Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

so, I have BA, I want to start collecting either Ultramarines or Crimson fists, what are the differences?

Ultramarines have a three-faceted chapter tactic that you can activate one of a turn, and have the largest selection of special characters, one benefiting one each of tactical squads, assault squads, and devastator squads, with other small boosts in there. Imperial fists have bolter drill (reroll 1s with bolt weapons) and a bonus to building damage and to devastators (centurion and power armoured), and have access to Lysander. Personally, I feel that it's up to your playstyle. Imperial Fists also have that supplement out now, if you feel like having that.

If it's Crimson Fists you're after, they have Pedro Kantor, who in addition to being a decent character, makes all your Sternguard units scoring. He isn't an Eternal Warrior though, which does suck.

IF chapter tactic Bolter Drill = re-roll to-hit bolter rolls of 1.

IF 3rd company tactic Close Range Bolter Drill = re-roll *all* failed to-hit and to-wound bolter rolls (at rapid fire range).

If you play Fists you have the flexibility of choosing which version you want to use at the start of the game.