New Blood Angels Rumors - My Opinions

So, I thought before posting a ton on the rumors I'd like the rumor mill churn out a few things and be more refined so I don't get hyped about any one thing and then it get dropped. An example being the new Land Raider pattern for BA, which has stopped getting mentioned or out right said not to be in the new codex leaks. So, after looking at the latest things, I'm still not completely sold on it all. As I said I would be happy with a balancing of points, updating of the HQs that need Eternal Warrior or an Invul, etc and I'd be happy. But it looks like they might make this like a mini-Codex: Space Marines. The rumor is they will have HQs from successor chapters that change certain "Combat Tactics." Not much on Dante except he'd get Honor Guard as troops; no word on Eternal Warrior. :-\ Mephiston looks more bad-ass than ever, but no word on an Invul save...

The one thing that was kind of interesting was the possible change to the Overcharged Engines, one of the defining abilities of the army. One tidbit was that if you went over 12" you'd be counted as Open-topped, so there was a risk of going so fast. Now, if we're fast all the time and that's the only negative, I'd just never go over the 12" and just enjoy the ability to fire as a fast vehicle on the Baal pred. Maybe I'd use the Rhino as a last turn grab, but otherwise you're leaving yourself very vulnerable as an open-topped transport which, I would assume, doesn't get that disembark special rule. Other than that, I don't care for a few of the things. No Razorbacks I heard, which is fine, I never would used them, so no biggie. This "Red Fury" doesn't sound like a bad thing since if you within 12" of an enemy, about 90% of the time you're going after them anyway as an assault army. Also a rumored change to Techmarines and a MC HQ or something; couldn't care less about either. The new lander sounds bad ass, but without a points figure, could be totally worthless or broken-awesome.

Really, all in all, not much can be said yet, but we are a few months away from an actual release. Plenty of time for all of this to be proven wrong. Sorry I didn't have much insight to the rumors, but without concrete confirmations and point values (the most important deciding factor in taking any unit) it can't be said what will be even any good, even if it looks awesome-sauce on paper. The biggest thing I'm looking forward to? The new plastic upgrade sprue to make the marines more unique looking. I've been jealous of the Dark Angels and Black Templars for too long!

STRIKE FROM THE SKIES, BROTHERS!

As anyone that loves the Blood Angels knows, we're starting to gear up for the new 40k releases slated for April, beginning with this Incoming: BA! This will be the jump start to get me back to building and painting my Rhinos and BA dudes. As stated before tho, I'm holding off on making my assault marines and veteran units, as I'm expecting an upgrade sprue as the other special SM factions like the Space Wolves. I want my vets to be particularly awesome and ornate, hopefully resembling the HQ's armor designs found on Dante and Mephiston.

I look forward to seeing what the new rules will be. I hope they keep the Overcharged engines the same, or even eliminate the stall on a roll of 1, since we're talking about artisans and perfectionists working on these Rhinos for generations. I also hope they don't go back to the old ways, that I never myself played but they sounded stupid, where random units or individuals would "go Death Company" mid game and rage out. Sounds stupid, and I like the idea that Chaplains select the susceptible before the battle and put them in the company first. Most of all, I hope Assaulters are still "Troops" and they get a rule to assault from a pod, Rhino, or from Deep Strike. Doesn't have to be all of that or whatever, I just don't want it as it is now, where they are just a Troop choice that come with pistols and swords by default. "Whoopdie-do." They need to stand out somehow. Other than that, fix any out of date stuff, update stats and points, and I'd be happy.

The second thing to help me get back in gear would be finding more regular opponents. :-\ Still not looking forward to going to the local gaming club. But I'm still into 40k as a passive hobby in the modeling aspects, so no reason I shouldn't keep building my army.