This week on Warhammer+, the Battle Report crew have an exciting game of Warhammer Age of Sigmar in store as they celebrate the release of Dawnbringers Book 5: Shadow of the Crone. The game sees a group of famed Azyrite Agents – Callis, Toll, and their companions – venture into the depths below Hammerhal Aqsha to put an end to the Kingsblood Curse that is ravaging the city. But how can you get the most out of the Saviours of Cinderfall in-game? Gaming presenter Simon is here with the insights…
Si: When it comes to rooting out evil and putting it to the sword, Hanniver Toll certainly doesn’t mess around, and nor do the motley assortment of companions who fight alongside him. But in order to harness the full might of their particular skills, you’ll first want to make sure you include the Saviours of Cinderfall Regiment of Renown. Comprising two units – Callis and Toll, plus Toll’s Companions – the Saviours of Cinderfall may come in at a hefty price tag in points, but don’t let that put you off. You’re getting five Heroes* buffed by numerous powerful abilities.
Duty Bound turns both units into incredible options for contesting objectives by hugely increasing their durability. The Grim Determination of Callis and Toll will see their ward increased to a 4+, while Valius’ ability They Will Break Upon My Shield can protect Toll’s Companions from all but the most determined attackers with an unmodifiable 3+ save.
What’s more, you can utilise the stealth skills of Lyssa Revenya to set the Saviours of Cinderfall up in an advanced position – even right on an objective, which you can lock down with Duty Bound from the moment of their arrival. From this forward position, they’ll be able to make the most of the Orders that both units – as Heroes of the Cities of Sigmar – can use to inspire your advancing battle line. Of course, once the fighting kicks off in earnest, the Saviours of Cinderfall will be in a great spot for Mistress Verentia’s Secrets from the Shadows to hopefully net you an extra command point or two.
Sentenced to Death is another bespoke ability available to the Saviours of Cinderfall, a psychological weapon that will put the fear of Sigmar into your opponent.
It’s not just that your Saviours of Cinderfall will be hitting the sentenced target on an unmodifiable 2+, as All-out Attack will achieve a similar result (for one of your two units, at least), but when combined with their other abilities and attributes, it can prove devastating. Callis and Toll in particular can cut down even the largest foe in a single round of combat by combining a well-timed heroic action (Their Finest Hour will see all their attacks wounding on a 2+ as well!) with the Right Tool for the Job.
So with 4 attacks apiece and a base Damage of 2 on their Azyrite Blades, Callis and Toll can potentially dish out a massive 32 Damage between them! To add insult to (a no-doubt terminal) injury, Hanniver Toll is death incarnate to lower-tier enemy Heroes – anything with a Wounds characteristic of 6 or less is just one average roll away from suffering an instant and ignominious end by one of his Aqshian Firewood Stakes…
Of course, Toll’s Companions have a veritable landslide of attacks at their disposal. Their strong melee threat, combined with the close-range firepower of Callis, Toll, and Mistress Verentia, means that you should try to keep them near the heart of the fighting at all times. They’re tough, but it’s best to protect their flanks with supporting units if possible to prevent them getting enveloped and overwhelmed. And never miss an opportunity to get stuck into your sentenced foe (on principle if nothing else!), as that’s when you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck.**
Thanks, Si! That’s not all this week for Warhammer+ subscribers: join Ed on Citadel Colour Masterclass as he looks at great ways to paint diseased, corrupted metal. It’s perfect for Nurgle’s minions, tainted scenery pieces or any other miniature you want to look thoroughly malign and infectious.
To catch all the latest content on Warhammer+ – and hundreds more episodes besides – make sure you’re subscribed today. Dawnbringers Book 5: Shadow of the Crone and the Saviours of Cinderfall will be available to pre-order soon!
* And, lest we forget, Valius’ redoubtable gryph-hound companion, Balthus, too!
** Or Coin Malleus, for that matter.