Chaplain Grimaldus is a Black Templars Reclusiarch, known as the Hero of Helsreach. He’s one of the Chapter’s most inspiring leaders, and his story is a fan favourite.
Who is Grimaldus?
Merek Grimaldus is a veteran of many Black Templars crusades. He rose to become Reclusiarch, the senior Chaplain of the Armageddon Crusade. His faith and zeal make him a powerful warrior priest.
He was the youngest Marine ever promoted to Sword Brother in the Chapter’s history. After the Battle of Fire and Blood, he joined the Reclusiam, mentored by Mordred, whom he later succeeded.
The Hero of Helsreach
During the Third War for Armageddon, High Marshal Helbrecht gave Grimaldus his first command: lead the Helsreach Crusade. He and a hundred Black Templars defended Hive Helsreach against millions of Orks.
The siege culminated at the Temple of the Emperor Ascendant. As the temple collapsed, Grimaldus famously roared, “I have dug my grave in this place and I will either triumph or I will die.” He survived, crawling from the rubble with three holy relics.
- Led the defence of Helsreach against a massive Ork horde.
- Held the Temple of the Emperor Ascendant for nearly two months.
- Survived the temple’s collapse and saved three relics.
Relics and retinue
Grimaldus always goes to war with the relics he saved, carried by his Cenobyte Servitors. These servitors bear the Banner of Fallen Crusaders, the Sceptre of Anointing, and the Remnant of the Fallen Temple.
On the tabletop, the servitors form a procession that rallies nearby Black Templars, making Grimaldus an excellent commander for smaller forces.
| Relic | Description |
|---|---|
| Banner of Fallen Crusaders | A standard honouring fallen warriors. |
| Sceptre of Anointing | A symbol of Grimaldus’s authority. |
| Remnant of the Fallen Temple | A piece of the destroyed temple. |
Grimaldus in the lore and on the tabletop
Grimaldus embodies the Black Templars’ zeal. He’s a key figure in the Helsreach novel and has a dedicated fanbase. His model was updated in 2021, crossing the Rubicon Primaris to wear Mk X Tacitus Armour.
In games, he’s a Chaplain who buffs nearby units, perfect for leading Black Templars armies. His rules reflect his inspiring presence and his relic-bearing retinue.
Key facts
- Grimaldus is the Reclusiarch of the Black Templars’ Armageddon Crusade.
- He earned the title ‘Hero of Helsreach’ during the Third War for Armageddon.
- He was the youngest Marine ever promoted to Sword Brother in the Chapter.
- He saved three relics from the Temple of the Emperor Ascendant, which his Cenobyte Servitors now carry.
- His model was updated in 2021 as a Primaris Marine in Mk X Tacitus Armour.
FAQ
What is Chaplain Grimaldus known for?
He’s famous for leading the defence of Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon, surviving the temple’s collapse, and saving three holy relics.
What relics does Grimaldus carry?
He carries the Banner of Fallen Crusaders, the Sceptre of Anointing, and the Remnant of the Fallen Temple, all borne by his Cenobyte Servitors.
Is Grimaldus a Primaris Marine?
Yes, his model was updated in 2021 to cross the Rubicon Primaris, so he now wears Mk X Tacitus Armour.