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I started 40k less than a year and a half ago and have been a staunch Guard player the entire time. After looking over a lot of models and skimming each codex, I decided for my second army I think I wanna go with Black Templars. I'm only vaguely familiar with Space Marines, so before I go out and get anything or write a list I wanted to seek the help of any Black Templar players here on Dakka.

In particular I'd like to know what the competitive units are. I'd ideally like to create a fluffy army, so units that excel in close combat are important. Sword Brethren look really cool, are they actually any good? I'd also like to toy with the idea of bikes, as a 5-man squad can get plasma guns for 6 pts apiece whereas I have to pay 15 each for Guardsmen.

I'm not asking for someone to write me a list, I'd just like some general tips on what are the more competitive unit choices and optimal loudouts for close combat or tank hunting or anti-horde.

Terminators with lightning claws and a chaplain leading them are damn-near godly. You can give them Furious Charge so they'll be hitting at initiative and strength 5 and they can really wreck house. You can really tool up your characters and make a real deathstar unit with them.

Just for reference, if you check the codex's background information, you'll note that the Black Templars actually use MORE bolters and long range weaponry than they do CCWs. They simply have a preference towards close combat. So if you decide you want to field a shooting-oriented force, that is just as "fluffy" as a CC-oriented list is.

As for the rest of your post, I'd recommend taking a look at my website Implausible Nature. It should answer most, if not all, of your questions. And if you have anything else lingering, I have contact information readily available around the site.