Dabbling in Custodes

[Skywrath]

*a wild Grey Knight appears in a flash of silver*

 

Hello, golden cousins. Fluffy intro aside, I was thinking about starting a Custodes army, nothing big, probably about 1000 points. What would you recommend I start with?

[BaconCouch]

For 1k? Doesn't give us a ton of space to wiggle.

Hm....

Box of Custodian Guard

 

Box of Vertus Praetors 
(OR)
Box of Allarus Terminators

[Skywrath]

Thanks for the response, at what point limit is ideal?

[TheFinisher4Ever]

Starting with a box of either Custodian Wardens or Custodian Guard is preferable. With either one, you can build a shield Captain, a Vexilla and have 3 dudes left for a minimum squad.

 

After it, it really depends on where you want to take the army. Do you want fast bikes? Do you tough terminators? Lots of troops?

[Wrath of Bruinen]

As has been said, you can’t go wrong starting with a box of guardians - it’s a ready made patrol if you make one a captain.

 

From there, it’s a matter of picking a theme/play style as there’s not enough points to do anything other than be extremely focused. Get a solid core of troops and then pick a flavour - bikes, terminators or dreadnaught(s)

 

In 9th, the competitive choice at 1000 points is probably going to be picking in as many guardians as possible and just trying to hold onto as many objectives as you can. But a list with a bit more spice might be

 

Shield captain

5 guardians

4 guardians

Telemon dreadnaught

5 sisters of silence

[Skywrath]

For 1k? Doesn't give us a ton of space to wiggle.

 

Hm....

 

Box of Custodian Guard

 

Box of Vertus Praetors 

(OR)

Box of Allarus Terminators

 

Probably the Praetors version over the terminators. While I love the allarus terminators sculpt, my entire GK army is terminators/paladins. So having a change of scenery would be nice.

 

Starting with a box of either Custodian Wardens or Custodian Guard is preferable. With either one, you can build a shield Captain, a Vexilla and have 3 dudes left for a minimum squad.

 

After it, it really depends on where you want to take the army. Do you want fast bikes? Do you tough terminators? Lots of troops?

 

Hey, thanks for the response! Probably bikes, but as the WeepingAngel stated, there is also the dreadnought route, which looks promising - may I push for more information about that?

 

As has been said, you can’t go wrong starting with a box of guardians - it’s a ready made patrol if you make one a captain.

 

From there, it’s a matter of picking a theme/play style as there’s not enough points to do anything other than be extremely focused. Get a solid core of troops and then pick a flavour - bikes, terminators or dreadnaught(s)

 

In 9th, the competitive choice at 1000 points is probably going to be picking in as many guardians as possible and just trying to hold onto as many objectives as you can. But a list with a bit more spice might be

 

Shield captain

5 guardians

4 guardians

Telemon dreadnaught

5 sisters of silence

 

I like that list a lot, and saved accordingly. What flavour of dreadnought were you referring to?

[Wrath of Bruinen]

Telemon is the big forge world dread - this guy https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-AU/Legio-Custodes-Telemon-Heavy-Dreadnought-2017

[Skywrath]

Oh, I mean't the dreadnought style list?

 

Like the Dark Angels, there seem to be a Deathwing/Ravenwing/Greenwing theme going on with Custodes, except this time it's Dreadnoughts for Deathwing, Bikers (Ravenwing), Troops (Greenwing). Would I be correct in assuming that?

[Gore Crow]

Ah not really. With the Custodes it's much more fluid and informal than with the Dark Angels; a custodian can choose whatever armament they fancy or are best suited to, and form groups that way - the exception being dreadnoughts.

 

That's lorewise though, I think the choice of flavour described for you above was more because you don't have enough points in your list for more than one of those specialists. : )

[Skywrath]

Ah not really. With the Custodes it's much more fluid and informal than with the Dark Angels; a custodian can choose whatever armament they fancy or are best suited to, and form groups that way - the exception being dreadnoughts.

 

That's lorewise though, I think the choice of flavour described for you above was more because you don't have enough points in your list for more than one of those specialists. : )

 

I'm happy to revise my list from 1000 to 2000, if need be. Opinions and perspectives always welcome :)

[Gore Crow]

I started off with a couple of boxes of guardians, some vertus praetors and some wardens. Nowadays I'd swap the wardens out for some allarus terminators, but the bikes are glorious. 

 

That would give you 2x4 squads of guardians, 3 bikes, 3 terminators, a vexilla and a shield captain on foot which would be a solid little force at ~1.2k. Can be min/maxed better if you're after Real Competitive but as is It's got a good amount of Custodes good times.

 

The dreadnoughts are also very fun and look amazing but they are Forgeworld kits so are exxy.

Edited August 7, 2020 by Gore Crow

[TheFinisher4Ever]

Keep in mind if you want to run a Dreadnought list, most of the dreadnought options are from Forgeworld. If you're not comfortable working with resin or can't afford the markup, a bike list may be your best bet.

 

The only option for non-FW dreads is the push fit, plastic contemptor. Some people like it, and it's rules are perfectly fine, but others feel it doesn't match the aesthetic of the rest of the army.

 

For FW, you have 3 dread options. The telemon is the biggest. He's tough as nails and can be equipped for either melee or shooting. He's fantastic.

 

You then have the Achillus, aka the Spear dread. Not as tough as the Telemon but he hits like a truck in melee. Damage minimum 3 is really damn strong. A perfect candidate for deepstriking in with the stratagem.

 

Then finally there's the Galatus, aka the Sword and board dread. Unfortunately he's not very good right now. He has a 4++, which is nice, but he's not dangerous to serve as a fire magnet like the Telemon is. Strength 7 on his sword hurts a lot. It's just not strong enough imo.

 

The other thing to consider with all of these, is that GW has promised to put out new FW rules fairly soon. So any of the above recommendations could easily change.

Edited August 7, 2020 by TheFinisher4Ever

[Skywrath]

Keep in mind if you want to run a Dreadnought list, most of the dreadnought options are from Forgeworld. If you're not comfortable working with resin or can't afford the markup, a bike list may be your best bet.

 

Can you combine both?

[TheFinisher4Ever]

 

 

Keep in mind if you want to run a Dreadnought list, most of the dreadnought options are from Forgeworld. If you're not comfortable working with resin or can't afford the markup, a bike list may be your best bet.

Can you combine both?

Absolutely! 1 big squad of bikes and a few dreads is most of a solid 2k list. Also, I updated my post above with way more info.

[Skywrath]

I started off with a couple of boxes of guardians, some vertus praetors and some wardens. Nowadays I'd swap the wardens out for some allarus terminators, but the bikes are glorious. 

 

That would give you 2x4 squads of guardians, 3 bikes, 3 terminators, a vexilla and a shield captain on foot which would be a solid little force at ~1.2k. Can be min/maxed better if you're after Real Competitive but as is It's got a good amount of Custodes good times.

 

The dreadnoughts are also very fun and look amazing but they are Forgeworld kits so are exxy.

 

And with those guardians, would they be the spear ones, or the shield ones with misercordias? The way I see my setup atm, I'm heading down the Dreadnought route - so maybe 2 achiles, one telemon, bike squad of 6, shield captain on jetbike, and 3 of those shield guys?

 

Keep in mind if you want to run a Dreadnought list, most of the dreadnought options are from Forgeworld. If you're not comfortable working with resin or can't afford the markup, a bike list may be your best bet.

 

The only option for non-FW dreads is the push fit, plastic contemptor. Some people like it, and it's rules are perfectly fine, but others feel it doesn't match the aesthetic of the rest of the army.

 

For FW, you have 3 dread options. The telemon is the biggest. He's tough as nails and can be equipped for either melee or shooting. He's fantastic.

 

You then have the Achillus, aka the Spear dread. Not as tough as the Telemon but he hits like a truck in melee. Damage minimum 3 is really damn strong. A perfect candidate for deepstriking in with the stratagem.

 

Then finally there's the Galatus, aka the Sword and board dread. Unfortunately he's not very good right now. He has a 4++, which is nice, but he's not dangerous to serve as a fire magnet like the Telemon is. Strength 7 on his sword hurts a lot. It's just not strong enough imo.

 

The other thing to consider with all of these, is that GW has promised to put out new FW rules fairly soon. So any of the above recommendations could easily change.

 

Well that suits my needs perfectly! As stated above, I prefer the telemon dreadnought, and the Achilles, while being iffy on the galatus.

 

As per your recommendation, I'll keep an eye out on the new FW stuff, however as I am fairly annoyed that my main faction, the GK didn't get primaris, I'll be sceptical that book will arrive soon. Now comes the question of list building - what would I need for a bike/dreadnought list?

 

First question (sorry about this), what about weapon choices for the Telemon and the Achilles?

 

Second question - what caste would you recommend I paint my guys in? Had a quick look over at the war of the spider book, my options seem to be shadowkeeper, solar auxiliary (for the jetbikes), dreadhost, and aquillon shield. Personally, I love the color scheme of the Emissaries Imperatus, but their trait seem pretty lacklustre?

Edited August 7, 2020 by Skywrath

[TheFinisher4Ever]

As per your recommendation, I'll keep an eye out on the new FW stuff, however as I am fairly annoyed that my main faction, the GK didn't get primaris, I'll be sceptical that book will arrive soon. Now comes the question of list building - what would I need for a bike/dreadnought list?

 

First question (sorry about this), what about weapon choices for the Telemon and the Achilles?

 

Second question - what caste would you recommend I paint my guys in? Had a quick look over at the war of the spider book, my options seem to be shadowkeeper, solar auxiliary (for the jetbikes), dreadhost, and aquillon shield. Personally, I love the color scheme of the Emissaries Imperatus, but their trait seem pretty lacklustre?

For the list building, you first have to decide what detachment you want to use. I'd go patrol myself as that requires few troops while still giving you full command points. So a box of Custodian Guard will net you an HQ, a Vexilla (which almost always mandatory) and a troop choice. Your main punching power will be from your dreads and bikes, so I'd go sword and shield on these guys. You'll want them holding objectives. That'll put you at almost 400 points already. Then you can focus on the bikes and dreads themselves. I would make one of the bikes into a shield Captain on bike to fill your other HQ slot and to run around with your bikes.

 

For the Telemon, I would either go 1 fist and 1 storm cannon or 2 storm cannons. Now that he can shoot his way out of combat, 2 storm cannons is much less of a gamble. I tend to lean towards having a fist though. The good news is he is insanely easy to magnetize so I recommend picking up all of the weapons if you can afford it.

 

For the Achillus, I always stick with Stormbolters, though the Adrathic can be fun too. I feel strike him most of the time so I stay away from flamers.

 

As far as shield hosts go, I'd go solar watch if you want to go bike heavy. Emissaries can be be good if you want to take a big unit of bikes with salvo launchers. Use Emperor's hand and Archeotech munitions, and they ignore all modifiers. Not bad.

[Gore Crow]

 

I started off with a couple of boxes of guardians, some vertus praetors and some wardens. Nowadays I'd swap the wardens out for some allarus terminators, but the bikes are glorious. 

 

That would give you 2x4 squads of guardians, 3 bikes, 3 terminators, a vexilla and a shield captain on foot which would be a solid little force at ~1.2k. Can be min/maxed better if you're after Real Competitive but as is It's got a good amount of Custodes good times.

 

The dreadnoughts are also very fun and look amazing but they are Forgeworld kits so are exxy.

 

And with those guardians, would they be the spear ones, or the shield ones with misercordias? The way I see my setup atm, I'm heading down the Dreadnought route - so maybe 2 achiles, one telemon, bike squad of 6, shield captain on jetbike, and 3 of those shield guys?

 

The way the wind is blowing you'll need tough troops for holding objectives; take the sentinel blades and shields. 

[Skywrath]

I'll have a response later today. Thanks chaps so far.

[Skywrath]

Taken the first steps towards my custodes army - purchased Trajann, Jetbike Squad of 3, and 2 contemptor Achilles dreadnought (probably a recast, but hey). 

 

I'm leaning towards patrol and vanguard. Normally, I would gravitate towards the elite options, but seeing how my GK army is all paladins/terminators, this one is an 

exception. Maybe down the track, when I got all the components of this list. The prototype of the list, I have planned has them all with swords/shields already, although those those spears look amazing too

 

With regards to the Telemon - Unfortunately, the list I have planned is 1 point over the limit. But if I ignore that one point, he would have the stormcannon and a fist. 

Taking a quick look over the profile, I see the the culverin get's outshined (pardon the pun) compared to the storm-cannon - is there any potential use for that option?

 

As for the Achilles, I equipped mine with one stormbolter, one adrathic, for both of them. Beautiful sculpt.

 

With regards to the troops - are wardens worth the cost, and if not, can I use their models as the custodian guard squad?

 

Now the multi-million dollar question - what shield host should I go for? Firstly, is it possible to have more than one host on the battlefield? For the list I have planned

(see below), which caste would you recommend? Leaning towards Shadowkeepers, Emissaries or Aqullan Shield, mostly for colour scheme first, competitive second.

 

List in spoiler (don't pay attention to the host selection, that's a placeholder).

 

+++ Custodes 2000 (Default list) (Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition) [99 PL, 12CP, 2,001pts] +++

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Custodes) [99 PL, 12CP, 2,001pts] ++
Rules: Aegis of the Emperor, Sworn Guardians, The Emperor's Chosen

+ Configuration [12CP] +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [12CP]
. Categories: Configuration

Detachment CP
. Categories: Configuration

Shield Host: Emissaries Imperatus
. Categories: Configuration

+ Agents of the Imperium [4 PL, 85pts] +

Inquisitor Eisenhorn [4 PL, 85pts]: 4) Mental Interrogation, 5) Psychic Pursuit, Artificer Bolt Pistol, Barbarisater, Electrobane Grenades, Runestaff
. Categories: Faction: Ordo Xenos, Psyker, Inquisitor, Infantry, Faction: Inquisition, Faction: Imperium, Character, Agent of the Imperium

+ HQ [19 PL, 365pts] +

Captain-General Trajann Valoris [10 PL, 190pts]: Misericordia, Watcher's Axe
. Categories: HQ, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Faction: Imperium, Infantry, Character

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [9 PL, 175pts]: Champion of the Imperium, Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance
. Categories: Biker, Character, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Fly, Faction: Imperium, HQ, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Auric Aquilis: Relic of Terra
. Warlord: Warlord
. . Categories: Warlord

+ Troops [16 PL, 336pts] +

Custodian Guard Squad [8 PL, 168pts]
. Categories: Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Custodian Guard, Infantry, Troops, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]

Custodian Guard Squad [8 PL, 168pts]
. Categories: Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Custodian Guard, Infantry, Troops, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]
. Custodian [3 PL, 56pts]: Sentinel Blade [7pts], Storm Shield [5pts]

+ Elites [16 PL, 350pts] +

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts]: Achillus Dreadspear, Lastrum Storm Bolter, Twin Adrathic Destructor [15pts]
. Categories: Elites, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Vehicle, Faction: Imperium, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [8 PL, 175pts]: Achillus Dreadspear, Lastrum Storm Bolter, Twin Adrathic Destructor [15pts]
. Categories: Elites, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Vehicle, Faction: Imperium, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus

+ Fast Attack [30 PL, 570pts] +

Vertus Praetors [15 PL, 285pts]
. Categories: Biker, Fly, Faction: Imperium, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Fast Attack, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance

Vertus Praetors [15 PL, 285pts]
. Categories: Biker, Fly, Faction: Imperium, Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Fast Attack, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance
. Vertus Praetor [5 PL, 95pts]: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance

+ Heavy Support [14 PL, 295pts] +

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought [14 PL, 295pts]: Arachnus Storm Cannon [40pts], Spiculus Bolt Launcher [10pts]
. Categories: Faction: Adeptus Custodes, Heavy Support, Faction: Imperium, Vehicle, Faction: Emissaries Imperatus
. Telemon Caestus [45pts]: Twin Plasma Projector [15pts]

Edited August 8, 2020 by Skywrath

[Balerion84]

Sure, each detachment can have its own host. Shadowkeepers are probably top. I like aquilan shield too. Haven't tried Emissaries and Solar Watch, but they should all be solid.

[TheFinisher4Ever]

Let's start with the list. For the bikes, I would consider doing one unit of 5 instead of 2 units of 3. That way you don't have to buy another box of 3 for the shield captain on bike and you can batter leverage your strats. And if you're going Emissaries, I would consider going with salvo launchers over hurricane bolters. I would avoid Aquilon shield. That shield host is mostly made for allied detachments imo. Everything else in the list looks good!

 

As for wardens, they are ok if played in a big blob. But generally, they're overshadowed by either terminators or Custodian Guard. As for if you can use them as Custodian Guard, it depends on your opponent and if you actually give them the weapons they're supposed to have. If you give them swords and shields, I don't think most opponents will mind at all.

[Balerion84]

Yes, that's a good point, if you'll be running more than 1 detachment, Aquilan shield being the 2nd one can be pretty neat. I ran them only once so far as a support for Shadowkeepers detachment, 2 patrols and liked them. If you are running only 1 detachment, one of Shadowkeepers, Solar Watch or Dread Host would probably be better. But all the Shield Hosts are good, I don't think you can wrong with any of them.

[Skywrath]

Let's start with the list. For the bikes, I would consider doing one unit of 5 instead of 2 units of 3. That way you don't have to buy another box of 3 for the shield captain on bike and you can batter leverage your strats. And if you're going Emissaries, I would consider going with salvo launchers over hurricane bolters. I would avoid Aquilon shield. That shield host is mostly made for allied detachments imo. Everything else in the list looks good!

 

As for wardens, they are ok if played in a big blob. But generally, they're overshadowed by either terminators or Custodian Guard. As for if you can use them as Custodian Guard, it depends on your opponent and if you actually give them the weapons they're supposed to have. If you give them swords and shields, I don't think most opponents will mind at all.

 

I purchased another bike from ebay to be my shield captain, so don't worry about that. Why would you consider going emissaries? I got into a discussion with a custodes player who played in the finals of Australia, and this is mostly for him. He recommends I go shadowkeeper or solar watch, but I'm curious to hear your reasoning. 

 

I'll pick up those wardens for that purpose then in that case, thanks dude for the information!

 

I see you also play Grey Knights, is that still the case? 

 

Yes, that's a good point, if you'll be running more than 1 detachment, Aquilan shield being the 2nd one can be pretty neat. I ran them only once so far as a support for Shadowkeepers detachment, 2 patrols and liked them. If you are running only 1 detachment, one of Shadowkeepers, Solar Watch or Dread Host would probably be better. But all the Shield Hosts are good, I don't think you can wrong with any of them.

 

Thanks dude - is there a rule in a competitive format where you must the custodes accent a certain color to denote what caste they belong to? Or could I paint them say gold and black and say they are solar watch?

[TheFinisher4Ever]

I don't necessarily think you should use Emissaries, but I do think you can if you want to. They are more viable than others give them credit for IMO. All 3 of their abilities are solid, though none of them are incredible.

 

A 9" reroll bubble gives you more flexibility. I have multiple 9" auras going on with my Sisters and it really allows you to spread out a lot more. And with Custodes, this will really help you with holding objectives. The relic will also help you hold those objectives. And objectives are the name of the game in 9th, and they're often hard for Custodes to control.

 

The Stratagem is solid as well, but only if you have a unit worth using it on. So, as I said, a unit of 6 salvo launcher bikes. Or a Calladius grav tank. Or duel storm cannon telemon. Just ignoring cover is worth 1 CP tbh, but to also ignore any negative modifiers to hit, wound or AP? It's really quite nice. The only problem with it, is that it doesn't affect things like Transhuman Physiology that aren't a negative modifier.

 

Yes, I do still play Grey Knights occasionally, just not nearly as often as my Sisters and Custodes.

 

Also, there is no rule that says how you paint your models. So paint them in whatever scheme you want and then feel free to use whichever rules you choose. The only exception is if you're using 2 detachments with different shield hosts, then you have to have some visible difference between the 2 detachments.

[Skywrath]

I don't necessarily think you should use Emissaries, but I do think you can if you want to. They are more viable than others give them credit for IMO. All 3 of their abilities are solid, though none of them are incredible.

 

A 9" reroll bubble gives you more flexibility. I have multiple 9" auras going on with my Sisters and it really allows you to spread out a lot more. And with Custodes, this will really help you with holding objectives. The relic will also help you hold those objectives. And objectives are the name of the game in 9th, and they're often hard for Custodes to control.

 

The Stratagem is solid as well, but only if you have a unit worth using it on. So, as I said, a unit of 6 salvo launcher bikes. Or a Calladius grav tank. Or duel storm cannon telemon. Just ignoring cover is worth 1 CP tbh, but to also ignore any negative modifiers to hit, wound or AP? It's really quite nice. The only problem with it, is that it doesn't affect things like Transhuman Physiology that aren't a negative modifier.

 

Yes, I do still play Grey Knights occasionally, just not nearly as often as my Sisters and Custodes.

 

Also, there is no rule that says how you paint your models. So paint them in whatever scheme you want and then feel free to use whichever rules you choose. The only exception is if you're using 2 detachments with different shield hosts, then you have to have some visible difference between the 2 detachments.

 

Interesting point, however couldn't you use a strategem to essentially advance your bikes and shoot, just with a -1 hit penalty? But, I think I'll go Shadowkeepers, I dig their colour scheme.

 

Well thanks for filling those points in, I'll have a few lists for you to look at later tomorrow, I'll post them in the forum, or shoot you a PM.