Sword Brother
Sword Brethren or Sword Brother is a specialist rank within the Black Templars, similar to the Veterans of Codex Chapters.[1]
Overview
Sword Brethren are elevated by their commanding Crusade's Marshal, and act as his own personal household guard. Though often veterans, some are simply Initiates who have achieved exceptional deeds. Marshals, however, are extremely careful with choosing their Sword Brethren. These warriors are then set upon two paths: fighting in bands with his fellow Sword Brethren or taking charge of Crusader Squads alongside Initiates and Neophytes. Others may become Ancients or Chaplains. Within a Marshal's Household, Sword Brethren are typically used as honour guard and elite shock troops, and are specifically trained to use Terminator Armour if the situation requires it.[1] Due to their strong faith and zeal, they are often especially effective against the forces of the Warp.[1]
During Crusades, a Marshal can also appoint a Castellan to lead one of the Fighting Companies. This Castellan is picked from the Sword Brethren as is the case when a Castellan or Marshal is killed, the new one will be picked from the Sword Brethren.[4]
In battle, Sword Brethren have access to the most advanced armaments in their Crusade. These include Heavy Bolt Pistols, Plasma Pistols, Pyre Pistols, Bolters, Plasma Guns, Meltaguns, Missile Launchers, Lascannons, Plasma Cannons, Heavy Bolters, Multi-Meltas, Power Weapons, Thunder Hammers, and Lightning Claws.[4][8]
Notable Sword Brethren
- Augustin Riegerwald[4]
- Merek Grimaldus — The youngest Marine in the Chapter's history to hold the rank. Later Reclusiarch.[3]
- Racej Lucerne[5]
- Anstat[9]
- Seigfel[9]
Images
A Sword Brethren squad (2005)
Sword Brethren Terminator[7]
Sources
- 1: Codex: Black Templars (4th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Community: Black Templars Reinforcements Are on the Way with These Amazingly Zealous New Models (posted 4/10/2021) (last accessed 5/10/2021)
- 3: Helsreach (Novel) — Armageddon (Anthology), Prologue
- 4: World of Warships website: WoWS x Warhammer 40,000: Orks and Black Templars (Last accessed on 29 October 2021)
- 5: Throne of Light (Novel), Chapter 11
- 6: Codex: Black Templars (9th Edition), cover
- 7: Index Astartes IV - Deep Strike, Tactical Dreadnought Armour, pg. 31
- 8: Codex Supplement: Black Templars (10th Edition), pg. 67
- 9: White Dwarf 471, pgs. 86-89
