of their rockets at the Conquer company. One tank is hit by a rocket but take no serous damage.

The Russ Company advance toward the Minervan right flank and try to dislodge the Landspeeders. However they do not manage to get a clean shot on the nimble crafts.

The regrouped second company double forward, full speed, to the center and fire at the Conquers. They fail to do any damage but get within fire support position and control of an objective.

In a third attempt to deal with the Landspeeders the Demolisher company advance and also fire at them and their short range high explosive shells show to be to hard to dodge and three crafts crash to the ground riddled with shrapnel.

In the center the beaten Bike company decide to do a Hail Mary and Engage the Conquers. The thickly armored tanks are hard to carve up with chainsaws but still one is destroyed at the loss of one unit of bikes. Another two tanks are destroyed by the support fire from the second company.
However in the end the tanks numbers and the courage of their commissar weight over and the Bikes loose a close combat and retreats. But the tanks are also so battered that the unit break and retreat back to the Minervan lines.

End: The Salamander and the Exterminators Rallies for the Minervan on the Space Marine side does all units rally except the battered bikes.

+++ TURN 3 +++
=======================================================

The Space Marines wins the initiative again but let the Minervan start, trying to drain their activations.

The Minervans does a classic and calls in the Marauders that once again manage to avoid the Hunter but they are probably a bit stressed since all bombs miss the second detachment. 

The first detachment sustain fire at the nearby Demolisher company but even thou several shell hits they are all saved by the thick tank armor.

The Russ Company advance and fire at the second detachment that protect an objective and destroy one Rhino and the ineffective Hunter.

The decimated Landspeeders advance and fire at the Demolisher Company but fail to hit.

The Exterminators take a gamble and double into the ruins and loose two tanks to the rubbles almost breaking them. The lone operating tank fire at the second detachment manage to kill three units of marines and a Rhino. Breaking them.

The scouts move out of their cover and double to the other ruin taking control of the marine center objective. Throwing some more fire at the battered Conquer Company breaking them.

The Thunderbolt makes a ground attack against second detachment in a small hope to destroy them but only manage to destroy one unit.

The Predators march across the field taking position on the bridge and protect the rightmost objective.

The Demolisher company advance to take control of the Minervan rightmost objective. They fire at the first company but fail to do any damage.

As a response the Whirlewinds fire their rockets at the Demolishers but at no avail.

The Salamanders double forward to contest the central objective and manage to destroy the second detachment to the last man earning the Minervans a victory condition.

Just to seconds later getting hit by rockets from the Devastators on the bridge just to break and retreat away from the objective.

END Space Marines 2 (DFT & TSNP) Minervans 1 (BTS)

Not quite a walk in the park but still a rather definitive victory for the Space Marines bringing them up to the top of the table and Minervans still in the bottom. As so many times before it is mainly the lack of activations in the last round that prevent the Minervans to defend themself and protect the objectives.

23/24 epic league - Aurora Chapter vs Bad Moons

 Another match for the so far undefeated Aurora chapter. This time against the Bad Moons. The Aurora chapter has been able to crush every foe so far with their impressive first strike. Would the Bad Moons be the exception with their durable  Big Warband and fairly good air coverage?

+++ Aurora chapter (Scions of Iron) 2000p  +++

Heavy Tactical III & IV squads                         325
4xTactical, 2xLand Raider        

Heavy Tactical V& VI squads                        325
4xTactical, 2xLand Raider                                          

Landing Craft                                    350                                  

Terminator                                       475
4xTerminator, 2xLand Raider Crusader                          

Whirlwind                                        275
4xWhirlwind                                     

Thunder CAS                                      250
Thunderhawk Close Air Support           

++ Ghazgkhull Thraka's Warhorde 1995p ++

Ork Warband                                      340

2xNobz, 6xBoyz, 2xGrotz, Battlefortress, Warlord, Skorcha                                         

Big Ork Warband                                  550

4xNobz, 12xBoyz, 4xGrotz, 8xBattlewagon                                   

Blitz Brigade                                    325

Flakwagon, 3xGunwagon, Gunfortress, Oddboy with Zap                                 

Big Blitz Brigade                                300

2xFlakwagon, 6xGunwagon, Oddboy with Zap                                 

Mekboy Stompamob                                 330

3xCrusha Stompa, 3xDreadnought                                   

Fighta Squadron                                  150
3xFighta- Bommer  

Aurora choose to set up on the edge with most cover and placed their objectives in the open. Orks also place their blitz objective in the open expecting an air assault. And the rest in fairly good cover on the Aurora side of the board.

Orks set up in the Stompas forward in the central ruins preferring the dangers of difficult terrain before Aurora laser cannons. The Big Warband (The BTS) was set up in the center with all Flakk guns protecting it. Also not to close to the blitz objective.

 Aurora set up their classic with the Whirlwinds guarding blitz and V & VI squad on the grund. While  III & IV squad and the Terminator is boarded on the Landing craft. 

+++ TURN 1 +++
========================================================

Aurora win initiative.

The Aurora chapter let the CAS to a ground attack against the Small Warband with the Warlord, might been scared by the amount of fire a ground assault against the big would have taken. One unit of orks, one nob the Skorcha and a damage on the Battefortress.

The mandator retain and  air assault with the Landing Craft follows. All the orks including the mighty warlord lost to the small cost of one units of Terminators.

The Big blitz double on the spot and fire at the Terminators. The zapp gun manage to turn one unit to dust.

The V & VI squad double move forward to stay out of range of the Stompas but within range of objective. 

The ork Figtha-Bommas dare not getting close to all the anti air around the Aurora landing spot and instead let their rocket loose at the Whirlwinds. Destroying two of them.

The Whirlwinds close to breaking marshal.

Small blitz on the other flank doubles and manage to zap a marine in V squad.

The Stompa in the center sensing a foe goes wild and double. Trusting their walker ability and move from one ruin to another. Fire at V & VI squad. Not getting a single shot straight.

Big Warband consider a good offensive to be the best defensive and double up the middle of the board fire at V & VI squad. Killing two units of marines. Breaking them.

End: The landing craft and the CAS get one BM each for exiting on the wrong edge and another from coming under AA fire but no damage. All units rallies.

+++ TURN 2 +++
==================================================================

Orks win the initiative.

Big blitz sustain fire as if there was no tomorrow (something it very well could be for them). But even then cause no damage on the terminators.

Over their heads the CAS Thunderhawk swoops down from the skies with cannons blazing it takes some hits from the orks Flakk guns but the armor reflect it. Still only one gunwaggon destroyed.

The Big Warband in the center continue its Waaagh and double to the marine blitz destroying the Whirlwinds on the move.

On the formal ork side of the battlefield the Terminators sustain fire at the Big Blitz brigade. Destroying two gunwaggons and two flakkwaggons breaking them. Leaving no operational ork units on that side of the field.

The only ones left taking the fight to the formal landing party is the squadron on fighta bommas destroying one Land raider for the Terminators in a ground attack.

The decimated V & VI squad sustain fire at the nearby Big Warband. Hit one shot but do no damage.

Small Blitz decide to remove that annoyance and double, hiding beneath the bridge and fire at V & VI squad. Killing another units of marines and break them again.

On the formal ork side of the field the III & IV squad tries to retreat back to defend the marines side. They double to take control of one of the objectives  and fire at the Stompas, destroying one of them.

Stompas are forced to hold and fires back at III & IV squad. Destroying one Land Raider.

Landing Craft is forced to stand down due to to many small holes in the hull that needed to be patched before take off.

END: All air units got an extra BM due to exiting on wrong edge. The Big Warband and the Stompas rallies. All Aurora units rallies

+++ TURN 3 +++
==================================================================

Aurora wins the initiative and let the III & IV squads sustain fire at Stompas. But only one shot hit any targets and it is saved. 

Small blitz does almost an U-turn and double back to take Control of the  center objective just outside the ruins and fire at the III & IV squad. One marine is killed but luckily for the marines does the zap gun goes wide.

The Thunderhawk tries to dislodge the Stompas from the objective but the thick armor protects them.

The fighta-bommas are still reluctant to get close to the marine aircrafts and instead does a bombrun against the Terminators destroying one of them and breaking the formation.

The battered V & VI squad. Now just the Landraiders left. Doubles back into the center and fire at the Stompas. The lascannons shots bouncing of their armor.

The hard pressed Stompas fear a failed initiative and decided to double without moving and fire at III & IV squad. Needless to say, miss.

In a desperate move the Landing Craft lands close to the Aurora blitz to contest it. Fire at the Big Warband and destroys a battlewaggon and a unit of grots.

The orks goes into a frenzy and assault the Landing Craft. One ork is gunned down by the point defense bolters, but several breaches is smashed in the hull. It is enough to toss in some heavy explosives and the Landing Craft is out of operation. The orks control the blitz.

END: Aurora 0 - Orks 2 (Blitz & T&H)

The Aurora chapter is broken. The aggressive nature of the orks took them by surprise. Despite an successful initial assault they where left with no more target for their Terminators. Instead the orks overrun the weak rearguard of the Aurora and smashed themselves to a victory. For once also the Stompas came into use. Had they not stubbornly defended the center it would probably been much easier for the marines to follow the orks back to the lines.