Dredging the Grimdark: The Fallen Angels

Dredging the Grimdark is a series of articles that review how you can use old, out of production (OOP) Citadel models or odd fluff armies in your games of 7th Edition Warhammer 40k. Have a favorite model or story that you don't know how to use? Comment below and we can feature your suggestion in a later edition.

The Fallen Angels are an interesting concept for a 40k army. The most interesting part being that, due to their number, I don't know that you could classify them as an "army".  According to the fluff, the majority of the Fallen are loners. Traveling through backwater systems as mercenaries, trying to stay out of the watchful gaze of their old brothers, the Dark Angels. But, some have taken a different path. 

A select few of the Fallen forge out their own empires among the stars, or band together and join the forces of Chaos in their quest to overthrow the God-Emperor. And, don't forget to include the Fallen who have repented for their sins. These select few still side with the Emperor, some even joining the Deathwatch as Black Shields.

In a game system like 40k, finding the specific rules for your fluff based army can be difficult. The Fallen are veterans in the full sense of the word. Having lived and fought since the 30th millennium, you need make sure you represent their skills and abilities, while also making sure you are adhering to the narrative (unless you are the type of player that allies Tau with Chaos Daemons, then just go with whatever). Below are a couple rules options focusing on the three main types of Fallen Angels as I see them: Tainted by Chaos, Rogues and Mercenaries, and Exiles. 

Tainted by Chaos 

(I fell to Nurgle and I liked it. Taste of his rotten chapstick)

Fluff and Rules: I would start with the Dataslate: Cypher. Run the Fallen Champions formation with Cypher and one to three units of Chosen. Ally with a Chaos army full of cultists, representing their henchmen and lackeys. Throw in a daemon prince for some spice and psychic fun.

Modeling: You can model these Chosen as bog standard chaos models, or have some fun and use the Dark Angels Veterans bits. These warriors have been fighting for millennia, so paint and mock them up as you see fit!

Cypher: Ethereal Badass

Rogues and Mercenaries

(Power Hungry Super Humans)

Fluff and Rules: I would use Codex: Space Marines. I see them best represented by Sternguard, but that's just me. Limit yourself on fun toys, but don't hold back if your narrative dictates it. Make sure to throw Cypher into the mix, too. These guys HATE the Dark Angels, and will do anything to get one over on the Unforgiven. Rulers of small systems and sell swords, I could see them picking up the odd tank or two. A heavy terminator force would be odd, but use it if you can justify it!

Modeling: This could be fun. You could just use bog standard Dark Angels, painted in their pre-heresy colors. You could also use a mix of chaos and standard marine kits to give a slight edge. A lot of opportunity for creativity here!

Pre-Heresy Dark Angels

Exiles

(We're reeeeaaaalllyyy sorry!!!)

Fluff and Rules: This one is a little off the wall, but I think Codex: Legion of the Damned would be an interesting choice. You could run a small allied force of around ten to twelve marines (which makes sense narratively) and just attribute their abilities to centuries upon centuries of warfare and sneaking under the noses of the Dark Angels. Extra points if you play with Space Wolves against Dark Angels. What a twist!!!

Modeling: For this, I would use more standard Dark Angels marines, painted in pre-heresy colors. But, there is also some room for creativity here, too. Whatever you decide, they are your minis!

Until next time!