Origins

       The Shadow Templars are phantoms in the Emperor’s service. Their beginnings are obscured in rumor and fear: failed aspirants to the Adeptus Astartes, disgraced officers of the Guard, or even deserters who bought their lives with servitude to the Inquisition. No tale is confirmed, yet all speak of them with a shiver. 

       Each Venator casts off their past in fire and silence. Names are erased, histories obliterated. In return, they inherit only one truth: the Emperor’s will is their guide, and the shadows are their domain. They strike where the light cannot follow, and they are judged by no eyes but their own.                                           A Venetor doesn't hide in the shadows—he *is* the shadow.

2. Oath of Silence

Every Shadow Templar swears the Oath of Silence:

  • All names, ranks, and histories are erased.

  • Communication outside orders is forbidden.

  • Only service in the shadows defines their existence.

Breaking the oath is punishable by death… often at the hands of one’s own brothers.

3. Organization

Rank                                Role

Venator                            Elite strike operative, core of the army.

Silent Master                  Tactical leader, master of stealth, aura boosts nearby units.

Shadow Initiate              Recruits in training, deployed as skirmishers or screens.

Shadow Siege Engine    Rare heavy support, specialized for infiltration and sabotage.

4. Army Rules & Abilities

Shadow Strike

  • Move through cover or rough terrain without movement penalties.

  • Can redeploy up to 6" after the movement phase once per game turn.

Oath of Silence

  • Cannot receive buffs from allies.

  • Morale tests automatically passed if the unit has no leader within 6".

Assassin Tactics

  • If attacking a unit that has not yet acted this turn, gain +1 to hit and +1 damage.

In the Shadows

  • May deploy anywhere in cover at the start of the game.

  • Bypass line-of-sight penalties when you're not firing.

No Name

  • Immune to psychic detection, except in the presence of an exceptionally powerful psyker.

 

This is NOT an official army created by @gamesworkshop for Warhammer. 

It is my concept for an elite strike unit, working in the shadows and sowing havoc among enemy lines. If you see them, it's too late, if you hear them you not the target.