Deliverance
Deliverance is a Steam Tank of the Empire. [1]
Commanders
- Gunther Maybach, Master Engineer. [4a]
- Albrecht Sturn, the vampire slayer. [1]
History
Engineer-Journeyman Marcus Friedscof wrote a history of the tank - A Concise History of the illustrious mechanical wonder, the Steam Tank Deliverance. [3]
Deliverance was created by Leonardo of Miragliano in 2035 IC and was fitted with a prototype steam-powered cannon, powerful when it worked but prone to exploding! The tank was first tested in war at the Battle of Kalmur Hill where it malfunctioned in spectacular fashion with a ruptured boiler. It was towed back to Altdorf for repairs. [3]
Leonardo refined the control mechanisms of the boilers and Deliverance proved to be a powerful force in a battle in the north of the Empire where when its cannon failed, the Commander Heinrich Woolendurst used his vehicles as a battering ram. By the time it returned to Altdorf, Leonardo had been lost as had two of his tanks. An experimental steam gun was fitted during this period. [3]
The tank demolished the Terracotta Wall of Ramhotep the Visionary during the campaign against Quatar in 2041 IC IC and would later destroy the Vampire Lord Davargos the Tainted at the Battle of Dalvern Hill. [1]
In 2253 IC a early version of the Helblaster was fitted to the tank but when this exploded it nearly destroyed the tank but Deliverance was able to be rebuilt. [3]
For the Great War Against Chaos, it was given additional armour a new much larger steam cannon as well as a secondary carriage which powered the new weapon. [3] It earned its name and a Imperial Cross for services rendered [1][2] but the new cannon and carriage were removed as they considered too dangerous. [3]
During the reign of Karl Franz, a new Dawi inspired liquid-flame projector prototype was fitted to the tank but it was returned to its traditional armament with a much-refined steam cannon and gun. [3]
In 2515 IC, Ostland was invaded by a large force from the far north and asked for aid. Although the Emperor was in Bretonnia with much of the army, a coalition was assembled with a relief force from Nuln under Grand Marshal Ludwig Gutman including the Deliverance.
End Times
In 2524/5 IC, Master Engineer Gunther Maybach commanded the tank, often tinkering with the war machine in the sprawling Krupthof Foundries. He was examining a strange bomb had been discovered and brought to him for his thoughts which he found both ingenious and ramshackle and containing a greenish sand rather than gunpowder. Captain Dreschsler suggested it was a Skaven design, which concerned them both and as the captain went off to warn The Grand Marshall, Maybach toke the ironclad out, powering up its new upgraded engine. [4a]
As the Skaven attacked the city from below, Maybach engaged the enemy, emerging from the western end of the Marktplatz where the defenders were hard pressed.[4b] With the increased power of its new engine, the tank ploughed through the ratmen like a ship through the sea but was suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning. A trio of Doomwheels were moving towards Deliverance, discharging warp-lighting in all directions. A single cannon ball in reply shattered the first enemy war machine and it drove straight through the second. However the third unleashed a trio of supercharged bolts that tore the steam tank apart before the Doomwheel careened wildly away and through a nearby house. [4c]
Weapons and Equipment
- WFRP 4th: Steam Cannon, Steam Gun (turret) and additional boiler carriage. [1]
Gallery
Sources
- 1: Emperor's Wrath (book): The Eight Wonders of the Empire, pg. 4
- 2: White Dwarf 354 (UK): The Drums of War, pg. 50-74
- 3: White Dwarf 263 (UK): Steam Tank, pg. 32-35
- 4: Warhammer: Thanquol
- 4a: Chapter 4: The Bell Tolls for Nuln, pg. 132-133
- 4b: Chapter 4: The Bell Tolls for Nuln, pg. 144
- 4c: Chapter 4: The Bell Tolls for Nuln, pg. 146
