Something is Rotten in the State of 40k

Good evening readers,

I'm afraid the only thing that has been slower than waiting for a new article on this site is Ishmael and my finding something new to write about in regards to 40k.  Being fascinated by puzzles, I tend to enjoy writing about rules and how I want to use them in my armies.  Sadly my armies, C:SM, Eldar and Tau, have not had anything change about their rules since January and, in fact, there has been no new rules release or FAQ since January for any army.

I could talk to you about the progress of my armies on the painting table, but at this point its a story neglect and half finished projects, like my vespids who no longer fit in my army theme and are only half painted.  I have completed one model on a side project I'm working on, but I might be skorned for talking about another game on this site (if you'd like to hear about this project, leave a note in the comments).  But now, I come to a problem that has garnered my scorn, though I must stress that it is a problem of plastic space men and not one of players.

If you agree with Godfrey's idea of the art vs. science of warhammer, which I think really should be an and, I would fall into the scientific category because of my desire to solve practical problems with the game system, working within the bounds of the rules to change what can be changed.  With more time to read the rules than to do field observations of late, I haven't been able to see how games are occurring in my gaming circles.  After finally finding the time to get more, though not as many as I would like, games of 40k in I think, at least at tournaments there is an army list that has become dominant that does not deserve to be so.  This usurper comes to punish any heretic who would deny the word of [the Emperor, to] crush yer unholy [army] and salt the earth [with] yer dust and I think it is high time to put these humans in their place.

 This Saturday I had the opportunity to travel back home to Bloomington and play in their tournament.  It was a sadly small showing, with only nine players coming to enjoy the best game store I've been to and throw dice with folks that are friendly even when contending over rules repeatedly.  I brought my Tau, drew FnP Blood Angels, an army of orks with a FnP nob squad and an army of plague marines, and forgot my plasma rifles.  What I did not draw was either of a pair of identical armies lead by Father Kaldor of Section 13.  When I say identical, I don't mean that they had two ten man squads of paladins and Drago plus useless swill, I mean that the two players commented that they had the same exact list.  These two players played in the second round and went on to take first and third places.  I don't doubt the skill of the two players, but I do doubt the preparedness of players to face this very specialized list, which made fighting this army list very difficult for their opponents.

It's my experience that people tend to enjoy competition more if there is less certainty as to the outcome of the contest.  For example, when Appalachian State beat #5 Michigan in the 2007 season opening football game, people called it a historic upset, but no one remembers when the #5 team demolishes a minor team.  While the Draigowing list that was present at the last Bloomington tournament is arguably not as good as it could be, it seems to be the biggest fish is a relatively small pond.  So I'm hoping you will be willing to take the time to come along with me as I take a look at this fish, take stock of it and hopefully come to some conclusion about how to bring down this usurper.  So follow me through the mist, through the woods, through the darkness and the shadows because this series won't be over till this list is dead, good and dead.

Until next time,
Heretic


[Bonus points to anyone who can point out the references and paraphrases in this article]