My First Tourney, The Lantz McDonald Story

Friends have a way of persuading us outside of our comfort zone, we all know this to be true. I'll be honest, I'm sometimes swayed easily, especially if a good idea catches me off guard. However, through and through I thought I would never participate in a 40k tournament. It's just not my style, winning isn't a big deal for me in general and playing a game of any kind against someone who is WAAC makes for a less than entertaining day for someone like myself. I love playing 40k with friends in a happy-go-mom-jokes environment. It's easy, it's fun and it costs less than a prostitute up until the latest GW price hike. But, here I am, three years into my 40k journey preparing for a tourney.. After attending some tournaments for cheering on friends I have to admit it doesn't seem as obnoxious as I thought it was. My expectations typically do have a way of superseding any real-world situations, and I'm hoping this is one of those instances. The tournament is tomorrow and I'm almost prepped and ready to go, so what did I do to prepare for this and what are my expectations? More after the jump.

When I finally decided to participate in this tourney it was for numerous reasons. Mostly the experiences I'd had living vicariously through my 40k group. Another reason was the low point cost. This tourney is a 842 point tournament. What the owner of the FLGS does for this yearly tournament is pick a number, in this instance 800. Then he will roll two D10's, in this instance 4 and 2, to end up at the point cost limit. I would imagine veterans would scoff at such a low point cost, but this was a pivotal reason for me to join in.

It's no secret my focus for 40k has been on the fandex I'm developing, which means my other armies fall by the waste-side. I've played, gotten bored of and then sold off my Eldar and Ultramarines in the past, so what I'm left with is my favorite army in the 40k universe; Necrons.

If we could please take a moment to check the WAAC and veteran tourney player's pulse to make sure they're still breathing...I'll wait. We're good? Okay, then. Yes, Necrons are my only tourney option at this time, but even if they weren't I'd still stick with 'em. As mentioned above, winning isn't that important to me. I'd rather just have a laid-back enjoyable experience with an army that's fun to play. For me, it's Necrons. I'm not ashamed and I do not apologize for playing robot-zombies, and I never will. I'm quite aware that they're the least competitive army as of this writing, but so long as I'm having fun I could care less. After making this easy codex choice, it was time to set out a list.

My first thought; Monolith. One of these babies on such a low-point tourney would be enjoyable, even if by some luck I managed to hold out on Phasing Out before turn 3. So I got to it, and the most "competitive" list I could muster with a Monolith was this:

1x Lord w/ Disruption Field (105)

10x Warriors (180)

10x Warriors (180)

1x Monolith (235)

5x Immortals (140)

Total: 840/842

My issue with this is a basically naked Lord. No Rez Orb is a no-no in my book and not being able to fit it in along with such a low "Necron" count just didn't seem like a good idea. My second list was this:

1x Lord w/ Destroyer Body, Phase Shifter, Rez Orb and WarScythe (180)

3x Wraiths (123)

10x Warriors (180)

10x Warriors (180)

5x Immortals (140)

Total: 833/842

I like this list from the get-go. First it lets me use my Wraith Lord I'm quite proud of. Secondly it adds a speedy element most don't see as a threat. Melee Necrons aren't exactly the scariest two words when put together. The idea is that the Warriors and Immortals sit back reach what they can with their 24" range and pick off what they can. All the while the Wraith Lord and his fellow Wraiths charge up the field with their invulns and Rez Orb causing as much of a distraction as possible. Practicing with my 40k group, this strategy isn't a bad one. Three Wraiths with a Rez Orb are very difficult to kill if the dice are even slightly in my favor. On average they're surviving till turn 3 all the while 25 of my shooty guys remain untouched. I wouldn't say anyone has underestimated the Wraith unit, but they're exceptional at taking out SMEQs and vehicles.

So what's my goal? What do I hope to get out of this tourney other than a fun time? Well, I'm not an idiot; I realize I'm playing Necrons and all that comes with the decision. My goal with this list isn't to win, but to tie. Attempting to win will cause me to make decisions based on wild assumptions such as...ya' know, winning with Necrons. My goal is to be that player, the one that will barely pull away with a tie, ie: not leaving the WAAC player victorious. Through practice games I'm 5 out of 7 for ties and I have my basic strategy down. Another goal I have is to not come in last overall. With an hour time limit on each game my fear of Phase Out dwindles slightly, but to come out on top of any other army would make me pleased as punch.

Also, I'm hoping for a door prize.

Oh yes..

Game on bitches.