Black Templars crusade army for Warhammer 40k: Primaris and Firstborn infantry in matte black with white pauldrons and yellow weapons, painted to Levels 1 & 2.
Private commission · Levels 1 & 2 & 2 · Delivered in June 2024. Massive Black Templars crusade army for Warhammer 40k featuring a blend of Primaris and Firstborn infantry in crisp matte black armour, contrasting white pauldrons and classic yellow weapon casings. Painted to a mixed standard: battleline finish (L1) and character/elite finish (L2), on arid snow-patched terrain bases.
The project
This massive Warhammer 40,000 project fields a true Black Templars Crusade, blending classic Firstborn units with modern Primaris Space Marine formations. The army was planned around a smart production approach: battleline infantry was resolved with the L1 finish, guaranteeing flawless tabletop readability with satin blacks, clean shading on parchments and purity seals, and the signature contrast of crusader white pauldrons carrying the black templar cross.
To break the dark monotony of the traditional scheme — and nod to classic Second Edition and John Blanche artwork — a vibrant imperial yellow was added to heavy weapon casings, bolters and power fists. This detail creates an immediate visual focal point that runs through the whole formation from front to rear.
HQ characters, squad officers and elite units (Bladeguard Veterans, Terminators and the command vanguard) were painted with the L2 Standard Studio finish. Here you can see far more exhaustive edge highlighting on the armour plates, blended transitions on cloaks and parchment/ivory tabards, subtle OSL lighting on plasma weapons and power swords, plus higher detail on bare faces and chapter relics.
The whole force is tied together by a coherent arid snow-swept wasteland base: golden brown and ochre packed earth, fine gravel and patches of melting snow and frost around the rims. This warm-cold combination lifts the dark Space Marine silhouette and boosts the presence of the entire army when deployed in battle formation.
Featured techniques
- Matte black armour & edge highlighting: black handled to avoid a flat finish, with cool blue-grey highlights on key edges for characters and elites.
- Crisp white pauldrons: clean, even white with no chalky texture, finished with recess lining and sharp black templar crosses.
- Classic yellow weapon casings: saturated mustard yellow with recess washes and top-edge highlights for a clean retro/grimdark contrast.
- Parchment & tabard layering: blends on tabards and ceremonial cloth from leather brown up to light bone/ivory.
- Arid & winter scenic basing: ochre sand and rock combined with artificial snow for optimal colour contrast.
Miniatures included
Character finish (L2): HQ and vanguard elite
- 1x Marshall / Primaris Captain with power sword and cape.
- 1x Emperor's Champion / Primaris Vanguard Lieutenant.
- 1x Bladeguard Veterans / Honour Guard squad with relic shields.
- 1x Assault and shooting Terminator squad, with yellow power fists and heavy weapons.
- Squad leaders (Sword Brethren / veteran sergeants with tabards and power weapons).
Battleline finish (L1): line troops and army bulk
- Primaris & Firstborn Crusader Squads with bolters, chainswords and pistols.
- Intercessor squads and assault troops.
- Infantry support heavy weapons: missile launchers, heavy bolters and plasma/melta guns across the back ranks.
Convert
Do you love this result?
Tell us your project — tailored quote and technical advice, no commitment.
I want a project like this→