Welcome back, fellow lore enthusiasts, to yet another exciting installment in our multi-part series diving deep into the mysteries and marvels of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Today, we turn our attention to the mighty Shadow Sword, a behemoth of a vehicle that is as formidable as it is awe-inspiring.
Riding high on the opposite side from the spot of the Baneblade’s mechanic driver, the Shadow Sword shares the duties of the tertiary gunner and the commander of the forward weapon. On the Baneblade, this role is filled by twin-linked heavy bolters. However, because these heavy bolters are not housed within a separate turret, their firing sector is heavily restricted. It’s a minor inconvenience though, because the driver rarely needs to fire these weapons – there’s hardly any time for that amidst the tank’s movement.
Even though the Shadow Sword wasn’t designed for close quarters combat, its auxiliary weaponry is still quite a formidable force to reckon with. The primary gunner, seated nearby, is surrounded by special monitors and targeting systems. His post is located significantly deeper than the level of the driver’s seat. Owing to the enormous size of the volcano cannon, aiming often has to be performed by turning the entire tank – this weapon isn’t one to fit in a rotating turret!
Unlike the Baneblade, the Shadow Sword doesn’t have a map table. Lack of free space and surplus energy means everything in the Shadow Sword is built around the volcano cannon. No other weapon demands such close attention. The guns of the Baneblade are significantly simpler, and it could fight its way out of a hopeless situation. In contrast, the Shadow Sword faces a choice between moving and firing.
Shadow Swords are not flexible in tactical terms. They are “all or nothing” war machines. Moreover, with such powerful armament, they are at the top of the priority target list for the enemy. Therefore, Shadow Swords never fight alone. Typically, they are part of mixed tank platoons, where their covers are provided by other super heavy tanks or they might be temporarily placed under the protection of a couple of squadrons of Leman Russ battle tanks.
An example of a typical tank cover group could include a squadron of three Leman Russ tanks, the Hydra Flak tank, and a pair of Chimeras with infantry. This composition was recommended in the tactics of the Imperialis. Such an armored group was spotted during the suppression of the Donato War in the year 334 of the 41st Millennium. Although, it was claimed that this armored group was invented much earlier, during the Age of Apostasy in the 36th Millennium.
Many renowned tank aces fought on Shadows Swords. For instance, the tank “Iron Saint”, commanded by one of the best tankers of the Armageddon Steel Legion, Pious Corin, during the Third War for Armageddon. He destroyed hundreds of Ork armored vehicles, tanks, and walkers, including several Stompers.
Another notable example is the tank “Lux Imperator”, attached to the Seventh Paragonian Super Heavy Tank Company. In the battle with Orks on the sandy plains of Kalidar 4, it destroyed dozens of Ork tanks and battle wagons, and then went on to destroy Stompers. One shot, one Stomper.
Despite their power, hunting Titans was a dangerous pursuit. However, there were Shadow Swords that claimed two or more Titans. They were powerful, they were efficient, and they were deadly. They were the ultimate embodiment of destructive force in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Stay tuned for more exciting lore in our next installment!
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