Codex Sisters of Battle : Modelling Ideas

(Yeah, I'm not even going to bother pretending anymore)

So, over the last few months I've detailed numerous additional units for the Sisters of battle, providing both rules and fluff for a good assortment of them. The issue now is how should they be represented on the tabletop, well as you'd expect I have a few suggestions.

In this post I'm going to go through each of my new Codex entries in turn. For each entry I will both suggest how to convert them from existing GW bitz and point out appropriate third party models. It's fair to say that a lot of these entries will involve models from Raging Heroes Toughest Girls In The Galaxy 2 Kickstarter, which will be shipping next year and that my girlfriend and I pledged to. Said Kickstarter may well have been one of the main inspirations for this entire series... Oh, and as of the time of writing you can still pledge to it, go! Quickly!

Anyway, here we go...

Repentia Deathseeker :

There are a few possibilities for these psychotic ladies. The simplest is simply to take one of the existing Repentia models and make them a little more distinct, a weapon swap wouldn't be too difficult depending on which model you use, and there are plenty of plastic bitz in the assorted Space Marine boxes that would work for scroll cases, icons of faith and the like that can be added to the model. With regards to models other than the standard Repentia it would also, I think, be possible to make use of parts from the Dark Eldar Wytches and Dark Elf Witch Elves to make an appropriate base body that can then be augmented with green stuff, weapons and tokens.

Aside from GW there are a few companies that produce appropriate models. Dark Age spring immediately to mind, with their Forsaken being a great range to mine for alternate 40k models. If using their models I'd personally use Joan from their Forsaken range as shown below, but there are plenty more options if you take the time to look through their catalogue. Be aware though that their models are a little larger than GW's, so they may look out of place on the tabletop.

Raging heroes have this one covered. The upcoming kickstarter includes a unit of almost naked women with giant chainswords and cowls called Davidians, and there will be a command boxed set for them the leader from which would be perfect, perhaps with a little modification with regards to sticking on Aquillae.

That looks pretty good doesn't it?

Penitent Psykers :

Using GW models as a base I think the best way to represent one of these wretches on the battlefield would be to take elements from the Warhammer Fantasy Ghoul and Flagellant sets and kit bash them together, using green stuff and spare bitz to make them look as pathetic and ragged as possible whilst the ragged robes still tie them in as psykers and penitents. It'd take a little work but its perfectly viable.

Outside of GW the easiest option is to take a look at Privateer Presses Warmachine range, specifically the Protectorate of Menoth who's Vassal model is absolutely perfect. A little bit of time taken to strip off the Menofixes on the shoulders and replace them with Aquillae or purity seals should leave you with a characterful little model without too much effort or expense.

Matriarch Battlesuits :

This one is a bit awkward if you want to stick to using GW bits, as the only models that are really appropriate (unless you start getting really creative) are the Centurion Battlesuits and Space Marine Terminators, both of which are very obviously Astartes and not Sororitas. That said with a few head replacements using whatever female heads you can get your hands on (I'd recommend the various Dark Eldar kits for that) and changes in iconography and armaments they could be made to work, it'd just take a better modeller and converter than I.

Outside of GW there are plenty of heavily armoured and exo suited models available for conversion into these mighty ladies. Again though I'd point you towards Privateer Press, who's Exemplar Bastions and Exemplar Cinerators provide an awesome (if somewhat ridiculous) base model. That said arming them appropriately would take a lot of work, though I'm sure it'd be very much worth it. That and it gives them even bigger pauldrons than the Astartes.

Finally we come to Raging Heroes again, who's Knights of the Chalice are absolutely perfect for this role, unsurprisingly. The base models look like they're going to come with a hammer and shield, with the option to take arm mounted flame and solid projectile weapons. In order to access the full range of weapons that I gave them you'll need to do some conversion work but... definitely worth it. Sadly there aren't any renders or sculpts for these models yet but I'm sure once we do they'll be fantastic.

Frateris Militia :


For these fellows you can just go wild. Raid your bitz boxes for Imperial Guard, Chaos Cultist, Flagellant and Empire infantry parts and see how you can fit them together. They aren't a uniform organisation in any way, shape or form so you've plenty of opportunities to throw together whatever you think looks awesome and suitably fanatical. If you've still got any lying around you should definitely make use of the old Necromunda models for House Cawdor and the Red Redemption, both of which are absolutely perfect for Frateris Militia. The issue of course being that they have been out of production for a long time now leaving Ebay and various 40k model swapping groups as your best bet.

As far as other companies go I'd again dip into Dark Age, the Forsaken again having plenty of models that fit the aesthetic of a church militia, though again be aware that their models are larger than the GW 28mm Heroic standard. Corvus Belli's Infinity may also be worth investigating with their Ariadne, Haqqislam and Nomads factions having plenty of light infantry models that would fit right into a Sororitas army with little in the way of conversion. Again you could do worse than dipping into the Protectorate of Menoth, but they would require a lot more work due to their lack of any weapons more advanced than primitive rocket launchers.

Novitiate Choristers :

Back in the good old days of Specialist Games you could have simply popped into a GW store or gone online and ordered a few Sisters of Sigmar to represent these pious young women, these days however there is virtually nothing in their current ranges that's appropriate. My only recommendation would be to take female parts from Wood Elf and High Elf kits, modify their positions and try to model cowls and heavier robes for them using green stuff. I suppose conversions could be made using the current Sister Hospitallier and Sister Dialogous models but due to there only being a single sculpt for each at the moment that seems like a lot of effort for little gain.

To be honest lightly armoured female models that aren't either sculpted in dynamic combat poses or wearing far too little to be part of an authoritarian church are a bit of a rarity. The best conversion I can currently come up with for these young ladies using non-GW components is simply to take the Choir of Menoth and do some head swaps, perhaps using the range of female heads sold by Victoria Miniatures. Likewise the Menofixes on their staves should be chopped off and replaced with Aquillae or bitz representing reliquaries and other symbols of the faith.

Deliverance Gunship :

If converting one of these sturdy little things using GW parts I'd personally use the flying space potato, AKA the Stormtalon Gunship, and set to work with my bitz box and modelling tools. Specifically I'd remove the under slung Assault Cannon mount and use some spare Imperial Guard heavy bolters to modify the pair of nose mounted gun pods into twin linked heavy bolter mounts. The wings, like the main model, probably need extending, and I'd recommend using spare Drop Pod structural supports or the wings off a Valkyrie depending on which you think looks the best, either of which gives you plenty of space to remount the Skyhammer or Typhoon launchers as wing mounted missile batteries.

Finally the pilot needs replacing, and I'd use a female Eldar or Dark Eldar torso with the obviously Xenos detailing removed and  either a spare Sororitas helm (if you've been doing head swaps) or one of the masked Wytch heads. If you use a Xenos head then I'd take the time to do some conversion work to add respirator vents or air hoses to make it look more the part.

It's when you try to use non-GW models that you start to run into difficulties. Few companies that I'm aware of produce Science Fiction fliers in the appropriate scale, with the only one that immediately springs to mind being the Icarus fighter from Prodos Games Warzone : Resurrection Brotherhood range. It's a beautifully crafted model with the only issue being that you'd need to strip out some of its weapons and replace them with heavier armaments from your bitz box.

Elohim :

If you're planning to use GW models for these vicious ladies then the easiest route is just to use the current Seraphim models and do some weapon swaps for them. Admittedly that's not the easiest route due to the base models being metal, but until we get some plastic Battle Sisters that's a problem we have to deal with. As for the replacement weapons I'd recommend using the Grey Knight sprues for them, with the Nemesis Falchions and Halberds being perfect, though if you're replacing the entire hand your Elohim may have somewhat oversized fists. Alternatively the Dark Eldar Scourge models would be an interesting base for a conversion, being suitably posed though if you're limiting yourself to GW bitz you may struggle to put together a model that'll fit in with the rest of the Sororitas.

If you're willing to use bitz from other companies then there are plenty out there that sell female heads, such as Victoria Minatures. Likewise you can pick up melee weapons suitable for Elohim from a number of companies such as MaxMini and Puppetswar, both of whom I can thoroughly recommend with regard to the quality of their models and service. I've picked up bitz from both in the past to use when working on my Knights Vigilant and they've both got great ranges of parts if you're planning any conversions.

Raging Heroes, once again, have you covered, though again there aren't any renders or sculpts for these models. Their Fantasy Angels are pretty much perfect though I'd personally swap in some armoured heads and possibly attach cut down backpacks between the wings to make them look a little more technological and less supernatural.

Cremator Battle Tank :

This is one of the only units I've statted that you HAVE to use GW kits for, though admittedly only for the basic chassis, due to it being based on the good old Rhino hull. I'd take the Immolator and start up-armouring the turret, in fact I wouldn't be averse to replacing it with either a Predator or Leman Russ turret with a bunch of scrolls, purity seals and the like attached to make it as ornate as possible. For the Purefire cannon you've a few options, with it being a Melta weapon the easiest would be to take a few Multi Meltas and cobble them together into an oversized array of burning death, alternatively if you've more money that sense you could get your hands on the Forge World Legion Multi Melta's or the Magna Melta from the Predator Infernus kit and make some modifications.

If you're willing to make use of other companies bitz and pieces I'd again point you towards Puppetswar, who make quite a few vehicle scale parts and weapons. In fact one of their most recent releases is a large scale flame weapon that they've named the Epic Flame Cannon that I think would make an excellent Purefire cannon once mounted in an appropriate turret. Yes, they also sell turrets.

(FWOOSH!)

Sororitas War Altar :

I'll be honest, there's not really much you can do to represent this unit other than grab yourself a baneblade and a couple of Exorcist kits, then set to with converting them. Games Workshop are the only company I'm aware of that have an especially extensive range of 28mm vehicles that aren't steam powered mecha, with most companies only producing a handful of kits. That said I'm not omniscient and there's probably companies out there that produce an excellent framework for these things. Again I'd keep an eye on Prodos Games, their current range of heavy vehicles being just the right mixture of ridiculous and awesome.

And there we go, that's the end of this little series. I hope you've enjoyed reading it and that it's inspired at least a few of you to give these units a go, try your hand at some conversions, or to come up with units of your own to expand upon the Sororitas or other armies of the 41st Millenium.

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael

It Has Arrived!

(That it's lying on my bed is not a testament to me being overexcited...)

As you can tell from the photo above my very first Kickstarter fulfilment has arrived, namely my pledge rewards for Dungeon Saga, the Dwarf Kings Quest from Mantic Games.

I'm going to open this wonderfully weighty little box up tonight, and you folk can expect a bit of a review of its contents in the next few days, won't that be exciting! I'll also gather some geeks and we'll have a go at the game itself as soon as possible, I'll likewise throw up a review of our game.

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael

Codex Sisters of Battle : Sororitas War Altar

(Greetings! Have you heard the good word?)

And so we come to the final unit in this series, the Sororitas War Altar. Built upon the venerable Baneblade chassis these mighty testaments to His immortal power are battle tank and holy relic in equal measure, I hope that you approve...

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Sororitas War Altar :

These mighty war machines date from the dark days of the Age of Apostasy, the first of them being constructed during the Wars of Faith prosecuted by Goge Vandire and his fanatical armies of Frateris Templar. Converted from heavily damaged Baneblade super heavy tanks by divinely inspired (or sufficiently intimidated) Enginseers these mighty war machines served as mobile command post, fire support platform and battlefield shrine in equal measure.

The Sororitas War Altar replaces the Baneblades turret and demolisher cannon with a battery of devastatingly powerful Exorcist launchers. A heavily armoured and power-field protected war pulpit is also mounted atop the frontal glacis plate. From this pulpit a high ranking Battle Sister or Ecclesiarchal Priest can lead a Sororitas force in their battle prayers, whilst simultaneously having access to an impressive suite of battlefield control and communication equipment.

In the wake of Sebastian Thor and the Confederation of Lights victory and the death of Goge Vandire at the hands of Alicia Dominica few of these war machines were left intact, most having been destroyed in the battle for Terra or the revolts against Vandire's regime. Those that remained were gifted to the Adepta Sororitas under the terms of the Degree Passive, with each order maintaining a handful of these mighty vehicles for use only in the direst of circumstances.

Sororitas War Altar (Lord of War) : 520pts

	BS	Front	Side	Rear	HP
Sororitas War Altar	4	14	13	12	9

Unit Composition : 1 Sororitas War Altar
Unit Type : Vehicle (Super Heavy)
Wargear : 3 Exorcist Missile Launchers, 2 Twin Linked Heavy Flamers, 3 Twin Linked Heavy Bolters, Laud Hailers, Search Light, Smoke Launchers
Special Rules : Icon of Devotion, Shield of Faith
Options :

• May replace any of its Twin Linked Heavy Bolters with Twin Linked Heavy Flamers : Free.
• May replace any of its Twin Linked Heavy Flamers with Twin Linked Multi Meltas : 15pts Each.

Special Rules and Equipment :

Icon of Devotion (Special Rule) : When a Sororitas War Altar rumbles into battle they are seen by the sisters fighting alongside them as a mobile shrine as much as a battle tank. The high ranking Ecclesiarchs and Sororitas that ride into battle ensconced within the War Altars armoured Battle Pulpit only strengthen this comparison by using their vehicles integrated Laud Hailers to broadcast battle prayers and litanies of  hatred that inspire the warriors accompanying them to ever greater heights of zealous faith.

All units from the Armies of the Imperium within 12" of this model gain the Zealot special rule.

Design Notes :

And that's the end of this series, more or less. With the addition of a Lord of War to their arsenal I think that gives the Adepta Sororitas the versatility that I currently find them severely lacking.

The War Altar is durable, like all Superheavy tanks, and carries an impressive amount of firepower in the form of its Exorcist battery and plethora of heavy weapon mounts. It's an excellent centerpiece to an army capable of shrugging off all but the most devastating attacks whilst supporting the surrounding units with both its big guns and its Icon of Devotion special rule. With its multiple Exorcist launchers it's got the potential to do a lot of damage very quickly, though the randomised nature of those weapons makes them less reliable than more mundane armaments.

As for its fluff I think making them relics of the Age of Apostasy (with their numbers very occasionally replenished by especially devout Enginseers) is a solid justification for the Adepta Sororitas having access to Baneblade chasses. Likewise stripping out most of its weapons and replacing them with those that the Sororitas regularly make use of answers any logistical questions that may be raised with regards to keeping it properly armed and supplied.

So, as I said, that's pretty much the end of this series. I've enjoyed it rather a lot and I think the only thing left for me to do before I wrap this up is ruminate on what models are available to represent the units that I've been detailing. Obviously I'll lean towards kitbashing or converting GW kits but as I've said in the past there are plenty of companies out there who make wonderful models that I'd be remiss in not pointing out to anyone who fancies giving these units a try. One of whom I may have kickstarted earlier in the year...

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael

Codex Sisters of Battle : Novitiate Choristers

 (Like this, only female.)

Yes I'm fully aware this isn't the promised Adepta Sororitas Lord of War. Whilst working on said vehicle I actually had an idea for another unit, the rules of which were originally incorporated into the subject of my next post in this series (I promise, seriously... scouts honour and all that). I think they make an interesting little unit by themselves, though I admit the parallels to a certain Warmachine unit are very obvious...

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Novitiate Choristers :

When the Adepta Sororitas march to war it is not just the Battle Sisters that leave the walls of their convents to face the enemies of the Imperium. In addition to the priests and indentured tech adepts who maintain the faith and arsenal of the commandery they are also accompanied by sisters of the non millitant orders as well as young novices fresh from the Schola Progenium.

Though they have not yet earned the right to bear arms in His name these young women nevertheless take to the battlefield in a non-combatant role, braving enemy fire with nothing more than a flak robe and knife to keep them safe. As well as carrying equipment, ensuring their sisters are supplied with ammunition, and aiding the Sisters Hospitallier in the treatment of the injured they also form specialised Battle Choirs that march behind their sisters whilst singing hymns of praise to the God Emperor of Mankind.

Under the watchful eye of a senior Battle Sister these young women's battle hymns are broadcast across the field by Laud Hailers and specialised vox pickups, their strident tones stirring the flames of faith that smoulder in the hearts of their sisters. Though they are not yet warriors their hymns and faith are as much weapon as the boltguns and flamers of their older sisters, a holy fire wielded in service to Him On Earth.

Novitiate Choristers (Troops) : 50pts

	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	LD	SV
Novitiate Chorister	3	3	3	3	1	3	1	7	5+
Choir Mistress	3	4	3	3	1	3	2	8	3+

Unit Composition : 4 Novitiate Choristers, 1 Choir Mistress
Unit Type : Infantry
Wargear : Close Combat Weapon, Bolt Pistol (Choir Mistress only)
Special Rules : Hymnals of Battle, Shield of Faith

Options :

• May include up to 5 additional Novitiate Choristers : 8pts per model.

Special Rules and Equipment :

Hymnals of Battle (Special Rule) : As battle is joined Novitiate Choristers raise their voices in song, filling the air and vox waves with battle hymns that praise the Emperor, his Saints and the long martyred founders of the Adepta Sororitas. Bolstered by the songs of these pious young women their older sisters find their faith and martial prowess greatly enhanced, often adding their own voices to the chorus of faith and fury.

At the start of the controlling players movement phase select one of the following Hymnals of Battle, one unit with the Shield of Faith special rule within 12"gains the benefits of that hymnal until the start of the controlling players next movement phase.

• Light of Terra Guide Me : The effected unit automatically passes any Leadership tests required to activate Acts of Faith.
• Make Me A Channel Of Thy Wrath : The effected unit gains the benefits of the Zealot special rule.
• Oh Imperator, Shield Me : The effected unit gains a +1 bonus to the Invulnerable saving throw provided by the Shield of Faith special rule.
• Wither Witch Before His Might : The effected unit gains a +1 bonus to all Deny The Witch rolls that they make.

Design Notes :

Yes I admit it, this unit is very much inspired by the Choir of Menoth from Warmachine, save that it is a unit designed to augment other infantry instead of massive steam powered battle robots wielding primitive rocket launchers and hollow flails filled with burning, sanctified oils.

Have I mentioned at any point that I'm a big fan of Warmachine? Well I am.

That said I think that a buff unit for the Adepta Sororitas makes a lot of sense, both from a gameplay and fluff perspective. They're a throwback in some ways to the days of Rogue Trader when armies could incorporate all sorts of non-combatant units such as Goff Rokkas (insert sepia filter here), as well as to the art which so often has the warriors of the 41st millenium surrounded by all sorts of henchmen, retainers and other support personnel.

On the tabletop the presence of these units makes their sisters that much more durable and reliable, whilst at the same time requiring their protection if they're going to survive for long on the battlefield. I think they're pretty balanced, though they are very much a unit that needs to be play tested thoroughly before they can have their points cost set in ceramite. I'm happy with the rules I've thrown together for them though, at least for now.

So, one more unit to go, and I promise next time it'll be something a little more impressive than a gaggle of teenage girls....

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael

Codex Sisters of Battle : Cremator Battle Tank

(The Emperor Lives In Death!)

And we're almost there, with just one or two more posts in this series after this one. I must say that I've enjoyed writing these entries, coming up with new units, stating and attempting to balance them, maybe I'll do some more for another faction in the future. In the meantime here is a Heavy Support unit for the Adepta Sororitas, in the form of a dedicated battle tank.

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Cremator Battle Tank :

A heavier armed and armoured variant of the Immolator transport used by the Adepta Sororitas, the Cremator forfeits transport capacity in favour of heavier armour and a devastatingly powerful turret mounted Purefire Cannon. Capable of engaging heavy infantry, enemy armour, and even the rampaging abominations fielded all too often by the God Emperors foes it is a powerful and versatile addition to any commandery of Battle Sisters.

This vehicle has its origin in the hard fought Apollyon crusade of the 37th millenium. In addition to the massed ranks of the Imperial Guard the crusade forces included multiple Sororitas commanderies as well as a number of Adeptus Mechanicus tech-covenants, who took exception to the recovery by one Sororitas force of a partially intact data cache located in the ruins of a long abandoned cathedral. The two forces almost came to blows before coming under attack by a vast horde of Orks who had smashed through the Imperial Guard lines, forcing the two factions to join forces or be obliterated.

In the wake of their hard fought victory the Canoness of the Sororitas force surrendered the cache to the Adeptus Mechanicus with the understanding that they would allow the Sisters of Battle access to any weapon designs found within its crystalline archive stacks, an agreement that the senior Magos Dominus found more than agreeable after having his life saved multiple times by the Canonesses sanctified blade.

In addition to numerous minor technologies the cache contained the designs for the Purefire Cannon, a devastatingly powerful Melta weapon that soon found itself mounted on a variant of the ubiquitous Rhino chassis similar to the commonly fielded Immolator. Far bulkier than the Immolators usual armament its utilisation led to the loss of the Immolators transport capacity, allowing the Magi who developed this variant to both increase the vehicles armour and add its namesake Cremation Vents to deal with the excess heat generated by its Purefire cannon.

Though technically a variant of the Immolator the Cremator is still subject to considerable technotheological criticism by many within the ranks of the Adeptus Mechanicus, who view it as a Sin of Invention. As such it is still a rare sight amongst the armouries of most Sororitas orders as many Forge Worlds will not even countenance its construction within their sacred workshops. However as open war continues to engulf the faltering Imperium of Man more Tech Priests are willing to overlook the Cremators somewhat dubious nature in the name of survival.

Cremator Battle Tank (Heavy Support) : 165pts

	BS	Front	Side	Rear	HP
Cremator Battle Tank	4	13	13	10	3

Unit Composition : 1 Cremator Battle Tank
Unit Type : Vehicle (Tank)
Wargear : Cremation Vents, Purefire Cannon, Searchlight, Smoke Launchers
Special Rules : Shield of Faith
Options :

• A Cremator may take items from the Adepta Sororitas Vehicle Equipment list.

Special Rules and Equipment :

Arc (Special Rule) : When an Arc weapon is fired it emits a lance of energy that the gunner can either sweep across multiple targets or focus on a single foe, inflicting terrible damage as they play their weapons energies across the chosen adversary. When using such weapons the accuracy of the gunner is of paramount importance, with more skilled wielders able to keep the weapon on target for longer in order to inflict more damage.

When firing a weapon with the Arc special rule the gunner rolls to hit as normal, if their roll is succesful they score one hit plus an addition number of hits equal to their dice roll minus the gunners BS. For example a gunner with a Ballistic Skill of 4 will inflict 1 hit if they roll a 3, 2 hits if they roll a 4, 3 hits if they roll a 5, 4 hits if they roll a 6, and will miss if they roll a one or two.

Cremation Vents (Equipment) : The Cremator Battle Tank's Purefire cannon produces an incredible amount of waste heat, whether it is being fired or simply maintained in a battle ready state. In order to prevent this waste heat from crippling the Cremator before it can even fire a shot the vehicle is fitted with dozens of gargoyle mouthed thermal vents that allow it to unleash its built up heat in raging torrents of flesh searing flame.

At the start of the Assault Phase any unit engaging a Cremator Battle Tank suffers 1d6 Strength 5 AP 4 hits at Initiative Step 10. Additionally whenever a Cremator performs a Tank Shock attack the unit attacked likewise suffers 1d6 Strength 5 AP 4 hits.

Purefire Cannon (Weapon) : These devastating weapons utilise the same technologies as the ubiquitous Melta weapons found throughout the ranks of the Imperial armed forces. These weapons however are far more powerful, their intricate mechanisms being capable of maintaining a sustained beam of intense heat as capable of slicing a battle tank to pieces as they are of scything through the ranks of even the most heavily armoured infantry.

Purefire Cannon : Range 24", Strength 8, AP 1, Special : Arc, Melta

Design Notes :

Now, I believe a tank that literally bathes itself in fire whilst unleashing ravening blasts of fusion-fire from its turret weapon is exactly the kind of armoured vehicle that the Adepta Sororitas would appreciate, don't you think? From a fluff perspective I think that what I've written makes sense with regards to both the Adepta Sororitas' requirement for a dedicated battle tank, as well as how such a vehicle was added to their extensive arsenal.

As far as the tank itself goes the Adepta Soroitas are sorely lacking when it comes to heavy armour. I originally considered making the Cremator a Leman Russ variant, but ended up sticking with the Rhino for aesthetic reasons. With its heavier front and side armour it's capable of taking a reasonable amount of punishment (especially in conjunction with some lucky Shield of Faith saves) whilst its Purefire Cannon is a nasty weapon that lets it engage heavy infantry, armoured vehicles and monstrous creatures making it both versatile and powerful though lacking in the range of the Exorcist and the swarm-killing capability of the Immolators heavy flamers.

The rules I came up with for the Arc special rule owe a lot to how I personally view Melta weapons to work, less as a tremendous blast of heat and more as a short ranged but powerful beam used to carve through armour and flesh alike. Something the Arc rule represents quite well. The Cremator Vents are rather more situational, though from a purely fluff perspective I love the idea of a tank literally wreathed in fire smashing its way through the tangle of charcoal that used to be a horde of heretics. What can I say, the idea wriggled into my head and I just HAD to use it.

Now, we've got one more entry to go in this series. I've added characters, superheavy infantry, assault units and a variety of vehicle, what's left? How about... something heavier...

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael

Codex Sisters of Battle : Deliverance Assault Gunship

(I tried to find some art, but I really do love the model too)

I'm back! Without further ado, I present one of the last handful of my new Adepta Sororitas units in the form of a dedicated Sororitas flier.

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Deliverance Assault Gunship :

Built around a venerable design dating from the earliest years of the Imperium, the Deliverance Assault Gunship is a powerful, well armoured flier almost exclusively operated by the Orders Millitant of the Adepta Sororitas. Despite being a part of the Sisterhood's arsenal these powerful craft are not crewed by battle sisters, instead being piloted by pious and devoted women seconded from the Imperial Navy's attack craft wings.

Sturdily built and propelled by a powerful vectored thrust engines it is capable of both considerable speed and impressive manoeuvrability, though it is incapable of operating outside of an atmosphere. The primary armament of the Deliverance is a pair of twin linked heavy bolters mounted in armoured turrets flanking the gunships fuselage, both of which are operated by linked Gun Martyrs with the pilot designating preferred targets for these weapons. Additionally the Deliverance has four ordnance mounts set beneath its wings, each of which usually mounts a single Purgation Incendiary Missile, though when necessary these can be replaced with modified Exorcist missiles for the elimination of armoured targets.

When deployed alongside a Commandery of battle sisters the Deliverance is capable of serving in a number of battlefield roles. As well as providing close range fire support with it's heavy bolters the Deliverance is also a capable tank hunter and fortification cracker, whether by blasting them open with Exorcist missiles or burning them clean with Purgation bombardments. The Deliverance is also fast and manoeuvrable enough to act as both an armed scout and rapid response vehicle, with the first sign of the Sororitas' arrival heard by many a heretic being the scream of its engines before the world around them is engulfed in flame.

Deliverance Assault Gunship (Fast Attack) : 140pts

	BS	Front	Side	Rear	HP
Deliverance Gunship	4	12	11	10	3

Unit Composition : 1 Deliverance Assault Gunship
Unit Type : Flier, Hover
Wargear : Two Twin Linked Heavy Bolters, Four Purgation Incendiary Missiles
Special Rules : Gun Martyrs, Shield of Faith, Strafing Run
Options :

• May replace all Purgation Incendiary Missiles with four Exorcist Missiles : 20pts

Special Rules and Equipment :

Gun Martyrs (Special Rule) : Instead of being controlled directly by the crafts pilot, the heavy bolter mounts on the Deliverance are instead fired by a pair of integrated pseudo-servitors known as Gun Martyrs. Gun Martyrs are sinners and blasphemers who undergo a process similar to arco flagellation that transforms them into living, barely sentient weapon control systems. When in combat the Gun Martyrs focus their complete attention on the destruction of enemy targets leaving the pilot free to concentrate on manouvering and the use of the Deliverance's missile armament.

So long as the Deliverance is eligible to fire a weapon in the shooting phase each of its Twin Linked Heavy Bolters may fire at a target of its own, with neither counting towards the number of weapons the gunship may fire each turn.

Exorcist Missiles (Weapon) : Modified versions of the ordnance used by the Exorcist battle tank, these missiles are adapted for launch from an aerial platform. Their warheads blessed with sacred oils and their casings inscribed with prayers of sure striking these munitions are loaded whenever Deliverance pilots expect to face heavily armoured opposition such as heretic battle tanks, xenos war machines, or powerful daemonic entities.

Exorcist Missile : Range : 48", Strength : 8, AP 1, Special : One Use Only

Purgation Incendiary Missiles (Weapon) : These missiles are designed to purge the enemies of mankind with blessed fire, burning them from their refuges and fortifications where they think themselves safe from His wrath. Filled with thrice blessed promethium these missiles are loaded onto the Deliverance to the singing of hymns of wrath, vengeance and detestation that their aim may be true and their wrath irresistible.

Purgation Incendiary Missile : Range : 48", Strength : 6, AP : 4, Special : Ignores Cover, Large Blast, One Use Only

Design Notes :

There we go, a flier for the Sororitas. Since the advent of fliers in 6th edition it's become all but a necessity for any army to either have its own fliers or be capable of fielding weapons that can deal with them, neither of which the Adepta Sororitas are currently capable of. The Deliverance offers a fairly durable flier, being almost as tough as a Valkyrie, with a basic armament capable of dealing with light vehicles and medium infantry as well as missile options that can be tailored to eliminate either massed infantry or harder targets.

As for the fluff I think that the refurbishment of an Age of Apostasy era gunship of proven but outdated providence is something that the Adepta Sororitas would get away with. It gives them aerial combat options without allowing them access to void capable attack craft or aerial transports, though in all honestly I think they should have some access to the latter. I did toy briefly with the idea of leaving the pilots as normal battle sisters, but I think having them as seconded Naval personnel both makes more sense with regards to both the training of a Battle Sister and the restrictions of the Degree Passive.

With the Deliverance done I've got two more units left in this series, a new Heavy Support choice and a Lord of War, after which I'll be moving on to something different.

Until Next Time
Happy Gaming
Michael