40K Lore: Secrets of the Adeptus Custodes
Come loremasters and learn secrets of the Emperor’s personal order of gilded guardians – the mighty Adeptes Custodes.
First the basics Loremasters:
The Adeptus Custodes (The Guardians, Watchers of The Throne, The Thousand Companions, The Ten Thousand) more commonly known as Custodians, are the guardians of the Imperial Palace and the Golden Throne, as well as being the personal bodyguard to the Emperor. Due to the vast size of the Imperial Palace, the Custodes always act as a defensive army. For the most part the Custodes themselves never leave Terra, and only rarely leave the Palace. It is the Adeptus Custodes that decide who may enter the throne room of the Emperor, and when. Such is their authority that in this matter that Space Marines and Inquisitors must kneel before them.
The Custodes are Old
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.The original recruits of the Custodes were from the offspring of Terran nobility. The first known appearance of the Custodes was early in the Unification Wars during the fall of Techno-Barbarian fortress at Nas’sau. There the man who would later become the emperor is shown in artwork flanked by four figures in gold and red wargear. This predates even the Thunder-warriors.
The Custodes are Immortal
While many consider the Custodes to be similar to the Astartes their creation is completely different. Aspirants are chosen under a much stricter regimen than Astartes, and the process to create them begins at infancy, rather than adolescence. The process is a full genetic alteration, without the “mass produced” butchery of organ implantation. Each Custodes is created and tested in a unique almost handcrated method. Once fully grown an Custodes is effectively immortal outside of violence.
The Custodes are More than Mere Soldiers
The Custodes are Many
The Adeptus Custodes are known as “The Ten Thousand” – their full strength – which was reached by the time of the Horus Heresy. They are still at full strength in the days of Guillimans’ return. After the Emperor’s interment in the Golden Throne, they remained at his side on Terra, to guard his person. What the future holds with the Primarch’s return is unknown.
The Custodes Are the Best Equipped Force in the Imperium
For a force so large, the Custodes have an armoury unmatched in the Imperium. No mass produced bolters and powered armor for the Custodes. Each has armor and weapons made to their exact physical requirements. Forbidden weapons from Old Night that wars were fought over such as Adrathic and Lastrum weapons are shared with no others – much to the irritation of the Mechanicus. They can muster anti-grav vehicles in mass, and even mundate items such as bolter rounds are exotic handmade types restricted to their use alone.
Truly these will be terrible foes to the enemies of mankind – wielded under the direct control of Guilliman. The Forces of Chaos had better be ready, for they will be tested as they have not been in 9000 years!
Learn More of the Adeptus Custodes
~How excited are you for the most elite and golden army in Warhammer 40,000?
