On angelic wings Dante descends to bring the might of the sons of Sanguinius to bear. While it has been a long time coming, Dante has been waiting a long time, and he knows well that inevitably the call to war always comes.

Dante arrives as a much needed figurehead to the Blood Angels subfaction, since although Tolmeron does represent the Chapter his Ranged focus puts him at odds with the general Melee theme that the Blood Angels have.

That said Dante is not a Melee specialist, but rather represents the full rounded force of a Space Marines chapter, appropriate for a Chapter Master, and Regent of Imperial Nihilus. No weapons are wasted, and every resource available is turned to the preservation of the Imperium. This all round approach that Dante must use is reflected in his rule “The Sanguine Host”.

Warlord Rule

The Sanguine Host

“Increase the attack values of all friendly cards by 15% and decrease the attack values of all enemy cards by 10%. While Commander Dante is deployed, both effects are doubled. “

Mastering the Rule

So a pretty straightforward but powerful rule, increasing friendly attacks while decreasing opponents attacks. Dante’s leadership alone allows every warrior to excel to the fullest, while undermining the opponents, but when Dante takes the field personally it inspires those under him to deeds of heroism, and his enemies to despair.

While the Space Marine roster for Warlords are quite varied and there are a few flexible options, most of them lean to one attack type, defensive, or force a balance approach. Dante introduces a true “build your perfect list” Warlord, much like Guilliman, but isn’t restricted by such a heavy points cost.

That not to say Dante himself isn’t a formidable piece, he certainly is, and he needs to be given that the rules effects are doubled up to a 30% buff to friendly cards and 20% debuff to opponents while on the field. 

The buff and rule is powerful and flexible enough that you are in a position where you feel you have to have Dante out at all times to get the maximum benefit, but when you do it’s definitely impactful and noticeable. 

Descend upon the foe, with the fury of the angels! For Sanguinius!