The most intriguing aspects (to me, anyway...) about the Black Templars and Space Marines in general are all the strange icons and symbols that they display on their armour, weaponry, and standards. What's it all mean? Are they just for show, or are there stories behind each and every mark that covers their power armour? This heraldry has got to mean something, right?

I believe that these symbols are a gateway to a whole new level of detail that one can lavish upon the basic Space Marine model. They provide a great way to add some background and story to your rank-and-file Astartes. Thinking of ways to convey and create honour badges, awards for bravery, and other such heroic trappings is a great exercise in creativity. It'll certainly set your Space Marines apart from the crowd and give you a better sense of attachment to your army. Now, during your games, instead of saying, "Darn, another Space Marine casualty;" you might find yourself saying, "That was Brother Loutrecht, decorated veteran of the Geonide Crusade!"

The Black Templars in particular have a predisposition toward customized armour details as a byproduct of their various Crusades. What you'll find in this article is some background concerning four Crusades I made up for my Black Templars. More importantly, you'll find and all the markings, awards, badges, insignia, and banners that go along with each particular campaign. These ideas can easily be carried over to any Space Marine Chapter — this isn't Black Templars-exclusive content, folks — everyone can pick up a trick or two from this article.

Next: The Declates Crusade