Briefing
This was our first ever game of Warmachine. We both painted the models from the starter boxes Cryx (Bernd) and Protectorate of Menoth (me) and then gave it a try.
Forces
Cryx (Bernd)
Battlegroup
-5 pts
Warwith Deneghra
6 pts
Slayer
5 pts
Defiler
4 pts
Deathripper
4 pts
Deathripper
Protectorate of Menoth (Matthias)
Battlegroup
-5 pts
High Exemplar Kreoss
6 pts
Crusader
4 pts
Repenter
6 pts
Revenger
The Game
Deployment
This is the deployment of the Cryxian Forces.
Opposite, the Menites deployed.
Overview of the battlefield with both forces deployed.
Turn 1
Cryx Turn 1
The Cryx started by running everyone forward. Deneghra spent one focus on every 'jack and all spent it to run.
The advancing Cryx as seen over the shoulder of the Menite Crusader.
Protectorate Turn 1
Kreoss started the game by casting his upkeep spells. Defender's Ward was cast on the Crusader and Lamentation on himself. The Revenger and Repenter advanced.
Turn 2
Cryx Turn 2
The Cryx swarmed around the building. Deneghra cowardly hid behind the building, and used the Arc Node on the Deathripper in front of the Repenter to cast Crippling Grasp on it. The spell failed. Gnashing his teeth, Bernd spent the focus points again, and on the second try the spell did work.
The Defiler then capitalised on the reduced DEF and ARM and shot the Repenter with his Sludge Cannon. He hit and caused damage, thus bestowing a corrosive continuous effect on the Repenter. The left arm, carrying the Repenter's Shield, was nearly destroyed, only one left arm box remained.
Protectorate Turn 2
The continous corrosion effect of the Defiler's Sludge Cannon unfortunately did not expire, and caused another point of damage. Destroying the last remaining box for the left arm, the shield was gone.
The Menites in return advanced into the field. Bernd regretted on his turn the rules concerning the placement of the spray attack template. He was only able to target a single 'jack with his Sludge Cannon. He was dismayed, when I used the rules we just had looked up on his turn against him. I got all three of his 'jacks under my Repenter's flamethrower, because I first cunningly moved him into position :-)
Besides doing some damage, I also left the Slayer and Deathripper with a fire continous effect. Kreoss then cast Immolation through the Revenger's Arc Node at the left Deathripper, doing quite some damage.
After this round both Deathrippers were badly chipped.
Turn 3
Cryx Turn 3
All of the damage I did was without effect on the outcome of the game though…
First, the continous fire effect on the Slayer expired, while the Deathripper lost some damage boxes.
Deneghra then popped her feat, reducing my model's stats.
The Defiler then moved into a position to catch both the Revenger and Kreoss with his Sludge Cannon, causing some damage. Then Deneghra cast Ghostwalk on the Slayer, which allowed him to move through models and terrain directly in front of Kreoss.
Having three focus points allocated to him, he easily killed my poor Warcaster…
Kreoss dead.
Aftermath
Protectorate of Menoth (Matthias)
The game was a blast for both of us, even for me as the looser. The basic rules are pretty simple, you always roll 2d6 and add a stat, when you are equal to your opponents DEF (to hit) or ARM (to wound) you succeed.
BUT
With the different abilities and special rules of the models, and the options you have by spending focus, the game becomes very complex and challenging. Also the order in which you activate models has a great effect on the outcome of the game.
We immediately played a second game.