Unleash the Dark Angels Lion’s Blade Task Force Warhammer 40k detachment rules for a seamless blend of Ravenwing speed and Deathwing power!
The Dark Angels are like the galaxy’s best-kept secret—except the secret is a little murdery. Known for their flair for the dramatic and a penchant for chasing ghosts from their past, this chapter and thier rules bring a certain poetic ruthlessness to Warhammer 40,000.
A Dark Angels Symphony of Speed and Might
Enter the Lion’s Blade Task Force, a detachment that combines high-octane speed with unyielding strength to create a battlefield strategy as theatrical as it is devastating. This is the second Grotmas Detachment, and it’s bringing the pain! You can download the full rules here.
The Dark Angels are no strangers to drama. From their shrouded history to the whispered tales of betrayal, the galaxy knows them as relentless pursuers of justice—or, if you’re cynical, self-righteous secret keepers.
This proud lineage finds sharp focus in the Lion’s Blade Task Force, a detachment that artfully combines the blazing speed of the Ravenwing with the implacable might of the Deathwing.
A Tale of Two Wings
The Lion’s Blade Task Force is, at its core, a partnership. On one side, you have the Ravenwing: bikes, speeders, and aircraft that move faster than an Eldar’s quip. These units excel at sowing chaos in enemy lines, using pinpoint speed to block retreats and corral enemies like wolves steering prey into a trap.
On the other, there’s the Deathwing: Terminators with an attitude problem, teleporting into the fray with the precision of a scalpel and the subtlety of a thunder hammer. Together, they create a battlefield symphony—fast, brutal, and utterly unforgiving.
Their synergy is baked right into the rules. Ravenwing units force desperate escape tests on enemies that try to flee their engagement range. Deathwing units then swoop in with a tidy +2 to charge rolls against these beleaguered foes.
The result? A one-two punch of tactical brilliance that screams, “Run all you want—we’ll still get you.”
Tools of the Trade: Enhancements That Matter
The Lion’s Blade Detachment comes with a bag of tricks that would make even the most devious Archon jealous. These Enhancements make the task force’s units even more efficient, giving commanders the chance to lean into their chosen playstyle.
- Calibanite Armaments: It’s a fancy way of saying, “My melee weapons now hurt more.” A simple but devastating upgrade that turns even modest attacks into a problem for the opposition.
- Lord of the Hunt: For those Ravenwing champions who don’t know the meaning of “stay put,” this Enhancement allows for charges and shooting after a tactical retreat. Bonus points for the re-rolls on escape tests.
- Stalwart Champion: Your Objective Secured game just got stronger. This upgrade adds a little extra durability to your key units, making sure they’re there when it counts.
- Fulgus Magna Teleport Homer: A Deathwing captain’s best friend, this ancient piece of tech enables one strategic redeployment per game. It’s not flashy—it’s impactful.
Stratagems Worth Mentioning
Stratagems can make or break a detachment’s identity, and the Lion’s Blade Task Force doesn’t disappoint. The standout here is how cleverly these tools lean into the “divide and conquer” playstyle of the Dark Angels.
- Overpowering Exaction: This stratagem gives enemy units a reason to fear getting too close, forcing a Battle-shock test with penalties. It’s a great way to leave your foes second-guessing their choices.
- Strength in Unity: A dual-purpose gem, this stratagem adds defensive penalties to enemies engaged by both wings. Subtract hit rolls for Ravenwing enemies and wound rolls if the Deathwing is involved—it’s punishingly thematic.
- Knights of Iron: Who needs roads? Your Ravenwing units barrel through terrain like it isn’t there, ensuring that nothing slows them down on their way to ruin your opponent’s day.
Bringing the Lore to Life
The Lion’s Blade Task Force isn’t just a collection of rules—it’s a celebration of what makes the Dark Angels tick. The Ravenwing’s blinding speed and the Deathwing’s unyielding strength embody the duality of the Chapter. Thematically, they’re hunting shadows: every move is a step toward uncovering secrets, every strike an act of penance.
Final Thoughts on the New Detachment
Whether you’re assembling a new army or revamping an old one, the Lion’s Blade Task Force adds flair and function to the tabletop. Is it better than the Gladius Detachment?
Probably not, but in a galaxy where secrets can be deadlier than bolter shells, the Dark Angels remind us that some stories are best written in fire and steel!
See All the New 40k Detachments Here
What are your thoughts on the new Warhammer 40k Dark Angels Lion’s Blade versus their other Detachments rules? Will you be playing it?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
