It looks like a third new Black Templars model is on the way, as what appears to be a Primaris High Marshal Helbrecht was just spotted!
GW had already said we will see a big launch box for the Black Templars, which generally means more than one new mini. So even though we’ve already seen a new Primaris Emperor’s Champion, it seemed likely there would be more.
Warhammer Community unveiled the new codex art and it has some big clues as to what we can expect. Also, since they said the codex is coming in November, we expect them to release this in at least two waves similar to the Orks and Sisters.
With the launch box coming (most likely) in late September/October, and the codex hitting in November along with some if not all of the new releases, there is not long left to wait.
Let’s first look at what we know is coming, then break down the cover art.
New Emperor’s Champion
Wreathed in divine light, descending from the cold darkness of space with righteous fury, please be upstanding for the living miracle himself – the Emperor’s Champion.
Well, this is definitely Primaris sized, just like we had hoped. The new mini is honestly really cool without totally changing the look and feel of the original. Plus who doesn’t love them a tactical rock too boot!
Emperor’s Champions also wear the Armour of Faith and an Iron Halo, artefacts of such sacred power that the Black Templars have been known to launch entire crusades to recover them if a Champion falls in battle. This is a Chapter that does not mess around.
They definitely added a lot of detail this time around, this might be the only new mini they grab, but it’s better than nothing. So, let’s look at the rumor and the possibility of more new minis!
Black Templars Codex Cover Art Reveals Upcoming Units
Well, the first thing that jumps out of you may be the firstborn marine up top, Which by his markings, makes him a Sword Brethren.
We haven’t seen a revamp for them in a really long time, and we know GW doesn’t like to make artwork for things you can’t buy.
True heirs of Sigismund may notice that the gentleman in the middle has distinctly black-and-red shoulder pads, which mark him out as one of the elite Sword Brethren. But doesn’t he also appear to be wearing the armour of a Primaris Space Marine? How curious.
So, along with the new Champion, we expect some new Sword Brethren hitting shelves and potentially in the launch box. The other Marines in the front are just Primaris.
Black Templars Are Getting More Tools To Purge
Behold the Primaris Initiate with pyreblaster!
You might have noticed that the pyreblaster comes complete with a chain attaching it to the warrior’s wrist in the traditional manner of the Black Templars – perhaps that’s a hint at what else is on the way. Or maybe this particular chap is just prone to misplacing his belongings.
It is worth noting that the chain is also present on the Emperor’s champion, which suggests a slight thematic adjustment, and can be spotted throughout the older firstborn upgrade kits from the mid-2000s.
That’s not all with this new reveal though, they also showed off the new weapons statline.
This Pyreblaster looks sweet! Assuming it is only a slight point increase compared to normal flamers, it will be awesome! If a terminator squad can take these players will be very happy. Being able to deep strike in and shoot auto-hitting flamers without moving is a huge bonus. Even if we ignore that potential, extra range on a flamer is just good because ya know, who doesn’t like auto hits?
Get The New Sci-Fi Ruler Miniature!
With this model revealed it seems like Templars are for sure getting what may be the first official new chapter-specific primaris kit- either as a standalone or as an upgrade to one of the existing primaris box sets.
Primaris Helbrecht?
Current Black Templars High Marshal Helbrecht: $25
Over on the Bolter and Chainsword Chapter Mast Valrak dropped some Black Templars Rumors in October of 2020. Supposedly, he got word that a Primaris Helbrecht may be on the way as well.
I’ve really held back talking about this as I don’t want to raise any hope, I actually been keeping stuff to myself because certain ‘news’ sites keep miss quoting me.
Anyway, was contacted and told that Primaris Helbrect is coming, the contact told me he had seen the model, he’s got like one foot standing on a rock IRC.
I personally see this as them getting a supplement.
Anyway, make of it as you will.
So first up, if you look at the rumor it says he’s getting Primaris sized and standing on a rock, well, the new Champion is Primaris sized and standing on a rock, so that kind of hurts the possibility of a new Helbrecht.
But then this little snippet was spotted on Reddit,
Which we’ll admit doesn’t look like much until you compare it to a piece of classic Mark Gibbons artwork:
So from that, it looks like this is one of Helbrect’s servitor models, as everything seems to match up composition-wise from the dead Ork and even the tactical rock basing that was rumored from last year!
The composition looks to include:
- Helbrecht,
- Servitor w/blade
- Servitor(s) w/ combi weapon
- “Tactical” Ork
- Probably on a 60mm base
The original rumor also said April (2021) would be the update for Templars, which has already passed, but with all the slowdowns, can’t blame GW or the rumormonger for that.
Who knows, maybe the Emperor’s Champion and Helbrecht will both be in the launch box along with the Sword Brethren, or this all could be a clever ruse…
All the latest on the Black Templars
Are you excited about the codex? What do you think of both an EC and Helbrecht crossing the rubicon primaris?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
