A year of playing Winter Guard Kommand

It has been around a year since I decided to focus on Winter Guard Kommand and try to actually figure our how it works. I have played basically two different lists. One Stalingrad-style list under Irusk2 and one Gun Carriage based list under Vlad1 (in addition to a few variations of the themes). I think it is about time to evaluated how Winter Guard Kommand has worked, what is good and bad, and what I have learned.

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2)

Khador seems to have become a troubled place lately. Once again two of the Empress' finest are at it against each other. Irusk is leading a bunch of homicidal maniacs, support by several winged flying creatures against Vlad and his finest Winter Guards. This battle turns into a rather bloody thing. The final clash is between old wisdom (and really big cool flag) and young stamina. Irusk must admit that maniacs are no match for the valour and discipline of Winter Guards.  

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. The Harbinger of Menoth (Harbinger1)

The Harbinger is flying into Khador territory using the rather impressive flag. She is a completely unknown foe to me. So, what better to do that pull out Irusk and his trusted Winter Guards. It turns out to be an interesting and fun fight. Unfortunately, it is so interesting that Irusk runs out of time and must face a defeat.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. General Ossrum (Ossrum1)

What better way of warming up to easter than Ossrum and all of his bunnies? Irusk could think of several things. This is a battle uphill from the first second. But following the spirit of exposing Irusk and his Winter Guards to everything and anything, it had to be tried. 

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Makeda & The Exalted Court (Makeda3)

Irusk faces the new black for Skorne, double Immortal party pack. This time under the command of Makeda & the Exalted Court. The battle is a slaughter of both Immortals and Winter Guards. Despite it going down hill for Irusk, he manages to pull through, is saved by the bell and manages to pull off a win.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Iona the Unseen (Iona1)

The wurm is restless, and Iona is bringing her Tharn into Khador territory. Irusk is called upon to stop the flow of beasts. He brings his Winter Guard Kommand list, despite that perhaps not being the best choice against Tharn. It is an uphill battle for Irusk, yet he almost makes it. However, Iona emerges victorious.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Absylonia, Terror of Everblight (Absylonia1)

The dragon spawn are moving into Kadorian territory and threatens the general population with their unnatural presence. Irusk is called upon to eradicate theses monsters. Despite the Terror of Everblight bringing no less than three huge monsters, Irusk and his trusted Winter Guards are triumphant.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Captain Eira Mackay (Mackay1)

Irusk once again has to fend of the insurgents coming out of Ord and disturbing the general population in Llael. Encouraged by earlier success, Mackay and her little tank is once again trying her luck. However, Irusk is a well seasoned veteran and he is not to be played twice. This time Irusk and his heroic Winter Guards are victorious and kills Mackay. 

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Captain Eira Mackay (Mackay1)

Once again the dissidents from Llael are stirring up trouble and disturbing the Empress' peace. Irusk is dispatched to keep the peace. This time Irusk is neck to neck with Mackay in her little tank. However, Irusk and his Winter Guards are unfortunately beaten by the clock.

Revisited: Winter Guard Kommand under Supreme Kommandant Irusk's orders (Irusk2)

Irusk2 is still a Winter Guard's best friend and Stalingrad-style lists are fun. However, over time Irusk has learned that the original list had its downsides. First and foremost, there is a lack of ARM-cracking ability. This is an attempt to remedy some of the problems, by changing the list to include the Greylord Adjunct and the triple Marauder battle group.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Lord Ghyrrshyld, the Forgiven (Goreshade4)

The elves are restless tonight. Goreshade has brought some of his brethren into Khadoran territories to hunt for innocent potential warcasters to the Empress army. Irusk brings his trusted winter guards to deal with this menace. This list decimation of the Ios forces. However, once a Helios digs in, it proves very difficult to remove.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Aurum Adeptus Syvestro (Syvestro1)

Irusk has been send to investigate the uprising of the dissident Khador faction from Llael, currently hiding in Ord. A winter guard kommand (WGK) group is dispatched. This is probably one of the worst match-ups for winter guards and Irusk2. But as part of the ongoing test of the Irusk2 and WGK, this should also be tested. It will probably not come as a surprise that Irusk came out on the loosing side.

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. Colonel Markus 'Siege' Brisbane (Siege2)

Irusk2 has been called upon to take on Siege2, who is jumping around to great annoyance of the general population. Once again, Irusk will bring his trusted Winter Guards to deal with the menace.

The battle is bloody, in a "human life is cheap" kind of way. Despite Irusk doing a thorough cleaning-up of Cygnar insurgents, he is narrowly beaten by scenario score. Cygnar did a classic hide the caster instead of a proper fight. Next time, Siege will not know what hit him. 

Supreme Kommandant Irusk (Irusk2) vs. The High Reclaimer (Reclaimer1)

Irusk is facing the High Reclaimer and his favourite pet - the Judicator. To tackle this, Irusk will bring his trusted Winter Guards. The battle is bloody and starts of pretty well. However, due to a few grave mistakes by the controlling player, Irusk is let down and must bite the dust. There are quite a few learning points, which I trust will make Irusk victorious in future skirmishes with the High Reclaimer.

Winter Guard Kommand under Supreme Kommandant Irusk's orders (Irusk2)

Irusk2 is a winter guard's best friend. I like to run him in a Stalingrad-style list. This post sumes up my thoughts and experiences with Irusk2 in the Winter Guard Kommand theme. Any short comings in the performance of Irusk and his winter guards are solely the fault of the player.