Gem City Massacre

Saturday, November 12th was the 2nd annual Gem City Massacre, a tournament near Dayton Ohio. Last year we didn't officially name the tournament, but it was the same format as this year.  We moved venues hoping to be able to grow the tournament, and were successful in that, adding 25% more players, from 12 to 15!

a nice, clean store

We moved to Epic Loot down in Centerville Ohio.  They have two huge game rooms - one for miniatures with 12 tables, the other for card games that is even bigger.  Plus there is a small side room for board and role playing games.  They also have a video game center at the other end of the strip mall, and have just recently opened a second store in Springfield.  For local players, they have just set up a direct account with Mantic, and can get just about anything (as long as Mantic has it in stock of course) in one to two weeks.  They have just started stocking Kings of War, and sold a lot of the new 'retailer exclusive' releases for October (Naiad Wyrmriders, Earth Elementals, Hellhounds, the historical supplement and a starter set all sold today)

One thing that makes this tournament unique is each player brings a piece of terrain, and then picks three pieces to take with them to each game - so except for two hills none of the terrain is preset.  It adds a level of strategy - what terrain can you use and how to place it for each game (and you can't guarantee anything with it, as it can scatter a bit as well).

Fifteen players from Indianapolis, West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio!

I want to give a special thanks to my son Jon, who took pictures during each round.  With fifteen players I had to jump in as the 'ringer' army - and as such got a bit caught up actually playing my games and forgot to get pictures (especially during the first round).  Unfortunately that also means my ugly mug actually got caught in a few - so fair warning for the faint of heart and weak of stomach (yes there is a reason I try to take the pictures and not be in them :-) ).

Round 1

Everyone selected their terrain pieces, and we got started with the first round only a little bit late.

This round was an invade scenario, with the added challenge of trying to get a messenger off your opponents table edge.

• Daniel Payne's Night Stalkers beat Amy Stamper's Dwarfs
• Patrick Cunningham's Abyssal Dwarves lose to Jon Carter's Undead
• Jesse Cornwell's Goblins defeated Beth Hill's Kingdoms of Men
• Keith Ambrose's Elves were beaten by Matthew Temple's Kingdoms of Men
• Felix Castro's Dwarves fell to Joe Cottrell's Basileans
• Bill Favorite's Empire of Dust tied David Baker's Ogres
• Kara Brown's Abyssal Dwarves tied Andrew Summer's Brotherhood
• Timothy Bowie's League of Rhordia tied the ringer (me) with Abyssal Dwarves

Beth watches Jesse plan his move

Patrick looks at Jon's invading army

Joe looks on, while Dave and Bill clash in the background

Daniel and Amy on table 1, with Kara across the aisle on table 7 (and some dude behind her on table 8)

Keith is trying to decide exactly what to do against Matthew's men

A shot of just about everybody playing

Kara and Andrew in front, with me and Timothy in the back.

After a break for lunch and paint judging, Round 2 kicked off with one of the new scenarios from the CoK pack - Control!

Patrick's Abyssal Dwarfs tied Amy's Dwarfs

Timothy's halflings pulled out a minor victory over Bill's dusty skeletongs

Dan's night stalkers defeated Joe's basilean angels

Keith's elves tied against clubmate Kara's evil stunties

Matthew's men lost a hard fought battle to the ringers evil dwarfs

Felix's dwarf took a victory over Beth's men

Jesse's goblins lost to Jon's undead

Andrew's brotherhood got a minor loss to David's Ogres

Jon v Jesse, and Dave v Andrew

Patrick v Amy, and Bill v Tim

Dan v Joe and Kara v Keith

Matthew graciously waiting for me to finish taking pictures, while Beth v Felix

See what happens when someone else is allowed to take the pictures - you get blinded by my bald head!

Dave rolls while Andrew watches

Dan and Joe, while Kara carefully watches Keith roll his dice

Pat get ready to roll against Amy, and Bill counts out his attack dice while Tim watches

Jon's undead not putting up with Jesse's war trombone shenanigans

Round 3 topped off the tournament with a standard loot scenario.
Dan crushed Jon's hopes of winning as his nightstalkers killed (well re-killed) his undead

Matthew's men took one for the team, losing to Joe's Basileans

Timothy's League of Rhordia lost to Dave's Ogres

Jesse's goblins outran my Abyssal Dwarfs for the win

Kara's Abyssal Dwarfs defeated their arch enemies in Felix's Dwarfs

Andrew's Brotherhood rode over Bill's Empire of Dust

Amy's Dwarfs decimated Beth's Kingdom of Men

and finally Keith's Elves lost to Patrick's Abyssal Dwarfs

Dave carefully watches Timothy roll, with Jesse in the background

Dan moves his models forward, giving Jon's undead nightmares, while Matt and Joe battle it out behind them

Beth waits for Amy to finish rolling, while Patrick rolls against Keith

Felix faces off against Kara, while Andrew and Bill play behind them

Joe laughs at Matthew's joke

Beth moves while Amy watches, while Patrick measures and Keith makes sure it is accurate

Felix pauses to think, while Kara plans.  Andrew is checking his measurements against Bill in the back

Dave checks Timothy's movement, while the reflection off my bald head blinds Jesse and everyone in the shop.

There were some very nice armies there, with only a few that weren't quite finished.

Daniel Payne's Night Stalkers

• 2 Regiments of Spectres
• Horde of Scarecrows w/ Mace of Crushing
• 2 Hordes of Fiends ( one with Maccwar's Potion of the Caterpillar, the other with Brew of Strength)
• 2 Mind-screechs
• 3 Screamers
• 2 Banshees (one with boots of Leviation, the other with Lightning Bolt(5))

Patrick Cunningham's Abyssal Dwarfs

• Regiment of Blacksouls (2 handed weapons)/ Blade of Slashing
• Troop of Abyssal Berserkers
• Regiment of Immortal Guard
• 2 Troops of Decimators
• Troop of Gargoyles*
• Horde of Lesser Obsidian Golems (Diadem of Dragon-kind)
• Regiment of Abyssal Halfbreeds (Maccwar's potion of the Caterpillar)
• 3 Dragon Fire-teams
• Slavedriver
• Iron-caster (surge(8))
• Grater Obsidian Golem
• Allied Abyssals
• Horde of Tortured Souls
• Efreet

Amy Stamper's Dwarfs

• Horde of Bulwarkers (Brew of Strength)
• 2 Hordes of Elementals
• 2 Regiments of Berserker Brock Riders (one w/ Blessing of the Gods)
• 2 Ironbelcher Organ Guns
• Stone Priest (Bane Chant(2), Myrrddin's Amulet of the Fire-heart)
• Warsmith
• King on Large Beast
• 2 Greater Earth Elementals

Jon Carter's Undead

• Troop of Wraiths (Blade of Slashing)
• Regiment of Mummies
• 2 Legions of Zombies
• Horde of Werewolves (Brew of Strength)
• Regiment of Soul Reaver Cavalry (Maccwar's Potion of the Caterpillar)
• Regiment of Revenant Cavalry
• Vampire on Undead Dragon (Ensorcelled Armour)
• Liche King (Heal(6), Myrddin's Amulet of the Fire-heart

Matthew Temple's Kingdoms of Men

• Horde of Shield Wall
• 2 Hordes of Spear Phalanx
• 3 Troops of Pole-Arms Block
• Troop of Arquebusiers
• 2 Regiments of Knights
• General on Winged Beast (Wnsorcelled Armour)
• Army Standard Bearer (Healing Charm)
• 3 Wizards
• Heal(2), Lightning Bolt(3), Inspiring Talisman
• Bane-chant(2), Lightning Bolt(3)
• Bane-chant(2), Lightning Bolt(3)
• Beast of War (light ballista)

Jesse Cornwell's Goblins

• 2 Hordes of Sharpsticks
• Legion of Rabble (Brew of Courage)
• Horde of Spitters
• 3 Hordes fo Trolls
• 3 War-Trombones
• 2 Flaggits
• 2 Wizs
• Bane-Chant(2)
• Bane-Chant(2)
• Bane-Chant(2)
• Troll Bruiser (Healing Charm)
• Slasher (sharpstick thrower)

Keith Ambrose's Elves

• Horde of Kindred Archers (Jar of the Four Winds)
• Regiment of Palace Guard
• Regiment of Kindred Tallspears
• Horde of Forest Shamblers
• Regiment of Stormwind Cavalry
• 2 Bolt Throwers
• 2 Elven Mages
• Bane Chant(2), Fireball(10)
• Lightning Bolt(5), Scarletmaw's Fenulian Amulet
• Master Hunter (Sabre-Toothed Pussycat)
• Tree Herder (Medallion of Life)
• The Green Lady[1]

 Beth Hills' Kingdoms of Men

• Regiment of Foot Guard (2 handed weapons, Brew of Haste)
• Horde of Heavy Pike Block (brew of strength)
• Regiment of Bowmen
• Troop of Crossbowmen (Jar of the Four Winds)
• Regiment of Knights (Helm of Confidence)
• 2 Troops of Mounted Scouts
• Regiment of Mounted Sergeants
• 3 Cannons
• General
• Army Standard Bearer (Healing Charm)
• Wizard (Lightning Bolt(3), Bane-chant (2), Myrddin's Amulet of the Fire-heart)
• Beast of War (light ballista)

Felix Castro's Dwarfs

• Horde of Ironclad
• 2 Regiments of Ironguard
• fire-oil
• 2 handed weapons
• Horde of Earth Elementals (Blade of Slashing)
• 2 Regiments of Berserker Brock Riders (one w/ Pipes of Terror)
• 2 Flame Belchers
• Army Standard Bearer (Healing Charm)
• Berserker Lord (on brock)
• Stone Priest (bane-chant(2))
• Warsmith
• Steel Behemoth

Bill Favorite's Empire of Dust

• Horde of Skeleton Warriors (Diadem of Dragon-kind)
• Horde of Skeleton Spearmen
• Horde of Enslaved Guardians (Casket of the Damned)
• Horde of Swarm*
• Horde of Scavengers*
• Regiment of Skeleton ARcher Cavalry
• Horde of Revenant Chariots
• Balefire Catapult
• Scorpion Husk
• Bone Giant
• Ahmunite Pharaoh (Blade of Slashing)
• 2 Cursed High Priests

Joe Cottrell's Basileans

• 5 Hordes of Elohi (one w/ Quicksilver Rapier)
• Jullius, Dragon of Heaven[1]
• Ur-Elohi (ensorcelled Armour)

Dave Baker's Ogres

• 2 Hordes of Siege Breakers (one w/ Brew of Courage)
• Horde of Shooters (Brew of Keen-eyeness)
• 2 Hordes of Boomers (one w/ Heart-seeking Chant)
• 2 Troops of Red Goblin Scouts
• 2 Army Standard Bearers
• 2 Giants

Timothy Bowie's League of Rhordia

• Regiment of City Spear Militia
• Regiment of City Militia
• Horde of City M ilitia
• 2 Hordes of Honour Guard)
• 3 Halfling Volley Guns
• 2 Halfling Howitzers
• 2 Halfling Iron Beast
• 2 Wizards (both with bane-chant(2))
• Halfling Master Engineer

Andrew Summer's Brotherhood

• Horde of Villein Bowmen (Jar of the Four Winds)
• Horde of Villein Martyrs
• Regiment of the Order of the Brotherhood
• Regiment of the Order of Redemption* ( Maccwar's Potion of the Caterpillar)
• 2 Troops of Villein Reconnoiterers
• Horde of the Order of the Forsaken (brew of Strength)
• 2 Villein Siege Artillery
• Forsaken Beast (breath attack(10))
• Exemplar Forsaker
• Exemplar Adjutant on Barded Horse (Diadem of Dragon-kind)

Kara Brown's Abyssal Dwarfs

• Horde of Slave Orcs*
• Troop of Gargoyles*
• 2 Hordes of Lesser Obsidian Golems
• Orcsbain's Amulet of Thorns
• Brew of Courage
• Regiment of Slave Orc Gore Riders*
• Regiment of Abyssal Halfbreeds (Maccwar's Potion of the Caterpillar)
• Horde of Abyssal Grotesques (Blessing of the Gods)
• Iron-caster (surge(8), Inspiring Talisman)
• Greater Obsidian Golem
• Night Stalker Allies
• Regiment of Dopplegangers
• Mind-screech

There was some very nice terrain brought by a few people.  I narrowed it down to four choices, which the players then voted on for the best terrain piece.

Terrain pieces by (clockwise, from top left) Matthew Temple, Joe Cottrell, Jon Carter and Felix Castro

A closer look at Joe's mage casting a spell from a circle of stones

Fitting the time of year, Felix's pumpkin patch was nicely done.

And who won?

Well I gave Beth a set of new dice as hers obviously did not like her (because we all know that when you lose, it is ALWAYS the fault of the dice (and when you win it is your excellent tactics and strategy)

Beth Hill - better luck next time

I believe in spreading the prizes and awards around - so no one can win more than one award.  This tournament is the one exception - as I give an award for best scenery which is the only one that can go to someone who also gets another award - as it has absolutely nothing to do with their army or game play.  Joe Cottrell took Best Terrain

Joe Cottrell - Best Terrain

Some people consider sportsmanship one of the most important part of the game.  Winning with grace, and even more so taking a devastating loss with a smile makes the tournament more fun for everyone.  Best Sportsman (out of a four way tie) went to David Baker

David Baker - Best Sportsman

Best appearance is my favorite award (and not just because it is the only one I've ever had a chance to win) (ok, maybe it is).  This is a combination of both judged painting as well as player votes.  While many people received votes, one got significantly more votes than anyone else, to top off the highest painting score.  Matthew Temple won Best Appearance for his oriental Kingdoms's of Men.

Matthew Temple - Best Appearance

I have recently started adding in Best General in my events - for those who value gameplay more than the hobby aspect of the game.  Best General went to Joe Cottrell, to go along with his Best Terrain.

Joe Cottrell - Best General

Of course the top honor is the champion - the winner of it all.  Combining painting, sportsmanship and game play.  Stalking out of the Night from West Virginia, Daniel Payne won the whole thing.
 Everyone seemed to have a great time - the store was clean, open and just a fantastic venue.  I look forward to doing this again next year (and growing it even bigger), as well as setting this up as a Master's qualifier for the Midwest region.

I always like to give a shout out to Bill Robertson and his great piece of software, Warscore.  You can download it for free at warscore.net.  Not only does it make running tournaments easy and simple, but it can also track the results (and if you register on the site) as well all the tournaments you have played in.  The final standings are below - you can also check them out online here.

Gem City Massacre 2016

Final Standings

Place	Name	Club	Army	Opponents	Battle	Bonus	Objectives	Attrition	Paint	Additional Painting	Best Terrain	Players Choice	Favorite Opponent	Champion	Best Appearance	Best Sports	Best General	Awards
1	Daniel Payne	West Virginia	NightStalkers	Amy Stamper, Joe Cottrell, Jon Carter	85	10	9	5740	12	4				116	16	10	94	Champion
2	Joe Cottrell	West Virginia	Basileans	Felix Castro, Daniel Payne, Matthew Temple	75	10	8	3600	20	6	8		1	114	26	11	83	Best Terrain, Best General
3	Jon Carter	Ohio War Kings	Undead	Patrick Cunningham, Jesse Cornwell, Daniel Payne	70	10	8	3545	20	9		2	1	111	31	11	78
4	David Baker	Ohio War Kings	Ogres	Bill Favorite, Andrew Summers, Timothy Bowie	70	10	6	3226	20	3		2	2	110	25	12	76	Best Sportsman
5	Kara Brown	Ohio War Kings	Abyssal Dwarfs	Andrew Summers, Keith Ambrose, Felix Castro	65	10	10	3175	20	9		1	2	108	30	12	75
6	Jesse Cornwell	West Virginia	Goblins	Beth Hill, Jon Carter, Mike Carter (Ringer)	65	10	8	3185	20	11			2	105	31	12	73
7	Matthew Temple	Indianapolis	Kingdoms of Men	Keith Ambrose, Mike Carter (Ringer), Joe Cottrell	55	10	6	2305	20	11	1	6	2	99	37	12	61	Best Appearance
8	Amy Stamper	Ohio War Kings	Dwarfs	Daniel Payne, Patrick Cunningham, Beth Hill	60	10	8	3360	20	7				98	27	10	68
9	Patrick Cunningham	Kentucky	Abyssal Dwarfs	Jon Carter, Amy Stamper, Keith Ambrose	60	10	6	3174	20	0		1	1	98	21	11	66
10	Felix Castro	Ohio War Kings	Dwarfs	Joe Cottrell, Beth Hill, Kara Brown	55	10	9	3185	20	7	7	2	1	97	29	11	64
11	Mike Carter (Ringer)	Ohio War Kings	Abyssal Dwarfs	Timothy Bowie, Matthew Temple, Jesse Cornwell	60	10	6	3465	20	6				96	26	10	66
12	Bill Favorite	Indianapolis	Empire of Dust	David Baker, Timothy Bowie, Andrew Summers	50	10	4	2380	20	7				84	27	10	54
13	Timothy Bowie	West Virginia	League of Rhordia	Mike Carter (Ringer), Bill Favorite, David Baker	60	10	11	3750	0	2		1	1	83	3	11	71
14	Andrew Summers	Indianapolis	Brotherhood	Kara Brown, David Baker, Bill Favorite	60	10	6	3515	4	2			1	81	6	11	66
15	Keith Ambrose	Ohio War Kings	Elves	Matthew Temple, Kara Brown, Patrick Cunningham	40	10	5	3195	20	7			1	76	27	11	45
16	Beth Hill	Ohio War Kings	Kingdoms of Men	Jesse Cornwell, Felix Castro, Amy Stamper	30	5	0	980	20	6		1	1	57	27	6	30	New Dice

Because it is all fun and games . . .