Codex Sisters of Battle : Repentia Deathseeker

(Are you looking at my chainsaw?)

Today we've got another independent character for the Adepta Sororitas, namely a character version of the always popular Sisters Repentia. In their current state the Adepta Sororitas only have access to two non-unique HQ options, the Cannoness and the Priest, I think that needs rectifying, don't you...?

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Repentia Deathseeker :

For the most part the ranks of the Sisters Repentia are made up of battle sisters who (whether in the eyes of their sisters or their own) have failed themselves, their order, and the Emperor in some respect. Out of shame for their weakness they give up their previous rank and position, devoting the rest of their lives to acts of penance, self mortification, and the destruction of the Emperors foes. Marching into battle clad in nothing but rags and prayer strips (often pinned to their very flesh by needles of blessed steel) they throw themselves into the thickest ranks of the enemy, howling prayers of absolution as they lay about themselves with their blessed Eviscerators in the hope that they will slay enough enemies to wash away their sins in a tide of tainted blood.

Even amongst the ranks of the Repentia however there are those who stand above their sisters. Though most of the blessed penitents are drawn from the rank and file of the Adepta Sororitas there are times when even the most experienced and faithful Palatines, Cannonesses or even (a handful of times in the Imperium's history) an Abbess Sanctorum will experience a crisis of faith that will lead to them surrendering themselves to the attentions of the Repentia Mistresses. Being almost always more skilled in the arts of battle than their sisters these heroes of the faith are expected to sell their lives just as dearly, but unlike them their mission is not to cut down the rank and file, but to slay heretic warlords, xenos abominations and daemonic monstrosities with the thrice-blessed Eviscerators chained to their chafed and bloodied wrists.

Repentia Deathseeker : 70pts

	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	LD	SV
Deathseeker	6	4	3	3	3	4	3	10	-

Unit Composition : 1 Repentia Deathseeker
Unit Type : Infantry (Character)
Wargear : Master Crafted Eviscerator
Special Rules : Act of Faith, Fearless, Feel No Pain (5+), Fleet, Independent Character, Rage, Shield of Faith
Act of Faith : Rapturous Slaughter.

Options :

•  The Repentia Deathseeker may replace her Eviscerator with The Blade of Admonition* : 30pts
• May take a Rosarius : 20pts

*Cannot be taken by any other model in the army

Special Rules and Equipment :

Rapturous Slaughter (Act of Faith) : Howling prayers of joyous hatred the Repentia Deathseeker hurls herself at the deadliest foe she can find. Her mind utterly consumed by self loathing and the need to spill as much blood as possible before falling she ignores all but the most devastating of wounds even as she wields her weapons with supernatural skill.

This Act of Faith is declared at the start of the controlling player's Assault Phase. For the duration of the Assault Phase this model benefits from the Eternal Warrior special rule and may re-roll any failed rolls To Hit and To Wound.

Pious Solitude (Special Rule) : The Repentia Deathseekers stand alone even in the midst of their sisters. Separated from them by their oaths of penance they may no longer lead their sisters, now may they find welcome amongst any but their fellow penitents.

The Repentia Deathseeker may not join any unit other than one of Sisters Repentia. They also may not be taken as a Battle Forged detatchments compulsory HQ choice.

Design Notes :

As far as gameplay goes the Repentia Deathseeker is a melee killing machine, capable of dishing out plenty of damage whilst still being pretty survivable. That said her low toughness and lack of Eternal Warrior (save for when she uses her Act of Faith) leave her frail when compared to other armies beatsticks. She's no replacement for a Cannoness or Priest with regards to augmenting the army she's part of, but accept no substitute when it comes to carving heretics to pieces in His holy name.

With regards to fluff I'm pretty pleased with what I've written, it's fairly basic (being an extension of the existing Repentia fluff), but then I honestly don't think it needs to be more than that.

As usual, if anyone gives these lethal ladies a whirl please let me know and how they performed. Likewise criticism and comments are welcome.

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael