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More than just exceptional fighters, Shield-Captains are highly intelligent and tactically gifted commanders, able to read the ebb and flow of the wider war at a glance and direct their forces accordingly. They know neither fear nor self-doubt, and can appear arrogant and aloof to other warriors of the Imperium. This is a misconception however for Shield-Captains are untroubled by such self-serving notions as ego. They are absolute realists, fully aware of the stakes involved in the wars they wage. Nonetheless they do not lack charisma. Rather, they exude it. To the common soldiery of the Imperium these gilded figures seem to have stepped from the pages of religious scripture. Their presence fills faithful men with euphoria, banishing fears and doubts, replacing them with the absolute certainty that the Emperor watches over his servants and will preserve their souls should they fall in battle that day. Shield-Captains are also master diplomats, well versed in the intricacies of Imperial high society, privy to secrets and traditions that allow them to charm, inspire, threaten and manipulate as required to see their will done.{{Fn|9a}}
In battle, Shield-Captains typically lead a detachment{{fn|1a}} or squad of Custodes.{{fn|3}} It is not uncommon to see a multiple Shield-Captains in battle, nor is it for one to command others - groupings such as the [[Golden Brothers]] or the , [[Heralds Three]], or [[Sevenshields]] have won remarkable renown through their impressive accomplishments. {{Fn|9i}} This does not result in any tension, for the Shield-Captains are frank in discussing their respective merits and quick to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.{{Fn|9a}}
==Ranks==
**{{Endn|9g}}: pg. 6
**{{Endn|9h}}: pg. 20
**{{Endn|9i}}: pg. 25
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Conquest 67]] — ''Forces of the Imperium: Death Watch''
*{{Endn|11}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/04/20/psychic-awakening-consequences/ Warhammer Community: Psychic Awakening: Consequences (Posted on 20/04/2020)] (Last accessed on 23 April 2020)