Templar

The Horus Heresy #Audio Drama

by John French

On the doorstep of Holy Terra, the shadow of treachery still lurks. Upon a comet-shrine dedicated to the glory of Unity, a group of heretic Word Bearers prepare to return to the Solar System after being abandoned by their brethren - only the forces commanded by Sigismund, First Captain of the Imperial Fists, stand between the traitors and their goal. But will the legendary Templar's skill at arms be enough to prevail over this new enemy, or will the doubt in his heart prove ultimately to be his undoing?

Read it because
Sigismund is First Captain of the Imperial Fists: destined for greatness beyond any of his Legion brothers. In this audio, though, he faces traitor Space Marines in battle for the first time, and must confront the true nature of their Heresy.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction, 40k, Short Stories, Military Fiction

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

John French is a writer and freelance game designer from Nottingham, England. His novels include the Ahriman series from Black Library, and The Lord of Nightmares trilogy for Fantasy Flight. The rest of his work can be seen scattered through a number of other books, including the New York Times bestselling anthology Age of Darkness. When he is not thinking of ways that dark and corrupting beings could destroy reality and space, John enjoys talking about why it would be a good idea... that and drinking good wine.

Reviews

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in The Silent War anthology

A great insight about Sigismund, unbeaten duelist and First Captain of the Imperial Fists, while he leads his battle-brothers against the last Word Bearers in the Sol System (for now) upon the comet-shrine dedicated to the glory of Unity hinted in Anthony Reynolds' novella The Purge.
A very good short tale and Sigismund and the VII Legion really need more stage-time in the Horus Heresy series.
And the flashback with the Templar of Dorn's duel against Kharn was just awesome.

[Abhinav · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read the full review over at my blog:

http://sonsofcorax.wordpress.com/2014...

Black Library’s Horus Heresy range has been notable since its inception to turn out some really high quality audio dramas. James Swallow began the great trend with his various Garro audio dramas, spinning out of his novel The Flight of the Eisenstein and other authors since have taken great steps forward with the format as well. Some along the way haven’t been as good as I wanted them to be, but by and large, the Horus Heresy audio drama range is quite a good one and I would definitely recommend readers of the novel to experiment with these and give them a chance.

One of the latest audios in the series is Templar by John French, which focuses on the Imperial Fists First Captain Sigismund as he leads a strike force of Imperial Fists against traitorous Word Bearers within the Sol System itself. Sigismund has largely been a background character in the series thus far, but under John French, I think the character is set to become a major player, as he should be, given how large a character he is in the lore. Produced by Heavy Entertainment, this is one of their finer audio dramas for Black Library, and voice-actor Gareth Armstrong remains as great as ever.

As First Captain of the Imperial Fists and the Primarch Rogal Dorn’s most favoured son, Sigismund is a rather notable character in the Heresy lore. The Seventh Legion has largely operated in the background of the Heresy series, with few exceptions to that, such as the novella Crimson Fist in 2012, and the short audio drama Garro: Burden of Duty that same year. There is also an older short story/audio The Lightning Tower which focuses on the animosity between the Imperial Fists and the Night Lords and the events which cause the Primarch of the Eighth, Konrad Kurze, to flee with all his men and later turn traitor. And a small bunch of cameos elsewhere. This entire situation can perhaps be best explained by the fact that the Imperial Fists in the early days of the Heresy did not play so crucial a role, that their major contributions were all towards its end, when the Siege of Terra was a reality.

But that sure hasn’t stopped a number of authors in including cameos here and there, or even dropping names. Sigismund is one of the very few characters of the Imperial Fists Legion who has had his name spoken more than once, particularly in relation to Angron’s most favoured son, Khârn, who has been a very important part of the series itself and has popped up in lots of different places ever since his introduction in False Gods by Graham McNeill.

The premise of Templar is that there is a small strike force of Word Bearers in the Sol System, given the guardianship of a comet-shrine that celebrates the days of Unity on Terra. As Primarch Rogal Dorn and the Emperor’s foremost advisor, Malcador the Sigilite prepare the Sol System for war against the inevitable arrival of Warmaster Horus’ fleet, small traitorous forces within the system must be contained and destroyed. So the task of clearing the comet-shrine is given to Captains Sigismund and Fafnir Rann, the latter the eventual founder of the Executioners successor chapter of the Imperial Fists during the Second Founding.

Through the use of some really great flashback scenes, John French explores the legend of Sigismund the unbeaten, the greatest champion and duelist amongst the Legions, and pits his legend against Jubal Khan of the White Scars, Alahoss (sp?) of the Dark Angels and Khârn himself. Each flashback offers insight into Sigismund’s character and his habits, such as wrapping chains around his sword-hand before any duel or battle.

John is one of the best writers working for Black Library at the present and in the relatively short time he has been writing Warhammer 40,000 fiction, he has definitely gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence. I haven’t read as much of his work as I would like to, but the majority that I’ve read has been impressive and he has certainly been quite prolific as well. In Templar, his exploration of Sigismund as a character, not to mention the small asides with the other notable characters, are well-done because of how compelling a story he has created. He explores the kind of a warrior, the kind of Imperial Fist that Sigismund is and what his personality in the here and now reflects upon his eventual role as the first Chapter Master of the Black Templars, one of the handful few successor chapters the Imperial Fists broke down into after the Horus Heresy, once Primarch Guilliman unveiled his Codex Astartes.

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order Omnibus XV Scale and Stone (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.

Yeah, so I was definitely on some not giving things a fair shout because I had a bee in my bonnet about the Fists and Templars and I hold my hands up and wipe the Phalanx Yellow off my face because I think this is actually kinda amazing!

Revolving around Sigismund, his Templars and a couple of Malcador's Chosen heading to the Unity Comet to take out Word Bearers enacting a ritual, this story is a real character study of the First Captain of the Imperial Fists, impressively shown in vignettes, many from the duelling ring and practice cages, that explore his mien and perspective through other people's words. A perfect choice for a man of very few of his own.

This is the first time Sigismund has clashed with the Traitors and comes off the back of or leading to othe calamitous and heartbreaking confrontation in which he confessed why he stayed on Terra to Dorn. He is a man who is a weapon, who has spent his entire life honing himself into a blade for his Primarch and Emperor, but now he has questions of faith and perfidy, honour and duty, and comes face to face with the horrifying face of heresy and, not only warp spawned horror from bloody ritual but, irrefutable proof the pawns of Chaos can access secrets told to noone.

This is French writing up and storm and doing so much without it being obvious. This is such an incredibly charged and powerful story. In many ways Sigismund, this story, and French are the same in that. *it's like poetry, it rhymes*.

French's words and frenetic action in Keeble's mouth are only elevated higher and delivered with the force of their writing.

I truly can't believe I was so tepid on this, after how pumped I feel now!

Great stuff!

Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 28 Horus Heresy novels, 14 novellas (including 1 repeat), 94 short stories/ audio dramas (including 6 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 13 Primarchs novels, 4 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and a short story...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.

***

Initial Review 3/5

I have to question whether my disinterested hatred of the Imperial Fists and Black Templars played a part here, but this was a rare John French story I didn't love.

Apparently Obnoxious Obi-Wan is worried about how Sigismund will fair against traitor Astartes as he's never faced them outside of the practice cages...which is, like, the same for everyone beyond maybe a mjod-fuelled Space Wolves punch up or that time Sigi's papa got Curze stomped. Anyways, Scheming Sidious has a fellow psyker do mind training on him to recreate the WTF training moment from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

There's Word Bearers on the incredibly Chaotic-aesthetic commemorative shrine on comet who have always been there, but now Lorgar's lads are the baddies so Mundo has to go kill em to death, while day dreaming about the far more interesting and charismatic Khârn and hope the Colchisian chaps having got more nefarious things on the books...

This definitely isn't bad, but it just didn't do it for me. It was a little by the numbers and not exactly groundbreaking. Chaos stuff going down so close to Terra is admittedly wild and the story was worth it for me to get to spend more time, even in imaginary form, my favourite gay, polyamorous berzerker boy. It's always fun to see big figures in either Dark Decem Millennium interact pre-Heresy.

I feel like calling something competent is almost worse than saying it's bad, but that's what this is. It truly is decent enough and, while it's absolutely not essential to the story of the Horus Heresy, I can definitely see Sigifans, Imperial Fisties, and Black Templayers getting a kick out of it. For me, it just needed some more sauce or spice in any direction, but your mileage may vary and I've listened to so many of these in the last couple of months that maybe I'm getting more picky.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent Horus Heresy audio drama surrounding the character of Sigismund, the legendary Son of Dorn, Emperor's Champion, Member of the Temple Brethren, 1st Captain of the Imperial Fists legion; and later first High Marshall of the Black Templars --in case you didn't know.

In this short story Sigismund will experience a test of will, and a twist of fate as he goes up against his own kind for the very first time (Traitor Astartes), and experiences a fall from grace from which he seeks his redemption.

The ambience is good, the voice acting is good, although I found the narration during the battle scenes slightly overshadowed by the effects, that's minor. I did appreciate the affects however.

My favorite part was the scene painted by the exchange of words between Alajos of the Dark Angels and Sigismund while he stood guard to the Temple of Oaths aboard the great starship fortress-monastery "Phalanx".

[Lee Rawnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with some nice insights via flashbacks

[Patt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good for an audiodrama I enjoyed this story..

[Zare · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning Legion Champions were the warriors tasked with defending the honor and most sacred places and rites of their Legions. They were the only ones that would engage in combat with the other Legion's champions or representatives to defend their own Legion honor. In these duels fight was never to the death but was serious enough to make these champions seek isolation from their brethren for a sole reason fighting against their own brothers was anathema in its own.

So when Horus Heresy erupts it is no wonder that Champions are warriors that rest of Space Marines and Imperial Army see as those that already have blood of their kin on their hands.

This story follows Sigismund, champion of the Imperial Firsts as he leads his squad into combat on a wandering comet-turned-to-shrine against the war-band of Word Bearers. Through entire fire contact Sigismund is fighting with his own feelings and trying to find his new purpose. Being an Imperial Fist (meaning rather single-minded) the very situation where brother turns against the brother is a mark of very troubling times and great martial shame for all Space Marines. Finally he comes to terms to now changed way of things but, as it is case with almost everything during the Heresy, future already starts to look very bleak.

And did I mention that Malcador's team is fighting alongside the Sigismund and his team. Man, I need more stories centered around these mysterious gray-clad warriors.

Highly recommended to fans of Warhammer 40k and Horus Heresy in particular.

[Travis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Templar is another of the audio selections about the forest heresy, though to be honest, I'm not really liking these, that's why it's taking me so long to get through them. I bought this collection years ago, and I only manage to listen to a few of these a year. Why? Mostly because the stories are lackluster, the audio editing is mediocre, and taken individually, these stories are (let's face it) boring. I suppose once the whole collection is complete, they'll weave themselves into an overall tapestry that will probably be something worth remembering, but that might be wishful thinking as well. So far, each of these audio recordings have been a tiny slice of the rebellion, and each slice tells us practically nothing I guess if you're a true fan of the series, then they might be exciting and interesting, but for me, someone who knows nothing about this series, it's completely uninteresting. I'll try to finish all of these audio adventures, and the ebooks that came with the bundle, but I'm not holding out high hopes.

[Matt Argueta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Another solid vignette following Sigismund and his first attack against the traitor legions, taking the battle to the Word Bearers on their comet shrine orbiting Sol

Lots of good introspection and conversations to flesh out Sigismund's character and how he views himself. All of this feels like it's setting him up for a bigger part/role to play when things fully come to a head. 

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just does exactly what it says on the tin. It's just a brilliant glimpse into Sigismund as one of the best Heresy-era characters. Loved the flashbacks to his past duels with other champions from other legions.

[Lane Callahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was great! one of the better audio dramas in this series. it felt well produced with good (and varied) voice acting which made it all the better. i still think all of them are way too short and they suffer for it but still enjoyable nonetheless.sigismund is a baddie

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really excellent use of the audio drama medium. Still, doesn't have enough resonance to make me go wild.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good
Some great flashbacks with Euphrate Keeler, White Scar and a World Eater
Felt kind of anime-esque with the flashbacks but it was cool so I can't complain
Solid read

[Michael Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a newbie to the 40k universe and chose Black Templars as my army. This book was a quick punch and enjoyable. A lot of descriptive battle scenes and really cool pictures being written.

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collected in the silent war anthology.

[Jakob M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really well done. Interesting way to reckon with a space marine having to face down traitor Astartes during the Heresy for the first time.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of fantastic audio dramas have come from the Horus Heresy series and this was no exception.

Sigismund is the Champion of Oaths of the Imperial Fists, he is the Templar, one of greatest Champions of the Heresy. But for most of the Heresy he is more of a background character, name-dropped whenever the conversation turns to who is the deadliest among the Legions. So, it seems fitting that he would get an audio drama to focus on him.

The story focuses on an assault on the Word Bearers that remained stationed in the Sol System shortly after word has reached Dorn of Horus’ treachery. The story is intercut with duels Sigismund engaged in with a Jubal Khan of the White Scars, and Kharn of the World Eaters and Alahoss of the Dark Angels. Each offering insight into Sigismund as a character.

I really liked the atmosphere developed by the book. Focusing on how man like Sigismund, bound by honour and duty internally struggles when confronted by betrayal and heresy. That he has internal doubts over his own nature, worrying that he “cages” himself, adds some layers to the character. The action was intense and really well narrated. A compelling story.

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cool little piece on Sigismund and some of his interactions with other chapters.

[Gamer Gamersson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. I'm a big fan of Sigismund, and this is a solid Sigismund vignette (if a little safe and bland), so that's a plus in my book. Great follow-up to some of the things set up in Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader too. Solid, not fantastic, but pretty good.

[Dylan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn Sigismund is awesome! And John French really paints a damn good scene! I think this might be the best audio drama I have listened to so far. It really was damn good. The voice actors did a damn good job, though I always feel that Astartes should have much deeper voices. The sound effects were the best I have heard yet. The music, tied with the Daemons was amazing. Some truly chilling sounding effects really!
And the story. The story was great. We kind of get to see into Sigismund's head for a bit. His fateful duel with a White Scars and World Eater. Some foreshadowing, I think, of what might come later, when all certainty has left the Imperium. Really damn good stuff. The action was insane, the Word Bearers were fucking awesome, like REALLY fucking awesome (even though they died a little bit too easily for the most part). I really cannot wait to see where the HH team take Sigismund, as I think he might be one of the best characters in the HH given a little more of a chance!
I really hope that the Imperial Fists have something more than random appearances in later HH books, as 30 books in, they have been in surprisingly little.

[Michael Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far in the Horus Heresy series, the Imperial Fists haven’t had a huge amount of the spotlight. Presumably that’s going to change the closer things get to the Siege of Terra, but in the meantime there’s John French’s audio drama Templar to whet the appetite of 7th Legion fans. It follows First Captain Sigismund, leading a mission to cleanse an enclave of Word Bearers that still remains within the Solar system. As he faces the prospect of killing his own kind for the first time, he considers the nature of his duty in light of the changing face of the galaxy.

Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A battle of the mind, a battle of the soul and a marine showing his skill with the blade. Sir Gismand is strong and has chains the hold his blade to his arm. A set of fights that show the mindset throughout the battles and how much it can change but also remain resolute.
Battles of skill, fate and new paths. A great short within the Heresy series.