2nd Edition Quiet Council, Sister of Silence tactica

[Noserenda]

Seeing as we are now a full-ish list in its own right i figured id kick off a Sisters of Silence tactica thread for second ed.

I figured as an opener to briefly go over the units as a whole, that way when we look back we can all get a good laugh. 

HQ 

Jenetia Krole, Knight Abyssal, Knight Centura
Presented in order of deadliness we have our beatstick HQ's, and what good beatsticks they are! Even on a relatively fragile mortal frame they can still reliably win challenges with the Ex-Oblivio rule against anything that isnt a Primarch and inflict serious harm on enemy units. Beware those return strikes though! 

Silent Judge
The more ranged leaning HQ choice, she packs some serious (If generally short ranged) weaponry and can commonly deny enemy units reacting to her unit's shooting or charges. So my first instinct would see her as backfield support to shooting squads, especially the heavy support cadres where she offers some decent protection.

Silent Fury
A judgement HQ on a jetbike! She faces stiff competition from her peers but her speed is unmatched so if you need a character 18" away this is your choice. Plus decent firepower from the bike and pistol upgrades. This is really a fluffy/fun choice though.
 

Questora Cadre
The Slightly awkward update to the Excrutiatus cadre from 1st edition they are a retinue choice for Judgement characters, which in practice means Silent judges as Furies would be giving up the jetbike advantages. They have some decent firepower choices, OR can take some basic melee upgrades to take advantage of their better stats. They could see use as a flex counterattack unit but i think they will usually lose out on efficiency to the more specialised cadres. 

Raptora Cadre

The new Oblivion character retinue the Raptora are a lot more focused as the peak melee unit of the faction. I would certainly take them over Oblivion knights every time as Oblivion characters are typically going to be getting into melee as soon as possible and staying there. They have a lot of pistol options so beware going too overboard!

Elites
Knight Vestal Covenant
The Sisterhoods dual pistol wielding medics. For now awkward to add to squads unless you take only one or group said sqads together for the Vestals to join in turn one, possibly behind some Acquisitors. They have a few options and adding needle pistols for pinning could be fun but they are ripe to get sniped so beware spending on a full power weapon and archeotech pistols loadout! 
 
Oblivion Knight Cadre
The Veteran versions of Vigilators, they suffer somewhat in comparison to Raptora cadres though they are more flexible in their loadouts and Lashes, Power axes or spears could see uses, so they arent just the option when you run out of potential Raptora slots! 
Eradicator Cadre
The Veteran prosecutors, they come with the Vratine bolters but really their strength is in the combi weapon options and precision shots. The obvious choice is combi meltas out of a transport to delete tanks or elites but i think the minor combi weapons have appeal too, especially combi snare guns which let you stop an enemy unit in place as well as putting some bolter rounds up them.

Troops
Prosecutor Cadre
Your bolter (probably) armed line troops, they do largely what their peer units do, albeit a bit more fragile. They have the option for dual pistols for cool points or assault needlers for enhanced firepower and pinning, though those arent cheap! 

Vigilator Cadre
Alternatively you can take Vigilators for the troops/line slots wielding big old choppy swords instead. They now have a lot more pistol and sergeant options to boost your output, noone will expect 15 S5 hand flamers! (But dont do this :D ) Get them in a transport and they will still dish out significant damage whilst scoring too,

Dedicated Transport

Kharon pattern Acquisitor
Formerly the best assault transport in the game, the Acquisitor is still a great transport, fast, harder to catch thanks to its Spectra distort shield and if upgraded with a multimelta, probably the most reliable Anti tank in the list. An essential choice for any melee unit and compelling for anyone else. 

Fast Attack

Pursuer Cadre
Pursuers again changed a bit with the update, losing their special weapons and swarm to get a broader variety of beasts and a free hand flamer upgrade potentially. You could probably spend a lot of time discussing the various beasts advantages, though including a Raptor to get shrouded is a solid choice. Essentially its a super fun mixed melee unit, that can have Cyber-crocs :D 

Firebrand Cadre
The Special weapon unit they come by default with flamers, which are great against the right army, but this is the AoD so that army is super rare. Grenade launchers took a hit in the edition shift too but its still a lot of pinning hits potentially, worried light vehicles or psy shock. Snare guns are an option but im not sure how useful they are as a sole weapon, i suspect other cadres do this better.

Subjugator Cadre
Our jetbike unit they are obviously lightning fast at 18" (Which renders outflank a bit pointless) and come with snare cannons to stick deathstars in place and the option to upgrade to needle cannons for some poisoned pinning or adrathic destructors for somewhat risky blasting holes in things with death rays, the sergeant upgrades give a bit of melee punch but really stick to bullying vehicles, though note the lack of grenades on the unit for some reason.

Termite Assault drill
Unevenly available to all Imperial factions, the Termite pops out of the ground to drop off a squad and wave its heavy weapons around. Some more melta weapon goodness but a bit slower to get on target.

Heavy Support

Sanctioner Cadre
Our sniper unit, really essential choice in 2nd Edition to pick off characters and dish out pins, they snipe! You have the option to upgrade to Vratine sniper rifles but this seems bad? 5pts to drop your damage but gain Psy shock, so great if you know you want to shoot psykers but they really arent a priority for Sisters unless allied. Great if you fight a lot of Ksons or Daemons! 

Expurgator Cadre
Finally our heavy weapons unit, Judgement chamber so you will need a judge to field them and they do pair well together. They come stock with heavy flamers, which obviously benefit from a transport (And possibly compression tanks) and can switch for free to snare cannons which dish out significant snaring but are heavy and 18" range. They also have some pricy nut hefty guns in the form of vrantine missile launchers and adrathic destructors which operate a bit more like conventional devastators, just remember the range on the latter again. Relentless would make this cadre shine but its not on the table currently. 


So, initial thoughts? Im certainly keen to add the new units to my old army and try out the new toys.

 

Edited September 4, 2023 by Noserenda

[Casual Heresy]

I was pleasantly surprised by the new sisters list being as expansive as it is. I'm currently thinking an allied detachment for my Ultramarines would be good, with plenty of snare weapons to tie up the handful of deathstars that are starting to emerge. I think Subjagators will be a necessity in that regard to keep up with my own terminator and Praetorian Breacher filled Land Raiders.

 

Really looking forward to seeing what miniature support sisters get.

[Etruscan]

Thanks for the breakdown on the new Sisters options. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the book to see the extent of the options available.

 

I am also intrigued to see just how many new miniatures they get. I feel the jet bikes will be a very obvious addition and hopefully soon and as for the rest,  weapon upgrade kits are really essential as a lot of potential conversion bits from other ranges are just too big for the lithe Sisters models.

 

I love some of the Sisters artwork from HH: Visions book so hoping we also get some variant figures as it's a little restrictive to build an army around the same 5 currently available models.

[Noserenda]

Yeah the model range is the army's biggest weakness, really limited and really overcosted in money terms really hurts them. Elves and necromunda are the best place for parts currently but i really do hope we get some more official bits, and hopefully plastic bodies too! 

So far FW/GW has not even acknowledged the expansion of the list though :(  

[Atlon]

I have a few squads of Sisters from the old Prospero box that I got super cheap at the time. Seems like my patience could finally be rewarded!

Really looking forward to see what new models are going to be released. Though I must admit I am surprised that so many datasheets have come out but no model preview or anything.

[Etruscan]

Yup, considering the expansion of the Sisters list and using some of the fantastic artwork from Horus Heresy: Visions as inspiration, they could really go to town creating some new models.

 

I am currently converting a bunch Sisters models like crazy using bits from every GW range imaginable and it is a lot of fun but also incredibly time consuming.

[Etruscan]

Anyway, back to the tactica, I preordered the Liber Imperium but annoyingly it didn't arrived today in the post. 

 

Has anyone found a means to utilise the Pursuer cadre or suitable loadouts? I just love the notion of a bunch of Sisters with cyber-animals.

Edited November 12, 2022 by Etruscan
typo

[Noserenda]

Pursuers are a fine unit, they suffer in comparison because the list has a whole bunch of units doing a similar job of melee, the beasts arent as good as Sisters but they are cheap :D 

Handler wise id consider taking advantage of the free hand flamers and buy execution blades bar a couple of bullet catchers. But you could go heavy on needle pistols for cheeky pins and use birds' shrouded to catch bullets instead?

Animal wise id probably do a fun mix do use their special rules of all but the crocs, the crocs are probably best off in pure packs as you lose movement and the light type by including them and pop them in a Kharon to make up for that. 

Ultimately though, they are a fun unit rather than an optimal one, the stupid dominance of line in half the scenarios mean vigilators are usually better point for point as direct peers. 

Well, technically you can give the animals Execution blades, and that is RAD :cuss: but im sure thatd get FAQ'ed, though Crocs with big swords is an awesome image...

[Etruscan]

Thanks for the reply. Crocs with swords does sound hilarious and just a little ridiculous. I was checking out the Necromunda Sumpkroc but I'm not sure how I feel about the model.

[Noserenda]

Yeah the sumpcroc would need deep pockets to field a bunch! Im vaguely planning to probably convert some from toys, or possibly 3d print. If there isnt a cyber croc mini or two im sure there will be soon, or you could possibly use the ststline for a similarly hefty beast like a bear? :D 

[Etruscan]

I just noticed that the Sisters lost stake-crossbows. Such a shame as I had bought a load and they were going to look so great on the Sisters models.

[NemoVonUtopia]

2 minutes ago, Etruscan said:

I just noticed that the Sisters lost stake-crossbows. Such a shame as I had bought a load and they were going to look so great on the Sisters models.

I think that the veretine bolters are equivalent and if what I may use to represent them.

 

Are snare guns worth it? Being able to slow or stop movement seems cool but my initial impression is that it may not be worth dedicating an entire unit to it. 

[Etruscan]

1 minute ago, NemoVonUtopia said:

I think that the veretine bolters are equivalent and if what I may use to represent them.

 

Are snare guns worth it? Being able to slow or stop movement seems cool but my initial impression is that it may not be worth dedicating an entire unit to it. 

Ah ok, interesting. Can anyone confirm this? So a suitable model could be either the Sisters of Battle Bolter-crossbows or something like the Dark Elves crossbows?

 

Also can anyone point me in the direction of a suitable model for an Assault Needler? I know there are plenty of Needle Pistols in the Necromunda range...

[NemoVonUtopia]

34 minutes ago, Etruscan said:

Ah ok, interesting. Can anyone confirm this? So a suitable model could be either the Sisters of Battle Bolter-crossbows or something like the Dark Elves crossbows?

 

Also can anyone point me in the direction of a suitable model for an Assault Needler? I know there are plenty of Needle Pistols in the Necromunda range...

I made assault needlers by using the SoS flame and cutting off the tank and tip and replacing them with the magazine cut from the bolter and the tip of a harlequins kiss. Esher upgrade packs have a couple of needle rifles but not many.

[Noserenda]

Yeah, losing stake crossbows sucks, especially as the replacement units that i had using them cant really take a consistent counts as weapon, one of my SIlent Judges had an entirely illegal loadout now :/ 

And yeah, i dont think snare guns are great as a sole weapon, but combi-snare guns are fun seeming :D 

[Etruscan]

I'm actually wondering on the wisdom of putting in the hours to convert a bunch of Sisters cadres and HQs if there are going to be new models/weapon upgrades in the near future. I can't for a moment believe GW haven't planned at least some new releases?

 

On to the cadre leaders, how are people considering kitting them out? Can't decide on what to do with Prosecutor, Vigiliator & Oblivion Knight leaders...

Edited November 14, 2022 by Etruscan

[Noserenda]

Given the total lack of mention of the new Sisters stuff and a lot of it being kitbashable or necromunda stuff, im honestly not holding my breath. That said i do love kitbashing, (And already made a bunch of extra Anathema units without official rules)  so its not much of a loss personally :D If we do get minis is not going to be until 2023 at the earliest unless we get one of those sudden "out of nowhere" FW drops.

I tend not to tool up sergeants too much, maximising bodies where possible, but in 1st a cheeky charnabal sabre was a cheap disruptor when i got lucky :D and similarly a needle pistol might give you a lucky pin in a tight spot.

[Etruscan]

I hear you, I love kitbashing too but I’m struggling a little with the scope of differentiating the various cadres, mostly using the HH:Visions book as inspiration where relevant.

 

At the least they have to release those Sisters jetbikes and some weapon upgrades. Combi-meltas from Space Marine ranges will look too large on Sisters for example.

[Etruscan]

Actually, digressing here but I really the lore and anecdotes from the old Black Books. It gave life to those characters portrayed on the pages.

 

I feel like the new Liber books have dispensed with so much flavour. I was really hoping to see a list of the various Sisters cadres and their respective colour schemes but there’s next to nothing on this.

[Noserenda]

Yeah the colour section was spectacularly disappointing, all the colour plates of sisters throughout the book were Vigilators too for some reason even when they didnt have the swords. Still, in one way it does actually support new models, someone at GW HQ saw the Sisters out for some big photo shoots (But couldnt tell if any of it was new) and this book had like one new photo so im hoping its something coming down the line! 

[NemoVonUtopia]

I am planning on putting together a Silent Judge and 9 Questora in a Kharon. My idea is to give them all power mace or power lances to go after large units of basic marines or other units with potentially dangerous overwatch. I am torn between being able to hit first with the lance and wounding easier of the maces or maybe giving them a couple of heavy flamers.

 

 

[Noserenda]

Id possibly look at a mix of spears and maces, why not get the best of both worlds?  Gun wise i dont think any of their special weaopn options are much cop for an assault unit now that you have to choose between melee and shooting main weapons, id probably look at popping some needle or plasma pistols in instead, the latter especially would be great if they get precise shots off to pop sergeants or apothecaries before they are a problem :) 

[Mandragola]

Converting sisters looks likely to be an important part of running this army. I guess it’s possible the forthcoming preview will include some new sisters stuff but I’m not holding my breath. Knowing my luck, FW will announce a bunch of stuff just as I think I’m finished. 
 

I do like the archaic aesthetic. Half of them have got greatswords so I think it’s fine to use bows and crossbows. indeed that’s how I’m making my sanctioners with Vratine nemesis bolters. These are made of elite house Escher bits - which are also a good source of needle pistols FYI. 

 

 

Tactics-wise I think I’d be most likely to use sisters as an allied detachment for my Raven Guard. That creates a dilemma: you can only have one HQ and therefore unlock one or other third of the list. You can’t have it all. 
 

The obvious thing is to take an Abyssal Knight or Krole, plus a bunch of Raptora and a Vestal, and load them all into a Kharon. Maybe have a couple more Vestals who disembark and join marine squads. You get a good hammer unit that’s also Line, though it’s a bit stuck if it comes across a lot of 2+ saves and a knight is a massive problem.
 

I do think there’s a case for the silent judge instead. She brings a really useful selection of abilities for an army. Her unit is counted as 12” further away, which is amazing (and even stacks with shroud bombs). You get a bonus VP for slaying warlords and you can charge stuff without them reacting, unless they’re stubborn or fearless. Plus of course you’re immune to psychic schenanigans, stubborn and hate various things.
 

There arguments for running Sisters as the main army, with something else allied to them. The Maiden of Sorrows warlord trait is pretty incredible on something like Custodes or Terminators. 
 

I think a Sisters army with Custodes allies could be basically too good. You’d be looking at two or three silent judges attached to big Custodes units. one or two units might scout, thanks to Vestals. These kinds of units would become seriously hard to deal with if you couldn’t rapid fire at them, thanks to the judge.  

Edited November 15, 2022 by Mandragola

[SkimaskMohawk]

 

1 hour ago, Mandragola said:

You’d be looking at two or three silent judges attached to big Custodes units. one or two units might scout, thanks to Vestals

 

Does that work?

 

The coherency rules for independent characters say that if you don't intend/can't join units, then you have to stay outside of their unit coherency. So the vigilant covenant telling them to deploy in unit coherency implies (to me at least) that they're deployed as a unit, and therefore unable to start attached to other units to grant scout. 

[Mandragola]

Where it's complicated is if you do want to join a unit, or potentially units. There doesn't seem to be any reason you couldn't attach two or three Vestals to a single unit, so long as they all stood near each other in that unit. And likewise it appears to be possible to have Vestals join two separate units so long as the two of them are close together.

 

In an ideal world this would be FAQd soon, but I'm not sure that will happen. In any case if you just have one Vestal she can clearly join a unit and make it scout. Things only get weird when there are lots of them.

 

I've no idea why they didn't just give them the same rules as Apothecaries. It's actually really powerful to add a SoS character to a unit, and all the more so if you get to give them FNP for only 35 points.