STARTING A BLACK TEMPLARS ARMY IN 11TH EDITION: THE ETERNAL CRUSADE
No chapter wears its convictions on its sleeve quite like the Black Templars, and 11th edition is a fitting hour to join the crusade. These are the zealots of the Adeptus Astartes — a fleet-based crusade that has never stopped fighting since the Emperor walked among men. If you want an army with chainswords, tabards, chains binding weapons to wrists, and a permanent scowl, you've found it.
Why the scheme sells the army
Black armour with bone-white tabards and red details is one of the most forgiving schemes in the hobby. Black is quick to base, edge highlights do the heavy lifting, and the cloth gives every model a splash of contrast. Crucially, freehand crosses on white panels look far harder than they are. A battle-ready Templar looks dramatic in a way few beginner armies manage.
Your opening purchases
Start with whatever Black Templars boxed set is current — the chapter is lucky enough to get dedicated upgrade sprues and its own kits, so a starter bundle stretches further here than for most chapters. From there, prioritise:
- Crusader Squads — the beating heart of the army, mixing hardened Initiates with eager Neophytes in one unit. Nothing else in the Marine range looks like them.
- The Emperor's Champion — a single miniature that carries the whole chapter's mythology on its back. Paint him early; he's a joy.
- Sword Brethren — your veterans, dripping with character and conversion potential.
The centrepiece question
A Land Raider Crusader is the obvious flagship: a rolling cathedral that delivers your Sword Brethren into the enemy's teeth. If you'd rather a character, High Marshal Helbrecht makes a superb painting project and an even better table presence.
Recommended: Land Raider Crusader
Recommended: High Marshal Helbrecht
Resist these early temptations
Skip heavy shooting units for now — Devastator-style firepower fights against the chapter's identity, and you'll reach for melee every time. Likewise, avoid buying a second vehicle before your infantry core is assembled. A crusade with no crusaders is just a car park.
Keep the ledger honest
Every crusade keeps records, and yours should too. When a box lands on the doormat, log it, and record whether it's still on sprue, built, or painted — no rounding up. There's real satisfaction in watching the painted column overtake the pile.
For the full unit roster, see the Black Templars faction page under Data.