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The Armies of 40k => The Inquisition => Topic started by: starstrider on January 5, 2014, 07:39:11 PM

Title: Let's Talk Sister of Battle
Post by: starstrider on January 5, 2014, 07:39:11 PM
Keeping in mind I presently only have the white dwarf version of the codex (though I feel I have a broad understanding of the changes). I'm going to start this kind of stream-of-consciousness and see where it goes. I have some questions.

I kind of want to get back into 40k. My first inclination was to start a Tau army, since they seem like they have models and a play style I'd love. True to form, GW has done a good job upping prices though. And their recent escalation stuff leaves me feeling somewhat uneasy. But I already have a good start (I think) to a small sisters list. It certainly needs expanding, but I have -

HQ + "retinue"
2 Battle Sister Squads of 10
1 Dominion Squad
1 Seraphim Squad
2 Forgeworld Exorcists (which i like so much more than the GW one I /had/ to get them).
2 Forgeworld... whatchamacall its. Repressors? The one that's basically a rhino with more fire points. I'll probably just proxy them as fancy rhinos anyways.

I also have a solid IG platoon + command lying around to ally with them right off the top.

Questions:
1) What do you guys see happening to SoB in the future? The whole electronic-only codex doesn't exactly instill me with confidence that GW plans continued support... If GW's likely to leave them on the perpetual back burner and/or send them to play with the Squats, I think I'd be better off biting the bullet and paying more for a brand new Tau list anyways.
2) What are some good ways of playing sisters now? In the past I seem to remember people most people spamming rhinos, immolators, celestine, and seraphim. Is that still the best approach or are there any interesting alternatives? Especially any interesting alternatives opened up by allies?
3) Speaking of allies, what would be a good way to use alliled IG? Allied Marines? My primary concern with a sisters list, I guess, is that it's antiair is awful on it's own. I assume allies would be the most reasonable approach to address that? It's close combat is also pretty awful, and I can see marines at least providing some options there....
4) If I wanted to expand my collection a little bit from what I presently have, with the aim of hitting a decent 1500 point list, what are some suggested purchases to keep going?
5) What squad sizes do people like, especially now that there's some added flexibility with that?
6) How do people like to kit out their squads?
7) Is it possible to run a reasonably successful sisters list w/o allies, or are flyers and the new things just too much of a pain for them to deal with effectively on their own?
Title: Re: Let's Talk Sister of Battle
Post by: Halollet on January 7, 2014, 11:48:59 AM
1) I really have no idea what GW is doing with them.  They haven't given up on them yet, but I don't think they're a priority.  Maybe they're keeping them around for a time when they don't have anything else to release and then bam! We're doing sisters now!

2) Not too sure. I'm still figuring them out.  I do know a big blob, works really well.  I think rhino rushes are still the way to go.  The range on their guns hasn't changed

3) Guard are good because they're battle brothers and they have the long range weaponry Sisters lack.  Space marines don't really add anything that Sister already have that guard can't bring more of.  Grey Knights might work as they can spam terminators for extra durability. 

4) More sisters. I got nothing else.

5) No idea

6) Flamer/Heavy Flamer, Melta/melta, melta/(heavy) flamer, come to mind.

7) I don't worry about flyers if I have a mobile army.  Aegis line always helps.

I'm still trying to figure out sisters at the moment.  They might be shelved again because Nids are coming out :p

I would still use Repressors because of their high armour.  That's a big difference!  Not being glanced to death by Tau Firewarriors from across the board is a good thing!
Title: Re: Let's Talk Sister of Battle
Post by: LoH on January 16, 2014, 03:55:12 PM
Questions:
1) What do you guys see happening to SoB in the future? The whole electronic-only codex doesn't exactly instill me with confidence that GW plans continued support... If GW's likely to leave them on the perpetual back burner and/or send them to play with the Squats, I think I'd be better off biting the bullet and paying more for a brand new Tau list anyways.
2) What are some good ways of playing sisters now? In the past I seem to remember people most people spamming rhinos, immolators, celestine, and seraphim. Is that still the best approach or are there any interesting alternatives? Especially any interesting alternatives opened up by allies?
3) Speaking of allies, what would be a good way to use alliled IG? Allied Marines? My primary concern with a sisters list, I guess, is that it's antiair is awful on it's own. I assume allies would be the most reasonable approach to address that? It's close combat is also pretty awful, and I can see marines at least providing some options there....
4) If I wanted to expand my collection a little bit from what I presently have, with the aim of hitting a decent 1500 point list, what are some suggested purchases to keep going?
5) What squad sizes do people like, especially now that there's some added flexibility with that?
6) How do people like to kit out their squads?
7) Is it possible to run a reasonably successful sisters list w/o allies, or are flyers and the new things just too much of a pain for them to deal with effectively on their own?

1) I don't ask myself that question. Current 'dex is good (read: not squatted) for at least 2 more editions and at least somebody at GW likes the girls.

2) Most games I have at least one Exorcist, if not two (my 1500 list fields 2+the FW Avenger). I use transports sparingly, usually for a minpack of Dominons to come in to melt things.

3) Priests are one of the most evil ways to stiffen up an IG infantry blob. Dirt cheap, War Hymns, etc. They tend to do the Commissar's job better than he can and are force-multipliers to boot. Only thing that a Commissar has over them is the improved LD for orders and the SoB priest can't get into an IG Chimera.  Remember that you can take a fortification to pick up some AA. I've considered taking some artillery or proper air power for mine (but then if I need something the local Inquisitor can usually requisition a couple Valkyries).

4) If you are looking for more FW, then pick up a single Avenger Strike Fighter. It's the A-10 of the 41st Millenium, except replace "tank" with "MEQ+MC". Also look into converting a Battle Conclave or two. Also consider adding an Inquisitor from C:I if you want/need the extra vehicle choices. Get Priests.

5) For footslogging, I've  found better luck with the new Faith rules to go for smaller groups of battle sisters (currently 6-7 models).
6) Flamer/Hvy, Melta/Flamer, etc. I usually pass out storm bolters to the Superiors. My Lady Valkyrie (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/lordofhyphens/Order%20of%20the%20Valkyrie/20130626_222246_zps9fb0ecdf.jpg) (counts-as Celestine) usually hops around with a squad of Seraphim. Unfortunately she is my go-to HQ choice still.
7) It's feasible, and what I have been running lately myself. Having your own bird in the air is a great help, though.
Title: Re: Let's Talk Sister of Battle
Post by: Halollet on January 16, 2014, 05:53:49 PM
5) For footslogging, I've  found better luck with the new Faith rules to go for smaller groups of battle sisters (currently 6-7 models).
6) Flamer/Hvy, Melta/Flamer, etc. I usually pass out storm bolters to the Superiors. My Lady Valkyrie (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/lordofhyphens/Order%20of%20the%20Valkyrie/20130626_222246_zps9fb0ecdf.jpg) (counts-as Celestine) usually hops around with a squad of Seraphim. Unfortunately she is my go-to HQ choice still.

6-7 Sisters on foot with storm bolters on the superiors?  Interesting idea.  Has that really worked for you?  I'd love to see an army list with that!
Title: Re: Let's Talk Sister of Battle
Post by: LoH on January 16, 2014, 06:17:12 PM
6-7 Sisters on foot with storm bolters on the superiors?  Interesting idea.  Has that really worked for you?  I'd love to see an army list with that!

The idea is to both maximize the # of special weapons on the table and give additional granularity when using Acts of Faith.

Quote
+++ Adepta Sororitas Purgation Force (998pts) +++
+++ 1000pt Adepta Sororitas (2013) Roster (Primary Detachment)) +++

Selections:

Adepta Sororitas (2013) (Primary Detachment) Selections:

+ HQ + (135pts)
    * Saint Celestine (135pts)

+ Troops + (313pts)
    * Battle Sister Squad (142pts)
        5x Battle Sisters , Flamer , Heavy Flamer, Sororitas Rhino
        * Sister Superior
            Boltgun, Power Sword

    * Battle Sister Squad (87pts)
        5x Battle Sisters , Multi-melta
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Storm Bolter

    * Battle Sister Squad (84pts)
        6x Battle Sisters
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Chainsword

+ Fast Attack + (275pts)
    * Dominion Squad (140pts)
        4x Dominions , Flamer , Flamer , Meltagun , Meltagun, Sororitas Rhino
        * Dominion Superior
            Bolt pistol, Storm Bolter

    * Seraphim Squad (135pts)
        6x Seraphim, 2x Twin Hand Flamers
        * Upgrade 1 to Seraphim Superior
            Power Sword

+ Heavy Support + (275pts)
    * Avenger Strike Fighter (FW) (150pts)  (IA: Aeronautica Imperialis p20)

    * Exorcist (125pts)

Quote
+++ Adepta Sororitas Purgation Force 1250 (1243pts) +++
+++ 1250pt Adepta Sororitas (2013) Roster (Primary Detachment)) +++

Selections:

Adepta Sororitas (2013) (Primary Detachment) Selections:

+ (No Category) + (247pts)

    * Ecclesiarchy Battle Conclave (135pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        4x Crusader , 5x Death Cult Assassin

    * Ministorum Priest (56pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        Eviscerator , Shotgun

    * Ministorum Priest (56pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        Eviscerator , Shotgun

+ HQ + (135pts)

    * Saint Celestine (135pts)

+ Troops + (311pts)

    * Battle Sister Squad (142pts)
        5x Battle Sisters , Flamer , Heavy Flamer , Sororitas Rhino 
        * Sister Superior
            Boltgun, Power Sword

    * Battle Sister Squad (87pts)
        5x Battle Sisters , Multi-melta , Storm Bolter
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Boltgun

    * Battle Sister Squad (82pts)
        5x Battle Sisters
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Combi-plasma

+ Fast Attack + (275pts)

    * Dominion Squad (140pts)
        4x Dominions , Flamer , Flamer , Meltagun , Meltagun , Sororitas Rhino 
        * Dominion Superior
            Storm Bolter

    * Seraphim Squad (135pts)
        6x Seraphim , 2x Twin Hand Flamers
        * Upgrade 1 to Seraphim Superior
            Power Sword

+ Heavy Support + (275pts)

    * Avenger Strike Fighter (FW) (150pts)  (IA: Aeronautica Imperialis p20)
    * Exorcist (125pts)
        (Shield of Faith)

Quote
+++ Adepta Sororitas Purgation Force 1500 (1499pts) +++
+++ 1500pt Adepta Sororitas (2013) Roster (Primary Detachment)) +++

Selections:

Adepta Sororitas (2013) (Primary Detachment) Selections:

+ (No Category) + (257pts)

    * Ecclesiarchy Battle Conclave (145pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        Arco-flagellant , 4x Crusader , 5x Death Cult Assassin

    * Ministorum Priest (56pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        Eviscerator , Shotgun

    * Ministorum Priest (56pts)  (Adepta Sororitas)
        Eviscerator , Shotgun

+ HQ + (135pts)

    * Saint Celestine (135pts)

+ Troops + (407pts)

    * Battle Sister Squad (166pts)
        7x Battle Sisters , Flamer , Heavy Flamer , Sororitas Rhino 
        * Sister Superior
            Boltgun, Power Sword

    * Battle Sister Squad (99pts)
        6x Battle Sisters , Multi-melta , Storm Bolter
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Storm Bolter

    * Battle Sister Squad (142pts)
        10x Battle Sisters
        * Sister Superior
            Bolt pistol, Storm Bolter

+ Fast Attack + (300pts)
    * Dominion Squad (150pts)
        4x Dominions , Flamer , Flamer , Meltagun , Meltagun , Sororitas Rhino 
        * Dominion Superior
            Chainsword, Plasma Pistol

    * Seraphim Squad (150pts)
        7x Seraphim , 2x Twin Hand Flamers
        * Upgrade 1 to Seraphim Superior
            Power Sword

+ Heavy Support + (400pts)

    * Avenger Strike Fighter (FW) (150pts)  (IA: Aeronautica Imperialis p20)
    * Exorcist (125pts)
    * Exorcist (125pts)

There's the three variants of my favorite list. Some of the choices made are solely due to model availability. I need about 10 more basic sisters model and then quite a few more special weapons. The list itself was borne out of a "hrm, I have more special weapons right now than I can field in 10-model squads... but dropping the squad size down slightly lets me take more". None of the Adepta Sororitas units have the "need X models to take Y" restrictions on weapons like Space Marines do.

The Dominions generally outflank and the Seraphim usually try to start on the table, out of LoS. I find this to be much more effective than trying to DS in later. The Avenger can be swapped for an Exorcist. The Avenger is more reliable at killing MEQ infantry but it's very brittle and not likely survive sustained bolter fire on its sides or rear arc (think Chimera armor with fewer HP).