Unit of the Week: Sanguinary Novitiate

[Jolemai]

Welcome to the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the unique units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Sanguinary Novitiate

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use a Sanguinary Novitiate?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples? Suitable for Warlord duties?
• Footslog, jump pack (Index) or transport?
• Who will you be babysitting with this unit?
• How are you buffing this unit?
• Stratagems?

Over to you

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[Spyros]

It's Sanguinary Novitiate... the good old 2nd edition Apothecary (only he could choose a firearm). At 55 points perhaps something of a more offensive nature (like a "similar" Company Champion) is better. When the small characters were part of the Command squad (Honour Guard) they were of more use, now it's only if you need to fill points...

[Spagunk]

It's not a terrible squad upgrade type character. I've often considered putting him in charge of a few tac squads. If you are playing low point games he can definitely help keep those objectives. Larger point games, not really a good use of an Elite spot.

 

That being said, he would benefit the most if he, like lieutenants, had multiples per slot. As is he competes way too much with everything else in the elite slot so I give it a "meh" rating.

[CaptainHelion]

He can work like a cheap Sanguinary Priest, if you're okay to lose out on the +1 strength bubble the priest has. Giving him a jumppack from the Index strongly helps him, but outside of that his abilities are... limited.

[9x19 Parabellum]

with only a 50/50 chance for the narthecium to work, about the only use I see for this guy is to have them babysit really expensive infantry units, like Centurions, but since BA's don't have those, about the next best thing is assault terminators.  But I think I'd rather just buy an extra assault terminator for 47 points than spend 55 for a 50/50 chance on this guy.

[Panzer]

Yeah the use for him is pretty easy to decide. Use him the exact same way as you'd use a Sanguinary Priest but with less of a focus on melee due lack of +1S. He can't do anything special compared to an actual Priest so his role isn't any different.

[Majkhel]

As already said, his role would mostly be babysitting units as a healer. Cheapest version without a JP should be able to keep up with Aggressors or Devastators as they rarely need the +1S boost. Preferably in conjunction with the Ancient and bigger unit/multiple units so they don't get erased before Narthecium has a chance to work.

I used him in that way in a few smaller point games. Wasn't game-changing though.

JP-version could trail SG, however his set load out limits his fighting capabilities a bit.

[FormelyKnownAsSmashyPants]

Unless running a pure Primaris force, I reckon this guy is better than his Primaris equivalent. He's got the same melee output, less shooting out put, but miles better mobility, even without the index option of the JP, as he can go in a rhino.