A venture into Brawlmachine and Disciples of Agony

Welcome to something completely different. I have attended a one day Brawlmachine event, and I though I would try something completely different. I am trying a Hordes faction that somehow resemble Khador (which I normally play) in the sense that it has very heavy Warbeasts and interesting infantry: Skorne. But why keep it simple, when I can also play Minions. Enter Disciples of Agony, where Skorne and Minions can mix. Here is some rational on my list. Reports on how it went will follow later.

Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff (Sorscha3) vs. Kommander Andrei Malakov (Malakov2)

There seems to have been some sort of internal conflict in the Khador army. It is probably due to Malakov being a bit too close to the infernal plague. Sorscha is dispatched to contain any potential uprising. Not only is it a Khador on Khador fight; it is also both Jaws of the Wolf lists. However, they are very different. It is not the best game Sorscha has ever played. Luckily, Malakov is very slow. So he times out, leaving Sorscha victorious.

 

Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff (Sorscha3) vs. Baldur the Stonecleaver (Baldur1)

Sorscha and her Man-o-War irregulars are back. This is the second try at getting this list to work. Baldur and his Blackclads are stirring in the woods. There is a lot of sticks and stones on the table. Sorscha is going to approach it in the Empress improved manner. Send the mercenaries into the fray to die (and save some money) whilst the Man-o-Wars move forward to clean up. The battle is bloody. However, Sorscha comes out victorious. 

Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff (Sorscha3) vs. Aurora, The Numen of Aerogenesis (Aurora1)

Sorscha is trying out her new irregulars in Jaws of the Wolf. First point of contact is a set of strange bedfellows. Aurora is leading, basically a Convergence army, just camouflaged as mercenaries, with a twist of Cryx. That is indeed strange. Sorscha's mixture of nimble light infantry and heavy cumbersome Man-o-Wars is a really good counter to flying flimsy stuff. All is fine, until an important lesson is learned: Do not stand within 10" of Asphyxious. 

Jaws of the Wolf under Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff (Sorscha3)

The Empress has decreed that the Infernal pestilence has been removed from the Motherland. Thus, armies are moving again and battles are fought. Sorscha Kratikoff has for a long time lead her fellow Man-o-Wars as the Armored Korps. Thereby attracted a lot of Man-o-wars as irregulars; whom she is now leading in Jaws of the Wolf. The combination of heavy durable infantry and nimble light infantry; combined with the best armoured 'jacks available will spell trouble for the enemies of the Motherland!

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Kaelyssa, Night's Whisper (Kaelyssa1)

The pointy eared xenophobes are on the move again. Since the Infernals have been kicked out of Khador, the Retribution are attempting to get rid of the few remaining humans with magic. Luckily, Vlad1 is back with his relentless Winter Guards. They have been affected by the quality of life update and are now ready to once again defend the Motherland's borders. The battle is fierce, However, Vlad is a bit rusty and has to face defeat against Kaelyssa and her Defenders of Ios. 

Winter Guard Kommand under Vlad1 - post quality of life update

Vlad is back. He have had a long and proud tradition of leading the double Gun Carriage Winter Guard Kommand list. He managed to have a 50% win rate over a year of playing (which on this blog is considered very impressive). The recent Quality of Life Update has affected the Winter Guard Kommand and the corresponding troops. The changes are not huge. Nevertheless, this post will sum up the changes and how Vlad's new and improved Winter Guard Kommand list looks. 

Kommandant Sorscha Kratikoff (Sorscha3) vs. Xerxis, Fury of Halaak (Xerxis2)

It is not only Khardor who have gotten a quality of life update. It is clear that Skorne has as well. Xerxis, Fury of Halaak has mounted his favourite Rhino, gathered some elephants and a litter of kittens. For unknown reasons he has decided to bring the whole menageri across the desert and into Khador territory. Sorcha is dispatched along with her Man-o-Wars to send Xerxis back. It turns out that Khador steel is steadfast against claws and bites from Xerxis' pet shop. 

Warriors of the Old Faith under Vladimir Tzepesci, Great Prince of Umbrey's orders (Vlad3)

Some of the heroes of Umbrey are finally realised the errors in going south and joining the emerging cult. They have returned under the banners of the Tzepesci family to fight off the infernal threat. The Great Prince of Umbrey is the natural choice to lead the cavalry of the old faith. Warriors of the Old Faith demonstrates that Khador lists are not slow and lumbering. Charge of the horse lords for country, empress and the old faith!

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Champion's (Vlad2) vs. Aurum Lucanum Athanor Locke (Locke1)

Convergence is not an opponent I see too often. I have actually only faced them once before. I am told that they have received a CID upgrade, and are now a force to be reckoned with. They are a bit odd compared to both Warmachine and Hordes factions, as they do Focus in a strange way, where they can spend one and then pass it on. The army in front of me has a tremendous number of floating 'jacks with sharp elbows. Let's see how Vlad2 and his Wolves of Winter fare.

Wolves of Winter under Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Champion's orders (Vlad2)

The wisdom of the internet argues that Vlad2 is the perfect Warcaster to lead a Wolves of Winter list. Here is my take on how a horde of crazy semi-naked manics, support by wizards in funny hats can defend the honour of the Motherland. 24 Doom Reavers, 14 Greylords, two Archons, and two 'jacks are under Vladimir Tzepesci's orders. Any short comings in Vlad's performance are solely the fault of the man behind the lines.

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.

Last stand of Vlad and his valiant Winter Guards

Vlad is at his last stand. After leading the infamous Winter Guards for over a year, it is about time to allow him to rest. Going out with a bang is important. So, Vlad went to a five game tournament where he got to face Crucible Guards, Dwarfs, Skorne and Infernals. At the end of a busy day, it is not completely clear that he actually went out with a bang. He did, however commit 100% in every single battle and tried out all tricks that he could think of. Here are the adventures of Vlad's five game last stand.

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1)

This is strange Vlad is facing Vlad. The confusion is complete. The only thing I am sure of is that Vlad is going to win. So, Vlad the Imposter is challenging the True Vlad. imposer is bringing Jaws of the Wolfs against True Vlad's famous Winter Guards. The battle proceeds as expected. Vlad is more or less in control, until he does what he sometimes do when he is bored. He wanders too far forward. He ends up inside Behemoth's threat range... Imposter is victorious.  

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. The Harbinger of Menoth (Harbinger1)

The Harbinger is back. She has become a returning visitor to the rough land of Khador. Personally, I think she has gotten an unhealthy appetite for this whole chains and whip thing. At least she seems to enjoy having her rear smacked by Vlad. Once again, she discovers that Khador is among the fastest factions in the world. Between Gun Carriages and Marauders thriving on Vlad's feat, she is again a victim of piston to face (which she seems to enjoy). 

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. vs. Lord Ghyrrshyld, the Forgiven (Goreshade4)

Goreshade is back with the elves. This should be a battle well suited for Vlad and his fantastic Winter Guards. However, Vlad (or rather the man behind the lines) has a really crappy day. The battle quickly boils down to an excellent demonstration of "what not to do", "how to use the clock most inefficient", and "consequences of no planning". This is not the proudest day in the Winter Guards annals. Vlad will have a discussion with the man behind the lines. 

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.  

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Kommander Oleg Strakhov (Strakhov1)

Once again there is civil unrest in Khador. This time, Strakhov or an imposter is plaguing the land. He is wandering around with a colossal, a few 'jacks, and is supported by the female Kayazy. Vlad is dispatched to contain the threat. It appears to be going quite well. Until, Vlad gets this brilliant idea of not just hanging back, enjoying the scenery, and handing out Signs & Portents. 

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Captain Kara Sloan (Sloan1)

Apparently Cygnar never manages to learn a lesson. This time Sloan is send into Khador territory. Vlad, having developed quite a hobby dealing with Cygnar troops is once again dispatched. It turns out that Sloan brought an impressive eight shooting 'jacks. This brawl turns into a slow bloody grind. After an impressive six rounds, Vlad turns out victorious. He clearly demonstrates to Sloan what a group of determined Winter Guards can do to claim and hold the battlefield. 

Vladimir Tzepesci, the Dark Prince (Vlad1) vs. Major Markus ‘Siege’ Brisbane (Siege1)

Cygnar is once again making incursions into Khador territories. This time, Siege1 is brining some Heavy Metal. Who else but Vlad and his trusted Winter Guards can clean up the Cygnar trouble. It turns out to be a pretty simple exercise for the long term veterans. Khador metal is simply just heavier than Cygnar metal. Vlad is victories despite being on the receiving end of an assassination attempt under Siege1's feat. As an extra bonus, in this game Vlad never did get to use his feat!