The Black Templars are a Second Founding Space Marine chapter descended from the Imperial Fists. They’ve been on a never-ending crusade since their creation, and they’re one of the most zealous and feared forces in the Imperium.
Who they are
The Black Templars were founded after the Horus Heresy, when the Space Marine Legions were broken into smaller chapters. Their first leader was Sigismund, the Imperial Fists’ First Captain and the Emperor’s Champion during the defence of Terra.
Sigismund took the most zealous of the Imperial Fists with him and swore an oath that his new chapter would never rest in its duty against the Emperor’s enemies. That oath turned into a permanent crusade.
They don’t have a homeworld. Instead, they’re fleet-based, roaming the galaxy aboard their fortress-monastery, the Eternal Crusader. Their colours are black with white shoulder pads, and their battle cry is “No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!”
Why they matter
The Black Templars are fanatics even by Space Marine standards. They reject the Codex Astartes’ limits on chapter size and organisation, so their numbers are unknown but likely far larger than a standard chapter.
They specialise in close combat and see war as a holy duty. Their faith in the Emperor borders on worship, which makes them an odd fit with the modern Imperium’s rules about the Imperial Cult.
Their current leader is High Marshal Helbrecht, and they’ve been heavily involved in major conflicts, including the defence of the Cadian Gate and the wars against Chaos that followed.
- Founding: Second Founding, from the Imperial Fists
- Homeworld: fleet-based, no fixed planet
- Fortress-monastery: Eternal Crusader
- Specialty: close combat and zealous assault
- Battle cry: No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!
Organisation and beliefs
The Black Templars don’t follow the Codex Astartes. They organise into crusade fleets rather than companies, and their ranks include titles like High Marshal, Marshal, and Emperor’s Champion.
They take vows that shape how they fight, and their combat doctrines lean hard into aggression and melee. Recruitment happens on various worlds and from chapter keeps, but the fleet is their true base.
Their descendants may include the Knights Ophidian, and the Silver Guard are sometimes suspected of being related, though sources don’t always agree.
Notable connections
The Black Templars are tied closely to the Imperial Fists and their primarch, Rogal Dorn. Sigismund’s role as the Emperor’s Champion during the Siege of Terra set the template for the chapter’s identity.
They’re also linked to the wider lore of the Horus Heresy and the Second Founding, when Guilliman’s Codex Astartes reshaped the Adeptus Astartes. Dorn initially resisted, and the Black Templars were born from that tension.
Key facts
- Second Founding chapter descended from the Imperial Fists.
- Founded by Sigismund after the Horus Heresy.
- Fleet-based, with the Eternal Crusader as their fortress-monastery.
- They reject the Codex Astartes and are on a permanent crusade.
- Colours: black with white shoulder pads.
- Battle cry: No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!
FAQ
What are the Black Templars?
They’re a Second Founding Space Marine chapter descended from the Imperial Fists. They’re known for their endless crusade and extreme zeal.
Who founded the Black Templars?
Sigismund, the first Emperor’s Champion and former First Captain of the Imperial Fists, led their founding and became their first High Marshal.
Do the Black Templars follow the Codex Astartes?
No. They reject its limits on chapter size and organisation, which is why their numbers are unknown but probably much larger than a standard chapter.
Who leads the Black Templars now?
High Marshal Helbrecht is their current Chapter Master.