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{{AdeptusCustodesPortal}}
[[Image:ShieldCaptainArt.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A Shield Captain]]
'''{{PAGENAME}}Shield-Captain''' is a rank of the [[Adeptus Custodes]].
==Overview==
The rank in truth is more of a general classification to refer to a series of command ranks within the Custodes, ranging from Prefect, Lictor, Proconsul, and Tribune. This is purely a martial rank and signifies the Custodian is worthy of leading a force of his peers into battle. Many Shield-Captains hold a variety of simultaneous ranks. Regardless of what formal title is used, all Shield-Captains are the greatest among the Custodian Guard.{{Fn|1b}}
More than just exceptional fighters, Shield-Captains are highly intelligent and tactically gifted commanders, able to read the ebb and flow of the wider war at a glance and direct their forces accordingly. They know neither fear nor self-doubt, and can appear arrogant and aloof to other warriors of the Imperium. This is a misconception however for Shield-Captains are untroubled by such self-serving notions as ego. They are absolute realists, fully aware of the stakes involved in the wars they wage. Nonetheless they do not lack charisma. Rather, they exude it. To the common soldiery of the Imperium these gilded figures seem to have stepped from the pages of religious scripture. Their presence fills faithful men with euphoria, banishing fears and doubts, replacing them with the absolute certainty that the Emperor watches over his servants and will preserve their souls should they fall in battle thatday. Shield-Captains are also master diplomats, well versed in the intricacies of Imperial high society, privy to secrets and traditions that allow them to charm, inspire, threaten and manipulate as required to see their will done.{{Fn|9a}}
In battle, Shield-Captains typically lead a detachment{{fn|1a}} or squad of Custodes.{{fn|3}} It is not uncommon to see a multiple Shield-Captains in battle, nor is it for one to command others - groupings such as the [[Golden Brothers]] or the [[Heralds Three]] have won remarkable renown through their impressive accomplishments. This does not result in any tension, for the Shield-Captains are frank in discussing their respective merits and quick to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.{{Fn|9a}}
*'''Aquila Commander'''{{fn|8}}
*'''Emperor's Headsman'''{{Fn|9a}}
*'''Honoured Watchman''' - — Signifies that he has once served within the [[Companions]].{{Fn|9a}}
*'''Justus Supreme'''{{Fn|9a}}
*'''Lictor'''{{fn|1b}}
*'''Lockwarden''' - — Master of the [[Shadowkeepers]]{{fn|9b}}
*'''Master Guardian'''{{Fn|9h}}
*'''Proconsul'''{{fn|1b}}
*'''Shieldsmith''' - — Signifies that the Custodian has triumped in a [[Blood Game]].{{Fn|9a}}
*'''Supreme Castellan'''{{fn|8}}
==Known Shield-Captains==
===Heresy-Era===
*[[Aquillon]] - — Prefect of the Hykanatoi{{fn|4c}}*[[Diocletian Coros]] - — Prefect of the [[Hykanatoi]]{{fn|4a}}*[[Helios (Custodian)|Helios]] - — Tribune{{fn|4b}}
*[[Honoris]]{{fn|3}}
*[[Ixion Hale]] - — Tribune*[[Jasaric]] - — Tribune{{fn|4b}}*[[Kadai Vilaccan]] - — Tribune{{fn|4b}}
*[[Mikaelor Cobernus]]{{fn|2}}
*[[Ra Endymion]] - — Tribune{{fn|4a}}*[[Zhanmadao Navenar]] - — Prefect of the [[Tharanatoi]]{{fn|4a}}
===Post-Heresy===
*[[Aadilus]]
*[[Adronitus]]{{Fn|5}}
*[[Anatolyn Ganorth]] *[[Archturus Paliades]] - — Commands the '''Gilded Talons Shield Company'''{{fn|9d}}
*[[Daryth]]
*[[Hasturias Calaxor]]
*[[Heraclast Vadrian]]
*[[Heracleon]] - — Tribune, Master of the Hetaeron Guard{{fn|7}}*[[Italeo]] - — Tribune{{fn|7}}
*[[Kalim Varanor]]
*[[Maldovar Colquan]] - — Tribune{{fn|6}}*[[Nathadian Steale]] *[[Oldorian Mefistal]] - — Serves in the [[Dread Host]]{{fn|9f}}
*[[Rothrian Ganyth]]{{fn|9e}}
*[[Thetus]]
|----
|[[Image:ShieldCaptainFW.jpg|thumb|center|150px|Heresy-era Shield Captain]]
|[[Image:ShieldCaptain.jpg|thumb|center|{{PAGENAME}} Shield-Captain miniature]]
|}
{{CustodesUnits}}
[[Category:The Emperor and the Adeptus Custodes]]
[[Category:Titles and Ranks]]
