The Emperor’s Champion is often the star of a Black Templars army, but they wouldn’t be anyone without the Chaplains who arm them – mentally, physically, and spiritually – for war. A number of classic Chaplains are making their returns soon, while the stunning new version of Grimaldus – and a bunch of other Black Templars kits, too – are available to pre-order this weekend. This being the case, we’re putting the spotlight on these righteous heroes of the Reclusiam to show how integral they are to Dorn’s crusading sons.
The Chaplains of the Black Templars are true paragons of the Chapter – their zeal and determination are beyond reproach, and their hatred of Humanity’s enemies absolute. In this, they stand apart even from Chaplains of other Chapters.
While most Space Marines revere the Emperor as a great and powerful man who has rightfully earned the respect and adoration of the Imperium’s countless citizens, to the Black Templars, he is truly divine – a God-Emperor to be venerated and worshipped. This surety of faith sees the Black Templars Chaplains fight and preach with a religious fervour that is unmatched.
Beyond their normal duties of ministering to the spiritual needs of their battle-brothers, Black Templars Chaplains mentor those who’ve been chosen by the Master of Mankind to serve as the Emperor’s Champion. Should a warrior of the Chapter receive a vision from the God-Emperor on the eve of battle, the Chaplains will take him to a contemplation chamber to meditate upon his new purpose, and gird him with the appropriate regalia.
Yet it's not just this narrative connection that sees Chaplains so often join Emperor’s Champions in Black Templars armies – they are formidable warriors in their own right. What’s more, the new codex supplement dials their holy ardour up to 11.
First up are the Litanies of the Devout, which are unique to Black Templars Chaplains. Whether used to inspire their battle-brothers or to redouble their own efforts, they are powerful alternatives to the standard Litanies of Battle. Oath of Glory, for example, turns your Chaplain into a one-man wrecking ball!
Furthemore, adding a Chaplain to your army unlocks the ability to upgrade your units to Relic Bearers. For a nominal cost in points (or Power), these units are given the honour of carrying a sacred artefact of the Chapter. If, for example, you have a model equipped with a pyreblaster, you can upgrade it to Beastpyre to hugely increase its Strength, while also improving its Armour Penetration.
What’s more, if you’re wisely looking to add a Chaplain or two to your Black Templars collection, you’re about to be spoilt for choice! This weekend sees Grimaldus, the stoic High Chaplain, up for pre-order, alongside a multipart plastic Chaplain that’s available separately for the first time. Four classic fan-favourite Chaplains will also be available for 10 days only via Made to Order, so make sure you grab your preferred skull-faced warrior priest when they are released on Black Friday (Friday the 26th of November).
Which is your favourite Chaplain model? Let us know on the Warhammer 40,000 Facebook page.