In the grim darkness of West Auckland - Club Meeting 4 June

Attendance was a little light this week. Nicon was on and a few of the regulars were away representing the club, but the didn't stop the rest of us having a great time.

The big highlight was an inaugural game of Warhammer 40,000 between Damian and David, but first everything else.

A game of Bolt Action (Brits vs Germans), some X-Wing (Poe Dameron and some X-Wings vs bounty hunting scum), and two games of Flames of War - one of which was a recreation of Operation: Deadstick, better known as Pegasus Bridge. Unlike the historical battle, things didn't go well for the Allies and they failed to capture the bridge.

The ubiquitous Carrier towing a 6-pdr gun.
A classic Airfix kit, recreated here in 28mm.

Germans take cover as the Brits advance.

Things might look bad for the Mist Hunter,
but this was before they tractor-beamed Poe into an asteroid.

The table for the Pegasus Bridge battle.

Some of the German defences already in position.

The opposing forces. British infantry vs German armour.

British Paras ready for battle.

German Half Tracks gassed up and ready to go.

The Brits advance on Pegasus Bridge with the Germans in pursuit.

The paras overrun the German defences...

...and straight into the German machine-guns.

Their transport destroyed, the Germans continue on foot.

And now for the main event - Damian's funkadelic Necrons against David's Heresy themed World Eaters (the models are 30k, but he used the standard 40k rules).

If you know one thing about Damian, it's that he's not a fan of the recent editions of Warhammer 40k. Based on the photos below, it looks like the changes made in 8th edition are to his liking. A lot of the rules bloat and psychic silliness is gone, leaving behind streamlined and sensible rules that make for some fun gameplay. Now for some photos.

With templates gone, Damian decided to make the most
of the cover bonus provided by some trees.

Meanwhile, David's army lined up ready
to collect skulls for the Skull God.

Damian's right flank featured an Annihilation Barge
supported by a Canoptek Spyder...

...while his right consisted of some Canoptek Wraiths and Immortals.
The Monolith began the game off the board.

The first turn was relatively straightforward. The Marines advanced in their Rhinos while the Barge traded largely ineffectual fire with a Land Raider. The second turn was when things got really interesting as units got into charging range with each other.

The Wraiths raced across the battlefield
while the Immortals trudged behind.

Kharn and Berserkers exit their Land Raider,
ready to assault the Necron barge.

Damian attempts to outflank the Marines with a surprise attack...

...but has to deploy at least 12" from enemy models.

Please be a 3+. Please be a 3+. Please be a 3+.

It's a 3!

The Wraiths bypass the vehicles and go
straight for the Marine commander.

The Necrons emerge from the forest, just in time to be assaulted.

Things do not end well for the Necron Warriors,
but the Lychguard get revenge.

Elsewhere, another squad take on the Immortals.

The Vindicator turns away from the main
battle to deal with the Monolith...

...followed by the commander and another squad.

In the end, Damian and David decided to end the game. Damian didn't really enough enough anti-tank weaponry to deal with the Marine vehicles, but both players enjoyed the game regardless. If this is an indication of how games will play in 8th Edition, this bodes well for the future of 40k at T.C.O.W.

I guess it's time to crack on with my Tau models.