Space Marines. Order of the Black Templar

Black Templars

"There are no innocents, only varying degrees of guilt."

Space Marines

"Your life is the Emperor's property. Spend it wisely."

Born as genetically modified warriors from the very flesh of the Emperor, Space Marines are the greatest defenders of humanity, standing resolutely against the countless horrors of a hostile Galaxy. They exceed ordinary humans in every way, able to survive injuries that would kill a man three times over, and they fight in the harshest conditions with profound and unwavering faith. Armed with bolters, weapons of divine wrath, and clad in power armor crafted by ancient masters, Space Marines are the living embodiment of the Emperor's will.

Each Space Marine chapter consists of thousands of Astartes, independently recruiting, training, and instilling ideology. Space Marines are more than soldiers; they are noble, strong in faith, and fanatically devoted to their chapter and the Emperor, fighting with fervor that is unattainable for a mere mortal. Lacking the number of the Imperial Guard, Space Marines fight where they choose, annihilating their enemies with precise and powerful strikes and lightning-fast assaults. They are Angels of Death, storms of the Emperor's wrath, before which no one can stand. With fire and sword, they cleanse the stars of aliens and the Galaxy of sinners, ruthlessly exterminating the enemies of humanity.

Age of Strife

"The Emperor's will is your beacon, for it dispels the shadows" — Sigismund's Verse, Volume 104, Verse 1.

The early days of humanity's starward struggle were a time of dark legends and forgotten tales, remembered only by the immortal Emperor of Mankind. The galaxy was consumed by horrifying wars and lawlessness, and with the fragmentation of human civilization, alien races and malevolent entities of the Warp seized the opportunity to descend upon defenseless planets, enslaving their populations. Worlds were captured, people were exterminated, and even those worlds which withstood fell into barbarism. Isolated and riven by strife, the remaining human planets became a mere shadow of what they once were. Humanity stood on the brink of extermination, and it needed great heroes more than ever to cast back the dark hordes.

From the ashes of the Age of Strife arose a mighty leader, a man known as the Emperor. No records remain of his origins, but the empire he founded, conquering countless planets across the galaxy, was established on Terra, the cradle of humanity. From the very outset of his campaign, the Emperor employed genetically modified warriors — the precursors to the modern Space Marines. In concealed laboratories deep beneath the surface of Terra, the Emperor began the creation of the next generation of super-warriors. These were the Primarchs, twenty extraordinary individuals destined to become His generals — great leaders conquering thousands of worlds in His name. Each Primarch possessed powers and skills far surpassing those of any other warrior and could rival the Emperor Himself. However, in a catastrophic event early in their development, the great work of the Emperor was all but destroyed when the Primarchs were scattered across the galaxy by an unknown force.

The Great Crusade

"Submit to His will."

Yet not all was lost; the Emperor still held the gene-seed of His beloved Primarchs, from which he created the Space Marines — Angels of Death. Assembled into great ten-thousand-strong Legions of the First Founding, they were warriors of unimaginable strength and unbreakable will, utterly devoted to the Emperor. With their legions of Space Marines, the Emperor set forth from Terra to conquer the galaxy. Fighting for their master with righteous zeal, it was the Space Marines who first named their mission the Great Crusade. Planets were conquered one by one, alien oppressors were expelled or annihilated in massive wars, and worlds tainted by the Warp were resolutely cleansed by means of orbital bombardments.

During the Great Crusade, the legions of Space Marines reunited with their lost Primarchs, and the planets they had been raised upon (and over which they now ruled) became new homelands for the legions. Now, with each legion led by its Primarch, it was their time of glory. Like gods, the Primarchs walked the battlefields of the Great Crusade, and their names and deeds became legend. Each was created to be a leader, a warrior, and a hero; a mighty commander whose martial skill was equaled only by his charm and intellect. Nothing could withstand the Emperor and his mighty host, and his dream of a united galaxy was almost realized. However, due to a treasonous betrayal, the echoes of which still reverberate to this day, ten thousand years later, the galaxy was soon cursed forever.

The Great Betrayal

"Idle hands breed heresy."

Horus, Primarch of the Sons of Horus Legion and trusted Warmaster of the Emperor's forces, broke his oath of loyalty and turned to serve the dark gods of Chaos, inciting the legions to attack one another at the very moment the Emperor stood on the brink of greatest victory. Instead of an hour of triumph, a slaughter began: brother turned on brother, and warriors who had stood shoulder to shoulder, carving out the Emperor's Realm among the stars, turned upon one another in a bloody civil war. Planets burned in the name of dark gods, and terror reigned like none before. Much knowledge of those times has been lost in the mists of time or has become little more than fables of giants pacing the planets as they creak and fracture under their tread, like thunderous stomp of beasts.

The treacherous forces of the rebel Warmaster swept all before them until the warriors still loyal to the Master of Mankind stood to defend the walls of the Imperial Palace on Terra. The forces of darkness gathered around the dwindling light of humanity, but dire times called for dire measures. Sanguinius of the Blood Angels and Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists, alongside their bravest warriors, accompanied the Emperor in an assault on Horus's battle barge, a mighty ship in Earth orbit. Most of the Imperial Fists remained on Terra to defend the Imperial Palace, and Dorn appointed Sigismund, the legion's finest warrior, to command the defense. Sigismund became the first Champion of the Emperor, vowing that the palace would not fall and swearing to slay the greatest heroes of the enemy.

The Emperor and his warriors teleported aboard Horus's battle barge, only to discover they had been divided and scattered across the tainted vessel by dark sorcery. The Emperor fought his way to the Warmaster, but in the end, he was too late to save Sanguinius, who was slain by Horus after the winged Primarch refused to defect to Chaos. Horus and the Emperor engaged in titanic battle, fought both in body and in spirit. Horus was filled with the power of dark gods and dealt a mortal blow to the Emperor, but in the end, the Emperor proved more powerful and struck back at Horus with all his might. The traitor was killed on the spot, and with his death, his legions were broken. When Dorn and his warriors finally broke into the lair of the rebellious Warmaster, they found the Emperor's broken body, and it is said that their mournful cry was heard far below, on the surface of Terra.

Rogal Dorn, the most determined and unyielding of all the Primarchs, bore his master’s body back to Terra and, obeying the dying Emperor’s command, bound him to the Golden Throne to sustain his existence with the constant sacrifices and ancient mechanisms. The followers of the Ruinous Powers were defeated, but victory came at a terrible cost. The brotherhood of the Primarchs was shattered, and the Emperor’s dreams were destined to remain unrealized; all hope was lost. The galactic empire forged by Him was all but destroyed, and many years of horrific wars passed before the forces of traitors were smashed and banished into the hellish Chaos of the Eye of Terror. In the dying flames of the Heresy, billions perished, and countless worlds became graveyards of corpses, but humanity still stood on the very edge of the abyss.

Consequences

"In wisdom lies the beginning of fear."

It seemed that the Emperor’s realm had weathered the storm of the Horus Heresy only to collapse into flames and blood afterward. Countless human rebels and predatory aliens ravaged the dying worlds of the empire, now leaderless and without the guidance of the God-Emperor. In the dark hour of lawlessness and turmoil, the greatest heroes of humanity stepped forward to rally together in defense of the Galaxy. The Space Marines held firm against the onslaught of enemies wishing to finish off the Emperor's realm, giving other Imperial forces time to regroup and rearm. Surviving Primarchs and Space Marines fought like legendary warriors, holding the shattered groups of humanity's defenders together in those nightmare days. The Space Marines and their Primarchs fearlessly repelled the invaders' attacks, like vultures circling above the Empire, and while darkness loomed over them constantly, none faltered. Thus began the Age of Imperium.

Having temporarily removed the threat of total annihilation for humanity, Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines, put forth the idea of a military organization that would divide the Legions of Astartes, the Imperial Navy, and the Imperial Army throughout the Galaxy, so that no single individual could ever hold the power over an entire legion again. Pertaining to the Space Marines, these rules were outlined in the Codex Astartes, an immense tome that defined the structure, insignia, tactical doctrines, and all other aspects of the Space Marine organization. The existing legions were divided into chapters. This division became known as the Second Founding. Each chapter would comprise a thousand battle-brothers, and they themselves would manage recruitment, training, and outfitting. Each would choose a homeworld, a fortress-monastery, or fleet and be ready to defend the Imperium from all threats.

Second Founding

"Acknowledging defeat is heresy in the eyes of the Emperor."

Rogal Dorn, commanding the defense of Holy Terra, refused to break his legion into smaller chapters, stating that it was his duty to protect the Emperor and that he would not allow his forces to be scattered across the Imperium. Dorn labeled Guilliman a coward for not participating in the defense of the Imperial Palace, and Guilliman accused Dorn of treachery for failing to adhere to the Codex Astartes.

Dorn remained steadfast, as did Guilliman; Leman Russ of the Space Wolves and Vulkan of the Salamanders sided with Dorn, refusing to distribute their legions to the corners of the Galaxy, while Corax of the Raven Guard and Jagathai Khan of the White Scars supported the Ultramarines. It seemed that soon after the Emperor's half-dead state, the Space Marines would begin infighting once more. When the Imperial Fists began to be hunted for heresy, and the Imperial Navy opened fire on their strike cruiser the "Bitter Angel," it became clear that civil war in the Space Marine ranks was about to erupt again. However, as new chapters and old legions prepared for war, Dorn finally yielded. He agreed to allow his legion to form two new chapters — the Crimson Fists and the Black Templars emerged from the ranks of the Imperial Fists and began their journey. Dorn chose Champion Sigismund to lead the Black Templars, and the chapter adopted his color scheme — black and white.

Sigismund was chosen as Champion of the Emperor due to his burning faith in Him and unwavering devotion to humanity, and those warriors who joined the Black Templars wished to follow in his footsteps. Observing the strife between the Legions of Astartes and the suspicion with which others regarded him and his brothers, he decided to make an act of faith. Sigismund, as the Master of the Black Templars, swore that upon leaving Terra, he would prove his loyalty by never granting himself rest in fulfilling his duty against the enemies of the Emperor. This vow would be echoed by each subsequent Master, and thus began the greatest and longest crusade of the Space Marines, a crusade that continues unabated to this day, spanning ten thousand years.

Black Templars

"Prayer cleanses the body, pain purifies the soul."

The chapters formed after the division of the legions are known as the chapters of the Second Founding, although it is unclear exactly how many were formed, as much of the records were lost during the tumultuous times. It is known that currently, there are about a thousand chapters, and that most follow the strict organizational and tactical directives of the Codex Astartes. The Black Templars, however, do not adhere to the Codex and, following the vow of Sigismund, are focused solely on their crusade, having no homeworld and living aboard battlefleets consisting of dozens of warships, strike cruisers, and other vessels, such as training ships and enormous forge-ships. The highest marshal has a personal battle barge, the "Eternal Crusader," a massive vessel that serves as the chapter's spiritual home and repository for sacred relics, chapels, and reliquaries. Over ten thousand years, it has been extensively rebuilt and refitted, adding new docking bays for escort ships, launch bays for shuttles and "Thunderhawks," and accommodations for twice the number of Space Marines as a standard warship can hold.

Emperor's Crusaders

"Those seeking perfection will find no peace but in the grave."

Given their mobility, the Black Templars rarely gather as a whole chapter, instead splitting into several crusades. Typically, no more than three are active at one time, though there can be many more. The archives of the Black Templars indicate that during the Dalmark Treachery in the Solar Segment, there were no fewer than fourteen crusades. The size of a crusade can vary widely, ranging from a minimum of fifty to a hundred warriors to several companies of codex chapters. Only the highest marshal of the chapter knows precisely how many Black Templars there are, but it is clear that there are far more than Space Marines in a standard chapter, though they are spread across a much larger territory. Some records suggest the chapter consists of as many as five to six thousand battle-brothers, a force that would be unstoppable were it to come together. Some members of the Inquisition have expressed concern regarding the size of the chapter, but since the Black Templars have been loyal to the Imperium throughout their history and no accusations have ever been leveled against them, the true size of their forces remains unknown.

Each crusade of the Black Templars continues the primary mission of the Space Marines, seeking out the enemies of the Emperor and destroying them, before moving on to seek new foes to strike from His sight. All Space Marines are renowned for their fervent zeal, but the extreme religiosity of the Black Templars has earned them a reputation as fanatics. They desire only to eradicate the enemies of humanity and will not tolerate any form of heretics, mutants, sorcerers, aliens, or any other filth. Consequently, the Black Templars have no Librarians — their distrust of the forces of the Warp applies to their own ranks, and no Black Templar will fight alongside a psyker.

For ten thousand years, the Black Templars have waged their crusade, proving their loyalty, and this motive is so deeply ingrained in the chapter's beliefs that they are merciless against anything that may represent a threat to the Emperor. They ruthlessly annihilate the populations of entire planets to eradicate the sin of heresy, and the presence of a witch on the battlefield ignites their fury, hatred, and vengeful bloodlust. On every conquered or reclaimed world, the Black Templars raise fortresses of the chapter, grim strongholds serving as a stark reminder of the ever-watchful Emperor. However, the primary purpose of the chapter’s fortresses is to recruit new Space Marines from the locals and support the crusade. How precisely the crusades coordinate their actions is unknown, though it is believed that the Black Templars do employ navigators and astropaths, but only those blessed by other organizations and repenting for their use of the accursed psychic abilities. The chapter's fortresses are vast, able to house two to three companies of Space Marines, but still fall short of the size of the fortress-monasteries of other chapters. Over the millennia, hundreds of fortresses have been built for the chapter, some of which still stand, while others have been abandoned and left unoccupied. However, none of these ruins are ever forgotten, with known instances of Black Templars returning again, much to the vexation of those fools who have taken up residence in their absence.

Battle Companies

"The difference between heresy and treachery is ignorance."

Large crusades are often divided by the marshal into battle companies, each led by a warrior with the honorary title of Castellan. Regardless of the division of companies, individual detachments and specialists (such as Techmarines and Apothecaries) gather and disperse freely, and familiar warriors-commrades fight together without the constraints of any organization. Unlike other chapters, most detachments do not have veteran-sergeants, and those who distinguish themselves in battle earn the honor of joining the champion-brothers of the marshal. In battle, the Black Templars prefer the tactics of their founder, Sigismund, favoring close combat over gunfights. Face to face with the enemy, a Black Templar earns honor and respect, while ensuring that the foe truly falls, fighting with righteous fury in the name of the noblest ideals of honor.

This is further underscored by the fanaticism of the battle-brothers of the Black Templars, whose righteous anger does not allow them to retreat before an enemy. They will relentlessly advance, spurred only by their fallen brethren's losses, thirsting for vengeance against the killers of their brothers.

In expressing their devotion to the Emperor, the Black Templars take various vows of faith and protection. Before battle, one of the oaths is traditionally renewed; the nature of the renewed vow focuses the warrior's thoughts on a specific aspect of their duties, encouraging exceptional courage, cruelty, or divine revulsion towards the enemy.

Angels of Death

"Mercilessness is a virtue of the wise."

When the crusading fleet engages in battle with the enemies of the Emperor, it destroys them using two primary tactics, of which the more blunt one is orbital assault, derisively dubbed by a few surviving witnesses as "death from above." The Black Templars deploy to the battlefield amid the roar of orbital bombardment, using drop pods and Thunderhawk gunships. With overwhelming suddenness, they accurately annihilate objectives, leaving a decapitated enemy in confusion, unable to do anything but surrender or flee.

If the crusade can field heavy weaponry, the breakthrough tactic with armored vehicles is equally effective. Black Templar tanks charge at full speed into a weak point of the enemy lines, supported by bike squads and Land Speeders, opening fire in all directions before clearing the remaining strongholds.

Eternal War

"Let the wave of revulsion wash over you when facing your enemy. Let hatred imbue you. Hatred is beautiful, for our purpose is the peace of Man. We are called by the Emperor to conquer it." — The Gernot Sermon of Chaplain Grimaldus.

Although they are wholly devoted to the Emperor, the Black Templars are extremely independent from imperial authority, living effectively outside the law. Their mobility and ten thousand years of crusading lead them to every corner of the Galaxy, and they mostly enter battles on the orders of their marshals. Like all Space Marines, they do not consider themselves obliged to obey imperial authorities, and each crusade is, in effect, an autonomous combat unit, although they may respond to a call for assistance (as during the Armageddon Crusade).

An imperial commander may contact the chapter's fortresses to request assistance from the highest marshal if he wishes to have superhumans fighting alongside his forces, but since the fortresses are often difficult to locate, securing aid from the Templars can be more challenging than from chapters tied to a homeworld. The Black Templars may also come to the aid of those bound by ancient treaties or brotherhood oaths, but in general, they decide for themselves where and when they will fight — which greatly troubles many in the Imperium.

Rites of Initiation

"What is your life? In honor. What is your fate? In duty. What is your fear? In failure. What is your reward? In salvation. What is your craft? In death. What is your vow? In eternal service."

Every warrior of the Black Templars — a chosen one, a hero of a hundred wars. Even before their transformation from human to superhuman, they were the bravest and most promising scions of their worlds, most hailing from savage and warlike tribes on the deadliest of death worlds. When the Black Templars select a potential recruit for training, they accept a new son into their family, and thus it is only logical that they select candidates with great care. This is done at the fortresses of the Black Templars, and the masters of these fortresses put candidates through the most rigorous scrutiny to affirm their worthiness.

The chapter's Apothecaries examine every cell to ensure they are not afflicted by mutation and are strong enough to survive training, while the chaplains perform a no less important role — ensuring the warrior's spirit is of worthy bearance. Only the finest sons of mankind become Space Marines, and to be part of this sacred brotherhood is the greatest honor that a warrior can earn.

When a recruit begins his training, he becomes a neophyte and severs all ties with his homeworld and family to begin a life dedicated to serving the Emperor and the Black Templars. He will become one of humanity's greatest warriors, though by the end of his training, he will no longer be considered a man; he will have separated from his kind. All chances for an ordinary life are cast aside, and while this is a great and terrible sacrifice, it is made willingly.

Neophytes are trained at the chapter's fortress, and when they are deemed ready, they are delivered to one of the crusades of the Black Templars, where they will be reevaluated, this time by the battle-brothers of the chapter — known as Initiates — who will further instruct them. Each Initiate takes upon themselves the obligation to teach the neophyte the art of war and the rites of the Black Templars. Neophytes serve their masters by attending feasts and managing the household, and on the battlefield, it is the Initiate who instructs the neophyte by example. Thus, the Black Templars have no separate scout company, as is found in other chapters; rather, neophytes are trained across multiple battles by various Initiates.

The Initiate prepares the neophyte for admission into the ranks of the chapter's brotherhood, carrying with it his history, his secrets, and his responsibilities. The neophyte embarks on a long and arduous transformation following the implantation of the Chapter's gene-seed. The gene-seed of the Black Templars is inherited from the Imperial Fists and considered second in purity and stability only to that of the Ultramarines, although they no longer possess the zygotes to grow ost-2 membranes or Betcher's glands. Some believe that due to certain defects in the generated hormones, the Black Templars are too impulsive, which explains their tendency to quickly fall into rage. However, this is unlikely, and this trait of the Marines likely stems more from the general fanaticism of the chapter.

Over the years, the neophyte receives a full set of bio-implants that transform him from an ordinary human into an Initiate. Some implants require hypno-conditioning or chemotherapy to mature and necessitate exacting observation and checking to develop correctly. Naturally, this process is extremely dangerous, and some neophytes do perish. The surgical operations closely resemble rituals, and each stage is accompanied by prayers and vows.

When the neophyte receives the chapter's gene-seed, his bones become denser and thicker, and his muscle mass drastically increases. He is implanted with enhanced lungs and a second heart, allowing him to survive injuries that would kill an ordinary person. His blood is enhanced with organs that allow it to clot instantly and enables the Astartes to safely metabolize poisons and cleanse their body of them. Other organs heighten his senses or make the body resistant to radiation. A single implant does not make a Space Marine a superhuman, but together, they transform him into a truly terrifying warrior of overwhelming might. By the end of his transformation, the Astartes is implanted with progenoid glands, organs that house his gene-seed. They represent the future of the chapter, the very embodiment of the sacred flesh of the Emperor Himself — without progenoids, Space Marines would cease to exist.

As the neophyte approaches the end of training, the Initiate determines if he is ready. When the neophyte proves his valor and skill, he is implanted with black carapace, a subdermal plate that allows his inner organs to directly interface with the power armor of the Space Marine, making the armor part of his body. During a solemn ceremony, the new Initiate receives armor crafted by an ancient master, which will belong only to him until his death. Now he is truly a Black Templar, endowed with incredible power, but sworn to use it only in service to the Emperor.

Holy Bolter

"Kill the mutant."

The Bolter is the weapon of Angels of Death, by which they are recognized and feared throughout the Galaxy. Each Bolter is the hand-crafted work of experienced gunsmiths, made either in the chapter's armory or on forge worlds of the Adeptus Mechanicus. The Bolter is an incredibly rare and valuable weapon, suffused with the spirits of war and death. In the hands of a Space Marine, this divine instrument of the Emperor's wrath reverberates as a prayer to the gods of war.

Power Armor of the Astartes

"Burn the heretic."

The power armor of the Astartes is an amalgamation of several long-forgotten technologies, possibly predating the Age of Strife. At the onset of the Great Crusade, all discovered knowledge was gathered and utilized to create the Astartes' armor. Yet even so, the task was not completed until the very end of the Horus Heresy. The result was the seventh model of armor (“Eagle”), which remains the most renowned to this day.

Older models are venerated by the chapter's Techmarines, carefully preserved and often adorned with intricate ornamentation and carvings. These suits of armor are so treasured that each Space Marine solemnly vows to protect and honor them and the spirit of battle they represent.

Crusades of the Black Templars

"I witnessed a scene of slaughter, the dead lying on the ground like fallen leaves in a forest. The settlers perished not as soldiers die in the throes of battle, boldly firing upon the enemy, weapon in hand and returning blow for blow. They perished as was fitting for the powerless, their hearts filled with the kind of horror worse than death" — from Inquisitor Barzano’s investigation into the Crusade in the Garon Nebula.

For ten thousand years of their crusade, the Black Templars have taken part in some of the most significant wars spanning the Empire. Their highest marshals followed the example of their founder, Sigismund, and struck out against the empires of aliens, heretics, and sorcerers. The Black Templars are crusaders, holy warriors leading the fight to bring truth and the light of the Emperor to unclaimed worlds in the Galaxy, converting mankind through the sword of the master of humanity and slaughtering those who refuse to accept His rule. Each crusade is directed by the will of the commanding marshal and begins under the orders of the highest marshal of the Black Templars to fulfill their primary task — to cleanse the stars.

35,378 year — Wars of the Rebirth

"In your honor lies your life. Do not let anyone dispute it." — Captain Navarre.

When the mad High Lord of the Administratum Goz Vandir proclaimed himself as the Churchman, beginning the infamous Reign of Blood, it was a time of horror when millions died in flames ignited by a paranoid with a delusion of grandeur. Terrible reprisals and savage slaughter marked his rule until a saint named Sebastian Thor led the righteous against Vandir. At this time, the Black Templars had little interest in imperial affairs, but when the crusading fleets returned to the Solar Segment and discovered that their fortresses had been obliterated by orbital bombardments, they witnessed the full extent of Vandir’s betrayal. High Marshal Sigenand declared a crusade against Vandir and, alongside the chapter of the Imperial Fists, two other chapters — the Fire Hawks and the Soul Drinkers — and Martian Tech-Guards, the Black Templars assaulted Terra itself.

For long months, the united army besieged the Church Palace in vain, leading to the most desperate assault on its outer walls, commanded by the Emperor’s Champion Navarre. In the brutal battle, the standard bearer fell, but Navarre caught the company’s standard, raising it high into the breach. After the battle, the master of the Imperial Fists chapter Lazarian bestowed upon Navarre the title of Banner Captain in recognition of his remarkable bravery. After capturing the outer walls, the battle moved into the palace courtyard, the first time since the dark days of the Horus Heresy that such events unfolded. The siege ended with Vandir’s death at the hands of Alisia Dominika, the chief of the Emperor's Brides and personal bodyguard of the High Lord, who uncovered the terrible truth regarding Vandir’s reign. With his death and Sebastian Thor’s appointment as Churchman, Sigenand withdrew his forces from the Solar Segment for a new battle against the enemies of the Emperor. Though Vandir's death ended the Reign of Blood, the Age of Rebirth would last for several more centuries, and Sigenand spent the rest of his life hunting down the traitors of the faith in the Emperor.

35,543 year — Second Cleansing of Lastarti

"There is only the Emperor, he is our shield and protector." — The Prayerbook, volume two.

Lastarti was an unremarkable hive planet in the Ultima Segment until a sect known as the Divine Army seized power over it. The Divine Army espoused an intolerant doctrine towards the slightest deviations from their leaders' perception of the perfect human. Engineered viruses targeting people with specific imperfections decimated much of the populace, and when the Imperium reestablished contact with the once welcoming planet that had catered to fourteen billion citizens, only five hundred thousand remained.

Lastarti became a pilgrimage site, and righteous men sought to behold the marvels such as the Hill of Heretics and the Valley of Purity. When the Ataloran Crusade led by Marshal Gervhart reached Lastarti, Gervhart and his commanders descended to the surface to seek inspiration from such outstanding examples of faith. Upon reaching the surface, they immediately realized that the population had resorted to barbaric bloody rituals and human sacrifices in the pursuit of perfection. Marshal Gervhart ordered the planet to be cleansed of degenerates before departing, leaving those not affected by their influence their lives — a merciful act that would have dire consequences for Marshal Gervhart in the future.

38,645 year — IeruLassian Crusade

"Thought breeds heresy; heresy breeds retribution."

The Land Raider model "Crusader," now utilized by many chapters of the Space Marines, was first employed by the Black Templars during the IeruLassian Crusade in 38,645 year. Priests from the Galactic Mission managed to contact this long-lost system and attempted to return it to the light of the Emperor, but its planets thrived and survived for centuries without any interference from the distant empire. The first missionaries were killed, and their ships were destroyed, but more came. And they did not come alone; with them were the Black Templars of the IeruLassian Crusade. Under the command of none other than the great tactician, High Marshal Ludold, a veteran of the bloody Vinkul Crusade and the inspirer of the eternal Slow Crusade, the Black Templars ground all resistance into dust on their path to the central planets.

The surrounding planets quickly fell to the onslaught of the crusade, but Ierulas itself was a well-fortified hive world, with many of its spires well-defended. The Black Templars made multiple attempts to assault it — with every assault, they suffered enormous losses and only further prolonged the crusade. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before the defenders of Ierulas would surrender due to hunger and lack of water, but Ludold was unsatisfied with such a decision. At a council of castellans, he declared that the crusade would end only by the blade of a chainsword or the shot of a bolter. Given the strength of the defenses, a vital find among the captured hives of ancient technomagic was required to turn the tide of the siege. Amidst torn scrolls and flickering holo-blueprints, one of the Astartes armorers, Simag, discovered the means to create one of the most devastating tanks of the Imperium, the "Land Raider" model "Crusader."

The "Crusader" was designed as a breakthrough tank, built and armed to destroy dug-in enemies. Its enlarged troop compartment and special fragmentation rounds filled the air with deadly shrapnel, allowing it to safely deliver a squad of Space Marines or Terminators into the heart of enemy positions. Several other chapters requested information on the "Crusader" as news of the Templars' success spread, and by 38,763 year, the "Crusader" model was officially recognized by the tech-priests of Mars (a mere formality as the blueprints were already in the hands of many chapters).

The "Land Raider" model "Crusader" proved capable of delivering the Black Templars deep into the heart of the traitors' hives, and they could not withstand such a deadly tank. Each spire fell at the first attempt, and a month later, the remaining hives in enemy hands surrendered, even though the Black Templars showed no mercy.

40,833 year — Vinkul Crusade

"The galaxy belongs to the Emperor, and all that oppose this are enemies to be destroyed." — High Marshal Helbrecht on the Battle of Flame and Blood.

Announcing a crusade against the cultist warriors in the Pelerigeon star cluster, the Black Templars under the command of High Marshal Ludold agreed to fight alongside the forces of Inquisitor Vinkul. The Inquisitor, a member of the Order of the Heretic, along with a detachment of Adepta Sororitas from the Order of the Bloody Rose, traced the origins of the cultist networks back to Pelerigeon-4, a mountainous planet consisting of shifting tectonic plates and rivers of lava. The first landings encountered almost no resistance, and eventually, the Black Templars (including a young neophyte named Helbrecht) and the Adepts of the Rose pushed the cultists back to the source of their strength, a vast temple hewn from the heart of a sprawling continent-sized volcano. Ludold immediately launched an assault on the stronghold in the fiery mountain, his brother-champions capturing the main gates and holding them long enough for Imperial forces to breach the defense. As the Black Templars and Adept Sisters stormed the elongated colonnades in the volcano, Inquisitor Vinkul encountered the cult's leader and killed him, suffering grave wounds himself.

This brought about a troublesome development: the demonic essence hidden in the cult leader was unleashed, and, with a burst of darkness, it took possession of the weakened Inquisitor. A massive demon of Khorne manifested as the Inquisitor and turned against its erstwhile “allies,” slaughtering warriors by the dozens. High Marshal Ludold, the Emperor's Champion Ulric, and Canoness Jasmin confronted the demon in what became known as the Battle of Flame and Blood. Pressed hard, the heroes fought with all their might and unwavering faith, yet it seemed that the demon was stronger. In a desperate move, Ludold threw the Holy Sphere of Antioch, a bomb filled with sacred oils and powerful explosives, into the lava chasm. The explosion shook the volcano, and an earthquake began. Rocks and columns fell into the fiery abyss, taking with them the possessed Inquisitor, while the Imperial warriors desperately tried to escape the collapsing volcano, which was becoming a mass grave for them and their enemies. The Thunderhawk gunships bravely boarded the surviving Sisters and Black Templars, and while many shuttles were lost in the dense clouds of ash, most managed to flee. To ensure the demon and its cult's demise, Ludold ordered orbital bombardment of the planet. The bombardment concluded with the planet's crust fracturing, covering it with a boiling ocean of lava.

40,998 year — Ophidian Bay Crusade

"Innocence proves nothing."

Not all of the Black Templar crusades are grand in scale — some consist of warriors on a single ship. One such crusade was led by Castellan Reimer, captain of the strike cruiser "Ophidian Bay," who survived from the ill-fated Garon Crusade. Reimer led ninety warriors of the crusade deep into unexplored regions of space in the treacherous Hidden area in the galactic south. The distant planets of one of the systems they encountered were home to a young empire of primitive aliens living in golden cities and venerating an entity known to them as the Voice of the Emperor. Wanting to know who that was, Reimer destroyed their temples and then moved on.

On their further journey, the crusade discovered many planets devastated in ways even they could not inflict. The "Ophidian Bay" was a swift vessel and, when it approached the central planets, its sensors detected a small flotilla escaping the orbit of yet another ravaged world. Augurs identified them as Astartes ships belonging to the Dark Angels chapter. Reimer and the master of the Dark Angels exchanged lengthy pleasantries in High Gothic, and the Black Templars offered to assist the glorious First Founding chapter in capturing the leader of the aliens.

The Dark Angels reluctantly accepted the Black Templars' assistance, and during the decisive assault on the stronghold of the Voice of the Emperor, it was the warriors of Castellan Reimer who broke through the defenses and captured the enemy leader — a warrior shackled in ancient power armor without any insignia. Suspecting why the Dark Angels did not want to accept their help, Reimer hastily retreated to the "Ophidian Bay" and locked the prisoner in the most secure cell. But as soon as he returned to his ship, the commander of the Dark Angels demanded that the prisoner be handed over to them. Reimer first refused, but when the sensors reported that the Dark Angels' fleet was preparing their weapons to fire, he realized that he had no choice. Reluctantly, he turned over the prisoner to them, and the Dark Angels silently departed the orbit and left the system.

The fate of the "Ophidian Bay" remains a mystery as after a single communication upon exiting the system, Castellan Reimer vanished and has not communicated with any Black Templar fortress since.

40,999 — Third Armageddon War

"Slay the aliens and the scum born of the Warp, wherever you find them. The Emperor shows no tolerance for such creatures." — from the Prayer of Aversion by High Marshal Gerwald.

High Marshal Helbrecht and three crusades of the Black Templars responded to the call for aid from the besieged planet Armageddon when the orc warlord Gazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka returned with the largest orc horde in history. Neighboring systems and planets rapidly fell before the orks, and despite valiant attempts by the "Armageddon" fleet to halt them, the invaders were simply too many. The Black Templars engaged in bloody wars against them on the wastelands of Armageddon (most notably the hive of Helsrich, where Chaplain Grimaldus remained the sole survivor of the battle for the Temple of the Ascendant Emperor), but it was in space that they fared best.

High Marshal Helbrecht commanded a multitude of ships of the Adeptus Astartes and coordinated their landings and attacks. Under his capable leadership, countless fortress-asteroids were boarded and destroyed, and several of the largest orc raiders were taken down by the gunships of the Space Marines. Finally, the odds turned against the orks, and Helbrecht's tactical superiority led to the failure of resupply lines to ground troops, allowing Imperial forces to solidify their defenses. When a stalemate was reached during the Season of Fire on Armageddon, a significant portion of the orc forces withdrew, and Imperial strategists reported that the worst was over. High Marshal Helbrecht, along with the hero of Armageddon, Commissar Yarrick, set forth in pursuit of the warlord Gazghkull, leaving behind the remaining forces to defend the vital hive planet. Helbrecht continues the hunt for Gazghkull to this day, his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and thirst for vengeance ensuring that he will not stop until the Armageddon Beast is dead.

Warrior of the Chapter

"The Emperor knows, the Emperor observes."

The Black Templars are organized differently than codex chapters and do not follow the dictates of the Codex Astartes in certain respects, particularly regarding reinforcements and training. As the Black Templars do not have a scout company, in which neophytes can prove their worthiness, the chapter evaluates them in other ways. Each year, the chapter accepts several new recruits who show potential to become Black Templars, and those deemed worthy receive initial implants, commencing the process of transforming them into Space Marines.

When the Apothecaries and Chaplains deem around two dozen neophytes worthy to receive implants and training, they transport them to one of the Black Templars' crusading fleets for further training.

Neophytes

"One cannot understand or accept that which lurks in the dark corners of the galaxy. There is but a simple choice: to defeat them or to be defeated by them. And we shall defeat them" — Chaplain Emmerich's address to Gallemir's proselytes before the Gorettian Crusade (Verse 221).

Upon arriving at the crusading fleet, neophytes undergo numerous grueling trials by the battle-brothers of the Black Templars, known as Initiates, assessing their strength, endurance, combat skills, and faith. If the trial-bearer convinces the Initiates of their worth, their training continues under one of the Initiates, who vows to instruct them in faith and the battle doctrine of the Black Templars. Under the watch of the Chaplains, the Initiate and the neophyte fight side by side as long as deemed necessary. A neophyte either learns quickly or perishes. If the neophyte proves their valor and skill to the Initiate and Chaplains, they are elevated to Initiate status and take their place in a battle company. If the Initiate dies before the training completion, another Initiate will take the neophyte as their student, provided they deem them worthy.

Initiates

"As our adamantine protects our bodies, so does our loyalty protect our souls. As our bolters are filled with the death of the Emperor's enemies, so are our minds filled with wisdom. And as we move forward, so does our loyalty, for are we not Space Marines? Are we not favored servants of the Emperor, faithful to Him until our last breath?" — Chaplain Fergus Nils.

Upon acceptance into a battle company, Initiates fight and hone their skills, earning fame and a name before embarking on their own journey to train a neophyte. This way, the experience and wisdom of the Initiates are preserved and passed on to newcomers. Initiates gather into detachments of crusaders, the most numerous detachments in the chapter, forming the backbone of any battle company. Initiates are usually armed with the sacred bolter, although given the Black Templars' love for close-quarters combat, many prefer melee weapons. Some members of a detachment may arm themselves with something special, such as plasma guns, flamers, or powerful power fists. The detachments of the Black Templars are extremely flexible and capable of countering virtually any opponent, teaching neophytes by example and blood.

Those who have honed their skills in fierce close combat gather into assault detachments of the Black Templars and are outfitted with jump packs that allow them to rapidly engage enemies in melee. Armed with pistols and swords, they strike terror into foes, diving from the heavens like the flaming Angels of Death — embodying the righteous zeal of the Black Templars and their thirst to overcome enemies in battle.

Blade-brothers

"The hour of reckoning has come. Do not dwell on the shame of the past; think of the glory of the future. We shall wash the stain from our honor with the hot blood of our enemies" — Brother-Swordbearer Lorenzo's address to the participants of the Varl Crusade.

The mightiest warriors of a battle company gather in the retinue of the marshal, akin to the first company in codex chapters. These Space Marines, known as Blade-brothers, are mighty heroes, their legends becoming part of the chapter's history, and every Black Templar dreams of becoming one. Clad in the finest armor adorned with the seals of the crusaders, the blade-brothers are the embodiment of ancient knight-warriors. When a marshal falls, one of the blade-brothers will take his place, and only the best and bravest deserve such an honor. The next marshal is determined through a ritual duel, during which those competing for the right to lead the crusade battle each other with various weapons, as they measure their strategic and tactical faculties against one another. The winner earns the right to become marshal after approval from the highest marshal, and the blade-brothers vow their loyalty to him. Rarely has a high marshal failed to grant such approval (the so-called Resignation of Gervhart in the thirty-sixth millennium).

Blade-brothers no longer engage in training neophytes; instead, they themselves receive additional training in utilizing Terminator armor. All Space Marine chapters possess such precious armors, serving as the chapter's most cherished relics. The massive Terminator armor made from heavy plasteel and ceramite plates contains a full exoskeleton and set of fibrous bindings, allowing the warrior to fight in environments where agility gives way to protection, with lethal skill and fury. The secrets of crafting these incredibly ancient armors have long been lost, and each of them is worshipped by the Astartes and lovingly maintained by the chapter's Techmarines. Each suit has a special place of honor in the Chapel of the Blade-Brothers, and only blade-brothers and the chosen commanders may enter the armory and don these sacred relics.

Long training is required to master battle in Terminator armor, and a trained warrior must be head and shoulders above his brethren, serving as a model for the entire chapter. The detachments of the terminator brother-brothers are most often deployed during boarding actions or in instances when battle is clearly to take place at short distances.

Terminators can also be equipped with a wide array of weaponry, allowing them to engage at range, but originally they were designed for storming, and this is how the Black Templars prefer to use them.

High Marshal

"Fear nothing but failure."

Given the mobilization of the Black Templars, the entire chapter rarely gathers in one place, and most warriors are divided among several crusades. Each crusade is led by a marshal, but they are all commanded by the high marshal, a warrior whose combat experience spans hundreds of years of battle. His skills with firearms and melee weapons remain unsurpassed; his title speaks of a past filled with slain enemies of the most fearsome and inhuman kind. But the high marshal is not only the chapter's greatest warrior but also an excellent tactician, drawing on the teachings of his predecessors and honing his mastery through countless decisions made in the maelstrom of battle.

The high marshal is responsible for the advancement of each crusade and must uphold the honor of the Emperor and the chapter. He is surrounded by the legends of the chapter, serving as its living embodiment, knowing all its secrets. Only he knows the exact number of Black Templars, and only he decides upon whom their wrath shall unleash. When the high marshal declares a crusade and assigns who shall fight in the name of the Emperor, he will subsequently oversee its advancement, occasionally blessing it with his inspiring presence. Loyal to the Emperor’s vision of the Great Crusade, the Black Templars actively seek the enemies of mankind to destroy them.

The high marshal is one of the most independent commanders in the Imperium, autonomously, without regard for the orders of the High Lords of Terra, deciding where his warriors will fight. The continuation of the Black Templars’ crusade holds paramount significance for the high marshal, and nothing will stand between him and this continuation. Those who can reach out to the Black Templars may certainly request assistance from the high marshal, but it requires an incredibly compelling reason for him to send his warriors to that battle.

Marshals and Castellans

"Without mercy! Without remorse! Without fear!"

Next in the chapter's hierarchy are the marshals and castellans, great warriors leading individual crusades and battle companies of the Black Templars. These fierce Space Marines possess considerable tactical ability, their experience rivaled only by that of the high marshal. The marshal is responsible for the purity of the crusade and the attainment of its objectives, and this duty is sacred and honored. A marshal is not just a lethal warrior who rarely finds an equal in combat but a Space Marine whose experience extends to matters beyond the battlefield, as commanding a crusade is undoubtedly a laborious task. As a consequence, only the most determined and inspired warriors can ascend to the rank of marshal, long proving their valiance and loyalty, serving among the blade-brothers or leading a battle company as a castellan. A marshal is capable of gathering Space Marines under his command and leading them and the entire crusade to victory, regardless of any resistance. Few heroes in the galaxy are capable of waging war as the marshals and castellans of the Black Templars do.

Champions of the Emperor

"Zeal justifies itself."

Since Sigismund became the first high marshal of the Black Templars, those who take up his mantle as Champions of the Emperor have emerged. The tradition of including a Champion of the Emperor in their ranks has transferred to other chapters, but it has firmly taken root in the dogma of the Black Templars. Officially, each crusade has a Champion of the Emperor, though in reality, they exist for every battle company. On the eve of battle, one of the warriors of the Astartes will see the Emperor in a vision, proclaiming about the future, the past, and the great deeds he shall perform in His service. The warrior approaches the chaplains and confesses. The chaplains bless him with liturgies of hatred, declaring him the Champion of the Emperor and granting him the finest weapon and best armor in the army. Although the weapons and armor differ, they are always known as the Black Sword and the Armor of Faith.

In battle, duty and honor require the Champion of the Emperor to seek out the heroes of the enemy and challenge them to combat, as Sigismund did during the siege of the Imperial Palace. Though few enemies had noteworthy heroes, typically for the Champion of the Emperor, it is sufficient to slay any enemy commander, as well as all others who cross his path. Few can withstand this mighty warrior, for every strike is guided by the hand of the Emperor, and he is filled with faith and conviction in his rightness. The death of the Champion of the Emperor is seen as an omen of misfortune, and in such a case, his brothers must carry the corpse from the battlefield and return the Armor of Faith and Black Sword.

Techmarines

"To ask is to doubt."

Mastery of technology is knowledge long lost to the Empire of Man. Only scattered legendary scraps remain, having long lost their meaning due to endless thoughtless repetition. These scraps are eagerly collected by the Adeptus Mechanicus on Mars, the servants of the Machine-God. Only those familiar with this knowledge may wield diverse machines, and such people are indeed very few.

Ancient agreements made between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Adeptus Astartes allow Space Marines to send those warriors who exhibit a fervent love for technology to Mars for training and to embark on the long arduous path to becoming a priest of the Machine-God. Without the transmission of this ancient knowledge, the Space Marines could not wage war. Techmarines spend many years training on Mars, learning the proper rites of activation, maintenance, and summoning/soothing the war spirits of the machines that will be entrusted to them. When they return to their crusade, they undergo a transformation, becoming both the Tech-priest of the Machine-God and Initiates of the Black Templars. The Techmarines tend to shy away from their battle-brothers, becoming strange objects of reverence steeped in superstitions. The knowledge they possess is highly valued by the battle-brothers, who recognize their skill in the arcane sciences and their understanding of the dark secrets of technology. Although they possess these skills and knowledge of obscure arcane sciences and mechanisms, primarily they are warriors, often fighting on the front lines. If a battle machine or techno-relic is lost, it is the Techmarines who will strive to reclaim it with the utmost fervor — just as their brothers would have reclaimed a fallen comrade.

Before battle, the Techmarines conduct the rites of war to prepare their armored vehicles for battle, igniting the fury of the spirits of war in the ordnance and vehicles of the chapter. After landing, Techmarines and their servitor thralls bless the weapons and tanks, unleashing the spirits of war upon them, allowing them to witness the offering of their wrath. At the end of battle, every damage inflicted on machines and weapons is respectfully repaired by the Techmarines, so it is not uncommon to find battle machines that have served hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Techmarines utilize a myriad of mysterious tools and equipment unavailable to their brothers. Many Techmarines are equipped with servo-arms or full servo-enhancements, specialized auxiliary arms that attach to the Techmarine's armor and are linked to their CNS through a nervous network. These arms may be outfitted with a wide range of laser cutters, vibro-saws, and drills or any tools that assist the Techmarine in repairing battle machines on the field. Their fingers are also heavily modified to carry more tools, and some Techmarines even go so far as to implant mechanical interfaces, allowing the Techmarine to directly commune with the spirit of the machine they are servicing.

Marking their training on Mars and the close bond between Techmarines and the Adeptus Mechanicus, the former frequently incorporate red into their armor’s color scheme, though it does not completely override the chapter's colors. Techmarines are the most acutely aware of how dangerous it is to provoke the spirits of the machine, and they always leave the chapter’s emblem in a prominent location.

Apothecaries

"Pain is the illusion of the senses, and despair is the illusion of the mind."

For the Black Templars to have a future, they must preserve and protect the organic implants that transform a neophyte into an Initiate. The genetic history of the chapter is carefully maintained and recorded, sparing no effort to eradicate weaknesses and ensuring that only the healthiest genetic stock is used to create new Space Marines. Within the body of each Space Marine are two progenitive organs known as progenoid glands. They absorb genetic material from the other implants of the Space Marine and keep it until they are harvested. If a Space Marine dies, the progenoids may be removed and used to grow new implants. In this way, even in death, a Space Marine continues to live within their chapter. The role of the Apothecaries is to maintain the genetic purity of the chapter and to extract the progenoid glands from fallen battle-brothers.

Whenever the Black Templars march to war, they are accompanied by Apothecaries. These experienced warriors have a duty that necessitates them being in the thick of battle, protecting themselves during their work. If a Space Marine falls, the Apothecary swiftly inspects him. Apothecaries are skilled medics and carry a vast assortment of equipment, such as a reducer and a sarcophagus. The sarcophagus is an automated device containing sensors, probes, and medications. With it, an Apothecary can effectively perform field operations, aided partially by the superhuman endurance of Space Marines. If the Apothecary’s skills are insufficient to save a fallen comrade, he grants him the Emperor's Mercy to relieve him of suffering, before extracting the progenoid glands of the warrior with the reducer, allowing them to continue living by creating a new Initiate.

Chaplains

"To the uncertain, I grant light. To the doubtful, I grant faith. To the shamed, I grant redemption. To the fervent, I show direction. The word in my soul is like a bolter in my hand." — Litany of Devotion.

The spiritual leaders of the Black Templars, Chaplains are intimidating and grim figures of holy purity clad in black power armor, as befits those who deal death. Their helmets serve as death masks of the Emperor, and their armor is adorned with trophies. These awe-inspiring warrior-priests lead their flock into the front lines and revel in the slaughter enacted upon the enemies of the Emperor, exalting him and the Primarch. They rank among the greatest heroes of the chapter, tempered in the crucible of war, veterans who have endured centuries of battles, as befits those who embody the chapter’s honor in battle.

Battle-brothers regard Chaplains with reverence and respect; in turn, the Chaplains do not forgive a lack of devotion. They care for the spiritual well-being of the chapter's warriors, instilling its values and beliefs, crafting catechisms and serving masses. Known for their strictness and severity even among the Chaplains of other chapters, they are also responsible for their battle-brothers, knowing that only faith can help the Black Templars withstand the darkness. Chaplains fight and serve using the Stave of Secrets, a symbol of their service and deadly weapon. This mysterious and sacred emblem often ends in either an imperial eagle or a winged skull.

The main sanctuary of the "Eternal Crusader," where masses are held, is known as the Dorn Temple, and it is a shadowy hall of dark stone and stained glass. This place is of immense spiritual significance, containing the chapter's greatest relics: pieces of armor belonging to Rogal Dorn, the Black Sword of Sigismund, the first of the Champions of the Emperor, and the banner of Captain Navarre from the siege of the Imperial Palace during the Age of Rebirth. The battle banners hang from its sacred walls, and the very stones speak of legends from ages gone. But the Chaplains know that possessing a chapel is not necessary; that the flame of battle is a place of worship, that the roar of bolters is prayer, and that the death of enemies is an offering to the Emperor.

Dreadnoughts

"Life is a prison, death is liberation."

Dreadnoughts are embodiments of death, massive war machines outfitted with devastating firepower to annihilate foes and melee weapons crackling with power fields for rending them asunder. The Dreadnoughts of the Astartes, towering three times above a man, are among the oldest battle machines still at the forefront of the forty-first millennium, some having witnessed the times when the Emperor Himself walked among men. Each Dreadnought is a treasured relic, a tangible link to the chapter's past, awakened from slumber only in times of true necessity. Each Dreadnought harbors a living sentient being, and the pilots encased in its shell often remember events that occurred thousands of years ago.

A Dreadnought is one of the Ancients, powerful heroes of the Black Templars who have suffered horrific injuries in battle, their life saved by being encased in a Dreadnought's armored sarcophagus. To be deemed worthy of continuing to fight for the Emperor in a Dreadnought is a tremendous honor, and the rebirth of a warrior is a rite of immense significance. The flesh of the Ancients is preserved in amniotic fluids and surgically implanted in a reinforced sarcophagus, whose auto-senses allow the Dreadnought to perceive the world around it. In this way, it can continue to fight for the Emperor for countless more years, never leaving its metallic body until its destruction.

On the battlefield, Dreadnoughts are dreadful adversaries, advancing with thundering steps, while rounds bounce off their thick adamantium plating. The wisdom of ages encased in a Dreadnought assists the chapter; their rich experience means that they have fought in virtually every conceivable condition. They are extremely difficult to kill, and in most cases, only the complete destruction of the sarcophagus will end the life of the pilot. Destroyed Dreadnoughts are only cast aside in the most dire of circumstances, and the Black Templars will fight with righteous fury to reclaim a fallen Dreadnought and place its pilot in the chapter's sepulcher aboard the "Eternal Crusader." The body of the Dreadnought will then be carefully restored to operational status and left awaiting the next pilot...

The shadowy crypt, which houses the Dreadnoughts of the chapter, is a place of sanctity, and the Techmarines treat their ancient machines with utmost care, meticulously greasing them with sacred oils and lubricants to the accompaniment of liturgies of preservation. To honor the brave warriors, Techmarines allow the fallen heroes to rest for centuries until they are called back to battle.

High Marshal Helbrecht

"With our hands, the Emperor Himself purifies the Galaxy of sinners and the unclean to reclaim it once more. The Emperor leads the Galaxy toward righteousness, and we submit to His judgment upon the wicked... for He knows no mercy." — High Marshal Helbrecht's address to the warriors before the Cleansing of Gemenon-1.

Helbrecht embodies such qualities as stubbornness and absolute loyalty to the Emperor, defining traits of the Black Templars. He was chosen as high marshal in 40,989 year, succeeding decisively in conquering the zenarchs of the Print Nebula. His rise through the hierarchy of the Black Templars was direct and swift, his desire to annihilate the Emperor’s enemies impressing his comrades with sheer brutality. Soon Helbrecht was inducted into the blade-brothers for slaying a mutant vampire born of the Warp who had seized power and taken over the hive planet Cefian-4. While part of Marshal Dydin's crusade, Helbrecht valiantly and fiercely fought, ultimately assuming command of the crusade after Dydin's death.

When High Marshal Cordelia was killed by the deranged hero of the Ruinous Powers, the marshals of the Black Templars gathered to select a new leader. Helbrecht was unanimously chosen, and in recognition of his service, he was presented with the Sword of the High Marshals — the most sacred relic of the Black Templars. This mighty blade, as rumors suggest, contains particles from the weapon of Rogal Dorn, which he wielded alongside the Emperor on his battle barge Horus. The legends of the Black Templars tell that Dorn broke the blade over his knee, swearing never to carry it again due to his inability to protect the Emperor. By decree of Sigismund, this weapon is borne by all high marshals so that it may remind them of their sins.

Helbrecht immediately announced a crusade against the godless fiends of the Citres in the Unholy Stars, striking at that forsaken section of space from which none had ever returned. Over the span of eight years, the alien populace of the outer planets was exterminated, and the crusade invaded the homeworld of the aliens, but upon reaching the central systems, they found only a horrible void. No trace of the aliens remained, but before the Astartes could ascertain why, they received a desperate call for assistance from the besieged planet Armageddon, reporting the return of the orc warlord Gazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka. Returning to the dark chambers of the "Eternal Crusader," Helbrecht coordinated with the marshals Ricard of the Dimarian Crusade and Amalrik of the Tiberio Crusade and called for a new crusade.

The three crusades of the Black Templars assembled at the chapter's fortress on Fergax and departed to the Solar Segment, praying to the Emperor. Upon arriving in the Armageddon system, Helbrecht's experience managing such a massive fleet made him the natural commander of the assembled ships of the Adeptus Astartes, while Marshals Ricard and Amalrik led their crusades to the surface of Armageddon. The space war took a heavy toll on humanity; Helbrecht personally led boarding assaults aboard the orc raiders, and together with Admiral Pärrol's fleet, cast the orks back.

When the raider believed to be the flagship of Gazghkull retreated from Armageddon, Helbrecht vowed to pursue the orc warleader. The hero of Armageddon, Commissar Yarrick, requested the honor of joining the Black Templars in their mission, and the fact that the request was granted serves as proof of the respect the High Marshal holds for the esteemed commissar.

Chaplain Grimaldus, Hero of Helsrich

"To the darkness, I bring flame. To the ignorant, I bring faith. Those who accept these gifts will live, but I shall bring only death and eternal damnation to those who turn away from them." — Chaplain Grimaldus, Hero of Helsrich.

A veteran of many successful crusades, Chaplain Grimaldus was drawn from the blade-brothers of his marshal and initiated into the mysteries of the Reclusiam after the Battle of Flame and Blood. His faith and loyalty to the Emperor were so strong that the chaplains saw in the young Grimaldus the makings of a mighty warrior-priest. Having taken oaths before the broken sword of Dorn aboard the "Eternal Crusader," Grimaldus justified the chaplains' trust by zealously leading the Black Templars into battle — suffering numerous grievous wounds in the thick of combat, yet stubbornly refusing to yield. After a century of faithful service, Grimaldus was raised to the status of Reclusiarch and accompanied High Marshal Helbrecht to the war-torn planet Armageddon.

Three crusades of the Black Templars were dispatched to Armageddon, and at Helbrecht's command, they landed where the heaviest fighting took place. Helbrecht assigned Grimaldus to lead one of those crusades into the hive of Helsrich, besieged by thousands of orks who attacked it with a massive fleet of submarines launched from the ice wastelands far to the south. One of the main bastions of defense was the Temple of the Ascendant Emperor, a vast basilica erected on Armageddon during the early colonization years. An enormous horde of orks assaulted the temple, and the defenders held them at bay for two months until the green-skinned invaders finally breached the courtyard, looting and destroying invaluable sacred relics. The hive's militia and Imperial Guard fled, but the Black Templars did not relent, and Grimaldus roared his now-famous battle cry: "I have dug my grave here, and I will either triumph or perish!".

Such heroism bolstered the fighting spirit of the fleeing defenders, and they turned to strike back against the orks once more. The battle turned into a bloody slaughter within the building and only ended when it collapsed, a burning heap of rubble. All were thought dead, but the day after, bloodied but unbroken, Chaplain Grimaldus crawled from the wreckage, dragging with him the last relics of the temple and swearing that all would remember the lives lost on this planet. Apothecaries, who later examined Grimaldus's wounds, marveled that he had survived, let alone managed to crawl out from under the rubble of an entire building. Following the onset of the Season of Fire, Grimaldus received the honor of being named a Hero of Helsrich, the greatest honor that could be bestowed upon him by the inhabitants of the hive.

Materials used: "Codex: Black Templars" (2005).

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Special thanks to Soth for proofreading.