Death Korps of Krieg - Evaluating the Ups and Downs

Hey all. After a hiatus due to college stuff, I'm back for the attack. However, I may have been idle with my writing, but I certainly haven't been absent from the gaming scene. This time I'll be looking at my new pride and joy: The Death Korps of Krieg!

I've finally found out that Forgeworld has a downloadable PDF of the DKOK codex for 6th ed. So with this newfound knowledge, I've been able to write a list for an actual Death Korps army, not just generic Imperial Guard. However, there have been some pros and cons to reformatting my list.

Starting with the biggest downside, there are certain models I've bought with IG in mind, but for whatever reason, Krieg can't take. For example, I'm gonna be doing a LOT of footslogging. I have three Chimeras, all are assembled and one is painted. In addition, two actually have a Krieg gunner figure with a Forgeworld heavy stubber which honestly look pretty badass. BUT I can't use them!

 

All I get is the Centaur Artillery Tractor. This is a five-man, open-topped transport armed only with a heavy stubber. Let me tell you, for any type of Guard codex, it is very hard to get a squad down to five men. There's a commissar-less platoon command squad, or an regimental advisor-less company command squad. That's pretty much it.

Also, I have an Armageddon Pattern Medusa from Forgeworld. I got it specifically for its enclosed crew compartment. However, once again, I can't take it simply because Krieg can't take mobile artillery.

Now I know it seems I've been bashing the Death Korps, but really it's just my own mistakes that I'm upset at. All things considered, Krieg is damn awesome! I'm gonna highlight just two of my favorite units here, but there is so much more that I like about their gameplay (not to mention their model sculpts)!

First off, there's the Engineer squads. This is a really cool unit. They come with shotguns instead of lasguns, and they also have specialized grenades: the Acid Gas Bombs. These are poisoned (4+) throwing grenades with AP 6 and the "Ignores Cover" rule. Not fantastic, but the fact that they're poisoned means they can take out bigger targets, while ignoring cover certainly helps against, say Tyranids within range of a Venomthrope or what have you. Also, they can form a heavy weapons team with a Mole Launcher.

The Mole Launcher looks like the missile launcher that Krieg can't get, but it's very different. It has a minimum range of  8" and only shoots as far as 24". At strength 5, AP 5, its pretty good against a lot of things. However, one of its special rules, "Subterranean Barrage" (yes it is also a Barrage weapon), means that against models with Armor Values, it always strikes against the lowest facing regardless of where the shot is actually coming from. So theoretically, it can hurt even a predator, without needing to get behind it.

Another thing that makes the Engineers so great is the transport that they unlock: the Hades Breaching Drill. This device is comparable to a Tyranid Mawloc in that it damages things from below when it deep-strikes. It is equipped with a Melta-Cutter Drill, which damages vehicles and troops via ramming or tank shock at strength 8, AP 1. My advice is to deep-strike under a vehicle. With the Melta rule, it should be easier to ram than to tank shock your way in.

I know I've been saying a lot, but there's one last thing I've been saving for the end. The Death Riders of Krieg. The Death Riders are sort of like the IG's Rough Riders, but a LOT better. Stats go something like WS4, S3, T3, W2, I3, A2, (3 for Sergeant), Ld7/8, and Sv4+. On top of this, there are various awesome perks and special rules that they have. Augmented mounts lets you re-roll failed dangerous terrain checks. They have a 6+ Feel No Pain save. And by the way, they are taken in platoons. That's right: PLATOONS! That's a total of 66 Death Riders as a single Fast Attack choice!

Well I've said too much, so I'm gonna stop for now. I hope to soon have some pictures of my Kriegers real soon, but for now I'll leave you with this:

Dark Eldar of the Frozen Soul vs. Space Marines (2500 points)

 
NOTE: For this battle report, I wasn't exactly planning on making one so there are no videos, just pictures and captions. Also, this is my first battle report I've ever done, so I hope you enjoy!
 
 

Dark Eldar Deployment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space Marine Deployment

 

 
 

Dark Eldar Turn 1: Movement

−Dark Eldar won the roll-off and elected to take the first turn.

−The Reavers and the Venom with the Archon hid behind the sand dune to the left of the Dark Eldar’s deployment zone.

−One Ravager held back on top of a high hill - a good vantage point for it.

−Lelith and her Raider swept up the right side of the board hoping to get into combat A.S.A.P.

−The Hellions went straight up the middle, though as the Space Marines’ next turn would prove, they were a bit too wide open.

−The Cronos Parasite Engine, the two other Raiders, and the Wracks’ Venom moved up the center along with the Hellions

−The remaining Ravager hung back a ways, more or less in the middle as well.

−The Scourges and two Warrior Squads were left in reserves. The Scourges opted to arrive via deep-strike.

 

Dark Eldar Turn 1: Shooting

−The Dark Lance Ravager and most of the Raiders focused their shooting mostly on the Dreadnoughts, and managed to take off one hull point on the Ironclad.

−The Disintegrator Cannon Ravager fired at a Combat Squad, taking out three.

−The Wracks Venom poured shots into one of the Devastator Squads and took out two.

−Lelith’s Raider shot with it’s Disintegrator Cannon into the Marines behind the hill, using focus fire to take out the front-most of the squad (which happened to be a Marine with a Missile Launcher).

Dark Eldar Turn 1: Assault

−There were no Assaults during Turn 1.

Space Marines Turn 1: Movement

−The Space Marines did not move during Turn 1.

Space Marines Turn 1: Shooting

−The Space Marine Devastator Squad took down Lelith’s Raider, also killing 4 Wyches in the explosion.

−Both the Ironclad and the Venerable Dreadnoughts killed all but one Hellion, who failed his morale test and fell back 14 inches.

− The other Dark Eldar vehicles that were targeted did not take any damage.

Space Marines Turn 1 Assault

−There were no Assaults during Turn 1.

Dark Eldar Turn 2: Movement

-Scourges arrived via Deep Strike but scattered off the table. Quinn placed them back to the far right corner of the Dark Eldar deployment zone (perhaps they were a bit disgruntled the orders the Archon gave them).

-One Kabalite Warrior squad (the one with the Dark Lance) moved in from reserves.

-The other Warrior squad did not come in.
-Venom with Archon and 4 Incubi moved up and unloaded.
-Reavers turbo-boosted and used bladevanes to kill two Marines.
-Raider unloaded its 10 Wyches next to the rocky cliffs.
-Raider unloaded its 6 Incubi onto the hill.
-Wracks deployed from the second Venom next to the Incubi.
-Lelith and her 9 Wyches (now down to 5) proceeded to move up.
-Ravagers repositioned to target Dreadnoughts.
-Cronos Parasite Engine moved up but remained out of range.
-Hellion rallied.

Dark Eldar Turn 2: Shooting

-One Ravager got another glancing hit on the Ironclad Dreadnought to bring it to one Hull Point. The other did the same to the Venerable Dreadnought, bringing it down to two remaining Hull Points

-Wrack unit scored six hits at AP 3 with their Liquifier Gun and caused a whopping 5 wounds!

-Archon inflicted a hit with his Blast Pistol and the Klaivex with him scored 5 hits with his Bloodstone. The Archon’s shot killed one Marine and the Klaivex killed two. After shooting at this Marine squad and the Reavers’ bladevanes, the squad was now down to 5 men strong but passed their Leadership Test.

-The Archon’s Venom targeted and killed 1 Marine.

-The Wyches didn’t want to kill off the two Marines in shooting so they targeted the other half of the Combat Squad, killing 1.

Dark Eldar Turn 2: Assault

-The Archon and Incubi charged the Tactical Squad behind the rocks. The Archon killed them all without any retaliation and earning the Dark Eldar’s first Pain Token (with the exception of the Wracks, of course).

-The Wyches were next and also eliminated the Combat Squad that they shot at earlier.

-The Incubi charged in against the Marines, but went second due to the terrain. This caused them to lose one of the six. Nevertheless, they ended up winning by two, though the Space Marines held fast on their Leadership Test.

-The Wracks charged the Devastator Squad that they shot. They struck at the same initiative step, but the Acothyst still went down. The Wracks still managed to kill two Marines and end up winning their combat. Again, the Marines held their ground.

 

 

Space Marines Turn 2: Movement

-The Terminators arrived via Deep Strike near Lelith and her Wyches.

-Neither of the Assault Marines arrived.

-The Tactical Squad behind the Devastator Squad and Wrack combat moved around the hill behind the Terminators.

-The remaining Combat Squad relocated back toward the Command Squad (They did NOT retreat, however! Space Marines never retreat!... they just advance backwards sometimes…).

Space Marines Turn 2: Shooting

-The Venerable Dreadnought shot at the Cronos Parasite Engine that was now in range, and caused a rending wound with its Assault Cannon.

-The Ironclad Dreadnought exploded the Wyches’ empty raider with its last Hunter-killer Missile. No one was within the blast radius, however.

-The rearmost Tactical Squad scored several hits on the Archon and his Incubi. The Archon was in front, so after the wounds were rolled, the Archon saved most, but his 2+ invulnerable Shadowfield eventually shorted and he took a wound.

-The Terminators shot at the Venom that used to hold the Wracks, but didn’t get through with their Storm Bolters. The Cyclone Missile Launcher fired, hit with one of the missiles, but rolled a 1 for Armor Penetration, so even it couldn’t get through the cardboard-armored Venom.

-The Tactical Squad behind the Terminators shot at Lelith and her Wyches, causing 2 wounds, but the Wyches rolled boxcars for their cover saves.

Space Marine Turn 2: Assault

-The Incubi finished up their engagement, eliminating the Marines with no casualties of their own.

-The Marines caused 1 wound on the Wracks, but they saved it thanks to their Feel No Pain. The Wracks brought their Marines down to one Marine left, so failed to kill the whole squad.

 

Results

-Due to time, the game was called here.

-The Space Marines scored two Victory Points from the Raiders, one from the Kabalite Warriors who never showed up, and one for First Blood.

-The Dark Eldar scored two Victory Points for the Combat Squads, two for the Tactical Squads, two for the Assault Marines who never showed up, and one for Line Breaker

-Neither Warlord was slain.

 

Final Score

DARK ELDAR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7

 

SPACE MARINES- - - - - - - - - - - - - 4

The 1ST EVER Installment of MAGMA LORD!

MAGMA LORD

 

 

I

 

            From the command bridge of the battle-barge Ignis et Sangui, Brother-Librarian Horrin saw the planet's features taking shape: the rockcrete spires of the single hive city's towering buildings; the gaping, hundred-thousand square mile hole in the ground known as the "Crater"; and most memorable of all, the Mountain of the Lords, the volcanic behemoth that dominates almost a third of planet's surface.

            Home at last.

            Horrin descended the stairs of the bridge, passing by the astropath psykers wired into the ship's Machine Spirit.            As he walked down the corridor to the main hangar bay, Horrin's giant form made a resonating boom with each of his armored footsteps. His eight foot tall frame towered over the over the occasional serf that hurried by. His regal blue armor, accented with crimson and black, shone in the hallway lamps.

            The Librarian was weary. It is true that all Space Marines undergo extensive physical training and genetic modification and that all Librarians possess extremely potent minds and psychic abilities. Nevertheless, it was all Horrin could do to hide his fatigue.

            He was not so much physically tired - the Apothecary had tended well to the arm wound Horrin had received from an exceptionally large Ork Nob. Rather, it was Horrin's mental state that was taking a toll on him. He felt an ever-present, ominous feeling pressing against his mind. He had experienced only once the psychic presence of the Tyranid Hive Mind, but this was different. He could not put his finger on it exactly.

            The mechanically distorted voice of a servitor crackled over the speakers and interrupted his train of thought. Attention. Five minutes until the first of the Thunderhawks are clear for departure to the surface.

            At long last, Horrin thought to himself. I can see the Chapter House again.

            Horrin reached the hangar and passed through the giant door. Inside he saw the servitors already loading his materials into his personal Thunderhawk gunship. There was also a small cluster of his fellow Battle-Brothers gathered around a dormant Rhino armored transport. Horrin recognized them all

            Brothers Astion, Paxon, Vastius, and Sabian were in a heated debate over something or another. Horrin could have used his psychic abilities to catch their words, but he personally frowned upon using his powers on his fellow marines. Also, the Techmarine Fortis may have been listening to the others' conversation but appeared focused on performing ritual blessings over the Rhino's Machine Spirit.

            Horrin came closer so he could hear but still kept his distance to stay out of sight.

            "But we live to die! That is our purpose," Sabian was saying. "Every one of us understood this when we took our oaths. We are war!"

            "Of course Sabian, but we must not throw our lives away without purpose. To die in battle in the name of the Chapter and Emperor is honorable, but not if there is no purpose." This husky voice belonged to Paxon.

            "Of course, but that's exactly my point!" Sabian's temper was rising now, but he did well to hide it. "There are always enemies of the Emperor. So as long as we die fighting them, is there ever an instance in which there is no meaning to our deaths?"

            The Vastius nodded his consent but replied, "This is so. Nevertheless, I would still like to have some moment of respite to meditate and train. I feel it is possible give our lives needlessly if we are not at our top shape."

            "Aye, and you shall get that rare peace, Brother Vastius." Horrin stepped out from the dimness of his hiding place.

            "Ah! Brother-Librarian!" Vastius and his comrades whirled around in surprise. Fortis, however, simply chuckled under his breath. His Servo-skulls must have warned him of Horrin's presence. "You startled me."

            "No need for alarm. It is only me," Horrin replied with a tired smile. "Are the rest of you as eager as Vastius to return to the Chapter House?"

            The marines nodded at him, though Horrin could notice that Sabian was the least enthusiastic in his response, as if his thoughts were elsewhere. Horrin did not address the matter, though.

            "Mmm. It has been a long campaign. I'm sure that Aquien is already preparing the prayers and eulogies for our fallen brothers." At the mention of their dead comrades, the other four Astartes bowed their heads.

            A Chapter serf then approached Horrin.

            "My Lord Librarian, your Thunderhawk awaits you. The servitors have finished loading your materials."

            "Thank you," Horrin replied with a nod. "Let the pilot know I'll be their momentarily."

            During this interruption, the other marines had begun to disperse. Now, only Sabian and Paxon remained. Horrin caught him before he too left.

            "Brother Sabian? A moment please."

            "Yes Brother-Librarian?"

            "Tell me. Am I correct in presuming that you wish to be dispatched again?"

            Sabian knew that the Librarian was searching within him, using his abilities to peer into his mind and soul. Nevertheless, Sabian made an attempt to give an excuse.

            "In the Emperor's service, of course."

            "Vastius and Paxon spoke some wise words. You should be thankful for this momentary peace. Even if more of our brothers are still spreading the Emperor's light, do not feel selfish for having this respite."

            "I understand."

            "Take their words to heart. A strong mind is not the same as being headstrong. Do not rush the course of history." Then, with a lighter tone in his voice and even a slight smile, Horrin said, "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go home."

II

 

            In contrast to the hive city and its simply constructed buildings, the Magma Lords’ chapter house was highly decorated, adorned with bas-reliefs, murals and statues. However, in comparison to the chapter houses of more established, older chapters, the Magma Lords’ chapter house was rather small. This was in no small amount due to their relatively recent founding, not even a thousand years ago.

            As Horrin descended the ramp of the Thunderhawk, he walked with a quick gait straight to the Librarium. There he could finally resume his studies, examining the new artifacts, relics, and tomes brought back from this most recent campaign.

            The Librarium consisted of several subterranean levels directly beneath the chapter house. It was the home of thousands upon thousands of documents and artifacts. Chapter serfs and servitors were always busily shuffling about the great, torch-lit halls, but despite their constant movement, the Librarium remained a relatively quiet place.

            Because of the chapter's vague history, they held knowledge and learning as  key tenets and a way of life. Also, the Magma Lords had a strong suspicion of their lineage to Vulkan and his chapter the Salamanders, though there was not enough evidence to prove it.

            Horrin walked passed shelf after shelf of tomes, codices, and manuscripts until he reached his personal office. The dim study was sparsely furnished with a cot, a chair and two desks each piled with stacks of papers. Also there was a simple, gold Aquila mounted on the wall above the head of the cot. But something else was in the room that was not normally there.

            With his psychic mind, Horrin detected that he was not alone in the small room.

            "As elusive as always, Inquisitor"

            "As keen as ever, Brother-Librarian"

            Horrin turned his gaze to the figure leaning against the wall. For several moments, the two simply looked at each other, tense, but not flinching a muscle. At last, and almost simultaneously, the Librarian and Inquisitor broke out into the grins that only lifelong friends could share.

            "How are you, my old friend? By the Emperor it's good to see you again," Vekman said, embracing his friend.

            "Remus, it has indeed been far too long," Horrin replied as he returned the embrace. "Though I must admit, this visit comes as quite a surprise."

            "A surprise? Truly, as an Astartes Librarian I would have thought you would be impervious to surprises!" he jibed.

            Horrin's grin widened at the joke. He truly did need a chance to regroup his thoughts and rest his weary mind and body. "True enough, but not even mighty, all-knowing Horrin could foresee your next move, you fox. But tell me in earnest: to what purpose do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

            "Mmm. Your prudence has certainly not left you, old friend. I suppose we should address the matters I have brought." At this, Vekman's tone became noticeably more serious. "You see, I have come looking for certain truths."

            "Truths, my friend?"

            "Indeed. I deeply regret to be the one required to head this investigation--"

            "Investigation? Do you mean to say that my chapter is under the watch of the Inquisition? I was unaware of any causes for such action."

            Vekman paused to take a breath before starting again. "I deeply regret to be the one required to head this investigation," he repeated, "but my superiors found that I have the best knowledge of the Magma Lords chapter. It has come to the attention of the Inquisition that the Magma Lords have become increasingly active in their studying of relics and artifacts. Our most recent reports say that several squads from the Magma Lords Fifth Company have just returned from the traitor held world of Rorgatha VI. My friend, all I need is to see and document what you retrieved. Once I can prove you have no tainted or blasphemous artifacts, you and your chapter will have no marks against you."

            "Are you saying that there is currently a mark against us?"

            "Horrin, I know you are innocent. But my authorities cannot take my word by itself. They desire proof. Please. Let me see."

            Horrin stood silently for a moment. His eyes directed at the Inquisitor, but his focus was not there. His thoughts were elsewhere. Then, looking square at Vekman and with a note of firmness in his voice, he replied, "I cannot."

            "What?" asked Vekman, surprise appearing in his eyes.

            "I cannot show you our Librarium's contents."

            "If there is nothing to hide then what harm is there in letting me see? Please! Let me see!"

            "No!"

            "I do not want to do this, but if you don't show me your chapter's most recent finds you, leave me with no choice but to excommunicate you and the entire Magma Lords chapter! Now show me the relics!"