So the one thing the Blood Angels are missing for sure is there own Decurion style detachment/ Gladius Strike Force. Definitely somethings that needs to be remedied to bring them back up to snuff (apart from these other issues)
So first of all lets talk the most important and defining factor of the force, the Command Benefits. I think that the first and most obvious one is +1 I on the charge. This is the same benefit a Baal SF and BA demi-company get right now, no reason to change that. BUT that can't be all. Every other Decurion type formation goes way over the top in this realm. So what should the sons of Sanguinius get? There are a few possibilities that stick out to me.
1- All transports gain the "Assault Vehicle" rule. Now, this may very well be too OP (though next to the new Deathwatch I am not all too sure. Have you seen the Frag Cannon rules. Assault 2 Lascannons, really GW?). BUT Decurions are known for the OPness, and this may just fit the bill. It makes tactical squads in a a BA army useful. It gives us a BIG chance to actually make it to assault. Possibly this would not be allowed or apply to drop pods, and that seems reasonable, if not a little clunky.
2- Everyone gains Rage. This is okay, if not a little plain. Still, something to consider.
3- Everyone gains Relentless. While this may not seem very BA like, it would be great for a Battle Company of Angels. Think of it, being able to move, shoot and assault with non-assault weapons. If you are being mandated to take 2 demi-companies (like both the Lions Blade and Gladius), this means 6 tactical and 2 Devastators. Those aren't really assault units are they? Well Relentless makes them such, especially since they have FC and, assuming it stays on the detachment, +1 I.
4- What would this list be without a "free stuff" option. Free transports has been done, though it would not be bad IF the BA decurion HAD to be a Battle Company. BUT something else would be nice. Maybe free upgrades on Sergeants or Veteran Sergeants (ie, pay 10 points to be a vet, then you can get anything).
Next would be the command, core, and aux choices. Command would be simple: Captain or Characters w/ 0-1 Honour Guard or 0-1 Sanguinary Guard. A Blood Angels Librarius Conclave would be nice. Also, I think some sort of "Baal Priesthood" option would be cool, with Sanguinary Priests.
Core for the BA would most likely be a Demi-company, as it is with all the other chapters. It would be nice to see other options. Maybe they would make a Flesh Tearer Decurion too and that is where the heavy assault troop options would come in. I would love to see something with tons of Assault Marines.
Auxiliary Choices, just some spit ball ideas here.
- Some sort of BA variant of Skyhammer
- Death Company with an attached chaplain.
- Furiosos!
- Some super sweet Baal Predator Formation. Maybe they gain torrent!
- Vanguard and Assault Marines together
- A BA variant of the 10th company task force
- An "Assault Wing" with bikes, land speeders and jump troops. Basically an 8th company task force I guess.
- The Sanguinor with 1+ Sanguinary Guard squads
- A BA variant of the 1st Company Task Force
Do you all have any thoughts on the matter?