Warhounds 2 Warmasters

Moderati to Princeps – Secundus

A Journey Through the Embers of War; An Emberlord Secundus’ Tale

As the second article in the series covering the thoughts and styles of those most noble Emberlords it’s the turn of Ben, or as most people will actually know him, Taff. As someone that was very new to the Adeptus Titanicus community when the Embers of War Saga began, it’s very interesting to see how someone managed to reach the lofty heights of Emberlord Secundus in such a short amount of time! – Jay

Intro

When I first jumped into Adeptus Titanicus events, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The game itself had hooked me back in 2018 with its deep tactical play and the sheer spectacle of towering god-machines clashing in battle. I’d had a few casual games over the six years from release to Embers One (Ed Note:  The first of the Embers of War events, colloquially referred to by most as Embers One) but organized events were a whole different beast.

What follows is a recounting of my journey through these events, the lessons I’ve learned, and how my approach has evolved. My lists will be included at the end for your reading pleasure (or horror… Vortex missiles can have that effect on people).

Event 1: A Strong Start

Going into my first event, I had a mix of excitement and nerves. My maniple was assembled, painted, and I’d had three practice games with the 2024 AT Champion (Hi Jay!) (Ed Note: Hi Ben!). I had a basic game plan: fire the Vortex missiles, close the distance, use my Hounds to control engagements, and hope for the best.

To my surprise, I ended up placing second overall! My first game was a 40-40 max points draw against Alex, who feature prominently among the top spots throughout the series of events. After that, I pulled off two max-point victories, securing my spot near the top of the standings. What became immediately clear was that raw firepower alone wouldn’t win games; careful positioning, activation sequencing, and playing to mission objectives were just as important. The lesson from this event? If you wound a Titan, destroy it – don’t leave it half-dead, finish the job!

Event 2: Pushing for Victory

Coming off the high of my first event, I barely had time to prepare for the second as it was followed on the heels of after another big event (Retribution by Twisted Titanicus). As such, I went in with almost no adjustments to my list or strategy. Despite this, everything clicked and my experience from the first event carried over. I won all three of my games with max points, securing first place overall! The final match was an incredibly tense, close battle against Alex, pushing both of us to our limits. Every activation mattered, every move was critical, and it was the most intense game of Adeptus Titanicus I had played yet. The biggest takeaway? Much the same as following Embers One I was starting to not just See that Titanicus isn’t just about firepower but also positioning, heat management, and intelligent activation play, I was starting to Believe it. Having two Vortex missiles certainly helped… Sorry, Alex!

Event 3: Confidence and Control

By the time I entered my third event, I felt significantly more confident. I came straight off the back of the World Championships, where in the many preparations, I had learned to read the battlefield better, anticipate my opponent’s moves, and use my Titans as a cohesive force rather than as individual units.

However, since I’d run Dual Ferrox Maniples with Double Vortex missiles in two events and had come in first place, that list had to be retired to maintain good form. Perhaps one day I’ll return with a vengeance at someone’s request for a friendly, but no more at events.

For the finale of the Embers series, I took Corsair and an Arcus maniple, obviously with my now trademark Macro Magazines and Chargers on everything that I could shake a stick at. I felt much more relaxed going into Embers 3, I put no pressure on myself, and ended up having some exquisite matchups, laughing my way through the entire day. Although I didn’t secure a single win during the third event (!), that isn’t all that there is to Adeptus Titanicus. I had a lot of fun and played some amazing games on brilliant tables with fantastic people. As it was, I’d done enough to earn my place on the final podium, being crowned ‘EmberLord Secundus’, whilst watching my good friend Alex take the coveted title of ‘EmberLord Primus’ (sorry again about your Warbringer). Honourable mention goes to Tim, who secured ‘EmberLord Tertius’ despite only attending Ember of War 2 and 3, and to Lewis, who with just one practice game prior to the event, finished 12th place out of 18 and secured a win in his third ever tournament game (Ed Note: It’s worth remarking that Lewis drew Tim in the first round of Embers of War 3, one of the most capable AT players in the world and someone that placed 3rd overall for the three events in spite of only having attended two – a true baptism of fire!).

Biggest Takeaways from My Events

  • Positioning and activation order win games more than raw firepower.
  • Stratagems should enhance your plan, not dictate it.
  • Flexibility is key—adapting mid-battle makes a huge difference.
  • Play the mission, not just the kill game.
  • Know your opponent’s Legio traits and wargear—it can make or break engagements.

Closing Thoughts

Attending Adeptus Titanicus events has been an incredible learning experience. I’ve improved not just in gameplay but in my appreciation for the game’s depth and tactical nuance. Each event has helped to refine my approach, and I look forward to the next one, armed with even more insights.

For anyone considering their first event—go for it. You’ll learn more in a single day of competitive play than in weeks of casual games, and the community is incredibly welcoming. Just remember: every defeat is a lesson, and each lesson makes you a better Princeps.

Have fun out there, and may your Catastrophic Damage rolls always be a Wild Fire – we love the chaos.

+++ Message Ends +++

Embers 1 & 2

Ferrox Light Maniple [1,110 Points]

  • Reaver Titan: Favoured by Fortune, =Crusade= Macro Charges, Gatling Blaster, Melta Cannon [RVR], Princeps Seniores, Vortex Payload, Warp Missile Support Rack (Vortex).
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.
  • Warhound Titan*: Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter
     *This hound has become “The little Hound that could,” notching up 5 warlord kills and playing in every game of Titanicus I’ve played with my Xestobiax.

Ferrox Light Maniple [890 Points]

  • Reaver Titan: Iron-clad Tyrant, =Crusade= Macro Charges, Gatling Blaster, Melta Cannon [RVR], Princeps Seniores, Vortex Payload, Warp Missile Support Rack (Vortex).
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.

Titan Legion: Crusade Legio (Custom), Elite Magos, Macro Charges, Macro Magazines, Vanguard Fighters

Stratagem Hand +

  • A Score to Settle [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Concealment Barrage [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Cursed Earth [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Even in Death [2 Stratagem Points]
  • Iron Resolve [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Iron Resolve [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Last Ditch Effort [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Vox Blackout [3 Stratagem Points]

++ Total: [2,000 Points, 11 Stratagem Points] ++

Embers 3

Arcus Battleline Maniple [1,030 Points]

Titan Legion: Crusade Legio (Custom)

  • Warbringer Nemesis Titan: 5 Favoured by Fortune, 2x =Crusade= Macro Charges, Ardex Defensor Cannon, Bastion Shielding, Mori Quake Cannon, Plasmatic Binders, Princeps Seniores, Volcano Cannon, Volcano Cannon.
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Bastion Shielding, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.
  • Warhound Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, =Crusade= Macro Magazines, Bastion Shielding, Plasma Blast Gun, Vulcan Megabolter.

Corsair Battleline Maniple [1,020 Points]

  • Reaver Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, Apocalypse Missile Launcher, Gatling Blaster, Melta Cannon [RVR].
  • Reaver Titan: =Crusade= Macro Charges, Apocalypse Missile Launcher, Gatling Blaster, Melta Cannon [RVR].
  • Reaver Titan: 2 Iron-clad Tyrant, 2x =Crusade= Macro Charges, Apocalypse Missile Launcher, Melta Cannon [RVR], Princeps Seniores, Volcano Cannon.

Titan Legion: Crusade Legio (Custom), Elite Magos, Macro Charges, Macro Magazines, Motive Mastery

Stratagem Hand +

  • Concealment Barrage [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Cursed Earth [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Earthshaker Mines [2 Stratagem Points]
  • Forward Observers [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Iron Resolve [1 Stratagem Points]
  • Titan Hunter Infantry [2 Stratagem Points]
  • Void Shield Relay [2 Stratagem Points]
  • Vox Blackout [3 Stratagem Points]

++ Total: [2,050 Points, 13 Stratagem Points] ++

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