40K Deep Thought: Whither Black Templars?
With recent word from retailers that Black Templars kits have become unavailable for restocking, its time to take a look at the black and white crusaders.
We all say that there are too many marine codices out there. So just who does deserve their own codex? Here’s a quick list put together by Denzark outlining the “unique” units and abilities of the various colored-marine codices. Interesting food for thought.
Black Templars:
1. LR Crusader.
2. BP/CS Tac squads.
3. Neophytes in mobs up to 15.
4. Champion.
5. Vows
Blood Angels:
1. Fast vehicles.
2. Sang Priests.
3. Death Company.
4. Descent of Angels.
5. Black Rage.
6. Libby Dreads.
7. Sang Guard.
8. Baal Pred.
Space Wolves:
1. Grey Hunters.
2. Blood Claws.
3. Rune Priests.
4. Sagas.
5. Giant wolf riding marines.
6. Wulfen.
7. Acute Senses/Counter Attack.
8. No teleporting.
9. Wolf Guard leaders.
10. Wolf Scouts.
Dark Angels:
1. Ravenwing
2. Deathwing
3. Banners
4. Darkshroud/Vengeance
5: Nephilim/Darktalon
6. Interrogator-chaplains
7: Grim Resolve/Inner Circle
On the one hand, it does seem like a lot of the Black Templars uniqueness has been purloined by other forces (like the Crusader). There’s not a whole lot in there that couldn’t be represented by a handful of doctrines or unit options in a new Space Marine codex. Of course GW could add in new units – like a flyer…wrapped in chains that fired missiles… wrapped in chains.
Now the age old question seems to be: Exactly how and why did GW even introduce the Black Templars to full model-codex status during 3rd-4th? It’s a highly unusual army choice considering all the other larger factions that get no love, (Mechanicus, Arbites, etc…).
If I had to make the choice to either
a) Give them their own 6th edition codex
b) roll them into the Space Marine codex (freeing up a new army slot)
c) find some way to shoehorn them into the rumored “allies” supplement
I would have a very difficult decision to make as a GW product manager. What would you do?
