Warhammer 40,000: Codex – Adeptus Custodes is the essential army supplement for players and collectors of the Emperor's personal guardians. This comprehensive 120-page softcover book contains the background, army rules, unit datasheets, Detachments, collecting advice, and painting guidance needed to command the legendary Ten Thousand in games of Warhammer 40,000.

Clad in magnificent auramite armour and wielding weapons of extraordinary craftsmanship, the Adeptus Custodes represent the pinnacle of the Emperor of Mankind's genetic artistry. Each Custodian is an individual masterpiece, created through sophisticated bioalchemical processes that produce warriors of exceptional strength, intelligence, resilience, and martial skill. Far surpassing ordinary humans and even the mighty Space Marines in individual capability, these golden-armoured champions stand among the most formidable defenders of the Imperium.

Unlike the vast military organisations responsible for defending humanity's countless worlds, the Adeptus Custodes were created for a singular purpose: to serve the Emperor himself. They were fashioned not merely as warriors, but as His personal guardians, trusted advisors, emissaries, and champions. Their loyalty is absolute, their discipline unwavering, and their commitment to the Master of Mankind has endured for more than ten thousand years.

The Emperor's Golden Guardians

During the Great Crusade, the Adeptus Custodes accompanied the Emperor as humanity reclaimed the stars. Their extraordinary abilities made them invaluable companions and protectors, while their position within the Imperial hierarchy granted them responsibilities far beyond those of conventional military commanders.

Yet the catastrophic events of the Horus Heresy changed the destiny of the Ten Thousand forever. When the Warmaster Horus betrayed the Emperor and plunged the Imperium into civil war, the Custodes fought to defend their master and preserve humanity's future. Despite their sacrifices, they could not prevent the Emperor from suffering the terrible wounds that ultimately confined Him to the Golden Throne.

For the Adeptus Custodes, this failure remains an enduring burden. Their continued existence is defined by an unending vigil and a profound sense of responsibility for the Emperor's fate. Though they remain among the Imperium's greatest warriors, they are also an order in mourning, bound by duty and the knowledge that they could not prevent the greatest tragedy in Imperial history.

Their foremost responsibility remains the defence of the Emperor and the Imperial Palace on Terra. Within its immense walls, the Custodes maintain an unceasing watch against threats that could endanger the Golden Throne and the fragile survival of humanity.

However, as the Imperium faces increasingly desperate circumstances, the Adeptus Custodes have taken a more active role in defending the Emperor's realm. Their Shield Hosts now travel far beyond Terra, undertaking missions of exceptional importance and confronting enemies whose actions threaten the continued existence of the Imperium.

Command the Ten Thousand

Codex: Adeptus Custodes provides the rules and background necessary to assemble and command an army of these extraordinary warriors in Warhammer 40,000.

On the tabletop, Adeptus Custodes armies are defined by their exceptional individual capabilities. Where other factions rely upon overwhelming numbers, massed firepower, or specialised formations, the Custodes field relatively small forces composed of warriors whose strength and skill allow them to overcome far more numerous opponents.

Every Custodian represents a significant investment in battlefield power. Their advanced armour, sophisticated weapons, and extraordinary combat abilities make them dangerous adversaries at both range and in close combat. Successful commanders must carefully coordinate their forces, protect valuable units, and use their elite warriors to seize and hold strategically important objectives.

This Codex provides the faction-specific rules required to bring the Adeptus Custodes to the battlefield, including 13 Detachments and 27 datasheets covering the warriors, characters, and other units available to the army.

13 Detachments for Different Battlefield Strategies

The book contains 13 Detachments, allowing players to explore different tactical approaches and represent various aspects of the Adeptus Custodes' military organisation.

Detachments provide distinctive rules and options that influence how an army operates during a battle. They allow commanders to build forces around particular strategies, unit combinations, and styles of warfare, creating opportunities to experiment with different army compositions.

Whether you prefer resilient infantry formations, highly mobile forces, or armies built around powerful elite warriors, the available Detachments provide a framework for developing your preferred approach to commanding the Emperor's finest.

Each Detachment offers opportunities to refine your army's capabilities and develop tactics suited to different opponents, missions, and battlefield conditions.

27 Unit Datasheets

Codex: Adeptus Custodes includes 27 datasheets, providing the essential unit rules required to field the faction's warriors and war machines in Warhammer 40,000.

Datasheets contain the characteristics, equipment, abilities, and other information used to represent individual units during a game. They form the foundation of army construction and battlefield play, allowing players to understand the strengths and capabilities of their chosen forces.

The Adeptus Custodes are renowned for their exceptional infantry, formidable commanders, advanced weapons, and specialised battlefield formations. Their military organisation reflects the extraordinary resources devoted to protecting the Emperor and carrying out His will.

With the datasheets contained in this Codex, players can plan their collections, select units for their armies, and develop forces that reflect their preferred battlefield tactics.

Explore the History and Traditions of the Adeptus Custodes

Beyond its gaming rules, this Codex provides an extensive exploration of the background and traditions of the Emperor's personal guardians.

The lore section examines the origins of the Adeptus Custodes, their responsibilities within the Imperium, and the extraordinary warriors who comprise the Ten Thousand. Historical notes, detailed unit descriptions, evocative artwork, and photography help bring the faction's history and distinctive identity to life.

Readers can discover more about the solemn duty of guarding the Golden Throne, the organisation of the Custodes, and their increasingly important role in defending humanity during the dark and turbulent events of the 41st Millennium.

The book also explores the grandeur of the Imperial Palace, the vast complex on Terra that serves as the political and spiritual centre of the Imperium. Its immense fortifications, sacred chambers, and countless defensive installations form the setting for the Custodes' most important responsibility.

Foldout Imperial Palace Reference

A distinctive feature of this edition is its foldout front and back covers, which provide additional information about the Imperial Palace.

These foldout sections include a description of the Palace and a map identifying important locations within the sprawling seat of Imperial power. They offer readers an opportunity to explore the extraordinary scale and significance of the Emperor's fortress on Terra.

For collectors and enthusiasts interested in the history and geography of the Imperium, these features provide an appealing addition to the book's extensive background material.

Collecting and Painting Your Shield Host

Codex: Adeptus Custodes also includes a dedicated collecting section designed to help hobbyists develop a distinctive army.

This section offers advice on building a thematic collection, planning your force around different Detachments, and creating an army that reflects the background and traditions of the Emperor's guardians.

The Adeptus Custodes are particularly rewarding miniatures to paint. Their elaborate armour, ceremonial weapons, decorative details, and distinctive heraldry provide numerous opportunities for hobbyists to develop their painting skills and create an impressive tabletop force.

Traditional Adeptus Custodes colour schemes feature brilliant gold armour, rich red fabrics, polished metallic weapons, and carefully applied decorative details. However, the different Shield Hosts and formations of the Ten Thousand also provide inspiration for alternative appearances, including darker armour, contrasting metallic finishes, and distinctive heraldic markings.

The Codex includes painting guides and hobby advice to help collectors achieve their desired appearance. It also provides tips for creating a themed battlefield, allowing hobbyists to develop gaming environments that complement their Adeptus Custodes collections.

Whether you're assembling your first Custodian Guard or expanding an established Shield Host, the collecting and painting sections provide inspiration for developing a cohesive and visually impressive army.

Warhammer 40,000 App Access

Inside the back cover of the Codex is a unique code that unlocks the Adeptus Custodes faction in Warhammer 40,000: The App.

This digital access provides an additional way to consult faction information and includes ongoing access to further free Adeptus Custodes content as it becomes available over time.

The inclusion of an app unlock code makes the Codex a useful resource for players who prefer to combine traditional printed reference materials with digital tools when preparing their armies and playing games.

Compact Softcover Format

This edition of Codex: Adeptus Custodes is presented in a practical 185mm x 250mm softcover format, making it convenient to transport to gaming sessions, tournaments, and hobby gatherings.

The book also includes a removable slipcase, providing an additional presentation feature for collectors and helping distinguish this edition from conventional Warhammer 40,000 army books.

With 120 pages of background material, rules, photography, artwork, and hobby guidance, the Codex combines essential tabletop information with an extensive exploration of one of the Imperium's most prestigious military organisations.

An Essential Resource for Adeptus Custodes Players

Whether you're starting a new Adeptus Custodes army, expanding an existing collection, or exploring the history of the Emperor's personal guardians, Codex: Adeptus Custodes is an indispensable addition to your Warhammer 40,000 library.

Its combination of comprehensive faction rules, extensive lore, collecting advice, painting guidance, and digital access provides the foundation for commanding the Ten Thousand on the tabletop and exploring their extraordinary place within the Imperium.

From the golden halls of the Imperial Palace to the most distant battlefields of the galaxy, the Adeptus Custodes remain the ultimate defenders of the Emperor. With this Codex, you can muster your Shield Host and carry out His will against the countless enemies of humanity.

Features

• Title: Codex: Adeptus Custodes.
• Product Code: 01-14.
• Publisher: Games Workshop.
• Game System: Warhammer 40,000.
• Format: 120-page softcover book with removable slipcase.
• Dimensions: 185mm x 250mm.
• Comprehensive background exploring the history, organisation, and traditions of the Emperor's personal guardians.
• Includes detailed lore, historical notes, unit descriptions, artwork, and miniature photography.
• Contains the Adeptus Custodes faction rules for Warhammer 40,000.
• Features 13 Detachments offering different tactical approaches and army-building options.
• Includes 27 datasheets for Adeptus Custodes units.
• Provides collecting advice for assembling a thematic Adeptus Custodes army.
• Features painting guides and hobby tips for creating distinctive Shield Hosts.
• Includes guidance for creating a themed battlefield.
• Foldout front and back covers feature information about the Imperial Palace and a map of key locations.
• Contains a unique code to unlock Adeptus Custodes faction content in Warhammer 40,000: The App.
• Ideal for new and experienced Adeptus Custodes players, Warhammer 40,000 collectors, and enthusiasts of Imperial lore.

Book Contents

• 120 pages of Adeptus Custodes background, rules, and hobby content.
• Detailed faction history and background material.
• Artwork and photography of Adeptus Custodes miniatures and armies.
• Army special rules and 13 Detachments.
• 27 unit datasheets.
• Collecting, army-building, and painting guidance.
• Foldout Imperial Palace background and map.
• Unique Warhammer 40,000 App unlock code.
• Removable slipcase.

Please Note: This is an Adeptus Custodes army supplement for Warhammer 40,000, not a standalone game. A copy of the Warhammer 40,000 Core Rules is required to play. Miniatures, dice, and other gaming accessories are sold separately. The included app code provides access to the Adeptus Custodes faction content in Warhammer 40,000: The App.

SKU	60030143001
Barcode #	9781804578827
Brand	Games Workshop
Shipping Weight	0.7000kg
Shipping Width	0.200m
Shipping Height	0.020m
Shipping Length	0.270m
Shipping Cubic	0.001080000m3

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