Difference between revisions of "Adeptus Custodes"

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[[File:Custodesflag.JPG|thumb|Custodes's symbol]]
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{{AdeptusCustodesPortal}}
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{{redirect|Custodian|the class of [[Tau]] space vessel|Or'es El'leath Class Battleship}}
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{|hspace=5 VSPACE=5 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=4 style="clear:right;float:right; margin-left:1em;margin:7px; border:1px solid #090909;"
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! scope=colgroup colspan=2|Adeptus Custodes
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|-
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|colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%;text-align:center;"|[[File:CustodesSymbolClear.png|60px]]
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|-
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! scope=row cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Parent Agency
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Adeptus Terra]]{{Fn|76a}}
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|-
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! scope=row cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Headquarters
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Tower of Hegemon]], [[Terra]]{{Fn|3}}
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|-
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! scope=row cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Leader
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Captain-General]] [[Trajann Valoris]]{{Fn|25w}}
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|-
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! scope=row cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Established
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Unification Wars]]-era{{Fn|4a}}
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|}
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[[Image:CustodesArt8th.jpg|thumb|right|The Adeptus Custodes at war with [[Ork]]s.{{Fn|25n}}]]
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The '''Adeptus Custodes''', renowned as the '''Golden Legion''', the '''Brotherhood of Demigods'''{{Fn|19}}{{Fn|Notes}}, the '''Golden Brotherhood'''{{Fn|19}}{{Fn|Notes}}, and a host of other titles ('''The Custodian Guard''', '''The Guardians''', the ''' Emperor’s Saints''',{{Fn|36a}} the '''Watchers of The Throne''', '''The Thousand Companions'''{{Fn|9}}, '''The Ten Thousand'''{{Fn|15a}}), but most commonly known as '''Custodians''', are the guardians of the [[Imperial Palace]] and the [[Golden Throne]], as well as the personal bodyguard to the [[Emperor]]. Due to the vast size of the [[Imperial Palace]], the Custodes always act as a defensive army.{{Fn|1}}
  
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[[Image:Custodesimage.jpg|thumb|right|Custodian Guard c.M31 (during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy)]]
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Together with the [[Sisters of Silence]] they represented the [[Talons of the Emperor]] as the right hand of the Emperor with the Sisters as the left.{{Fn|25f}} For much of their history the Custodes rarely left the Imperial Palace and even more rarely left [[Terra]]. It is the Adeptus Custodes that decide who may enter the throne room of the Emperor, and when. Such is their authority in this matter that [[Space Marine]]s and [[Inquisitor]]s must kneel before them. Custodians are the mightiest of mankind's warriors. They are to the Space Marines what those transhuman warriors are to common [[guardsmen]], an elevated elite whose raw strength and willpower are wholly insurmountable.{{Fn|19}}{{Fn|25}}
  
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The '''Adeptus Custodes'''  are the guardians of the [[Imperial Palace]] and the [[Golden Throne]], as well as being the personal bodyguard to the [[Emperor]]. A small elite of three hundred Custodes, known as the ''Companions'', form the Emperor's personal bodyguard and never leave his side. Due to the vast size of the Imperial Palace, the Custodes always act as a defensive army<sup>1</sup>. The Custodes themselves never leave Terra, and only rarely leave the Palace.
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{{TOC limit}}
  
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It is the Adeptus Custodes that decide who may enter the throne room of the Emperor, and when.
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==History==
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[[Image:Custode Icon.png|thumb|right|Symbol of the Custodian Guard at the time of the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]]{{Fn|50b}}]]
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The Adeptus Custodes were known originally as the '''Legio Custodes''' or '''Custodian Guard'''. The original Custodians were the first genetically and psychologically altered warriors to appear in the Emperor's armies during the [[Terran]] [[Unification Wars]], where they served as the Emperor's personal bodyguard.{{Fn|4a}} The original recruits of the Custodes were from the offspring of Terran nobility.{{Fn|19}} Some of these were later grouped into [[Squad Dynastes]], dubbed the ''Lords of Terra''.{{Fn|56}} The first known appearance of the Custodes was early in the Unification Wars during the fall of the [[Techno-Barbarian]] fortress at [[Wikipedia: Nassau (region)|Nas'sau]].{{Fn|17a}} However, the origins of the Custodian Guard are shrouded in myth and legend. During the Great Crusade, the Custodes always kept a contingent with the Emperor for his protection, but also traveled individually as envoys. The Emperor valued the Custodians above all his other warriors, and while he was willing to expend countless servants he was always hesitant to bleed his Praetorians.{{Fn|15}} After the Emperor's internment in the Golden Throne, the Adeptus Custodes took a limited role as protectors of the Imperial Palace, as ordered by Roboute Guilliman in the [[Edict of Restraint]].{{Fn|19}}{{Fn|22c}}
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[[File:Custodesimage.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Custodian Guard c.[[M31]]{{Fn|77}}]]
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The Custodes were equipped with the best [[power armour]] of the age, and had access to the most highly advanced weaponry and vehicles of the Imperium, including designs that were not permitted to the [[Space Marine Legion]]s.{{Fn|17e}} After the end of the [[Horus Heresy]] and the enthronement of the [[Emperor]], the Custodes were said to have changed the colour of their cloaks from red to black to symbolise the darkness that had fallen over their order.{{Fn|2b}} To further mark their failure many, such as those in the [[Hetaeron Guard]], stopped wearing all but their black helms, capes, and loincloths.{{Fn|56}} However others such as those in the [[Ephoroi]] were observed still wearing standard power armour.{{Fn|22d}} By the end of the [[41st Millennium]] with the reappearance of [[Roboute Guilliman]], the Custodes abandoned their shrouds of shame and were seen again wearing their traditional red garments and power armour.{{Fn|19}}
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During the [[Age of Apostasy]], the Adeptus Custodes reemerged briefly during the siege of the [[Ecclesiarchal Palace]] of [[Terra]] in the reign of [[Goge Vandire]]. During this time, the Custodes attempted to make their way towards Vandire, halted only by the [[Brides of the Emperor]], who Vandire had convinced to become his personal bodyguards. After a long and otherwise fruitless discussion, the Custodes convinced the leader of the Brides, [[Alicia Dominica]], to return with them to the presence of the [[Emperor]]. What happened during that moment is unknown, but the effects resulted in the Brides of the Emperor rebelling against Vandire, ending his reign once and for all.{{fn|21b}}
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[[File:Emperor Imperial Palace Rogue Trader.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Custodians ring the [[Golden Throne]]{{Fn|2c}}]]
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Centuries later during the [[Terran Crusade]], Custodes arrived to reinforce the reborn [[Roboute Guilliman]] as he battled the [[Thousand Sons]] on [[Luna]]. Shortly after, Terra was [[Battle of Lion's Gate|besieged by Daemons]], proving to many Custodes that they had been wanting and let the threat of the Archenemy arrive on the Emperor's doorstep.{{Fn|25d}} Later, the Custodes permitted Guilliman to enter the Emperor's Throneroom alone for an entire day.{{Fn|18}} The reappearance of a Son of the Emperor galvanised the Custodes, and behind closed doors Guilliman and [[Captain-General]] [[Trajann Valoris]] amended the [[Edict of Restraint]] and modified the role of the Custodes that would see many of them journey across the Galaxy on [[Crusade]]s.{{Fn|25d}} Now members of the Custodes will bring war to the enemies of mankind, while the [[Companions]] oversee the safety of the Emperor's mortal form.{{Fn|19}}
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The Adeptus Custodes are so revered that it is deemed heresy for the [[Administratum]] to record them ever losing a battle. Thus, it is officially recorded that any warzone the Custodes are deployed to is an Imperial victory, even before they arrive.{{Fn|25c}}
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===Combat History===
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====Unification Era====
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*[[Battle of Maulland Sen]]{{Fn|15e}}
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*Battle for [[Vilifactor]]'s fortress{{Fn|25f}}
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*Battle on the red fields of [[Primasalia]] with iron fiends{{Fn|25f}}
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*[[Palace Coup]]{{Fn|28}}
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====Great Crusade====
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*Pacification of [[Ophelia VII]]{{Fn|15e}}
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*[[Proximan Betrayal]]{{Fn|58}}
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*[[Battle of Gorro]]{{Fn|59}}
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*[[Battle of Gyros-Thravian]]{{Fn|4e}}
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*[[Battle of 47-16]]{{Fn|60}}
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*[[Styxian Overmancers]] — Adeptus Custodes fought on its hellish fastness{{Fn|25f}}
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*Fighting with the false empire of [[Pureblood Kings]]{{Fn|25f}}
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*[[Coldharvest Campaign]]{{Fn|25f}}
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*[[Ullanor Crusade]]{{Fn|25f}}
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[[Image:CustodesRT.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The appearance of some of the Custodes between the Post-Heresy and [[Era Indomitus]] periods.{{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|56}}]]
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====Horus Heresy====
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*[[Burning of Prospero]]{{Fn|61}}
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*[[Drop Site Massacre]] - A small squad of Custodes under [[Aquillon]] were slain by the [[Word Bearers]]{{Fn|15f}}
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*First [[Siege of Cthonia]] - Three sodalities of the Legio Custodes took part in the battle.{{Fn|50a}}
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*[[Battle of Signus Prime]]{{Fn|6b}}
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*[[War Within the Webway]]{{Fn|4f}}
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*[[Axandrian Incident]]{{Fn|63}}
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*[[Battle of Terra]]{{Fn|4g}}
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*[[Great Scouring]]{{Fn|26b}}
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====Post-Heresy====
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*[[War of the Beast#Battle for Terra|Eldar raid on the Imperial Palace]]{{Fn|64}}
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*[[Trynnect|Purging of Trynnect]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Siege of the Eternity Gate]]{{Fn|25m}}
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*[[Dakhorth|Battle of Dakhorth]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[War for the Andromax System]]{{Fn|25m}}
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*[[Argentum|Waaagh! Deffbringa]]{{Fn|25n}}
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*[[Tyborial|Defense of Tyborial]]{{Fn|25o}}
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*[[Waaagh! Zagstomp]]{{Fn|25o}}
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*[[Years of Madness]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Terran Crusade#The Battle of Luna|Battle of Luna]]{{Fn|65}}
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*[[Battle of Lion's Gate]] and subsequently fighting against other [[Chaos Cult]]s on Terra{{Fn|29a}}
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====Era Indomitus====
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*[[Primarch's Scourge]]{{Fn|27}}
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*Battling the [[Hexarchy]]'s Coup{{Fn|29a}}
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*[[Battle of Othana V]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Battle of San Leor]]{{Fn|34}}
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*[[Battle of the Ophelia System]]{{Fn|34}}
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*Purging of the [[Wyrms of the Ur-Tendril]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Vostagraad|Defense of Vostagraad]]{{Fn|25p}}
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*[[Victorium Crusade]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Battle of Loqe II]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*[[Battle for the Aspis System]]{{Fn|25m}}
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*[[Indomitus Crusade]]{{Fn|29a}}
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**[[Battle of Vorlese]]{{Fn|29a}}
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**[[Battle of Gathalamor]]{{Fn|25c}}
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**[[Solar Incursion]]{{Fn|74}}
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**Battle of [[Khassedur]]{{Fn|31}}
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**[[Battle of Raukos]]{{Fn|66}}
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**[[Plague Wars]]{{Fn|49}}
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*Battle for [[Hydraphur]] against [[Black Legion]]{{Fn|25e}}
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*The [[War of the Spider]]{{Fn|33}}
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*[[Witching Wars]]{{Fn|25k}}
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*Battle of [[Bajil]]{{Fn|43a}}
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*Battle of [[Klythes IV]]{{Fn|43a}}
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*Battle of [[Lenthis]]{{Fn|43a}}
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*The [[Unthinkable War]]{{Fn|42}}
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*The [[Fourth Tyrannic War]]{{Fn|48}}
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**[[Battle of Bastior]]{{Fn|48}}
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*[[Jovian Purge]]{{Fn|51e}}
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==Organisation==
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[[Image:CustodesOrgArt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Organisation of a Custodes battle deployment{{Fn|43c}}]]
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The warriors of the Adeptus Custodes are a department of the [[Adeptus Terra]], the Imperial government, but its members are answerable only to the Emperor and their own leaders. The organisation's leader carries the title of [[Captain-General]], and due to the importance of the Adeptus Custodes they often hold a position in the Senate of the [[High Lords of Terra]]{{Fn|1}}. Below them are two '''Tribunes''', though during the Heresy era there were three.{{Fn|22b}} Individual squads of Custodes are overseen by [[Shield-Captains]].{{Fn|13}} The Custodes' nerve centre and command & control headquarters is the [[Tower of Hegemon]] within the Imperial Palace{{Fn|3}}, while a small elite of three hundred Custodes, known as the [[Companions]], form the Emperor's personal bodyguard and never leave his side.
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Although the Legio Custodes originally numbered ten thousand, around five years into the [[War Within the Webway]] they had been reduced to around a thousand{{Fn|15d}}. However, by the [[41st Millennium]], they had rebuilt to their original 10,000 strength.{{Fn|22b}}
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===Ranks & Titles===
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The ranks of the Custodian Guard are noted as somewhat informal, as much gestures of respect towards veterans and gifted individuals as a true command structure.{{Fn|15i}}
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*[[Captain-General]] — Chief Custodian to the Emperor{{Fn|1}}
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*[[Custodian Tribunate]]{{Fn|25a}}
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*'''Tribune''' — Senior Officer.{{Fn|15b}} There were 3 Tribunes during the Horus Heresy era, though now there are two.{{Fn|22b}}
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*'''Proconsul'''{{Fn|17d}}
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*'''Prefect'''{{fn|15a}}
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*'''Lictor'''{{Fn|17d}}
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*'''Supreme Castellan'''{{Fn|19}}
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*'''Aquila Commander'''{{Fn|19}}
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*[[Captain-Commander]] - Command Shield-Hosts{{Fn|41}}
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*[[Shield-Captain]] — Squad Leader.{{Fn|13}} These are the most veteran, well-knowledged, and experienced Custodians. The rank exists concurrently with other Custodian titles such as Prefect, Lictor, Proconsul, and Tribune.
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*'''Custodian'''{{Fn|17d}}
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===Castes & Subdivisions===
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[[Image:BlackCustodesTerminator.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Black-armoured Custodes [[Terminator]] of the [[Dankanatoi]]{{Fn|26c}}]]
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Custodians belong to a caste determined by their wargear and battlefield role.{{fn|15g}}
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*[[Hykanatoi]]{{Fn|15a}} - The main strength of the Custodian Guard. These are [[Guardian Spear]]-equipped heavy infantry. Their numbers included the Custodian Guard proper as well as several specialised units
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**[[Sentinel Guard]] — The defensive formations of the Custodes, used to defend emissaries and special facilities. During battle, they would be charged with holding the line against enemy onslaughts and as such had a greater level of teamwork than the rest of the Custodes. Sentinels were normally equipped with [[Praesidium Shield]]s and [[Sentinel Blade]]s.{{Fn|17e}}
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**[[Hetaeron Guard]] — The elite inner circle of the Custodes. The Hetaeron Guard formed the personal guard of the Emperor himself and frequently acted as his aides and confidants. The Hetaeron Guard would only leave the Emperor's side under the most dire of circumstances.{{Fn|17e}}
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*[[Kataphraktoi]]{{Fn|15a}} — [[Imperial Jetbike|Jetbikers]].{{Fn|15f}} They form fast attack and reconnaissance units known as [[Agamatus Jetbike Squadron]]s or [[Vertus Praetor]]s.{{Fn|24}} The Kataphraktoi also operate the Custodes fighters and gunships.{{Fn|17a}}
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*[[Moritoi]]{{Fn|15a}} — The smallest unit of the Custodes, they consisted of wounded brothers and sisters interred within [[Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought|Dreadnoughts]].{{Fn|15e}}{{Fn|17a}}
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*[[Tharanatoi]]{{Fn|15a}} — [[Terminator]]s.{{Fn|15g}} They serve as elite shock troops, siege units, and counter-attackers.
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**[[Sagittarum Guard]] — A sub-unit of the Tharanatoi Caste, they were among the least common Custodes. Their primary role was the slaying of enemies from a distance and with the use of devastating heavy firepower. In addition, they were known as the sentries of the outer perimeters of the Imperial Palace.{{Fn|17f}}
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*[[Ephoroi]] — A  highly secretive order tasked with covert operations, counter-intelligence, assassination, and infiltration. During the Great Crusade it was said that they commanded the [[Officio Assassinorum]].{{Fn|17a}}
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*[[Venetari]] - Fast [[Jump Pack]]-equipped infantry.{{Fn|67}}
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*[[Custodian Warden]]s — Elite warriors whose skill is above all others.{{Fn|23}}
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*[[Vexilus Praetor]]s — [[Standard Bearer]]s{{Fn|23}}
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*[[Warders of the Vaults of Rython]] — Shadowy sub-force of the Custodes deployed deep within the Imperial Palace.
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*[[Eyes of the Emperor]] — Sect of retired Custodians{{Fn|25q}}{{Fn|51g}}
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*[[Dankanatoi]] - Created during the final days of the [[Horus Heresy]], intended to expunge all treachery from the Imperium.{{Fn|26b}}
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*[[Blade Champion]] - Champions who seek out enemy leaders.{{Fn|37}}
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====Shield-Hosts and Companies====
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The modern Adeptus Custodes are deployed in contingents known as '''Sodalities''', '''Shield Companies''', and '''Shield Hosts'''.{{Fn|25a}}
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A Shield Company consists of a temporary contingent led by a [[Shield-Captain]], typically consisting of a few squads of Custodians, a [[Vexilus Praetor]], a [[Vertus Praetor]] squad, and a [[Allarus Terminator]] Squad as well as accompanying vehicles. Conversely, a Shield-Host consists of multiple Shield-Companies to undertake a specific task and is led by a [[Captain-Commander]]{{Fn|41}} as well as a counsel of Vexilus Praetors.{{Fn|25a}}
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[[Image:CustodesArt9th.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Warrior of the Adeptus Custodes{{Fn|34}}]]
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Known such formations include the:
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*The [[Aquilan Shield]] — Shield Company{{Fn|25r}}
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*The [[Eagles Vigilans]] — Shield Company{{Fn|25c}}
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*The [[Gilded Talons]] — Shield Company. Fights under Shield-Captain [[Archturus Paliades]].{{Fn|25a}}
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*The [[Solar Furies]] — Shield Host which battled the [[Necrons]] awakening on a world perilously near Terra in late [[M36]].{{Fn|25a}}
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*The [[Fury of Terra]] — Shield Host{{Fn|25c}}
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*The [[Shadowkeepers]] — Shield Host{{Fn|25l}}
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*The [[Emissaries Imperatus]] — Shield Host{{Fn|25r}}
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*The [[Guardians Stellar]] — Shield Host{{Fn|51c}}
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*The [[Solar Watch]] — Shield Host{{Fn|25l}}
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*The [[Dread Host]] — Shield Host{{Fn|25m}}
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*The [[Gilded Fist]]{{Fn|25c}}
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*The [[Vigilia Circumspectus]] — Shield Host{{Fn|43d}}
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*The [[Technologors Noctus Cognis]] — Shield Host{{Fn|43d}}
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*The [[Whetted Blade]] — Shield Host{{Fn|51b}}
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==Appearance and Equipment==
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{{Main|Adeptus Custodes Armoury}}
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Generally, the Custodes are larger and much more powerful than [[Space Marines]]; they are far more similar to the legendary [[Thunder Warriors]], as they were created by a similar process.{{Fn|3}}
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===Armour===
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The Adeptus Custodes are clad in finely wrought golden armour, superior even to that worn by Astartes.{{Fn|6}} Each suit is custom made and fitted to its wearer, a work of art in its own right. The name of its owner is inscribed within the interior of the suit. Each suit is inlaid with gems mined from Terra itself and cut by skilled artisans; these will be changed whenever the Custodian switches roles to reflect their new position.{{Fn|17c}}{{Fn|44}}{{Fn|45}} Their Power Armour is forged in the secret armouries of the Custodes, somewhere within the labyrinthine halls of the [[Imperial Palace|Imperial Archives]]{{Fn|47}}, and is made from [[Auramite]] as opposed to [[Ceramite]]{{Fn|15c}}. The servos and motors of the Custodes' armour are nearly completely silent. Custodes power armour also includes a built-in grav chute and internal air supply. Each suit's helmet includes an internal vox, an altimeter, ambient neutralisers and a hololithic schematic overlay map.{{Fn|17c}}{{Fn|44}}{{Fn|45}}
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;Auric Battleplate
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:Designed for the commanders of the [[Legio Custodes]], these impressive armour suits are as much works of art as they are formidable bulwarks against the weapons of the enemy.{{Fn|47}}
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;Auric Demi-Plate
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:A lighter version of the Custodes armour, designed for maximum manoeuvrability and minimal bulk. This allows clades of the Custodes that rely more on speed for their protection to make the best use of their unique wargear.{{Fn|47}}
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;Auric Warplate
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:Proof against small arms and also incorporates a series of field generators that can repel even heavy ordnance. Moreover, the Warplates' custom-fitted plating and artfully worked servo harnesses allow [[Custodes]] to fully exploit their gene-forged physique on the battlefield. Overall the power armour pattern is a supreme marvel of science and technology and is far superior to the standardised power armour used by the [[Space Marines]].{{Fn|47}}
  
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==Organization==
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===Heraldry===
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The Adeptus Custodes is a department of the [[Adeptus Terra]], the Imperial government, but its members are answerable only to the Emperor and their own leaders.
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The right shoulder guard of a Custodian's armour depicts the [[Imperial Aquila]] and all armour is adorned with precious gems harvested from the deeps of Terra and cut by skilled artisans. The colour of the left shoulder guard clearly shows to which shield company or shield host a given Custode belongs. For these purposes the former takes precedence over the latter organisational tier. This colouration will often match the Custodian’s tabard, and also with any robes they may wear.{{Fn|25g}} The colour of gems often depicts the shield company of the Adeptus Custodes. When they switch such organisation to another, gems are always carefully extracted from the armour of the Custodes and replaced with those of a new, appropriate colour.{{Fn|25g}}
  
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The organization's leader carries the title of ''Captain-General'', and due to the importance of the Adeptus Custodes he often holds a position in the Senate of the [[High Lords of Terra]]<sup>1</sup>.
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===Weaponry===
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Some Custodes further protect themselves by carrying a [[Praesidium Shield]], [[Storm Shield]]{{Fn|13}}, and/or wearing [[Terminator Armour]].{{Fn|25h}}
  
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==Appearance and equipment==
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For armament, the Custodes are renowned for carrying [[Guardian Spear]]s, mighty power weapons that have been carried by the Adeptus Custodes since long before the Emperor's confinement. This weapon is closely associated with the Custodes, and is depicted on their banners and badges.{{Fn|2x}}{{Fn|4a}}{{Fn|5}} Other melee weapons carried by Custodes include the Guardian Spear's cousins, the [[Interceptor Lance]] and the [[Venatari Lance]], as well as [[Sentinel Blade]]s (and their rarer cousins, [[Vaultsword]]s), [[Misericordia]], [[Custodes Vexilla]]e{{Fn|13}}, and [[Castellan Axe]]s.{{Fn|25r}}
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The Custodes are slightly larger and stronger than [[Space Marines]]. <sup>3 p.29</sup>
 
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[[File:Custodianjetbike.JPG|thumb|right|Custodian [[jetbike]] squad]]
 
  
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The uniforms of the Custodians are traditional but effective: boots, leather breeches and long black cloaks. Their torsos are naked and corded with tattooed muscle. Their tall, brazen helmets, ominous and all-enclosing, give them a threatening and impersonal appearance; ancient and ornate, the helmets incorporate advanced protective equipment and communicators.
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As befitting of their role as the Emperor's guards, the Custodes were given access to the finest and most advanced technologies of the Imperium. This is often reflected in their vehicle designs, which are mostly [[anti-grav]]. The Custodian Guard is known to have used [[Grav-Rhino]]s, [[Caladius]], [[Pallas]], and [[Coronus]] [[Grav-Tank]]s, and '''Paragon Pattern''' [[Jetbike]]s.{{Fn|4}} For aircraft, they used the [[Orion Gunship|Orion]] and [[Ares Gunship|Ares]] gunships.{{Fn|55}}
  
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Originally the traditional colour of the Custodes was red; following the confinement of the Emperor after the defeat of Horus, it was changed to black.
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In the ten thousand years since the Heresy, the Custodes have meticulously maintained and preserved much of their equipment. However, few of their technologically advanced vehicles remain, and they rarely use post-heresy designs.{{Fn|19}} Yet there are rumours that they still possess powerful grav-tanks, and other, even more potent patterns of war machine that date back to the [[Dark Age of Technology|age of wonder]].{{Fn|54}}
  
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The weapons carried by the Custodes resemble spears, but in fact they are laser weapons built in the shape of spears. The spears are built to resemble the original [[guardian spear]]s, carried by the Adeptus Custodes before the Emperor's confinement. The guardian spear is closely associated with the Custodes, and is depicted on their banners and badges.<sup>2, 4, 5</sup>
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When heavy support is needed, the Adeptus Custodes ride to battle inside indomitable [[Venerable Land Raider]]s{{Fn|25i}}.
  
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==History==
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===Fleet===
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[[File:Custodes terminators.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Adeptus Custodes Terminators]]The Adeptus Custodes were known originally as the '''Legio Custodes'''. The original Custodians were the first genetically and psychologically altered warriors created by the Emperor during the Terran Unification Wars. They served as the Emperor's personal bodyguard.<sup>4</sup> The genetic enhancement that forms the Custodes is different from and predates that developed to create Space Marines.<sup>3 p.29</sup>
+
The Custodes operate their own fleet of highly advanced warships which exist outside of standard Imperial classifications.{{Fn|36b}} These include everything from [[Battleship]]-sized vessels{{Fn|25a}} to [[Cruiser]]-class ships that patrol the [[Sol System]].{{Fn|27}} Besides unique designs, they have also been seen using standard [[Imperial Navy]] ships such as the [[Falchion Class Battleship]] and [[Tyrant Class Cruiser]]. Custodes ships are sometimes used for special missions by the [[Ephoroi]] caste within the greater Imperium,{{Fn|22a}} while many of their craft are operated by the [[Solar Watch]].{{Fn|25l}}
 +
 
 +
The spaceships of the Custodes have ancient translocation bays utilising '''Godstrike Pattern''' and [[Veilbreaker Teleportarium|Veilbreaker Pattern]] [[Teleportarium]]s where blessed incense drifts in the chill air. Each station is permanently attended to by high-ranking [[Tech-Priest]]s and blessed to such a degree that even [[Contemptor Dreadnought]]s can be teleported straight into battle.{{Fn|19}}
 +
 
 +
==Outlook and Training==
 +
[[Image:PalaceDungeon.jpg|thumb|right|Custodians underneath the [[Imperial Palace]]{{Fn|43b}}]]
 +
Although the Custodes were among the first modified warriors to be created by the Emperor, they were never intended to be part of a conquering army; such a role was to be filled by the latter Astartes armies. This is revealed both in their mindset and training, where the Custodes do not fight as brothers and sisters and as a greater whole but rather as individual warriors. This is in stark contrast to Space Marines, who employ a high degree of teamwork and collective tactics in battle. At least some Astartes look down on the Custodes for these tactics, and it may be that this was deliberately designed so that they shared a bond with none but the Emperor himself.{{Fn|6a}} Whatever the truth, the Custodians are undoubtedly fanatically loyal to the Emperor and will carry out any task he demands, regardless of how brutal or suicidal it may be.{{Fn|19}}
 +
 
 +
While Custodians share a genetic kinship with one another within the formation, they do not foster the same spirit of brotherhood or sisterhood that is instilled within the Astartes in order to function together as a unit. Indeed, each Custodian prepares and inspects his equipment individually, rather than on military parade. The individuality of each Custodes is further promoted by the fact that the processes required to produce them is not as refined or as simple as that of the Astartes and thus are not "mass-produced" as the Astartes are, meaning that each Custodian is a unique investment for the Imperium. One ritual that the Custodes do share is the recognition of mighty deeds, manifested in the awarding of '''names''', which are added to the Custodian's title to represent the actions they have performed in service to the Emperor ([[Constantin Valdor]] obtained 1932 names prior to the assault on Terra){{Fn|3}}. Such '''names''' were inscribed onto the inside of the warrior's battle armour as marks of individual pride.{{Fn|8}}
 +
 
 +
The training of the Custodes also differed immensely from the Astartes, being bodyguards rather than soldiers. It is clear from their [[Blood Games]] that Custodians are trained in the arts of assassination - both improvised and advanced - in order to counter possible assassination attempts to the Emperor. It is common for several Custodians to be on detached duty for these Blood Games so that the organisation remains vigilant against developing threats. Furthermore it is clear that the Custodes are also well versed in the political etiquette of Terra, and have been known to act outside of [[Imperial Law]], to infiltrate influential Noble Houses and to investigate any potential threats (a role that an Astartes would never be expected to fulfil.){{Fn|3}} Moreover fitting of their status as the Emperor's aids the Custodes are given an intense appreciation of finer concepts. Their training involves mastery of the arts, diplomacy, geography, history, and countless other fields.{{Fn|25d}}
 +
 
 +
This aspect of the Custodian mindset is advantageous, given that the '''Captain-General''' often shares a seat with the [[High Lords of Terra]], which thus allows them to navigate the political manoeuvrings of the Imperium's various agencies, while still remaining an awe-inspiring warrior.{{Fn|22e}}
 +
 
 +
The Custodes do not consider themselves soldiers. Rather, they see themselves as the guardians of the Emperor. Not just the guardians of his physical form but also his ideals and what the species was meant to become. As such they are also scholars, artisans, and counsellors in addition to being trained rigorously in the art of combat.{{Fn|22b}}
 +
 
 +
Some Custodians are known to practice [[yothagna]], a form of meditative exercise, in their quarters during their personal time. Some yothagna techniques involve sitting cross-legged on a rug while practicing a series of breathing patterns and controlled body movements.{{Fn|36a}}
 +
 
 +
===Martial Ka'tah Fighting Styles===
 +
Custodes are taught a series of powerful stances known as '''Martial Ka'tahs'''. These fighting styles can be adopted in unison by entire [[Shield Host]]s{{Fn|39}}, and each has a preferred Ka'tah they use in battle{{Fn|40}}. By doing so, the Shield Hosts bring centuries of training to bear with violent precision.{{Fn|39}}
 +
 
 +
*'''Calistus''' - Calls for the Custodes to keep up relentless fire while they advance against their enemies.{{Fn|39}}
 +
*[[Dacatarai]] - An aggressive [[Imperial]] fighting style that has been adapted for the Custodes' use. It allows Custodes to deal with hordes that vastly outnumber them by effortlessly managing their foes' ebb and flow. This prevents the Custodes from being overwhelmed by hordes{{Fn|39}}. The [[Dread Host]] specialises in its use.{{Fn|40}}
 +
*'''Kaptaris''' - Has been optimised to trap enemy units in melee combat. This allows the Custodes to parry, deflect attacks, or prevent their foes from falling back from combat. Kaptaris is ideal for maintaining an upper hand by controlling the battlefield.{{Fn|39}}
 +
*'''Rendax'''{{Fn|40}} - Used when facing a large number of foes.{{Fn|41}}
 +
*'''Salvus''' - Used by Custodes in battles where they want to ensure their foes are killed{{Fn|40}} (presumably, all of them).
 +
 
 +
Some Ka'tahs are only used by [[Blade Champion]]s specifically. They spend years perfecting these styles in the [[Imperial Palace]]'s '''Colosseia Auris'''.{{Fn|41}}
  
−
During the Great Crusade, the Custodes always kept a contingent with the Emperor for his protection, but also travelled individually as envoys. Since the Emperor's internment in the Golden Throne, the Adeptus Custodes have taken a more limited role as protectors of the Imperial Palace.
+
*'''Behemor''' - Clinical strikes prevent even the toughest hide or armoured hull from withstanding the Champion's blows.{{Fn|41}}
 +
*[[Hurricanis]] - Lets a Champion carve their way through enemy ranks in a blur of blade and blood.{{Fn|41}}
 +
*'''Victus''' - Execution techniques that have been used by Champions to claim the lives of countless tyrants and warlords.{{Fn|41}}
  
−
Originally, they were equipped with the best power armour of the age, and had access to the same type of equipment and weapons as had the Space Marine Legions. Equipment which was characteristic of the Custodes would influence the equipment of the later Grey Knights. After the confinement of the Emperor within the Golden Throne, the Custodes abandoned, among other things, the use of their armour, and their traditional colour of red was changed to black.<sup>4</sup>
+
==Biology & Recruitment==
 +
[[Image:Custodes Eye.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Eyes of the Emperor]]{{Fn|51g}}]]
 +
The source of the [[gene-seed]] of the Custodes is a mysterious issue, if indeed they even ''have'' something similar enough to [[space marine]]s for the term "gene-seed" to have meaning. Some say that the Custodian Guard are to the Emperor what the Space Marines are to the Primarchs - that the Emperor's own genetic matrix was used in their creation and through this, their loyalty to him is assured.{{Fn|14a}} Others argue that the Custodians are not like the Emperor in the way that a Space Marine is like his Primarch, and that some other source was used as a template for their physical and psychological form, a source that was lost during the anarchy of the Age of Strife.{{Fn|12}} Recent sources, however, seem to firmly establish that the Custodes were created from the flesh and blood of the Emperor himself. {{Fn|19}} The genetic enhancement that forms the Custodes is different from and predates that developed to create the [[Space Marines]].{{Fn|3}} Each Custodian is a unique work of art, the product of genetic lore collected over many lifetimes.{{Fn|15b}}
  
−
During the [[Age of Apostasy]], the Adeptus Custodes reemerged briefly during the siege of the [[Ecclesiarchal Palace]] of [[Terra]] in the reign of [[Goge Vandire]]. During this time, the Custodes attempted to make their way towards Vandire, halted only by [[Brides of the Emperor]] whom Vandire had convinced into becoming his personal bodyguards. After a long and fruitless discussion, the Custodes convinced the leader of the Brides, [[Alicia Dominica]], to return with them to the presence of the [[Emperor]]. What happened during that moment is unknown, but the effects resulted in the Brides of the Emperor rebelling against Vandire, ending his reign once and for all.
+
The process of creating a Custodes is far more grueling and time-consuming than that of a Space Marine. Unlike Astartes, whose recruits begin implantation during adolescence, the creation of a Custodes must begin during the subject's late infancy. The genetic tailoring of each Custodes is unique and far more complicated than the comparatively crude Astartes. Originally, it was said that the Emperor himself oversaw the creation of each and every Custodes.{{Fn|17a}} However, now, although the gene-enhancements that create new Custodes are shrouded in secrecy, the most accomplished bio-alchemists and [[chirurgeons]] of Terra are trusted with their creation, allowing new Custodes to be made even after the Emperor's internment upon the [[Golden Throne]] having been wounded by [[Horus]]. The exact method of their creation remains unclear; they do not receive simple implants like [[Space Marine]]s. Rather, bio-alchemy is used to trigger the subject's own transformation, an effect that takes root in their cells and very soul.{{Fn|25d}}
  
−
==Outlook and training==
+
It is said that the first Custodes recruits were drawn from children of Terran nobility,{{Fn|25d}} from the firstborn sons of those patriarchal noble houses of pre-unification Terra, who were destined to inherit their houses' kingdoms. Noble daughters could also be recruited{{fn|79}}{{Fn|Notes}} The practice continues to this day, and new initiates are drawn from infants among noble Terran children{{Fn|25d}} though if the number of noble Terran recruits run out, other overt or secretive recruitment methods are also used. Though an exact age of recruits is not given in sources, it is stated that literate individuals are already too old{{fn|79}}{{Fn|Notes}}. New recruits are presented before the '''Avenue of Sacrifice''' outside the Ascensor's Gate of the [[Imperial Palace]].  A handful of these aspirants survive the grueling genetic enhancements and training necessary to become a member of the Emperor's personal guard.{{Fn|19}} How long the process takes is not known, though it is substantial and ends with the subject taking their name from the mythology and history of Terra. Such is the potency of this enhancement that there are no finer or more fearsome warriors in the Imperium than the Custodians. Biochemically fashioned from infancy to function as supreme combatants, tacticians, and bodyguards, they are death incarnate to those who defy the Emperor’s will.{{Fn|25}}{{Fn|25d}}
−
Although the Custodes were among the first modified warriors to be created by the Emperor, they were never intended to be part of a conquering army; such a role was to be filled by the latter Astartes armies. This is revealed both in their mindset and training:
 
  
−
While Custodians share a genetic kinship with one another within the formation, do not foster the same spirit of brotherhood that is instilled within the Astartes in order to function together as a unit. Indeed, each Custodian prepares and inspects his equipment individually, rather than on military parade.<sup>3</sup>
+
The cellular alchemy that creates the warriors of the Adeptus Custodes leaves them forever touched by a spark of the Emperor’s own divinity. Beyond their martial might and incorruptible nobility, this energy manifests itself as an almost supernatural warding, as though the Custodians were protected by the hand of the Emperor. Bullets and bolts are turned aside at the last moment, blades fail to strike home, and even the psychic powers of the foe can suddenly and inexplicably flicker away to nothing in the face of the Ten Thousand. Some Custodians find that the holy light of the Emperor glows around them in a sublime halo, blinding enemies in their glory, forcing them to recoil in pain and terror.{{Fn|25}}
  
−
The individuality of each Custodes is further promoted by the fact that the processes required to produce them is not as refined or as simple as that of the Astartes <sup>3</sup> and thus are not "mass-produced" as the Astartes are; meaning that each Custodian is a unique investment for the Imperium.
+
The Custodian Guard do not age biologically, so a veteran officer might be well over a thousand years old. As with all their kind, warriors who believe they are no longer fit for duty will bequeath their armour to the colossal [[Hall of Names]] and go abroad into the galaxy disguised under a hooded black cloak.{{Fn|19}}
  
−
One ritual that the Custodes do share is the recognition of mighty deeds, manifested in the awarding of '''names''', which are added to the Custodian's title to represent the actions he has performed in service to the Emperor. (Constantin Valdor obtained 932 names prior to the assault on Terra)<sup>3</sup> Such '''names''' were inscribed onto the inside of the warrior's battle armour as marks of individual pride.
+
==Battle-Cry==
 +
The Adeptus Custodes don't have a battle-cry at all. They fight with silence and grim determination.{{Fn|22b}}
  
−
The training of the Custodes also differed immensely from the Astartes, being Bodyguards rather than Soldiers. It is clear from their [[Blood Games]] that Custodians are trained in the arts of assassination -both improvised and advanced- in order to counter possible assassination attempts to the Emperor. It is common for several Custodians to be on detached duty for these Blood Games so that the organisation remains vigilant against developing threats.<sup>3</sup>
+
==Known Elements of the Adeptus Custodes==
 +
===Land Vehicles===
 +
*''[[Glorious Wrath]]'' — [[Land Raider]] of the [[Gilded Talons]] Shield Company{{Fn|25a}}
 +
*''[[Glory to the Throne]]'' — [[Venerable Land Raider]]{{Fn|25i}}
 +
*''[[Imperius (Rhino)|Imperius]]'' — [[Rhino]]{{Fn|52}}
 +
*''[[Justice Delivered]]'' — [[Land Raider]] of the [[Gilded Talons]] Shield Company{{Fn|25a}}
 +
*''[[Terra Rex]]'' — [[Land Raider]]{{Fn|52}}
 +
*''[[Wrath of Ages]]'' — [[Venerable Land Raider]] of the [[Eagle Vigilans]] Shield Company{{Fn|25j}}
  
−
Furthermore it is clear that the Custodes are also well versed in the political etiquette of Terra, and have been known to act outside of '''Imperial Law''', to infiltrate influential Noble Houses and to investigate any potential threats.<sup>3</sup> (A role that an Astartes would never be expected to fulfil.)
+
===Fleet===
 +
*''[[Argent]]'' - [[Tyrant Class Cruiser]]{{Fn|27}}
 +
*''[[Eyrie Prime]]'' — Star-Keep guarding the [[Sol System]]. Located on the star line between Sol and [[Gathalamor]]{{Fn|25b}}
 +
*''[[Ferrum Raptoris]]'' — Star-Keep located in orbit around [[Mars]], beyond the orbit of [[Phobos]]{{Fn|25b}}
 +
*''[[Manifest Judgement]]'' - [[Archaeotech]] vessel and flagship of [[Trajann Valoris]]' [[Solblade]] Fleet in the [[Fourth Tyrannic War]]{{Fn|48}}
 +
*''[[Moiraides]]'' — Trio of vessels used by the [[Dread Host]].{{Fn|43a}}
 +
*''[[Oracle Maximus]]'' — Star-Keep guarding the [[Sol System]]. Located on the star line between Sol and [[Vordrast]]{{Fn|25b}}
 +
*''[[Prescience (Star Fort)|Prescience]]'' — Star-Keep guarding the [[Sol System]]. Located on the star line between Sol and [[Hydraphur]]{{Fn|25b}}
 +
*''[[Radiance (Adeptus Custodes)|Radiance]]''{{Fn|36b}}
 +
*''[[Scion of Argo]]'' — [[Cruiser]]{{Fn|25c}}
 +
*''[[Sol's Arrow]]'' — [[Frigate]]{{Fn|25c}}
 +
*''[[Starfire]]'' — [[Falchion Class Battleship]] of the [[Solar Furies]] Shield Host.{{Fn|25a}}
 +
*''[[Talon Aegis]]'' — Star-Keep guarding the [[Sol System]]. Located on the star line between Sol and [[Armageddon]]{{Fn|25b}}
 +
*''[[Voidhawk]]'' — Seconded Cruiser of the [[Gilded Talons]] Shield Company{{Fn|25a}}
  
−
This aspect of the Custodian mindset is advantageous, given that the '''Captain-General''' often shares a seat with the '''High Lords of Terra''' and thus allows him to navigate the political maneuverings of the Imperium's various agencies, while still remaining an awe inspiring warrior.
+
===Known Custodes===
 +
*{{Main|Known Members of the Adeptus Custodes}}
 +
[[File:CustodesArt.jpg|thumb|right|A Custodian of the Adeptus Custodes{{Fn|76b}}]]
 +
====Heresy-era====
 +
*Chief Custodian [[Constantin Valdor]] — [[Captain-General]] of the Legio Custodes, during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.{{Fn|3}} He is joined by the Ares Guard, his bodyguard and command unit.{{Fn|4c}}
 +
*Tribune [[Kadai Vilaccan]] — Killed during the [[War Within the Webway]]{{Fn|15a}}
 +
*Tribune [[Jasac]] — Killed during the [[War Within the Webway]]{{Fn|15a}}
 +
*Tribune [[Ra Endymion]] — [[Hykanatoi]], last Tribune leading the [[War Within the Webway]]{{Fn|15a}}
 +
*[[Diocletian Coros]], Prefect of the [[Hykanatoi]]{{Fn|15a}}
 +
*[[Khorarinn]]{{Fn|68}}
 +
*[[Zhanmadao Navenar]], Prefect of the [[Tharanatoi]]{{fn|15a}} part of his face ruined during the War Within the Webway{{fn|15j}}
 +
*[[Amon Tauromachian]]{{Fn|3}}
 +
*[[Samonas]]{{Fn|28}}
 +
*[[Brokur]]{{Fn|3}}
 +
*[[Haedo Emankon]]{{Fn|3}}
 +
*[[Garudo]]{{Fn|69}}
 +
*[[Justinian Arcadius]] — Custodes Sentinel{{Fn|4b}}
 +
*[[Saturnalia]]{{Fn|7}}
 +
*[[Sumant Giri Phalguni Tirtha]]{{Fn|11}}
 +
*[[Uttam Luna Hesh Udar]]{{Fn|11}}
 +
*[[Zerin]]{{Fn|3}}
 +
*[[Ixion Hale]] — Tribune{{Fn|70}}
 +
*[[Kalimak Sebran]] - [[Ephoroi]] Prefect{{Fn|26a}}
 +
*[[Tsutomu]] - [[Custodian Warden|Prefect Warden]]{{Fn|30}}
 +
*[[Abram Hasrubal]] — [[Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought]]{{Fn|17b}}
 +
*[[Sagittarus Malacque]] — [[Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought]]{{fn|15a}}, survived War Within the Webway after suffering severe damage{{fn|15j}}
 +
*[[Hasturias Calaxor]] —  Was a [[Shield-Captain]], is now a [[Contemptor Dreadnought]]{{Fn|25s}}
 +
*[[Diolos Akrodius]] - Founder of the [[Dankanatoi]]{{Fn|26b}}
 +
*[[Debeeran Kalimakon]] - [[Telemon Heavy Dreadnought]] assigned to [[Lorgar]]{{Fn|26c}}
 +
*[[Aquillon]] — ''Occuli Imperator''{{Fn|6}} — Prefect of the Hykanatoi assigned to watch Lorgar and killed during his betrayal.{{fn|15j}}
 +
*[[Uzkarel Ophite]] - Proconsul of the [[Hetaeron Guard]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*[[Caecaltus Dusk]] - Proconsul of the [[Hetaeron Guard]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*[[Andolen]] - Prefect of the [[Hetaeron Guard]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*[[Sola Morvae Arcas]] - [[Shield Captain]]{{Fn|72}}
 +
*[[Kalhin]]{{Fn|6}}
 +
*[[Nirulus]]{{Fn|6}}
 +
*[[Sythran]]{{Fn|6}} Member of Squad Dynastes assigned to Aquillon and killed during Lorgar's betrayal{{fn|15j}}
 +
*[[Vendatha]]{{Fn|6}}, assigned to [[Corax]].
 +
*[[Arcatus]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*[[Hanumarasi]] - Member of the Hykanatoi.{{Fn|73}}
 +
*[[Akino]]{{Fn|75}}
  
−
==Known Custodes==
+
====Post-Enthronement====
−
*Chief Custodian [[Constantin Valdor]], commander of the Legio Custodes during the Great Crusade<sup>3</sup>
+
*[[Beyreuth]] — [[Captain-General]] during the [[War of the Beast]]{{Fn|64}}
−
*Amon Tauromachian <sup>3</sup>
+
*[[Adronitus]]{{Fn|65}}
−
*Haedo <sup>3</sup>
+
*[[Maldovar Colquan]] — Tribune{{Fn|66}}
 +
*[[Navradaran]] — investigated the cult of the "Fallen Angel" on [[Terra]] during the 41st Millennium{{fn|20}}
 +
*[[Aesoth Koumadra]] — [[Captain-General]]{{Fn|25m}}
 +
*[[Excelsor]] — [[Captain-General]] during the [[Age of Apostasy]]{{fn|21b}}
 +
*[[Tybanus Lencilius]] — Captain-General [[M40]] — [[M41]]{{Fn|25m}}
 +
*[[Galahoth]] — Captain-General [[M41]]{{Fn|25m}}
 +
*[[Andros Launceddre]] — Captain-General [[M41]]{{Fn|25m}}
 +
*[[Trajann Valoris]] — Current [[Captain-General]]{{Fn|29a}}
 +
*[[Valerian]] — [[Shield-Captain]]{{Fn|29a}}
 +
*[[Aadilus]] — [[Shield-Captain]]{{Fn|25c}}
 +
*[[Marcus Achallor]] - [[Shield-Captain]]{{Fn|36a}}
 +
*[[Longinus]] - Companion{{Fn|34}}
 +
*[[Heracleon]] — Tribune{{Fn|29b}}
 +
*[[Italeo]] — Tribune{{Fn|29f}}
 +
*[[Leontios Nikel Theodoso Galba]] - Prefect{{Fn|43a}}
 +
*[[Oldorian Mefistal]]{{Fn|43a}}
 +
*[[Arrian Porphyrius]] - Former Lockwarden{{Fn|43a}}
 +
*[[Konstans Pulkyria Herakloni]]{{Fn|43a}}
 +
*[[Ynnades]] — [[Contemptor Dreadnought]]{{Fn|29f}}
 +
*[[Borsa Thursk]] — Current [[Lockwarden]]{{Fn|25r}}
 +
*[[Jaeharl Feldorus Ghau]] — Warden{{Fn|25r}}
 +
*[[Tauramacchis Ossian]] — Warden{{Fn|25i}}
 +
*[[Pontus Varsillian]] - Warden{{Fn|49}}
 +
*[[Astoran Kalos]] — [[Hetaeron Guard|Companion]]{{Fn|25t}}
 +
*[[Heraclast Vadrian]]{{Fn|25c}}
 +
*[[Daryth]] — Shield-Captain{{Fn|25c}}
 +
*[[Hasturias Calaxor]] — Shield-Captain  — Later [[Contemptor Dreadnought]]{{Fn|25i}}
 +
*[[Anatolyn Ganorth]] — Shield-Captain{{Fn|25j}}
 +
*[[Nathadian Steale]] — Shield-Captain{{Fn|25j}}
 +
*[[Oenas]] - Shield-Captain - Acted as [[Captain-General]] [[Trajann Valoris|Valoris]]' intermediary delegate during the [[Hexarchy]] coup{{Fn|29e}}
 +
*[[Pertinax (Custodes)|Pertinax]]{{Fn|27}}
 +
*[[Pydanoris Calligus]] — [[Warden]]{{Fn|25l}}
 +
*[[Archimallus Tychor]] — Warden{{Fn|25l}}
 +
*[[Eratorius]] — [[Contemptor Dreadnought]]{{Fn|25j}}
 +
*[[Darian (Dreadnought)|Darian]] — Dreadnought{{Fn|25j}}
 +
*[[Uriaxes]] — Dreadnought{{Fn|25u}}
 +
*[[Talorian]] — Dreadnought{{Fn|25a}}
 +
*[[Euramedes]] — Dreadnought{{Fn|25a}}
 +
*[[Ujoma]] - Dreadnought during the [[Hexarchy]] coup{{Fn|29b}}
 +
*[[Ravathain]] - [[Vexilus Praetor]] of [[Shield-Captain]] [[Valerian]]'s [[Argent Chamber]], during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Halleon]] - Served in Shield-Captain Valerian's Argent Chamber, during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Anonasta]] - Served in Shield-Captain Valerian's Argent Chamber, during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Kleas]] - Served in Shield-Captain Valerian's Argent Chamber, during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Ximander]] - Only survivor of the [[Emerald Clave]] Shield Company, following the [[Battle of Lion's Gate]]. He later served in  Shield-Captain Valerian's Argent Chamber, during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Penjad]] - Served in  Shield-Captain Valerian's Argent Chamber, during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29c}}
 +
*[[Kalluin]] - [[Eyes of the Emperor]] during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29d}}
 +
*[[Ukende]] - [[Apothecary (Adeptus Custodes)|Apothecary]] during the Hexarchy coup{{Fn|29d}}
 +
*[[Aristothes Carvellan]] - [[Blade Champion]]{{Fn|46}}
 +
*[[Hayani Rimush]] - Blade Champion{{Fn|41}}
 +
*[[Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh]] - [[Blood Games]] participant.{{Fn|51a}}
 +
*[[Bayezara Aggonades]] - [[Emissaries Imperatus]] [[Shield Captain]]{{Fn|25v}}
 +
*[[Tyrith Shiva Kyrus]]{{Fn|53}}
 +
*[[Stateriel]] - [[Solar Watch]] member{{Fn|51f}}
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
 
<center>
 
<center>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Mikaelor Cobernus.jpg|'''Mikaelor Cobernus, Shield Captain of the Legio Custodes'''
+
File:Imperial Truth Clean.jpg|Heresy-era Custodes at on Terra. [[Imperial Palace]] and [[Arcus]] [[orbital plate]] in background.{{Fn|78}}
−
Image:Sagittarus.jpg|'''Sagittarus, Dreadnought of the Custodian Guard'''
+
File:Custode Legionaries.jpg|While Custodians often fought as lone operatives, it was not uncommon for them to work in groups in special circumstances{{Fn|4d}}
−
Image:Artulon.jpg|'''Artulon, Custodian of the Emperor'''
+
File:Companions of Custodian Guard.jpg|Custodian Jetbike trooper, three terminators of the Custodian Guard, and three of the Emperor's Companions{{Fn|4d}}{{Fn|16b}}
−
Image:Custodian Terminators.jpg|'''Custode Terminator trio '''
+
File:Mikaelor Cobernus.jpg|'''Mikaelor Cobernus, Shield Captain of the Legio Custodes'''{{Fn|16b}}
 +
File:Sagittarus.jpg|'''Sagittarus, Dreadnought of the Custodian Guard'''{{Fn|16a}}
 +
File:Artulon.jpg|'''Artulon, Custodian of the Emperor'''{{Fn|16c}}
 +
File:Custodian Terminators.jpg|'''Custode Terminator trio '''{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:CustodesGrav-Rhino.jpg|'''Grav-Rhino Prototype developed by the Custodes during the Great Crusade'''{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:Custode Praetorians.jpg|'''Praetorian Jetbike Troopers during the Emperor's unification of mankind'''{{Fn|4d}}{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:Craftworld Attack.jpg|'''Custodians pressing an attack in the Webway'''{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:Companions.jpg|'''Companions during the Great Crusade '''{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:Custodes terminators.jpg|Adeptus Custodes Terminators{{Fn|16d}}
 +
File:Custodianjetbike.JPG|Custodian [[jetbike]] squad{{Fn|16d}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
</center>
 
</center>
  
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[[File:Companions of Custodian Guard.jpg|thumb|500px|center|Custodian Jetbike trooper, three terminators of the Custodian Guard, and three of the Emperors Companions]]
+
====Miniatures====
 +
[[file:BurningProsperoCustodes.jpg|thumb|center|A Squad of Adeptus Custodes miniatures{{Fn|38}}]]
 +
 
 +
==Related Videos==
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==Related articles==
+
==Trivia==
−
*[[Eternity Gate]]
+
{{Trivia}}{{clear}}
 +
==={{Endn|Notes}}===
 +
*When introduced as a playable faction for [[Warhammer 40,000]], the Adeptus Custodes were stated to be recruited from the sons{{Fn|25d}} of the [[Terra]]n nobility, forming a ''Brotherhood{{Fn|25d}} of men''{{Fn|25e}} in the [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (8th Edition)|8th Edition Codex]]. Later however a female Custodian, [[Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh]], was introduced in the [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (10th Edition)|10th edition codex]].{{Fn|51a}} Another female Custodian, [[Bayezara Aggonades]], is mentioned in the same source.{{Fn|51d}} A third, [[Tyrith Shiva Kyrus]], appeared in [[The Tithes (Animated Series)|The Tithes]] episode 2 titled ''Harvest''.{{Fn|53}}
 +
*On 16 January 2026 Warhammer Community published an [https://web.archive.org/web/20260118000210/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/kcuvmezh/new-custodes-your-questions-answered/ article], stating: "[...] those pre-Unification patriarchal houses that passed their kingdoms down to first-born sons had those sons taken, and remade as guardians of the Emperor. That is still true. But that was not the only source of recruitment. Other methods might have been equally overt, others far more secretive. Noble daughters could also have been taken, and at some point, you run out of noble houses [...]" Whether this refers to the initial Custodes recruits, or something that occurred later, is not clear from the wording.{{fn|79}}
 +
**The article would also state if you are old enough to read it, you are too old to become a Custodes{{fn|79}}
 +
 
 +
==See also==
 +
*[[Eternity Gate (Imperial)|Eternity Gate]]
 +
*[[Antipodaeic Clusters]]
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
−
*<sup>1</sup> [[Codex Imperialis]]
+
{{Citation issues}}
−
*<sup>2</sup> [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]]
+
<div style="column-width:24em;column-count:2;font-size:85%">
−
*<sup>3</sup> [[Tales of Heresy (Anthology)#Blood Games|Blood Games]], by [[Dan Abnett]]
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex Imperialis (Background Book)]], {{CME}}
−
*<sup>4</sup> [[Horus Heresy: Collected Visions]], pp. 28-29
+
*2: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]]
−
*<sup>5</sup> [[Inquisition War Trilogy (Novel Series)|Inquisitor]], by Ian Watson
+
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 135
−
[[Category:The Emperor and the Adeptus Custodes]]
+
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 139
 +
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 172
 +
**{{Endn|2x}}: {{CME}}
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Blood Games (Short Story)]] — [[Tales of Heresy (Anthology)]]
 +
*4: [[Horus Heresy: Collected Visions]]
 +
**{{Endn|4a}}: pg. 28–29
 +
**{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 412
 +
**{{Endn|4c}}: Card Index
 +
**{{Endn|4d}}: pg. 148
 +
**{{Endn|4e}}: pg. 143
 +
**{{Endn|4f}}: pgs. 326-330
 +
**{{Endn|4g}}: pg. 368
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Inquisition War Trilogy]], {{CME}}
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[The First Heretic (Novel)]], {{CME}}
 +
**{{Endn|6a}}: Chapter 7
 +
**{{Endn|6b}}: Chapter 24
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[The Outcast Dead (Novel)]], {{CME}}
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[White Dwarf]] December 2012 (US), pg. 43
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Dark Heresy Rulebook]], pg. 247
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]], pgs. 6–8
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[The Outcast Dead (Novel)]], Chapter 12
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Visions of Heresy]], pg. 45
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Burning-of-Prospero-ENG Games Workshop]
 +
*14: [[The Horus Heresy: Burning of Prospero]]:
 +
**{{Endn|14a}}: Rulebook
 +
**{{Endn|14b}}: Legions at War Booklet
 +
*15: [[Master of Mankind (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|15a}}: ''Dramatis Personae''
 +
**{{Endn|15b}}: Chapter Two
 +
**{{Endn|15c}}: Chapter Three
 +
**{{Endn|15d}}: Chapter Four
 +
**{{Endn|15e}}: Chapter Six
 +
**{{Endn|15f}}: Chapter Nine
 +
**{{Endn|15g}}: Chapter Eleven
 +
**{{Endn|15h}}: Chapter Sixteen
 +
**{{Endn|15i}}: Chapter Eighteen
 +
**{{Endn|15j}}: Chapter Twenty
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: ''[[Visions of Heresy (2018)]]'' Index
 +
**{{Endn|16a}}: pgs. 29-30
 +
**{{Endn|16b}}: pg. 143
 +
**{{Endn|16c}}: pg. 405
 +
**{{Endn|16d}}: pg. 50
 +
*17: [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]]:
 +
**{{Endn|17a}}: pgs. 114–117
 +
**{{Endn|17b}}: pg. 118
 +
**{{Endn|17c}}: pg. 251
 +
**{{Endn|17d}}: pg. 252
 +
**{{Endn|17e}}: pgs. 260–265
 +
**{{Endn|17f}}: pg. 277
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Gathering Storm: Rise of the Primarch]], Part 3
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (7th Edition)]], pgs. 1–9
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Vaults of Terra: The Carrion Throne (Novel)]], Chapter 8
 +
*21: [[Codex: Sisters of Battle (2nd Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|21a}}: pg. 13
 +
**{{Endn|21b}}: pg. 15
 +
*22: [[Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor's Legion (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|22a}}: Chapter 13
 +
**{{Endn|22b}}: Chapter 4, Valerian
 +
**{{Endn|22c}}: Chapter 10
 +
**{{Endn|22d}}: Valerian, Chapter 1
 +
**{{Endn|22e}}: Chapter 28
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/01/18/adeptus-custodes-preview-part-3-elitesgw-homepage-post-2/ Adeptus Custodes Preview Part 4: The Elites]
 +
*{{Endn|24}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/01/17/adeptus-custodes-preview-part-3-war-machinesgw-homepage-post-2/ Adeptus Custodes Preview Part 3: War Machines]
 +
*25: [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (8th Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|25a}}: pgs. 20–21
 +
**{{Endn|25b}}: pg. 29
 +
**{{Endn|25c}}: pgs. 32–33
 +
**{{Endn|25d}}: pg. 14
 +
**{{Endn|25e}}: pg. 7
 +
**{{Endn|25f}}: pg. 9
 +
**{{Endn|25g}}: pg. 22
 +
**{{Endn|25h}}: pg. 39
 +
**{{Endn|25i}}: pgs. 42-43
 +
**{{Endn|25j}}: pg. 53–55
 +
**{{Endn|25k}}: pg. 77
 +
**{{Endn|25l}}: pg. 26-27
 +
**{{Endn|25m}}: pgs. 30-31
 +
**{{Endn|25n}}: pgs. 34-35
 +
**{{Endn|25o}}: pg. 50
 +
**{{Endn|25p}}: pg. 57
 +
**{{Endn|25q}}: pg. 15
 +
**{{Endn|25r}}: pg. 23
 +
**{{Endn|25s}}: pg. 24
 +
**{{Endn|25t}}: pg. 17
 +
**{{Endn|25u}}: pg. 66
 +
**{{Endn|25v}}: pg. 38
 +
**{{Endn|25w}}: pg. 36
 +
*26: [[The Horus Heresy Book Eight - Malevolence]]:
 +
**{{Endn|26a}}: pgs. 39-40
 +
**{{Endn|26b}}: pg. 258
 +
**{{Endn|26c}}: pgs. 261-262
 +
*{{Endn|27}}: [[White Dwarf July 2019]] - ''Indomitus Crusade fleets''
 +
*{{Endn|28}}: [[Valdor: Birth of the Imperium (Novel)]], Chapter 14
 +
*29: [[Watchers of the Throne: The Regent's Shadow]]:
 +
**{{Endn|29a}}: Chapter 28
 +
**{{Endn|29b}}: Chapter 2
 +
**{{Endn|29c}}: Chapter 5
 +
**{{Endn|29d}}: Chapter 14
 +
**{{Endn|29e}}: Chapter 17
 +
**{{Endn|29f}}: Chapters 8-9
 +
*{{Endn|30}}: [[Saturnine (Novel)]], Part 1, Chapter 2
 +
*{{Endn|31}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/04/20/psychic-awakening-consequences/ Warhammer Community: Psychic Awakening: Consequences (Posted on 20/04/2020)] (Last accessed on 20 April 2023)
 +
*{{Endn|33}}: [[Psychic Awakening: War of the Spider]], pgs. 5-6
 +
*{{Endn|34}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 89
 +
*36: [[The Gate of Bones (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|36a}}: Chapter 9
 +
**{{Endn|36b}}: Chapter 17
 +
*{{Endn|37}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/10/30/warhammer-day-2021-take-the-fight-to-terra-itself-with-the-next-battle-box-and-codexes-for-warhammer-40000/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Day 2021 – Take the Fight to Terra Itself With the Next Battle Box and Codexes for Warhammer 40,000 (posted 10/30/2021)] (last accessed 10/30/2021)
 +
*{{Endn|38}}: [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Burning-of-Prospero-ENG Games Workshop Burning of Prospero] (dead link)
 +
*{{Endn|39}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/11/29/adeptus-custodes-crush-foes-with-devastating-battle-stances-in-the-new-codex/ Warhammer Community: Adeptus Custodes Crush Foes With Devastating Battle Stances in the New Codex (Posted on 29/11/2021)] ''(Last accessed on 29 November 2021)''
 +
*{{Endn|40}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/12/02/powerful-new-shield-host-rules-cement-the-adeptus-custodes-as-the-true-elites-of-humanity/ Warhammer Community: Powerful New Shield Host Rules Cement the Adeptus Custodes as the True Elites of Humanity (Posted on 02/12/2021)] ''(Last accessed on 2 December 2021)''
 +
*{{Endn|41}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/12/09/how-do-you-prove-yourself-as-the-best-of-the-best-of-the-best-become-a-blade-champion/ Warhammer Community: How do you Prove Yourself as the BEST of the Best of the Best? Become a Blade Champion! (Posted on 09/12/2021)] ''(Last accessed on 9 December 2021)''
 +
*{{Endn|41}}: [[Psychic Awakening: War of the Spider]], pg. 40 — ''Lords of the Shield Hosts''
 +
*{{Endn|42}}; [[Shadow Throne]] rulebook, pg. 2
 +
*43: [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (9th Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|43a}}: pgs. 30-33
 +
**{{Endn|43b}}: pg. 11
 +
**{{Endn|43c}}: pg. 24
 +
**{{Endn|43d}}: pg. 25
 +
*{{Endn|44}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/05/15/a-new-breed-of-hero-may15gw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community : A new breed of hero (15/05/17)] (last accessed 8/15/2021)
 +
*{{Endn|45}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]], pg. 48
 +
*{{Endn|46}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/10/30/warhammer-day-2021-take-the-fight-to-terra-itself-with-the-next-battle-box-and-codexes-for-warhammer-40000/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Day 2021 – Take the Fight to Terra Itself With the Next Battle Box and Codexes for Warhammer 40,000 (Posted on 30/10/2021)] ''(last accessed 30 October 2021)''
 +
*{{Endn|47}}: [[Liber Imperium]], pg. 152
 +
*{{Endn|48}}: [[Leviathan (Box)]] Rulebook, pg. 247 - ''Sanctum Defiant''
 +
*{{Endn|49}}: [[Dark Imperium: Godblight (Novel)]], Chapter 10
 +
*{{Endn|50}}: [[Campaigns of the Age of Darkness: The Siege of Cthonia]]
 +
**{{Endn|50a}}: pg. 27
 +
**{{Endn|50b}}: pg. 109
 +
*51: [[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (10th Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|51a}}: pgs. 14-15
 +
**{{Endn|51b}}: pg. 23 - ''Watchers of the Throne''
 +
**{{Endn|51c}}: pg. 28 - ''The Silent Sisterhood: A Time of Dread Omens''
 +
**{{Endn|51d}}: pg. 38
 +
**{{Endn|51e}}: pg. 11
 +
**{{Endn|51f}}: pg. 105
 +
**{{Endn|51g}}: pgs. 40 & 41 - ''The Eyes of the Emperor''
 +
*{{Endn|52}}: [https://archive.ph/5tsKr Games Workshop: Black Gobbo 22: 40K Masterclass: Making the Adeptus Custodes: The Truest Blade] ''(Saved archive page, dated 17 Mar 2007, last accessed 10 August 2024, original link: http://us.games-workshop.com/games/40k/spacemarines/painting/taylor_heresy/4_vehicles.htm)''
 +
*{{Endn|53}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/TBbxxG5O/the-tithes-episode-2-custodes-dont-ask-twice/ The Tithes Episode 2 - Custodes Don't Ask Twice, dated 2 Sep 2024] ''(last accessed 2 Oct 2024)''
 +
*{{Endn|54}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide]], pg. 125
 +
*{{Endn|55}}: [[White Dwarf July 2019]], pg. 20
 +
*{{Endn|56}}: [[The Carrion Lord of the Imperium (Short Story)]] - [[Era of Ruin (Anthology)]]
 +
*{{Endn|57}}:
 +
*{{Endn|58}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pgs. 102–104
 +
*{{Endn|59}}: [[The Wolf of Ash and Fire (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|60}}: [[Scions of the Storm (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|61}}: [[Prospero Burns (Novel)]], Chapter 20
 +
*{{Endn|62}}:
 +
*{{Endn|63}}: [[White Dwarf 470]], pg. 105 — ''Chronicles of the Horus Heresy''
 +
*{{Endn|64}}: [[Throneworld (Novel)]], Chapters 4-5
 +
*{{Endn|65}}: [[Gathering Storm: Rise of the Primarch]] – Part III
 +
*{{Endn|66}}: [[Dark Imperium (Novel)]], Chapters 6-7
 +
*{{Endn|67}}: [https://whc-cdn.games-workshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LegioCustodesVenatariSquad.pdf Games Workshop]
 +
*{{Endn|68}}: [[Garro (Novel)]], Chapter 3
 +
*{{Endn|69}}: [[Alpharius: Head of the Hydra (Novel)]] – ''Golden Deceit''
 +
*{{Endn|70}}:  [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/05/07/7th-may-forge-world-preview-shopping-at-warhammer-festfw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community : Shopping at Warhammer Fest (07/05/2018)] ''(last accessed 15 March 2023)''
 +
*{{Endn|71}}: [[The End and the Death: Volume I (Novel)]], ''Dramatis Personae''
 +
*{{Endn|72}}: [[Campaigns of the Age of Darkness: The Martian Civil War]], pg. 38
 +
*{{Endn|73}}: [[Echoes of Eternity (Novel)]], Dramatis Personae
 +
*{{Endn|74}}: [[The Silent King (Novel)]] - Chapter 6
 +
*{{Endn|75}}: [[Visions of Darkness (Short Story)]] - [[White Dwarf May 2019]], pgs. 134-137
 +
*{{Endn|76}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 6th Edition Rulebook]]
 +
**{{Endn|76a}}: pg. 139
 +
**{{Endn|76b}}: pg. 133
 +
*{{Endn|77}}: [[Visions of Heresy (2018)]], pg. 46
 +
*{{Endn|78}}: [[White Dwarf February 2017]] (e-variant), pg. 81 ''Illuminations'', ([[The Imperial Truth (Anthology)]], cover art)
 +
*{{Endn|79}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260118000210/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/kcuvmezh/new-custodes-your-questions-answered/ Warhammer Community: New Custodes: Your Questions Answered (1/16/2026)] (Archived)
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
{{ImperiumOrg}}
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 +
[[Category:Adeptus Custodes]]
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[[Category:Adeptus Terra]]
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[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
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[[de:Adeptus Custodes]]
 
[[de:Adeptus Custodes]]
 
[[fr:Adeptus Custodes]]
 
[[fr:Adeptus Custodes]]

Latest revision as of 14:52, 6 April 2026

Targetdrone.gif Custodian redirects here. For the class of Tau space vessel, see Or'es El'leath Class Battleship.
Adeptus Custodes
CustodesSymbolClear.png
Parent Agency Adeptus Terra[76a]
Headquarters Tower of Hegemon, Terra[3]
Leader Captain-General Trajann Valoris[25w]
Established Unification Wars-era[4a]
The Adeptus Custodes at war with Orks.[25n]

The Adeptus Custodes, renowned as the Golden Legion, the Brotherhood of Demigods[19][Notes], the Golden Brotherhood[19][Notes], and a host of other titles (The Custodian Guard, The Guardians, the Emperor’s Saints,[36a] the Watchers of The Throne, The Thousand Companions[9], The Ten Thousand[15a]), but most commonly known as Custodians, are the guardians of the Imperial Palace and the Golden Throne, as well as the personal bodyguard to the Emperor. Due to the vast size of the Imperial Palace, the Custodes always act as a defensive army.[1]

Together with the Sisters of Silence they represented the Talons of the Emperor as the right hand of the Emperor with the Sisters as the left.[25f] For much of their history the Custodes rarely left the Imperial Palace and even more rarely left Terra. It is the Adeptus Custodes that decide who may enter the throne room of the Emperor, and when. Such is their authority in this matter that Space Marines and Inquisitors must kneel before them. Custodians are the mightiest of mankind's warriors. They are to the Space Marines what those transhuman warriors are to common guardsmen, an elevated elite whose raw strength and willpower are wholly insurmountable.[19][25]

History

Symbol of the Custodian Guard at the time of the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy[50b]

The Adeptus Custodes were known originally as the Legio Custodes or Custodian Guard. The original Custodians were the first genetically and psychologically altered warriors to appear in the Emperor's armies during the Terran Unification Wars, where they served as the Emperor's personal bodyguard.[4a] The original recruits of the Custodes were from the offspring of Terran nobility.[19] Some of these were later grouped into Squad Dynastes, dubbed the Lords of Terra.[56] The first known appearance of the Custodes was early in the Unification Wars during the fall of the Techno-Barbarian fortress at Nas'sau.[17a] However, the origins of the Custodian Guard are shrouded in myth and legend. During the Great Crusade, the Custodes always kept a contingent with the Emperor for his protection, but also traveled individually as envoys. The Emperor valued the Custodians above all his other warriors, and while he was willing to expend countless servants he was always hesitant to bleed his Praetorians.[15] After the Emperor's internment in the Golden Throne, the Adeptus Custodes took a limited role as protectors of the Imperial Palace, as ordered by Roboute Guilliman in the Edict of Restraint.[19][22c]

Custodian Guard c.M31[77]

The Custodes were equipped with the best power armour of the age, and had access to the most highly advanced weaponry and vehicles of the Imperium, including designs that were not permitted to the Space Marine Legions.[17e] After the end of the Horus Heresy and the enthronement of the Emperor, the Custodes were said to have changed the colour of their cloaks from red to black to symbolise the darkness that had fallen over their order.[2b] To further mark their failure many, such as those in the Hetaeron Guard, stopped wearing all but their black helms, capes, and loincloths.[56] However others such as those in the Ephoroi were observed still wearing standard power armour.[22d] By the end of the 41st Millennium with the reappearance of Roboute Guilliman, the Custodes abandoned their shrouds of shame and were seen again wearing their traditional red garments and power armour.[19]

During the Age of Apostasy, the Adeptus Custodes reemerged briefly during the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace of Terra in the reign of Goge Vandire. During this time, the Custodes attempted to make their way towards Vandire, halted only by the Brides of the Emperor, who Vandire had convinced to become his personal bodyguards. After a long and otherwise fruitless discussion, the Custodes convinced the leader of the Brides, Alicia Dominica, to return with them to the presence of the Emperor. What happened during that moment is unknown, but the effects resulted in the Brides of the Emperor rebelling against Vandire, ending his reign once and for all.[21b]

The Custodians ring the Golden Throne[2c]

Centuries later during the Terran Crusade, Custodes arrived to reinforce the reborn Roboute Guilliman as he battled the Thousand Sons on Luna. Shortly after, Terra was besieged by Daemons, proving to many Custodes that they had been wanting and let the threat of the Archenemy arrive on the Emperor's doorstep.[25d] Later, the Custodes permitted Guilliman to enter the Emperor's Throneroom alone for an entire day.[18] The reappearance of a Son of the Emperor galvanised the Custodes, and behind closed doors Guilliman and Captain-General Trajann Valoris amended the Edict of Restraint and modified the role of the Custodes that would see many of them journey across the Galaxy on Crusades.[25d] Now members of the Custodes will bring war to the enemies of mankind, while the Companions oversee the safety of the Emperor's mortal form.[19]

The Adeptus Custodes are so revered that it is deemed heresy for the Administratum to record them ever losing a battle. Thus, it is officially recorded that any warzone the Custodes are deployed to is an Imperial victory, even before they arrive.[25c]

Combat History

Unification Era

Great Crusade

The appearance of some of the Custodes between the Post-Heresy and Era Indomitus periods.[2a][56]

Horus Heresy

Post-Heresy

Era Indomitus

Organisation

Organisation of a Custodes battle deployment[43c]

The warriors of the Adeptus Custodes are a department of the Adeptus Terra, the Imperial government, but its members are answerable only to the Emperor and their own leaders. The organisation's leader carries the title of Captain-General, and due to the importance of the Adeptus Custodes they often hold a position in the Senate of the High Lords of Terra[1]. Below them are two Tribunes, though during the Heresy era there were three.[22b] Individual squads of Custodes are overseen by Shield-Captains.[13] The Custodes' nerve centre and command & control headquarters is the Tower of Hegemon within the Imperial Palace[3], while a small elite of three hundred Custodes, known as the Companions, form the Emperor's personal bodyguard and never leave his side.

Although the Legio Custodes originally numbered ten thousand, around five years into the War Within the Webway they had been reduced to around a thousand[15d]. However, by the 41st Millennium, they had rebuilt to their original 10,000 strength.[22b]

Ranks & Titles

The ranks of the Custodian Guard are noted as somewhat informal, as much gestures of respect towards veterans and gifted individuals as a true command structure.[15i]

Castes & Subdivisions

Black-armoured Custodes Terminator of the Dankanatoi[26c]

Custodians belong to a caste determined by their wargear and battlefield role.[15g]

Shield-Hosts and Companies

The modern Adeptus Custodes are deployed in contingents known as Sodalities, Shield Companies, and Shield Hosts.[25a]

A Shield Company consists of a temporary contingent led by a Shield-Captain, typically consisting of a few squads of Custodians, a Vexilus Praetor, a Vertus Praetor squad, and a Allarus Terminator Squad as well as accompanying vehicles. Conversely, a Shield-Host consists of multiple Shield-Companies to undertake a specific task and is led by a Captain-Commander[41] as well as a counsel of Vexilus Praetors.[25a]

Warrior of the Adeptus Custodes[34]

Known such formations include the:

Appearance and Equipment

Main article: Adeptus Custodes Armoury

Generally, the Custodes are larger and much more powerful than Space Marines; they are far more similar to the legendary Thunder Warriors, as they were created by a similar process.[3]

Armour

The Adeptus Custodes are clad in finely wrought golden armour, superior even to that worn by Astartes.[6] Each suit is custom made and fitted to its wearer, a work of art in its own right. The name of its owner is inscribed within the interior of the suit. Each suit is inlaid with gems mined from Terra itself and cut by skilled artisans; these will be changed whenever the Custodian switches roles to reflect their new position.[17c][44][45] Their Power Armour is forged in the secret armouries of the Custodes, somewhere within the labyrinthine halls of the Imperial Archives[47], and is made from Auramite as opposed to Ceramite[15c]. The servos and motors of the Custodes' armour are nearly completely silent. Custodes power armour also includes a built-in grav chute and internal air supply. Each suit's helmet includes an internal vox, an altimeter, ambient neutralisers and a hololithic schematic overlay map.[17c][44][45]

Auric Battleplate
Designed for the commanders of the Legio Custodes, these impressive armour suits are as much works of art as they are formidable bulwarks against the weapons of the enemy.[47]
Auric Demi-Plate
A lighter version of the Custodes armour, designed for maximum manoeuvrability and minimal bulk. This allows clades of the Custodes that rely more on speed for their protection to make the best use of their unique wargear.[47]
Auric Warplate
Proof against small arms and also incorporates a series of field generators that can repel even heavy ordnance. Moreover, the Warplates' custom-fitted plating and artfully worked servo harnesses allow Custodes to fully exploit their gene-forged physique on the battlefield. Overall the power armour pattern is a supreme marvel of science and technology and is far superior to the standardised power armour used by the Space Marines.[47]

Heraldry

The right shoulder guard of a Custodian's armour depicts the Imperial Aquila and all armour is adorned with precious gems harvested from the deeps of Terra and cut by skilled artisans. The colour of the left shoulder guard clearly shows to which shield company or shield host a given Custode belongs. For these purposes the former takes precedence over the latter organisational tier. This colouration will often match the Custodian’s tabard, and also with any robes they may wear.[25g] The colour of gems often depicts the shield company of the Adeptus Custodes. When they switch such organisation to another, gems are always carefully extracted from the armour of the Custodes and replaced with those of a new, appropriate colour.[25g]

Weaponry

Some Custodes further protect themselves by carrying a Praesidium Shield, Storm Shield[13], and/or wearing Terminator Armour.[25h]

For armament, the Custodes are renowned for carrying Guardian Spears, mighty power weapons that have been carried by the Adeptus Custodes since long before the Emperor's confinement. This weapon is closely associated with the Custodes, and is depicted on their banners and badges.[2x][4a][5] Other melee weapons carried by Custodes include the Guardian Spear's cousins, the Interceptor Lance and the Venatari Lance, as well as Sentinel Blades (and their rarer cousins, Vaultswords), Misericordia, Custodes Vexillae[13], and Castellan Axes.[25r]

As befitting of their role as the Emperor's guards, the Custodes were given access to the finest and most advanced technologies of the Imperium. This is often reflected in their vehicle designs, which are mostly anti-grav. The Custodian Guard is known to have used Grav-Rhinos, Caladius, Pallas, and Coronus Grav-Tanks, and Paragon Pattern Jetbikes.[4] For aircraft, they used the Orion and Ares gunships.[55]

In the ten thousand years since the Heresy, the Custodes have meticulously maintained and preserved much of their equipment. However, few of their technologically advanced vehicles remain, and they rarely use post-heresy designs.[19] Yet there are rumours that they still possess powerful grav-tanks, and other, even more potent patterns of war machine that date back to the age of wonder.[54]

When heavy support is needed, the Adeptus Custodes ride to battle inside indomitable Venerable Land Raiders[25i].

Fleet

The Custodes operate their own fleet of highly advanced warships which exist outside of standard Imperial classifications.[36b] These include everything from Battleship-sized vessels[25a] to Cruiser-class ships that patrol the Sol System.[27] Besides unique designs, they have also been seen using standard Imperial Navy ships such as the Falchion Class Battleship and Tyrant Class Cruiser. Custodes ships are sometimes used for special missions by the Ephoroi caste within the greater Imperium,[22a] while many of their craft are operated by the Solar Watch.[25l]

The spaceships of the Custodes have ancient translocation bays utilising Godstrike Pattern and Veilbreaker Pattern Teleportariums where blessed incense drifts in the chill air. Each station is permanently attended to by high-ranking Tech-Priests and blessed to such a degree that even Contemptor Dreadnoughts can be teleported straight into battle.[19]

Outlook and Training

Custodians underneath the Imperial Palace[43b]

Although the Custodes were among the first modified warriors to be created by the Emperor, they were never intended to be part of a conquering army; such a role was to be filled by the latter Astartes armies. This is revealed both in their mindset and training, where the Custodes do not fight as brothers and sisters and as a greater whole but rather as individual warriors. This is in stark contrast to Space Marines, who employ a high degree of teamwork and collective tactics in battle. At least some Astartes look down on the Custodes for these tactics, and it may be that this was deliberately designed so that they shared a bond with none but the Emperor himself.[6a] Whatever the truth, the Custodians are undoubtedly fanatically loyal to the Emperor and will carry out any task he demands, regardless of how brutal or suicidal it may be.[19]

While Custodians share a genetic kinship with one another within the formation, they do not foster the same spirit of brotherhood or sisterhood that is instilled within the Astartes in order to function together as a unit. Indeed, each Custodian prepares and inspects his equipment individually, rather than on military parade. The individuality of each Custodes is further promoted by the fact that the processes required to produce them is not as refined or as simple as that of the Astartes and thus are not "mass-produced" as the Astartes are, meaning that each Custodian is a unique investment for the Imperium. One ritual that the Custodes do share is the recognition of mighty deeds, manifested in the awarding of names, which are added to the Custodian's title to represent the actions they have performed in service to the Emperor (Constantin Valdor obtained 1932 names prior to the assault on Terra)[3]. Such names were inscribed onto the inside of the warrior's battle armour as marks of individual pride.[8]

The training of the Custodes also differed immensely from the Astartes, being bodyguards rather than soldiers. It is clear from their Blood Games that Custodians are trained in the arts of assassination - both improvised and advanced - in order to counter possible assassination attempts to the Emperor. It is common for several Custodians to be on detached duty for these Blood Games so that the organisation remains vigilant against developing threats. Furthermore it is clear that the Custodes are also well versed in the political etiquette of Terra, and have been known to act outside of Imperial Law, to infiltrate influential Noble Houses and to investigate any potential threats (a role that an Astartes would never be expected to fulfil.)[3] Moreover fitting of their status as the Emperor's aids the Custodes are given an intense appreciation of finer concepts. Their training involves mastery of the arts, diplomacy, geography, history, and countless other fields.[25d]

This aspect of the Custodian mindset is advantageous, given that the Captain-General often shares a seat with the High Lords of Terra, which thus allows them to navigate the political manoeuvrings of the Imperium's various agencies, while still remaining an awe-inspiring warrior.[22e]

The Custodes do not consider themselves soldiers. Rather, they see themselves as the guardians of the Emperor. Not just the guardians of his physical form but also his ideals and what the species was meant to become. As such they are also scholars, artisans, and counsellors in addition to being trained rigorously in the art of combat.[22b]

Some Custodians are known to practice yothagna, a form of meditative exercise, in their quarters during their personal time. Some yothagna techniques involve sitting cross-legged on a rug while practicing a series of breathing patterns and controlled body movements.[36a]

Martial Ka'tah Fighting Styles

Custodes are taught a series of powerful stances known as Martial Ka'tahs. These fighting styles can be adopted in unison by entire Shield Hosts[39], and each has a preferred Ka'tah they use in battle[40]. By doing so, the Shield Hosts bring centuries of training to bear with violent precision.[39]

  • Calistus - Calls for the Custodes to keep up relentless fire while they advance against their enemies.[39]
  • Dacatarai - An aggressive Imperial fighting style that has been adapted for the Custodes' use. It allows Custodes to deal with hordes that vastly outnumber them by effortlessly managing their foes' ebb and flow. This prevents the Custodes from being overwhelmed by hordes[39]. The Dread Host specialises in its use.[40]
  • Kaptaris - Has been optimised to trap enemy units in melee combat. This allows the Custodes to parry, deflect attacks, or prevent their foes from falling back from combat. Kaptaris is ideal for maintaining an upper hand by controlling the battlefield.[39]
  • Rendax[40] - Used when facing a large number of foes.[41]
  • Salvus - Used by Custodes in battles where they want to ensure their foes are killed[40] (presumably, all of them).

Some Ka'tahs are only used by Blade Champions specifically. They spend years perfecting these styles in the Imperial Palace's Colosseia Auris.[41]

  • Behemor - Clinical strikes prevent even the toughest hide or armoured hull from withstanding the Champion's blows.[41]
  • Hurricanis - Lets a Champion carve their way through enemy ranks in a blur of blade and blood.[41]
  • Victus - Execution techniques that have been used by Champions to claim the lives of countless tyrants and warlords.[41]

Biology & Recruitment

Eyes of the Emperor[51g]

The source of the gene-seed of the Custodes is a mysterious issue, if indeed they even have something similar enough to space marines for the term "gene-seed" to have meaning. Some say that the Custodian Guard are to the Emperor what the Space Marines are to the Primarchs - that the Emperor's own genetic matrix was used in their creation and through this, their loyalty to him is assured.[14a] Others argue that the Custodians are not like the Emperor in the way that a Space Marine is like his Primarch, and that some other source was used as a template for their physical and psychological form, a source that was lost during the anarchy of the Age of Strife.[12] Recent sources, however, seem to firmly establish that the Custodes were created from the flesh and blood of the Emperor himself. [19] The genetic enhancement that forms the Custodes is different from and predates that developed to create the Space Marines.[3] Each Custodian is a unique work of art, the product of genetic lore collected over many lifetimes.[15b]

The process of creating a Custodes is far more grueling and time-consuming than that of a Space Marine. Unlike Astartes, whose recruits begin implantation during adolescence, the creation of a Custodes must begin during the subject's late infancy. The genetic tailoring of each Custodes is unique and far more complicated than the comparatively crude Astartes. Originally, it was said that the Emperor himself oversaw the creation of each and every Custodes.[17a] However, now, although the gene-enhancements that create new Custodes are shrouded in secrecy, the most accomplished bio-alchemists and chirurgeons of Terra are trusted with their creation, allowing new Custodes to be made even after the Emperor's internment upon the Golden Throne having been wounded by Horus. The exact method of their creation remains unclear; they do not receive simple implants like Space Marines. Rather, bio-alchemy is used to trigger the subject's own transformation, an effect that takes root in their cells and very soul.[25d]

It is said that the first Custodes recruits were drawn from children of Terran nobility,[25d] from the firstborn sons of those patriarchal noble houses of pre-unification Terra, who were destined to inherit their houses' kingdoms. Noble daughters could also be recruited[79][Notes] The practice continues to this day, and new initiates are drawn from infants among noble Terran children[25d] though if the number of noble Terran recruits run out, other overt or secretive recruitment methods are also used. Though an exact age of recruits is not given in sources, it is stated that literate individuals are already too old[79][Notes]. New recruits are presented before the Avenue of Sacrifice outside the Ascensor's Gate of the Imperial Palace. A handful of these aspirants survive the grueling genetic enhancements and training necessary to become a member of the Emperor's personal guard.[19] How long the process takes is not known, though it is substantial and ends with the subject taking their name from the mythology and history of Terra. Such is the potency of this enhancement that there are no finer or more fearsome warriors in the Imperium than the Custodians. Biochemically fashioned from infancy to function as supreme combatants, tacticians, and bodyguards, they are death incarnate to those who defy the Emperor’s will.[25][25d]

The cellular alchemy that creates the warriors of the Adeptus Custodes leaves them forever touched by a spark of the Emperor’s own divinity. Beyond their martial might and incorruptible nobility, this energy manifests itself as an almost supernatural warding, as though the Custodians were protected by the hand of the Emperor. Bullets and bolts are turned aside at the last moment, blades fail to strike home, and even the psychic powers of the foe can suddenly and inexplicably flicker away to nothing in the face of the Ten Thousand. Some Custodians find that the holy light of the Emperor glows around them in a sublime halo, blinding enemies in their glory, forcing them to recoil in pain and terror.[25]

The Custodian Guard do not age biologically, so a veteran officer might be well over a thousand years old. As with all their kind, warriors who believe they are no longer fit for duty will bequeath their armour to the colossal Hall of Names and go abroad into the galaxy disguised under a hooded black cloak.[19]

Battle-Cry

The Adeptus Custodes don't have a battle-cry at all. They fight with silence and grim determination.[22b]

Known Elements of the Adeptus Custodes

Land Vehicles

Fleet

Known Custodes

A Custodian of the Adeptus Custodes[76b]

Heresy-era

Post-Enthronement

Images

  • Heresy-era Custodes at on Terra. Imperial Palace and Arcus orbital plate in background.[78]

  • While Custodians often fought as lone operatives, it was not uncommon for them to work in groups in special circumstances[4d]

  • Custodian Jetbike trooper, three terminators of the Custodian Guard, and three of the Emperor's Companions[4d][16b]

  • Mikaelor Cobernus, Shield Captain of the Legio Custodes[16b]

  • Sagittarus, Dreadnought of the Custodian Guard[16a]

  • Artulon, Custodian of the Emperor[16c]

  • Custode Terminator trio [16d]

  • Grav-Rhino Prototype developed by the Custodes during the Great Crusade[16d]

  • Praetorian Jetbike Troopers during the Emperor's unification of mankind[4d][16d]

  • Custodians pressing an attack in the Webway[16d]

  • Companions during the Great Crusade [16d]

  • Adeptus Custodes Terminators[16d]

  • Custodian jetbike squad[16d]

Miniatures

A Squad of Adeptus Custodes miniatures[38]

Related Videos

Trivia

TriviaScrollTrans.png

The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Notes

  • When introduced as a playable faction for Warhammer 40,000, the Adeptus Custodes were stated to be recruited from the sons[25d] of the Terran nobility, forming a Brotherhood[25d] of men[25e] in the 8th Edition Codex. Later however a female Custodian, Calladayce Taurovalia Kesh, was introduced in the 10th edition codex.[51a] Another female Custodian, Bayezara Aggonades, is mentioned in the same source.[51d] A third, Tyrith Shiva Kyrus, appeared in The Tithes episode 2 titled Harvest.[53]
  • On 16 January 2026 Warhammer Community published an article, stating: "[...] those pre-Unification patriarchal houses that passed their kingdoms down to first-born sons had those sons taken, and remade as guardians of the Emperor. That is still true. But that was not the only source of recruitment. Other methods might have been equally overt, others far more secretive. Noble daughters could also have been taken, and at some point, you run out of noble houses [...]" Whether this refers to the initial Custodes recruits, or something that occurred later, is not clear from the wording.[79]
    • The article would also state if you are old enough to read it, you are too old to become a Custodes[79]

See also

Sources

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