Warhammer 40K: The Adeptus Custodes Are Not Your Typical Grimdark Warriors
What makes the Adeptus Custodes so much different than the Adeptus Astartes? It’s not just in the genes. They are build different!
The Adeptus Custodes are a fighting force unlike any other in the Imperium. What makes them different and why do they have that air of superiority? It all has to do with their training and general outlook on their duty as the Bodyguards of the Emperor.
To An Adeptus Custodes…
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 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. 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.
While Custodians share a genetic kinship with one another within the formation, they 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. 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 he has performed in service to the Emperor (Constantin Valdor obtained 1932 names prior to the assault on Terra). Such names were inscribed onto the inside of the warrior’s battle armour as marks of individual pride.
Adeptus Custodes Training
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. This is 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 fulfill). 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.
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 counselors in addition to being trained rigorously in the art of combat.
Learn More About The Adeptus Custodes At The Lexicanum
It’s easy to see why the Custodes have a superiority complex towards the rest of the servants of the Imperium. They have their genetic bond to the Emperor, their individualism, their unique training, and their overall mindset. Adeptus Custodes are the Bodyguards of the Emperor. They speak with his authority and no one is foolish enough to challenge them. And if they do, they are basically challenging the word of the Emperor himself. That’s a line few mortal men are willing to cross.
For the Adeptus Custodes it’s not just their genes that make them different from the Astartes. They have a completely different mindset and purpose. The Custodes are not your typical Grimdark Warriors.
That’s why they are the real Emperor’s Golden Boys.
