Daroth II was a backwater country located in the Segmentum Pacificus. An ongoing excavation and archeological operation lead by the Adeptus Mechanicus had unearthed two inactive Wraith constructs, believed to be of Eldar origin. Two weeks later, a surprise attack by Eldar forces, had quickly overwhelmed the Skitarri guarding the Adeptus Mechanicus excavation team, forcing a quick redraw.
Fortunately, the Black Ship, Eternal, was already on course to Daroth II as part of its mission to transport the Adeptus Mechanicus findings to a research station. While the Adeptus Mechanicus lacked personal and firepower to counterattack the Eldar raiders, onboard the Eternal was a battle hardened militant order of Adeptus Sororitas. The Order of Faith had a new mission: deliver swift justice to the Xeno foe and secure the two Wraith constructs.
“Canoness Dianus, my friend, Magos Explorator Omar, has reported Eldar activity on Daroth II. His excavation team has come under fire and he requests assistance,” informed Inquisitor Lord Antonio. “It seems your friend has finally been caught red handed, stealing from the deviant witches,” amused Dianus. Ignoring the last remark, Antonio brought up a map on the ausepx screen, displaying the excavation site. “Your orders are to secure the two Wraith constructs and neutralize the Xeno threat," ordered Antonio. “Ave Imperator”, replied the Canoness, before heading to the ship's armory.
…
Amid the ruined battlescape, pocketed with smoldering craters from a recent fight, the Eldar held a loose defensive ring, vigilantly guarding the ritual of awakening. In the middle of the ring stood the slender form of Laurel, Spiritseer of Iybraesil, who was conducting the ceremony. “The souls of the two Exarchs are ready to be awakened mistress,” informed Laurel, “they thirst for blood.” Farseer Ava gazed over the horizon towards the East. While it was still too dark to see anything, the Farseer knew the monkeigh were coming. She had for saw this event happening, but unlike her previous foresights, this one’s ending remained a mystery. “Then let’s quench their thirst by feeding them the flesh of the foolish monkeigh,” sneered Ava.
Played a 1000 points game using my mech Sisters of Battle against Warseer Dlo’s hybrid Eldar list. We rolled for mission and got Capture and Control. Rolled for deployment and got Pitched Battle.
The Vassal40k pictures that I’ve posted are a reenactment of a real game played between Dlo and me. My reports after then are uses real pictures.
Setting:
The table was setup with a hill in the middle, a few craters near the middle of both board edges, and forests on the side.
Army Lists:
Sisters of Battle (Order of Faith):
-Canoness, Eviscerator, Brazier of Holy Fire, Book of
St. Lucius -
Canoness Dianus
-5 Celestian Retinue, 2 Meltaguns, Immolator, Extra Armour, Smoke
-10 Battle Sisters, Veteran Sister Superior, Brazier of Holy Fire, Eviscerator, Book of
St. Lucius, Meltagun, Heavy Flamer, Rhino, Extra Armour, Smoke -
VSS Cath
-10 Battle Sisters, Veteran Sister Superior, Brazier of Holy Fire, Eviscerator, Book of
St. Lucius, Meltagun, Heavy Flamer, Rhino, Extra Armour, Smoke -
VSS Aleyah
-Exorcist
-Exorcist
Eldar (Iybraesil):
-Farseer, Doom, Singing Spear, Doom -
Farseer Ava
-7 Banshees, Exarch, Mirror Swords, Wave serpent,
TL-Shuriken Cannons, Spirit Stones
-7 Dire Avengers, Exarch, Avenger Catapults, Blade Storm, Wave Serpent,
TL-Shuriken Cannons
TL-Shuriken Cannons, Spirit Stone
-Warlock w/ Singing Spear, Embolden, Sprit seer & 10 Guardians, Scatter Laser –
Spiritseer Laurel
-Wraithlord, Bright Lance, Eldar Missile Launcher -
Mr. Green
-Wraithlord, Bright Lance, Eldar Missile Launcher -
Mr. White
Deployment:
Dlo deploys his Eldar forces, castling in the middle on top of his objective. In the front stood two Wraith Lords, Mr. Green and Mr. White. Concealed behind the two wraith constructs was a squad of Guardians lead by a Spiritseer. My opponent places his white wave serpent holding Farseer attached to a squad of Howling Banshees left of the Spiritseer squad. To the right, he placed his green wave serpent transporting Dire Avengers.
I deploy my forces centered on my objective. In the middle were my two Rhinos with Veteran Sister Superior Cath on the left and Veteran Sister Superior Aleyah on the right. Guarding the flanks of my scoring units were two Exorcists. To the left of my Exorcist Left, I deployed an Immolator carrying Canoness Dianus and her retinue of Celestians.
Turn 1 (Iybraesil):
Mr. White and Mr. Green shuffles forward. In their wake follows Spiritseer Laurel and her Guardians.
The White Wave Serpent (Howling Banshees and Farseer
Ava) and Green Waves Serpent (Dire Avengers) sped off in different directions with the White heading towards the left flank and the Green skimming towards the right flank.
Mr. White levels his Bright Lance and locks his Missile Launcher at the left Exorcist engine. An energy bolt burst from the Bright Lance’s barrel, lancing straight towards the Adeptas Sororitas vehicle. The beam burns through the thick hull. Heat and energy instantly vaporizes the crew and ignites rocket ammunitions. A Split second later, the Exorcist engine top blows off as rockets streaks into the air, signaling the first casualty of the game.
Mr. Green, hoping to score big like big brother, targets the remaining Exorcist, but lost in excitement, fails to hit or penetrate the thick Exorcist hull.
The White Wave Serpent attempts to shoot the Immolator, but is out of range by a mere centimeter.
A Guardian activates his Scatter Laser weapons platform and fires away at the Immolator, stunning the crew. The Green Wave Serpent fires a burst from its Shuriken Cannons at
VSS Aleyah’s Rhino, shaking the crew.
Turn 1 (Order of Faith):
Losing my Exorcist early on was a critical blow to my forces. While I still had 4 meltaguns and a single Exorcist engine, I still faced a daunting challenge against 2 extremely fast medium-armored vehicles and 2 extremely tough resilient monstrous creatures. My best chances at this points was destroying my opponent’s scoring units early on and pray I can stall the wraith lords and deal with the two skimmer.
Canoness Dianus orders her driver to hit the gas and make a beeline straight towards the 2 Wraith giants.
VSS Cath’s Rhino follows behind, keeping a safe distance, ready to offer support if needed.
The remaining Exorcist veers right and pivots with its hull facing the Wraith Lords.
VSS Aleyah's Rhino drives forward and parks in front of the Exorcist.
Both Immolator and Aleyah’s Rhino releases a cloud of smoke, obscuring them from enemy fire.
The Exorcist locks onto the Green Wave Serpent and unleashes a salvo of rockets. The Green Wave Serpent is unharmed but the blast temporarily stuns the Serpent's gunner.
One of
VSS Cath’s Rhino crew pops out and fires her storm bolters at the Guardians in the distance, picking off one of the stragglers.
Turn 2 (Iybraesil):
Mr. Green and Mr. White close the distance on the Immolator.
The stunned Green Wave Serpent retreats, moving flat out.
The Howling Banshee Wave Serpent continues to circle around towards the left flank.
Everyone but the shaken stun Green Wave Serpent opens up on the approaching Immolator. After a fury of lasers, missiles, and spinning discs, the dust settles revealing a badly damaged, immobilized, and weaponless tank.
Enraged by the failed shooting attempt, both Wraith Lords assaults the Immolator, easily wrecking. Canoness Dianus and her Celestian retinue pile out of the left port.
Turn 2 (Order of Faith):
VSS Cath’s Rhino moves left to intercept the approaching White Wave Serpent.
Aleyah’s Rhino on the right moves forward at combat speed, easily within firing range for range to fire a meltagun at the Green Wave Serpent.
The Exorcist retreats further back.
Canoness Dianus and her retinue circles around Mr. White, getting within assault range of the Guardian unit.
Canoness Dianus unleashes her Brazier of Holy Fire, incinerating 6 Guardians. 2 meltaguns from the Celestians reduces their numbers even further.
A battle Sister in
VSS Aleyah’s squad shoots out of the Rhino fire point at the Green Wave Serpent but misses.
The Exorcist shoots 5 rockets straight towards the Green Wave Serpent, punching through the alien armour, and causing a massive explosion. The Serpent crashes to the ground and the Dire Avengers climbs out, unscathed. Unpinned, they stood awaiting orders.
Spiritseer Laurel and her remaining Guardians watching in horror as the flames consumed the unlucky few, their screams quickly drowns out as they one by one collaps, losing consciousness. Two bright beams pierces through thick black smoke, felling two Guardians left and right to Laurel. From the inferno stepped forward 6 figures in smoky white armour and red cloaks, unaffected by the flames around them, the monkeigh charges Laurel and her remaining members. The follow up attack made quick work
pf the Guardians and soon Laurel was the only remaining member of her squad, caught in a dual with the leader. She lunged with her spear, but the monkeigh leader sidesteppes and slash her chain sword into the Spiritseer. Laurel fell never to rise again.
Turn 3 (Iybraesil):
Farseer
Ava tries dooming Canoness Dianus, but her Shield of Faith counters the Xeno witchcraft.
The Dire Avengers sprints towards their home objective.
Mr. White pivots and head towards Canoness Dianus.
Mr. Green chases after
VSS Aleyah’ Rhino.
The White Wave Serpent moves forward, getting closer to my objective.
Mr. White unleashes both his twin hand flamers, burning 2 Battle Sisters.
Mr. Green Missile punches through
VSS Aleyah’s paper thin Rhino, wrecking it.
Dire Avengers ran one inch.
The White Wave Serpent shakes
VSS Cath’s Rhino.
Mr. White crashes into Canoness Dianus and her retinue. But in a spectacular display of bad luck, all his attacks misses or fails to wound. Adding insult to injury, Canoness Dianus found a weak spot and wounded the Wraith construct not once but twice! Mr. White passed his no retreat saves and locks Canoness in deadly combat.
Turn 3 (Order of Faith):
Aleyah’s Battle Sister squad pursues the Dire Avengers.
VSS Cath orders her shaken rhino to turn back and move behind the wrecked Exorcist, White Wave Serpent.
VSS Aleyah calls forth Divine Guidance and orders her squad to fire at will against the Dire Avengers. The Dire Avengers caught by surprised and out in the open. All but the Exarch perishes from a hail of steel and splash of burning promethium.
Knowing
VSS Aleyah’s squad will be assaulted next turn and my slim chances of destroying Mr. Green in a single barrage of random Exorcist rockets, the Exorcist locks on and finishes off the Dire Avenger Exarch.
A flash of divine light, Spirit of the Martyr, imbues a golden aura over Canoness Dianus and her Celestians. Mr. White lashes out at Canoness Dianus only to find an impenetrable shield blocking his attacks. Canoness Dianus and her Retinue attacked back, but couldn’t punch through the supernatural tough Wraithbone shell.
Turn 4 (Iybraesil):
Farseer succeeds in dooming
VSS Aleyah and her Battle Sisters.
Mr. Green closes in on his prey, finding an optimal angle to unleash his hand flamers for maximum damage.
The White Wave Serpent moves closer towards my objective.
Mr. Green jets the Battle Sisters, burning two.
White Wave Serpent stuns
VSS Kath’s Rhino.
VSS Aleyah calls forth the Hand of the Emperor, imbuing them in a golden aura, increasing their strength twice. Mr. Green assaults, smashing two Battle Sisters into bloody mess.
VSS Aleyah swings her Eviscerator, wounding Mr. Green.
VSS Aleyah’s squad holds out and continues fighting the Wraith giant.
Combat between Canoness Dianus (using Spirit of the Martyr) and Mr. White end in a deadlock as neither side gives in.
Turn 4 (Order of Faith):
By now my Faith Point pool was running dry with one remaining.
Both
VSS Cath’s Rhino and Exorcist moves in response to the approaching White Wave Serpent.
The Exorcist fails to penetrate the White Wave Serpent’s thick hull.
Mr. White slays kills one Celestians.
Without any faith points left, Mr. Green easily slaughters Battle Sisters from
VSS Aleyah’s squad.
VSS Aleyah and the remaining members fails their moral test and attempts to escape, only to be cut down by Mr. Green. Mr. Green dripping in a pool of blood and mutilated corpse, consolidated towards the Exorcist
Turn 5 (Iybraesil):
Farseer
Ava fails to doom Canoness Dianus and her Celestian retinue.
Mr. Green advances towards the Exorcist.
The White Wave Serpent moves up and disembarks Farseer
Ava and Howling Banshees facing the rear of
VSS Cath’s Rhino.
Farseer, Howling Banshees, and White Wave Serpent opens up on the Rhino, but ill luck, only managed to stun and destroy its storm bolter.
Mr. Green, once again lost in excitement from massacring
VSS Aleyah’s squad, fails to hit or penetrate my Exorcist.
Combat between Canoness and Dianus and Mr. White once again ends in a stand still. But this time, I had no faith points left for Spirit of the Martyr next turn.
Turn 5 (Order of Faith):
Kath’s Rhinos moves and rotates
Exorcist retreats.
A Battle Sister aboard the Rhino shoots a meltagun out of the fire point at the Wave Serpent, but fails to penetrate the skimmer.
Exorcist unleashes a barrage of rockets at close proximity to Mr. Green. Mr. Green takes two critical hits and crumbles after losing his last wound.
Canoness Dianus parries Mr. White’s attacks. She spots an opening and lunges forward, delivering a killing blow, smashing the spirit stone. At once Mr. White falls lifelessly and Canoness Dianus consolidated towards home objective.
We rolled to see whether the game continues and the die comes up with a 4. The game must go on!
Turn 6 (Iybraesil):
Farseer splits away from the Howling Banshees and heads towards the Exorcist.
The White Wave Serpent also moves, right getting within side arc of the Exorcist.
Howling Banshees moves into the crater and contests my objective.
The Farseer
Ava charges her Singing Spear with psychic energy and releases it at the Exorcist. The Spear slices cleanly through the Exorcist armor and unleashes a devastating explosive energy within the confines of the Exorcist engine. It sets off a chain reaction, blowing up the Exorcist into pieces. Debris and fragments flies everywhere, but the Farseer’s psychic shield wards deflects any dangerous shrapnel. The Singing Spear boomerangs back into the
Ava’s hand. All that remains of the Exorcist is a burning crater.
The White Wave Serpent switches targets and fires its Shuriken Cannon at the Rhino. One spinning disc cuts into the driver compartment, ricocheting within the closed driver’s compartment slicing the Rhino crew and controls into pieces.
VSS Cath and her Battle Sisters disembark from the rear hatch well out of assault range from the Howling Banshees.
Turn 6 (Order of Faith):
Canoness Dianus and her Celestians move and ran, but by now, won’t make it in time, even if the game continued to turn 7.
VSS Aleyah orders her unit to advance forward near the objective and bear all weapons upon Howling Banshees.
Cath’s Battle Sister squad opens up on the Howling Banshees. After one normal flamer template, one heavy flamer template, meltagun, and 14 rapid firing bolters, All but the Exarch perishes against the steel rain onslaught and burning promethium. The Howling Banshee Exarch, unaffected by the losses, passes her moral check.
If the game ended now, it would have been a draw with the lone Exarch contesting my objective. We rolled the die and it came up with 5. The game goes on!
Turn 7 (Iybraesil):
Ava attempts to doom
VSS Cath, but the Shield of Faith foils the Xeno witchcraft.
Farseer
Ava and lone Howling Banshee Exarch move in towards
VSS Cath and her Battle Sisters.
The White Wave Serpent attempts to both contest the objective and tank shock the Battle Sisters off the objective. However, a Battle Sister, armed with a meltagun, attempts “death or glory” and succeeded in wrecking the Eldar skimmer after glancing on a 6.
Ava flings her spear, but with no effect as the spear bounces off the Battle Sister’s power armour.
Finally both Howling Banshee Exarch and Farseer
Ava assaults
VSS Cath and her Battle Sisters. The Exarch, using her mirror swords, slice and diced 3 Battle Sisters.
VSS Aleyah retaliates by swinging her Eviscerator cleaving the Aspect Exarch in two. The Farseer parried blows with her Singing Spear and holds her ground.
Turn 7 (Order of Faith):
The remaining Battle Sisters circled around Farseer
Ava, lashing from all directions.
VSS Cath pounces the Farseer, bringing down her Eviscerator down at full force. The Farseer, too distracted by the surrounding Battle Sisters, is too late to put up her ward shields, and is instantly killed.
The game ended with Eldar forces all but annihilated, no one holding the Eldar’s objective, and a Battle Sister squad holding their own.
Outcome: Victory for the Order of Faith!
Surrounded, Farseer Ava desperately fought off attacks from all sides. Ava spun her singing spear in a blur of raw psychic energy, parrying the Battle Sister’s attacks while deflecting bolter shots with her force fields. Suddenly a premonition flashed across the Farseer’s mind and in that instant, Ava knew the inevitable outcome of this match. Two Battle Sisters evaded the singing spear, tackling the Farseer, and restraining her to the ground. But Ava didn’t resist, knowing what fate had in store for her.
A white armored female figure with a golden emblem crowning her helmet appeared over the Farseer. Veteran Sister Superior Cath swung the flat of her blade, snapping the Eldar’s head to the side, and knocking the Xeno unconscious. “Canoness, we’ve captured the ring leader of these deviant witches, awaiting further order,” Cath voxed in. “Good,” replied Canoness Dianus, “check for any survivors from Aleyah’s squad, hospitallers are on their way,”
Dianus hiked to the top of the hill overlooking the battlefield. A Black Valkyrie, carrying onboard hospitallers and agents from the Adeptus Mechanicus, slowly descended near wreckage of vehicles. Reflecting over the recent events, the Canoness let out a sigh, “well at least I didn’t make any promises to Omar that we’ll bring his toys back in one piece.”
Hope this convinces a few more people to play and we can get some good finishes in tournaments.
2000 pts Crimson Fists (WIP)
