Space Marine vs. Space Marine

Sorry this is so late but last week family issues got the better of my writing time.  So this will not be a thorough report, just my impressions of the battle.

I finally got in a battle with my Space Marine army. Last Monday, being a holiday, some of us got together to play some 40k. The evening began with a epic team battle which featured Nockergeek and Hooligan joining their Tau forces against the might of the Tyranids commanded by Dennis and Slacker. Despite a strong start the Tau were unable to handle the ravening horde of ‘Nids and went down in defeat.  Following that epic struggle, Dan and I took our Codex Marine armies to the field against each other.  We started late and only made it through turn 4.  With each of us in possesion of two objectives, the game was a draw.

I now know why other folks gripe about Space Marines.  They are hard to kill and our battle developed the feel of guys in armor throwing rocks at each other. Due to bad rolling on both our parts the shots that hit had trouble wounding and getting penetration on vehicle armor was difficult at best.  For instance, between us there were 6 or so missile launchers on the table and in four turns they only produced 2 or 3 casualties.

The  lesson I took from this game was the standard Space Marine Codex is very versatile. Dan runs a foot slogging force heavy on dreadnoughtsand terminators while I run a line of tanks and troops in armored transports.  Same Codex but very different armies. I think both Dan and myself will want to incorporate some aspects of the other’s army into future lists. 

I know that I need to add some better assault elements to my list.  That may require stepping up to 1750 points and I’m aware some folks can’t do that just yet. I also think I stay too stationary and need to take the fight more to the enemy.  I need to take some time with my codex and get to know my troops better so that I don’t have to guess about their capabilities. I’m not sure what I do well and what I do poorly, so I will try to take the time to discuss the game with my opponent to get his impression on those counts.