|
|
|
|
|
Battle
Report - Sisters of Battle (Order of the Ebony Chalice) vs Ultramarines. In one of those strange circumstances, the forces of the
Emperor have ended up fighting each other over some misunderstanding or now
forgotten insult. Thus it was that the Order of the Ebony Chalice, lead by
Celestian Superior J'lienne Druus (a veteran Seraphim who had proved her worth
counless times before), found themselves matched against a detachment of
Ultramarines, 2nd Company, lead by Force Commander Captain Harkonnen, in a
'Recon' mission that proved to be deadly for both sides. The Field of Battle was located on a ice-bound moon in the
Macragge System, named Europa IV. The remains of a research station covered most
of the eastern flank, while the small generatorium was situated in the hills on
the Western flank. Apart from a few ruins and rocky outcrops, the centre was
fairly open. The Order of Battle for the two sides was as follows:
(1500pts a side). Sisters of the Ebony
Shroud HQ- Celestian Superior with Jump-pack, plasma Pistol, cloak
of Aspira Troops- 4x Redemptionist Squads, each of 10 men lead by a
Redemptor Priest
2x Autocannons, 2x Heavy Bolters, 4x Grenade Launchers Elite- Celestian Squad Aliesha & Preacher Torquem,
Meltagun., Heavy Bolter.
- Celestian Squad Bacharia w/meltagun, heavy bolter,
mounted in Rhino FA- Seraphim Squad Angelique- VSS, 9xSeraphim and joined by
HQ -
Seraphim Squad Helenica- VSS, 4xSerphim w/ Krak grenades HS- Retributor Squad Valarious, (5xRetributors,
2xHvyFlamers) and Preacher Luthor,
mounted in 'Justice' Immolator (twin Multi-Meltas)
- Exorcist tank w/ Holy Icon. Ultramarines, Second
Company. HQ- Force Commander Capt
Harkonnen+ Command squad 10 marines incl techmarine
- Lieutenant Jones (joining Tac Squad) Elite - 5xTerminator Squad w/ Hvy Flamer
- 5x Terminator Squad w/ Hvy
Flamer, Assault cannon Troops- 10 Marine Tac Squad, Flamer, Missile Launcher
- 5
Marine Scout Squad (bolters) FA- 5 Marine
Assault Sqaud
-1 Attack Bike w/ MultiMelta
-1 LSpeeder Tornado (MultiMelta,
Hvy Bolter) HS -
Vindicator Tank. Deployment: The Ultramarines were spread fairly evenly across the
board, with a squad of terminators on each flank and his three vehicles all on
the East flank (protected by the Research Station). The Sisters moved in from
the south, with Celestians concentrated in the west, one squad taking position
on a handily placed hill and the other in the rhino nearby to speed towards the
Ultramarines Deployment zone. They were supported either side by a squad of 10
Redemptionists, the Priests ensuring the squads faith would not fail. The centre
was held by the remaining 2 Redeemer squads (with Hvy Bolters & Autocannon)
supported by the Exorcist hidden by a convenient hill, and the larger Seraphim
squad forming a reserve strike force, lead by the Celestian Superior. At the
edge of the research Station the Immolator was in a Hull Down position, and
behind the smaller seraphim squad was ready to sow krak grenades amongst the
marine vehicles. Battle Commences! Gaining the initiative for the battle, the Sister units
carried the battle to the enemy with a cry for the God Emperor. The opening
salvo from the Exorcist proved devastating, with 6 rockets streaking towards the
Assault squad, slaying 3 jump-packed marines before they could even leave the
ground! The Celestian Rhino moved forward, claiming an assault marine with it's
twin Storm bolters, while some
Redemptionists took the generatorium, failing to inflict any hits against the
terminators with their Grenade Launchers. Heavy bolter fire from the other
Celestian squad claimed the last Assault marine, seriously upsetting Ultramarine
plans on that flank! Heavy Bolter and Autocannon fire from the Redemptionists
picked off a number of Command squad and Tac marines, though not enough to cause
them concern, whilst the large Seraphim squad moved forward into some ruins,
(perhaps too far forward!). In amongst the Station Buildings, the hull down Immolator
targetted the Vindicator, confident with it's twin Multimeltas, but to no avail,
with both shots missing! Honor was more than saved however when the HK missile
was launched, slamming into the front of the tank with tremendous explosion,
leaving it a burning wreck. There was much rejoicing in the passenger
compartment of the Immolator, with praises to the Emperor ringing out.... Roaring out oaths of fury and revenge, the Ultramarines
advanced across the whole front, claiming a number of Seraphim and
Redemptionists as they surged forward. Terminators charged into the
redemptionists holding the Generatorium, (ignoring the Celestians speeding past
in the rhino) and after their assault, only the Priest was alive, swinging his
flail about with a frenzied fervour. The fast attack units on the Eastern flank
charged forward, with the Landspeeder blowing the main gun off the Immolator,
and the Bike claiming a few more Redemptionists. Meanwhile the other terminator
squad advanced, but had no line of sight to any enemy units. The Assault Cannon
lay quiet for a little while longer (Ol' Painless is waiting!!) The ensuing melee was a fast and bloody affair, with the
Seraphim launching themselves and the command squad, Superior Druus leading the
attack, and the other Seraphim squad engaging the Speeder
and bike, but failing to do much except tie them up. The autocannons
punished the scout squad which bravely (foolishly?) jumped out in front of them,
sending the remaining 2 into cover. The remnants of the tac squad took the main
Station Building and set up the Missile Launcher, but by this time the Seraphim
had made short work of the HQ, and only the Commander and Techmarine were left.
After a second bout, where the Commander gave some back, Superior Druus fled the
centre, leaving the remaining Redemptor Squad to swamp him, which they finally
did! Meanwhile, the Celestians were having a hard time against
the Terminators, and only just managed to escape being wiped out as the elite
marines pushed forward. Fortunately, they were able to bring their meltagun/heavybolter
to bear, and slew a couple of the terminators, backed up by fire from the
disembarked Celestian squad, taking position in the enemy DZ. With help from the
Exorcist (another 6 shots!) and the newly arrived Druus, the remaining
terminators were wiped out before they could move to assault the Celestians once
more. On the other side of the Field, Redemptor Autocannons and
Marines in the Station were involved in a slugfest, neither side able to inflict
a decisive blow. The remaining terminator squad tore the Immolator open like a
tin can, and Retributor Sisters piled out, fortunately all surviving. After
hosing down the Terminator Sarg with 2 Hvy flamers, they lept into the fray,
lead by Preacher Luthor, hoping to claim at least one of the hulking figures
before they could bring theire powerfists to bear. The Emperor smiled on the
sisters, and 2 marines went down under their assault, but they were finally
wiped out to a woman! The Seraphim squad continued to dance, jumping from
Assault Bike to Speeder, but failed to do more than destroy a weapon on the
speeder and daze the crew for a while. Whilst failing to inflict any major
damage, the 5 strong squad managed to tie up at least two deadly Assault
vehicles of the marines for the best part of the battle though only 1 Seraphim
survived to receive the blessing of the Canoness. Superior Druus, meanwhile, had
lept to defend the Autocannon squad, getting there just as the assault bike cut
down the last of the devout militia. Screaming in Righteous Fury, she lept at
the bike, and slew both the crew with her Blade of Domination before they could
react to this angel bent on their destruction. After a parting shot by the marine launcher, killing all
but 2 of the Redemptionists who had finished off their commander and were making
for the DZ, a few other pot shots were taken, but to no effect- the battle had
finally wound down. As the Ultramarines withdrew from the Field of Battle,
Celestian Superior Druus took stock, and was saddened by the loss of all but one
of her beloved Seraphim. The Celestians were still in good shape, having only
lost 3 of their number, but (as usual) the Redemptionists took the bulk of the
casualties, only 2 remaining of the 40 who followed her to this battle in Holy
Fervour. The remaining Priest was already recording the names of the fallen in
his Book of Rememberance, a huge tome he carried with him into every battle. The
Retributors were hors de combat, but
their sacrifices and successes would not be forgotten. Praises to the Almighty Emperor for this days' Victory!
(1062 VP vs 595 VP) Musings of the Canoness (ie, me!): My Sisters of Battle performed admirably across the board,
though jumping the larger Seraphim Squad forward in the first turn proved to be
a mistake- not only did they lose a couple of their number to bolter fire, the
position they occupied effectively blocked the LOS for the Autocannons vs the
Tac Marines. They were also tagged for reserve duty, which they must have forgot
in the heat of battle. I still cant stop myself from charging in...their
hit&run tactic coupled with Purity seals is too tempting! Unfortunately, the
Marine Commander + Tech Marine made short work of most of the squad, and my HQ
Celestian Superior was the only one to escape, leaving the marine commander with
1 wound to an approaching Redeemer squad. Note: must remember to take more power weapons when facing
marines!! During the game I did not make use of the Sacred Rites as
per Chapter Approved- and I found they game wasnt lacking in any way- there was
less to keep track of during the game. However, my opponent had forgotten that
termies have 2 Attacks until after the game was finished, so I could not claim
the morale high ground for foregoing my special abilites... damn! I made use of the Voluntary Fallback rule, with a Celestian
squad falling back after the first Termie assault. As they can only consolidate
3", I thought the Celestians would be fine..then I rolled 4" for the
fallback- including an extra dice for Purity Seals on the Preacher!! One inch
stood between the Celestians and being wiped out! However, they managed to bring
their weapons to bear, and with the HQ help, and a little help from the Exorcist
Rocket Launcher, the Termi squad was no more!
"phew". IMO, the Voluntary Fallback is a useful rule, and a
god-(Emperor?)-send for the Sisters. Equipped mainly for close range firefights,
the Sisters need to keep opponents at arms length and stay out of HtH for as
long as possible, and this rule complements their other abilities, esp. Holy
Hatred, quite well. Just remember though, Hit & Run manouvers and Voluntary
fallbacks especially are not much use if it is your opponents turn next turn! The Exorcist Tank proved its worth, more by what it could
have done than what it did. Decimating the Assault Squad in the first turn, with
3 kills off 6 rockets certainly helped, but the Marine Player grouped his his
vehicles all on one flank behind the Research Station to protect them from the
Exorcist, leaving the Left and centre basically open, and the Right a major
traffic jam! I got 6 shots off at least twice during the battle, which played
havoc amongst basic marine squads...and i could move 6" and still
fire the thing! Lastly, a note about Redemptionists. I love these guys!
Cheap cannonfodder that doesnt rout (with a Redemptor Priest), and that can
bring a few decent heavy/squad weapons into the battle WITH the same chance to
hit as a Sister has got my vote! Best of all, you can cheerfully sacrifice them
to martyrdom like chaff into the wind- all the while taking the pressure off my
more valuable Sisters. At the risk of being cheesy, I dont bother taking Basic
Sister Troop Squads, saving my limited figures for the Elites and HQ Choices.
Rather, I always take 40 or so redeemers, and always upgrade one per squad to a
Redemptor Priest- as a sometimes Imperial Guard Player, I have come to value
troops that dont run away!
|
