The Emperor’s Champions who serve across the crusades of the Black Templars are justly renowned across the galaxy as being among the most formidable warriors to face on the battlefield. With a stunning new Emperor’s Champion miniature on its way, it’s time to explain exactly why these mighty heroes are simply better than anything else out there. If you worship the Dark Gods or some other alien deity, you’re going to have to just suck it up and embrace the hyperbole!
1. Only the Very Best Opponents Will Do
Unless you’re one of the galaxy’s supernal warriors, you can expect to be casually swatted aside by an Emperor’s Champion as he bestrides the battlefield like a god of war in search of foes worthy of his sword.
2. They’re Chosen by the Emperor Himself
Before becoming an Emperor’s Champion, a warrior of the Black Templars will receive a holy vision on the eve of battle. Quite why the Emperor chooses to bestow this gift is a mystery. All that is known is that some great purpose now awaits them (no pressure), and they will fight wreathed in an aura of divine light. From that moment on, their duty is clear – to challenge and defeat the mightiest enemies of Mankind in glorious combat. Simple, right?
3. They’re Armed with the Finest Wargear
Should a Black Templar be chosen to serve as an Emperor’s Champion, the Chapter’s Chaplains will arm them with the holy panoply of their new role. He will wear the Armour of Faith, a suit of artificer plate, largely unadorned save for a wreath of laurels that crowns the helmet. He will also have the honour of wielding a Black Sword – a masterwork greatblade of unrivalled quality which can lop a head from the most heavily armoured neck with a mere flick of the wrist.
4. Dealing Death is Their Only Mission
To be an Emperor’s Champion is to serve the Master of Mankind directly. They are thus unburdened by their former rank, nor are they restricted by orders. They march fearlessly at the forefront to carve a path of bloody ruin through their enemies, seeking the worthiest foes to cut down for the glory of the Emperor. Deny them at your peril.
5. They Represent the Legacy of the Deadliest Space Marine of All
During the Great Crusade, First Captain Sigismund of the Imperial Fists was renowned among all the Space Marines Legions as perhaps the very best swordsman among them. During the Siege of Terra, Rogal Dorn named him the Emperor’s Champion and sent him to cut down the mightiest lords of the Traitor Legions. Dozens of these dread warriors fell to Sigismund’s blade – despite their many favours from the Dark Gods, they proved no match for the first and greatest of the Emperor’s Champions.
So, there you have it. Compelling evidence that you should either fear the Emperor’s Champion or have one in your army. This mighty warrior will be available soon, along with a codex supplement for the Black Templars Chapter, so keep up to date with all the latest news by signing up to our newsletter and checking in with Warhammer Community every day.
