ETC 2012

So this week bought us the ETC lists and breakdown for this years Tournament, to be held in Poland.
The lists can be found here available for download in PDF.

First thoughts (for those new to the ETC) are they would be a great source for learning more about the meta from different regions, however, that is, untill you read the fine print, and discover they are all based on the abomination that is ETC restrictions.

This is not Warhammer 8th edition. It is more like version 7.5, the hangover edition (that never was or should be). But that is another story...

The breakdown is as follows:

27 – Skaven
25 – Empire
25 – Dark Elves
23 – Vampire Counts
21 – Daemons of Chaos
21 – Dwarfs
20 – Ogre Kingdoms
19 – Lizardmen
19 – Warriors of Chaos
17 – High Elves
12 – Orcs & Goblins
11 – Chaos Dwarfs
10 – Bretonnians
7 – Tomb Kings
4 – Wood Elves
3 – Beastmen

So we see the usual suspects heading the numbers up, despite the nerfing's. I find it good to see Empire numbers on the ascent with thier recent new book, and also interesting to see the VC are still popular despite the new book! 11 Chaos Dwarf armies are making thier first appearence at the ETC, complete with one list not sporting a Ka'Daai, destroyer of toys! Yes you heard correct. Someone is taking Chaos Dwarfs without the nastiest monster in warhammer... Brain fart or sublime tactician....?

At the other end of the scale, we see a few die hards working beastmen into the team strategy. And despite the bonus 200 points, only 7 people cut the grade with our resplendent Tomb Kings. Oh how I wish I could take an extra 200 points in tournaments in NZ. But then again, the ETC hamstrings the army with retarded restrictions such as limiting BS based shooting to 45 shots, and 5 dice max casting. When will they learn? One look at the international news section tells us... never...

A little closer look into some of the TK lists:

The Motherland

Russ Veal, Tomb Kings
Liche High Priest: General, Army Hierophant, Lvl 4, Nekharia, Earthing Rod, Dragonbane Gem, 240
Liche High Priest: Lvl 4, Light, Dispel Scroll, 235
10 Skeleton Bowmen: Musician, 70
10 Skeleton Bowmen: Musician, 70
10 Skeleton Bowmen: Musician, 70
5 Skeleton Horse Archers: 70
5 Skeleton Horse Archers: 70
5 Skeleton Chariots: Musician, Standard, Banner of Eternal Flame, 305
5 Necropolis Knights: Musician, 335
5 Necropolis Knights: Musician, 335
1 Tomb Scorpion: 85
1 Tomb Scorpion: 85
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
1 Necrosphinx: 225
1 Necrosphinx: 225
Total: 2600

I notice Russ is taking dual Necrosphinx action and can only assume its for some character assasination! The regular dual Necroknights turn up in his list (supported by a L4 Light Liche) although reduced to units of 5 this time (he normally sports 6), and is that 10 man archer units I see??? =P In this case Its most likley for bunkers for the casters though.
Oh Russ, where the hell is the casket?

Chocolate Danish

Troels Hugo Cederholm, Tomb Kings
Tomb King: general, light armour, Warrior Bane, 175
Liche High Priest: hierophant, Lvl 4, Nehekhara, Sceptre of Stability, 225
Liche Priest: Lvl 2, death, Scroll of Shielding, 120
Liche Priest: Lvl 2, death, Dispel Scroll, 130
12 Skeleton Archers: 72
12 Skeleton Archers: 72
39 Skeleton Warriors: Musician, Champion, 176
10 Skeleton Warriors: 40
10 Skeleton Warriors: 40
5 Skeleton Horse Archers: 70
5 Skeleton Horsemen: 60
5 Skeleton Horsemen: 60
5 Skeleton Horsemen: 60
8 Ushabti: great bow, 400
8 Ushabti: musician, great bow, 410
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
1 Hierotitan: 175
1 Casket of Souls: 135
Total: 2600

I spot a current trend at the moment in the form of Ushabti with bows, or Bowshabti. This unit more than any, was one often overlooked when the book was released. Im tempted to participate in this trend myself, but not at $34 a model!

The Flying Dutchmen

Richard de Swaaf, Tomb Kings
Liche High Priest: Hierophant, lvl 4, Nehekhara, Sceptre of Stability, Talisman of Preservation, 270
Liche High Priest: General, lvl 4, Death, Dispel Scroll, Opal Amulet, 250
35 Skeleton Archers: musician, 220
10 Skeleton Archers: 60
4 Skeleton Chariots: 220
4 Skeleton Chariots: 220
3 Carrion: 72
3 Carrion: 72
3 Carrion: 72
1 Warsphinx: Fiery Roar, 230
1 Warsphinx: 210
1 Warsphinx: 210
1 Hierotitan: 175
1 Casket of Souls:135
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
1 Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
Total: 2596

Wait what? Warsphinx without fiery roar??? I know its hard to make cuts when your up near the limit but really, kittys without bad breath are just puppies! Someones been eating to many brownies? Nice to see a L4 Death Liche in the mix though... mmm Death magic....

Hot Potato

Ivan Magowan Tomb Kings
Liche High Priest: General, Light, Lvl4, Dispel scroll 235
Liche High Priest: Hierophant, Nehekhara, Obsidian Lodestone, Lvl4 255
Liche Priest: Light, 70
Liche Priest: Light, 70
Liche Priest: Light, 70
Liche Priest: Light, 70
20 Skeleton Archers: Musican 130
20 Skeleton Archers: Musican 130
3 Skeleton Chariots: Standard Bearer, Banner of Eternal Flame 185pts
5 Skeleton Horsemen: Champion 70
5 Skeleton Horsemen: Champion 70
16 Skeleton Warriors: Champion, Musician 84
5 Necropolis Knights: Musican 335
5 Necropolis Knights: Musican 325
Casket of Souls: 135
Hierotitan: 175
Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
Screaming Skull Catapult: 90
Total 2599

Love it. Light spam! L1 light Priests with an avearge caster level of 3 (thanks to the hierotitan) means 1 dice'n Shems all day long

I find it good to see other parts of the world have been trying and suceeding with similar ideas I have had. Theres even a double casket list in the mix, something I have playtested with success so far. There seams to be a few common trends occuring, namely defensive builds based around Bowshabti, and all rounders/offence based around the dual 5-6 strong necroknights (supported by a L4 light liche). Coomon theme. Scatterpults. We still do have the best ones in the game!

Where is the bloody Tomb Guard!!!!!!

Despite my ramblings I wish Team NZ all the best in their campaign in Poland this year. Any result is fine, as long as its higher than those bloody Auzzies! =P