http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/69.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Dark Angels expansion to Dark Vengeance. I love the Dark Angels fluff, even though their rules can be a bit lackluster. I picked up the original Limited Edition Dark Vengeance set when it first came out, and I was blown away by the quality of the sculpts and the substantial cost savings.

The new expansion boxed set contains three combo kits: Ravenwing Black Knights/Ravenwing Command Squad, Deathwing Knights/Deathwing Command Squad, and the Ravenwing Dark Talon/Nephilim. If bought separately, all three kits would cost $185. So, the $140 price point of the boxed set has a built-in savings of $45, which with some rough math comes out to around a 25% savings. If you were to purchase from an online retailer offering 20% off and free shipping, you'd be raking in a savings of over 40%.

Inside the box, you will receive the full sprues, bases, decals, and instructions sheets you'd expect of the full kits. In addition, you also receive a copy of the rules for every unit in the set, as well as the Dark Angels special rules and weapons profiles. It's a nice little bonus, and it means that if you already have a copy of Dark Vengeance, you would not need any other purchases to play with your models straight out of the box. Excepting maybe a tube of glue, of course

If you are new to the game, this would be the natural starting point to the hobby. Going in with a friend, a copy of Dark Vengeance and both expansion sets (Dark Angels and Crimson Slaughter) would cost $385. Each player's share would be $192.50, and factoring in online retailers who regularly offer 20% off and free shipping, you'd be looking at a a very reasonable $150 and change.

What kind of army would you have after the dust had settled?

DA Company Master (counts-as Azrael, 215 points)
DA Librarian (65 points)
Tactical Squad (195 points)
Deathwing Terminator Squad (240 points)
Ravenwing Attack Squadron (95 points)
Ravenwing Black Knights (126 points)
Deathwing Knights (235 points)
Nephilim Jetfighter (180 points)

A 1,351 point single-CAD, battle-forged army, and every unit excepting the Nephilim is an OBSEC Troops choice. This is barebones, and with just a few wargear upgrades, a 1,500 point list is very do-able. It's not going to win any tournaments, but it's an impressive start in the hobby and it allows the player to go in virtually any direction with the Dark Angels list.

TL;DR The Dark Angels expansion and a Dark Vengeance boxed set are perfect, inexpensive entries into the hobby for new players. Barring a few hobby supplies, the whole game can be played with just the box contents and an opponent.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/625667/7403376.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/625667/7403376.page GMT CSM.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/625667/7403388.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/625667/7403388.page GMT