++Codex: Fire, Steel and Zeal++

[Sigismund Himself]

Codex: Fire, Steel and Zeal
++A Continuation of Codex: Eternal Crusade++

-Model by Captain Hat

To live is to sin

To serve is to repent

Designer Notes

Much of this homegrown codex is a continuation of Codex: Eternal Crusade, which was part of the Codex Leveling Project run by Brother Tyler. The Project aimed to bring the codex into line with the 5th Edition SM codex. What I've done here is to build on that platform and try to adapt the Black Templars fully to 5th Edition. I've tried to keep lots of character in this and added some fun stuff in.

Army List and Rules

Headquarters

Emperor’s Champion

Cost: 100 points

Emperor’s Champion

6

4

4

4

2

5

3

10

2+

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Unit Type: Infantry

Emperor's Champion

SeanSullivan

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Slayer of Champions, Independent Character

Chosen of the Emperor: As per p31 of Codex: Black Templars.

Wargear: Frag Grenades, Crusader Seals, bolt pistol, the Black Sword, the Armour of Faith and an Iron Halo.


Options:

• For +15 points, he may replace his bolt pistol with a plasma pistol.
• For +10 points, he may take Digital Weapons
• For +15 points, he may replace his bolt pistol with a Storm Shield
  

Vows: The Emperor's Champion must select a vow from below at the points indicated.

Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds......... +30 points

Uphold the Honour of the Emperor.................... +15 points

Suffer Not the Unclean to Live.......................... +10 points

Abhor the Witch, Destroy the Witch................... +20 points

The Black Sword: Counts as a relic blade. Additionally, Emperor’s Champion may forego all his attacks (including any bonuses) to attempt to deliver a single ‘Zealous’ attack. This attack causes instant death, no matter the opponent’s Toughness.

The Armour of Faith: Counts as artificer armour.

Slayer of Champions: As per p31 of Codex : Black Templars.

Marshal

“There will be no truce between us, xenos filth. Your existence in this galaxy
is an insult to the Emperor and we will not allow it. Only honour
stays my hand now. Leave this system now or face us our wrath.
We do not need your witchcraft and trickery to purge the orks.
Our faith and blades will do that and they will do the same to you,
given the chance.”

Marshal Jeramakus’ response to an Eldar emissary

As per the Chapter Master on p52 and 131 of Codex: Space Marines. Gains Crusader Seals in Wargear and loses Chapter Tactics.

Options: As per the Chapter Master on p52 and 131 of Codex: Space Marines.

• May take a Holy Orb of Antioch for +10 points
  

Castellan

Cost: 90 points

Castellan

5

4

4

4

2

4

3

9

3+

Unit Composition: One Castellan

Unit Type: Infantry

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Independent Character

Faith is the greatest weapon

Verses of Sigismund, Book XX, Verse III

Wargear: Iron Halo, power armour, bolt pistol, crusader seals, chainsword, frag and krak grenades

Options: As per the Captain on p54 and 132 of Codex: Space Marines.

Reclusiarch

The Reclusiarchs of the Black Templars are formidable warrior priests, living vassals of the Emperor's Wrath. Their faith and zeal on both on and off the battlefield is an inspiration to their brethren. It is said that the Black Templar's chaplains are the most zealous in the Imperium and such a claim does not seem particularly far off the mark. The Reclusiarchs are the elite of the Templar's Reclusiam, each of them a veteran of numerous crusades and actions against the witch, mutant and impure. The Reclusiam of the Templars also serves a similar role to that of Librariums in other chapters, a place where the history of the chapter is enshrined and battles recorded.

Cost: 135 points

Reclusiarch

5

5

4

4

3

5

3

10

3+

Reclusiarch Arakal

Prot

Unit Composition: One Reclusiarch

Unit Type: Infantry

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Independent Character, Unmatched Zeal (as per page 32 of Codex: Black Templars),

Wargear: Rosarius, power armour, bolt pistol, crusader seals, crozius arcanum, frag and krak grenades

Options: As per Chaplain on p58 and 133 of Codex: Space Marines.

• In addition, they may select any of the following:
  

Holy relic for +30 points

Cenobyte servitors at +10 points per a servitor, to a maximum of three

Holy orb of Antioch for +10 points

Chaplain

As per Chaplain on p58 and 133 of Codex: Space Marines, with the following changes.

Special Rules: Replace 'Honour of the Chapter' with Unmatched Zeal (as per page 32 of Codex: Black Templars),

Wargear: Rosarius, power armour, bolt pistol, crusader seals, crozius arcanum, frag and krak grenades

Options: As per Chaplain on p58 and 133 of Codex: Space Marines.

• In addition, they may pick one of the following:
  

Holy relic for +30 points

Cenobyte servitors at +10 points per a servitor, to a maximum of three

Holy orb of Antioch for +10 points

High Marshal Helbrecht

Cost: 240 points

Helbrecht

6

5

4

4

4

5

4

10

2+

Lord of the Eternal Crusade

wappellious

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Unit Type: Infantry

Wargear: Artificer Armour, Sword of the High Marshals (as per page 44 of Codex: Black Templars), combi-meltagun, digital weapons, bolt pistol, crusader seals, Iron Halo, frag and krak grenades

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Independent Character, Orbital Bombardment, Master of the Crusade, Rites of Battle, Furious Charge

Master of the Crusade: All Sword Brethren and

TDA

Sword Brethren squads gain the

Furious Charge

special rule.

Retainer Augustine

The Sword Brethren Retainer of the High Marshal holds a unique position of power within the Black Templar chapter. He is responsible for maintaining the Household of his master, acting in his master's stead while he is otherwise busy and monitoring others under the High Marshal's command. This often places him away from the High Marshal. Yet the High Marshal's Retainer has additional duties. At the death of his master, it is he who oversees the trials of strength, cunning and organization among the candidates for High Marshal. When the new High Marshal takes his office, the previous High Marshal's Retainer hands his role to the new retainer appointed by the new High Marshal. The old Retainer has a number of options for his future. It is not uncommon for him to become a Marshal himself or to undertake a suicidal campaign to repent for not having died by his master's side. Augustine has acted as Helbrecht's Retainer since the death of the previous occupant, Adalric, in 991 M41. Augustine wields two flamers, the better to purge the souls of the witch and the xenos.

Cost: 160 Points

Augustine

5

4

4

4

2

4

2

9

2+

Retainer Augustine

Titan136

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Unit Type: Infantry

Wargear: Artificer Armour, crusader seals, frag and krak grenades, power sword, twin-linked flamer

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Independent Character, Vassal of Helbrecht

Vassal of Helbrecht: Any unit joined by Augustine gains the Furious Charge Special Rule.

Marshal Nikademus

Nikademus commands one of the largest current crusades of the Black Templars, the Nerad Crusade. Tasked with the extermination of the burgeoning alien empire of the K'Nib, Nikademus has already retaken five systems from the xenos. This is mainly due to the mastery of naval combat that Nikademus possesses and the devastating orbital drops the crusade has perfected against the alien's crystalline settlements. Nikademus has lead his Household and crusade into battle by drop pod many times during the crusade, laying waste to the multi-armed xenos across their own empire. Nikademus wields both thunderhammer and powersword in order to deal with the xenos' various warrior castes.

Cost: 215 points

Nikademus

6

5

4

4

3

5

4

10

3+

Unit Type: Infantry

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Heresy does not beget death

Heresy is death

Wargear: Power armour, boltpistol, crusader seals, Iron Halo, thunderhammer, power sword, digital weapons

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Into the Fires of Battle, Orbital Bombardment

Into the Fires of Battle: Instead of Drop Pods deploying according to Drop Pod Assault as per p69 of C: SM, all Drop Pods remain in Reserve. In addition to this, all Reserve Rolls made by the Black Templar player receive a +1 bonus.

Reclusiarch Grimaldus

Cost: 200 points

Grimaldus

5

5

4

4

3

5

3

10

3+

As per p47 of Codex: Black Templars, with amended profile above and one amendment to the Special Rule 'Only in Death does Duty End'. Instead of the rule as outlined in Codex: Black Templars, it simply confers Eternal Warrior upon Grimaldus. Grimaldus may not take a command squad.

Chaplain Veerschelt

Veerschelt is one of the youngest chaplains in the chapter but already has forged a reputation for himself. Although his ferocious conduct on the battlefield is known of, it is for another reason that his name is spoken of throughout the chapter, namely that Veerschelt is a psychic null. Where Veerschelt walks, the witch trembles and their powers fail them. He has already been gifted the use of Terminator armour and has served in Helbrecht's Household during the Reclamation of Mirvak, where his powers proved extremely useful in combating the threat posed by a concave of rogue psykers.

Cost: 185 points

Veerschelt

5

4

4

4

2

4

3

9

2+

Unit Type: Infantry

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Veerschelt

Ap0k

Wargear: Storm Shield, crozius arcanum, terminator armour, holy relic, crusader seals

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Shield from the Witch, Unmatched Zeal

Shield from the Witch: Any Psychic Leadership tests taken within 24" of Veerschelt are taken at -2 Leadership.

Emmerich, Master of the Forge

As per Master of the Forge entry on pages 70 and 133 of Codex: Space Marines.

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

The High Marshal's Household

"Fire will cleanse what steel cannot."

Retainer Augustine

If you select High Marshal Helbrecht, you may take one High Marshal's Household.

As per Honour Guard on pages 53 and 131 of Codex: Space Marines. The Chapter Champion is removed and another Honour Guard is added to the unit composition. In addition, up to five neophytes may be added at +10 points. One may carry Helbrecht's Personal Standard at +10 points. Helbrecht's Personal Standard grants the unit the Fearless USR. All models in the unit must take Furious Charge at +3 points per a model.

The Marshal's Household

For every Marshal selected, you may take one Marshal's Household or one Terminator Armoured Household. This includes Marshal Nikademus.

When a Marshal goes into battle, he surrounds himself with his Household, the Sword Brethren. Armed with the best of the Crusade's weapons, this unit guards their lord from all harm. It is these marines that are trained in the use of the chapter's Terminator armour and utilize it to deadly effect on whatever battlefield they find themselves on. It is also typically from within the Marshal's Household that any Castellans are chosen from. These marines are the heart of the crusade and provide inspiration to their brethren with their actions on the battlefield.

Cost: 115 points

Sword Brethren

4

4

4

4

1

4

2

9

3+

Unit Composition: Five Sword Brethren

Unit Type: Infantry

Wargear: Bolter, bolt pistol, power armour, crusader seals, frag and krak grenades

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear

Options:

• May include up to five more models, at +23 points per a model
  
• Any model may exchange their bolter for a chainsword at no extra cost.
  

  Truth leads to hatred

  Hatred leads to action...
  
  
• Any model may replace their bolter and/or their boltpistol with:
  

A storm shield for +15 points

A plasma pistol for +15 points

A power weapon or lightning claw for +15 points

A power fist for +25 points

A thunder hammer for +30 points

• Any model may select melta bombs for +5 points
  
• One model may exchange their bolt pistol or chainsword for a relic blade for +30 points
  
  
  

  Castellan Payan

  Hunter-Flood

• Any models may exchange their bolter or their bolt pistol for a storm bolter, combi-melta, combi-flamer or combi-plasma +5 points
  
  
• One model may carry the Crusade Banner for +15 points.
  

• Up to two models may exchange their bolter for:
  

A melta gun or flamer +5 points

A plasma gun +10 points

• The whole squad may swap their bolter for a Space Marine Bike at +18 points per a model.
  

Crusade Banner: Functions as a Company Banner (as per page 100 of Codex: Space Marines).

Dedicated Transport: May select a Drop Pod, Rhino, Razorback or Land Raider Crusader as Dedicated Transport, if the whole squad is able to embark in them. These options may not be taken if the unit is mounted on bikes.

Terminator Armoured Household

For every Marshal selected, you may take one Marshal's Household or one Terminator Armoured Household This includes Marshal Nikademus.

Cost: 205 points

Sword Brethren

4

4

4

4

1

4

2

9

2+

Unit Composition: Five Sword Brethren.

Wargear: Crusader Seals, Terminator Armour, Storm Bolter, power fist

The veterans of the Marthak Crusade

Ana

Options:

• May include up to five more models, at +41 points per a model
  
• Any model may replace their storm bolter and power fist for a pair of lightning claws for free.
  
  
• Any model may replace their power fist for a chainfist for +5 points.
  
  
• If all models have lightning claws in the squad, any model may replace their lightning claws with a thunder hammer and storm shield for free.
  

• If no models replace their storm bolter and power fist with any other weapons (except for chainfists, for every five Sword Brethren, one Sword Brethren may select the following:
  

A heavy flamer for +5 points

An assault cannon for +30 points

A cyclone missile launcher for +30 points

He is watching

Fail Him not!

• One model may carry a Crusade Banner for +15 points.
  

Crusade Banner: Functions as a Company Banner (as per page 100 of Codex: Space Marines).

Initiate Command Squad

For every Castellan selected, you may take one Initiate Command Squad.

Unit as per Command Squad on pages 55 and 132 of Codex: Space Marines. The option to take a Company Standard is removed and replaced with the ability to take a Fighting Company Banner for +10 points.

Elites

TDA Sword Brethren

Cost: 205 points

Sword Brethren

4

4

4

4

1

4

2

9

2+

Unit Composition: Five Sword Brethren.

Wargear: Crusader Seals, Terminator Armour, Storm Bolter, power fist

Sword Brother Aris

Kyr Gkikas

Options:

• May include up to five more models, at +41 points per a model
  
• Any model may replace their power fist for a chainfist for +5 points.
  
  
• Any model may replace their storm bolter and power fist for a pair of lightning claws for free.
  
  
• If all models in the squad have lightning claws, any model may replace their lightning claws with a thunder hammer and storm shield for free.
  

• If no models replace their storm bolter and power fist with any other weapons (except for chainfists), for every five Sword Brethren, one Sword Brethren may select the following:
  

A heavy flamer for +5 points

An assault cannon for +30 points

A cyclone missile launcher for +30 points

Sword Brother Varrikan

One TDA Sword Brethren squad in the army may replace a Sword Brethren with Sword Brother Varrikan at the indicated points.

Varrikan's name is a whispered legend among the entire chapter. It was Varrikan who walked out alone from the space hulk, Bringer of Woe, where over twenty-five Terminators, the whole of the Marshal's Household and Marshal Tancred himself, boarded with the intention to destroy the hulk. Every marine battled with the foulest horrors in the galaxy, each Astarte taking a score of enemies with him when he fell. Marshal Tancred fell against a Broodlord and its alien bodyguard, slaying the Broodlord with his final breath. Varrikan took up Tancred's blade and led the survivors onwards into the hulk. Only Varrikan survived the mission, teleporting out of the hulk as the plasma generators reached critical point. Varrikan swore a death oath in front of the rest of the crusade, vowing never to rest his blade until his death. Since then, Varrikan has gone from crusade to crusade, seeking the most fearsome enemies and deadly situations so that he may finally find his rest.

Cost: 80 points

Varrikan

4

4

4

4

2

4

2

9

2+

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear: Terminator armour, crusader seals, Blade of Tancred

Blade of Tancred: A master crafted relic blade

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear, Hero of Legend

Hero of Legend: Varrikan has the

Heroic Intervention

rule, as per p62 of C:SM. He also grants it to the squad he is part of.

Upgrade Character

Sword Brethren

Cost: 115 points

Sword Brethren

4

4

4

4

1

4

2

9

3+

Unit Composition: Five Sword Brethren

Unit Type: Infantry

Wargear: Bolter, bolt pistol, power armour, crusader seals, frag and krak grenades

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear

Options:

• May include up to five more models, at +23 points per a model
  
  
• Any model may exchange their bolter for a chainsword at no extra cost.
  
  
• Any model may replace their bolter and/or their boltpistol with:
  

A storm shield for +15 points

A plasma pistol for +15 points

A power weapon or lightning claw for +15 points

A power fist for +25 points

A thunder hammer for +30 points

• Any model may select melta bombs for +5 points
  
• One model may exchange their bolt pistol or chainsword for a relic blade for +30 points
  
  
• Up to three models may exchange their bolter or their bolt pistol for a storm bolter, combi-melta, combi-flamer or combi-plasma for +5 points.
  

• Up to two models may exchange their bolter for:
  

'I am His Sword of Retribution, I am His Vessel of Wrath.
Though I am but weak and mortal flesh, the spirit of His
Divine Will fills and strengthens me.'

13th Canticle of Divine Retribution, Canto IV, Verse IX

A melta gun or flamer +5 points

A plasma gun +10 points

Dedicated Transport: May select a Drop Pod, Rhino, Razorback or Land Raider Crusader as Dedicated Transport, if the whole squad is able to embark in them.

Brother Praxus

Prot

Dreadnought

As per pages 65 and 137 of Codex: Space Marines.

Venerable Dreanought

As per pages 65 and 137 of Codex: Space Marines.

Ironclad Dreadnought

As per pages 65 and 137 of C:SM.

Techmarine and Servitors

Per pages 71, 72 and 138 of Codex: Space Marines. Crusader seals are added to the Wargear.

Troops

Crusader Squad

Models by Gimmers

As per page 37 of C:BT, with the following amendments.

Wargear: Initiate- Power armour, bolt pistol, chainsword, frag and krak grenades

Neophyte- Carapace armour, bolt pistol and close combat weapon, frag and krak grenades

Options:

• Any Initiate may exchange their chainsword for a bolter.
  
  
• Any Neophyte may exchange their bolt pistol and close combat weapon for a shotgun.
  

The Vengeful Blade in pursuit of Eldar pirates

Model by Eberious

• One Initiate may exchange their chainsword for
  

A power weapon for +15 points

A power fist for +25 points

A heavy bolter for +5 points

A missile launcher for +5 points

A multi melta for +5 points

A lascannon for +15 points

A plasma cannon for +10 points

OR

A flamer for +5 points

A meltagun for +10 points

A plasmagun for +15 points

Once the squad number 10 models, you may select the option that you did not initially.

• All Initiates in the unit may take crusader seals at +2 points per a model.
  

Dedicated Transport: The unit may take a Rhino, Razorback, Drop Pod or Land Raider Crusader if the unit will all fit into the transport.

Brother Maynard

One Crusader squad in the army may add Brother Maynard at the indicated points.

During the Templars reclamation of an abandoned chapter keep that had been overrun by Hrud, Brother Maynard recovered Marine Artificer Antioch's long-lost Book of Armaments from among the inner rooms of the keep. As the Orbs of Antioch built in the last millennia had been made by artificers simply copying a previously built one, the design had gradually deteriorated until without the proper handling, the Orb proved as dangerous to friend as to foe. With discovery of this relic, the safety and deadliness of the Orbs was restored. In gratitude for Maynard's perilous feat, the Marine Artificers ensure that he is never unarmed against an enemy by gifting him a Holy Orb every time he should need one. Maynard is surely being watched by Marshal Trop and it may only be a matter of time before he finds himself raised into the Marshal's Household.

Cost: 30 points

Maynard

4

4

4

4

1

4

2

9

3+

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear: Power armour, chainsword, bolt pistol, bolter, crusader seals, Holy Orb of Antioch, frag and krak grenades

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear

Upgrade Character

Dedicated Transports

The Nex-Gero pattern Razorback

The Nex-Gero pattern Razorback was developed in the depths of the forgeship, Arcadia. Adapted from some of the same schematics that gave birth to the Land Raider Crusader, Techmarine Malak's creation was armed with a Hurricane bolter turret. First seeing battle in the Arginian crusade against the Orks in 975 M41, the initial design proved superior to many of the other Razorback variants in an anti-infantry role, especially within the close quarters of the hive world. The design quickly spread among the chapter, often supplanting the popularity of previously preferred designs. The Templars have had few requests for the design from other chapters, perhaps because of many chapters' distrust of any Razorback, let alone one conceived within the last century.

Rhino

See pages 76 and 135 of Codex: Space Marines.

Razorback

See pages 77 and 135 of Codex: Space Marines. In addition to its other options, you may swap the Razorback's twin-linked heavy bolter for a Hurricane bolter for +10 points.

Drop Pod

See pages 69 and 135 of Codex: Space Marines.

Fast Attack

Assault Squad

Brother Jort

jah-minis

As per pages 60 and 139 of Codex: Space Marines, with the following amendments.

Replace the Space Marine Sergeant with a Space Marine. All of the Space Marine Sergeant’s options are discarded. Instead, the following is added to the Options of the unit.

• One Space Marine may to replace his close combat weapon with:
  
  A power weapon or a lightning claw for 15 points
  
  
  A Power fist for 25 points
  
  
  A thunder hammer or pair of lightning claws for 30 points

• Up to two Space Marine may select melta bombs, at +5 points per a model.
  
  
• Any marine may replace their bolt pistol with a storm shield for 15 points.
  

The option for a Dedicated Transport is removed from the unit's options. Therefore, the ability to remove jump packs is not available.

Sword Brethren Bikers

Cost: 205 points

Sword Brethren Biker

4

4

4

4 (5)

1

4

2

9

3+

Sword Brethren Mandor

Titan136

Unit Composition: Five Sword Brethren Bikers

Unit Type: Bike

Wargear: Bolt pistol, power armour, Space Marine bike, crusader seals, frag and krak grenades

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear

Options:

• May include up to five more models, at +41 points per a model
  
• Any model may replace their boltpistol with:
  

A storm shield for +15 points

A plasma pistol for +15 points

A power weapon or lightning claw for +15 points

A power fist for +25 points

A thunder hammer for +30 points

• Any model may select melta bombs for +5 points
  
• One model may exchange their bolt pistol for a relic blade for +30 points
  
  
• Up to three models may exchange their bolt pistol for a storm bolter, combi-melta, combi-flamer or combi-plasma for +5 points.
  

• Up to two models may exchange their bolter for:
  

A melta gun or flamer +5 points

A plasma gun +10 points

Land Speeder Squadron

As per pages 74 and 139 of Codex: Space Marines.

Bike Squadron

Cost: 75 points

Initiate Biker	4	4	4	4 (5)	1	4	1	8	3+
Neophyte Biker	3	3	4	4 (5)	1	4	1	8	4+

Unit Composition: Three Initiate Bikers

Unit Type: Bike

Wargear: Initiate Biker- Space Marine bike, bolt pistol, power armour, frag and krak grenades. Neophyte Biker- carapace armour, Space Marine bike, bolt pistol, frag and krak grenades.

Special Rules: And They Shall Know No Fear

Options:

• You may add Neophyte bikers at +18 points per a model, Initiate bikers at +25 points per a model or an Attack bike at +50 points (unit and options as per C:SM) . The total amount of Neophyte Bikers may not pass the amount of Initiate Bikers in the unit. The total amount of wounds in the unit may not exceed ten.
  
  
• One Space Marine Biker may take a locater beacon for +25 points.
  
  
• One Space Marine Biker may take meltabombs for +5 points.
  

• Up to three Marine Bikers may replace their bolt pistol with:
  

A plasmagun for +15 points

A meltagun for +10 points

A flamer for +5 points

A power weapon for +15 points

Attack Bike Squadron

As per pages 68 and 140 of Codex: Space Marines. Loses Combat Tactics.

Heavy Support

Vindicator Ferrus Pugnos

Titan136

Land Raider

As per pages 81 and 142 of Codex: Space Marines.

Land Raider Crusader

As per pages 82 and 142 of Codex: Space Marines. Blessed Hull option (as per page 29 of Codex: Black Templars) is added to list of options for the cost listed on p26 of Codex: Black Templars.

Land Raider Redeemer

As per pages 83 and 143 of Codex: Space Marines.

Vindicator

Per pages 80 and 143 of Codex: Space Marines.

The fires of the righteous shall not be quenched.

Chaplain Veerschelt

Predator

As per pages 78 and 143 of Codex: Space Marines.

The Crusading Wrath

This Land Raider Crusader was the first one ever modified by by Simagus. The ancient Land Raider is said to have first seen battle in the Scouring in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy and it was only with High Marshal Lodoldus' personal consent that Simagus went to work on it. The changes wrought proved successful and within a month, the Jerulas Crusade was concluded successfully. Its machine spirit is said to be one of the most ancient servants of the chapter and as such, the Crusading Wrath is treated with great reverence by the chapter. Since the Jerulas Crusade, the ancient warmachine regularly continues to participate in Crusades.

Cost: 300 points

14

14

14

n/a

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

Type: Vehicle (Tank)

Unit Composition: 1 (Unique)

Wargear: Searchlight, smoke launchers, twin linked assault cannons, pintle mounted multi-melta, 2x hurricane bolters, blessed hull

Special Rules: Power of the Machine Spirit (as per page 81 of Codex: Space Marines), Assault Vehicle (as per page 81 of Codex: Space Marines), Venerable Machine Spirit

Venerable Machine Spirit: The tank ignores any Crew Shaken and Crew Stunned results.

Wargear

Unless specified below, all wargear, armour and vehicle upgrades work as per Codex: Space Marines, p97-103.

Cenobyte Servitors, Blessed Hull, Fighting Company Banner, Holy Orb of Antiochs and Crusader Seals all work as per p27-29 of Codex: Black Templars.

Holy Relic- Once per a game, the model with the Holy Relic in its wargear may reveal it. For the following assault phase, any friendly Black Templars' models within 12" gain +1 Attack.

Crusade Banner- Functions as a Company Banner (as per page 100 of Codex: Space Marines).

Special Rules

Brother Kjart confronts a Wraith construct during the Relief of Drek

Ado

Righteous Zeal: If a casualty is taken during the Shooting Phase by any Black Templar Infantry unit that benefits from And They Shall Know No Fear, a Zeal Leadership test is made by the squad. If the test is passed, the unit may then choose to make a move of d6" towards an enemy unit. If the test is failed, there is no effect. Morale checks from shooting are taken as normal. If a unit is forced to take a Zeal leadership test and a Morale Check in the same round of shooting, the Zeal leadership test is taken. If passed, the unit moves as above and the Morale Check is not taken. If the Zeal Leadership is failed, the unit then loses the Morale Check automatically. If this move takes them into base to base contact with a squad, the Black Templar unit counts as being in close combat and as having launched an assault in the following assault phase.

Abhor the Witch as per p23 of Codex: Black Templars.

Drop Pod Assault as per p69 of Codex: Space Marines.

And They Shall Know No Fear as per p51 of Codex: Space Marines.

Vows

Accept Any Challenge, No Matter the Odds: The first time a Black Templar unit that benefits from And They Shall Know No Fear is involved in an assault phase, the unit gains the Preferred Enemy USR for that round of combat only.

Uphold the Honour of the Emperor: If this vow is taken, Black Templar units are immune to Pinning but may not Go to Ground. In addition, every non-vehicle model gains a 6+ invulnerable save.

Suffer Not the Unclean to Live: As per p24 of Codex: Black Templars.

Abhor the Witch, Destroy the Witch: The Black Templars benefit from a Psychic Hood of Ld 9 whenever a Black Templar unit is targeted by a psychic power.

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I would like to thank the following people for their contributions towards this.

For the use of pictures of their minis, I owe Captain Hat, Ap0k, Titan136, Ana (and mahon), wappellious, Kyr Gkikas, Gimmers, hunter-flood, jah-minis (aka jah-joshua), Ado, Eberious, Prot and SeanSullivan many thanks. Thank you guys for providing the awesome pictures that make the codex truly come to life and for the minis that provided inspiration for me.

For their great feedback and help in polishing the codex, I'd like to thank Brother Tyler and Bannus. Thank you for making this codex as good and balanced as it could be and bringing me back down to Terra when I needed it.

Thank you to Iago and Von Richtofen for their ideas, concepts and support throughout the process.

Thank you to Templar14 for his Special Character ideas and his old wise wisdom.

Thanks to RandomX and Brother Hadafix, who both cast their eyes over the codex and gave feedback from a true Templars' perspective.

Another thanks must go to the remainder of the mod team at the Bolter and Chainsword. Thank you guys for your encouragement and for mercilessly pouncing on any mistakes I made.

Finally, to my number one helper, Marshal2Crusaders, thank you. You were my best ideas springboard and suggester. Your help was invaluable in the production of this codex, it would not be half as good without your input.

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Okay, now with the Academy Awards' speech out the way...

The codex as it stands is as balanced as I can make it by looking at it. I haven't playtested it at all. That's what I'd love people to do, if at all possible. No doubt there is some costing and options that need to be adjusted. I want people to point out my mistakes and ask questions, that's the only way to improve it.

[paintner]

will have to print this to read it ... =)

[Twin .44]

Not bad at all. I like the additional character and bringing the BT up to snuff. I'm a little confused about the AAC, but I guess I'll figure it out. I may try to get a firend to help test it out, but I can't garauntee anything. Great work and I hope to try it out!

[Roland Durendal]

I love it personally. Very fluffy, fun, and seems balanced right now. I'll gladly playtest it.

 

Perhaps Brother Maynard should also carry the Book of Armaments? And have a once a battle option of reciting a certain verse from it... :cuss

[Brother Hadafix]

I like what you have one here and if I get the opportunity I would give it a try. Glad you re visited some of the units, this has a very good feel to it. Nice one! :cuss

[marine]

when you said inline with C:SM I didn't think you meant overpricing too, well it's just Sword Brother Varrikan and the venerable dreadnought (+60pts for that, it's not your fault but its still overpriced)

 

also is Sword Brother Varrikan supposed to have just one weapon

 

anyway it looks great otherwise

[Razmus]

Why does all your TDA (termies) have 3+ armor saves?

 

Raz

[Marshal Rohr]

Thanks Man :(

 

 

I look forward to using it some more!

[Night Stalker]

Why is castellan so expensive ? I mean, -1I, -1W, -1LD, -1WS, -1BS ... and only few points less ? Nobody would take him at all, given the choice. Pretty Harsh.

 

Nikademus on the other hand is bargain, thunderhammer/power weapon and additional attack for mere 25 points ? steal. he should cost at least 190 points.

[Sigismund Himself]

Why is castellan so expensive ? I mean, -1I, -1W, -1LD, -1WS, -1BS ... and only few points less ? Nobody would take him at all, given the choice. Pretty Harsh.

Well, there's a 35 gap between Castellans and Marshals. It's really there to ensure that Templar players aren't disadvantaged with lower point level games, where we already have to take a 100 point Emperor's Champion.

 

Nikademus on the other hand is bargain, thunderhammer/power weapon and additional attack for mere 25 points ? steal. he should cost at least 190 points.

Woops, I missed out a 25 points boost there.

 

Why does all your TDA (termies) have 3+ armor saves?

Must have packed the wrong armour... Fixing that up.

 

when you said inline with C:SM I didn't think you meant overpricing too, well it's just Sword Brother Varrikan and the venerable dreadnought (+60pts for that, it's not your fault but its still overpriced)

Varrikan is priced that much because of the potential for 10 Thunder Hammer armed Terminators and him to drop in next to any gunline and assault straight away, courtesy of Heroic Intervention. Venerable dreadnought, I'm just following GW's line. As always, you can modify this codex to suit your own needs ;)

 

also is Sword Brother Varrikan supposed to have just one weapon

Yep. If you're swearing a death oath, the goal is to get into CC as soon as possible.

 

I'm a little confused about the AAC, but I guess I'll figure it out.

Basically the unit only gets preferred enemy the first time a unit is in assault.

 

Perhaps Brother Maynard should also carry the Book of Armaments? And have a once a battle option of reciting a certain verse from it...

It was tempting. You'll have to thank T14 for the idea of Brother Maynard.

 

Thanks for the comments so far.

[Gavotte]

This is excellent. You've practically done most, if not all, of GW's work for them already. Should try sending it in to them and see what they think.

[PlasmaBomb]

Do we have ghosts on the forum ?

 

 

I have copied it into a word document if anyone wants it for ease of printing let me know.

[Ellis Dee]

Do you have a higher resolution picture of the dreadnought? It looks awesome from what I can tell.

All the models are really well done. Cool stuff (:

[Sigismund Himself]

Do you have a higher resolution picture of the dreadnought? It looks awesome from what I can tell.

All the models are really well done. Cool stuff (:

I've added links on the images to a larger sized one, if they have one. Dreadnought included.

 

You forgot heavy support.

It mysteriously edited itself overnight to take out Heavy Support and the vows. Fixed up now.

[Ellis Dee]

I'm pretty much flipping out over your dreadnought

the colours are quite effective and well thought out, very regal and heraldric feeling (:

the forgeworld black templars venerable dreadnought model is one of the coolest ever, no doubt

the chaos door is a really nice touch too

[Sigismund Himself]

I'm pretty much flipping out over your dreadnought

the colours are quite effective and well thought out, very regal and heraldric feeling (:

the forgeworld black templars venerable dreadnought model is one of the coolest ever, no doubt

the chaos door is a really nice touch too

Unfortunately, it isn't my dreadnought (I wish it was though!) :tu: It belongs to one of our old moderators, Prot. All those little names to the right in the captions are the owners and painters of the models. None of my own models made the cut for quality ;)

[Mealstorm]

I really really like it. Puts up to date with current Space Marines, still keeps us really fluffy and unique. Plus all the individual new characters are cool with great fluff.

 

Although I still wish we could somehow have some scout snipers ;)

 

Definitely think you should try sending it into GW, maybe they'll just playtest it and forward it on through to production :rolleyes:

[marine]

can't sword brother varrikan only use heroic intervention if he has a jump pack

 

he may need custom rule saying he can assault after teleporting but not drop podding, similar to vanguard

 

also why no whirlwind, I know it doesn't fit the templar theme but still, the codex says we have them

 

why do bike squads get limited to 10 wounds, from what I hear 10 ork nobs can take bikes giving them 20 wounds (although it could be cheating ork players in my area)

[okg02]

Very Cool. Really. Very Cool.

 

My one suggestion would be to drop the option to add extra bodies to the Command squad. C:SM can't do it, we really shouldn't be able to either.

 

Once again. Very Cool.

 

okg

[Sigismund Himself]

can't sword brother varrikan only use heroic intervention if he has a jump pack

 

he may need custom rule saying he can assault after teleporting but not drop podding, similar to vanguard

Hrrm, I think you can get the intent of the rule from the current wording. I'll look into how to word it better, but without making it a simple copy, paste, replace from C:SM.

 

also why no whirlwind, I know it doesn't fit the templar theme but still, the codex says we have them

It's a trade-off for all the goodies we get, IMO. This codex is just a building point though, feel free to adapt it to fit your views of the Templars and add Whirlwinds :P

 

why do bike squads get limited to 10 wounds, from what I hear 10 ork nobs can take bikes giving them 20 wounds (although it could be cheating ork players in my area)

It's meant to limit it to 10 models, like the Orks. However fun 20 Black Templars turbo boosting across the table is for you, I don't think your opponent will want to play you again in a hurry.

 

My one suggestion would be to drop the option to add extra bodies to the Command squad. C:SM can't do it, we really shouldn't be able to either.

The restriction in C:SM is mainly due to the Apothecary and FNP situation. The only squad that can take an Apothecary in this has similar restrictions :)

[Kurasuke]

also why no whirlwind, I know it doesn't fit the templar theme but still, the codex says we have them

You mean in that crusade list at the end of the book that has no bearing on the rules?

[okg02]

Fair 'nuff.

[Marshal Rohr]

I'm sure some Crusades still have Whirlwinds. But unfortunately your fighting company never requisitions them ;) .

[Doc Faolan]

Hey Sigs, I'd double-check the Emperor's Champion's relic blade against the CSM one. That's a 2h weapon.

[Venerable Rhadamanthus]

I'm curious what you guys think about the EC having the Honour or Death rule that the Honour Guard Champion has!? In the description it is very EC like---must be ready to challenge any enemy leader to single combat, etc. A HGC has artificer armor and can have a relic blade...short of the 1 less WS, I, W...there's not much to differentiate the two...