All Space Marine Chapters make use of ships known collectively as rapid strike vessels. These ships are mainly used for patrols through the Space Marines’ domains, and for providing a mobile escort for the battle barges and strike cruisers. Rapid strike vessels are crewed by the Chapters’ serfs, overseen by a cadre of Techmarines and other specialists. There are many different types of rapid strike vessel, and their design can vary from Chapter to Chapter. For these reasons, we recommend that you use the frigates and destroyers from the Gothic Sector fleet list, with the additional Space Marine rules listed earlier. As you will see from the Adeptus Astartes fleet list, an additional 5 points has been charged for this. Of course, these must be painted in the appropriate fleet colours – you can’t just take your Imperial Navy escorts and say that they are rapid strike vessels!
Note: Ships of this class have brilliant radar systems. They
can perfectly detect enemies. They have Ld bonus: +2 instead of +1 in
boarding action. In this case remove Weapons Batteries. |