The Black Templars are a Second Founding Space Marine chapter descended from the Imperial Fists, defined by their endless crusade and unshakable faith in the God-Emperor. They’re one of the most zealous and visually striking factions in Warhammer 40,000, and their lore ties directly into the aftermath of the Horus Heresy.
What are the Black Templars?
They’re a Space Marine chapter created during the Second Founding, when the Imperial Fists Legion was split into smaller forces. The most hot-headed and devout warriors joined under Sigismund, the Legion’s legendary First Captain, who became their first High Marshal.
Unlike most chapters, the Black Templars reject the Codex Astartes’ limit of a thousand battle-brothers. They’re fleet-based, constantly on the move, and their numbers are unknown but certainly larger than a standard chapter. They worship the Emperor as a god, a rare belief among Space Marines.
Origins and the endless crusade
Sigismund was named Emperor’s Champion during the Siege of Terra, tasked with challenging the champions of Chaos. After the Heresy, he led his followers into the Black Templars and swore an oath: they’d never rest in their duty against the Emperor’s enemies.
That oath still drives them. Every High Marshal since has renewed it, and the chapter has been on a perpetual crusade for ten thousand years. They don’t defend a homeworld; they roam the galaxy in crusade fleets, seeking out heretics, aliens, and mutants to destroy.
How they fight and organise
The Black Templars excel in close combat. They favour chainswords, power weapons, and bolt pistols, and their zeal often borders on berserk fury. Their battle cry, ‘No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!’, sums up their attitude.
Instead of companies, they organise into crusades of varying size, each led by a Marshal. A High Marshal commands the entire chapter from the mobile fortress-monastery Eternal Crusader. Recruitment happens on worlds they pass, with neophytes trained aboard the fleets.
- Founding: Second Founding, from the Imperial Fists
- First High Marshal: Sigismund
- Current High Marshal: Helbrecht
- Homeworld: fleet-based (no fixed planet)
- Specialty: close combat and zealotry
- Colours: black with white shoulder pads
Why they matter in the 41st millennium
The Black Templars represent the extreme end of Imperial faith. They’re a living reminder of the Emperor’s divine nature (at least to them) and the unending war against Chaos. Their crusades have shaped major events, from the Cadian Gate to the Indomitus Crusade.
In the lore, they’re often at odds with more pragmatic chapters, but their fervour makes them invaluable allies. For hobbyists, they offer a distinct look and playstyle: knightly, fanatical, and unapologetically aggressive. If you like the idea of holy warriors who never retreat, these are your Marines.
Key facts
- The Black Templars are a Second Founding chapter descended from the Imperial Fists.
- They’re led by High Marshal Helbrecht and are fleet-based, with the Eternal Crusader as their fortress-monastery.
- They worship the Emperor as a god, a rare belief among Space Marines.
- Their specialty is close combat, and they’re known for their fanatical zeal.
- They’ve been on an endless crusade since their founding, never resting from war.
FAQ
Who founded the Black Templars?
Sigismund, the First Captain of the Imperial Fists Legion, founded the chapter after the Horus Heresy. He became their first High Marshal and swore an oath of eternal crusade.
Why are the Black Templars so zealous?
They believe the Emperor is a god, which is unusual for Space Marines. Their knightly traditions and Sigismund’s oath turned that belief into a relentless drive to purge the galaxy of anything they consider unholy.
Are the Black Templars larger than a normal chapter?
Yes, sources agree they exceed the Codex Astartes limit of a thousand Marines, though exact numbers are unknown. They’re fleet-based and recruit constantly, so their strength fluctuates.
What’s their battle cry?
No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear! It’s shouted in battle and captures their uncompromising attitude.