40k Meta Maelstrom 2026 Casual Event (4/25)

Format

This event is a “normal” 3 round 1v1 2000 point singles event.  Each player will select a faction and a detachment and use it to build a 2000 points Strike Force list as normal.  To encourage everyone playing to try detachments that didn’t see the light of the Emperor in 10th edition we are banning roughly the top half of all detachments from the game.  The full list of allowed detachments by army is below.  We will also be using the Custom Character (The Maelstrom: Crucible of Champions) creation rules.  If you don’t have a copy, there are several online sources.  However, since these characters are not balanced for competitive gameplay, players MUST reach out to the TO (David Purcell / Dingbat) for approval for all custom characters.  Custom characters are limited to 1 per list.

Details

• Check-in at 9am, first round starts at 9:30am

• 3 rounds, 3 hours each round.

• 30 - 45 mins for lunch depending on the timing day of.

• 2000pts, GW missions and layouts. Specific missions will be announced day-of

• Models are NOT required to be painted, but it is recommended.

• Models must be on the correct base size. Specifically the same size as the model’s most recent GW kit. Failure to have a model on the correct base size will result in that model being removed from play.

• Custom characters should reflect their wargear and abilities in some way.  I won’t be strict on WYSIWYG but at least some effort is required.

• Rules are valid if released and we have new points before the event starts. FAQ, points, and dataslate changes to be evaluated case by case if they drop near the event.

• Pairings are wins > win path > random. Placings are wins > sportsmanship > points.

• Lists due in Best Coast Pairings by Friday April 24th at 9pm. Failure to do so without communication will result in a stern and disapproving look.

• Prepayment for this event is required.

Missions

TBD

Waitlist

We will open up a waitlist once the event is full. Contact me on discord (Dingbat) or at this email if you would like to be put on the list. d.purcell222@gmail.com .

Terrain

• We will use layouts from the GW tournament companion.

• Every piece of terrain counts as a ruin (even crates or trees). 

• First floors count as blocking line of sight. Discuss with your opponent or call the TO ahead of the game if it’s unclear.

• The small 4x6 footprints count as 2ins high regardless of their actual size. Meaning that units can move over them, but would still have to fully clear the terrain on top

• In regards to fighting through ruins we will play it RAW. Meaning you CAN use spacing to prevent charges through walls.

• The footprints of terrain will all match GW layouts but due to limitations of our terrain set the ruins on top of them may not match GW’s exact measurement.

Prizes

• 1st place

• 2nd place

• 3rd place

• Favorite opponent

• Best painted army

• Coolest Character (rules, conversion, and paint job)

• Favorite List (as voted by other players)

Links

Community Discord - https://discord.gg/SNDRxMbKYK

Paint requirements

None, but the game is way cooler if you do it.

Proxies and conversions

Generally acceptable. Must be the right size and clear to your opponent. Example, don’t say that one model has a lascannon when the whole unit is modeled with bolters. Your opponent would have no way to distinguish. Please ask ahead of time if you have any doubt.

Custom characters should reflect their wargear and abilities in some way.  I won’t be strict on WYSIWYG but at least some effort is required.

Questions?

Email: d.purcell222@gmail.com or message on discord.

Question: Can I have an exception to get a detachment added?

Answer: If I’m adding a detachment for you, I’m adding it for everyone. All-or-nothing is the only fair way to do it.

Question: Why did you cut detachment XYZ or keep detachment ABC?

Answer: I went off a mixture of data (stat-check.com) from across the entirety of 10th edition, reaching out to a number of players from the larger 40k community, and my own internal gut check.  If you disagree with any particular kept or removed detachment please let me know and we can try to work something out.

Question: When will the final detachment list be locked?

Answer: The detachment list is pretty static where it is right now.  However, I will be making no removals after Monday April 20th and no additions after Wednesday April 22nd (probably).

Allowed Detachments

Space Marines

• Spearpoint Task Force

• Reclamation Force

• Orbital Assault Force

• Librarius Conclave

• Hammer of Avernii

• Emperor’s Shield

• Anvil Siege Force

• 1st Company Task Force

Black Templars

• Wrathful Procession

• Vindication Task Force

• Godhammer Assault Force

• Companions of Vehemence

Blood Angels

• The Lost Brethren

• The Angelic Host

Dark Angels

• Unforgiven Task Force

• Lion’s Blade Task Force

• Inner Circle Task Force

Space Wolves

• Saga of the Bold

• Champions of Fenris

Adeptus Sororitas

• Penitent Host

• Army of Faith

Adeptus Custodes

• Shield Host

• Null Maiden Vigil

• Auric Champions

Adeptus Mechanicus

• Explorator Maniple

• Data-psalm Conclave

• Cohort Cybernetica

Aeldari

• Spirit Conclave

• Seer Council

• Ghosts of the Webway

• Eldritch Raiders

• Armoured Warhost

Astra Militarum

• Siege Regiment

• Mechanised Assault

Chaos Knights

• Traitoris Lance

• Iconoclast Fiefdom

Chaos Space Marines

• Veterans of the Long War

• Soulforged Warpack

• Nightmare Hunt

• Fellhammer Siege-host

• Dread Talons

• Deceptors

• Cabal of Chaos

Death Guard

• Tallyband Summoners

• Shamblerot Vectorium

• Death Lord’s Chosen

Drukhari

• Realspace Raiders

• Kabalite Cartel

• Covenite Coterie

Emperor’s Children

• Slaanesh’s Chosen

• Rapid Evisceration

• Peerless Bladesmen

• Court of the Phoenician

• Carnival of Excess

Genestealer Cults

• Xenocreed Congregation

• Outlander Claw

Grey Knights

• Sanctic Spearhead

• Hallowed Conclave

• Brotherhood Strike

• Augurium Task Force

Imperial Agents

• Veiled Blade Elimination Force

• Ordo Xenos, Alien Hunters

• Ordo Malleus, Daemon Hunters

• Ordo Hereticus, Purgation Force

Imperial Knights

• Valourstrike Lance

• Spearhead-at-Arms

• Questor Forgepact

• Gate Warden Lance

Leagues of Votann

• Persecution Prospect

• Mercenary Oathband

• Hearthfyre Arsenal

Necrons

• Obeisance Phalanx

• Cryptek Conclave

• Annihilation Legion

Orks

• Kult of Speed

• Freebooter Krew

• Dread Mob

• Da Big Hunt

Thousand Sons

• Warpforged Cabal

• Changehost of Deceit

Tyranids

• Warrior Bioform Onslaught

• Synaptic Nexus

• Crusher Stampede

T’au Empire

• Experimental Prototype Cadre

• Auxiliary Cadre

World Eaters

• Vessels of Wrath

• Possessed Slaughterband

• Khorne Daemonkin

• Goretrack Onslaught

Chaos Daemons

• Plague Legion

• Legion of Excess

• Blood Legion

Deathwatch

• Y’all only have one detachment but it’s really strong.  I don’t know what to do here, if you want to play DW you should message me and we can work it out, otherwise I just won’t touch it :)