Age of Sigmar: Cities of Sigmar’s New Pontifex Zenestra
Games Workshop is showing off the brand new Pontifex Zenestra’s rules in all her might and glory!
The new Cities of Sigmar range isn’t done showing off yet. Today we’re getting a look at the upcoming character of Pontifex Zenestra and her rules. This priestess of the Great Wheel is riding into battle on the backs of her followers.
“The sight of the Matriarch of the Great Wheel being borne into battle upon her magnificent palanquin embodies this belief like little else. You’d be forgiven for thinking that worship of wheels would see her carried atop a gilded Steam Tank, but even the thought of a sacred wheel dirtied by the filth of battle gives the cult the ick. Instead, she is carried through raw muscle and stamina, just as the strength of generations has kept the wheel of civilization turning. “
Pontifex Zenestra
The model is pretty neat! And while this isn’t the first time we’ve seen it we’re learning that this Blessed Palanquin isn’t just for show. It’s got all the best safety feature you’ll ever need as you ride around the Mortal Realms: A 4+ ward!
That said, Pontifex Zenestra isn’t happy with just being carried into battle. She’s got a few other boons she can toss out to the faithful, too:
She certainly seems like she’s a “lead from the front” or at least a “get me out of my own territory quickly” type of leader. Cast Out Evil is going to be a potent ability against Wizard/Priest heavy lists. Aside from that, the extra 2″ move might not sound like much but it should help with some of the slower elements in the army (looking at you great cannons). And the final prayer is Hallowed Ground which is justs a 5+ ward bubble — that’s just plain handy!
Personally, I think this model is pretty interesting. It’s certainly telling a story with the skeleton on the opposite side of Zenestra. However, it does seem like there might be something a bit more sinister going on.
“A coruscating halo of lightning follows her around the battlefield, tines of celestial energy blasting the enemies of Sigmar.
This power not only harms Sigmar’s foes – just a few months as a palanquin bearer will reduce muscular youths to withered old men. There are, however, always more lining up to take their place, which is perhaps understandable if the alternative is standing shoulder to shoulder in a Castelite formation. “
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that maybe we’ve got a Dorian Grey/Energy Vampire thing going on. I don’t trust this character from a lore perspective — no matter how much she claims to be a devotee of Sigmar or the Great Wheel!
What’s your take on Pontifex Zenestra?
