Alfa, please. Pls alfa. Pls. Don't call the Ultramarines the greatest of them all. I work hard undoing Wards words. Modesty is a Virtue, you know. *Sips tea*
Oh please stop calling Blood Angels silly names, we aint vampires or anything! Let me suggest that you should first evaluate your own personality, and then find chapter that best suits you. Codices are best to get some understanding of different chapters, but that req some time, though. Let me tell you about Blood Angels. Noble heroes, steadfast defenders of the Imperium, master artisans, striving for perfection in every aspect of their life, belivers in brighter future for mankind. Yet this nobility is marred by the dark side of Sanguinius heritage - the Flaw. Deep inside all Blood Angels lives burning rage and a thirst for blood, no matter whose, but all Blood Angels endure it stoicelly, for this is not only enemy, but also an ally in the midst of battle, where Red Thirst (and this is the name of one side of Flaw) helps achieve victory despite seemingly owerwheling odds. But not everyone is fit to be a Blood Angel, because not everyone has that mental fortitude required to keep Red Thirst in check. And for most unfourtunate warriors the Flaw harbors another fate - lose themseves in the past, memories of Siedge of Terra and Sanguinius, their father. Such brothers can no longer differ reality and delusions, and become part of Death Company, forever lost to the living. Yet those same brothers can fight to the end, and not once Death Company served the Imperium, smashing through enemy defences no matter the cost. However Blood Angels endure to this day, not diminished by their flaw, and inspired to leave heritage before death or insanity claims them, be it honor scrolls, slain enemies or liberated worlds. And there is noone amongst their cousins, who can deny valor and combat prowess of the Chapter, for their long lives are dedicated to perfection of art of war above all others arts. Yet the nature of chapter suggests more favor to close assaults, and every Blood Angel is deadly in close combat, regardless of gear or combat role, and many foes learned that in the hard way. For me Blood Angels two-sided nature and struggle reflects my own struggle with my own temper, even if only human and they are space marines. So when i looked up for tabletop side, i just couldnt find anyone more fit to my character than blood angels and ther successor chapters. This is chapter for hot blooded, but cold headed, favoring close range over distance, and they are also painted in cool red color (though i personally prefer blue, but red is nice as well) and shiny gold.
I'll just leave that here. That being said, choose whoever fits your style the mosts. Alfabusas post is probably the most succinct. Though ultramarines are not the greatest of them all, they just happen to be ruling over a sector which is not a craphole to live in. I mean, what have the Ultramarines ever done for anyone? I mean, yes, literacy for their population...non-corpse starch rations on every planet...decent working hours...decent living conditions...sanitation systems that don't consist of "in the corner"...clean water...a meritocracy where even lowly born people can end up rising high...
Waait wait wait wait, I recognize your name. Are you the same guy who made the hilarious "If the emperor had a text to speech device" series on youtube??
Hmm, you definitely got me interested in Space Wolves, thats for sure. Im a huge sucker for Norse inspired themes. Im not going to lie, the Ultramarines are tempting as well, I like their Roman theme, honor and just caring about people. Living in a part of space which hosts decent living conditions isnt bad as well. But constantly hearing how that Matt Ward guy recked them to the point of shaming its playerbase, Im not so sure about joining them if I can find another chapterI like too. So the Space Wolves, are they fighting just for the sake of fighting, plundering and glory of being the fiercest warriors, or do they care about civilians deep down in their heart?
I do make dumb internet videos such as those on occasion, yes! And for the record, I play Ultramarine - for when you aspire to be great, you must be greatness incarnate.
I would recommend Biel-tan, which are known for their great prowess in battle. If that is not for you then the Alpha Legion is a good choice too, they get a rather good looking armor (not the best, but not bad). They are known to use rather devious tactics/infiltrating the enemies and defeat them from within, so they are a bit "opposite" of the Biel-tan on that regard. If you just want to play something like the Imperial Fists, but with a cool color scheme and without a primarch called "Dork"... I hope Valrak doesn't see this...
dont' let people fool you. The space wolves have done some silly wardian level dickery as well. Cough holding off a thousand orks with a knife cough.
The Ultramarines aren't the only victims of mary sueism, but you need to look past it (and not rely on that stuff as a crutch.) They get a crap ton of flack but in the end it's about if you enjoy their look and feel the most....damn whatever anyone else thinks. Best think about 40k is that it has malleable lore to a point, so you can generally write off the Wardian crap. The Ultras are a great Chapter and you couldn't have a better one by your side if you want a group that cares about the Imperium, heart and soul. The Space Wolves fight for the Emperor, not the God Emperor, and his Imperium. The Wolves have come to blows (read the Months of Shame on lexicanum,) with the Inquisition over protecting the rank and file. There's a bit of overblown bits in the Months of Shame but they give you a feeling of how they approach things. They even live among regular humans in the Fang, natives of Fenris that have proven themselves useful/etc. The two chapters that probably care most about the Imperium's people are the Ultras and Salamanders, though. Wolves care, but it's not usually the first thing on their mind. Yeah, you can generally level some silly accusations at each of the more popular chapters....like the horrible writing of Blood Angels and Necron working together briefly. Crap writing at it's best. I love the Space Wolves, but I like them when they're powerful....just not in the realm of insane even for 40k.
