The upcoming release of Codex: Space Marines heralds significant changes for almost every part of the faction, from datasheets to detachments. This also has a knock-on effect on other Space Marine factions that rely on those core rules, so over the next couple of days, we’re going to see how less Codex-compliant Chapters are being updated – starting with the Blood Angels and Dark Angels.
Blood Angels
When Codex: Space Marines releases, the Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Space Wolves, Black Templars, and Deathwatch will all get an overhaul of their units and detachments in the Warhammer 40,000 app, while the more Codex-compliant Chapters like the Salamanders and Imperial Fists will get updates to their specialist detachments.
The Blood Angels, for instance, get a new 2DP version of Angelic Inheritors that focuses their detachment rule on the ability to re-roll 1s for Hit and Wound rolls (that everybody chose anyway) while still offering four enhancements and six stratagems with plenty of familiar favourites. Their new Measured Strategist stratagem is a versatile tool that lets a unit slip into whichever Combat Doctrine they please, so even if most of your army fancies having Assault on their guns, Dante and his Sanguinary Guard can advance and charge right into the thick of it.
MEASURED STRATEGIST (1CP)
ANGELIC INHERITORS STRATAGEM
Stern and level-headed, this Blood Angels commander is a beacon of composure amidst the tempest of his brothers’ fury, providing much-needed tactical guidance for his impetuous battle-brothers.
WHEN: Your Command phase.
TARGET: One friendly ADEPTUS ASTARTES CHARACTER unit.
EFFECT: Select one combat doctrine. That combat doctrine is active for your unit until the start of your next Command phase.
As true sons of Sanguinius will know, Angelic Inheritors specifically affects CHARACTER units – whether they’re running around on their own or leading their subordinates – and they’re getting a few upgrades of their own. Commander Dante now activates the Assault and Tactical doctrines for his unit at all times, while everyone’s favourite Black Rage survivor Mephiston is stronger, tougher, and faster than ever.
CHIEF LIBRARIAN MEPHISTON
M | T | SV | W | LD | OC |
8" | 6 | 2+ | 6 | 6+ | 1 |
INSV 4+
MELEE WEAPONS | RANGE | A | WS | S | AP | D |
Vitarus | Melee | 6 | 2+ | 10 | -3 | 3 |
In addition to Angelic Inheritors, Encarmine Speartip and Wrath of the Doomed also return with a few minor tweaks, while all of their current specialist units – including the Baal Predator – have been updated where needed to work with the new rules.
Dark Angels
Over on the Dark Angels side of the aisle, their Wrath of the Rock detachment also returns at 2DP, primed for being combined with the wide assortment of 1DP detachments in Codex: Space Marines.
Most of their enhancements and stratagems are the classics you know and love, but Armour of Contempt and Leonine Aggression* get swapped out for In Sacrifice, Victory and Knights of Iron. The former lets a Deathwing or Ravenwing unit secure an objective with their dying breath, while the latter sends skilled Ravenwing pilots and riders buzzing around seemingly solid terrain with the MOBILE keyword.
IN SACRIFICE, VICTORY (1CP)
WRATH OF THE ROCK STRATAGEM
Those inducted into the Dark Angels’ Inner Circle will gladly give their lives in pursuit of victory, and to see the Fallen brought to justice.
WHEN: Any phase, when a friendly DEATHWING/RAVENWING unit within range of an objective is destroyed.
TARGET: That DEATHWING/RAVENWING unit. You can target that unit with this stratagem even though it is destroyed.
EFFECT: Select one objective:
That no enemy units (excluding AIRCRAFT units) are within range of.
That your unit was controlling at the end of the previous phase.
That objective is secured.
KNIGHTS OF IRON (1CP)
WRATH OF THE ROCK STRATAGEM
Atop their snarling mechanical steeds, the warriors of the Ravenwing surge through seemingly impassable terrain, smashing through rubble and ruin to unleash the wrath of the Unforgiven upon unsuspecting targets.
WHEN: Your Movement/Charge phase, when a friendly RAVENWING unit is selected to move or declares a charge.
TARGET: That RAVENWING unit.
EFFECT: Your unit has MOBILE.
We’ve already seen Roboute Guilliman’s new datasheet, so how does his brother Primarch stack up against the Avenging Son? Lion El’Jonson gets the same Toughness 10, 16 Wounds upgrade as Guilliman, but also adds some new abilities to his belt.
The Watchers gives him a permanent Feel No Pain 4+ against all psychic attacks and mortal wounds even when he hasn’t picked his No Hiding From the Watchers aura – which now confers Feel No Pain 5+ against psychic attacks and mortal wounds to units within 6”.
Meanwhile, his Master Strategist lets him pick a Combat Doctrine to have active every turn, in addition to the one you normally pick. And for those that are worried, the Lion keeps his Dark Angels Bodyguard, Emperor's Shield and his Primarch of the First Legion abilities.
LION EL’JONSON
M | T | SV | W | LD | OC |
8" | 10 | 2+ | 16 | 5+ | 4 |
ABILITIES
The Watchers: This unit has Feel No Pain 4+ against psychic attacks and mortal wounds.
Master Strategist: In your Command phase, you can use this ability. If you do, select one combat doctrine to be active for this unit until the start of your next Command phase, in addition to any other combat doctrine.
The Inner Circle Task Force and Darkflight Pursuit detachments also stick around at 1DP each, and the latter now gives Outrider Squads the BATTLELINE keyword for some proper high speed Ravenwing action. If you’re a particular fan of Deathwing Knights, try combining Wrath of the Rock with the new Terminator Storm Force detachment for some terrifying Terminator-based synergies.
Tomorrow, we’ll be showing off changes for the Space Wolves, Black Templars, and Deathwatch – including a 1DP detachment that lets you add some Deathwatch troops to other Space Marines armies. We’ll have the more Codex-compliant reveals the day after. See you there!
* The new version of Heroic Intervention made this one a little redundant, after all.
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