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1 / 4 · Click to enlargeLore & origins
The Sentinel is a light two-legged walker crewed by a single pilot. It was designed as an agricultural and industrial machine on many worlds before being adapted for war, and it is common across the Astra Militarum. Sentinels range ahead of the army, scouting terrain, hunting enemy infantry and harassing flanks.
There are several patterns. Scout Sentinels have open cockpits and are fast and light, while Armoured Sentinels have enclosed cockpits and heavier armour to fight in the main battle line. Other variants mount different weapon fits for specific roles.
Scout and Armoured Sentinels often operate far from supply lines, deep in enemy territory. Pilots who work independently in this way must use their own initiative, a quality the Guard does not normally encourage in its soldiers.
The Sentinel is a light bipedal walker derived from industrial power-lifter designs. It is rugged, simple and produced on many worlds, which makes it ideal for the Imperial Guard. Different patterns suit different theatres. The open-cabbed Scout Sentinel is built for speed and reconnaissance. The enclosed Armoured Sentinel adds protection at the cost of agility. Other variants include the Catachan pattern for jungles and the Drop Sentinel carried by Elysian regiments. Its single pilot is often a former scout or cavalry trooper with a reckless streak.
Regiments adapt their Sentinels to their environment. Valhallans add claw spikes for gripping glacial ice, and Catachans add huge chainsaws for clearing jungle paths. The Sentinel Power-lifter is a non-combat version with two large power claws for moving heavy ordnance. Scout Sentinels are used for reconnaissance and for supporting infantry, ambushing enemies with multi-lasers and heavy flamers.
Appearance & wargear
A Sentinel is a small cockpit raised on two long, reverse-jointed legs. Its main weapon, mounted below the cockpit, may be a multi-laser, autocannon, heavy flamer, lascannon, missile launcher or plasma cannon. Scout Sentinels have an open cab and Armoured Sentinels an enclosed one.
It has a single-seat cockpit on two digitigrade legs. Weapon mounts carry a multi-laser, heavy flamer, autocannon, lascannon, missile launcher or plasma cannon. Optional fittings include searchlights, smoke launchers and hunter-killer missiles.
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Battlefield role & tactics
Sentinels scout, screen and hunt, using their speed and good view across terrain. Armoured Sentinels also serve as mobile anti-tank or fire-support platforms.
Scout Sentinels move ahead of the army, scouting and outflanking. Armoured Sentinels act as mobile heavy weapons platforms and guard flanks. Squadrons can hunt light vehicles, screen tanks and pin infantry. They are cheap and agile, but anything heavier than small-arms fire can bring them down.
Notable battles & users
- Many war zones: Scout Sentinels are prized for jungle and difficult terrain where tanks cannot follow.
- 1st Kronus Regiment: used Sentinels heavily in the Dark Crusade against several alien factions.
- Armageddon Stompa Hunters: Sentinel squadrons on Armageddon that hunted Ork Stompas, despite the Sentinel being considered badly outmatched against such engines.
- The Drop Sentinel has a modified engine and canopy so it fits inside Valkyrie carriers. A Valkyrie Sky Talon can carry two and release them at low altitude, and grav-chutes then soften their landing. They usually mount a heavy bolter, heavy flamer or multi-melta and are mainly used as fire support by Elysian Drop Troops.
Related
No profiled character is closely tied to this unit type yet.
