Battle: Miracles won't save you

The Vilniaus 39th takes on the Sisters of Battle

My second game of 10th Edition, and my first ever game against the renowned Adeptus Sororitas - the Sisters of Battle!

We played a pretty standard mission, using the new 10th Edition mission deck of cards - this included:

• Dawn of War deployment

• Supply Drop as the Primary Mission (essentially fighting over no-mans-land, with one objective disappearing mid-battle).

• I had secondary objectives that rewarded me for taking no-mans-land (helpful!), and destroying entire enemy units.

Here’s the report…

Astra Militarum - After Action Report

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Spade

Engagement: Defensive Position at Ruin Site Alpha

Enemy: Unknown zealous militant group with advanced weaponry and power-armoured infantry, designated 'Battle Sisters'.

Summary of Action:

We engaged enemy forces consisting of fanatically armed zealots and 'Battle Sisters'. We had deployed the infantry platoon in centre, tanks to the left and 117th Mordian Iron Guard in a Chimera to the right. Our objective was to secure no-mans-land between the two forces.

The forces deploy for battle.

The enemy commenced the engagement with boltgun fire causing light casualties as they advanced on all fronts. Our Leman Russ Battle Tank initiated return fire, destroying a Penitent Engine in a single shot with it’s battle cannon.

The Leman Russ Battle Tank looks on after just deleting the Penient Engine in a single shot.

The Leman Russ Punisher engaged enemy infantry, it’s gatling cannon doing sterling work. Effective deployment of smoke countermeasures prevented enemy melta-weapon fire from striking the tanks.

Leman Russ tanks eliminated almost entire enemy Repentia squad as they advanced. I issued order for 'First Rank Fire, Second Rank Fire', causing additional casualties among enemy ranks as they advanced towards us.

‘Target, to your front! First rank, FIRE! Second rank, FIRE!’ The infantry platoon opens fire before being charged by a squad of Battle Sisters.

Fix bayonets! A vicious melee erupted on the left as the infantry platoon was charged.

The tank’s commander looks on as Warsuits hurtle into melee.

The Chimera reached left flank objective, utilising heavy flamers to eliminate an enemy Crusader squad. The Leman Russ Battle Tank charged to provide melee support, causing heavy casualties to enemy Battle Sisters.

Crush Them! lives up to it’s name. Charge!

I executed a tactical withdrawal of infantry, facilitated by Sgt Sling and Chimera infantry. Subsequent flamer and gunfire effectively neutralised remaining Battle Sisters, despite apparent resurrection of enemy commander.

Dazed and confused, the miraculously resurrected enemy commander decides to flee rather than face the wrath of the Imperial Guard.

Leman Russ Battle Tank pivoted to centre, eliminating remaining enemy infantry. Leman Russ Punisher heroically held the line against Warsuits until its eventual destruction.

Enemy retreat confirmed. Victory for Vilniaus 39th announced and morale boost achieved!

Casualties: Moderate casualties among infantry. Loss of one Leman Russ Punisher.

Conclusions: Tactical withdrawal and flanking proved effective against zealous enemy. Leman Russ Punisher's sacrifice to hold back enemy Warsuits was crucial for the victory. Further analysis of enemy resurrection abilities suggested.

Recommendations: Further training to improve resilience under heavy fire. Request for additional tank reinforcements considering loss of Leman Russ Punisher.

Lieutenant Spade, Vilniaus 39th

Overall a pretty fun game, if a little one-sided due to list composition. The Adeptus Sororitas really lack effective anti-tank, their only Strength 12+ weapon (ignoring single-shot Hunter-Killer missiles) being a melee weapon on the Paragon Warsuits (which they were not equipped with).

I really enjoyed using the deck of cards to set up the game - it’s really going to add a ton of variety, especially how Secondary Missions work (though in hindsight, I’m pretty sure we didn’t use them quite correctly, but it wouldn’t have influenced the outcome).

Until next time, when I’ll have a big surprise!