New Player Trying out SoB

[Link2edition]

My wife currently only plays space marines but has taken interest in the look of the sisters models. We want to add a unit or two to her space marine list to see how she likes them before we make much of an investment.

 

What unit or units would you add to a space marine force to showcase the sisters to a new player?

[Warsmith Aznable]

Seraphim and Dominions are the rockstars of the codex, IMO.

 

The problem to adding them to an existing force is that Sisters work better within a Sisters army. When you look at them as individual units you can always think of equivalent units from other armies that will be better at doing what you want to do. Proxying an entire army is probably a better way to showcase Sisters.

[WarriorFish]

She picked a good time to look at Sisters with the latest rumour, but that aside generally you can't go wrong with Sisters mounted in a transport. They will provide some mobile and accurate bolter and special weapon fire which Marines will know and appreciate. Two specials (heavy flamer, too) for a standard Squad is nice, and the Fast Attack slot offers some nice options too in Dominions and Seraphim.

 

When I allied in Sisters to Marines Dominions with melta always performed well and were the main draw, but a Sister squad to apply some bolter shock and flamers were no tax ;) With only an allied force to work with there are some limitations, so what you'll get should be quite familiar to Marine play styles. Conveniently the Dominions can be repurposed into a Battle Sister Squad and then you can look at Seraphim for something a bit special - and more Sistery :)

[A.T.]

What unit or units would you add to a space marine force to showcase the sisters to a new player?

 

This will in part be determined by whether the sisters are operating as their own little group, or integrated into the marine force.

 

HQ - Saint Celestine attached to a marine squad grants reliable hit and run, fearless, and a significant amount of combat punch. With Sisters alone she or more commonly fielded with the less durable 'shooty' jump unit - the seraphim.

 

Priests - A take them or leave them prospect for most sororitas squads, but hidden amongst terminators or similar provide disproportionate benefits.

 

TROOPS - Whatever else you will need at least one squad of battle sisters. There is little the marines won't do better (and cheaper if you play gladius) save for the ability to double up on meltaguns or a flamer/heavy flamer and take the superior melta razorback or heavily armoured repressor. But they are capable, scoring, and sometimes an extra special weapon is all you really want out of your unit.

 

FAST - Dominions are your big red flag waving distraction unit. Starting at 145 points to have four meltaguns scouting or outflanking up the table they (and priests) are the big obvious attractions of allied sisters.

 

HEAVY - The Exorcist brings a certain amount of threat disproportionate to it's firepower, roll one 6 for shots and that is what people remember. While outclassed in firepower by units like the laser vindicator the Exorcist is easy and flexible to use firing on the move with a full turret mount and elevated LoS - any rhino-sized vehicle will provide cover without impeding the Exorcists ability to fire.

 

 

Don't buy the sisters 10 model set - you'll probably never need that stormbolter and there is no discount over picking out individual models to make up your squad.

[Beams]

Excorists!!!

 

Actually arguably equal to or better than a predator depending on what it's fighting. And more fun.

 

 

[dracpanzer]

Dominions and Seraphim are the big standouts with good HQ units.

 

As a troop unit, A five strong BSS squad with two flamers and rhino is 110 points, in a multi-melta immolator they are only 130 points.

[Servant of Dante]

Dominions and Seraphim are the big standouts with good HQ units.

 

As a troop unit, A five strong BSS squad with two flamers and rhino is 110 points, in a multi-melta immolator they are only 130 points.

I second this. As an allied force, I'd go with a min troop choice with 2 special/heavy weapons and an immolator. Outflanking melta-dominions probably bring the most to a marines list for Fast Attack, and you really can't go wrong with an exorcist. An (imo) amazing model with a great weapon that's pretty good at scaring opponents.

 

You probably don't want anything from the Elites slot. For an HQ, you could bring Celestine to go with some Assault Marines or something. Hit and Run is pretty great. Or you could do a Cononess (cheap or tricked out), but if you want a Canoness to survive heavy fire or close combat you will probably want a Rosarius and the Mantle of Ophelia (for Eternal Warrior). I run mine with an Evicerator made of 2 Space Marine chainswords, but that's 30 points, so maybe avoid that if you want to go for a cheap HQ :P

 

Priests are wonderful for anyone who will be getting into close combat. War Hymns can let you re-roll all armour and invuln saves (provided the priest passes a Ld Test with his Ld of 7).

 

I know the biggest adjustment I had to make coming from my Blood Angels was the S and T 3. The difference between T3 and T4 was startling. Just know that you will take a lot of wounds, and watch out for S6+ weapons shooting at people like Celestine (no Eternal Warrior).

 

Disclaimer: I'm no expert and I lose a lot. These are just my thoughts. Hope something here helps! Always happy to see a new Sisters player!

[Link2edition]

I did not even take into account the lack of Eternal Warrior.

I see a lot of good ideas here, expecially those involving rhinos, which we have in abundance.

Lets narrow it down to 1 or 2 units. Think an allied unit for a 1000 point game or so.

Second Question: Is the $40 PDF the only way to get the SoB rules? I REALLY like physical books (I even have an old sisters codex!)

[WarriorFish]

Sadly no physical codex currently :( Don't forget the Immolator as an option for smaller squads to roll around in :)

[Warsmith Aznable]

Second Question: Is the $40 PDF the only way to get the SoB rules? I REALLY like physical books (I even have an old sisters codex!)

 

It is the only legal way to do it, currently. The mods frown on us sharing links to websites where it can be had without involving money, though.

[A.T.]

Lets narrow it down to 1 or 2 units. Think an allied unit for a 1000 point game or so.

Second Question: Is the $40 PDF the only way to get the SoB rules? I REALLY like physical books (I even have an old sisters codex!)

 

Sisters have no formations so for two units it's an HQ and troops choice, and they only have one troops choice so that.

 

So from your HQs you have -

-Canoness - unequipped they are like a space marine captain if you knocked a point off most stats, and not much cheaper. They can do little more good than soak wounds or man automated weapons. Equipped they typically bring T3, 3+/4++, eternal warrior, and a strength 6 unwieldy armourbane weapon at ~135pts.

 

-Jacobus - a 3 wound ministorum priest, wasted on a small squad of sisters but viable for a marine deathstar on foot. Brings hatred, a 12" bubble of fearless and counterattack for all allied units including marines, and an Ld9 test to reroll either saves or rolls to wound in combat. He is a bunch of special rules with legs and has basically no combat ability of his own.

 

-Celestine - 2+/4++, fearless, hit and run jump infantry with a heavy flamer and a strength 5 power sword - against most opponents she hits first, a on 3+, and with a half dozen attacks. Vulnerable to weight of fire as with all sisters but a significant and relatively cheap addition to any assault unit and your opponent usually has to kill her twice.

 

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Last printed rules the Sisters had were in white dwarf in 2011. The ebook is also not suitable for printing without heavy editing/reformatting, but the sisters don't actually have that many rules - you probably only need a single page reference for an allied force.

[Servant of Dante]

 

Lets narrow it down to 1 or 2 units. Think an allied unit for a 1000 point game or so.

Second Question: Is the $40 PDF the only way to get the SoB rules? I REALLY like physical books (I even have an old sisters codex!)

 

Sisters have no formations so for two units it's an HQ and troops choice, and they only have one troops choice so that.

 

So from your HQs you have -

-Canoness - unequipped they are like a space marine captain if you knocked a point off most stats, and not much cheaper. They can do little more good than soak wounds or man automated weapons. Equipped they typically bring T3, 3+/4++, eternal warrior, and a strength 6 unwieldy armourbane weapon at ~135pts.

 

-Jacobus - a 3 wound ministorum priest, wasted on a small squad of sisters but viable for a marine deathstar on foot. Brings hatred, a 12" bubble of fearless and counterattack for all allied units including marines, and an Ld9 test to reroll either saves or rolls to wound in combat. He is a bunch of special rules with legs and has basically no combat ability of his own.

 

-Celestine - 2+/4++, fearless, hit and run jump infantry with a heavy flamer and a strength 5 power sword - against most opponents she hits first, a on 3+, and with a half dozen attacks. Vulnerable to weight of fire as with all sisters but a significant and relatively cheap addition to any assault unit and your opponent usually has to kill her twice.

 

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Last printed rules the Sisters had were in white dwarf in 2011. The ebook is also not suitable for printing without heavy editing/reformatting, but the sisters don't actually have that many rules - you probably only need a single page reference for an allied force.

 

As much as I try and avoid Special characters in my lists, you may want to go with Celestine or Jacobus, since if you only want to bring one unit, it will have to be a BSS (as A.T. said). I'd love physical rules too, but GW doesn't sell them :(

 

It is true that the Canoness isn't a great HQ, but she can be fun. Perhaps look elsewhere if you want to save points or get more excitement out of those that you spend.

 

If you are running any jump infantry, I would at least consider Celestine. She has a really interesting model, a 2+/4++ save. Things to watch out for are 2+ saves on enemies (she's AP3), and high toughness enemies (she hits at S5). Maybe an assault squad with a power fist on the sergeant could help alleviate the issue. Note that Celestine is as expensive as a fully kitted Canoness. Also remember that Hit and Run is fun. Also, Fearless.

 

Jacobus might be the cheapest effective HQ at 100 points. You don't get to take agvantage of the 5+ invuln he gives to Sisters units he's attached to since that's his Warlord Trait, and he can't be Warlord as part of an Allied Detachment (I think). I would still put him with the BSS (maybe a squad of 9 in a rhino) so they can take advantage of the bonus Act of Faith he provides.

 

It's really up to you. Oh, and Jacobus doesn't have eternal warrior either (I got him Insta-squished by a dreadnaught's multi-melta a few weeks back when I forgot to Look Out Sir the hit . . . )

[Beams]

As much as I hate special characters, Saint Celestine is kind of an exception, since she's basically a manifestation of the Emperor's will, so it doesn't seem as weird to me to have her constantly dieing and coming back.

Also, she's super fun to use.

[Link2edition]

As much as I hate special characters, Saint Celestine is kind of an exception, since she's basically a manifestation of the Emperor's will, so it doesn't seem as weird to me to have her constantly dieing and coming back.

Also, she's super fun to use.

I feel the same about special characters, with MY exception being Grimaldus. A whole temple fell on the guy and he was recovered sometime later. I am pretty sure he can survive most anything. Plus the model was a gift from my mom before she passed so it is the most treasured fig in my collection.

 

If ya'll don't think 2 units will really give a feel for sisters I completely understand. I am just trying to keep it easy to proxy or cheap to buy. If you want to suggest more units that is fine, just remember we are playing low point level games.

[Servant of Dante]

 

As much as I hate special characters, Saint Celestine is kind of an exception, since she's basically a manifestation of the Emperor's will, so it doesn't seem as weird to me to have her constantly dieing and coming back.

Also, she's super fun to use.

I feel the same about special characters, with MY exception being Grimaldus. A whole temple fell on the guy and he was recovered sometime later. I am pretty sure he can survive most anything. Plus the model was a gift from my mom before she passed so it is the most treasured fig in my collection.

 

If ya'll don't think 2 units will really give a feel for sisters I completely understand. I am just trying to keep it easy to proxy or cheap to buy. If you want to suggest more units that is fine, just remember we are playing low point level games.

 

Disclaimer: This is most defenately an opinion (can you tell I like Sisters? good :P )

 

The great thing about Sisters is that 1 BSS and an HQ is a perfectly fluffy force. I'm not sure how much a single BSS will bring to a space marine army. It might be a good way to get some cheap flame templates (Flamer and heavy flamer can be taken together regardless of squad size). It could also be a way to get a larger blob of Power Armour together (though 20 Sisters is almost 300 points after upgrades).

 

I know I keep coming back to this, but my Space Marine experience was Blood Angels, super choppy Blood Angels, so I like close combat. I think that Celestine can really make a solid jump infantry unit great, though, like most Sisters units, she takes some finesse to use (you and your wife may have better luck than me; I'm pretty bad at this game).

[A.T.]

If ya'll don't think 2 units will really give a feel for sisters I completely understand. I am just trying to keep it easy to proxy or cheap to buy. If you want to suggest more units that is fine, just remember we are playing low point level games.

 

5 sisters with either two meltas or flamer/hflamer and celestine are 215pts, plus a transport vehicle, with Celestine joining a marine unit.

 

To expand to a third unit would depend on desired playstyle, the top choices are - dakka (exorcist), mechanised rush (dominions with meltas in melta immolator), or a sororitas bodyguard for celestine (seraphim with hand flamers).

 

400-500pts for the entire allied force. The dominions probably emphasise the traditional sisters playstyle most strongly but rhino rush doesn't appeal to everyone.

 

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In terms of models an exorcist tank can be built in such a way that you can alternate it between exorcist, rhino, and immolator, and it comes with enough spare icons to convert a second spare rhino chassis (but not immolator) if desired. It will likely not include the transparent immolator canopy which is unfortunate but not essential.

[Beams]

I do find seraphim to be tons of fun, though expensive model wise. Two hand flamer chick's with two hand flamers each plus shred equals a lot of dead enemies when you drop in.

[Jacinda]

Since she play Space Marines I assume she is more aggressive on the table. If she wants to get a feel for how they play ...

Allied detachment

HQ - Canoness with a power weapon and infernus pistol. 95 pts

-- Priest with Litanies of Faith. 40 pts

Troop - Battle Sisters (5) with Flamer, Heavy Flamer in an Immolator with twin linked heavy flamer. 165 pts

Fast - Dominion (5) with melta guns (4), superior with a combi-melta in a Repressor. 190 pts

Heavy - Exorcist -- no options so base price.

All together, 515 points. If I remember the costs correctly, that is.

If you play with the Draft FAQ, you might want to take a Condemnor bolter for one of the characters. Maybe the Battle Sister Superior since she does not have anything.

Put the Cononess and priest in with the Dominions and outflank. When they comne on board with 6 melat shots while still embarked they will get your opponent's attention. With the priest to sing his battle hymns they become very resilient in close combat. With the Litanies you don't even have to roll for Acts of Faith or Battle Hymns in his unit either.

Razorbacks make good proxies for Immolators and Whirlwinds can represent Exorcists. Maybe use a Chimera for her Repressor. I don't think you can get any of those models now but there will be new options around June or July

[Servant of Dante]

Since she play Space Marines I assume she is more aggressive on the table. If she wants to get a feel for how they play ...

Allied detachment

HQ - Canoness with a power weapon and infernus pistol. 95 pts

-- Priest with Litanies of Faith. 40 pts

Troop - Battle Sisters (5) with Flamer, Heavy Flamer in an Immolator with twin linked heavy flamer. 165 pts

Fast - Dominion (5) with melta guns (4), superior with a combi-melta in a Repressor. 190 pts

Heavy - Exorcist -- no options so base price.

All together, 515 points. If I remember the costs correctly, that is.

If you play with the Draft FAQ, you might want to take a Condemnor bolter for one of the characters. Maybe the Battle Sister Superior since she does not have anything.

Put the Cononess and priest in with the Dominions and outflank. When they comne on board with 6 melat shots while still embarked they will get your opponent's attention. With the priest to sing his battle hymns they become very resilient in close combat. With the Litanies you don't even have to roll for Acts of Faith or Battle Hymns in his unit either.

Razorbacks make good proxies for Immolators and Whirlwinds can represent Exorcists. Maybe use a Chimera for her Repressor. I don't think you can get any of those models now but there will be new options around June or July

I like this. It's punchy and very Sisters.

Affixes over sized wax seal of approval with about 5 feet of cloth ribbon covered in litanies

. . . OK we all know I've never done anything that makes my approval worth anything.

Edit: (Oh! 1500 posts! Shiny!)

[dracpanzer]

A basic sister squad can be put together by purchasing just one blister of battle sisters ($17.25) and a special ($10) and heavy weapon sister ($14), or two specials if you desire ($20). (I usually run two flamers). If you have any of the sternguard kits their combi weapon barrels can be used to convert one of the basic bolter sisters to a sister superior with a combi-weapon. All of the actual SS models have ccw's which are usually best avoided. If you end up with stormbolter sisters you can remove one barrel and replace it and convert it into a combi.

 

That being said you need an HQ unit. ($12.25 to $20)

 

Sisters sadly dont do well outside of their transports, you could of course use a basic rhino. Personally I prefer the look of the sisters basic rhino kit. You can only get it currently from the Exorcist kit which has a sisters rhino and the metal exorcist bits. Costs ($57.50) each, I would say get the kit for the sisters rhino/immolator and use the metal bits to convert a regular SM rhino into an Exorcist when/if you look to go beyond your initial buy in.

 

Your basic buy in is then around ($110).

 

There isnt much help with vehicles, ebay is nuts with rhino/immolator prices since its technically OOP. Its still alive and well in the Exorcist kit though. Also the only way I know of to get GW's sisters decals. It has its uses.

 

Dominion squads run with four specials and a sister superior. I either run the superior with a bolter or combi depending on available points. The sister superior with bolter is an easily converted if necessary or otherwise just a great fig. Dom squad ($52.50)

 

Seraphim will need three basic girls ($36.75) and you are going to want two girls with twin hand flamers ($28). Seraphim squad ($64.75)

 

Retributors are fun with usually with heavy bolters or heavy flamers and a superior. Four heavies is ($56) along with the superior ($68.25)

 

You could save some money by getting a blister of basic girls and using them in several squads as superiors.

[Servant of Dante]

A basic sister squad can be put together by purchasing just one blister of battle sisters ($17.25) and a special ($10) and heavy weapon sister ($14), or two specials if you desire ($20). (I usually run two flamers). If you have any of the sternguard kits their combi weapon barrels can be used to convert one of the basic bolter sisters to a sister superior with a combi-weapon. All of the actual SS models have ccw's which are usually best avoided. If you end up with stormbolter sisters you can remove one barrel and replace it and convert it into a combi.

 

That being said you need an HQ unit. ($12.25 to $20)

 

Sisters sadly dont do well outside of their transports, you could of course use a basic rhino. Personally I prefer the look of the sisters basic rhino kit. You can only get it currently from the Exorcist kit which has a sisters rhino and the metal exorcist bits. Costs ($57.50) each, I would say get the kit for the sisters rhino/immolator and use the metal bits to convert a regular SM rhino into an Exorcist when/if you look to go beyond your initial buy in.

 

Your basic buy in is then around ($110).

 

There isnt much help with vehicles, ebay is nuts with rhino/immolator prices since its technically OOP. Its still alive and well in the Exorcist kit though. Also the only way I know of to get GW's sisters decals. It has its uses.

 

Dominion squads run with four specials and a sister superior. I either run the superior with a bolter or combi depending on available points. The sister superior with bolter is an easily converted if necessary or otherwise just a great fig. Dom squad ($52.50)

 

Seraphim will need three basic girls ($36.75) and you are going to want two girls with twin hand flamers ($28). Seraphim squad ($64.75)

 

Retributors are fun with usually with heavy bolters or heavy flamers and a superior. Four heavies is ($56) along with the superior ($68.25)

 

You could save some money by getting a blister of basic girls and using them in several squads as superiors.

? 

[WarriorFish]

She's holding a bolter and small cudgel ;)

[Servant of Dante]

She's holding a bolter and small cudgel ;)

That's just her chaplet Ecclesiasticus as far as I'm concerned. Not an actual piece of wargear. She has a bolt pistol at her waist as well, so the standard bolter/bolt pistol loadout is present.

[dracpanzer]

Don't ignore the sword on her right hip folks.

[Servant of Dante]

Don't ignore the sword on her right hip folks.

Holy Emperor I have 4 of that sculpt and I never noticed that! :P thanks!

 

Though she does have a bolter and bolt pistol, so I'm comfortable running her with that loadout.