What is the Black Rage Rule 40k?
The Black Rage rule in Warhammer 40k is a unique ability possessed by the Blood Angels Chapter and their successors, which allows them to enter a state of fury in combat, increasing their Attacks characteristic and making them more resistant to damage. This rule is a representation of the genetic flaw known as the Flaw of Sanguinius, which causes Blood Angels to experience a psychic echo of their Primarch’s death at the hands of Horus, leading to a state of madness and increased combat prowess.
Understanding the Black Rage Rule
The Black Rage rule is often confused with the Red Thirst, another genetic flaw affecting the Blood Angels, but while the Red Thirst is a desire to drink the blood of enemies, the Black Rage is a full-blown psychotic episode where the Space Marine believes they are reliving the final battle of Sanguinius.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Red Thirst and the Black Rage?
The Red Thirst is a desire to drink the blood of enemies, while the Black Rage is a psychic echo of Sanguinius‘ death, causing the Space Marine to enter a state of madness.
Did the Black Rage exist before Sanguinius died?
No, the Black Rage did not exist prior to the death of Sanguinius.
What is the Black Rage ability in Blood Angels?
The Black Rage gives Blood Angels an extra attack in a turn when they charge, making them highly formidable in close combat.
What are the Blood Angels gene flaws?
The Blood Angels have two genetic flaws: the Red Thirst and the Black Rage, also known as the Flaw of Sanguinius.
Who has survived the Black Rage?
Mephiston is one example of a Blood Angel who has overcome the Black Rage, emerging more powerful than before.
Has Dante fallen to the Black Rage?
Dante has experienced the Black Rage but has not fully succumbed to it, overcoming some version of it during his transformation.
Do Primaris get the Black Rage?
Yes, Primaris Blood Angels can suffer from the Black Rage, despite initial beliefs that they might be more resistant.
Who was the only Blood Angel in history to have overcome the Black Rage?
Mephiston is the only Blood Angel to have fully conquered the Black Rage.
Do Blood Angels successors have Black Rage?
Yes, all Blood Angels and their successors may one day suffer from the Black Rage.
Why did Horus fear Sanguinius?
Horus feared that if Sanguinius were to turn to Chaos, he could usurp control of the rebellion, leading Horus to task Ka’Bandha with killing Sanguinius.
What demon fought Sanguinius?
Ka’Bandha, a Greater Daemon, fought Sanguinius on two occasions.
Did Horus fear Sanguinius?
Yes, Horus hated and feared Sanguinius more than any of his other brothers after his turn to Chaos.
Whose blood do Blood Angels drink?
Blood Angels experience the Red Thirst, a desire to drink the blood of their enemies or any blood in general.
What are the Space Marines that drink blood?
The Blood Drinkers are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter known for their craving for blood due to a mutated Omophagea gene-seed organ.
Do Primaris have the Red Thirst?
Yes, Primaris Blood Angels do have the Red Thirst, as Cawl believed it was part of the Emperor’s intentional design.
Why did Sanguinius have wings?
Sanguinius‘ wings were unique and may have been a result of his mutation or designed by the Emperor himself.
Who is the Avenging Angel?
In biblical context, the Avenging Angel refers to angels tasked with punishing wrongdoers, but in the context of Warhammer 40k, Sanguinius and by extension, his sons, the Blood Angels, could be seen as avenging angels due to their role as protectors of humanity.