Narrative Review – Dark Angels (Part 2)

Hi all,
We are continuing on in our review of the Dark Angels Crusade rules! Today we are focusing on relics, Requisitions and Battle Traits!

Requisitions:

1. Rite of Honour (1RP): Reflecting the somber and ritualistic nature of the Dark Angels, this Requisition allows players to honor successful conquests through ancient rituals. By spending 1RP, participating CHARACTER models gain XP, with increased XP if they’ve destroyed enemy CHARACTER units, reinforcing the chapter’s focus on duty and redemption.
2. Penitent’s Hope (1RP): Emphasizing the importance of capturing Fallen brethren, this Requisition offers players a chance at redemption after a failed attempt. By spending 1RP, players can re-attempt the Capture the Fallen Bonus Agenda, aligning with the chapter’s relentless pursuit of traitors.
3. Veteran Initiates (1RP): This Requisition allows players to bolster their forces with seasoned battle-brothers from elite companies, reflecting the discovery of the Fallen and the initiation of the hunt. By spending 1RP, players can grant XP to selected units, enhancing their battlefield capabilities.

Battle Traits:

RAVENWING AIRCRAFT UNITS:

• Silver Talon: Reflecting incredible feats of daring flying, this trait allows re-rolling one Hit roll or one Wound roll when resolving attacks, showcasing the precision and skill of Ravenwing pilots.
• Lightning Reflexes: Enhanced reaction time grants a 4+ invulnerable save against ranged attacks, reflecting the Ravenwing’s ability to anticipate and evade incoming fire with supernatural speed.

DEATHWING INFANTRY UNITS:

• Staunch Hunters: Surviving against the odds, this trait allows one model in the unit to regain 1 lost wound at the start of each player’s turn, demonstrating the Deathwing’s resilience and endurance in battle.
• Watched Over: Guided by enigmatic Watchers in the Dark, this trait allows the unit to use the Watcher in the Dark’s ability twice per battle, emphasizing the mysterious assistance received by the Deathwing.

RAVENWING UNITS:

• Death on Dark Wings: Exploiting their speed and stealth, this trait subtracts 1 from the Hit roll of ranged attacks targeting the unit if it Advanced in the previous Movement phase, showcasing the Ravenwing’s ability to evade enemy fire.
• Inescapable: Demonstrating unparalleled accuracy, this trait allows ignoring modifiers to Ballistic Skill and Hit rolls, enabling precise volleys while hurtling into battle at breakneck speeds.

ADEPTUS ASTARTES INFANTRY UNITS:

• Indomitable Conquerors: Standing firm in the face of adversity, this trait grants a Feel No Pain 5+ ability while within range of an objective marker, reflecting the unwavering resolve of Adeptus Astartes infantry units.
• Ever Watchful: Burning with cold hatred for the enemies of the Imperium, this trait allows targeting the unit with the Fire Overwatch or Heroic Intervention Stratagem once per battle for 0CP, showcasing their vigilant readiness to defend against enemy incursions.

Crusade Relics:

Artificer Relics:

• Archeotech Armament: Enhanced with ancient technologies, this relic improves a ranged weapon’s Strength, Armor Penetration, and Damage characteristics by 1, while also granting the [hazardous] ability.
• The Raven’s Eyes: Equipped by Ravenwing models, this relic allows the bearer’s unit to ignore modifiers to Move characteristic and to Advance and Charge rolls, enhancing their maneuverability on the battlefield.
• Black Pearl Rosarius: Exclusive to Chaplains, this relic grants re-rolls to Hit rolls in melee against CHARACTER units, with additional benefits against CHAOS or FALLEN units, aligning with the chapter’s mission to hunt down traitors.

Antiquity Relics:

• Monster Slayer of Caliban: This melee weapon strikes with anti-monster and anti-vehicle capabilities, reflecting its origins and potency in the hands of a pure-hearted warrior.
• Shield of Calloson: Once per battle, this relic provides the bearer with a 4+ Feel No Pain against mortal wounds and a 2+ invulnerable save, showcasing its formidable defensive capabilities.

Legendary Relics:

• Mantle of the Seneschal: Enhancing the bearer’s attributes and inspiring nearby units, this relic embodies the martial tradition of Caliban, turning the bearer into a beacon of inspiration on the battlefield.

Closing Summary:

The Requisitions, Battle Traits, and Crusade Relics available to Dark Angels Crusade forces not only provide tactical advantages on the battlefield but also deeply integrate with the lore and narrative themes of the chapter. From honoring victories through ancient rituals to wielding relics steeped in the history of Caliban, these mechanics offer players strategic options that resonate with the chapter’s iconic playstyle and lore.

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