The Black Templars Chapter - A Warhammer 40,000 Tribute

The Black Templars were founded in the aftermath of the devastating Horus Heresy; a civil war that tore apart a galaxy spanning empire created during the Great Crusade by the Emperor of Mankind. Knowing that no one person should ever again wield the power of a Space Marine Legion or entire Imperial Guard Armies, Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines, compiled the Codex Astartes, a comprehensive tome of military knowledge meant to guide and organize the Space Marines. Reluctant but relenting, Imperial Fists Primarch Rogal Dorn split his Legion into firstly two Chapters; the Crimson Fists and the Black Templars.

From Lexicanum:

"Black Templars place great emphasis on close combat prowess and honour. As such they can often be seen charging into suicidal situations to avenge fallen comrades, but this does not dispel that such tactics indeed prove effective. By their doctrine, they abhor the traitor, the alien and the mutant. The latter trait means that Black Templars stand apart from most other chapters by eliminating Librarians from their organisation. The reason for this is that Librarians are psykers, and psykers are considered a mutant trait that must be kept apart from potential warp influence during battle. However, Black Templars do use non-combat psykers in other tasks that do not directly involve combat. These include Astropaths and Navigators.

"The Black Templars are also notorious for defying Codex doctrine that states that a chapter may only number 1000 battle brothers. This is partly due to the divided nature of the chapter, being spread out everywhere (similar to the Space Wolves) on separate crusades and no one has thus been able to keep track of their exact numbers. However, it has been estimated that there may be several thousand Black Templars spread out around the galaxy - an almost unstoppable force if gathered at one place and cause for the Inquisition to keep a close eye on the Black Templars."

"The Black Templars have continued in the style of their first High Marshal, preferring close combat over ranged warfare. This is further emphasised by the fanaticism of Black Templars Initiates, whose righteous anger makes them impulsive and headstrong."

"Unlike most other chapters, the Black Templars don't have a homeworld. Eschewing the idea of one they opted to live aboard their crusade fleets."

"These vary in size and are made up of dozens of Battle Barges, Strike Cruisers and other craft such as training vessels and huge forge ships. Given this fleet based nature, the Black Templars are rarely assembled as a Chapter, but are instead divided into many Crusades. Every Crusade being responsible for its own recruiting as well as training of new Neophytes."

"The High Marshal himself has his own personal Battle Barge, the Eternal Crusader, a huge vessel that is the spiritual home of the entire Chapter and contains its most sacred relics, chapels, and reliquaries. It has been expanded and refitted many times and can currently hold twice as many Space Marines as a normal battle barge."

"This flexible, mobile nature, allows the Templars to continue the first mission of the Black Templars: to actively seek out the enemies of the Emperor and destroy them before moving onwards to find the next foe. "

Personal Comments: This is a relatively simple affair and was created in the span of a single evening. I was inspired by the numerous tribute videos cropping up on Youtube and thought to take a little stab at it. This isn't in anyway an ambitious undertaking. Given that I don't have 'Dawn of War I or II' and without video capture cards, I don't have the resources to record gameplay of Black Templar Crusade battles. So this is just a simple montage of images and music, and I sorely regret there wasn't any pertinent full-motion-video to interlace it with. Hopefully, Warhammer 40,000 fans will find this enjoyable.

The Emperor Protects.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Warhammer 40

[MechaKhoondaRvB]

hey Warhammer 40k question do all black templars prefer the power sword over the chain sword or is it just preference?

[kelvorn1914]

@MechaKhoondaRvB

It's a matter of preference mostly, I believe. Just off the cuff and from what I can remember, the Black Templars don't strictly follow the Codex Astartes, and weapon allotment is decided based on personal preference and/or merit. Some take chainswords, others power weapons, or even bolter and plasma guns. Some weapons are ancient artefacts and dolled out only to those deemed most worthy.

[MechaKhoondaRvB]

@kelvorn1914 does this include armor too like its just preference on what armor model they wear? I ask cus I see diff helms on some

[kelvorn1914]

@MechaKhoondaRvB That's divided between what's available in the Crusades armoury and said Templar's merit in earning it, and the imagination of an army modeller or artist. Some Crusades may posses older, more ornate sets of power or armour, and some may only posses standard Mark. VII sets that are then spiffed up by the wearer, based on practicality and preference. At least, I think so. God help me if a fanboy comes down on my head for even slightly misquoting the Black Templar codex.

[minitobster]

the land speader is dark angels death wing idiot!

[kelvorn1914]

@minitobster

Ahh well, c'est la vie.

[Link2edition]

awesome video man, I've been listening to it in fullscreen while I paint my templar army.

Black Templar: clearly the most badass chapter in all of the imperium.

[CrayZtwin1]

The ending to this video was absolutely fantastic. Well done Sir. *I am still nodding in approval*

[Magnaliscous]

@kelvorn1914 Lol dont worry, one thing though, power swords are ALWAYS perfered over chainswords, just because they're better

[MrAlfonzo93]

Yes, i play black templars... and yes it may be a 3rd/4th ed codex... yes you may have a shiny new codex but god emperor help you if you get into charge range...

[PaulB530]

Mass effect + Black Templars = Freedom

[liamcharsley2]

its funny they look so evil but are good

[Kravockian]

@thetalon100 It became a relic for the Black Templar I believe.