[Tzeen Qhayshek]

Browsing the 'Net and cam across some beautifully modeled and painted Custodian Guard. As the kind of person I am, I want to attempt at least a squad of them to see how they turn out. Now, it will be a lot of work and probably a lot of money, but oh well.

I just had a few (two) questions for Heresy.

1. Now I recall GW posting an article about modeling some Custodes. I cannot see to find it anymore. Is there any way to access or is it gone for good?

2. I have seen people suggest using Grey Knights rules for Custodes. Is this accurate, or would using 'nilla Marines be better?

 

[Phil73805]

I can't recall the article you're referring to but based upon The First Heretic I would suggest that there's no troop level stat line that would do justice to the Custodes. Also bear in mind that currently, i.e. in the 40k universe, the Custodes are restricted to the Imperial Palace on Terra and no longer wear their armour.

As far as conversions go do a google search for Adeptus Custodes conversion and you'll see a number of WIP's as well as other forum discussions on the topic which I think you'll find really helpful.

 

[Scathainn]

Also bear in mind that currently, i.e. in the 40k universe, the Custodes are restricted to the Imperial Palace on Terra and no longer wear their armour.

This doesn't mean it's not a possible army though, they could simply be pre-Heresy.

 

[Tzeen Qhayshek]

It really doesn't matter to me. Anything can be justified fluff wise. I was under the impression, according to Lexicanum, that the Custodian Guard's color scheme changed from red to black, not necessarily that their armor was abandoned.

Personally I thought that prototype Grav Rhino is boss.

 

[zas240]

yeah id say the GKs statlines are about right, and i wasnt aware of them dropping their armour :S

 

[Winterous]

They no longer bother wearing Power Armour, since they're just fancy bodyguards now, really.
If you were to do them, you'd do them pre-heresy.

The Lexicanum article is good for this sort of information by the way

Anyway, Custodes are slightly stronger than Space Marines, but they also have a very different way of thinking, they're utterly devoted to their charge, but they don't have the communal mindset of the Space Marines; they aren't warrior monks, they're just badass warriors.
In terms of game stats, they'd probably be something like:
WS6 BS5 S4 T4 W1 I5 A3 Ld10 3+/5++ (it was the best Power Armour available, but it's old technology)
Counter Attack, FNP, Fearless, Furious Charge.

Their weapons these days are actually laser weapons made to look like the original things they used, but the ones of old were basically halberds with Bolt weapons built in.
So something like a +2S Power Weapon with a built-in Storm Bolter, probably using special ammo.


Also flying Rhinos.
http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/5/5b/CustodesGrav-Rhino.jpg

 

[Tzeen Qhayshek]

Oops! I didn't see that. No matter, Pre-Heresy is good. No qualms there.

Thanks for the help, folks. Now it is time to start saving the cash...

 

[Winterous]

Glad to help

 

[Doelago]

yeah id say the GKs statlines are about right

Not in my opinion... Lets take an easy example:

To Imperial Guardsmen, Space Marines are almost gods...

To Space Marines, Grey Knights are mighty soldiers stronger and faster than almost any "normal" Space Marine...

To the Grey Knights, Adeptus Custodes would be living examples of every aspect of the Emperors holy will...


Thats my opinion....

 

[WarMaster Sindr]

Not in my opinion... Lets take an easy example:

To Imperial Guardsmen, Space Marines are almost gods...

To Space Marines, Grey Knights are mighty soldiers stronger and faster than almost any "normal" Space Marine...

To the Grey Knights, Adeptus Custodes would be living examples of every aspect of the Emperors holy will...


Thats my opinion....

Actually the grey knights respect them as mighty warriors because their better at everything then any space marine cept mabye the chapter master's of certain groups and i agree but remeber some space marine chapters dont even know they exist

 

[ckcrawford]

In Collected Visions the Custodes are described as being little better than a regular space marine. Pretty much something too close to call. But yes, generally are a bit "better" than space marines. But not to the same degree as lets say a guardsman and an astartes

 

[Winterous]

In Collected Visions the Custodes are described as being little better than a regular space marine. Pretty much something too close to call. But yes, generally are a bit "better" than space marines. But not to the same degree as lets say a guardsman and an astartes

Is that physically better, or more skilled?
I'd want to hope they'd be skilled warriors, moreso than a Space Marine.

 

[Tzeen Qhayshek]

Lexicanum appears to portray them as skilled in war and politics, and that they are indeed stronger. They sort of remind me of genetically enhanced Roman hastati - gathering their own personal gear, even though they were limited to their money.

 

[Baron Spikey]

Custodian and Astartes, the difference is similar to that between a Catachan and your average Imperial Scribe- i.e it's not quantifiable in 40k's stat system but there does actually exist a difference (negligble as it is).

By the way the Catachan/Scribe thing wasn't an indication of how much stronger that a Custodian is than an Astartes, it was just an example how the same stats cover a vast spectrum of ability.