Battle For The Devil's Skulls

The Devil's Skulls rise from the ground at arcane hotspots allowing the Warcasters or Warlocks that control them to boost their mystical might.

Here, the Circle Orboros and Khadoran forces clashed, closing on the hideous Temple of Skulls.

Druids slunk through the shadows, pushing forward then pulling back in a delicate feint.

... drawing the Khador Men-o-War out of position.

Three Khadoran Warjacks built a terrifying wall in front of their Warcaster.

But that didn't slow the advance of Kaya Wildborne and her Wold Guardian.

An Argus sped forward to eliminate the Widowmakers lying in ambush but was cut down by rifle fire.

But this too was a feint of sorts. A Woldwyrd floated onto the Temple's platform and hurled mystical energy at the enemy Warcaster.

And the Wold Guardian strode forward. Once again, Sorscha had strayed too close to the front lines.

The Wold Guardian pummelled her already wounded body until she was beaten to submission.

Spotlight on: Retribution Fane Knight

The Fane Knight was a bit of an impulse buy for me.

As with a lot of Warmachine buying, the model is the most important thing for me – which is tricky considering how crucial the interaction of the rules in in the game.  

It’s a lovely model and unlike my Khador Dragoon, it’s nice this one comes with the rider on foot as well as mounted.

With his powerful attacks, this guy is meant for assassination runs (though in my first game with him he got shot before he had the chance). One crucial rule I didn’t spot before but have read about afterwards is that a dragoon cannot be killed in one shot. He reverts to the on-foot model – then can be killed. I didn’t do this in the game and he would have been in charge range of the enemy warcaster.

Having said that, she might not have moved into range if he had been there so perhaps my ignorance was for the best.  

Assassination Run

Retribution of Scyrah (Tim) vs Khador (Gill)

Withdrawing to nearby village, the Khador forces rally and make a counter strike against the Retribution of Scyrah, taking up firing positions in the graveyard and creeping forward between the buildings. However the Retribution assault is devastating and though a missed opportunity allows the Dragoon horseman to get back into the fight perilously wounded when he could have been dispatched, the battle is ferocious.

The assassin run planned involving the Retribution Fane Knight is balked by a well-placed Bombard shot but Kommander Sorscha overestimates her ability and strays too close to the enemy lines. Leaping forward and sucking her into range with his telekinesis, Adeptus Rahn unleashes a blast from his power gauntlets which is followed by a cascade of explosive power from his Battle Mages.

Barely before it began, the battle is ended as the Khador forces scatter once more. 

Man-o-War Drakhun

Adeptus Rahn, Battle Mages, a Phoenix and a Hydra

A Manhunter

The Phoenix & Hydra get into position with their Arcanist in support

Man-o-War Demolition Corps

Widowmakers

Battle Mages

Fane Knight

Kommander Sorscha & her Juggernaut

Battle!

And the final assassination gambit