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I've had a few games with the Templars since the new Codex, and have been rather underwhelmed. I remain optimistic about getting better, even if I think the new codex doesn't do the Chapter justice. Here is the list I plan on playing with next.

HQ
225 Captain - Burning Blade, Artificer Armor, Shield Eternal, Digital Weapons
150 Command Guard - Apothecary, Rhino
140 Emperor's Champion

ELITE
170 Ironclad Dread - HF (replacing SB), Drop Pod

TROOPS
475 Crusader Squad - Sword Brother with PW, 9x Initiates, 5x Neophytes, LRC with Multi-melta
95 Crusader Squad - 5x Initiates, ML with Flakk
95 Crusader Squad - 5x Initiates, ML with Flakk

FAST ATTACK
195 Assault Squad - Vet Sgt with PW and Melta Bomb, 9x Marines

HEAVY SUPPORT
65 Whirlwind
140 Predator - TL Las, Sponson Las's


I run Emperor's Champion in the LRC and hide the Rhino (Captain + Command Squad) in its shadow.
Please let me know what I should add or trim or what strategy I should go for. I do not have any SM flyers or anymore LRC's to field.

Mhm.... i'd change the Whirlwind and the pred for two Thunderfire cannons :3

That's a pretty stable list for Templars, in my opinion. Would be so fun to play - even though your largest enemy would possibly be an army, that heavily emphasises saturating the opponent with long range, low AP fire (like Tau, but many people lose against Tau anyway... they're silly...)

I immediatelly noticed something that was off: you have taken 2 relics, and the rules allow only one per army. Fix this.

By personal experience, the Shield Eternal is a must for the Warlord, making him a tough nut to crack, and gives a beautiful +1 boost to Deny the Witch. The Burning Blade is situational however, since it's risky to use, as it can scorch the user's arse. Even though a thought about an HQ dealing S7 AP2 hits in the face sounds badass, but I wouldn't pay 55 points for an AP2 melee weapon, since I can play safely AND cheaply by having a power axe/fist.

I agree with phatonic about Whirlwind: in this situation, you want something tough and hard hitting support to your marching black tide of doom, and a lone Whirlwind just won't do it well enough, since it becomes a hate magnet, and WILL be cracked open in the next opponent's round.. Two Thunderfire Cannons sounds absolutely lovely for that job, or even a single one, should you lack the points.
You could also try Vindicators - yes, they also have a curse being a center of all attention (who wants a large pie plate of S10 AP2 in their faces?!), but if you take them in bigger quantities than 1, suddenly their effectiveness dramatically increases! What's even better, they will joyfully join your angry crusade towards the enemy deployment zone, 'cause A) the Demolisher cannon has a lousy 24" range, and B) their front plating (13!) make them an excellent steel shield.
The third option, which is the least Templar-like yet the most versatile one, is of course the Devastator squads. I mostly use them as air and ground defence by filling the squads with missile launchers and flakk missiles. Get 'em in ruins/covers, spread 'em around your deployment zone, keep the Sergeant behind yelling at one of the guys to shoot with BS5, and see how metal humbly starts to bend.

That's how I would roll.

 Tigramans wrote:
That's a pretty stable list for Templars, in my opinion. Would be so fun to play - even though your largest enemy would possibly be an army, that heavily emphasises saturating the opponent with long range, low AP fire (like Tau, but many people lose against Tau anyway... they're silly...)

I immediatelly noticed something that was off: you have taken 2 relics, and the rules allow only one per army. Fix this.

Reread page 127 It says you can only have ONE of each relic... you can have any number of relics you want.. aslong it's not the same one.

 phatonic wrote:

Reread page 127 It says you can only have ONE of each relic... you can have any number of relics you want.. aslong it's not the same one.

^This.

I don't think I can afford to leave out the Predator as I need more AT (vehicles are numerous at my FLGS) but a Vindicator could be a good substitute.
I always park my Whirlwind out of LOS and barrage the enemy so I rarely lose it before turn 3 (most games not at all). It has always served me well, but I can see how a Thunderfire Cannon has crazy potential (heavy 4!). I might consider purchasing the model if this list doesn't perform well.

Shield Eternal is great, though I take it over Storm Shield specifically for Eternal Warrior (Black Templars already have Adamantium Will). Burning Blade hits at Initiative, which is great vs I1 weapons (which a lot of SM players take) since it can Blind or kill them before they attack. The 'Gets Hot' rule for it is very tame if you consider it only happens 1 in 6 Assaults you use it, only wounds on a 4+, and you get your invulnerable save against it (3++). That's 1 in 36 assaults (2.8%) that it successfully wounds you; 1 in 54 (1.9%) if the Apothecary is alive for FNP. I would consider that acceptable risk.

I appreciate the feedback. More is welcomed.

 phatonic wrote:
Reread page 127 It says you can only have ONE of each relic... you can have any number of relics you want.. aslong it's not the same one.

Oh look, I've misread it. Thanks for clarifying, mate. My bad :'3